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Jewelz Alizé for T. McDonald Cosmetics


Photo by Khari @Kvisions._ (2021) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC
Photo by Khari @Kvisions._ (2021) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC

I’m intentional about every brand I align myself with—because representation, integrity, and impact matter to me both on and off the camera.


That’s exactly why I’m proud to serve as a brand ambassador for T. McDonald Cosmetics.

Photo by Richard Simpson @richard_enrichphotography (2023) | Black Dress Designer Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny | NYFW Show Feb ‘23 @powersquadcampaign
Photo by Richard Simpson @richard_enrichphotography (2023) | Black Dress Designer Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny | NYFW Show Feb ‘23 @powersquadcampaign

Working with Terry McDonald, the owner and founder of T. McDonald Cosmetics, on various magazine editorials and fashion shows—both as a model and a producer—has allowed me to see the woman behind the brand in ways many others do not.


Beyond a working relationship, I can genuinely say I’ve earned a sister.


I’m sure there are other colleagues who would echo that sentiment.

Photo by @LifePassionProductions (2024)
Photo by @LifePassionProductions (2024)

Terry is a woman of faith, keeps her family at the center, and is a protector of energy.


These values show up in how she runs her business, supports her team, and pours into her mentorship.

T McDonald Cosmetics Glam Team sponsoring Power Squad Campaign Feb ‘23 NYFW  show @powersquadcampaign
T McDonald Cosmetics Glam Team sponsoring Power Squad Campaign Feb ‘23 NYFW show @powersquadcampaign

Power Squad Campaign February 2023 NYFW Show @powersquadcampaign

Her Glam Team is an incredible group of talented creatives.


Terry not only mentors them, but also provides consistent opportunities for growth and for their artistry to shine.


I’ve had nothing but amazing experiences with the team—even on short-notice bookings, they always deliver.


If you’re looking to support a Black-owned and Woman-owned beauty brand built on love, intention, and excellence—T. McDonald Cosmetics is it.


Photo by Imene Zeghar @teswira_ (2023) | Model Het-Heru Flowers @hetafofeta | Paris Fashion Week Oct 2023 Campaign
Photo by Imene Zeghar @teswira_ (2023) | Model Het-Heru Flowers @hetafofeta | Paris Fashion Week Oct 2023 Campaign

My Favorite Products Right Now:

  • 💋 Liquid Matte Lip Cushion: Island Tan

    A smooth, long-lasting lip color that works for both soft glam and full beat.

    Shop here »

  • 👁️ 5D Lash Collection: Carmen

    Lightweight and bold—perfect for elevating your everyday or event look.

    Shop here »

  • 🎨 Level Up Palette:

    My go-to shades are :

    “Redemption” & “Success” as highlighters.

    “Integrity” & “Shadow Work” for defining the eyelids and under-eye.

    Shop here »


To me - the star product at the moment is the “Level Up Palette” !

Photo by Duane Dyken @danthony_photography (2022) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC
Photo by Duane Dyken @danthony_photography (2022) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC

I can honestly say every name for the individual eyeshadows have shown up in either her advice or action.


She’s walked with me through some of my darkest days - and kept my crown straight through her own personal testimonies.


She’s given me courage to take leaps I probably wouldn’t have.


And If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have proved things to myself that I did.


I appreciate her even for her story alone.


To have such a close example of what I’m working toward becoming more of within myself - is an inspiration and push I’m blessed to experience.


Get you a best friend who inspires you.

An interview with T McDonald Cosmetics:

Photo By Nehemiah Rowland @neosworld.97 (2023) | Designed & Styled by Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny
Photo By Nehemiah Rowland @neosworld.97 (2023) | Designed & Styled by Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny

1. How has beauty or using T. McDonald Cosmetics—assisted you in your healing journey, mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally?


For me, ever since I was in college, doing my makeup was used as a form of relaxation and decompression.


If I was having a stressful day - I would play in a palette for maybe 30 minutes to an hour.


Even if it wasn’t something extravagant, just getting a little bit more put together gave me a mood boost. A pep in my step.


I mostly use makeup to enhance my looks rather than totally transform them - but I don’t mind doing that either!


I feel like I need more practice in that space on my own because usually my makeup artists do it for me. The “creative makeup”.

Photo by Duane Lyken @danthony_photography (2022) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC
Photo by Duane Lyken @danthony_photography (2022) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC


But when it’s on - it’s so much easier to get into character in front of the camera than without it.


The color selections in this palette helped break me out of the creative box I was in. I was used to using a lot of neutral colors on my eyelids.


Not to mention, the intentional names like “Shadow work” and “Persistence” introduce retrospection for me during that therapeutic & relaxing session.


When you feel and think differently, you show up in the word differently.


2. What advice would you give to someone who is looking to level up their life through beauty?

Photo by Marius Marcus @mm.photostudio.live (2023) | Model Michael Tate @theemikeytee | Paris Fashion Week Oct ‘23
Photo by Marius Marcus @mm.photostudio.live (2023) | Model Michael Tate @theemikeytee | Paris Fashion Week Oct ‘23

I would say find your voice. Find the kind of beauty you’re into, there are so many types of styles, and then build with that community.


Become a brand ambassador; network!


If beauty is your passion, then find a way to intertwine it with your life in a lucrative way.


That’s what I’m working on; I’ve seen it be successful with time, patience, and strategy.


3. From your perspective as a brand ambassador, what do you personally feel sets T. McDonald Cosmetics apart from other brands?

Photo by Duane Dyken @danthony_photography (2022) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC
Photo by Duane Dyken @danthony_photography (2022) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC

Personally, I feel that being a genuine person — before even being a genuine leader — is what truly sets someone apart.


That’s exactly what T. McDonald Cosmetics represents.


While many companies try to sell into your insecurities, T. McDonald sells to your confidence.


Every product, every experience, is rooted in empowerment, not perfection


4. What achievements of the founder, Terry McDonald, stand out to you the most, and how do these elements inspire you or align with your own journey?

Terry McDonald photo by @LifePassionProductions | Brand Debut at The Confessional Showroom NYC May 2024
Terry McDonald photo by @LifePassionProductions | Brand Debut at The Confessional Showroom NYC May 2024

One event I’ll always carry with me is when the T McDonald Cosmetics collection debuted at The Confessional Showroom in NYC in May 2024.


That moment was more than a business milestone—it was a testimony of manifestation.


What makes it even more powerful is how our paths first crossed.


I originally connected with Terry through Esther Lamour, a celebrity stylist who, back in 2021, pulled pieces from that very same showroom for a shoot I was part of :

Photo by Tylik Hill @mrvizionair (2021) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC
Photo by Tylik Hill @mrvizionair (2021) | Styled by Esther Lamour @estherlamour via @The_Confessional_Showroom_NYC


From there, Terry and I envisioned a collaboration—images we would submit to Imirage Magazine, and a shared dream of seeing me as a brand ambassador, with our work represented in prominent storefronts and showrooms like The Confessional.


To see both of those goals materialize in just three years is beyond affirming—it gave me the confidence I needed to take a much-needed industry hiatus and trust in my path.

Photo by Brandon Roberts-Blake @portraitblake (2023) | Designed & Styled by Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny
Photo by Brandon Roberts-Blake @portraitblake (2023) | Designed & Styled by Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny

Now, as I prepare to reemerge, I do so knowing that the journey isn’t over.


Terry’s achievements inspire me because they show what’s possible when vision meets alignment and action.


They reflect everything I aim to embody: creativity, resilience, and intention-driven growth.

Photo by Nehemiah Rowland @neosworld.97 (2023) | Designed & Styled by Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny
Photo by Nehemiah Rowland @neosworld.97 (2023) | Designed & Styled by Kevin Browne @kevinbrowneny

If you would like to advertise your brand / business with In The City Magazine please fill out this form.


If you would like to suggest a blog topic please DM me at @_Jewelz.Alize  .


ABOUT THE AUTHOR 


Jewelz Alizé is a brand storyteller, culture writer, and event curator who’s shifting from being in front of the camera to bringing bold visions to life through words and intentional experiences.


Her work highlights the lived realities of minority communities—through fashion, wellness, lifestyle, and current affairs—always centering authenticity over aesthetic trends.


With a luxe yet accessible approach to curation and storytelling, Jewelz is dedicated to helping people feel seen, affirmed, and empowered to define success on their own terms.


Photo by Rick Tracy @imagesbyrick (2022)  Designer Ricky Lucciano @rickylucciano1
Photo by Rick Tracy @imagesbyrick (2022) Designer Ricky Lucciano @rickylucciano1

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