Event Alert: AmberMag’s Survival Secrets of Game Changers with Miss Jessie’s & Tia Williams

For all of my fellow bourgeoning beauty bosses (I co-founded a beauty brand back in the day), AMBERmag.com is hosting an event that you absolutely can’t miss!

On Tuesday, June 12th beauty mavens Titi & Miko Branch, the sister duo behind Miss Jessie’s will be on hand to share tips/insight on how they built their curly hair care empire while one of my absolute favorite editors, Tia Williams, of the brown beauty blog authority –  ShakeYour Beautywill serve as moderator.

If you’ve ever dreamed of selling that irresistible lip scrub concocted in your kitchen or envisioned your homemade hair products on store shelves, this is the perfect event for you!

I’ve attended two of these Survival Secrets of Game Changers’ events and trust me, this will be $20 well spent.

Click here to register. 
PRICE: $20 
DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012 
TIME: 6:30 P.M. to 9 P.M. 
LOCATION: National Comedy Theatre 347 West 36th Street, Between 8th and 9th Avenues New York, NY
 *Wine, light fare and gift bag with samples from Miss Jessie’s. Must Pre-Register. No payment at the door.

Do you use Miss Jessie’s products?

Giveaway: Test Your Memory With L’Oreal Paris’ True Match

Growing up, I loved playing memory games. If any kid thought of challenging me to memory card pursuits, they had to be pretty confident in their matching skills. That’s why when I learned about the L’Oreal Paris True Match memory game I couldn’t wait to play. A beauty game combo? Count me in!

It’s super easy to play. Simply go to the site, click on virtual color swatches until you uncover all matches and voila, you’re on to the next level. From now until July 11, the player who flexes her memory muscles to the max by becoming the day’s highest scorer can win a prize pack worth $70.  
Available here, for $10.95
Plus, Balanda Atis and Janine Cherette, two BG chemists, worked diligently for 7 years researching 57 ethnic backgrounds to develop this innovative 33-shade collection. They’ve come up with a formula that’s oil-free, doesn’t clog  pores, and goes on seamlessly for a flawless finish.  
Whether your complexion is beautifully bronze or a lovely deep mahogany, let L’Oreal Paris help you find your precise True Match shade. 
Have you played the game? Three lucky readers will win their shade as determined by the site. Simply leave your True Match makeup color in the comments. The winners will be randomly selected and announced on Friday. 

Beauty News: Carol’s Daughter Transitioning Kit Now Available

For those naturalista newbies who’ve been waiting for a haircare savior for their in-between strands, the time is here.  Carol’s Daughter Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit is now available for purchase online.

The set which includes: Purifying Low Poo Cleanser, Renewing Scalp Spray, and Restoring Anti-Breakage Treatment is ideal for those journeying into a newfound freedom from chemically straightened tresses.

Solange Knowles, style maven and Carol’s Daughter spokeswoman, is featured in the brand’s chic, summery ad video for the kit. Check it out below and to learn more about the products read my overview here.

Carol’s Daughter Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit available  here,  for $40

What are some of your go-to natural or in-between styles? 

Vera Wang Wins with Cosmetics Line

Vera Wang is undeniably one of the most sought-after designers in the world. Her breathtaking fashion creations have mesmerized style-seekers for decades. Now with the recent launch of SimplyVera Cosmetics, Ms. Wang is working her wondrous creative magic in the makeup realm.

Simply Vera Vera Wang Cosmetics available exclusively at kohls.com

Inspired by the designer’s personal makeup philosophy – the collection is comprised of 16 elegant, fun, and modern offerings for face, lips, and eyes in over 70 shades. Plus, the line consists of skincare products that brides will love such as primers and serums that will help keep their makeup in place for their “big day.”

Fans of Vera Wang fashions can now wear makeup that will complement their overall style and serve as an extension of the designer’s unique vision.

Have you ever worn a Vera Wang design? What’s your favorite makeup brand?

Black Opal Takes a Step in a New Direction

Since 1994, Black Opal has been celebrating brown-skinned beauty by offering products that cater to our specific skin needs. However, since becoming one of the first cosmetics and skincare brands to solely cater to melanin-rich skin tones, it seems to have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle. In my opinion, the launch of similar lines and mainstream makeup companies finally addressing the void in the marketplace caused the brand to somewhat fly under the radar in recent years.

That’s all about to change with the help of  celebrity makeup artist, Frank Guyton, who will serve as the brand’s new Artistic Director. Under his guidance, Black Opal will continue to serve and take brown beauty to exciting new heights by developing color trends, shade palettes, cosmetic techniques, and more. First up, the lovely Paradise Passion and Colada Cocktail compacts for summer.

The Caribbean-inspired palettes will transform peepers into tropical delights. With bold shades of cool ocean blues, dazzling bronzes, and unexpected yellows, these shadows and shimmers capture the true spirit of the season.

Tropical Sizzle compacts will be exclusively available at blackopalbeauty.com starting June 21st
Do you wear bold and bright shadows during the summer or do you tend to stick to neutral palettes throughout the year?

FashionIndie Features My Summer Beauty Must-Have

My friends over at FashionIndie.com recently featured my summer makeup must-have along with four other fantastic beauty blogger favorites.

It’s always flattering when fellow blogs and websites include my two cents in their roundups.

Check out our best balmy weather picks here.

What’s your summer makeup essential?

Event Recap: “Spring Is In The Hair” National Natural Hair Day Event

This year National Natural Hair Day took place on Saturday, May 19th. In cities across the country, naturalistas gathered to talk hair, network, and gain information about how to care for natural textures.

I attended the “Spring Is In the Hair,” meet-up  hosted by Natasha Gaspard of My Mane Moves and Imani Dawson of A Tribe Called Curl at The Rock Shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The event location was only a few blocks from my apartment so there was no excuse not to attend the soiree celebrating our curls, coils, kinks, and waves.

Admittedly, my hair didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. So I took a last-ditch effort and quickly pulled my hair into pompadour held in place with a mini headband.

At the event, we learned tips from Karen’s Body Beautiful and super cute styling techniques from sought-after stylist Diane Bailey of Tendrils Hair Spa in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Plus, there were plenty of fun interactive games and giveaways throughout the afternoon. To top it off, each attendee walked away with a gift bag filled with full-size hair, bath, and body products.

I’m still a newbie when it comes to natural hair meet-ups so this gathering was a great introduction.  
Check out a few pics:

Co-host Natasha Gaspard (center) with attendees. 
Some of the products from the swag bag.  

Diane Bailey doing a hair demo on a model. 

Have you ever attended a natural hair event? If not, would you?