1. At-home deep conditioning has never been easier thanks to Hot Head Thermal Hair Care. All I gotta do is pop this flaxseed-filled baby into the microwave and you’ve got the results of a hooded dryer without the extra hassle.
2. Mented Cosmetics were made to compliment all skin colors and complexions, and their Red Matte Lipstick Holiday Set is no exception. These classic shades will help you kick off the new year in a bold and beautiful way.
3. I’ll bet all the money I don’t actually have that this award-winning Oui Rose Gold Single-Blade Razor is the most gorgeous hair removing tool you’ve ever laid your eyes on. Looks aside, it’s been engineered to give women their closest shave, minus the irritation and ingrown hairs...
4. ...And speaking of ingrown hairs, Scotch Porters extensive line of grooming and body products will help you keep those pesky, painful bumps at bay. The company originally catered exclusively to bearded folk, but has since expanded with skincare goods for everybody.
5. Outfit your home space with Rayo & Honey’s homemade canvas pennants and you’ll be feeling the positive vibes in no time.
6. All the young bookworms and budding activists in your life will appreciate Marley Dias Gets It Done: And So Can You!. Penned by the 13-year-old founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, this award-winning book explores social justice, volunteerism, equity and inclusion, and literacy for all ages.
7. Little Man, Little Man: A Story of Childhood is the only children's book written by the late literary icon James Baldwin, so you already know it's brilliant. The critically-acclaimed publication takes a celebratory look at the challenges and joys of black childhood.
8. Facial elixirs were the skin care items I never knew I needed, so when I found this amazing one from Beauty by Africa Miranda, I knew I had to splurge.
9. Every person needs a dope jacket that makes them feel like a million bucks, and for me, I found it in this awesome Mess in a Bottle Jacket that reminds every Queen to rule with all her might.
10. Since I have locs, it can sometimes be difficult finding headwear that'll keep me warm AND fit over my head — I fell in love with Loza Tam satin-lined headwraps because they are lined in satin that helps prevent friction on my hair.
11. I'm not a fan of greasy formulas on my face, so this lightweight moisturizer from Base Butter definitely came in handy for days that I needed hydration and a quick refresher.
12. Sometimes you just gotta pop out and make a statement, and these bow-tie pumps are just the statement-making shoe we all need in our closets.
13. Am I the only one who hates when you have to wear 'nude' underpinnings and nothing matches your skintone? I found Nubian Skin's naked bras that come in a variety of shades, and problem finally solved!
14. Who said gift cards could only be for shopping? Lotus Nail Lounge offers gift cards for all their services, and with prices so affordable, I'd honestly get a gift card and give it to myself.
15. If you're in the gift card spirit, you can also grab one from Cynergy Spa. It's a black-owned spa based in Brooklyn, New York, and y'all, when I tell you it's an entire experience from the moment you walk in.
16. In today's political climate we all need a crewneck that speaks to the culture and I haven't stopped loving this Malaika Apparel 'Black Lives Matter' Crewneck.
17. Coloring Pins is one of my fave brands for one-of-a-kind adornments, but these 'Jodie & Zaria' Sets make for a black girl's dream.
18. Whether you're a poet newbie or veteran, The BreakBeat Poets Vol. 2: Black Girl Magic will give you so much life! This anthology takes a much-need dive into the complex intersection of hip-hop culture and black womanhood.
19. What's better than seeing a black girl on your water bottle every time you go for a sip? Nothing, that's why the Trinigee 'Black Girl' water bottle is every brown girl (and ballerina's) dream.
20. I have love handles, and yes, I love them! I'm a huge fan girl of this Ayoka 'Black Girl Magic' iPhone Case because we are beautiful in all our shapes, sizes, and forms.
21. I love eyeshadows, and Juvia's Place's 'Warrior II' Eyeshadow Palette is perfect for the makeup lover who also loves neutrals, browns, and everyday, wearable eyeshadows. Also, these are pigmented AF.
22. Customers are posting their before and after pics once using the Mary Louise Cosmetics Miracle Serum, and the results are unbelievably good!
23. The Buttah Complete Skin Set cleanser, vitamin C, and facial shea butter is an easy-to-use system with chic unisex packaging.
24. Third Crown's Prizm Large Cuff is an investment-worthy staple that makes a statement.
25. Beija Flor Naturals' Creme Brulee for Kinks Curls and Coils Curling and Twisting Cream can be used for twist-outs, wash-and-go's, or as a moisturizer.
26. Lauren Napier Cleanse and Flaunt facial wipes aren't just any ol' makeup removers. The ingredients actually have benefits, like evening your skin tone.
27. So everything from Beneath Your Mask is amazing, but that INDULGE TOTAL BODY ELIXIR is everythiiiiiiiiiiing! The light, natural scent is the perfect layer to seal in moisture, and calm your senses before bedtime.
28. Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Detangling and Moisturizing Hair Conditioner is one of many cult faves from the brand. The moisturizing formula makes combing through all curl patterns a breeze!
29. Pretty Honest Candles Lemon Lavender will have your home smelling like what a page from Better Homes & Garden looks like.
30. The Crayon Case Box of Crayons Palette has 18 pigment-packed shades to serve endless looks.
ACTUAL FOOTAGE OF ME HEADED TO THE BANK TO WITHDRAW SOME HOLIDAY SHOPPING COINS:
