Darcel de Vlugt

As someone living with universal Vitiligo since I was a teenager, finding the right makeup has always been a challenge! Unlike others with Vitiligo, my skin is 95% depigmented and the few dark pigment spots I get on my face need full coverage and highly pigmented foundations... but here's the catch - the colour has to match the neutral/cool tones of skin with no melanin in it, AND I live in the Caribbean, so heavy, cakey makeup that slides of my face is absolutely NOT the goal. It's a delicate balance of formula, function and technique that I've been perfecting over the years, and now that I'm forty, it's an even bigger deal to find those brands and products that can hit every checkpoint on my skin's very particular list of needs. So here I am, sharing with you the most significant products in my makeup bag that make me look and feel my best, giving me the most natural look or glamorous feel no matter where I am or what I'm doing. These are my absolute must-haves, for those within my niche community and all overlapping groups - whether you're a woman of colour with different skin, or no longer in your twenties, or battling with some sort of skin issue that visibly affects how you show up, I'm here for you, girl!As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Living with Vitiligo means being very careful with my skincare choices and reading my skin's needs through different seasons - be it stress, climate, or simply getting older. There are some amazing things my skin with no melanin can do - like heal really quickly with no scarring - and there are some things I need to pay special attention to - like sensitivity to the sun and long term damage. Over time, I have come to love certain products and keep them in regular rotation. Especially since turning 40, self care through skincare has been a primary goal for me, so here's a look at what works best and my highly recommended products.As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

There are so many gems to discover in Trinidad and Tobago, and because places quickly become popular and overcrowded, it's nice to find those little nooks and crannies with great food, drinks, or vibes that just match your own energy and can transport you to somewhere completely different. These are some of my favourite spots on the island.

While every Caribbean island has its own unique local food and flavour, which is very easy to find and experience, there are some places that just really hit the spot no matter where you're from or what your preferences might be. These are some of my favourite places to eat within the Caribbean as an international girl - a variety of cuisines for every taste, and surprisingly authentic as well. I love finding foods I grew up on and genuinely miss from abroad within the Caribbean, so I'm excited to share them with you!

I have lived in and travelled to so many different places in my lifetime that I could never just pick one favourite. These are some of the places around the world that hold the best memories and experiences for me, if you ever get to travel there, I highly recommend these spots!

All the things that make my mixed curly coloured hair feel love and pampered through every life season!As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

I am really picky when it comes to fragrances I put on my body, and I like to layer my scents, too! I find fragrance to be such a personal thing, so when I find something I love, my loyalty to that product is a done deal.

Even when you think you have everything covered, there are the smallest things you forget until the moment you really need them. These are the products that will help reduce unnecessarily stressful situations and have you looking and feeling your best on a very special and emotional day!As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Whoever he may be - from hubby to dad, grandpa, brother, uncle or son - these are my gift recommendations for the special man in your life!As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

Things that just make life a little easier and more efficient, especially when you are busy and being organised is key!As an Amazon Associate I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.