Category: Beauty

Beauty /

Candace “Six-Figure Spa Chick” Holyfield hosted a “SOLD-OUT” Queen Spa Expo

Candace “The Six Figure Spa Chick”, Holyfield is the founder and the creative mind behind the Queen Spa Expo (specifically created for minority spa professionals) and The Black Spa Magazine. She is best known for her Award-Winning spa parties and her business instructional classes designed to empower millennial business owners. She has written over 30 e-books (for spa professionals) and has been invited to speak on mainstages internationally. A trailblazer in her own right, Holyfield has assisted over 500 spa owners not only to launch their salon but create a six-figure income while doing so.  Her work in the industry has not gone unnoticed.  She has graced the stages and pages of some of the most coveted beauty magazines and expos.  She has been the voice for African American spa owners b/c so many have been ignored or muted.  This prompted the development of The Queen Spa Expo and The Black Spa Magazine.

As a humanitarian and advocate for black women enterprises, Candace Holyfield has become the trusted voice within her generation.  Her raw style of communication, with her flair for marketing, has quickly made her an Instagram favorite. Candace Holyfield hosted the Second Annual “Queen Expo Spa” September 18 -19th at the W Hotel Midtown.  This event included premier minority beauty brands from around the country.  With great speakers, topics, and think tanks, Candace is designed an experience that will take her attendees to another level in business and in their mindset.  This event was completely sold out, with attendees from across the country.  Candace has expanded the Queen Spa Expo over 3 weekends.  Candace will host another iteration of the expo this weekend in Atlanta, Ga, and conclude in Las Vegas, NV the weekend of October 2-3.  The demand for The Queen Spa Expo pushed Candace to increase the offerings and locations for the expo.

The expo included cash giveaways, mastermind sessions, celebrity meet and greets, awards, and awesome networking experience.  Candace did not spare any expense; the expo was fully digital, and it implemented COVID-19 SAFETY policies.  The guests were able to learn, network, and maintain a sense of safety.

Some of the seminars offered during the 2nd Queen Spa Expo were:

  • Government contracts
  • How to get your products in Macy
  • Minority women certification
  • Marketing (online and offline)
  • pixel code
  • Facebook ads
  • 5 ways to market without social media
  • Client consultations
  • How to hire and pay a team
  • How to get celebrity clients
  • Operating a weight loss clinic
  • CBD skincare
  • Branding
  • Body contouring
  • V-steam
  • Lashes
  • Teeth whitening
  • Sugaring
  • Product launch
  • 7 figure mastermind and Business Credit, $40k months, opening salon suite, start your tour
  • 7 figure product line
  • Graphic Workshop
  • Systems to run your business
  • Airbnb

Candace also launched her new training program this weekend at the Queen Expo, entitled “Candyland University”.  She provided her guests with a sneak peek and early enrollment opportunities.  This program will provide real-time, digital training for spa professionals.  It will be open for enrollment to the public within the next 30 days. Stay tuned!

Through her countless efforts to be a driving force of change, Holyfield has been featured in national media platforms such as American Spa, Fox 54, BET, Fox 13, FOXSOUL, HELLO BEAUTIFUL, ROLLING OUT & The Essence Music Festival. 

 

 

 

Beauty /

4 Products You Need To Add To Your Fall Skincare Routine

Clef Skin 

Because life is crazy enough, your skincare routine should be easy, quick, and effective. Life’s too short to waste time on multiple skincare products every morning and evening.  Check these creams, which are proven by many to be effective and safe to use even in intimate areas.  Their revolutionary copper peptide mask combines the functions of nine different masks into ONE for a stress-free solution. This mask moisturizes, brightens, repairs, smoothes, tightens, nourishes, and heals your skin in one simple step.  Some great benefits you’ll see from these masks; fades acne scars, dark spots, and hyper-pigmentation, visibly evens skin tone and improves texture, and enhances skin for a luminous bare-faced glow. Use 2 boxes every month to achieve flawless skin! 

Crystal Hill

Since ancient times, crystals have been prized for their beauty, to symbolize power, and for their healing capabilities. It’s about time we incorporate them into our everyday, modern habits! Discover synergistically blended formulations of crystals, botanicals, and other organic ingredients that are nourishing and soothing for your skin. All crystals sold by Crystal Hills have been cleansed and charged with a tuning fork (4096) by a certified Reiki practitioner. Crystals are sourced from mines with sound ethical and environmental practices.

Mikel Kristi

 

Swipe your way to healthier, more radiant skin with Mikel Kristi’s Rejuvenating Swipes. The perfectly dosed, pre-moistened pads glide seamlessly over the skin to wipe away residual dirt, debris, and surface impurities. These are not like the heavy astringent pads you may remember from your youth, but an innovative combination of ten organic essential oils that simultaneously clarify, promote healing and exfoliate dead and dulling cells. Used as a part of your regular skincare routine, these Swipes prime your face for enhanced absorption of additional skincare products. Boost cellular renewal, brighten lackluster skin, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, and refine skin texture all with one swipe!

Honestly pHresh 

 

Great deodorant for sensitive skin! Honestly pHresh is raising awareness about the toxic truth of most deodorant products containing antiperspirant properties. Up until recently, it was thought that the only way to avoid the unpleasant smell associated with sweating was to block sweat from leaving the body altogether. As it turns out, sweat is actually odorless. What causes that embarrassing odor is actually the bacteria on our skin combining with and breaking down our sweat. Allowing our bodies to reap all the benefits of sweating while also keeping us dry and smelling great is what the pHresh philosophy is all about. Another great thing about this deodorant, there is no baking soda which often causes sensitivity.

Beauty /

Tips To Hydrate Yourself Before Trying Makeup On

On Average, 60% of the human body comprises water and it is very important to stay hydrated to maintain water levels in the body, cleansing the body, lubricating joints, and helping the organs to work properly. Skin being the largest organ of the body requires the most hydration.

Dehydrated skin ends up with wrinkles and a dull appearance by making it dry and flaky which is preferred by none. Staying hydrated makes skin elastic gives it a fresh look and combats wrinkled skin by giving it a smooth look.

Featured Photo from BET.com

External hydration of the skin is as important as the intake of water in the body. If you are used to putting on makeup on a regular basis, water intake is the only solution. Extra effort has to be done on the skin because ingredients in makeup dry out the skin and makeup on dry skin looks flawed. Here are some of the tips to make the skin hydrated before makeup:

Cleanser

Choose a gentle and hydrating cleanser for your skin before starting makeup so that it cleans without taking away the moisture, leaving your skin soft and fresh.

Use moisturizer

Moisturization is vital even if you don’t have dry skin. All skin types need to apply moisturizer before makeup because it smoothens the skin by reducing the wrinkle’s appearance and brings a natural look to avoid the foundation from looking cakey. Use water-based moisturizers than oil-based because of its hydrating properties.

Water-Based products

You must opt for the skincare products with hydrating formulas to prepare your skin for makeup. But the selection of makeup should be very carefully done. Know your skin type, invest your time in knowing what ingredients suit your type, and select the most desirable makeup.

Components in makeup dry out the skin so they are not long-lasting as they become flaky so opt for the products with hydrating properties so you can slay your makeup along with a moisturized healthy look. Look for makeup on Nikkia Joy Cosmetics that offers products for all skin types.

Serums:

If using a moisturizer is not working enough for you, try facial serums that have Hyaluronic Acid that provides extra moisturization to the skin before applying makeup. These serums smoothen fine lines and lock the moisture in the face.

Eye cream

Eyes are sensitive and this is the area where most of the wrinkles and fine lines appear so special treatment must be done by applying eye creams that even out skin tone and helps to moisturize.

Face masks

A wide variety of facial masks are available in the form of sheets that have a rich quantity of moisturizing ingredients and using them before makeup leaves the skin soft and healthy-looking for a flawless application of foundation.

Use brushes

Some people prefer fingers to put on their makeup but they don’t know that fingers tend to steal the moisture from the face so when makeup is applied, it makes skin look dull and unhealthy so invest in good quality makeup brushes for a flawless foundation so you don’t regret it afterward.

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Beauty /

Detoxification of Your Skin for Radiant Skin

You might have seen lots of blogs and articles on the importance of detoxification of body and skin. By detoxification of the skin, we mean cleaning our skin in such a way that it starts glowing and looking radiant. Detoxification removes dirt and toxins from our body which has a direct effect on our skin.

Featured Photo from Net-A-Porter

Unfortunately, lots of our personal choices result in damaging our skin such as smoking, not drinking enough water, not following a healthy diet plan, and lots of other things. Our skin is the largest organ of our body and when we don’t follow a healthy schedule, it is reflected on our skin. Therefore, you must pay attention to the detoxification of the skin. We are going to share some important things about detoxification of skin that you did not know before.

  1. Skin detoxification is a real thing:

Many people think that detoxification of skin means cleaning the surface of the skin with the help of scrubs, cleansers, and different other products. However, by detoxification we mean, cleaning kidneys and livers. Cleaning of skin only comes with how much you care for it. However, when you take different steps to detox the liver and kidney, you see the results on your face.

  1. Skin detox products help look skin radiant:

There are lots of skin detox products that work to help the skin get rid of toxins which are becoming the reason for blackheads, whiteheads, blemishes, etc. These products used for detoxification of the skin also balance the pH of the skin. If you are searching for a product to remove many types of imperfections from the skin, try La Clinica detox for skin that you can buy from

  1. Vitamin A supplement is best for detoxification:

All those products that claim to detox your skin usually contain the active ingredient of vitamin A. Vitamin A actually cleanses your skin and thus revitalizes it. The result of serums and creams rich in vitamin A is similar to the detoxification skins obtained when people drink green juice etc. to make their kidney and liver boost their performance and remove toxins from the body

  1. Detoxification does rebalancing of skin:

Rebalancing means repairing the skin so that it becomes completely free from imperfections in the form of fine lines, blemishes, dark circles, etc. The skin also becomes radiant when the repairing mechanism starts.

Rebalancing means purifying the skin from impurities so that the pores don’t clog and result in acne. It also means nourishing the skin by giving it all those products which are capable of repairing and rejuvenating the skin

The takeaway:

If you are looking for some health products that can detox your skin and make it look brighter than before, you should try to those products which can enhance the overall appearance of the skin and also enrich it with all the needed nutrients such as vitamin A. However, you also pay attention to your diet and daily routine.

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Beauty /

OPI’s Nail Lacquer We Seafood and Eat It #ManicureMonday

The pandemic has definitely taken a toll on my manicure schedule.  I am squeezing in salon visits. Yikes!

One easy beauty technique is to keep nail lacquer at-home.  You never know when you need a change or quick touch-up.  OPI shipped a collection of colors that would make anyone want to polish their nails!

After reading a few online articles, I learned the importance of bringing your own supplies to the salon.  This helps with the health and hygiene of preventing the spread of germs.  Then, why not bring nail polish, right?

On this particular day, I stopped by the salon and grabbed a manicure.  I brought the color We Seafood and Eat It. 

The shade is considered to be reddish-orange and accents my tiny hand.  In-between zoom meetings, I still like to look my best!

OPI: We Seafood and Eat It

Visit OPI to shop for more products and keep stunning nails during the pandemic!

Beauty /

Millennial Business Mogul Breaks New Ground in the Beauty and Spa Industry with The Queen Spa Expo and The Black Spa Magazine

Candace Holyfield is affectionately known as “The Six Figure Spa Chick”, Holyfield is the founder and the creative mind behind the Queen Spa Expo (specifically created for minority spa professionals) and The Black Spa Magazine. She is best known for her Award-Winning spa parties and her business instructional classes designed to empower millennial business owners. She has written over 30 e-books (for spa professionals) and has been invited to speak on mainstages internationally.

 

A trailblazer in her own right, Holyfield has assisted over 500 spa owners not only to launch their salon but create a six-figure income while doing so.  Her work in the industry has not gone unnoticed.  She has graced the stages and pages of some of the most coveted beauty magazines and expos.

 

She has been the voice for African American spa owners b/c so many have been ignored or muted.  This prompted the development of The Queen Spa Expo and The Black Spa Magazine.  The Annual Queen Spa Expo is slated to take place in Atlanta, Ga September 18-19th.

 

Beauty /

TOPICALS SEEKS TO TRANSFORM THE WAY GEN Z FEELS ABOUT SKIN

Today marks the launch of Topicals (MyTopicals.com), a revolutionary new skincare company that seeks to transform the way consumers feel about their skin by making the treatment of stigmatized skin conditions synonymous with the luxury and fun of self-care. Available online, Topicals products are also featured now through October at Pop-In@Nordstrom inside select Nordstrom locations and online at Nordstrom.com.

Founded by two dynamic young women of color, 23-year-olds Olamide Olowe and Claudia Teng, Topicals was born out of necessity. One in four Americans live with chronic skin conditions. Costly doctor visits and prescriptions are often avoided because one just “learns to live with it.” As women of color who lived conditions like severe eczema and post-barbae folliculitis, both Olamide and Claudia grew up settling for products that didn’t really serve them or represent how the condition appeared on their skin. They joined together to create effective and luxurious products that are carefully formulated to tackle skin conditions like eczema, hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, and more — but don’t break the bank.

“This is an industry that has not evolved and has used many of the same formulations over the last 30 years,” says Olamide Olowe, Topicals CEO and Co-founder. “Having lived with a serious skin condition myself, I found there were limited treatment options available, and none of the brands looked like me. I could use an over-the-counter product that didn’t address my specific needs as a Black woman with darker skin, or spend thousands on pricey prescriptions. With all of the amazing beauty products out there, I still didn’t find one that helped me with my flare-ups. I knew we could do better.”

“With my background in clinical research and dermatology, I saw firsthand the lack of access to care that existed for these types of skin conditions,” says Claudia Teng, Topicals Chief Product Officer, and Co-founder. “For me, I knew there was a serious opportunity to create something affordable, and that not only educated a broad amount of people but also made their treatment experience more enjoyable. Our mission is to make chronic skincare management synonymous with the fun and luxury of self-care, taking the focus off of perfect skin and helping our community have funner flare-ups.”

The founders of Topicals are focused on creating an inclusive community around real, positive, and authentic discussions about their skin. And since chronic skin conditions often lead to serious mental health issues because of the stigma, shame, and embarrassment often felt by those with them, Topicals is donating 1% of profits to various mental health organizations. Prior to launch, Topicals donated over $10,000 to and partnered with Sad Girls Club, Therapy for Black Girls, and Fearless Femme 100, and are partnering with the JED Foundation at launch.

Among the supporters and investors in Topicals are several high-profile Black women, including Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John, entrepreneur and DJ Hannah Bronfman, and the Emmy-nominated stars of the hit show “Insecure” Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji. The initial investment round, led by Lerer Hippeau, also saw participation from Humble Lukanga and Mucker Capital as well as the CEOs of Warby Parker, Allbirds, Casper, Harry’s, Bombas, and Red Antler.

Topicals is launching with two signature products: Like Butter, a hydrating mask for dry, distressed, and eczema-prone skin, and Faded, a serum for discoloration and dark spots. Each and every ingredient is clinically backed, and the power-packed formulas have been tested on all skin tones. In addition, Topicals products are vegan, fragrance-free, made for all shades in mind, and carefully crafted to be eco-friendly with recyclable tubes and packaging.

Like Butter (1.7 oz) – $32

A whipped, hydrating mask that moisturizes and soothes sensitive, dry, stressed out, and eczema-prone skin.

Key ingredients:

  • Camellia Sinensis Leaf: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory; reduces itch and redness
  • Madecassoside (Centella Asiatica): accelerates wound healing, fortifies skin barrier through collagen and fibronectin production, anti-inflammatory
  • Colloidal Oatmeal: helps to soothe itch and irritation
  • Chinese Rhubarb Root: decreases levels of hyperactive immune cells, antimicrobial
  • Ginseng Root: anti-inflammatory; reduces itching, inflammation, and swelling
  • Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, shortens wound-healing time, improves collagen deposition

Faded (1.7 oz) – $36

A gel serum that combats dark spots and discoloration from sun damage, scarring, and inflammation.

Key ingredients:

  • Tranexamic Acid: prevents melanocyte tyrosinase activation, and excess vascular development (which can cause melasma)
  • Kojic Acid: inhibits melanocyte tyrosinase function
  • Azelaic Acid: prevents tyrosine conversion to melanin; scavenges free radicals
  • Licorice Root: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, melanin-degrading, and tyrosinase-inhibiting capability
  • Centella Asiatica: anti-inflammatory, scavenges free radicals
  • Niacinamide: limits melanocyte stimulation, scavenges free radicals
  • Melatonin: anti-inflammatory, inhibits melanocyte activity

Beauty /

LALA ANTHONY STUNS ON ESSENCE SEPT/OCT COVER

In the September-October issue of ESSENCE, La La Anthony — best-selling author, actress, designer, producer, and multihyphenate maven — graces the cover and provides perspective on the often-discussed issue of Black women and identity. In the cover story, Finding Success on Her Own Terms, Anthony talks candidly with ESSENCE Deputy Editor Allison McGevna about everything from co-parenting, raising and protecting her Black son in America, celebrating her Afro-Latina identity and the importance of telling Cyntoia Brown’s story.

 

She shares with ESSENCE:

  • ON PROUDLY BEING AFRO-LATINA: “I’m Afro-Latina: I’m Black, I’m Puerto Rican, I’m all of it. I’m proud of it.’ But no one really understood that. They were like, ‘You’re one or the other, and that’s it…”
  • RAISING A BLACK SON IN AMERICA: “I always talk to him about how he needs to deal with police. It’s sad that these are the conversations we have to have with our children, but this is the world we live in. I make sure he knows that and understands the seriousness of it. I’m not trying to scare him in any way, but I want him to live in reality.”
  • HER APPROACH TO CO-PARENTING WITH CARMELO ANTHONY: “My son is at the center of everything… he is watching us, so if we’re out here being reckless or not leading with love, then what kind of example are we setting for him about how he should treat women or how people treat and love each other? … A lot of times, people forget that, and I understand, because you get emotional when you’re going through different things in relationships. But I always want my son to be able to say, ‘No matter what, my parents loved each other. My parents loved me.”
  • ON BRINGING CYNTOIA BROWN’S STORY TO THE SCREEN: “For her to trust me with this story, after everything she’s been through, it’s not something I take lightly.”

Timed with its cover launch, also ESSENCE announces the newly launched online hub titled “Protect Black Women and Girls.” As the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women and their communities for 50 years, the hub was created to help provide more persistent visibility of systemic racism, racial inequities, and police misconduct today with particular attention to justice yet seen for the Black women of the movement like Breonna Taylor and Toyin Salau. The hub includes a series of essays and op-eds from Black women activists, academics, and thought-leaders including Tarana Burke, Kimberlé Crenshaw, LaTosha Brown, and more. As Kimberle Crenshaw says in her original essay for the hub, “If we are ever to truly protect young Black women like Toyin Salau or Breonna Taylor, we must first tell their stories.”  For more on ESSENCE’s Protect Black Women and Girls Hub, visit ESSENCE.com.

The September-October issue of ESSENCE hits newsstands on Tuesday, August 25. For more on this month’s issue, visit ESSENCE.com.

Beauty /

AJ Crimson Beauty, Black-Owned Inclusive Pro Luxury Cosmetics Collection

Excited to announce AJ Crimson Beauty, vegan-friendly and cruelty-free luxury cosmetic line made with every woman in mind.

 

AJ Crimson, a self-taught makeup artist and beauty expert is one of the most trusted names in the industry with a roster of clients including Angela Bassett, Regina King, Fergie, Missy, Hilary Duff and more! His products have been used on the TV series American Horror Story, Empire, The Real, and the box office smash The Hunger Games.

 

The AJ Crimson Beauty cosmetics line was born out of necessity,  “I wanted to create a product inclusive of women of all ethnicities, a product all women could find ownership in and believe in. So often, makeup has been designed with a one size fits all mentality, and with black women and women of color my cosmetic line contains shades for women of every ethnic background and skin tone.”

 

AJ is available for any beauty expert commentary needed and is also available for Match Me Perfect virtual consultations where AJ will recommend your foundation, concealer, and lip color suggestions.

 

The pro luxury cosmetic brand includes foundations, powders, lipsticks/glosses in best-selling items like Ruby Who? And Ex-Factor lipsticks, Number 8, and AJC Universal Finishing powder ranging in pricing from $20 – $150 available now at https://ajcrimson.com/.
Beauty /

Taste Beauty Launches Defendr+™ Hand Sanitizer at Target Stores Nationwide and Online

Taste Beauty saw the need for a modern hand sanitizing solution in light of the current COVID-19 health crisis and within weeks was able to act quickly to manufacture a safe, high-quality product, now available at Target stores online and nationwide, as well as other national retailers.

The product is free of harsh chemicals and its powerful scent-free and moisturizing formula contain just four gentle ingredients, including 70% Ethyl Alcohol, which meets the CDC’s recommendations for hand hygiene.

Defendr+™ comes in a broad range of product sizes including 16, 8, 2, and 1-fluid-ounce bottles. The 16-fluid-ounce bottle is perfect for frequent home hand sanitizing. The 1-fluid-ounce bottle comes with a convenient rubber holder that clips to a backpack or handbag, ideal for sanitizing on-the-go.

“I love this hand sanitizer. It only takes a small drop to cover your whole hands—even in between your fingers—and it leaves your hands silky smooth!” says Heather, a Defendr+™ user in New Jersey.

Defendr+ 16oz

“Defendr+™ is the most ambitious launch for Taste Beauty’s Taste Labs division, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this brand to market,” said Alex Fogelson, Co-Founder & CEO of Taste Beauty. “Defendr+™ is positioned to become a household name synonymous with keeping families safe, protected, and secure – meeting the moment of our current world.”

Defendr+™ is giving back to the New York Community by contributing to the Robin Hood COVID-19 Relief Fund. Products will also be donated to protect the FDNY through the FDNY Foundation to show gratitude to these men and women for their selfless service, especially during the pandemic.

Defendr+™ will be available starting July 13th, 2020 in all Target stores and on Target.com. For more information on Defendr+ visit http://www.defendrlabs.com.

About Taste Beauty: Headquartered in NYC, Taste Beauty is a boutique manufacturer and marketer of innovative beauty and personal care products, distributed throughout all retail channels. Taste Beauty leverages 3D printing to create unique, custom packaging and has brand partnerships with leading entertainment, food, and beverage companies to bring fun, safe, and high-quality products to life with rapid speed to market. To learn more visit http://www.taste-beauty.com.