GRWM 23rd Birthday Pt.2: Makeup & New Products
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This year I didn’t want a stressful birthday or big plans. I just wanted to move slow, be intentional, and do things that make me feel good. Plus the weather and being sick made it easier to just do a self care rest week.
So I spent my birthday week getting ready slowly, enjoying my own company, and trying new makeup products on my dark skin, resetting and reorganizing.
Honestly… this is how I want to live 23.
Calm. Grounded. Soft. Unrushed.
Makeup details + products below ⬇️
New Products:
@Real Techniques - brushes and beauty blenders
@EcoTools - eye brushes
@DanessaMyricksBeauty - Yummy Balm Liquid Blurring Balm Setting Spray
@Urban Decay Cosmetics - eye primer & Glaze On Shimmer Liquid - Bronzer Shimmer
@MERIT Beauty :
• The Card Case
• Clean Lash Mascara
• Retrospect Perfume
• Signature Lip- The Power
•Flush Balm- Sher Red
Makeup Details:
Primer: @milkmakeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Makeup Primer with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
Brows: @L’Oréal Paris
• Infallible 24H Brow Lamination
• Eyebrow Pen Infallible Faux Brow- soft Black
Contour: @Fenty Beauty - Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick - 06 Ebony
Concealer
• @merit: The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Foundation and Concealer Stick - Tiger Eye
•@Maybelline NY : Lifterstix Multi-Use Face Stick - 40 (Neutral)
Blush: @merit - Flush Balm - Sher Red
Eyeshadow
@urbandecaycosmetics : Glaze On Shimmer Liquid - Bronzer Shimmer
@Anastasia Beverly Hills : Cosmos Eyeshadow Palette - Mars
Powder
@LottieLondon : Ready Set! Go Undereye Setting Powder - Brightening Pink
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@Laura Mercier : Translucent Loose Longwear Setting Powder
Setting Spray:
• @milkmakeup - Hydro Grip 12HR Dewy Setting Spray With Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide
• @Danessamyricks - Yummy Balm Liquid Blurring Balm Setting Spray
Mascara: @merit - Clean Lash
Highlighter: @Tower 28 Beauty Bronzino Illuminating Cream Bronzer- West coast
Eyeliner: @NYX Professional Makeup Waterproof Eyeliner Epic Ink
Lip Combo:
Lip Liner: @Palladio Beauty - Black Berry
Lipstick:
• @merit : Signature Lip- The Power
• @fentybeauty : Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream - Fruit Snackz
Lip gloss: @Nicka K New York
• Save for dark skin makeup inspo
• Follow for the full 23rd birthday series! See you in pt 3 ❤️
Turning 23 felt like the perfect moment to slow down and focus on self-care, especially with the challenges of weather and feeling under the weather. I found that embracing a calm and unrushed approach to makeup was a beautiful way to celebrate myself without added pressure. Trying new products specifically suited for dark skin was both exciting and empowering. For instance, the MERIT Clean Lash Mascara really enhanced my lashes without clumping, and I loved how the Flush Balm in Sher Red added a natural, healthy flush to my cheeks. Using Urban Decay’s Glaze On Shimmer Liquid in Bronzer Shimmer gave my eyes a subtle glow that caught the light without being overpowering — perfect for a soft, grounded look. Another game-changer was the @milkmakeup Hydro Grip primer and setting spray; they kept my makeup hydrated and long-lasting without feeling heavy. I also enjoyed experimenting with contouring using Fenty Beauty’s Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick in Ebony, which blended seamlessly on my skin tone. Choosing makeup brushes and tools, like those from Real Techniques and EcoTools, made the application process feel like a mini pampering ritual. I appreciated how brush quality impacted the finish and ease of blending, making the whole process more enjoyable. This routine taught me that celebrating milestones doesn’t need to be loud or extravagant. It can be a quiet moment to appreciate ourselves, try new beauty finds, and cultivate a style that feels true to our pace and energy. If you’re exploring makeup for darker skin or just want to unwind with a mindful GRWM, I highly recommend taking your time, choosing products that truly suit your skin, and embracing the joy in the little steps.
