Beauty News

AMBI Continues to Celebrate Black Beauty with New Virtual Series

December 20, 2023

Last week, I had the pleasure of tuning into an enlightening webinar hosted by Ambi. The iconic skincare brand’s inaugural panel discussion series, “Skin Wisdom – It’s More Than Just Skin Deep,” featured three popular influencers and digital personalities including Kéla Walker, Angelique Miles, and Christina Granville. Moderated by Africa Miranda, a lifestyle curator, actress, and host, the topics ranged from working out to the importance of maintaining authenticity.

“As I got older my body started changing and I began to get my body together,” said Miles, who is a beauty and wellness influencer. “Every time I think I got it together my body is like ‘what else you got!’ Nutrition becomes more important, I can’t just work out, I also have to eat right as well.”

It’s no secret that beauty proliferates when you’re authentic and people will appreciate your transparency.

“The more I started being my true authentic self the more people started receiving me and more opportunities started coming for me just being me,” Granville said during the conversation.

It was an afternoon that personified “Black Girl Magic.” Of course, the celebrated industry leaders spoke about their skincare secrets, routines, and how Ambi has been a mainstay and go-to within the culture for decades.

“I remember growing up, if you had issues with hyperpigmentation Ambi was the one,” Walker, the Emmy-nominated host said. “There was no one else marketing towards black women or women of color for discoloration.”

Since Ambi came on the scene in the late ‘60s, it changed the landscape and laid the foundation for skincare products created with melanated skin in mind. The beloved brand is continuing that legacy with additions to its skincare lineup.

Consumers looking to address hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven tone can try the brand’s Even & Clear Complexion Facial Cleanser, Even & Clear Pore-Minimizing Toner, Dark Spot Fade Collection, and the Even & Clear Facial Moisturizer With Sunscreen.

Watch a snippet from the panel discussion below:

Have you ever used Ambi? What’s your go-to skincare brand?

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Jane Iredale Launches New Skincare Supplements

May 8, 2017

Last week, I had the pleasure of celebrating my 37^th birthday at a swanky Manhattan hotel.

I was beyond thrilled to start my special day on a foliage-trimmed terrace overflowing with beautiful spring blooms and sunshine gloriously beaming through the glass-enclosed ceiling.

However, the lovely setting wasn’t reserved for me, but for one of my favorite makeup brands: jane iredale.

The premier mineral-based cosmetics line hosted a super chic garden party at the gorgeous Gramercy Park Hotel to showcase its upcoming offerings including five new skincare supplements launching this summer. Each of the supplements promises to treat common skin issues such as: excess oil, aging, dryness, and acne. In addition to highlighting the new products, the event also included a Q&A with founder/CEO Jane Iredale, live demos, and a generous shopping experience for us bloggers and editors.

Being surrounded by nature in the lush space served as the perfect backdrop to launch the natural beauty products developed for a radiant, healthy glow. While I haven’t tried the supplements just yet, I did pick out a cream blush called “Charisma” that has now secured a spot in my springtime beauty routine. The sheer berry hue gives just the right amount of flush to my cheeks, ideal for spring. Plus, unlike powder blushes – a brush isn’t required, which makes for easy on-the-go application. It’s become an instant-fave.

I’ve been using jane iredale products for nearly a decade now. In fact, it was one of the very first brands I partnered with when I launched my blog ten years ago. The quality is unmatched and the range of products for us BGs is outstanding. If you’re looking for makeup that is created to enhance, not mask skin, definitely give jane iredale a try—you won’t be disappointed.

What are your favorite springtime beauty products? Have you ever tried a skincare/beauty supplement?

Unilever Fools Beauty Lovers in Epic Campaign Prank

April 20, 2017

Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed some pretty clever hair and beauty campaigns, but none quite as clever as what the folks at Unilver pulled off yesterday.

Bloggers and editors were invited to an exclusive first-look at a new hair care brand, Evaus, claiming to bring “prestige” beauty and share-worthy strands to the masses. As a BG with natural hair, I was excited to find out what this new line would offer for those of us with curls, kinks and coils.

Held at one of my favorite hotels in the city, the Crosby Street Hotel—the chic, yet quirky event space was the perfect backdrop for the sleek, minimalistic packaging. Evaus’ modern aesthetic seemed ideal for millennial consumers who seek all-things cool.

After taking a whiff from one of the bottles, I was sold! I instantly fell in love with the delightful scent of the sweet, citrusy fruits that wafted from the container. Finally pulling myself away from the display samples, I along with the rest of those in attendance were whisked to a screening room where we were shown a video—but it wasn’t what many of us were expecting.

The clip showcased several bloggers and influencers gushing over Evaus and how its products had transformed their hair. From women with pin-straight hair to cropped natural ‘dos, all were impressed with how this new line made their hair look and feel. However, as the video progressed, it was revealed that “Evaus,” wasn’t a new innovative, high-end brand. In fact, it was a brand they were all familiar with all along.

Shockingly, we learned that “Evaus” was actually SUAVE (spelled backwards)! The popular drugstore hair care brand had gone undercover to prove the incredible power of label bias. The geniuses at Unilever wanted to drive home the point that price and labels do not have to be indicative of quality. Research shows that 7 in 10 women feel that premium or higher-priced brands and products are more trustworthy than value or lower-priced brands and products, which just isn’t true.

Suave Honey Infusion Collection is available at drugstores nationwide.

I’ve personally always loved Suave as a brand (drugstore beauty/hair care shopper here!) so I am not surprised by the results the bloggers received after using the brand.

This fun and super creative campaign is one of the most memorable activations I’ve ever seen. I’m proud to say that I’m a #SuaveBeliever!

Watch the brilliant video here:

Are you a victim of judging a product’s quality by its price? Do you use Suave? If so, what’s your favorite product and why?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Hair | Leave a Comment

Dove Continues Its Celebration of ‘Real Beauty’

March 28, 2017

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of previewing Dove’s latest installment of their longstanding, “Real Beauty” campaign. To celebrate the brand’s 60th anniversary and its inspiring message, Dove unveiled a stellar showcase of stunning photographs from renowned photographer Mario Testino.

Held at Affirmation Arts, the New York City-based gallery was filled with 30 gorgeous portraits of women from countries around the world in all their wondrous glory. Testino’s breathtaking photographs captured the true essence of each woman’s real individual beauty. I loved the fact that these women were all different ages and from a wide range of backgrounds. Seeing those striking images evoked a sense of pride and an unspoken bond with all of the women in attendance. It was a powerful afternoon.

Dove is a brand that I admire and respect for their unyielding commitment to celebrating women and inspiring them to embrace their bodies and celebrate their uniqueness. Not only do they promote confidence, their products actually help women feel their best.

I don’t know about you, but when I step outside of the shower and my skin is as soft as silk, I instantly feel good. Their new Deep Moisture Foaming Body Wash does just that. It’s been my go-to for the past few weeks because it’s light and frothy, but still manages to cleanse and moisturize just like its thicker, original body wash. Plus, the pump dispenser automatically makes it a winner—no more failed attempts at squeezing out that last bit! I also love how the scent lingers on my skin after showering. If only they made a body lotion to complement these offerings. (wink)

Dove Deep Moisture Foaming Body Wash available here, $6

If you’re on the hunt for a new body wash, definitely give this new lightweight foam a try.

Below, take a look at some pics from the showcase.

Me watching and listening to outtakes from the new campaign that was displayed in a theater-style area of the gallery.

When do you feel the most beautiful? What does #RealBeauty mean to you?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 1 Comment

IT Cosmetics’ New Serum Foundation Puts Your Best Face Forward

March 4, 2017

When it comes to foundation, I’m not the biggest fan. Sure, I have my fair share of blemishes that need to be masked, but concealer has always been my coverage of choice.

That all changed when IT Cosmetics launched its new Confidence in a Compact last month. See, I’ve been obsessed with the brand’s Confidence in a Jar moisturizer for a while now. So, when I heard that they were formulating a foundation that was infused with the moisturizing serum, I had to give it a try.

I’m always stressing the importance of packaging and the vital role it plays in winning me over. Well, IT Cosmetics always delivers in that department. The chic, luxe compact is impeccably designed in a shiny silver case that conveniently holds the makeup sponge on top of the foundation. Plus, unlike most foundations, you don’t have to worry about messy drips or spills because of its sold-to-serum formula.

Confidence in a Compact™ with SPF 50+ available here, $38 (sold separately).

The scent was the second thing I noticed, it had that same fresh lemony fragrance that I loved from the moisturizer. One of the reasons why I never got into foundations was because of the heavy, cake-y, overly made up look it typically creates, but this one goes on so translucently that it’s like a second skin. The virtually weightless, anti-aging formula can be applied with the accompanying sponge or brush for full coverage. Since I’m still not big on full-face makeup, I do like to blend it with my concealer using my fingertips.

Oh and it keeps skin hydrated without making it greasy or overly shiny (I have super oily skin so I swear by mattifying primers). Available in seven complementary shades, there are four that cater specifically to melanin-rich skin.

If you’re looking for a convenient foundation to even out your skin tone, definitely get with it – get it? “It” as in IT Cosmetics!

Do you wear foundation on a daily basis or simply for special occasions?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | 1 Comment

jane iredale’s New Eyeliners Are In a League of Their Own

February 1, 2017

As a teen, beautifying my peepers was all about swiping on basic eyeliner pencils from the local beauty supply store. Perfecting my lash line came with much practice: shaky hands and countless crooked strokes, but it’s a skill that I eventually mastered.

While my love for eyeliner hasn’t changed, my penchant for quality has. As a working mom on the go, I need eyeliner that stays put and offers that deep, dark hue that I crave.

Enter: jane iredale’s new Mystikol® eyeliners. Not only do these uniquely designed pots of pigmented goodness provide a rich color, they go on seamlessly. Admittedly, I’m an application pro now, but the tiny brush affixed to the top makes applying simple for even the most amateur eyeliner fans.

jane iredale Mystikol® eyeliners available here, $24 each

With a slight dip into the jar, the micro bristles are instantly covered in the powder-cream formula. With the precision and staying power of a liquid liner, it glides on effortlessly and flawlessly defines my eyes.

So far, I’ve only tried the jet black shade, but can’t wait to give the other three colors a go too. The royal purple shade will add an unexpected pop of color perfect for spring.

What’s your go-to eyeliner? Is it liquid, pencil or gel?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 1 Comment

Dove Celebrates 60 Years of the Beauty Bar

January 31, 2017

When it comes to classic brands that stand the test of time, Dove is one of the first to come to mind.

This year the trusted brand is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Beauty Bar—its iconic cleanser. Dove has been a mainstay in my bathroom for as long as I can remember and for good reason. The Beauty Bar works wonders on my acne-prone skin and it smells so darn good. Ah, that fresh, clean smell! For me the gentle cleanser’s scent instantly takes me back to my childhood when I was first introduced to the timeless beauty essential.

Find Dove’s Beauty Bar here.

Nostalgia aside, Dove’s Beauty Bar continues to evoke emotions from women every day. From the empowering commercials to the tried and true formula, the Beauty Bar is the unchanged standard.

To commemorate this milestone, Dove has released a limited-edition bar with the word “care” engraved on it.

In the spirit of the brand’s new campaign, #RaisetheBeautyBar, I plan to continue instilling confidence in my 7-year-old daughter and letting her know that she’s smart and beautiful inside and out.

They say, “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” and this sentiment rings true for this cherished product. Happy Birthday, Beauty Bar—here’s to another 60 years!

Check out this cool retrospective video celebrating the contributions women have made in beauty throughout the years.