Beauty

Curls, Kinks and Waves Take Centerstage at ‘Texture on the Runway’ Show

September 13, 2018

Last week, all the kinky, wavy and curly-haired girls descended on Gotham Hall for Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway New York Fashion Week fête. #BlackGirlMagic was in effect and on full display.

The hot-ticket runway show featured popular natural haircare brands Camille Rose Naturals, Cantu, Carol’s Daughter, Crème of Nature, Mielle Organics, SheaMoisture and The Mane Choice who showcased intricate, eye-catching textured styles achieved using their products and original techniques. While fashion wasn’t the main event, it was still front-and-center with fabulous designs that aesthetically matched the mane attraction.

Naturally Curly founder, Michelle Breyer and TV personality, Amara Le Negra, kicked off the Sally Beauty-powered show and let guests know that they were in for an exciting, memorable evening. The two-hour show was filled with uber creative, unique sets that spoke to each of the brands’ culture and ethos. With a New Orleans marriage-themed show by Cantu and a dance-inducing, mother-daughter inspired set by Carol’s Daughter, the stage was undeniably lit!

From thick, cornrow braids that effortlessly flowed into a blunt-cut bob to locs styled akin to unicorn horns to a towering, curly mane – innovative styles that complemented textured hair were centerstage at the fourth annual event. Watching gorgeously melanated models strutting their stuff on the runway in a room filled with scores of beautiful women of color was a special feeling that’s elusive in fashion.

My cousin, Nicole Rogers and I at the Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway show at Gotham Hall in New York City on Sept. 6, 2018.

Texture on the Runway is a can’t-miss show for many Black women because it celebrates our hair and all its various textures, which is often shunned in fashion—especially during high-profile events like New York Fashion Week. The show doesn’t only let the fashion world know that textured hair is incredibly versatile, but it’s also big, bold and beautiful!

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Naturally Curly founder, Michelle Breyer and reality TV personality Amara Le Negra at the Naturally Curly Presents: Texture on the Runway show at Gotham Hall in New York City on Sept. 6, 2018.

Camille Rose Naturals

Cantu

Carol’s Daughter

Creme of Nature

Mielle Organics

SheaMoisture

The Mane Choice

What’s your favorite brand of the bunch?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion, Hair | 1 Comment

Love Beauty and Planet Celebrates New Product Launches at Freehand New York

August 31, 2018

When it comes to unforgettable summer nights in New York City, nothing tops the ambiance of rooftop parties and events.

Recently, I got the chance to celebrate the end of the balmy season in fashion with one of my favorite brands, Love Beauty and Planet.

Held on the rooftop of the Freehand Hotel, the swanky event showcased the brand’s latest offerings ranging from all-natural deodorants to moisturizing, multi-purpose oils. Decked out in gorgeous florals and sumptuous greenery, the space was the perfect backdrop to complement Love Beauty and Planet’s eco-friendly products and sustainable message of doing our part to preserve earth by doing small acts of love (for the planet).

To highlight the beauty of caring for the planet, attendees were offered eye-catching manicures featuring artwork that supports the brand ethos like a globe, leaves or regular polishes without the detailed embellishments. I opted for the latter.

Throughout the event there were opportunities to drink, eat and mingle with other bloggers/editors soaking up the last few days of summer. Plus, we got the chance to smell, touch and test the products on display.

It was a magical night that brought back a lot of memories. The hotel where the event was held, was the first place I lived while interning at Honey magazine more than a decade ago. It used to be a dorm that housed students from the School of Visual Arts and other schools.

Attending the event as a blogger/editor felt like a glorious full-circle moment and I’m so grateful to have the lovely opportunity to reflect on my journalism journey with a brand that I love and respect.

How are you planning to spend the last few weeks of summer? What do you love the most about the summer?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

What is Earth Overshoot Day and Why is Love Beauty and Planet Honoring It?

July 31, 2018

You may think tomorrow is simply the start of a new month, right? Sure, it is the first day of August, but it’s also Earth Overshoot Day. Not sure what that means? Read on.

Basically, we’re using up more of the planet’s resources than can be replenished in a year. Although we’re only 8 months into the year, tomorrow (August 1^st) we would’ve already used up all of Earth’s resources for 2018. At this dangerous rate, we’re going to need to clone another earth by 2030 to support us.

The word is out and many are jumping on board to keep our beautiful planet’s resources intact. From entire cities ditching straws to celebrities sharing their commitment to the cause, every small act of love counts.

In honor of Earth Overshoot Day, Love Beauty and Planet has created a #SmallActsofLove video that shows how simple it is to preserve Earth’s resources in small, but meaningful ways that can have a big impact. Not only have they developed an eye-opening clip, they practice what they preach.

The bath and beauty brand’s in-shower products are made with 100 percent recycled bottles and recyclable packaging. They also use a special glue to ensure that labels tear away cleanly from the bottle during the recycling process to ensure they get a second life. Plus, their delightful fragrances are infused with ethically-sourced oil or extract that are obtained from a responsible sourcing program that supports the ecosystem and livelihoods of the farmers and communities who grow them.

Love Beauty and Planet products are available, here.

Just when you thought you couldn’t respect this brand more, it gets better. Love Beauty and Planet is working together with The Recycling Partnership to help transform a U.S. city’s recycling system – making it easier for more of its residents to recycle, and recycle well. The brand is contributing $40 per carbon ton of greenhouse gas emitted during the creation, manufacture, and distribution of their products to The Recycling Partnership to improve recycling solutions that ultimately make residents’ everyday lives and health of our planet better.

As a mother, I want the best for my kids. That’s why I do my best to preserve our beautiful planet’s precious resources. For example, we only use reusable bags for groceries and use refillable water bottles instead of plastic ones. It’s up to all of us to keep our planet clean, bountiful and vibrant for generations to come!

What are your #SmallActsofLove to help preserve Earth?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Healthline Features My Top SPF Picks for Darker Skin Tones

July 27, 2018

Throughout the years, I’ve written countless pieces about the importance of sun protection for black women. That’s why I was thrilled when Healthline, one of the fastest growing online consumer health publishers on the planet, approached me with the opportunity to share my favorite SPF products for women with darker skin tones.

I, along with three other beautiful, sun-kissed brown girls shared our go-to products to protect our melanated skin from harmful UV rays.

From sunscreen sprays to tinted lip balms, our selections help prevent sun damage keeping our skin healthy and radiant.

Read on for the full feature:

What’s your favorite SPF and SPF beauty product?

Category: Beauty | 3 Comments

Jane Iredale’s Triple Luxe Will Make You Ditch Your Current Lipstick Stash

July 26, 2018

When it comes to eco-friendly beauty, jane iredale reigns supreme.

For more than two decades, the all-natural, vegan cosmetics line dubbed The Skincare Makeup, has amplified women’s natural beauty around the world.

Triple Luxe, the brand’s newest line of lipsticks is a testament to the company’s innovation and dedication to working with the best natural ingredients. Available in 15 high-wattage shades, the long-lasting formula glides on like a cream, but finishes matte. I’m a matte kind of girl, but don’t like how many offerings dry out my lips. Luckily, the hydrating blend of oils and waxes in this new collection provide moisture that remarkably allows the color to stay put.

Not only are the shades universally complementary they’re also named after women in the founder’s life. For example, “Natalie,” a deeply-pigmented hot pink hue, is named after her global brand ambassador and lead makeup artist Natalie Soto, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the Triple Luxe press launch last week.

jane iredale — The Skincare Makeup Triple Luxe Long Lasting Naturally Moist Lipstick™ available here, $35

At the lavish event held at 1 Hotel Central Park, I had the chance to touch, test and smell (the lipsticks are infused with Tahitian Vanilla and Blackberry) the lipsticks. I was blown away by the luxe feel and posh packaging. Each sleek case is outfitted with a magnetic closure that prevents handbag makeup mishaps. How many times have lipstick tubes come undone in your makeup bag or purse? Unfortunately, it’s happened to me more times than I can count.

With such a wide variety of shades, it’s hard to pick just one. But, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be Joanna — a pretty plum shade with pink undertones.

I’ve been a fan of jane iredale for 10 years and remain loyal due to their premium products, which are worth every penny. The brand has stayed true to itself, which is a difficult feat in this nonstop, ever-changing social media age.

Hopefully, they never deviate from their core values of delivering quality cosmetics that look good and are good for women and the environment. If they stick to it, they’ll always have a fan in me.

Below, check out pics from the gorgeous event:

Have you ever used jane iredale products? If so, what’s your favorite?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features | 2 Comments

CurlFest: 6 Reasons to Attend the Natural Beauty Celebration

July 23, 2018

It’s hard to believe that less than ten years ago, not many black women embraced or celebrated their natural hair throughout the U.S.

Fast-forward to today and countless black women from around the world and all the way to Wakanda are proudly rocking their curls, coils and kinks. That adoration and admiration was on full display at Curly Girl Collective’s 5^th Annual CurlFest in Brooklyn this past Saturday.

Women (and men) with an array of hair textures gathered in Prospect Park for the one-day event created to celebrate the beauty and versatility of natural hair. With a host of brands and sponsors showcasing their natural hair products, artists creating pieces in real time, fun photo activations, and fashion and food vendors selling goods — the event is a one-of-a-kind get-together teeming with positive energy, fellowship and love — all set to a feel-good soundtrack.

If you’re a curly girl who’s never attended CurlFest, don’t miss out next year. Read on to see why you should save space in your summer schedule for the best natural hair event of the year!

Incomparable energy
Some things are hard to describe with words. CurlFest is one of them. The undeniable positive energy that exudes from Prospect Park that day is unmatched. Being surrounded by people who look like you and share common interests creates a connectivity that automatically radiates throughout the event. You’ll find beaming smiles while compliments overflow during this hair-centric lovefest.

Endless hair inspiration
It goes without saying that unique hairstyles abound at CurlFest. From fire-engine red ringlets to bold and blond Afros, the hair inspiration is endless. When it comes to hair versatility and creativity, black women can’t be outdone. Additionally, attendees can see hair demos and live tutorials using some of the sponsored products. If you’re low on style ideas, attend CurlFest and you’ll leave with a bevy of unique concepts to get your creative juices flowing.

Opportunities to support black-owned businesses
Sure, CurlFest is all about hair, but style is also front and center at the event. With numerous fashion, jewelry and home décor vendors along the lawn, attendees can support black designers, artists and boutique owners. Whether you’re looking for Afrocentric attire, bespoke accessories or eye-catching artwork, the festival has you covered. What’s better than supporting black businesses while elevating your flyness at the same time?

Empowering panels
Black women are often told that we’re not beautiful, aren’t smart and don’t measure up to our counterparts. CurlFest’s mission is to erase the lies that have been fed to us for centuries. Throughout the festival, attendees are treated to inspiring panels and empowering chats aimed to uplift, educate and dispel those nasty untruths about us.

This year, Renae Bluitt, New York-based blogger/publicist/filmmaker hosted a discussion about her upcoming documentary, “She Did That,” which features black female entrepreneurs. Each year the festival brings out illuminating voices to help us recognize and appreciate our greatness.

Curly hair-approved products in one place
Whether your head is full of tight 4C curls or loose cascading coils, no two strands are alike and the product spectrum to care for them is reflected at the festival. With more than 40 hair care brands on hand, attendees can pick the creams, lotions, potions and other concoctions to make their curls shine. Plus, festival goers can touch, test and smell the products before purchasing, which is crucial for those with sensitive noses.

Teachable moment for young girls
When I was pregnant with my daughter, I knew that I wanted her to unequivocally know that she was beautiful. I understood that meant giving up my relaxer and going natural. Back in 2009, forgoing straight hair wasn’t radical, but it wasn’t as acceptable as it is today. I thought, “How can I declare black is beautiful,” if I couldn’t fully embrace myself?

CurlFest is a place where young black girls can see their glorious beauty in a sea of more than 25,000 black women. It’s one thing to hear confidence-boosting affirmations, but to see them personified is a different story. I can’t imagine being an impressionable 8-year-old like my daughter and seeing so many beautiful black women unapologetically wearing their non-chemically straightened hair. Who knows what that could’ve done for my self-esteem?

CurlFest helped spearhead the natural hair movement in New York City and their efforts are paying off big time for young black girls looking for examples of beauty and validation. It’s a safe space for us to be ourselves and bask in our undeniable beauty!

If you’re proud of curls, want to test out cool products, pick up fashionable styles and chill with your bae or squad, then CurlFest is for you! Be sure to visit CurlyGirlCollective.com to stay up-to-date with events, announcements, etc.

Have you ever attended CurlFest? If so, describe your experience.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion, Gumbo Mix | 3 Comments

Pretty-in-Pink at PinkNic with Love Beauty and Planet

July 2, 2018

This past weekend was what dreams are made of.

Thanks to my lovely friends at Love Beauty and Planet — an eco-friendly vegan hair & skincare brand — I had the pleasure of attending the third annual PinkNic rosé picnic and music festival on Governors Island in New York City.

The two-day, picture-perfect event was filled with fun, good food, awesome music and of course people clad in their favorite shades of pink (and white) gathered for a chic afternoon of mingling, rosé sipping and sunbathing in the heart of New York Harbor.

As we got closer to the event, a bubble-gum-pink painted Ferris Wheel came into view, making a striking contrast against the bright, blue sky. Upon entering the event, attendees were greeted by beautiful stilt-walkers towering over guests in decorative, cotton-candy-colored costumes that looked straight out of Cirque du Soleil. Everyone in attendance looked stunning and those who wanted to amp up their looks even more were treated to a hairstyling booth sponsored by Love, Beauty and Planet.

At the beauty station, guests could get their hair styled eye-catching braids, flowers and scarves for beautiful, festival-ready looks. I was immediately drawn to the satin pink scarves to take my look up a notch. I tied the scarf around my head, creating a bandana-style headband that looked adorable, if I do say so myself!

Throughout the Love, Beauty and Planet space, there were fun activations like a see-saw, stationery bike and heart-shaped wall for guests to share short, hand-written messages about how they plan to help the environment. The wall activation is part of the brand’s #SmallActsofLove campaign, that promotes ways in which people can help preserve the earth. Whether it’s using glass water bottles or recycling your old makeup containers, all small acts lead to big impacts for the environment.

The brand’s designated area also had baskets of their Cleansing Body Mist for guests to enjoy on the sweltering hot day. Infused with coconut water, the refreshing mist smelled heavenly and was the perfect antidote for the scorching heat. It’s now one of my favorite summertime essentials to combat rising temps. In fact, I’m packing it for my trip to New Orleans for the Essence Festival later this week.

pinknic-love-beauty-and-planet-body-mist

Love, Beauty and Planet Coconut & Mimosa Flower Showerless Cleansing Mist available here, $7.

In addition to Love, Beauty and Planet’s cutesy beauty booth, the rest of the picnic space had been transformed into a pastel, social media paradise. With adorable backdrops at every turn, there were endless Instagram-worthy shots that would make any influencer swoon at the photo possibilities. Plus, the stage was even decked out with pink lights.

Pink has always been one of my favorite colors, but after attending this pink party, my love for the girly shade has grown. If you are a fan of pink, pretty arrangements and decorations, then keep your eyes peeled for next year’s can’t-miss pink party!

Have you ever used any Love, Beauty and Planet products? If so, what are your favorites? Have you ever attended PinkNic?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion | 2 Comments