Is it just us, or does it feel like a never-ending struggle to find an actual brown shade for your skin?
Some look ashy, others look too dark. Some look too pink, and others...well, we don't know what they are. Brown lipsticks and brown liners have been in our purses for years, so the fact that it's taken THIS long to get it right is just downright sad.
Thankfully, a lot more Black-owned brands and staple beauty brands in our beauty arsenal have finally started hearing our pleas and are giving us options. So if you want a brown lipstick to add to your collection (girl, because we know you do), then check out some of our most recent faves:
Sephora Collection Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
Feature photo courtesy of Mented Cosmetics
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Her captivating command of the pole left many of us intrigued, perhaps even tempted, to explore pole dancing ourselves after witnessing the mesmerizing performances at Mercedes Sunday. But it wasn’t just her physical prowess that kept us hooked. Mercedes is a character of depth—empowering, complex, relatable, and deeply human.
These are qualities that Brandee embodies both on and off the screen.
(L-R) Marque Richardson and Brandee Evans on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
A Memphis native, Brandee is no stranger to dance. She boasts an impressive career as a choreographer, having worked with renowned artists like Katy Perry, Monica, Ke$ha, and Ledisi. But while it has been a significant part of her journey, Brandee has her sights set on more—expanding her acting career beyond dance-inclusive roles. This ambition nearly led her to pass on the opportunity to appear alongside Kerry Washington in Hulu’s UnPrisoned, where she plays Ava, Mal's (Marque Richardson) new girlfriend.
“When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no,” Brandee revealed with a laugh. “She mentioned pole dancing, and I told myself and my team that once I was done with Mercedes, I wasn’t going to do that again.” Fortunately, Washington assured her that the role would be vastly different, leading to what Brandee described as an invaluable masterclass in comedy under the guidance of Washington herself.
“Kerry is a force of nature,” Brandee reflected. “She’s everything you’d hope she’d be—strong, compassionate, and incredibly talented. Working with her was like a masterclass in acting.” This opportunity was no mere stroke of luck; it was something Brandee had manifested years earlier. But make no mistake–she credits her faith and praying hands for her success. “I’m praying, you know what I mean? I’m asking God for what I want and working for it too,” she said.
"When Kerry Washington slid into my DMs, I nearly said no."
(L-R) Brandee Evans, Kerry Washington, and Marque Richardson on 'UnPrisoned' Season 2
Courtesy: Hulu
This role marked Brandee’s first foray into comedy, and while she was eager to embrace the challenge, she found herself in the hands of an incredible mentor. “Kerry was always so kind in her critiques,” Brandee noted. “She’s not a diva by any means. She knows exactly what she wants, but she’s gentle and encouraging in bringing it out of you. That’s something I’ve taken with me to other sets—I want to lead with the same kindness and openness that Kerry showed me. It’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Brandee speaks with profound respect and gratitude for her peers and fellow actresses as many have shown her genuine sisterhood and support in an industry often notorious for its competitiveness. “Danielle Brooks sent me a prayer the other day, and I was just so touched. Those are the moments that people don’t see,” she shared. “I call Sheryll Lee Ralph my fairy godmother, and Loretta Devine is like my auntie. Being able to pick up the phone and seek advice from these incredible women is a true blessing.”
And she pays it forward.
Brandee Evans
Courtesy: Hulu
But her commitment to supporting others extends far beyond her career. As an advocate for health and wellness, she empowers women to prioritize their well-being. “Azaria [Carter], who plays my daughter on P-Valley, mentioned wanting to start a weight loss journey and get more fit. I told her, ‘Well, let’s work out together,’” Brandee recounted. But her dedication to healthy living goes beyond physical fitness, encompassing a holistic approach to wellness. “When she came to my house and tried to microwave something in plastic, I said, ‘Let’s use glass instead. At 20, I wasn’t thinking about that, but let me share some tips now so you’re not battling fibroids in your 30s.’”
Because she was.
While filming the first season of P-Valley, Brandee faced enormous stress—not only as a caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, but also due to the physical demands of the role. Yet the impact on her body was far greater than she expected. “I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal,” Brandee revealed. It was Harriet D. Foy, who plays her mother, who urged her to get checked for fibroids.
"I was literally on my cycle every day while playing a stripper, which is far from ideal."
Brandee Evans graces the 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards Ceremony.
Arnold Turner/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The statistics are staggering—80% of Black women develop abnormal uterine growths by age 50, making them more likely to suffer from fibroids than any other racial group. But like many, Brandee was initially unaware of these growths and their debilitating effects, and the prospect of surgery was daunting. “I was scheduled to have a myomectomy on my birthday, but I thought about what it would mean for my career. How am I going to climb the pole? The healing process is similar to a C-section.” Determined to avoid surgery, she committed to healing herself naturally.
After a deep dive, she sought treatment at The Herb Shop of Vinings in Atlanta, which ultimately led to a remarkable recovery. “This man saves lives. His name is Jeff, and I call him my doctor.” Brandee shared. “I started detoxing my body with herbs and following his program. During my follow-up with the gynecologist, they said, ‘We don’t know what you’re doing, but your fibroids are shrinking.’”
Emerging on the other side of this journey not only fibroid-free but with a regulated cycle and a renewed outlook on life, Brandee is now focused on sharing her story and advocating for women’s health. “I know y’all want to hear about P-Valley, but I want to talk about regulating your period,” she said with a laugh.
Of course, she didn’t leave fans hanging when it came to what to expect in the upcoming season. “It is worth the wait. The world is about to go crazy. Oh, the world is about to lose it,” Brandee teased. “Y’all might be mad at us right now, but baby, it’s going to be worth it.”
All episodes of Season 2 of UnPrisoned are now streaming on Hulu.
Featured image courtesy of Hulu
Over three years, I paid off a total of $46,217.24—eight credit cards, one personal loan, and a pesky bill from the dentist. It wasn’t just a financial accomplishment but a personal victory that taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, sacrifice, and financial discipline. This journey wasn’t easy—it was filled with setbacks, emotional roadblocks, and countless hours of hard work.
The truth about money is that it’s more of a mental game than anything. You have to believe you deserve better and that you’re capable of living a life that others only dream about. Then, you have to put in the work to bring that dream to fruition.
Here’s how I paid off my debt and five essential takeaways that can help you on your path to becoming debt-free.
Takeaway 1: Start Small, but Start
My journey began in October 2017 when I was living in a tiny bedroom in Los Angeles, sharing a house with six strangers. Despite juggling multiple jobs, including freelance writing and catering, I found myself drowning financially. I had tried to get out of debt before, but without a clear strategy, I never made much progress. That’s when I discovered Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover, which introduced me to the concept of “baby steps.” I quickly saved $1,000 and began paying off my debts from smallest to largest. The progress felt encouraging, but the reality of my situation would soon hit hard.
One of the most significant challenges in tackling debt is simply getting started. Begin with small steps, like saving an emergency fund or paying off the smallest debt first. The momentum you build from these small victories will keep you motivated as you tackle larger debts.
mapodile/Getty ImagesTakeaway 2: Prepare for Setbacks
As the winter season approached in Los Angeles, my catering gigs dried up, leaving me financially vulnerable. I worked through the holidays, sacrificing time with family to earn extra money. But by January, after multiple job rejections and no income in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., I decided to move back to Atlanta. The transition wasn’t easy—months of unemployment, draining my savings, and relying on the generosity of my grandparents took an emotional toll. Despite these challenges, I remained focused on my goal.
Life is unpredictable, and setbacks are inevitable. Whether it’s an unexpected job loss, a medical emergency, or a family crisis, having a plan to navigate these challenges is crucial. Build a safety net that can help you stay on track even when things don’t go as planned.
Takeaway 3: Sacrifice for Your Future Self
In July 2018, I resumed my debt-free journey with renewed determination. I took on side hustles like Uber Eats and freelance work in addition to my 9-to-5 job to increase my income. I drastically cut my expenses, forgoing luxuries like hair and nail appointments, dining out, and vacations. Every extra dollar went toward my debt.
By 2019, I sold my leased car to eliminate the burden of car payments, insurance, and gas. At the time, I lived within walking distance of my job and was in a walkable part of the city, so while it wasn’t optimal, it wasn’t a huge inconvenience to not have transportation. The journey was long, and at times, I felt isolated, especially when friends and family continued living lives that seemed carefree in comparison. But one thing I learned was that a lot of people can’t truly afford the lifestyle they share on social media. I often had to remind myself that short-term fun wasn’t worth long-term strain.
Paying off debt requires sacrifices. Whether it’s cutting back on dining out, skipping vacations, or taking on extra work, these sacrifices are temporary. The freedom you gain from being debt-free is worth far more than the short-term pleasures you might give up while on your journey.
PeopleImages/Getty Images
Takeaway 4: Focus on Your "Why"
As I paid off more debt, I faced emotional exhaustion. I lived in a noisy apartment that made it hard to sleep, couldn’t afford to move, and felt the strain of watching others enjoy luxuries I couldn’t.
However, I reminded myself that my sacrifices were paving the way for a better future. I wanted a life where I could buy things and go places without worrying about a bill waiting for me when the dust settled. I wanted to have the freedom to do work that I cared about without worrying about how quickly the money would come back to me. I wanted to be in the position to take care of my mom and grandparents—pay off their homes and ensure they have the best care so that they could actually enjoy their later years.
I wanted to build wealth for myself and my future family so that one day my kids could live a life and choose careers that they really wanted, not just random jobs for a paycheck. I wanted to be able to give and invest without wondering how I was going to be able to provide for myself, to support my church, my people, and my community.
In short, I wanted to live a life that many people never lived, and I didn’t want to wait until I was near my 70s and retired to live it.
When the journey gets tough, and it will, remind yourself why you started. Whether it’s to provide a better future for your family, achieve financial independence, or live a life free from the stress of debt, keep your “why” front and center. It will help you stay committed even when the road seems never-ending.
Takeaway 5: Celebrate Your Wins
In the last six months of my journey, I allowed myself to enjoy some small luxuries again, like moving into a better apartment and taking a couple of trips—paid in cash, of course. While I might have paid off my debt sooner without these indulgences, they were essential for maintaining my mental health. On July 15, 2020, I made my final payment and crossed the finish line as a debt-free champion.
As you make progress, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, big or small. Whether it’s paying off a credit card, saving an emergency fund, or finally becoming debt-free, acknowledging your achievements is important. It reinforces your progress and keeps you motivated for the next goal.
Paying off $46,000 in debt was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. The journey taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of staying focused on my long-term goals.
Recently, I was asked for my advice to someone who is on a similar journey. My answer: Stay prayed up. Stay focused. Surround yourself with people who support you and don’t drain you. And if you don’t have anyone, find them in other communities—your church, Facebook groups, YouTube, etc. Know that you’re not alone on your journey. And when times really get hard, remember why you started. You’ll be grateful that you didn’t quit once you’re on the other side.
Want to read more about my debt-free journey? Check out the original post on Write On Kiah for the full story and share your own experience in the comments!
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Featured image by LaylaBird/Getty Images