makeup - CurlyNikki

Sep 28

5 Best Tubing Mascaras in 2026 for Defined Lashes Without the Smudge

By Nikki Walton Natural Hair, Curly Nikki No Comments

There is a particular brand of annoyance in finding a mascara that looks beautiful at 8 a.m. but has migrated under eye by the first video call. Insta-emo! Tubing mascaras try to solve that with polymers that coat individual lashes and slide away with warm water and gentle pressure. The removal can feel startlingly easy the first time: little sleeves…

Sep 28

6 Best Eyebrow Gels for Dark, Full and Coarse Brows in 2026

By Nikki Walton Natural Hair, Curly Nikki, Wellness and Beauty No Comments

CurlyNikki Says: I am of no use here, lol. I rarely look at my eyebrows. Sometimes, when I catch them looking at me, spiked up and randomly sparse because of it, I'll smooth them back out, wish them well, and continue. I persist. Just out here persistin' and carrying on. I love you. As I typed that, I remembered the…

Sep 19

7 Best Bronzers for Dark Skin in 2026, From Warm Glow to Soft Sculpt

By Nikki Walton Natural Hair, Curly Nikki No Comments

Bronzer on deep skin should be visible without turning orange, deepen the perimeter without looking dusty or cheap, and bring warmth back after foundation without asking a rich complexion to settle for the darkest shade in a six-color line. A good one makes the face look AWAKE and dimensional! Sun-kissed (speaking of which, did you hear of the trend where…

Sep 18

7 Best Lip Liners for Dark Skin in 2026, From True Brown to Deep Plum

By Nikki Walton Natural Hair, Curly Nikki No Comments

A nude lip does not become nude just because the package says so. On dark skin, many beige and caramel lip colors need a deeper border to look intentional instead of pale, flat, or ashy, and plenty of “brown” pencils disappear before they have defined anything. The right liner can rescue a lipstick, turn a clear gloss into a complete…

Sep 13

7 Best Setting Powders for Dark Skin Without the Ashy Finish

By Nikki Walton Natural Hair, Curly Nikki No Comments

CurlyNikki Says: I own the Laura Mercier, which a celebrity makeup artist friend recommended years ago. I'm not a makeup girlie, but it's still in my bag (likely incredibly and magnificently expired lol). I used it a few times with great results! No cakey under-eye and great shine control!