💭 was there a book you read & loved last year that challenged you or pushed you out of your comfort zone?

just a colorful makeup GRWM alongside a “we’re still doing this?” rant about some of the annual reading wrap ups that have come across my feed. 🫣

💄makeup routine:

- Hydro Grip Hydrating Gel Skin Tint (Shade 1) from Milk Makeup

- Precision Sculpt Shaping Balm (Profile) from Haus Labs

- Cheek STAY-N (I'm Guilty) from Sacheu Beauty

- In A Trance Palette from Colourpop

- The Lord of the Rings Middle-Earth Palette from Glamlite

- Eyeshadow Singles (Blushing Lizard and Mermacculate) from Half Magic

- Vegan Longwear Eyeliner (Lilac) from Pacifica 

- Lights Camera Lashes, Platinum Mascara from Tarte Cosmetics

- TruBlend Skin Enhancer Baked Luminous Blush (Berry Punch) from Covergirl

- Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter (Enlighten) from Rare Beauty

- Lip Lingerie Liner Stain (Up To No Good) from NYX Cosmetics

- Wicked: For Good Glinda Glossy Balm from r.e.m. beauty

if you’re following me, i’m going to assume you DO care about diversifying and decolonizing your bookshelves. so here’s to more interesting reads in 2026!

#colorfulmakeup #GRWM #readingwrapup #nycinfluencer #booktok @milkmakeup @Haus Labs @SACHEU Beauty US @ColourPop Cosmetics @Glamlite @Half Magic by Donni Davy @pacificabeauty @tarte cosmetics @COVERGIRL @Rare Beauty @NYX Professional Makeup @r.e.m. beauty

1/13 Edited to

... Read moreExploring the intersection of beauty and literature has been such an enlightening experience for me this past year. Incorporating a colorful makeup GRWM (Get Ready With Me) routine is not just about aesthetics but also about expressing creativity and embracing individuality. For instance, using versatile products like the Hydro Grip Hydrating Gel Skin Tint from Milk Makeup or the In A Trance Palette from Colourpop can transform your everyday look into something uniquely bold and joyful. At the same time, reflecting on the books I read last year that challenged me helped deepen my appreciation for diverse voices and stories. Reading pushes us out of comfort zones and broadens perspectives, but the real transformation comes from actively choosing works that diversify and decolonize our bookshelves. This means seeking narratives from underrepresented authors and communities, which enriches our worldview and fosters empathy. Personally, balancing colorful makeup with thoughtful reading wrap-ups has become a form of self-care and mindfulness. It reminds me that beauty is as much about inner growth and intellectual curiosity as it is about outward expression. I encourage everyone to view their reading lists as dynamic and evolving: let 2026 be a year where you explore bold new makeup looks while committing to books that broaden your cultural horizons and challenge your thinking. On a practical note, using makeup products that align with your ethical values, such as cruelty-free or vegan options like Pacifica’s Vegan Longwear Eyeliner or Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter, complements the intent to diversify in other areas of life. The synergy between beauty routines and meaningful reading goals can inspire a holistic approach to self-expression, confidence, and conscious living. So, whether you’re experimenting with shades like Blushing Lizard or Mermacculate from Half Magic or diving into books that challenge your worldview, remember that both journeys are equally valid avenues for creativity and personal growth. Keep an eye out for interesting and inclusive reads, and enjoy the process of crafting your signature looks with vibrant makeup essentials!

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