Tag: products

Click this tag for a blog page list of all the products shared on IT’S THE LEWK. Product categories include 1. Beauty 2. Cosmetics 3. Makeup 4. Hair and Haircare 5. Skincare

  • 12 Classic Pink and Red Lipsticks for Valentine’s Day

    12 Classic Pink and Red Lipsticks for Valentine’s Day

    Cupid shot me with his bow. I have fallen in love. My love for all things beauty, glamour, and makeup runs deep. I love everything– eyeshadow, foundation, mascara. The truth is I have to say that there’s no beauty product I admire more than gorgeous lipstick. A good lipstick will have you feeling like you’re worth more than just chocolates and roses. A good lipstick can make any outfit pop and appear effortless– especially red or pink lipstick. I have many pink and red lipstick shades that I’ve worn that have ultimately become my favorites and are regulars in my makeup bag year-round (not just on February 14th).

    If you’re looking for ideas for your Valentine’s Day (or night) makeup look, the first thing you should know is you can never go wrong with pink or red lips. They are classic colors of beauty. Just listen to Cupid and wear your heart on your lips and not your sleeves this Valentine’s Day with 12 beautiful pink and red lipsticks for any skin tone.

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    This guide will cover:

    • shades for any skin tone
    • my favorite red/ pink lipsticks
    • classic red/pink shades
    • ideas to complete your Valentine’s Day makeup look

    Favorite Classic Pink Lipsticks

    Bring out your soft and compassionate side with any shade of pink lipstick. These feminine lipstick colors will definitely have you feeling “pretty in pink” and are perfect for any skin tone.

    M.A.C Candy Yum Yum (Pink)

    Candy Yum Yum gives a full-face attitude! It’s a super bright Barbie pink color that is perfect for any Valentine’s Day look. Although Candy Yum Yum is a matte finish, it doesn’t dry out your lips and will have you and your date wanting to pucker up all night long.

    Fenty Beauty Unlocked Stunna Lip Paint (Pink)

    Honestly, any color from the Stunna Lip Paint collection is a must-have. If you haven’t tried the collection yet, this guide will inspire you to check it out. Several shades from the Stunna Lip Paint collection make this list! Unlocked is a vivid pink that you can wear all day. Your lips are guaranteed to be kissable and smooth.

    Fenty Beauty Uncuffed Stunna Lip Paint (Pink)

    This rosy mauve color is so pretty. Lipsticks from this collection have a soft matte finish– so dry lips are impossible! What makes this pink lipstick a classic is its versatility for every skin tone. It appears pink but can also be a pale, purple-ish color.

    M.A.C Flat Out Fabulous (Pink)

    Flat Out Fabulous is a beautiful, bright magenta lipstick with a matte finish. It is a super fun color if you are in the mood to feel fabulous on Valentine’s Day. This shade of lipstick comes from M.A.C’s Retro Matte collection (along with Ruby Woo— another shade on this list of classic pink/red lipsticks for Valentine’s Day).

    Fenty Beauty Flamingo Acid MatteMoiselle (Pink)

    Flamingo Acid is the exception to the rule. It is a lightweight, ultra-slim lipstick that glides on creamy and stays put. I love Flamingo Acid because it defines my lip curves and gives me fuller lips.

    Fenty Beauty Fu$$y Gloss Bomb (Pink)

    If you are not in the mood for lipstick, you can always go with a shiny gloss on Valentine’s Day. The Fu$$y Gloss Bomb is an ultimate gotta-have-it lip stain. Why? It gives a shine like no other & is super hydrating. Fu$$y is the essential finishing touch to a Glossy Valentine’s Day.

    Favorite Classic Red Lipsticks

    If you are passionate about red, you can never go wrong with this classic Valentine’s Day color. These fiery lipsticks will make anyone fall in love! 

    Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink (Red)

    This all-new lipstick has become a new favorite in my makeup bag. I recently received this product from Influenster to review, and I fell in love with its smooth, creamy texture. The Satin Ink is a matte lipstick with a shine finish and is non-drying. (Price + Link)

    M.A.C Ruby Woo (Red)

    I mean… what hasn’t been said about Ruby Woo that needs to be said? We love the woo! It is such a classic lipstick that continues to stand the test of time. It looks perfect on any lip! The Retro Matte Collection from M.A.C truly has some unforgettable shades.

    Fenty Beauty Uncensored Stunna Lip Paint (Red)

    If you are in the mood for uncensored activities for Valentine’s Day, this lip paint is the perfect addition to the equation. The way the Stunna Lip Paint glides across the lips so smoothly will make this universal red irresistible to you (and anyone else for that matter). 

    Revlon ColorStay Matte Lite Crayon (Red)

    Another new lipstick that just got added to my list of favorites. This crayon is 30% lighter than your average lipstick. I primarily use this as a lip liner, but it does give full coverage.

    Fenty Beauty Griselda MatteMoiselle (Red)

    If you are into deep, bold colors, then Griselda is the girl for you. This lipstick shade is not as bright as most colors on this list, but it is still a gorgeous shade of lipstick. Griselda is a burgundy red with a matte finish. Fenty Beauty and Sephora no longer carry this lipstick, but here’s a dupe I found online for $19.

    M.A.C Sheen Supreme (New Temptation) 

    My first M.A.C lipstick ever. All hail New Temptation! I love everything about this lipstick. The color is a fire red that leaves the lips shiny like a pretty penny. Unfortunately, M.A.C discontinued New Temptation, so if you were interested in this red lipstick– you will not be able to purchase it. However, if you are really interested in trying it, there’s a dupe you can try out.

    There you have it. 12 classic pink and red lipsticks you must check out for Valentine’s Day. These shades are perfect for day or night activities. The desire to wear pink or red has never been louder than on Valentine’s Day.

    Sign-up for my newsletter, #TheLewkDigest, to get free product guides to any of the products I mention on the blog.

    Each product guide has

    • Features and Benefits
    • Honest reviews
    • Prices and Store Locations
    • Promotions, Discount Codes, and Coupons

    Express your love for beauty this Valentine’s Day with any of these classic lipstick shades. They are all tried and true!

    Related: Is The New Celestial Odyssey Holiday Palette Worth Trying?

    What are some of your favorite classic or new lipsticks? Have an idea for a shade that should be on the list? Leave me a comment below.


  • Wash Day Routine For 4c Hair Optimal Hair Growth

    Wash Day Routine For 4c Hair Optimal Hair Growth

    Wash days, for me, are all about using the right products for optimal hair growth and hydration. Being a naturalista for eight years has taught me the importance of managing my 4C hair and understanding which products are best for my hair type. If you have ever wondered whether you’re using the best products for your natural hair, you aren’t alone out here. I never imagined I’d be learning how to wash my hair all over again at my big age! In addition, my wash day routine has varied and changed several times throughout my natural hair journey. However, getting my wash day routine to where it is now has made washing my hair less of a nightmare and more of an adventure. The process is all about the products and the routine. As a result, I have developed an effective wash day routine for my 4C Hair.

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Wash Day Routine for my 4C Hair

    1. Scheduling
    2. Detangling
    3. Shampoo
    4. Conditioner
    5. Drying Method
    6. Moisturize & Style

    Scheduling

    I don’t have a scheduled day for wash days. I used to wash my hair every Saturday. But after hair length and growth, the frequency changed to every 2-3 weeks. So, dedicating time for your hair is just half of this battle. In other words, your wash day schedule is subject to frequent changes and moderation. 

    Detangling

    This step takes about 10-15 minutes. Before beginning to shampoo, I section my hair into four parts. Then, I saturate my hair with a Scalp-Foaming Pre-Cleanse to gently remove any knots, mats, tangles, and product dirt buildup. I never attempt to detangle without saturating my strands first. So now my 4C kinky coils are now ready for the shampooing process.

    Shampoo

    After I comb and rinse out the Scalp-Foaming Pre-Cleanse with a detangling comb, I use Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo to nourish my tresses. Then, I lather a generous amount of shampoo in my hands, and massage the shampoo down the length of each coil and rinse. Therefore this process takes approximately 10 minutes. 

    Conditioner

    The next step is to gently smooth an Intensive Conditioning Treatment all over my freshly washed tresses. First I gently work it all over my hair with a detangling comb to lock in moisture, and this also helps prevent any hair damage. Then I place a plastic cap over my hair and sit under the dryer for 15 minutes. After rinsing the Intensive Conditioning Treatment, I use a Biotin and Collagen Conditioner for additional hair hydration and rinse after 2-3 minutes.

    Drying Method

    Next I grab a dry towel to squeeze the excess water dripping from my curls. Occasionally, I prepare my hair for styling while it’s still a little damp. Sometimes I will use a blow dryer to finish drying my wet hair. However whichever method I decide to use takes approximately 3-5 minutes. 

    Moisturizing and Styling

    After drying off my hair, I add a leave-in conditioner and start sectioning my hair for styling. Meanwhile, I use Rosemary Mint Scalp and Hair Strengthening Oil to treat my scalp and take care of any split ends. Then, I use Style and Shine Foaming Mousse to flat twist my hair. Consequently I then go to my favorite protective hairstyle is two jumbo flat twists, with a part right down the middle.

    Overall, it takes approximately 60 minutes to complete my wash routine for optimal hair growth and hydration. Consistency and repetition have made this routine become a quicker process. 

    4C Wash Day Routine Products

    Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges (Extra Firm Hold)

    Creme of Nature Argan Oil Style and Shine Foaming Mousse

    Creme of Nature Argan Oil Intensive Conditioning Treatment

    Creme of Nature Argan Oil Strength and Shine Leave-In Conditioner

    Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil

    Mielle Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

    Mizani Wonder Crown Scalp Foaming Pre-Cleanse

    OGX Thick & Full Biotin and Collagen Conditioner

    the LEWK Digest newsletter flyer

    Click to get a product guide to all the products for wash day. The Lewk Digest product guides give details about each product. The Lewk Digest has product reviews, prices, store locations, coupons, and discount codes to make shopping for these products easy. In other words, The Lewk Digest makes shopping easier.

    How long does your wash day routine take? What are your wash day secrets and products that you like to use? Let me know what your wash day is like and what products you’re using in the comments!


  • Starting The New Year With Hope And A Radiant Glow

    Starting The New Year With Hope And A Radiant Glow

    I am full of hope about what’s to come next for me this year.

    As I reflect on 2021, I realize that I spent a lot of time building my brand and not enough time taking care of myself. My two-week break taught me that I am too much of a control freak, I should stop putting expiration dates on everything, and I still struggle with setting unrealistic expectations. No wonder I was burned out by the end of the year. I was putting too much pressure on myself, but I’m grateful I realized it before continuing to carry that energy into 2022. What I needed was a work/life balance. I want to secure the bag and the happiness at the same time.

    Although I did not find that balance last year, my goal is to accomplish that this year. I wrote down and set realistic goals, worked out a strategy to execute them, and prayed over each one of them. I have a plan for self-improvement, business growth, gratitude, and I have

    new hope in a jar.

    This radiant revelation started with my hope in a jar.

    What is the radiant Hope In A Jar?

    The Lewk Digest is your go-to newsletter to owning your look. The Digest has a product guide to Hope In A Jar ! If you want to try out the product mentioned here on the website, check out The Lewk Digest. These guides are put together to help make shopping easier. Each product guide has

    • Features and Benefits
    • Honest reviews
    • Prices and Store Locations
    • Promotions, Discount Codes, and Coupons
    the LEWK Digest newsletter flyer

    I use it only in the mornings after cleaning and treating my skin. It’s soft and smells great. My skin is already showing signs of radiance and clarity. It’s routine maintenance and self-improvement. Hope In A Jar and I get along great. It’s given me what I needed to start again (or to keep going).

    2022 is all about hope.
    2022 is all about optimism.
    2022 is all about renewal.


  • A Special First Look At Influenster Rimmel London Voxbox

    A Special First Look At Influenster Rimmel London Voxbox

    Disclaimer: Heads up! My posts contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thanks!

    Rimmel London

    Rimmel London Voxbox Contents

    My Thoughts About the Rimmel London Voxbox

    I tried both products from the Influenster Rimmel London voxbox and have strong feelings about each one. #1: wasn’t too fond of the Lasting Finish foundation. It was very smooth and soft on my skin; I forgot that I had makeup on throughout the day. I don’t like that it promotes itself as a full-coverage foundation because it does not give full coverage. However, the Lasting Finish foundation is buildable. I had to do concealing and contouring to get it to cover all of my dark spots and blemishes. I can’t say how I feel about the Rimmel London Wonder’Serum yet. I’ll continue using it before giving my final opinion. However, I believe it will help my lashes and brows grow naturally.

    Influenster Rimmel London Voxbox Unboxing Video

  • 3 Cute & Easy Hairstyles Using Headband Wigs

    3 Cute & Easy Hairstyles Using Headband Wigs

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll get a small commission, which helps to keep the lights on! Thank you!

    Who doesn’t love cute and easy hairstyles?

    Wigs and braids have made styling my curly hair less of a struggle. I love using wigs and braids to switch things up. Wigs are a preferred protective style because they are generally quite simple to wear and don’t require much maintenance. After reading reviews online about different wigs, I decided to try a new style that I’d never heard of before: headband wigs.

    Here’s why…

    krissy bri wearing cute and easy hairstyles with headband wig

    More About Headband Wigs: Cute and Easy Hairstyles

    • Additional headbands and hair accessories
    • Iridescent cosmetic bag
    • LuvMe Hairclip
    • Bobby pins
    • Wig Cap
    • Wig Care Instructions
    • Hair Wrap
    • Edges Brush
    LuvMe Hair is an affordable luxury wig company with quality hair.

    The wig came with everything that I needed to style it. I put this wig on and styled it in less than 15 minutes! So, let me show you how I did it.

    Keep scrolling to reveal the long headband wig and easy hairstyles you can recreate using headbands.

    To Achieve Cute and Easy Hairstyles Using Headband Wigs, You’ll Need

    • wig cap
    • wig w/ clips and headband straps
    • extra headbands and accessories for styling
    Wearing the headband wig with one of the extra headbands that it came with.
    Headband Hairstyles: Wearing the LuvMe Hair headband wig as it is (kinky curly)
    Headband Hairstyles: Wearing the headband wig with a middle part and headband.

    Wig Hairstyles Are Easy To Achieve!

    I honestly love everything about wearing headband wigs as a protective style. It’s perfect for someone like me who loves convenient, cute, and simple hairstyles. I can still look cute while protecting my natural hair and my edges. It is so versatile and gives plenty of inspiration for switching up my hairstyles whenever I want. I’ve finally found the ideal protective style for me.

    Rating: 5 out of 5.

    I believe that the headband wig could help any naturalista looking for protective hairstyle solutions and inspiration. It is not too good to be true, ladies! You can achieve this simple look too!

    Watch my LuvMe Hair Headband Wig Tutorial and Review on Youtube

    What do you think? 

    Comment with some of your favorite time-saver protective hairstyles below!

    Check out more beauty and haircare posts:


  • Is The Celestial Odyssey Palette Worth Trying?

    Is The Celestial Odyssey Palette Worth Trying?

    Hi friends! I have been keeping a HUGE secret from you all for a few weeks now, and I am very excited that I can finally let the cat out of the bag. I can not tell you how stoked I am to be sharing this post! The Mothership Mega Celestial Odyssey palette from Pat McGrath Labs has arrived! YES, friends! I got the chance to be one of the first to try this palette before it hits the shelves (the palette from the Celestial Odyssey collection launched 9/24). I received this product complimentary from Influenster, in exchange for my honest opinion.

    This blog post is my official review of the Mothership Mega Celestial Odyssey holiday palette. In this review, I will be getting into all the shades, swatches, and sharing a look I put together while using the palette.

    Pat McGrath celestial odyssey palette

    Celestial Odyssey Palette from Influenster

    The products that I get to review each month are sent to me from Influenster. I was selected for the Pat McGrath Labs campaign and asked to share my honest thoughts. Product reviewers and influencers on Influenster get sent surveys to qualify for campaigns. I never know what is going to show up in my mailbox or doorstep. I could not contain the excitement I felt when I found out that I was receiving this palette. Before I get into the details of the Celestial Odyssey palette, I want to share another secret.

    Get ready for this! You might need to sit down for this one.

    You can review products on Influenster and receive free products, too. Use my code to sign up and start filling out surveys and reviewing products.

    I have heard nothing but amazing reviews about Pat McGrath Labs, and I have always been interested in purchasing products from this brand. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Celestial Odyssey palette is my first Pat McGrath product ever. It’s surreal that I get to use this palette as my introduction to the brand. The Mothership Mega Celestial Odyssey palette is from the brand’s 2021 holiday collection released on 9/24.

    This palette value retails at $78 online and was the first product from the collection to become available for purchase. The Celestial Odyssey palette has 18 beautiful shades. The Celestial Odyssey palette from Pat McGrath Labs beams beyond the spectrum in an array of supernova gemstone-inspired shades presented in a cyber bronze starscape balanced with warm and cool tones. Each eyeshadow color consists of creamy textures in five different finishes: sateen shimmer, 24k duochrome sparkle, foiled metallic, velvet matte, and iridescent sparkle.

    You can watch my YouTube video for a deeper look into each shade in the Mothership Mega Celestial Odyssey palette when it premieres, this Sunday, October 17th at 12 pm central standard time. In this video, I will be discussing my thoughts on the palette and sharing how I achieved my first Celestial Odyssey look. I have so many ideas for these eyeshadow shades! You can count on me to create more holiday looks with this palette during the fall and winter seasons.

    My Review Look

    After swatching and playing around with these beautifully stunning hues, I couldn’t wait to try on a few of them. I decided to pick four colors that I loved from the “swatch reveal” and get creative with them. My application process was very random and spontaneous! I just wanted to throw something that I thought might look good together. If you want to recreate this look at home, I will share the colors I used below to achieve the look I created in my YouTube video:

    • Lunar Haze 
    • Noir Moon
    • Solar Flare
    • Lotus Luxe 

    Now for my final thoughts…

    The verdict is that this palette is EVERYTHING, and it is absolutely worth trying! I did not know that Pat McGrath Labs was coming like this. This palette is AMAZING. I was not disappointed. Since this product was my introduction to this brand, I will say that I don’t think it was too hard for me to be pleased. I have always expressed an interest in purchasing products, and I’ve heard nothing but great things online and from friends. I think this review will be the first of many about Pat McGrath Labs. I will be trying out some other beauty products, and I know I will continue creating more looks using the Mothership Mega Celestial Odyssey palette. 

    lewk digest cover

    Sign-up for The LEWK Digest to get detailed honest reviews from me! I review all the products mentioned on the website. Get them delivered directly to your inbox today.

    What do you think about the Mothership Mega Celestial Odyssey palette?

    Will you be purchasing this palette after reading this review?


  • 6 Best Thrift Store Fashionable Finds

    6 Best Thrift Store Fashionable Finds

    I recently went shopping to find some cute little summer outfits to take pictures in. Thrifting is one of my favorite ways to pick up fashionable threads for less. Whenever I need to search for statement pieces for a photo shoot, something to wear while vacationing, or maybe for a summer event like a barbecue, I can always count on finding unique threads at the thrift store. During my recent shopping experience, I found six creative and trendy looks for the summer. I traveled to three different stores (two Goodwill Stores and one America’s Thrift Store) and found six cute outfits under $20 each! I was impressed that I was able to find clothes that have never been- worn before. Markdowns on items already marked down! I even found a great pair of gently used shoes!

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  • 5 Proven Tips For Starting Your Online Store

    5 Proven Tips For Starting Your Online Store
    Photo by Ann Nekr on Pexels.com

    You have been crafting for some time and now feel it is time to start selling your masterpieces, but you have no experience running a business. You aren’t sure where to start and the whole thing feels a bit overwhelming at the moment. You’re interested in starting an online store but not sure where to begin.

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  • Which Gingerbread House Kit Is The Best?

    Which Gingerbread House Kit Is The Best?

    I hope the holiday season has brought peace and joy to you and your family. I know that the season has not been ideal for my family and me, but we have managed to create new traditions this year, with a little help from Walmart and their Gingerbread House Kit. Well, more like their brownie kit. I have never made gingerbread houses or men before.

    I’m finding new ways to spread Christmas cheer by starting new family traditions. When I saw these holiday baking projects on Pinterest, I was excited to introduce the idea to my family. Next, after they got on board, we chose our family baking project together. Additionally, I asked a few of my followers on social media for their votes on each project and the brownies WON! I picked up our easy-to-use brownie kit from Wal-Mart and brought it home to bring lots of warmth, love, and laughter to our home.

    Gingerbread House Kit from Wal- Mart

    Great Value Gingerbread Man Brownie Kit, 15.68 oz:

    • Makes about 8 brownies
    • Includes all of the dry ingredients and decorations needed to make gingerbread man brownies
    • Easy to follow instructions provided on the box
    • Create delicious, rich brownies that friends and family are sure to love

    Contains wheat. May contain traces of milk, eggs, cod, salmon, and coconut.

    My son Landon and I enjoyed baking these brownies together. I must admit that I was a little nervous about how “into this” he was going to be. Being a boy mom you never know what you will get when it comes to the things that boys like and dislike to do. I recorded a video of us baking our wonderful gingerbread brownies and you can watch it below. The Gingerbread Brownie Kit from Wal-Mart can be purchased in-store or online and includes a gingerbread cookie cutter, icing, and sprinkles.

    Merry Christmas!

    Thank you for joining us in creating our first mother and son holiday tradition. We are wishing you a jolly Christmas and a prosperous New Year! Be sure to keep following us for more content in 2021!

    What holiday traditions did you create this year? What traditions did you manage to keep or modify? How will you be keeping your season bright? Let us know in the comments below.

    Check out more baking recipes:


  • The Complete Guide To My Skincare Routine

    The Complete Guide To My Skincare Routine

    I get compliments and questions on what I do to maintain clear skin all of the time. I’m usually a modest person, attributing it to drinking more water and staying indoors, but I must be honest. I do have a skincare routine. Every 3-4 weeks, I follow a simple three-step process, and I will sometimes add more products based on acne breakouts or hyperpigmentation. The steps that I am going to share with you are instrumental in cleansing, correcting, and moisturizing your skin. They are easy to follow, should also be easy to stick with, and are results-driven, no matter what your skin type may be!

    There are products for all skin types, so before you begin taking notes of the products that I use, please remember that my skin type is considered to be normal. The products that I use are universal and can be absorbed into most skincare routines. I encourage you to look at all products that are going to address your concerns and will be something that you can use regularly.

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