Keys Soulcare

Skincare is king!

This year, many of us have had time to really sit still, be quiet, and ponder our next steps. For some people, it’s led to new jobs, rekindled relationships, and thinking about the future. For others, it’s been very creative. Alicia Keys is definitely one how has benefitted from this time in quarantine.

She recently announced her brand new skincare line, Keys Soulcare, and it’s on sale now. The brand currently boasts a skin transformation cream, a candle, and facial roller.

From what I recall, Keys stated that she wanted to have a brand with the aforementioned items specificially. She wasn’t looking for much to expand to an entire brand. Rather, she wanted to provide people with something that could give self-care in small, attainable doses.

It’s not too hard to light a candle, wash your face, pat it dry, and apply some skin cream, and then use a facial roller to help the product really go into the skin. We can do that, right?

Currently, Keys Soulcare is available at Ulta.com with product prices ranging from $25 to $38.

Glitter and Metallics

As stated in the previous post, metallic is a big thing right now and is definitely anticipated for the summer-where it will really be seen. I wanted to also touch on another area where the a "pop" will be take place with glitter: the eyes. 

I have been a long-time believer in metallics and glitter on the eyes-trend or no trend. :) This trend so reminds me of the 70s. Pair that with some lip gloss and a maxi dress and you'd look like you straight stepped out of 1970s Vogue. I really like this trend, can you tell?

It would be unfair for me to tell you about this and not give you places or brands to shop so you can try this for yourself. 

For your eyes, check out Stila. They have some AMAZING beauties that are sure to put a smile on your face. They are gorge. They are called Magnificent Metals Glitter and Glow Liquid Eye Shadows. These are actually glitters that were designed to use on the eyes. They come in a range that is sure to please. The glitters range from subtle golds to  purple and black. 

As with all metals and glitters, you have to find your comfortable place. Whatever level you are comfortable with will determine what color you choose and how you apply. For softer color, a placement of color right on the lash line will work. If you are feeling like a more bolder approach is to take the color up just below your brow bone. Either way, it's an easy way to incorporate a trend that is sure to be a winner for the Spring and Summer. 

The Wilsons, Revlon and A Baby

On this special Birthday I received an abundance of love from friends and family.. and I'm excited to Finally share one of the Greatest Gifts of All that God could give... 👶🏽🍼💃🏽☺️❤️

See this Instagram photo by @ciara * 18.9k likes

Wow! Life continues to get better and better for this power couple. A few days ago, Ciara announced her partnership with Revlon. It's huge to be the face of such a well-known beauty powerhouse. As if that wasn't enough- today she announced that she and her husband, Russell, are expecting their first child. This is the second child for Ciara and the first for Russell.   This couple continues attaining new heights! Certainly inspiring. Wishing these two nothing but the best. 

Photo courtesy of Ciara's Instagram

Emmys 2016 In Review

Well, the 2016 Emmys have come and gone. 

As an artist and lover of all things art and beauty, I'm always excited to see what looks creative teams come up with for their celebrity clients. 

There were some beautiful dresses on the carpet and lots of color. I really enjoyed seeing color and how well the tones complimented so many of the women walking the carpet. Cut outs were big too and worn tastefully well.  Kerry Washington really amazed with her tasteful cut outs showing her baby bump.

Priyanka Chopra looked amazing in her red dress! The red lip was perfect with her beautiful dress without being overdone. That takes talent and skill to pull off.  You could totally tell that she was comfortable in her gown and that it really made her feel beautiful. Her look was classically beautiful. 

Many of the ladies on the carpet chose to go with soft makeup while there were some that chose to go bold. I personally like them all. Variety is the spice of life, after all. 

In saying that, Emily Ratajkowski (pictured above) really decided to be bold with her makeup this go 'round. It is what I like to call a "butterfly cat eye." The color and design of this colorful graphic eye remind me of a butterfly. Since butterflies are all about change, we clearly see that here with the decision to go bold with makeup and more demure with the dress styling. We also see the change in the makeup itself-going from color to graphic design.  I like. Hung Vanngo is the master behind this beautiful makeup styling. Way to go! 

There is a lot to be said about mature and classic beauty as well. Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett and Lily Tomlin-just to name a few-were gorgeous as well. For me, I really liked how each lady knew exactly what to do with her makeup. It wasn't overdone. For me, this is what mature beauty is all about. 

The 2016 Emmys are now history but we do have trends that are sure to stick around for quite awhile. The styling of so many ladies was just beautiful and I enjoyed seeing each one show her beauty off in her own, unique way. Congrats to all the winners! Until next time. . .

Rio 2016!

Have you been watching? The buzz created by this history-making Olympics has been nothing short of amazing! And with good reason, too. 

I, for one, have been watching and just continue to be amazed by ALL of the athletes. Just amazed! How about Michael Phelps? How do you just break ancient records, seriously? That in and of itself is a 'drop the mic, walk-off-the-stage' moment. The records broken in the sport of swimming by Michael Phelps, Katie Ledecke,  and Simone Manuel -to name a few really have made this an Olympics to remember for me personally. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention how cool the athletes are to tie in beauty and fashion with their sports. I noticed that several swimmers, including Simone Manuel, had to make sure those nails were camera-ready. The nail designs were simple, yet chic. I saw a lot of red, white and blue, of course placed strategically for an eye-catching look. I completely appreciate women (and men) taking time out for themselves and treating themselves to a mani, pedi, spa day (or whatever else works). 

Did you take notice of the Women's Olympic team? Their eye makeup was perfect with their uniforms. I hear those uniforms were about $1200 each and were designed with Swavorksi crystals. I could tell they were Swavorski by the sparkle. :) I liked how the makeup was only placed at the rim of the eye (lower and upper lids). Its glittery presence really made the ladies' eyes "pop" even more. Congrats to everyone! Can't wait to see more.