If there’s one makeup item almost all of us swear by, I’m willing to bet it’s lipstick. Despite the consistent swarm of product launches on our Instagram feeds, one thing that stands the test of time is a shade that makes you feel like you can take on the world, especially for us brown girls. For many, our intro to the best lipstick for our skin tone was through brands like Clinique and stores like MAC. Not only did they offer a variety of foundations and concealers that made it easier to find our match (long before the days of Fenty and Covergirl). They also had it easy to discover flattering lip shades for every type of mood. 

Despite whatever societal norms exist in beauty, there truly are no rules to who can wear what when it comes to makeup. “Black women come in many skin colors, so to say that there are things that are off-limits is unreasonable,” Fatima Thomas, a Senior Artist at M·A·C Cosmetics, told StyleCaster. “As beauty standards and social attitudes change, our collective cultural aesthetic broadens. As an artist, my only guidelines rest on color theory, which means choosing intensities and saturations that flatter the particular skin tone I’m working on, regardless of the style of makeup.”

Of course, standing at the makeup counter can feel daunting, especially if you don’t know where to begin. According to Thomas, skin prep is very important. “Avoid applying lipstick to dry, chapped lips,” she says. ”Smooth and refresh lips with a lip scrub like our M·A·C Lip Scrubtious and a generous layer of M·A·C Lip Conditioner. After that absorbs, blot away the excess. If I’m wearing lipstick or applying it to a client, I always prep lips with M·A·C Prep + Prime Lip, an amazing product that’s like Velcro for your lip colors. It’s one of my top all-time favorite M·A·C products because it delivers extended wear that’s feather-proof.”

If you’re looking for some lipstick shades to add to your beauty arsenal, here are some MAC shades that flatter deeper skin tones.

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.

MAC Cosmetics.

Twig

“Twig” is a pink girl’s dream, especially when you’re looking for more of a sheer finish that’s also no fuss. The creamy satin color is a brownish-pink shade, softly muted to add the right level of color to the lips, no matter your skin tone (although I’ll point out it looks BOMB on brown skin).

MAC Cosmetics.

Ruby Woo

Of course, this list wouldn’t even be possible without “Ruby Woo,” a true cult classic. With blue-red undertones, this shade is a richly-pigmented red that dries down very matte. Pro tip: Make sure you moisturize your lips beforehand!

MAC Cosmetics.

Fresh Brew

This lipstick shade may come as a surprise to people, considering it’s a lipstick that one may feel could look ashy on browner skin tones. However for “fair to tan” women, according to Thomas, this shade with creamed coffee undertones offers an almost-there gloss that pops on a variety of tones.

MAC Cosmetics.

Spice It Up

Nothing looks cuter than lips that have been lightly bitten. “Spice It Up” is a gorgeous mulled brown berry tone, offering high shine as a lustre finish and a sheered out shade on the lip. It’s perfect for all shades of brown, and you can wear this alone or on top of another lipstick in your arsenal.

MAC Cosmetics.

VIVA GLAM III

If you, like me, love browns with a dash of purple in there, then you’ll fawn over “Viva Glam III” which comes in a matte finish and shows as a muted brownish-plum on the skin. It’s more of an earthy tone, but it’s great for beauty lovers who crave an intense and pigmented shade.

MAC Cosmetics.

Lasting Passion

If you’re a red kinda girl who loves a shade with more of a pink undertone, “Lasting Passion” is the right shade for you. Labeled as a “clean bright red”, it’s highly-pigmented and rich in formula, which makes it easy to apply and long-lasting no matter what time you put it on.

MAC Cosmetics.

Style Shocked

I love red lipstick with orange undertones, especially in the spring and summer when our skin is getting deeper in color. “Style Shocked” is a reddish-orange lip in the Powder Kiss collection, offering high pigmentation and moisture without bleeding. It’s extremely buildable and can be worn on all skin tones with or without a lip liner.

MAC Cosmetics.

Quite The Standout

So let’s say you like the shade of lipsticks but you don’t want to apply with a standard lipstick. The answer? MAC’s liquid lip colour, like “Quite the Standout.” It’s a bright orange-red shade applied with a doe foot applicator. This shade is for the daring, bright, bold, and colorful — it’s highly pigmented and shines on all skin tones, especially deeper ebony shades.

You’ve finally found a wig that’s the perfect cut, color, and style to match your hair personality. Or maybe you’re not new to the wig game and have quite a few wig personalities stashed away to fit your varying moods. Regardless of where you land on the wig scale of beginner to professional, wigs need upkeep. Enter: wig styling tools. Of course, there’s always the option of taking your wig to be styled by a professional. However, these routine drop-offs can run you a pretty penny. Not to mention finding the right stylist can take time when your wig needs to be attended to STAT.

Like most things beauty-related these days, you can take your wig styling into your own hands as long as you are equipped with the right tools. Whether you’re rocking a sleek, straight ‘do, or plan on channeling a Caribbean vacation via a water wave unit, these are our must-haves to keep your style in check. And you don’t have to spend half a paycheck to do it.

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.

Andis.

Andis 38300 Professional 450ºF High Heat Ceramic Press Comb

One of the most significant pain points for many wig wearers is getting the top portion to lay flat like natural hair does to one’s scalp. Whether you’re rocking a lace closure, frontal, or 360 wig, the best way to ensure that your style lays as flat as possible is with a hot comb. While the old-school stovetop pressing comb that you may have been holding onto will do just fine, for the sake of not burning your wig or the lace (been there), you can opt for an electric version. That way, you control the temperature.

Buy: Ceramic Press Comb $20.86

Ulta.

Croc Classic Black Titanium 1.5” Flat Iron

Not all flat irons are created equally. A quality one will help you style your wigs effortlessly without damaging the hair. This flat iron features a ceramic heating system that uses negative ions to help you achieve your style while leaving it silky and shiny in just one pass. It also features 17 temperature settings ranging from 280F to 450F.

The Renatural.

The Renatural The Wig Fix

While glues are an excellent option for applying a wig for lasting hold and helping the lace melt into your skin, you need a break every now and again. A great way to ease up on the glue wig applications is with a wig grip like this one. This silicone band helps keep your wig in place with little-to-no glue needed. Read our full review of this “rollercoaster-proof” wig grip here.

Bellami.

Bellami Miracle Smoothing Brush

Flat ironing your hair can get pretty time-consuming. A great way to fake a sleek look is with a straightening brush. As the name suggests, this one allows you to straighten your hair with a heated brush, much similar to a paddle brush that you’d use to detangle your hair or extensions. Heating up to 450F, this brush gets your hair sleek while leaving it frizz-free.

Tifara Beauty.

Tifara Beauty 42-pack 7″ Flexible Curling Rods

Not everyone can be a wiz with a heated styling tool—hence the reason why people dedicate their lives to styling hair. Flexirods should to be in your arsenal if you need a heat-free option for styling your wigs.

Buy: Flexible Curling Rods $12.99

Kitsch.

Kitsch Pro Butterfly Hair Clamps

A key to achieving any hairstyle is sectioning your hair into parts so you can manage your load and make sure your style is seamless at all angles. Do yourself a favor and grab some butterfly hair clips, so you never have to struggle to navigate your wig or hair while styling.

Buy: Butterfly Hair Clamps $6.99

Conair.

Infinitipro By Conair 1875 Watt Salon Performance Hair Dryer

Great tools don’t always have to be expensive and the proof shows with this blow dryer that has garnered more than 11,000 reviews on Amazon with a 4.7-star rating. This salon-worthy dryer will blow you away with its impeccable heating, drying your hair 50 percent faster.

Buy: Salon Performance Hair Dryer $24.94

Mr Head.

Mr Head 24 Inch Wig Head Cork Canvas Mannequin Head

When you take off your wig to catch some Zs, your unit deserves a nice place to rest as well. A mannequin is great for not only storing your wig but also for preserving the hairstyle, so you don’t have to restyle again and again. This particular mannequin head comes equipped with T-pins to adhere your unit to the wig.

Buy: Canvas Mannequin Head $28.99

Melissa Gorga’s Pink Bathing Suit

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 5 Fashion

 The Real Housewives of New Jersey pool party has me thinking I need a new swimsuit(s). Especially Melissa Gorga’s pink bathing suit. I love the pretty yet simple pink color. Solid simple one piece swimsuits are my usual go-to. They versatile throw on whether I’m going paddle boarding on the river or lounging by the pool. That way if it’s just a pool day part-ay it can be dressed up with an embellished cover up and shoes, like Melissa did. And it ALWAYS goes with the best summer time accessory, a cold drink.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To Shop Her Norma Kamali Marissa Pink Bathing Suit

Click Here for Details on her Beaded Cover Up

Photo : @melissagorga

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Pink Bathing Suit

On the fifth long day after my biopsy, my gynecologist finally phoned. “Barbara,” Dr. Freid said, “the pathology report indicates early endometrial cancer.”

A blob of blood had shocked me one Saturday morning. Since then, I’d endured three procedures. Finally, I had an answer. Not the one I wanted.

“I’m confident you’re going to be fine,” Dr. Freid said. He explained what needed to happen next. As he spoke, in his kind voice, I gradually took in the news. Healthy, happy me was sick – seriously sick. My body had grown cancer.

The Disease Feared by Millions Was Now My Disease

A week later, I sat in front of Dr. Gerhig, the oncologist. “We make small slits to remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes,” she explained, eyes serious and intent. “The uterus we pull out the vagina, unless it’s too big. If so, we cut a longer incision near the others.”

Luckily, during the examination that followed, my uterus passed the daintiness test.

“We can’t determine the extent of the malignancy,” Dr. Gerhig warned, “until we operate.”

She certainly didn’t present the upbeat scenario my gynecologist did. Yet from that moment, oddly, a sort of Cancer Courage set in. I’ve heard this from others who’ve walked the cancer path. Along with this courage, came a deep gratitude for my life.

Thirty years earlier, I stood in the shower on many mornings, my daughters, ages five and two, shrieking in the hall, arguing over a doll stroller or Lego pieces. “Let me live through this day” became my morning mantra.

But live I did, and those years were good, challenging years. My girls are grown now, and they bring me such happiness. Phone calls. Shopping trips. Advice on my hair. My decorating. My writing. Every now and then, they even ask me for advice.

Paying Tribute

“A daughter is a daughter for the rest of your life,” the saying goes. I’m lucky enough to have two of them. I was scheduled for a full hysterectomy in three weeks. Before my surgery, I wanted to say goodbye to the parts of me that created them.

My husband Cliff and I had recently visited Oxford, Mississippi, where literary pilgrims pour bourbon over William Faulkner’s grave as a tribute to the writer. My organs wouldn’t have a gravesite. Their burial would be less than pretty. Why not a ceremony now? A thank you celebration of sorts for my uterus and her friends.

Cliff agreed to attend the ceremony. Husbands become pliable, for a while at least, when you’ve got cancer. And, since this ceremony featured both alcohol and nudity, Cliff probably figured it would include benefits. The liquor of choice? Southern Comfort. After all, my surgery was scheduled for a noted Southern hospital: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

“Let the ceremony begin!” I declared the next day, flat on my back, mostly bare, husband next to me.

“Thank you, ovaries. You held those important eggs! My daughters began with you.”

I saw the round baby faces of my girls. The determined toddler faces. The energetic grade school faces. The way cool high school faces. The confident, smart, college girl faces.

I dipped my fingers in the glass and sprinkled some Southern Comfort. I’m a bit clueless on anatomy, so I could only guess the exact location of each organ on my belly.

Onward!

“Fallopian tubes, you moved the eggs, like an efficient tunnel does, to their new location. Good job!”

I’ve never understood how fallopian tubes work. But I don’t understand how electricity or plumbing works either. I splashed on more Southern Comfort.

Cliff didn’t say too much, but that was okay with me. My cancer came as a shock to him. And I know how much he loved those babies from the very start.

Now, the final organ.

“Uterus, you did the bulk of the work. I watched you expand with each month of pregnancy. I felt your mighty contractions in labor. Thank you, thank you so much for my girls!”

I sprinkled Southern Comfort for the last time. Then Cliff and I took a few swigs. I won’t reveal details about how our ceremony ended, but you are free to guess.

At my first oncology appointment, I had given permission for my cells to be used in a cancer study. Feeling pleased with my small shot at immortality, I asked the researcher, “Does everyone say yes to this?”

He shook his head. “No. Some people worry we’re going to clone them.”

I smiled. “Cloning! Hey, that’s an idea in case the cancer kills me.”

But kill me it didn’t, and most likely won’t. Dr. Freid’s suspicion was right. The cancer was early stage and had not spread past my endometrial lining. I found out the good news within hours of the surgery. That day in UNC Hospital was one of the happiest of my life. Never, ever, have I experienced such relief.

A handful of years later, I’m in good spirits, and I feel great. Although the odds are low my cancer will return, I go for an exam every six months. I live in fear of discovering blood again, which might indicate the cancer is back. Cancer survivors tell me the fear goes on forever but will lessen over time.

Through my blog, Friend for the Ride, and my other writing, I’ve been working to advocate for endometrial cancer awareness. The most common cancer of the female reproductive system, it’s usually highly curable when caught early.

Sometimes I put my hands on my belly, searching for a hollow space where my organs used to be. I can’t find one. And my sadness at losing them? Gone. Vanished. The surgery saved my life. I’m pleased though, that my uterus and friends had a proper ceremony, a fine farewell.

Cliff and I continue to pour glasses of Southern Comfort, but now we sip it all; we don’t drip any on my belly. We lift those glasses skyward. To our daughters! To our grandchildren! To life!

Have your faced cancer and needed a hysterectomy? Or have you had a hysterectomy for another medical condition? What were your emotions as you said goodbye to your reproductive organs? Do tell us your story! Please join the conversation and “like” and share this article to keep the discussion going.

Melissa Gorga’s Rainbow Sequin Top

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 11 Episode 5 Fashion

Somewhere over the rainbow there’s a shiny pot of gold waiting to be found. Then somewhere over in New Jersey there’s Melissa Gorga’s shiny rainbow sequin top that was just found. Which some may say is another form of gold.

Sorry rainbows and gold are just on the mind because it’s good ole’ St. Patrick’s Day. And though this rainbow top is sold out, it’s still a very lucky day because there are still some amazing Style Stealers to shop. But hurry because it’s only a matter of time before that stock makes an Irish goodbye.

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

Click Here To See Her Saylor Darcie Frill Top

Click Here to Shop it As a Dress

Originally posted at: Melissa Gorga’s Rainbow Sequin Top