PAYTON'S TRUTH

What are your beauty struggles?

Payton: Honestly I feel like colorism is getting real in the beauty industry, it is hard for darker girls. I have friends who are darker than I am, they face more discrimination just because of their skin color and the way they do their makeup or their hair. I wont say I've necessarily struggled with making videos or discrimination with the way I look, a lot of times people think I'm mixed but I'm just black. A lot of times people will think I have really nice, beautiful curly hair, when my wigs come off I'm like 3c and I just know I get discriminated against because of the way my hair looks compared to my skin and how I may look in the face. People usually think I am mixed with asian, so when they see my real hair or see that I'm always wearing wigs and don't usually do my real hair because it takes so much to maintain, they expect something else because of the color of my skin. Even when I talk about natural hair, people have biased opinions.

 With my skin its very hard to find things that work for me. I have went up and down from having super clear skin to super messed up skin like acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Having fully clear skin again and then breaking out just makes me feel kind of insecure sometimes and not every makeup product is made for black skin. It is very hard to find products that work for you and cover your insecurities.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Payton: In terms of helping people with ignorance, its better to educate than to argue. For example if you have an argument with someone but you don't know how to tell them or help them, its better to educate them and let them know where your coming from, let them know about your background, your experiences versus arguing with them and telling them the reason their wrong and why. 

How have you built your community and what is the importance of having a community? 

Payton: The way that I've done it is I do a lot of broadcasts, outreach and network with other people. I always like to follow people on social media. I’m not the type to ask people to follow me on social media, if they notice anything about me or ask me about anything I’ll tell them I do this and that, follow me so we can connect. I've built my community by linking up with people and networking through social media. Majority of the time that's the easiest way for me to do it. Community is super important to me because it gives a sense of belonging and knowing that you fit in somewhere. No one can live in isolation, just knowing that you have a community looking up to you, working with you or supporting is super helpful to your mental health.

What’s your self-care routine?

Payton: I cry. I feel like the best way to destress is to cry or spend a lot of time with my friends or family. I always feel so much better when I talk to people about how im feeling and openly express my emotions. 

Whats your favorite song? 

Payton: Theres this song called "Only Girl" by Kali Uchis featuring Steve Lacy and Vince Staples and a song by PND Rock called "Friends". My last one is "Feel Good" by Trippie Red.

What is your favorite beauty hack? 

Payton: Never go to people in the store. I've seen so many failed attempts of someone trying to match a foundation to your skin color. Especially if the person helping is not black or your ethnicity. I would say go in a store with your face clean and just dab foundation. Definitely find a foundation that is good for your skin type whether your have dry, oily or combination skin. My favorite item in the world is It cosmetic's "Bye Bye Pores Press Powder." The press powder is for your foundation or your regular skin. I use this when I'm doing my makeup, I use it after I do my makeup.  

Keep up with Payton on her journey:

Instagram: @payton.b

YouTube:  www.youtube.com/c/paytonlovely