Let's be honest, the world is...a lot right now. Between alarming headlines and my very-stressed-out group chat, I'm one minor inconvenience away from building my own spaceship and peacing out. But instead of spiraling (again), I've been trying to daydream. Big, beautiful, melanin-rich dreams about the future. Specifically, a future where Black beauty isn't an afterthought—it's the blueprint.

These dreams are heavily inspired by the magic of Afrofuturism. It's this brilliant cultural aesthetic that fuses Black history, fantasy, science fiction, and tech to imagine a world where we are front and center-serving, slaying, and setting the standard. It's Wakanda-level vibes with a side of ancestral wisdom and a lot of lip gloss.

In the future, I'm imagining beauty gets even bolder. I'm talking chrome lips that glisten like con-stellations. Electric-purple eyeliner so sharp, it could cut through outdated beauty standards. Foundations that blend and protect. Scents that smell like manifested splendor. Sculptural hair that doubles as a mood and a crown, locs adorned in fine jewelry, and edges laid with the precision of NASA engineers.

But it's not just about looking cool (though we definitely will). It's about expression, power, and freedom, where unapologetically owning our dopeness is its own form of self-care. And where our personal style becomes a form of time-travel, a way to honor our past while flexing our future.

Don't even get me started on the skincare and haircare possibilities. There will definitely be more Black-owned beauty brands serving all humans. More companies are coming out of Africa. We've had K-beauty; it's time we start hyping up A-beauty. (This isn't quite a thing yet, but oh, it will be. Mark my words.

My version of Afrofuturism isn't about escaping reality. It's about remixing it and building a culture in which showing up with melanated skin is normal, expected, and celebrated.

So, yeah. Our current status may be overwhelmed, and the world may be doing the most right now. But so am I, with my crown slayed and my skin poppin'. The future of beauty is bright and, if we're lucky, right around the corner.

 Ok, friends -- this yummy facial cream is a total dream! I wake up, slather it on, and I get an instant lift and glow. It's not only a beautifier, but it's also a protector. The formulation is lightweight, hydrating, and actually fights blue light. Plus, it's vegan and fragrance-free, so even super sensitive skin folks can indulge. Fun fact: the founder of the brand is Savannah James, the dope wife of NBA all-star Lebron James. 

Detangling used to be my mortal enemy before I discovered this cream. After washing my hair I add some of this bb and my stubborn single-strand knots are no match. It's also a beautiful prep before I go in with hair mask or conditioner.  Since it's a leave-in you can also use it once you're out of the shower and want to lock in moisture. Long story short, it's a must-have in your haircare arsenal! 

Here’s the tea: Isamaya’s Microbial Gel is a little like a wellness spa in a jar.  It's my go-to when my skin is feeling super overwhelmed and irritated. It's made with hyaluronic acid, prebiotics, and lots of calming botanicals. Also, here's a bit of a tacky finish that's perfect as a primer for makeup. You'll look refreshed, dewy and camera ready! 

Ok, this perfume makes me feel like the main character in a French romance film. The musky floral scent with notes of amber, peach, suede and jasmine is both subtle and sexy. I also love how stunning the bottle is, but then again it's from the house of Dries Van Noten. It's luxury but also effortlessly cool. Consider me addicted. 

Right off that bat this lippie's packaging screams futuristic chic! Then when you consider the lip-loving formula of the actual stick, then it's a no-brainer you have to have it. One swipe and your lips feel like they are being wrapped in love. The formation is nourishing, hydrating and leaves a subtle shine. Pro tip: I also love smudging some of the color on my cheeks for hint of color to match my pout.  

Here's yet another masterpieces from celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath (aka Mutha). She never fails to create the most whimsical products to craft makeup masterpieces. This setting spray is doll skin in a bottle -- a high gloss, high shine finish that is other worldly. Hold it a few inches from your face, close your eyes, and give yourself 2-3 spritzes after putting on makeup. You can also just add to your cheekbones for a highlight effect! 

Yes, you're reading that right...this is fine jewelry for your locs (or braids or twists)! This brand offers sleek, sophisticated and oh-so-stunning accessories for our crown. The collection comes in sterling silver, solid gold and gold plated. And the unique screw-in design makes sure they don't slip off. I'm completely blown away by how genius and drop dead gorgeous these cuffs are. They make a beautiful gift for ours...and most definitely, yourself! 

Sunscreen but make it sexy -- that's Tonal's Sunveil.  It's a perfect combo of SPF and foundation that is meant to serve all skin tones. First off, it's lightweight, blends like a dream (no ashy cast, thank you very much), and it leaves my skin with a silky, almost blurred finish. Having UV protection without the heavy, greasy vibe is a game-changer. It's the kind of product you look forward to putting on.  

Anything from the heart and mind of renowned makeup artist Danessa Myricks is going to be incredible, so when these multi-use sticks launched I was instantly hooked. The eight color duos are poppin'! Think holographic shifts, metallic sparkle and high def results all in one magnetic stick that are mix and matchable. Glam that's fun, versatile and ready to go anywhere. Yes, please!   

Headshot of Julee Wilson

Julee Wilson is Beauty Editor at Large at Cosmopolitan. Previously, Julee was Beauty Director at Cosmo and Global Beauty Director at Essence and has held various editorial positions at Huffington Post and Real Simple. She counts herself lucky AF that she gets to play with beauty products for a living and tell dope stories. And if you’re as obsessed with beauty as she is, make sure to follow her on Instagram for plenty of product recs, natural hair inspo, skincare testing, and Black girl magic shenanigans.