Category: Beauty

Beauty /

2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL® EXPANDS BRAND EXPERIENCES

The 2018 Essence Festival® presented by Coca-Cola today debuts expanded brand experiences within its daytime programming—offering new consumer activations curated by partners Coca-Cola, AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart that take place from July 6-July 8 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.

The Festival’s daytime programming features a diverse slate of curated content across eight “Conference & Expos” tracks: Community & Culture, Beauty & Style, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Tech, Wealth, Wellness & Spirituality, and Shopping.  Plus, celebrity meet-and-greets, musical performances, interactive panel discussions and over 50 engaging consumer activations round out the weekend event.

Download the 2018 ESSENCE Festival® app for updates and to customize a schedule of Festival highlights, which include:

  • ESSENCE Beauty & Style featuring the ESSENCE Beauty Carnival. Tutorials and seminars with celebrity beauty experts and icons, and fashion presentations with style trendsetters, complimentary style consultations, mini makeovers, giveaways and more with partners: Walmart, the Official Beauty Expo Retailer; My Black Is Beautiful; Unilever; Aveeno; Maui Moisture; Creme of Nature; Palmer’s; Shea Moisture; Carol’s Daughter; Cover Girl; Gold Bond; Strength of Nature; and our Beauty Bungalow sponsor, Cantu.
  • ESSENCE Entertainment All Access. An exclusive first look at the hottest movies and TV shows and participation in cast talk-backs and appearances at Center Stage, the Fan Zone and the Screening Room with partners Disney, 20th Century Fox, Annapurna, BET, HBO, Paramount, Showtime, Starz, TNT, as well as the film titled, She Did That sponsored by Walmart.
  • ESSENCE Empowerment Experience. Keynotes and panels featuring today’s most prominent leaders, creators, and influencers, such as Lena Waithe, Mary J. Blige, Iyanla Vanzant, Reverend Al Sharpton, Angela Rye and many more, covering topics spanning inspiration to activism and more.
  • ESSENCE Path to Power. Free and open to the public, the Path To Power will offer daily general sessions, 40+ workshop style intensives and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and business professionals at all career levels. Programming partners include AT&T, State Farm, J.P. Morgan Chase, US Army, New Voices Fund, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), National Urban League, United States Black Chamber, YWCA, and Accenture.
  • ESSENCE Lifestyle Experience. ESSENCE’s lifestyle editors and industry experts showcase the best in health and wellness and encourage living a healthier and happier life with partners AARP, American Airlines, Susan G. Komen, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation and the State of Louisiana.
  • ESSENCE All-Star Gospel Tribute. Inspirational performances by top gospel artists, including Marvin Sapp, Smokie Norful, George Potts Young & the Church Friends Band and more in tribute to Dottie Peoples sponsored by Walmart.
  • ESSENCE Eats. A taste of local cuisine, fellowship and celebrity chefs preparing their specialty dishes with partners Walmart, Diageo and Gold Peak.

In addition, the Marketplace will host more than 150 entrepreneurs from across the globe. Also taking place throughout the weekend will be brand-sponsored events and engagements that include:

  • Coca-Cola: Share a Coke® at ESSENCE Festival

Share a Coke with your girlfriends at the 2018 ESSENCE Festival®! Join Coca-Cola® at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and experience a world of endless refreshment, uplifting music, dancing, interactive programming, photo experiences and much more! #CokeEssenceFest

  • AT&T: Dream In Black with AT&T

When you dream in black you power the possibilities. AT&T is serving up celebrity meet-and-greets, musical guests, and prize giveaways. Drop by with your squad and Dream in Black with us for an unforgettable Festival experience.

  • Ford: Celebration and Sisterhood: Our 10th ESSENCE Festival

For our 10th year running, Ford is proud to celebrate sisterhood at Essence Fest! Visit our space to learn how Ford continues striving to empower women to Go Further. Plus, register for a chance to win a brand-new Ford vehicle!

  • McDonald’s: McDonald’s Black Forward Experience

McDonald’s® returns to celebrate you and all that you do to move Black culture forward! Join us at the Black Forward Experience for live performances, giveaways, and endless inspiration. For more info, visit 365Black.com, and download the McDonald’s App for additional exclusives.

  1. State Farm: State Farm® Color Full Lives

State Farm® has the financial tips and tools you need to live your most Color Full Life! Stop by our space to envision your future and achieve your dreams. State Farm is here to help you #LiveColorFull.

  • Walmart: Rule On Your Time

Reign over your household with grace and ease. With Walmart’s Grocery Pickup you can order groceries online and pick up, for free, on your time. Get your rule on, learn more at Walmart.com. #ReignOn

Join the Festival community by following us on Twitter, @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2018 ESSENCE Festival® on Facebook. For more information about ticket sales and accommodations and for the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival®, visit www.essencefestival.com.

The ESSENCE Festival® is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc., and is produced by Solomon Group. Sponsors of the 2018 ESSENCE Festival® in New Orleans include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

 

Beauty /

COVERGIRL Launch: The Infinite – A Tribute to COVERGIRL’s Product Inspiration

This morning COVERGIRL launched their biggest campaign of the year – The Infinite – which showcases COVERGIRL’s inspiration behind this product: YOU.

This campaign is a tribute to everyone who spoke up and said what they want and need from a foundation – not just an extensive shade range (but of course we have that!), but specific formula additions that cater to their unique skin needs. COVERGIRL listened, and COVERGIRL heard you, so this foundation was created specifically for each and every one of you.

COVERGIRL’s TruBlend Matte Made Foundation’s 40 shade-range delivers a long-wearing matte finish while delivering the key factors most asked for by consumers:

  • Flexible wear and comfort feel – a flexi-hold technology creates a strong, yet flexible film that’s comfortable on the skin. It responds to facial movements and is lightweight on the skin.
  • Transfer-Proof – Flexible film helps formula stay in place all day – will not transfer
  • Pore-Blurring – Light-scattering technology blurs pores and minimizes imperfections on skin
  • Oil-Absorption – Oil-absorbing powders can hold 2X their weight in oils

 

Beauty /

Define Your Summer Look with Rimmel London

With the summer sun creating perfect lighting all day long, using selfie-proof makeup is more important than ever. Rimmel London has you covered with the Insta Duo Contour Stick and Wonder Wing Eyeliner. This dynamic duo contours your face and your eyes for a more defined look that will take you from day to night!
Insta Duo Contour Stick
Price: $6.99
Availability: Mass drugstores nationwide
Portable and ultra-smooth, Insta Duo Contour Stick will keep your cheekbones defined and highlight sublime. Comprised of a dual-sided applicator, just swipe and blend this selfie approved the formula for a look that showcases all your best features. Available in three duos work with your skin tone – light, medium, and dark.
Wonder Wing Eyeliner Stamp
Price: $6.99
Availability: Mass drugstores nationwide
Beauty /

A Girls Guide to Getting Through the Summer Heat

Stay sweat-free and odor-free all day long with Ban Purely Gentle Roll-On Deodorant ($10, Amazon.com)

A non-irritating formula that’s tough on sweat but gentle on the skin. This deodorant incorporates 24-hour protection with a new, gentler formula, ensuring round the clock defense even for those with the most sensitive skin.

Keep your hair off your neck with the help of Hairdo Simply Straight Pony ($49, Ulta.com)

 

This strut-your-stuff pony delivers the style points straight-up by instantly adding length, verve, and volume to your ponytail. Wrap around easily and secure your pony high, low or to the side.

Keep your skin moisturized while achieving a non-oily, velvety finish with Erborian BB Crème ($39, Sephora.com)

 

Containing break-through high-tech formulas, this BB Crème evens out and mattifies the complexion, moisturizes and plumps the skin, refines skin’s texture and reduces the appearance of blemishes. Your skin will appear visibly softer, smoother and beautiful with a silky feel.

Beauty /

Somaluxe Line Filler and Collagen Eye Gel: Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles

It’s summer and the sunshine is harsh on my skin.  I love having a bronzed look but detest the dryness.  It’s vital during this season to have a good skincare regimen.

This prevents harsh lines and premature wrinkles.  Somaluxe has a wonderful product line that’s infused with vitamin C and Collagen.  The benefits of both vitamins include intense moisture and fighting against free radicals.

I had the opportunity to review the products and First, the texture is amazing.  This is generally a deal breaker for me.  Second, my face felt softer than normal. I have naturally dry skin and Somaluxe softened my texture.

The last tidbit is that this product did indeed reduce the appearance of wrinkles.  At this stage of my life, I am preserving my face for years to come!

Check it out for yourself!  To purchase Lady Soma, Somaluxe products visit: Somaluxe.com

Beauty /

Purifying Face Mask For Summer – Tightens and Tone The Skin

Strong summer sun exhausting your skin? The NEW Dear by Renee Purifying Kaolin Mask is formulated with natural ingredients including Pineapple & Papaya Enzymes to leave skin clear and bright! The Purifying Kaolin Mask is an ideal seasonal treatment for normal to combination skins that overproduce oil in humid climates. Sit back and relax as organic clay reduces inflammation, increases circulation and tightens and tones your skin.

Dear by Renée Purifying Kaolin Mask ($49.95, dearbyrenee.com)

This naturally purifying volcanic Kaolin clay detoxifies, filters, and lifts impurities from deep within pores.

The antiseptic formula provides light exfoliation and purifying benefits to calm and heal the skin.

Beauty /

Father’s Day Gifts For Your Dapper Dad

Just a friendly reminder—Father’s Day is coming up on June 17th. Celebrate your dapper dad with a thoughtful and useful kit from IOPE by AMOREPACIFIC and great products from KORRES.
Give your dad exactly what he needs, but not might go out and buy for himself.
IOPE MEN products are formulated to target men’s specific skincare needs. The IOPE Bio Essence Special Set features three of IOPE’s best-selling skincare products— in full and travel size. ($59; Available for in-store purchase at Aritaum.)
  • Bio-Essence Intensive Conditioning: This essence brightens, revitalizes and smooths skin. With daily use, it hydrates and strengthens fatigued dull skin. Additionally, this can be used as aftershave, toner or a serum.
  • Perfect Clean All-in-One Cleanser: The cleanser is an exfoliating formula that is gentle enough for daily use and contains natural exfoliants that thoroughly remove impurities such as dirt and excess oils. Formulated with moisturizing capsules it also replenishes skins moisture barrier.
  • Triple Lift Serum: An anti-aging formula with hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate skin and provide a more luminous complexion.
The KORRES assortment of Greek grooming essentials is formulated with clinically-proven ingredients that reflect the brand’s deep knowledge of authentic herbal remedies. KORRES identifies powerful natural ingredients and maximizes the effectiveness to address the skincare needs of men, from dads to grads. The ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream and MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm are must-have grooming items that are perfect for Father’s Day (and even the soon-to-be graduate).
  • ABSINTHE Men’s Shave Cream: This richly textured shave cream helps your razor glide smoothly over skin to ensure a deep and comfortable shave. Absinthe Shave Cream is a brushless, non-foaming preparation and, as it is formulated at a milder pH than lathering creams—preventing skin roughness. ($32.50; korresusa.com.)
  • MARIGOLD & GINSENG Aftershave Balm: The light textured and the nutrient-rich balm is made for after-shave care. Enriched with energizing ginseng and anti-inflammatory marigold, it reduces irritation commonly caused by shaving. Ginseng extract enables the delivery of nutrients—ensuring the healthy appearance of skin. ($16.50; korresusa.com.)

Beauty /

Get the Look Style Breakdown: Dyson Supersonic and Alexander Wang

On Sunday, June 3, Guido Palau styled top models, including Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid, at Alexander Wang‘s fashion show using the Dyson Supersonic.

Downtown Americana

Start with clean hair and a messy middle part

Next, dry hair using the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer to flatten any volume and remove frizz. Take a large section of hair and dry the ends first. Do this section by section around the head.

To keep the roots lying flat, blow dry them a bit more while keeping the middle portion of the hair more natural.
Use the medium setting of air flow, which has enough power to get the hair super shiny and create texture without making hair too straight or flat.
Apply Redken No Blow Dry cream, starting at the bottom of the hair so the ends will be smooth while the hair still looks natural. Next, apply NBD Cream to the roots and take it all the way through.
Spray Shine Flash 02 section by section starting from the bottom and working to the top.
When using the products, make sure they are even all around the head to achieve the natural look.Use the Dyson Supersonic and a brush at the end of the hair to get the ends really straight and spiky for texture.

Most of the girls will have an Alexander Wang headband to finish the look and give them the desired Americana look.

Some of the models will have braids, which are personalized and inspired by the show, incorporated into their final look.

For these looks, use the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer to blow dry hair and get it super smooth before it is braided.

Since the look itself is really tight, using the Supersonic gets hair dry and smooth without overheating it.

Beauty /

Healthy Food Tips to Help Fight Dehydration This Summer

Summer is finally here and the days of laying by the pool, beautiful hikes and beach fun are upon us. Unfortunately, the combination of the Summer heat and outdoor activities can lead to excess sweating. This helps keep the body cool down, but it can also lead to dehydration so instead of endless glasses of water opt for some healthy fruits and veggies. Incorporating these into your diet can add to your water intake and keep you hydrated all through the summer.

Featured Photo from Ciara Instagram

Dr. Christopher Calapai, D.O., an Osteopathic Physician board certified in family medicine, anti-aging medicine, and chelation therapy has created a tip sheet of his seven favorite healthy foods to help fight dehydration.

  1. Watermelon
  • Watermelons contain around 92% water and one of the most hydrating foods out there. They can be a great alternative to snacks like pretzels, chips, and peanuts. These popular snacks have large amounts of sodium and can make you more dehydrated.
  1. Cucumber
  • Cucumbers are about 96% water and they contain no saturated fat or cholesterol. They are high in Vitamin B6 helping to produce serotonin, which is the brain chemical that controls mood. I suggest making small cucumber-watermelon bites, which are both incredibly hydrating and delicious.
  1. Strawberry
  • Strawberries have the highest water content of any berry, 92% to be exact. This berry is a great source of vitamins C and K. You can enjoy the tart-sweet flavor without consuming too much sugar.
  1. Cantaloupe
  • This popular melon is 90% water and packed with rich flavor. One cup of cantaloupe provides 100% of the daily recommended values of Vitamins A and C.
  1. Tomato
  • Tomatoes are made up of about 95% water. Along with their sweetness, they are perfect to take the place of higher calorie condiments. One medium-sized tomato contains only 22 calories.
  1. Zucchini
  • Zucchinis are 95% water and help to give you more energy. They also contain a good amount of potassium helping to reduce blood pressure. The veggie also promotes skin health-giving a glow and restoring moisture.
  1. Lemon
  • While I don’t think a lot of people enjoy eating lemons, adding them to water is a great way to change-up a plain glass of water. Besides enhancing the flavor, lemons are a great source of vitamin C and aids in digestion.