March 2018 Brown Sugar Mini Magazine

Brown Sugar

Box

Beauty Secrets From the Motherland

Skincare

Myths We Gotta Let Go

3 ways

To Practice Self Love

MARCH 2018

Take Control of Your Health DYI Lipscrubs You Need To Try

$138 BOX VALUE

www.izzyandliv.com WWW.IZZYANDLIV.COM

BEAUTY

INSIDE YOUR MARCH BOX

Edition

This month’s box has a $138 retail value!

The success of the Black Panther movie and the powerful images of women displayed on the big screen was such a refreshing thing to see. There was no

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shortage of beauty in this film on and off the screen.

Women showed up at the theaters rocking there afros, braids, head wraps and ankara printed garments.

It was such a beautiful sight. If you have not already seen the movie we encourage you to do so for inspi-

01 PRETTY BROWN EYES GOLD METALIC TEE- (RETAIL VALUE $30) Strike a pose. Vogue. Listen to “Pretty.

Brown. Eyes. You know I see you! For the black girls dripping melanin, and flaunting pretty brown eyes, this tee is for you.

ration. We were inspired to tap into some of our an-

02 “BROWN SUGAR” SUEDE TASSEL CLUTCH - (RETAIL VALUE $34) A suede clutch that is just the right dash of spice to your style. A little brown sugar and removable tassel for drama, it’s like the “perfect verse over a tight beat” for your outfit.

cestral powers and wanted to celebrate your beauty!

In this edition we wanted to call attention to some of the things that make us beautiful. For starters our

5-PEICE MAKEUP BRUSH SET (RETAIL VALUE $25) We gon slay! Makeup brushes that compliment us as we finish the perfect beat? Yes please!

We’ll take 5. Our makeup routines will never be the same.

skin, and what better way to care for it then with some fresh new brushes for a flawless makeup application.

It’s important to clean or replace brushes often since they can hold bacteria that can cause breakouts and problems on your skin. Since spring is in the air, there is nothing wrong with a little spring cleaning for your makeup bag.

We didn’t just stop there, toss your new lipgloss trio and compact mirror in the bag also. Your lipgloss will be popping this spring with shades that will surely make people stop and stare. What better way to do a gloss check than with this quirky compact mirror that quickly puts everyone on notice and will make you smile at the same time.

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04 LIP GLOSS TRIO SET(RETAIL VALUE $25) Spring is on the way, so you know that means it’s time to refresh your lipstick collection. With these three beauties in your stash, your lips will be poppin all season long.

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DON’T LET THE CUTE FACE FOOL YOU COMPACT MIRROR - (RETAIL VALUE $12) Tired of folks taking your kindness for weakness? Us too girl. Let them know they gotta come correct with this compact mirror that tells it like it is.

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You already know we are music heads over here, so

TASSEL DANGLE DROP EARRINGS (RETAIL VALUE $12) In the words of our favorite model Tyra, earrings, but make it fashion! Upgrade your hoops and studs with these flirty and fun tassels that are perfect for any occasion.

just like D’Angelo professed his love for “Brown Sugar, we had to lace you with a personalized suede tassel clutch to remind everyone exactly who you are and what you represent. From the tassels on your purse to the tassels on your earrings, you will be stepping into spring with a fun fresh look! Of course, we can’t forget the way Mint Condition melted our hearts shouting: “Pretty Brown Eyes, you know I see” – we wanted to include one more reminder of how beautiful you are.

We see you girl, go ‘on ahead and strut your stuff with confidence and pride.You betta werk! www.izzyandliv.com

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH

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By Alexandria Daniels

ith a new season on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to have a quick conversation about health. Although we don’t like to talk about it much, it takes courage to decide to make adjustments in your lifestyle to improve your health. Here are some tips below to help you confront your health issues and take back control:

Make Your Annual Appointments Going to the doctor may not be the most pleasant thing in the world but this is the #1 best way to take back control of your health. Don’t self-diagnose yourself if you know there is something very wrong going on with your body or if you haven’t been to a doctor or specialist in years. Make your appointments, get informed, and clear you of any fears you have regarding your health. If any issue arises, you will have the guidance to take care of it the right way.

Pay Attention To Your Body

Have an Exercise Routine Creating an exercise routine is fantastic! However, you don’t want to start off too big. If you haven’t exercised in months, then it is best to start off small. For instance, try starting off with a jog or going for a walk for only 20-30 minutes a day. Same goes for any type of exercise training you decide to take on such as yoga, Zumba, or pilates! The key is to start small then build your routine as you go along so you can feel your best without hurting yourself.

Consider Changing Your Diet Nothing says take control of your health than deciding to cut back on fast food, salt, and sweets! You don’t have to cut them out completely but it can make a drastic difference in your energy. If going vegan or vegetarian seems too extreme, make sure your diet consists of more fruits and veggies. Keep in mind the kinds of vitamins you are taking as they help improve your skin and hair health as well.

All day, every day make sure you are listening to what your body is telling you. If you feel like you need more rest and you catch yourself sleeping at your desk, try adjusting your sleeping schedule. Pay attention to how your body reacts when you eat certain foods as some can make you feel better or worse. Make adjustments as you learn and recognize things about your body and yourself.

Don’t Forget About Mental Health This is very important! Though the conversation about mental health isn’t discussed much in the black community, it is an extremely important part of general health. If you find yourself battling depression, anxiety, or any other mental issue it absolutely ok. There is nothing wrong with seeking assistance. See it as a way of taking back your power! www.izzyandliv.com

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By Valerie Edwards

Beauty Secrets

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from the motherland

ou know how the saying goes. Black

All the natural beauty lovers can tell you

melanin that keeps black women looking

that herbs are the skin’s best kept secret.

flawless as we age. We’ll let genetics take

And South Africa is home to a few that you

the credit for the most part, but we can’t

probably haven’t heard about on the pop-

forget the beauty secrets that ancestors

ular beauty blogs or inside you’re favorite

were practicing in the motherland. We’ve

beauty stores. Rooibos is a red hued herb

forgotten many, but there are still those

that is used by tribal women in South Africa

that are used today that we need to know

for their skin. This herb is packed with ingre-

about. If you’re planning to spruce up

dients that help boost collagen, prevents

your spring beauty routines these African

wrinkles, and protect the skin. Everything

beauty secrets might help!

our melanin needs to keep its youthful glow.

Moroccan Skin Care Morocco is part of North Africa and in the

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South African Beauty Herbs

don’t crack. There’s something about that

Make a rooibos tea, steep, and apply to the skin. You’re welcome!

beauty world, has become known for its liq-

Ancient Egyptian Baths

uid gold aka argan oil. It seems like every

When we talk about Egyptian beauty, of

other shampoo and conditioner is full of

course we immediately think about Cleo-

Moroccan argan oil these days but, that’s

patra. Her fierce winged-liner has been a

not the only beauty secret that Morocco

recurring beauty trend for centuries. While,

holds. When it comes to skin care, there

we’ll always love the winged liner, golden

are a number of rituals that are used to

skin, and dark eye makeup, there’s anoth-

exfoliate and moisturize the skin. A steam

er beauty secret we owe to Cleopatra. The

bath (also called a hammam ritual) uses a

milk and honey bath. Cleopatra was the

Moroccan black soap, called beldi, made of

pioneer of this luxurious bath adorned

olive oil that just might be better than any

with oils and flowers. Not only is this bath

soap you’ll ever use. You can use the beldi

a perfect way to indulge but it also helps

soap as a daily facial wash, body wash, or

to keep the skin youthful and complexion

exfoliator. It’s best used with a Kessa glove

bright. Self care Sunday anyone?

to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin.

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SKINCARE Myth s we gotta let go

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By Tyshia Ingram

hen it comes to the secrets that lie within black women’s skin there are a lot of facts, fiction, and sometimes a mixture of the two floating around. And while, yes, we agree that there’s something about black skin that doesn’t crack easily, there are still many things that we gotta do to protect the melanin. Here are few skincare myths that we gotta let go this year and beyond to keep our skin looking it’s best.

MYTH: You don’t need sunscreen We gotta start with this one because so many black women are misinformed when it comes to using sunscreen on a daily basis and in the season where most of us are out and about under the sun all day, this is not an option. The common thought is that since black skin contains more melanin and doesn’t usually get sunburned, we don’t need protection.

Wrong! We absolutely need protection from the sun anytime we leave the house. Without it, you run the risk of sun damage which leads to premature aging in the skin–so much for black don’t crack. Find a sunscreen that works for you and make sure you apply it DAILY. www.izzyandliv.com

MYTH: Black people don’t get skin cancer Whew, this one is just a popular as the sunscreen discussion. Again, because our skin is loaded with melanin–the blacker the berry and all that– there’s the common misconception that we can’t get skin cancer. This is 100% false and even dangerous to believe. The facts are, black people can get skin cancer and unfortunately it’s often misdiagnosed or diagnosed much too late due to these beliefs. The truth is simple, regardless of your skin tone, if you’re not protecting your skin, you’re putting it at risk for serious damage including skin cancer.

MYTH: Anti-aging products are unnecessary Whether it’s eye creams, serums, anti-aging moisturizers, or foundations with a few extra benefits, oftentimes black women skip over including these in their skincare routines. Most of us are banking on that fountain of youth every black women seems to have secret access to but here’s the real secret: use anti-aging skincare products. No matter how good those genes are, we can’t fight the signs of age forever.

Making anti-aging skincare part of your routine in your early 30s can help your skin look so much more youthful for longer. Yes, we might have a little anti-aging magic flowing through us naturally but combine that with a good skincare routine and your skin will thank you!

Knowledge is Power

what information are you passing down to the next generation?

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Coconut Oil Lip Scrub Those of us who use coconut oil on our hair are very familiar with the benefits of this essential oil. It contains vitamin F which promotes healthy skin cell regeneration and moisture. So this is perfect for our lips. For this lip scrub, you will need 1 teaspoon of coconut oil, a tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Put the ingredients in a bowl and mix. Make sure you don’t mix the sugar too much. You don’t want it to dissolve. Then, pour the ingredients into a small container. Now, you’re prepped for your new moisturizing scrub!

Lemon Lip Scrub

DIY LIP SCRUBS YOU NEED THIS

Spring & Summer

BY Alexandria Daniels

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inter is almost over. You can already tell spring is around the corner. As the temperature continues to get warmer, so does our importance in taking care of our skin. Exfoliation is a major player in your skin routine. If you aren’t exfoliating, you should! It removes all the dirt and dead skin cells your body accumulates during the day and it gives your body a clean slate to allow moisture in so you can begin to have healthy, smooth, beautiful skin. This applies to our lips as well! Lip scrubs are a fun way to give our lips a little TLC when our lips are feeling dry and chapped. And we want our lips to be as smooth as the rest of our skin, right? Creating your own lip scrub is super easy. All it takes is just a few household ingredients. Best of all, you can make these on a very tiny budget. Here are a few delicious lip scrubs you can try: www.izzyandliv.com

Lemon lip scrubs are ideal for spring because it has a refreshing, clean scent. Lemons contain acids that can help with anti-aging and shine. For this scrub, you want to mix 1 -2 tablespoons of white sugar, 1 teaspoon of lemon oil, honey, and coconut oil. So done with coconut oil?

Feel free to swap it with olive oil or jojoba oil. Mix your ingredients together. Make sure the oil and sugars blend with the honey. Seal it in a lip scrub container and voila! You have a yummy, vibrant lip scrub with the fresh sweet scent of lemons.

Strawberry Lip Scrub Berries have a very sweet scent that reminds you of spring. Like lemons, strawberries contain acids. Strawberries have Vitamin C that will help smooth out your lip texture and protect them from the sun. So this scrub will help keep our lips looking luscious and plumped. Which is what we want! For this lip scrub, you’ll need 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of cane sugar, 1 strawberry, and 1 teaspoon of honey. Blend all the ingredients together, leaving the strawberry for last. Once you have a good consistency, take your strawberry and smash it with your spoon. Then, add your strawberry and mix. When you’re done, put it into a little container and you’re ready to use your delicious lip scrub.

Extra Tips

Massage your lips with your new scrub in a gentle circular motion.

Use a soft toothbrush to help exfoliation, if necessary. Massage your lips for 1-3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

When you’re done exfoliating, use a lip balm or olive oil on your lips for extra moisture.

Use a lip scrub once or twice a week max! You don’t want to overdo it because it can lead to more chapped lips. We don’t want that! www.izzyandliv.com

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Can I change my size preference for future boxes?

By Tyshia Ingram

3 WAYS TO practice

SELF LOVE

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hile the topic of self care are front and center these days, something we don’t talk about enough is self love. We rarely discuss what self love means and how we can take a little time to love ourselves. When done intentionally, practicing self love can be a simple way to change the way you feel about yourself. Here are just a few ways to give yourself some genuine love.

Write a love letter to yourself- Write a love letter to yourself. How many of us

can relate to getting trapped in negative thoughts about ourselves. We may feel like we’re not doing enough in our careers, unhappy with the way our hair looks, disappointed with our lack of progress or any number of things. In the day to day bustle of life, taking time to highlight the things that we love about ourselves isn’t often on our minds. Take some time to sit down and write out all the things you love about you. Whenever you’re feeling down throughout the year, read it through to remind yourself of your greatness.

Develop a self love routine- When we think about the things that have the biggest impact on our daily lives, chances are there’s some type of routine associated with it. A good morning routine to help you have a productive day, cleaning routines to keep your space clean and organized, hair routines to allow your hair flourish. The same method can be applied to self love. Think about the things that help you feel best about yourself; the music, food, vibes, and activities that you enjoy.

Now make a routine to incorporate as much of that as you can into your daily life.

Take care of yourself- As women, so often we put ourselves last on our list.

We’re busy running businesses, teams, and households that we forget to do those essentials things for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Sometimes self love can look as simple as splurging on the yoga classes we’ve been thinking about, buying the organic vegetables, making the doctor’s appointments, or simply taking a mental health day to rest and reflect. www.izzyandliv.com

Yes, you can do so inside your Brown Sugar Box account on izzyandliv.com, or you can email us at support@izzyandliv.com to update your preferences for you.

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When will I be billed for next month’s box?

You will be rebilled on the 25th of the month prior to the next box. So you will be billed for the May box on the 25th of April; for the June box on the 25th of May and so on...

You will not be billed for the next box until after the box from the current month has been shipped/ delivered.

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What is your cancellation policy?

Your subscription can be cancelled at anytime in your Brown Sugar Box Account Settings at izzyandliv.com.

If you’ve already been billed for the next box (25th of the month), your cancellation will take affect the next billing cycle.

To cancel your subscription, login to your account and click on the Subscription tab, then click “edit” next to your subscription. You can also email us to request that we cancel for you.

FREQUENTLY Asked Questions

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Can I exchnage or return items in my box?

We cannot accept returns at this time for Brown Sugar Box items, but we welcome your feedback to improve. Email us at support@ izzyandliv.com to share your thoughts. We value your feedback and our mission is to make every Brown Sugar Box more than worth your while! Your feedback will help us to make sure we make this box amazing and valuable as it can be.

As far as the item(s), you can always gift them to a friend, coworker, or family member- these items make GREAT gifts!

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Can I skip a month without cancelling?

Yes, you can skip a future month delivery and not be billed for it, without having to cancel your entire subscription. Once logged into your Brown Sugar Box account at izzyandliv.com, you will need to open the “Delivery Schedule” tab.

There you will see all upcoming deliveries for your subcription. To skip a delivery you just need to clcik “Skip” to the right of each relevant delivery.

This will only skip that one delivery, to skip multiple deliveries you will need to click “Skip” next to each relevant one.

Alternatively, email to have us skip deliveries for you.

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How can I share photos or unboxing videos with you?

Yes! We live for customer feedback & reviews! Just post your pics or video on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube etc. and hastag #brownsugarbox, #izzyandliv and @ izzyandliv.You can also leave a photo review on the Brown Sugar Subscription page! If you make a blog post email us with the link. If your social media is private we will not be able to see your post, so feel free to email us to let us know where to check it out!

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Something went wrong with my order/ delivery what should I do?

Should you have an issue with your box items (damage, received wrong size, etc) you must notify us at support@izzyandliv.com, with photo(s), within 7 days of receipt of your package. After 7 days, we will not be able to process requests related to this months box.

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I have feedback on questions, who do I contact?

We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com

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// BEA UT IE S\\ Izzy & Liv customers truly are THE BEST! We LOVE seeing your social media posts sharing your boxes each month. Here are a few highlights from last month’s box.

Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Mya Brown was randomly selected from among everyoe who shared their February box on social media to WIN her next box FREE. Thank you to everyone who shared! We appreciate you!

Don’t forget to share this month’s box using the hashtags #brownsugarbox #izzyandliv for your chance to win next month’s giveaway BONUS: Join our Facebook Group: The Brown Sugar Lounge, for a SECOND CHANCE to win a free box.

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Magical Things Are Happening In Our Facebook Group. You Should Be There...

MEMBERS ONLY LOUNGE >>>

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https://www.facebook.com/groups/izzyandliv

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