Whenever I’m in need of a fresh perspective or in times of weariness, I often find myself coming back to my blog. I’ve been blogging since 2007, and it wasn’t until I sat down to write this, that I realized it has been 10 whole years; 10 years of me digitally chronicling my thoughts and feelings through photography, digital imaging, and prose. And, each time I sit down to collect my thoughts, I remember why.
“Beauty is only skin deep.”
It’s an old adage that you may have heard as a child or maybe as a young teen going through your formative years. It alludes to the fact that being beautiful is really determined by the quality of one’s character rather than the way one looks.
However, in today’s beauty climate heavily influenced by beauty gurus and socialites, we respect the artistry first. We admire how easily some can perfect their contour or slay their eye shadow. we enjoy watching this artwork in motion.
As amazing and fun as makeup might be, it can also be isolating and discriminatory for many, especially black women. When brands fail to create products for underrepresented complexions and the lines between appropriation and “appreciation” get blurred, frustration builds. anger grows. problems persist.
when i was a young girl i would look through the pages of teen people (remember that?) or seventeen for beauty looks that would apply to me and often came up short. even now, in 2016, its hard for me to find makeup specific content that caters to people who look like me (unless the topic is controversial or likely to go viral.)
Cocoa Swatches has always been dedicated to addressing these issues, but its time to take things to the next level.
This is where S K I N D E E P makes its entrance.
This past weekend I had the privilege of speaking on a panel about self care at Blavity’s EmpowerHER conference, “A BLACK WOMEN’S CONFERENCE TO EXPLORE LEADERSHIP, CREATIVITY and TECH.”
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If you were like the millions of people who probably tuned in to the premiere of Beyonce’s lastest visual album, LEMONADE, you might also be one of the millions who were deeply inspired by it, like me. To be honest, I have to watch it couple more times to really get my thoughts together and there are so many think pieces out there already that have properly articulated the awesomeness that is Beyonce. But, what I can tell you is that I was deeply moved and inspired by it. (more…)
It’s finally starting to get warmer in NYC so you know I had to establish a spring/summer uniform. (more…)
