Brown Girl Gumbo

It’s no surprise that PEOPLE magazine has named Beyoncé the most beautiful woman in the world. The new mom, 30, seems to beam with beauty ever since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter earlier this year.

On the coveted annual special double-issue cover she looks stunning while wearing eye-catching turquoise jewelry. This marks the ninth time that the superstar has made the popular list.

Inside the issue,  the “Love On Top,” singer dishes about motherhood and shares several beauty secrets and tips.

“I feel more beautiful than I’ve ever felt because I’ve given birth,” she tells PEOPLE in the exclusive interview. “I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth.”

“She’s just the cutest thing,” Beyoncé says her daughter. When asked who does the baby most resembles, the singer gushes, “She looks like Blue.”

“The best thing about having a daughter is having a true legacy,” she tells the magazine. “The word ‘love’ means something completely different now.”

For more of Beyoncé’s exclusive interview, be sure to pick up the special issue when it hit newsstands on Friday, April 27.

Do you agree with PEOPLE’s choice? Who do you think is the most beautiful celebrity? 

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What can turn a soggy Sunday in New York City into a fun, Bellini-flowing soiree celebrating our beauty as black women? Well, this past weekend, “Brunch with EDEN,” hosted by EDEN BodyWorks did just that.

Held at the trendy and incredibly eclectic brunch hotspot Beauty & Essex, beauty and style bloggers/writers gathered to celebrate the launch of EDEN BodyWorks’ new JojOba collection, nibble on delectable bites, and partake in an interactive panel discussion about the always-interesting hot topic -– our hair.

Moderated by T. Bernie, founder of COCOACHiC, panelists Geneva S. Thomas, Style Editor for Ebony.com and trichologist Dr. Kari Williams lead the conversation about whether there’s a real division between naturalistas and women who chemically straighten their strands and the immense impact certain hairstyles have on our careers, love lives, and everything in between. It was an awesome way to spend an otherwise wet afternoon.

Stay tuned for a review of the natural-based product line, which was founded by entrepreneur Jasmine Lawrence at the age of 13 several years ago.

 I can’t wait to test them on my tresses!

Have you ever tried Eden BodyWorks? What are some of your favorite natural haircare products?

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While I try to do my part of being environmentally responsible, I know there’s always room for improvement. That said, I’ve been using a few bath & body products from The Body Shop that are an eco-conscious girl’s best friend.

Their new line of Earth Lovers shower gels are 100% completely biodegradable, soap-free, contain no parabens or colarants, and smell downright heavenly.

Being a beauty buff, I have tons of products that aren’t biodegradable so when I come across products that are, I try to spread the word. Plus, these refreshing gels are made with organic aloe vera from Guatemala, which have incredible healing benefits for the skin that won’t leave it feeling tight or dry. With scents such as Lemon & Thyme, Watermelon & Eucalyptus, and Pear & Lemongrass you’ll want to wash with these gels ten times a day!

If there’s one eco-friendly product line out there that’s actually conducive to conserving the Earth while making you feel so fresh and so clean it’s these gels.

What are some of your favorite eco-friendly products?

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It’s pretty evident that we’re in the midst of a natural hair revolution! We BGs are going natural and embracing our natural kinky, coily, and curly locks like never before (well maybe we have gone done this self-loving path before, but you know what I mean). We’ve chopped our relaxed strands and decided to let our God-given manes do their own natural thing.

Whether worn in a eye-catching Afro, twists, short crop, or any of the infinite styles that allows textured hair to shine, it’s great to see our crowning glories being celebrated.

However, after a recent conversation I had with friends and family, I’m wondering if our brothers are loving our natural kinks and coils as much as we are. Personally, my husband was a bit resistant when I first did away with my shoulder-length relaxed hair, but has now embraced it completely.

What’s been your experience with the opposite sex when it comes to your natural hair? Was your husband/boyfriend confused when you decided to cut your relaxed hair, etc? Or has your significant other always loved your natural hair? Guys, what’s your take?

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