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Home · Beauty Products & Tools

The Compact: 5 Bits of Beauty We're Obsessed With This Month

By Nykia Spradley · Updated October 26, 2020

This feature originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of ESSENCE Magazine.

01
1. EAU DE ILLUSION

The whiff wizards who brought us the beloved Flowerbomb perfume are set to mesmerize fans with a new “Magic” collection of six enchanting fragrances. Each scent offers a spellbinding sense of mystery and surprise.  Available for pre-order ( $220 each) at saksfifthavenue.com. 

The Compact: 5 Bits of Beauty We’re Obsessed With This Month
02
2. THE LOOK

The nineties are back! Deep burgundy and brown are once again lip colors of the moment. “For a bold look, line the entire lip with Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip, then fill in the center with Acrylip for long wear,” says Lijha Stewart, director of artistry and education for Make Up For Ever.

The Compact: 5 Bits of Beauty We’re Obsessed With This Month
03
2. THE LOOK

Want a softer take? “Apply a dot of Acrylip in the center and sheer out using the applicator, taking it to the outer edge of the lips,” Stewart says.

The Compact: 5 Bits of Beauty We’re Obsessed With This Month
VICTOR VIRGILE/GETTY IMAGES
available at Sephora $24 Buy Here
04
3. Smart Hair Care

Leave it to a group of scientists working on regenerative medicine to stumble upon a technology with major benefits for restoring our tresses. The new brand, Virtue, uses a keratin protein that’s identical to the one found in healthy hair. The complex (infused into all nine products in the line) fills in and rebuilds damaged areas on each strand.

The Compact: 5 Bits of Beauty We’re Obsessed With This Month
available at Virtue Labs $36 Buy Here
05
4. COLOR CONVOS

Considering the current racial climate of our country, author Tiffany Elle Burgess delivers a timely tale. Skin Like Mine explores the intricacies of “intraracism” in the African-American community through the fictional story of 10-year-old Brittany Baker. Geared toward middle schoolers, the book is an aid for parents and kids faced with having difficult talks about skin color and self-love.

The Compact: 5 Bits of Beauty We’re Obsessed With This Month
available at Amazon $10 Buy Here
06
5. ESSENCE SALON DIRECTORY: Chicago Curl Collective

Swivel Beauty’s (swivelbeauty.com) salon pick of the month is Chicago Curl Collective. If you’re a naturalista in the Chi, you’ll want to check out this oasis. The curl and color bar specializes in healthy coils without compromising on style. See a full price list at chicagocurl.com and book an appointment at schedulicity.com (search for “Chicago Curl Collective”).

The Compact: 5 Bits of Beauty We’re Obsessed With This Month
TOPICS:  Dope Stuff On My Desk Magazine
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