My name is Jaffrene. I’m based in Dallas, Texas, and I’ve worked in styling, but I’m mostly passionate about tying together my love for vintage gems and pieces from my South Asian heritage. I’ve always had an interest in my Bengali culture, and in the past couple years this has resulted in my passions evolving into a fusion of classic ensembles with a South Asian twist, which birthed my curated online shop, The Lounge Cat.

I grew up watching my mom take care of her skin and put on makeup at her vanity, but I started becoming a skin and beauty nerd when I started high school. This was the first time I had dealt with severe acne and went to a dermatologist, who ended up prescribing a topical cream that helped clear things up. Soon after, I did my own research about skincare and came up with a daily regimen for my needs. My skin is oily/normal now, and usually has a very dewy look to it, thanks to the oiliness. One of my favorite things about skincare is talking about it with my friends who have introduced me to so many great lines, like Biologique Recherche, Sunday Riley, and The Ordinary. Though I’ve always loved playing with my mom’s makeup since I was little, mastering it came later for me, and now I have my set favorites that I rarely stray away from.

Tamanu Oil

I was recommended Tamanu oil by my sister, who told me it helped her heal those dark spots and scarring you get after bad acne. Initially I got it for a stubborn whitehead that left me with a dark pink scar, and it worked in two days to heal and brighten it up. I was so impressed, I now use this oil after putting on my serum as a facial oil, for a little bit of moisture, and for brightening before layering with my actual moisturizer.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

This is the only thing I use to wash my face morning and night. It has a gentle pH and doesn’t strip all the good oils off my skin, but still removes stubborn eye makeup completely. I also like that I can open my eyes and it doesn’t sting at all!

Sephora LashCraft Big Volume Mascara

This mascara is my little secret. It is better than every drugstore or high-end mascara I’ve tried, and it’s only [USD] $14 at Sephora! It makes my lashes look so long that people think they’re extensions. I find that it also makes them look darker, so I can wear it without any eyeliner or eyeshadow and still add definition to the eyes.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils have been my go-to lipsticks for the past few years. The formula is matte and lasts all day without drying my lips out, so I get them in as many colors as will look good on my skin. The chubby pencil point also helps me be precise and quick when I’m running late, and I usually blot the edges out so it ends up looking more like a stain.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

I just got this recently after trying so many different lip treatments this winter. I pile it on at night and wake up with baby soft lips, and use a little bit throughout the day as a lip balm. It is the only thing that has worked to keep my lips from chapping, and the pink packaging is so cute.

Words and photography, Jaffrene Islam.