This past Sunday, I attended the Essence Beauty Carnival. It was such a great experience, and I had so much fun. There were amazing women in the industry that got a chance to speak about their journeys as well as to inspire women to achieve their goals no matter how big or small. Auntie Jackie was there (Vlogger Jackie Aina), Yandy Smith (Yelle Skincare), Danessa Myricks (Makeup Artist/Founder), Melissa Butler (Founder of Lipbar) and a host of other amazing women. Not only did I get to hear these women speak I got to shop some innovative brands and talk to a lot of the founders. Because I’m a skincare and makeup junkie this was the best part. Check out a few brands that I learned about and why you should check them out!
1.Girl + Hair
This cool haircare brand was started and founded by Dr. Camille Verovic who was a former marketing guru. Like most of us brown girls, Dr. Camille did the big chop and wore her hair in protective styles such as braids, wigs, crochets, etc. She found it hard to care for her hair underneath so she created products that would be convenient to use. One of the essential products is The Cleanse and Ultra Moisturizing Sulfate Free Shampoo that has a spout where you can get in the actual scalp or your weave. I can’t wait to try this because I have genuinely been suffering on wash day lol.
I got the chance to speak with her husband Joseph at the Carnival. He was super informed and recommended that I try the Restoring Hair Treatment. He said it would go great in my weave net and wouldn’t make my hair greasy. I tried, and he was right. No added weight to my hair and super convenient to use.
Check out Girl + Hair on their website as well as Target and Target.com.
2. Elo Lip Care
I’m always looking for a lip balm that I can layer under lipsticks, and that is super clean with their ingredients. I stumbled across Elo Lip Care which is a black-owned lip care & fragrance company based in Brooklyn, NY. All of their lip products are wax free, fragrance-free, vegan and clean. Some of the colors leave a slight tint on the lips if you love a low maintenance lip. The lip balms are good enough to eat and are made with real fruits such as blood orange, raspberry, and pineapple.
I picked up Audrina, Day and Nude.
3. The Honey Pot
Founded by Bea Feliu Espada, The Honey Pot is a feminine care line that uses herbs and naturals for all products. There are systems and products for pregnancy, periods and even refreshing sprays for all over your body.
All of the products are made without chemicals, toxins, artificial fragrance and are clinically tested and gynecologist approved.
Check out the Honey Pot to get a personalized recommendation for what you might need.
The next Essence Beauty Carnival will be during Essence Fest in New Orleans in July. If you are going to Essence Fest check it out!
