Blaq Vixen Beauty

Today's Chic Combo post is by far my favorite as I was inspired by Afrobella's photoshoot with Chicago makeup artist Bisi Essen of Crystal Eyez and photographer Cadence Gamache. I just love how she's holding up her blog tag necklace like, "Make no mistake, I run THIS!!"

Today was the first day her limited edition "All Of My Purple Life" Lipglass became available to purchase. Since I cannot be any more happier for her or the fact that I scored TWO tubes of AMPL after missing out twice today, I've been swinging on the Grustling Godmother's (of Brown Beauty Blogging) ovaries practically all day. I'm not ashamed either because I know this will probably be the closest I'll get to her. Another order (or two) of AMPL is in the works!

All Shades of Beautiful will be about that Purple Life for six weeks!

Editor's note: The following products were sent for editorial consideration.

This past weekend, I had such a fun time experimenting with some of the China Glaze Crackle polishes I received a couple of weeks ago. I picked up a package of nail wheels from Sally Beauty and swatched away. I used China Glaze's Poolside Collection (from Summer 2010) as the base colors:

From left: Sun Worshipper, Kiwi Cool-ada, Flip Flop Fantasy, Towel Toy Boy, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini and Pool Party. These definitely look better with a shiny topcoat like Seche Vite. I used three coats for each one. Click to enlarge.

Crackle, snap...shatter?

Take an exotic island escape with China Glaze this summer with a tropical, shimmering rainbow of brilliant bright colors! Mix and match these hot hues to add a candy-like pop to that summer manicure and pedicure. Colors in the collection include:

• Papaya Punch: Creme based vivid orange.
• 108 Degrees: Flirtatious berry pink with specks of micro glitter.
• Senorita Bonita: Passionate purple shimmer with pink micro glitter.
• Blue Iguana: Bold and daring sparkly blue.
• Cha Cha Cha: Vivacious shimmer green.
• Electric Pineapple: High intensity crème based lime green.

Here's to a glamorous vacation in color! The China Glaze Island Escape collection will be available as open stock colors, as a 6 piece box collection, 6 piece counter display, 12 piece counter display and 36 piece rack. Visit www.chinaglaze.com or follow the brand on Twitter: @chinaglaze.

Last month, I had the pleasure of being invited to partake in a survey from Essence Insiders. Here were the two proposed April 2011 covers with the fabulous Jennifer Hudson. I had to choose which cover appealed to me the most:

"Where You At" on these covers?

For the week of January 7-14, I decided to post a bit more beauty posts this week so I wouldn't be tempted to deviate from my goal for this month! Out of the ten beauty stories we posted this week, six were based on a press that I received in the past two weeks. In fact, the most popular post this week was derived from a press release about Dr. Dre's new video "Kush." Here are the posts for the second week of January just in case you missed them:

1. Video Vixens Vamp it Up in Body Drench, Ardell Lashes and China Glaze
2. Should You Avoid MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder?
3. Which Makeup Look Do You Like Best on Melanie Barnett-Davis: Edgy or Natural?
4. Sephora and ShopBop Team Up for Color Play and a Giveaway
5. How to Get Dania Ramirez's 2011 People's Choice Awards Makeup Look
6. Jessica White's Blush in Maybelline New York's Limited Edition 2011 Calendar
7. Enter to Win Sephora's Urban Decay 15 Years of Beauty Sweepstakes
8. Limited Edition Sephora by OPI Gleek Chic Collection Preview
9. Will You Enter Black Opal's True Beauty Model Search?
10. Nails of the Week: Zoya Nail Polish in Kristi from the Wonderful Collection

Just in case you're watching the season 4 premiere of The Game today, enjoy these fashion posts:

1. Tia Mowry-Hardrict Wears French Connection Samantha Sequin Dress on The Mo'Nique Show
2. Tia Mowry-Hardrict Wears Lanvin for H&M Hot Pink Dress on The Wendy Williams Show
3. Melanie Barnett's Wedding Dress from The Game TV Show, Designed by Stacy Beverly

The MAC Pink Friday 4 Lipstick poll is still going on! Two more weeks left before I either host a giveaway or do a post on how to wear this limited edition shade. I wish I had more information about when MAC Cosmetics will bring it back. So far, 57% percent of you want me to do a post on how to wear it plus post dupes for Pink Friday 4.

Also, are you need in some free software geared toward women? If so, then enter our ChicaPC-fix Software giveaway. 20 winners will each receive a 1-year license key by email. This giveaway will end on January 29, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.

Anything new in your world? Have a great weekend!

You ever wonder what type of beauty products video vixens might use on set? I know this subject might be taboo but sometimes you can't help but wonder, right? Well, I recently found out which products were used to keep the gals glimmering and gorgeous in the "Kush" music video from rapper Dr. Dre featuring guest rappers Akon and Snoop Dogg.

Video vixens beauty secrets revealed!

All hands on deck - it's nautical-inspired glitters and cremes for Spring 2011! China Glaze wants you to sail away this Spring with their Anchors Away collection which is comprised of 12 bold, confident and ethereal hues:

Will you be singing "Anchors Aweigh" with China Glaze?

For the past couple of days, I've been trying to decide what color to paint my nails. I have the China Glaze Tis the Season to be Naughty or Nice Collection (which I'm going to try to swatch tonight. I'm such a procrastinator.) and of course, I have my favorites but not one compares to Ruby Pumps. Not one. This is like the Lauryn Hill of red nail polishes. You can't tell me nothing right now.