Memorial Day beauty must haves

Whether you're going to the beach, a pool party, or a barbecue this Memorial Day you'll want to keep these things in mind before hanging with friends.

Block Out - The most important beauty must have of the summer is a good moisturizer with SPF. When the SPF is higher does not mean you are getting more protection. SPF 15 blocks around ninety-six percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Lotions that contain SPF 30 to 60 provide about ninety-seven percent defense from the sun. That extra one percent of protection usually has an oiler formula which will leave your skin greasy.

Glow on – Applying a liquid bronzer before stepping out in your new dress is the perfect way to capture the summer sun and draw attention to your legs. Rub a small amount of liquid bronzer over your legs and arms to add drama. Try Lucy B’s frangipani bronze shimmer oil which is sold locally at Exhale Spa locations.

Throw on the shades – You may love the sun but it's harmful rays aren’t exactly “tlc” for your skin so before going out to enjoy the sunshine be sure to cover up. Grab a pair of stylish shades to guard your eyes. Reducing sun exposure around your lids helps to lower your risk of getting crows feet and dark under eye circles. Also, summer is a great time to wear hats. Wearing hats during the summer can lower your risk of experiencing sunstroke. Plus, hats are always a great summer fashion accessory.

Wax off – Do get rid of unsightly hairs around the bikini area. Make sure to give your special area the special treatment. There are several ways to handle this issue. You can have it waxed professionally at a spa. Bliss spa locations charge $35 for a basic bikini waxing. If this doesn’t quite fit into your budget try an at home waxing kit. Not up for waxing? Use Nair’s Sensitive Formula Bikini Cream which is infused with Green Tea for a soothing application. Find it at your local Wal-Mart.

Be a bronze goddess

Capture the sun this summer with the look of a bronze goddess. Hollywood goddesses, Halle Berry, Charlize Theron, and Jessica Alba have all been seen wearing this radiantly fresh look. Here are a few tips and tricks to get you one step closer to being a bronze goddess on all summer long!

Face: Moisturize your face. If you have oily skin be sure to use an oil – free moisturizer. Once your skin is dry apply concealer to any blemishes, red spots, or other problem areas. Next, brush a powder all over the face. Try Jane Iredale’s Amazing Base with SPF 20.

Eyes: For this bronze inspired look use Maybelline New York’s Expertwear Trio Eyeshadow in Bronze Gilt. Place the lightest tan shade under the brow bone for a highlight. If you are going to be on beach or at the pool you should use a good waterproof mascara.

Cheeks: Sweep, a matte bronzer like Rimmel London’s Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze onto your cheekbones, hairline, and jaw line then using a blush brush blend any harsh lines.

Lips: To finish the look apply L’Oreal Paris' Colour Sheer Juicy Lip Gloss in Carmel Crème.

Green Beauty

Lots of cosmetics brands are slapping the word “natural” on their labels when they may only have one or two natural ingredients. However, there are some truly green beauty products out there that are more than 90% natural.


Josie Maran Mascara
This mascara is great for a subtle day application. To create a sultry dramatic look add extra coats.

Zoya Professional Nail Lacquer in Melanie
Say goodbye to French manicures! This summer is all about color. Try this soft pink polish on your toes.

SukiFace Lip Repair Butter
Moisturize your lips with the hydrating jojoba oils and vitamin e infused in this lip butter.

Kelly Rowlands debut

Ms.Kelly has a new debut. After, releasing a statement this January announcing her separation with Music World and Mathew Knowles management that currently manages Beyonce and Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland is spreading her wings straight into the TV screen. The R&B diva is the co-host of Bravo’s new reality show The Fashion Show which premieres tonight on Bravo at 10p.m. est 9 p.m cst. She will be hosting alongside fashion guru Isaac Mizrahi. The show is Bravo’s answer to the loss of their hit show Project Runway to Lifetime in a bitter legal battle. (Project Runaway's new season premieres this August on Lifetime.)

Many critics say they believe the show is only runway knockoff. Each week the winner will have their dress sold in an online store, and the season winner will get their own clothing line. “I think what makes The Fashion Show so unique is that it’s the people’s decision, and not only that but it’s a real show for real people,” Kelly Rowland told People.

All I know is I can never have enough fashion in my life! Not to mention to see Kelly doing her thing!

Kerry Washington's red carpet glam

Actress, Kerry Washington is always stunning. Try out these easy-to-follow tips to achieve this shimmery radiant look that she used to please the cameras on red carpet at New York's annual MET gala this week.

Face – Prep your face for makeup with Tarte’s clean slate makeup primer. Blend concealer on any blemishes, red or dark areas then apply a sheer foundation like MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation for sheer coverage and a subtle glow.

Eyes – Use a gel – based eyeliner. MAC Fluidline and Stila Smudgepots are two really great gel-liners. When lining the inner eye make sure to use eyeliner that is waterproof to avoid the raccoon look. Lots of mascara or faux lashes are required to achieve this look. Try MAC #7 lashes.

Cheeks – Apply a peachy pink blush like NARS Orgasm blush to the apple of your cheeks

Lips - These are semi – matte lips so there will be no need for gloss to accomplish this look. You will want to use concealer on your lips to mute the natural pink of the lips. Then, simply use a nude liner around the mouth as well as on the lips. This will help your lip color to last longer. Next, apply a soft pale pink lipstick. To master this nude lip combine MAC Subculture lipliner with their Touch lipstick.

Now it’s time to stop the show with your stunning red carpet ready look.

Wash & Go Natural

Kinky Kurly Curling Custard is a natural wonder. This product was brought to my attention when it was named one of the ‘Hottest Makeup & Hair Products of 2008’ by Essence Magazine. It is great for natural tresses. The all natural gel-like formula moisturizes the hair while pulling down and locking in your natural curl pattern to create shiny southbound spirals. Not to mention how easy it is to use. You simply apply to wet hair after a shampoo. Then you style your hair. If you sleep with a satin or silk bonnet at night then the style should last at least a week. If you desire looser curls then try it with their Knot Today conditioner.

Obama Creates More Jobs For Black Models

Last night at Cookie magazine’s Smart Cookie Awards in NYC, supermodel Liya Kebede, who is the third African American woman in a row to grace the cover of Vogue (see April 14th post) told NY magazine her thoughts on the Obama effect on fashion. "I think it’s wonderful to have a beautiful, elegant man and woman in the White House," said Kebede. "I think it changes the way we look at things. Already they’re attracting so much attention. I think fashion is following, and I’m really glad that fashion is following what they’re doing and [that] it’s really helping diversity." Kebede added, "I think there’s a lot more black models working and I think that’s because of having Michelle and Barack out there. I mean there’s been this issue, raised last year — how there wasn’t enough black models on the runways — but I think Barack and Michelle have really helped us, hopefully forever, to get over this hurdle for black models."

I agree with Kebede and I have to say I hope the same is true for politics. We could definitely use more diversity amongst our politicians!