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The Brand: Created by Samreen Arshad, Samreens Vanity aims to create representation in the makeup space with unique products that celebrate her background and heritage. The products are clean, cruelty free, halal, and kosher.
What to Buy: The Samreens Vanity Lipstick in Sassy Sam ($25) is a lipstick and lip liner in one nifty pencil. It's long-lasting, with a semimatte, satin finish. The shade Sassy Sam is a vibrant red that's perfect for a bold-lip moment.
Thankfully, the process is starting to get easier, with an increasing number of South Asian beauty brands entering the US. "How are there over 2.1 billion South Asians in the world and we barely have any representation in the global beauty industry?" asks Samreen Arshad, founder of Samreen’s Vanity, a makeup line she designed specifically for South Asian women to fill that very gap in the market.
My most used beauty products on the trip were my Free Spirit Correct & Protect Mineral Sunscreen by Thu Brule for the grueling sun, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Hue Drops for glowing skin and Samreen’s Vanity Sugar High Dual Ended Lipstick for on-the-go touch ups.
Samreens Vanity is a luxury cosmetics brand with South Asian roots, dedicated to celebrating the vibrant South Asian culture in the realm of beauty. They create versatile, eco-friendly products that make travel a breeze while being kinder to the planet.
If you've ever struggled with certain blushes showing up well on your skin tone, it's time to check out Samreens Vanity. The brand is specially designed with South Asian and other ethnic skin tones in mind, with their super pigmented Desi Dream Cheek Charm blush adding a pink glow to the cheeks precisely where it's needed with a buttery, talc-free formula.
As the CEO and founder of a cosmetic company, I drive the vision and direction of the company while operating in "founder mode." I have immense respect for my management team's skills and grant them the autonomy to lead and execute their roles. This trust is developed over time, so initially, I observe closely from the sidelines while making sure they know I'm available if needed. It's a delicate balance between empowering my team to excel and staying engaged to guide the company toward long-term growth.
Postpartum depression is a significant challenge that many new mothers face. The journey to recovery is unique for each individual, involving emotional resilience, self-care strategies, and often the support of healthcare professionals. Addressing postpartum depression is crucial for the well-being of both the mother and her family. Sharing these personal journeys can provide hope, support, and practical advice to others facing similar challenges. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Samreen Arshad.
Looking for some new makeup? Samreen’s Vanity has these versatile dual ended pencils that can be used on your lips, and also your cheeks and eyelids. While they were crafted for diverse skin tones, which are often overlooked in the cosmetics industry, these pencils complement all skin tones. The formula is super long lasting and semi-matte with a satin finish. Best of all everything is cruelty, free, and vegan. Learn more and shop online at SamreensVanity.com.
"Body bronzers are often formulated to be longer lasting and transfer-proof so it can stay put through body movement and prevent transfer onto clothing," adds Samreen Arshad of Samreen's Vanity. "Face bronzers are not designed with that level of longevity. " And, since body bronzers have a sheer finish, they offer less coverage than most face bronzers.
SuperGoop is best known for their sunscreens, so it’s no surprise their CC cream, though technically a makeup product, packs broad spectrum SPF 50 protection. “SuperGoop CC cream is my personal favorite,” Arshad says. “It has a beautiful sheer coverage and a radiant finish which looks and feels super hydrating.”
When you have hooded eyes, you don't want your makeup to accentuate the extra skin on your lid because that will, ultimately, make your eyes look heavy. A couple things to keep in mind according to Arshad: "Blending is key—when applying the shadows, blend them upwards and outwards. This helps give the illusion of bigger, wider eyes."
Pink blushes are ideal for creating an ethereal or baby doll look. Red is more unexpected and delivers an equally daring flush of color. “Red blushes give you a youthful appearance by mimicking a natural flush and making you look more lively and awake,” says Samreen Arshad, makeup artist and the founder and CEO of Samreen’s Vanity.
While it's no secret that the beauty industry is oversaturated these days, there wasn’t always a seat at the table for Black brands. “Fenty Beauty was one of the first brands to disrupt the market by coming out with a broader range of colors, evenly ranging across the color spectrum, and the industry is still catching up,” says Samreen Arshad, CEO and founder of SamreensVanity, a makeup brand geared towards women of color. “Historically, the beauty industry has focused on their demand perception, which is those with lighter skin tones.”
Worried about highlighting enlarged pores? Makeup artist Samreen Arshad mentions steering clear of “shimmer formulas as these tend to enhance the pores and draw more attention to imperfections.” Arshad shares that finding the right blush stick is like finding the right foundation—it will take a little bit of trial and error to discover the blush formula that’s best for you.
