MAY 2020 $90 RETAIL VALUE
That Melanin Though Playlist
4 Ways
to Elevate Your Look & Style Even While At Home
5 Best Foods to
Feed Your
Melanin FEEL FANTASTIC
Inside, Outside, and Always 3 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR BODY CONFIDENCE THAT DON’T INVOLVE THE GYM
MAY 2020 We Promise You: 5-6 Items at an $85 value
Inside the
This month’s value:
Reflection & Rejuvenation
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et us start here: You’re doing great, sis!
So much is changing and shifting, but you’re doing a great job of adjusting. You’re loving your family deeper, working with more intentionality, and taking care of yourself with purpose. You deserve recognition for accepting change with grace. There’s nothing greater than knowing you’re strong, resilient, and brave during times of transition. The world is changing. You’re changing. Life is changing. It’s all going to be okay, and we’re here to salute how well you rolled with the punches and smiled through the unknown. This month in your Brown Sugar Box Mini Magazine, Izzy & Liv is taking a moment to share a few intimate items to help you make the most of the few moments you have to yourself. You’re taking on more responsibilities and tasks, and we just
“Intentionality” Body Butters, $15
(one of 5 scents) Smooth. Silky. Magic. The Izzy & Liv “Intentionality” Body Butters are a perfect addition to your morning or evening bath time routine. With ingredients you can trust and a little Brown Sugar Box magic, each body butter gives you that extra touch of love and intentionality you need. Choose from these five nourishing flavas: Brown Sugar Almond; Blissful Buttermilk; Flawless Avocado; Lemonade; and Coconut Kiss.
“Ain’t Nothing Basic But This Pouch” Purse, $20 want to make sure you’re remembering to take care of YOU as well. We believe the decision to be more committed to loving yourself from the inside out, will make all the difference in how beautiful, magical, and rejuvenated you are as you “RISE up” and make the most of anything life throws at you. In this edition, we want to share with you how to keep yourself on your priority list with body lovin’ body butters, sweet and bold body sprays, smell-good skin bars, and much more. Read more in this edition about how to give yourself more grace during life’s transitions and still show your brown sugar magic. It’s a whole mood when you know life is going to have to deal with you first before you give in, or give up. We love you Brown Sugar Beauties, and we’re always here for you!
“Bask in the Mask” Charcoal Mask, $10
(set of 3) Take a minute to relax with an at-home spa hour. Grab your Izzy & Liv “Bask in the Mask” Charcoal Mask for the ultimate spa experience. Charcoal, the natural activating ingredient, purifies, cleanses, and rejuvenates your skin, one mask at a time. This peel away mask is perfect for an evening of pampering.
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$90
(one of 4 colors) Take a minute to laugh a little, and add this cute, leather pouch to your on-the-go look. Just enough room for your cell phone, credit card, cash, and your cute tube of lippie (or gloss from your Izzy & Liv collection). This pouch is the quintessential basic for heading to the grocery store or taking a trip to your favorite island (wink wink). Comes in four color-blocked colors: Sage Green, Steel Blue, Caramel Creme, or Pastel Pink.
“Loving The Skin I’m In” Tee, $25
Take a minute and look down at your beautiful hue. Embrace how beautiful you are, slip on our Izzy & Liv “Loving The Skin I’m In” tee, and smile at how much you’re becoming everything you dreamed about. Relax or take a walk in this tee to remember how beautiful it is to love the skin you’re in.
Body Oil Spray, $12 (one of 4 scents) Breathe deeply and take in the sweet smell of self-love. You’ll receive one of our four invigorating scents to help you feel more alive. Whether you love subtle earthy scents or bold aromas of passion, we are giving you a “scent”sational way to make the most of getting dressed each day. These body oils will help you get your day started with a few spritzes. Brought to you by dOSA Naturals (dosanaturals. com) Four options: Pink Sugar; Oatmeal Milk & Honey; White Diamonds; and Lotus Spa. “Soaked” Natural Bar Soap, $8
(one of 5 scents) Nourish your body and your soul. Dedicate time to a long, warm bath with candles, wine, and the Izzy & Liv “Soaked” Skin Bar. Lock the door, dim the lights and lather up with this naturally refreshing skin bar. This cleansing soap is best used when you’re ready to give yourself a little love and a lot of attention. There are five delicious skin soap flavors to choose from: Brown Sugar Almond; Blissful Buttermilk; Flawless Avocado; Lemonade; and Coconut Kiss.
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Mission Glow Up:
4 WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR LOOK & STYLE EVEN WHILE AT HOME by Saeeda Ruffin
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he new reality of being on “lock down” has likely set in. In this time of uncertainty, many will fall into a bit of a rut. But that doesn’t have to be you. No, Ma’am. Don’t let troubled times cause you to feel less than special...cause, that ain’t you. Instead of downplaying your awesomeness, why not elevate your look, right in your own home? Ultimately, you should be looking great for yourself anyway. Right? To break the monotony of the “stay at home” routine, or even your regular daily go-to look, get yourself set up for your next phase of fabulousness. When this homebound thing is done and in the history books, you want to come through it in good health, but why not emerge with a leveled-up look as well? Mission Glow Up should be in full effect. Here are four easy ways to elevate your look and style right now:
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GET SHADY!
There is something inherently diva-ish about sporting the right sunglasses. You may not have any place to go right now, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t look the part! So, put on your cutest or funkiest shades. If you can safely go out on a balcony, porch, or stoop, then, do it... with your shade game 100% on point. But, Sis, if you can’t get out... no worries, have some fun snapping a few shady selfies inside.
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GO FROM BASIC TO BABE
It’s super easy to just do the “same old same old”, but that won’t make you feel like the Queen you truly are. Instead of just relegating your wardrobe to the same pieces and combinations, shake that thang up! Re-imagine your wardrobe and flip the script — you may be surprised at what you pull off. Think about how you WANT to look and not just how you “usually” look. It may feel a little different at first but, Girl, you’re going to be that chic, for real!
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IT’S ALL HAIR
Visiting the salon may not be feasible right now but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your hair. Believe it or not, small changes can make a world of difference in how you look and feel. You can up your hair game tremendously by trying decorative pins, a funky scarf, a sleek headband, or even an eye-catching hat. Want to go for something more dramatic? Then do it. Just remember, your look is all about you!
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PUTTING ON THE GLITZ
Everybody has some really stunning accessories, shoes, or clothes that they save for special occasions. Uh... why? You don’t have to have a gala to glow up. Wear your stuff now! Spice up your outfit with those unforgettable heels or rock that belt that makes your waist look and feel all snatched. Anything that shimmers and shines is fair game. Trust that wearing this fab gear will get you feeling all high sidity...right up in your own house. Oh, and it’s totally alright to walk by a mirror and smile at the Queen staring back at you. Doesn’t she look amazing?
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MAY 2020
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ontrary to popular belief, now is not the time to let yourself go, Sis. It can happen very easily after a few weeks of being stuck at home. Understandably, when people find themselves in situations beyond their control, it can be stressful. Even still, there are things you can do to overcome those overwhelming feelings and get yourself on a positive vibe from the inside out. Here are some pointers that may help put you on the road to feeling fantastic — now and always:
Feel Fantastic
Inside, Outside and Always by Saeeda Ruffin
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Let The Music Play Music can be soothing; it can be refreshing; and it also can be energizing. The best thing about music is that it feeds your soul and can change your perspective in just a few smooth notes. Yes, Sis, the right tunes can bring your whole mood to a new high and almost instantly nix those not-so-great feelings. So, turn it on and turn up!
that list when you’re feeling less than great. Also, make daily affirmations a mainstay in your life. Don’t just pull them out when the going gets rough. Speak life and put that thing on repeat. Your whole attitude will reflect this positivity and self-assuredness.
Look For The Good No matter what you are going through, do your best to find a silver lining ...even if the silver lining is simply that you learned something valuable about yourself. While it is true that looking at the world through rose colored glasses is neither realistic nor recommended, focusing more attention on the positives during times of adversity can help. (Psst! This also applies when dealing with people. Even when they tap dance on your last nerve … look for those redeeming qualities.)
Don’t Settle How in the world can you feel like the Queen you are if you are constantly settling and second guessing yourself? You can’t. Let the second-guessing go and really strive for what you want in life. Whether it’s more money, a higher position, the courage to start a new business, a new look, or love...go get yours! When we settle, we are saying that we are willing to accept less. That ain’t royal. So, Queen, do your best not to settle. Believe in yourself and your ability to make the right decision. You are amazing!
Affirm, Affirm, Affirm Feeling fabulous begins with believing that you are absolutely fabulous. Yes, you are, Sis! Make a list of the things you love about yourself and reflect on
Sis, regardless of what goes on, you have exactly what it takes to be the best you. Embrace your whole self and shine! Make the most of every day and live life on purpose.
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MAY 2020
3 Ways to Boost Your Body Confidence That Don’t Involve the Gym By Girl Tyler
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t some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced a love-hate relationship with our bodies. Sure, black doesn’t easily crack, but our melanin can’t defy gravity or slow down our internal clocks. As we age, we tend to become more critical of our appearance. You can do 100 crunches per day, limit the number of calories you consume, or even upgrade your closet, yet none of these things alone will bring you closer to a healthier outlook on your body. The attitudes that we carry involving our outward appearance starts from within. Developing a positive self-image requires eliminating negative thought patterns. Shift your thinking with these simple and effective actions to boost your body confidence:
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MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION
Relax. Relate. Release! Meditation has the power to reduce insecurities and help you establish self-acceptance. Find a quiet spot in your home. Grab a yoga mat or towel and lie flat on your back. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to create awareness throughout your entire body. As you work your way from your head to your toes, pay attention to each vibration traveling throughout your body. Although your mind may wander, allow negative thoughts to pass through. Acknowledge them and move on. In doing so, you’ll allow yourself to remain in the present moment while creating newfound compassion for your body.
WATCH YOUR WORDS
Internalized self-hate eventually seeps out into the universe. As our own worst critics many of us are accustomed to body shaming ourselves in front of others without even realizing we’re doing it. Overcome body bashing by replacing negative language with positive affirmations. Develop your own personal mantras. Write down a list of features that you love about your body and post them around your home. Spend time in the mirror admiring every lump, bump, and blemish on your skin. Everyone’s body, even yours, is worthy of admiration.
GO ON A DIGITAL DIET
Outer messages become our inner voices. We consume countless micro-messages per day on social media from brands, influencers, and even our friends, peddling unrealistic beauty standards. Toxic social media content body shames women into wanting to alter their appearance, which in turn produces a constant cycle of psychological abuse. You have complete authority over the content that is funneled down your timeline. Take charge of what you consume on social media. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about who you are and what you look like. Seek out body-positive posts and repost them for other women fighting the same fight.
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MAY 2020
5 Best Foods to
Feed Your Melanin By Girl Tyler
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elanin acts as a natural shield, blocking out harmful UV rays. Although darker pigmentation protects deep layers of the skin from sun damage there’s still a chance of getting sunburned which can lead to melanoma, aka skin cancer. As we enter the summer months, it’s more important than ever to properly nourish your skin. Reach for the sunscreen, Sis. Beauty is a multi-billiondollar industry with endless products that promise to erase fine lines and rejuvenate your skin. As quiet as it’s kept, achieving healthy skin is less about what you apply and more about what you consume. Here is a list of five antioxidant-rich foods you need to incorporate in your diet to help preserve your skin.
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Red Cabbage
Avocado
Carrots
Kale
Dark Chocolate
Red cabbage is rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that heightens collagen production and protects skin cells from harmful free radicals caused by exposure to the sun’s UV rays. A serving of red cabbage contains sulfur which helps produce the protein keratin that provides strength and structure to hair, skin, and nails. One cup of this veggie offers 50.7 mg of vitamin C (the recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 60-95 mg.
Many skincare products tout avocado oil as a soothing moisturizer that deeply penetrates the skin to hydrate patchy areas and reduce wrinkles. Avocados are jam packed with essential nutrients including vitamin E, which carries anti-inflammatory properties to rejuvenate your skin and reduce sun damage. Half an avocado has 2 mg of vitamin E (the RDA is 15 mg). Avocados also carry lutein, which aids in skin elasticity. Taco Tuesday just got tastier. Cheers to more guacamole!
Carrots are filled with beta-carotene, a provitamin that converts a percentage into vitamin A that supports improved vision and a healthy immune system. Beta-carotene is a plant pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their rich orange and red color. Researchers also believe vitamin A can lead to increased melanin production. One cup of carrot juice will provide more than 100% of the vitamin A needed for the day.
Kale can do some heavy lifting when it comes to keeping your skin clear. It’s loaded with anti-inflammatory properties like vitamin K that assist in treating skin conditions. These powerful leafy green also has anti-aging agents like magnesium to help even out your skin tone. Raw kale is filled with copper, an essential mineral in stabilizing skin proteins and revitalizing the synthesis of melanin. Blend it in a shake or give new salad creations and side-dishes a try.
Dark chocolate is a vitamin-rich superfood with great overall health benefits. It blocks the breakdown of collagen and it’s known to replace lost moisture in your skin. Dark chocolate is rich in nourishing antioxidants, vitamins (A, B1, C, D and E) and minerals that relieve dry skin. The flavanols found in dark chocolate also help protect the skin from sunburn. So, go ahead and enjoy that candy bar, just be careful not to overindulge.
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MAY 2020
Brown Sugar Box Beauties
You go above & beyond The frontline is the best line. This month, we celebrate just a few of the essential workers in the Brown Sugar Babe clique. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and undeniable commitment to serving our communities, businesses, and medical centers. At the end of the day, without you, the world would have stopped. You immediately “got in formation”, and we can’t say thank you enough. You slay! We appreciate you.
Congratulations to last month’s WINNER! Danielle H. was randomly selected from everyone who shared their April 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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MAY 2020
THAT MELANIN THOUGH PLAYLIST By Girl Tyler
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n the words of Rihanna, “All girls rock. Black girls, we just on another level.” Black women come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and glorious shades. We’re notoriously imitated but no one can duplicate the bold, audacious essence of our existence. Our skin radiates centuries of strength and resilience. The “My Skin is Hue I Am” playlist is a celebration of body confidence for Black women. Whether you’re tall, short, curvy, thin, or even slim thick, embrace every inch of your body. These songs are a declaration of Black femininity, sensuality, and physique. You’re a piece of art. Keep shinning. Never dim your light.
• “Black Woman” by Danielle Brooks
• “Blk Girl Soldier” by Jamila Woods
• “The Glow” by Victoria Monét
• “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston
• “Yoga” by Janelle Monáe ft. Jidenna • “Brown Skin” by India Arie • “Real Body” by D Smoke ft. Ari Lennox • “Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child
• “Milkshake” by Kelis • “Black Mermaid” by Esthero • “Unpretty” by TLC
• “Black Girl Magik” by Sampa The Great feat. Nicole Gumbe
• “Caramel” by City High
• “Brick House” by Commodores
• “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj
• “Work It” by Missy Elliott
• “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige
• “Goodies” by Ciara
• “Tempo” by Lizzo ft. Missy Elliott
• “Sista Big Bones” by Anthony Hamilton
Frequently asked questions
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Can I change my size preference for future boxes? 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 1st of the month for the next box. So you will be billed for the October box on the 1st of October; for the November box on the 1st of October 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 any time in your Brown Sugar Box Account Settings at izzyandliv.com. If you’ve already been billed for the next box (1st 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.
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Can I exchange 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! 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 subscription. To skip a delivery you just need to click “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, you can email to have us skip deliveries for you.
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 hashtag #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!
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 month’s box. If your box was returned due to consumer error, please reach out to customer service for reshipment at an additional cost.
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I have feedback or questions, who do I contact? We can be reached at support@izzyandliv.com
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