Renowned fashion designer Jason Wu is no stranger to Target collabs. In 2011, Wu dropped a limited-edition apparel collection for the retailer that sold out in less than twenty-four hours. Now, the runway maven has returned to the mass market retailer, but with something a bit different.  In January, Wu joined forces with NYX Professional Cosmetics founder Toni Ko to drop his bespoke (and this, time permanent) Jason Wu beauty collection at Target, bringing his runway sensibility to the beauty arena — and at accessible price points to boot. “My brand is associated with the runway, which all requires makeup and hair looks. Beauty is such an important aspect of our industry and is vital in completing a runway look so this just seemed like the natural next step for me,” Wu tells StyleCaster.

As a leading designer who’s dressed the likes of Jessica Alba, Jamie King, and the GOAT Michelle Obama, it may come as a surprise to some that everything in Wu’s beauty collection is under $20, but both inclusivity and accessibility — while still capturing the Jason Wu brand DNA, of course — were top of priority for Wu and Ko in bringing the line to market. “When it comes to beauty, the market feels very over-saturated, so that prestige customer didn’t seem right for us. So many younger customers are fans of the brand but can’t necessarily buy Jason Wu clothing, and we thought it was important to reach that audience with this line, and Target has been the perfect partner for us in that regard,” he says.

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While the collection offers a few skincare products, including the Saved By The Patch Pimple Patches ($11.99) and the Wu-Prime Nourishing Priming Oil ($15.99), Ko and Wu are committed to focusing on color cosmetics for the time being — especially nudes, underscored by an overarching “less is more” makeup approach. “The nude tones throughout the entire collection were chosen carefully for a “less is more” makeup concept. Nude is a major part of the Jason Wu brand DNA, which is why the shades extend to the products’ packaging. We wanted to be inclusive, so we expanded the nude range from pinkish nude to taupe and browns,” he explains.

From the elevated packaging to the premium formulas, and the nuanced shade selections, Jason Wu’s beauty drop is IMO perhaps one of the most exciting things to happen to the affordable beauty space in quite some time. Scroll through below to shop some of my favorite items from the collection, or shop the entire line at Target here. 

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.

Courtesy of Target.

Jason Wu The BUSH Brow Shaper Soap

This brow-defining “soap” is probably my favorite item from the collection. It grooms, volumizes, and most importantly, keeps my brows intact literally all day. I like to use it alone with layered over my brow pencil for a bushier look.

Courtesy of Target.

Hot Fluff Lipstick

Available in seven truly universally-flattering hues, the Fluff Lipstick has become my new go-to (I adore the shade Eclaire pictured above), and the formula is creamy but dries down to a comfortable matte finish. My favorite part about it is that it’s designed to be used on your lips, eyes, and cheeks if you so desire, which really encapsulates Wu’s “less is more” approach.

Courtesy of Target.

Jason The Freckled Boy Beauty Mark Faux Freckle Pen

Faux freckles are my absolute favorite beauty trends in recent years, and this fool-proof pen allows you to get a sunkissed look reminiscent of your favorite Instagram filter IRL. Plus, it doesn’t smudge or transfer.

Courtesy of Target.

Magic Matte Face Oil

As someone with combination skin (some areas are dry as a desert and others are a total oil slick), this mattifying facial oil is literally a dream product. It delivers a solid dose of hydration to nourish and prime the skin for makeup but keeps excess oil and grease at bay all day long.

Courtesy of Target.

Flora 9 Eyeshadow Palette

Available in three different color stories, this compact yet versatile palette contains a complementary assortment of creamy mattes and reflective, fall-out-proof shimmers, allowing you to create multiple looks with just one compact.

If you thought Taylor McKessie wore those headbands through all three High School Musical movies just because she looked cute in them, well, we’re about to burst your bubble. In a new interview, Monique Coleman revealed she was basically forced to take matters into her own hands when the crew didn’t know how to work with Black hair back in 2006. She suggested they “incorporate headbands into her character” and “just make that a part of who she is.”

Coleman told Insider, “We’ve grown a lot in this industry and we’ve grown a lot in representation and we’ve grown a lot in terms of understanding the needs of an African American actress. But the truth is, is that they had done my hair, and they had done it very poorly in the front.” Coleman chatted with the outlet in honor of the movie’s 15th anniversary. (Yes, 15!) Now, don’t think she’s not extremely thankful for the role, because she is.

“I’m really grateful to have been someone who was able to bring representation at a time where there wasn’t very much, and I’m so happy when I see this next generation of young artists and there just being so much more room for people of color,” Coleman told Insider.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR, Monique Coleman, 2008. ©Walt Disney Co./courtesy Everett Collection

She tells the outlet how Taylor was such a fan-favorite character because she wasn’t the typical Black BFF. “It means the world to me, particularly because Taylor is such a dynamic character and the smartest person at school and all of that at a time where, often, Black girl characters tended to be the ones who had an attitude or to be sassy,” she said.

Coleman continued: “And I appreciated that that wasn’t why people loved Taylor. They loved her because she was smart and supportive. And it definitely means a lot to me for people to see her. There was Taylor before the Obamas were a thing. So we didn’t have people to look up to. So knowing that this generation got to look up to her really is special for me.”

When the Embracing Black Culture Instagram account posted a screenshot of Coleman’s interview, other actors came out to say they experienced the same discrimination at their workplaces.

Source: Instagram

Antoinette Robertson, who played Lynly Hayes on CW’s Hart of Dixie, saying the show “did me dirty the same way.” Amanda  Seales jumped in, saying she was once told by a makeup artist, “you should have brought your own products.” In 2021, this is still happening, companies are still hiring actors of color without bringing on hair and makeup people who are actually skilled at doing all hair types. With the abundance of Black creatives in the industry, it’s hard to believe when it’s just an “oversight.” That’s probably because it isn’t.

We’re programmed to face chin up and cheerful into whatever life brings. The etiquette of our upbringing in the 50s and 60s warned that people don’t want to hear our problems, only to exchange pleasantries and move along.

A Need of Deeper Conversations

I suppose that was true at some time in recent history, but with the advent of the information age and the mass migration to social media, things have evolved.

There is still plenty of room for cheerful greetings as we pass a stranger on the street, but as we sink deeper into this time of global pandemic and advanced age, it seems to me we must cultivate deeper and more meaningful relationships. Of course, that’s only my opinion.

Yesterday, I shared an intriguing conversation with my closest friend who lamented the “old lady” walking group she recently joined was leaving her agitated.

“I don’t want to talk any more. I want to chat – about their favorite movies, what we’re all cooking for dinner, and the latest best seller.”

Overdose of Reality

As a former family counselor, and my treasured friend of more than three decades, I was surprised by her out-of-character reaction. But this morning, having ample time to consider what might be at the source of her impatience for serious exchange, I now wonder if she may be suffering from an overdose of reality.

And rightly so, we’ve been enduring this devastating virus for nearly a year. And as with many other conditions affecting family and lifestyle, the responsibility of how to adapt has fallen primarily on the women.

We’ve all done an extraordinary job, cooking, home schooling, administering sympathy to those who struggle with the isolation, even providing respite for adult sons and daughters when their demanding lives crash up on the shores of health protocols and work-from-home pressures overwhelm them.

For the most part, we’ve succeeded, but what is surfacing now is fatigue. We’re struggling to hold it all up much longer.

Having a Tribe to Share with

But still, I pondered, why the resistance to sharing the details of this difficult time in the women’s group? One possible reason occurred to me early this morning. This group is comprised of unrelated women with no previous bond. They are not friends. It’s not her tribe.

I wonder if she might feel differently if it were a small gathering of her closest companions and confidants, or even more likely, if it were she and I sharing how we feel. My guess is, absolutely. And that’s good because we need our friends right now.

But how do we evoke the trust and candor to help us lay down, just for the moment, the weight of our lives, the fears, and sadness brought on by a situation we don’t control and can only react to as effectively as we’re able?

How do we open up? How do we install a place and instill a sense of freedom into our relationship that invites meaningful conversation and comfort in our exchange?

Here are my thoughts.

Start Where You’re Most Comfortable

Choose the person you trust the most to accept honesty from you, and see how it feels to release what you’re holding in. Tell them how you feel, what you miss, what you fear, and how you are. Chances are you will receive support and gentle encouragement, which in return may give you the courage to talk more honestly to others.

Deliver Information as an Entrée to Deeper Exchange

Use the daily news as an icebreaker. When you read stories about how others are being impacted emotionally, financially, within their relationships with family and friends, bring the topic up in your conversation and let it lead to sharing your personal experience.

Choose a Comfortable Distance

If you’re uncomfortable with a face-to-face conversation, send an email, use Facebook messenger or mail a card with a sincere message. Often times, a written communique allows us to express ourselves more fully without feeling self-conscious.

Gently Inquire

Ask your friend about her experience. See if she is, perhaps, just waiting for someone to show an interest to open the floodgates of what has been building up inside.

Listen with the Best Intentions

Remember to be an active listener. Listen to understand and support, letting her fully express herself, then take your turn to share what is going on with you.

Take the Next Step into Intimacy

Promise your support, offer help and validate feelings. Try to avoid judgement and giving advice, as it often hampers honest expression. Start gently and be patient. You are making strides toward a more intimate relationship and that takes time and trust. We are all a little raw and on edge right now.

Make it a Habit

Commit to talking again soon. Once communication is opened up, it needs to be nurtured. Even frequent virtual visits will do.

This difficult time, if met with an open heart and compassion, can be an opportunity for newfound connection that could enrich our live and perhaps even last a lifetime.

Do you suffer from lack of deep, intimate communication? Why do you think that is? Or have you found a way to deepen your relationships with friends and family? Please share what you like to go deep about with friends and with whom you prefer to stay in the shallow waters.

As obsessive as it may sound, one of my favorite pastimes is scrolling through my Instagram feed and basting in the sheer amazement of wig applications. There’s something so satisfying about watching a wig go from packaging to seamless application that leaves you wondering if it’s really a wig—or if it’s magic. Over the years, innovative products and tools have launched to help wig wearers apply and style wigs at home. The newest contender to enter the wig and weave haircare arena is Shea Moisture’s Wig & Weave Collection for human and synthetic hair. The line gives wig enthusiasts gentle yet effective options to style, install and care for wigs at home without compromising the health of their hair, scalp, or wallet.

While reaching for your everyday hair products to care for your wigs may seem like the easiest thing to do, these products tend to cause build-up in hair extensions, which may require you to wash your wigs more frequently, shortening the life span in the process. Products designed especially for wigs help you care for them without compromising the fibers, whether the wig is human hair or synthetic.

You’re probably most familiar with Shea Moisture’s wide range of products catering to natural hair, particularly for curly and coily hair types. Now your beloved units and extensions have a range of products to call their own. Contrary to popular belief, hair extensions need lots of love and attention to look great. With this new line, Shea Moisture is helping folks keep their wigs in tip-top shape for their best looks ever.

I tried Shea Moisture’s new Wig & Weave collection on my wig at home and here are my super-honest thoughts about all seven products.

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.

Wig & Weave Residue Remover Shampoo

The wrong shampoo can compromise a good wig in an instant. I’m happy to report that unlike some shampoos I’ve tried on my wigs in this past, this one got my wig clean without leaving the hair feeling dry or brittle. It did wonders for getting rid of residue that built up in the lace from customizing it with makeup, glue and styling products from previous installs. Instead of massaging the wig with shampoo to get rid of build-up, I prefer to use the ‘bubble bath’ method, dunking the wig in a bath in the sink or bucket with diluted shampoo. This method does an amazing job of cleaning extensions without tangling them in the process.

Wig & Weave 2-in-1 Conditioner and Detangler

When I condition my wigs, I also use the bubble bath method and allow my wig to sit in the diluted conditioner for up to 30 minutes. I was reluctant to try this conditioner/detangler combo because it’s merely a spray, but the proof is in the pudding. This concoction effortlessly detangled my wig, especially on the lace, which is more prone to knots and breakage. After using it, my wig was soft and defined without a tangle in sight.

Wig & Weave Scalp Soother

I had a small area on my scalp that was itchy before my wig application. I applied a few drops of this oil onto my scalp, put on my wig, and tied it down with my scarf and it was already relieved. If you have an itchy scalp from time to time, this may be a good solution to soothe your scalp in a matter of minutes. On the other hand, if you suffer from a chronically dry or irritated scalp, you may want to seek expert advice as this may not be an appropriate long-term solution.

Wig & Weave Flyaway and Wrap Mousse

Mousse is another one of those products that I often give a side-eye. While I love the definition that a good hair mousse can offer, I’m always nervous that it will leave my hair feeling dry and crunchy. Though I somewhat felt my hair harden from the mousse, it combated flyaways, too. My recommendation is to apply the mousse while your hair is wet to avoid using too much product.

Wig & Weave Oil Shine Spray

I’m usually skeptical of using oil-based products on my wigs, however, this shine spray may be an exception. It’s lightweight and doesn’t leave the hair weighed down. Instead, it adds a healthy shine. While it’s suggested to spray the product directly onto the hair, I prefer to spray it into my hands and gently massage it through my hair. This keeps you from applying too much by mistake.

Wig & Weave Bonding Glue

The first thing that you’ll notice about this Bonding Glue is that it feels nothing like glue at all. It has a somewhat slimy texture like a defining hair gel without that tackiness you’d expect. The label suggests applying the adhesive in thin layers and blow-drying on cool between applications to make the glue tacky. This didn’t work well for me. Not only did the bond take forever to get sticky, but my wig didn’t stick at all. I gave it another shot, but this time I applied a thin layer of adhesive, put on my wig, and tied down my hair with a scarf. This helped my wig adhere. Though it’s not as strong as other adhesives I’ve used, it’s a good option for someone who plans to remove their wig by the end of the day.

Wig & Weave Bond Release Spray

This alcohol-free spray got rid of the glue residue left on my wig, forehead and edges. I sprayed it onto a cotton pad and massaged where needed. In addition to removing the glue, it left my edges feeling incredibly soft.

D’Andra Simmons’ Compact Foundation at the Winery

Real Housewives of Dallas Season 5 Episode 4 Beauty

Although D’Andra Simmons may not have made the delicious spread of food at the winery on last night’s episode of RHOD, she did however make her face look flawless with this compact powder foundation. Which we of course can’t wait use now in full-view of the public ourselves considering we love anything that comes served up on a beautiful Chanel-made platter. 

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Chanel Foundation in Many Shades

Click Here to Shop Refills

Click Here to Shop it With SPF

Originally posted at: D’Andra Simmons’ Compact Foundation