Nordstrom Spring 2018 Beauty Trend Events

Beginning in March, Nordstrom Beauty will kick-off their seasonal Beauty Trend Events!

 

Every New York Fashion Week, Nordstrom goes backstage to assess the biggest beauty trends and then brings this intel direct to their customers nationwide.  For the Spring 2018 season, they’ve identified trends such as Luminous Skin and  Hi-Definition Lips.

 

Guests can learn how to achieve the freshest runway-inspired looks of the season and get free samples and exclusive gifts with your purchases (while supplies last).

 

Receive one-on-one time with Nordstrom beauty experts, tips tricks to nail the newest trends and receive beauty buzz intel from industry insiders — and it’s free to attend!

Colgate Total Regimen and Dental Hygiene: Product Review #ColgateSmile

Your smile is the best accessory that you will ever have! Due to this reason alone, it’s vitality important that you take care of your teeth and gums.

Use a product that creates a clean mouth and sparkling smile.

Colgate is a brand that’s stood the test of time in terms of preventing tooth decay and good dental health.

I had the opportunity to review their latest product line and received amazing results! The Advanced Powered Toothbrush has a dual action head for individual tooth reach.

For daily dental repair, the Total Advanced Toothpaste and Mouthwash left my mouth feeling fresh.

All of my dental hygiene products must remove surface stains because I drink coffee and eat foods that leave a residue.

Early Morning Routine: 

Wake Up

Floss & Brush Teeth

Drink a Cup of Coffee

Make Breakfast and Lunch

Take Kids to School

Additional preventative benefits from using Colgate include:

  • Cavities
  • Gingivitis
  • Plaque
  • Bad Breath

Purchase Colgate products to create a beautiful smile and start a good dental hygiene regimen.

Active Ego Plus-Size Athleisure Wear By Jennifer James

Jennifer James is a creative professional and successful entrepreneur who founded and is currently CEO of plus-size athleisure wear line Active Ego.  In December 2016, James earned her Master’s in Business degree from the Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

After having her first child, James went into full gym mode to lose the baby weight, there she saw a void of quality activewear for plus-size women and decided to create cute and durable pieces for all curvy women to enjoy.

In 2014, James launched Active Ego and with the success and awareness of the Active Ego brand, the JJ (Jennifer James) collection was conceived and successfully launched in 2017.

James mission is to develop an exclusive line of active and leisure lifestyle apparel that serves and provides options for the plus-size/curvy women who have been underserved in the marketplace. Her vision is to pay attention to detail and be inventive for Active Ego, and successfully market the brand to plus-size/curvy women across the globe.

 

 

The Mane Choice Multicultural Hair and Body Brand: Founder Courtney Adeleye

In the last five years, there has been a 30% upswing in the number of minority- and female-owned brands presenting lines to retailers. Power players from Walmart to Sephora are taking notice and clearing shelf space for the upstart companies. One of the trailblazers in this growing category is the multicultural hair & body care brand, The Mane Choice – who has secured exclusive launch deals with both Walmart and Target in the last year alone! The five-year-old brand that grew from a home-based hobby to a multimillion dollar corporation in just 2 years is growing at a blistering pace.

About the brand and founder:

  • The business was created by founder Courtney Adeleye, who began her journey by mixing products in her kitchen and documenting her progress on YouTube. As her viewers watched her hair grow from chin length all the way down to her hip, they yearned for her help with their own tresses.
  • Courtney began the business out of her kitchen and grew The Mane Choice from a home-based hobby to a multimillion-dollar business in just two years. Last year, the brand garnered over 6.5 million in sales.
  • In less than three years The Mane Choice has been picked up by major retailers including Sally Beauty Supply, Rite Aid, Target, Walgreens, and CVS.
  • In 2017 Courtney debuted two exclusive product launches with Walmart and Target.
  • The Mane Choice has grown almost exclusively through word of mouth and social media. The brand has organically garnered 347K + Instagram followers and 362K + Facebook fans.
  • The Mane Choice made history in Target, being the first hair vitamin to be featured in the hair aisle (they’re usually reserved for the vitamin aisle).
  • The brand has already expanded abroad, with specific The Mane Choice e-commerce sites for Africa and Canada.

Belli Beauty Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub: Beauty Product Review

Let’s start by saying I am a mom.  Like most women who have given birth, I have suffered from skin changes.  This ranges from dryness to a few unforeseen stretch marks.  Thank goodness we live in a new day and time that celebrates all facets of being a woman!

Belli Beauty is a company that specializes in providing luxurious skincare solutions for all ages.  The company creates a variety of products to help with tired eyes, tightening pores, and sunscreen.  I received the Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub to share and provide a review.

If you’re an avid reader of this site (and viewer of lifestyle segments) you know that I adore multi-tasking products because they save time.  The Belli Beauty Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub can be used on the face and body to prevent anti-aging.

Hello.  I am here for all of this!  I used the product during my shower and applied lotion immediately afterward.  My skin appeared brighter and more nourished.  I suggest this product to new moms or anyone that’s seeking healthy skin.

Visit the site to learn more:  belliskincare.com

#BlackPanther Slay Your Winter Beauty Beat Wakanda Style

As the film, Black Panther features a glorious moment of beauty representation I wanted to share 3 beauty products that can be used to seamlessly recreate the character’s iconic looks.

See below for products by the mineral makeup brand, jane iredale and the leader in high-performance makeup, Mehron.

Rich, Radiant Complexion

 

To recreate the Wakanda women’s flawless complexions it’s important that your foundation formula has a flattering finish that provides you with great coverage for as long as possible.

 

Try:

Mehron Celebré Pro-HD Cream Foundation ($15.76, Amazon.com)

Satin-smooth foundation provides a wide variety of shades that offer buildable coverage while leaving skin looking naturally flawless.  Powerful antioxidants of pomegranate and vitamin E combined with aloe vera help soothe the skin.

   

Tribal Accent Eyeliner

   

The eye looks showcased at the Black Panther Fashion Show (pictured left) recreated the Wakanda tribal accents beautifully.

Try:

 jane iredale Mystikol® Powdered Eyeliner ($24, janeiredale.com)

The highly pigmented powder/cream liner is ideal for graphic eye looks; an easy-to-use, snap in brush applicator allows for precise on-the-go application!

Shades pictured above:

Amethyst (available now)

Sapphire (available in March)

 

Deep, Vibrant Lips

 

The variety of deep reds, berry and purple lips worn by the Wakanda women was the perfect finishing touch to the overall beauty look. To recreate the look it’s important to incorporate a nourishing, ultra-moisturizing lipstick.

Try:

jane iredale  PureMoist® Lipstick ($25, janeiredale.com)

These pigmented creamy shades deliver a delightful hue of color and are infused with moringa butter, vitamins A & C and coffee seed extract while providing antioxidant protection!

Shades:

Gwen: apple red

Cindy: classic red

Hannah: creamy matte brown plum

Annette: creamy matte red grape

 

 

 

 

How to Calm Crazy Waves and Unruly Curls International Curl Expert Shares Tips from Maya Smith

For those with naturally wavy, curly hair of all coils and textures it may seem like an endless battle to find ways to tame the mane. Some may turn to relaxers, weekly blowouts or extensions. Others just want to master their natural hair in whatever mood it seems to be in. To help girls get a handle on their curls we connected with Maya Smith, founder of The Doux salon and product line of the same name both specializing in making the absolute most of the natural hair you’re born with. When it comes to healthy sculptured, cool looking curls of all types, Maya’s two decades of experience with curls worldwide makes her a true expert. Here she offers tips on how to calm crazy waves and unruly curls.

#1: My naturally wavy hair is flat at the top and then waves start in the middle with tighter curls at the back. HELP!

Genetics determine curl pattern and density. It’s totally normal, in fact, quite common for several different textures to exist on the same head of hair. These inconsistencies can cause the hair to look uneven and are most apparent once the hair has dried. I created The Doux’s Mousse Def, to help define waves and curls in the less curly areas, and to combat frizz in the areas that are tightly coiled. To balance the look of curly and wavy hair, we recommend using a combo of a mousse on the straighter areas, and then a balm like The Doux’s Bonita Afro Balm Texture Cream for added stretch and control in the tighter areas. The goal here is to keep hair shiny, touchable, and soft. If shrinkage or frizzing remains an issue, don’t underestimate the power of a great haircut. Awesome products combined with a professionally-shaped set of layers is my signature Rx for accentuating curls that vary in texture.

#2: I have curly hair and let it dry naturally. The second it rains, I get frizzy at the roots. I find myself revolving my hairstyle around the weather report. HELP!

Thirsty hair will try to “drink up” moisture in the air if it’s not adequately hydrated.

The key to eliminating frizz due to humidity exposure is to make sure that the hair is thoroughly conditioned before styling products are applied. This exact problem is what inspired me to create a solution in the form of a Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner, followed by The Light Shine Mist helps to hydrate and stabilize the cuticle, making it less prone to reversion. For added control at the roots, we apply a small amount of Bonita Afro Balm, which is our secret weapon for keeping curly hair from swelling in harsh weather conditions. These products can be found at select Target stores nationwide and at TheDoux.com.

 #3: I often wear my curly hair slicked back into a tight low bun or ponytail. Will this damage my hair? 

Style in moderation. Traction alopecia is a major epidemic among women with textured hair. This is typically the result of too much tension being applied to the scalp for an extended period of time and usually occurs due to hair styling such as braids, extensions, and tight ponytails. To avoid irreversible thinning of the hair, it’s important to avoid hairstyles that place constant pressure on hair, particularly in the temple and nape areas. Ponytails and “slicked” styles should be taken down at night, and tight accessories, such as headbands or scrunchies should be worn less frequently. 

#4: I wear my naturally kinky hair twisted and braided. How long could I leave this style in and how best to shampoo my hair while in this style?

I recommend shampooing once per week for hair with fine-to-medium density. I urge clients with high-density or extremely long hair, not to exceed more than 10 days without cleansing the hair and scalp. This helps eliminate bacterial growth that causes itching, flaking, and dandruff on the scalp. We use The Doux’s Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo to remove product build-up and dead skill cells, and Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner to soften, hydrate, and balance the hair’s pH. We’ve incorporated Shea Butter and Sea Silk to smooth the hair shaft and aid in moisture retention.

#5: What are some ingredients to avoid that many products for curly hair contain? Why is this damaging? 

Petroleum-based “grease,” as well as products that contain mineral oil may be old-school favorites but are often the cause of dry hair. Heavy products that aren’t water soluble can coat the hair shaft, disrupting the hair’s natural ability to retain moisture. This dryness may go nearly undetected because the hair is covered in product, however, the underlying dehydration causes hair to be brittle and stubborn. We recommend cream-based products that shampoo out easily, and allow the hair to “breathe.”


About Maya Smith:

Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience, Maya dedicated two decades to cracking the code on curl care, maintenance, and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, according to NaturallyCurly, Maya is among the best there is.

While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya’s unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in select Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy businesswoman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease, and hustle.

Christopher Bailey’s Final Burberry Collection and Video Highlights for London Fashion Week

Burberry tonight celebrated ‘Time’, Christopher Bailey’s final collection for the brand, against a multisensory installation that forms part of a new collaboration with United Visual Artists (UVA).

‘Our Time’, a piece of work on loan from the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Australia, investigates the subjective experience of the passing of time through movement, light and sound, and was reimagined in collaboration with Christopher, to provide the backdrop to the runway collection. The installation’s pendulums swung to their own rhythm in time to the show’s soundtrack by Jimmy Somerville, The Communards and Bronski Beat.

Models including past and present campaign stars Adwoa Aboah, Jean Campbell, Montell Martin and Edie Campbell – who appeared in her first Burberry campaign in 2006 – revealed the collection, which revisited past icons and house codes, including the trench coat, the aviator, the cape, the poncho and the military coat as well as introduced new designs.

The Rainbow check, the latest iteration of Burberry’s most iconic symbol and designed as part of Christopher’s dedication of his last collection to LGBTQ+ communities, featured throughout the show. A capsule of reissued archive pieces from the 1980s and 1990s rereleased as part of this collection is now available for immediate purchase.

Cara Delevingne, discovered by Christopher and Burberry over seven years ago, closed the show and led the finale as models walked under a spectrum of rainbow laser lights.

Over 1300 guests attended to watch the show including close Burberry friends and family including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Keira Knightley, Zendaya Coleman, Naomi Watts, Michelle Dockery, Naomie Harris, Iris Law, Lily James, Matt Smith, Jourdan Dunn, Kate Mara, Idris Elba, Domhnall Gleeson, Tom Holland, Paris Jackson, James Righton, Zhou Dongyu, Chelsea Clinton, Nicholas Hoult, Poppy Delevingne, Alexa Chung, George Ezra, James Bay, Paloma Faith, Liam Gallagher, Skepta, Tinie Tempah, Tom Odell, Jorja Smith, Blondey McCoy, Gosha Rubchinskiy, Lucy Moore, Matt Clark, Jamie Bell, Tessa Thompson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Koharu Sugawara, Daphne Guinness, Stephen Jones, Mason Lee, Law Roach, Ji Woo Choi, Steve McQueen and Angela Ahrendts.

‘My final collection here at Burberry is dedicated to – and in support of – some of the best and brightest organisations supporting LGBTQ+ youth around the world. There has never been a more important time to say that in our diversity lies our strength, and our creativity.’

Christopher Bailey, Burberry President and Chief Creative Officer

Burberry Runway Show Video
 

Good Day Alabama Lifestyle Segment: 2018 Product of the Year Winners

On Friday, February 9, 2018 I had the opportunity to host a Lifestyle Segment with Good Day Alabama, WBRC Fox 6 News highlighting the 2018 Product of the Year Winners.

For those that don’t know, Product of the Year is the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation. The 31 winners of the 2018 Product of the Year Award were announced at the annual awards show on February 8th at the Edison Ballroom in New York City.

A national study of 40,000 consumers conducted by Kantar TNS, a global leader in consumer research, helps determine the Product of the Year winners each year with the aim to help consumers best identify the top new products across multiple categories.

Let Ann Taylor Upgrade Your Spring Wardrobe with Embroidery

Soon, it will be time to kiss the winter blues goodbye and welcome the warm embrace of spring, along with all of the stylish new trends for the season!

From the perfect pair of shoes to ultra-feminine tops, Ann Taylor has everything that you need to upgrade your wardrobe with fashion’s common thread for the Spring season – embroidery. Adding bursts of color and irresistibly intricate details, embroidery is the perfect way to give your closet a chic upgrade.