Beauty News: Carol's Daughter Transitioning Kit Now Available

For those naturalista newbies who've been waiting for a haircare savior for their in-between strands, the time is here.  Carol's Daughter Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit is now available for purchase online.

The set which includes: Purifying Low Poo Cleanser, Renewing Scalp Spray, and Restoring Anti-Breakage Treatment is ideal for those journeying into a newfound freedom from chemically straightened tresses.

Solange Knowles, style maven and Carol's Daughter spokeswoman, is featured in the brand's chic, summery ad video for the kit. Check it out below and to learn more about the products read my overview here.

Carol's Daughter Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit available  here, for $40

What are some of your go-to natural or in-between styles? 

5 "Berry" Good Reasons to Eat Berries

Balmy weather, beach bumming, impromptu barbecues, and delicious berries are the cornerstones of summer. All fruits have outstanding health advantages, but berries are the crème de la crème when it comes to wellness and beautifying benefits.

Packed with antioxidants, Vitamin C, minerals, and more, these scrumptious bites can enhance complexions, contribute to weight loss, and even help prevent certain cancers. From strawberries to blueberries, berries are always at the top of my grocery list. Plus, they're the perfect snack for my 2-year-old daughter who can eat them by the carton!

Check out what these tasty, nutritious treats can do:

1. Antioxidants found in blueberries have been proven to soften skin, decrease inflammation, and reduce the onset of wrinkles.
2. Cranberries and blueberries contain compounds that help ward off bladder infections.
3. Blueberries and raspberries contain lutein, which help improve vision.
4. Blueberries' anthocyanins attack cancer-causing agents.
5.  Strawberries are used topically in traditional medicines to treat burns and other skin ailments due to their astringent properties.

What's your favorite berry?

Vera Wang Wins with Cosmetics Line

Vera Wang is undeniably one of the most sought-after designers in the world. Her breathtaking fashion creations have mesmerized style-seekers for decades. Now with the recent launch of SimplyVera Cosmetics, Ms. Wang is working her wondrous creative magic in the makeup realm.

Simply Vera Vera Wang Cosmetics available exclusively at kohls.com

Inspired by the designer's personal makeup philosophy - the collection is comprised of 16 elegant, fun, and modern offerings for face, lips, and eyes in over 70 shades. Plus, the line consists of skincare products that brides will love such as primers and serums that will help keep their makeup in place for their "big day."

Fans of Vera Wang fashions can now wear makeup that will complement their overall style and serve as an extension of the designer's unique vision.

Have you ever worn a Vera Wang design? What's your favorite makeup brand?

Pretty-in-Print Bikinis

Now that the unofficial start of summer is underway, it's time to hit the beach in the flyest bikinis. Don't fret if you weren't blessed with the body of a Victoria's Secret model or boast Baywatch-worthy curves, there are endless cuts and designs to complement all shapes and sizes. 

From tankinis to itty-bitty string ones, wearing a flattering bikini is the most fashionable way to have fun in the sun.

Remember, all you need is confidence to be a bombshell on or off the beach!

Check out a few of these pretty print two-pieces:  

There's no skirting around the fact that this Robin Piccone Ikat is beyond eye-catching. Available here, $132

For those who don't dare to bare their bellies, this Pily Q tankini is ideal. Available at here, $128

Beyonce showed off her killer bod in this 80s-inspired Luli Fama Delirio bikini via her Tumblr. Available here, $152

This sexy Mara Hoffman Underwire Cami bikini will provide maximum support for your best assets. Available here, $220

 Customizing your fit will be a cinch with this drawstring Roberta Roller Rabbit bikini. Available here, $100

A twist on the classic bandeau style, this Argentovivo Graphic Print is a striking standout. Available, here, $350

Let your shoulders take center-stage with this sleek Vince Camuto Camouflage Halter bikini. Available, here, $138

Are you bikini-ready for the summer? What's your favorite bikini style?

Black Opal Takes a Step in a New Direction

Since 1994, Black Opal has been celebrating brown-skinned beauty by offering products that cater to our specific skin needs. However, since becoming one of the first cosmetics and skincare brands to solely cater to melanin-rich skin tones, it seems to have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle. In my opinion, the launch of similar lines and mainstream makeup companies finally addressing the void in the marketplace caused the brand to somewhat fly under the radar in recent years.

That's all about to change with the help of  celebrity makeup artist, Frank Guyton, who will serve as the brand's new Artistic Director. Under his guidance, Black Opal will continue to serve and take brown beauty to exciting new heights by developing color trends, shade palettes, cosmetic techniques, and more. First up, the lovely Paradise Passion and Colada Cocktail compacts for summer.

The Caribbean-inspired palettes will transform peepers into tropical delights. With bold shades of cool ocean blues, dazzling bronzes, and unexpected yellows, these shadows and shimmers capture the true spirit of the season.

Tropical Sizzle compacts will be exclusively available at blackopalbeauty.com starting June 21st

Do you wear bold and bright shadows during the summer or do you tend to stick to neutral palettes throughout the year?

Have a Snap Happy Holiday Weekend

If you guys caught any of my Tweets from earlier this week, you'd know that I was in my hometown, Chicago. I was back in the Windy City to attend yet another Oprah's LifeClass taping.

I know, I know, I'm totally Oprah obsessed, but I'm really just trying to get tips on how to "live my best life ever!"

I used to dream of working at Harpo Studios when I lived in Chicago. 

That said, I'll be back next week with more beauty, style, and giveaways. In the meantime, please check me out on Instagram:

 
Are you on Instagram? If so, I'd love to follow you! Leave your handles in the comments. Also, if you have any recommendations, please let me know. Right now, I'm only following 2 ppl! Ha!

FashionIndie Features My Summer Beauty Must-Have

My friends over at FashionIndie.com recently featured my summer makeup must-have along with four other fantastic beauty blogger favorites.

It's always flattering when fellow blogs and websites include my two cents in their roundups.

Check out our best balmy weather picks here.

What's your summer makeup essential?

Event Recap: The Brotherhood & Sister Sol Voices 8

The African proverb, "it takes a village to raise a child," is an ideology that I've always believed to be true. The Brotherhood and Sister Sol organization exemplifies that concept. For nearly 20 years, Bro/Sis has served as a long-term support system for thousands of Black and Latino youth from ages 8 to 22.

Founded in 1995 by Khary Lazarre-White and Jason Warwin, the New York City-based non-profit organization focuses on leadership building and educational advancement through a myriad of enriched, hands-on programs and outreach. From helping students with homework to funding life-changing trips abroad, Bro/Sis has positively impacted many lives.

Last week, Bro/Sis held its 8th Annual VOICES event held at the Frederick P. Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center honoring and celebrating those who have helped make the organization a success throughout the year.

Hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe, the night was filled with inspiring, soul-stirring speeches by attendees and honorees including: Soledad O'Brien, Ana L. Oliveira, Harry Belafonte, Mayor David Dinkins to name a few.

From L to R: Wyclef Jean, Harry Belafonte, and Boris Kodjoe. 

“We strive to offer long term, intensive involvement for our members and provide unique services that support their personal development and academic achievements which is why 95% of BHSS Alumni are working full time or enrolled in college,” said Lazarre-White.

Although Bro/Sis is based in New York, its leaders have worked with various schools and similar programs throughout the country to help expand its mission. With organizations like Bro/Sis, our villages will be filled with smart, globally-aware, upstanding citizens.

What are some of your favorite outstanding youth serving organizations?

Listen: Whitney Houston's Last Recorded Work

It's still hard to believe that Whitney Houston aka "The Voice," is no longer with us, but her fans will be comforted today with the release of the late songbird's final recording.

"Celebrate," from the upcoming remake film, Sparkle, in which Houston stars was her last recorded song before her passing in February.

The uptempo single features Jordin Sparks who also co-stars in the movie set for release in August.

Listen below:

Did you watch the Whitney Houston tribute on the Billboard Awards last night?

Event Recap: "Spring Is In The Hair" National Natural Hair Day Event

This year National Natural Hair Day took place on Saturday, May 19th. In cities across the country, naturalistas gathered to talk hair, network, and gain information about how to care for natural textures.

I attended the "Spring Is In the Hair," meet-up  hosted by Natasha Gaspard of My Mane Moves and Imani Dawson of A Tribe Called Curl at The Rock Shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The event location was only a few blocks from my apartment so there was no excuse not to attend the soiree celebrating our curls, coils, kinks, and waves.

Admittedly, my hair didn't turn out the way I had hoped. So I took a last-ditch effort and quickly pulled my hair into pompadour held in place with a mini headband.

At the event, we learned tips from Karen's Body Beautiful and super cute styling techniques from sought-after stylist Diane Bailey of Tendrils Hair Spa in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Plus, there were plenty of fun interactive games and giveaways throughout the afternoon. To top it off, each attendee walked away with a gift bag filled with full-size hair, bath, and body products.

I'm still a newbie when it comes to natural hair meet-ups so this gathering was a great introduction.  

Check out a few pics:

Co-host Natasha Gaspard (center) with attendees. 

Some of the products from the swag bag.  

Diane Bailey doing a hair demo on a model. 

Have you ever attended a natural hair event? If not, would you? 

Kiss Transitioning Troubles Goodbye with Carol's Daughter 3-Step Kit

Now that the natural hair revolution is underway, more women are making the decision to ditch relaxers and embrace their curlier textures. However, that journey isn't always easy. Transitioning can be a tough task to take on for someone unequipped with the proper hair care knowledge needed to successfully go au naturel.

Carol's Daughter's 3-Step Transitioning Kit was created to help make that leap from silky straight strands to curls, kinks or coils a lot smoother.

Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit available at Carol's Daughter stores, Carolsdaughter.com, Dillards, Macy's, Sephora, Ricky's NYC, HSN, and Regis Salons starting in June, $40

They've identified product build-up, scarred scalp, and demarcation breakage as the three main problems many women face when transitioning and formulated products to serve as solutions. The trio of products includes: Purifying Low-Poo Cleanser (makes it easy to detangle without stripping hair of its moisture), Renewing Scalp Spray (exfoliates the scalp), and Restoring Anti-Breakage Treatment (strengthens demarcation points). Plus, the products are packed with natural ingredients such as sugarcane, olive oil, coconut, and soy protein to promote healthy hair transitions.

Had this kit been around a few years ago, it would’ve saved me from emotional stress and helped me tackle my once tortured tresses with ease.

Are you currently transitioning? If so, what has been your experience?

Target Unveils Second Series of "The Shops"

Who doesn't love Target? The cheery and chic atmosphere makes it hard not to walk out of the store empty-headed. It has become the standard destination for shoppers seeking everything from home goods to designer duds. And with the successful launch of The Shops earlier this month, they've really upped the ante. The unique idea to showcase and celebrate shop owners by giving them an opportunity to sell their merchandise to the masses is a refreshing and innovative take on retail.

This September (9th), the superstore will debut its second installment of The Shops. The new addition will bring Target and Target.com shoppers four exclusive limited-edition collections from fashion and home decor brands.

Items from New York's Kirna Zabête (women's apparel and accessories) and Odin (men's apparel and accessories), San Francisco's The Curiosity Shoppe (giftables) and Boston's PATCH NYC (home décor) will surely give Target customers new reasons to keep hitting the Bullseye.

Elegant Orange Bowl, available at PATCH, NYC, $120

Have you checked out the current installment of The Shops at Target?

Sponsored: Ambi Skincare Regimen to the Rescue

For me, having clear and even skin is the epitome of outward beauty. That's why countless facial products, including Ambi's Skincare Regimen clutter my bathroom shelf in an attempt to achieve ultimate beauty bliss. Oh and because I am a complete cosmetic junkie.

While I've tried Ambi in the past, I was always lured by the latest new product that I never stuck with it long enough to see just how awesome it works.

After having several months of blemish-free skin, my picture-perfect journey abruptly ended and the breakouts returned.

Being the experts in skincare for us brown-skinned beauties, I turned to the Ambi Skincare Regimen: Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser, Even and Clear Daily Moisturizer, and Fade Cream for some much-needed help. I used the trio of products consistently for three weeks and saw a remarkable difference.

Ambi Skincare Regimen available here. 

The foam wash kept my face clean and balanced by unclogging pores and combatting excessive oil in an effort to prevent new breakouts. Plus, it didn't leave my skin feeling tingly or irritated like other brands I've used in the past. I don't know about you, but there's just something fun about slathering foam on your face.

However, using the moisturizer was a initially a bit of a challenge. I was so used to applying one of my tried and true formulas that I was reluctant to stop, but resisted in order to use the entire Ambi system. It was a bit thicker than my usual go-to, but it still properly moisturized my skin.

As disappointed as I was that I had to reach for a fade cream to lighten those dreaded dark marks, I was delighted by the results. The hyper-pigmentation spots haven't completely disappeared, but the darkness has definitely diminished. That's a huge coup considering I haven't been using it for that long.

I'm certain that with continued use of Ambi, my once radiant skin will resurface better than ever!

The experts in skin of color, brings you a skin care regimen to help you achieve flawless skin. Use AMBI®’s Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser to help clear breakouts and reduce dark marks. Follow with Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, so skin will look even and smooth. And AMBI®’s #1rated Fade Cream, diminishes dark spots and discoloration, for a beautiful and natural skin tone.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AMBI® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AMBI®.

Have you tried Ambi products? If so, what was your experience?

Swatch Still Ticking with Style

Back in the day, Swatch was the watch to rock. Now, it seems the popular Swiss watch and jewelry brand is more stylish than ever. With two new additions for summer to its signature Chrono Collection -- Red and Fucshia Circle Irony Chronos, the watches are as fashionable as they're functional.

The sleek polished stainless steel design coupled with the colorful tone-on-tone counters make for a chic timepiece.

While I tend to peek at my phone to tell the time,  these watches make me want to switch back to looking at my wrist.

Irony Chrono Collection (White Circle is from a previous season) Available at Swatch, $175

Have you ever worn a Swatch watch? Do you wear watches or depend on your phone for the time?

ELLE Cosmetics Launches at Kohl's

As if Kohl's couldn't get any better, ELLE Cosmetics, a chic new makeup line will be sold exclusively at the store.

Comprised of various complementary shades for eyes, lips, and face, ELLE Cosmetics brings a fresh and updated feel to the makeup offered at the chain. Inspired by runway looks, the line includes products in ultra-sleek packaging that reflect the current fashion trends.

I'm totally obsessed with the creamy, yet shimmery lip glosses that glide on smoothly without leaving lips sticky or gooey.

From electrifying neon polishes to straight-from-the-beach bronzers, the collection boasts quality items that will help make your beauty radiate.

Available exclusively at Kohls and Kohls.com for $10-$16

Also, if you haven't already purchased your mom a gift for Mother's Day (I'm the queen of procrastination too), stop by Kohl's and instantly update her makeup bag with a few of these goodies!

What makeup trend are you loving this spring?