black owned cosmetics

The Honey Pot Review...I've Been Dying to Post!

Written by Pepper.B

Hey Everyone! I’ve been dying to share my post on the honey pot but to be completely honest I wanted the controversy to die down. I know that seems like more of a reason to offer my insight on the products, however these products served a purpose for me long before the uproar. I wanted to share a review that wouldn't get mixed up in all of what was going on. Can I first say I LOVE feminine products created by women. Not to mention this brand is planted based I WAS SOLD. I started using the honey pot about a year ago when visiting the Essence Beauty Carnival. I started off with a travel size of the sensitive wash, wipes and spray. I used the travel size until it was completely finished. Surprisingly it lasts a decent amount of time for a travel item. The product is very concentrated and does not feel watered down at all. There is no need to pump your life away because the product foams and does lather a lot. I am normally pretty sensitive when it comes to feminine products however this one gave me no sort of irritation. After purchasing the full sized product in sensitive, I became fond of the wash which then became my go to product. I, in addition, I used the spray for my clothes after dance class before placing them in my bag. The spray isn't meant to be used directly on your lady parts which I prefer. I transitioned in to using the normal wash by accident. I was out of wash and my target only had the normal wash available so I gave in. Initially it felt a little different however, no irritation but I did dilute it some with purified water. Out of the two I do prefer the sensitive however the normally after a few times of use is working just fine. In fact I replenished the normal more then once.  I got an opportunity to meet the founder at the carnival and it was very nice to see how passionate she was about her product!

I rate the sensitive 4.5 because this is extremely mild but effective I think this is a great way to start introducing yourself to the brand.

Ingridents: Lavendar, Grapefruit Exactract, Calendula, Apple Cider Vinager + Colloidal Silver .

Price Point: 5.0 out of 5.0

I gave the normal formula 4 out of 5 because the formal is a little bit more concerntated. if you are easliy irritated you may prefer the sensitive formula.

Ingridents: Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinager, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Colloidal Silver + Lavendar .

Price Point: 5.0 out of 5.0

If you are following me on instagram or twitter I talk a lot about the think dirty app. Which is a great way to reseach how clean your natural or plant based products are. Under the think dirty app Honey Pot is listed green for clean based on their ingredient list. Which is add bonus in this review process.

Share your thoughts below in the comments and let me know what you think about honey pot!

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

 
 

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.

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

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.

 
 

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

 
 

“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.

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???

aaaand...

This happened in January.

 
 

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.

 
 

While we wait, we’ll perfect our pout.

Minimal. Never boring.

This New Palette From A Top Makeup Artist Will Make You Aphrodite On Earth

@bufferingbetty

Who Wants To Be A Queen When You Can Be a Goddess!

This is not just another highlight palette. It’s a palette that comes to us mere mortals from pro makeup artist, Danessa Myricks. Her work is impeccable. I could scroll through her Instagram for hours getting inspired whilst wishing she could do my makeup. Every canvass she touches turns humans into goddesses. Her complexion application is unrivaled. You become a source of light. not the highlighter on your cupid’s bow.

Meet The Lightworks Palette from Danessa Myricks Beauty

 
 

This color spectrum. The range! The depth!!!

 
 

The Big Claim: “This weightless, soft, creamy, powder formula is infused with micro light refracting pearls that amplify your natural radiance while offering a sophisticated “lit from within” glow .” (source)

Need to know: $40, Vegan, Cruelty Free
Avaiable at danessamyricksbeauty.com
Shop here

Here is Danessa Myricks centered in this photo alongside two models adorning Myricks skils!

What is incredible about Danessa Myricks is that she showcases beauty of every skin tone. From her work, it is evident that she cares deeply about displaying the beauty of every skin tone.

It’s certainly a quality that we need to see more often!

Could you imagine being this fly and glowy!

Here is some more of Danessa Myricks’ work that just captivating!!!

Danessa Myricks Beauty is a brand that flies a little bit under the radar. It’s not one you see super often on social media. However, pro artists are very familiar with her line! She has a full range of products to do a full face worthy of an editorial shoot!

Myricks makes skin look so healthy!

Aphrodite, Venus, You.

source

#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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The Lip Bar Liquid Matte Lipstick in Bawse Lady

Written by Danyelle V

 

“I started making lipstick in my kitchen because I believed beauty shouldn't compromise health and because I was determined to not change the way I looked to fit into some superficial or trendy beauty standard. Fuck that. There is no standard… Every woman deserves to be represented. So I do this not for the love of makeup, but for the love of women who are unapologetically themselves and the women working up the courage to be.” Melissa Butler, Founder of The Lip Bar

 

There is so much girl power and #blackgirlmagic behind the creation of The Lip Bar and it is simply inspiring. A company started by a woman of color in her kitchen to challenge the beauty industry with the goal of empowering women. My heart swelled with love and pride when I learned about the story behind The Lip Bar. I know I’m not the only geek out here reading a brand’s “About the Brand” or “Behind Our Story” sections on their websites, right? Just take 5 minutes to check out their website and instagram feed, and you will feel all of the passion behind this brand. The imagery is stunning! Each collection is so well thought out and executed. It is obvious that love and fire is what created the brand. I'm just a tad obsessed LOL. Just a tad. 

I will get to the review of the Liquid Matte Lipstick shortly. First, I just need you all to understand that this isn't just a cosmetic company. It is VIBES with a Z, I swear! One of the most innovative features on their website is the Try On section. I believe that cosmetic companies are starting to understand that we increasingly-socially-conscious-millennials value inclusion. Therefore, featuring swatches on various skin tones has become more common on cosmetic websites. But The Lip Bar goes to the next level. Often I find that, for example, lipsticks are swatched on 2-3 skin tones. The Lip Bar gives us SIX! Oh yeah, they also have the option of swatching the lipstick with soft-natural make up or dramatic makeup. They've thought of everything!

 

The formula of the matte liquid lipstick is like silk. It is thin but not runny which makes it easy to control. You can get a fully opaque and even layer in one coat. Until it fully dries, it is a little sticky but that does go away after a few minutes. It does not transfer, but it will break down while eating.

The shade I am wearing is Bawse Lady. This. Color. OMG. I need eight of them. Ms. Melissa, listen, please do not ever, evah, discontinue this shade. This is the bloodiest red I have ever owned. This is that January 20th shade. It’s the shade you wear to your Inauguration day. This is the shade you wear when you are inducted into a hall of fame. Bawse Lady is the shade you wear to that meeting with your boss to show him who is the Bawse. World domination is possible with this shade. That “Don’t test me” shade. Can you tell I’m obsessed? I half wish my hair wasn’t purple so I could wear this shade with my hair down. I have a shadow root so I can pull it off with my hair up. Trust me, purple hair and red lipstick will take me from CEO to court jester real quick. I wear Bawse Lady and I feel like I can command an empire!

Here are some of my favorite pictures from their instagram. The Lip Bar and the message behind it will give you such a powerful  urge to create something of your own. It inspires you to chase and develop your own sense of style. You can really feel the voice of this brand. No questions, they will tell you who they are!

303 Likes, 7 Comments - @thelipbar on Instagram: "You're gorgeous, you're amazing, you're EVERYTHING! This gold metallic lippie gives me the best..."

160 Likes, 5 Comments - @thelipbar on Instagram: "Up close and personal on our beautiful model @hannahdo_! She's rocking our bad ass new lippie,..."

394 Likes, 3 Comments - @thelipbar on Instagram: "She'll never love you like she loves her lipstick. Didn't she tell you that she was a SAVAGE?!"

292 Likes, 8 Comments - @thelipbar on Instagram: "Friday nights are for wine and purple lips! Let loose tonight in the Purple Rain ☔️"

This video is from their YouTube page. They aren't super active on it but this video captures their whole vibe so well. It's fun, sexy, confident. These lipsticks are very high quality and very affordable. While they are a small business, I honestly believe retailers will pick them up soon and you will see them everywhere! So get ahead of the trend!

So which shade are you picking up before you start your empire?

We have an interview with Melissa Butler, founder and CEO of The Lip Bar! She is insightful and her words, like her brand, will inspire you to chase your own dreams. Read the full interview here.