I know Halloween is near but I wanted to take the time to remind you that November 9th is World Freedom Day. As we enjoy the great privileges we have in free countries, let us remember those who have been and still are enslaved by social, political & religious intolerance. Freedom among many things is an individual victory. “…None but ourselves can free our mind.” – Robert Nesta Marley.
I’ve personally always been a fan of reggae beats because like poetry, art, dance, and theatre the arts as a whole play a great source of inspiration for inciting freedom and promoting independence, tolerance, and respect for one another. I believe music in particular is a great source of freedom because I believe when it comes to hate and negativity the biggest battle comes from within, and sometimes through music we are able to channel our anger into something positive and go to a place where tests of life become testimonies of self.
I think being in a free world leaves many of us ignorant to the lack of freedom that exists in many countries. If you don’t know who Aung San Suu Kyi is, you should take the time and opportunity to find out about her story.
“Fearlessness may be a gift but perhaps more precious is the courage acquired through endeavour, courage that comes from cultivating the habit of refusing to let fear dictate one’s actions, courage that could be described as ‘grace under pressure’ – grace which is renewed repeatedly in the face of harsh, unremitting pressure.” (Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, 07.10.1990)
When she is not walking the runway as one of Victoria’s Secrets’ divine ‘Angels’ or starring in Kanye West’s ‘Runaway‘ film Selita Ebanks life may seem picture-glamourous. However, it hasn’t been all lights, camera, & strut for this self-professed ‘Tomboy’; there have definitely been humbling experiences to match her successes.
On an interview with Sway Calloway for MTV, Ebanks recalled a fateful time nearly a decade ago when she was ’dismissed’ by the ’amazing Ms. Anna Wintour‘ and lost her chance at a Vogue magazine cover. Ebanks recalls wearing ‘Timberland boots’ and ‘corduroy high-water flooded beige pants with a button-down plaid shirt’ at this chance encounter with Wintour who is the Editor-in-cheif of Vogue magazine; ”I remember walking in – Trudy, from Vogue at the time, she looks at me startled and I didn’t understand why. I was like, ‘What up? Who am I here to meet?’”
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Ebanks remembered being told to just remove her jacket and be herself and with that she walked “into the officed, I got maybe two steps into the room and I look and it’s amazing Ms. Anna Wintour. She goes [gestures a dismissive wave] and dismisses me”. Ebanks added “Needless to say my cover did not come out, to say the least, and I have never shot Vogue magazine.”
At 27, Ebanks recalls the experience as a valueable lesson adding “Now that I reflect back on it- and this goes back to my advice for these young women – is to always do your homework”. Ebanks adds “Always be aware, don’t just take people’s word for it and walk into a room. I should’ve asked, ‘Who am I here to see? Who will be in the room?’ But this is something you life and you learn.”
Since the dismissal from Vogue has most notably been seen in Sports Illustrated as well as campaigns for Victoria’s Secret. Her film credits include Celebrity Apprentice, The-Dream’s music video for ‘Make Up Bag’ and most recently playing a fallen Phoenix for Kanye West’s full-length film Runaway.
See Ebanks in Kanye’s film Runaway in the video below.
Did you know Selita’s favorite color is green? Ebanks is also from the Cayman Islands and loves to cook.
To learn more about Selita Ebanks including, go direct to the source by checking out her blog here.
Of course no article would be complete without mentioning a beauty tip from Ebanks herself. For blemishes, Ebanks admits ”I’m old-school. I like to put some nice, white Colgate toothpaste [on blesmishes]. If I don’t have my prescription spot stuff, I just use toothpaste.” Ebanks adds that with this remedy a pimple ”dries out after about two nights. You put it on at bedtime and it’s better than not treating it at all. And also, it almost has a bleaching agent so it prevents redness”.
While the toothpaste remedy may be more commonly known, you might be wondering how to achieve Ebanks’ look. From observation, Ebanks typically makes her eyes and skin the focul point. While she has been known to pair red lips with satin skin, her trademark look is more about luminous caramel skin, soft & flirty eyes, with a soft-nude glossy lip.
Here are some tips to acheive her look:
Eyes: Lines your eyes with a dark brown or black pencil liner, set with a matte eyeshadow of a similiar color softening the look by smudging the line a bit. Don’t forget to wing-out the liner/shadow combo for a cat-eyed effect. For night-time or more intesity add a bit of black liquid eyeliner for a more dramatic look. Also add a shimmer light color towards the inner corners of your eyes as well as brow bone and a taupe color one or two shades darker than your natural skin color to the crease.
Lips: Line your lips with a nude lip-pencil for definition and go over the entire lip with a flesh-tone or caramel-nude gloss that allows your natural lipcolor to be revealed.
Face: Heavy foundation should be skipped but if you need a bit of coverage, use a tinted moisturizer in order to allow your skin to be seen. Ebank’s makeup always looks natural and effortless while her eyes and lips usually are where the drama takes place. Highlight the bridge of your nose, forehead and cheekbones with a liquid luminator or powder highlight if you have oily skin. Apply a light mixture of peach blush and bronzer at the hollows of your cheeks to emphasize your bone structure.
“I lost my tooth”, Hilary Duff admitted on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, about her wedding day misfortune. Duff who married NHL player Mike Comrie in August says that her wedding was not entirely a picture perfect moment. Duff revealed “The beginning part of the [wedding] day I lost my tooth – [my] tooth fell out in my hand.”
Duff explained “I bit into a bagel,” and “I was sitting on the bed with my mom and my sister and they’re like, ‘You’re an idiot! You did not! Come on!’”. Duff exclaimed that “I burst into to tears, Then I started laughing at myself and then I really burst into tears.”
Fortunately, the possibility of a toothless wedding photo was avoided in part by Hilary’s “amazing” wedding planner, Mindy Weiss; “Mindy’s sister’s husband’s best friend is a top dentist in Montecito and she called him up” Duff explained to Ellen.The newlywed added, “Thank God I didn’t swallow it. Not good for a bride on her wedding day”
Kat Von D has added ‘Adora’ to her line of palettes and she wants to show you how to use her exclusive Sephora palettes to get her look. Check out her videos below to see how Kat Von D gets herself glammed up.Check out Kat Von D using the ‘Metal Orchestra’ Palette
Mary J. Blige has been touring the country to launch her very own line of sunglasses. The stylish, classy, and stunning appeal hits all the right notes in terms of creating harmony with one’s style. If you missed your chance to see Mary J. Blige and you are in the Los Angeles area, stop by Nordstrom at the Grove and pick up a pair of Melodies and receive the opportunity to take a photo with Blige from 1pm to 3pm tomorrow.
Melodies may be purchased at Nordstrom which retails from $165 to $225. Melodies by MJB are a full-fledged line meaning you have options in terms of color and styles. My favorite are ‘Red Carpet’ Oversized Round Sunglasses which are very reminiscent of Jackie O. There is a color range that varies from Bone (shown above), Black, and Brown/White Horn. The ‘Showtime’ Metal Frame Sunglasses definitely have stunner appeal. While the ‘Incognito’ Metal Aviator Sunglasses deliver a stylish take on a classic look.
Kim Kardashian has a pair and says ‘I love my new Melodies sunglasses’. Kardashian is wearing ‘The MJs Oversized Glam’ Sunglasses in black. The ‘MJs’ also come in Brown Tortoise, Eggplant, and Tortoise. And if you haven’t become a fan of Melodies by MJB ‘Like’ it here. You can get the latest updates on the sunglasses and your chance to meet Mary J. Blige.
Willow Smith, of the Pinkett-Smith kin, has branched out to create a name for herself at the young age of 9. If her single ‘Whip My Hair’ hits #1 on the Bilboard charts, she’ll beat out the likes of Michael Jackson to become the youngest artist to break out onto the top stop in Bilboard Music History. See Willow ‘whip’ her hair in her video for her first single below.
Willow Smith has said “Whip My Hair means don’t be afraid to be yourself and don’t let anybody tell you that that’s wrong. Because the best thing is you.” While some have noted that Willow takes some fashion and style cues from Bajan beauty Rihanna, I will say that I adore Willow’s style because it is very age appropriate. While her style choice may seem slightly extreme at times, when you consider the fact that she is a child with a vivid imagination, the fashions behind Willow seem less ‘faux paus’ and more ‘imaginative’ and ‘expressive’. Essentially, she dresses like a kid not like she is trying to be an adult but rather how she sees herself and I admire that.
Willow Smith along with her brother Jaden are emerging within the music and acting world with roles in the I Am Legend and Karate Kid as well as singles between the two. With Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith behind them to help them grow as artists, I am sure the Pinkett-Smith family has definitely created a name within Hollywood that is reminiscent of the Barrymores and Coppolas.
This song is rather infectious, even Sesame Street has gotten into whipping their hair.
As you are already aware October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To help support awareness the world is turning pink. That’s right, your friends and family as well as historic buildings are turning pink and you can too. If you’re not on the facebook trend of turning your profile pink or telling the world where ‘you like to put it’ it’s not too late.
Castmembers Lea Michelle, Dianna Agron and Corey Monteith of ‘Glee‘ are shown in a very different styling than the characters they play on their hit television series.
The Parents Television Council said in a statement blasting the producers of ‘Glee’: “It is disturbing that GQ, which is explicitly written for adult men, is sexualizing the actresses who play high school-aged characters on ‘Glee’ in this way. It borders on pedophilia. By authorizing this kind of near-pornographic display, the creators of the program have established their intentions on the show’s direction. And it isn’t good for families.”GQ magazine has responded by saying:”The Parents Television Council must not be watching much TV these days and should learn to divide reality from fantasy,” Jim Nelson, editor-in-chief of GQ, said. “As often happens in Hollywood, these ‘kids’ are in their twenties. Cory Montieth’s almost 30! I think they’re old enough to do what they want.”
Dianna Agron has also responded on her blog saying: “In the land of Madonna, Britney, Miley, Gossip Girl, other public figures and shows that have pushed the envelope and challenged the levels of comfort in their viewers and fans…we are not the first. Now, in perpetuating the type of images that evoke these kind of emotions, I am sorry. If you are hurt or these photos make you uncomfortable, it was never our intention. And if your eight-year-old has a copy of our GQ cover in hand, again I am sorry. But I would have to ask, how on earth did it get there?”
Agron added “I am not a representative of the three of us, the show, or Fox, only myself.” You can read more of Argon’s poignant response to criticisms on her blog, here.
‘Modern Family‘ star Sofia Vergara and her son Manolo, 19, are featured in a new ‘Got Milk?‘ ad with the iconic milk mustaches.The two sit back to back while the ad says: “Family favorite. I love being a mom and doing what it takes to build a strong,modern family–like serving my little boy milk. It has nutrients like protein and potassium that have helped him become, well, not so little.”
British beauty Rachel Weisz, 4o, joins a long list of celebrities who have become a L’Oreal Paris Beauty Ambassador. The actress known for her movie roles such as The Mummy and The Mummy Returnswill star in global print advertisements which unfortunately will not be featured in the United States. Weisz says of her newest venture as a celebrity spokeswoman; “I am honored to be the new ambassador of L’OrealParis, which values both beauty and diversity”. If you are across the pond expect to see ads featuring Weisz as early as November featuring her using the brand’s skincare line, while other advertisements featuring makeup will appear in the Spring. Some celebrity faces affiliated with L’Oreal Paris include Beyonce Knowles, Penelope Cruz, Julianna Margulies, Eva Longoria, Frida Pinto, and Kerry Washington.
To promote her new book ‘Lauren Conrad Style’, reality star and fashion designer Lauren Conrad has released a F-bomb filled fashion PSA to encourage people to avoid kitten heels, jorts, and bedazzled t-shirts. Watch the PSA below:
Television Personality Lala Vazquez and R&B crooner Ciara have joined the It Gets Better movement by saying ‘it gets better’. Meaning life, especially after high school which can at times seem like the hardest thing to go through.
While the heavy response towards bullying seems directed towards individuals bullying the LGBT community, I want to point out that anyone can be bullied and anyone can be the bully regardless of gender status or sexual orientation. But with the heavy push of the media hopefully a positive impact can be made across the nation to promote a safer and more positive environment regardless of sexual orientation, weight, economic status, etc. Celebrities aren’t the only ones getting in on promotion of ‘It Gets Better’ companies like PopSugar have joined in the effort to promote safety and positivity as well.
Nude by Nature is Australia’s number one selling mineral makeup line. I first learned of the company when I was doing research on Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell. Campbell is a brand ambassador for Nude by Nature. I’m not going to lie, I was actually really scared to try mineral makeup again after experiences with some other brands which either made my skin itchy and uncomfortable or broke me out. I’ve tried other mineral-based makeup before and found that I didn’t like what I felt was heavy shimmer all over my combination skin. As I’ve said in past reviews, I have pretty good skin and I like to show it off from time to time. I was offered a chance to try Nude by Nature’s Bronzer, Mineral Finishing Veil, and Natural Mineral Cover. Before I talk about each item separately, I would like to tell you my absolute favorite part about this line. It absolutely doesn’t itch!!! If some of you have tried other brands of mineral makeup like I have, and have worn it on a warm day, you’ll understand that itchy and uncomfortable feeling that I’m pointing out. I would not say my skin is particularly sensitive but it does not agree with ingredients like bismuth. I have been using the brand for about a month so that I could accurately access how it performed (I even ran with it on to test if it would make my skin irritated). Mineral Bronzer: My two absolute favorite products from the line are the bronzer (also a favorite of Campbell) and their application brush. In the photo above I brushed the bronzer on my face for a sheer hint of color as well as used it to add definition to my eyes by placing the bronzer all over my lids extending slightly above the crease.A lot of times bronzers have either too much shimmer or comes in an unflattering shade but Nude by Nature’s Mineral Bronzer has a flattering color for all skin tones, is easy to apply and hard to overdo (although it is buildable). The brush is extremely soft and quickly became one of my favorite makeup brushes which I prefer even to the MAC brushes I normally use on my face. When I washed it to test it’s durability I found that I had virtually no shedding and maintained it’s shape and softness.
Natural Mineral Cover: This is the foundation which is not heavy like a foundation and not itchy like other mineral makeup. It contains Kaolin which is an Australian Organic Clay. Clays may sound like another word for dirt to you but even companies like Tarte cosmetics (a brand I also adore) uses clay infused in their foundation because certain clays are said to have nourishing benefits to skin. In terms of coverage, you can build with this product but a little goes a long way. For reference the picture above is a snapshot of me Natural Mineral Cover and the Mineral Bronzer for a fuller coverage look. Below is without the bronzer (accept for the eyelid which I foiled the bronzer for extra definition in place of a bronze eyeshadow). I like the Natural Mineral Cover for days when I feel like wearing makeup but crunched for time because blending is very easy with a quick dusting and buffing of minerals onto skin. Remember a little goes a long way so it’s better to start off with small amounts of product and add more if necessary. This product is buildable and can act as your concealer. I actually use it as my undereye concealer because it gives me a more natural look even when I’m wearing other foundations. Mainly because I don’t end up having to layer a heavy cream under a powder, the Mineral Cover both corrects and sets itself. My favorite part about the Natural Mineral Cover is that it doesn’t have that dreaded disco ball shine that can make oily skin look even more oily and dry skin look like fish scales. It has a creamy, luminescent and soft quality and look to it.
Mineral Finishing Veil: Below is a photo using all three products; the Natural Mineral Cover, Mineral Bronzer, and Mineral Finishing Veil.
My favorite part about the Mineral Finishing Veil is that it doesn’t deposit any added color and that it’s super light and airy which aids in setting and blending. Sometimes I like to just where the Mineral Finishing Veil on days where I just want to show my skin but reduce shine.Overall, my experience with Nude by Nature so far has been a great one. Here are some quick highlights about the company and products:
Nude by Nature was founded in 2008; is Australia’s #1 mineral makeup brand.
Mineral Makeup is chemical-free and 100% pure mineral makeup
Bismuth-free (No itchy, irritated skin)
Has natural SPF
Miss Australia Jesinta Campbell is Nude by Nature’s Brand Ambassador (Her favorite product in the line is the bronzer)
I look forward to using and familiarizing myself more with the brand and trying out different looks and getting back to all of you with more details. While I’ve only talked about a few of Nude by Nature’s products, they actually have a full line of products for lips, eyes, cheeks, and even a primer. Thank you for your emails and as always I will try to reply as quick as possible. If you haven’t checkout Nude by Nature’s Facebook Page which has photos, news, and insights on the brand.
Images courtesy of Nude by Nature and HanaiHoney. Special thanks to Elissa of HiLife Health & Beauty.
I hope everyone is in good spirits and doing well. I have been getting your emails and I’m trying to keep up with my promise to respond as much as possible. I’ve also been having camera issues which is why I’ve been taking less photos which has been a question I’ve been getting. I’ve been getting several emails regarding a few current event topics and self-esteem issues. I think there is so much to be said about self-esteem, beauty, dealing with negative people (haters!) but I just wanted to just share a little bit about myself to be really honest and open with you all. I’ve replied to emails and shared some things and answer questions but in case you just look here time to time I just wanted to say that I’ve been picked on before, I’ve had people say and do really hurtful and mean things to me, and I can admit without regret at times I’ve let it break me down, but I didn’t let it destroy me. Today on my facebook I wrote an update and said:
‘I decided…’ is one of the most powerful words you can ever utter. It shows stregth and responsibility even when fear and confusion exists. It shows commitment and willingness to endure a longer and harder path even if you have to do it on your own. Whatever your problem is; beauty, finances, self esteem, employment, family, you can begin on the path to overcome by saying ‘I decided…’
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I meant what I said in writing that. I’ve looked up to several people growing up, one of them being Tyra Banks, who we know as a model, talk show host, judge on ANTM and many other things being the mogul she is. But one of the things that I have learned from her words is when she once spoke about ‘being relatable’ and the challenges that come with it. Tyra Banks, just like myself, and many of your favorite celebrities and role models have at some point have had to deal with negativity, violence, harassment, etc. From Tyra Banks I learned that I too want to be relatable and one day ‘I decided…’ that if someone said something negative to me about the way I think, look, or act that it was not ok but also not going to change the course of my life. Of course it still hurt but the beautiful thing about it that I’m experiencing now as an adult is that I meet kids and teens now who express the same emotions that I felt and I can tell them I too can relate. While the current campaign against bullying has been focused more one sexuality and seen as a ‘new issue’; it is anything but. I believe various types of harassment do not just affect one segment of our population, it’s just due to current events and media, often one face becomes the poster child for a problem that affects so many people such as eating disorders, poverty, AIDS/HIV, etc.
Actress Brittany Snow and MTV has launched the ‘Love is Louder’ Campaign. Disney Lovato has been involved with several anti-bullying campaigns.
Which follows a number of other celebrities, organizations, clubs, and promotions that send the same message that you are not alone, we all have the power to take part in making a positive environment, and that your life is worth it.
The worst thing you can do is throw your life away especially because another person makes you feel your life is not as valuable or promising as theirs. Don’t throw your life away with drugs, cutting your education short, or harming yourself or others. As Ellen Degeneres has said on her show “Things will get easier, peoples’ minds will change, and you should be alive to see it.”
I know this isn’t a makeup or ‘beauty’ post so with that said I did do a review on an affordable mineral makeup which I’m using in the photo below. I do believe beauty is not skin deep but rather something that radiates through our spirit and compassion for humanity.
Victoria’s Secret may be known more commonly associated with lingerie-clad women and their depiction of Angels but the brand has launched it’s own version of Sailors, Nurses, Flight Attendants and more with their new fantasy costume line for the Sexy Little Fantasies collection.Victoria’s Secret Angel Candace Swanepoel models the various costumes for the line. The costumes retail from $68 to $189. My personal favorites are the ballerina and the bride. While I don’t recommend the costumes for an office party or public functions I think they make a fun fantasy for a Halloween party indoors for a party of two.
I’ve personally always been a fan of reggae beats because like poetry, art, dance, and theatre the arts as a whole play a great source of inspiration for inciting freedom and promoting independence, tolerance, and respect for one another. I believe music in particular is a great source of freedom because I believe when it comes to hate and negativity the biggest battle comes from within, and sometimes through music we are able to channel our anger into something positive and go to a place where tests of life become testimonies of self.
I think being in a free world leaves many of us ignorant to the lack of freedom that exists in many countries. If you don’t know who Aung San Suu Kyi is, you should take the time and opportunity to find out about her story.
Mineral Bronzer: My two absolute favorite products from the line are the bronzer (also a favorite of Campbell) and their application brush. In the photo above I brushed the bronzer on my face for a sheer hint of color as well as used it to add definition to my eyes by placing the bronzer all over my lids extending slightly above the crease.
