Blaq Vixen Beauty

Like generations of families, I too grew up with JOHNSON’S® Baby products and their classic scent and feel. In fact, before I go to bed I sometimes use JOHNSON'S® Bedtime Lotion, enriched with lavender, to lull Luca and myself to sleep!

---Johnson's Baby brand ambassador Hillary Duff

Towards the end of February, Johnson's Baby reached out to me to become of their official brand ambassadors on their Johnson's CARES Council platform. I was absolutely shocked to even be considered. Fast-forward to me finally sharing this great news with the Blaq Vixen Beauty family. (more...)

I haven't been to a club since November, and even then I was too busy observing local beauty/fashion trends (for research of course) to even thoroughly enjoy myself. I picked a table in the middle of the club and mentally jotted out ideas for future blog posts. Don't even ask. It's a habit now.

However, I wasn't really equipped with the beauty essentials to settle comfortably in the night life anyway. If you take a gander in my Marc by Marc Jacobs Small Cosmetic Case, you won't find any awe-inspiring purchases only because the struggle is real out here. I spend my days (and nights) grustling just so I have enough gas money. Newfangled makeup splurges aren't at the top of my list of priorities nowadays unfortunately. (more...)

Editor's note: Color-forecasting company Pantone christened Tangerine Tango (color 17-1463) as the hue for 2012. In response, Blaq Vixen Beauty curated several guides that feature the best beauty, fashion and lifestyle products available in this vivacious, energy boosting hue. Enjoy!

This is the hottest "strip club" everyone is talking about! If Minx and Shellac gel manicures are out of your budget (or simply not your preference), nail wrap foils and strips are the next best thing. Not only are these fingernail-sized masterpieces cheaper than an airbrushed manicure, but they are quicker and more convenient to apply. Forget potentially dangerous UV lamps---these fashion-forward nail sets require minimal drying time without heat.

We're currently stuck on several eclectic and gorgeous nail strip designs from some of our favorite beauty brands. In honor of 2012 and Pantone's color of the year Tangerine Tango, we've listed the top 5 nail polish strip designs you need to try: (more...)

Editor's note: The products mentioned in this post were sent for editorial consideration to coincide with the launch of My Shade of Brown in February.

After weeks of playing around with the products included in the first installment of My Shade of Brown, I finally settled on two Spring 2012 beauty trends you can easily achieve: hot pink lips and a smooth, satin complexion, courtesy of Big Girl Cosmetics Lip Shine and Yana Cosmetics Satin Finish Foundation, respectfully.

A prevalent theme in this first pillow box (and possibly for future pillow boxes) is the natural/organic beauty motif. Four out of five products are organic with the exception of the lip shine. Then there's the price---you won't find too many beauty boxes that cost $10 a month and offer great products that work well for women of color. Overall, for their first effort, I'd say My Shade of Brown shows promise and I hope we will see more exciting, funkier brands in future installments.

However, in the meantime, check out two beauty trends you can try now with two of the products in your February 2012 My Shade of Brown pillow box: (more...)

Editor's note: The following infographic is courtesy of I Need Pampering, created exclusively for Blaq Vixen Beauty.

With crimson ruling as the calling card of the fearless (or freaky, depending on who you ask) on the runways, it's no wonder why we're not lining up to be "Little Red Riding Eyes" this season. Sure, we'll rock the hell out of a crisp, matte Ruby Woo'd pout, but sporting hot flashes as eyeshadow or eyeliner? Leave that task to Chanel Iman or Jasmine Tookes.

Enter Barbados bombshell Rihanna. The "Talk that Talk" performer, who consistently collaborated with her makeup artists Mylah Morales and Karin Darnell during her "Rated R" and "LOUD" phases, took a garish, high fashion trend and demystified it by wearing it in ways that cemented her as a beauty icon.

While red eyeshadow is a coveted trend for Spring 2012, it requires one to be flexible, experimenting with different variations and techniques to own the look. What we love about Rihanna is she didn't just wear it once in just one way----she wore it four times in four, fierce ways. Better still, you can too: (more...)

Two-time Emmy Award-winning celebrity hairstylist Kiyah Wright graced the 65th bi-annual Bronner Bros International Hair Show this weekend. The Clairol Professional colorist mingled with stylists, barbers and hair enthusiasts about the industry's hottest trends and newest hair techniques. This year, Wright observed hair show attendees and reported on the top three hair trends from the show: (more...)

Editor's note: The products mentioned in this article were provided for editorial consideration. Photo taken from Makeup Your Mind: Express Yourself by Francois Nars.

1. Brow/Lash Comb, $4; 2. All Over Eyeshadow Brush, $4; 3. Angled Eye Liner Brush Head (included in Starter Set, $12); 4. Powder Brush, $9; 5. Bent Liner Brush, $4; 6. Shadow Crease Brush, $4 and 7. Foundation Brush Head (included in Starter Set, $12). Not pictured: Dual-Ended Magnetic Brush Handle.

T  H  E || B  A  C  K  S  T  O  R  Y

I prefer a bold lipcolor (my "power lip"), mascara and eyeliner over a fully beat face. I've got a decent makeup brush collection but Japonesque's new Artist Tools collection changed everything. After learning about these great brushes in late November, I was intrigued by the thought of an interchangeable, magnetic, snap-on makeup brush collection.

But what really piqued my interest was these travel-savvy beauty must-haves actually looked to be high-quality and professional-grade. Of course, I had to see how easy makeup application would truly be with these portable makeup brushes.

(more...)