Archive for Celebs – Page 2

At the Movies :: Fierce Ladies Only!

“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??

Mikki Taylor :: Commander in Chic

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.

Review :: Ojon’s Best of Damage Reserve Kit

If I ever had a hair profile status, it would read the following:

“I’m a fiery redhead, living life on the wild side, who prefers to have a little fun with being a blonde, yet also finds time to relax every 3-4 months.”



Yes, I know, it’s a dangerous combination, the coloring and relaxing, but I’m a gambler.  Recently I’ve experienced some breakage, nothing too major, but still, I wanted to address the issue.  I visited my local ULTA and picked up Ojon’s Best of Damage Reserve Kit.  Now, I’ve never used Ojon products before, but I’ve heard plenty about the brand.  Recently, GAWJUS songstress, Melanie Fiona mentioned in an interview with Fashion Bomb TV that she uses Ojon products to nourish her lovely locks.  I thought I’d give it a try and for only $39 for the complete kit including: Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo (8.5 oz), Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner (8.5 oz) and the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment (1.7 oz) it was a sweet bargain.

For those who aren’t familiar with the brand, here’s a little background info:  It’s a natural and organic line of naturally derived ingredients from the tropical rain forest in Central America.  Ojon’s secret to beautiful hair, is a rich palm nut oil extracted from the tropical tree. This unique tree grows only in the rain forest of the Mosquitia region of Central America. Ojon instantly hydrates and improves the condition of damaged, color-treated or processed hair without weighing it down. Fortifying, rebuilding and nourishing, it leaves hair extraordinarily shiny, silky and manageable. Ideal for dry, dull, damaged, natural or chemically-treated hair.


Formulated WITHOUT:
Parabens
Synthetic Fragrance
Synthetic Dye
Formaldehyde Donor
Phthalates
Triclosan
DEA,
PABA
Paraffin
Petrolatum/Mineral oil


According to the kit, the treatments which are fortified with pure Ojon oil, are suppose to instantly mend and strengthen my hair against breakage. So, as the kit instructed, I applied the Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment to my scalp, massage it in and combed it through and let sit for 20 minutes. Next, I shampooed with the Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo and followed up with the Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner.

So here are the results…


I must admit that after I shampooed my hair, it didn’t feel as silky as it does when I use Shea Moisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo, but it felt very soft and pumped up the volume in my hair and added a lot of body to it.  When I walk, my hair just flows and bounces and I LOVE that!

Two thumbs up!

Ojon products are available at Sephora, ULTA and at Ojon.com.

Vampires, Skeletons, & Geishas :: Halloween 2011

Unlike Halloween last year, I waited until the last minute to get my Halloween costume together…a few hours to be exact.  I ran out to the costume store, and tried to think of something creative, yet simple. I purchased fangs, white paint, black nails, lashes and a black leotard. I figured I’d be a sexy vampire.  I beat my face, but my costume on, but the only problem was, my vampire teeth wouldn’t stick (this is what happens when you procrastinate), so I had to quickly think of something else.

I went through some boxes and found a geisha costume I’ve never worn.  I figured this would work perfect since I only had my face painted white, I just had to change my lipstick and add blush.  I decided against the geisha wig and stuck with my own do.  Unfortunately I didn’t get a picture of the full costume….

“We create another secret world, a place only of beauty. The very word “geisha” means artist, and to be a geisha is to be judged as a moving work of art.”



But I did enjoy seeing some of my fav celebs dress up for Halloween.  Take a look:

Who were you favs? Did you dress up for Halloween this year?

I Don’t Like Mondays ::Tips for Fighting Monday Blues & Getting Beauty Rest

“It’s just another manicMonday 
I wish it was Sunday 
‘Cause that’s my funday 
My I don’t have to runday 
It’s just another manic Monday” The Bangles

I won’t go as far as to say I HATE Mondays, but let’s just say, Mondays is my least favorite day of the week and here’s why:
  • After sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday, it’s a little difficult trying to drag myself out of bed at 5:30am.  
  • It’s the beginning of the work week, so I’m bombarded with all the work/messages/e-mails that were leftover from the weekend.
  • Playtime is over! All the leisure time, weekend getaways, football parties
  • I have to anticipate 4 more long days until the weekend.  

Interesting enough, I came across a great article in the October issue of my “Beauty Bible”, InStyle Magazine 
“Wake Up Gorgeous!  How to Turn Sleep into Beauty Rest”.  The article offered ten steps that will help you awaken well rested and fabulous the next morning.  Although these tips can help with any day of the week, I think they can be especially helpful with MONDAYS!!!!


1. PREP HAIR BEFORE BED In the article they suggested using dry shampoo the night before, if your hair looks greasy to suck up the oil.  One thing I have tried to absorb the oil in my hair is baby powder and believe it or not, it works!  So if you don’t have dry shampoo, try baby powder.  Before I go to bed, I usually spray it with sheen, wrap or roll my hair and cover with a scarf, so that the next day, I can just comb it down or take out the rollers and go.

2.  PUT DOWN THE POPCORN If you must have a late night snack, avoid salty foods and opt for grapefruit with ginger. Grapefruit will hydrating, while ginger is an anti-inflammatory that also calms the skin.  I’m not a big fan of grapefruit, so I would probably substitute it with berries.  Also, I have been using Neutrogena’s Oil Free Acne Wash   Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub which has worked wonders for my skin.

3.  POUR SOME FENNEL TEA If you’re waking up feeling a little bloated in the morning, the seeds in fennel tea help fight gas.  I love my coffee in the morning, but 

4.  GIVE YOUR EYES SOME CAFFEINE Puffy Eyes?  Try a caffeine-infused cream at bedtime.  It reduces water accumulation overnight and constricts blood vessels so dark circles appear lighter. Instead of going out to buy some expensive cream, I would suggest buying Preparation H  at your local drug store. 

5.  FAKE A SUNRISE  I am not a fan of loud alarm clocks, but, let’s face it they do the trick.  Nicolas Ronco, CEO of N.Y.C.’s Yelo Spa has a better solutions.  Ronco says the light in simulated sunrise clocks “increases gradually, signalling your brain to slowly bring you out of sleep, so you wake up more fresh-faced and alert.  

6.  MAKE YOUR OWN STEAM ROOM  After washing your face, turn your shower on hot, close the door, and let your skin soak up the mist.  

7.  CLEANSE, RINSE, REPEAT The article suggest washing your face twice in the evening, first with a milky cleanser to remove makeup and lastly with a gel cleanser to eliminate oily residue.  Depending on what skin type you have, maybe this will work for you.  People with sensitive or dry skin, may not want to use a gel cleanser.  Personally, because I have oily skin, I don’t like using milky cleansers.  It just seems like it just lays there, so I’d much rather use a wipe, or black soap to remove my makeup.  

8.  STICK A BANDAGE ON IT If you have a pimple, before bed, apply an anti-inflammatory cream, then seal it with a water proof bandage.  Dr. Sherber  says, “this intensifies the potency, so the next morning the pimple will be smaller and less red.  It’s nearly as effective as getting a steroid injection.”  As someone who suffers from occasionally breakouts, I think I might try this.

9.  PAMPER YOUR RINGLETS  For my curly hair divas, if you wash your hair at the end of the day, coat your curls with gel.  Your curls will soften overnight.  

10.  SKIP THE BOOZE, BUBBLES AND JUICE  Alcohol is dehydrating and it causes blood vessels to dilate which leads to flushing and puffiness. So if you plan on going hard the day before, avoid mixing liquor with carbonated beverages or sugary juiced that can worsen fluid retention and remember to drink a glass of water for every cocktail you down, to help stay hydrated.  

I have two more to add…

11.  STOP SLEEPING IN  I know, I know, it’s so much easier said then done, but sleeping in will only disturb your body clock and leave you tired on Mondays.  Read the article

12.  FIGHT THE MONDAY BLUES  According to a study by Marmite, you can beat the Monday Blues, by “indulging in activities like watching television, having sex, online shopping, buying chocolate or make-up, or planning a holiday”.



2011 Emmys Best Dressed :: Ladies in Red

I was glued to football all day yesterday, so  unfortunately, I missed the 2011 Emmys, but I did catch the recaps from the many media outlets that were covering it.  

Evidently, red was THE color last night.  There were so many beauties rocking different shades of the bold and striking hue.  Many of which were my favorites for the evening

Check out my Best Dressed List:

The beautiful and curvaceous Sofia Vergara in a long coral Vera Wang gown with one shouldered crepe style, chiffon draping and tumbled tulle.


‘Vampire Dairies’ star, Nina Dobrev, looked stunning in a mermaid style, strapless red Donna Karan dress.


Another ‘Modern Family’ star, Sarah Hyland, looked sophisticated and all grown up in a Christian Siriano pleated peach gown, clinched at the waist with a crystal belt.


‘Friday Night Lights’ actress Connie Britton, in a strapless bow detailing Maria Lucia Hohan dress.


Finally, Dexter’s star, Jennifer Carpenter. She wasn’t rocking the popular color of the night, but her Tony Ward haute couture gown, with hand sewn embellishments and split certainty turned heads.


Who were your favorites?? Who needed to rethink their fashion choice??

All The Pregnant Ladies :: Pregnancy Makeup Tips from Bobbi Brown

I’m sure you’ve all heard the news that Beyonce and Jay-Z are expecting their first child.  She sort of announced it (I say sort of because she didn’t say anything, she just opened her blazer and showed her lovely baby bump and rubbed it) at the end of her performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards.

Look at her, just glowing! Congrats to Bey and Jay!


Anyway, since there seems to be something in the water, I thought it would be a great time to do a post on pregnancy makeup tips. I know, during those nine long months, you body doesn’t seem like its own.  With morning sickness, swollen ankles and all the only symptoms that come along with pregnancy, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is “giving good face”, but you can still keep it glam and simple while preggers.

Makeup extraordinaire, Bobbi Brown suggest:

What about those days when you don’t have time for a full make up or you really just need a lift? “Blush is the best way to give yourself a boost,” says Brown. Her signature technique is to apply a bronzer or skin tone blush across the whole cheek as a base and then a splash of pink right on the ‘apple’ for a natural, I-just-finished-exercising, look. Pregnant women can also give themselves a beauty and mood boost by spritzing on a clean, fresh scent. Choose something light and pretty, says Brown, since your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy.



“I like to recommend that pregnant women keep their beauty routine simple and easy,” says Brown. Her list of essentials includes a concealer for blotchy or uneven areas and dark undereye circles, yellow-toned foundation (which Brown swears is best for all skin types), a pink blush, and your favourite lip colour. For best results, Brown recommends first putting on concealer (one shade lighter than your foundation) just where it seems necessary, because that may be all you need. Then apply foundation, but only on the areas without concealer. Doubling up just cancels out the effect of the concealer, she says.


She says: “For many women, pregnancy is a time when their bodies do not feel like their own. Make-up can be used as a tool to feel pretty and in control. In fact, one of the biggest beauty mistakes pregnant women can make is opting out of make-up altogether.”

Instead, adjust your skincare regime for those pregnancy-related changes. “Add more moisture to combat dryness or switch to oil-free formulas if your skin is feeling greasy,” says Bobbi.

During pregnancy, dark often appear on your skin. “To cover hyper-pigmentation, apply a corrective concealer using a brush,” recommends Bobbi. “Apply foundation over your entire face, using a light touch to avoid wiping away the concealer. Use your fingers to press additional foundation into areas where needed, and then set it with powder.”




What about those days when you don’t have time for a full make up or you really just need a lift? “Blush is the best way to give yourself a boost,” says Brown. Her signature technique is to apply a bronzer or skin tone blush across the whole cheek as a base and then a splash of pink right on the ‘apple’ for a natural, I-just-finished-exercising, look. Pregnant women can also give themselves a beauty and mood boost by spritzing on a clean, fresh scent. Choose something light and pretty, says Brown, since your sense of smell is heightened during pregnancy.

All Hail the Queens :: The Originators of Celeb Concert Looks

Yesterday, I was looking at photos on InStyle.com of the Hottest Celebrity Summer Looks . It featured all the hottest female performers such as, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna rocking provocative and eccentric looks from sequins dresses, studded bodysuits to colorful wigs and dramatic makeup.   All this made me think of the ladies who rocked crowds before them, who dawned the same unconventional, yet sexy attire. 

Meet the innovators:

Beyonce and Lady Gaga might have brought the bustier/leotard back in style, but remember, it was the iconic Madonna in the 80s/90s (Photo 4) who originated the cone bustier.  
Before there was Lady Gaga in the famous Meat Dress or egg costume, there was Patti Labelle and The Bluebelles in the 1970s (Photo 2) in their outlandish space age outfits.
Newcomers like Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry may have popularized colorful wigs, but it’s Cher (Photo 3) who is the true wig aficionado.
And finally, let’s not forget, it was the Queen of Rock and Roll, Tina Turner (Photo1), who shook her tail feather in mini sequin dresses, years before King Beyonce did.

As the British would say “Long Live the Queen[s]!”

Feeling Smurfy :: Lady Lips the Blues

The Smurfs in 3D hit the big screen, last Friday and although I loved watching the Smurfs growing up, I can’t say I was too excited about hearing about the movie…sometimes I think these production companies should just let old time favorites be.  Needless to say I still haven’t seen the movie yet, but I’m not opposed to watching it on TV one day.  




My favorite character on the cartoon was Smurfette, she was all things prissy and FABULOUS — with her flirty lashes and white heels.

Before I saw the pics of the movie preview, I really thought Katy Perry, the voice behind Smurfette in the movie was going to do something outrageous with the color blue, but she left her trademark blue wig and opted for a Smurfette sequin dress.  
Anyway, all the Smurf hype had me stuck on the color blue.  Out of all the colors in my makeup kit, I LOVE playing with blue.  So I wanted to mess around and do something different with my favorite hue — I’ve done blue eyeshadow and blue eyeliner, but never blue lips!

I’ve seen this look rocked fashionably by Amber Rose so I thought I would give it a try.  Unfortunately, none of the stores I visited carry blue lipstick so I had to get creative.  I first applied concealer to my lips then applied a blue cream/gel eyeliner (I don’t recommend doing this, but I’m reckless) and finally clear lip gloss (first pic in the collage above). 

If you’re looking for blue lipstick, to save you the trouble, below are some cosmetic lines where you find it:

MTV Turns 30 :: Forever Young

MTV turns 30 today!!!  Yes, I know you’re probably wondering, why is this even being mentioned on here, but, think about it…MTV helped bring all of the celebrity beauty, fashion and style fads/trends that we follow to TV.  I wasn’t quite thought of yet when MTV launched in August 1, 1981 (give it about 16 months later), but, I basically grew up watching it.  Remember when MTV was just one station???





Watching shows like Club MTV, MTV Jams, Yo! MTV Raps, MTV JamsTotal Request and Making the Video is how I grew my love for all different genres of music from alternative, hip hop, pop, rock and so on.  

Loved music videos so much, my sister and I created our own: http://www.facebook.com/v/34937425761



Besides the music videos, there were shows like:


FANatic, where fans got to meet their favorite celebs.  I remember I wanted to be on the show so bad to meet Aaliyah. Unfortunately, someone beat me to it.



Single Out, a game show hosted by crazy host Jenny McCarthy, who was later replaced by Carmen Electra where groups of 50 competed to win a date with a lucky contestant.

Daria, the spin-off animation of Beevis and Butthead


Where I caught recaps of my favorite series, My So-Called Life



MTV News where my favorite anchor, Serena Altschul delivered the latest in news.

And let’s not forget MTV was the innovators of reality TV.  Before there was Jersey Shore, The Hills or Teen Mom, there was The Real World. “This is the true story… of eight strangers… picked to live in a house…work together and have their lives taped… to find out what happens… when people stop being polite… and start getting real…The Real World”. I still remember the first Real World: New York in 1992 with Eric, the model; Kevin Powell, the journalist; and Heather B. …the rest of the cast I really can’t remember.  Then there was Los Angeles (remember Tammi Roman before Basketball Wives), San Francisco, London, Miami, Boston, Seattle, Miami, Hawaii, New Orleans then back to New York.


After high school I pretty much stopped watching MTV.  I guess it was too many shows and too much to keep up with, but whenever I want to get caught up on videos, I still watch it from time to time.


Happy Birthday MTV!

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