Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Friday, April 25, 2014

Blak Friday; Blogger of the Week

It’s the last Friday of April and my April reign (get it? April reign à rain? I made a funny!) is coming to an end!  But with it brings new opportunities, new beginnings and maybe a new hair-do! I know I’m not the only one who gets that “I need to do something different” itch when the weather starts to get warmer. But who can you trust with your hair? This brings me to my Blogger of the Week! This week is another friend of mine from college whose skillful hands are touching the manes of models & natural girls all over! Say hello to hair stylist/ blogger Ashley Lee of Ashley Lee Styling!


I admit I was surprised that Ashley didn't start a fashion blog. I’ve always known her to be stylish, polished and dressed to impress! I was convinced fashion was her calling! However, when she launched her website and started posting videos for hair care and her work at photo shoots, I was pleasantly surprised! Her work has been featured on Whim online magazine, ThatsFoxy.com, SevenTribes magazine and the latest Txture magazine (hasn't been released yet)! Also the way she hooks up her own natural hair can seriously leave a girl with hair envy. I reached out to Ashley to ask my standard “simple” 4 questions.





BL: Do you feel there are more or less beauty products available for women of color?
I believe the market is greatly expanding to accommodate women of color (black women in particular). When it comes to makeup, I think women of darker skin complexions have the most difficulty whereas if you are a woman of color (black, Hispanic or Asian) I do feel as though beauty products are readily available.

BL: If you have to recommend a makeup brand or represent one, which would you choose and why?
I'm not really a make up buff, more of a drug store junkie. However, for low prices makeup I've found that maybelline has always made me happy with both foundations and lip color. I particularly like the mousse line that they have and am now using a liquid foundation of theirs. I get great coverage, in other makeup I find that they have great pigments and the cost is low which makes it accessible to almost everybody.
BL: What is one basic item that every woman should have in their makeup/ hair care arsenal?
For makeup, I think every woman should own a brow powder. No matter how little makeup you have on, if your brows are done, you look alive. As for hair care, I think every woman should own a wide tooth comb to safely detangle and avoid breakage.

BL: What do you love most about blogging?
My heart and soul is committed to hair care and advocacy. Although I love being trendy and fashion forward, I find myself obligated as a cosmetologist to spread knowledge about all things having to do with hair and beauty in my power. Just like you go to your doctor about your health, I want people to come to me about their hair.



 

Her site, Ashley Lee Styling, also offer services ranging from basic shampoo and blow out/set to spa services such as lash extensions and facials. She also does in-home visits! Book her through Prettier Please and have the salon come to you! Don’t forget to follow her on Instagram and Twitter, @alstyling! Two snaps for Ms. Ashley Lee! 

Monday, April 14, 2014

R.I.P to two beautiful souls

It's with a heavy heart to report hair vlogger for Black Girl Long Hair, Domineque Banks, and founder of For Brown Girls, Karyn Washington, both passed away this week.






Domineque was suffering from lupus and, unfortunately, lost the battle on April 9. She was 27 years young. Currently, Domineque's family is aiming to raise $10,000 to help with funeral costs. So far, the GiveForward fundraiser has raised over $5,300. If you would like to make a donation, please click here

Karyn, whose website sought to empower dark complexioned black women, died on April 8, by committing suicide. She was 22 years young. Her passing is a devastating loss for black women who went online to seek refuge in any one of Washington's many initiatives.  The most popular is the #DarkSkinRedLip project. Spawned by A$AP Rocky's statement that chocolate colored women weren't considered attractive with red lipstick, it  encouraged black women to wear whatever shade of red lipstick that best suited them. 

It hurts to hear that two inspiring women with so much promise had been called away to be with the Heavenly Father. My deepest condolences to the family, friends, fans and supporters of these beautiful young women. 


Two red lips for two amazing women







Friday, April 4, 2014

Lupita Nyong'o is the fresh,new face for Lancome




The Lupita reign continues on strong and in the best way! The 31-year old Kenyan actress, who won an Oscar for Best supporting role in 12 Years a Slavejoins the ranks of Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz and Julia Roberts as one of Lancôme's ambassadors. Although she is the fourth actress to cut a deal with Lancôme, she is their very first BLACK ambassador!  The new ads will appear in September.

"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself," Nyong'o said in a statement released by the French beauty house.


This announcement is right on the heel of her recent stint with the French high fashion brand, Miu Miu, for their spring 2014 campaign. 


The French love them some Lupita and it’s quite understandable why!


Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International, said the company's decision to add Lupita was because she is "talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices."

Oui oui Monsieur! Two snaps for Ms. Lupita Nyong’o!

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

The Beauties & Brains event

Hello hello! So I was cruising on one of my favorite fashion sites, FashionBombDaily, on my way to work and I came across this event that I think any up-&-coming designer/entrepreneur should attend! It's called The Beauties & Brains Behind the Brands II hosted by Renae Bluitt, creator of In Her Shoes Blog. Renae Bluitt has made a career of telling the stories of career oriented women & to celebrate her blog's 5yr anniversary (me someday *le sigh*) she will be hosting a panel discussion/event in Brooklyn,NY! Claire Sulmers of FashionBombDaily will be one of the panelists (fan girl scream) as well as Demetria Lucas from Bravo's new hit show Blood, Sweat & Heels
The event will be held at the Galapagos Art Space this Sunday, April 6, at 3pm. Admission is $20. If the discussion doesn't inspire you at least you'll be able to network! 



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