Black Beauty Central

I'm In Love With Thandie Newton's Magenta Lip

2011-02-21T11:23:00.000-05:00

Thandie Newton's makeup at the Elle Style Awards gets a 10 out of 10 from me (as does her dress).

While her eyes and cheeks were neutral with soft brown tones, her lips become the focus of the look with bright pink lip.

Fabulous Faces: Beyonce at 2011 All-Star Game

2011-02-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

I cannot tell you how many little old ladies I'd push over to get Beyonce's organic glow. It looks like she toned down the platinum Blonde hair from just a few days ago, and this look is far more natural and relaxed.

I love that whenever she's not on the red carpet Beyonce doesn't over do it in the beauty department. Do you think she does her own makeup?

Fabulous Faces: Rihanna at 2011 All-Star Game

2011-02-21T10:54:00.000-05:00

Rihanna debuted yet another flaming red hairstyle over this weekend. This time she added super long extensions and created a huge waterfall ponytail. I loved the look. It's dramatic and youthful. Perfect for her widely talked about half-time performance.

The Bajan queen also sported a super trendy half moon manicure and pink lips.

What do you think of Rihanna's new hair?

What's Up With Kerry Washington's Makeup?

2010-11-18T00:51:00.000-05:00

I've never seen Kerry Washington look anything short of spectacular. Her foundation looks ashy, and it's aging her something terrible. Let's pray this is just a fluke and not the beginning of a downward spiral to Golden Brooksville.

Desperately Seeking MAC Ruby Woo

2010-10-09T18:10:00.000-04:00

This video convinced me that MAC Ruby Woo is the one for me. Too bad it's practically impossible to find online.

Now I'm on the hunt of my life looking for a dupe. Also because I don't want to pay $14 a lipcolor.

Got any dupe recs?

Keri Hilson Talks Beauty

2010-08-23T03:30:00.000-04:00

There's no doubt Keri Hilson is a gorgeous woman. She shares her beauty secrets with Parade online.

How would you describe your beauty style? Glam, minimal, etc.?
KH: It always depends on how the feel is for the day, sometimes its just tomboy with some cool sneakers & jeans; sometimes I'm in the mood for a sexier heel. Even with the photo shoots, it’s always embedded in me. More recently you have seen more growth from the woman in me but I’m still a tomboy at heart though.

What feature do you enjoy playing up the most?
KH: The eyes - that’s the feature that I love to accentuate the most especially when I perform.

Your skin always looks flawless. What’s your secret?
KH: Honestly, my biggest beauty issue and something I think a lot of women can relate to is clogged pores. Sweating in makeup all the time can clog pores which can result in bumps and acne, so I always keep really great cleanser with me.

The rest of the article here.

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Bronzers for Black Women

2010-08-17T17:56:00.001-04:00

I love a bronzer all year long. A quick application will revive your complexion and have you looking like you just got back from a Jamaican vacation.

Bronzers can be used on all complexions. According to AmberMag.com

"Bronzer is a quick fix for reviving a dull complexion or adding a little luminosity to the skin," says Mylah Morales, the makeup artist behind Bajan singer Rhianna's gilded glow. Available in powders or lightweight liquid formulas -- for face or body -- today's bronzers, like the ones we tried, tested and feature here, offer color and protection as most are filled with conditioning ingredients like shea butter and vitamin E to add sheen while hydrating the skin.

Face Bronzer by Ulta

Fabulous Face: Teairra Mari at the Premiere of "Lottery Ticket"

2010-08-17T01:43:00.000-04:00

Teairra Mari showed of her honey blonde highlights at the LA premiere of her new film "Lottery Ticket." Teairra is a beautiful girl and her makeup looked flawless. Her look focused on dramatic lashes and kept the cheeks and lips more neutral.

Teairra's clumpy lashes are the focus of her face. The is definitely an evening look. Use Maybelline The Falsies (swatch) to create the look.

Teairra's wearing a very sheer nude gloss with a hint of pink. I love this color because it's so wearable. Try Bobbi Brown's orchid gloss, available in the Shimmering Gloss palette (swatch).

Teairra's cheeks have warm, peachy summer glow. Use either a bronzer or orangey blush to get the look. Try Rock and Republic in Immoral (swatch) layered with deep bronzer.

What do you think of Teairra's look? Do you love it?

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Brandy at Serena William's Pre-Espy Party

2010-08-17T01:42:00.000-04:00

Brandy has been looking exceptionally gorgeous these last few months. It seems as though the 30 year-old has finally hit her stride. Her hair and makeup were perfection at Serena's Pre-Espy party a few days ago.

Nails: Brandy is right on trend with her nails. The cool color quickly grabs attention.

Cheeks: Brandy's flushed cheeks can be achieved with a deep, dark bronzer. The brown is perfect for a summer glow.

Lorac TANtalizer suggested by Essence

Eyes: It's apparent that Brandy's used some concealer around her eyes. A coat or two of a great lengthening mascara will achieve Brandy's long, lush lashes.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat concealer suggested by Essence
Lancôme Définicils Precious Cells suggested by Clumps of Mascara

Lips: Nude lips have been hot for a while now. Brandy's sheer brown color is infused with specks of shimmer.

Rimmel Dream On suggested by Sugartastic

Lip Gloss by Rimmel

Beauty Recs: Mehron Celebré Pro HD Foundation via @PumpsandGloss

2010-08-12T19:15:00.000-04:00

For many Black women, finding the perfect foundation for our skin can be a project and a half.

Over the years, I know I've personally gone through at least 5 or 6 foundations in the past year while trying to find the perfect shade. (I've settled on L'Oreal True Match Liquid Makeup). But I'm always on the lookout for a new product to try.

Pumps and Gloss tried Mehron Celebre Pro HD Foundation, and the formula looked gorgeous on her and it's less than $10.

She says:

I really like this foundation. The creamy texture is light and the coverage is medium buildable. The end result is a smooth and flawless finish. The HD PRO foundation wore well…It was not sliding off my face. It also passed the church test (the best place to test to foundation).

This is definitely next on my foundations to try.

Try The Trend: Bold Orange Lips

2010-08-12T19:14:00.000-04:00

A bright orange lip is one of this Summer's hottest trends. This is a look that can look great on any skin tone. So put the bright red aside for a couple of months and go orange instead.

As always the key to pulling off the look is finding the perfect shade for you. From vivid tangerines to (relativey) demure corals, there's an orange look that's perfect for you.

Avoid the clown look by looking for oranges with warm undertones.

Solange shows off the nighttime version of the look. Her bold cheeks and dramatic eyes are giving a complete homage to full on 80s glam.

Lip Gloss by Estee Lauder

Planning our high school reunion

2010-08-12T01:47:00.002-04:00

Guest post written by Roger Billings
As the class president of my high school senior class, the duties of planning our reunions fall on me – even 50 years later.

But that’s given me something to do in all this free time that I have in retirement. I recently met with the other class officers at a community college in the town we grew up in so that we could map out a plan for our fiftieth reunion, which ended up being really frustrating. Out of six people there, I was the only one that seemed to be able to still hear decently.

Now, I had gone to miracle ear a few weeks before that because I noticed I was starting to have problems hearing other people’s sides of our conversations. I’m a big talker, so I didn’t want a little hearing problem to affect one of my favorite pastimes. But it was really frustrating to get to that meeting ready to plan everything with an agenda and have to waste time repeating myself over and over again just so they could hear me.

It gave me a little taste as to what I must have been like before I made that visit.

Reassure Your Readers With SiteLock

2010-08-12T01:35:00.003-04:00

Blogging can be a shady business. Everyone's out to make money, and you never know who to trust. Establishing credibility and trust with your site visitors is an essential element of creating a successful blog or website. But making a name for yourself usually isn't easy.

I've been blogging for years, and I'm sure there are things I could have done to better establish trust with my site. There are a number of ways to verify your site's details like SiteLock. SiteLock is a guarantee that your site is trustworthy.

Once you signup, SiteLock thoroughly combs your site scanning for viruses and malware which could put you and your visitors at risk. You will Instantly gain a level of trust with their technology once their seal has been placed on your site.

SiteLock's services are less than $40. That's a relatively small price to pay for a bit of insurance on all of your hardwork.

Affordable Event Tickets

2010-08-10T02:59:00.001-04:00

This recession has put a serious cramp on my lifestyle. I used to go shopping every week. Of course I can't do that anymore. I remember the days when I could afford to attend a great concert or see a good movie. Those things have been cut out as well. But I've come to realize that every once in awhile we all need pampering. You can't stay cooped up in the house all day. You've just got save for those things.

Thankfully the internet has made a night on the town much more of a reality. They've got tickets for the hottest events at great prices. You'll finally be able to afford exciting outings for your yourself and family. If you're a sports fan get Cowboys Stadium Tickets. If you're looking for something to take the kids too. Purchase Ringling Brothers Circus Tickets. And if you're a big college football, check out their Kyle Field Tickets.

Purchase a Brand New Ceiling Fan

2010-08-01T04:26:00.000-04:00

I'm an HGTV addict. I love the thought of remodeling and redecorating homes. The only problem is completely revamping a home usually requires a ton of money. In these economic times, we simply don't have it. So I've been looking for ways to redecorate my home with as little money as possible.

Not only that but I don't have the expertise to pull of a complete home remodel. But there are a few things that you can do to spruce up your house without being an expert designer or a millionaire. Installing a brand new Ceiling Fan is one of those ways. Ceiling Fans are often at the center of rooms. They attract a ton of attention, and that's precisely why this is a great place to start.

Hansen Wholesale Ceiling Fans are of incredible quality and they are extremely inexpensive. They've also got an incredible selection of the best manufacturers of Ceiling Fans. They are a one stop shop.

Gold IRAs for Your Financial Future

2010-08-01T04:10:00.006-04:00

This global recession has hit everyone hard. Many folks have been forced to liquidate their savings in the hope of keeping their heads above water. But hopefully now enough time has elapsed that Americans are beginning to start saving again. The stock market is still tenuous for amateur investors; however, gold remains an asset that maintains its value over time.

Opening a gold IRA could be your path to financial stability. IRA gold is the ultimate in secure investments. If your other assets lose their value, there's a very good chance your gold 401k will only increase in value.

For some time congress has been talking about abolishing social security. That means many Americans will have no means to support themselves when they reach retirement age. 401k gold could help your insure your future. A gold IRA transfer can be done with ease. This is certainly something to think about. Would you be in a better financial position if you had a gold IRA?

Fabulous Faces: Janelle Monae Is A Doll

2010-06-21T23:58:00.000-04:00

The first thing I think of when I see Janelle Monae's flawless complexion is a little porcelain doll painted brown. Her flushed cheeks and thick eyebrows just to die for.

Fabulous Faces: Tracie Thoms in Copper and Bronze

2010-06-21T16:50:00.000-04:00

Coppers, browns and bronzes can be seen on the face of actress Tracie Thoms. She looked stunning with a warm, neutral glow. Her bronze lip is especially lovely.

What do you think of the look?

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Omarosa's Bold Face

2010-06-14T23:38:00.002-04:00

Omarosa has a brand new reality show, and she celebrated the launch recently with her old friend Donald Trump.

Omarosa has come a long way from her days on the "Apprentice."

She attempted to unleash her glam side with bold lip, eyes and cheeks.

I just wonder if this look is a bit too much? Should fabulous faces have a single focus? What do you think?

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Joy Bryant's Beautiful Glow

2010-06-14T22:49:00.003-04:00

You can't have flawless makeup without flawless skin. Skincare is of the utmost importance.

Joy Bryant almost never wears makeup, she lets her beautiful complexion speak for itself.

Proper exfoliation is the key. Here are the products I suggest for a fabulous face. Slough off the dead skin cells to reveal the glowing skin underneath.

Skin Care by St. Ives

Fabulous Faces: Kelly Rowland's Dramatic Eyes

2010-06-14T12:21:00.003-04:00

Kelly Rowland kept her face natural and neutral to keep the focus on the beautiful eye shadow.

Kelly's makeup artist did some fantastic blending of silver/green into black for a perfect smokey look.

And of course Kelly's fabulous eyebrows and lashes send the look over the top fab.

Should Your Lipstick Match Your Dress?

2010-06-14T11:59:00.003-04:00

Jada Pinkett-Smith attended last night's Tony Awards, and she looked radiant as ever. This woman has the most perfect skin we've seen in a while.

But I'm wondering if it was a good idea for Jada to wear the exact same shade lipstick as her dress?

Is the look too predictable? Should she have opted for a neutral?

Let me know what you think.

Get Jada's crimson pout with Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Raspberry Bite ($7.99).

Lipstick by Revlon

No Ma'am: Kelis' Flaming Red Hair and Matte Pink Lip

2010-06-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

Kelis loves to push the envelope, but I have to ask where do you draw the line. This look is just a bit insane.

In recent months the popstar's hair has been a number of different colors, and she's not settled on this carrot orange. It simply doesn't suit her.

And her makeup is usually pretty flawless. That's why it's so sad to see her with the harsh pink lip and eyeshadow.

What do you think of the look?

Beauty Books: The Beauty of Color by Iman

2010-06-10T17:08:00.005-04:00

In order to be the best in beauty, I'm continually trying ot refine my skills. That means taking tips from the masters. Fortunately there are number of great books and dvds for Black women.

Supermodel Iman turned her career as an internationally acclaimed supermodel into one as a remarkably successful cosmetics entrepreneur. She's demonstrated an incomparable knowledge of makeup looks for women of color, and she decided to share her knowledge with the world in The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color.

Her book is a one stop shop for everything you need to know about skincare and beauty for skin of all shades and ethnicities. I, personally, came away from reading the book with a much better understanding of color and application.

CONTINUE READING BEAUTY BOOKS

If you've been thinking about experimenting, but you weren't sure how to start. This is the book for you. Unlease your inner color addict.

The tips and tricks were great, but I would purchase this book again for the eye candy alone. The Beauty of Color now functions as a coffee table book, because it's filled with stunning photographs of celebrities and models.

Overall, I have nothing but great things to say about Iman's beauty guide. She and Beauty Editor Tia Williams did a wonderful job putting the book together. It's a must buy for any beauty lover.

The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color Available at Amazon.com

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Brandy at VH1 Hip Hop Honors

2010-06-08T13:34:00.000-04:00

Brandy looked phenomenal at VH1's Hip Hop Honors event. Her face was beat by celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson. Crimson revealed the key to Brandy's look on his blog.

He created a smokey eye by smudging MAC Smolder eyeliner ($14.50) all over her lids and worked the shade into the crease, then set that with a black eyeshadow and accentuated with Smashbox DNA lash ($19) and M.A.C #7 mascara.

On the Brandy's flawless face he used Makeup For Ever water based foundation set with AJ Crimson Makeup Powered in 409, and on the lips - a touch of foundation (shhh!) with Brandys favorite gloss Dreams by Kissbale Couture on top!

Fabulous Faces: Cassie's Candelight Glow

2010-06-03T10:59:00.000-04:00

No doubt Cassie is a beautiful girl, but she's obviously got a great team of people behind her helping her look flawless. She looks beautiful with a natural rosy glow and warm pink lips. The eyes, however, should be the focus of this face. The extra long lashes and brown shadow make the singer's green eyes pop.

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Ciara's Wavy Ringlets

2010-06-03T10:46:00.002-04:00

There has been a whole lot of lacefront backlash as of late, but Ciara shows that when done right they can be pretty gorgeous. CiCi sported a wavy 'do recently on the red carpet that I absolutely loved. The key to Ciara's look is a small curling iron (under 1/2") and a good holding spray or curling wax. Use the wrap around method to get the curls.

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO TUTORIAL BELOW THE JUMP!

Fabulous Face: Alexandra Burke in Classic Red Lip

2010-05-28T20:55:00.000-04:00

The classic red lip seems to be the makeup lip Black women agonize over the most. It's defnitely trick to find the perfect color, but it can be done. Alexandra's bold pout looks fantastic. Her shade of red had a much deeper, blue undertone. Alex was obviously going for old Hollywood glamour with her kohl-rimmed eyes and red lips. I love it. The weave however...

Fabulous Jewelry for Less

2010-05-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Are you a jewelry fanatic like me? Most of the women I know are in love with jewelry, but they just can’t afford it. I’m a student on a budget and sometimes t is just out of my budget. Vistabella.com has an incredible selection of well-priced jewelry to suit all budgets. The site has jewelry perfect for everyone. You will be able to find whatever you need at this incredible site.

The selection of their fabulous everyday jewelry cannot be beat. I love their collection of silver fashion rings, fashion pendants, and womens bracelets. Of if you like something a bit more high end. The diamond hoop earrings are gorgeous so are the cubic zirconia earrings. Are you looking to get engaged, take a look at one of their white gold diamond rings. They have a great selection of designs. Plan a wedding on a budget with their designs less than $1,000.

When I was a kid, I loved locket pendants and heart bracelets. Does your man love jewelry too? They have gold religious rings for me.
Jewelry makes a great gift. If you’ve got a youngin in your life, check out the girls bracelets and snake bracelets. They cute and adorable. I’m also loving their heart bracelets and flower rings.

Fabulous Faces: Tasha Smith Attends 'Why Did I Get Married' Premiere

2010-03-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

Tasha Smith looked beautiful at the premiere of her latest film Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married. Makeup artist Saisha Beecham created Tasha's flawless face. I'm loving the eye makeup.

Fabulous Faces: Eva Marcille's Bronzed Glow and Blonde Highlights

2010-03-25T04:12:00.001-04:00

Eva Marcille sported a beautiful blonde glow on the red carpet. She kept it simple with a bit of bronzer, lengthening mascara, eyeliner, and sheer gloss.

More pictures of Eva below the jump!

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Toni Braxton Still Wears Lipliner

2010-03-25T03:53:00.002-04:00

Toni Braxton is one of the many over-40 black celebrity women who still look flawless. Her new, short haircut looks fab, but this makeup look isn't so hot.

Toni's makeup artist overdid it with the concealer a bit. And what is that lipliner?

What do you think of the look?

More pictures of Toni below the jump!

Fabulous Faces: Jill Scott Attends Why Did I Get Married Premiere

2010-03-23T10:15:00.003-04:00

Jill Scott looked marvelous at the premiere of her new movie. Jilly from Philly proudly sports her natural hair. Love her smokey eye and neutral lip.

If you're a nude lip lover like me, Daily Makeover has a great list of the best nude lip products.

More pictures of Jill below the jump!

Fabulous Faces: Gabrielle Union Loves the Natural Look

2010-03-22T13:34:00.000-04:00

Gabrielle Union is known for her flawless, glowing skin. She's even a spokesperson for Neutrogena.

Her face was positively glowing at an event for her show, FlashForward. The eyes were clearly the focus of this look. Liner, mascara, and brown shadow give her a neutral-toned daytime glow.

Fabulous Faces: Zoe Saldana's Vampy Red Lip

2010-03-17T21:45:00.001-04:00

For many women, finding the perfect red lip is the trickiest of beauty battles. Zoe Saldana chose the perfect shade. This creamy blue-red suits her complexion.

More pictures of Zoe below the cut!

Alicia Keys Flaunts Her Less Than Perfect Complexion

2010-03-17T15:25:00.002-04:00

Alicia Keys continues to fight her battle against adult acne, and if these pictures are any indication she's still struggling.

It must be difficult to work in a profession where your appearance is constantly scrutinized. Despite her skin woes, she's still one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.

What do you think of Alicia's skin troubles? Do women with millions have an excuse to have acne?

More pictures of Alicia below the jump!

Fabulous Faces: Joy Bryant at Essence Women in Hollywood Luncheon

2010-03-17T15:01:00.003-04:00

Joy Bryant loves a fresh face. We would too if we had her naturally flawless skin. She showed off her immaculate complexion at Essence's annual luncheon. And it looks like all she has on is some lip balm and a hint of clear mascara.

More pictures of Joy below the jump.

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Vanessa Simmons' New 'Do

2010-02-27T13:45:00.003-05:00

Vanessa Simmons showed off her new short cut at the Tarina Tarantino Beauty Launch Party. The Simmons girls have been known to rock some of the best weaves in the game, and it's nice to see Ms. Simmons switch up her look.

What do you think of her new style? What's your verdict?

Beautiful Snaps: Mel B. By Troy Jensen

2010-02-27T08:54:00.001-05:00

How beautiful does Melanie Brown look in this photograph by celebrity makeup artist and photographer Troy Jensen? I love her wild curls!

Spotted @ Awilda Hearts Makeup

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Monica "Everything To Me" Video

2010-02-25T14:17:00.000-05:00

Monica is back with a brand new single and a new look. While her makeup and nails were banging, there's something about this look that I didn't love. This just wasn't my favorite hairstyle for her.

Lot's of women have been rocking the asymmetrical look recently and very few can pull it off. What's the verdict on Monica's hair?

Fabulous Faces: Leona Lewis at Love Ball

2010-02-25T13:45:00.001-05:00

Leona Lewis opted for a very subtle look using browns and golds for her recent red carpet appearance. Her winged eyeliner adds a hint of glamour to the otherwise subdued look. I love her pretty pink lips.

Fabulous Faces: Rihanna at NRJ Awards

2010-01-26T02:10:00.000-05:00

Rihanna looked gorgeous and glowy on the red carpet of the NRJ Awards in France. Thick black lashes accent her green eyes. I also love her lip color.

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Megan Good's Bold Magenta Lips

2010-01-21T21:42:00.003-05:00

I love Meagan Good because she's not afraid to be edgy with her makeup or her wardrobe. She's rocking a bright, pink glossy lip with bold eye makeup. Meagan could never not look amazing, but I can't decide if this look is perfect or too cartoonish.

What's your verdict on Meagan's look? Is it over the top? Or do you love it?

Fashionista 101 has a 4 great options for Meagan's fuchsia lips.

Fabulous Faces: Mo'Nique's Luxurious Lashes

2010-01-21T20:59:00.000-05:00

Mo'Nique's phenomenal performance has made her a red carpet staple in the last few months. She's a woman who knows what she wants, and when it comes to her face, She only trusts it in the hands of celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine.

My favorite part about Mo'Nique's look is her super long eyelashes. Of course, they wouldn't be appropriate for anywhere other than a night on the town. But they're epitome of glamour.

Fabulous Faces: Kelly Rowland at Scott Barnes Book Launch Party

2010-01-21T16:32:00.000-05:00

Kelly Rowland opted for a monochromatic brown look for the red carpet of a book launch over the weekend. This is a great look for Kelly. Both her hair and makeup are gorgeous.

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Amber Rose Tries Xtra Long Lashes

2009-10-27T08:39:00.001-04:00

We're just not sure how to feel about Amber Rose. On one hand, maybe we shouldn't judge the former stripper for trying to turn her life around. On the other hand, what does she do? All debates aside, the girl is gorgeous!

We love this minimalist makeup look, but we're not so sure about the eyelashes. Ms. Rose appears to be wearing falsies that are exceptionally long at the outside corners. What do you think? Is this a good look?

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Beyonce at Woman of the Year Awards

2009-10-12T09:05:00.000-04:00

Beyonce was having a Spring moment at this year's Billboard Women of the Year Ceremony. Despite the cooler Fall temperatures, Mrs. Carter sported a blue, ruffled mini dress with nude pumps and spring-inspired makeup to match.

Makeup artist Jackie Gomez used NARS Cosmetics to get Bey's bright-eyed beauty. “I loved the color of her dress so much so I wanted to mirror the effect that it had against her skin- the Cleo Duo Eyeshadow was perfect.”

Get the look with these products.

*Sheer Matte Foundation in Sedona
*Powder Foundation in Sedona
*Highlighting Blush Powder
*Duo Eyeshadow in Cleo
*Blush/Bronzing Duo in Sin/Casino
*The Multiple in Copacabana
*Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle de Jour
*Satin Lipstick in Honolulu Honey
*Lip Lacquer in Chelsea Girls

Best Look: Solange Pretty in Pink

2009-09-24T11:19:00.000-04:00

We love a diva who's not afraid to take risks with their look. Solange turned a lot of heads when she shaved off her long locks, and she hasn't look back. Her hair has changed, but Solo is sticking with her pink lips. We think she carries it off pretty nicely, but which is her best look?

Is it the soft-baby pink she wore to the VMAs? The deeper rose she wore in Japan with her big sis, or the coral-pink she sported with a wig.

Product suggestion: To get Solange's baby pink lips we recommend Styli-Style Demimatte Lipstick in Matte Blush.

The Faceoff: Amber Rose vs Amerie

2009-09-23T08:54:00.002-04:00

Amber Rose and Amerie were both spotted at US Weekly Most Fashionable New Yorkers party looking gorgeous. Amber was sporting her trademark pink lipstick and Amerie opted for the bronze goddess look. Whose makeup do you prefer?

Top Picks: Red Lips for Black Women

2009-09-22T06:36:00.002-04:00

One of the best things about being a woman of color is our ability to wear almost any shade, no matter how bright, and make it work. Red lips of one of this season's hottest trends, and this one is perfect for women of color. If you're having trouble getting the technique down, check out this tutorial. Of course, the key to pulling off a red lip is finding the right color, but we suggest bold, bright hues.

If you're a gloss fanatic, we're loving PurpleLab Huge Lips Skinny Hips Lip Gloss in Red Sole and CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Gloss in Red Riot, both glosses deliver intense color color pigmenting, but The CoverGirl gloss lasts a bit longer; however, HugeLips has a plumping agent for women who want a little added oomph to their pout.

When it comes to lipsticks, we like to keep it simple. We're huge fans of Makeup Forever Lipstick in #208, a deep, rich red. We'd layer it with a gloss for Ciara's killer pout. Covergirl Queen Collection has colors made specifically for Black Women. We love their Vibrant Hues Lipstick in Cherry Bomb. It's a sexy blue, red perfect for your next hot date.

Beauty Files: Serena Williams at Gucci

2009-09-21T09:55:00.001-04:00

Right now, Serena Williams can do no wrong in our eyes. We've been loving almost all of her fashion and beauty choices. And her look at the Gucci cocktail party for the Mary J. Blige founded organization FFAWN was no different. We love her gorgeous nude lips (tutorial here) paired with a smokey eye. She's got Fall's hottest beauty trends down to a t. If you're looking for nice nude gloss. We highly recommend Urban Decay Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in Kirk ($19).

Get Great Outdoor Curtains

2009-09-15T00:39:00.000-04:00

We're outdoor people. After work, we love nothing more than to spend some quality time on our patio. Our incredible patio furniture makes the experience much more enjoyable. But we make sure not to spend too much on pieces that will invariably get beat up by the the elements. We must admit that finding affordable furniture is not easy.

That's why we love retailers like Shop.com. They have a number of incredible patio pieces for great prices. We're loving their outdoor curtains. They come in a variety of sizes, and Shop.com has them for the best prices we've seen. We can't wait to get them installed. They come in a number of different designs that can work with your decor.

Solange Speaks Out About Her Hair

2009-09-14T01:36:00.000-04:00

Last week, Solange spoke out about her decision to cut off her long locks. We're loving Solo's liberated attitude. We just wish the rest of the world would take note and stop hating on our girl.

"I did it once when I was 16 and again when I was 18," she said backstage at BCBG. "I just need to kind of start over and liberate myself and feel empowered. I feel like so many women put so much of their power in their hair, and I was succumbing to that — like, spending so much time and money and energy on my hair."

The Faceoff: Ciara and Angela Simmons

2009-09-13T18:54:00.005-04:00

Hollywood's most stylish have been spotted at New York Fashion Week. The event brings pressure to look your best from head to toe. Ciara and Angela Simmons both looked fabulous at the shows, but we can't decide who's look we loved more. Angela rocked bright red lips with a neutral face which Ciara paired smoky eyes with nude lips.

Whose look would you rather rock?

RELATED
Beauty Guide: Get The Perfect Nude Lip
BeautyTube: How To Get The Perfect Red Lips

Holiday Barbies On Sale

2009-09-11T19:21:00.000-04:00

We've been collecting dolls for ages. And all throughout our lives our favorite time of year was always the holidays. It's not just a time when we received our best gifts. But it was during the winter months that the best dolls seem to be revealed. We were always particularly fond of the holiday Barbies. Mattel made sure to make them special and individualized every year.

That's why we're exceptionally excited for the 2009 holiday Barbie. They always turn out incredibly well. One of our favorite shopping sites has the Holiday Barbies on sale for competitive prices. We also love that they come in a number of different ethnicities! Perfect for everyone on your list.

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Get Great Perfumes for Less

2009-09-11T15:04:00.000-04:00

Which fragrances make you swoon. We have a long list of old faithfuls. We're still clinging onto our Chanel Number 5 and our Clinique Happy, but we're also looking for a new signature scent. But if you haven't noticed, perfume is expensive. That's why we're always looking for a great place to buy discount perfumes. I think we've found our new go-to haven for shopping fragrances.

ShopWiki has a sea of choices to choose from. We're loving their incredible selection of clasic and award-winning fragrances. We've found perfume that we've ever coveted. If you're looking for a great new scent, you have to check it out. Note: this is a must stop shop for anyone looking for a holiday gift for a friend or loved one.

BBC Mailbag: How To Find The Perfect Foundation

2009-07-09T00:28:00.000-04:00

The BBC Mailbag takes your questions and has them answered by beauty experts. This week's question is being answered by Amber M. of Brown Bombshell Beauty.

Hi,
How can I find the right foundation color?
Do you ask the ladies in the department stores to help you figure it out? I can never buy the right shade for myself.
And what brand has the best coverage?
And is it powder/mouse/liquid?

Thanks,
Izzayy

Hey Izzayy!

Finding your perfect foundation isn’t always easy, but it’s totally worth putting in a little extra work to get a flawless complexion! Since you’ve not had much success on your own, I would recommend going to a department store or shop like Sephora, where you can test out different shades and get a little help, if needed.

For fuller coverage, look for a cream/compact makeup, as these typically offer the most coverage. Try Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Foundation UVA/UVB SPF 15. It gives semi-matte, full coverage without looking heavy or greasy. If you’re into liquid foundations, give MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation
a try. People swear by this foundation because it gives buildable coverage without looking like you’re wearing a lot of makeup, and it comes in a ton of shades.

If there are certain spots you want to cover without wearing a whole face of makeup, dot a little Amazing Concealer where needed and dust with a little powder. This concealer is super-concentrated, and totally evens out your skin.

Now, to find the right color, take the three shades that look closest to your skin color and apply them in vertical stripes on your jawline. Take a hand mirror outside and look at your jaw in the natural sunlight (the lighting in stores is notoriously bad). The shade that disappears into your skin is your perfect shade! If you seem smack dab between two shades (story of my life!), don’t be afraid to mix the two to create the right color.

With these tips, you’re sure to find the perfect foundation for you!

Good luck, and be sure to send us a pic!

-Amber

About This Black Beauty

After learning the beauty basics at the foot of her mother’s vanity stool as a young girl, Amber quickly progressed to become the go-to beauty girl for all who know her. Her obsession with beauty followed her to New York City where she attended NYU, and resided for several years. Shortly after returning to her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri in 2008, Amber founded Brown Bombshell Beauty, of which she is Editor In Chief. When not testing out new beauty products, Amber can be found perusing her favorite magazines and blogs, scoping out the latest and hottest in fashion, beauty and entertainment.

read posts by Amber

The Shea Butter Secret: The Key to Healthy Hair

2009-06-30T08:18:00.007-04:00

The Shea Butter Secret: The Key to Healthy Hair

Let us introduce you to a product that may rescue your tresses from from the damaging styling they may endure on a daily basis. The number of hair care products infused with Shea Butter is steadily on the rise.

Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from fruit of the shea or karite tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter is also edible. It is used as a cooking oil in West Africa, as well as sometimes being used in the chocolate industry as a substitute for cocoa butter. The shea or karite tree produces its first fruit at about 20 years old and reaches its full production when the tree is about 45 years old. It produces nuts for up to 200 years after reaching maturity.

Shea butter proponents tout it's ability to restore damaged hair.

Shea Butter provides moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. It also absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp to rehydrate without clogging pores. It is particularly beneficial for processed and heat-treated hair. It is an excellent treatment for dry scalp. It restores luster to damaged hair. SOURCE

When on the search for shea butter products, be on the look out for karite which is another name for Shea Butter.

We've spent some time lurking around the Black Hair Care forums, and it seems as though Cantu Shea Butter products are must. Try the Cantu Shea Butter Leave In Conditioning Repair Cream ($4.99).

For daily styling try ($4.69) or Rene Furterer Karite Intense Hair Oil ($33.95).

For more intensive hair treatments. Try a hair mask like Les Karites Hair Treatment ($3.50) or Frederic Fekkai Hair Mask with Shea Butter($22.50).

Product Review: Ulta Lip Gloss and Eye Palette

2009-06-24T05:14:00.001-04:00

Since Ulta has been my latest beauty stop-shop lately, I decided to try some of their line of products. I need more make-up like I need another arm but their new summer eye palette was on sale for $10 and I found some $2 lip gloss and other goodies in the clearance bins. Plus, I had a $5 off coupon so I didn't feel too guilty about my purchases.

Anyways, Ulta's make-up palette is a pretty decent product. The pigmentation wasn't too bright and the colors showed up nicely on my skin. The colors can be used for work and play.

I think I'm really in love with the lip gloss though! As a gloss junkie, the gloss gives me enough shine and color and makes a solid substitute for lipstick. All in all, both items were very good, inexpensive additions to my make-up collection. Check out Ulta for more information.

About This Black Beauty

Jennifer is a Maryland transplant who grew up in The Bronx, New York and Hampton Roads, Virginia. The inquisitive twenty-something currently works as a newspaper reporter who writes about every and anything. She loves family, food, vinyl, Erykah Badu, fashion, fun and beauty. She knows that true beauty radiates from the inside out and she is blessed to have been given the opportunities that life has presented her.

read posts by Jennifer

Product to Try: Rx for Brown Skin Protect and Defend Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 15

2009-06-23T10:50:00.000-04:00

via 55 Secret Street:

I know it is seemingly raining all over the world right now, but believe it or not - you never get a break from UVA/UVB rays and you still need to use a moisturizer with sunscreen. I always alternate, but my latest has been working really well for me - Rx for Brown Skin Protect and Defend Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 15.

Read the rest of this post

Beauty on a Budget: Shea Butter

2009-06-22T05:07:00.001-04:00

I love multi-use products and shea butter is a perfect example of one of them. Shea butter is a native of Africa and a highly popular skin moisturizer. But it can also be used as a sunscreen and hair balm. I like to use mine on my lips because it softens them, especially in the winter time. Shea butter can be found at some beauty stores, flea markets, fairs or even online at Sunrise Herb.

Photo courtesy of www.sunriseherb.com.

About This Black Beauty

read posts by Jennifer

Lebron Loves Carol's Daughter and So Do We

2009-06-22T01:00:00.000-04:00

via The Cut:
When Carol’s Daughter unveiled its new hand-and-foot spa called the Back Room on Tuesday, celebs like LeBron James came out to show support (he's friends with one of the venue's investors). The NBA MVP claimed he isn't into the whole spa-treatment scene, but when we chatted him up, he was about to sit down for a cucumber-and-lavender manicure. So is LeBron's beauty stash bigger than ours? "Man, I'm not into that stuff. All I need is a brush. That and some Carol's Daughter Body Butter to keep off the ash," he insisted. "My family, we use this stuff at home." But surely he must need pedicures to keep his feet callous-free? "I wish I had the time to get manicures and pedicures, but the season is so crazy. Some people make the time, but I don't." So there you have it: LeBron James doesn't do beauty treatments. Except for the occasional cucumber-and-lavender mani.

Lebron is not the only celebrity who cannot get enough of the sweet-smelling body treats. Here are our favorites:

BBC Inquires: What do you use to cleanse with?

2009-06-18T05:27:00.001-04:00

How do you cleanse your body?

To loofah or cloth? That was the question I was recently faced with, since it was time for me to change my loofah sponge. (I try to replace them at least once a month for obvious reasons.) But while perusing the clearance bins in Target (this is a WHOLE 'NOTHER POST!!), I came across a bath mitt by Bamboo Gardens. The packaging says bamboo is a sustainable resource that's hypoallergenic and absorbent. It's also antibacterial and won't hold odor. I paid about $1 for the mitt. Had to keep switching hands to wash my body so it worked just okay. Overall, it was a different concept in showering but one well-worth trying.

About This Black Beauty

read posts by Jennifer

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Queen of Pink

2009-06-16T01:43:00.000-04:00

Hey Ladies,
I'm a big fan of easy make-up looks so I decided to do one. This fotd focuses more on my lips and leaves the eye's with a swipe of Gold eyeshadow. I hope you enjoy the look and definitely leave as many comments and suggestion as possible. See ya soon! :-)

Face
Crème Café (True Match L’Oreal)
Blush
Gentle Pink (Maybelline)
Eyes
Gold/Bronze Glitz trio (Maybelline)
Lips
Hot Pink l/g (L’Oreal)

HLMN Beauty Web Roundup 6.15.09

2009-06-15T14:52:00.003-04:00

BellaLuscious: Beauty Tips: Applying Eyeliner
Beautiful With Brains: New Tarte Summer 2009
Beauty411: MAC Naked Honey Collection - Summer 2009
A Beautyful Sentiment: Introducing Make Up For Ever's HD Elixir
BeautyLuxe: Bamboo Makeup Brushes
Beautyaholics Anonymous: Malin and Goetz Detox Face Mask Giveaway
Black Beauty Central: Product Review: Black Radiance Purple Lipstick
Blogdorf Goodman: Blogdorf Beach Party Blanket: Bronzers
Clumps of Mascara: CoM Celebrates FOTD Friday With a Bevy of FOTDs
The Coarse Hair Diary: Chris Rock Talks About His Documentary Good Hair
Dolce Beauty: Chi Alternative - The Hana Elite Affordabel Solid Ceramic Flat Iron
The Eyes Have It: Urban Decay Book of Shadows
Eye4Style: Spa at Home Sunday: Farmhouse Fresh Honey Heel Glaze
Make Me Blushh: Natural Look, Sana Milk Cleanser Review, Food
Mischo Beauty: Mischo Beauty Reviews FACE atelier Cosmetics
Scrangie: Preview of Zoya Matte, Truth and Dare Fall Collections
She Breathes: Enter To Win Products From the Aveda Hair Care Collection
Steph's Closet: Nail Polish of the Day: Orly Satin Royalty
Sugar Shock Beauty: StyleShock: The Newly Shorn Ginnifer Goodwin
A Touch of Blusher: YSL Fall 2009 Makeup Collection
The Next Best Thing to Going Shopping Yourself: Summer Lip Roundup

Product Review: Black Radiance Purple Lipstick

2009-06-15T05:21:00.003-04:00

The Color Purple takes new meaning on lips

Just as I was finally starting to appreciate red lip stick, I've fallen for another hue: purple. Yes, "Barney the Dinosaur" purple. I recently bought a tube of Black Radiance lipstick that I had been eyeing for a while from Wal-Mart. Costed about $3. Black Radiance is a company whose make-up is geared towards black women. The lipstick wasn't as highly pigmented as I thought it would be. In fact, it went on very matte-like. It still was a different look for me though, a look that I really liked. Have you ever worn purple lipstick before? Would you give the hue a try on your lips??

About This Black Beauty

read posts by Jennifer

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Beauty on a Budget: Drugstore Beauty Finds

2009-06-05T06:38:00.019-04:00

Beauty doesn't have to be so expensive.

I went to Wal-greens last week scouting for beauty bargains. I found not one, but two. The first one was a Jane Cosmetics Pencil Liner in Slate Blue for $.50. The other one was a Prestige Lip Liner in Lily for the same price. We're in a recession, yeah, yeah, yeah, but I'm sure everyone can appreciate deals--I mean steals--like those.

Didn't feel like doing heavy make-up today but I did want a hint of something on my face. I chose to go simple and the Jane pencil was perfect. I just lined my top eye-lids and put on some Cover Girl LashBlast Mascara ($6.79). I lined my lips with my new Prestige lip liner. It's very subtle but sometimes next-to-nothing is the best way to go. I also put a little bit of my Estee Lauder lip stick and Make-Up Forever lip gloss on. How do you like the look?

About This Black Beauty

read posts by Jennifer

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We're Loving: The Work of Marcus Miller

2009-06-04T03:06:00.006-04:00

Every time we think we're beginning to get a graps of this makeup thing. We see the work of true artists who make us realize that great makeup really can be a true art.

Marcus Miller's work has been featured all over BET as well as in a number of magazines like Essence and Ebony. Here's a snippet from his bio.

Utilizing his years of experience as a MAC cosmetics artist, Marcus made the daring and challenging decision to broaden his creative palette, by working with individuals who would allow him to polish looks that imitated tradition, and yet, celebrated innovation.

About This Black Beauty

Kim is the Founder and Creative and Editorial Director of The HyperLuxe Media Network (HLMN). The Oklahoma native currently spends her free time watching entirely too much tv and listening to everything from Anita Baker to Lady Gaga to No Doubt. She attends Harvard University where she concentrates in African-American studies and Government.

read posts by Kim

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Underestimation Doesn't Work in Beauty: A Review of Essie Glamour

2009-06-03T06:50:00.004-04:00

Essie in Glamour ($8) is a very classy look for all women.

Ever buy or somehow acquire a product and just know that you're not going to like it? Well, one of my girlfriends recently gave me a mini bottle of Essie nail polish in Glamour. It's the one made specifically for Glamour Magazine's 70th year anniversary. It's light pink and not my color. Or at least I thought not. I tried the polish and am in love with it. The color is very sophisticated and classy and can even work well as a french manicure base. It makes my hands look really mature. My lesson has been learned: never underestimate another beauty product again.

About This Black Beauty

read posts by Jennifer

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FOTD- Kiwi Kiss

2009-06-02T07:09:00.003-04:00

Hey Ladies,

This is my first post on Black Beauty Central, I'm so excited to be working with Kimberly. I hope everyone enjoys the post and definitely gives me a whole bunch of comments and suggestons. See you soon! :-)

Face
Crème Café (True Match L’Oreal)
Studio Fix C6 (MAC)
Cheeks
Apricot Kiss (True Match L’Oreal)
Eyes
Inner Olive/Gunmetal Duo (HiP)
Middle Kiwi (Nyx)
Crease/Outer Dk Green/Gunmetal Duo (HiP)
Lips
Prrr (MAC)
Melon Sorbet (Mary Kay)

About This Black Beauty

Marie is born and raised in Pennsauken NJ, but has the attitude and style of a city girl because of her many summer spent between South Philly and New York. At this moment she is experiencing the lifestyle of a southern belle while currently living in GA. Though she loves the quiet south she misses the weekend shopping trips and quiet days at the beach. She loves antique/vintage shops, any type of pizza, skin/hair products by Carol's Daughter and she can't live without her Ipod Touch! Be sure to check out Marie's blog Beauty In All Shades

read posts by Marie

Hair Inspiration of The Week: Y'Anna Crawley

2009-06-01T01:03:00.003-04:00

You might not know her yet, but you will. Y'Anna Crawley is the winner of this years Sunday Best competition. Week after week she put her foot in gospel classics, and came out victorius over 20 year old Jessica Reedy.

We're loving Y'Anna's two tone short cut. Bold colors are one of this season's hottest trends

Y'Anna's color comes from Design Essentials Colaura line. Y'Anna's stylist Natalie used Silk Essentials and Formations Styling Spritz to keep her mane camera ready.

About This Black Beauty

read posts by Kim

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The HLMN Weekend Roundup

2009-05-29T11:08:00.001-04:00

Affordable Fashion has spotted 9 bikinis under $50.

Brides and bridesmaids take notes. Beauty Junkies Unite has the ultimate bridal season survival kit.

Beauty Luxe has 5 gorgeous lip stains for you to try.

Diary of a Style Addict spotted a new trend: the slashed jean.

Dirt Cheap Beauty reviews Vaseline's new Aloe Fresh line.

Hot Beauty Health discusses her new love for eau fragrance Fresh Mangosteen.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Makeup Masala is giving away a $25 giftcard to TJ MAXX.

Noir Lace has the latest on a fashion tragedy. Christian Lacroix bankrupt?

Show off your legs in one of the 5 cute minis at Style Luxe.

Tres Chic Style has 10 more trends for Summer.

Workchic shows how you can go from the office to cocktails in style!

For more information on The HLMN or on becoming an affiliate visit our website.

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CALLING ALL MAKEUP ARTISTS...

2009-05-27T16:05:00.003-04:00

and amateur beauty gurus

We need your expertise. Here at Black Beauty Central, we get a ton of makeup questions and queries from black women looking to enhance their makeup skills that we simply can't answer.

If you're interested in answering makeup questions or creating FOTD (face of the day) looks for Black Beauty Central on The HLMN. Please email Kimberly@TheHLMN.com with subject line "BBC Beauty." We can't wait to see what you have in store!

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Celebrity Beauty Guide: Queen Latifah's Evening Drama

2009-05-27T10:56:00.004-04:00

Did you love Queen Latifah at the People's Choice Awards, the hostess with the mostess's, look last night at the People's Choice Awards? Wish you could create the look for yourself at home? This week's celebrity beauty guide has celebrity makeup artist and true legend in the business, Sam Fine, who helped Queen look her most fabulous self last night, gives a how-two below.

Sam also works with celebrity moguls like Tyra Banks, Beyonce, Vanessa Williams and Brandy to name a few (visit www.samfine.com for more information).

THE LOOK:
Classic with a hint of color - Fine complimented her purple dress using subtle shades. For the green dress, he simply created a bolder lip.

EYES:
Fine used eggplant on the eye - it's easier to wear than lilac and is closer to brown/mahogany tones. He applied it to the crease of the eye and underneath for definition. Fine used CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit in Ice Princess, $5.61 at drugstore.com.
He paired the eggplant with an opalescent beige shadow on the eyelid to open up the eye.
Fine used eye liner for definition on the top and tons of lashes.

"I don't know anyone who can hit the red carpet without lashes." - Sam Fine

Mascara help to fuse Queen's lashes to the fake lashes. Fine used CoverGirl VolumeExact Mascara in Very Black, $8.47 at drugstore.com.

CHEEKS:
Fine started with a dusting of bronzer. Queen had just come back from the holidays so she had a nice base tan. The bronzer helped to keep the golden glow going.
He then layered on a rose colored blush on top of the bronzer. It added a hint of sublte color. Fine used CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Brown Bronze, $8.18 at drugstore.com.

LIPS:
Fine lined Queen's mouth with a liner.

"Liner is s step I never skin, even when doing a nude lip, especially on women of color. It really helps to define the lip." - Sam Fine

The lipstick and gloss were a neutral yet mauvy tone. The gloss was put on top to make the color stand out against her skin. Fine used CoverGirl Wetslicks AmazeMint in Pink Positive, $6.25 at drugstore.com.

For the green dress:
Fine went with a bold mouth. He created a totally different look by just changing the lips. It completely transforms the look into one that is glamorous and sexy. Fine used a cranberry colored lipstick and gloss. Fine used CoverGirl Queen Collection Vibrant Hue Color Lipstick in Cherrylicious, $7.26 at drugstore.com.

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The HLMN Weekend Roundup

2009-05-22T17:15:00.001-04:00

Affordable Fashion has 6 fab Summer dresses priced under $50.

Amber of Beauty Junkies Unite reviews Cargo Lash Activator Mascara.

Beauty Luxe has listed the 6 best lip glosses. Do you agree?

Work your own fierceness! Deborah Estelle shows you how to accentuate your fab five features.

Dirt Cheap Beauty uncovers a new summer beauty must have.

Memorial Day will be here soon and no matter what set of fashion rules you follow White Pants are perfect for so many activities. Fab Finds Under $50 has you covered.

Fab Glance Nashville is letting you know about a great sleeper trend: white jeans.

Hot Beauty Health shows us how Shea Butter enhances a women's beauty.

We already counted down the top Summer sandals. Now Style Luxe has the 25 hottest handbags and The Ultimate Guide to Memorial Day Sales.

Tres Chic Style has the inside scoop on the debut of Real Housewives of Atlanta's Sheree Whitfield's fashion debut.

Workchic shows how you can still be Mom-to-be chic even in the summer heat!

To learn more about The HLMN or about becoming an affiliate please visit our website.

Best Celebrity Skin

2009-05-21T01:41:00.004-04:00

Perfect skin isn't made, it's born. Some are simply born with picture perfect pores while the rest of us have to struggle. These celebs have flawless complexions, andwe hate them for it.

Chilli
It didn't occur to us that Rozonda Chilli Thomas has one of the best complexions in Black Hollywood until we saw her in the lastest Dasani water ad. We know exactly why she was picked. Her silky smooth skin has us green with envy and refilling our water bottle. If drinking water is her secret then we're heading to the grocery store right now.

Beyonce
Is she overexposed? Yes. Is she insanely talented? Yes. Is she amazing gorgeous? Double yes. We're firm believers that all hype surrounding Beyonce Knowles-Carter is well deserved. The girl is flawless. She has one of the most flawless faces we've ever seen. Word has it Beyonce avoids red meat to keep her frame and her face looking picture perfect.

Jennifer Hudson
Sometimes we get so distracted by J. Hud's incredible glow that we forget to listen to her sing. Rarely have we seen the Oscar Winner looking anything less than radiant. Rumour has it she's expecting, so expect that glow to get even brighter.

Tyra Banks
It's a shame that sometimes Tyra's bad wigs and crazy behavior take away from her gorgeous face. The longtime Victoria's Secret model is also glowing.

Halle Berry
It's amazing that after over 20 years in the entertainment industry. We've yet to see so much as a blemish on the incomparable Ms. Berry's face.

Who are you picks for best and worst celebrity skin?

Honorable Mentions:
Zoe Saldana
Chrisette Michele
Toccarra
Eva Marcille

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Go Pink For the Summertime!

2009-05-20T12:11:00.003-04:00

Put away your harsh reds and boring neutrals. Summer's here and it's time to get pretty in pink. Just in case you're one of those color nay sayers who believe that Black women can't wear pink. Think again. The right pink lipstick or gloss will make your pout the center of attention, and leave you feeling delightfully feminine.

Our Faves:

Stila Pearl Shimmer Gloss, Pink
The perfect baby pink. Perfect to pair with your favorite sun dress.

Elizabeth Arden High Shine Lip Gloss, Rose Gold
a soft pink perfect for the office.

the gloss - kiss me - lip gloss
a vibrant shade perfect for a night on the town with your most fabulous friends

How to Wear it:
Apply a layer of concealer on your lips to help lip gloss last all day.

We love MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

When opting for a pink lipstick, beauty guru Sam Fine has some sound advice. "Use a brown lip pencil first. This will add a little bit more pigment to the lip, which is usually lighter that our skin. It will make the shade more consistent by giving it a little base." Fine adds: "Just make sure to line before--not after--applying your lipstick, and make sure the lipstick blends into the liner."

Use a brown lip liner like MAC Stripdown all over lip before applying gloss

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The HyperLuxe Midweek Roundup

2009-05-20T08:32:00.001-04:00

Affordable Fashion has a fashion relic we though was extinct. Cute dresses priced under $10.

Beauty Junkies Unite has the lowdown on the best concealers on the market.

Beauty Luxe has tips on how to wear brown mascara. Hint: It's not as hard as it seems.

Kimberly of Fab Finds Under $50 found a convertible dress perfect for all Summer weddings.
Fabuless Beauty reviews several shades of Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor.

Check out the trends for Summer 2009 Image and Style News

MissLikey has a review of the Chanel 2010 Resort Collection. He's going back to Venice, y'all.

Who doesn't love shoes? Style Luxe has 20 fab Spring sandals.

To learn more about The HLMN or becoming an affiliate please visit our website.

The 3Bs: Martina of Product Junkie

2009-05-19T01:11:00.001-04:00

The 3Bs (Black Blogging Beauties) is a series which highlights the best black beauty bloggers. It provides us with to discover some fabulous beauty blogs as well as get to know the women behind them.

This time, we're looking at the face behind Product Junkie Diva.

What are your must have beauty products?
My must have beauty products include the following:

A good hand scrub to maintain soft hands-the sephora brand super hand scrub is effective but the same goes for the Mary Kay satin hands scrub which has a nice peachy scent.

Nail Polish- preferably the OPI brand but I also like the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri collection

Facial wash Rx for Brown skin- the gentle version Or the Adeva brand All sensitive facial wash

A new favorite for the body is the Palmers Skin therapy Oil- great for reducing the appearance of scars and imperfections

For my hair I love Karen's Body Beautiful deep conditioner (in various scents) as well as conditioners from My Honey Child specifically the Honey Lemon and Jamaican Island conditioners.

Juices and Berries by Oyin is a great leave in hair treatment that smells DIVINE.

Makeup- Mascara favorites would be the Phenomen Eyes by Givenchy because it is able to grab even the smallest lashes giving me full coverage.

The Lancome Oscillating mascara gives me dramatic length. Drugstore brands that work well would have to be the Maybelline Colossal Mascara and Stiletto mascara also by Maybelline.

Lip gloss-A very cheap product that works well is the Essence of Beauty lip gloss and for lip colors I mainly use MAC.
What beauty products are in your purse right now?

Well I have many purses and I try to keep products in different bags so that whichever one I grab for the day will have my beauty essentials :-).

Today I went through two bag changes so I will say that my last bag only had my Mac lipgloss in spring bean.

What's your best piece of beauty advice for women of color?

Best beauty advice- We have gorgeous skin so take care of it! When all of the makeup is removed we are left with our bare skin so we need to keep it as healthy as possible.

My other really important piece of advice would be to real labels. We need to know what we are putting into our bodies and on our hair and skin. Some of the ingredients just won't help us in the long run so we need to read labels and be selective when purchasing our products.

What's your favorite makeup line?
My favorite makeup line is actually illusions Cosmetics. I have never tried an eye shadow that is as silky as the eye shadow that they create. I also like how well the colors compliment my skin.

What's your favorite nail polish?
My favorite nail polish is OPI but a close second would be the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish. I love that both brands feature a wide bristle brush but I love the quick drying power of the Instra-Dri polish, perfect for women on the go.

What's your favorite hair care product?
My favorite hair care product is conditioner. I am certain that I use too much conditioner but I just love the way a good moisturizing conditioner can make my hair feel silky for days. And if I am allowed to include another favorite hair care product, it is my leave in moisturizers like Karen's Body Beautiful hair milk.

What should Black women know about haircare?
Whether your hair is natural or relaxed our coils need moisture. For years I didn't realize that the lack of moisture in my hair was the cause of my hair breakage. Dry hair coupled with heat styling products can be the kiss of death, so I would recommend the use of heat in moderation.

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
The best beauty advice I have received is to drink water. As cliché of an answer as that may be, water helps in keeping our bodies healthy and our hair, nails and skin at its best.

Best and Worst Black Celebrity Plastic Surgery

2009-05-18T05:55:00.003-04:00

Who got it right and who got it very, very wrong.

The Best

Halle Berry

Halle has been called the most beautiful woman in Hollywood too many times to count, but those who have been following her career know that Halle has gotten some extra help along the way. Just compare her nose in the "Boomerang" days to the one she has now. Still, Halle has managed to keep relatively quiet about the procedure because it looks so natural. Good job, Halle. Though a lot of sources contend that Halle's had breast augmentation as well, we're not convinced.

Kelly Rowland

It was pretty obvious when the sweet-as-pie Southerner got breast implants about a year ago, but few know about Kelly's previous encounters with the knife. Kelly got a very natural-looking nose job earlier in the millennium. Even her implant were very tastefully done. Get it, Ms. Kelly.

Patti Labelle

We salute Patti Labelle for her surgery done right. The one and only Miss Patti admits to having a "nose reduction" a decade or so ago, but we can hardly tell.

Janet Jackson

It's a well known fact that the Jackson's are not afraid of their plastic surgery, but if we had to pick one member of clan who actually pulled it off, we'd have to go with Janet. Around the "The Will Never Do (Without You)" era, Janet reemerged with a killer body to go with her gorgeous face. Now Janet is the ultimate sex symbol. Her body is banging, and she's got a beautiful face to match.

The Worst

Vivica Fox

Over the years, Aunt Viv has begun to complain about the constant commentary she receives on her plastic surgery. But honestly with surgery this noticeable it's difficult not to say something. Ms. Fox has had the works. So much so that we're not even sure we cold name them all.

Lil Kim

Lil Kim should be the black woman's poster child for what not to do. Over the years, Kim went from looking like a beautiful chocolate sista to a crazy cat lady. It's pretty obvious that Kim has some self image issues. She complained that Naturi Naughton was "too dark" to play her in a biopic. Kim would have preferred someone like Christina Milian to fill the role. SMH.

Wendy Williams

Just because the "Queen of Mean" doesn't see anything wrong with looking like a plastic doll doesn't mean that we have to agree. The combination of over the top hair, makeup and surgery leaves us wondering what the real Wendy Williams looks like.

Michael and Latoya

Black music's first family has had more than its fair share of plastic surgery horrors. It's amazing how they all seem t share the same pointy nose. We don't care what kind of childhood you may have had. This is simply unacceptable.

Who are your picks for best and worst cosmetic surgery? Did we get it wrong? Tell us what you think in the comments.

Get excess fat removed by a trusted Chicago liposuction surgeon.

Hair Inspiration of the Week: Ciara

2009-05-15T12:11:00.002-04:00

Not that we're head over heels for Ciara's new corn-rowed 'do. We just love the fact that the "Love Sex Magic" singer had the guts to rock such an bold ethnic style to an event like the Maxim Hot 100 party.

In light of Tyra's recent discussion on "Good Hair," during which she rocked corn rows as well, it's important hightlight that hair doesn't have to be long and silky to be gorgeous. Good job, CiCi!

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Cassie's New Cut vs Christina's New Color

2009-05-14T10:49:00.002-04:00

This week's celebrity beauty jury feautres two singers searching for their place in the pop star spotlight. Say what you want about Cassie and Christina Milian, they are two incredibly gorgeous girls. That's probably why their recent drastic hair changes shocked the world.

Both of the ladies took big risks, but which one paid off? Would you rather rock a "Cassie" or a "Christina"?

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Latifah's Bronze Goddess

2009-05-13T16:00:00.001-04:00

This is the second in our Celebrity Beauty Guides provided by celebrity makeup genius Sam Fine.

The three things that makeup artist Sam Fine focused on achieving when creating Queen Latifah's Oscar look were glowing skin, beautiful lashes and flushed cheeks. "I wanted to create a classic look that I wouldn't look back on in four years and regret," says Sam. "Gowns compete for attention at this award show so we wanted to create a look that complimented her gown, instead of overpowering it."

Fine How To:

Sam started by shaping the eye with a golden brown shadow as well as a touch of burgundy shadow that complimented blue dress. "I focused on complimenting the skin tone, not matching the dress," admits Sam. "Some may think to wear blue or gray shadow when doing a blue dress but I didn't want the makeup to be wearing her. Browns enhance Queen's complexion and the subtle shadowing brings out her features naturally."

Next, Sam lined her eyes with a liquid liner and of course, applied false lashes, fusing them to her natural lashes with thick coats of mascara. "You can't hit a red carpet event without a false lash," states Sam.

To achieve this eye:

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit in Drama Eyes $5.61

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 1-Kit in Golden Sunrise $3.47 at drugstore.com

CoverGirl LineExact Liquid Liner in Very Black $5.79

CoverGirl LashBlast Luxe in Black Platinum $7.99

For the face, Sam mixed bronzer with a bit of blush on the outer perimeter of Queen's face - creating "a halo of glow," says Sam. "Never apply bronzer and blush to the center, you want it all around the face."

To create a halo of glow:

CoverGirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Brown Bronze 1 $8.18

CoverGirl TruBlend Microminerals Blush in Shimmering Sands $10.99

For the lips - it was nude with gloss, nicely lined and shaped. After lining, Sam used a lipstick and topped it with shimmering gloss for definition.

To define your lip like Queen's:

CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain in Cinnamon Smile $7.49
CoverGirl Wetslicks Amazemint Lipgloss No Care Bare $6.25

Bonus tip: "When wearing a bare gown, don't be afraid to take the bronzer down to the neck, chest and shoulder areas to really make it shimmer," advises Sam.

Lip Service Gloss of the Week: Three Custom Color Cosmetics Peacock Flower

2009-05-13T01:47:00.001-04:00

Peacock Flower lip gloss, $21.50

Only recently have we become aware of Three Custom Color Cosmetics, and we're so glad that we did. They make really great products. We got a sneak peak at their Seychelles Collection, and the product that stood out to us was the Peacock Flower lip gloss ($21.50). It's Summer time, so we're switching up our makeup mainstays and this peachy pink was a welcome addition to our makeup kit. According to the company, the gloss is infsed with "violet opalescence," but to us it reads more like a coral/gold shimmer. Either way, it's divine. The gloss is not sticky at all, and provides a light, color-packed coverage. This one definitely gets the HLMN seal of approval.

Luxe Beauty Pick: Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle De Jour

2009-05-12T16:36:00.001-04:00

This season it's all about the fuchsia lip, but occasionally you're going to want to wear a subtler shade. We've mentioned before that nude colors look absolutely fabulous on deeper complexions. And we've fallen in love with a product that we're tempted to call the best nude lip product ever--that's lipstick, gloss or penicl.Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Belle de Jour provides the just the right amount of color and sheen to lips. The pencil is a little bit on the thicker side which makes application a breeze. Belle de Jour is the go to nude shade for celebs like Kim Kardashian. The product itself comes in a creamy formula which glides over lips but provides a matte finish. It looks fabulous alone, but if you're looking for a little bit more shine, apply a layer of clear gloss and you'll be looking like a vixen in no time. We love MAC Clear Lipglass.

Style Showdown: Rihanna vs Chrisette Michelle

2009-05-12T01:23:00.001-04:00

Rihanna and Chrisette Michele are two of favorite songstresses at the moment. Rihanna has become iconic because of her incredible fashion sense, and Chrisette will soon become a legend because of her silky smooth voice. The women occupy completely different lanes, but there is one thing that they have share: fierce short cuts.

We're loving Rihanna's fierce black faux-hawk, and Chrisette's honey-blonde highlights are tempting us to reach for the peroxide bottle. Which diva's hair do you like best? are you contemplating a color change for the Summer? Let us know.

Sistas Making Moves: Pretty AnntoiNets

2009-05-11T16:26:00.000-04:00

Here at BBC we're all about supporting sistas making moves. It's about time that we as African Americans reclaim the black haircare industry, and that's why we were extremely excited to find out about Pretty AnntoinNets. A company started by Linda Antoinette Nelson which sells premium hair accessories (premium in quality not in price). We tried out one of the silk sleep bonnets, and LOVED it! So help a sista out! Head on over.

The 3Bs: Kitiya of Mischo Beauty

2009-05-11T07:26:00.005-04:00

This is the 2nd interview of the 3Bs post series. FYI 3Bs stands for Black Blogging Beauties. Kitiya is the voice behind Mischo Beauty. We love her because she doesn't necessarily write a "Black beauty blog," but her product reviews are always impeccable.

Why did you start Mischo Beauty?

I'm a small town girl from the midwest who's always had BIG dreams. I finished Spelman College with a degree in chemistry and I'm now pursuing my true passion- beauty! I'm a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician and makeup artist with a focus on hair, skin and makeup. I started blogging near the completion of cosmetology school (at the end of 2006) as a way of sharing my excitement and passion for beauty. After having had the opportunity to perform beauty services/treatments on clients and use a wide variety of beauty products, I now use my blog as an educational/teaching tool, as well as a way to share product reviews and beauty tips. My blog has also been a way to recruit models for haircolor, waxing, brow & lash tinting and facial services in order to complete various apprenticeships. Also, I love the fact that blogging keeps me updated on all the newest beauty products, services and trends.

What's your favorite part about blogging?

I've met so many talented and amazing people because of my blog, also- my blog has encouraged me to continue reaching for the stars! I now plan to launch the following: Mischo Beauty (salon, spa, mobile beauty services and hair & skin products); The Mischo Agency (representation of hairstylists, make-up artists, fashion stylists, and skin/nail care specialists); The Mischo Book of Beauty and The Mischo Institute of Beauty (beauty school).

What is your number 1 beauty secret?

Facials!

A lot of beauty enthusiasts only focus on cosmetics, but you're very serious about skincare. How do you keep your skin looking great?

Monthly facials, a consistent at-home skincare regimen, a healthy diet, exercise and sleep!

Who's your celebrity beauty inspiration?

Diana Ross (from the 60’s/70’s)

I see that you feature a lot of magazines on your site. Which one is your favorite?

I love reading so many different magazines for many different reasons. I just can’t name one, in particular, to be my favorite!

What are you favorite budget beauty brands?

There are too many to name - and I'm sure there are fabulous brands I haven't tried yet!

What's your favorite product under $10?

L'Oreal Original Voluminous Mascara

What beauty trends do you forecast for Summer 2009?

I saw and loved the following trends while attending New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: smokey eyes (using various shades of grays, blues, and purples), reds/ rich pinks and berry colors on the lips, full and natural looking brows and lots of shimmer & glow on the face!

What are your top 5 products for Summer 2009?

Blush Variation by YSL
Phenomen'Eyes Mascara by Givency
Maybelline's New York Expert Eyes Twin Brow & Eye Pencil
Rouge Hydrabase lipstick by CHANEL
Génifique by Lancome

What products should every woman have in her makeup bag?

Moisturizer

Mascara

Blush

Lipstick

Lip gloss

Lip balm

What hair products do you use?

I’m currently using products from the Phytospecific line (Intense Nutrition Shampoo, Intense Nutrition Mask, Integral Hair Care and Moisturizing Styling Balm) and my hair loves them!

In your opinion what's the best flat iron on the market?

IZUNAMI Flat Iron (One Inch Styler)

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?

“Less is more!”

We Love Styli-Style Liquid Liner

2009-05-08T07:44:00.003-04:00

Everyone once in a while we find a product that completely transforms our lives. We're legitimate beauty fiends, and it's difficult to impress us, but this eyeliner has stolen our hearts.

Liquid eyeliner is scary. The applicators are usually unmanageable, and no one wants to walk around looking like a drunk raccoon. The Styli-Style Liquid Eyeliner ($7.99) comes in a pen-like applicator that delivers a crisp, clear line with ease. We've never experienced such an easy application.

The 3Bs: Brittany of Clumps of Mascara

2009-05-07T05:28:00.002-04:00

Clumps of Mascara has been a black beauty blog favorite of mine for a while, and I was delighted when Brittany of CoM agreed to be the first in Black Beauty Central's series of Black Blogging Beauties (henceforth to be known as the The 3Bs). The 3Bs is an opportunity to discover new blogs as well as get a chance to know the faces behind them.

One word we'd use to describe Brittany: Bold. You've got to admire a woman who counts RuPaul as one of her beauty inspirations.

Why did you start Clumps of Mascara?

I started Clumps of Mascara because I was new to make-up and wanted to log my journey. I didn’t know much about beauty blogging in general….imagine my surprise when I realized that there was whole community of beauty bloggers!

I know you've been transitioning for a while. What made you decide to go with natural hair?

As of April 23, 2009 I will officially be 4 years napptural. I can’t believe it! It seems like only yesterday when I was chopping off my hair at 3 a.m. in my dorm room. My decision to go natural was out of frustration of my permed hair. I got SO annoyed with hair dressers and their scissor happy ways. I was fed up with my hair not holding a perm in Floridian heat and worse of all, I got annoyed with the constant shedding. My hair is happier natural and I think it fits me more.

What products should every woman have in her makeup kit?

Every woman should have at least one blush…I think that any shade of brown looks absolutely beautiful with a complimentary shot of color on the cheeks. Of course I think we could all use mascaras, glosses and eye shadows but to me, blushes are MUST HAVES!

Blush can be tricky for Black women. What's the key to picking the right color?

Oh wow…lol, speaking of blush. I like to think that we can wear any color. “We” meaning all shades of brown. I own blushes ranging in all colors…from hot pink to orange. For ladies who want to slowly start incorporating blushes in their make-up regime, I say start with a bronzer. A splash of gold on the cheeks looks radiant on brown skin. From that, work your way up to plum colored blushes. They key isn’t so much the color, but the application. A little goes a long way! Overdoing it can make any blush look unflattering.

Many women of color are afraid of red lipstick. What's your favorite shade?

Tell me about it! And for awhile, I was too. Red lips take some time getting used to. MAC’s Port Red is my favorite. It is extremely pigmented and has orange/red undertones. If you aren’t quite ready to wear red RED lips…try pairing a red lipstick with a burgundy/plum lip liner. This tones down the red a bit.

What are the most common beauty mistakes made by women of color?

Gosh…mismatched foundation. This mistake is almost justified since the majority of us are darker in some areas and lighter in others. I have YET to find the best foundation for me. Another mistake is assuming that we can’t wear bright colors because we will look like “clowns”. I hear this one ALL the time. It’s not true. We can wear blue and pink eye shadow beautifully—we just have to learn our eye shapes so that colors compliment our features, not make them stand out.

What are the biggest mistakes made by women of color with natural hair?

Assuming that just because it’s “natural” that it doesn’t need much work. WRONG! I think that natural hair requires more work than relaxed hair. It needs more pampering. It needs to be washed and moisturized more. I also think some women make the mistake of using the same products that they used on their permed hair, on their natural hair. While some may work, I found that I had to get rid of ALL of those product and incorporate more paraben/sulfate-free products in my natural hair care regime.

What are your favorite budget beauty products or brands?

I just adore NYX, Milani, Iman, Jordana, Jessie’s Girl and Maybelline products. These brands can be found in your drugstores and their performances are insane! I love to find products that actually work well AND are affordable.

If you had to choose only one product to use every day for the rest of your life what would it be?

That’s easy….eye liner. I feel like my eyes look more defined when I wear it.

What beauty trends do you forecast for Summer 2009?

-Lots of yellow…especially yellow nail polish. I also have a love for nail polish and have featured quite a few yellow nail polishes. I think they look great on brown skin.

-Red and purple lips….that’s right. A great deal of make-up collections are popping up with fabulous shades of red and purple for the lippies.

What are your top 5 products for Summer 2009?

-A good moisturizer with SPF in it…my favorite? Olay Complete SPF 15.

-Bronzer. Any kind from any brand! This is my go to product for sun-kissed cheeks and shimmery lids.

-Yellow nail polish…if you aren’t bold enough to wear it on the nails, it makes for a bangin’ pedicure color

-Flowers for the hair. I love them! Go to your nearest fabric store and snag some cheap flowers to pin to the side of your hair. They are chic and very summer-y.

-A rose-y lip gloss. These are great for both work and happy hour. Kissable Couture’s “Peony” is a staple in my make-up bag right now.

What's your favorite place to buy makeup?

-The corner drugstore! You would be surprised at what you can find in those stores. I also love Target. Company Cosmetic Outlets, Ulta, Sephora and Macy’s are other places where you can find me. Oh….and we can’t forget the almighty internet. I can get some crazy deals by shopping online.

Who would you consider to be your beauty inspiration?

-I find inspiration from anyone. Whether it be my 16 year old cousin who I just taught how to put on eye shadow or the beautiful Iman, I find beauty inspirations ubiquitous. Oh…and RuPaul…amazing!

What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?

-That there are NO rules to beauty. Who said that you can’t wear eye shadow as a blush? Uh? What? You can’t wear lime green nails because your skin is too dark? Whatev. For so long beauty has been defined FOR US women of color. It is time for us to start redefining beauty for ourselves. We can wear whatever we want and look good doing it. Free yourself and be yourself!

HLMN Beauty Deal of the Week: Free gift cards from Benefit, Philosophy, NARS Cosmetics and Laura Mercier

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Jennifer Hudson's Diva

2009-05-06T00:17:00.002-04:00

The 2009 NFL Superbowl on Sunday, February 1st marked Jennifer Hudson's comeback and she couldn't have looked more gorgeous as she sang the Star Spangled Banner. Makeup Artist Sam Fine details below how to get a look that screams naturally confident.

"Jennifer is very trusting with her team and really allowed us to collaborate to bring a look that is fresh and new to her," says Sam. "She was performing a classic song, so I gave her a classic look that would speak to the song she was performing."

Get that Confident Glow
"On a field seen by millions of people, it's important to have beautiful skin," advises Sam. "I like to start with a perfect canvas - that is a priority."
How to: Start by layering bronzer onto the cheek bones using Mac Mineralized Skin Finish in Brunette. Then, apply a vibrant blush on top to add a pop of color.

Create a Classic Eye
"I wanted to play up the gold buttons on her jacket," says Sam. "So I used a golden brown eye shadow on the eyelid."
How To: Apply a light brown eye shadow across the lid. Then use Avon's Ultra Luxury Eye Liner in Black on the inside rim of the eye to add depth and definition.

"You can't do a performance without false lashes," states Sam. "They give the eyes sparkle in a naturally glamorous way."
How To: Apply the false lashes and then fuse them with your own lashes using a great mascara like Avon's SuperSHOCK Mascara.

Nude Lip is a Must
"I created a nude lip for Jennifer because I knew that a microphone would be in it's way for the performance," says Sam. "I didn't want to call too much attention to the mouth."
How To: Use a dark brown liner that is two shades darker than your lip color. Then add a nude to the middle of the lip - try Avon Ultra Color Rich Lipstick in Rose Mauve. Dab on a bit of gloss in the center to finish.

The overall look was natural, beautiful and confident. "Jennifer was so excited - I think her team was more nervous than she was," admits Sam. "We knew how important this was to her. But she was so clam and focused, listening to the song throughout the session to perfect the timing."

HLMN Beauty Deal of the Week: Free gift cards from Benefit, Philosophy, NARS Cosmetics and Laura Mercier

Support The HLMN

2009-05-05T19:26:00.000-04:00

We're just a lowly fledgling blog network struggling to get by. We'd truly appreciate your support as we try to bring quality content to urbanistas, trendsetters, and tastemakers.

Pick up a world famous CHI flat iron from Folica.com

Get 30% off Sean John, Baby Phat, and LRG at Dr. Jay's.

Buy a fab handbag for less than $30 at Kmart.com

Get our favorite new beauty product Tropic eyeshadow from Nars' Summer 2009 collection.

Scoop up some sale items at the Gap.

Celebrity Beauty Jury: Lip Service

2009-05-05T01:52:00.002-04:00

photo credit: theybf.com

According to famed makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, lipstick is going to be hot in the next few seasons. But we're seeing that a lot of women -- especially younger women -- are afraid to rock the look. Picking the right shade is imperative to getting the right look.

Both Ciara and Monica wore lipstick to their CiCi's "Fantasy Ride" release party. In our opinion one of the women got it right, while the other was right on trend. What do you think about the stars' choice of lip color? Who do you think got it right?

Don't forget that today is Talkback Tuesday, so leave a comment and you'll be entered into a drawing to choose any Nars Cosmetics lip product, eye shadow and/or nail color of your choice (Pick 2 of 3).

HLMN Beauty Deal of the Week: Free gift cards from Benefit, Philosophy, NARS Cosmetics and Laura Mercier

Get The Look: Cavalli Spring 2009

2009-05-04T10:32:00.002-04:00

The new year has barely begun, but designers have been looking forward to Spring 2009 for months now. The warmer months are traditionally known as an opportunity to take more chances in wardrobe and in beauty.

This season, Cavalli put his own spin on the infamous smoky eye trading the traditional browns and black for brilliant greys and blues.

Contrary to popular belief, Black women can wear blue eyeshadow. You've just got to pick the right blue. We stay away from pastels and silver-tinged colors as they tend to look ashy on African-American skin. If you're looking for color suggestions, take a look at the POP Beauty Liner Cake Palette. They've got some gorgeous eyeliners that you can turn into shadows.

If you're a smoky eye enthusiast like us, then you might want to think about investing in a premium eyeliner like MAC's Eye Kohl in Smolder ($14.50). It's a bit pricey, but the quality makes it well worth it.

Jennifer Hudson pulled off a fab blue look earlier this year...

Got any smoky eye tips or tricks? Share them in the comments or head on over to the Black Beauty Central community and share your knowledge with other Black beauty lovers.

HLMN Beauty Deal of the Week: Free gift cards from Benefit, Philosophy, NARS Cosmetics and Laura Mercier

Beauty Must Haves: Foundation Primer

2009-05-04T09:25:00.002-04:00

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

When you think of must haves for your makeup kit, primer probably doesn't make the cut. Many women think of it as just another step in the process. We felt the same way, until a wise MAC makeup artist introduced us to the wonderful world of foundation primers. If you pick the right one, the product will leave your skin looking smooth and radiant. The trick, of course, is finding the perfect fit. Be forewarned, there are a few primer superstars, and they're not cheap. But there's no better way to get teeny-tiny pores and leave skin feeling silky smooth.

Credit

Allure Magazine voted Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer as Allure Magazine Best of Beauty 2008.

Instyle Magazine voted Smashbox Photo Finsh Foundation Primer as a Best Beauty Buy 2008.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Cash

Sephora Brand Smoothing Primer

Grab all of the Black Beauty Must Haves. Have you used a primer before? If so, what was your experience? What products have you used?

HLMN Beauty Deal of the Week: Free gift cards from Benefit, Philosophy, NARS Cosmetics and Laura Mercier

Celebrity Beauty Guide: Nude Lips

2009-05-03T04:36:00.001-04:00

Black women often complain that their lips match their skin tone creating what I like to call "the cadaver look." But maybe the naked lip has gotten a bad rep over the years. I'm all for a red lip; it provides heightened drama for a glam nighttime look, but if you're looking for understated beauty just a touch of nude or bronze color is the way to go.

Conventional wisdom says red lips are more appropriate for the Fall, and I'd tend to agree, but you can't vamp it up all the time. Choose a nude lipcolor for a day of running errands or if you just prefer the natural look. Here are my picks.

Besame Cosmetics Enriched Lip Glaze with Collagen, Chocolate ($30); Scott Barnes Lip Slick, Suggestive ($22); Laura Mercier in Petal ($22); Estee Lauder Pure Color Gloss in Quartz (6); Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Reflect, Beige Velvet ($24.50)

HLMN Beauty Deal of the Week: Free gift cards from Benefit, Philosophy, NARS Cosmetics and Laura Mercier

Try The Trend: Champagne Eyeshadow

2009-05-02T06:03:00.000-04:00

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers Champagne, $2.99

Use a light shimmery champagne shade all over her lids to brighten the area and make your eyes the focus. Or use a champagne hued shadow in combination with a darker shade as a highlight. I like to dab it right under the browbone.

Stila Plans Release of Barbie Loves Stila Collection

2009-01-15T03:31:00.002-05:00

I'll admit that Stila hasn't necessarily been on my cosmetics radar, but I was certainly intrigued by packaging of the soon-to-be-released Barbie Loves Stila collection.

The packaging features an African American Barbie wearing an afro. Here's the lowdown.

The limited edition line is slated to launch exclusively at Sephora in February, only at Sephora’s Fifth Avenue store in NY, international Sephora locations, and sephora.com. Expect a larger offering of Barbie-Stila branded products later, during fall 2009.

The collection includes 4 “Decades of Beauty” cans ($40 each) with a booklet inside describing the beauty and fashion wardrobes for each doll. The first, #1 Ponytail Doll, celebrates the first Barbie, launched in 1959. It includes a red lipstick called Ponytail, a liquid eyeliner and a three-pan paper-wrapped compact with two eye shadows and a cheek color. Malibu Barbie, which highlights the doll of the same name that launched in 1971, has a pale pink Lip Glaze called Malibu, a black mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a bronzer. Foxy Doll, which depicts the African-American Barbie launched in 1980, includes a Lip Glaze called Foxy, mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a cheek color. The final offering, Jewel Doll, is based on the 2000 Barbie of the same name and includes a bright pink Lip Glaze called Jewel, a Multi-Effect Mascara and a compact with two eye shadows and a cheek color.

What do you guys think? Will you be purchasing?

Source:Stila Cosmetics

Dress Up Your Hair

2009-01-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

For many black women, their hair is their crown and glory but sometimes you need a crown for your crown.

A headband is an easy way to dress up an outfit and highlight your banging new haircut.

Here are a few of my favorites for the season.

My Flexirod Confession + A Tutorial

2009-01-07T01:42:00.001-05:00

To be perfectly honest, I could never quite grasp exactly how to use flexi rods. Partly because I've never actually tried. But to be fair, I recently went to my beauty supply store of choice looking to purchase some curling products, including a bundle of flexirods, and I changed my plans as soon as I saw the price. Those suckers were $8 a pack!

And I have some mighty thick hair, so I had no idea how many packs I needed or what size. I guess what it comes down to is: I'm cheap. So I just wasn't willing to buy something I hadn't tried. But after doing a little bit more research, I'm thinking that flexirods might be an excellent way to get perfect ringlets with no heat. (which I'm boycotting right now)

Erika of The Pretty Girls World used them on her transitioning hair and they were absolutely stunning.

And now that I've done my research, I've found quite a few tutorials on how to get a perfect head of curls using flexirods.

One of my Youtube favorites xGoldn explains how to do it in a video

Now, I'm dead set on trying it. I'm trying to keep it fine in '09 y'all, and that means NO HEAT.

Have you used flexirods? What size do you use? How do the results compare to heat styling? For more information on Black hair care head over to Black Hair Central.