Archives for May 2012

Listen: Whitney Houston’s Last Recorded Work

It’s still hard to believe that Whitney Houston aka “The Voice,” is no longer with us, but her fans will be comforted today with the release of the late songbird’s final recording.

“Celebrate,” from the upcoming remake film, Sparkle, in which Houston stars was her last recorded song before her passing in February.

The uptempo single features Jordin Sparks who also co-stars in the movie set for release in August.

Listen below:

Did you watch the Whitney Houston tribute on the Billboard Awards last night?

Event Recap: “Spring Is In The Hair” National Natural Hair Day Event

This year National Natural Hair Day took place on Saturday, May 19th. In cities across the country, naturalistas gathered to talk hair, network, and gain information about how to care for natural textures.

I attended the “Spring Is In the Hair,” meet-up  hosted by Natasha Gaspard of My Mane Moves and Imani Dawson of A Tribe Called Curl at The Rock Shop in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

The event location was only a few blocks from my apartment so there was no excuse not to attend the soiree celebrating our curls, coils, kinks, and waves.

Admittedly, my hair didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. So I took a last-ditch effort and quickly pulled my hair into pompadour held in place with a mini headband.

At the event, we learned tips from Karen’s Body Beautiful and super cute styling techniques from sought-after stylist Diane Bailey of Tendrils Hair Spa in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Plus, there were plenty of fun interactive games and giveaways throughout the afternoon. To top it off, each attendee walked away with a gift bag filled with full-size hair, bath, and body products.

I’m still a newbie when it comes to natural hair meet-ups so this gathering was a great introduction.  
Check out a few pics:

Co-host Natasha Gaspard (center) with attendees. 
Some of the products from the swag bag.  

Diane Bailey doing a hair demo on a model. 

Have you ever attended a natural hair event? If not, would you? 

Kiss Transitioning Troubles Goodbye with Carol’s Daughter 3-Step Kit

Now that the natural hair revolution is underway, more women are making the decision to ditch relaxers and embrace their curlier textures. However, that journey isn’t always easy. Transitioning can be a tough task to take on for someone unequipped with the proper hair care knowledge needed to successfully go au naturel.

Carol’s Daughter’s 3-Step Transitioning Kit was created to help make that leap from silky straight strands to curls, kinks or coils a lot smoother.

Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit available at Carol’s Daughter stores, Carolsdaughter.com, Dillards, Macy’s, Sephora, Ricky’s NYC, HSN, and Regis Salons starting in June, $40

They’ve identified product build-up, scarred scalp, and demarcation breakage as the three main problems many women face when transitioning and formulated products to serve as solutions. The trio of products includes: Purifying Low-Poo Cleanser (makes it easy to detangle without stripping hair of its moisture), Renewing Scalp Spray (exfoliates the scalp), and Restoring Anti-Breakage Treatment (strengthens demarcation points). Plus, the products are packed with natural ingredients such as sugarcane, olive oil, coconut, and soy protein to promote healthy hair transitions.

Had this kit been around a few years ago, it would’ve saved me from emotional stress and helped me tackle my once tortured tresses with ease.

Are you currently transitioning? If so, what has been your experience?

Target Unveils Second Series of “The Shops”

Who doesn’t love Target? The cheery and chic atmosphere makes it hard not to walk out of the store empty-headed. It has become the standard destination for shoppers seeking everything from home goods to designer duds. And with the successful launch of The Shops earlier this month, they’ve really upped the ante. The unique idea to showcase and celebrate shop owners by giving them an opportunity to sell their merchandise to the masses is a refreshing and innovative take on retail.

This September (9th), the superstore will debut its second installment of The Shops. The new addition will bring Target and Target.com shoppers four exclusive limited-edition collections from fashion and home decor brands.

Items from New York’s Kirna Zabête (women’s apparel and accessories) and Odin (men’s apparel and accessories), San Francisco’s The Curiosity Shoppe (giftables) and Boston’s PATCH NYC (home décor) will surely give Target customers new reasons to keep hitting the Bullseye.

Elegant Orange Bowl, available at PATCH, NYC, $120

Have you checked out the current installment of The Shops at Target?

Sponsored: Ambi Skincare Regimen to the Rescue

For me, having clear and even skin is the epitome of outward beauty. That’s why countless facial products, including Ambi’s Skincare Regimen clutter my bathroom shelf in an attempt to achieve ultimate beauty bliss. Oh and because I am a complete cosmetic junkie.

While I’ve tried Ambi in the past, I was always lured by the latest new product that I never stuck with it long enough to see just how awesome it works.

After having several months of blemish-free skin, my picture-perfect journey abruptly ended and the breakouts returned.

Being the experts in skincare for us brown-skinned beauties, I turned to the Ambi Skincare Regimen: Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser, Even and Clear Daily Moisturizer, and Fade Cream for some much-needed help. I used the trio of products consistently for three weeks and saw a remarkable difference.

Ambi Skincare Regimen available here

The foam wash kept my face clean and balanced by unclogging pores and combatting excessive oil in an effort to prevent new breakouts. Plus, it didn’t leave my skin feeling tingly or irritated like other brands I’ve used in the past. I don’t know about you, but there’s just something fun about slathering foam on your face.

However, using the moisturizer was a initially a bit of a challenge. I was so used to applying one of my tried and true formulas that I was reluctant to stop, but resisted in order to use the entire Ambi system. It was a bit thicker than my usual go-to, but it still properly moisturized my skin.

As disappointed as I was that I had to reach for a fade cream to lighten those dreaded dark marks, I was delighted by the results. The hyper-pigmentation spots haven’t completely disappeared, but the darkness has definitely diminished. That’s a huge coup considering I haven’t been using it for that long.

I’m certain that with continued use of Ambi, my once radiant skin will resurface better than ever!

The experts in skin of color, brings you a skin care regimen to help you achieve flawless skin. Use AMBI®’s Even and Clear Foaming Cleanser to help clear breakouts and reduce dark marks. Follow with Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer, so skin will look even and smooth. And AMBI®’s #1rated Fade Cream, diminishes dark spots and discoloration, for a beautiful and natural skin tone.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AMBI® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AMBI®.

Have you tried Ambi products? If so, what was your experience?

Swatch Still Ticking with Style

Back in the day, Swatch was the watch to rock. Now, it seems the popular Swiss watch and jewelry brand is more stylish than ever. With two new additions for summer to its signature Chrono CollectionRed and Fucshia Circle Irony Chronos, the watches are as fashionable as they’re functional.

The sleek polished stainless steel design coupled with the colorful tone-on-tone counters make for a chic timepiece.

While I tend to peek at my phone to tell the time,  these watches make me want to switch back to looking at my wrist.

Irony Chrono Collection (White Circle is from a previous season) Available at Swatch, $175

Have you ever worn a Swatch watch? Do you wear watches or depend on your phone for the time?

ELLE Cosmetics Launches at Kohl’s

As if Kohl’s couldn’t get any better, ELLE Cosmetics, a chic new makeup line will be sold exclusively at the store.

Comprised of various complementary shades for eyes, lips, and face, ELLE Cosmetics brings a fresh and updated feel to the makeup offered at the chain. Inspired by runway looks, the line includes products in ultra-sleek packaging that reflect the current fashion trends.

I’m totally obsessed with the creamy, yet shimmery lip glosses that glide on smoothly without leaving lips sticky or gooey.

From electrifying neon polishes to straight-from-the-beach bronzers, the collection boasts quality items that will help make your beauty radiate.

Available exclusively at Kohls and Kohls.com for $10-$16

Also, if you haven’t already purchased your mom a gift for Mother’s Day (I’m the queen of procrastination too), stop by Kohl’s and instantly update her makeup bag with a few of these goodies!

What makeup trend are you loving this spring?