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Feature Friday :: Braxton Family Values

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Last season, I was really disappointed in the Braxton sisters hair and makeup choices (read Braxton Family Makeup Faux Pas). From the bad wigs, to the excessive amounts of blush, it all just seemed too over the top, and with divas like Toni and Tamar, I expected so much more.

Well, I finally peeped an episode of this season’s Braxton Family Values . I was happy to see some improvement with the sisters. It seems as though they learned a lot from last season — better wigs/weave, and they even toned down the heavy makeup, just a little. The award for most improved has to go to both with Towanda and Traci. Those two have come a LONG way.

Remember in the first season, Towanda was always rocking the two ponytails and/or micro minis and frosty eye shadow. Well, with season 2, Towanda has stepped it up with curly locs and opted for more warm and neutral tones.

Traci was all over the place during the first season. She was another fan of frosty eye shadow and her wigs just weren’t up-to-par as a professional cosmetologist. During this season, almost like an inconsistent boyfriend, sometimes she gets it right and the other times, well, she doesn’t.

All of the sisters looked fabulous during Toni’s induction to the Georgia Hall of Fame. Take a look at the episode:

What do you think?

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Categories : Beauty, Celebs, Commentary, video

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty, blush, Braxton Family Values, Celebs, Commentary, Feature Friday ::, Feature Friday :: Braxton Family Values, hair, Tamar, Toni Braxton, video

Michelle Obama in Barbara Tfank at the State of the Union

By Melissa · Comments (2)

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

First Lady, Michelle Obama looked absolutely stunning in a sapphire blue dress, by designer Barbara Tfank for the State of the Union address and as expected, the First Lady’s hair and makeup was flawless and chic as well.

If you can remember, during the Obama’s visit to Buckingham Palace last May, Mrs. Obama rocked a floral print dress from Tfank’s resort collection and in 2010, she donned an emerald green cocktail dress by the designer to an award ceremony.

Tfank begun her career as a costume designer and launched her clothing line at Barneys New York in 2001, forging a new modern opulence with a line of beautiful brocade cocktail coats and colorful, classically-shaped dresses in extraordinary textiles.

Check out more of Barbara Tfank’s Collection at http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2010RTW-BTFANK

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Categories : Celebs, Fashion

Tags : Auto Draft, Barbar Tfank, Celebs, Fashion, hair, Michelle Obama, Michelle Obama in Barbara Tfank at the State of the Union, State of the Union

Product Review Video :: Bobbi Brown’s Buffing Grains for Face

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Flaky, dry skin…welcome to Winter! The frigid temperature, harsh winds, with little moisture, can do damage to the skin. As you may have read in some of my previous posts, exfoliating plays a huge factor in fighting the winter skin blues.

I started using Bobbi Brown’s Buffing Grains for Face a few weeks away, twice a week. Buffing grains is formulated with Japanese Adzuki Bean Powder, which helps remove dry patches and encourages skin cell turnover. It’s also a 2-in-1, you can combine it with your cleanser or apply it with water. It comes in a .99 oz/28 g. glass bottle with a pour top and priced at $42.

Check out my review:

For more information about Buffing Grains for Face, visit www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

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Categories : Face, Review, skincare, video

Tags : adzuki bean, Auto Draft, dry skin, exfoliate, Face, product review, Product Review Video :: Bobbi Brown's Buffing Grain for Face, Product Review Video :: Bobbi Brown's Buffing Grains for Face, Review, skincare, tarte, Uncategorized, video

Feature Friday :: Zooey Deschanel’s Tuxdeo Nails Tutorial | President Obama “Let’s Stay Together” 2012

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Friday, January 20th, 2012

Happy Friday Beauties! It’s that time of the week again…Feature Friday! Check out our favs of the week.

President Obama serenaded a crowd at the Apollo Theater in Harlem Thursday evening, when he broke out with Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together”. The legendary soul singer was among the 1,400 in the audience cheering President Obama on.

I’m so in love with him! lol

Actress, Zooey Deschanel’s tuxdeo nails were a hit at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. If you’re looking to follow the trend, take a look at this tutorial from Pop Sugar TV on how to recreated the look at home.

Finally, if you’re looking to do something special for your loved one or even for yourself for Valentine’s Day and are in the DC area, Melanie Joy Photography is offering a Valentine’s Day Special, which includes: 1 hour photo session, makeup artist, retouched photos and a private online gallery for only $285.

The special ends on February 2nd. Email Melanie at mjoyphoto@yahoo.com to book your slot.

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Categories : Beauty, Beauty Tips, Celebs, nails, social networking

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty, Beauty Tips, Celebs, Feature Friday :: Zooey Deschanel's Tuxdeo Nails Tutorial | President Obama "Let's Stay Together" 2012, Melanie Joy Photography, nails, Pop Sugar, President Obama, social networking, Tuxedo nails, Youtube, Zooey Deschanel

Let Me Know It’s Real :: Should Digitally Manipulated Photos Be Banned?

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

The webosphere has been up and arms about Beyonce’s new album promotional ad, that apparently has her looking lighter than her usual skin tone . The new ad is a photo that’s being used to re-promote her “4″ album. In the photo, Beyonce is wearing a crochet bodysuit, with red lipstick, laying on a leopard print throw and looking pale.

Though studio lightening could be partial blame, this isn’t the first time white-washing has been a scandal for Beyonce. Back in 2008, the cosmetic company L’Oreal was under fire for digitally lightening Beyonce’s skin on advertisements.

Digitally lightening isn’t the only issue under scrutiny for the cosmetic giant. Just last year, L’Oreal was forced to pull Lancome ads featuring Julia Roberts and Christy Turlington, because critics claimed the images were overly airbrushed.

With so much emphasis on anti-aging and looking attractive, digital manipulation has become the norm, and only it intensifies the issue of perfection with women. Girls want perfect hair like Gwen Stefani and women want flawless skin like Andy MacDowell, just as they see in the ads.

Check out this spoof on photo manipulation

As a consumer and product junkie, I know that ads play a crucial part in the promotion and success of a product. When I see a mascara ad that promises length and volume, or my favorite celeb on a skincare ad promoting clear skin, I’ll admit, I’m on the bandwagon. I’m also willing to admit, I get pissed when the product doesn’t live up to the hype of what is advertised.

Should consumers start to hold advertisers accountable for their misleading ads?

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Categories : Celebs

Tags : anti-aging, Auto Draft, beyonce, celeb, Celebs, Digital Manipulation, hair, Jesse Rosten, Julia Roberts Lancome, Let Me Know It's Real :: Should Digitally Manipulated Photos Be Banned?, Lightening, lipstick, MAC, skincare, Vimeo, white washing

2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Favorites

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Monday, January 16th, 2012

Award shows are always fun to watch, yes to witness the winners, but most importantly to see who’s wearing what on the red carpet. From the hair, to the makeup to the gown, this year’s Golden Globe Awards there were many winners on the red carpet.

Angelina Jolie was my favorite for the night. She looked absolutely stunning in a body-hugging white Atelier Versace gown with a accent of red at the top, which perfectly matched her lips. Her makeup and hair were classic! Black winged eye, red lipstick and bun.

Reese Witherspoon went nude with her makeup selection, but there was nothing bland about the red mermaid style Zac Posen dress she rocked.

Claire Danes went modern in a black and white, J. Mendel dress. Loved the open back and her bold eye and lip color.

Nicole Richie banged it with a silver Julien Macdonald dress. Loved the black eyeliner and the hair!

At 47 years old, Elle Macpherson, killed it in this cream corset with a tulle underskirt gown by Zac Posen.

Kate Beckinsale was literally glowing in a strapless Roberto Cavilli gown.

As expected, Sofia Vergara showed off all her curves in a blue Vera Wang mermaid style dress.

I have to admit, I wasn’t crazy about Zooey Deschanel’s hair or dress selection, but I LOVED her tuxedo nails.

Who were your favorites?

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Categories : Celebs, Commentary, Event

Tags : 2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Favorites, angelina jolie, Auto Draft, Celebs, Claire Danes, Commentary, Elle Macpherson, Event, glow, hair, Kate Beckinsale, lipstick, MAC, Nicole Richie, Reese Witherspoon, Sofia Vergara, Tuxedo nails, Zooey Deschanel

Feature Friday :: Favorite Videos of the Week

By Melissa · Comments (0)

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Each and every Friday, I’ll be featuring some of my favorite Youtube videos of the week. Hopefully they’ll be as informal, if not, hilarious to you as they are to me. Oh, and while you’re on Youtube, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!

It’s finally feeling like winter, time to bundle up! If you’re a scarf person like myself, but want try something new, check out this video from Wendy’s Look Book on 25 Ways to Wear a Scarf.

I’m sure you’ve watched one of the “Sh*t Girls Say” videos on Youtube. The videos have gone literally viral, with a new one popping up almost everyday. One of my favorites is the “Sh*t Natural Girls Say” video . I’m sure most can relate

My favorite makeup girl, Michelle Phan, posted a new video on how to combat puffy eyes with cucumber juice. Inexpensive and simple! Check it out:

Don’t be a stranger, let us know what are some of your favorite Youtube videos of the week.

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Categories : Beauty Tips, Eyes, Fashion, Hair, social networking, Uncategorized, video

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty Tips, cucumber juice, Eyes, Fashion, Feature Friday :: Favorite Videos of the Week, hair, Michelle Phan, puffy eyes, Shit Girls Say, social networking, Uncategorized, video, ways to wear a scarf, Wendy's Look Book, Youtube

At the Movies :: Fierce Ladies Only!

By Melissa · Comments (1)

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

“I, too, can command the wind, sir! I have a hurricane in me that will strip Spain bare when you dare to try me!” Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth the Golden Age

I’m not a huge movie buff. When people recite famous lines from movies, I’m most likely the person standing there with the blank face. Oh, and you most certainly won’t catch me at the opening night of any movie. I’m more of a On Demand, Netflix, Redbox and/or wait a week or two after the premiere kind of girl, but with this month’s movie release, I’m willing to make a few exceptions.

There is nothing more beautiful than a strong and confident woman.

Between The Iron Lady (January 13th), Haywire (January 20th) and Underworld: Awakening (January 20th), I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, so anxious!

For the record, I don’t condone violence.

What’s your favorite “strong woman” movie??

Comments (1)

Categories : Celebs

Tags : At the Movies :: Fierce Ladies Only!, Auto Draft, Celebs, haywire, iron lady, movies, underworld awakening

Mikki Taylor :: Commander in Chic

By Melissa · Comments (2)

Monday, January 9th, 2012

I had the privilege of attending beauty and style afficando, Mikki Taylor’s book signing for her new book, “Commander in Chic: Every Woman’s Guide to Managing Her Style Like a First Lady” at Barnes & Noble in Washington, DC.

As you should know, for 30 years, Ms. Taylor served as ESSENCE Magazine’s groundbreaking Beauty & Cover Director, and in addition, she is the Founder and President of Mikki Taylor Enterprises, LLC.

I missed most of the open forum, but I was still excited to meet Ms. Taylor. She has a graceful aura and a radiant glow that’s simply contagious. It’s no wonder why so many women look to her for inspiration.

The book covers some of her personal tips and tricks to keeping your beauty and style simple, yet chic. I encourage you all to go out and read it! Stay connected with Mikki Taylor on Facebook and Twitter.

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Categories : Beauty, Beauty Tips, Celebs, Fashion

Tags : Auto Draft, Beauty, Beauty Tips, Celebs, Essence Magazine, Fashion, glow, Mikki Taylor, Mikki Taylor :: Commander in Chic

Relax Don’t be Tryna Perm Us Up, We Already Straight

By Melissa · Comments (4)

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

I’m four months post relaxer and I’m trying to be patient as my hair transitions without cutting it off or going back to the creamy crack. I took the advice of Celebrity Stylist, Nadia Vassell (Interview with Celebrity Hairstylist Nadia Vassell) and tried out Mizani’s Thermasmooth Shampoo, Conditioner, Thermasmooth system, the SmoothGuard and the ShineExtend. My hair didn’t feel as hydrated as I had expected, but it felt extremely soft. Pair those products up with oil (coconut, argan, Moroccan, etc.), a good flat iron and Design Essential’s Sleek Edge Control and you’ll be straight!

Comments (4)

Categories : Beauty Tips, Hair