
Melissa Butler Sparks Innovation & Beauty Ingenuity With New Complexion-Based Launch

Melissa Butler is a makeup pioneer. In 2012, when her beauty brand, The Lip Bar, was first launched, it was rare to find lip products bold enough to represent daring makeup enthusiasts, yet subtle enough to complement the range of skin tones for Black and brown customers. For The Lip Bar, the mission was clear: challenge the status quo within the industry and increase visibility for Black women to be seen and understood as their own standard of beauty.
When she first launched her widely popular lipstick line, Melissa was building her plane in the sky at a time where most of the conversations around diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry were still just faint chatter. In 2015, Melissa was coming off of the public "redirection" of her, now viral, Shark Tank appearance. What some have deemed as a moment of rejection, ultimately proved to be a lesson in preparation for life's turning points, "When we had all the love and excitement from Shark Tank, I didn't know what to do with it. We didn't have the proper email flows, we weren't running any ads. I didn't know how to monetize it."
(photo: The Lip Bar)
"When we had all the love and excitement from Shark Tank, I didn't know what to do with it. We didn't have the proper email flows, we weren't running any ads. I didn't know how to monetize it."
Although Shark Tank served as an opportunity to generate awareness for the brand, it's not what Melissa attributes to The Lip Bar's initial growth. While on the show, she experienced harsh criticism from the panel of investors who weren't keen to the vision of her brand. In just five years since the episode aired, the foresight of The Lip Bar's collection of vibrant lipstick colors has proven to be a classic example of innovation before its time. But everything comes back around, and in true full-circle fashion, the brand was able to remain nimble while challenging trends and setting new markers for beauty ingenuity.
Now, Melissa continues to revolutionize the beauty world with the newest addition to her expanding "Fast Face" product line, the Quick Conceal, Caffeine Concealer. In a world where many brands are exploring the diversification of their complexion products with 20-50 shade rollouts, this 6-shade collection of brightening concealers challenges the notion of whether more is actually beneficial for the customer.
(photo: The Lip Bar)
"Everyone is probably going to think we're crazy for launching 6 concealers," Melissa jokingly shares about The Lip Bar's push to simplify the color-matching process for its customers. "The reality is that a lot of brands are launching 20+ shades of concealer but we've learned that it becomes more intimidating for the customer." At its core, The Lip Bar is all about streamlining the makeup process and eliminating the guesswork. Melissa's approach to complexion is all about understanding what universally works for each complexion family so her customers can get their desired look with no expertise needed.
Now more than ever, the attention has been brought to what brands are actually doing to create lasting change for their underrepresented customers. "I'm understanding that in time, things change, the customer's needs change. My job as the leader of the organization is to make sure that I'm always serving the customer." As universal beauty standards advance to be challenged and reimagined, Melissa continues to lead by making space for Black women in the beauty space to be seen as their whole and authentically beautiful selves.
"I'm understanding that in time, things change, the customer's needs change. My job as the leader of the organization is to make sure that I'm always serving the customer."
The inspiration within the formulation.
When she began formulating ingredients for The Lip Bar's newest and highly-requested concealer, Melissa stayed true to the brand's vegan and cruelty-free methodology by infusing avocado and macadamia oils for hydration and caffeine to awaken the under-eye area. "People take caffeine in the morning as religion because that's going to be the one thing that gets them through the day. This concealer is going to awaken your morning and beauty routine because of the caffeine and its brightening effects."
(photo: The Lip Bar)
As an on-the-go entrepreneur, Melissa understands the importance of creating products that make life easier for her customers. The Lip Bar's "Fast Face" philosophy and complexion-based shopping has informed their launches, making the Caffeine Concealer the perfect addition to amp up your morning routines. "It's close to your complexion to provide coverage for whatever blemishes you might have and blends into the skin for a buildable, sheer to medium coverage. "
On what it’s like being a Black business owner in the age of collective uprising.
June was a busy month for The Lip Bar. In fact, according to Melissa, "It was one of the best months for us in The Lip Bar's history." However, the hypervisibility that The Lip Bar and that many other Black-owned brands launched a wider conversation around why "Buying Black" is less of a momentary trend and more of a long-term fight for economic liberation. "I don't want charity dollars. I want life-long customers."
(photo: The Lip Bar)
(photo: The Lip Bar)
"I don't want charity dollars. I want life-long customers."
In the age of social media, our collective attention span is constantly being pulled in different directions, so much that it has become increasingly important to differentiate trends from long-lasting movements. After witnessing the hypervisibility of Black-owned brands peak during the month of June, Melissa saw the need for a space where Black-owned businesses could be easily accessed in order to drive economic empowerment within the Black community. This motivated Melissa to co-found The BLK Pact, a dictionary of Black-owned businesses for people to pledge their allegiance to, reducing the economic deficiency and growing the economic empowerment within the Black community.
This initiative informs individuals on not just how to support Black-owned businesses, but what's at stake if they don't. "There's some alarming statistics out there, one of which says by 2053, the median household wealth could reach zero for Black households. So I know how important it is to make sure that we're focusing on supporting Black-owned businesses, but more importantly, it can't be a trend."
Conversations around diversity and inclusion are being reshaped to go beyond just making products to meet a quota. The goal is for the support of Black-owned businesses to be woven into the fabric of our community and to build awareness through information sharing. "I want to make sure we're going in with intention and longevity in mind. That has been the most helpful and has inspired people to continue on that journey."
To purchase your own Quick Conceal, Caffeine Concealer, click here. And for more of Melissa, follow her on Instagram @melissarbutler.
Featured image courtesy of The Lip Bar.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Aries and Aquarius have an instant attraction and connection with each other. The Aries woman finds the Aquarius man intriguing, intelligent, and even a little mysterious. The Aquarius man sees the Aries woman as confident in her own skin, free-spirited, and someone who is dedicated to love, life, and the relationship.
Aries Woman and Aquarius Man Love Compatibility
There aren’t many faults to this pairing, and this is a couple that can last the long haul if their egos don’t get in the way of the relationship and the connection. Aries and Aquarius are the type of couple to support each other no matter what, and they are also quite playful with each other. These two are drawn to each other and make a happy and dynamic couple overall, as they both try to make the best out of life.
What attracts an Aquarius man to an Aries woman?
Aries and Aquarius are attracted to each other’s energy first and foremost. Although they move at different speeds, they value the energy that each is putting out there and they have a unique synergy together. Both Aries and Aquarius are more yang than yin and this brings a lot of excitement to the relationship. With both of them being more outgoing and free-spirited- this is a fun connection.
Aries is intrigued by Aquarius’ intellect and openness, and Aquarius loves to see Aries shine and take charge. The sexual chemistry between these two is off the charts and they are a couple that isn’t afraid to show how they feel.
What is the relationship like between an Aries woman and an Aquarius man?
The relationship between an Aries woman and an Aquarius man is one where there is always something happening. These two aren’t ones to push things to the side and they confront life head-on. This leaves a unique vulnerability and openness between the two, and the relationship tends to grow quickly. This couple is dynamic, original, and empowered.
Although, with a fire and air sign duo drama is especially likely, and tension can be thick between the two as well if things become shaky. If they can learn to handle minor disagreements when they happen, this will lead to fewer blow-ups in the relationship. Overall, however, these two often just get each other and move through life together well.
What is the sex like between an Aries woman and an Aquarius man?
As mentioned above, the sexual chemistry between an Aries woman and an Aquarius man is one of the best of the best. An Aquarius man does not open up to everyone easily, but something is enticing about Aries to Aquarius and they are ready to risk it all for them. An Aries and Aquarius sex life is passionate and progressive, and Aries tends to take charge here. They like to switch it up and try new things in bed, and their sexual chemistry does not burn out easily. An Aries woman seems to always have energy at her disposal and an Aquarius man likes when Aries takes charge here.
What makes a relationship between an Aquarius woman and an Aries man work?
The relationship between an Aries woman and Aquarius man works because they understand each other on a level that most don’t. Both of these signs value their freedom, independence, and authenticity, leaving enough breathing room for them both to feel comfortable emotionally. This isn’t the type of couple to smother each other, and they often build a strong network of community and friendships around them that they both like to spend time with together. Aries and Aquarius are a fun couple who values each other’s company.
The thing about both Aries and Aquarius is that they are both the type of people to stick up for someone and have someone’s back. This is the type of energy they put into their relationship as well, and they are the type of people to be there for each other through it all. Nothing is too weird or unusual for Aries and Aquarius, and they create a safe space within the relationship for both individuals to feel comfortable opening up, being vulnerable, and living in the heart space.
What may cause an Aries woman and an Aquarius man to break up?
The downfall of this duo is that they are both strong-willed and often don’t see themselves as being wrong or at fault. Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, is a leader naturally. Aquarius despises the idea of following anything or anyone, and will often try to challenge Aries' ideas and perspectives, no matter how innocent they may be. Egos are likely to clash from time to time with this duo as they both have strong ones.
Aries can also be quite possessive over their partners and this is the worst possible thing that can happen to freedom-loving Aquarius in a relationship. They can have difficulty feeling seen by one another at times even though they have many similarities, and when challenges do arise, things can get tricky. Things can get heated between the two, as energies can clash. Aries will want to address any issues head-on, and Aquarius doesn’t want to go there and will prefer to escape or focus on something else entirely. They both tend to have short attention spans as well, which can lead the relationship to trouble if not worked through.
Summary: Is an Aquarius man compatible with an Aries woman?
Aries and Aquarius are one of the best duos in Astrology. Air signs and fire signs often have this unique chemistry that is interesting not only to be in but to witness as well. These two often meet serendipitously and spend a lot of their time keeping up with this type of energy and enjoying their life together. Even if things get stressful, whether that be from life in general or the relationship, there is enough chemistry and connection here to help them overcome these times.
Overall, the compatibility is strong here and even when challenges do arise, the passion and true love is there to help navigate the relationship. This is a couple that wants to have fun, travel, spend time with friends, and be the best power couple they can be. This is a charming relationship where they both encourage each other and help each other grow in many ways. The love is definitely there, and this is a relationship in which they are both willing to fight for each other.
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Featured image by Diamond Dogs/Getty Images
Originally published on March 21, 2023