Covergirl Alexis Skyy: Journey to Transformation, Healing, and Success

Pivoting from a cast member of Love and Hip-Hop to the emerging multifaceted businesswoman gracing our timelines today, Alexis Skyy literally started her spiritual transformation right before our eyes. Accrediting her daughter with being a major influence for her holistic transformation, she has intuitively created the haircare line, The Hair Pot as an initial generational wealth builder for her firstborn Alaiya Grace.

Not only is Alexis curating ventures in hair care, real estate investment, and fashion, but the highlight of her journey is she is bringing other women along for the ride to spiritual healing. Creating safe, digital, and in-person spaces for trauma survivors to speak openly of their past experiences, Alexis is utilizing her platform of over 5 million followers to be an inspiration to women young and old.

Future Faces: 2023 Makeup Trends from a Celebrity MUA

Fads come and go as quickly as a viral TikTok song, but celebrity make-up artist and cosmetics creator, Ashunta Sheriff, is here to share some trends we believe are here to stay in 2023.

  1. Multitasking products, because time is precious. We are a generation of multitaskers looking for beauty and skincare products that can do more than one thing. “A blush that’s also a great lip stain and eye shadow, a highlighter that works for face and body, a facial oil that gives a glow but can work in a pinch to take the ash away – these are the products people are looking for,” shares Ashunta, creator of the Ashunta Sheriff Beauty line, which carries several multitasking powerhouses. For example, Ashunta’s BrowZing Brow Gel lifts and gives brows a laminated brow look but also works to lay edges in place, and her long-lasting shimmer liquid Thermal Blush works for cheeks, lids, and lips.

  2. 2023 is the year of the effortlessly polished look. For a while now we’ve seen an uptick in the ‘refined’ look (shout out to Hailey Beiber), but this look is at its best when you don’t try so hard. In the past, a sleek, polished look required loads of makeup/time to achieve perfection, but now you can achieve the same level of flawlessness without looking overly made up thanks to blurring technologies and products. “More people are looking for products that have technology rooted within the formulation, like a foundation with blurring technology that has buildable coverage versus a full coverage foundation that looks heavy on the skin,” shares Ashunta.

  3. Products that stay put! It’s 2023 – it’s time to say goodbye to mascara that runs and lipstick that smudges. “In my industry, we’re still wearing masks,” says Ashunta. “As a professional MUA, it’s literally my job to make folks look flawless, so I want to make sure my looks stay strong, and look great even after wearing a mask on set.” This was the inspiration behind Ashunta’s Vegan Matte Lip Crème, which is non-transferable and waterproof. Simply let dry after application and you’ll stay locked in for hours.

  4. Vegan/Earth conscious skincare is hot (and helps keep our planet cool). “This is by far my favorite (and the most important) trend,” says Ashunta. “People are looking for quality, long-wearing products and bold pigmentations – and all of this can be achieved with eco-conscious ingredients and packaging. Ashunta Sheriff Beauty offers highly pigmented, cruelty-free, vegan beauty products for all skin tones. From paper packaging to reduced carbon footprint manufacturing, we are taking steps to do our part and hope to see more of this in 2023!”

The Tonya Jones SalonSpa: HydraFacial Event in Mountain Brook

Experience a free luxury spa event in the heart of Mountain Brook! The Tonya Jones SalonSpa is excited to host a HydraFacial event at its English Village location on October 6th from 5:00-7:00 PM. The event will feature their best-selling HydraFacial service, the Spark Collection Jewelry pop-up, giveaways, and more! Located at 2410 Fairway Dr, Birmingham, AL 35213.

“We are so thankful for the support we receive from Mountain Brook and are excited to host a girls night filled with jewelry, fun, and learning about our best-selling facial. Our goal is to provide women with services that make them feel and look their best.” Tonya Jones, Owner of Tonya Jones SalonSpa.

Tonya Jones is an Aveda salon whose mission is to care for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. Tonya Jones has been a leading salon in Birmingham for over 10 years and has a personal mission to encourage her team and guests to be their best selves while looking and feeling beautiful.

The event will highlight the HydraFacial service, a one-of-a-kind skin treatment that exfoliates, extracts, and purifies your skin. In addition, there will be event specials, giveaways, and an opportunity to get permanent jewelry from The Spark Collection Birmingham. Receive a FREE swag bag when you RSVP at

TJHydraFacialMB.eventbrite.com.

Tonya Jones SalonSpa was founded in 2009 by Tonya Jones, Tonya Jones SalonSpa, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon, with locations in English Village, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Jones Valley in Huntsville. Tonya Jones seeks to empower each guest to rediscover their true beauty and confidence through an experience of transformation and renewal.

Mega Influencer/Serial Entrepreneur, Ariana Fletcher Inclusive Makeup Line REMEDY BY ARI

Model, Macro influencer turned serial entrepreneur, Ariana Fletcher synonymously hailed as @therealkylesister — has become one of the most influential of them all, utilizing her social media presence to help brands make millions and in turn made herself into a multi-millionaire. 
 
Known for her exotic beauty, full lips, seductive eyes, flawless skin, and megawatt influence, Ariana Fletcher has utilized her social media presence to influence a world of beauty lovers and trendsetters by forging her own path in the industry with the launching of her new, all-inclusive beauty brand, REMEDY BY ARI.
 
 

Lip Glosses: Moisturizing, smudge-proof, non-sticky, and non-oily/greasy feel, each lipgloss is formulated with Shea butter for moisture. Formulated without Phthalates, Parabens, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

  • Barely There is your go-to for every day shine. Put it on for some extra moisture or layer it on top of your favorite colored gloss! Our lightweight formula gives you a long-lasting glow without stickiness.

  • Conceited: How could you not think you’re the baddest in the room while wearing this gloss?! This high gloss is the perfect neutral addition to any look! Conceited features a light shimmer that adds additional shine.

  • High Class: Imagine Foxy Brown as a lip gloss! This is your beauty hack to a 90’s vibe. High-class features a soft brown shimmer that compliments any natural lip color. Wear it solo or pair it with one of your favorite nude lipsticks.

  • One Night Only: A new super pink gloss that is nourishing, lightweight with a high-shimmer finish, intense color, and 3D, multi-dimensional shine. This is perfect for pigmented lips that need their color to push THROUGH!

  • Lover Girl: This gloss is already a FAN FAVORITE! Featuring a slight pink color with a lightweight shimmer, pair this with any faves and it’s sure to be a hit! Its multidimensional features plumps your lips for maximum effect.

  • Mesmerized: This classic shade provides a mirror-like shine with a light taupe/pink shade. Mesmerized features our hydrating formula that plumps your lips for a natural full look!

  • Sex Appeal: A new super pink gloss that is nourishing, lightweight with a high-shimmer finish, intense color, and 3D, multi-dimensional shine. This is perfect for pigmented lips that need their color to push THROUGH!

  • The Don: A paraben-free gloss that’s never heavy or sticky, and leaves lips moisturized, hydrated, and softly tinted with color. Semi-sheer, radiant shine that can be worn alone or paired up with your favorite lipstick or lip pencil.

  • Viral: A new super pink gloss that is nourishing, lightweight with a high-shimmer finish, intense color, and 3D, multi-dimensional shine. This is perfect for pigmented lips that need their color to push THROUGH!

The Signature Eyeshadow Palette: 

A daily mix of highly pigmented, rose-toned neutral shades that will become your daily go-to palette. A mix of warm, cool, and neutral matte, satin, and shimmer shades that give the perfect, rich canvas for your shadows. Formulated without Phthalates, Parabens, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

Lip Liners: 

A smooth, smudge-proof Matte lip liner that naturally enhances the fullness of the lips with bold, intense color, whether it is worn alone or paired with your fav gloss for a long-lasting BOMB look. Formulated without Phthalates, Parabens, Vegan & Cruelty-Free.

  • Trendsetter

  • Baby Girl

  • Kiss Me

  • Boss Babe

  • Caviar

  • Flawless

  • Souffle

  • Suede

REMEDY BY ARI launches exclusively on RemedybyAri.co starting on August 26th with global shipping. The Products range from $16-$60 and are available worldwide. 

 

Black Beauty Roster & Lori Harvey Host Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence

To kick-off BET Awards Weekend, Black Beauty Roster (BBR) hosted an incredible luncheon event yesterday – Friday, June 24th – at the EDITION West Hollywood to honor top BIPOC beauty pros and industry leaders who work behind the camera. Speakers included Sir John, Larry Sims, Vernon François, Ebonee Davis, and more with a special keynote from Lori Harvey, founder and CEO of SKN by LH.

Notable attendees included MSNBC Host Symone SandersJT of City GirlsChelsea Lazkani of Selling SunsetLauren Speed-Hamilton of Love is Blind

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Larry Sims and Candiace Dillard during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Roche Barnes during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Mike Snow during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Mandy Aracena during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Kayla Nicoleduring the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Christiana Cassell and Fesa Nu during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

Black Beauty Roster (BBR) and Lori Harvey Host Star-Studded Luncheon to Celebrate Black Beauty Excellence at the EDITION in West Hollywood

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Symone Sanders, Maude Okrah, Simone Tetteh and Alencia Jonson during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Tulani Elisa, Lindsay Wagner and guest during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 24: Lori Harvey and Simone and Maude during the BBR Hosts Celebration in Black Beauty Excellence at The West Hollywood EDITION on June 24, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for Black Beauty Roster)

ABOUT: Black Beauty Roster’s mission is to bring meaningful diversity across the fashion and entertainment industry by amplifying the work and talent of Black Beauty Professionals. Top talent, media, and celebrities in the industry came together to celebrate BIPOC beauty pros and industry leaders. Lori Harvey, founder and CEO of SKN by LH, presented the special keynote and Sir John presented the Allyship Award to Barry Lee Moe, the Department Head Award to Stacey Morris, the Legacy Award to Sam Fine, and finally the AJ Crimson Trailblazer Award to Kim Roxie. Event sponsors included Warner Bros. Discovery, Sephora, Kerastase, Oribe, Color of Change, and more.

GMA3: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW’ HEADS TO NEW ORLEANS 

To kick off this year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®, ABC News’ “GMA3: What You Need to Know” co-anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes and ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton will host a special broadcast originating from the heart of New Orleans at Brennan’s in the French Quarter.  

 

On Thursday, June 30, the “GMA3” team will be live from “The Big Easy” to kick off the festival, which ends on Sunday, July 3. Drawing more than 500,000 attendees annually over the holiday weekend, ESSENCE Fest is one of the largest festivals in the country. 

 

As DJ D-Nice spins throughout the show, Robach, Holmes, and Dr. Ashton will interview actress Marsai Martin and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and look at the hottest fashion trends to expect at this year’s festival with ESSENCE beauty and fashion editor Blake Newby. The show will also give viewers a look back at the history and beginnings of ESSENCE Fest and detail how it became the massive celebration of Black culture it is today with ESSENCE CEO Caroline Wanga. 

 

“GMA3” executive producer Catherine McKenzie said, “After these last few years, as cities are opening their doors to embrace tourists, we are excited to take the show on the road and capture the joy throughout ESSENCE Fest and New Orleans. We hope this coverage will shine a light on this important celebration and help grow appreciation for the amazing contributions of Black culture to American society.” 

 

“As the nation’s largest festival by per day attendance, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is the crown jewel of celebrating Blackness, which fuels commerce, capital, and capacity that garners true economic impact for our global community,” said Wanga. “We are excited to return to New Orleans live and thrilled that there are options for virtual participation, that our full diasporic family, through our unapologetic “It’s The Black Joy for Me” manifesto, is happy to share with GMA3.” 

 

In addition, this year, The Walt Disney Company is the exclusive entertainment sponsor for ESSENCE Fest, bringing talent, exclusive screenings and experiences from across the Company’s iconic brands and touchpoints, including ABC, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+, Disney Studios Content, Disney Television Studios, Disneyland Resort, ESPN, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, Onyx Collective, Pixar and Walt Disney World Resort. Specific programming, experiences and talent appearances will be announced next week. For more information about Essence Fest, click here. 

 

Follow “GMA3” and the journey to ESSENCE Fest on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For more information, attendees can download the ESSENCE app or join virtually on Essencefestival.com.  

 

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Essence Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand’s multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

 

Luster Premium White’s Pearl Infused Pro Light Dental Whitening System: Unboxing Video

Luster Premium White’s Pearl Infused Pro Light Dental Whitening System works up to 7X faster than all major whitening kits! With three easy steps, you get visibly whiter teeth in just 30 minutes and 6 shades whiter in 3 days! By using both light and heat, the patented Xenon teeth whitening light is proven more effective and quicker than other teeth whitening LED light systems. Developed by dentists, this kit includes: Pro Light, Serum, Rinse, and Pearl Infused Mint Whitening Toothpaste.

Reveal your brightest smile, cleanest teeth, and happiest gums NATURALLY with GuruNanda. Their NEW dentist-recommended Oxyburst Whitening Mouthwash is a patented formula that truly does do it all – freshens breath, supports tooth and gum health, and gets teeth their brightest white, all within seconds. The cutting edge of oral care and beauty, this patented mouthwash contains two components: a proprietary blend of seven 100% pure and natural essential oils for whole mouth health and fresher breath, and oxygen-powered whitening ingredients. Together, they gently remove stains, create fresh breath, and support stronger teeth and gums. No other mouthwash whitens teeth better or faster while seamlessly integrating the natural healing of Ayurveda and state-of-the-art Western medical technology to help you reveal your most dazzling smile.

Teeth Whitening System Unboxing Video

Celebrities Glowed at The Met Gala With the Help of Tracie Martyn and Rodial

Models, singers, actors, and designers looked radiant on Monday night at The Met Gala and achieved their flawless glow thanks to the Red Carpet Facial® offered at the Tracie Martyn Spa as well as Rodial‘s skincare and makeup.
Karlie Kloss, Camila Mendes, Camila Cabello, Thomas Dougherty, Prabal Gurung, and Maisie Williams all prepped for the event with Tracie Martyn’s Red Carpet Facial® before making their appearance on the Met steps. The signature treatment features crystal-free diamond microdermabrasion, Beyond Microcurrent® facial therapy, and a special anti-aging amber LED light treatment. This provides a natural facelift and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving a perfect radiant finish.
Celebrity makeup artist Frankie Boyd provided his beauty breakdown for the star-studded event, creating an entire look with Rodial’s luxury line of skincare and makeup products. Including their Plumping Collagen Lip Oil ($34), Soft Focus Glow Booster Drops ($60), and Glass Powder Loose Setting Powder ($59). Created by former beauty editor Maria Hatzistafanis, Rodial is focused on enhancing your natural beauty while combining skincare, makeup, and science, driven by results.

Watch Rihanna Shop for Her Fenty Beauty Favorites at Ulta Beauty!

Continuing the celebration of the recent launch of Fenty Beauty at Ulta Beauty, Rihanna debuted an exclusive Ulta Beauty haul video on April 13th showing how she shops for her favorite products at the nation’s largest beauty retailer. Ulta Beauty customers can now shop for Rihanna‘s Fenty Beauty favorites, including best-selling Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation, which Rihanna says is “the GOAT” because “there’s a shade for everyone out there,” Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter for “people who like options because I like to play with makeup in different ways – I use it on my eyes, or my cheeks, or my nose bridge,” and the product Rihanna never leaves home without – Invisimatte Blotting Powder.

Experience the interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/9022251-fenty-beauty-by-rihanna-now-available-at-ulta-beauty/

Fenty Beauty officially launched retail distribution into all Ulta Beauty 1,300+ stores and Ulta.com on March 6, 2022, making its extensive shade range, light-as-air-formulas, unique packaging, and universally flattering colors and finishes even more accessible.

https://www.ulta.com/brand/fenty-beauty-by-rihanna

Rihanna created Fenty Beauty as “Beauty for All” with the mission to help “everyone feel beautiful and recognized, no matter their race, ethnicity, culture or personal style.” And in creating the brand, Rihanna sparked a movement, noting that Fenty Beauty is “more than makeup; it’s a community that supports and uplifts each other.” It’s this shared brand ethos that makes Rihanna‘s decision to expand her Fenty Beauty family to Ulta Beauty a natural next step in making everyone feel welcomed, seen, and heard.

“We are thrilled to welcome the iconic Fenty Beauty to the Ulta Beauty family. Rihanna has creatively developed and meticulously nurtured one of the most loved, inspirational beauty brands in today’s market. Our guests have kept Fenty Beauty at the top of their wish lists and we can’t wait for them to discover these beloved products at Ulta Beauty stores nationwide.”
– Monica Arnaudo, Chief Merchandising Officer, Ulta Beauty

“I created Fenty Beauty with a global vision in mind, and that vision transcends everything from our shade ranges and products to where and how people can shop the brand. I want everyone to truly be included and Ulta Beauty’s amazing community shares the same passion for beauty that I do.”
 – Rihanna

@FENTYBEAUTY
@ULTABEAUTY

Celebrity MUA Saisha Beecham Uses AJ Crimson Beauty on Musician Estelle

Celebrity Makeup Artist Saisha Beecham and singer/song writer Estelle shared a photo on Instagram showing off the musician’s makeup look using AJ Crimson Beauty. Saisha used AJ Crimson Beauty’s Blurflection Priming Souffle ($55; https://ajcrimson.com/) to achieve a smooth, flawless look on Estelle.

The Black-owned luxury cosmetic line features a variety of different products + lip shades and is now carried at Nordstrom.