Hi everyone, Shreya here! I’m so excited to be doing this post! Growing up as a brown girl, it was hard learning to love myself and being appreciative of unique features. Makeup and beauty has truly changed my life and confidence forever. It’s taught me to feel more comfortable in my own skin and to enhance the amazing ethnic features I have! Today I am going to be sharing all of the beauty products I use. Skincare, shower products, makeup- you name it. Beauty isn’t a secret that should be kept, so keep scrolling to learn some products I love as a brown girl!
*Every item will be linked too!*
Skincare
For the longest time, I had dealt with stubborn bumps on my skin and hyperpigmentation from pimples. As I continued my skincare journey, I learned that less is more. I went from using 7 products on my face daily to only 3!
Additionally, I shave my face with a facial razor about once a month. I used to wax my face, but it kept breaking out my skin. But, shaving is so much easier, much more painless, and doesn’t break out my skin! And, to debunk the myth, no my hair does not grow back thicker.
Cleanser: I use this CeraVe Cleanser twice a day and it does wonders for my skin! It’s simple and to the point. It also removes any excess makeup, which I love.
Moisturizer: I dealt with eczema on my eyelids during my freshman year of college and the Cetaphil Moisturizer is the only thing that worked for me. My skin was also constantly dry because my acne topicals were drying it out. This moisturizer is so thick and locks everything in!
Sunscreen: The SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen is my favorite sunscreen, especially because it’s clear and doesn’t leave a white cast. It’s easy to work with and it feels so light on my face. It’s pricey, but so worth it. Make sure you’re using two fingers worth of sunscreen!
Lips: I’m an Aquaphor girl at heart. I have one in my room, work bag, and backpack! I’ve dealt with dry lips my whole life and I used to use Vaseline up until last year. I noticed that Aquaphor locks in the moisture more, whereas Vaseline just feels like a protective layer.
If I’m experiencing pimples:
PanOxyl: I get small bumps on my forehead after getting it threaded, and after using this for two days, the bumps are gone!
Hero Pimple Patches: These patches work so well, especially on white heads!
Body Care
To exfoliate, I recently started using this African Exfoliating Net and it’s already made a difference. My skin is so soft, and in the past, I’ve dealt with bumps on my back. This net was made to easily clean your back, and now it’s so smooth.
I also use the famous TreeHut Exfoliators before I shave my legs. They work well and last a long time.
I use the EOS Shave Cream for my legs because the scent is not too strong. I have sensitive skin so I can’t use anything too strong. I’ve always been hairy (started waxing in 5th grade), so my hair grows back overnight when I shave it. I started using mens’ razors and because I’m able to get a closer shave, my hair doesn’t grow back as fast. While I’m still in the shower, I use the J&J Baby Oil on my legs because they get really dry and itchy after I shave them. I use coconut oil mixed with Aveeno Body Lotion after I’m out of the shower to really hydrate my skin. If I’m feeling extra itchy, I go in with my Cetaphil lotion because it is really thick and hydrating.
Makeup
My everyday look is way too simple, so I’ll be sharing with you my full glam look as well!
Everyday:
Eyelash Curler: I look so much more awake just with my eyelashes curled! Unfortunately, the exact one I use no longer exists because I bought it in 7th grade, but I did get a Sephora one. When purchasing an eyelash curler, make sure you get one that works with your eye shape. I have almond shaped eyes, so my lash curler works with it. If I were to use an eyelash curler meant for round eyes, it wouldn't work well at all.
Mascaras: I use two mascaras; the Lash Paradise one and the Telescopic. Lash Paradise volumizes and Telescopic lengthens. I don’t ever have to wear fake eyelashes because these two get the job done!
Kajal: I use the MamaEarth Kajal. It doesn’t smudge and it is very buildable!
Blush: These are my two favorite blushes- The Rare Beauty Blush in Love and the Glossier Cloud Paint in Storm. Both of these shades look so beautiful on darker skin tones. I absolutely love maroon or terracotta blush tones on brown skin. Pink looks really "fake" on my skin and doesn’t blend well, but these blushes look so natural.
Setting Powder: I use the Airspun powder and it works wonders. It sets everything well and is very translucent. I used this everyday in India and my makeup lasted all day!
Lip Gloss/Balm: I discovered Summer Fridays after the founder spoke at a Conference hosted by one of my college organizations. I love the Lip Butter Balm. It’s very natural and hydrating. I use the shade Brown Sugar because I have darker lips.
Full Glam:
Just as a note, I use all the products in my full glam that I mentioned in my everyday look! For Primer, I use the SuperGoop Sunscreen!
Color Corrector: I never used to use color corrector before, but my friend got me the Live Tinted Huestick in Origin and it’s been a game-changer in my makeup routine. I struggled with my concealer looking ashy before, but now everything blends in perfectly!
Concealer: I use the Laura Mercier Concealer in 5N. This shade is actually a little too dark for me, but after I use foundation, it blends in well. Also, this shade perfectly matches my forehead because my forehead is darker than the rest of my face! This concealer is also super creamy and has buildable coverage.
Liquid Foundation: NARS has some of the best shade ranges for brown skin. I use the NARS Radiant Foundation in the shade Tahoe. It’s very buildable and a little goes a long way.
Powder Foundation: This was my first big-girl makeup product I ever received. And, it’s the MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC45. This powder has great coverage, and some days I’ll wear this with my daily makeup if I want to add a little more.
Eyeshadow: I love Morphe for how affordable it is and for how great the pigmentation is. I love the Morphe Cabernet Blush Palette, but unfortunately, it was a limited-edition item and is no longer available. I think pinks and oranges look so great for eyeshadow on brown skin. It’s obvious that there is some eyeshadow, but it’s not too out there when going for something natural. This palette is the closest to it AND it’s only $7! (I think you should buy it)
Setting Spray: This setting spray keeps my makeup in place all day and it’s very hydrating!
Lips: I always go for maroon or a wine color on my lips. I’m really picky with lipgloss and I didn’t even wear it until college because I couldn’t find a shade that went well with my skintone. I hated all the lip glosses my mom tried on me because something always felt off. Now I have two all time favorites! The first one is the Neutrogena HydroBoost Lip Gloss in Velvet Wine. The price is so affordable and it’s very pigmented. As mentioned, I have dry lips and this lip gloss keeps me hydrated! My other favorite is the Dior Lip Addict, but I am just finding out the version I have is discontinued 🙁. In the new version, the shade Intense Rosewood looks the closest to mine. I hope the formula is still the same because I love how pigmented this gloss is. I fell very sick during my freshman year of college, and it made my lips so much darker than they used to be. This lip gloss was the only thing that covered it without my lip color clashing with the gloss!
That's all for now! I hope you enjoyed learning about some of my favorite products. Keep a look out for Nikitha's favorite brown girl products coming soon!