Nana Agyemang does everything with intention-including the way she leads her platform EveryStylishGirl. “I created it because I didn’t see women like me, Black women, represented in media, fashion, and leadership roles when I was growing up,” the founder and CEO tells ESSENCE.
For the Ghanaian-American journalist and entrepreneur, beauty is more than just about looking polished. Such as, at the company’s Sip N’ Slay event this year, Agyemanag showed up in what she calls her most powerful self yet. “I never usually show my forehead, but this year I whent with a slick-back bun,” Agyemang tells ESSENCE. “It was symbolic-everything pulled back,no distractions-just me,showing up fully. A slick bun says, ‘oh, baby, I mean buisness’,” she says.
Agyemang’s confidence was further enhanced through her glowing skin. She layered a hydrating primer with a custom mix of Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear in 540C and Armani Luminous Silk in 14 to strike the perfect balance between staying power and luminosity. Brightness under the eyes
Beauty Diary: A Week of Radiant Skin & Self-Care
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This week was all about reconnecting with my skin and prioritizing self-care.Life has been busy, to say the least, and my routine had definitely taken a backseat.I decided to dedicate seven days to intentionally nourishing my skin and finding moments of peace amidst the chaos. Here’s a breakdown of my beauty diary – the wins, the learnings, and the products that helped me glow from the inside out.
Monday: Back to Basics
I started with a gentle reset. Cleansing with my go-to CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser was the perfect way to wash away the stress of the weekend. I followed with The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 to plump up my skin and lock in moisture. The focus was on hydration and simplicity.Tuesday: Exfoliation Station
Time to slough off the dead skin! I used Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – a longtime favourite.It’s effective without being overly harsh. I followed with a soothing sheet mask, the Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb The Super Hydrating Sheet Mask, to calm any potential irritation.Wednesday: Mask Magic
Mid-week called for a little extra pampering. I whipped up a DIY honey and avocado mask. Honey is a natural humectant, drawing moisture to the skin, and avocado is packed with healthy fats. Left it on for 20 minutes and rinsed with lukewarm water. My skin felt incredibly soft and nourished.
Thursday: Vitamin C Boost
I reintroduced SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic into my morning routine. It’s an investment, but the brightening and antioxidant benefits are undeniable. I’ve noticed a visible advancement in my skin’s overall radiance since incorporating it. Sunscreen is non-negotiable when using Vitamin C, so I layered on Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Friday: Focus on the Eyes
The eyes are the first to show signs of fatigue, so I gave them some extra TLC. I used the kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado to hydrate and de-puff. A gentle massage with my jade roller helped to stimulate circulation.
Saturday: Treat Yourself
I indulged in a long, luxurious bath with Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Afterward, I applied a generous layer of Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask to my lips and a hydrating face mask – the Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask. Pure bliss!
Sunday: Self-Care Sunday
I kept my skincare routine minimal, focusing on hydration and relaxation.I spent the day reading, listening to music, and simply enjoying my own company. A final application of my favorite moisturizer,Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel,and I was ready to face the week ahead.
Key Takeaways:
Consistency is key: Even small, consistent efforts can make a big difference.
Listen to your skin: Pay attention to how your skin is feeling and adjust your routine accordingly.
* Self-care is not selfish: Taking time for yourself is essential for your overall well-being.This week reminded me that skincare isn’t just about the products we use; it’s about the ritual,the self-love,and the commitment to nurturing our skin and ourselves.## Fragrance Cocktailing
You’ve perfected your base,sculpted your features,and added a pop of color. But a makeup look isn’t truly complete until you’ve applied the finishing touches. These often-overlooked steps elevate your entire appearance, ensuring your makeup lasts and looks polished. Don’t skip them!
Setting Your Makeup
Setting your makeup is crucial for longevity. It prevents creasing,fading,and transfer. There are two primary methods: setting powder and setting spray.
Setting Powder
Loose or pressed powder locks your makeup in place. For oily skin, a translucent powder is ideal. It absorbs excess oil and provides a matte finish. Apply with a fluffy brush, focusing on areas prone to shine – the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin). For dry skin, choose a hydrating setting powder or use a light dusting of powder only where needed.
Setting Spray
Setting spray creates a cohesive veil over your makeup, melding everything together. it adds hydration and can provide different finishes – matte, dewy, or natural. hold the bottle about 8-10 inches from your face and spray in an “X” and “T” motion. Allow it to dry fully before touching your face.
Highlighting and Contouring Refinement
While you’ve likely applied your highlight and contour during the base application, a subtle refinement can make a big difference. Use a small, precise brush to add a touch of highlight to the high points of your face – cheekbones, brow bone, Cupid’s bow, and the bridge of your nose.Blend well to avoid harsh lines. Similarly, lightly blend contour to soften edges and create a more natural shadow.
Lip Liner and Gloss/Balm
A lip liner defines your lips and prevents lipstick from bleeding. Choose a shade that closely matches your lipstick or natural lip color. After applying lipstick, use a lip liner brush to clean up any edges. Finish with a touch of lip gloss or balm for added hydration and shine. Gloss can also make lips appear fuller.
Brow Gel
Even if your brows are perfectly shaped,a clear or tinted brow gel sets them in place all day.Brush upwards and outwards to create a natural, feathery look. This simple step keeps stray hairs from disrupting your overall makeup look.
Final Check & Adjustments
Before stepping out, take a final look in the mirror. Check for any areas that need blending or touch-ups. Ensure your makeup is balanced and harmonious. Don’t be afraid to make small adjustments to achieve your desired look.
Key Takeaways
- Setting is essential: Powder and spray lock your makeup in place.
- Refine, don’t redo: Subtle adjustments to highlight and contour enhance your look.
- Lips need love: Liner prevents bleeding, and gloss adds hydration and fullness.
- Brows stay put: Brow gel keeps everything in place.
- Final check: A rapid review ensures a polished finish.
Published: 2025/08/29 03:43:07