I love being able to re-discover drugstore favorites, especially ones that really compliment darker complexions and I am happy to say, they all can be found at Walmart!

Endless rows of bundles. Coily hair products galore. Bamboo earrings and fake diamond studs. You know I'm talking about the beauty supply store!

For many of us, our first introduction into beauty world occurred at our local beauty supply store. I have early memories of going to the beauty supply store to stock up on braiding hair, scalp treatments, earrings, and anything else I could convince my mom to buy me. 😂😂

You might have noticed by now that we separate our lip swatches into 4 categories - the 4 lip shades that are FUNDAMENTAL to any beauty lover's makeup kit. As long as you have at least one lippie in each of these color categories, you will be ready for any occasion! Let's get into some faves, shall we?

Have you ever heard the phrase "It's not that serious?"

Did they tell you to just "get over it?"

Did they make you feel like it was your own personal problem, rather than a reflection of our society?

You probably just experienced a microagression.

There is something incredibly sultry about a deep, glittery, bronze smoky eye. The way the sun catches the emboldened metallic reflects always makes me go, "ooh, YAS!" 

Everyone knows that when Sephora's Annual Beauty Insider Event comes around, it's time to splurge. It is one of the very few times during the year that makeup actually goes on sale. 🙌🏿🙌🏽🙌🏾

If you spent most of the year swiping your credit card, Sephora will reward you handsomely with first access to the sale. Starting TODAY, 11/3, Rouge members will get 20% off of their purchase until Nov 6th. Rouge members, VIBs and Beauty Insiders will get access to the sale on the weekend of Nov 10th to the 15th with Rouge and VIB members receiving 20% and Beauty Insider members receiving 15% off their purchase.

I picked out 8 products that you definitely need to take a look at and *add to cart* during this sale. Check em out below!

A few months ago we asked you all, the Cocoa Collective, what some of your favorites were. We provided you with some of the most popular brands and products we've seen on social media and you let us know which ones you thought were the best of the best! Now it has been a few months, so we are sure some things have changed (like Fenty Beauty giving the entire beauty industry a run for their money and Morphe launching a sister palette to their infamous 35O,) BUT hopefully this helps you all try out some great products and great brands!

I had the privilege of going backstage with Maybelline for the GCDS RTW SS18 runway show! I was so pleased with the diversity I witnessed -- from the variety of complexions to the varying hair textures, to the athleisure aesthetic mixed with a glamour attitude, this show was everything.

The minimalist in me keeps gravitating toward soft, yet striking looks. I was listening to some Sade the other day and instantly remembered this iconic photo of her. 

When I first became interested in makeup, I didn't see it as a way to alter my looks or hide my features, I saw it as a way to further express my creativity. Similar to my interests in fashion, dipping and dabbling in makeup just seemed like something I would really enjoy.

The satisfaction of finding the perfect red lip or the perfect bronzy eye shadow was analogous to finding the perfect pair of boyfriend jeans ---gratifying, rewarding, in other words, sweet.

As a minimalist, I really appreciate soft "no makeup, makeup" looks. I came across this old ELLE mag cover with VS model Jasmine Tookes and her smoky glossy halo eye immediately caught my eye. 

We should know by now that "nude" is not a one size fits all concept, however, beauty lovers with darker complexions often have a tougher time finding nude lipsticks that are marketed and catered towards them.