Bianca Richards
The Bronx, New York
IG: bm.richards
Tiktok: biancasaysrunyourun
Bianca Richards is a beauty connoisseur. Not only is she a social media manager for beauty magazine Allure, but she’s also a licensed esthetician and beauty content creator. If you need inspiration on how to style your outfit, what pair of sneakers to cop, or what design to ask your nail tech to recreate, look no further than Richards’ Instagram feed. When asked what inspires her every day, Richards shares: “The thought of creating positive impact and change through my work and creativity.”
What are some things about yourself that you find most beautiful?
I don’t often find myself reflecting on what I consider most beautiful about myself, but it’s an essential aspect of my personal journey as I am striving to give myself more grace and self-compassion these days. One quality I take immense pride in is the level of empathy I extend to others. Maybe it’s the Cancer in me, but I’ve always considered myself a highly sensitive individual, and possessing a profound sensitivity to the emotions and experiences of those in my life has allowed me to deeply connect with others and create meaningful friendships.
Where do you get your confidence?
The process of preparing for the day is my source of motivation, and it’s a long moment of gratitude that contributes to my self-confidence. Picking out a comfortable fit and doing my beauty routines are sacred moments reserved for self-care, and it’s then where I am able to reinforce positive affirmations. It’s easy to feel like a little fish in a big pond when you’re born and raised in NYC and you’re trying to make a name for yourself, but I’ve redirected my vision towards embracing the fact that nobody has ever walked in my shoes, battled my demons, and overcome the odds set against me.
What essentials are you carrying in your Yuzefi Black Mochi bag?
1. Apple Headphones (wired): Unpopular opinion, but wired headphones are way better than AirPods or any other wireless headphones. These days, I’m listening to a lot of Cleo Sol, but I also tune into some classic boleros and salseros in my down time. I’ve also set a personal goal to get into audiobooks, so I’ve downloaded some to try out in the coming weeks!
2. Phone Charger + Portable Charger: I always have a backup for my backup. Welcome to the life of a social media manager!
3. Book: I am an avid reader, and though I’m obsessed with mystery and true crime novels, I like to switch it up a bit. I grew up reading a lot of magical realism and historical fiction from Latin American and Asian American writers to feel closely connected to my cultural identity, and as a way to break up my thrilling reading streak, I’m currently wrapping up “Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo, a captivating novel that spans across multiple generations of the Marte women.
4. Elisa Johnson Shades (Lyric Leigh in Tortoise Brown): Shades always come in handy, and this pair from Elisa Johnson is the perfect everyday go-to.
5. Luar Card Wallet: I’ve opted for a card wallet these days because it’s compact and versatile, perfect to throw in any purse. Plus, the iridescent snakeskin design is so gorgeous.
6. Vintage Coach Black Leather Compact Mirror: My mom always loved Coach, and she has so many little trinkets and accessories from way back. This compact mirror was passed down to me from her, and I take it everywhere. It’s a chic bag accessory that fits in every purse I use—small or large!
7. Mini Pouch: Someone asked me the other day, “Why do you keep a bag in your bag?” Honestly, it’s just one of those organizational tips that my mom instilled in me when I was younger. Instead of keeping my personal items exposed in my bag, securing them in a pouch makes it much easier to pull from and condenses space. In this pouch, I carry personal hygiene products, Q-tips, dental floss, a Tide pen, Shout wipes, fashion tape, Advil, gum, travel-size deodorant, hand lotion, cuticle cream, hand sanitizer, and a backup pair of hoops because you just never know when you might need them!
8. Makeup Pouch: Now, this carries all the good stuff I use on the daily whenever I’m away from home. My on-the-go beauty essentials include:
- GlymedPlus Ultra Hydrating Lip Balm
- MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner in ‘Cork’
- Lip Pencil Sharpener
- MAC Cosmetics Lip Glass
- Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper in ‘Hot Chocolit’
- Kosas Mini Cloud Set Powder in ‘Comfy’
- Hourglass Ambient Ambient Lighting Palette
- Merit Flush Balm
- Kayali EDEN JUICY APPLE travel perfume
- YSL Libre Eau De Parfum Travel Spray
- OUAI Melrose Place travel perfume
- Nemat Amber Fragrance Oil Roll-On
- Pink Beauty Sponge
9. Keys: My lifeline, truly. I would be lost without my keys.
What are your favorite makeup brands right now & why?
MAC Cosmetics: MAC has always been the IT beauty brand for me, but recently I feel as though they’re hitting the mark lately when expanding to a Gen-Z audience. The creation of their influencer lip kits were a hit, and I feel like they’re reclaiming their position as one of the leading cosmetic brands in the industry.
Fenty Beauty: When Fenty Beauty emerged, it was a pivotal moment in the world of beauty. From the inclusive shade range to their strategic marketing strategy over the years, the brand’s emphasis on self-expression and authenticity resonate with many, including myself.
YSL: Yves Saint Laurent Beauty perfectly aligns with my preferences in a beauty brand by offering essential makeup products. The brand leans towards a more minimalist approach to beauty, providing a sleek and refined experience perfect for everyday wear.
