On her debut album,CTRL,SZA crooned about her desire to be a “Normal Girl.” Now, nearly eight years since its release, her Not Beauty line represents her commitment to existing outside of traditional beauty norms.
The singer whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe first teased the idea of a lip gloss line during Super Bowl LIX in February, noting that the release would be happening “very shortly.” Not Beauty debuted simultaneously with the Grand National Tour, which she co-headlines with Kendrick Lamar, in Minneapolis on April 19.
Each Not Beauty pop-up would offer fans the opportunity to purchase the glosses, learn more about the brand, and have the opportunity to meet the superstar in the flesh regardless of their ticket status.
During the Los Angeles tour stop, which spanned three dates on May 21, May 23, with the finale on May 24, xoNecole had the opportunity to test out the glosses included in this soft launch, as SZA revealed in a statement that "this is just the start of other lip products, including plans to launch stains, liners, and creams all inspired by SZA's “infamous layered lip combinations.”
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So, what is included in the first Not Beauty launch?
The current Not Beauty products available are lip glosses that come in three shades: In the Flesh, Strawberry Jelly, and Quartz.
During my visit to the first LA Not Beauty pop-up activation, I not only had the chance to purchase all three glosses but also took a peek inside the blow-up log tent. Inside, fans got to experience SZA’s love for nature and her fascination with bugs, which are prominently featured in her performances for this tour. At one point, she even had human preying mantis prancing across the stage y'all.
There were blow-up photos of the beauty that is SZA for fans (myself included) to take photos, but in wooden-like tree trunks were a deeper dive into some of the ingredients featured in her products and their benefits.
For example, the glosses feature Hi-Shine Lip Jelly and Shea Butter as key ingredients and some of the listed benefits included are:
- Shea Butter - “A powerhouse ingredient, offering both functional and nourishing benefits.”
- Hi-Shine Lip Jelly (featured in the In the Flesh shade) - “Formula glides on with perfect adhesion to the lips without stickiness).
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What are in the products?
Featured in an orange package, with images of a bug and flower on the side, the back of the box reads: “It’s NOT BEAUTY, it just works. Developed by Solána “SZA” Rowe.
As someone who never leaves home without a good lip gloss, I loved how compact the wood panel packaging is. Perfect to slip into my purse, or in the case of the show at SoFi Stadium, into my pocket when I’m not carrying a bag.
Because I’m a sucker for a good black and brown lip liner and clear gloss combo, I decided to wear the Quartz flavor on night one of the Grand National Tour LA stop, and it did not disappoint. I’ll admit, it’s light weight feel made me nervous because it felt like there was nothing on my lips. However, when I checked my lips in my compact mirror several times throughout the night, I was shocked to find that my gloss was still intact. I only reapplied once out of the habit of looking cute and applying my gloss, but not necessity.
Here are some of the ingredients featured, but not limited to, in the Quartz flavor.
- Polyisoubutene
- Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)Butter
- Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
- Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
- Tocopherol
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Lip prep
I’m a simple girl who loves to stay true to her roots. So ahead of the show, I stopped by a local Inglewood Beauty Supply store and grabbed a Black and Brown shade lip pencil for just under $2 a piece.
Shading the outline of my lips with the black pencil first, I used the brown to lightly fill the inside of my lips before applying my Quartz Not Beauty shade gloss.
How to apply
There’s truly no right or wrong way to apply lip gloss (in my opinion), with this being a brush applicator sort of product, I simply untwisted the top and swiped the gloss around my top and bottom lip generously.
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Results
Again, my Not Beauty Quartz product stayed on my lips from the start of the show, which began with a fire DJ set from LA’s very own, Mustard, to the conclusion when Kendrick and SZA reunited on stage to send us home to their duet, “luther,” featured on the rapper's GNX album.
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From PA to Powerhouse
Tyka didn’t come from a design school background—instead, she got her start as a production assistant on a home makeover show, learning everything on the job. That hands-on experience, along with her work on Queer Eye, helped her hone her collaborative skills and appreciate the emotional impact of design.
“I didn’t really realize it before, but when you see someone come into their newly transformed home for the first time and just fall to their knees in tears, you realize how deep it goes.”
TikTok to TV
Her journey to hosting her own show started where many modern stories do—on social media.
“I started posting interior design content on TikTok three years ago, which is actually what led to me getting my own show. TikTok totally changed my life,” she said.
Her comment section quickly became a hub of people who wanted beautiful homes but had no clue where to start. That realization helped her shape the mission behind Design My Space—empowering everyday people to create spaces that truly reflect who they are.
Big Impact, Small Budget
If you think you need a big budget to get that “Pinterest-worthy” home, think again. Tyka’s design philosophy is all about making the most of what you have. Her top tips?
“The biggest tool in our arsenal is paint. It’s probably the least expensive with the biggest impact. I also always tell everybody to hang curtains all the way to the ceiling and make sure they touch the floor—it instantly makes your space look more expensive and glamorous.”
She also recommends being strategic about where you splurge: save on rugs, but don’t be afraid to invest in art and lighting.
“Art is something you can have with you forever. And lighting is the most important element to the space for me.”
“The biggest tool in our arsenal is paint. It’s probably the least expensive with the biggest impact. I also always tell everybody to hang curtains all the way to the ceiling and make sure they touch the floor—it instantly makes your space look more expensive and glamorous.”
Designing with Identity
At the heart of Tyka’s work is the idea that your space should feel like you—not just a recreation of a TikTok trend.
“I see so many homes that lack personality and individuality. If we can bring your heritage into it—your ancestry, your favorite movie, a place you’ve traveled to—that’s what makes a space actually cool and different.”
That intentionality is especially important as a Black woman leading in a space that has often lacked diverse representation.
“I’ve always loved interior design since I was a kid and didn’t see many people at all that looked like me in the space. So it’s special to be in this position and inspire others. I think we’ve always been tastemakers in beauty, fashion, and design—it’s nice to finally get that recognition.”
The Beyoncé Dream
When asked what celebrity home she’d love to design, her answer was instant.
“Beyoncé. Beyoncé. Beyoncé is the only answer," she exclaimed. "I’d love to do her creative space—where she writes music or records. Somewhere that feeds her energy.”
The Emotional Blueprint
Design isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about how you feel. Tyka urges people to decorate with emotion in mind.
“Ask yourself, how do you want to feel at home? Joyful? Relaxed? Energized? For me, I want to feel peaceful, so I use a lot of closed storage to keep things clutter-free. That helps ease my mind and anxiety.”
As for creative blocks? They’re not even on her mood board.
“I’ve never experienced a creative block. Every project is new, and every person is different. That inspires me to keep pushing the boundaries.”
Design My Space Tyka Pryde is now streaming onBET Her andBET.com. If you’re ready to rethink your space—and your sense of self—Tyka Pryde is the name to know.
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