![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![I Tried This Melanin-Rich Clean Beauty Brand & It Embodies 'Your Skin, But Better'](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8zMTI4OTU4OC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTc0MTI1MjYxNX0.V3PQsprsbZm87Jb98jinq34ssJSOWkunbVTxMkN4jtQ/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C160%2C0%2C1011)
I Tried This Melanin-Rich Clean Beauty Brand & It Embodies 'Your Skin, But Better'
Clean girl makeup is trending, but unfortunately, Black and brown women aren't being appropriately credited. We're the original wearers of slicked-back buns, glossy lips, and skin gleaming with gentle makeup touches. My clean girl era was largely ushered in by my mom, who wouldn't let me even think about wearing makeup or my hair down until I was 16. Even then, gloss was the only thing I could wear because she always wanted me to love my skin.
As an adult, wearing makeup feels like a chore. On the occasion that I do wear makeup, I want to always look like myself. Think, my skin but better. So when I started to see and hear the buzz around Ami Colé, a brand founded by Senegalese-American beauty expert Diarrha N'Diaye-Mbaye, I wanted to learn more. A brand that is clean and makes complexion products for brown skin girls that are all about letting our skin shine through. Sign. Me. Up.
Of course, I had to put them to the test and share my experience with you. Keep reading for all the deets on Ami Colé.
Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tint
So let's talk about what the skin tint is offering up. For starters, the formula is clean, vegan, and cruelty-free. I know those are three buzzwords that can mean a range of things. But through the brand's Product Philosophy, I learned a lot. For Ami Colé, clean means their products are formulated sans endocrine disruptors (think: parabens, benzophenones, bisphenols, phthalates, etc.) that can disrupt your hormones. A pledge I love.
However, with a direct-to-consumer brand, finding your perfect shade match can be a challenge. But Ami Colé makes it easy by sharing photos of women under each shade. For example, I wasn't sure if I was Deep 1 or 2. But seeing an image and getting a breakdown of the undertones under the picture, I was able to select my perfect match, which was Deep 2, formulated for deep skin with golden or yellow undertones.
I first tested the formula by applying it to my face with my fingers, and it blended into my jawline seamlessly. I continued with a Beauty Blender. Because this formula is made to enhance and not cover up the skin, it felt like I had nothing on. And it played nice with my skin care and SuperGoop SPF.
Bianca Lambert/xoNecole
Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Concealer
Concealer is a staple in my makeup routine because of my hyperpigmentation. So I'm always on the hunt for a formula that doesn't cause breakouts and covers without caking. The Skin-Enhancing Concealer is fairly new to the Ami Colé lineup, but reviewers love it. So I was hoping for the same experience.
At first glance on the website, I loved that they shared two shades for each complexion. If you know your shade in the Skin Tint, they curate your concealer shades. For example, since I was Deep 2, my concealer shades are Deep 2 and Deep 2.5 Finding the right shade for concealing and brightening has always been a struggle for me, and this took the guesswork right out. The formula somehow manages to be lightweight but provides coverage. When applying my concealer, I let it dry down before working it in. As a result, I didn't have to go back in and touch any areas, and I could see my skin through the product.
Bianca Lambert/xoNecole
Ami Colé Skin Melt Loose Powder
I have a cult-favorite powder I don't go anywhere without, but I tried this one in its place. First, let's talk about the packaging. One thing I don't like about loose powders is you can lose product if the packaging has holes that are too large. Ami Colé, said aht, aht, aht. We're not only going to develop a talc-free powder that sets, hydrates (thanks to hyaluronic acid), and doesn't leave skin cakey—but the packaging keeps the fine powder in its place.
The packaging has a screw on the top, a black piece that snaps on top of the powder, and then a mess net that keeps it in place. So you have a trio of product protection. I have to say. I was incredibly impressed with the design.
For me, Ami Colé is a brand I will continue to support. The products live up to their hype. I can't wait to see what they do next!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Bianca Lambert/xoNecole
- Ami Colé Is the Cosmetics Brand for Deep Skin Tones I've Been ... ›
- Ami Colé's Skin-Enhancing Concealer Is My New Everyday Staple ›
- Ami Colé Review: Meet The New Makeup Brand For Melanin-Rich ... ›
- Ami Colé Makes Clean Beauty Products for Melanin-Rich Skin—I ... ›
- Ami Cole Lash-Amplifying Mascara: Five Editors Try—Photos and ... ›
Bianca Lambert is a proud Atlanta native soaking up the Los Angeles sun. She is the founder of Mae B: a stationery company for women of color and a digital content creator on a mission to elevate the voices of women of color everywhere.
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images