J.Lo Realizes A Big Dream

J.Lo has announced that something new is on the way for her. In 2021, she will officially realize a long-time dream.

It was announced several months ago that she was coming out with, you guessed, a skincare line. This is a no-brainer. She’s long been known for having beautiful, glowing skin along with a serious skincare regimen. J.Lo definitely realizes the importance of taking care of her skin. It has served her well.

Her brand, dubbed JLo Beauty (of course!), will launch on January, 1, 2021 on its respective website. The brand will launch with eight skincare products including eye cream, a dietary supplement, and sunscreen.

J.Lo is pretty amazing and I expect that this product will be no less. One product she mentions that is used in her brand is olive oil. She says that the oil is part of her mother and aunt’s beauty secret. To be honest, it has been one of my long-time favorites to because it’s really an oil made for the skin. The prices vary for each of the launch items. So far, there have been rave reviews from those who were fortunate enough to test the products before they are released to the public.

Save ya coins so you can be part of this brand’s historic launch in a few weeks!

Netflix Just Announced This

Yesterday, Netflix announced that some major classic shows are coming to the popular streaming service.

Over the next 3 months, we will have access to these shows (let the binge watching begin!). I, for one, am looking forward to this and I know I am not alone. Shows such as Moesha, The Game (limited seasons), Sister, Sister, Girlfriends, The Parkers, Half & Half, and One on One will be lighting up our Netflix accounts as we approach the end of summer and start to say hello to autumn.

Thinking of the impact of these shows, Girlfriends comes to mind as a lesson in makeup for me. Makeup Artist Rea Ann Silva really nailed beauty-consistently. When I look at the series, I see beautiful women, not (heavy) makeup. Everything flows so well that the show still serves as an inspiration. The makeup accurately compliments the hair and clothing of each cast member. Silva created what we now know as the Beautyblender while on the show out of a need while working on set. I’d say the show has served her well.

So grateful for all of these shows and the cast and crew of each of these shows that made such great television.

See the upcoming dates below:

August

Saturday, August 1st- Moesha

Saturday, August 15th- The Game (seasons 1-3)

September

Tuesday, September 1st- Sister, Sister

Friday, September 11th- Girlfriends

October

Tuesday, October 1st- The Parkers

Tuesday, October 15th- One on One

Here’s to happy watching!

Weddings in Pandemics: Elaine Welteroth Gets Hitched!

“I am marrying you on 5-10-20. It may have to be here on our stoop. And I might be in sweats. But we are doing this, come hell or high water.”

— Elaine Welteroth (Vogue.com)

We need to enjoy and embrace the good things, the positive things every time they show up. Life in 2020 has completely shifted for all of us-and it’s keeps shifting. It’s easy to lose sight of good things, those things that make us smile (especially if we aren’t always surrounded by positivity). Good things are still happening all around, we just need a person (or people) to show us.

To say that the last few months have been a whirlwind is an understatement. For many expectant brides, they’ve had to postpone wedding plans—some indefinitely, due to the events and uncertainty of a worldwide pandemic.

When faced with this situation, Elaine Welteroth decided that she was going to get married “come hell or high water” on May 10, 2020. And the best-selling author and history-making editor did just that. Initially, the couple considered many different places for their nuptials (both in and out of the United States). The pandemic, however, changed all of that and it looked like all of their dreams would be postponed. Instead of being down about it, Welteroth stayed determined.

As she set her mind on her goal, ideas flowed and she knew exactly how to pull everything off. It came to her to have a virtual wedding at her home followed by a virtual block party. Doing so meant friends and neighbors could be involved.

The two lovebirds used their Brooklyn stoop to exchange vows. It was beautifully decorated with a stunning and colorful floral arragement. Welteroth and her now husband were very creative and resourceful in the planning of this event. Using what they had and thinking “outside the box” allowed for a beautiful wedding. Both the bride, groom, and their friends were all decked out in white. Welteroth gave beachy, Bohmemian vibes in her flowing white gown and lowkey makeup and hair. She was simply ethereal.

The photos were absolutely beautiful—vividly invoking the sense of a warm, inviting celebration of love and beauty. Technology allowed for out-of-town friends and family to participate. Notice the tablet in the photograph. The bride and groom are happily smiling into the camera showing off their rings to their audience.

Congrats to the beautiful couple!

Celebrating Women Series: Remembering Katherine Johnson

When I think of the contributions of someone like Katherine Johnson, I’m always reminded that delay is not denial and for the hundreds and thousands of celebrities and famous people we know as members of the general public, there are thousands-dare I say millions-who go down in history unknown on a big scale that shape or have shaped the world we know and live in right now.

Katherine Johnson was born August 26, 1918 in West Virginia. Her extraordinary life started out with meager beginnings. She passed away February 24, 2020 at the age of 101. She worked for NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) many years and retired in 1986. The book, Hidden Figures, by Margot Lee Shetterly highlighted the stories and accomplishments of amazing and innovative women in science. The book was published in 2016 and later released as a film under the same title in early 2017. I am so grateful to authors and writers who are passionate about getting stories told. The movie brought people together in the way that only art can.

It was so touching to witness her being honored in the national spotlight. While one could argue that this recognition was long overdue, it can also be argued that maybe it was right on time. In her 90s, she was able to attend these shows, be recognized and be loved on by a completely new generation of admirers. Dreams and rewards don’t have expiration dates. Life doesn’t have to stop or slow down at a certain age.

From my artist standpoint, I must say that she was always quite beautiful. She had age appropriate makeup that wasn’t heavy or overly done. Her makeup enhanced her beauty and she looked great on camera. Her beautiful gowns were always the right color and she had a very regal elegance about her.

To hear she had passed was a bit sad, yet, I had gratutide for her and her accomplishments. Today, she will be laid to rest with a memorial service at Hampton University. May we always remember her and speak her name.

Remembering B. Smith

Over the weekend, we received news that the legendary and beautiful B. Smith passed away. The annoucement came via her husband, Dan Gasby’s, Facebook page.

As the condolences started to make their way around, I thought about my own experiences with her and her impact on me.

I first remember seeing the iconic model, author, restuaranteur and history maker on her television show, B. Smith Style, where I spefically remember the segment on how she cared for her makeup brushes (of course that had me hooked!).

I knew she was a model and that she’d made history in the 70s as the first African American model to grace the cover of Mademoiselle but I didn’t know a lot about her brand and what she offered. All I can say that is I’m glad to have experienced it in some way.

In addition to watching the tv show, I also attended an event where she was also in attendance, along with her husband here in Richmond. They were very personable and down to earth. It’s one thing to see people on stage or from afar and another to experience them up close and personal.

Later, I had the opportunity to eat at her restaurant-both the DC and NYC locations. The fare was different at each spot-both eateries were upscale and simply elegant. I enjoyed my food and her interpretation of each dish was both culturally and regionally befitting.

I am so grateful for the beauty icon that we knew as B. Smith. She will be greatly missed.

Pat McGrath to Debut New Concealer Line- 02.21.20

Pat McGrath released her highly coveted foundation to ravashing reviews and success. Now, Pat McGrath Labs will be releasing its new and highly-anticipated Sublime Perfection Concealer line on Friday, February 21, 2020. The line boasts 36 shades and has a price point of $32. In line with making her brand inclusive and easy-to-use, consumers can also purchase a concealer brush (also priced at $32), designed by McGrath to mimic the finger, or use the doe-foot applicator provided. She is known for using her fingers and hands to apply makeup the brush design falls right in line with approach to beauty.

Known for versatility and thinking outside the box, McGrath says that you can use the concealer in lieu of foundation, for example, making this perfect for summer.

Pat McGrath Labs will also be releasing other products on Friday, so be sure to check out her website for more goodies. The products will also be available at Sephora and at select Sephora locations.

2019 Grammys

Music. It’s helped me get through many times-happy, sad, joy, pain. It also helps me to push through things and get tasks done. It also helps me think and has helped me verbalize what I want to say. To say music is a lifeline is a major understatement.

So, needless to say, I was watching the Grammys this year. I like to see what the celebrities have in store for us. In saying that, this post is strictly about the fashion and the makeup. I’m highlighting a few of my favorites here.

My top 3 red carpet looks (in no particular order) were Jennifer Lopez, Chaka Khan and Lady Gaga. What I liked about all 3 of these looks were that they really represented each artist well and really fit the personality that comes to mind when I think of all 3 of them. The hair and makeup for each look fit very well.

The host, Alicia Keys, had some nice looks as well. She stayed with a minimal makeup look that still goes along with her ‘no-makeup’ look theme that she was really into a few years back. I personally like the idea of minimal makeup when hosting an event like The Grammys. She had several outfit changes and not a lot of time.

Overall, there were several beautiful gowns, outfits, jewelry and makeup. For an event like this, it’s so wonderful to see stars who are really comfortable in their own self-expression.

Happy 2019!

It’s been a while and it’s time for some new posts.

It’s a new year with many wonderful things sure to come our way in the world of makeup and beauty. 2018 brought is a lot of new products and innovation. I expect 2019 will be more of the same in that vein.

One of the best product improvements was the vast amount of attention brands are bringing to complexion for women of color. This has been a long time coming. Those voices have been heard!

We all want to be included. We all want products that serve us well and that allow us to full engage ourselves in our unique and wonder self-expression.

Here’s to a wonderful 2019!

Aaliyah and MAC

The official word is out: MAC is releasing the Aaliyah collection next summer! I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what they create. I'm wondering why it took this long, but hey, it's coming next summer and that's all that matters. 

Aaliyah was such a creative genius and as my sister said, "she was before her time." I think her last project was the best one and there was so much more to come from her. With each project (whether it was music or acting), she became better and better. How is that possible?

It was a sad day when she passed away. She was someone with so much beauty, promise and  was very well accomplished. She was just getting started, really.  I'll stop here because the memories are still very much alive. She is still with us in heart and video and song, so if you don't know much about her, check her out on youtube. Watch some of her music videos and see the genius that is Aaliyah. 

Being that MAC annouced this so early, it my thought that they definitely anticipate this being BIG and selling out quickly.  

Thank you MAC for keeping this amazing person alive in our hearts and minds!

IT Cosmetics Now At Sephora!

It Cosmetics continues to make its rounds in the makeup world. It's a pretty amazing that it is now made its way into Sephora. 

Sephora is a store that is picky about what it carries. So, in other words, basic makeup doesn't make it in here! Your brand has to be special. It has to have something unique about it. 

It's a good move for the It brand to be here along with the ranks of other high-enders. 

The blush pictured here is nice and the brush is too. It's great to know that I have another place to shop this brand.