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Event Recap: Texture Media Presents Texture On the Runway 2016

February 15, 2016

New York Fashion Week is in full swing and this past weekend I attended a show, but the focus wasn’t on fashion—it was all about the HAIR! Yep, Texture Media’s 4th Annual Texture On The Runway Show sponsored by Target was a showcase of curls, coils, kinks and waves.

Held at City Winery in Soho and hosted by Michelle Breyer of Naturally Curly and Patrice Yursik of Afrobella, the evening was a celebration of textured hair. Not only did the runway feature ravishing crowns, but also the entire room was jam-packed with women of color rocking beautiful natural styles.

The 45-minute long show was broken down into five parts featuring styles from popular hair care brands such as Dark & Lovely, Cantu, Crème of Nature, Design Essentials and Garnier. Dark & Lovely got the party started with their energetic presentation set to the upbeat Beyoncé track, “Grown Woman.” Big, bushy Afros moved to and fro as the dancers grooved to every beat. It was an incredible way to start the show and set the tone for the rest of the night.

Next up was Cantu with cute short curly styles and bold, eye-catching updos. They were followed by a red-hot set from Crème of Nature. Their lineup included Diana Ross-esque blowouts, big bouncy curls and a stunning, precision cut Afro. Then, Design Essential models donning unique styles such as a lop-sided faux bob, textured topknot and a lavender cascade of waves strutted down the catwalk. The show’s finale included a lovely wash-n-go, a center-parted teased bun and a flirty, curly ponytail.

Plus, all of the show’s vendors were on hand to give attendees information about the products used in the presentation and how to recreate some of the looks at home.

The diversity of textured hair is remarkable and this showcase is just a wonderful way to put our manes on a celebratory platform.

The night of the show I was suffering from a bad hair day, but managed to salvage my curls by tying a colorful, wiry headband scarf around them.

Whether you wear your hair straight, curly, in braids, in an Afro or somewhere in between, what do you love the most about your hair?

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

5 Things I Learned from the Burlington & WomenHeart Panel

February 8, 2016

If you’re a BG and haven’t had your heart checked in the past six months, keep reading.

Last week I had the opportunity to attend an eye-opening panel discussion on heart health and how it affects women, especially us African-Americans. Presented by Burlington in partnership with WomenHeart, the esteemed group of speakers included popular TV talk show host and personality, Wendy Williams; four heart disease survivors and a renowned cardiologist.

While Wendy Williams doesn’t personally suffer from heart disease, she aims to use her platform – “The Wendy Williams Show,” to help educate women about the illness. She provided some hilarious sound bites throughout the discussion that served as a bit of comic relief for a very serious topic. “Eating shrimp can give you ‘the heart’ right, doc?” she jokingly asked. Although heart disease is no laughing matter, Wendy’s humor and candor opened the conversation to some troubling facts.

Here are some of the top five things I learned from the panel:

1. Heart disease doesn’t discriminate. It kills more women than breast and lung cancer combined. In fact, one in four women will die from heart disease.

2. Thin doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. You can be thin and exercise and STILL be faced with heart disease. One of the panelists, Essence Harris-Banks was a dancer and very active prior to being diagnosed with coronary artery disease.

3. Watch your weight. The more you weigh, the more your heart has to work pump. Even losing 5 pounds can make a big difference.

4. Don’t Stress. We all know stress is a killer. Meditation, yoga and deep breathing can help relieve stress, ultimately reducing your chance of heart disease.

5. We BGs have a higher risk. Women with diabetes have a 2.5-fold higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. African-Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes, which contributes to the 81.9% higher risk of developing heart disease .

Even though National Wear Red Day for heart disease is behind us, the fight against this disease is ongoing! That’s why Burlington customers have the opportunity to donate $1 or more at a checkout and their funds will support WomenHeart. The contributions will go toward further educating women about heart disease and their health.

Want to learn more and help the cause? Throughout February, tune in to the Wendy Williams Show to get fun and easy daily healthy heart tips. If you’re a Wendy-watcher, simply snap a photo of how you are using that tip or show what heart health means to you be posting a #HealthyHeartSelfie. For every photo posted with that hashtag, Burlington will donate $1, up to $25,000, to benefit WomenHeart.

In the words of Wendy, “Don’t talk so loud and breathe. Love yourself now, tomorrow may be too late.”

How do you take of your heart?

Category: Featured, Features, Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Flying High: It Cosmetics Launches Superhero Mascara & Confidence in a Cream Moisturizer

February 8, 2016

A couple of weeks ago I was invited to attend a first-class press event for It Cosmetics. I was so excited to go; not only because I was going to get a sneak peek at some of the brand’s latest offerings, but also get a chance to partake in in-door skydiving at iFly in Westchester, NY!

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend – but was happy to send my NYC correspondent, Yelena, to get the scoop. She said the simulated flying experience was out-of-this world, but the true high note was getting a mini makeover with the new products.

First up, the Superhero Elastic Stretch Volumizing Mascara. “The mascara was incredible,” she recalls. The inventive mascara has unmatched technology that boosts the volume of lashes with a single stroke. “While one application can get the job done, I like to build for an even bolder look,” she admits. The super black pigment separates and attaches to lashes effortlessly creating a lengthened, thick and full lash line. “I have I’ve had some bad luck with mascaras lately,” she says. “They’re either too dry or too clumpy, so this is a welcomed addition to my beauty arsenal.”

It Cosmetics Superhero Mascara launches February 16th and will be available here, $24

Their other exciting launch product is Confidence in a Cream. This transforming facial moisturizer is created to rejuvenate your skin – ultimately boosting your confidence. Developed with plastic surgeons, you know it has to be good! “It smells refreshing,” Yelena describes. No one expects immediate results with a face cream, but she’s looking forward to seeing positive changes. “I can’t wait to see how my skin gradually improves with each use.” The cream boasts a proprietary anti-aging formula that rejuvenates skin while simultaneously providing penetrating hydration.

It Cosmetics “Confidence in a Cream” available here, $42

It Cosmetics’ products aren’t just pioneers in the technology beauty space, but their offerings have an all-around “it” factor that makes them one of a kind!

Have you ever used It Cosmetics? If so, what’s your favorite product?

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

Palmer’s New Coconut Oil Formula Line is the Cream of the Crop

February 4, 2016

Last week I was whisked away to a tranquil, tropical oasis—right in the heart of the Big Apple!

In celebration of Palmer’s new Coconut Oil Formula line, I was treated to a zen-like afternoon of respite with tantalizing scents and serene surroundings. MDNFL, a premier meditation studio in Manhattan, was the perfect space to showcase the delightful coconut infused offerings.

The 5-piece lineup includes: Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion, Coconut Oil Formula Body Oil, Coconut Oil Formula Hand Cream and Coconut Oil Formula Body Cream. I’ve tried my fair share of body balms and creamy blends, but these products top the list. The Body Lotion in particular moisturizes for up to 24 hours and leaves my rough, winter-ridden skin soft and super hydrated. Not only do they fragrantly quench and soothe dry skin, but they’re also made with sustainably sourced raw coconut, Monoi and sweet almond oils.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula products are currently available at Target and will be in Walgreen’s and CVS stores later this month. All products are under $10.

If you’re already a fan of Palmer’s, this new crop of coconut goodies won’t disappoint!

What’s your favorite Palmer’s product?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

6 Back-to-School Beauty Goodies for Fall

September 3, 2015

Back-to-school season is in full swing! In fact, most of the country’s kids are already back in class.

While I’m happy that my daughter will be entering kindergarten next week, I’m a bit sad too. So, if you’re like me and have a slight case of the back-to-school blues, treat yourself to a few “back-to-school” beauty buys.

Saying goodbye to summer and hello to fresh starts isn’t just for the school-age set. September is a great time to clear out your makeup bag and replace it with fresh new palettes and products for fall.

From chubby, crayon-like lip colors to eyeliner pencils and pretty palettes, check out these A+ beauty goodies!

jane iredale PlayOn Lip Crayons available in 7 shades here, $18; This lip colors are at the top of my list because they have long-lasting wear and the application is easy as 1-2-3!

Remember using graph paper for middle school math class? Well, now you can use this nostalgic Faux Leather Graph Print Lipstick Makeup Bag to store all your fall beauty essentials! Available here, $7

Want look-at-me lashes? This CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara is in a class of its own! The bristles separate and had volume without clumping. Available here, $6

MUA Smokey Eye Shadow Palette available here, $14. You’ll feel like a kid playing in finger paint when applying these pretty, richly-pigmented shadows.

CoverGirl Intensify Me Liquid Eyeliner available here, $7; **This nifty eyeliner glides on like a pencil, but has the dramatic effect of a liquid liner. I’m so in love with this liner that it is going to be my first YouTube video…stay tuned!

Who didn’t use Carmex in high school? Instead of the yellow and red tubes, now you can treat and prevent cold sores in style with these fashionable MoisturePlus Lip Balms! Available at mass retailers, $2.49

Do you stock up on beauty supplies during back-to-school season?

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Event Recap: Curly Girl Collective’s CurlFest in Brooklyn

August 31, 2015

If you’re a natural girl in the New York City area and didn’t attend the CurlFest this weekend, you missed out! But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Hosted by Curly Girl Collective, the second annual CurlFest took place on Saturday in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. Dubbed a hair and beauty festival and picnic for curly girls, it was the perfect gathering to celebrate and rock our natural kinks and coils.

While there were food trucks onsite and picnic blankets aplenty, many were there to check out the picnic chats (guest speakers), hair stations and vendor booths. Throughout the day, online influencers and popular bloggers such as Jenell B. Stewart of KinkyCoilyMe.com and Naptural85 were there to talk about what else—natural hair! Set up with picnic tables, cute blankets and pillows, the designated picnic chat area was inviting and comfy.

In addition to the hourly chats, attendees had the option to see what the hair stations offered. Several leading natural haircare brands including Carol’s Daughter SheaMoisture, Dark & Lovely, Curls, Kinky Curly and Eden Bodyworks were on hand performing demos, express styles and braids. As a beauty blogger, I was already pretty familiar with the haircare brands so my main focus was picking up merchandise that celebrated and complemented natural hair. I picked up two statement tees and several unique twisty-tie headbands. From vintage pop-up shops to books all about Afros, there was something there that would fancy most curly girls.

The music, picnic chats, hair stations and vendors were all fantastic, but the overall good vibe is what I loved the most. The sense of community, camaraderie and admiration that was felt made me super proud to be a BG rocking my natural curls.

It was a gorgeous day and simply beautiful to see so many of us naturalistas fully embracing our beauty and celebrating it together!

Did you attend CurlFest? If not, what has been your favorite summer festival this season?

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BGG is COCOTIQUE’s Blogger of the Month!

August 10, 2015

I have some pretty exciting news to share…COCOTIQUE has named me their Blogger of the Month for August!

In case you’ve been living under a rock, COCOTIQUE is a monthly subscription beauty service that caters to us BGs. If you’re always on the hunt for the best beauty and hair buys, but aren’t sure you want to commit—this service is for you! Instead of purchasing full-size pricey shampoos or luxe liners that you’ve been eyeing, COCOTIQUE allows you to test out these products without breaking the bank.

Each month you will receive samples from skin care, hair care, fragrance, nail and lifestyle companies delivered to your doorstep for only $20/per month! How cool and convenient is that? Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to satisfy your beauty and hair product fix.

That’s why I’m beyond honored to have the opportunity to share my thoughts on blogging, style and of course beauty with the innovative, BG-owned brand. Be sure to check it out here and pass it on! 😉