6 Simple Steps for an Insta-Ready Face (#Nofilter Necessary)
If you keep up with Kylie Jenner (or Selena Gomez or Bella Hadid, for that matter) on Instagram, it’s pretty clear that she’s mastered the art of taking flattering photos. But what exactly makes a good selfie? Source: Kylie Jenner/Instagram; Source: Selena Gomez/Instagram; Source: Bella Hadid/Instagram Sure, any face shot needs to be clear as […]
If you keep up with Kylie Jenner (or Selena Gomez or Bella Hadid, for that matter) on Instagram, it’s pretty clear that she’s mastered the art of taking flattering photos. But what exactly makes a good selfie?
Sure, any face shot needs to be clear as day and sunny lighting is a big plus, but let’s be real, your beauty look also needs to be on point to make the pic worth sharing.
We’ve come up with a foolproof 5-minute makeup routine that lets you channel your favorite IG chicks and preps you for any impromptu front-side camera action.
Nordstrom
1. IT’S PRIME TIME!
Uploading a stunning close-up means blurring out fine lines, minimizing pores and concealing dark spots. Gently rub your bare face with Smashbox’s color-correcting primer, a hydrating green-tinted formula that counteracts redness for a velvety smooth and evenly toned base. In fact, your makeup will stay put through the 8-hour workday and beyond, no need to reapply.
Buy It! Smashbox Cosmetics Photo Finish Color Correcting Primer, $39; nordstrom.com
Bloomingdales
2. DON A SECOND SKIN
We’d all love to have a flawless supermodel complexion, and fortunately Armani’s luminous silk foundation provides us non-Kendalls with a similar #iwokeuplikethis glow in seconds. We’re obsessed with this weightless formula, which glides on for a gorgeous sun-kissed finish that can withstand the sweatiest summer heat.
3. ADD A REAL-LIFE RETOUCH
Celeb makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is the fairy godmother of cosmetics and even has her own incredible beauty line. The Retoucher (aka a magic wand for blemishes) is her click-and-brush concealer pen that is perfectly sized for your purse. Wave it on scars, acne or anywhere that needs a quick edit.
Buy It! Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher Concealer, $35; net-a-porter.com
Sephora
4. APPLY FLASH PROTECTOR
Ever have your flash accidentally go off while you’re getting your Mary-Kate and Ashley prune face on? No worries! Estée Lauder’s translucent, blue-hued powder eliminates unwanted shine so you’ll always be ready for nighttime shots and iPhone mishaps.
Buy It! The Estée Edit by Estée Lauder Flash Photo Powder, $32; sephora.com
Anthropologie
5. ADD A FRAME
Give your pretty peepers the spotlight by amping up your arches: Sweep BBROWBAR’s tinted gel upward-and-across your temples, similar to the way you apply your mascara. The result is natural-looking bold brows that will wow even your most judgmental followers.
6. BREAK OUT THE LIP KIT
If you’ve yet to snag one of King Kylie’s sold-out lip kits, top off your look with Tarte’s matte lip essentials. Available in three pretty-in-pink shades, the matching Amazonian clay liner, LipSurgence gloss and crème are easy to apply and give you a contoured Insta-worthy pout for less than 20 bucks. Bonus perk: The lip crème can double up as blusher for an extra pop of color.
Buy It! tarte Total Lip Service Essentials, $18; tarte.com
The world of music is a melting pot of cultures, sounds, and stories. In this exclusive interview with Shah Cypha on “On The Grynd Live,” we get an inside look at KOKO, an artist whose journey from Finland to New York City exemplifies the grind and passion that drive the music industry. KOKO’s story is one of diversity, self-empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams.
A Blend of Cultures: KOKO’s International Soundscape
KOKO’s music is a testament to her international background. Hailing from Finland and spending part of her life in Brussels, Belgium, she brings a blend of Northern European sophistication and Middle European jazz and funk to her music. It’s this eclectic mix that sets her apart, making her sound a breath of fresh air in the New York scene.
KOKO mentions her fondness for the jazz and funk she experienced in Brussels, stating, “I definitely have like funk elements in my music, especially from the time when we lived in Brussels, because we went to see like a lot of jazz, for example, at all times.” This richness in artistry isn’t just serendipitous; it’s intentional and a core part of who she is as an artist.
The New York City Metamorphosis
Moving to the epicenter of varied artistic expression, New York City, KOKO continued to evolve her craft. It’s here that she found the latitude to further her studies in sound engineering and delve deeper into the music world. Attending SAE Institute of Technology was a decision that would shape her future, immersing her in a community that lives and breathes sound.
Yet, it isn’t just about the music for KOKO. It’s about being “in motion,” as she refers to her debut LP, aptly titled “Coco Motion.” This project encapsulates her experiences and growth during her time in the States. Each song represents a timestamp, chronicling her evolution from an international student to a New York artist. “It’s like a timeline, almost like how my journey has been here,” she reflects.
The Beacon of Self-love and Empowerment
Amid the beats and melodies, there’s an underlying narrative in KOKO’s music: the importance of self-love and empowerment. These are not just themes but the lifeblood of her creative expression. KOKO is on a mission to inspire, guide, and remind listeners of their inherent worth and capacity for love.
She doesn’t shy away from her advocacy for mental health, recognizing its significance in today’s society. For KOKO, music is a medium for healing and spiritual growth. “My sound is conscious pop,” she says, signaling the reflective quality of her songs and their purpose to resonate on a deeper level with her audience.
As we recap the indelible impression KOKO has made in her interview with Shah Cypha, it’s clear that her trajectory is not simply one of personal ambition but also of universal resonance. Her music, imbued with both her Finnish and Brussels-influenced roots, has found a nurturing home in New York City, blossoming into a soundtrack of self-development and positive vibrations. With a firm stance on female empowerment and mental health, KOKO’s presence in the industry goes beyond entertainment; it’s a catalyst for transformation and healing. Her upcoming LP, “KOKOmotion,” is set to ripple through the collective consciousness, reminding us all to stay in perpetual movement toward our highest selves.
Cincinnati native Big Lotion drops his new single titled “Green A Go.” Listen below via Spotify or on any music platform. You can also follow him on IG.
Derek2Ill is busting out the hinges of a “Magic Box.” The new single, presented by Digital Dynasty Music Group features Biggz and comes with production by Zero 610. Listeners will get minutes of in-your-face bars that will keep whack rappers on the sidelines. Classic cuts and scratches heighten the duo’s performance and message. Stream “Magic Box” and connect with the Bethlehem artist below.