Informative

On My Radar: Top Fall Beauty Trends with The MPB Team

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Take the runway to your vanity with these top Fall beauty trends that emerged from Fashion Week hand picked by us! Each of us on the Meetpepperb Team have a different style that rings true in what caught our attention this fashion season. Fall is more than the classic warm tones and dark lips. It's beautiful but don't forget to have fun with your makeup! Keep reading to find out our top picks for beauty this season! You can also save your favorite looks to Pinterest!

@bufferingbetty's Pick: Modern Victorian

Once you get past the powdered face of a Victorian look, what remains is a minimalist usually cool-toned smokey eye paired with flushed cheeks and lips. What I love about it is that there is a secrecy in the look. A wide-eyed doe sweetie who is blushing because... a tryst in the garden? Stolen glances? It is romantically guilty! To modernize this look, scale back the total matte-ness of the era. Go for a natural skin-like finish. Use a berry stain on lips topped with a gloss. Skip the cheekbone highlight and make the look pop with a color mascara!

@Twist.it.tea's Pick: Floating Space

A mix between mod and minimalism has me in love.  Everything I've been told about coloring in the lines has gone out the window.  There are no rules to a floating liner and it can come in many shapes, shades and sizes.  Bold, lines and colors that remind me of a Piet Mondrian painting, or metallic liners and shadows creating a futuristic cat eye -- negative space on the lids isn't just high end runway wear, the beautiful imagery can be translated for a less dramatic event with a simple line above your lid. 

@acevallee's Pick: Gilded Lids

Whether painted or sleekly lined, glittered, shimmery or matte, GOLD is the perfect accent to make any look Luxe. Mostly seen with minimal makeup on the runway, the golden lids make a grand statement. I adore metallic beauty looks, especially gold because it's glamorous and looks like jewelry on your eyelids and is just as eye-catching. Gleaming gilded lids can even glam up sweats, a tee and a pair of sneakers, it's that powerful. Some looks I fell in love with on the A/W runways early this year varies from more simplistic glittering gold lined lids paired with a bold brow as seen on the model at Nicholas K to a more shimmery, bold and geometric eye look at the Alexis Mabille show to a light pale yellow gold with matching nail accents at Laura Biagiotti. 

Pin It!

@Downtownpepper's Pick: Extremely Glossy Lip 

The time is now to let matte lipstick go! I mean it is great for special occasions or date night. However, I am thrilled that the wet lip trend is back this is a go to for me when I am on shoots or even when I translate it to my personal life. The wet lip is minimal and sexy all in one! The wet lip gives you leg room to be as dramatic as you want with your make-up or highlighter. To be honest I thought Rihanna helped bring this lip trend back with Fenty's universal nude gloss. but NO! Glossier has been ahead of the trend! Also I've been trying to track down this beautiful clear gloss from Sephora collection with holographic glitter (Starlight) for months and its been SOLD out every store I check! Fall and Winter will be here way before we know it. Skin appears so much more fresh and can tolerate full coverage make-up that will stay, however dry weather and dry lips don't mix so do yourself the favor !!! 

Which Look Will You Add To Your Fall Routine?

None of the photos used are property of meetpepperb.com

Why IT Cosmetics Challenging The Beauty Industry To Be More Diverse Is Absolutely Ridiculous

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It’s absolute lunacy.

@bufferingbetty 

I have a question for Jamie Kern Lima. How did your images of beauty impact our mothers and our sisters, and how did they impact our daughters? What did you do with the power that is you? 

Founder of IT Cosmetics, Jamie Kern Lima, accepted the CEW Achiever Award and gave an acceptance speech which has gone viral. Kern Lima told the story of how her brand came to be. Despite being rejected by an investor who doubted she could sell beauty because she is overweight, she kept going. As a plus size girl myself, I felt empowered by her success! I did! She proved that age and weight cannot define beauty. After the success of IT Cosmetics, the body shaming investor emailed Kern Lima and admitted he made and mistake and congratulated her. That was some real fat girl vindication right there! 

Jamie Kern Lima goes on to challenge the beauty industry to change the images they use to market their products. As a consumer, I think she is right. I am so tired of false images of women being used to build onto my insecurities so they can sell products. I do want to see women like me, to see women like my friends, and people in my family to be the faces of the beauty industry. Kern Lima said, “I believe the most beautiful women are real. We come in all shapes. We come in all sizes. We come in all different hair textures, all skin tones. We come in all ages.” She wants the beauty industry to realize that the lack of diversity causes people to feel less about themselves. She ends with: "How will these images of beauty impact your mothers and your sisters, and how will they impact your daughters? ...What will you do with the power that is you?”

IT Cosmetics is pushing for diversity? The company who carries 7 shades of foundation. The shades that range from fair to medium. The company who carries 5 shades of light foundation and 2 shades of sorta brown -but on a day when you feel sick -shades of foundation. That is the company who congratulated itself for being diverse. The company that asked brands to look at images of beauty they put forward and change them to bring forth diversity. Jamie Kern Lima gave a speech about having a successful company because of the unique marketing tactic of featuring before and after images of real women. The thing is, ya’ll really left out a ton of real women.  

What actually happened, is that IT Cosmetics showed other beauty brands how successful a company can be without women of color with darker skin tones. That the exclusion of women with skin that is deeper than tan is worth a $1.2 billion acquisition. 

IT Cosmetics did not revolutionize the beauty industry. They capitalized on their target market. When you think of who buys IT Cosmetics, what comes to mind are women in their 40s, moms, small business owners, and executives. They sell an image of success. That is who they believe their consumers aspire to be. Their makeup isn’t glitz and glam. IT Cosmetics is neutral, it’s work wear, it’s great skincare. Let’s look at Urban Decay for their marketing and who their target audience is. Urban Decay is edgy, young, daring, and fearlessly colorful. Hiring actor Ruby Rose to be the face of their Vice Lipstick launch fit their mold. Ruby Rose embodied the UD image. That image is who their shoppers aspire to be. IT Cosmetics made their mold. Who fits in it and who doesn’t. They used target marketing to become successful. They didn’t have to spend money on pulling in different types of consumers. 

Jamie Kern Lima spoke about the models they hired and images they used highlighting real women. There was age diversity but that’s about it. IT Cosmetics didn’t need to hire young models because young makeup wearers don’t fear fine lines. They didn’t use editorially thin models because the average middle-aged woman is not supermodel skinny. IT Cosmetics doesn’t make complexion products for darker women. Dark women of color were not part of IT Cosmetics image of success. Or at least that is the message we received. 

Furthermore, the names they give their foundation shades are deceptive. For their foundation Confidence in a Compact, IT Cosmetics labeled the darkest shade 'deep.' However, the description of the shade is "rich tan." Deep or tan, it can't be both. 

(source) These are 5 of 7 swatches of their Confidence In a Compact. As someone with a medium-tan complexion, I don't believe that of the shades a brand has available, that I should be able to use the deepest.

It’s astounding that IT Cosmetics sends PR packages to dark-skinned bloggers with the hopes of being featured for some low-cost advertising. They have the audacity to request PR from people who can’t even wear their complexion products. Here is the difficult spot beauty bloggers often find themselves in. Speaking up to defend themselves from a brand could mean missing out on getting PR. Those PR packages mean we can create for our followers without breaking our budgets. While as a blogger, I am grateful for any PR from any company. But never will I stay silent when something is as unconscionable as the exclusion of women of color. 

Women of color matter. We deserve to feel and be seen as beautiful. We should see ourselves represented in waves, not in puddles. Never doubt that we have the courage to speak up for ourselves and each other. You can not speak about diversity while excluding darker women.

@jamiekernlima: Today I was fearless, but I said what needed to be said. And on behalf of real women everywhere, I challenged the entire beauty industry live and called for change! Click link in bio to watch and share the video if you agree! #itcosmetics

2,379 Likes, 140 Comments - IT Cosmetics (@itcosmetics) on Instagram: "@jamiekernlima: Today I was fearless, but I said what needed to be said. And on behalf of real..."

In an interview with Allure, Jamie Kern Lima was asked if she received any backlash since her speech has gone viral. This was her response:

“Every time you do something brave in life, it always comes with haters and critics, and of course anytime you are fearless and speak up against the status quo, the same thing happens.”

It’s not ‘hating’ when you tell someone that you matter. If you truly believe in your message, you would not fear a critic. It’s not brave to be successful while excluding an entire population. And you did not stand up against the status quo. You were right next to them the whole time. 
 

See Jamie Kern Lima's full speech here. 

What are your thoughts? Has IT Cosmetics done enough to challenge the beauty industry on diversity?

On My Radar: Lime Crime's Pocket Candy Palettes

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Lime Crime’s latest product release are Polly Pocket inspired Palettes and I’m squealing in my overalls!!! 

I know Lime Crime still has lingering heat because of it’s well known sketchy past, but I’m willing to look past it because as a quintessential 90s kid, this amount of nostalgia is just cool enough for them to get back into my good graces. I was obsessed with Polly Pocket as a child, definetly one of the top toys from my childhood and with Lime Crime's NEW Pocket Candy Palettes I can relive the best days of my life. 

There are 3 vegan and cruelty free palettes containing vibrant brights and neutral hues that can be used as Eye shadow and Blush and although these travel friendly palette’s can fit in your pocket, they’re each filled with 5 “full sized Supershadows” that are said to be incredibly pigmented and buttery smooth. Released today, September 19th and retailing for $34.00 per Palette and a special $80.00 bundle for all 3 on LimeCrime.com. Would you pick any of them up and relive the glory days? 

 

Even the models are sporting classic 90's hair trends... how cute is this? 

The Sugar Plum Palette is perfect for an Autumnal Cranberry Smokey Eye, My favorite from the 3, 

The Pink Lemonade Palette gives super trendy warm SUNSET VIBES.

The Bubblegum palette is the most playful, with cool shimmering brights and neutrals. 

Credit: @dupethat (Swatches of each Pocket Candy Palette)

Here's a comparison to my favorite Polly Pocket, "Mr. Fry's Restaurant" and The Sugar Plum Palette. I'm clearly excited AF. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor's Little Piece Of Heaven

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Written by Twist.it.tea

 

 

Algenist Perfect Clarifying Pore Corrector Mask has found it’s way into my heart.  Not only does it perform but it exceeds my expectations.  I love to use this mask as a little treat, but I notoriously indulge because it simply brings me so much happiness. When you look in the mirror with this face mask on, I hope you see a beautifully crafted terra-cotta masterpiece as well.  Algenist Perfect Clarifying Pore Corrector Mask contains Alguronic Acid and sulfur so it’s important you figure out your skin type and what works for you before you lay down $55 for this product.  I promise you, it will do everything it says: minimize pores, reduce lines, and brighten skin while evening out the skin tone.  It’s a little piece of heaven in beautiful, minimalistic packaging. 

I really enjoy the whole experience of using this face mask.  From opening the container and seeing this beautiful terra-cotta hue, to the scent and texture, I am treasuring every moment.  I’m greedy so I like to leave this mask on for 30-40 minutes which is way past the recommended 15 minutes.  In my opinion I think the longer you leave it on, the better it works.  But this is all preference because I have more oily skin in the summer, I want this to do it’s job and clean out my pores.  This clay mask texture is unlike anything I’ve used previously. Algenist uses jellified clay as their special formula.  The clay draws out the impurities in your skin, so get ready for that, but I promise you it’s worth it even if you end up with a small blemish. The gel makes sure to hydrate your skin so your left with a saturated feeling post wash. I love the balance of this formula, I get the feeling of a clay mask but the hydration of a gel/water based mask.  As soon as I remove the product I notice immediate results of smaller pores, baby soft skin and hydration so prominent it almost feels like a moisturizer.  I always usually apply it in my T-Zone because it absorbs the oil and dirt right out of my face. That’s why I’ve been obsessed with it this summer, some humid days my face can’t handle the overload of grease/perspiration and I need to reclaim my skin back FAST.  

 

The terra-cotta hue of this face mask is birthed from the extracted red algae of Hawaii, which is meant to radiate the skin while minimizing the appearance of your pores.  This might be a good time to mention that this mask will leave your sink, and counter tops looking quite scary. But the Scream2 scene will be worth the extra effort.  Especially when you look at yourself in the  mirror afterwards in absolute awe because your skin is hydrated, refreshed and smelling of natural beauty.  This mask has such a wonderful, non describable smell that all I can say is it will make you feel nourished.  It’s natural, subtle and comforting.  The scent alone brings me to a place of serene relaxation, which lingers around long after a scrub.  The act of applying this mask to me, is a form of therapy as I lightly message away impurities.  The acai seeds act as a micro-exfoliant that polish the skin and assist in the process of minimizing of pores.  I love to continue to massage the exfoliants into my face while I'm rinsing it off. Luckily for the price tag ($55 for 2oz), a little goes a long way with this product.  And no matter how little you use, the calming effect of the cooling sensation will always be a constant.  The process of the mask drying and lightly tightening while simultaneously cooling my skin, is that of wonders.  I hate washing this face mask off but I do look at my bare skin in amazement after I dry off. 

 

Find Out The Top Products Every Women Of Color Needs! Fall 2017

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Being a women of color who not only works as a writer in the industry but does make-up. I do feel as though there could be more options. There are lines that don't get enough recognition for being "Inclusive" Keep In mind being inclusive has nothing to do with a brands price point it has more so do with the range they offer and who they target.  I decided to put together a list of items that should be on your radar. Some of these items vary in price point. This list also includes lines that cater to all skin tones but I feel may have nailed the shade or function for WOC. 

 

Comment Below and Share with Us some of your favorite products for WOC...

Artisian Baked Bronzer From Black Radiance 4.49 

http://www.blackradiancebeauty.com/makeup/face/artisan-colortm-baked-bronzer-caramel

Black Up NFL Foundation 41.50

http://www.blackupcosmetics.com/foundation/124-matifying-fluid-foundation.html

 

 

 

 

True Color Soft Velvet Finshing Powder 9.95 https://www.blackopalbeauty.com/shop/true-color-soft-velvet-finishing-powder?t=t

AJ Crimson Matte Lip in Boy Bye

https://ajcrimson.com/collections/24-hour-long-lasting-liquid-lip/products/copy-of-new-matte-lip-number-2

The Saharan Palette by Juvias Place 25.00 

https://www.juviasplace.com/products/the-saharan-palette

Illuminating Viel Radiance 21.00

https://www.danessamyricksbeauty.com/product/illuminating-veil-raiance/

Makeup forever Step 1 Primer in Caramel 37.00

http://makeupforever.com/us/en-us/make-up/face/primer/step1

Perfect Brow Pencil Iman Cosmetics 8.00

http://imancosmetics.com/shop/products/eyes/browpencil/blackest-brown

Milani Cosmetic Bella Rosa Baked Blush 8.99

https://milanicosmetics.com/Baked-Blush.html

Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Lip Balm 4.99

Lancome Idole Ultra Wear 47.00

https://www.lancome-usa.com/makeup/face/foundation

Rihanna Matchstick in Rum 25.00

https://www.fentybeauty.com/match-stix/shimmer-skinstick/FB30004.html

Smashbox Lid Primer - Dark & Deep 21.00

https://www.smashbox.com/product/6031/17797/eyes/eye-primer/photo-finish-lid-primer/studio-artist-favorite#/shade/Dark

The Lip Bar Lipgloss HBIC

https://www.thelipbar.com/collections/lip-gloss/products/hbic-1

Fenty Beauty Just Dropped And Here Is Everything You Need To Know

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@bufferingbetty here! I love Rihanna so when I found out she was launching a cosmetic brand -I fangirled! Here is what you need to know about Fenty Beauty!

Fashion icon, Rihanna, just dropped her very own cosmetic line. It is nothing like we have seen recently with other celeb makeup lines that exist only in low quantities on one website. Fenty Beauty launched in 17 countries. On its own website, sephora.com and harveynichols.com (UK), and in stores at Sephora and Harvey Nichols. Go ahead -fangirl!

Fenty Beauty's products price in ranges from $54 for a trio, $34 for a single at max item to $10 for a refill. Honestly, that is way more affordable than I expected. However, it shouldn't be. Rihanna designed this line with inclusion in mind. That begins with skin tones but it must also involves accessibility. If her prices were too high, she would be alienating part of her fan base. She was very hands on with this whole project, she even hand picked the models. 

Launch party dress; photo from here

On her Facebook Live, which covered Fenty Beauty's launch party, when asked what was most important to her about creating her cosmetic line Rihanna said, "I wanted girls to feel included. I wanted all my friends to feel included." She goes on to talk about how her friends all talk about having a hard time finding something that works on their skin and she wanted to make sure that she had something for everyone. That social responsibility that Rihanna felt, a responsibility so many beauty brands negate, is why Fenty Beauty is calling itself "Beauty for all."

Swatch of Fenty Beauty's Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer from Harveynichols.com

 

Rihanna was asked if she had to pick one item from Fenty Beauty that everyone needed to have, what would she choose. She threw her head back and pressed her hands together, you could tell she didn't want to choose just one! She finally answered: Killa Watt. Her Freestyle Highlighters

Fenty Beauty isn't just liquid lipstick and liners. It is 40 shades of foundation, it a primer, powder and stick highlighters, it is tools, it is travel-friendly. It is was obvisouly designed by someone who knows makeup and is passionate about it. Crafted to bring something to the beauty industry and not just to reap the benefits of its name. 

Stand Out Products From Fenty Beauty

Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation; $34

Medium buildable coverage for all skin types, formulated with 'climate-adaptive technology that’s resistant to sweat and humidity.' Girl, I needed this is July!

Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick; $25

Made to be fun! Embrace a color you wouldn't typically wear as a highlight. At the Fenty Beauty launch party, Rihanna repeated said, "It's makeup, have fun. Play and don't be serious!" Her products 100% cruelty-free!

Heart went into this line! I can't wait to try some myself. Thank you, Fenty Beauty for remembering the importance of inclusion! It would have been easy to release 10 shades of foundation and call it a day but you went above and beyond! Good luck and I'm excited to see what else you come up with!

ON MY RADAR: PAT MCGRATH LABS UPCOMING UNLIMITED COLLECTION IS TO DIE FOR!!!

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By Amanda V.

The beauty industry's fairy godmother, Pat McGrath has done it again, this time not with dazzling glitter lips or holy halo highlights but with PALETTES! Yes, that's right, P A L E T T E S! Not 1, not 2 but 3 that will be PERMANENT!!! Hallelujah!!! Can you hear me screaming in your ear? 

The MOTHERSHIP Palettes, are the centerpieces of her first ever upcoming Unlimited Collection. Each stunningly fashion forward palette includes 10 luxurious pressed powders that are gorgeously packed with powerfully pigmented, glimmering metals, both bold and neutral along with rich mattes. Each set is going to be like getting a glimpse through the iconic makeup artist's 25 year career that shook the beauty and fashion worldthrough her editorial work, global runways and the red carpet. 

I think it is AMAZING as well as humbling that Pat herself, being a fan of art beyond beauty, found mega talented young artists on Social Media to work with her on the packaging of her new Pat McGrath Labs collection. 

Mothership I: Subliminal

Mothership II: Sublime

Mothership III: Submersive. 

All of us at MeetPepperB.com love and admire Mother Pat and we are so excited for this Collection to launch on PatMcgrath.com in September and at Sephora.com and select Sephora stores in October. Each palette will retail for $125.

 

... and not only is mother releasing the 3 stunning palettes, but there will also be LuxeTrance lipsticks added to the collection along with the MatteTrance lipsticks that she released earlier this summer as well as Dark Star Mascara, PermaGel Ultra Glide Eyeliners and Lip Pencils!!! I'm excitedly shaking as I type this, honestly. 

Which Mothership palette from the Pat McGrath Labs Unlimited Collection is on your wish list?

 

 

 

I Feel like Zenon Girl of the 21st Century because of this highlighter!

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Holographic Stick in Supernova

Written by @Twist.it.tea

 

"I Feel like Zenon Girl of the 21st Century"

 

 

A highlighter sprinkled with meteor dust and twilight pearls is sure to catch the attention of anyone looking for that pleasantly galactic sheen.  Meteorites are shooting stars that have fallen to earth …while I think the ingredient has little to do with the beautiful iridescent shine, it is does have a nice ring to it.  Both the dust and pearls are advertised throughout Milk Makeup’s Holographic line but when I do my own research on these contributors I can’t find much importance other than branding purposes for a catchy name/slogan.  Honestly, the aforementioned are not an issue to me because I think the twilight pearls are complimentary while the meteor dust conveys a message of closeness to the universe since we are just star dust after all ;) 

 

 

According to reviews this shade looks amazing on all skin tones. I have a tan/medium complexion during the summer and it looks fantastic just like I saw it on someone with fair and dark skin.  I love that Milk Makeup allows you to  play around with this product on your lips and eyes as well as the cheek bones. Supernova holds such an ethereal glow that they knew we wouldn't want to be limited to just a highlighter.  I’m not completely sold on this formula being applied to the eyes because of the grease factor, but I refuse to give up until I find the perfect solution to the creasing. Even with a primer on the lids it doesn't hold on for too long. But on the face is a different story, I never have to reapply.  Surprisingly this formula is a trooper, especially during NYC summers - it never budges. Aside from the lid application under performing, the formula feels nice on your skin.  It contains a lot of lovely and naturally hydrating properties such as peach nectar, mango butter, avocado oil and the previously mentioned atmospheric ingredients.  Like I claimed earlier, this is a tad oily so you will be a little glossy but none the less - entrancing and divine af.  I do not recommend applying this highlighter directly to your face from the stick because it will definitely shift your foundation.  I apply to my finger tips and tap on my skin until I'm ready to buff it out a little bit. This is not a catastrophe, but I wish the stick packaging was redesigned for a more useful approach while applying this product.  Milk Makeup does offer the Holographic Highlighting Powder which would look seriously insane over top so I can’t wait to get my hands on that.  This highlighter lets me step out of my comfort zone while giving me hella confidence.  Basically I’m in love with Supernova from top to bottom, it puts me into a special mood when I see it glimmering on my cheek bones.. a true celestial shine.

3 Smoothies Good for Beauty & Body TheHarmonyKitchen x Pepper.B

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Article Curated by Pepper.B 

Food Recipes: @_Theharmonykitchen_ 

Have you noticed the better you eat the better your skin looks. The more hydrated and refreshed you look? This summer we are trying to keep you glowing from within. We have teamed up with The Harmony Kitchen with something cool just for you !. It's hot out and we are eating lighter and are outdoors more. It's easy to battle with finding things to eat for morning or midday. Here we have some recipes and benefits of smoothies that can be done for both the benefit of your body and your beauty. These recipes were crafted by The Harmony Kitchen special for our readers at Meetpepperb.com we hope you enjoy. Some of the ingredients we take in also help promote healthier vibrant skin find out how. Below:

 

Instagram: @_Theharmonykitchen_ 

Green Summer Smoothie

3 cups Spinach
1/2 cucumber
1 cup Almond milk
1/2 avocado
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp Moringa Leaf powder
2 dates

For decoration:

1 tsp Cacao
Chucks of Mango
Few Almonds
1 tsp hemp seeds

Benefits: 

Avocado-Rich in fatty acids and helps to repair skin from the internal. 

Moringa-Contains 18 different amino acids. Moringa Also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Almond milk - Traditionally dairy is highly inflammatory, which means it will aggravate acne, wrinkles, and rashes, almond milk is the best alternative.

Chai Seeds- Promotes glory skin. fatty acids also reduce inflammation and dryness, and increase circulation: 

Instagram: @_Theharmonykitchen_

Beauty Detox (beet) Smoothie

2 cup beet
1 cup kale
1 apple
2 carrots
2 celery
1 tbsp ginger
1 cup coconut water

And topped it with strawberry, blueberry, granola, and pumpkin seeds

Benefits: 

Beets-  Powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties helps premature age . 

Apples - Malic acid promotes firm, youthful skin.

 

Kale- It’s one of the best sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients that absorb and neutralize the free radicals created by UV light.

Coconut water - Restores lost moisture in the body and the skin. Gives The a skin brighter and less dull appearance. 

Instagram: @_Theharmonykitchen_

Tropical Mango Smoothie

1 cup mango
1/2 banana (in the smoothie)
1/2 pineapple
1 tbsp Maca powder
1 cup Almond Milk

Benefits:

Mango -  Alkalizes the whole body and clears skin complexion.

Bananas - Potassium moisturizes and hydrates.

Maca - Helps strengthen the elasticity in skin as well as prevents aging. 

Highlighters Go Head to Head! Summer 2017 Glow

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Written by @Twist.it.tea 

BECCA

Shimmering Skin Perfector® Poured Crème Highlighter in Champagne Pop

VS.

Urban Decay

Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid in Sin

Becca retails for $38 in 0.19 oz at Sephora

Urban Decay retails for $28 in 0.21 oz at Sephora

 

 

HIGHLIGHTERS GO HEAD TO HEAD …

 

Urban Decay’s Sin, and Becca’s Champagne Pop are both described as the natural and subtle highlight shade of their family.  Personally, I tend to lean more towards natural glows than a holographic look.  This is just a preference because I spend a lot of time in an office setting so I like to keep it low-key during office hours.  What’s important as well is being able to build with a natural highlight that will give me the drama for my afterhours fun.   I decided to run a little experiment with these two uber popular highlighters.  Based on their obvious differences in formula, Urban Decay being a liquid and Becca being a poured cream, I thought they were fair contenders.  But what really mattered to me in the conclusion of these highlighters was; are they easy to apply to a fresh face of makeup, longevity and if their pigment was right for a day to night, look.

 

THE APPLICATION: URBAN DECAY HIGHLIGHTING FLUID & BECCA SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR HIGHLIGHTER

 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: BECCA

 

What stood out to me the most about Becca’s Shimmering Skin Perfector was the poured cream.  I’m not going to lie and say I wasn’t intimidated by this formula at first because of the unusual consistency.  I ended up loving the flawless application due to the formula. I use my finger tips to apply and a small stipple brush to buff it out.  At first I was generally worried that the cream texture wasn’t going to perform to my expectations of this being a “Holy Grail” item, because of the application process of using my finger tips as suggested. When I first started using this product my finger tips did a horrible job of applying the highlighter.  It got stuck dry spots, looked streaky and really scaly for some reason. As soon as I put the stipple brush to it, it buffed out to a sheer perfection. 

This is alovely, creamy, satin formula that applies nearly perfect on my cheekbones after a little love.  It doesn’t clog my pores or enhance any imperfections – it sits, stays and gives me a natural glow that I need throughout the day.

Applying Urban Decay’s Highlighting Fluid was …. Tricky.  This liquid highlight has a flat doe foot wand which awkward to apply.  The liquid is hard to blend with my finger tips and ended up shifting my face make up.  I have to dab the product on and not use too much, so at first it was a little time consuming to get this applied just right.  Although overall, the Urban Decay does give a beautiful glow when applied right.  It was hard to decide between the two given all of these factors but Becca won this round for me. 

 

 

LONGEVITY AND TRANSITIONING: URBAN DECAY HIGHLIGHTING FLUID & BECCA SHIMMERING SKIN PERFECTOR HIGHLIGHTER

 

WINNER OF THIS ROUND: URBAN DECAY

 

I could conduct this portion of the experiment in my office but I don't think that would be a true test to the longevity of these products. I work in a showroom for the majority of the week, not facing many elements in regards to makeup staying put.  I started testing this highlighter out when I knew I needed to have a full face of makeup from afternoon to night aka a full day of running a, and most likely bar hopping.  The Urban Decay gave me the shimmer and shine for a good 10+ hours.  I didn’t feel that by the end of the night my makeup had dripped, or smudged off, it held on tight. It still looked beautiful, and dewy by the end of a full day of dancing and gallivanting around town. The Becca highlighter was a little disappointing. It’s a great base for day but it definitely needs to be reapplied throughout if you still want that initial glow that you get in the beginning. Becca is more on the low-key side while Urban Decay definitely gives you more of a sparkle and shine. 

 

CONCLUSION

 

All in all these are both great highlighters.  The only deciding factor I could come up with if I were faced to make a decision in the store would be to grab the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector based on the amount of product you get, the ability to build up a day-to night look and the ease of applying.  In all honestly for the price you pay and the amount of product you get in the Urban Decay Highlighting Fluid is a little disappointing.  It’s difficult to scrape out of the bottle and I felt that it ran out supppppper fast for only using a tiny amount of product a day.  The Becca hasn’t made a dent and I feel like I use more.  I also concluded that these two highlighters together are spectacular. For a day to night look I always use Becca and Urban Decay on top, it’s the perfect combo.

Women + Beauty On A Budget Part II: Flexible Payment Plans On Makeup

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Happy Saturday! Let's dive into this tip for shop smart Saturday!

How many fantasy online shopping carts to you have open? You know what I mean. When you do the online version of window shopping and create your dream cart. The reality, however, is that your funds are tight so your online cart just stays full. Then you get that taunting email from the retailer saying, "Did you forget something?" accompanied by the images of all the products you were salivating over the night before. No one has ever forgotten what was in their cart. We know, we're just trying to be money conscious. And who wants to constantly pay for shipping. 

Did you know you can have all the beauty goods your heart desires without breaking your budget? Beautylish.com is an online retailer that carries brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Sugarpill, and Jouer Cosmetics. When you make a purchase of $99 or more, Beautylish allows to you make the payment in three separate installments with no interest! There really is no gimmick here. Your total is divided by three and you get your products with the first payment! This was earth shattering news to me and I just wanted to share with all the readers of meetpepperb.com. 

I made a sample cart to show you how it works. My cart total was $100.90

The option for three flexible payment plans is added to you payment options. 

Beautylish divided my order into 3 smaller more manageable payments. I would pay $33.64 (plus tax and shipping on the first payment) and receive my products. Then make two more payments. 

This is such an amazing program! It gives people access to have the makeup collection that they have only dream of. 

More Budget Friendly Advice on Meetpepperb.com!

How are you a smart shopper when it comes to makeup?

5 Make-Up Trends That Belong On Your Radar This Summer By Pepper.B

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Written By: Pepper.B 

Make-up is just repetition. Some trends are new some repeat themselves. I work in the beauty industry and I love to keep an eye out for beauty trends and looks. Here I've put together a list of the top 5 trends I've been seeing a ton of while beauty surfing as well as working with different clients or working in different aspects. My favorite trend I must say is the colored liner. Top or bottom this has been my trend. Below is me rocking a lower bold eyeliner. I am using a liner from Black|Up Cosmetics KS05. Enjoy! 

mono - a combining form meaning “alone,” “single,” “one”

Make-up Looks using one solid color patter such as brown eyeshadow, brown lipstick and sculpted contour blush. 

 

dew·y - wet with dew.

  1. synonyms:moist, damp, wet

    (of a person's skin) appearing soft and lustrous.

    • "your skin will begin to feel revitalized and dewy"

    • youthful and fresh.

       

The Dew is a trend and has always been a trend. Glossy cheeks are in this summer layering highlighter under your blush in order to give you that glow from with in is must! Above find products from our contributor @acevalle who is the queen of the dew. @acevalle thrives on dewy trends and so do we!!!! 

glit·ter   shine with a bright, shimmering, reflected light.

"trees and grass glittered with dew"

Embracing your inner unicorn is definitely a thing and always has been. This trend happened last summer and has carried its way into 2017 summer. expect to see more glitter on lids, hair and under eye. 

Bold- of a person, action, or idea) showing an ability to take risks; confident and courageous.

Although bold lip and liner isn't traditional this is my new favorite go to look I am loving using your make-up as your accessory. Making your make-up the statement by using a bolder eye and stronger lip to offset your summer wardrobe.

What we think about dumpster diving for make-up

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What are your thoughts on dumpster diving for make-up?

Join the writers on Meetpepperb.com as we have a dialogue on our thoughts about dumpster diving for makeup.

Feel free to join in by meeting us in the comment section:

Pepper:  What drove me to write about dumpster diving is one day while on a work trip. I took a late night walk to Seven11 to get some essentials with a coworker, as we were leaving she mention this pile of food that was being locked up and put in the trash. I mentioned to her during my first high school job at Starbucks I would take all the leftover food and give it to the homeless shelter a few doors down. Thereafter she mentions " Well that I understand and thats amazing because the food just goes to waste and thats horrible" This is a real thing and some people who have lower income and no means to feed there family dumpster diving is something that works for them. I couldn't fault them either If I had no way to feed my family it would consist of whatever it takes. My co worker proceeds " What I don't get is the dumpster diver for make-up" at the this point the weird horror music begin to play. My mouth hit the floor all though I am in beauty Ive never heard of this before. I begin to do what I do best and I start to research deeper and this was best video I could find to describe this action in a nutshell please video right below and proceed for our dialouge

Danyelle 3/13/17

What you have is $6,000 worth of high-risk infection.

Did she say her mom!?! Mami, no!!!! These are not skills we want to be carried from generation to generation! Maybe I’m a snob, but the idea that these girls are going to put conditioner-soaked-dumPSTER-EYEshadow on their EYES just made me sick. Repressing an eyeshadow is NOT CLEANING IT!!!! Please just apply to work at a makeup store so you can enjoy the gratis! Being broke isn’t even a reason. Hi, I’d like to introduce you ELF cosmetics. You can snatch your face for the price of that Tarte palette you ‘cleaned.’

 

The lipstick. Jesus.  How could you put something that was in the trash on your face let alone your mouth! You are not trying to keep yourself fed. Makeup is a luxury at all price ranges. I love makeup, but this is not worth the risk! I’m sorry, but the girl is going through the skincare talking about pore cleansing but you about to rub dumpster lipstick on your lips. Where is the sense?

Danyelle 3/13/17

Omg. Never have I ever wanted to be an internet troll in my life. 

“I do plan on doing a giveaway.” No thanks, boo. That’s all you. For you and only you.

I had to scroll through the comment section, and look what found:

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-ONE LIKES!!!! I am all about making friends, but you cannot be bonding over finding trash to put on your face. 

Danyelle 3/13/17

I’m sorry that your circumstances are have led you to dig in the trash so you can find makeup. I do not take for granted how lucky I am to even be able to buy the products I love. But, honey, there are other methods. There are organizations that donate makeup to people in need. Here is one of them called Project Beauty Share.

3/20/2017 @Acevalle 

“Over $6700 worth of dirt and dignity. Excuse me for being overly dramatic but this video left some scars. I’m a germaphobe and I honestly don’t even really like applying the testers at Sephora on my face let alone take something out of a dumpster… not trash can… HUGE Dumpster… that you have to climb in that was combined with other trash. OH THE HORROR.. The Bacteria floating Horror. WHY? What would possess you to dig in a dumpster late at night? Why would you risk infection and life long pink eye? Is it desperation? At this point I’m not only horrified but also incredibly curious. Just because you rubbed a little alcohol and melted that disgusting lipstick palette does not mean it is disinfected, if anything you just blended the melted product and remaining germs together. I’m so incredibly disturbed that this seems like a family activity and you can even hear children in the background in complete awe of the massive amount of items that were found. I understand that there are some products that are pricey and you lust for them but like I grew up very poor but every time I had birthday money or with every little job I could snag, I’d save up for a product I’ve been lusting after. Plus there are a lot of great products out there for less that 5 dollars!!!! this is unnecessary. Not to sound naive but I don’t even think money is the case here, They live in a house and have a car and wifi and a computer and phone to upload to youtube. I’m curious as to why this girl and her fam are doing this? I NEED TO KNOW!! I don’t want to come off as mean or anything like that but I’m just so bothered because this is just so gross and unhealthy to the largest organ of our bodies… our skin! as well as Eyes, and Mouth/Lips also pride.

What I find totally shocking is THE FOLLOWING this girl has… almost hitting 10,000 subscribers. They all aspire to dig trough the dumpsters near their local ultras to grab products!!! Lawd!!!!!”
— @acevalle

Deanna P

Conceptually it sounds like fun.  You jump into a dumpster & rummage around for valuables & when you find some you feel like you hit the Jackpot!  On the other hand you are in a dirty dumpster with garbage, possibly rodents & roaches, & whatever else someone has discarded.  The thought of this outweighs the feeling of finding something valuable.  I would opt out & find a more sure & cleaner way of finding a treasure like getting to the end of a rainbow! 

Comment below & tell us your thoughts!!!!!!!

Beauty Horoscope: Pisces 2017

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Pisces, your colors are pastel shades of purple that envelope your creativity and channel your mystical sense of wonder. Lilacs and violets are your perfect shade as we enter the season of the Pisces. The element that guides you is water. Choose water-based products for your face to nourish your skin. Lilac and soft pink water blushes will give you a gentle and ethereal look. Allow your artistic nature to thrive by choosing products that are out of your norm. It is advised that you do not neglect your skin. Maintain a fresh glow with hydrating mists. Your guide to balance in below. 

Top Beauty Picks for Pisces

Skincare

Josie Maran Nirvana Hydrating Treatment Mist; $38

Slip Silk Pillowcase, $79

Korres Velvet Orris Violet White Pepper Showergel; $18.50

tarte Pack Your Bags 911 Undereye Rescue Patches; $22

Kenzoki Amazing Exfoliating Water; $29

Dr. Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer; $36

Herbivore Rose Hibiscus Coconut Hydrating face Mist; $32

Foreo LUNA Mini; $99

Farmacy Hydrating Coconut Gel - Brightening (Purple Broccoli); $9-24

Beauty

Becca First Light Filter Face Primer; $38

Besame Cosmetics Brightening Setting Face Powder in Violet; $22

Beauty Bakerie Lip Whip in Versailles; $20

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Brow Gel; $26

Kat Von D Pastel Goth Eyeshadow Palette; $38

Ciate London Pretty Stix Murumuru Butter Lipstick in Heart Breaker; $20

VISEART Blush Palette in Orange/Violet; $80

Chosungah Real Cheek Smoother Blush in Light Pink Lilac; $22

stila Aqua Glow Watercolor Blush; $26

tarte Rainforest of the Sea Water Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream; $29

Touch In Sol Metallist Liquid Foil & Glitter Eye Shadow Duo in Talia; $25

Art for Pisces

Print by Jenny Liz Rome available here

Print by Atmosphere Alley avilable here

Print by Karen Klassen available here

Info on Pisces from here

All product photos are linked to their original source. None of the photos are property of meetpepperb.com