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NATALIA VODIANOVA GUERLAIN SHINE AUTOMATIQUE PROMO :

NATALIA VODIANOVA GUERLAIN SHINE AUTOMATIQUE PROMO
NATALIA VODIANOVA GUERLAIN SHINE AUTOMATIQUE PROMO

Applying Pink Bridal Makeup:
MAKEUP CLOSE UP - Applying Pink Bridal Makeup
MAKEUP CLOSE UP - Applying Pink Bridal Makeup

If you are going to apply pink bridal makeup, there are certain areas that you have to be careful with. Pink bridal makeup has a lot of different shades. If you are not accustomed to wearing pinks then, it is advisable for you to seek advice from a professional. It becomes easy now since many large stores now have professional make up persons as sales assistants at their cosmetics counters.

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Just because you’re an exercise fanatic doesn’t mean you can’t remain fabulous.

By: Taren Vaughan

There are many different exercise methods that we women use to stay in shape. For the outdoor divas, there is running, jogging, rock-climbing and hittin’ the pool up for a swim. Those who are not fans of the heat and humidity keep our exercise routines strictly indoors through aerobics, Pilates and spin classes. One thing is for sure that with whatever type of workout we choose to do, we will work up a sweat. And unfortunately for some of us, some unpleasant things follow.

Pimples, dry skin and damaged hair can become a nightmare due to the extreme amount of water loss that avid exercisers endure after a good, solid workout. But the good news is that there are ways to avoid these things from happening. Check out these tips that will help with maintaining your beautiful skin and a head full of healthy hair:

Consistent Hair Care

Taking care of our hair is something that all women try to do whether we exercise or not. But for those that get their hair drenched in sweat on the regular, hair maintenance is important, even more so for those who do a lot of swimming. Allowing chlorine to soak your hair for hours can lead to massive breakage. Hair that is damaged from chlorine can sometimes take months or even years to completely grow back. To avoid this disaster to your do, thoroughly wash and condition your hair on a regular basis; for those who engage in intense workout routines, washing your hair at least once a week is best.

Rinse and Refresh

To jump out of your clothes and head straight to the shower is the first thing that is on our minds after putting in several hours at the gym. Lying around in sweaty clothing with a strong stench attached them is not only uncomfortable it is not at all good for the skin. Dried sweat or chlorine left on your skin can lead it to becoming extremely dry and itchy so it is a must to get it off as soon as possible. After ridding your face and body of its stickiness, next follows the moisturizer.

Find a Good Moisturizer and Keep It

Adding moisture to your skin is the next step to fully refreshing it. As there are plenty of moisturizers on the market that will get the job done, there are some that are more suitable than others. In addition to moisturizers, you want to also be sure to find a good lotion or cream as well. For those who suffer from excessive dry skin like I do, a facial and body cream may be the best choice as it is much thicker than lotion. Because we all have different types of skin, selecting the right moisturizer for yourself may be a challenge. But once you have run across that perfect product that holds the moisture in your skin, hold on tight to it.

Be Fruitful In Your Diet

Eating fruits is a general part of most of our everyday diets. This is especially true during the summer months. As fruits have multiple nutritional purposes, they can also do wonders for your skin. Avocados contain numerous oils and B-complex vitamins that help replenish your skin. The Niacin (Vitamin B3) that is found in these fruits works to prevent blotching of the skin. Mangoes contain high amounts of Vitamin A which is an essential vitamin in skin cell repair. Aside from physically consuming these foods, fruits are often times one of the main ingredients in topical hand, face and body creams.

Who’s to say that you can’t be fabulous while breakin’ a sweat?




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Our nails can be one of our greatest beauty accessories, if we manage to keep them from breaking.

By: Amanda Anderson




Q. I have been trying to grow my nails out for a very long time. And this is a decision I made after deciding to start wearing my natural nails. But I have a hard time keeping them from breaking, and it's really hindering my progress. What can I do to prevent nail breakage?


A. A gorgeous set of nails is just about every woman's dream. But for those of us who have chosen to rock our natural nails, it can be a real headache. But I'll let you in on a little secret. The biggest weapon in preventing nail breakage is...nail polish! Yes, nail polish.

Most nail polish brands include nail hardeners in their formulas. To get the most out of any polish with hardeners, you'd need to keep your nails painted. I noticed for me, I don't experience any breakage until my nails chip, and the part of the nail that breaks is always the part that is chipped and lacking polish. And when I skip manicures, I break tips. Now some will tell you to change your diet, take your vitamins, etc., but honestly, it's keeping your nails polished that will keep your nails strong, growing, and less likely to break. Try painting your nails at least once a week, and you should see a difference. I know I have.

Hope this helps.






Your beauty questions answered.

By: Amanda Anderson



Q. I am not really big into lip stick. I actually think it has more to do with my age, than my lack of knowledge in beauty products. I just prefer the shine and moisture of lip glosses, than the traditional lip stick. But since I am attempting to fulfill new year beauty resolutions, I have decided to attempt to wear a little more lipstick and at least give it a chance before I forsake it all together. I actually want to rock a bold red retro lip, but I'm not sure how to do it without looking like Bozo the Clown. What tips do you suggest in rocking red lipstick? - Jasmine C.


A. Hello Jasmine,

Red lipstick has to be one of my favorites in my makeup bag. I know on average we're a lip gloss addicted generation, but lip stick has some advantages as well. I actually prefer the opacity of lipstick verses the less opaque coverage of lip gloss. So when I rock bolder colors, I go for the sticks versus the glosses. And I must say, I'm a sucker for a great red lip.

When rocking red lipstick, I suggest:

1. Using a great liner. Now, it's great to find a red liner that is close in shade to your lipstick. By lining the lips, you'll diminish the bleeding effect that is usually caused by red lipstick. But with enough practice, you'll eventually be able to forsake using a liner.

2. Stay true to your tone. Know the good reds from the bad ones. Orange undertones look best on lighter complexions, while deeper reds looks best on darker tones. Blue based reds are safer than the orange toned reds, and generally work for most skin tones.

3. Light makeup is key when rocking the red lip. It's always best to wear lighter eyeshadow when wearing red lipstick, as darker eye makeup makes one appear as if they are wearing too much makeup. Even a nude face is perfect for the red lip.

Hope this helps. 




Don’t let the cold weather get the best of your skin.


By: Taren Vaughan


It's already enough having to deal with the foul weather that can come along with the wintertime. But I think there is nothing worse than having to deal with dry skin for months at a time. As many of us already suffer from the “Flaky Syndrome”, nothing makes it worse than having to battle it when cold weather rolls around. Even after using all of the skin care products in the world, some people just can’t seem to keep their skin moisturized. If you just so happen to be one of those individuals who have dry skin spells more often than you like, there may be some other ways that you can get your skin to that healthy point that you have been hoping for:

8 Hours A Day Will Keep The Dry Spells Away

It’s a known fact that getting the proper rest results in having more energy and leaves your body refreshed. But do you realize how much good sleep can do for your skin? Getting the recommended amount of sleep every night, eight hours to be exact, can keep your skin from becoming overly dry during the harsher seasons.

Proper Eating And Regular Exercise

As with anything pertaining to health, eating the right foods and getting an adequate amount of exercise can do the trick when trying to maintain pure and healthy skin. Fruits and vegetables are worthy of being on your dinner plate as they contain high amounts of the vitamins that are needed in order for your skin to maintain its glow. Drinking plenty of water on an everyday basis is essential for keeping your dry days to a minimum during the winter months as well. As for exercising, breaking a sweat in the gym serves as a way to keep your blood flowing, providing oxygen to all your body’s cells, including skin cells.

Pat Down Instead Of Rub Down

Dry skin can be heavily contributed to the way in which you dry off after getting out of the shower. Using towels that are made out of rough fabric can do a number on your skin, causing it to lose its moisture. Switching to a softer material when it comes to bath towels and wash cloths can help prevent excess flaking of the skin and help with locking in the moisture.

Warm Showers Only

Taking a nice hot shower is the one thing that many of us tend to do, especially after a long workout at the gym or after spending hours outside in the sun. As letting your body sit in a tub of blazing hot water sounds like a great way to wash all of your germs away, it’s not necessarily the best way to go. Taking numerous hot showers every day can cause serious damage to the layers of your skin. Cooler showers and baths will reduce skin damage significantly. But if you are anything like me and can’t stand to take cool showers, reduce the amount of time that you spend taking the hot ones.

Be Choosey With Your Soaps And Lotions

Certain soaps can have a tendency to further dry out your skin in addition to taking hot showers. As some of our skin can be a little oilier than others, selecting the right soap to use is an important thing to do when trying to keep your skin healthy. Try to stick with soaps that have low alkali levels as too much of the element can be damaging to your skin. Not only is choosing the right soap a must, the type of lotions and skin creams that you use are just as vital to rejuvenating your dry skin. Natural remedies like using Aloe Vera are great for the skin as it is an herb and does not contain any extra chemicals or additives unlike other products. For those who have extremely dry skin, Vaseline and Eucerin, which is used a lot by people who have Eczema, work wonders in providing that extra, long lasting moisture to the skin. Thick creams are especially good for the feet as they can have a tendency to become cracked during the colder seasons.

Use A Humidifier At Night

Humidifiers are not only good for those who are suffering from the common cold or allergies. They can help with your dry skin troubles as well. The humidifier functions as a way to trap water in your skin, thus leaving it fully hydrated throughout the night. In addition to turning on the humidifier, nightly regimens like wearing gloves or socks to bed after putting coats of lotion or cream on your hands and feet can lead you to developing softer skin.



How is one race biologically unable to grow hair? How absurd.

By: Amanda Anderson



When it comes to beauty, why are black women always so low on the totem pole? I mean seriously, why is it our features that are considered the least attractive and why must the media continue to send subliminal messages that African American women are not only the least desired when it comes to marriage, but unless we have some hint of biracial in our features, we're not even worth mentioning in the world of beauty and fashion? Sure, we've made moves and made plenty of noise by creating our own beauty blogs and launching a natural hair movement that is showing America that natural hair is indeed fabulous and we've got the confidence to rock it, but all of that is negated when it's in our very own communities that we can find some of the most evident traces of ignorance, and even self hate. Yes, I'm talking about the sisters spreading false information on what my locks can achieve, and quite frankly, I'm just about sick of hearing this:

"Black women have to wear weaves and wigs because we just cannot grow our hair like that."

Have ya'll lost your damn minds? Are you really going to speak for every black woman because you have no clue in hell on how to properly take care of your hair?

Let's nip this ignorance in the bud right now, because I'm about tired of people walking up to me and my natural sisters accusing us of wearing wigs because some silly black women are running around false claiming what we can and can't achieve in length.

Yes my dear, black women can grow a healthy head of full, luscious, long, thick hair like no one's business. And are we special or some exception to some rule? No! We just put in the time to learn our hair, and stay away from the things that damage it.

For one thing, I'm not sure who created this notion that weave is a protective hairstlyle, and the key to growing thick healthy hair.

Think about it. How is it good for your hair to be tightly conrowed and stitched on to attach weave? 

What the hell is so beneficial about weave glue, and just why on earth would your scalp appreciate being smothered under a wig 95% of the time?

And have you taken a long look at those cheap ass ingredients in most of the black hair products on the market? I mean seriously, rather it's pink, yellow, green, or blue gloop...it's still goop.

If natural hair has taught me anything, it's that so many of us are uneducated when it comes to taking good care of our hair. We as a whole apply too much heat, apply to many chemicals to the point that we've lost our thick goodness and have to give up relaxers just to get it back, and we're rocking weaves/wigs like they are supposed to be protecting our tresses, when they haven't managed to help anyone grow some strong, thick hair.

When I had weaves and wore wigs, sure my hair grew, but it was thin and unhealthy. As a reuslt, it broke off, and didn't acheive it's length potential.

I forsaked the relaxer, cut off my permed ends; and in 14 months, I had hair past my shoulders. That wasn't possible when I was relaxing and not taking care of my hair. 

So can black women grow long, beautiful hair? Of course we can. To say otherwise is to be a damn fool.

It's just about using less heat, less manipulation, and using products with a better set of ingredients. And there are some naturals out here that have a head of damaged hair too, so don't feel like I'm just calling out my relaxed sisters, because I've got plenty of blame to pass around on both ends.


If you want your hair to grow long and healthy, take a long look at your regime. If it's mostly weaves, wigs, heat, manipulation, and crappy hair products; you can't be surprised it doesn't grow too much. And this isn't a race thing, it's a knowledge thing. Those that know more have longer and healthier hair. 

So do your research, and learn what your hair really needs. 




Your beauty questions answered.

By: Amanda Anderson



Q. I'm not the most makeup savvy person. But I have had the worst luck with false eyelashes. I just can't seem to make them stay on or they are just so uncomfortable to wear. So I've decided to give mascara a go, and find one that works great on my natural lashes. This has been a chore. I've tried so many of them, but they really aren't dramatic enough. I mean my eyelashes look better with mascara, but I miss the drama of false eyelashes. What do you suggest I do to get the most out of my natural lashes with the latest mascara brands? - Kelly W.


A. Kelly, eyelashes are truly one of a girl's greatest accessories. Unfortunately, taming them is frankly one of the most frustrating things for any woman hoping to rock her natural lashes. But don't worry, there are ways around the difficulties. 

Here's what I've discovered in the battle for perfect natural eyelashes:


1. Eyelash curlers are essential, and necessary in taming wild eyelashes. Apply a little heat to get a lasting curl.

2. It's better to use two different mascaras. One strictly for volume, and one strictly for lengthening. Use the lengthening mascara first, and finish up with the voluming mascara. The results will amaze you.

My favorite combo is LashBlast Fusion (volume) and Maybelline Lash Stiletto (lengthening). Now I am not a fan of Lash Stiletto by itself, but when I use it with LashBlast Fusion, I love my eyelashes. They are gorgeous, long, and voluminous when I pair these two mascaras. 

Mascara pairing is the best kept secret to amazing natural eye lashes since it's hard to find a mascara that can perfectly lengthen and add volume.

3. Baby your lashes, and be sure to wash the mascara off your lashes before sleeping. Overnight wear of mascara causes irritated lashes, and loss.

4. Use a smooth black eyeliner to add the illusion of thickness to your lashes. My absolute favorite is the Covergirl Queen Collection Mechanical Pencil. 



Try these methods, and your lashes will be tamed. 

Stay fabulous! 


Gorgeous lip pencils with vibrant color and shimmer, Nars blush gorgeous enough for day wear and after hours, and an Urban Decay legend is back for the third time, and breaking hearts along the way.


By: Amanda Anderson





Milani Lip Flash





Vibrant colors are essential to an amazing lip, but one can't help but fall in love with a pencil that manages to combine perfect moisture with gorgeous colors. With Milani Lip Flash, it's the combination of a lifetime.

Available in 8 beautiful colors, these Milani lip must haves are practically lipstick and lip gloss wrapped in one pencil. Opaque like a lipstick, and glossy like your favorite lip gloss, I can't imagine how any beauty addict can manage without these pencils in her beauty stash.

These pencils are available at your local drug store, for around $6.99 each.



Nars Blush: Deep Throat And Angelika


Nars is responsible for the legendary Orgasm blush, but they are back again with 2 amazing shades that will work fabulously for the woman of color seeking gorgeous cheeks in the colder months. 

Deep Throat is a luxurious peach with sexy shimmer, and perfect for those looking to achieve an amazing glow. 



Angelika is bold, sexy, flirty and fun as a pink with silver shimmer. It has to be the perfect blush for a night on the town with girlfriends. It's feisty and I just love it.



These blushes aren't exactly your drug store brand, so expect to dish out $26 each for these.



Urban Decay: Book of Shadows Vol. III




I adore this palette, and I recommend it for every woman of color. Urban Decay is known for it's gorgeous and extremely pigmented hues, but it has to be one of the most women of color friendly cosmetic lines I've seen in quite some time. And when they put a collection together, it doesn't take long before it sells out. And that's usually because they always manage to put together a set of amazing colors that no woman can live without.

Book of Shadows Vol. III is no exception, as the palette contains gorgeous purples, jeweled tone greens, extraordinary golds, and vivid blues and nudes you can truly appreciate. The palette comes with 16 eye shadows. If you're bored from traditional nudes and metallics, this is a must have,

Urban Decay isn't cheap but it's not the most expensive, and you can get this beauty for $54.



At home nail tips to keep your nails healthy and fabulous.

By: Amanda Anderson


Gorgeous nails should be part of any beauty regime, rather you opt for acrylic nails or maintaining healthy natural nails, great nail care is essential to keep nails from damage. While we all can appreciate a fabulous manicure, there are basic things we can do at home to keep our nails in the best condition. You won't necessarily need to spend a fortune to have a healthy set of nails, but a commitment to maintaining quality care is essential to having beautiful hands.



Always use a base coat to protect your nails from nail polish that could possibly leave stains.


Base coats are not only great for salon use, but they should be a huge part of your at home regime. Since so many nail polishes cheap and expensive stain nails, it's imperative to use a base coat for all manicures. A really great base coat will not only protect your nails, but it will also supply nutrients to promote healthy growth and also strengthen. There are many brands of base coats, with the most popular being Sally Hansen, Essie, OPI and China Glaze products.


Protect your cuticles.


While clipping and pushing back cuticles isn't mandatory for healthy nails, moisturizing cuticles is essential to upkeep. In the winter months especially, cuticles are most likely to dry and damage. Cuticle creams protect the cuticles in harsh weather, and keep them in the best of shape despite the seasons. Edible oils are also effective in great cuticle care, so use Olive, Coconut, or Jojoba oil if you don't want to use a cuticle cream. 

Also be sure to soak your nails in hot, soapy water for 15 minutes in between manicures.


Apply nail polish in thin layers, starting from the middle.

Nail polish application can be very tricky, especially when dealing with thicker formulas. However, thin layers seem to work best when dealing with all polish types. When painting your nails, always start by applying a brush stroke in the middle of the nail, and follow up with one to the right and then left, being sure to blend all layers.


Invisible polish paired with a top coat extends polish durability.

Top coats may add some shine and expand the life of a manicure for a a couple days, but a clear nail polish can make it last longer. This is only because a clear nail polish is naturally thicker than a top coat. After painting your nails with your preferred color, apply a coat of clear nail polish, and follow up with a top coat.

To drag your manicure out to a week or longer, apply both again every two days.


When filing your nails, avoid the seesaw motion to prevent splitting.


We all want the perfect nail shape, but filing can be strenuous on the nails. A seesaw motion may help you get your shape faster, but it also causes a lot of damage to the nail, and can cause some serious breakage. Always file your nails in one direction.



Simple tips to keep your makeup light and natural looking.

By: Amanda Anderson


Makeup has always been a girl's best toy, as we play which a large variety of colors and products to enhance our unique features and better relay our impeccable beauty. As women of color, we learn early on that every color doesn't work with our cocoa lush skin tones, and we find from a series of disappointments that most products on the market weren't made with us in mind, so we'll experiment with many products as the beauty industry continues to slowly move into an ethnic friendly direction. Despite the disadvantages, we still get glam like no other, yet some of us wear makeup as if our life or beauty wholeheartedly depends on it, and eventually, we cross right into clown territory with the overuse of our favorite cosmetics.

Despite all the cosmetics you see at your favorite drug stores and behind your dependable beauty counters, a woman doesn't need a bulk of cosmetics to achieve her desired look. Less is more isn't just true in fashion, but a mentality women should hold on to when applying makeup.

Here are a few tips to keep your face gorgeous and bozo free.



1. Dark eyeshadow is fine, but it should never be paired with other heavy cosmetics.

If you wear dark eyeshadow, it's usually best to complete the look with a light gloss, blush, or lipstick. Cool tones paired with darker tones keeps the illusion of light makeup. When we wear dark shadow, with a dark lip, and dark cheek; we will appear to have applied too much makeup.

Fashion designers take heed to this rule when working with their runway models, as they tend to pair dark eyes with nude lips to create a glamorous look.


2. Dramatic lips work best with easy going eyes.

Similar to the dark eyeshadow rule, bolder lip shades such as deep reds work best with neutral toned eye shadow.

As a rule of thumb, lights work best with darks, and darks work best with lights.

Light on light is barely there, while dark on dark is clownface.


3. Fake eyelashes are great to achieve length, but a great mascara can also do the trick.

Long eyelashes are gorgeous and the perfect beauty accessory, but with the constant invention of the perfect lengthening and voluminous eyeshadow, there's really no need to wear falsies everyday. Sometimes falsies can make a woman appear to have on too much makeup.

Great lengthening and voluminous mascaras include Covergirl Lashblast and Maybelline Lash Stilettos. Grab these at your local drug store.


4. Pick the right concealer and foundation.


There's no better way to get your clown on than to rock a foundation and/or concealer that is too light or too dark. When selecting a concealer/foundation, always be sure to use a tester. Make sure the shade is the closest match to your complexion.

The proper shade of concealer and foundation looks more natural.


5. Always use a lip liner when wearing darker lip shades.


Who doesn't love a great red lip or an amazing deep purple? These colors may be fabulous, but they are runny and improper without some lip lining. A woman with runny lipstick just looks messy and unorganized.


6. The basics are the only essentials.



Honestly despite my admiration for beauty products and vivid colors, a woman only needs to walk out of the house with a little gloss, a great mascara, and cheek highlighting blush. Yes, that's it. Why? Because these products highlight the most important of your features.

The blush that isn't too dark but rosy enough to work with your skin tone will bring attention to your amazing cheeks. A fabulous lengthening and voluminous mascara will will dramatize and bring out the best in your natural eyelashes. And a lip gloss will keep your lips luscious, moisturized, and alluring. Keep it simple with the basics, but you will still turn a few heads in the process of your simplicity.
Gorgeous deep reds and cool neutrals for the lip, a lovely fragrance that stills sells like it's new, addictive gorgeous metallics, foils, and gel polishes inspired by the glamorous OPI and China Glaze. These are my beauty picks of the month.

By: Amanda Anderson





1. Lips That Pop: Bring Out the Gorgeous Deep Reds and Cool Off With the Perfect Neutrals.

Not feeling the reds? Rich purples are perfect for the season. (Tomango by Nars)




The colder months call for the most dramatic and coolest of lips. Red lipstick is the one shade that is either a hit or a complete miss, but for a woman of color, deep reds work best. And with the colder months now here in full effect, it's the perfect time to pull out your deep rich reds. Burgundies and sultry crimsons are radiant on black women, and will be a must have staple this season.

When you need a moment to cool down, look to your neutrals and cooler tones to get a cooler look that still demands attention. Icy pinks, cocoas, and purples will be the perfect alternative to those who shy away from reds.


2. Classic scent: Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker.





This scent may be a few years old, but it still sells faster than some newer fragrances. It's for good reason, considering that this has to be one of the best scents I've collected in quite some time. Sweet, clean, seductive, and luxurious all in one fragrance; I can't help but feel that every belle should have this one in her stash.



3. Perfect Polishes for the Season: 'Tis The Season Holiday Collection by China Glaze and 4. the Burlesque Collection from OPI

This isn't the entire collection*



Who isn't always searching for the perfect nail polish? The holiday season is finally here, and you can't celebrate the best time of the year right without the perfect manicure. Believe me when I say the perfect manicure is only a few China Glaze and OPI bottles away.

China Glaze has done it again, and unleashed a holiday collection that every nail polish addict can't seem to live without. Composed of shimmery reds, delicious gold foils, perfect whites, and gemmed greens; this might be a collection to include on your wish list.

Favorites are sure to include Peace on Earth, an extraordinary olive green shimmer; Party Hearty, the ultimate holiday glitter polish; Mistletoe Kisses, a green glitter I couldn't live without; and Midnight Kisses, the best gold foil I've seen from China Glaze. You can find this collection at your local Sally's, Ulta, and a whole host of online vendors.


OPI has chosen a different route to bring out the holiday season in glam, and instead, launched it's Burlesque collection just in time for the intense shopping season. If you're not in the mood for the traditional greens, reds, and golds; you'll love this collection of sizzling metallics, sparkles, glitters, and seductive reds and pinks.



If you love a polish with attitude, this will most certainly be among your favorite OPI collections. Hits include Taking the Stage, Ali's Big Break, Bring on the Bling, Rising Star, and Tease-Y Does It.

To nab this gorgeous collection of OPI must haves, take a trip to your local Ulta.







The colder months are harsh on skin, but here are 5 natural ingredients to gorgeous skin despite the cold weather.

By: Amanda Anderson




Colder months can only mean one thing for skin: intense dryness. Often times, we depend on a large variety of products to achieve moisture during the harsh seasons, but in all reality, expensive products aren't always the best options for our skin. And with many products, it's usually one main natural ingredient that locks in moisture and makes our skin simply radiant, and it's these ingredients that you should include in your regime regularly during the seasons that are harder on your particular skin type. So before you go off on a tangent and purchase expensive products that promise you the best skin you've even seen, it's always smarter to look to the natural God given treasures to get gorgeous skin you never thought you could have in a not so skin friendly season. 


1. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most underrated essentials to great skin. The reason this particular ingredient is first on my list is because it actually helps skin in two ways: moisture and toning up. 

For a bad case of dry skin, Vitamin E has been proven to enhance moisture quickly and even add a glow to all skin types. With continued use, Vitamin E can clear up marks, acne, and those infamous and irritating dry patches. A gel capsule should do the trick, so invest in a bottle of them. Use a small needle to squeeze out Vitamin E from the capsule and apply to your skin. Use it daily and watch your skin transform into something gorgeous.


2. Shea Butter

Naturals love the amazing results of shea butter on our hair, but it's also an amazing key to moisture for skin as well. 

If you are having a heard time finding a great moisturizer for your skin, I suggest using plain old shea butter. You won't need much of it, and it tackles dryness pretty well in any weather. Shea butter has also been a favorite for other skin glitches such as stretch marks, so it's no question that it should be a crucial part of your skin regime daily.


3. Aloe Vera

These days it's extremely hard to find a skin product that works that doesn't contain aloe vera. Particularly known for it's moisturizing abilities, aloe vera is also effective in battling against itchiness. Since the colder months are notoriously known for not only drying out skin but causing some intense itching; this ingredient is crucial in skin care during the colder seasons.


4. Olive Oil

It's no secret that black women naturally have a more oily skin type, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't use oils on our faces. And if you're going to use an oil on your skin, it ought to be olive oil. 

Olive oil not only adds moisture, but it also tones up skin. For those who use olive oil regularly, they will begin to see a new radiance in their skin tone. This particular oil also provides elasticity, and therefore tackles wrinkling and bad aging of the skin. 

For dry skin, gently massage a little olive oil on all dry areas. Applying it to baths is also effective in tackling dry skin. 


5. Honey

Great on moisture, honey is one of Cleopatra's most popular beauty secrets. It's beneficial to skin for many reasons, but it's biggest strength is its ability to retain water, which is the foundation of moisture. 

To get the most out of honey, combine it with water for a quick facial cleanse and milk for a luxurious bath soak. You will begin to see ageless and acne free skin with continued use.





While these ingredients demonstrate that natural ingredients can be beneficial to the skin in the harsher seasons, if you're not comfortable with going all natural, it can be almost just as effective to purchase products that contain these natural ingredients. Make sure you purchase products that do not contain any harmful ingredients to your skin, and contain plenty of moisturizers.



Some sisters feel they have to sew, glue, and purchase their way to beauty. What's behind their addiction?

By: Amanda Anderson



Weave has to be one of the most polarizing topics in the African American community. While it's true that black women aren't the only ones looking to weave to achieve their beauty driven agendas, it is clear that other women tend to fit the standard of beauty created by the media more than black women. For years, it's been suggested that straighter hair is better, and by all means, black women...your hair isn't good enough. So instead we, glue, stitch, or sew some other woman's hair on top of our "ugly hair" to get closer to meeting those standards. Now there are some black women who aren't depending on weaves, wigs, or meeting the European standards of beauty. These ladies may rock a weave from time to time, but by no means is it required for them, to feel beautiful. They feel just as beautiful without the tracks. To them, weave's just convenient, but not a necessity to feel attractive. 

And then there are the weave dependents. Without their weave, they feel unattractive, unworthy, uncomfortable, and inferior to the media's pushed standards of beauty. 

How did any woman get to this point of weave dependency? Here's their take on the weave addiction.



" I started wearing weave when I was in high school. I know it sounds crazy, but I would spend my little work money on tracks and glue, and spend hours in the bathroom gluing tracks in. With enough skill, I got really good at doing it. My hair wasn't nearly as long as the weave, so I am sure that the length plays a part in me feeling more attractive with it. After a while, I just became so obsessive. I no longer wore my real hair. I paid the price for it because my hair began to break off really badly, and thin faster than I could manage. I eventually had to cut my hair into a short cut, and that had to be one of my lowest moments. I felt so unattractive with the short cut, and naked without the weave. I tried to get through the first week weave less, but ended up at the hair store mid week. I really want to break this addiction because I have a daughter now, and I don't want to raise her to hate her hair or hate how she looks like me. It would break my heart to see her dependent on weave, and battle low self esteem. Eventually, I am going to break the habit. I guess I'm still looking for reassurance that I can even do this."- Janet D.


" Yeah, I'm addicted to weave but I don't really care that I am addicted. I mean really, it's not my fault that society pushes this standard of beauty that black women can't meet naturally. People tell me all of the time to wear my hair more, but I don't see the point. Hell even the men themselves like weave more than they would like to admit. Black men love long hair, and I don't have long hair. I still want them to be attracted to me, so I sew in some tracks. I see a lot of sisters going natural and cutting out the weave, but I'm not really encouraged to follow suit. I feel beautiful with my weave, and even if that is sad, it's just the way society has made it. When the standards  change, maybe I'll reconsider weave. But until then, I just want to feel beautiful and make some heads turn."-Monica K.


"I definitely feel more confident when I have some hair flowing in the wind. But I don't think it's fair to get on black women about wearing weaves, we didn't make up these standards on beauty. We're not even the only race of women that wears them, even white women put in tracks to create more volume and even length. Maybe we're more dependent on weave than they are, but it does seem like we are being called out unnecessarily for doing something that a lot of women do."-Nicole W.


I can't speak for all black women, but I guess I'm addicted to weave because long European hair has been and will continue to be a prevailing symbol of beauty. My real hair is shoulder length, but I definitely feel like I get more attention from black men when I have in longer tracks. They say they don't like weave, but yet they break their necks for the women with weaves. Deep down inside, we all just want to be that woman worthy of the neck break. If black men were more supportive of natural beauty like they claim to be, they would stop giving the fake beauties so much attention. They praise fake women like Kim K, but dog out the sisters with weaves. If they wouldn't worship so many fake Hollywood beauties, then just maybe black women would take it easy on the weaves. It's not any deeper than that."- Kara J. 




Each response sheds it's own light on the weave obsession, and its ties to acceptance from black men and a close minded society, but each saddens me more for one reason: some of us have allowed society to determine how we feel about ourselves. Weave isn't the end all be all in the woes of the black community, but the absence of self-esteem and self love are. 

Hair is just hair, but our attitudes about ourselves dictate rather we are beautiful or not; not a media ignorant on any other race accept the majority. I seriously hope all of these women will be able to see beauty without the extensions, and realize that the best kind of love starts on the inside. And only then will someone have the desire to love the same person you finally developed the courage to start loving.  






Need a fabulous solution to your messy mineral makeup woes? Minerals Matte could be the very beauty essential your makeup regime is missing.

By: Amanda Anderson




We may love how fabulous mineral makeup may look against our gorgeous skin tones. but if it's one thing that isn't so fabulous, it's the overall mess and inconvenience that mineral makeup can cause. Before you give up on mineral makeup all together, and opt for a cleaner makeup alternative, Minerals Mate has created the perfect solution to a messy situation that beauty addicts everywhere can truly appreciate.

A custom-designed application palette, Minerals Mate gives you plenty of room to work with your foundation, face treatment and blush minerals, plus places to sort, blend or foil your eye colors. That means less mineral mess. 
“For use in applying minerals, the container lids are obvious but they’re not practical,” said Molly Fleming, who introduces the Minerals Mate palette this week as a simple but effective and hygienic alternative. “You can wash the Minerals Mate palette and there are no threads like on the lids to hide bacteria. Plus, it gives you enough room to play with your makeup without getting it all over the place.”
Minerals Mate has four small wells and three large wells to accommodate makeup brushes of all sizes. It washes with soap and water (or the dishwasher, top rack) so you can start with a clean palette every day. Its thumb rest doubles as a brush wash, as do the palette’s wells.
Minerals Mate comes with a red satin pouch for storing leftover minerals, and a spatula for mixing or scooping; the set sells for $9.99. The best part, Fleming says, is that if you shake too much minerals into the Minerals Mate® palette, you have more surfaces to use for sorting or tapping out your product, and you can store leftover minerals on the palette in the tailor-made pouch, if needed.
The makeup containers, or powder jars, sold on www.mymineralsmate.com also help prevent spilling minerals. Their sifters have a click-action mechanism that can be set to open, half-open or fully closed. The powder jars come in 20- and 30-gram sizes and have silver-matte lids.
Also available from Minerals Mate is a 7.5” x 12” red satin makeup tote bag; it matches the 10” x 5” red satin palette pouch that comes with each palette order, creating an easy gift ensemble.

Loving Minerals Mate? Get yours here.
Luscious and creamy foundations, delicious scents from Chanel, the perfect smoky eye made simple, and H.I.P. metallics perfect for the fall.

By: Amanda Anderson




1. Coco Mademoiselle




I absolutely adore this fragrance. Not too sweet, but clean and luxurious, this is the perfect scent to use to seduce lovers and break a few hearts along the way. It can easily become your new everyday scent, as well as a first date favorite. Get it now at the beauty counter of your favorite department store.


2. H.I.P. Charged




Start off the fall season right with a gorgeous combination of fiery metallics. H.I.P. is a great cosmetics line for women of color, and gives sisters the intensity you love, at a price you'll love even more. Out of all the gorgeous palettes, this one is amongst my absolute favorites. Grab one for your makeup stash today. You'll love Charged, and get the most out of it when using it for a night out with the girls, and the smokey eye effect. This combination is great for all shades of mocha.


3. Smoky ShadowBlast



Want the Smoky Eye made easy? Or a sexy liquid eyeliner in pencil form in a bold shade for the bold fall season? Voila! Covergirl has made it easy and fabulous to have both in one amazing product. Get the look in a matter of seconds, and captivate the world with ease. This compact must have can be purchased at your favorite drug store.


4. Smooth Mousse




Foundation is usually either too oily or too dry, which easily makes it top the list of the most hated beauty essentials. Maybelline has taken heed to the objections of most of the foundations behind the beauty counters, and has created a formula that leaves your skin feeling baby smooth, and extremely flawless. Loved for it's cream whipped delicacy, this foundation will surely become one of your must haves. Get it today in your drugstore haven.


Black women have features that other women pay thousands for.

By: Amanda Anderson


As the media continues to push down its played and tired agenda of European beauty as the superior form of beauty, African American women are forced to either challenge it or succumb to it, and accept our place of inferiority. Sadly, most black women have obliged to the standards of a hate infested media, and are taking many routes to look more European. We're destroying our natural and God given hair because they said our hair isn't beautiful, lightening our skin since they believe lighter skin is better, and opting for smaller noses since apparently ours are "too wide." We keep giving in to their lies and we hate our God created selves. All the while, the features that whites claimed were ugly and unattractive are secretly the most desired, and the reason behind a billion dollar industry of plastic surgery and cosmetics.

We were originally hated because of our skin, lips, and curvy physiques; and now Caucasians are willing to spend thousands for tans, full lips, and new asses.

Sometimes it's as if whites secretly love and appreciate our God given features more than most of us do.

Need an ego boost or a few reasons to appreciate what you have, naturally? Here are five features you were born with that white women would pay for.


1. Your Skin Color


Our darker skin color has always been cited as the number one reason we are one of the most hated people on the face of the earth. While most say it's out of intimidation and ignorance; I'm convinced that the increasing popularity of tanning practices and procedures proves that it's actually just a bad case of jealousy.

White women spend hundreds of dollars a year on tanning products and tanning salons. You're naturally blessed with melanin, and your skin looks like it's been kissed by the skin without any alteration.


2. Your Butt


Most black women have been blessed with some junk in their trunk, and it's refreshing compared to women who are known to lack plenty back there. Since a little booty is all the range now in Hollywood, with celebrities from A-List to the Z-List buying booty pads or new asses all together, it's no surprise that regular white women are spending thousands on butt injections. Unfortunately for them, their purchased fixations aren't completely fixed; they'll continue to spend thousands to keep up the shenanigans. Meanwhile, you were born with a bubbly derriere.

3. Full Lips


White women aren't known to have fuller lips, and have to depend on lip pumpers and lipsticks, and even lip injections to get a full set of luscious lips. Our lips are so in right now, that most of the lip sticks and glosses on the cosmetic scene claim to have lip pluming formulas.

Clearly we have gorgeous, kissable lips that cost quite a penny for the less equipped.


4. Hair

Oh yes, you're not tripping, your natural, coily, full, thick hair is desirable to white women.

Not convinced? Well why do you think they spend so much money on curly perms in the hair salon? They desire a thick head of curls, and you yourself have been born with that. Unfortunately, if you have a relaxer, you've opted for straight and thinner hair.

As a natural diva myself, I can tell you that when I wear my natural coily, thick hair out in public, most of the compliments I get on my hair come from whites. They even ask how they can get curly, thick hair like mine.

Your natural hair is way more fabulous than that relaxed hair you've been rocking for over a decade. In fact, it's guaranteed to turn more heads and create more admirers. Be proud of it.


5. Your Ageless Skin

Smooth as silk, and slow to crack; there probably isn't a woman alive who wouldn't want our skin.

Black people as a whole, age pretty damn good. My mother is in her mid 50s, and her skin is flawless, and wrinkle free. No offense to my white sisters, but they start to see facial lines before they even hit their mid 30s. They rely on expensive skin care products, botox, and outrageous beauty routines to have the skin we have naturally.




Now this is by no way or means a diss to Caucasians, but a wake up call to all of my mocha sisters about the natural beauty that we've been blessed with, but rarely appreciate. When most of us think of our features, we've allowed the media to plant seeds of self-hate so deep in our consciousness that we subconsciously attempt to change the things about ourselves that are representation of our ethnicity. Why should we continue to allow anyone else to define what beauty is, when God himself decided that what He gave us would be good enough. Are we that pompous to question God's decisions?

It's a new day, and it's about time we love every little detail about ourselves. After all, it's all God given. And if people are willing to fork out thousands to get what we already have, we must be kind of fabulous.
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