Essence Festival 2018 Backstage Pass: Junes Diary, Neyo, Charreah Jackson, Regina King, Kofi Siriboe, and Much More

Essence Festival is labeled as being “The Party With a Purpose.”  This year, I returned as an official media outlet and able to truly identify with the term.

Many people ask, “What happens during the Essence Fest?”  and some can’t understand the allure of this particular event.  The festival is a combination of seminars, parties, and cuisine.

It’s categorized into Beauty, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Food, Style, Community, Culture, Wellness, and Spirituality.  This is no ordinary celebration!  The entire city of New Orleans becomes a cultural mecca and the spirit of festivity feels the air.

Hollywood celebrities attended for keynote conversations; discussing their latest projects.  Internet sensations and digital influences shared their platform through Fashion Empowerment and Tricks for a Flawless Glow.

The nighttime activities were performed at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.  Festival Goers danced to various acts by artist such as Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Ledisi, Mary J. Blige, and Janet Jackson to name a few.

On Sunday, June 8, 2018, Bishop Lester Love and The City of Love hosted Hour of Power with spiritual workshops and gospel tributes.  This was the perfect opportunity to attend brunch or join a fitness session at the convention center.  Lastly, celebrity stylist Vernon Francois and Misa Hylton Presented 25 Years of Fashion Slayage!

Aside from festival activities, there were delicious and authentic New Orleans dishes such as Beignets, Gumbo, and Muffulettas.  Essence Festival is a must-attend event for anyone that loves art, cuisine, and enlightenment.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Robin Thede speaks onstage at the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Marshawn Evans Daniels speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Charli Penn speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: President of Essence Communications, Inc. Michelle Ebanks speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Ne-Yo attends the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Amandla Stenberg speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Regina King speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Director Barry Jenkins speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Snoop Dogg attends the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Regina Hall speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Kiki Layne speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Maxine Waters attends the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Doug E. Fresh performs onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented By Coca-Cola – Day 1 at Louisiana Superdome on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Miguel performs onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented By Coca-Cola – Day 1 at Louisiana Superdome on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: Erykah Badu performs onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented By Coca-Cola – Day 1 at Louisiana Superdome on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 07: Regina Hall attends the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 07: Yvonne Orji speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 07: Kofi Siriboe speaks onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 07: Mary J. Blige performs onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented By Coca-Cola – Day 2 at Louisiana Superdome on July 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for Essence)

Photo Credit:  Getty Images from Essence.com

 

OVER HALF A MILLION ATTENDEES CONVENE FOR THE 2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL SPONSORED BY COCA-COLA

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® attracted more than 510,0000 attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend, marking one of the largest gatherings in the event’s 24-year history.   For the first time, all three nights of the ESSENCE Festival concert series at the Louisiana Superdome sold out.  The extraordinary turnout underscores ESSENCE’s engagement of Black women around community, culture, and content – which was brought to life in innovative ways at the annual celebration.

“This extraordinary gathering of nearly half a million attendees–on the eve of the ESSENCE Festival’s 25th anniversary–speaks to the unmatched convening power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications.  “As one of the country’s largest curated live experiences, the ESSENCE Festival engages Black women globally—through a truly unique celebration of culture, connection to community and access to content that inspires and empowers.”

The annual 4-day Festival, which took place July 5-8, features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and a state-of-the-art concert series with the world’s best performers each night to comprise a one-of-a-kind curated content experience:

    • Over 100 performing artists across the Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry including Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Miguel and others performed at the event’s nighttime concerts and dozens of others across ESSENCE’s Center Stage and 10thAnniversary All-Star Gospel Tribute honoring Dottie Peoples.

 

    • More than 100 influencers, leaders, creators, and celebrities participated in the Festival’s daytime experience – rebranded as ‘Conference & Expos’ with programming across eight tracks spanning Beauty & Style to Business & Entrepreneurship. Powerhouse speakers included Lena Waithe, Lester Holt, and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell as well as favorites Rev. Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Iyanla Vanzant, among others.

 

    • First-time, simultaneous live streams of the daytime experience on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube; an ESSENCE Snapchat Live special and millions of #EssenceFest social media posts generating trending status on Twitter.

 

    • Expanded consumer Expos such as the ‘Beauty Carnival” and ‘Entertainment All-Access’ drew crowds of thousands each day to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.   Elevated VIP events and programs for attendees included the launch of the ‘ESSENCE House’ at the Ace Hotel, as well as the debut of the ‘E-Suite’ with exclusive access to career and business programming.

 

    • Community give-back and volunteerism at the Festival’s traditional ‘Day of Service’ focused on the theme “Adopt-a-Neighborhood – Central City” to encompass youth center beautification projects, as well as empowerment and entrepreneurship workshops for women & girls.  ESSSENCE ‘Day of Service’ also presented the inaugural Excellence Awards honoring local change-agents in the community.

 

For a full recap of all the exciting moments from the 2018 ESSENCE Festival, visit ESSENCE.com and log in to the ESSENCE Festival News Center for photo and footage highlights.  Images of Janet Jackson can be requested via Getty Images.

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar is the executive producer of the 2018 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience.

Sponsors of the 2018 ESSENCE Festival include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&TFord, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

Met Gala 2018 and Sol de Janeiro Glow Oils: Kate Upton, Lily Aldridge, Yara Shahidi, Tiffany Haddish, and Scarlett Johansson

Sol de Janeiro’s NEW Glow Oils debuted tonight at the Met Gala on celebs including Kate Upton, Lily Aldridge, Yara Shahidi, Tiffany Haddish, and Scarlett Johansson!

The company worked with a mix of top celebrity makeup artists to create some seriously ‘Heavenly Bodies’. Tonight’s glowing looks celebrated the brand’s launch of these limited edition Glow Oils – available in TWO gorgeous shades boosting sexy skin kissed by the light.

Please see below for red carpet looks created by these amazing artists with quotes on how to get their glowing bodies.

Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Glow Oils

Copacabana Bronzing Glow Oil & Ipanema Sunset Glow Oil

Sexy skin kissed by the light from sunrise to sunset on the beaches of Rio. Beautiful Brazilian bodies have a secret to that perfect glow. Brazilians know how to find the best light, day or night. Starting at sunrise, the beaches of Copacabana are packed all day with Brazilians at play, basking in the golden Rio sunlight. As the sun goes down, Brazilian lovers enjoy the romantic sunsets at Ipanema. The flickering light of dusk sets the romantic mood for passionate Brazilian nights.

The ultimate Brazilian secret to accentuate your delicious curves and highlight your best features. A skin softening oil with just the right amount of shimmer – not too much, not too little – just enough to reflect light beautifully on all skin tones. Infused with an addictive fragrance so every day you smell, look and feel like a Brazilian goddess.

Tracy Murphy for Kate Upton

o   Final Look: https://www.instagram.com/p/BifuuTaA66B/?hl=en&taken-by=tracymurphymua

o   “I used the Ipanema Sunset Glow Oil on Kate’s arms and legs, really blending it in for an even all over glow. I used a foundation brush and buffed it in around the collarbones, neck and décolletage. The result is stunning!!”

·         Quinn Murphy  for Lily Aldridge

o   Final Look: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bifi1Y0gOWH/?taken-by=quinnmurphy

o   “Before Lily was dressed I used the Copacabana Bronzing Glow Oil all over her body. Then I added the Ipanema Sunset Glow Oil to the places where the sun hits/highlight like the collarbone and center of the chest. The combination gave her that bronze glow that makes a red carpet!”

·         Emily Cheng for Yara Shahidi

o   Final Look: https://www.instagram.com/emilychengmakeup/?hl=en

o   “Once Yara was fully dressed I used a large fluffy eyeshadow brush and applied the Copacabana Bronzing Glow Oil on all the high points like her shoulder, collarbone and arms. Then I used my hands to spread and blend.”

·         Dionne Wynn for Tiffany Haddish

o   Final Look: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bifq0iGAlBT/?hl=en&taken-by=makeupbydionne

o   “I used the Copacabana Bronzing Glow Oil on Tiffany’s jawline, face, and forehead for a super glowy look!”

·         Frankie Boyd for Scarlett Johansson

o   Final Look: https://www.instagram.com/frankieboyd/?hl=en

o   “Scarlett’s glow was achieved using the Ipanema Sunset Oil Glow applied with

  • CREATE A SENSUOUS LUMINOSITY with two universal formulas

o   COPACABANA BRONZING GLOW OIL:

  • A subtle bronze tint with golden shimmer to warm and illuminate your skin.
  • Infused with our signature Cheirosa ‘62 Bum Bum Cream fragrance, leaving your skin deliciously scented with notes of pistachio and salted caramel

o   IPANEMA SUNSET GLOW OIL:

  • A translucent champagne shimmer to create a romantic, sunset radiance
  • Infused with our new tropical dream Cheirosa ‘77 fragrance, with romantic notes of pomelo, wild fig and Brazilian gardenia
  • TOUCHABLE SOFT, BRAZILIAN BABE SKIN:

o   Lightweight oil blends easily into your skin for instant hydration and a dewy finish.

o   Features our signature Brazilian Beauty Blend: Nourishing Cupacu Butter, anti-oxidant rich Acai Oil and conditioning Coconut Oil

$35.00 each, 2.5 fl. oz. / 75mL

Limited edition for Summer 2018, while supplies last

Sephora.com

Chloe x Halle tell all about Beyonce, Coachella and Joey Badass on an all-new episode of Fuse Digital Series

After rocking their very first Coachella performance, pop singers Chloe x Halle are officially letting their fans know what it was really like to work with Beyoncé on their debut album, “The Kids Are Alright,” their very first short film and a number of other exciting “firsts” on an all-new episode of Fuse’s digital series, First of All.

First of All, is an all-new digital series on Fuse’s Youtube Channel where today’s biggest celebs reveal all of the “firsts in their life”.

Previous notable episodes feature appearances by pop singer Tinashe, singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko and Youtube star Todrick Hall, among others.

 

Designer Kyle Ng brings streetwear to television with fashion series, ‘Social Fabric’ returning this May on Fuse

Designer Kyle Ng and Social Fabric will return to Fuse Tuesday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Enter Kyle’s world, where clothing, culture, and style weave a fascinating story that reveals we are all cut from the same cloth.

For six half-hour episodes, host Kyle will take viewers on a vibrant and colorful journey across the globe, from NYC to Japan, from downtown LA and Nairobi as we meet an eclectic array of designers and collectors who show us the history and the culture behind the clothing we chose to put on our backs. This season Kyle will explore everything from camo to Hip-hop jewelry-preneurs to lifestyle clothing and beyond.

Kicking off the show’s return will be the rebellious flair of “Leather Jackets.” Kyle hits the road with bikers in Brooklyn and punk rockers in Japan, then arrive in Los Angeles where they make the most artistic leather jackets in the world. The following week on May 8, Kyle explores “Crazy Pants” culture – slipping into the zaniest pants in the world. He’ll team up with top designer Jay Kos in New York City, then travel to Japan to see far–out work pants designs. He’ll finish up in Bushwick to put the WTF into DIY pants culture.

The conversation continues on Fuse.tv with the digital series “Closet Tours,” offering a peek inside the closets of different designers including Jeff Hamilton, Daniel Nelson and Miguel Larios. And “Cool Stuff” has Kyle trying on different types of clothing, explaining the history behind his threads.

Social Fabric is the winner of a 2018 NAMIC “Lifestyle” Award.

Five Things You Didn’t Know About Engagement Rings

If you are wondering what the true meaning of an engagement ring is and how to choose the right piece for the occasion, based on your traditions, heritage, and budget, you might want to research the topic. Engagement rings are one of the most popular items bought, and some of them purchased by celebrities can cost millions. In case you’re wondering what the most popular designs and customization options are, check out the list below.

They Date Back to Ancient Egypt

In Ancient Egypt, engagement rings were worn on the left hand, on the fourth (ring) finger. The reason for the choice of a finger is that Egyptians believed that there is a vein in the ring finger that leads straight to the heart. The circle was a symbol of eternity, so it symbolized a promise to stay together forever. Later on, in the Roman times, men used the ring to claim their legal right to the woman and their property.

The Most Popular Engagement Ring Portfolio

Today, the most popular engagement ring selection is the one made by Tiffany & Co. The Tiffany setting was introduced by Charles Tiffany in 1886 and is still the most famous one. It includes a six-prong mount and a single diamond. It is elegant and sophisticated and allows the choice of different size and purity diamonds to be inserted. No matter what the main precious metal is, the diamond has to be single. Around 80 percent of American women get a diamond engagement ring from their partners.

Round-Cut Style Is the Most Popular

While jewelry designers have experimented with different shapes in the past, the round-cut is still the most popular one. When it comes to celebrities able to afford unique styles, oval and square diamonds are also prevalent. Check out the latest Celebrity Engagement Trends to find out what makes famous people’s heartbeat when searching for the right ring for their partners.

The Most Likely Times to Shop for Engagement Rings

People generally start shopping for engagement rings in December. The average man spends around three months looking for the perfect design and model. Proposals are most likely to happen during the festive period, however, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, and Thanksgiving are also popular dates.

The Most Expensive Engagement Rings

Paris Hilton, the famous heiress of the hotel chain received an engagement ring worth $4.7 million by her ex-partner, Paris. The 24-carat emerald cut diamond had a canary yellow color. Liz Taylor’s engagement ring from Richard Burton cost $8.8 million. You’ll be surprised to know that Princess Diana’s engagement ring was only 137,200. This ring is being worn by Kate Middleton, her daughter-in-law.

Whether you are shopping for an engagement ring or just would like to know more about the history and the different styles available, the above guide will help you navigate your way around the jewelry shops of the high street and choose the model and cut that will impress your future partner and match your budget at the same time.

Collaborative Post

 

Festival Fashion Celebrity Style: Coachella 2018

Coachella Festival is a time to be free and set the fashionable tone for summer activities.  The event is considered to be the epitome of boho chic with festival-goers wearing crochet tops and fanny packs.

This year, celebrities showcased their individual style.  Some went the traditional route of wearing floral tops while others selected rompers.

It was an eclectic mix of fashion!  There was definitely an influence of pop culture with bright colors and logo filled outfits.

 

 

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Owen Kolasinski/BFA/REX/Shutterstock (9629924q)
Cardi B
Moschino party, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Palm Springs, USA – 14 Apr 2018
WEARING VERSACE

Photo Images are from People Style

#Beychella 2018: The Fashion, Music, and Return of Destiny’s Child…Update

Beyonce performed for the annual Coachella Festival 2018.  This was a highly anticipated event-based upon her name alone.

The performance was streamed on Youtube with the hashtag #Beychella or #DestinysChild.

Kelly and Michelle joined the stage wearing camouflage inspired costumes.  Some are saying that it was the performance of the decade!

Cardi B’s MUA Reveals Her Under $20 Flawless Foundation/Contour Routine

Makeup artist Nichole Ray shared how she created rapper Cardi B’s glam beauty look she sported last weekend at the iHeartRadio Awards. She spilled she used Mehron Makeup’s Celebré Pro-HD™ Cream Foundation  – and revealed that she used the palette for Cardi’s flawless foundation and striking contour.

Mehron Makeup’s Celebré Pro-HD™ Cream Foundation is infused with powerful antioxidants of pomegranate and vitamin E combined with aloe vera that offers buildable coverage while leaving skin looking naturally flawless.

Mehrobn Celebré Pro-HD™ Cream Foundation 12 Color Contour/Highlight Palette ($69.88, Amazon.com)

Mehron Celebré Pro-HD Cream Foundation ($12.88, 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.

 

CAMILA ALVES MCCONAUGHEY SHINES AT THE OSCARS IN VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ARCHIVAL GOWN IN SUPPORT OF RED CARPET GREEN DRESS CAMPAIGN

Fashion icon Camila Alves McConaughey took a stand for sustainability this afternoon when she arrived at the 90th Academy Awards® in a classic Vivienne Westwood archival gown in support of Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD) ethical fashion campaign. The Vivienne Westwood dress was an ivory silk faille moire asymmetric gown with tulle petticoat. This grande corset gown made from an archival silk that was created at the London Atelier as part of Vivienne Westwood A/W2014 Collection. Alves especially selected this unique design from the Westwood classic collections, encouraging the revitalization of archival gowns.

“In support of the Red Carpet Green Dress initiative, I’m proud to wear a gown from designer Vivienne Westwood, made from archival silk that is ethically and sustainably crafted. I’m continuing to find ways to do my part in bettering the world we live in. By encouraging the revitalization of archival gowns, I’m making the “old” new again and finding beauty that already exists,” shared Alves. To qualify as a RCGD eco-conscious garment, each piece must either be made from recycled, organic or repurposed materials, use handmade detailing or incorporate natural dye processing – always with a focus on minimal negative impact on the environment, and environmentally and socially responsible design. Amis Cameron launched RCGD back in 2009, with the RCGD works with international designers to create sustainable eveningwear to showcase during the Academy Awards®.

Also supporting the sustainable lifestyle are RCGD 2018 partners, TESLA and Absolut Elyx. Absolut Elyx is a company that is built on the principles of quality, integrity and true craftsmanship. Every copper purchase in the Elyx Boutique, allows the luxury vodka company to provide safe water to more than 100,000 people worldwide through the help of Water for People. It is because of their help along with annual contests that financial security can be provided to MUSE School CA. MUSE School CA is an environmental non-profit educational organization Amis Cameron founded in Calabasas, Calif. with her sister Rebecca Amis.

This assistance enables students to access a transformative educational experience. MUSE School CA ensures smaller class sizes, personalized instruction and learning practices; all set within an inspiring and beautiful campus. Through these key elements, MUSE School CA paves the way for creating leaders of the future. For more information, go to www.museschool.org.

attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
attends the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California.