HIGHER SELF CARE

Thanks to Covid, Summer 2020 was always going to be far from typical, but it was really the country coming together to fight for justice and racial equality that set it apart and made it one for the history books. Adding to the pandemic-induced sense of déja vu was the foreboding feeling that the fight was going nowhere fast. Throughout the protests, we talked about systemic racism; now we’re seeing it in action. Despite thousands taking to the streets, charges still have not been brought against officers who abused their power and murdered innocent people, and new cases continue to come to light with disturbing regularity. In this age of instant gratification, it’s sinking in that change will take a sustained commitment to action, and like any long-term goal, that’s going to require all of us, allies and Women of Color, to maintain our wellbeing. I’ve rounded up my favorite Black-owned beauty products to help you align essential self-care rituals with your ongoing work to eradicate racism. 

KNC founder Kristen Noel Crawley took the humble undereye patch and turned it into a selfie-worthy accessory. Have yourself a good, healing cry, and then take care of any puffiness with the Star Eye Mask you’ve seen all over Instagram. 

A good mani-pedi is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I’m guilty of buying nail polishes for the clever names just as often as the colors, so naturally I want everything from Pear Nova and Mischo Beauty. 

Have a night in and bring the spa vibe home with the Gilded marble candle that looks as gorgeous as it smells, and the deeply nourishing Aya Restorative Goddess Mask. 

Or maybe a night out with friends is what will feed your soul. Pat McGrath eyeshadows deliver the ultimate color payoff for a dramatic eye, and a matte lip color like these shades by B. Simone will stay put underneath a mask. 

Stash a few bottles of Pholk Honeysuckle Rose Face Mist around the house and spritz yourself anytime you need a boost.

Keep calm and fight on: Cleanse your meditation space with the Spirit Spray by Good Thoughts Tea Company. I also like their Open Space blend for a mid-afternoon break. 

Ask your partner to rub you down with Minona Luxury Body Oil, or have it on hand for your next professional massage. 

And never underestimate the restorative power of a good night’s sleep. Do a quick makeup removal with Lauren Napier wipes, then mist your pillow with Good Night Darling Fade to Black pillow spray. 

Supporting Black-owned businesses is just one way to be an ally, but it shouldn’t stop there. Let’s stay committed so we can look back on this year and know it was the beginning of real change.

x Kate