The Blush Boy’s Short n’ sweet September
My Life
Oh September 2024, what a month you have been. From beginning this beautiful journey of starting The Blush Boy Edit to finding out that my boyfriend is getting to come back home to New York City, September has truly been everything I could ask for. Life has a beautiful way of surprising us with moments of joy when we least anticipate them.
Reflecting on this time last year, I would have embraced the notion that my current reality was possible. Why is it that so many people struggle to believe in the realization of their desires? To believe, in my view, is to affirm to the universe that what we seek is destined to manifest. This perspective stems from my childhood experiences—though marked by trauma and solitude, I always held onto the conviction that my dreams would one day come to fruition.
So here’s to celebrating the life I have always deserved: a life filled with profound love, a sanctuary for my authentic self, and the opportunity to pursue my aspirations in New York City. The one where I can affirm, “I always knew you would achieve this.”
Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of spending a delightful weekend in New York City with my boyfriend. After a year of long distance, we cherish every moment we share, whether wandering the busy streets of the Upper East Side—where our journey began—or sitting on the coast of Malibu, watching the most beautiful sunsets. While I will always hold a fondness for the enchanting California sunshine, the distance is finally coming to a close this week. Our love will soon return to its roots, right here in New York City, and I truly couldn’t be more excited.
My boyfriend and I. I find joy in the ritual of preparing to go out together. There’s a serene beauty in watching each other tidy up, coupled with the thrill of expressing our creativity. This shared experience is something I cherish deeply in our relationship, as it not only enhances our bond but also allows us to celebrate our individuality. It's a precious aspect of our love that I will forever treasure.
Reflection
This month has prompted profound reflections on beauty, more so than ever before. I’m not certain if this newfound introspection sparked my decision to start this blog, but beauty occupies my thoughts from the moment I awaken to when I finally lay my head to rest. In New York City, beauty is omnipresent; every individual possesses a unique allure, whether or not it’s readily acknowledged. Beauty finds its place in every room, at any moment, and within every soul. To overlook the beauty in the world and in others is to perceive life through a dim lens.
As a child, beauty served as an escape from my surroundings. Playing with makeup and devouring every beauty magazine I could find provided a sanctuary where my mind could find solace. I was utterly captivated by the industry. Yet, I gradually came to understand that beauty transcends superficiality. It encompasses the affirmation of self-love, the embrace of one’s authentic self, and the celebration of individuality. Beauty is whatever you choose it to be. I have always known that beauty is more than a mere definition; it is truly what saved me.
Makeup
On a lighter note, let’s dive into what has infused my life with color this month! I had the wonderful opportunity to work at a beauty industry event with a renowned cosmetic manufacturer, where I met so many inspiring individuals from various teams. Overwhelmed with joy and motivation, I felt compelled to play with makeup. I encourage everyone to embrace this creative outlet! While there are certainly techniques and guidelines for application, the beauty of makeup lies in your freedom to express yourself however you wish.
Inspired by the experience, I reached for the Pat McGrath Venus Fluers Luxe Eyeshadow Quad in the stunning shade “rose fire nectar.” Applying it to the center of my eyelid with my finger worked even better than having to pick up a brush. Pat McGrath truly revolutionizes eyeshadows; her glitter and pearl shimmers are so vibrant, they could practically be seen from space! If you haven’t yet tried her products, consider this your sign to indulge and treat yourself to a Pat McGrath palette—you absolutely deserve it! A heartfelt applause to her product developers for creating such magic.
To add an extra burst of color, I reached for the Kulfi Zari Eyes Long Lasting Crease Proof Cream Shadow in the shade “Chammak Challo,” applying it to the inner corners and tear ducts of my eyes. “Chammak Challo,” which can be loosely translated to mean sparkling or attractive beauty, holds special significance for me, as it also brings to mind the lively song from the Bollywood film “Ra One.” I often choose this shade because it reminds me of someone incredibly dear to me—my very own Chammak Challo.
In this moment of inspiration and personal connection, I created a stunning look that truly radiated. While wearing it, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Danessa Myricks—a powerhouse, a beacon of light, and a true disruptor in the beauty industry. When she entered the room, her radiant smile instantly filled the space, brightening even the darkest moments. She looked at me and said, “Your eyes are so stunning. Can you just blink for me a few times?”
This moment is etched in my memory, as it encapsulates what I’ve always believed beauty to be: a transcendent force that can elevate our spirits and illuminate the lives of those around us. Beauty has the power to transform, to inspire, and to manifest in whatever way we choose.
Skin
As you know, I am steadfast in my tried-and-true skincare regimen, which I’ve found to be effective and reliable. However, I recently stumbled upon a remarkable product that works wonders for hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory erythema: the Skincueticals C E Ferulic Acid Serum.
While it comes with a premium price tag of $182, its effectiveness is truly worth the investment. Featured in numerous scientific journals, Skinceuticals has consistently validated the efficacy of their patented formulation. Though the price may elicit a gasp, I’ve found that a little goes a long way; I typically use it just once or twice a week due to its potency. In my view, this serum ranks among the very best vitamin C products available, delivering impressive results that justify its cost.
Fashion
For this month’s newsletter, I’ve decided to share just one fashion favorite. While my love for fashion rivals my passion for beauty, I prioritize investing in pieces that will endure in my wardrobe for years to come. My perspective on the fast fashion industry might not align with popular sentiment, so I’ll keep that to myself and let you draw your own conclusions.
Earlier this month, while my boyfriend was visiting, we wandered the charming streets of Williamsburg. Living on the Upper East Side, I find Williamsburg to be the most comparable area in Brooklyn. While exploring a store called Marmalade, I was thrilled to discover a brand I’ve been coveting: Still Here. I first encountered this brand while working with Taylor Fitzgerald as a makeup artist for the Summer Fridays NYC popup. When I spoke with one of the co-founders, Lauren Ireland, I was captivated by the stunning and unique pants she showcased. Since that moment, I’ve been on the hunt for the “Cool Jean” in my size but to no avail.
However, fate smiled upon me at Marmalade when I found the Still Here “Cowgirl” Jean. The inward-angled leg and diamond cutouts on the side of the knee immediately caught my eye. As soon as I slipped them on, it felt as if I were being embraced by my new favorite jeans. They were so perfect that I wore them out of the store, not wanting to take them off. They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but I’d argue that a great pair of jeans is truly the Blush Boy’s best friend.
Homework aka Beautywork
As we embark on this new journey together with the newsletter, I thought it would be both unique and invigorating to set ourselves some "homework"—or, as I like to call it, beautywork. While homework often feels like a dreaded chore, beautywork is an entirely different experience. It’s about feeling inspired and having fun.
This month, I challenge you to embrace your creativity and wear a bold eye look, capturing the essence of your artistry. Whether you’re preparing for a date night or simply running out for your morning coffee, take the opportunity to experiment and enjoy the process. Remember, beauty is about embracing change and celebrating your authentic self.
So, dive into your beautywork and have a blast! Don’t forget to share your stunning creations using #blushbeautywork—I can’t wait to see your inspired looks!
Xoxo, The Blush Boy