Just a week ago the company announced a partnership with the National Black Justice Coalition, raising more than 1 million dollars to empower Black LGBTQ+ people. Now, the retailer is taking inclusivity one step further by joining the Black-owned brands pledge, called the 15 Percent Pledge. “We recognize how important it is to represent Black businesses and communities, and we must do better. So, we’re starting now,” states the Instagram post announcing the promise.

The 15 Percent Pledge was started by Brooklyn-based designer Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies. She called on retailers, specifically Sephora, Target and Whole Foods, to dedicate 15 percent of its shelf space to Black-owned brands. Sephora is the first and only retailer so far as to join the pledge. It also plans to use the Accelerate program, which helps cultivate female founders, to now focus on women of color.

James took to Instagram to “commend” Sephora for the “historic” move. “With unparalleled influence and power, not only in the beauty industry but in retail at large, Sephora is making a historic contribution to the fight against systemic racism, economic inequality and discrimination by taking this Pledge,” wrote James. “We commend their early leadership and look forward to working with them on their accountability and commitment as we join together in the mission to put billions back into the Black community.”

Source: Instagram

This brings us back to another movement. Sharon Chuter, founder and CEO of Uoma Beauty, launched the #PullUporShutUp challenge to hold corporate brands accountable. Sephora revealed it has 14 percent Black representation across the USA and 6 percent in leadership positions. It promised to “elevate Black employees and people of color” to leadership roles going forward.

In terms of coverage and overall benefits, tinted moisturizer is a step below foundation and a heightened version of BB cream. You’re getting coverage and so many skin-loving benefits; from brightening to smoothing and in most cases, protection from UV rays and even blue light. The best part? It’s a product packed with benefits that don’t cost an arm and a leg to add to your routine. In other words—the best cheap tinted moisturizer should never be overlooked.

Besides the obvious trade-off, affordable pricing, these standout formulas don’t skimp on ingredients that feed your skin beyond the surface and finishes that can be satin or matte, but never greasy or slippery. And whether you go for something that targets a specific concern, like, say, acne, dryness, or excess shine, you’re bound to find a favorite that gives you built-in sun protection too. But if staying within a frugal budget is top of your list, know that a low price tag doesn’t mean you’re stuck with low-quality formulas. Ahead, some of the best cheap tinted moisturizers with rave reviews and even better price tags.

Burt’s Bees.

Burt’s Bees Goodness to Glow Tinted Moisturizer

No filter needed whenever you use this antioxidant-rich moisturizer made with plant-based oils, vitamins, and more to nourish the skin barrier and protect it against environmental stressors.

Buy: Burts Bees Goodness to Glow Tinted Moisturizer $10.43

Colourpop.

Colourpop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Tinted Moisturizer

Colourpop’s resident tinted moisturizer comes in 21 different shades and is enriched with coconut water and hyaluronic acid to keep moisture locked into the skin.

No7.

No7 Dual Action Tinted Moisturizer

In addition to sun protection, this multibeneficial tinted moisturizer is hypoallergenic so sensitive skin types can benefit from the hydrating formula, too.

NYX.

NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil

Not quite a foundation and not quite a BB cream, this coverage option evens out the skin tone and leaves behind a satin, non-greasy finish.

Buy: NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil $13

Ulta.

Ulta Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

Looking for something that offers brightening benefits on a more longterm basis? Ulta’s tinted moisturizer instantly evens out skin tone and brightens the skin from the inside out with a vitamin C-infused formula.

L’Oreal.

L’Oreal Visible Lift Luminous Serum Tint

This barely-there illuminator comes in five radiant shades (Pearl, Rose, Gold, Honey, Amber) and also provides actual skincare benefits with vitamin E and various oils with hydrating and anti-aging properties.

Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector

This standout formula is made with retinol and sun protection so your skin can get those anti-aging benefits even while you’re vulnerable to UV rays.

Buy: Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Aging Perfector $9.79

DRMTLGY.

DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46

An oil-free sunscreen and moisturizer in one packed with ingredients that promote plumper and more youthful-looking skin.

Buy: DRMTLGY Anti-Aging Tinted Moisturizer SPF 46 $19.95

Olay.

Olay Total Effects Face Moisturizer + Touch of Foundation

Want coverage that’s a half-step above tinted moisturizer? This standout coverage option, made with antioxidants and skin-nourishing vitamins, hydrates and brightens while also giving the face an even glow.

Beauty by Earth.

Beauty by Earth Tinted Facial Sunscreen

If you prefer clean formulas, this organic, reef-safe sunscreen provides just a hint of color to enhance and protect your complexion.

Buy: Beauty by Earth Tinted Facial Sunscreen $17.99

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

One thing I didn’t think I needed was another eyebrow pencil. It feels like every day a brand thinks they’ve reinvented the wheel with an innovative product promising full, natural-looking brows. That’s why I was surprised how much I liked Marc Jacobs Beauty’s Brow Wow Duo. Sometimes, it’s all about doing a simple thing really well and this double-sided tool does just that.

Brow Wow Duo is part pencil and part eyebrow gel. The pencil isn’t too thin (which often breaks off) or too thick (which applies too much product). It’s a classic flat-tip pencil so you can use the side to create small, hair-like strokes if you so choose. The formula is soft and powder-like when you apply. It blends into eyebrow hair easily without looking too harsh or fake.

The other end is a tinted eyebrow gel that holds brows up and out for that boy brow look. Not only does it help keep brows in place, it also adds a little color for an even more put-together look.

Image: Marc Jacobs Beauty.

Brow Wow Duo comes in five shades: Taupe, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Dark Brow and Black. I used Taupe because, even though my brows are dark, I like blonde or light brown hues to compliment my highlights. What I like so much about this duo is how fast I did my brows. I get ready pretty quickly and since I’m wearing a mask these days, I’m really just wearing eyebrow products and mascara. I quickly just filled in any sparse areas and brushed them up with the gel.

The left side is done and the right is sparse.

I also applied the new Marc Jacobs Beauty At Lash’d Lengthening and Curling Mascara ($27 at Marc Jacobs Beauty). If you love the brand’s iconic Velvet Noir like I do, this formula is less thick and creates a lot more length without clumps. After I did both eyebrows and put on my mask, I ran errands in LA’s 91-degree heat. I was sweating but my brows stayed put. Score.

Brow Wow Duo is available now and it comes with a pencil refill. Yes, it’s refillable!

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

In May, I wrote about honoring our mothers and grandmothers, so it’s only fair that this month I discuss fathers and grandfathers, as we typically think of June as a time to honor the male figures in our lives.

Unfortunately, neither my father nor grandfather is alive, but I’m staying strong by reliving my fond memories of them.

A Loss so Deep

Even though my father died nearly 30 years ago, I feel his presence every day – not only when I look in the mirror and see the green eyes he gave me, but also when I see his genetics passed down to my children and grandchildren.

When my dad died, on that rainy New York evening in 1991, I felt orphaned. He and I had enjoyed a deep spiritual connection, and even though his passing did not come as a surprise, it was devastating, and I still miss him.

All About Love, Life, and Laughter

Born in Königsberg, Germany, in 1921, my father, Edward Marquise, was a happy-go-lucky man – and a Holocaust survivor. He cherished life and those he loved. One of his favorite sayings was “Live and let live.”

He was nonjudgmental, had a positive attitude, and, whenever possible, loved making people laugh. Everyone who met my father, loved him. He worked as a toy salesman, so I had every toy sample imaginable when I was growing up, including an extensive Barbie-and-Ken collection.

After I married and had kids of my own, my father continued his tradition of bestowing toys on my children. He was one of those grandfathers who would get down on the floor and play with mykids.

One day, while driving to work, my father started to cough up blood. He was petrified. He stopped at a red light and tossed his pack of Kool cigarettes out the window. That night he was admitted to the hospital with a collapsed lung.

He moved on from that episode, but his lungs never recovered. At the age of 65, he was diagnosed with emphysema and died six years later.

That Last Encounter

When my dad was nearing the end of his life and was hospitalized, my mother phoned, suggesting that my family visit him. We were living far away at the time, but we all immediately flew to New York.

My eldest daughter was seven and very attentive to her grandpa, handing him tissues to catch the lung remnants of 50 years of cigarette smoking.

My younger daughter, who was five, stood petrified in the corner, and my son was too young to understand what was happening. Looking back, I realize how intense and painful that hospital scene had been for everyone.

The Thoughts of a Dying Man

During our visit, in his much-weakened voice, my father reiterated several end-of-life thoughts:

• He believed in quality, not quantity, of life.
• We should remember to enjoy our lives.
• We can always find time to be grateful for all the good.

It’s pretty common for those who are transitioning to be quite lucid and get philosophical in their last hours. Studies have shown that just before dying, when the body begins to shut down, the systems release a steroid-like compound that briefly rouses the body.

This surge often surprises family members, as they might see this as a possible recovery. However, people usually know they’re dying, and I’m sure that my father was aware of this and wanted to make a final strong connection with us.

For some people, this spiritual and psychological component sometimes results in the divulging of secrets. I wished my father had done that, but then I thought that perhaps he never really had any secrets to share.

Dad passed that same evening. I know he waited for us to say goodbye. We were all at his bedside as I stroked his salt-and-pepper hair, with his recessed hairline exposing his prominent forehead. He looked peaceful, and I sensed his relief that he no longer needed tubes to keep him alive.

Our Promise

Before my father’s passing, my husband and I made him a few promises. First, we said that we’d always take care of his grandchildren; and second, we promised to focus on celebrating his life rather than mourning it.

The promises made on deathbeds are meant to be taken seriously. Every day, I hear him whispering these words to me: “Live each day as if it were your last.”

This is one of my favorite poems by Sufi poet Rumi about death. I copied it in my journal just after my father’s passing:

The Breeze at Dawn

The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.

Don’t go back to sleep.

You must ask for what you really want.

Don’t go back to sleep.

People are going back and forth across the doorsill

where two worlds touch.

The door is round and open.

Don’t go back to sleep.

— Rumi, translated by Coleman Barks, Essential Rumi

Which male figure in your life will you honor this month? Why? What story about them can you share? Please use the comment box below.