Is it possible to run from your self? Is it possible to change the way you were created, to peel your skin – like a snake – and emerge with a new one? One that much of society says is the ideal? Is it possible to effectively lighten your skin tone without any future ramifications?

Lupita Nyong’o

The beautiful Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o once gave a daunting speech about the color of her skin. As a child she prayed to God for lighter skin. She talked about the disappointment of waking up the next day to find that God hadn’t answered her prayer. Her story is real. It’s one many young girls, many women in Africa and the African American community know too well.

When I was in Nigeria, one thing was clear: light skinned women were seen as the true definition of beauty. When I say light skinned…

Greetings lovelies! So once again I’m bringing you another FOTD since it’s easier to do while wrapping up my semester. I am happy to say this was the last day of my  continuous streak of wearing deep/dark lipsticks since I burned my lips, as you may already know about from my last post. My lips are well on their way to recovery.

At any rate, the look I’m wearing in the pics were worn to a family diner, to see my visiting family off. They were visiting from Yukon Canada. It was awesome seeing them all!

All the products I used are listed below accept the lipstick I wore, which is Mac’s Diva. I always for get the include the lipstick!

My eye makeup was done using the Pretty Rebel Palette by Too Faced. The colour that I’m wearing on my lids is called Totally Fetch, which is a…

Left to Right

Rimmel London Stay Glossy, CVS $4.99

Forever 21 Lip Gloss in Adobe Rose, Forever 21 $7.80

NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Chocolate Chip, NYC $1.99

MAC Lipstick in Touch, MAC $14.00

Left to Right

Andrea Starter Kit, Walgreens $5.49

MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Peach Lustre, MAC $25.00

Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, Walgreens $5.99

L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black, Target $8.49

 Top to Bottom then Left to Right

Garnier Clean Refreshing Remover Cleansing Towelettes, Walgreens $6.99

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, Walgreens $5.99

E.L.F Zit Zapper, Walgreens $1

NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer, $3.99

Top to Bottom then Left to Right

Wet n Wild Coloricon Bronzer in Bikini Contest, Walgreens $3.99

Shea Moisture Illuminating Powder Mandaly Dusk, $11.99

NYX Blush in Mocha, CVS, $5.99

E.L.F Healthy Glow Bronzer in Warm Tan, Target $1

MAC Loose Powder in Golden Bronze, MAC $25.00

Shea Moisture…

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Grace Bol by Alex Franco for Elle France May 2014

Model Grace Bol;

Photographed by Alex Franco;

Fashion Editor Jeanne Le Bault;

Makeup Fredrik Stambro.