Introduction & A Slight Insight to Beauty

Hey loves!

Jenni here! As you may already know, I'm a uni student studying Linguistics (the full course name is English Language & Linguistics, but I'll stick with Linguistics - it’s a mouthful otherwise).

Naturally, anything related to words, languages, and writing is my jam, and that’s one of the reasons I’ve started this platform! Instead of just sitting around wondering what to do with my passion, I thought, why not actually use it?

So here I am.

I won’t lie; it's anxiety-inducing, and I’ve spent ages worrying about what people might say when they read this (if they even read it). The fear of ridicule is real, but I told myself, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’

When you step back and look at the situation, it’s never really that deep. My love for writing won out, so here we go!

Also, PSA: if you don’t like what you read here, that’s cool - just click off and go elsewhere, innit.

We always hear about girls starting beauty services and hair businesses as soon as they feel like it, so why shouldn’t I dive into my writing? I just took the leap of faith, and God has placed me where I am now.

My interest is there… check.

My creativity and motivation are there… check.

I’m utilising available resources… that’s how I’ve managed to write all this, so… check.

So, here I present myself 💅🏾

Who am I? Yes, I have a whole page about me, but let me tell you more. Let's take it as though I’m engaging in a conversation with you, and you’re getting to know me.

Cool.

I’m a passionate linguist from Leeds (who’s bilingual 🇫🇷). I’m also a beauty enthusiast, a mental health advocate, and a Black woman, so I’ll be discussing topics from the intersectional perspective of being a Black woman. There’s a plethora of things I’m itching to talk about, but first and foremost, let’s dive into beauty.

Put a finger down if you can scroll on TikTok for hours and end up being unproductive.

I’m guessing everyone’s fingers are down. And for those who didn’t put a finger down, I’m trying to get like you!!!

I’m guilty of scrolling on TikTok for hours on end, doing absolutely nothing productive. That app is like crack - I can't get enough of it. I’m even terrible at watching shows because I’ll inevitably pick up my phone and start watching TikToks instead. It’s so bad, and I just CAN’T stop! Help…

But lowkey, TikTok is my new Google. I love how educational it can be on literally anything.

The beauty trends on there are insane:

- Using a powder puff under your eyes to mattify your makeup

- Buying good-quality brushes from TikTok Shop to achieve that flawless look

- Blending blush slightly into your under-eye for a more harmonious appearance

Working part-time as a beauty consultant keeps me deep in researching different makeup and skincare brands, and I often find myself being so greedy! Makeup is fantastic - I love it. There’s something thrilling about opening a new palette and seeing all the colours waiting to be used. I enjoy trying out different looks, whether bold and dramatic or soft and natural, each one revealing a different side of me. I feel like a baddie when I’m all dolled up, and I love that sensation.

Especially when I’ve taken my time, and everything harmonises well on my face… mwah, chef’s kiss. Makeup allows me to highlight my favourite features and bring out the best version of myself. For me, that’s my eyebrows and lips. It’s not just about keeping up with trends - it’s about the creativity, the fun, and the confidence boost that comes with every brush stroke. Recently, I’ve been trying out coloured gel liners for my waterline, and damn, they look so good. Try it, girls. I started with black, transitioned to shimmery purple, and now I’m onto a shimmery blue one from Kylie Cosmetics, and it’s stunning.

Sometimes, you should be experimental, so I challenge you to give it a go too.

Here’s the link to the ‘Kyliner Gel Pencil’ in shimmery blue (there are other colours too): https://www.boots.com/kylie-cosmetics-kyliner-gel-pencil-10303507

(P.S. If you buy from Boots, remember to use your student discount for 10% off all products! It’s a literal lifesaver!)

One thing I’ve noticed from working in retail for a hot minute is that we often become subconscious victims of consumerism when following makeup trends online. I’ll have a stampede of customers asking me for ‘Glow Recipe’ this, and ‘Bubble’ that, and I’m fascinated by how many say they ‘saw it on TikTok’.

Am I surprised? Not really.

Why?

I’ve even fallen victim to consumerism myself, caving in and buying the ‘Made by Mitchell (MBM) Curve Case’ and the ‘Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray’. By the way, I totally recommend the Curve Case - it’s brilliant. Keep an eye on TikTok for sales, as you can often find it cheaper than on ASOS, Boots, Beauty Bay, and other retailers where it’s around £30. I got mine for £20 😏.

If you don’t already own one, consider purchasing it wisely. How could you not have a Curve Case? Buy it - you won’t regret it.

You see what I did there? I hyped products you might not even need, making them seem essential by creating FOMO and offering a solution: a discount. That’s consumerism at its finest.

MBM has done a great job creating a product that simplifies your makeup kit and works for all shades and undertones. But don’t be swayed by consumerism - if you don’t need it, you don’t need it. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re missing out just because you don’t have the latest product.

The fear of missing out on limited-edition products and viral trends creates a sense of urgency to buy the latest items. Marketing strategies tap into our emotions, suggesting that new makeup can boost our confidence and help us meet societal beauty standards, but we ALL know that’s not always the case.

Social media is flooded with beauty influencers whose recommendations can be hard to resist, making us want to copy their looks. Algorithms then amplify this by showing us more makeup content, making these products seem essential. We end up in a bubble that pressures us to conform to a certain idea of beauty.

For instance, when Uche Natori dropped her makeup routine, it took ‘UK Black girl’ TikTok by storm. And let’s not forget the ‘bright under-eye’ trend that’s become a staple for many Black girls’ makeup routines (including mine). Shoutout to Melachild for kicking off that trend. I absolutely love using the ‘NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer’ to achieve the look, and I use it in the shade ‘Amande’:

https://www.boots.com/nars-radiant-creamy-concealer-10286871

The growing influence of beauty gurus in the Black UK space has sparked important conversations about the potential dangers of creating a monolithic 'UK Black girl aesthetic'. While being part of the online beauty community fosters a sense of belonging and encourages us to keep up with trends, this becomes problematic when it turns exclusionary. We often say that Black people aren’t a monolith, so why should a diverse community be forced to fit into one narrow aesthetic?

When certain looks dominate, anyone who doesn’t fit that mould may feel judged or pressured to conform. This can lead people to buy specific products or adopt particular styles just to avoid feeling left out.

We need to be mindful of this and take a step back. Sometimes, we just need to slow down, take a deep breath, and remember that beauty is about self-expression, not squeezing ourselves into a box. Personally, I’ve found that the Black content creators I follow uplift me by reminding me that I’m a beautiful young woman. Their positive messages help me internalise self-love and kindness towards myself.

It’s natural to want to take part in trends, but makeup and style should be a reflection of who you truly are. By recognising these influences, we can make more mindful choices and resist the pull of consumerism - though I’ll admit, it’s tricky at times!

Anyway, ladies, it’s all about challenging yourself to stay true to who you are. That’s what 'Just Jenni' is all about: embracing your individuality, questioning the norms, and navigating beauty on your own terms.

Here’s my first blog. I’m just starting off, but as I get the hang of things and my expertise in navigating this path grows, you’ll be hearing more from me.

With love and curiosity,

Just Jenni