Brown Bombshell Beauty

Undergoing Renovations...

2009-11-15T21:48:00.002-06:00

Hey all! Brown Bombshell Beauty is currently going through a major makeover! The site will be down for the next few days, but check back later in the week for a new and improved Brown Bombshell Beauty! Thanks for your patience!

Phyto Friends and Family Sale

2009-11-13T09:23:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year! Time for the annual Phyto Friends and Family Sale! The sale starts today at 9am EST and runs through Wednesday at 5pm EST.

You can can crazy good deals on TONS of luxurious Phyto products. Last year I went Phyto crazy and stocked up on PhytoSpecific Hair Relaxer, which is nearly 50% off again this year!

My other top Phyto picks include Phytonectar Oil Treatment, $18, Phytolaque Soie Hairspray, $10.80 and PhytoSpecific Intense Nutrition Mask, $16.80.

Be sure to head over to the sale and pick up your goodies because supplies won't last!

Product Love: L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray

2009-11-12T09:15:00.003-06:00

For me, L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray, $15 was one of those cult products I'd heard about for years but never had the chance to use. And not because I didn't try! This coveted spray didn't become available in the US until this year, and now I see what all the hype was about. This stuff is amazing!

My short hair needs hairspray to keep my curls from falling, and Elnett does the job without being stiff or crunchy. I can comb through my hair with no problem, and my curls still stay put!

This is definitely one of the better hairsprays out there, and I'll be keeping it in beauty stash from now on. Right now, Elnett is only available at Target stores and at Target.com, but I hear that it will be available soon in other stores. So keep an eye out!

Bargain Beauty: GVP Silk Remedy vs. CHI Silk Infusion

2009-11-11T09:13:00.006-06:00

I recently have come to the realization that my beauty spending is way out of control. Like, way out of control. So, I've been pinching pennies where I can, and have made some great beauty discoveries along the way. So, I'll be sharing these with you in a new series called Bargain Beauty!

My first Bargain Beauty discovery was found at Sally Beauty Supply (I have a feeling that I'm going to find a lot of great things there!). My friend and hairstylist Monica swears by CHI Silk Infusion, and with good reason. It protects the hair from heat, and gives great shine.

So imagine my surprise and delight to find a less expensive equally effective alternative! GVP Silk Remedy has the same exact ingredients, and gives me the same glossy hair when flat ironing. And a little goes a long way so I'll have this bottle for a long time! GVP Silk Remedy has become a staple in my hairstyling routine. Try a little dab of this before you flat iron, and you'll love the results!

Want me to help you find a Bargain Beauty steal? Email me at brownbombshellbeauty@gmail.com, and I'll find you a cheaper alternative. You could be featured on the site!

The Bombshell Files: Brow Guru Rashida B.

2009-11-10T09:33:00.007-06:00

Hey beauties! Welcome to another installment of The Bombshell Files! I had the extreme pleasure of meeting brow guru Rashida B. at The Artist Summit in Chicago last month, and I knew I just had to feature her on Brown Bombshell Beauty!

Not only has Rashida B. has been featured in Vogue, In Style, Lucky, Allure and tons more publications, but she opened Chicago's first (and still only) eyebrow studio. A licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist, Rashida was also the first to bring lush lash extensions to the Windy City.

Despite all her many accomplishments, Rashida was one of the nicest, humblest people I'd ever met (pic coming soon!), and was nice enough to take time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions for Brown Bombshell Beauty readers! Check it out!

When and how did you decide to begin a career in the beauty industry?

I've always wanted to be in the beauty industry, for as long as I can remember but my parents wanted me to attend college first so it took me a little while to get here.

How did you develop a specialty in eyebrows?

I went to aesthetics school because I really loved makeup and skincare, but halfway through the program I realized that they didn't really the in-depth makeup education that I had expected so I enrolled in Columbia College's makeup artistry program where I discovered if the brows were "off" it took away from the makeup. My instructor Lori Neapolitan was also a brow "fiend" and she fed into my need to to sculpt the perfect arches. It was she that suggested I pursue it. I study faces all the time, I practiced like crazy doing tons and tons of girl's night out events too.

Tell us about your brow salon.

I only have a brow studio The B Spot Chicago, it's a private by appointment only studio. I like to take my time with my client and give them that one on one attention a lot of times they'll have beauty questions beyond just their brows. In Miami I rent a space when I go down, and I do house calls but it's also by appointment only. The person that just walks into any old place off the street to have their brows down is not my client. My clients would never, they value their brows much more than that. They realize how important the perfect brow shape is to their over all appearance.

Is there any difference in the brow needs of your celeb clients and your bridal/everyday clients? How about your clients in Chicago vs. your clients in Miami?

Just the types of brows they request. Chicagoans prefer a more "natural" brow, while my in-the-media clients and those in Miami of for a "sculpted" or glamour brow. They also have their brows done much more often.

You've also been noted for your expertise in lash extensions. Tell us what we should know about this increasingly popular service!

Don't shop for the cheapest price, you truly get what you pay for. I can't tell you how many clients who have come in after going to a bargain salon with adhesive on their eyelids or lashes glued and clumped together. Find out if your technician is certified ask them what brand they use then check that brands website to see if they are listed. Request some before and after photos. I had my photos on my digital camera so the clients knew they were my photos and not some that I downloaded from the web.

Many thanks to Rashida B. for her time! For more on Rashida B. and her services visit her at RashidaB.com!

Hot Beauty Brand: Inglot Cosmetics

2009-11-08T19:08:00.009-06:00

Hey beauty lovers! If you haven't already heard, a super-hot European cosmetics company has just hit the U.S. and it's primed to yank MAC out of it's spot. What is this brand, you ask? Why, it's Inglot Cosmetics!

Inglot may be new to most Americans, but it is THE hottest brand in Europe.The Polish-based brand has over 250 stores in Australia, Europe, Canada, Dubai and Asia.
A flagship Inglot store was recently opened in Times Square in NYC. To give you an idea of how serious Inglot's plans are to takeover Times Sqaure and the beauty game, they signed on for a 10 year lease. Whoa.

One of the most innovative things about Inglot is their Freedom System. The Freedom System allows you to create a customized palette of eyeshadows, blushes and more, in a variety of palette sizes from small to large. While at the Artist Summit in Chicago last month, I was able to pick up a customized Freedom System from the Inglot booth.

I decided to focus on eyeshadows, and went for a range of colors, from neutrals to brights. The case is seriously sturdy and the lid is magnetically attached, so it can withstand being tossed in a purse or beauty bag. Plus, the palettes are stackable, so you can carry more than one at a time! The colors are pigment-rich and have great color payoff. I'm not sure what the regular retail of a Freedom System is, but I believe I purchased mine at a special rate of about $40 or so, which is a lot less than what I would pay for a palette of 10 MAC eyeshadows!

Inglot's American website isn't up and running yet, but there are plans to open several stores in the US, so be on the lookout for an Inglot near you! In the mean time, check out these pics of the Times Square Inglot Flagship store!

For more fabulous pics, click here!

Store Photos: Yelp

Product Love: Mizani AM/PM Duo

2009-11-06T11:35:00.003-06:00

Ok, so Mizani is totally my new favorite hair care brand for daily maintenance products, and I've found two more products to love!

While in Beauty Brands I came across this Mizani moisturizing duo at the awesome price of of $22. I've been curious about the Rose H2O Conditioning Hairdress and H2O Nigh-Time Treatment for the longest, and I figured this package deal was the best way to try them out. 40% off? Sign me up!

Both of these creams are super light and have an slightly whipped texture, which is great because it never leaves my hair feeling weighed down. H2O Intense can be used a couple of times a week, and I always wake up with hair that is softer than the night before. When I need a little shine with my moisture, I use the Rose H2O in the morning before styling.

If you'd like to give these a try, look for the pre-packaged duo at your local Beauty Brands!

Beauty Find: Yankee Candle Lip Balm

2009-11-04T09:31:00.003-06:00

Over the weekend I came across my latest beauty discovery in the most unlikely place: Yankee Candle. I was at the register paying for my candles, when I spotted what looked like teeny, tiny candles. Upon closer inspection I realized that they were the most delicious, adorable looking lip balms I'd ever seen!

Yankee Candle Lip Balm, $4 comes in the same popular scents as their candle counterparts, and they actually taste like them too! I picked up Black Cherry, but they're also available in Sweet Strawberry, Vanilla Cupcake, Buttercream and Vanilla Lime. I smelled all of the flavors, and I want them all!

These luscious balms are chock full of ultra nourishing palm oil, olive oil, hemp oil, Vitamin E and rosemary extract. And it has a sunscreen of SPF 15! Could these things be any better for the cold winter months? I think not!

Not only should you pick up a couple for yourself, but these teeny little gems would make great, affordable stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday season. So get thyself over to Yankee Candle to pick up the deliciousness that is these lip balms! Your lips will thank you!

Face Saver: Acne Free Sensitive Terminator

2009-11-03T10:06:00.002-06:00

I woke up the other day with a huge pimple on my chin. And not one of those run-of-the-mill pimples either. I had a hard, cystic pimple that I knew was going to take forever to get rid of.

Luckily, while perusing the beauty isle of Bed Bath & Beyond, I came across Acne Free Sensitive Terminator, $5. This gentle but effective blemish cream gel targets both pimples and blackheads. Which is a major plus in my book!

After the first night of using this my pimple had gone down significantly and my blackheads had disappeared too. It's been about 3 days and my pimple is the size of a tiny whitehead. And even better, there's no dark spot! Yay!!!

I'll definitely be keeping this in my beauty stash for those time-of-the-month blemishes that always seem to pop up. If you're dealing with blemishes and need something that will work fast without tearing your face up, give this a try!

Cover Girl Blast Pre-Sale Today!

2009-11-02T09:35:00.014-06:00

Hey Bombshells! I've got great beauty news! Cover Girl will begin an exclusive online preview of the new Blast Collection featuring Smoky ShadowBlast, ShineBlast Lip Gloss and LashBlast Length Mascara.

The line was created under the direction of uber-makeup artist and Brown Bombshell, Pat McGrath. Which comes as no surprise, as I LOVE Lash Blast volumizing mascara, and only a beauty genius could give me such lush lashes!

Now for the fab part! My fabulous Brown Bombshell Beauty readers can be some of the first to try the new products! Just log-on to covergirl.com/blastpresale to order these exclusive new products before they're released in January!

Check out the new Blast collection!

ShineBlast Lipgloss

The patented ShineSculpt™ is a uniquely shaped applicator that delivers more shine in a single swipe than the leading gloss
Flexible scoop applicator with built in product wells designed to hug the contours of lips to help deliver a fuller, more sculpted look
Lip hugging applicator for 4X more noticeable shine vs bare lips
Tapered tip enables precise shaping and control
Polymer- and oil-rich formula delivers high shine with a lightweight feel
Luminescent droplets of pearlized pigment form a perfect amount of shimmer behind the shine

Embedded pools of shine add brilliant depth
Non-tacky formula removes “high-shine vs. sticky” trade-off, typical of traditional lip glosses.

Smokey ShadowBlast

It’s a smoky eye tool plus makeup artist all in one shadow stick! Available in six expertly coordinated shade duos with uniquely desgined ends, Smoky ShadowBlast lets you create a traditional or colorful smoky eye in two easy steps.

The new, double-ended stick features expertly coordinated shades and two precision applicator tips – one for base, one for liner/crease – so you can easily apply, smudge and blend shadow to a smoky perfection.

We all love the dramatic, smoky eye look that makeup artists create for celebrities, but getting it right without expert help requires a lot of technique and practice.

I love the the fact that these eyeshadows come in so many different and unique colors. Who needs a boring black smokey eye with these!

Sounds pretty fab, right? These items aren't available until January, so head over to covergirl.com/blastpresale to create a custom look and order these exclusive products now!

Halloween Makeup Tutorials

2009-10-30T09:20:00.007-05:00

Hey Bombshells! Halloween is tomorrow, and if you're like most people, you've yet to come up with a fab costume for all those parties you'll be hitting. No worries! I've got some great ideas, courtesy of Total Beauty and some of my fave beauty YouTube-ers. It'll only take a bit of makeup and some know-how. I'll be Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen, and I found a great video demonstrating an old Hollywood look. Check out what else I found!

Old Hollywood Diva

Egyptian Queen

Fairy

Leopard Mask

Dark Angel

Mally Beauty Fragrance On QVC Tonight

2009-10-29T09:33:00.014-05:00

Mally Roncal, beauty guru and makeup artist to Beyoncè, is releasing her first fragrance today on QVC! I was lucky enough to receive a complimentary bottle of Mally Beauty Fragrance, $59 from QVC and found it to be a bright, citrusy scent. If you love a good citrus, floral fragrance, then Mally is definitely for you! Trust me, my citrus loving mother got a whiff and has claimed my bottle for herself!

Here's some more info from the press release:

Mally Beauty (www.mallybeauty.com) plans to introduce the newest addition to its widening collection and it’s unlike any other product Mally Roncal has created. On October 29^th, she will officially launch the eponymous Mally’s Signature Fragrance, a modern, floral, citrus scent with a captivating tropical twist, to QVC. Core to the fragrance is the Sampaguita flower – the national flower of the Philippines – which is similar to the clean scent of jasmine, but with a more tropical and intoxicating impression.

Top Note: Sampaguita, Mandarin, Red Currant, Bamboo, Palm Leaf
Middle Note: Freesia, Jasmine, Muguet, Peony
Base Note: Peach, Coconut, Sandalwood, Musks

Mally's fragrance will be debuting tonight on QVC at 8pm EST during Mally Beauty-Color Cosmetics. So tune in to see Mally and order a bottle!

CELEBRITY MAKE-UP ARTIST MALLY RONCAL LAUNCHES NEW FRAGRANCE
Uploaded by thatsfunny. - Discover more life & style videos.

Sephora Friends and Family Save 20%

2009-10-29T09:29:00.004-05:00

Hey Bombshells! Don't forget to take advantage of Sephora's Friends & Family sale! You can take 20% off online orders until November 2nd using code FF2009, so use this opportunity to try something new or stock up on old favorites! Happy shopping!

Fragrance Love: Narciso Rodriguez Musc Collection Limited Edition

2009-10-28T10:22:00.004-05:00

Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDT, $65 is by far, hands down, my absolute favorite fragrance of all time. It's sensual, sexy and sophisticated, and I never cease to receive compliments when I wear it. Make that wore it. I accidentally broke my bottle and have yet to replace it. I was planning to do just that during Sephora's Friends and Family sale (code FF2009 for 20% off until Nov. 2nd!). So, imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that Narciso was releasing a new limited edition collection of musc fragrances for women and men!

I have always loved For Her Musc, but could never stomach the $150 price tag. When Narciso released For Him Musc, I was equally smitten, and couldn't believe how good this men's fragrance smelled on me. It was love at first sniff, but again, that $150 wasn't getting it! But now there are two new musc fragrances available at a fraction of the cost!

Right now For Her Musc Collection Eau De Parfum Intense, $85 is available online at Sephora, and I strongly urge you to purchase it while Friends and Family is taking place. I have yet to see special edition For Him Musc on sale online, but I've heard that Saks stores have it in stock, and other stores will have it in November.

Here's some more info on these scents:

Narciso Rodriguez has launched a limited edition duo of fragrances, the For Her and For Him Musc Collection, intended as “a tribute to musk”.

More captivating than ever. Narciso Rodriguez presents two exclusive limited editions: for her and for him musc collection.

A tribute to musk, for her eau de parfum intense and for him eau de parfum, are a pair of new and most distinctive fragrances contained within equally distinctive bottles.

A sense of mystery and intrigue that’s singular. Narciso Rodriguez’s musc collection. A powerful sensuality that lingers.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum Intense (shown above) features notes of musk, ylang-ylang, jasmine and orange blossom.

Narciso Rodriguez For Him Eau de Parfum includes note of musk, iris and pink berries.

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Parfum Intense and For Him Eau de Parfum are available in 50 ml; For Her is also available in 100 ml.

Source: NSTPerfume.com

After owning two of Narciso Rodriguez's fragrances (I also own Essence, another smell good), I don't even need to sniff these to know that I want them! As soon as I get my hands (or nose!) on them I'll let you know what I think!

Beauty Discovery: WilaVerde Nail Polish Remover

2009-10-28T09:21:00.004-05:00

Wal-Mart has really been upping their beauty game lately, especially when it comes to "green" beauty. Not only do they carry well know earth-friendly brands like Burt's Bee's and Giovanni, but they are increasingly carrying smaller brands too.

On my last Wal-Mart run I made a quick dash through the beauty section to pick up some nail polish remover and discovered WilaVerde Nail Polish Remover, $3. I was a little skeptical of this 100% biodegradable polish remover and it's efficacy. I mean, I was going to be majorly ticked if the stuff didn't remove a lick of polish and I had to go shopping again for something better.

Luckily, I found out that there is nothing better than this polish remover! It is SUPER gentle and feels more like a cuticle oil than a traditional nail polish remover product. It removed all my polish with ease and left my nails and cuticles moisturized. Best of all there was no stinky smell! I haven't tried it on my super dark polishes yet, but I suspect that it won't be a problem. I bought the Fragrance Free formula, but it also comes in Clean & Fresh, Lavender and Papaya Mango fragrances. Yummy, right?

Ladies, this is a major beauty find. I haven't been able to find this for sale online, and the WilaVerde website has no info on the product. Like I said, I found mine at Wal-Mart, so head over there now to pick up your WilaVerde polish remover. You'll love it!

Budget Beauty News: Hard Candy & e.l.f

2009-10-27T09:19:00.007-05:00

Hey Bombshells! I've been trying my hardest to pinch my beauty pennies lately, which is no small feat for a beauty junkie like me! Luckily, two fab beauty brands are hitting store shelves soon that will will keep me looking fab on a dime!

When I heard the news that Hard Candy was making a comeback, I was beyond excited! I remember this cult favorite brand from the mid 90s, with its candy-colored polishes and matching rings. It was THE hottest thing in beauty during the Clueless era. At the time, it was too pricey for my middle school-aged budget ($18 bucks a bottle to a 13 year old is a fortune!), but the revamped line is debuting at Wal-Mart for only $5 a bottle, in tons of juicy, bright colors! The collection will also include eye shadows, lip balms, lip glosses and more. I'll be scoping out my neighborhood Wal-Mart for these little gems!

I'm super excited to announce that fave budget beauty brand e.l.f will be available in all Target stores in November 1st! This brand is awesome because the bulk of the products start at only $1! And the quality is just as fab as the low prices. Plus, e.l.f will be upgrading to sleek black packaging for their Target store debut, and will be offering lots of affordable sets and palettes in the collection (and I love a good palette!). You must RUN to Target November 1st to snag some of these goodies!

Not only are these items from Hard Candy and e.l.f great for the budget conscious beauty, but they would make great gifts and stocking stuffers. I can't wait to hit the stores for the fabulous beauty finds!

Hair Rules Salon NYC Parent & Child Event

2009-10-26T10:40:00.001-05:00

It’s a Family Affahair at Hair Rules NY Salon

For parents and children who have battled with a difficult and time consuming hair styling regimen (or worse, one that could lead to a lifetime of negative good hair/ bad hair experiences), Dickey wants to teach parents an easy approach to their children’s hair.

The goal of this unique event is to help children have a more positive experience and to love their curly or kinky hair. Dickey and team will assist parents with hands-on styling and help parents find new ways to style their child’s hair.

Saturday November 7^th

3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

$50 per child

Light refreshments included

RSVP by November 3^rd

Limited space available

Hair Rules NY * 828 Ninth Avenue * 2^nd Floor * between 54^th & 55^th * 212.315.2929

Beauty Obsession: Sam Fine's The Basics of Beauty DVD

2009-10-26T09:45:00.003-05:00

I finally got my hands on a copy of celeb makeup artist Sam Fine's new beauty DVD, Fine: The Basics of Beauty, $25!

I first heard about the DVD last spring and have been waiting with baited breath to get a copy, so I'm super glad to let my beauty babes know that it's finally available for purchase.

In case you didn't know, Sam Fine is THE source on all things Black beauty. He's who Black celebs turn to when they want to look their most fab. Heck, even Vogue turns to him for beauty advice for women of color! He has a gorgeous signature beauty look that can be seen on his regular clients Iman, Vanessa Williams, Mo'Nique and tons more.

For me, Sam's signature striking brows, defined lips, cheek contouring and subtly smokey eye stand out in the most beautiful way (as you can see from the DVD cover), so I can always tell when an actress has had her makeup done by Sam. And that's what so great about this DVD. Sam spills all his beauty secrets to help you achieve that Sam Fine look!

Whether you're a makeup novice or a beauty pro, this video is a great tool to have in your beauty arsenal. You'll learn all of Sam's tips and tricks, and will be inspired and empowered to up your beauty game. Not only is this a great instructional DVD, but it has great bonus features as well, including an interview with Sam, a behind the scenes look at the making of the DVD, and exclusive footage of Sam working on Iman.

I love this DVD! The production value was top-notch (a rareity in instructional videos), Sam was fab and it was fun to watch. Definitely race over to Amazon to get your copy!

Check out some footage from the DVD:

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Concealer

2009-10-23T09:21:00.003-05:00

I have seen the beauty light, and it is Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Concealer, $28! Unless you've been living under a rock for the last year or so, you know that high definition makeup is all the rage in beauty. Though it was created to give actresses flawless coverage under the intense scrutiny of HD cameras, I've found that it gives everyday women beautiful results as well.

I've used Make Up For Ever HD foundations on clients before and was always impressed with the results. But leave it to MUFE to one-up themselves and come out with such an amazing HD concealer!

I picked up a few shades at The Artist Summit for my kit and had been waiting for the opportunity to whip them out. Last night my friend Monica and I were offered tickets at the last minute to see Alvin Ailey II (which was fab, by the way!), and needless to say we were not looking our best after a long day at work!

Seizing the opportunity, I decided to try out one of my new HD concealers on Monica. I dabbed a little under her eyes and on a blemish or two, then dusted on a little pressed powder. No exaggeration, the results were astounding. Her skin was instantly even toned and flawless, and didn't have that heavy makeup look or feel. The Make Up For Ever HD concealer had given her perfect, natural looking skin. Color me impressed!

Monica kept getting compliments all night on her makeup, and one woman even pulled her aside in the ladies room to ask her if her makeup was airbrushed! I am SO running out to by one of these for myself in my shade! In my opinion, Make Up For Ever makes the best HD makeup out there, and I can't wait to add more of their products to my beauty arsenal!

Hair Helper: MoroccanOil Restorative Hair Mask

2009-10-22T09:56:00.004-05:00

Hey beauties! I am having the best luck with hair care products lately! First I find the perfect shampoo and conditioner for my hair, and now I've found the perfect treatment product in MoroccanOil Restorative Hair Mask, $33!

I've been going through drama with my hair lately trying to grow out some hair color I had when I was natural. And let me tell you, relaxer and hair color do not mix. At least not on my head! The parts of my hair that are colored have been dry and frizzy because the color is old and kinda stripped, so I've been looking for a deep treatment product to smooth the cuticle and repair any damage. This hair mask did that and then some!

First, this mask us SUPER thick and concentrated. I could barely get my fingers through my hair with the mask on because it's so thick and rich. I left it on for about 10 minutes while I was in the shower and continued with my routine. One of the things I love about this mask it that you don't need any extra heat, so if you're pressed for time you don't have to worry about sitting under a heat cap.

When I rinsed the mask out my hair didn't have much slip, but my hair felt completely smooth and even textured. Since there is protein in this, I decided to put on a little of my Mizani conditioner for about 2 minutes to add a little moisture. After towel drying my hair, I put on a little MoroccanOil Treatment serum and let my hair air dry. My hair turned out smooth, soft and shiny. Truly, I don't know the last time my hair looked this healthy! It's been a couple of days and my shiny, healthy hair is still going strong!

I plan to use this mask once a week until my hair color grows out completely, and I'm sure the results will get even better with time. MoroccanOil has turned out to be like magic for my hair and I'll continue to try more of their products. I'll keep you posted!

Beauty Review: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar

2009-10-21T16:23:00.012-05:00

I had the good fortune to receive some Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar, $12.50 while at The Artist Summit the other weekend, and I'm super hyped to share them with you! I've been hearing about Lip Tar for months now and my curiosity was seriously piqued.

Lip Tar is minty fresh and SUPER pigmented, so you can wear them in various finishes. Right out of the tube, they are super opaque and shiny, like the glossiest, richest lipstick ever. If you blot your lips you can attain a matte or a stain finish, depending on how much you blot. One word of advice: use a lip brush! A lip brush is the only way to keep the color from going everywhere, and will give you the best application.

Now, on to the swatches!

Lip Tar in Plum. A really pretty lavender shade. I like this for a more natural look with just a hint of trendy color.

Lip Tar in Pageant. This color is HOT! Not for the shy, this color is perfect for a wild night out with the girls!

The great thing about Lip Tar is that you can easily mix and match colors to create new ones. Here I mixed Plum and Pageant to create a mauve color.

Lip Tar in NSFW (Not Safe For Work) has got to be one of the sexiest lip colors I've ever worn! This bright, sexy red is sure to bring you attention. Love it!

I'll be wearing Lip Tar in Vintage all season! This is also a very sexy color, and I love how vampy it is. Very film noir!

This is a great wine color I created by mixing NSFW and Vintage. Very sophisticated, no?

I think I'll be picking up the other colors in the collection for my kit, because I think my clients will love these as much as I do! Give these sexy little Lip Tars a try, your lips will thank you!

Guest Blogger: Monica's Top 5 Hair Tips

2009-10-19T18:36:00.009-05:00

By now you all know that I love spilling the beans on my fave beauty tips. I've got the scoop on skincare, makeup, and nails for days. But when I've got a major hair problem (like growing out this tired hair color...), I turn to my good friend and personal hair expert Monica. In all the years that I've known her, she's always had gorge hair, and today Monica will be sharing her top 5 tips to keep your hair healthy this winter. Enjoy!

Monica’s Top Five Hair Tips

People are always asking me how I maintain such a luxurious mane. I don’t have any magic powers, nor do I spend countless hours a day working on my hair. I just have some secrets with products and technique that make for a good hair regimen that’s maintainable and gets results.

With winter approaching, it’s important to pay extra special attention to your hair. If you live in a cold climate, you will definitely want to employ some hair care strategies to ensure your hair doesn’t dry out and fall out.

Here are my top five tips to build strength, and maintain or build the overall health and appearance of your hair.

100 strokes, three times per week will help build your hair’s muscles, so to speak. If you’ve ever seen The Brady Bunch: The Movie, Marsha brushed her hair 100 strokes every day. Brushing your hair builds strength just like lifting weights does for the biceps. Brushing not only makes your hair stronger, but over time, will reduce breakage and add natural shine. Ever notice how shiny a horse’s coat is? It’s because they are brushed with a soft bristled brush at least once a week.

How to: Part hair into four quadrants. Start with a soft boar bristled brush and swiftly brush from root to ends about 15-25 times per quadrant. Make sure your brush doesn’t have broken or split bristles. You should replace your brush about every 90 days along with your toothbrush. Brushes with split or missing bristles will cause stress to the hair and extra breakage.

Always secure your hair with a silk/satin head wrap/bonnet at night to keep the hair from drying out and rubbing against your bed linens. Never use cotton scarves or other synthetic materials on your hair at night; they will only dry the hair and cause breakage. With winter approaching, you will want to make sure your hat/scarf set is not wool, polyester or acrylic. These fibers dry the hair and literally rub it out from the hair line. If you choose to wear a wool coat, make sure you have a silk fibered scarf around the collar. You should also limit wearing turtle neck sweaters made of wool or acrylic.

How to: Make sure you moisturize your hair with a silk fibered lotion before applying your head wrap. Try Chi’s Silk Infusion if you don’t already have a silk moisturizer you like to use. Not a fan of head wraps? Buy silk/satin pillow cases.

Add a cap full of vodka to your shampoo if your hair lacks luster. If you feel like your hair just doesn’t shine, adding a little of your favorite top shelf vodka to your shampoo will coat the hair and give it a little shine boost.

How to: Pour a cap full of vodka into your shampoo bottle and shake it for about 2 minutes to make sure it mixes well. Use shampoo, followed by conditioner as directed.

Make sure you are using the right foundation products for your hair type and processes. If you have color or any other chemical process, be sure you are using product for color treated/chemically processed hair. Try to avoid mixing processes. For example, if you have a relaxer, avoid lifting your hair more than three levels. Once you get into lighter shades of blondes, you will stress your hair. Proper setting lotions and moisturizers are imperative to the finishing of your styling. If you have the right foundation, you won’t need to use so many finishing products when you style.

How to: Always wash your hair in warm water and shampoo at least two times. You should consider using a deep conditioner for about 10 minutes once per week and a leave-in conditioner on the other washes in the week. If you feel your hair is dry and lifeless, try some cholesterol (Proclaim makes a cholesterol formula available at Sally Beauty for less than $5). You can also beat a couple eggs, as if you were about to scramble them and use the batter as a conditioner for your hair. Make sure you wash it out in lukewarm water…or else you’ll cook the eggs!

Always blow dry on medium or low heat. Excessive heat will dry your hair out and strip the moisturizers your shampoo and conditioner have set in the hair shaft. You should also make sure you are using a ceramic blow dryer with a cool shot (Ion makes a fabulous blow dryer for around $60 available at Sally Beauty). If you have medium to course hair, you should consider using a hooded dryer to avoid stripping the hair’s moisture. It will also allow the hair to set straighter with less frizz.

Use of ceramic styling tools is a must. Flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers should be ceramic plated with infrared technology. Ceramic tools prevent your hair from burning while styling (FHI makes a fabulous ceramic flat iron for around $85).

How to: After shampoo and conditioning, start with the blow dryer on low or medium heat and allow the hair to free flow to release most of the water. Hair is weakest when it’s wet, so avoid pulling with styling tools until the hair is at least 80% dry. Once hair is mostly dry, use a round or paddle brush to straighten the hair. Once your hair is completely dry, use the cool shot to seal in moisture before using styling tools.

Want more Monica? Catch her on her open letter blog at ThisMayConcernYou.com.

MAC Posessed by Pink Lip Kit

2009-10-19T12:09:00.004-05:00

I opened my inbox this morning to see a email from MAC, debuting their much anticipated holiday collection.

What stood out for me were all the palettes MAC is offering this holiday season. Palettes for the face, eyes and lips fill the collection, but I was most excited to see the Possesed by Pink Lip Kit, $22.50.

These luscious berry shades were made to be worn on deeper skin tones! From caramel to cocoa, I guarantee that any brown skinned babe will look amazing in these fabulous colors! I can't wait to get my hands on this adorable kit. I'll be wearing it out with the girls, to holiday parties, and everywhere in between!

Photos: MAC.com and Temptalia.com

Mizani Botanifying Shampoo & Moisturefuse Conditioner

2009-10-16T10:21:00.005-05:00

Um, where have I been? My dream shampoo and conditioner have been sitting under my nose for years and I never bothered to try them out! What was my problem?!

At the insistence of my friend and personal hair guru Monica (check out her fab open letter blog here), I decided to give Mizani a try after all these years. I mean, I had nothing to lose. My current shampoo and conditioner weren't hitting it, and my dry, color-treated hair was starting to look a mess.

Mizani has quite an extensive line-up, so I went for the Botanifying Conditioning Shampoo, $8.80 and the Moisturefuse Moisturizing Conditioner, $9.99. The Botanifying shampoo got my hair really clean without stripping it of its natural moisture. My hair had lots of slip and actually felt moisturized! I followed up with the Moisturefuse conditioner and was equally impressed. After leaving it on for just a few minutes my hair felt like it had received a deep conditioning treatment. My hair is now shiny, soft and healthy and I couldn't be more pleased! Who knew all this could come from a shampoo and conditioner?

I also love the affordability of these items, plus they're easy to find at your local salon or beauty supply store. Definitely give these a whirl when your hair is craving moisture. You'll thank me for it!

Hit The Stage With Queen Latifah and Cover Girl!

2009-10-15T09:28:00.006-05:00

Queen Latifah is one of my Hollywood faves and she's been on fire lately with the release of her new fragrance and upcoming album "Persona". Now she and Cover Girl Queen Collection want you to get in on the fab! Check out the deets from the press release!

Queen Latifah fans – get ready for your chance to make it big! The superstar is hitting the road for her latest tour to promote her newest album “Persona” and she wants to find five talented women who have what it takes to be her opening act. The lucky five will also have the opportunity to star in a national print ad for COVERGIRL Queen Collection. Females over the age of 13 can log on to Cover Girl to upload a one-minute video performance featuring anything from rapping to singing. Along with a video, entrants will be asked to submit an essay that describes in 250 words or less why they deserve to ‘Ignite Their Persona.’

How fab is that! Not only do you get to share the stage with the Queen herself, but you get to glam it up in a Cover Girl Queen Collection ad! To enter or for more info, visit this link! Good luck!

Skin Saver: Renee Rouleau Skin Care

2009-10-14T09:42:00.003-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to test out some products from boutique skin care line Reneè Rouleau. I first heard about the line from beauty blog ThisThatBeauty, where the Editor Felicia adores the products. My curiosity was piqued, so when I had the chance to try out some items from the line, I jumped at the opportunity!

Two products really stood out for me and made a real difference in my skin. The Micro Crystal Cream, $37.50 and the Glycolic Serum 17%, $41.50. The Micro Crystal Cream is probably the most gentle, but effective, scrub I've ever tried. The aluminum crystals provide a microdermabrasion-like exfoliation, but they're cushioned in a gentle cream that keeps them from being too harsh.

The Glycolic Serum 17% is also amazing. I apply it at night, and I swear I wake up with clearer, less congested skin. Any visibly clogged pores I have are diminished overnight and I wake up with more even toned skin.

The only downside to the products is that they are a bit pricey and the sizes are rather small. Fortunately, discount codes are offered regularly, so I would sign up for the email list and follow Reneè on Twitter (@ReneeRouleau) to keep updated.

Together these products are like a one-two punch for my skin, and get me glowing in no time! I loved these products and I know that my skin will only get better with continued use. Give them a try!

The Artist Summit 2009 Wrap-Up

2009-10-13T10:06:00.015-05:00

I'm back from my amazing weekend at The Artist Summit Chicago, presented by The Powder Group! The people I met and the things that I learned are so immeasurable, I don't know where to begin!

The Artist Summit is all about education for makeup artists of all levels, and they certainly didn't disappoint. I was able to take classes on everything from eye lashes and airbrush makeup, to makeup detailing and building a pro makeup kit. Even the business aspect of the makeup industry was covered, as well holistic methods to keep sane in an often insane business.

Not only were these classes unlike any beauty education I've ever experienced, but they were taught by the BEST makeup pros in the industry. I was able to take classes with artists like Danessa Myricks, Daven Mayeda and Crystal Wright to name just a few. I was pleasantly surprised at how open and accessible these artists were. It was extremely encouraging to encounter artist of their caliber being so willing to share their knowledge and expertise. So, I'd like to introduce you to some of the key people I met at The Artist Summit.

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting and taking classes from The Powder Group founder Michael DeVellis (at left). A former Executive Director of Artist Relations at MAC, Michael left MAC to create The Powder Group. His passion for the beauty industry and makeup artists was palpable, and his passion was infectious. Michael's classes were truly inspiring, and each time I left him I felt empowered to make bolder, stronger business decisions for this site and my career as a makeup artist.

I was thrilled to meet and take classes from phenomenal makeup artist James Vincent. James is not only a key makeup artist for Make Up For Ever and Lead Artist at The Powder Group, but he is also a celebrity makeup artist whose work has been seen recently on Lady Gaga, Liv Tyler, American Idol and tons more. He was a veritable wealth of information, and was as kind as he was knowledgeable.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Kevin-James Bennett of Make Up For Ever. Kevin is the Director of Pro-Business Development & Artist Relations at Make Up For Ever, and is the mastermind behind many of their innovative products.

I swoon for Make Up For Ever (you know how I feel about their HD Invisible Foundation!), so it was great to spend time with Kevin. Be on the lookout for a review of their newest HD product that I scooped up at the summit in the coming weeks!

The best part of the weekend for me was getting to meet some of my favorite beauty bloggers. I admire these women and what they've accomplished, so it was a real treat to spend time with Lianne of The Makeup Girl, Patrice of Afrobella and Felicia of ThisThatBeauty (at left). They were incredibly sweet and open to sharing their experiences as pro bloggers. I hope to see them, and all the other bloggers I met, again at The Powder Group's next event!

Overall, I had an amazing time at The Artist Summit and I strongly encourage any aspiring or working makeup artist, beauty blogger or makeup enthusiast to attend the next summit. I guarantee you that you will walk away with more than you ever anticipated!

I'll be posting more of what I learned, who I met and what I purchased at The Artist Summit over the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

The Artist Summit 2009, Here I Come!

2009-10-09T09:39:00.004-05:00

Hey beauty babes! This weekend I'll be in Chicago at the Artist Summit, a three day gathering of the beauty industry's best makeup artists and beauty pros.

I'll be in tons of workshops learning all the latest tips and trends from the best of the best. Not only will I be in full beauty education mode, but I'll be having tons of fun meeting up with some of the webs best beauty bloggers.

Wanna be in on the good times? Follow my Twitter, because I'll be posting all the beauty goodness all day, every day!

I'll be back to our regularly scheduled blogging program on Tuesday. Until then, be sure to follow my Twitter for fab updates. In the Chicago area? Stop by the Artist Summit and say hello!

Beauty Review: YSL Parisienne

2009-10-08T10:56:00.004-05:00

Bombshells, I am increasingly becoming a fragrance fanatic. First, Michael Kors and Halle Berry rocked my fragrance world this year with delicious new fragrances, now YSL is taking the cake with their hella sexy (yes, I said hella) new fragrance Parisienne.

When I received YSL Parisienne, $39 the other day I wasn't sure what to expect from a fragrance from YSL, but I certainly wasn't expecting to fall in fragrance love so quickly. I love musky, woody, sensual fragrances, and Parisenne delivers that and more. Not only does it deliver the sexy, smoldering qualities I love in a fragrance, but it also delivers a hint of sweet roses as well. How it manages to be both woody and floral at the same time is beyond me, but I'm not complaining!

My only complaint is that it can fade pretty fast, so you'll want to layer it with the matching body lotion. Overall, YSL Parisienne is young, sexy and flirty, perfect for a bombshell!

Cover Girl: Serena Williams Covers ESPN

2009-10-07T11:38:00.002-05:00

Um, wow. Serena Williams looks amazing on the cover of the current issue of ESPN magazine!

Not only does her body look incredible, but her glam hair and makeup are fab too! I'm glad to see her beauty be recognized. Get it Serena!

Photo: TheYBF.com

Cover Girls: Jourdan Dunn and Chanel Iman Cover Teen Vogue

2009-10-07T09:15:00.006-05:00

Two of my fave supermodels in the making, Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn are gracing the cover of the November issue of Teen Vogue. They look amazing and I am loving the red lip they're serving (Seriously. I demand to know what it is...)! Check out some snippets of their interview:

"It's competition," Jourdan says. "There aren't a lot of us, but instead of sticking together, we're pitted against each other. People will say things in Chanel's ear like, 'Jourdan is taking your spot,' and then they'll say to me, 'Don't trust Chanel.'"

A large part of the problem stems from the ridiculous idea that there's only room for one. Chanel says, "You're being told, 'So and so is only booking one black girl. It's either you or Jourdan,' So we'll be sitting in the lobby looking at each other like, 'Okay, I want this job, and she wants it too. Which one of us is going to get it?'"

I just may have to pick this issue up! The photos alone are gorge, no? For more of the interview, go to TeenVogue.com.

Photos: StyleByMe

Twitter Contest: Free Hairstyle at the An'jels Hair Salon!

2009-10-05T10:35:00.004-05:00

Hey Bombshells!

My girl, The Socialite, editor of uber fabulous blog Keeping Up With The Huxtables (do you not love that name?!), is hosting an amazing Twitter contest for her NYC area readers.

The Socialite recently had the pleasure of getting her hair styled by the expert stylists at An'jels Salon in NYC, and is teaming up with the salon to give one lucky reader a free hair style at the salon! Not only is the salon Black owned (keep it in the family, y'all!), but they offer "high-end services and treatments, individually catered to each client's specific needs." The stylists specialize in styling relaxed, natural and pressed hair, as well as twists, locks, and weaves.

Sounds fab right? Ok, here's how to enter:

1. Follow @imkeepingup on Twitter.

2. Tweet the following message: Just entered to win a free hair style by An'jels hair salon in New York. Just follow @imkeepingup and retweet.

3. follow @anjelsalon on twitter to get beauty tips and salon promotions!

The contest will end on October 13th!

Winners will be selected and announced on Keeping Up With The Huxtables on October 14th on the blog. You will have 24 hours to claim the free appointment, or it will be given to someone else.

Good Luck!

For more visit http://www.anjelssalon.com/

Hyper Luxe Weekend Roundup

2009-10-02T14:45:00.001-05:00

The Beauty Chick reviews Chella Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask.

A La Mer "addict," Best Things in Beauty tried out the new The Hydrating Facial.

Beauty Junkies Unite highlights some of the best beauty products for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Brown Suga has details on a new mascara that eliminates mascara waste.

Denim Debutante has the latest on one of the newest sample sale sites: Row Nine.

Fabulous Over Forty interviews famous makeup artist Sandy Linter and she offers wonderful advice.

Ferohhhsh Beauty 411: Tackling Tired Eyes.

A Few Goody Gumdrops has the perfect Fall find.

The Gloss Menagerie is thinking of trying a CVS beauty knockoff.

Gouldylox Reviews round up of the best in cosmetics whose sales benefit Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Hot Beauty Health shows you her love for fashion and technology with Microsoft's stylish phone themes.

The Informed Makeup Maven shares here Best Complexion Beauty Buys for 2009.

Krasey Beauty reviews and swatches all of the amazing fall MAC collections.

Marina from Makeup4all tells you everything you wanted to know about London Fashion Week.

The Makeup Snob wants you to check out the neutral side of Style Black!

theNotice celebrated its 2nd blogiversary, and you're all invited to do an audio tag!

Prime Beauty is loving L'oreal Colour Riche Anti-Aging Serum Lipstick.

Sicka Than Average's Fall Fragrance Extravaganza!

Go Ahead, Honey: Take a Chance. Break out of a basic wardrobe with tips from The Style and Beauty Doctor.

Visit our website for more information about The HLMN or how to become an affiliate.

New Black Barbies: Hit or Miss?

2009-10-02T09:47:00.010-05:00

As a little girl I was a lover of all things Barbie. Though Mattel had made strides by the 80s to be more culturally inclusive, I often felt that the most fabulous Barbies were Caucasian, and the African American Barbies were often a sidekick (ie the Christie dolls). As if they were created as an afterthought. This is why I relished the African American Holiday Barbie I knew I would receive every Christmas. She was the most glamorous of all the Barbie's I owned, and her fabulousness seemed to be reserved for once a year.

Well now little Black girls may not have to wait until Christmas for a trendy Black Barbie . This week Mattel announced the release of a new line of Black Barbies called So In Style. The line is meant to be a more accurate representation of Black facial features and body types. Here's a bit of the press release:

So In Style™ (S.I.S.™) was developed and inspired by Barbie® designer of 12 years, Stacey McBride-Irby, an African-American mother of two who wanted to create a line of dolls more reflective of her daughter and community.

The So In Style™ line features Grace™, Kara™ and Trichelle™ dolls, three best friends who are all about fashion, fun and friendship. Each of the dolls features its own unique personality and style and reflects one of three varying skin tones. The S.I.S.™ line also introduces a mentoring theme; each doll is accompanied by a smaller doll or “little sister” and has different interests – from music and math to science and drill team. The big and little sister dolls are meant to introduce and inspire girls with mentoring themes.

“I believe that a happy inspired childhood creates happy, inspired, powerful women,” said McBride-Irby. “I want my new So In Style dolls to not only be an authentic representation of my community and culture, but to also encourage girls to be inspired and dream big.”

As soon as I read this, I was slightly suspicious of what these "accurate" faces and bodies would look like. Apparently some Black parents aren't too pleased with the idea of the dolls and feel that they perpetuate stereotypes. I since seen pics of the dolls and now I'm not sure what I think.

Take a look for yourself:

The dolls are cute and all, and I can tell an obvious difference in their faces (and possibly their hips?). I could be reaching here, but I'm not crazy about the little dolls. I know they're supposed to be like little sisters and all, but these dolls look like they're toting around babies. Riiight.

I don't know, what do you think? Do you feel these dolls are any more "accurate" than traditional Barbies, or do they still look the same to you? I'm dying to know!

Source: TheYBF

Chris Rock, Oprah and Solange Talk "Good Hair"

2009-10-01T13:17:00.004-05:00

In case you missed yesterday's Oprah (like me), here is some footage of Chris Rock, Solange and Oprah talking Black hair. Take a look!

And actress Nia Long hit up Chelsea Lately to talk "Good Hair" as well.

I can't WAIT till this film comes out! "Good Hair" hits theaters October 23rd.

Jimmy Choo for H&M Makeup Session

2009-10-01T09:32:00.007-05:00

As you've probably heard by now, luxe shoe brand Jimmy Choo will be releasing a collection in H&M stores debuting on November 14th. I am SICK that I won't be near an H&M that day, because the collection is to die for. Seriously. Who would have thought that Jimmy Choo and H&M would team up? Ugh, the agony!

While I try to console myself, check out this video of a makeup session for the new Jimmy Choo/H&M ads.

If you've haven't seen any pics of the collection, feast your eyes!

What do you think? Are you waiting on pins and needles for the collection?

Beauty Lust: Sephora Blockbuster Palette 2009

2009-09-29T09:25:00.005-05:00

I'm seriously lusting after Sephora's new Ultimate Blockbuster Palette, $48! Every year Sephora releases a new palette, with each one getting bigger and better. And 2009's palette takes the beauty cake!

This monster set includes 102 eyeshadows, 3 blushes, 60 lip glosses, 2 lip liner pencils, 3 eye liner pencils, and 6 cream eye liners. Whew!

There's no limit to the number of looks you can create with this kit! Is there any wonder why I'm lusting after it?

Will you be picking this up?

5 Essential Makeup Brushes

2009-09-28T09:31:00.003-05:00

So, you've spent time and money building a makeup kit that would make any makeup junkie swoon, and you think you're all set.

Not so fast! Any beauty maven must have a set of quality makeup brushes for the most flawless application. Wondering what tools are a must have for your beauty kit?

Well, look no further! I've got the beauty scoop!

Foundation Brush - The foundation of any great beauty look (pardon the pun!), a foundation brush is the key to applying your base with professional results. Unlike sponges, foundation brushes don't absorb your makeup, so more of it ends up on your face. Not sucked up in your sponge.
Powder Brush - To complete any flawless base, apply your powder with a powder brush to achieve an even finish. Apply all over for a more matte look, apply on just the T-Zone for a more dewey look.
Blush Brush - The only way to keep blush looking natural, a good blush brush is essential. Look for one that's not too big or too small, and you'll have naturally flushed looking cheeks in no time!
Eyeshadow Brush - To apply your base eye color, look for a shadow brush that is slightly fluffy and not too skinny.
Crease Brush - Essential to adding dimension to your eye makeup, a crease brush is the perfect tool to add depth.

With these 5 makeup brushes, you'll be applying your makeup like a pro in no time!

Beauty Roundup: VH1 Hip Hop Honors

2009-09-25T09:08:00.004-05:00

Sigh. I hesitated to even do a post on VH1 Hip Hop Honors. I mean, the male dominated foolery that is is show is hardly a hotbed for A-List beauty looks. Am I a bit biased? Yes. Do I care? Not really.

However, I was able to spot a few hip hop and R&B divas sporting some noteworthy looks, so here it is, the Beauty Roundup!

For me, Eve had the best beauty look of the night. Her smoky purple eye, super lush lashes and glossy pink lip proved to be both pretty and edgy. This look is definitely one we should all try this fall!

Chrisette Michelle stuck with her usual look, so she didn't wow me with her hair or makeup. But she did look cute as always.

Foxy, oh Foxy. I was diggin' her simple but pretty makeup until she threw those "lash feathers" into the mix. They don't even appear to be placed correctly! One false blink and one of those suckers could have ended up on the red carpet. Extra. Just extra...

Ashanti is still rocking her faux sidehawk (*side eye*), and her makeup was gorge. A colored smokey eye and light colored lip was clearly the look of the night, and Ashanti wore it well!

So what do you think? Did the ladies represent and bring some glamour to the show, or did they fall subject to the foolery of the night?

Prescriptives Going Out Of Business

2009-09-24T10:47:00.002-05:00

Well, ladies. This less than stellar economy has taken a major toll on the beauty industry. Estlee Lauder has announced that it is closing the doors on beauty brand Prescriptives. Unbelievable, right?! Well, retail distribution will officially end on January 31, 2010, so hurry in for your fave products and custom blended makeup before it's gone for good!

Presriptives, we will miss thee!

10 Tips To Keep You Blemish Free

2009-09-23T09:35:00.003-05:00

Hey Chicas!

For the rest of the week I'll be sharing some of my personal beauty tips to keep you looking your best! Today, I'll be focusing on keeping your skin clear and blemish free.

Here are 10 simple things you can do to achieve clear skin!

Don't Touch! Touching your face can spread whatever germs and bacteria are on your hands onto your face, creating nasty pimples.
Wash Your Makeup Brushes. Germs can be transferred from your brushes to your makeup, and then to your face. So wash your brushes at least once a week. I like to use baby shampoo. It's cheap, effective, gentle and easy to find.
Change those pillowcases! Dirt, oil and skin care products can accumulate in your pillowcases, so make sure to change them at least once a week to keep your skin clear.
Cover your hair while you sleep. Wearing a satin scarf or bonnet not only preserves your hairstyle, but it keeps hair products and oils from making it to your pillow case, which can cause breakouts.
Keep greasy hair products from your bangs and hairline. Wondering why your forehead is breaking out? It could be caused from oily hair products you're using on your bangs and hairline. Be cautious when applying these products.
Use products for your skin type. Just because your Auntie swears by a certain skin care line, or your friend with the gorgeous skin uses a certain product, that doesn't mean that product was meant for you. Look for products that are for blemish prone skin and contain ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid.
Be gentle. Avoid products containing alcohol, menthol, eucalyptus, and other similar irritants like the plague. Drying your skin out is not the answer! Your skin will only produce more oil to make up for it. Plus, irritated, peeling skin is never a good look!
Exfoliate but don't go crazy. Exfoliating away dead skin cells is a must when battling breakouts, but using harsh scrubs and beating your face like it stole something is not the answer! Avoid apricot scrubs or any "natural" scrub that contains jagged bits of seeds, etc. Go for a scrub with smooth beads instead.
Clean your cellphone! We're constantly texting, talking and Twittering on our phones. Is there any wonder why they're a breeding ground for germs? Wipe down your phone with alcohol every couple of days to keep from breaking out on the sides of your face.
Know when to see a professional. If you've been battling breakouts on your own with little or no success, it's time to bring in a pro. Dermatologists can provide more effective treatments and products that you can't get over the counter, and are experts when it comes to skin. I have always had a dermatologist on speed dial, and anyone concerned about her skin should have one on call too.

Essie Fall Collection 2009

2009-09-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Ladies, meet my new beauty obsession! I am so obsessed with the Essie Fall Collection 2009 right now it's ridiculous. I love fall shades and this collection is giving us creamy fall neutrals, with just the right pops of color to keep things interesting.

My fave shades are Mink Muffs, Midnight Cami (created in honor of the newly released Mercedes Benz E Class) and Angora Cardi, which is why I'll be picking up the 4 Piece Mini Collection, $17. It has my fave 3 shades in mini sizes, so I know they won't go to waste. If all six shades tickle your fancy, pick up the entire full-sized Fall 2009 Collection for $48.

Beauty Roundup: 2009 Emmy Awards

2009-09-21T10:02:00.008-05:00

I didn't catch the Emmy's last night, but you know I had to scope out the red carpet beauty! Overall the beauty looks were a little underwhelming, but a few bombshells managed to stand out. Check 'em out!

Vanessa Williams gave up her usual glam last night. I'm loving her brown-based smokey eye and mauve lip. A great look for us brown girls!

Chandra Wilson looked lovely last night. It's always nice to see her out of her Grey's Anatomy scrubs! It looks like she's either growing her hair out or she added a few extensions for the evening. Either way, I'm feeling the extra body and curls!

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes won my award for most glam look of the night. Her hair sported 40s style waves, and her golden eye makeup and bright red lip were total old Hollywood glamour! This is her best red carpet look yet!

Who was the most fab of the night? Vote!

Photos: TheYBF.com and Essence.com

Beauty Steals and Deals: Kevin Aucoin Beauty 60%Off!

2009-09-17T11:08:00.002-05:00

Beauty deals like this come once in a lifetime! Score beauty legend Kevin Aucoin's ultra luxe cosmetics line for 60% off over at Hautelook.com!

We're talking $10 makeup, people! Get thy self over to the sale fast before everything sells out!

Beyoncè Set to Launch Her Own Fragrance

2009-09-16T13:16:00.004-05:00

Well, we knew this was coming. Beyoncè, aka Sasha Fierce is set to release her own fragrance next year.

You may recall that B was the face of fragrances for Giorgio Armani and Tommy Hilfiger in the past, but this time Mrs. Carter will create this scent with the fragrance gurus at Coty, Inc. (the fragrance corporation known for creating pretty much every celebrity fragrance in the last several years including scents from J.Lo, Halle Berry and Sarah Jessica Parker).

Her statement: “For me, fragrance reflects a woman’s attitude and unique sense of style,” said Beyonce. “While I love various perfumes, I haven’t found a scent that truly personifies me as a woman. Working with Coty, I was able to turn my ideal fragrance into a reality by creating an alluring and sophisticated fragrance; one that’s reflective of my inner power. It’s a true privilege to be working with Coty and I can’t wait to share this personal side of me with fans all across the world.”

The yet unnamed fragrance will be released in North America and South America in early 2010, and is planned to be released in Europe and other markets later in the year.

I'll definitely be giving this a sniff! Will you be giving Beyoncè fragrance a try?

Source: TheYBF

Beauty Review: Neosporin Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy

2009-09-16T09:51:00.004-05:00

I LOVE Neosporin! I know, it's totally random, but it's a total cure-all for a klutz like me.

You may not think of Neosporin as a beauty product, but I keep several tubes in my beauty stash. It's perfect if you have a run-in with a hot flat iron, pick too much at a pimple or nick yourself shaving. Seriously, it once saved my upper lip during a self-waxing session gone wrong.

So imagine my delight when I found out that Neosporin was coming out with a new product just for lips! I picked up the Daily Hydration Therapy SPF 20, $5 last week and have been testing it out.

First, the positives. It really does impart moisture into your lips. My lips instantly feel softer, but if yur lips are chapped it will take a few days of consistent wear to get smoother lips.

One thing that takes getting used to is the consistency of this product, because it's unlike any other lip product I've tried before. Think of it as a lotion for your lips. Yes, lotion! It's going to take a little getting used to, but its actually a positive because it sinks right into your lips. But don't apply too much or your lips will look white.

I also love that this lip cream comes with a sunscreen of SPF 20! You never have to worry about sun damage to your lips with this! The only think I didn't care for was the taste. It has the faint taste of castor oil even though there's none in here. But it does fade away, so this probably wouldn't stop me from purchasing this again.

There is also a nighttime lip treatment product that I'll be trying next. This is a great, inexpensive lip moisturizer that will be perfect for the cold winter months ahead!

Carol's Daughter and Disney Team Up

2009-09-15T11:05:00.005-05:00

Hey Bombshells! Today's post is for all the baby bombshells!

I super excited about the new Disney film "The Princess and the Frog", out this fall. This will be the first time that a Disney princess is African American! The film takes place in the bayous of New Orleans, and Princess Tiana is voiced by Brown Bombshell Anika Noni Rose of Dreamgirls fame.

To mark this momentous occasion, Disney has teamed up with Carol's Daughter to release a limited edition collection of bath and hair products for all the little African American princesses out there! The collection will include a shampoo, conditioner, detangler and bubble bath, all with images of Princess Tiana on the bottle!

I've not had the best experience with Carol's Daughter products, but I remember what it was like when I was a little girl and none of the Disney princess merchandise I wanted looked like me. So I know how important it will be for little brown girls to see a pretty brown princess on their bottle of bubble bath!

The products will be out later this fall, and the film will be released in December. Check out the trailer below.

Fab or Drab: MTV VMA Awards

2009-09-14T09:28:00.008-05:00

Last night the stars were out at the VMA awards, and while there was much tomfoolery (*Kanye*), there were also a lot of gorge celeb divas working some interesting looks. Let's check 'em out!

Beyoncè went for a VERY natural look, so there's not much beauty-wise to report (however, the lace front of her lace front wig is killing me).

Solange went for a a daring mod look. Heavily rimmed eyes, super defined brows and a frosty pink lip. And I'm still loving her hair!

In my opinion, Keri Hilson, aka Ms. Keri Baby, looked STUNNING! Her bronzed smokey eye and nude lip were gorgeous, and I'm loving the deeper shade of brown in her bangs.

Alicia Keys looked both elegant and glam with her bronzed skin, glossy red lip and lush lashes. Love it!

So, who was Fab and who was Drab? Vote!

NYC Fashion Week Spring 2010!

2009-09-11T14:00:00.003-05:00

Hey ladies!

Fashion week is officially underway! I wasn't able to make it to the tents this go 'round (this problem will be alleviated by the fall shows in February. Trust.), so I'm bringing the tents to you!

All my fashionista bombshells out there can check back here for all the latest pics and video of the shows, plus up-to-the-minute Twitter feeds from my beauty and fashion blogging sisters at the shows and parties!

Check it out!

The Bombshell Files: Kina

2009-09-10T09:33:00.006-05:00

Hey Bombshells!

I'm super excited to introduce our next featured Brown Bombshell, Kina of Kansas City, MO (my hometown!). Let's find out a little more about this bombshell, shall we?

Name: Kina

Age: 27

What Makes You A Brown Bombshell? I am a 27 year old fly wife and super mom to two gorgeous boys from Kansas City, MO.

I embody all things fabulous! While I am a domestic engineer ;) , I also freelance as a stylist, an up and coming blogger, and am on the path to open my own clothing boutique in my area.

I am a Jack & Jill/PTA/soccer/football/baseball/basketball mom, and you would think I wouldn't have the time for me. But I make the time with all things girly. I love like makeup, shoes, clothing, bags, accessories, facial cleaners and more.

What three beauty products can't you live without? Aveeno Positvely Radiant cleansing pads, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion & Clinique facial soap.

What's your go-to outfit when you want to bring out your inner bombshell? A lot of my outfits bring out my inner bombshell, but when I throw on my Aldo Ameling shoes, my inner bombshell comes out on stage! Who is your favorite Brown Bombshell? Beyonce. I just love the fact that she has her own. She is so driven, beautiful, talented & fabulous.

What else should we know about you? My family is my life. I have wanted to move away from Kansas City since I was 18, but I am so close to my family that I know I would be sick without them!

Thanks to Kina for sharing! If you think you're a Brown Bombshell (as you should, you sexy thang you!), send me an email to brownbombshellbeauty@gmail.com telling me why!

Smooches!

Beauty Review: L'Oreal Telescopic Exploision Mascara

2009-09-09T10:18:00.006-05:00

I opened my mailbox yesterday to find L'Oreal's new Telescopic Explosion Mascara waiting for me! This marks the second drugstore brand to create an inexpensive version of a unique department store mascara.

First Maybelline came out with a vibrating mascara to match Lancome's, and now L'Oreal has come out with a mascara with a spherical brush to match Givenchy's Phemonem'Eyes Mascara for a whopping $24.

Check them out side by side. L'Oreal's wand is a lot longer and thinner.
It was rather flimsy and I found my self wishing for a sturdier wand.
As you can see, Givenchy's wand is much shorter. I haven't tried this
mascara, but I would imagine it makes for a much easier, less messy
application.

Ok, so this is my lashes with no mascara. Not much going on, right?

This is my lashes with two coats of the Telescopic Explosion Mascara.
Pretty dramatic difference, huh? The round wand took a little getting
used to, but it was pretty easy to apply. It can be messy,
though, so practice is key.

It didn't get at all clumpy( the flash in the pic makes it look like it is),
but it's a few hours later and my lashes feel a
little crunchy. Overall, I was pleased with this mascara. If you're into
super long lashes, this will certainly deliver! I prefer a volumizing
mascara, but this gave me a satisfying fringe of lush lashes.

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara will hit stores in November (just in time for
holiday parties!) and will retail for about $9.50. I can see myself buying
a tube of this mascara, so definitely give it a try!

OPI Nail Polish in Here Today...Aragon Tommorrow

2009-09-08T09:31:00.012-05:00

Last week, I wrote about green being the hot new shade for fall.

Well, over the weekend I dabbled my new nail obsession and polished my nails with OPI polish in Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow a new shade from their new Espanol collection. Check it out!

With flash (sorry its a little blurry!). You can see the glossy green goodness of it all!

Without flash. Looks a little darker, almost can't distinguish that it's green.

What do we think?

DERMAdoctor Flagship Store Opening

2009-09-07T10:19:00.023-05:00

Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening of the flagship retail store of popular skin care line DERMAdoctor!

The store is located in the trendy Crossroads district of Kansas City, Missouri. The space is gorgeous and specializes in personalized skin care. Think of the store as an Apple store for skin!

I had the chance to have a Q&A session with Dr. Audrey Kunin, the founder of the line, and she gave me the scoop on the new store and what's next for DERMAdoctor.

Brown Bombshell Beauty: DERMAdoctor could have opened its flagship retail location anywhere in the country. Why Kansas City?

Dr. Kunin: Kansas City is DERMAdoctor's hometown and we're committed to this city. It was the ideal place to premier a retail store.

BBB: What will customers experience here that is different from other retail stores where DERMAdoctor is sold?

DK: The store is a continuation of DERMAdoctor skin care education. We started out educating clients through our website, and we'll continue that through the store.

The store is an interactive experience where you can read articles, product FAQs and be educated on various skin conditions. The Apple store and its interactive environment was an inspiration for us. Here at DERMAdoctor people will have a virtual dermatologist experience.

BBB: What else can DERMAdoctor fans expect? Are there any new products on the way or new plans plans for the DERMAdoctor brand?

DK: There are many new DERMAdoctor products in the works! Also, we're in talks with a major TV network to have our own television sales program. You can also expect to see more DERMAdoctor stores in other cities.

Check out more pics and video of the store!

Flat screen TVs that feature DERMAdoctor products and skin care info.

Product info computer stations.

Touch-screen computers where you can read product info, DERMAdoctor press, and more.

This Visia Complexion Analysis machine takes a scan of your skin and can tell you what's going on with you skin beneath the surface. It can detect sun damage, brown spots, uneven skin tone, and pimples before they make their way to the surface of your skin.

After the Visia analyzes your skin, it makes product recommendations to cut skin care problems off at the pass. Genius!

A display of DERMAdoctor's most popular products.

The complete DERMAdoctor line is available in the store, including products that were previously only available on the DERMAdoctor website (like my must-have Handy-Manun! Woo-hoo!)

Many thanks to Dr. Kunin and her amazing staff of estheticians for taking the time to show me around the store! If you're in the Kansas City area, you must visit this fab store at 1901 McGee, (816) 472-5700.

Fall Beauty Trends: Luxe Fragrance

2009-09-04T09:41:00.006-05:00

I've never been super into fragrances, what with my sensitive skin and all. But this season I'm feeling like indulging in a little fragrance!

I can't resist all the luxe fragrances that are debuting this Fall. Designers are releasing new versions of old favorites, as well as highly anticipated new fragrances. Many of these are limited edition, so you better rush to your fave fragrance counter.

Check out the Top 5 most anticipated fragrance releases for Fall!

1. I love the vintage feel of atomizers, and that reason alone makes my want to scoop up a bottle of the new and super exclusive Prada L'eau Ambree, $114. Sadly, my budget won't allow for the bottle with an atomizer, but there is a traditional bottle for $76. But no matter, because this modern take on amber, vanilla and citron sounds fab any way you spray it!

2. A bottle of Marc Jacobs Lola, $65, the follow up to the uber popular Daisy, would look amazing sitting on my vanity. Purple is my fave color, after all. But I think I might pick up a bottle of this sexy floral (A sexy floral. Only Marc Jacobs!) for my Mom, Lola! Hey, ma!

3. This Fall marks the 15th anniversary of Donna Karen's Cashmere Mist, and she's marking the occassion by releasing Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition,$70. I love a woody fragrance, and this warm, sensual fragrance may become a new favorite!

4. I love everything Stella McCartney creates. To me, she can do no wrong! I can't wait to get my little sniffer on a bottle of her new fragrance StellaNude, $43. Amoung its fresh, floral notes, it includes notes of moroccan rose, musk and grapefruit, three of my faves!

5. I had the chance to get a sneak preview of Michael Kors Very Hollywood, $45, and if I had to use one word to describe it, it would be "sparkling". I know, how very fragrance-y of me! But it really smells sparkly and feminine. How very Hollywood!

Are you in the market for a new fragrance this Fall? Will you be trying one of these or will you try out something else?

New Beauty Site: TheFairest.com

2009-09-03T13:00:00.006-05:00

Ladies,

I logged onto Twitter the other day morning to find out the most fabulous news! There is now a sample sale website EXCLUSIVELY for beauty products! *Cue my squeals of joy*

TheFairest.com is just like uber-popular sample sale sites Gilt.com, HauteLook.com and Ideeli.com, only its all beauty, all the time. Perfect for a beauty junkie like me! You can score BRAND NAME beauty products for up to 75% off!

This week alone they've had steals from Stila and super luxe skin care brand Jurlique. Today they just started a sale on Butter London nail polishes, a super chic line I've been dying to try for only $7 (can you say 50% off?). And there's more to come from Cosmedicine, Korres (a personal favorite of mine), Tarte and more!

The site also features its own blog, written by beauty blogging heavy hitters, like Patrice Yursik (Afrobella) and Julia Coney (All About the Pretty), who are two of my fave brown beauty bloggers! The site even has tons of product education, so you'll know all about the brands for sale before you buy!

The best part? The nice folks over at The Fairest are offering Brown Bombshell Beauty readers $10 off a $75 or more purchase! Just follow this link to sign up (it's FREE!) and enter code TFSHORE10 at checkout. You must follow the link to use the code!

What are you still doing here? Go forth and shop!

Fab or Drab: Ashanti's New Do

2009-09-03T11:04:00.016-05:00

Ashanti debuted a new, er, hair style last weekend. I guess this is the modified version of the "shave one side of your head" look every one is going crazy for these days.

I have to know. Was Ashanti
Fab or Drab?

Fall Beauty Trends 2009: Metallic Smokey Eye

2009-09-03T10:07:00.005-05:00

Hello my lovelies!

Surely you didn't think I would let a week about Fall beauty go by without spreading some smokey eye love! That's right. This season is all about the smokey eye. But instead of the same 'ole black and grey, this Fall's smokey eye is metallic!

I'm loving this decidedly 80s vibe, and truly appreciate the chic and sophisticated options that the beauty big wigs are serving up.

Go for metallic eye shadows in shades ranging from deep purple to forest green. Classic metallic shades like copper and gold are hot too, and pops of bright color like fuscia and mauve are sizzling on brown skin!

Rim your peepers with a smudge of creamy black liner and top with your favorite lash poppin' mascara to finish this new age smokey eye. Don't forget to pair this strong and sexy look with a simple nude lip!

Check out my fave picks!

1. YSL Water Resistant Cream Eyeshadow in Copper Brown, $28.50 I love a good cream eyeshadow!

2. Christian Siriano for Victoria's Secret Kajal Liner, $12 I tried this out last weekend and I love this crayon-like liner.

3. Chanel Soft Touch Eyeliner in Amethyst, $28.50 Purple is my fave color and this shade makes me swoon!

4. Christian Siriano for Victoria's Secret Silky Eyeshadow in Gilded Fierce, $12 Amazing color and luxe packaging for only 12 bucks? In Christian's own words, that's fierce!

5. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Chains, $16 I am dying for this forest green with a hint of gold!

6. Estee Lauder Limited Edition Signature Eyeshadow Quad in Rose Gold, $35 I'm really diggin' on the juicy pop of color these shades are serving!

Are any of these calling your name?