Month: May 2019

Beauty /

TEMPTU At-Home Airbrush Makeup

TEMPTU has created some of the most iconic beauty looks from Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Nicole Kidman, Britney Spears and many more!

The unparalleled flawless finish of TEMPTU’s formulas has made the industry and consumer go-to for decades. Temptu was the first to launch easy-to-use, at-home airbrush makeup. Their airbrush products have evolved from just foundation to Blush, Correctors/Concealers, Highlighter, Eyebrows, Root Touch-Up/ Hair Color and much more.

With over 20 shades to choose from, whether you’re dodging the paparazzi, getting ready to walk down the aisle, attending a press preview or dashing to the corner store, they have you covered!

Celebrity /

Michelle Obama Mother’s Day Portrait: Photo of The Day

Just in case you missed seeing the regal Mother’s Day photo (below) I wanted to share it on Style + Life + Fashion.

Michelle Obama circulated the picture yesterday on social media.  In the caption, she discussed her personal relationship with her mother.

Featured Photo from US Weekly

Michelle stated, “Mom, thank you for kindling that fire within me, and for your example as a mother and grandmother to our girls.”

The all white background and attire was a classic touch for a memorable family portrait!

Accessories /

Okabashi Reflexology Flip Flops: Supportive, Stylish, and Sustainable Shoes

The sand. The beach.  The waves.  All of the best components of a great beach day.  And what beach day would not be complete without the right attire.  Of course, everyone packs their favorite swimsuit and coverup but what about a comfortable pair of flip-flops?

Okabashi is the perfect lightweight shoes for any summer vacation.  What makes it so dynamic is that Okabashi sandals are therapy for your feet.  Everyone knows I love a pair of pumps or platforms.  But, after a certain time period wearing shoes for comfort becomes a luxury!  The brand has a variety of sizes and colors to compliment anyone’s summer swimwear.

Featured Photo from Okabashi Instagram Account.

The Indigo Flip Flop has a unique design and it’s recommended by podiatrists and chiropractors nationwide.  I received my first pair in the mail and couldn’t wait to open.  Immediately, I placed my foot inside the shoe and felt an overwhelming sense of comfort.  The company’s motto is “Everyone deserves to have comfortable feet” and I couldn’t agree more!

Order a pair of Okabashi sandals to wear a pair of supportive, stylish, and sustainable pair of flip-flops.

Uncategorized /

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ESSENCE FESTIVAL SIZZLES INTO THE EVENING WITH NEW ESSENCE AFTER DARK LINEUP

WHAT: The 2019 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and the largest celebration of global Black culture, will keep the party going into the evening—announcing its official ESSENCE After Dark lineup. Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a culmination of late-night jam sessions, live podcasts and underground performances from Hip-Hop and Bounce to Reggae and Afrobeats – from July 4th-7th following the nightly concerts. Tickets on sale now at https://www.essence.com/festival/!

 

WHO: Initial performers taking over the late-night scene during ESSENCE After Dark includes an exciting mashup of emerging and established musicians, DJ’s and personalities who represent our diverse, global culture.

**More to be announced soon, including new Comedy experiences.

Thursday, July 4th:

Women in Hip-Hop presented by MC Lyte

Featuring: Yo-Yo, Rapsody, Trina, MuMu Fresh, Music by DJ K Rock and DJ Jermaine

Time: 10PM – 2AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

Friday, July 5th:

Reggae X Afrobeats presented by Estelle

Featuring: Spice, Rotimi, Machel Montano, Wale,  Kranium, Rafiya, Nick & Navi, Music by DJ Max Glazer and DJ Shacia Marley

Time: 10PM – 2AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

The Come Up

Featuring: Danileigh, Nicole Bus, Angelica Vila, Bri Steves, Music by DJ M.O.S.

Time: 10PM- 2 AM

Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

Saturday, July 6th:

Teddy’s Jam

Featuring Guy and Blackstreet, Music by DJ M.O.S.

Time: 10PM – 2 AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

 

ESSENCE Underground: The Femme Fatales

Featuring: Young Devyn, Dreezy, Young M.A., Music by DJ Niena Drake

Time: 10PM- 2 AM

Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Jesus and Jollof Live with Luvvie Ajayi and Yvonne Orji, Music by DJ Niena Drake

Time: Doors at 5:30 PM // Showtime 6:30 PM

Location: Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112

 

Sunday, July 7th:

Beats & Bounce

Featuring: Big Freedia, Soul Rebels and More, Music by Mannie Fresh and DJ Niena Drake

Time: 10PM – 2 AM

Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

The Underground Lituation

Featuring: Shawn Smith, Oswin Benjamin, Christian “King” Combs, August Alsina, Music by DJ M.O.S.

Time: 10PM- 2 AM

Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130

                                                                                                                                                               

NOTES: In addition, the 2019 ESSENCE Festival® will feature over 80 performing artists for its nightly concert series, plus a daily line-up of diverse, can’t-miss enrichment and entertainment programming, including the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival, ESSENCE Fashion House, ESSENCE Wellness House, Film and Television Festival, and Global Black Economic Forum, among others. Register now for the many free ESSENCE Festival experiences at https://www.essence.com/festival/.

Sponsors for the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival are Coca-Cola, AT&T, McDonald’s, Ford, State Farm, and Walmart.

Lifestyle Tips /

Glow Living Strengthens the Global Movement for Women’s Empowerment with the Launch of Glow Circles

Glow Living (https://glowliving.com) is proud to introduce Glow Circles, a women’s empowerment group for those who want to achieve personal and professional goals that positively impact the global society.

“Women have been known to circle since the Dark Ages as a way to share resources and support each other, yet one of the biggest complaints I hear from women today is feeling alone while striving to make a difference,” states Chandra Lynn, M.B.A., entrepreneur, certified coach and founder of Glow Living and Glow Marketing LLC. “Glow Circles is my answer for authentic women who want to make a significant contribution while increasing their own personal connection, balance, and fulfillment.”

Glow Circles is a membership program with both free and paid benefits that encourage women to dedicate time to meet major life goals through transformational coaching, supportive group dynamics, and accountability. Online and in-person (for residents of the San Francisco Bay Area), the program leverages the effectiveness of Glow Living’s signature Root-to-Rise training program and the ancient power of women’s circles to deliver results. Based on nature, yoga philosophy and human needs psychology, women will learn techniques for improving live-work balance, clearing personal obstacles, and creating a legacy based on a higher purpose.

Lynn uses her experience as a marketing professional that has worked with global brands (Apple, Avid, Mercedes/smart, Tyra Banks) to help the business-minded members connect with their authenticity while they incubate and launch purpose-built entrepreneurial businesses.

“Chandra is an excellent coach to those looking to thrive in their professional and personal lives,” states Ginny Townsend, founder of GinnyTownsend.com. “Her genuine love for helping people comes through in her commitment to excellence, delivering results, and creating a transformative experience in each of her programs. She has a unique ability to clearly see the root cause of a block or barrier, then she not only shows her clients what’s possible in their lives, but she also empowers them to bring their dreams into reality with her compelling strategies, tools, and resources.”

Weekly individual coaching, group support, office hours, and online training materials set members up for success towards living what Lynn calls “an 8-9-10 level of life.”

“Chandra reminds me that I can live my life to the 8-9-10 level,” explains Erica Bradley-Pacheco, Senior Marketing Advisor at Compass and Glow Circlescharter member. “Being part of Glow‘s community has helped me improve my connectedness with friends, find a calming peace in my romantic relationship, improve confidence in my parenting, and gain clarity on how to maximize my career impact.”

Those interested have the opportunity to attend free group calls and start with a 12-week membership commitment to focus on the accomplishment of a major goal. With that success, they can then opt to become an annual member of the Glow Circles community. The annual membership deepens a feeling of belonging and connection to a non-competitive group of growth-minded women — all gathering to be the best version of themselves while making a difference and loving life.

Interested parties can sign up for free online meetings and take a free readiness quiz to see if the paid program is a fit. The cost of the 12-week program is $1,997 US and the annual program is $5,997 US. For more information, visit https://glowliving.com/glowcircles or contact Glow Living atinfo@glowliving.com or 650-464-5708.

ABOUT GLOW LIVING

Glow Living is a hub for personal growth and healthy living resources for everyone looking to reach their highest potential with a purpose-filled life. On a mission to help people live their legacy and love life, Glow Living offers a membership program called Glow Circles and a signature training program by Founder and Certified Coach Chandra Lynn called Root-to-Rise that is available online and in live workshops for individuals and corporate wellness.
www.GlowLiving.com

Beauty /

#MetGala Get The Look Breakdown: Rita Ora and Celebrity MUA Kathy Jeung

Celebrity MUA, Kathy Jeung created pop star, Rita Ora’s Old-Hollywood Glam look for the chicest night in fashion. Think ultra-thin brows and dramatic contour and highlight!

See the full breakdown of her look in which Kathy used highly pigmented cosmetic products from the vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand, Nanacoco Professional.

GET THE LOOK BREAK DOWN: Rita Ora by Kathy Jeung

My inspiration for the look was Rita’s gold sequined dress by Marc Jacobs Couture. It inspired me to give Rita a 1930’s screen goddess look: thin eyebrows, deep contours on the eyes with metallic shimmer on eyelids, satin finish bronzed skin, lips lightly lined with a shimmery nude gloss

MAKEUP-
I began Rita’s looking by using Nanacoco HD Powder Foundation in Warm Tan. This allowed me to create a base for a warm glow. Next came the concealer. First I began with a correcting concealer, the Nanacoco HD Cover Concealer in Orange using Nanacoco Airfare Concealer Brush 907 . The orange shade allowed me to eliminate any dark circles under the eyes. Next I took to a natural concealer (Nanacoco HD Cover Concealer in Natural) again using the same brush.

One the base was complete, I moved on to contouring/highlight with the Nanacoco Contouring & Strobing Palette in Medium, using the Nanacoco Flat Contour Brush and for highlighting the Highlighter Brush & Angled Powder Brush 902 

The eyebrows were the most major (and most time consuming) part of this look. Before I started any of Rita’s look, I had to bleach her eyebrows (which took nearly 2 hours) as we wanted to create a pencil-thin brow. Once this was complete I began by highlighting them! I used the Nanacoco Browstylers Highlighter Duo in Brown/Pearl Beige . Next, I move on to grooming the actual hairs. This was one of the most important parts of this look. For this look, it was important I used an ultra-thin pencil. The super hero of the look was the Nanacoco Browstylers Micro Pencil in Dark Brown .

The eyes were also a major part of this look. I started with the eyeshadow here using the Nanacoco Eyelusive Eyeshadow Pencil in shade color, In The Night also in shade, Golden Globes . I love a good chubby stick shadow! To make the eye look even more dramatic, I used the Nanacoco Eyeshadow Quad Palette in Autumn & Elegant using Nanacoco Eyeshadow Brush 909 

Next for the eye look was the liner. To compliment the color of Rita’s dress I used the Nanacoco Longwear Eye Liner in Gold using Nanacoco Smudge Brush 910 . Since the dress was all about metallics, I wanted to add that into her eye. That’s where the ultra-pigmented Nanacoco Glitzn Face & Body Pigment Orange Gold & Copper 

Lashes were the end game of this look. First I coated lashes with the Nanacoco HD Extreme Volume, Curl, and Lengthening mascara. But since this is an old-hollywood glam look, I needed to add in even more drama. Enter the Nanacoco Flase Lashes. I used the line’s Gianna Style for the look.

Finally, came cheeks and lips.  Nanacoco HD Pressed Blush in Peach Coral was used on the apples of Rita’s cheeks to warm her up. As for lips, outline them with the Nanacoco Outlast Lip Liner in Burgundy for a more dramatic, defined shape. I mixed Rimmel London Exaggerate Automatic Lip Liner in Addiction and Rimmel London Stay Glossy in Bare Minimum. To give the look a final bit of shimmer, I also added the Nanacoco Shimmertallics Metallic Lip Gloss in Sunkissed.

Accessories /

2019 Kentucky Derby Fashion: Decadent Hats and Floral Dresses

Living in Baltimore, Maryland Derby season was a fun annual tradition. I have loved attending my sorority’s brunch event AKA Day At The Races hosted by Committee Chair Cylia Lowe, Esq. and Preakness Stakes.

In the deep south, attending the Kentucky Derby is not only a must-attend affair but a mecca of high fashion. This year did not disappoint and the looks were stunning.

Take a look at the Derby fashion that was shared from Instagram. There were decadent hats and floral tea dresses.  And don’t forget to follow these lovely ladies on social media!

 

Accessories /

oNecklace Children and Birthstone Bracelet: Heirloom Mother’s Day Gift

Mother’s Day is one of my favorite holidays.  It’s the perfect time to celebrate all of the special moms in my life.  I like to consider not only my mom but friends and neighbors as well.

Selecting the right gift often depends on the individual.  Some women are fitness gurus while others are beauty enthusiast.  For me, I enjoy sentimental, heartwarming gifts that reflect my journey during motherhood.

I have active little boys and definitely a hands-on parent.  My days are filled with Lego bricks, Martial Arts, and afternoon snacks; all engulfed with endless hugs and kisses.

Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet

The Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet was a great addition to my jewelry collection.  It allows me to keep a small token of my kids next to me.

This particular oNecklace bracelet represents the birth and month of each child.  I selected the Topaz and Zircon birthstone.  Due to the bangle, it stacks easily with my additional bracelets.  I wanted to wear it with a coordinating blue dress to play off the bracelet stones.

To purchase a Children and Birthstone Charm Bracelet for the mom in your life, visit oNecklace Personalized Jewelry.  This bracelet is now an heirloom piece and will be worn for years to come!

Dress:  Cocolove Sleeveless Maxi Dress | Shoes:  ASOS Strappy Pointed Sandals

 

Beauty /

CurlKit Launches First Natural Hair and Wellness Summit

CurlKit Natural Hair and Wellness Virtual Summit are the first ever of its kind, launched by a leading subscription box in the natural hair arena; this online summit cover topics on how to enhance your natural hair, beauty, and wellness through empowering tips and information.  Twenty industry and wellness experts from around the country in one place at one time to hand you the secret behind boosting the beauty of your natural hair and to living your best life with proven regimens. CurlKit is proud to bring this all right to you at home.  The free Summit runs from April 29th – May 2nd, 2019. Register at www.naturalhairsummit.com.  If you miss it don’t worry an All Access Pass of all the Interviews is Available!

The Natural Hair and Wellness Virtual Summit showcase  the largest representation of industry experts in the country with pretty big names such as:

  • Dr. Nina Ellis-Hervey, Associate Professor, Personal Trainer, YouTuber, Beautiful Brown Baby Doll
  • Rochelle Graham-Campbell, CEO Alikay Naturals, Natural Hair Blogger and Philanthropist,  BlackOnyx
  • Tendai Morris – Natural Hair Celebrity Stylist, The Hair Whisperer
  • And Many More…

Each presenter will deliver their own gems, tips, and tricks on how to achieve hair health, maintain glowing and youthful skin and nails, boost your energy, shed excess weight and strategies for a fantastic sex life.  There is sure to be something for everyone.  Register for Free at www.NaturalHairSummit.com. If you miss it don’t worry an All Access Pass of all the Interviews is Available!

Over the past 7 years, Heather Cummings, CEO of CurlKit, LLC, has run a successful hair subscription service for naturally textured hair. She has worked with hundreds of brands, from well-known beauty brands to emerging gems and has introduced over 100k natural hair women to products that were not accessible 10 years ago. Her Journey began like most Naturalistas, looking for products and tools to help to maintain her natural hair. She realized early on that there were lots of products but no knowledge base to help navigate through the plethora of products.  What was a painful journey turned into a passionate commitment to helping other natural hair women find products,  tools, and education to empower them to love and nurture their natural curls? Featured in Essence, Mintel Report 2018, Ebony, Huffington Post, Instyle to name a few. Heather’s love for all things natural including hair and wellness has driven and even more passionate focus on helping women looking to enhance their inner and external beauty.                       

About CurlKit

CurlKit is a complete solution for women with naturally curly hair of various textures. They provide exclusive services, products, tutorials, videos, how-to manuals and information to help lifelong naturals, as well as, women who are choosing a newly natural hairstyle. CurlKit had their premier launch in March 2012, opening Curlkit.com to customers in United States, Canada, Hawaii, and the US Virgin Islands. In September 2012 they expanded their market share to over 30 countries worldwide accomplishing one of their first-year goals ahead of schedule.