Cover Girl: Whitney Houston Covers Ebony

It's official. Whitney's making a major comeback and I couldn't be more excited!

Check out her cover of the latest issues of Ebony magazine. She looks glam yet relaxed. Definitely poised for a comeback!

Are you looking forward to Whitney's upcoming album?















Source: The YBF.com

Fall Beauty Trends: Nail Polish Trends

Hey Bombshells!

Summer is coming to a close and I couldn't be more excited! Don't get me wrong, summer is great (and I've had a fab one!), but Fall is my favorite time of year! As a school girl, that meant new school supplies and a new back-to-school wardrobe. Now that I'm all grown up, Fall is a time to start fresh and reinvent your self!

Not only should your wardrobe get an overhaul, but you beauty loot needs a fresh start too!Adding a few hot, new beauty items can be a easy, inexpensive way to update your look. So, this week, I'll be highlighting the top Fall beauty trend for 2009!

Today is all about nails, nails, nails! There are two really HOT trends for nails this season, and trying them out can easily up your style quotient, so lets take a look!

I had a hunch that green nail polish would be THE look for nails this fall, and practically every brand you can think of is debuting a shade of green this Fall.

What shade of green is hottest? In the words of T.I., you can have whatever you like! From pastel greens to emerald greens, to deep, dark greens, anything goes!

Here are some of the hottest, most coveted greens for fall. You'd better scoop these babies up fast, because they're all limited edition!

1) MAC in Dry Martini, $12. 2) OPI in Damone Roberts 1968, $9 contact the Damone Roberts Salon for purchase. 3) Chanel in Jade, $25, in stores in October. 4) Orly in Enchanted Forest, $7.50, in stores and online in September. 5) OPI in Here Today... Aragon Tomorrow, $8.

The other hot trend in nails is matte polish. This is a love it or hate it kind of thing. Some people love the look of matte nails, while others live for a shiny finish. Instead of buying a whole bottle of matte polish, try a matte top coat so you can play around with shades you already own. Here are the best matte polishes. The Essie and Rescue top coats are the most matte, while the Nubar and Orly give more of a buffed finished, which is great for the matte shy!

1. Essie Matte About You, $10.
2. Rescue Beauty Lounge Matte Top Coat, $18.
3. Nubar V For Men Matte Finish Nail Protector, $9
4. Orly Matte Top, $5 Limited Quantities!



How many of these trends will you be trying? Both, one or neither? Let us know!

The Bombshell Files: Aramide

Hey Bombshells!

I wrote the other day that I was starting a new feature where I would introduce real-life Brown Bombshells to my readers, and I couldn't be more excited! Everyone, meet Aramide!

Name: Aramide

Age: 25

What Makes You A Brown Bombshell? I think I'm a Brown Bombshell Beauty because I try my best to incorporate all things fabulous into my everyday life & the life of my friends, family, & blog readers.

I own & edit a fashion & beauty blog called The Sassy Peach. I love showing people how to create looks from their closets & how to pick out items while shopping that they can wear many different ways.


Because I love helping people look & feel good about
themselves, I feel I have to look the part & I think I do
which is why I am a Brown Bombshell Beauty!

What three beauty products can't you live without? I cannot live without my MAC liquid concealer, blush in Gingersnap by Smashbox and my daily facial moisturizer by Ambi.

What's your go-to outfit when you want to bring out your inner bombshell? My go-to outfit is a black boyfriend blazer, slightly baggy white t-shirt, skinny leg jeans, & a pair of stiletto boots or sandals, topped off with a necklace & earrings. It's simple yet chic!

Who is your favorite Brown Bombshell? My favorite Brown Bombshell is my Mom. She always taught my sister & I good grooming & to always leave the house looking nice & put together, because you never know who you'll run into. She instilled in us at a very young age good self-esteem that I think every young girl needs & it has carried us throughout our adolescent & adult lives. ; )

What else should we know about you? I aspire to be a stylist/fashion consultant & create an enterprise that will branch off of The Sassy Peach!

Thanks, Aramide! Isn't she gorge?! Be sure to check out her blog The Sassy Peach!

If you think you're a Brown Bombshell (and you should! ;) , shoot me an email at BrownBombshellBeauty@gmail.com telling me about your fabulous self. And don't forget to include a sassy pic!

Smooches!

Beauty Review: Organic Wear Facial Makeup Remover Towelettes

These were terrible. There. I said it.

I had such high hopes for these Physicians Formula Organic Wear Facial Makeup Remover Towelettes, $10. They're 100% natural, and I'm a sucker for any natural beauty product. But the performance of these wipes was beyond sub par.

They were extremely dry, and I prefer I makeup wipe to have at least a little moisture, you know? But more offensive was the fact that it removed not a stitch of my makeup. It just pushed it around my face. Never have I ever had such an experience.

I was so disgruntled, I took these suckers back for a refund! There are more natural makeup removing products debuting from Physicians Formula, but I don't think I'll be trying those after this experience. Boo for that!

Beauty Steals and Deals: New Bliss Body Wash

These new body washes from Bliss look divine, no? I love the packaging and the scents are amazing (Vanilla+Bergamont and Blood Orange+White Pepper are my faves)!

Get free shipping when you enter code EML8908 at checkout.

If you're a smell-good kinda girl I would jump on this sweet deal!

Are You A Brown Bombshell?

Are you a Brown Bombshell? If so, you could be featured on Brown Bombshell Beauty!

I''m super excited to announce a new feature celebrating the beauty and fabulousness of everyday women of color, right here on Brown Bombshell Beauty!

Just shoot me an email at brownbombshellbeauty@gmail.com telling me why your fabulous self is a Brown Bombshell. Don't forget to include a fab pic of yourself, too!

If chosen you'll be interviewed by moi, and your pic and interview will be posted on the site for your fellow Brown Bombshells to see!

So, if Halle B. or Kerry Washington have got nothin' on you, get cracking and send me an email today!

Cover Girls: Chanel Iman, Sessilee Lopez, Jordan Dunn and Arlenis Sosa Cover i-D Magazine

Major moment for Brown Bombshells! Fab models Chanel Iman, Sessilee Lopez, Jordan Dunn and Arlenis Sosa are covering the September issue of i-D magazine!

Why is this so major? Well, not only are these icons in the making giving us major glam on this cover, but this is the first time a fashion magazine has used women of color (any color!) on the cover of their September issue! As I mentioned in a post last week, the September issue is THE issue of the year for fashion magazines. So color me super ecstatic!

Not only is this a mojor coup for these girls, but it is a big deal in the fashion and magazine worlds. Let's hope we'll see more covers like these in future September issues. Yay, Fall fashion!




Source: Lucky

Beauty Review: Moroccanoil

I've been hearing lots of buzz about Moroccanoil for months now, with friends of mine in the beauty industry raving about what miracle workers the products were. Well, I recently had the opportunity to test out two Moroccanoil products, and now I'll be raving about them too!

First, I tried out the product that's been getting the most buzz: the Moroccanoil Treatment, $34
This serum-like treatment is filled with argan oil, which is known for its moisturizing and healing properties. I applied just a dab to my hair after washing and conditioning, and I could instantly notice a smoothness and glossiness to my hair.

Even better, my hair stayed this way after blow drying it! No frizzies, no dull, dry hair. It was amazing! The treatment serum is super light, and didn't weigh my hair down. This is my new favorite hair product! I'll definitely be using this every time I wash my hair for instantly shiny, glossy hair. I totally see what all the rave reviews are about!

I used the Gold Glimmer Shine Spray, $20 to maintain my shine between washes. I think of it as the liquid spray version of the original treatment serum. After styling, I spritz on a little for lots of glossy shine. The thing that I love about it, is that it's never greasy like some oil sheens can be. Instead, this super-fine mist coats the hair with not just shine, but actual moisture, courtesy of argan oil, wheat germ oil and panthenol (vitamin B5). As you can see from the picture, I've been using this a lot!

I can't say enough good things about these items. I will definitely be trying out their shampoo, conditioner, masks and styling cream next! Though they are kind of pricey, they are worth every penny. If you try these out I guarantee you'll love them!

Fab or Drab: Cassie at "The September Issue" Premier

It's Friday, so I figured we'd end the week with a rousing game of Fab or Drab! If you haven't heard about the highly anticipated documentary "The September Issue", you must have been living under a fashion rock these last several months!


The film follows Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour and her staff around for months as they prepare for the September issue of the fashion bible (FYI: The September issue is THE issue for any fashion magazine, but the September issue of Vogue is considered the blueprint for Fall fashion).

So Wednesday night the fashion faithful came out to witness the premier of the film. Cassie turned up at the event with the look we see below. I'm torn. Her hair is so darn distracting, I can barely focus on anything else. But her smokey eye is perfection. What do you think? Was Cassie...

Fab or Drab?


Celebrities arrive at The September Issue premiere at the Museum of Modern Art, NYC

Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

Also, check out the trailer for "The September Issue"

The Best Inexpensive Lip Balms

After my last post about my disappointment with EOS Lip Balm, my BFF and Brown Bombshell Beauty reader Arionne left a comment asking me what were some good, inexpensive lip balms. Check it out:

Q: Who has really great lip balm? My lips get dry very easily and need a balm that can keep me moisturized--that is affordable! Any advise? Please share. I like to moisturize before putting on gloss. - Arionne

I can totally relate to her dilemma. My lips are dry year round, so I'm constantly on the lookout for lip balms that will provide real moisture. Most cheaper lip balms are made with inexpensive ingredients that can actually sap lips of moisture. But I've found some great lip balms under $10 that have high-end ingredients that will keep your pucker super-moist! Here they are!

Korres Lip Butter, $9. This lip butter was my introduction to Korres products, and what a fabulous introduction it was! This creamy lip butter is made with uber-moisturizing shea butter and literally melts into your lips! It comes it six shades from clear (Guava) to deep red (Wild Rose), and it smells good enough to eat. A little tub lasts forever, so if you want a great lip butter Korres is a great place to start.








Smith's Rosebud Salve, $6. If you prefer a glossier lip balm, then Smith's Rosebud Salve is for you! This cult favorite can be found in many a makeup artists kit, and for good reason. It's ability to instantly moisturize and glossify your lips is uncanny. Which is why I've purchase more of these than I can count over the years. It gives you lips a glossy sheen and the slightest pink tint, while delivering lots of moisture. Give it a go (Stick with the Classic version. The newer versions are only so-so), and you won't be dissapointed.





Yes to Carrots C Me Smile Lip Butter, $3.79. This is the best drugstore lip balm I've come across. Not only is it super-portable, but it's moisturizing without being too greasy or caked up. It just sinks right into your lips. This 95% organic lip butter is made with shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, sunflower oil and vitamin E. Whew! Is there any wonder why I love it?

Beauty Review: EOS Lip Balm

I've been hearing about the new EOS Lip Balm, $3 for a while now, and have been wanting to try it out. After looking in half a dozen Walgreens, I finally found them and bought them in Summer Fruit (pink) and Honeysuckle Honeydew (green).

For starters, I was surprised at how large they were. I was expecting a cute little sphere, instead I had something the size of a golf ball! When you open the golf ball, er, lip balm, the amazing smell is immediately apparent.

Sadly, the flavors only smell like their names, as both flavors had the same gross taste of castor oil. They were fairly moisturizing, but only superficially so. These were no better than any other cheap lip balm. Which is dissapointing because the ingredient list was so promising.

Give these a whirl if you must, but know that there are better lip balms out there than these.

Red Lips & Tips In The White House

A crimson pout is quickly becoming one of style icon Michelle Obama's fave beauty looks. And for good reason, she looks totally glam, yet classically polished in a creamy red lip color at the Medal of Freedom award ceremony last week.

Obama Honors Sixteen With Congressional Medal Of Freedom

Justice Sonya Sotomayor got in on the glam at a White House reception held in her honor. Not only did she rock red lips, but she upped the glam factor with fire engine red nail polish. LOVE it!

Obama Hosts Reception For New Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

These political powerhouses make me want to pack up my red lipstick and move to Washington!

What do you think? Do you like the fresh glamour being brought into Washington?

For more, check out my other posts on red lips!

The Bikini Trio

Summer is not over yet, beauties! It's not to late to perfect your bikini line, just in time for those end of summer pool parties. Instead of dropping $60-80 on a salon visit, where some stranger takes to your nether regions, why not pretty your kitty (sorry, I had to go there!) at home for under $25!

I've been curious about the Schick Trim Style Razor and Bikini Trimmer, $13 all summer. When I came across a brand spankin' new one at a flea market for only $4, I took it as a sign that I should give it a go. I'm super pleased that I did!

The razor has an adjustable comb so you can decide how close you want to trim. It's super safe and pretty fool-proof. I just knew I was going to nick myself, but I didn't end up having any trouble at all. If its been a while since you've tidied up down there, it may take a little longer, but you'll still get great results.

What's more, the razor on the other end is the best razor I have ever used in life. Seriously. It gave my legs the closest, smoothest shave I've ever had. The only problem was that one corner of the conditioning strip got jagged and felt pretty rough. Other than that, it was smooth sailing.

After trimming, I followed up with a Noxema Bikini Shaver, $3.19 (for a pack of 3) to clean up the bikini line. This ingenious, itty-bitty bikini line razor has a super large protective strip to keep you from nicking yourself. It's also perfect for quick touch ups year round. When done, smooth on a little Bikini Zone Cream, $7.50 to prevent any razor bumps or irritation.

ViolĆ ! You're bikini ready, and you can use the cash you saved on a new Fall wardrobe!

Beauty Review: Dr. Miracle's Healing Oil Sheen Spray

When I received a few Dr. Miracle's products to try, the item I was most curious about was the Healing Oil Sheen Spray, $9.

Before I went natural back in March, I had considered purchasing the spray but balked at the idea of a $9 drugstore oil sheen. Plus, I wasn't thrilled about the idea of menthol (the culprit behind Dr. Miracle's "feel-it" formula) and mineral oil being in the spray. So, I passed and eventually made the big chop.

Fast-forward to a couple of weeks ago. My best friend and I were at my place getting ready to go out and she asked for some oil sheen. At first I looked at her like she was crazy. I mean, hello, I barely had any hair! But then I remembered the Dr. Miracle's spray in my beauty closet and gave it to her to try.

We were both SUPER impressed with the results. It left her shoulder length, blown-out hair incredibly shiny, without the slightest hint of greasiness. Her shine lasted all night and didn't weigh her hair down at all. Color me stunned! Since I relaxed my hair a couple of weeks ago I've been using Dr. Miracle's oil sheen spray and have been experiencing the same fab results.

I give this two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Solange Knowles Is Pretty In Pink

Solange and her big sis BeyoncĆØ were in Japan over the weekend promoting a collection of handbags from Japanese designer Samantha Thavasa. I just had to post this pic of Solange because I think she looks absolutely stunning!

People have been giving her a hard time lately about going natural, but as someone who once cut her hair this short, I know the guts it takes to make such a drastic change.

If you're considering making the big chop, and are worried about looking like a boy, Solange is a great example of how gorge you can look with super-short hair!

Here's how to recreate her look:

HAIR: Hair is super easy to take care of at this length. Just apply a little bit of Kinky Curly Curling Custard, $17 to wet hair and you're good to go!

SKIN: Having flawless skin like Solo's goes a long way towards a fab look, but Cover FX Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation, $32 covers any imperfection for a perfect, natural finish. Brush a little NARS Blush in Taos, $25 on cheeks for a pretty flush.

EYES: Try L'Oreal HIP Metallic Duo Eyeshadow in Gilded, $8 for a golden, smokey eye. Sweep the gold shade from lash line to brow bone. Using a eyeshadow crease brush (I swear by Sephora's), brush on a little the deeper shade in the crease of the eyelid. Top it all off with Ardell Strip Lashes in #116, $4.

LIPS: Finsh your look with a swipe of Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipstick in Ms. Understood, $9!

Try it out and email me a pic!

Gabby Union Covers Essence...Again


Gabrielle Union is covering the September issue of Essence. Again.

Seriously, I love Essence and I like Gabby, but somebody's got to do better. This is her second time on the cover of Essence in just over a year!

Either Essence needs to start utilizing Black models for covers (like magazines used to do in the old days) or Gabrielle needs to start turning Essence down.

If Essence insists on using celebs, as is the trend in magazines today, surely there are some other notable Black celebs that can be shot for the cover. How about Paula Patton? Or Solange Knowles? Or Chanel Iman? Or any of the other up and coming Black actresses, models and entertainers?

I understand that publishers need celebs to sell more magazines, but you can't tell me that Gabby is selling that many magazines. I don't know, maybe it's just me. I just think that Essence has made such major strides to become a more modern, complete publication that can compete with its mainstream counterparts, but still uses the same 'ole faces.

Tell me, does this annoy you too? What should Essence do about its covers?

Attention curly haired divas! Curly hair guru Dickey will be making special appearances today on HSN. I've tried his Kinky Curling Cream, $20 and loved it, not to mention it smells A-mazing. Check him out on HSN today at 12:30, 4:30 and 9:30pm EST, offering tips and exclusive offers on Hair Rules products. Be sure to check him out!

Beauty Tutorial: How to Select and Apply Foundation

OPI EspaƱa Collection

I happened across the new OPI EspaƱa collection in the store yesterday (it's release day) and just had to post them for you to see!

Top Row: Barefoot in Barcelona, Can You Tapas This?, Give Me Moor!, Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees, Here Today… Aragon Tomorrow, and Manicurist of Seville

Bottom Row: Pink Flamenco, No Spain No Gain, Ate Berries in the Canaries, Pamplona Purple, Conquistadorable Color, and Bullish on OPI

Check out the pics I snapped:


What do 'ya think? Is it Brown Bombshell worthy?

Tools for Perfect Brows

I have stumbled across THE best products for totally perfect brows! All you need are three little products to get your brows looking like you just came from the salon. Check 'em out!


Tweezerman Slant Tweezers, $20 are a classic beauty staple, and for good reason. These no frills tweezers stay perfectly balanced and sharpened to give you the closest plucking possible. Don't be fooled by drugstore tweezers. You may not think there's much difference, but trust me, there is! Just try this baby out and you'll never go back! Plus, Tweezerman offers free lifetime sharpening and balancing. Pretty sweet, huh?






Anastasia Mini Duo Angled/Spooley 7, $18 was something that I didn't know I needed until I tried it. And now I absolutely can't live without it! I use this genius little tool every day to perfect my brows. Yes, it may seem a little pricey for a little brow tool, but it makes all the difference in the world to your brow game. I tried a cheaper brow brow brush and ended up returning it for this one. The poor thing just couldn't compare. Use the sable haired slanted brush to fill in and shape your brows, and the spooley brush on the other end to blend in color and brush hairs into place. I promise you, use this and you'll be thanking me forever!




Smashbox Brow Tech, $24 in Brunette rounds out our brow trifecta. This little gem makes all the brow magic happen. Just dip your Anastasia brow brush into the soft powder and apply for sculpted, yet really natural looking brows. No Oscar the Grouch eyebrows here! Just fill in any sparse spots and shape the brows. Then apply the soft and pliable brow wax to give brow hairs hold and keep them in place all day. I love this wax because it isn't sticky or hard. I'm telling you, Brow Tech is the business!


Just use these three little tools and you'll have your self a set of perfect, eye framing brows. Guaranteed!

Chris Rock's "Good Hair"

I've been hearing about this film since January, and I'm sooo glad it's finally coming out! Check out the trailer below:



"Good Hair" will be released October 9th in select cities and October 23 nationwide.

So, what did you think? Will you be checking out "Good Hair"?

Naomi Sims Dead At 61

I'm sad to report that Naomi Sims, the first Black supermodel, has passed away at age 61. The legendary model lost her battle with cancer Saturday, according to the The New York Times.

Sims broke down many barriers in the industry and scored coveted covers of publications like Cosmopolitan, Life and Ladie's Home Journal, and walked the runways of legendary designers such as Halston and Bill Blass.

May this legendary Brown Bombshell rest in peace.

Have a thought or memory of Naomi Sims? Share it below.

Beauty Review: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing

I'm about through with Neutrogena. Each new collection released leaves me disappointed, and the new Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing collection was no exception.

I happened upon this set in Wal-Mart and was intrigued by the fact that Neutrogena left out some if its usually irritating ingredients.

First, the Facial Cleanser, $7.99. I was super glad to see that Neutrogena had left out the highly irritating ingredient Sodium C14 16 Olefin Sulfonate. This ingredient is a detergent that can be super drying and irritating to the skin.

Unfortunately, Neutrogena neglected to omit the Menthyl Lactate (aka Menthol). They added less of it but it was still super irritating to my skin. Why they feel the need to add menthol to everything is beyond me. If your face needs that much cooling, sit in front of a fan for Pete's sake! This had the potential to be a great salicylic acid cleanser with no irritants, but Neutrogena totally missed the mark.

As far as the Gentle Scrub, $7.99 goes, it was far too gentle to be effective as a manual exfoliant. It has great ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, but has the consistency of a cream cleanser, which isn't a fave for oilier skin types. This also has menthol, but in a far less irritating amount. Try this if your skin in super sensitive to more abrasive scrubs.

Have you tried these? Will you try them? Let's hear it!

My New Hair

Hey beauty babes! Sorry I'm a little late with this post. Thanks so much for your suggestions about my new hairstyle! Since deciding to relax my natural hair, I wanted to pick a style that was fun and a little out of the ordinary for me. So, I chose a combo of Halle Berry's and Eva Marcille's hair style. Check it out!


My friend and personal hair guru Monica hooked me up. I think it looks pretty great, if I do say so myself! :)

Thanks again for your help!

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Life-long beauty junkie. There's no 12-step program for this!

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