Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

This New Product Will Get You Ready For Every Outfit

This post is sponsored by joy.

How many times have you changed your outfit because you realized too late that your legs weren’t quite show-ready? This happens to me all the time. And, since shaving usually takes me a long time, it’s easier to just change. But, wearing my best outfit for a day helps me show up feeling and looking like my best. So, being ill prepared for leg-hair situations is not acceptable. I was intrigued, then, when I learned about joy. The joy razor is a brand new shaver for us women that promises to make shaving simple and even joyful. Got your attention too, right?

I like to keep my beauty routine simple, which is probably why I neglect shaving until I absolutely have to. joy got my full attention with its uncomplicated design that makes shaving simple.

joy razor

Get this. The joy razor has five blades! These five blades give such a comfortable shave and remove hair so well. That’s a fact!

When I realized how amazing this razor was, I made sure to stock up on refills to stay ready for all hairy situations. The joy razor is available only at Walmart. I also picked up some glee shave gel, available only at Walmart.

joy razor

I must admit, until I started using glee, I’d been using any shampoo on hand to shave. Don’t judge me, y’all! Glee, though, available in a mousse (refreshing summer lily scent) or shave gel (calming cucumber and aloe) has converted me. I’m using the gel below. Do you see that rich lather it gave me once it hit wet skin?

I feel especially comfortable using my joy razor with this shave gel. It’s smooth sailing! You know what else I like? This joy razor has a non-slip grip. It doesn’t slip when my hands are wet nor covered in gel. I’m really digging that.

Joy razor

If hairy situations ever present a challenge to choosing your optimal outfit for tackling a day, this system is for you.

joy razor

Now that I have joy and glee, I stay ready for shorts-weather, skirt season, all of it!

My 3-Product Natural Hair Care Routine

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FindYourShea #CollectiveBias

2 years ago on Valentine’s Day, I was debating making a huge hair change. A few weeks later, I went for it, and I cut my hair off. My goal was to achieve beautiful hair that was easy to maintain. And, y’all, it was the best decision ever! Since then, I’ve been honing a go-to haircare routine that keeps my hair looking fresh and photo ready all the time. Many of you’ve been asking, so I’m here to share that routine, including the 3 products (and only 3) I rely on.

Natural Hair Care Routine

No surprise, I’m a huge fan of SheaMoisture products. See more of my favorites here. I love that the products are made with natural, “good for you” ingredients. And, oh my goodness, they smell so amazing and are fragranced with essential oil blends I feel safe using. I like to rotate the products I use from time to time, usually between the seasons. My current favorite line is the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil line. Click the image below to shop my go-tos.

By the way, if you’re visiting a Walmart store, you can find these products in the multicultural haircare aisle.

My 3-Product Natural Hair Care Routine

Step 1: To maintain my haircut–a fresh fade–I see my barber every 2 weeks. In between that time, I go from workouts to photo shoots to events, and I want my hair to look good. My SheaMoisture products are crucial to helping me achieve the look I want.

Step 2: My fresh style begins with clean hair. Since I work out several times a week, I shampoo often. The SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Oil Shampoo is a favorite because it’s gentle enough to use daily. When I use this shampoo, my hair feels moisturized, and it’s left so shiny. And, the smell? Oh my goodness…so delightful!


Step 3: I follow my shampoo with the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Rinse-Out Conditioner. From the second I apply this conditioner, my hair feels softer. I can run my fingers through it. And, the best part? My hair feels nourished after rinsing it out.


Step 4: I apply the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Styling Lotion as a moisturizer and styler. I don’t like to weigh my hair down with a lot of products. So, I love that this styling lotion does it all. If your hair gets dry like mine, this product is for you too.

I simply apply a small amount with my fingers and work it through my kinky curly hair.

I sponge curl quickly. And, in less than 2 minutes, my hair is done.

Hair care routine need a refresh? I highly recommend the SheaMoisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil line of products. They smell amazing, and the natural ingredients in their formulas leave the hair looking and feeling so healthy.

The Most Important Thing I Added To My Skincare Routine

This post is sponsored by Lexli.

I get so tickled when I receive compliments about my skin. Words like “glowing” get me every time. The truth is I have problem skin. It’s dry and eczema-prone. And, contact allergies? I have a laundry list of ingredients I have to avoid. The upside of all this is I’ve always had to take skincare seriously. 40 years old and all, my skin is thriving because of my intentional routine.

This year, I added something new to my routine, and it has drastically improved the look and feel of my skin. For just over a month, I’ve been using the Lexli AloeGlyC® glycolic acid exfoliator. Y’all, it’s a game changer.

Lexli Aloe Based Skin Care

Lexli Aloe Based Skin Care Products

Lexli, a premier line of Aloe skin care products, was created by Dr Ahmed Abdullah. When Dr. Abdullah, a board certified plastic surgeon, couldn’t find products to recommend to his clients, he created Lexli. He wanted a line that used pharmaceutical-grade aloe vera and advanced active ingredients proven to improve a variety of skin conditions.

I was excited to try Lexli because pharmaceutical-grade aloe (free from impurities) is central to all its formulations. Having grown up on an island with aloe plants in my backyard, I grew to trust the aloe plant for its healing, calming, and antimicrobial properties.

To put these products to the test, I tried Lexli aloe based skin care products exclusively. I got the Lexli Anti Aging Kit, which includes a cleansing lotion, exfoliator, serum, eye cream, daytime moisturizer, and night cream. I’m cutting no corners when it comes to my skin in 2019. Almost immediately, I knew the Lexli AloeGlyC® glycolic acid exfoliator was extra special.

Exfoliating with Lexli AloeGlyC®

I hear all the time that exfoliating is important. But, if you’re like me and find most physical exfoliants too irritating, you’ve probably avoided exfoliating. Furthermore, as a woman of color, professional chemical peels could be harsh when not done properly. Besides, they’re expensive. Enter, the AloeGlyC®, a chemical exfoliant with a similar pH to chemical peels, minus the risk of burns.

I used the product at night before applying my nighttime moisturizer. The next day my skin was notably brighter. Over a month later, I even think the lines on my forehead are less pronounced. During the winter, I usually get awful dry patches on my face no matter how much I moisturize. I’m confident that using the exfoliator, followed by the serum, and moisturizer has addressed my dryness. Now, getting glam with makeup is such a breeze.

If your skincare routine needs a refresh, try this powerful exfoliator. If you decide to try the line, use the code ECONOMYOFSTYLE20 for 20% off (valid until February 28).

Glowing Skin Beauty Routine + EveryHue Beauty Giveaway

I’ve got exciting news! I’m giving away 3 of my favorite EveryHue products. EveryHue Beauty, is a new multicultural brand available at Target. Fan of Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP)? If so, you may recognize the makeup line because RHOP cast member Gizelle Bryant is a cofounder of the company. To enter the Instagram-only giveaway, go here.

I’ve been using EveryHue Beauty products since the fall of last year. What I’ve been loving most about the products is that they leave my skin radiant. And, there’s more. Every product in the line is under $20, with the exception of the foundation brush, which is $28. By the way, the fabulous brush is one of the items I’m giving away.

The tinted moisturizer is a go-to for me. Until now, I’d searched for a tinted moisturizer that complements my skin tone with no luck. The EveryHue tinted moisturizers feel like moisturizer, but cover like foundation, all while proving sun protection with a physical sunblock. You see, I knew it was possible. Want help finding your hue? Use the brand’s color matcher here.

EveryHue Beauty

Now, watch me use my some of my favorite products. Then enter to win some for yourself.

View this post on Instagram

[Ad] [CLOSED: Congrats @christina_carol_beauty!] Giveaway time! I’m thrilled to have gotten my hands on the entire @everyhuebeauty collection, a new multicultural brand available at Target. This brand had my full attention at tinted moisturizers that actually complement my skin tone, feel like moisturizer, and perform like foundation. Yass! Watch me use the products. Then, enter to win some of my favorite goodies for yourself. See rules below. . . What I’m using: EveryHue Luminous Tinted Moisturizer (Nutmeg) EveryHue PoreFect Primer EveryHue Concealer Corrector Duo (Ginger) EveryHue Setting Powder (Cinnamon) EveryHue Glow and Go Pressed Powder Trio (Buttercup) EveryHue Liqui-Lighter Illuminator (Lust) EveryHue Setting Spray . . Giveaway: Win an #everyhuebeauty trio palette, foundation brush, and beauty blender. . . Rules: 1. Must be following me and @everyhuebeauty 2. Like and comment below 3. Bonus: Tag a friend who would love to try EveryHue Beauty products 4. Must have a mailing address in the US . . That’s it. Giveaway ends this Sunday, February 3 at 11:59 PM CST. #economyofstyle #everyhuebeauties #TargetyourHue #HueNation #blackbeautyblogger #targetbeauty #stlouisblogger

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Find Your Hue In EveryHue Beauty:

10 Genius Gift Ideas All Under $40

In a major rush to get a gift but want it to impress? I got you covered, girl. The genius gift ideas in this holiday gift guide are just that–genius. From top notch products we would use everyday but would rarely buy for ourselves to the sample sets that allow us to try the products everyone raged about this year, there’s something here for every woman in your life. And, the best part? Nothing is over $40.

10 Genius Gift Ideas:

1. S’well water bottle ($35)

S’well bottles combine fashion and function. They keep cold beverages cold for 24 hours and hot beverages hot for 12 hours. And, the bottles come in some jazzy designs. Would you expect anything less than fabulous from a woman-owned company? I use mine EVERY DAY.

2. Pat McGrath mini lipstick trio ($25)

Pat McGrath is one of the most influential makeup artists in the world. This set provides the perfect opportunity to try 3 of her top selling lipstick colors.

3. Google Home Mini (on sale $29)

Been thinking about getting a smart speaker? This is the one. It’s compact but powerful. With a simple, “Hey Google,” you can have hands-free help in any room.

4. Perfume sampler ($25)

Don’t know her favorite scent? No problem. This Sephora sample set includes 7 of its most popular fragrances.

5. Urban Decay mini 24/7 eye pencil set ($29)

Do her a favor and gift her these 5 travel-sized eye pencils. They’re the softest, smoothest eye pencils ever. They glide on and blend like a dream. Don’t ask me how many I own.

6. Day Designer daily planner ($14.99)

2019 plans have to be made! And, Day Designer makes the most user-friendly, practical, stylish daily planner I’ve ever used. This particular style, Day Designer for Blue Sky, makes the Day Designer system available for under $15 at Target. I already got mine. What are you waiting for?

7. Moleskine notebook ($19.95)

Know a notebook/journal snob, someone who desires great paper quality and little ink bleed-through on their pages? Impress her with one of these.

8. Candle ($12 plus 30% off right now)

If you haven’t smelled the Mini Capri Blue Volcano candle yet, do yourself a favor and get it for yourself. It’ll have your room smelling like a tropical paradise.

9. Monogram DOF glass

For that spirited friend who enjoys sipping on an aged rum or cognac from time to time, give her a glass with her initial on it.

10. Suede shearling slippers/glitter slippers ($24.50 on sale)

Want to know what it feels like to walk on clouds? Slip your feet into these. I finally replaced my 4-year old pair from J.Crew with this J.Crew Factory version of the popular style. They’re perfect. P.S.: I get them one size larger (i.e. I wear a size 8 but wear a 9 in these).