November was my bday month as I was turning the big 35. I allowed myself to enjoy whatever I wanted as I deserve that level of energy. One item I stumbled upon was the Pat McGrath Celestrial Divinity Palette which if you know anything about the Pat McGrath line their palettes are out of this world great. I have wanted to take a plunge on their shadows as I’m totally devoted to their concealers.
Pat McGrath Celestial Divinity Palette
I will say out of the gate, one of my major pain points is their shipping. I have ordered direct twice as they often have great sales but with that, you will wait for a bit to get your item. If you’re in a rush you will probably have to go through Sephora and get 2-day shipping. If your good with waiting then go forth babe.
The Celestial Divinity palette is a mixture of shimmer, glitter, and matte textures with some warm browns and golds and some gorgeous duo-chrome purples, pinks, and green.
For a limited edition palette, palette material was a bit of a let down as it’s a paper palette versus their normal hard cases. However, I think this allowed for the price to be considerably lower than their norm which is what has kept me from trying coming in at 78.00 on both Sephora and Pat McGrath.com.
The eyeshadows are buttery soft and pigmented. This made me very happy as a newbie to their eyeshadows. With other palettes I have tried sometimes colors can look great in the pan but don’t translate on the skin, especially darker skin tones. I love that you don’t need a lot on your brush and there was very minimal fall out as the worst thing is to have your foundation and concealer on perfectly and eyeshadow falls down.
A festive look I created using the palette
I found myself needing to include my other palettes especially my core MAC palette to get a full look as I’m not one to use all shimmer on my eye looks as it looks a mess. This only works if I am going for an extra shimmer look but I know that doesn’t translate well on me. I prefer how mattes look on me and really anyone as it looks cleaner on the eye especially for everyday use.
I’m the queen of a warm transition shade for my eye looks and this didn’t allow me to be one palette and done. I felt that the 2 matte shades which were brown and pink didn’t provide me what I needed for the pop I was looking for. But both matte shades worked well so that is a plus if I was wanting to use them.
Overall do I feel this is a must-try, no. If you are in the market for a luxurious splurge yes this palette can be that but if your someone who doesn’t wear shimmer, glitter, or color this will become a pretty paperweight or will be in the back of your makeup collection. If you are a dire heart matte neutral girl this isn’t going to make you spring into color unless you’re looking to update your beauty game then this might help you get your feet wet.
I hope this review on the Pat McGrath Celestial Divinity Palette was helpful. Have you tried anything from the Pat McGrath line yet? If so what are your fav items? If not, do you have a wish list of items? Let’s get chatty in the comments!
I want to confess something since we have been in lockdown my motivation to do a fashion post has disappeared. My style is very much feminine formal and I can’t even tell you the last time I wore heels, well maybe back in July for a date lol. But my beauty game has evolved and is still something I still rock. In this post, I’m sharing how you can upgrade your beauty 4 ways to develop your beauty style!
Your beauty style like your fashion should speak to your vibe and voice. Over the years my makeup looks have evolved from being the cake face look to a more natural light bending flow. For many years, I felt kinda trapped in having to wear a full face as I didn’t want any questions as to why.
Now that I’m turning 35, I am wanting to make sure that I max out my beauty time by doing what makes me the happiest. Also taking into consideration I don’t wear a full face of makeup anymore unless I’m filming. With the current state of the world, mask and makeup really don’t go together which means I may wear brows and lashes if I feel like it.
Wearing makeup makes me happy, in a past post, I shared how whatever you do can be meditation as long as there is intention. When I do my skincare or makeup the intent is that I will enhance my looks. It does something to my soul. I now will wear makeup even if I’m just at home because it makes me feel great. And when you feel great, great things can come!
Upgrade your Beauty: 4 ways to develop your beauty style
1.Review beauty and fashion magazines
If your new to developing your own style you may need some help with visuals. Find some magazines, I prefer physical ones or you can do a quick search on Pintrest, and collect 4-5 looks makeup looks that really make you happy.
Now compare them and see what do they have in common. It could be that they are all hyper chiseled or maybe they have that no makeup makeup look. Really hone on what about each draws you to them. This will help you understand qualities you are aiming for.
2. Take a scroll in your pictures
Now that you have been inspired by different looks, it’s time to look at your own looks. Go through your selfies and heart your fav 5-7 looks. Do you notice any trends? For me, I tend to like my looks that either very chiseled out or when I do a very smokey look.
I always like when I do transformations to pull your current state in the mix as you may not need a total makeover but more a subtle tweak. Knowing what you currently love about yourself and your look helps you to emphasize those qualities while making some changes.
3. Review your current beauty stash
Now I love getting new beauty products, however, I will always advocate for checking your current stash before you run out to the stores or order a bunch of stuff. I hate having duplicates of things because that’s money I could have used on something new.
Thinking of the looks you are wanting to create do you have items that will allow you to achieve it already? In a past post, I always advocate for having a neutral palette that suits your skin tone, a foundation and concealer that provides you great coverage, and a solid lip color collection that comprises red, pink, and a bomb nude for your skin tone. This may sound boring but there are so many looks that can be achieved.
If your collection is a bit lacking or you don’t have a collection then this is a great time to create a list of items that will create the look. If you need help, I’m happy tohelp. Ulta and Sephora will be great this holiday season as many brands will create sets that will allow you to make out your beauty dollars!
4. Enjoy your new look
This should be common sense, but now that you have developed your beauty look actually start wearing it. Have a Zoom call or your heading out for errands wear your look. This helps you to get comfortable with executing your vision.
My makeup looks have changed rocking a mask as now I really focus my attention on my eyes. I kinda like it as it gives this very sultry focus. I do miss the days of rocking a nice red lip and winged liner and looking like a pin-up but with life, you must pivot.
Still, need some look inspo? I have these looks that will help you craft a look for summer and also one for the holidays!
I hope these 4 ways to develop your beauty style were helpful. As we begin to move into the new year I think it’s a perfect time to update your look. Now at the young age of 35, I really believe as a woman one of our superpowers is transformation. We hold the power of imagination and then creation. I would love to see the new looks you create. Tag me in your pics on Instagram!
The holiday season this year will be a bit different. As someone wants to make the best of the moments, I wanted to share a festive holiday makeup look for brown girls! Now you may be driving to see family or maybe you are able to safely getaway, make the best of the moment and I’m going to show you looks that can be a hit be it on a Zoom Holiday Happy Hour or with your family.
When I was younger, I use to marvel at one of my cousin’s mother who would no matter who was coming over always fixed up and looked well put together. This always made me want to look amazing as any day that I’m alive is a special occasion. She gave that opulent Diahann Carroll energy no matter how late she may have stayed up the night before to ensure the meal for the day was impeccable.
I created this look that I would personally wear if I was going out to visit. When I think holiday I think festive with shimmer and can be made a bit moody with a dark lip or can be toned down with a nude or pink lip.
Festive Holiday Makeup Look for Brown Girls
So for bday month this year, I really was out there ordering like the world was coming to an end. I saw this Pat McGrath palette was on sale and I had to go ahead and make that happen. For the holidays I’m all for the festive extra look yet make it look flawless. The worst thing to me is to do a bunch of stuff and it clashes unless that was your desire.
Festive Holiday Makeup Look for Brown Girls
This look was very much a freestyle using 3 palettes as I sadly must say the Pat McGrath palette doesn’t have enough matte shades to my liking. I had fun creating this look as it truly was a creative expression. I am true to my matte nude eye looks but we all need a bit of sparkle in our lives! If you are really digging this look let me know in the comments!
Essence x Ulta Beauty Girls Unite in Power Nude- Sadly this has been discountined
I opted for a nude lip as it makes things so much easier especially if your enjoying your meal. No one wants that dreaded half eaten off lip look lol.
Now you can’t complete your look by having a festive mani! I’m colors from the Olive and June Winter Box which makes me happy. Their boxes are the perfect gift for your mani-loving friends or yourself! It provides all the things to create a salon-like mani at home. I love rocking an accent nail and a nice color which just gives a little razzle-dazzle.
Rocking Olive and June Obsessed and Obvi
I hope these holiday beauty looks inspired you to dress up and make this year a great moment. What are your holiday plans? Are you staying at home or you going to see family? I truly believe whatever you do make the most of the moment as you never know what’s coming on the horizion.
My birthday is approaching fast. At the top of each November, I begin reflecting on the lessons of the year. I look at my birthday as the start of my new year. In reflection time, I always find some golden nuggets of wisdom which this year I want to share. In this post, I’m going to share 5 things I would tell my 20 something self. I have lived a life that has been full of valleys and peaks.
I think it’s always important to pass knowledge to younger ladies out in the world. Many lessons in life don’t have to be as hard if you are receptive to others wisdom. I also know many times everyone doesn’t have great wise counsel in their mix.
Being in my 20’s I never lived as I was so focused on making something of my life. I look at the girls now some are full of light energy that I could never even imagine having. Some ladies are already CEOs, mothers, and just the overall kept girl. Now for some of you, this isn’t your life yet. That’s perfectly ok. If you take nothing from this post, I want you to know that your right where you’re supposed to be. Also, don’t rush your journey as it’s covered in gold if you take time to notice it. Now as I am coming up on 35, I am starting to take the time to enjoy the fun times.
Ladies no matter what age you are, you deserve to enjoy the pretty things this world has to offer in a meaningful way. We all have a path and instead of trying to sound or look like someone else, embrace what you have to offer. It took me many years of dark days to truly appreciate who I am. I’m grateful for my smile and the many lessons that I have acquired along the way. Now let’s get into some of those nuggets of wisdom.
5 things I would tell my 20 something self
1. Accept what you can’t or won’t change
I lived in misery for many years trying to edit myself. Too fat, too loud, too outspoken. I worked myself to the ground trying to make myself be what I thought was acceptable. In my 20’s I lost 100lbs but never once enjoyed the victory.
At one of my jobs in my late 20’s, I had a manager who was gosh-awful make a very great point. You must learn to accept you. Review everything you don’t like and ask yourself can I change or will I be willing to change this and if not then I need to own it. This took some time to really sink in, but now I have grown to accept my body, my unique look, and most importantly my voice.
Constantly rejecting yourself destroys your confidence and overall makes you not a joy to be around. Be it in platonic friendships or intimately. You will constantly be on the lookout for someone to validate what only you can. If a partner is your validation, what happens when or if they go?
2. Know your ego
I have noticed a trend that isn’t very attractive in many especially women. We like to feel above others if our egos aren’t kept in check. I find this to happen in certain movements as the desire to appear better than is attractive and quenches our thirst for superiority.
A prime example I have witnessed is in the level up movement. I’m all for making your life better and living your best version of you. However, when it comes at the cost of belittling another woman who doesn’t subscribe to the same redric that you do it’s gross. If knocking another to their knees makes me feel strong then you need to go back to the drawing board.
When your ego isn’t checked we will gravitate towards people and movements that will give us our fix. Beloved your wonderful because of the gifts you are born with. No need to stab another to be seen.
3. Invest in the best that is in your tax bracket
Looking at my items in my home, I don’t like a bunch of stufff as I see it as clutter. I believe in buying the best you can as it will save you when you may not have it to rebuy. I still have the stainless steel pots and pans I first bought for my post-college apartment. They still look good as new after 10 years of constant use.
This applies to everything from your wardrobe, car, and anything you want. I grew up tragically poor and it was often common for me to do without. Once I started making a little money I would go buy up the cheapie clothes and shoes in order to feel like I had a lot. But after a few wears they would break. Then I’m back on the hunt.
Eventually I got rid of cheap items albeit cute for more polished and higher quality items. Now I’m not above buying something that may serve a quick purpose but I believe the bulk of what you have should be quality. Now maybe your not a 6 figure lady yet. No problem, a good Saturday at the thrift store will up your game quickly. I love getting unique pieces from clothes to home decor.
It does something to my soul to enjoy lavish items in my daily life. In a past post, I shared about items you should splurge or skimp on makeup which is one way you can enjoy the best daily.
4. Have fun with beauty
One of the greatest things to me about being a woman is the act of transformation with makeup and fashion. I feel I can express myself without words by the outfit I curate and of course the makeup. Looking back over my 20’s I dabbled in my looks but didn’t stray very much. I wore the same heavy makeup looks thinking it was really doing something.
Now in my 30’s especally with everything going with COVID-19, I have altered my look tremendously. I have fallen in love with a minimal look that allows me to look more youthful and fun!
Also I didn’t stray from certain brands but recently I was sent a gorgeous gloss from So Clear Beauty and I must say diversification of beauty is fun. I received their color Kasmi a gorgeous nude pink that is gorgeous. On my skin, I paired it with a nice brown lip liner and I’m ready to serve.
5. A closed mouth doesn’t get fed
To wrap this thing up, in my 20’s it was crazy difficult for me to speak up and out. Growing up with so much trauma and often being silenced due to the various things that happened to me, I lost my ability to speak my truth and needs.
Ladies if you desire more money, better treatment from those you allow in your life or just to live more grounded you must speak. Your voice and your truth are powerful which is why many try to silence it. Owning my truth about my mental health, my past, and what I need has boosted my confidence. A story that isn’t shared can wither the story holder.
Let’s say there a job you want with a certain salary or you aren’t getting your needs met by your partner say it with boldness and diretly. Passiviy serves no purpose in your life and it can rob the precious life force you have.
I have more of my 5 things I would tell my 20 something self that I will be sharing on my Youtube channel so make sure you head over and subscribe so you don’t miss it. Now I want to flip the mirror on you, what is something you would tell your younger self? Drop that in the comments now!
Have you been feeling a bit down and just not like your normal self? Now we are still in a global pandemic so thats a thing, but with anything in life the ability to bounce back is critical to your life. I want to share 3 ways a staycation can help you flourish.
Over the past few months, I like so many others have been inside their homes working while the world seems to be crumbling. At first I was so pumped that I would hit all my goals and come out this as this amazing successful woman. However, after the shock wore off, my depression hit me hard.
The fears, pains and trauma from the past that was often escaped by way of shopping or doing something was gone. Going to the office which was another escape as it wore me out was also gone. Being at home alone provided a recipe of being very self-aware. After all the baking and eating one’s weight in homeade chocolate cookies or yellow cake with chocolate frosting, the sobering emotions came forth.
As I’m not new to these feelings I tried doing what I had done in the past, keep myself busy, focus on my goals and workout. This time, however they didn’t provide the relief I was seeking. If anything those things pushed even more feelings to the surface.
While scrolling on the gram, a friend posted her staycation pics and it hit me, I miss the ability to be in pretty places as being around beauty always refreshes me. I popped on to a few hotels in my city as I still have an crazy amount of points to use and booked a hotel.
Now I know not everyone can do this as jobs have been lost, your city may not be the greatest spot but if you can just get out for a bit safely it will do your mind so much good.
Now are the 3 ways a staycation can help you flourish
1. Changing your environment can provide clarity
I always believe that we are capable of re-writing our lives into something that is worthwhile. You can’t expect to change a problem in the same place the problem is being had. A brief change of scenery can help provide so much needed clarity and perspective changes to create change.
Maybe it’s just being inspired by art or a new view that can help you go home and alter your world.
2. Spa time at luxe hotel always boost your energy
I’m a glamour girl and I truly missed having my spa times. Now that things are slow re-opening, I felt it was needed to add some normalcy into my life again. At the top of the stay at home orders, I ordered enough skincare to cover a household of faces.
There is something to be said when going to a hotel that has the deeper soaker tub and just gorgeous decor that adds to my life. Now I was a bit worried about being in a hotel but my friend Lysol and Clorx defintely have helped to make sure things are as clean as possible.
I also got a new goodie from Clean Skin Club which is their cult-like fav Clean Clothes in a smaller size! I love that this is a smaller pack and smaller sized cloth that are perfect to pack for trips. A pack of 25 is only 10.00 which is a great addition for any glamour girls travel bag.
I feel good knowing I’m using a clean towel every time I wash my face. Want to try these, use code “Simone” to get 20% off this order and every order you make.
3. Life is meant to be experienced and enjoyed
If your someone who is very goal-driven sometimes you can get miss out on the little moments. We can be too focused on the end goal. I have missed a lot of moments of just laughing and being in the moment. I have focused on wanting to be at my fitness goal, money goal, and love goal.
Life can change in an instant. You can get a phone call that can rock you to your core. It could be the million dollar call of a deal of the century or it could be the call that someone you loved is no longer here. I encourage to appreciate where you are right now and just taste the sweetness.
Taking a staycation for me allows me to just enjoy a lavish hotel room and just for a moment not think about what isn’t perfect. 2020 has taught me that the next moment isn’t promised. Taking time to refuel mentally and physically will allow me to handle whatever comes my way.
Have you done a staycation lately? If so where did you go and what did you enjoy the most?
The global pandemic has put so much into perspective in my life. One of my goals for a while truly had me be girl gone vegan. A deep goal for me has been to really be mindful of what I consume as you are what you eat! At the top of the stay home orders, I thought going vegan would be optimal. Being a black woman who is plus-size no matter how active I may be at trimming down made me become very conscious of what I consume.
If you scroll on IG for any length of time you will see pretty smoothie bowls chopped up with all sorts of fruits and veggies and vegan meals. You will see pretty little faces saying that going Vegan is the way. I’m one that isn’t swayed easily but with it being a conscious goal of mine I felt it was worth a shot. In life you will nothing is a sure thing and you won’t know until you try.
Girl Gone Vegan Fail
April was a wild month to venture into being a vegan as it was in the heat of the pandemic and so many things were just out of stock, but I got creative. I taught myself how to make desserts as I enjoy baking that was amazing and vegan. My expectation was an increase in energy, glowing skin, and weight loss.
Over 3 months I noticed that my energy was lacking and even worst my monthly visitor was the most sinister I have ever had. I literally could not get up in the mornings and the pain left me in fetal for the first day or two. After 3 and 1/2 months, I honored myself and incorporate fish back into my diet.
My energy slowly came back and I felt as though my strength was returning. I know for many a vegan diet can be a great thing. However, know your body and understand that everything isn’t for everybody. Being in tune with my body allowed me to test it out but know when it was time to let it go.
Sipping my green smoothie
Many of the ways one should get their protein such as beans and quinoa are things my body doesn’t accept at all. I loved the experimental phase of being vegan as I tried so many recipes and brands. Now with this phase, it can become costly, as many plants-based brands aren’t for the cheap. However, once you find your staple brands, it balances out.
Now that I have gone back to meat, which comprises fish and poultry, I am thrilled. I have kept my vegetable intake as high as I was as I loved knowing I was getting a diverse nutrient base. I love that I was able to try out so many different recipes which will now be in my arsenal. One site that I stumbled upon for ideas is It doesn’t take like chicken which has a great article on 50 easy vegan recipes.
Sharing my story isn’t to scare or deter but provide another side of the vegan life. Many who share their vegan story share that they have this miracle life change. The benefits are unique for each person, and for every great story, there is a not so grand story.
Do your homework and really understand you’re why behind wanting to go vegan. If you are wanting to save the planet by not consuming animal products, then great go forth. However, if it’s a way to be trendy or appear on the weight-loss bandwagon, I urge you to use your beautiful brain. Often times with diet we have become like sheep unable to think for ourselves.
I don’t regret doing it as it’s been on my goal list for the past 3 years. If you chose to do anything make sure you give it enough vetting time to see if it will work for you. For me cutting meat and dairy were easy. Dairy was never my friend and there are so many exceptional substitutes. Meat was easy as I’m pretty limited on what types I can have.
My experience has made me very picky about the quality of food I consume as I loved how much better I felt going organic for as much as possible. Are you vegan or ever curious about going? Don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you.
