This LIne Promises A Full Face In 7 Minutes - New Launches From The Lip Bar

@bufferingbetty

Fast Beat: Look like you took a hour but you did it on the train.

In the age of complicated makeup application, The Lip Bar is giving you back your time. No overly complicated brow routines, no 8 steps to complexion. None of that exists in the launch of their new products that will give you a put together look for where ever you deem makeup necessary.

Meet Fast Face

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We’re all reeling from the release of their Skin Serum Foundation in 26 shades!

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Just a glance at the shade range, and you can see that WOC with deeper skin tones were at the center of this launch.

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Broken down into 6 shade families starting at 1 O’clock t0 6 O’clock.

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Founder, Melissa Butler, breaks down the shade families to help you more easily identify your shade. She explained the families by comparing them to a celebrity who would fit the range. She didn’t say a celeb for the lightest group of shades but she said the were very fair. The 4 0’clock shade range correlates to her skin tone, too. Here is the rest of the list.

2:00 Stay Ready - J. Lo

3:00 Boss- Lauren London

4:00 Stuntin’ - Melissa Butler

5:00 Vogue - Kelly Rowland

6:00 Squad Goals - Lupita

The packaging is designed to make application mess proof. The brush head dispenser means you don’t have to add extra tools into the mix. Just pump the bottom and the serum foundation flows through the bristles.

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This finish tho!

A breathable, skin like glow for a healthy looking finish.

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Hygenic? Yes, they thought of that, too!

Twist the base to pop off the cap and you’ll be able to clean the brush without compromising the integrity of the foundation.

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There is a downside to a brush being built in. You cannot return the foudation. It’s a matter of cleanliness. “The brush has been used.” In short, this means, they would absolutley not be able to resell the foudation. Picking your shade online is tricky, even with The Lip Bar’s shade finder. However, of course, they’ve got a solution! You can get three free samples to find your shade. Just pay for shipping!

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Why ‘Fast Face?’

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Foudantion. Face Palette (with face powder, blush, contour, + highlighter). Eyeliner. Mascara. Poppin’ Lip. That’s the summary to the Fast Face. It all can fit in a small pouch and you’ll look like you used all of the Target beauty section to acheive your look.

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Let’s be real:

Have you seen a makeup tutorial lately. On IG or Youtube or even on Sephora’s product videos? Why is it taking 8.4 million steps to get a “natural, everyday, casual, no-makeup makeup” look??

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Complex riddles with twists and turns leaving viewers with unanswered questions. If you were just starting out with makeup, you’d be tricked into thinking you’ll need so many proucts for the simplist look.

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The Lip Bar pushed away all of the fluff and has streamlined beauty for real life. For people who need to be ready to go like right now.

While riding a train, Melissa Butler came across a woman who literally needed her new launches. That’s who The Lip Bar is designing for. She shared on her IG stories a woman riding the train while doing her makeup. The Skin Serum Foundation would have shaved her from having makeup hands.

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Makeup is easy again.

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And you’re ready for any where your day is taking you

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This launch includes:

Minute Finish Face Palette!

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Includes a face powder, highlight, blush, and a contour.

6 shades collections!
Shop here →

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A dual sided face brush!

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Shop here →

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Quick Draw 2 in 1 Brow Gel and Pencil

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3 shades
Shop here →

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Eyeliner

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2 shades
Shop here →

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Lash Flash

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Shop here →

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Aaaaaand it’s sold individually or as a bundle!

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Get your Fast Face!

One Of Our Favorite Brands Just Dropped A Lippie That Will Make Your 90s Heart Skip A Beat

@bufferingbetty

Oh, Snap!

It’s no secret that, here on Meetpepperb.com, that we go hard for The Lip Bar! It’s more than just makeup. It’s a whole damn beauty revolution. Their vision of beauty and the version of beauty that they give this industry is unlike any other. The founder, Melissa Butler, is also just a badass bawse lady. Of course, the makeup ain’t half bad either. Their newest release will take your back to courtyards, high tops, and roller blades.

Meet Minimalist

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I remember the first time I wore lip gloss. 1999, I was 9. There was a beauty supply/dollar store right down the block from my after school program. The first thing I saw when I walked into the store was that the end cap of one of the aisles had all these tiny clear lip glosses. I picked one that looked like pale purple in the tube but it had no color on the lips. When I put it on, it was the first time I noticed the shape of my lips. All my friends and I had that same lip gloss. It was thick and sticky and gave the illusion of more volume.

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This gloss is taking me back!

The Big Claim: “Ultralight and packed with lip nourishing ingredients, our latest drop "Minimalist" is the BEST way to pamper your pout … 90% organic” (source)

Need to know: $14
Avaiable at thelipbar.com
Shop here →

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The Lip Bar launched the Minimalist lip gloss with a homage to the 90s. In this image I had flashbacks of listening to Aaliyah and TLC. I see jewelry and hair styles that my aunt and her friends wore. I see genuine appreciation, understanding and love for the 90s. Not the tacky rip off we have been seeing lately with no inclusion of the culture of women who originated the style.

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That authenticity is what keeps us going back to The Lip Bar.

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“If no where else, your beauty is validated here.”

From the moment you log on to The Lip Bar’s site, they show you who they are. To have a dark skin, plus size woman, with natural hair right in line with a thin, blonde, white woman SHOUTS to every consumer who is beautiful in their vision: black girls, brown girls, big girls, those of us who don’t see ourselves reflected as beautiful in far too many spaces. To then have that image followed by a clear statement that validates our beauty and the struggle of under-representation and misrepresentation exemplifies the powerful voice behind this brand.

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The Lip Bar just had the grand opening of their flagship store in Detroit just a couple of weeks ago!

And there is much more coming from the lip Bar too!

A couple of days ago, they had this survey link in their IG stories. The survey featured questions asking to give feedback on what would make the ideal lip palette. Is a lip palette going to happen???

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aaaand...

This happened in January.

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They posted a picture of an empty compact with this caption:

”… after 6 years of busting my ass to create amazing products, grow the brand and launch with major retailers... WE’RE EXPANDING OUTSIDE OF LIPS!! 🎉🙌🏾🙀” (source)

What do you think is going to fill that compact? I’m hoping for blushes, highlighters and bronzers but highlighter is my very first guess.

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While we wait, we’ll perfect our pout.

Minimal. Never boring.

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#blackexcellence IRL At The In Her Shoes Black Women-Owned Holiday Bazaar

@bufferingbetty

The Black Girl Magic Event Of The Season

This past Saturday, Dec. 2nd, I had the pleasure of attending the In Her Shoes Black Women-Owned Holiday Bazaar in New York City. I got to meet dozens of black, female, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and people ready to support one another. They each came from a different background. Each woman had her own unique, "Why I started this business" story. All of them empowered one another. 

Renae Bluitt was the mastermind behind this event that showcased the power of black female entrepreneurs.  She is the founder and creator of the In Her Shoes Blog and Crush Media. She writes,

“I’ve always been intrigued by other women’s stories: their “a-ha” moments, successes, struggles, and most importantly, what inspires them to fight the good fight when times get tough” (source).

This passion for story sharing inspired her to create her documentary film She Did That. The film tells the stories of 5 black female businesswomen that are shattering their industries. She Did That centers on Luvvie Ajayi: best selling author of I’m Judging You, Lisa Price: the creator of the brand, Carol’s Daughter, Melissa Butler: the creator of The Lip Bar, Tonya Rapley: the creator of My Fab Finance, and finally on Renae Bluitt's In Her Shoes Blog story.

Renae is really out here fighting for women! She is an entrepreneur who is not just focused on her own success. Renae Bluitt is creating pathways that allow the grossly neglected population of black women to be seen, to be heard, and supported as business women!

Read more about how, in her own words, in Renae’s blog post, Walmart Supports “She Did That.” & Ramps Up Supplier Inclusion Initiatives (a must read!).  

Watching the sneak peek of She Did That was exhilarating.  The preview included part of the story of the creator of Carol’s Daughter, Lisa Price. It resonated with me. She shared about her experience of struggling in her undergraduate career. Price talked about her battle with depression; needing help but not having the courage to ask. From a vulnerable stage of her life, she found the strength to rise and eventually build a company whose products are easy to find.

The full documentary is set to release in 2018 and based on the short glimpse I saw, it is something that all goal setters must watch and study! These 5 driven women are an inspiration!

After the documentary preview and panel discussion, the Holiday Bazaar was open for business. Here are just a few of the things I found. 

First, we have our very own Pepper B. doing demonstrations of how you can blend your skincare with your makeup for the ultimate healthy glow. She teamed up with Bloomsbury Square, a vegan skincare company, to give shoppers skin to envy. 
 

Bloomsbury Square was founded by Niambi. “I delight in making products that let nature do what it does best: nurture the body and mind” (source). Using their Featherlight Cucumber SkinNectar with Clary Sage + Geranium, Pepper blended the lightweight oil with a loose pigment to give me the melted peachy highlight of my dreams. I was already wearing makeup and thought that applying an oil could disrupt my “I ain’t woke up like dis, I worked for dis” makeup. Girl. When she finished blending my highlight, I was ready to do some serious exploring at the In Her Shoes Black Women Owned Holiday Bazaar. And off I went!

"Vegan, pure, affordable products inspired by indigenous herbalism and healing." Bloomsbury sq

Find more of Bloomsbury Square here!

Very early in the day, I found myself being pulled in by the force of a sheet mask. A black lace sheet mask to be exact! Eve Milan is a skincare company founded by an esthetician who has 10 years of experience to draw from (source). Eden Gilliam designed these sheet masks to be hydrating without the use of oils. Most sheet masks make you look pretty creepy. Eve Milan’s The Lacial Masque will make you look mysterious. 

"A 5-free skincare line designed to restore confidence back into your skin and give it a healthy glow without the use of harsh chemicals." Eve Milan NY

Find more of Eve Milan NY here!

Next, I headed to our friends over at The Lip Bar. This company is the brainchild of Melissa Butler, one of the 5 featured entrepreneurs in the She Did That film. While there, I met a blogger who loves this company as much as I do. She asked me why I liked The Lip Bar so much. I pointed to this poster and said, “That image right there.” Loyal meetpepperb.com readers must remember back when I reviewed their signature shade, Bawse Lady. I basically fangirled. The imagery used by The Lip Bar is untethered.

On a wall covered in beauty campaigns, The Lip Bar’s vision is striking and magnetic. I was thrilled to see that their table was swarming all day with shoppers ready to drop coin on their lipsticks!

Read Pepper’s interview of Melissa Butler here.

Read my review of the liquid matte lipstick in Bawse Lady here. And Amanda’s review of liquid matte lipstick in Man Eater here. 

“I am passionate about creating an inclusive narrative on what beauty is and reminding women that we don't have to settle for anything.” Melissa Butler

Find more from The Lip Bar here!

There was another friend of meetpepperb.com who was a vendor at the In Her Shoes Black Women Owned Holiday Bazaar. LIT Brooklyn is a homemade candle company founded by Denequa Williams. These soy candles are a favorite of our website. The scents Joy and Home were quickly added to my mental wishlist. Citrus scents give me life!

Read Pepper’s Interveiw of Denequa Williams here.
 

“Made from our homes to be enjoyed in yours.” - Denequa Williams

More from LIT Brooklyn here!
 

Jasmine Lawrence sought to remedy her damaged hair dating back to when she was 11 years old! (source). She’s a healthy hair guru prodigy! Lawrence created Eden Bodyworks. They had one of the most extensive lines of product to be featured at the Holiday Bazaar. They even had a range of products for kids. 

Eden Bodyworks distributed a bag of samples featuring a new product line scented with Almond + Marshmallow. Included in the bag was their Split End Repair Masque, Hydration Serum, and Therapy Leave-In Conditioner. I don’t know how Eden Bodyworks took two very sweet scents, almond and MARSHMALLOW, and somehow crafted something that doesn’t suffocate your nose. When I opened the products, I was very hesitant to give it a sniff test. I feared the worst. But I was very wrong. It smells amazing! Because I just have sample sizes, I am very hesitant to give our readers a review. I don’t think I can give an in-depth review the way I like to. However, if you are interested in hearing a ‘first impressions’ type of review, leave a comment saying so!

“EDEN BodyWorks™ provides natural products that integrate wellness and beauty inspired by nature to restore and maintain the hair and body’s original design.” Eden Bodyworks
 

More on Eden Bodyworks here!
 

FInally, we come to Limegreen. This skincare line prides itself on products that are multifunctional. Multi Oil, Multi Wash, Multi Spray, and even a Multi Candle - it’s bomb, too. Aromatherapy that melts into a massage oil so you can calm your nerves and soothe your muscles.

While speaking with one of it’s founders, I learned that this company was born from wanting to help a friend in need. Her friend was diagnosed with cancer. Cancer patients are restricted to what products they can use on their skin based on the treatment they could be receiving. She told me that one day after work, she decided to pop into Whole Foods to see what she can blend together to help her friend.

From there, giving relief to a friend, bloomed into a passion project that flourished into a business.

I took home with me a bottle of Limegreen’s Multi Oil scented with lotus. How great is this packaging! There is prideful showmanship in the way the box opens up like a door revealing what’s behind curtain number 1. While at the event, I tested the oil on my dry-growing out-bleached blonde hair focusing on my ends. Did this oil not make my hair look and feel like silk! I was impressed!

I have since tried it on my face, just once, though. You will get a full review in the future. It’s basically Winter, so my skin concern, along with the fading of my golden summer glow, is dry, flaky skin. Mostly on my forehead. When I applied the oil, I expected to have to add an extra drop to my forehead because it usually needs extra TLC. Not the case! My forehead did not feel tight or itchy and the best part is that my skin did not feel sticky or greasy from the oil! While the oil is marketed as a makeup remover, I don’t really see myself using it that way because the oil is kind of thick. Which is great for hydration, but I don’t love that for cleansing. I will test it out and write about it for a full review.

"Through natural, multi-use products, Limegreen aims to promote a lifestyle that is healthy for the body, sustainable for the environment, and unifying for people of all backgrounds." Limegreen

Find more Limegreen here!

There were so many more brands at the In Her Shoes Black Women Owned Holiday Bazaar. This event was an exhibit of the entrepreneurship of black women. Renae Bluitt shared a statistic that black women-owned businesses “generate $52.6 billion” (source). There was music, wine, artists, and there was even a proposal at the end! Congrats! Make sure you check out In Her Shoe Blog and keep your eyes open for the release of She Did That. Thank you for having us!

Full list of vendors here

It's holiday time! If you want to support more black women owned business, check out Renae's shopping guide.
In Her Shoes Shopping Guide: 75 Black Women-Owned Brands to Know, Love & Support here

Special shout out to my Kiss & Recharge Powerbank Luxe! Kept me charged and connected all day! Link to shop below!

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Quitting Your Day Job & Pursuing Your Passion: Interview with Melissa Butler

Melissa Butler, Owner or The Lip Bar

What inspired the creation of The Lip Bar? Frustration with my job! Upon graduation, I moved to New York to work on Wall Street. It didn't take me long to realize that I wasn't happy and then I decided to stop complaining  and change my situation. If I would've loved my job, The Lip Bar may not be here. But I was hell bent on getting out of there and never being in a similar situation. I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit - the line of a business was a complete shot in the dark. But only in darkness can you see the stars. 

Where are you from? Detroit

Favorite childhood hobby? Ummmmm that's tough. Talking back to my mom, just talking in general. I talked way too much! My mom prob wanted to strangle me. Sorry Mom.

What sparked your interest for beauty? I came from a finance background and was a frequent purchaser of lipsticks. Never a big makeup girl, but I've always loved lipsticks. A while ago, I decided to be better to my body. You get what you give, right? So I began taking more holistic approaches: I stopped eating chicken and turkey (I already didn't eat beef or pork) and I began reading the labels of what I put on and in my body. I was disgusted

at all the chemicals I was digesting. That was the end of my eating and using super toxic products and when it came to lipstick, it was impossible to find products that were fairly natural in their origin. And the natural cosmetic companies were utterly boring. I knew I deserved better and so, I created better and decided to share it with the world. Quality cosmetics can and should be made without the excess crap, and with that idea, my interest in beauty along with The Lip Bar was born. 

Describe your everyday makeup look? I'm very simple when it comes to makeup. I don't get too crazy and it barely looks like I have any on. I normally dab on a little concealer under my eyes. I'm obsessed with eyeliner and mascara, I put on a light bronzer, a blush shade one shade darker than my complexion and of course, I finish with a pop of color on the lips. No shadow, no contouring, no highlighting, no foundation.

What's currently in your makeup bag? An ingot freedom pallet with blush, stila eyeliner (I'm gonna try the liquid one next, I'm such a wimp), MAC concealer, mascara (could be Givenchy Phenom eyes, Benefit They're Real or anything else. I always try mascara) and about 10 Lip Bar lipsticks. You never know what could happen. 

Who is your muse? The Universe

How did you come up with the name for The Lip Bar? It's called The Lip Bar because I thought it was a really good way to make lipsticks fun and to encourage self-expression. Oftentimes, we rely on cocktails to ease and or reinvigorate our moods. And far too often, we allow the media or men to dictate what we look like. Name it The Lip Bar was a stance against the standard of beauty that we adopt. It's my way to give the same courage to women as cocktails give them to pull out that thing that's buried and hidden within- their uniquely beautiful selves. It's the marriage of fun and unapologetic self-expressions. 

"Everyday you work for someone else; you're following their dreams"

What color would you wear to a first date? Interesting question. i don't have a particular color. It's more of a style. Always feminine, bold lip color, but never too sexy. And it's never 100%. I don't want a guy to fall head over heels with my looks and only see that. 

What do you feel is missing from the beauty industry? Individuality. Everyone tries to look like celebrities and I hate it with every fiber in my body.

Name one color from The Lip Bar that best describes your personality? Hot Toddy (a brick shade). It's bold, but mature. Striking but subtle. Sexy but classic. Sassy and spontaneous. It's confident and out to prove nothing to anyone by itself. Wait. We're talking about lipstick. Hahahaha. 

When awesome things happen, I'm genuinely happy but I'm never drawn into them. It's because I'm very ambitious and almost expectant of milestones. The way I see it, the only way is up. That may sound cocky but  I don't mean it as such. Even unforeseen events that disrupt my initial plans are all learning lessons. So when I get amazing news, I thank god and I move forward. Otherwise, one can easily get complacent and complacency is the enemy of progress.

Refinery 29 feature: What???? This is crazy!!!! As I jumped up and down. Being sold on nylon's website: What???? how do they even know we exist? This is the coolest sh*t ever.

Being sold on Urban Outfitters: I got in the shower and prayed. Thank the Universe for another chance in pursuit of my goals. Being featured on The Bethanny Show: I'm going to be on TV???? My mom is going to freak out. I hope TV doesn't pack on an extra 10 pounds. 

One quote you live by? Happiness is a choice.