How To Change A Group From Secret To Closed

Dazzler lovers tend to await in the same traditional places for tips, news, and inspiration. There are magazines and sites like Byrdie, as well as blogs and social media accounts. But recently, the best insider beauty knowledge I've encountered has come up from a securely unexpected source. In fact, it's non just unexpected; information technology'due south top secret. Literally.

This hugger-mugger trove of beauty wisdom happens to exist in a secret Facebook grouping to which an in-the-know colleague at Byrdie invited me. When I joined, the group'south proper name was "Beauty and Way Friendship Club," though it has changed monikers multiple times since. (In the spirit of secrecy, I won't reveal its current name.)

At first, I approached the group with skepticism. Information technology seemed airheaded: virtual strangers exchanging beauty tips? What's the signal? We take Pinterest for that.

Merely within a few hours of scrolling through the bustling discussion board, my skepticism dissolved. The group'south clarification beckons its 4900 members to post "anything beauty, style, or style-related." You'd think this would be a recipe for anarchy, spam, and self-promotion. But accept a quick scroll down the page, and yous'll find an impressive array of eclectic, fascinating content: photos of unique and skillfully executed makeup looks, new product recommendations, links to relevant articles, cautionary tales nearly sure products, and more than. There is a strict no-spam policy, and people respect it.

For hours, I found myself admiring members' posts and the supportive responses scroll in. I watched as people bragged well-nigh a new look or asked an embarrassing question and didn't receive an ounce of judgment. Before long it became clear that this group isn't just a cliquey Pinterest alternative; it's a safe space for a various community to geek out together most beauty. (I even came across a few glory members, whom, again, I won't reveal out of respect.) I know, I know, I sound similar a convert to a cult. Just I promise I was the most surprised of anyone to observe that this Facebook group is a beautiful thing.

Furthermore, it's informative. As a beauty editor, I tend to think I'k ahead of most trends. Just the eclectic, fast-paced nature of this group allows under-the-radar beauty news and products to spread like wildfire.

In the weeks since I've been a member, I've acquired a wealth of new beauty noesis.

1. Fake Freckles Are the New Glitter

Rochelle Brock / Refinery29 for Getty Images / Getty Images

About every twenty-four hours since I've joined the group, a fellow member has posted a selfie of her endeavour at creating false freckles with makeup. This charming, slightly kitschy trend started picking up speed terminal year, later on being seen on the runways and Instagram stars, including Chantel Jeffries and Kendall Jenner. If the grouping is any indication, this trend is only going to get bigger.

2. Gorgeous Makeup Knows No Gender

@jamescharles / Instagram

You might think a group called "Beauty and Style Friendship Club" would be girls only—at least that was my initial assumption. But male child (oh male child), was I mistaken. Some of the most stunning makeup inspo I see on the group's discussion board each day are from talented androgynous dudes like sixteen-twelvemonth-old James Charles, equally seen in the photo in a higher place. (There go those faux freckles over again!) You lot must scroll through his Instagram; information technology'south dazzling.

Witnessing beauty looks from people all across the gender spectrum has been a refreshing reminder of how artistic and expressive makeup tin be. I thank the grouping'due south various, supportive nature for making this possible.

3. Colourpop Is the Absurd-Girl Make of the Moment

Colourpop

L.A.'s artsy makeup brand Colourpop near seems too good to be true. The make's liquid lipsticks and centre shadows are loftier-touch, long-lasting, and jaw-droppingly cheap. What's especially nifty about the make is that even though its prices are depression, the range feels notably more creative and bazaar than most drugstore cosmetics. And co-ordinate to our trusty Facebook group, that doesn't become unnoticed. Some of the most innovative looks posted every mean solar day are created with Colourpop products. Bottom line? Beauty lovers of the internet have spoken, and Colourpop is their collective fave.

4. Body Image Bug Come in All Forms

GrandPix / Getty Images

During one intense rampage of this Facebook grouping, I came across a thread started by a woman voicing concerns about her omphalus. Nope, not her belly—her belly button. The adult female lamented that her omphalos was also large and horizontal for her liking and visible through clothes. This made her experience self-conscious, and she asked the group if anyone else felt the aforementioned.

Truthfully, I've never thought about the attractiveness of my belly push. Only dozens of other members flocked to the post, swapping photos, laughs, and sob stories about their own omphalus anxieties. (Some abdomen buttons were very deep, very shallow, or uniquely shaped—the multifariousness was impressive.) I'd never seen so many strangers' belly buttons in my life. Just it was cool to picket this esprit develop. It reassured anybody in the thread that they weren't lone. Plus, information technology reminded the rest of us of how diverse people's insecurities can be.

5. The Ultimate Kylie Lip Kit Dupe Costs $7

Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream $7.00

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Kylie's internet-breaking Lip Kit is a major topic of word in this Facebook grouping. Of course, not everyone was able to get their hands on 1. But put most 5,000 makeup junkies in 1 secret group, and y'all'll find a way around that.

The consensus? The best Kylie dupe on the market place is this i by Nyx. The production is highly pigmented, velvety polish, and nowhere near as drying as Kylie's.

6. At that place Are Always New Indie Brands to Find

Ka'oir Cosmetics

Have you heard of Ka'oir Cosmetics's Kashmir Matte Liquid Lipsticks? What about OnyxBox, a dazzler subscription box created specifically for women of color? I heard about all these awesome boutique products from members of this unfailing grouping. Every time I showtime to think I've heard of every brand, they prove me wrong.

7. Heart Makeup Fallout Can Be Dangerous

Buxom Lash Mascara $22.00

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This grouping gives great communication near products to avert for something a little less joyful only no less important. I call up we can all concur that mascara fallout is annoying, just information technology can also exist unsanitary, according to the group. One user posted a cautionary tale (with photos!) almost mascara fallout giving her a nasty eye infection. I'm non much of a germophobe, but this was enough to ship my fallout-heavy centre makeup products directly to the trash. Rest assured, the mascara above is absolutely fallout-gratis.

viii. A Petty Color Never Hurt Anyone

Kota Wade

Well, fallout-free color, anyway. Actually though, if this secret Facebook group has taught me anything, it's that beauty is meant to be playful. Now, I love me some no-makeup makeup and neutral blond hair. And recently, that'southward been my get-to look. But these new digital friends and muses helped reunite my dear of color. Final weekend, I sported temporary teal tips and glitter all over my face up. Today, I'm wearing giant (symmetrical!) winged eyeliner. And I have this vibrant group to thank.