HAPPY FREAKIN FRIDAY!!
Another week of 2020 has gone by and we have OFFICIALLY made it to the last Friday of January... HOW FREAKIN CRAZY IS THAT?!?
Now -- A lot has been going on the first month of the new year BUT I won't get into that in this post. Maybe I'll do an update in February on my life {literally all things personal: job, friends, relationships, etc.} if y'all want... Just message me on here or on insta-g if that would be something you're interested in. Because that's besides the point though, let's get into the point of this post.
I don't know if y'all have heard of the Indie Beauty Expo, heck I had never heard of it until I was invited {the first week of December}, but after doing some research on it and reading about the different vendors I figured I would attend.
Brief background on the Indie Beauty Expo if you're interested in knowing: IBE was created as a way for independent beauty brands to be showcased and recognized for their product's success and growth. The expo began in New York in 2015; however, now makes appearances in Berlin, Los Angeles, Dallas, and London as well. It is the "world’s largest exposition of independent brands and the definitive destination for beauty entrepreneurs and independent innovators" and it truly was such an honor to be invited to attend in Los Angeles as an influencer. Buyers and press are able to apply for free passes; however, IBE doesn't limit it there. If you are just wanting to attend the event as a "normal" person, you are welcome to purchase a ticket as well.
Let's get to the run down though!!
Y'all already know I'm a sucker for skincare {at least you'd know that if you follow me on insta g, watch any of my YouTube videos, or have visited my blog before} SOOOOO to say that having to opportunity to immerse myself into the beauty and skincare world a lil more was exciting would be an understatement. I had the chance to meet so many amazing people {CEOs and COOs} with incredible background stories and learn so much about beauty and skincare products. I had the chance to try out A BUNCH of brands that I have never heard of and that I usually wouldn't look twice at because I know my current favorites {and what I'm comfortable with} ANDDD I went home with my hand full of some fabulous goodies. That being said, I obviously want to be able to test some products for more than a couple of days before I rave about them to y'all
Long story short, this year's IBE in Los Angeles took place in the heart of downtown. It was at the Magic Box which is pretty close to USC {if you know where that is} and it took place for two days: January 29 {2:00-8:00pm} and January 30 {8:00-5:00pm}. I decided to attend the first day; however, after sitting in traffic for two hours {gotta love LA, am I right?!} I didn't arrive until around 4:30ish. Check in was super easy {or at least it was at my arrival time} and I got to meet and introduce myself to the woman who invited me to the event {if you're reading this then thank you}. Upon arrival I was given my "press // influencer" badge along with an IBE canvas bag and a map of the floor and vendors.
I'll be honest, it was kinda overwhelming at first. If y'all don't know, I get social anxiety SOOO being in a large atmosphere with a bunch of people stresses me out {especially when I don't know a single soul}. When I first walked in, I kinda distanced myself; I stood in a corner and tried texting my mama so it would look like I was preoccupied {however the service sucked lol so it didn't really work} and I just stood looking at the map pretending like I was searching for a particular vendor. I also stood trying to figure out the kinds of passes for IBE because each pass was color coordinated to the status of the attendee. Here's what I discovered: pink was press and influencers, green was vendors, blue was buyers, and red was normal attendees... Pretty observant of me, I know {lol}.
NOW -- I want to go into depth on some products {on how they were described to me and my first impressions from testing them on the back of my hand and // or arm} and companies just because I was able to connect the dots on so many things when I was wandering around the event and talking to some beauty and skincare professionals.
PS: the order I go through some of these companies // products is irrelevant
This is a company that stuck with me and I am so thankful they gave me their product to test out, as I am so so excited to use it and see if it lives up too my expectations. YUBI was one of the very first vendors to pick me out of the crowd {and I don't know if people were wanting to talk to me because of my press pass or what but it made the event THAT much more enjoyable} and tell me about their product. YUBI is known for their makeup brush; however it is not a traditional brush that you have to worry the head falling off. Among other publications, this brush has made an appearance in Forbes and TIME magazine. If you're wondering "what's so special about this brush?" lemme just tell you a few things I have examined so far... The brush is EXTRAORDINARILY soft {I personally love touching all the brushes at Sephora} and the bristles are so close together that the cleaning process is a lot easier than that of a normal makeup brush. YUBI is also Japanese {指} for finger which also what makes this brush so unique. This brush {which has an interchangeable head that you can put a sponge top in} literally just slips onto two of your fingers for easy application... I don't know about y'all but it sounds like the PERFECT brush replacement {especially} for traveling.
This company struck an emotional cord in my body but it was so meaningful that I wanted to share their story with you. Lucky Chick Cosmetics, which is based in New York City and can be found in a few department stores or online, was started by a woman and her husband BUT inspired by the woman's mother who had breast cancer and went through chemo therapy. While Bonnie, the mother, was going through chemo she turned to art as a way to escape and that was where the infamous blossom first appeared. The blossom ultimately became the center of Lucky Chick's cosmetics collection; it became the packaging {the artwork itself} and the colors of the products were inspired by the colors in the artwork. This story touched my heart because as a woman {and also being a part of a sorority where the philanthropy is centered on breast cancer} and personally knowing people affected by this terrible disease, I know the toll it can take on people. The story was no only inspiring but their product's display was also stunning. Not to mention, all their products are cruelty-free, paraben free, PEG free, D-5 free and vegan friendly.
Okie guys, so I have NEVER used oil on my face before because I have always been so stressed and worried that I will break out... I know a bunch of people have sworn by it; however, my face breaks out so easily {due to hormones and extreme sensitivity} so I have typically steered clear of oils. Y'all do know however that I absolutely LOVE serums especially Vitamin C serums, so naturally I was drawn to Terasana because they only had two products on display {while they have three total}: Skin Mantra {which is a face oil} and After Glow {vitamin C serum}. After talking to a woman who worked the booth {I am so mad I am blanking on her name right now}, I was absolutely SOLD on trying the oil {nervous but sold lol}. If y'all have never heard of Lauren Evarts and The Skinny Confidential, she's actually the reason I truly got into blogging and being more consistent on certain topics AND the lady I was talking to is friends with Lauren!! Basically though, Lauren {who is literally a skincare guru} SWEARS by these products and she actually loves mixing the oil with her foundation for more of a dewy look {hello beauty hack}. Soooo I'm basically at that point where if Lauren does it, SO WILL I!! Also, for more background {as oppose to just my obsession with TSC} on the company, terasana means “brilliant Earth” and their products are 100% vegan, cruelty-free and untouched by harmful chemicals.
I don't now if any of y'all hopped on that who "silk everything" trend, but I can tell you that I couldn't afford it so I never really did... I literally just had put Slip pillowcases on my Christmas wish list {because I was that broke and everybody was raving about them} even though my mama had two custom made silk pillowcases for my room already. NOW lemme just tell you, while I knew how nice silk pillowcases were and how beneficial they were for your skin and hair {cleaner, less friction, more breathable, etc.} it wasn't until I ran into CILQUE {pronounced as 'silk'} at IBE that I realized how badly I needed more silk products. CILQUE started in 2010; however, they rely on the word of mouth {rather than famous people} to spread awareness on their brand. Their fabrics are "non-toxic and laboratory tested to ensure quality and durability" and lemme just tell you, I have NOT taken the silk scrunchie out of my hair that they gave me {all my other ones I own are velvet and this is a GAME CHANGER}. In addition to silk pillowcases {which I'm excited to use as well} and scrunchies, CILQUE offers opulent silk bedding {it's STUNNING and I think I definitely need the black}, silk robes {not on their site yet}, silk headbands, and silk sleep masks {which I'm obsessed with my caramel one they gave me as well}. I canNOT recommend CILQUE enough!! It is machine washable, revitalizing for your skin and hair, room temperature adjustable, and hypoallergenic and breathable ANDDDDD it has also been seen in ELLE Magazine, Fashion Magazine, among others!!
Timeless Skin Care is one of the first skincare companies that actually caught my attention at the beauty expo. I mean, I don't know about y'all but I am an EXTREMELY visual person so seeing their booth and all the colors I was just naturally drawn to it... Thank goodness I was though because I got the inside scoop on all the products I was interested in and they even sent me home with their 20% Vitamin C + E Ferulic Acid Serum, their Hyaluronic Acid Vitamin C Serum, and their HA Matrixyl 3000™ w/ Cucumber Spray. With less fillers and chemicals than many skincare products on the market and no parabens, Timeless offers products that are EXTREMELY affordable and non-animal-tested. Also, I don't know about y'all but I have been using a couple of sprays for my face {moisturizing and nourishing} just cause they feel extremely refreshing; however, I have NEVER thought of using them after a workout {another pro-tip from a skincare professional}. I typically keep my hydration spray and rose spray in my bathroom for just midday refreshers or for when I get out of the shower, but the woman I was talking to handed me the Cucumber Spray and told me to take it with me and spray myself after I workout. It will not only awaken your skin but it will leave you smelling fresh {and kinda mask the smell of sweat} until you shower. I am so dang excited to try out their products!!
A reoccurring topic brought up throughout my exploration of IBE was anti-agining remedies, serums, and under eye cream... Guess what?! Soma Ayurvedic lured me in with ALL of those... I kid you not, I don't know how they had literally ALL THREE of the products I primarily sought out {and they so graciously sent me home with each one}!! Upon speaking to the two people who were running the booth and showing me the products {and testing them out on my arm}, I learned that all their products are sourced deep in the forests of Kerala {in India}. Their products are all natural, non-toxic, plant based, vegan, adaptogenic, and cruel free ANDDDD they're even eco friendly when it comes to packaging {their bottles and jars are made from glass}. So now that y'all know about my skincare rave and where my hype for these products come from {in addition to them smelling extremely yummy}, I also love the company's mission: For every product sold, they donate one female hygiene kit to women's shelters and. a set of school supplies to an orphanage in India. Have I caught your attention yet?! If not, subscribe to my YouTube channel because I will continue sharing my favorite products, my skincare routines, and true reviews of items that are in my skincare cabinet.
For all you girls who like glossy lips {or guys too!!}, I was introduced to Lip Gloss Boss as I was actually heading out of the event... It was literally the very last vendor I stopped by and I am so happy I did. If you're friends with me, you would know that I actually have never really been a fan of lip gloss because I like to drive with my windows down and I HATE when my hair blows into my lips and just stick; however, I recently have been getting more and more into it {my latest gloss obsession for the past two years has been Buxom} but I LOVE a new gloss to add to my purse and car collection {lol}. So, Lip Gloss Boss was started in 2014 and one thing I love about the company is they REFUSE to ever test their products on animals {let's save our furry friends}... I swear their catch phrase is the freakin cutest: Cruelty Free & Never Tested On Bunnies, Just Hunnies. Additionally these lip glosses have super catchy names like "#NSFW" and "#SendNudes," so if just that doesn't catch your attention, I don't know what will!! Another thing I talked about with the woman who worked this vendor was my obsession with the Laneige lip mask which I have gotten ALL of my friends HOOKED on. The reason why I brought this up to her was primarily because of what I said above, I don't like sticky stuff on my lips all the time {even though the mask is still gooey it just feels more nourishing}. She then proceeded to tell me that Victoria's Secret actually used to have a lip mask that was similar to that of Laneige; however, they discontinued it quite some times ago. Because she had stocked up on the lip product she was hooked on though, she was able to create her Balmy Gloss which comes in a lil jar and is clear to give your lips some shine. So far I havent used either of the gloss wands she gave me BUT I have used the Balmy Gloss and I love the look of my lips with it on AND I love how it is infused with mint.
I'll be honest guys {cause when am I not?!}: what actually attracted me to this vendor was the name "Stella" which has meant so much to me since I was a child because Stella was the name of the cat I grew up with. Anyways, I am so happy I stopped at Grace & Stella's booth because not only were the women who were working it sweet {thank you Grace for all the information, if you're reading this post} BUT all of their products are also cruelty-free certified and 100% vegan. ALSO, before I get into the products themselves, I was very drawn to the look of them and absolutely loved how each product had a funny catch phrase on it like "do your skin a favor and use me" and "f balm, this works" {and there were obviously more catered to other products}. Also, y'all {once again know if you follow me on insta-g} all know that I LOVEEEE eye masks and their hydrogel eye mask saved me for my drive home {pro-tip: I keep sheet masks, facial wipes, and eye masks in my car for long drives}... I can't freakin wait to try some more of their products AND if you're not in the mood to wait for shipping and handling, you can find them at Urban Outfitters, Walmart, Amazon, among other places.
Okieeeee... So y'all have probably already seen Yon-Ka either in my vlogs or my insta-g stories because I was influenced by my mama {omg my mom's an influencer lol} to start using their spray toner. Apparently when she was married to my dad and before she had me, she lived in an apartment where somebody who worked for Yon-Ka lived {or at least this is the story she told me}. Every time my mom would walk down the hall to get to her apartment she would smell the aroma from this woman's apartment and it TRULY smells like a spa. Since then my mama has been using the products and since a couple of months ago I have been using the toner. Upon going to IBE though, I learned the story about the French skincare company. "Since its creation {in 1954}, Yon-Ka has chosen to always use natural actives, plant extracts, essential oils and ingredients issued from biotechnology." I personally don't wear makeup {because thank goodness for lashes}; however, if you do I was highly recommended the Lait Nettoyant because it's soothing for your skin and helps take off any eye and face makeup. In terms of bags under your eyes {which I primarily asked about cause I suck at sleeping lol} I was also told all about the Phyto-Contour so you best believe this is the next skincare product I wanna get my hands on once I have enough money. The last product of their's that I want to tell you about is the Cellular Code which is used for anti-aging measures... Heck, I know y'all may be reading this and thinking "you're only 24; HOWEVER, the first signs of aging apparently appear around 25 and only get worse SOOOO it's never too early to focus on anti-aging if you ask me.
One of the last {but DEFINITELY not least} companies I want to talk to y'all about is Honor MD. You guys!! I straight up have been having THE WORST hormonal breakouts the past couple of months and that's one of the reasons that this booth made me so happy... I got to speak to the co-founder & CEO {shoutout Ursula} while her husband stood by listening {shoutout Dr. John Diaz}, and Honor MD is based in the heart of Beverly Hills, so you best believe that I am going to have to make my way there for a facial. Let me just tell you guys, this is another booth I talked about facial oil {once again because I am terrified of terrible breakouts} and I was recommended the Genetically Blessed Super Antioxidant Serum {which is a bit pricey but so nice... I got a lil tester} to keep my skin looking young, fresh, and dewey AND I was recommended the H(ope)2O Moisturizing Serum which went onto my skin like water. Let me also just tell y'all, I could NOT stop staring at Ursula's skin because it was FLAWLESS and I feel like a person's skin can tell you A LOT about a person. Part of our conversation also included how I am very much loyal to my skincare brands I have been using forever and one that stuck with me throughout the rest of the expo was Drunk Elephant. I was talking to her about the Drunk Elephant facial oil because I have heard so many incredible things about it and I was telling her about the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial because that's one that I have loved using among other skincare companies I enjoy using. From that conversation however, I learned that Sunday Riley uses formaldehyde-releasing properties that is going to be banned from beauty and skincare products within the next couple of years!! Long story short though, I was SOLD on Honor MD and she gave me all her information to reach out and visit her SOOOOO I can't freakin wait!!
I KNEW that Skineque looked kinda familiar but I couldn't put a pin on it from where until the woman mentioned that they did a seasonal collaboration with Tory Burch... I mean how freakin cool is that?! What's unique about this skincare brand is that their "products are interchangeable for a.m. and p.m. routines and are gentle enough to be used every single day" and I was actually given the Deep Sleep Overnight Mask which although I haven't. used quite yet I am so excited to try. The consistency is literal perfection and rubs onto your skin like gelly water. Also did I mention that all their skincare products are dermatologist tested, cruelty free, and formulated without ingredients such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates?!
NOW -- I hope y'all got ALL the information you needed {and // or wanted} from reading this post and I was hopefully also able to introduce you to some new brands you have never heard about. If you are one of the vendors and reading this post, than you so so SOOOO dang much for all the information you fed me and the products you gave me, I seriously can't wait to use them all and include them into my daily beauty and skincare routines.
Just so y'all know, I will be editing and posting my "Day in my Life" vlog from that day hopefully in the next few days so make sure you subscribe to my channel and turn on your notifications!!
Have a fabulous Super Bowl weekend!!
xoxo V
