Beauty News

Unilever & Keep America Beautiful Launch Rinse. Recycle. Reimagine. Campaign

May 8, 2015

If you’re a bath and beauty hoarder…I mean lover like me, chances are your bathroom is overrun with products. There’s no denying that trying new products is exhilarating, but those beauty buys eventually become empty plastic bottles cluttering your space. Do yourself and the environment a favor by clearing them out and properly recycling.

Unilever, the company behind some of our favorite brands such as Dove, Vaseline and Motions, has teamed up with Keep America Beautiful to launch “Rinse. Recycle. Reimagine.“—a campaign created to encourage and motivate product lovers like us to recycle. Unilever uncovered survey findings that suggest that the average American has at least 8 empty bottles lying around their bathroom at any given time—now that’s a lot of plastic that can be repurposed!

There’s a social component to the initiative too. Unilever is asking us to snap a pic of empty bath and beauty bottles and share them on Twitter and Instagram using #ReimagineThat and #Sweeps for a chance to win some cool prizes.

Being a beauty editor, it’s no surprise that I have TONS of products that are dying to have a date with the recycling bin and this campaign is just the inspiration I needed to take action.

So gather up those empty lotion, shampoo and body wash bottles and get to decluttering all while helping to persevere our beautiful earth!

Some of my bath and beauty products that I’ll be sure to toss in the recycling bin once they’re all empty!

*Full Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Are you a bath and beauty product hoarder?

Must-Read: Miss Jessie’s “Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally”

April 28, 2015

When it comes to quality products for curly hair, Miss Jessie’s is at the top of the list—period!

Now the trailblazing textured hair care brand wants to share the heralding story about their rise to entrepreneurial success in the new book, “Miss Jessie’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally.” Written by Miss Jessie’s co-founder and CEO Miko Branch with her beloved sister and business partner, Titi Branch whom passed away from suicide last December—the memoir/business guide is an awesome read for budding entrepreneurs and business owners of all kinds.

Although you can’t help but think about Titi’s devastating death while reading the tome, her creative free-spirit is felt throughout the pages. Chock full of business advice told in the form of the sisters’ personal stories, the book gives readers an in-depth look into the trials and triumphs of being your own boss all while working alongside family.

“Miss Jessies’s: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally” by Miko Branch with Titi Branch availalbe here, $18

Beautiful, full-color photos of the sisters serve as a touching testament to the siblings’ special bond. It also includes personal photographs of the sister’s paternal grandmother of whom the brand was named. The book is a true treasure for those of us who’ve followed the sisters’ career and used their popular products. And for all of those people who’ve questioned how they turned their passion into a formidable business, now those inquiring minds have a very detailed guide that can help them make their business dreams come true too!

Me, my friend Rashida and Miko Branch at the book release party at the Miss Jessie’s salon in New York City on April 16, 2015.

Reports suggest that the book was ready to be released earlier this year, but was pushed back as a result of Titi’s untimely passing. However, that unfortunate delay allowed Miko to include a heartfelt letter she penned as a moving tribute to her her big sister, Titi.

The duo has been creating sweet-smelling creams and concoctions to enhance curly locks since the 90s—and although Titi is no longer with us, it’s pretty safe to say that there’s no stopping Miss Jessie’s! We’re rooting for Miko to take the brand to even greater heights!

The lovely cake by B Cake NY at the Miss Jessie’s book release party on April 16, 2015 in New York City.

Have you purchased the new book? What’s your favorite Miss Jessie’s product?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty News, Book, Book Reviews, Books | Leave a Comment

BET’s Black Girls Rock!: Get Regina King’s Makeup Look

April 6, 2015

Who doesn’t know that black girls rock? Last night’s broadcast celebration of our astounding beauty, undeniable talent and impressive societal contributions was a true testament to that notion.

Actresses Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross killed it as co-hosts of BET’s “Black Girls Rock!” award ceremony held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. While their fun and charismatic energy was entertaining, Regina’seye-catching makeup almost stole the show!

Inspired by Regina’s flawless and radiant skin, celebrity makeup artist, Oslyn Holder, wanted to create a look that highlighted the “American Crime” star’s covetable complexion.

Check out how he achieved Regina’s lovely beauty looks using SheaMoisture products below:

HER SKIN:

*To achieve a luminous and creamy canvas, moisturize and prime skin to ensure a flawless finish.

*Using the SheaMoisture Foundation/Concealer Duo Brush, apply SheaMoisture Sheer Liquid Foundation in Gobi Bronzi over the entire face.

*To highlight and brighten the under eye area, lightly pad SheaMoisture Créme Concealer in Fawn under the eye.

*Apply the SheaMoisture Color Correcting, Contouring & Highlighting Palette in Medium Dark, mixing the colors to ensure a perfect shade to highlight under eyes, temples and high plains of the face and neck.

*Set makeup with SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Pressed Powder in Yuma Pecan.

*Following, sweep SheaMoisture Illuminating Powder in Havana Sunrise on the apples of cheeks, forehead, nose and cheeks to for a sun-kissed glow. Follow up with Mandalay Dusk on contoured areas.

*To finish complexion, apply SheaMoisture Mineral Blush in Varkala Spice on the apple of the cheeks.

HER EYES:

*Apply SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eyeshadow in Claudia on the outer lid, sweeping Montana on inner lid and corner of eye. Blend to create a seamless finish.

*Lightly place SheaMoisture Wet/Dry Eyeshadow in Claudia as liner for lower lash line.

*SheaMoisture Liquid Eyeliner in Black is used to line the top lash line. Slightly wing towards the outer perimeter of eye.

*Complete look with SheaMoisture Volumizing Mascara in Black for top lashes, and SheaMoisture Lengthening Mascara in Black on lower lashes.

HER LIPS:

*Prep lips by using SheaMoisture Lip Exfoliator to smooth and moisturize.

*To achieve the opening look, use SheaMoisture Lip Crayons in Sarah and Kenia, in equal parts.

*Finish by applying SheaMoisture Lip Gloss in Jenny and Rosie, again in equal parts.

SheaMoisture products should be mainstays in our makeup bags because they’re created with our various skin-tones in mind! Be sure to check out Target to explore the entire line!

Did you watch “Black Girls Rock!?” If so, what was your favorite part?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | Leave a Comment

Gabrielle Union Shares Summer Beauty Tips as the New Face of Philips Sonicare

May 22, 2014

No matter how we style our hair or what clothes we wear, a gorgeous smile is always the best accessory. That’s why Philips Sonicare and Philips Zoom! has tapped actress Gabrielle Union as their new face to help drive home that point.

Known for her beautiful smile, the “Think Like A Man Too” and “Being Mary Jane” star, 41, has teamed up with the popular oral healthcare brand to help encourage women to feel confident about their looks. As part of their partnership, the bride-to-be is sharing a few beauty tips for the summer.

Check them out below:

Stay hydrated: They say you should drink 8 glasses of water a day, but I drink double that – a FULL gallon! Aside from the obvious – staying hydrated – it keeps my skin, hair and nails healthy and keeps my metabolism revved.

Feel good about your smile: A healthy, white smile is an essential part of my year round beauty routine. It’s a great accessory to any outfit and helps make a lasting first impression. I brush with Philips Sonicare DiamondClean to keep my teeth and gums healthy, and my dentist whitens my smile with Philips Zoom either in the office or with convenient take-home trays.

Go natural: On set at “Being Mary Jane,” we’ve been experimenting with this fresh look for my character that has become my go-to for warmer weather: A heavier brow (it makes you look more youthful!), a nude lip and just mascara for the eyes. If I do more eye makeup for nighttime, I avoid black and stick to shades of brown for a more naturally dramatic look.

Keep hair simple with bold accents: I live in Miami and my show shoots in Atlanta, which are both extremely hot and humid places in the summer. For a cute and low maintenance hairstyle, I take it back to 1986 with braids, or I put my hair up in a simple topknot. A top knot is also great for going out or a big event – I pair it with a cat eye and a bold red lip.

Confidence is key: It’s so important to feel confident about who you are and not to succumb to unrealistic expectations. I gave that up a while ago. I try to keep healthy habits like exercising and eating fruits and veggies – I’m really into juicing daily – but I don’t put pressure on myself to fit a certain mold. If you’re 5, 10, 20 pounds more than you want to be, it’s okay. Just feel confident about being YOU!

Do you use teeth whitening treatments to keep your smile bright?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 4 Comments

Product Review: Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel

May 21, 2014

When I think of my first beauty experiences, Oil of Olay comes to mind.

I’ve been using the classic skincare brand ever since my mom introduced the facial moisturizer to me in middle school. The simple white and black bottle always had a luxe appeal despite it being a drugstore buy. Although I didn’t need any anti-aging wrinkle-prevention creams at the time, the quintessential moisturizer always rescued my skin from dryness.

That’s why I was super excited to try the brand’s new Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer. The fun and inviting packaging caught my eye, as well as the commercials.

Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer available here, $14

The hydrating gel-based moisturizer is a departure from the creamy lotion that original Olay fans have come to love. But, change is good. The light-weight gel is cool and calming leaving behind a refreshed feel, making it ideal for the warmer months. Plus, it’s oil-free and won’t clog pores. In fact, thanks to its powder formula, it actually absorbs excess oil! While the scent of white tea and honeysuckle is a wee bit off-putting, it doesn’t make it deal-breaker.

I never thought that I would find a facial moisturizer that could potentially replace my beloved original Oil of Olay, but this just might be the one!

Do you use gel moisturizers?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured | 3 Comments

Get ‘Melted’ with Too Faced

May 7, 2014

Last week, I had the opportunity to check out the latest offerings from Too Faced at the Mondrian Hotel in Soho.

Being a fan of the brand for years, I expected cool packaging, quirky names and quality products—needless to say, I was not disappointed!

Although there’s notable fanfare for their bronzers and shadows, I rarely hear much buzz about their lip products—but, that’s all about to change.

Melted, their new liquified long-lasting lip color is sure to be a coveted beauty buy. The super pigmented lippie goes on with ease and precision thanks to its built-in brush like tip applicator. With just a slight squeeze the color is transferred seamlessly to lips. No need to worry about a liner or brush because the innovative design makes application effortless. While it goes on like a liquid lipstick, it sets into a rich semi-gloss akin to a stain that lasts for hours!

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long-Wear Lipstick available at Sephora, $21

Available in six shades : Nude, Peony, Coral, Fuchsia, and Ruby. I’m totally obsessed with the Ruby offering. It is one of the few red-based lip colors that doesn’t look clownish with my complexion. Take that Ruby Woo (MAC)! I even rocked it for my birthday dinner (more on that in a future post) and after the meal, my lips still looked good.

If long-lasting, incredibly saturated lip colors are what you’re looking for to update your spring and summer looks, these Melted lippies are a must!

Which shade would you be inclined to try?

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

Get Janelle Monae’s Red Hot Met Gala Look!

May 6, 2014

From Lupita’s violet eyeliner to Beyoncé ‘s vampy pout, some of our favorite BGs donned gorgeous beauty trends at last night’s Met Gala in New York City. But, when it came to effortlessly timeless looks, Janelle Monae’s bold red lip was a standout.

The singer, 28, looked stunning in her signature black & white get-up, accompanied by an intricately embroidered scarlet caplet. The eccentric CoverGirl ambassador complemented her ensemble with an eye-catching, classic red lip.

Makeup artist Jessica Smalls shares how she created the crimson look: “I used a cherry red liner to define her lips, filled them in slightly and accentuated her cupid’s bow. CoverGirl’s richly pigmented, and Janelle’s signature, LipPerfection Lipcolor in Hot #305 was then applied with a lip brush ( for ultimate precision) and an electrifying red carpet look was born!”

Janelle Monae attends attends the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York City. Photo By: CoverGirl/Getty