Archive for Celebs

I Love Curls, Curls, Curls, Curls

“I like the way you’ve let your hair go curly,” he finally said. “Suits your personality. Lots of energy, not much control, sexy as hell,” Joe Morelli to Stephanie Plum”Janet Evanovich

Rihanna, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland Curls

Looking at the recent pictures of Rihanna’s curly do, inspired me to want to go back to curls (Read I Want My Hair Back). Curls are so fun, flirty and carefree!  No flat iron, no brush, no comb and most importantly, no fuss!  With my late starts in the mornings, it’s a perfect get up and go do.

So, I did it!   On Friday, I endured an hour under the dryer and nearly three hours at the salon for flexi curls.  Some may choose a less hectic approach and use curling irons instead, but, in my experience, using flexi rods, make my curls last longer.  Afterwards, I simply applied light oil for shine.


I know many aren’t fans of flexi curls, my mom is one of them.  If you want to try a curly hairstyle and want a more loose curl, try either rolling setting your hair or using a 1 1/2-inch curling iron.

Feature Friday :: Braxton Family Values

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?

Michelle Obama in Barbara Tfank at the State of the Union

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

 

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

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

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?

2012 Golden Globe Red Carpet Favorites

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?

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?

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