Let Nicole Ari Parker “Save Your Do”

Nicole Ari Parker, one of our favorite BG actresses is now a budding entrepreneur. The former Soul Food star is on a quest to “save our ‘dos,” with the launch of her revolutionary “Save Your Do Gymwrap,” to help keep our hair sweat-free during workouts.

While I’ve never sacrificed exercising for the sake of my strands, I do know many women who do. We all know those who see the gym as instant “kryptonite” when it comes to maintaining their styles. For those lock-loving ladies, this souped up sweatband is an answer to their hair-preserving prayers.
Save Your Do GymWrap is available here starting at $24.95
I recently used the “SYDGW” during a strenuous workout in in Park Slope and was incredibly pleased with the results. It kept my hair dry by keeping moisture away from the skin while letting cool air in. Even though I have natural hair, I still have it blown out periodically and it kept my edges smooth and frizz-free. 
Not only is this brilliantly-designed wrap good at protecting our ‘dos, but it also gives back to a great cause.  10% of proceeds will go toward the Sophie’s Voice Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by Parker and her husband, actor Boris Kodjoe, whose mission is to help individuals diagnosed with spina bifida.

Remember ladies, hair is hair; leading a healthy lifestyle is what’s really important. Also, if you’re wondering if Parker has given up her thespian roots, don’t worry; you can catch her this spring starring in the Broadway revival of “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Have you ever halted your workout plans to preserve your ‘do? Would you wear the “Save Your Do Gymwrap?”

Jumping for Jouer

During a recent reorganization of my beauty drawers, I was excited to discover a hot pink blush from Jouer Cosmetics. Not sure how I overlooked the lovely peony shade, but boy was I happy to have found it! The vibrant, electric hue provides the perfect pop of color that my cheeks have been craving.

The mineral-based powder blush blends easily onto my skin while complementing my melanin-rich complexion.  Even though the color looks nearly neon in the packaging, after application it gives you just the punch of pink that will freshen up your beauty routine for spring.

Jouer Cosmetics Mineral Powder Blush available here for $24

Do you ever rediscover beauty products that you used to love? What’s your must-have beauty product for spring?

Giveaway: Get Hair Like Oprah’s!

As BGs, our admiration for Oprah Winfrey spans decades and ranges from her undeniable talent as a media icon, philanthropist, and spiritual teacher to her unwavering healthy-looking hair!  Yes, you know that when it comes to our crowning glory, we don’t play. And apparently, that goes for Lady O too! That’s why she’s entrusted her lovely locks with none other than her right-hand hair man of 25 years –– Andre Walker.

Walker has been the mastermind behind our beloved media mogul’s mane since she first graced our small screens back in 1986. Never compromising the health of hair to accommodate various styles, Walker’s main priority has always been to keep tresses at their best. For several years, Walker has been sharing a few of his secrets to great hair by launching his own hair care product line: Andre Walker  Hair.

One of my favorite products from the line is his “Q”- Oil: Quench Essential Oil. This weightless serum is formulated with Argan Oil, which is naturally-rich in Vitamin E and adds instant shine. Plus, the colorless oil also nourishes and hydrates hair.

Just applying a small pump of the serum into my palms puts life back into my oftentimes lifeless, dry natural hair. The serum quickly soaks into my coarse, curly strands and doesn’t leave a sticky build-up.

Available at Andre Walker Hair for $35.

If you’re on the hunt for a serum that adds brilliance without a greasy-feel, “Q” Oil would be ideal for you. Whether you rock your locks chemically-straightened or natural, this product works for all hair types.

Have you ever tried any products from the Andre Walker Hair line? Speaking of Oprah, did you watch her interview with the late Whitney Houston’s family?


**Leave a comment or retweet this link for your your chance to win a bottle of “Q” Oil (a $35 value). The winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week!

Nicole Scherzinger Nails It With ImPress

Last week beauty editors in New York were invited to an afternoon of nail talk with singer Nicole Scherzinger. The former Pussycat Doll front woman and X-Factor judge is now the celebrity brand ambassador for the popular imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails.

Ok, I’ll be honest, when it comes to press-on nails I don’t immediately think chic or cool. In fact, I think just the opposite. But after learning more about the quick and easy alternative to acrylics, gels, and the somewhat tedious task of painting your own nails (self-manis always leave my right hand looking less-than-presentable), I’ve had a change of heart.

Scherzinger’s Limited Edition Signature Series is comprised of fun and funky designs that are incredibly simple to apply and are super eye-catching. Plus, they peel off without damaging your digits, come with a variety of sizes, and last for up to a week.

From tie-dye prints to star motifs, these trendy nails are not your grandmother’s press-on manicure.

Starting May, Scherzinger’s designs (6 patterns and 3 colors) will be available in Walmart and CVS stores nationwide for $7.99 and $5.99. 

If you’re on-the-go and don’t have time to polish, definitely give these affordable nails a try for a knock-out finish.

Have you ever worn press-on nails?

Let The Lip Bar Prettify Your Pucker

Last night I was invited to attend the highly-anticipated Lip Bar launch hosted by fashion blogger Gabi Fresh and sunglass designers Coco & Breezy here in New York City. In case you’re wondering, “what’s the Lip Bar?” Trust me, you won’t be wondering for long. This innovative cosmetic line is well on its way to becoming a coveted brand for adventurous beauty buffs.

Each lipstick retails $20. Click here to purchase.

Founded by Melissa Butler, a BG Detroit native, The Lip Bar is an all-natural, hand-crafted line of incredibly moisturizing lipsticks in shades that aren’t for the color-shy.

Founder, Melissa Butler, and me at the Lip Bar launch. 

These super pigmented lipsticks are like Skittles for your kisser. With colors resembling a rainbow’s spectrum, The Lipbar boasts a bevy of hues named after popular alcoholic beverages such as the “Bahamas Mama,” a  cool coral color and a mint green shade named “Sour Apple Martini.”

The Lip Bar team in all of their colorful glory. 

Not only will these lip shades stand out in a crowd, they’re made with enriching ingredients: shea butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, and Vitamin E for maximum moisture.

Would you dare to wear these bold, electrifying colors on your pucker? Do you make it your business to support BG entrepreneurs?

Trend-Setting Styles from 90s’ Movie Sets

With the 84th annual Academy Awards airing this Sunday, I thought it would be fun to look back at some of our favorite old-school movies featuring BGs that made an impact on our style.

From Halle Berry’s short and sassy ‘do in  Strictly Business to Janet Jackson’s box braids in Poetic Justice to Nia Long’s lovely deep plum lip color in Love Jones, many BGs across the country went to great lengths to mimic these trailblazing beauty and hair trends from 90s’ movies.

Take a trip down movie memory lane:

Halle Berry’s role, in 1991’s Strictly Business stole the show with her short hairstyle that sent thousands of BGs to salons throughout the country requesting the coveted cut.  
Boomerang showed us brown girls and guys in a refreshing professional light back in 1992, but Robin Givens’ long and flowing weave gave hair mavens a new muse to emulate.  
Miss Janet Jackson, the ever-changing style chameleon, brought box-braids to the big screen with her film debut, Poetic Justice in 1993.

We all fell in love with 1997’s Love Jones, but Nia Long’s sleek wrap do’ and daring dark lips also caught our attention. 
Did I miss any movies from the 90s or 2000s that set hair or beauty trends for us BGs? If so, tell me in the comments. Out of these movies mentioned, which was your favorite?

Miss Jessie’s to Open “CurlBar” in March

Calling all curly-haired BGs in the NYC area, Miss Jessie’s is opening CurlBar next month – the first go-to spot specializing in kinky, curly, and coily strands without the sky-high price tag. At Curl-Bar, customers will be able to get super quick chemical-free service that my fellow naturalistas will absolutely love.

Ideal for the woman who doesn’t want to spend hours in the salon, but doesn’t want to compromise the style or health of her treasured tresses.

I’m a huge fan of some of their products so I’ll definitely give the CurlBar a try when it officially opens March 12.

Check out this snapshot of services:

Do you use Miss Jessie’s products? Would you visit the CurlBar?