There's nothing that pulls a look together quite like a fire lipstick.
Whether you don a full face to accompany it or simply use it accentuate your natural features, there's no doubting the power of a good pout. And that's exactly why we've rounded up a handful of our fave lippies that we're currently falling over just in time for the new season. And we've got something for everybody!
So if you're more of a vampy girl or you like to keep it cute and classic––scroll on to find your new faves.
The Lip Bar: Bawse Lady
The Lip Bar
It's a known fact that Black girls can wear any color and this brick red is just another example. The Lip Bar's "Bawse Lady" is the perfect go-to for when a run to the store or for a safe (socially-distanced) outing!
M.A.C: Ruby Woo
M.A.C
If you don't have this staple in your makeup bag, then sis what are you waiting for? This classic red looks good on literally anyone, but it's especially poppin' on us melanated women. Get into it!
MAC: Flat Out Fabulous
M.A.C
Staying in the M.A.C family, if you're one of those girls who love a pop of color no matter the season––then this beautiful plum pink is just for you. With its soft matte finish, it's sure to turn heads wherever you go.
Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme: Obsession
Milani
There's a reason why this lippie is called Obsession. With its vibrant, rich hue––you'll be wearing this again and again. And for an added bit of glam, dab a swipe of clear gloss after it dries for a kissable shine.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink: Protector
Fall is right around the corner and the one thing you NEED is a good vampy lip. This dark brown is a universal lewk that turns up the drama to your look with little to no effort.
Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink: Driver
Maybelline
Now before you look at us crazy, trust us when we say this color is IT. If you're looking for a good nude with a soft, non-sticky finish--this is your girl. Just make sure to outline your lips first with your favorite dark brown lip pencil/lipstick and blend for a nice, natural look.
NYX Lip Lingerie: Beauty Mark
NYX
We know it's often hard for us darker brown girls to find a good nude, but NYX definitely came through for us with this muted brown tone. We'd also recommend outlining your lips with a dark brown liner just so your lips can stand out.
NYX Lip Lingerie: Embellishment
NYX
This muted rose pink color paired with a dark brown liner as well will give you that cutesy pink pout that we've all come to admire. And if you want it to look a bit more natural, add a tinted gloss to set the look off.
NYX Buttergloss: Praline
NYX
When Lil' Mama said her lipgloss was poppin', we're sure she talking about this buttergloss. The name is accurate because of how smoothly it glides on and this color is the perfect finisher to any look.
E.L.F Lip Laquer: Clear
E.L.F
I know lipstick may not be for everyone, so for my ladies who like to keep it as natural as possible, this clear gloss is right up your alley. Sometimes a glossy lip just hits different, so you can definitely use this baby to turn your pout from matte to shiny too. (Just remember the clear gloss will take on whatever color your matte lip is, so might wanna keep a couple of these handy.)
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While an evolution is a natural progression that happens as businesses grow, a rebrand is a total change. Lola tells xoNecole, "A total rebrand is necessary when a business’s current reputation/what it’s known for is at odds with the business’s vision or direction.
"For example, if you’ve fundamentally changed what your product is and does, it’s likely that your brand is out of alignment with the business. Or, if you find your company is developing a reputation that doesn’t serve it, it might be time to pump the brakes and figure out what needs to change.
She continues, "Sometimes you’ll see companies (especially startups) announce a name change that comes with updated messaging, visuals, etc. That usually means their vision has changed or expanded, and their previous branding was too narrow/couldn’t encompass everything they planned to do."
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The Brand Doula was born in 2019, and its focus is on putting "the experiences, goals, and needs of women of color founders first," as well as brands with "culture-shifting missions."
According to Lola, culture-shifting is "the act of influencing dominant behavior, beliefs, or experiences in a community or group (ideally, for the better)."
"At The Brand Doula, we work with companies and leaders that set out to challenge the status quo in their industries and communities. They’re here to make an impact that sends ripples across the market," she says.
"We help the problem solvers of the world — the ones who aren't satisfied with 'this is how it's always been' and instead ask 'how could this be better?' Our clients build for impact, reimagining tools, systems, and ways of living to move cultures forward."
The Brand Doula has worked with many brands, including Too Collective, to assist with their collaboration with Selena Gomez's Rare Beauty and Balanced Black Girl for a "refresh," aka rebrand. For businesses looking to rebrand, Lola shares four essential steps.
1. Do an audit of your current brand experience — what’s still relevant and what needs to change? Reflect on why you’re doing the rebrand in the first place and what success would look like after relaunching.
2. Tackle the overall strategy first — before you start redesigning logos and websites, align on a new vision for your brand. How do you want your company to be positioned moving forward? Has your audience changed at all? Will your company have a fresh personality and voice?
3. Bring your audience along the journey — there’s no need to move in secret. Inviting your current audience into the journey can actually help them feel more connected to and invested in your story, enough to stick around as changes are being made.
4. Keep business moving — one of my biggest pet peeves is when companies take down their websites as soon as they have the idea to rebrand, then have a Coming Soon page up for months! You lose a lot of momentum and interest by doing that. If you’re still in business and generating income, continue to operate while you work on your rebrand behind the scenes. You don’t want to cut existing customers off out of the blue, and you also don’t want so much downtime that folks forget your business exists or start looking for other solutions.
While determining whether the rebrand was successful may take a few months, Lola says a clear sign that it is unsuccessful is negative feedback from your target audience. "Customers are typically more vocal about what they don’t like more than what they do like," she says.
But some good signs to look out for are improvements in engagement with your marketing, positive reviews, press and increase in retention, and overall feeling aligned with the new branding.
For more information about Lola and The Brand Doula, visit her website, thebranddoula.com.
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