Festive Glam: Beauty Advent Calendars to Celebrate the Season

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Every day brings us closer to holiday cheer! If you’re a Merrymaker you’re probably counting down the days and thinking of the perfect gifts for friends and family.  This year, there are tons of amazing makeup and beauty gifts to choose from, but the makeup advent calendars are a big hit for the festive fanatics. 

A Daily Dose of Beauty

Makeup advent calendars are perfect for those who love a little self-care each day. Top beauty brands like MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, and NYX are bringing delight to makeup enthusiasts with bold lipsticks, eyeshadows, and skincare treats. MAC Cosmetics 24K Limited Edition Holiday Advent Calendar features best selling products and fun new colors. The NYX calendar is Home Alone themed, creating a moment of nostalgia for makeup lovers. And Charlotte Tilbury’s calendar will dazzle your giftee with ornate designs, jewels, and lots of wondrous goodies inside. 

Joy in the Little Things

Sometimes it’s the small stuff that makes life beautiful. The advent calendars give makeup lovers a chance to experience the magic of Christmas in compact sizes. Behind each door lies a miniature product. Gift the gift of variety with lip glosses, oils, shimmery eye shadows, perfumes, beauty bars, candles, and skin care favorites. With these limited edition calendars, exclusive launches, and products ranging from affordable to high end, there’s something for everyone. 

Whether you’re shopping for someone new to the world of beauty or the seasoned makeup aficionado, a makeup advent calendar is the perfect way to make every day in December a celebration of beauty and joy.

Let the countdown begin!

Fall Self Care Challenge

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Ladies – There is plenty to do in the fall and less time to do it! It’s time to swap out the wardrobe, put up some new decorations, and prepare for the holiday festivities. But as the temperatures drop, don’t forget to cool off with some self care. 

Yes! Carve the perfect pumpkin, and while you’re at it carve out some extra time for rest and renewal. This simple guide will show you how to unwind during this beautiful season. 

Are you up for the challenge?

#selfcarechallenge

Drink a fall beverage

Sip on a warm drink like chai, hot cocoa, or pumpkin spice latte—indulge in those fall flavors!

Go on a nature walk

Take a stroll through a park or forest to admire the changing leaves and breathe in the crisp air.

Take a Long, Relaxing Bath

Soak in a warm bath with calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus.

Unplug for a day

Take a break from your phone and social media to focus on being present.

Wear something cozy

Put on your favorite cozy sweater, leggings, or fuzzy socks for a feel-good day.

Read a book

Curl up with a novel or self-help book that you’ve been meaning to read.

Create a fall playlist

Make a playlist filled with songs that put you in a cozy, relaxed mood.

Practice gratitude

Write down 5 things you’re grateful for this season.

Get a fall-scented candle

Light up a cinnamon, pumpkin, or apple-scented candle to bring the fall vibes into your home.

Do a yoga flow

Find a calming yoga routine to help you stretch and relax.

Bake something seasonal

Whip up a batch of cookies or a pie using seasonal ingredients like pumpkin or apples.

Meditate outdoors

Find a quiet spot outside and enjoy a 10-minute meditation surrounded by nature.

Send a handwritten letter

Surprise someone with a thoughtful letter or card.

Create a fall vision board

Use magazines, Pinterest, or digital tools to make a mood board for the season.

Try aromatherapy

Use essential oils like cinnamon, cedarwood, or vanilla to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Take a 30-minute nap

Recharge your energy with a restful nap in the afternoon.

Watch the sunset

Take time to watch a fall sunset, either from your window or outdoors.

Buy yourself flowers

Treat yourself to a bouquet of fall-colored flowers to brighten up your space.

Practice positive affirmations

Say or write down positive affirmations to boost your confidence and well-being.

By the end of this challenge, you’ll feel rejuvenated, grounded, and in tune with the beauty of fall! 🌿🍂 

Check back in and let us know what you enjoyed most during your self care challenge?  

What tips do you have for others on their journey to health and wellness? 

Fall Skincare Tips and Trends

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“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face.”

John Donne 

John Donne was an English poet and scholar. His writing dates back over 400 years, but his thoughts on the beauty of the Fall still ring true today. The summer and spring are wonderful seasons to play around with makeup and beauty, but the Fall brings about even more chances to try a mixture of color and textures. While you’re trying out your new Autumn foundation with hopes of getting that perfect dewy, matte or sheer makeup look…don’t forget to switch up your fall skincare regimen. 

Ode to a New Season

I’ve heard many say that the fall is their favorite season, but that may not be the case when it comes to skincare. There’s the excitement of football, pumpkin pie, hay rides, and bonfires, but the bad news is that the cooler weather, wind exposure, and lower humidity bring about noticeable skin changes. Your skin is likely to need more moisture to combat dryness and enhance its texture. Your skin might feel flaky and be more sensitive in areas like the nose and cheeks. Oily summer skin can easily transition and require a skincare routine for combination skin. If you’re already using a regimen for combination, you may need to switch to products for dry skin. 

Literarily Gorgeous

The good news is that new products are available for a wide variety of skin types. Here’s your chance to try something new! Give your skin some extra care. Try a new nourishing moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. According to Everyday Health, “the biggest adjustment will likely be to your moisturizing routine, no matter your skin type.” Use an exfoliator and mask to remove dead skin cells. This will instantly refresh your complexion for the fall. Look for products with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or enzymes that exfoliate without stripping your skin of its natural oils. 

Most importantly, don’t think that it’s time to stop protecting your skin. L’oreal Paris says, “During fall, you’ll want to continue applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or greater like the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Triple Power Day Lotion SPF 30.” Use sunscreen and antioxidants like vitamin C to combat environmental stressors like pollution and changing weather.

Read Between the Lines 

In a recent Allure article, Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist says, “It’s minor tweaks that can make a major difference.” Timeless beauty is all about adjusting your routine through the seasons – just like your wardrobe.  As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, you can easily turn the page with these essential fall skincare tips.

Top Makeup Trends for Fall 2024

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This fall, makeup trends are all about classic sophistication and those warm hues that we love during the season. The year is going by fast and it’s already time to refresh your look with some of the hottest fall makeup trends and beauty tips. 

According to Goodhousekeeping.com, makeup serums and tinted moisturizers are here to stay. When the temperatures drop and the coolness hits the air, the skin might require a bit more moisture. Adding a lightweight foundation, blush, and lip serum is the perfect solution.

Speaking of blush, monochromatic cheeks are at the top of the list. This year, nude cream blushes or cool tones can elevate your beauty game. Fall 2024 favors radiant, natural skin with a soft, diffused glow. Cream blushes in peach or mauve tones, along with light highlighters, give the skin a luminous finish. The best part is that they are easy to apply and blend. Think terracotta, burnt sienna, deep burgundy, and rusty oranges. 

Red lips are still in, but other colors like bold plums, deep blue shades, dainty pink hues and metallics are popular too (Vogue Scandinavia). There are tons of amazing new products to try from top lines like MAC, Charlotte Tilbury, Yves Saint Laurent, and Clinique. And if you feel a bit daring, products like Cosmic Yellow Epic Wear Liner Sticks by NYX and Citrus Queen in 02 Citrus by Kim Chi Chic might get you inspired.  

From nature inspired hues to captivating vampy shades and soft glam, there are plenty of new looks to try. These Fall beauty trends are elegant, yet edgy with a fresh and spicy new vibe for the season. 

Celebrate Black Business Month with Style and Flair

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According to Glamour magazine, “More Black-owned beauty brands than ever before are taking on a niche, addressing the specific needs of women of color at a scale beyond makeup.”

This August, during Black Business Month, it is the perfect time to recognize beauty brands that are empowering diverse women by offering authentic new products.

It’s inspiring to see so many inclusive cosmetic lines making their mark in the beauty industry. Celebrate the moment by supporting these iconic black owned beauty brands!

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

Fenty Beauty is one of the most widely recognized celebrity brands. Founded in 2017, the company focuses on ‘Beauty for All’ with a wide range of inclusive products from makeup and hair care to skin care and perfume. Makeup enthusiasts can find their perfect match from over 50 shades of foundation and formulas for every skin type.

Top products include:

  • Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation
  • Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter
  • Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

Shop at fentybeauty.com.

https://www.instagram.com/fentybeauty

Pat McGrath Labs

Pat McGrath is known as “the most influential makeup artist in the world,” according to Vogue magazine. Beauty lovers praise the brand’s high quality, array of bright and bold colors, and clean beauty principles. The company was founded in 2015.

Top products include:

  • Mothership Eyeshadow Palettes
  • Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation
  • Lust Gloss

Shop at patmcgrath.com.

https://www.instagram.com/patmcgrathreal

Beauty Bakerie

Beauty Bakerie was founded in 2011 by Cashmere Nicole. Centered around a vision of clean, quality products and a message of humanity and joy, the brand advocates for kindness and sweetness in life. The makeup and beauty products are delectably themed.

Top products include:

  • Flour Setting Powder
  • Lip Whips
  • Brownie Bar Palette

Shop at beautybakerie.com.

https://www.instagram.com/beautybakeriemakeup

Juvia’s Place

Juvie’s Place is a signature makeup line by entrepreneur Chichi Eburu. The brand caters to African American skin, offering bright, bold, and vibrant colors in a variety of shades.

Top products include:

  • The Nubian Palette
  • Saharan Palette
  • I Am Magic Foundation

Shop at juviasplace.com.

https://www.instagram.com/juviasplace

Black Opal

Black Opal is an award-winning collection known for delivering high quality cosmetics for 28 years. Desiree Rogers and Cheryl Mayberry-McKissack acquired the company in 2014.The brand offers affordable makeup and skincare products for people of color. The line is also dermatologist approved. 

Top products include:

  • True Color Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation
  • Even True Perfecting Foundation
  • Invisible Oil Blocking Powder

Shop at blackopalbeauty.com.

https://www.instagram.com/blackopalbeauty

Huge applause to these top-notch beauty brands!