Beauty Thoughts x The (1) Brand/Product I'm Loving
I'm still here, besties.
Listen, life as a freelancer has been busier than I imagined. Which is a good thing, but much more harder to keep up with things that I love to do for zero dollars, when all I have to think about now is how many dollars I’m making.
That said, THEE Boy Beat is still here and here to stay.
As I approach a year of freelancing, I know that I am not the same beauty gworl I was before when I worked on-staff or for a brand. In fact, my love for the beauty industry has grown even deeper, just as my disdain.
This journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. On one hand, the freedom to choose my projects and express my creativity without corporate constraints has been exhilarating. I've discovered new facets of the beauty world that I never knew existed, and I've had the opportunity to work with a range of clients who have expanded my horizons.
On the other hand, I've seen the underbelly of the industry — the pressure to constantly produce content, the sometimes unrealistic expectations of clients and the cutthroat competition which isn’t really “competition.” It has made me question certain practices and norms that I once took for granted.
Despite the challenges, my passion for beauty has only intensified. I find myself more curious, more experimental and more invested in understanding the science behind products and techniques. At the same time, I've become more critical of marketing gimmicks and unsustainable practices in the industry.
This duality of love and disdain has shaped me into a more nuanced, thoughtful beauty professional. It's a complex relationship, but one that I believe ultimately makes me better at what I do.
I often get asked the dreaded question, “Do you like freelancing?” And while the simple answer is yes — it is far more complex than this. I love my freedom and my ability to shift as I see fit, but when clients don’t on time, or at all — it can make you fly into a sheer panic.
Have I tried to go back on-staff or get a brand job again? Absolutely. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss PTO! But sadly, I’m at a place in my career where I’m considered “over qualified” and have been passed over many times for roles. I’ll get right up to the edit test or last steps of an interview, only to be told they’ve gone with another candidate.
The pain point? The candidates are often times white. (And thats no shade.) Myself and other Black + Brown industry friends have noticed that the pubs are getting whiter (again) and the press trips and gifting opportunities go towards the white (or white adjacent) on-staff editors and the rest of us are shaking, dancing and singing to get a break.
Also, it’s hard to stay engaged and in love when so many BIPOC brands are laying off staff or being forced to close down because the industry is so oversaturated with brand putting out unnecessary products and taking resources from the Black and Brown brands/voices our industry needs.
Its discouraging, but one thing about it — salt kills snails, not playas. (I’m a playa.) Whatever opportunity is meant for me, will always find me + YOU.
But lastly before I move on from these thoughts, S/o to ALL of my editor friends that have looked out for me. I will never forget how helpful, kind and supportive many of you have been to me. It means more to me than you can possibly imagine. (I’ve still been able to afford rent, bills + MAISON MARGIELAPRADAJEANSJWANDERSON)
What Is The Boy Beat Loving?
Now, on to the good stuff. So much shit has launched since I last checked in with you all in July — but these are the products that have me in an entire chokehold.
EADEM Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balms
This shit is GOOD! I swear that I’m a beauty gworl at heart because I purchased all of these balms with my hard-earned freelance money. I’m very friendly with the brand founders Alice + Marie and easily could have begged them for the balms, but it meant more to me to purchase. The treatment works as a lip mask, lip prep or full on standalone lip color. It comes in 5 universal shades and is espically kind to two-toned lips (yall know the vibes.)