Let’s talk about a badass female-centered brand that’s all about women empowerment, shall we?
Meet YLLO Beauty, or @YLLOBeauty on Instagram. YLLO is a Turmeric-based skincare line that donates a portion each sale to help end child marriage in Bangladesh.
When I stumbled across YLLO Beauty on Instagram in January 2018, it was literally love at first sight (or site, ha!). I was blown away by the fact that YLLO had a powerful purpose behind its products: ending child marriage through donating a portion of its proceeds from each sale. It’s pretty unique for a beauty brand to be focusing on a household spice as the top ingredient, especially when pretty much every other brand on the beauty scene is focused on acids and chemicals. I started reading through YLLO’s website and Instagram posts and learned that YLLO is completely cruelty-free and vegan. My very next thought was: HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS BRAND?!
That’s why I was so excited when YLLO agreed to collaborate with Blush & Bourbon Blog so I could help spread the word to all you incredible Babes Supporting Babes out there! I try to focus on women empowerment, girls helping girls, and self love as much as possible on Blush & Bourbon because let’s be honest: there could never be enoughempowered women or babes who love themselves.
I was even more excited when the hubs agreed to join in on the fun and try out the YLLO Turmeric-Based Face Mask with me! Real talk, Thomas and I do a face mask together at least once a week, usually on the weekends. We loooove to compare the way they feel on our skin – whether we can both feel it tingling our skin, whose skin looks more glowy after . . . . . we’re just skincare besties like that! We had way too much fun playing around in the kitchen mixing up our masks to get the consistency we both wanted!
Honestly, we were both blown away by the bright, dewy GLOW the mask left behind on our skin. No exaggeration, I could see a noticeable difference in Thomas’s skin within minutes of washing off the mask, which . . . to keep it real with ya’ll, we had to do in the shower. The mask was a little crumbly coming off because we left them on just a few minutes extra – hey, it was selfie time – and I just didn’t want to have to clean it up off the bathroom sink and floor. Can’t say I’m mad about having to strip down and shower with the hubs to help make a difference in this world . . . . . I just do what I can . . . . .
Fair Warning: YLLO is a Turmeric-first skincare brand, so that means Turmeric is the FIRST and MAIN ingredient. I mention that because you might notice the very faintest scent of Turmeric on your skin the day after you mask!
Here are just a FEW reasons Why I’m Obsessed with the YLLO Turmeric Face Mask:
NO STAINS! – You’ve probably heard that turmeric stains, and you betcha that if you covered your face solely with turmeric from your pantry it would. YLLO is formulated with just the right amount of turmeric—no need to head out into the world looking all yellow-ish.
VEGAN & CRUELTY FREE! – 100% natural and free of preservatives, parabens, or other nasty chemicals.
JAZ! – The “Her” behind YLLO, Jaz believes in living as natural as possible: Jaz wanted a product she could understand that came with fast results. Jaz tailored YLLO to heal rather than hide her skincare problems, no mystery ingredients necessary!
JAMIL! – The “Him” behind YLLO, Jamil’s goal is to empower girls to make their own choices while educating communities on the negative effects of child marriage. Jamil’s grandmother was married at just 9 years old and hi mother’s marriage was arranged when she was only 16, causing an abrupt halt to her promising track and field career.
A BRAND WITH A PURPOSE! – You can feel incredible about each purchase you make because YLLO seeks to solve complicated problems with ingredients you can feel good about.
So, what are you waiting for, Babe? Head on over to the YLLO page and make your purchase today! Let’s help girls be girls and have the glowiest damn skin around while doing it.
Thanks for stopping by Blush & Bourbon Blog, Babe!
In Part 2, it’s all about the look! This morning I’m talking what to wear for the ultimate Galentine’s Day with your girls, whether you’re headed to brunch, lunch, the movies (I mean, I’m not above seeing “Fifty Shades Freed” for Girls’ Day, ya know?), or whatever it may be, these looks will have you ready to celebrate the very special kind of love that is friendship.
First off, I have to tell you that pulling clothes from racks riddled with sequins, inspiration, and neon nestled away behind that little pink door on Camden Rd. with my girlies was an absolutedream scenario. I feel so incredibly humbled that THE Sarah and Carrie of THE Girl Tribe Co. allowed little ole me and my mini gang of Galentines to play dress-up one rainy January Sunday. That moment at the end of the “Lizzie McGuire Movie” is coming to mind where everybody’s singing, dancing, and overall just embracing who they are (such as a high school girl randomly destined for explosive overnight Italian Pop fame – same. same.) . . . . . Anyway, “Hey now. Hey now. This is what dreams are made of.”
I mean, what public middle school doesn’t have international excursions to Italy? Pretty standard, it’s casual.
Before I go down a Lizzie McGuire memory lane that completely dead-ends in nostalgia and the utter deniability that I currently have to do adult things like handle complex legal issues in corporate America instead of my only worry being whether my straw was going to literally split through the back of my Capri Sun, let’s dive into the cutest Galentine’s Day fitties there ever were, shall we?!?!?
LauRen Merola
LauRen is such a badass, and I look up to her in so many ways (and have for years!) As a local radio personality, we all get a little bit of the inside scoop into LauRen’s life from the things she shares with her Kiss 95.1 audience. But as soon as you meet LauRen, you realize that’s just who she is, and that her presence and personality – whether on the radio, at a local Charlotte event, repping her fave local boutiques, or just hanging out sipping champs and shopping – are nothing but passionate and authentic.
When LauRen isn’t busy helping the entire Queen City wake up (and keep up . . . . . with the Kardashians, which I so appreciate, personally . . . . . LOL!) she has her own Charlotte fashion blog that is a MUST FOLLOW! Go check out her Instagram page HERE and her blog website HERE. LauRen’s blog is called “All Of The F-Words” so you know it’s love at first blog. I mean, who doesn’t love fashion, food, family, and fun?! As LauRen puts it, “these are all the F-words a lady should know,” and that’s how I know she’s my f*ckin’ soul sister.
LauRen styled her Galentine’s Day look to be casual and fun, complete with distressed black overalls, a blush graphic tee, and the cutest print pop of leopard print booties!
Isn’t she such a babe? Her smile and eyes seriously light up any room. Her blog is all kinds of #goals – I mean, this chick just got back from New York Fashion Week 2018! Go check out her page and give her some serious love + be sure to follow along for all her outfit updates!
Sieana Robinson
Sieana is a beauty stylist specializing in concierge hair and makeup in the Charlotte area, and boy do I love her spirit. She is the older sister I never wanted but now wish daily that I’d had. Her heart is so kind, and she always keeps a bottle of Veuve chilled and ready for clients (which isn’t just kind, it’s a whole other level of class and amazingness I don’t even really have words for . . . . . she’s just that freaking cool!). I met Sieana through our mutual friend and my girl friend from law school, Maryellen Hill. Sieana keeps our hair looking fierce, our hearts feeling full but light, and, yes . . . she keeps the champagne flowing. I love her.
Sieana chose a Galentine’s Day look that couldn’t fit her personality any better: fun wine-colored sleeves, a pop of sexy black sequins, and the sweetest jeweled headband. Not to mention her to-die-for clutch by Policy Handbags. I love that Sieana’s look would also be perfect for Valentine’s Day, just like Maryellen’s! Keep scrolling to see what she chose! 🙂
Maryellen Hill
Maryellen and I met in law school during our very first semester, but we really got to know one another one a girl friend level when we both studied abroad in Lithuania for the entire summer after our first year. Maryellen brings warmth, laughter, and sincerity to any room, as well as a sassy Southern accent I can always relate to. She’s a total boss babe attorney doing major things at Wells Fargo (with my hubby, whom she actually recommended to her department for me and legit helped him secure his job), and I just think the world of her sweet soul. I wish we could snap our fingers and be in the corner of a book shop sipping tea whenever we want, but we’ll always have Lithuania.
Maryellen chose sharp red dress that she contrasted nicely with a faded denim and pearl jacket and a black druzy statement necklace and black heels. I love the way her red dress flares out at the bottom, a perfect complement to her personality. I also love that Maryellen’s look could translate to Valentine’s Day just like Sieana’s! I am all about reusing pieces / pieces that are multipurpose . . . . . because . . . . . law school loans don’t pay themselves off, ya’ll. #YAFEELME
Elle Graham
Yo, what up, it’s me . . . . . ya girl. The woman behind Blush + Bourbon, a sipper of champagne, an arranger of fresh flowers, and a fierce lover of the women I’m fortunate enough to have in my life.
The outfit I chose is probably my personality in fashion form, and I’m more than okay with that. This “Besties for the Resties” Girl Tribe Co. tank is perfect for literally anywhere: I’ve worn it at the gym, for this Galentine’s Day shoot, to lounge around the apartment, and to brunch, and it’s been extra-soft and flattering with every wash and wear! Girl Tribe Co. graphic tees / tanks / and sweatshirts are made with love and quality in every single stitch, and that fact alone has me itching for more new closet additions.
You know that I pretty much stay ready for any excuse to pop champagne or wear a tulle skirt, and Galentine’s Day is no exception. I loved contrasting the flirty, fancy vibe of the crisp, white tulle skirt with the edgy feel of this ultra-distressed dark-washed denim pearl jacket. Check it out!
I loved that this look is complete even without the distressed denim pearl jacket on top! A little bit of rose gold satin bralette peeking out of a girl power tank never hurt anybody, right? Cheers to that!
All stunning photos are by the one and only Catrina Earls of Catrina Earls Photography.
Thank you to these total babes for helping me make this Galentine’s Day Blog Serieshappen! #GirlGangGoals tbh (only missing Sarah + Carrie of Girl Tribe Co.)!
Thanks for stopping by Blush + Bourbon Blog today, Babe! I hope you leave with some chic outfit ideas, some fashion inspo, and most importantly: a smile on your face and a happy feeling in your heart. Go where you grow.
I’d love to hear all about how you’re celebrating Galentine’s Day today! Leave me a comment with your plans + what you’re gifting your best gals.
No idea what to gift your gals this year? Stay tuned to the blog tomorrow tonight for my Galentine’s Day Gift Guide in Part 3 of this series!
I hope you have a beautiful Galentine’s Day filled with love and laughter. Don’t forget to shoot your girls a text and tell them that you love them this February 13th (and as often as you can)! I’m missing all my best babes extra hard this Galentine’s Day and hope we will be reunited again soon!
I’m so excited to share this gorgeous Galentine’s Day styled shoot with you tonight on Blush + Bourbon! This shoot has been bouncing around in the creative corners in my brain since the end of October – early November, and “I am so excited to see it finally come to life” is the understatement of the century! This styled shoot wouldn’t have been possible without some seriously amazing women, including:
[ the Galentines ] (I wouldn’t have wanted to sip champs or stuff my face with donuts with anyone else to be quite honest)
[the jewelry] (Roma Designer Jewelry has THE coolest, most unique story behind their incredible Roman Glass designs, but more on that in the third post in this series!)
It was so important to me to do a Galentine’s Day series for the blog because I lovethe idea of setting a day aside that’s all about celebrating the women in our lives who, after all, help shape us into the women we are by inspiring us, encouraging us, and overall quite literally being the best damn friends a gal can find on a daily basis (even when we’re hangry or hang with dumb boys).
In its original American NBC broadcast on February 11, 2010, the “Parks and Recreation” episode titled “Galentine’s Day” was seen by 4.98 million households. Thanks to Leslie Knope’s amazingness, Galentine’s Day has since transcended from the television screen into everyday culture, marked by a nonofficial holiday on February 13th. Galentine’s Day is celebrated as a day for “ladies celebrating ladies.”
While Galentine’s Day may have started out with Amy Poehler’s NBC character going to brunch with her female friends, February 13th can be – and is – celebrated by so many people around the world, not just fans of the show. To me, Galentine’s Day is so much more than just a plot point in an episode (but to be perfectly honest of course I’m watching THE “Galentine’s Day” Parks & Rec episode right now, duh).
#GalentinesDay trends every year on February 13th all over social media, and businesses like Target even promote the holiday and sell Galentine’s Day-themed products (go check out the Target dollar section ASAP for so many of the details you’ll see in this series!). Ultimately, February 13th is meant to be a beautiful celebration of friendship to be celebrated the day before Valentine’s Day. Because sisters before misters, period.
Keep scrolling for Part 1 of this 3-Part Galentine’s Day Seriesand stay tuned to the blog throughout February for the rest of this fun series! Be sure to subscribe to the blog for updates so you never miss a post, tips on sales, or giveaways!
Galentine’s Day Series Part 1: Galentine’s Day the Girl Tribe Way
Saturday’s can be for the boys. That’s fine. Because . . .
Sundays are for the girls!!!!!
Need Galentine’s Day plans? Local to the Charlotte area? Well, hi, Beautiful! If we’re already gal pals, I can’t wait to celebrate you this Galentine’s Day! If we’re not already friends, I’d loooove to meet you, you poetic land mermaid.
Either way . . .
Come join me and some pretty darn incredible women at the second annual Girl Tribe Co Valentine’s Day Pop-Up event on Sunday, February 11th, 2018!
What’s So Special About It?
A portion of the proceeds will benefit Rett Syndrome Research Trust – a cause that is dear to the hearts of the owners of Sugar Creek Brewing.
S U P P O R T I N G C H A R I T Y
For this Girl Tribe Co Pop-Up Event, the Girl Tribe team is presenting the first-ever Girl Tribe Creatives Workshop – with artist Bree Stallings! This means there are two different opportunities to catch a Watercolor Calligraphy Class in the event room at Sugar Creek! First class starts at 12PM and second starts at 1PM! Best part? All items needed will be provided with registration fee!
D A N C E x Y O G A C O M B O C L A S S
You can even start off the day with THE JAM: CLT Dance (Drop it LOW class) at 11:00 mixed with a slow cool down yoga sesh by NC Yoga Bar! Pro tip: bring your own yoga mat and a water if you sign up for this part of the pop-up event!
S H O P T H E B E S T F E M A L E V E N D O R S in the QC
Shop with Girl Tribe Co’s favorite local female-powered vendors from 11-3PM (will be open while the above classes are in session, too) and will include beer selections from Sugar Creek, snacks, fun music, and most importantly . . . GIRL TIME! Pop-up shopping is 100% FREE to attend, no purchase necessary.
What’s better than sipping champs and stuffing your face with donuts? Doing so with your girlfriends, of course!
Okay, That’s Everything I’ve Ever Wanted + More. Gimme the Deetz! Date: Sun, February 11, 2018
*Be sure to follow the above link to secure your ticket! Shopping is completely free, but signing up for a “free” ticket will help let all the vendors and sponsors know how many of you beauties to expect!
Except, you’re not a loser. Actually,
So there’s that.
Kisses for Ringo the Flamingo! (Props to my hubs for the cool name idea. I was calling him “Frank the Flamingo” until Thomas reminded me what a major opportunity I was missing not picking a rhyming / Beatles name like Ringo. This is why I married him.)
Hope to see you there, beautiful! If you’re local to Charlotte, I’d love to meet you and say hi, so feel free to comment me or send me a DM on Instagram if you’d like to get together – and cheers to #GirlPower – at the event!
Cheers, and until next time . . .
xo, eg
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to the incredible people who made this styled shoot dream-come-true happen for me:
Carrie & Sarah, the Creators & Founders of Girl Tribe Co. How amazing are they for letting us hang out in their store for an hour while we created this magic?! They are the very definition of women supporting women, and I absolutely adore them. (CLICK HERE to check out the Girl Tribe Co. website and CLICK HERE to follow along with the Girl Tribe Co. Instagram account!)
Catrina Earls Photography (CLICK HERE to check out Catrina’s photography website and CLICK HERE to read my full blog post featuring Catrina’s photography business!)
LauRen Merola
Sieana Robinson (CLICK HERE to check out my full blog post featuring Sieana’s business and CLICK HERE to follow along with her Instagram!)
Maryellen Hill (CLICK HERE to follow along with Maryellen’s Instagram!)
My Hubs*
*I mean, who do you think threw all these rose petals directly into LauRen’s face? Great job, T. You’re the real MVP.
In all seriousness, though, Thomas is the best Instagram husband – and the best damn husband period – in the world. He helped me every step of the way with this shoot, from loading and unloading the props to taking videos so I can share a behind-the-scenes clip with you all! I couldn’t have done it without him.
