6 Releases To Add To Your Beauty Collection This Month
I can't believe it's already Septemeber. Somewhere one of you is already playing your holiday playlist and drinking a pumpkin spiced latte. Well, even though this year is going by in a flash, we can always be thankful that once our rent and bills are paid, we can treat ourselves to a new beauty product as a reward for adulting (because this ish is not easy). This month, I somehow managed to fill my list with beauty brands with black women at the helm. I didn't set out to do this, which I think is pretty cool!
Here are 6 beauty releases to get excited about this month!
PATTERN By Tracee Ellis Ross
Before I wiped the crust out of my eyes earlier this week, I scrolled through my IG timeline (this is a bad habit I'm working to break) to see that one of my style and beauty icons is releasing a new haircare line called PATTERN September 9th at 9 am ET. Ms. Tracee Ellis Ross says, "@patternbeauty is here to empower and nourish curly, coily and tight-textured hair. 3b to 4c. The formulas are unique and packed with luscious & safe ingredients-trust me I know, because my panel and I tried 74 different samples to get these 7 formulas for phase one." I am here for this and can't wait to give this line a try!
Malaysia X Urban Skin Rx Skin Quench Oxygen Gel Mask
Urban Skin Rx comes highly rated by beauties of color, and their latest collaboration with Malaysia of Basketball Wives is made to "soothe, refresh and clarify skin" in just 7-10 minutes. Made with Hyaluronic acid, this hydrating mask is just in time to help keep the skin balanced as the fall temperatures trickle in.
Pat McGrath Mothership VI Midnight Sun Palette
Pat McGrath's Instagram makes me want to buy everything she makes, but her eyeshadows are one of my all-time favorites because of their pigment and effortless application. Now, this palette is on the pricey side, but depending on how often you use it — it could be worth every penny. The new palette dropped at PatMcGrath.com on September 6th and will release at select Sephoras stores on September 13th.
Beauty Bakerie Spray Your Grace Baking Spray
Setting spray is a must-have to seal in your makeup look. This $18 spray can be used to prep and set the skin and is made with a paraben-free formula that will help the skin appear smooth while keeping your look in place all day.
FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler
Seems like everything Rihanna touches turns to gold, and Fenty Beauty's latest release is no different. The Brow MVP Pencil is getting rave reviews from beauty lovers across the board. Well, what makes this pencil so different? One reviewer noted, "Is this pencil revolutionary? No. Is it great? Yes. But the main reason I will always repurchase this is because of the color deep black." Just like their foundations and concealers, FENTY is thinking about everyone and providing shades many beauty brands leave out.
Pear Nova Gel Lacquer
Thanks to a few Google searches, I found Pear Nova — a black-owned business with stunning nail colors like a nude called "Michelle Our Mama" and gorgeous reds like "Kissu Miss You". This September, Rachel James is preparing to launch a new collection of 10-free gel polishes with metallic reds, blacks, and blues.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here and check out the related reads below:
10 Releases To Add To Your Beauty Collection This Month
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Sorella x FUBU Just Dropped A Capsule Collection
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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
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8 'Low-Pressure' Date Ideas To Bring Connection Back Into Your Dating Life
Tired of “splitting the bill” dating debates? Well, A new trend might just put an end to this discussion for good.
Hinge recently shared its findings from their second annual LGBTQIA+ D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) Report, which showed that modern daters are ditching grandiose dates and trading them in for what’s been coined as “low-pressure dates,” to connect with new people, build trust earlier, and develop deeper, richer bonds.
According to the reports, "An LPD (low-pressure date) allows for a safer and more laid-back environment where daters can gauge potential chemistry IRL before exploring things further."
This isn’t to be confused with low, or no-effort dates. LPDs, instead, are “a relaxed environment with a focus on getting to know one another,” where the focus is more on forming genuine connections and understanding their background and values. Think less about the place and more about the person.
When it comes to low-pressure first dates, many daters prefer to engage in conversations about personal growth, identity, family dynamics, and societal issues. These topics often set a thoughtful and meaningful tone for the date, leaving room to extend it for a longer amount of time if it’s going well.
While this dating style might not be a fit for every single person looking for their next boo, it’s an option to remove the materialistic component of dating and focus on what truly matters, forming a new, lasting, and meaningful connection.
So if you’re ready to switch up your dating style, we’ve put together a few low-pressure dates for your next relaxed, connection-forming rendezvous, no bill splitting required.
1.Stroll Through a Local Market:
Explore a farmer's market or street fair together. The casual browsing can spark interesting conversations and provide opportunities to learn about each other's tastes.
2.Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
Discussing art or exhibits can lead to engaging conversations about personal interests and perspectives. The conversation can have a natural pace of pausing and exchanging notes on the art while enjoying each other’s company.
3.Bookstore Browsing
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Unleash your inner bookworm, browse your local bookstore, and discuss your favorite books or genres. You could even start a mini book club between the two of you.
4.Picnic in the Park
Pack a simple meal and enjoy a relaxed afternoon surrounded by nature. This setting encourages easy conversation and helps you get to know each other in a casual environment.
5.Coffee Date at a Cozy Café
We know how controversial coffee dates can be, but never underestimate the vibes of a chill, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place for meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee or tea and provides the perfect exit if sparks aren’t flying.
6.Walk or Hike in a Scenic Area
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Enjoying nature together can create a peaceful environment for meaningful discussion and shared experiences. Not to mention, you’ll get a boost in dopamine and epinephrine, giving you both a post-walk rush.
7.Attend a Community Event or Workshop
Many cities have endless local events, workshops, or classes that align with an array of interests. What a fun way to connect over a new hobby or skill that you both can walk away with.
8.Explore a New Neighborhood
Take a leisurely walk through a new part of town, discovering hidden gems and sharing your thoughts on what you see. Who knows, it could discover the place for your “how we met” story.
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