Blaq Vixen Beauty

Channel Your Inner Coffy with Melody Ehsani and MAC

BlaqVixenBeauty — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:59:40 -0500

"This is the end of your rotten life, you motherf**kin' dope pusher!" And that was my formal introduction to blaxploitation screen goddess Pam Grier, starting with Coffy. When I saw this exclusive (at left) Melody Ehsani The Exclusive Swarovski Pow Gun Ring in Black, $48 ($43.20 with rep code BLAQVIXEN) over at Karmaloop, I was instantly reminded of this scene. Ehsani launched this ring four days ago after debuting it in the May 2010 issue of Glamour Magazine with Keri Hilson.

You didn't think you could learn a thing or two about beauty from Coffy, did you? Well, you're wrong. Peep the individual lashes, luminous cheekbones and nude lips. After a bit of research, I've found some products that you could use to replicate the look:

lashes. Try MAC's 2 Lash or even 4 Lash to get Coffy's wispy fringe. Apply black eyeliner on your lashline. You might have to trim the edges of the eyelashes to get a perfect fit. You can use cuticle scissors for this. Pick up the false eyelashes with tweezers and apply DUO Eyelash Adhesive on the edge of the lashes. Wait a couple of seconds and then apply the false eyelashes to your lashline, starting from the inner corners. Apply black eyeliner to conceal any visible glue. I love using L'Oreal HIP high intensity pigments Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in Black.

luminizers. Based on this photo, Moon Beam by Benefit Cosmetics, $24 is probably the perfect product to impart that golden apricot glow. If you can't find the top of your cheekbones, just smile and dab Moon Beam and extend up towards your temples. Buff into the skin with your fingers and then make a "v" by extending from your temple to your brow bone. Keep blending until you don't see any demarcations. You want to appear to be naturally iridescent and blessed with great cheekbones! I learned this technique from Spoiled Pretty last year.

nude glosses. My favorite part of the whole look, believe it or not! My ideal nude is MAC Lip Pencil in Chestnut with Viva Glam V Lipglass. But before I even get into your choices, make sure that you've prepare your pout. First, exfoliate. You can use a toothbrush, some of your facial scrub or even a lip treatment kit like ARTISTRY Lip Care Kit (clearly a luxury for $20). Next, moisturize. My top products would be Smith's Rosebud Salve, EOS Lip Balm (I love Sweet Mint) or even unrefined shea butter like Peace, Love and Sunshine's Pure Raw Unrefined Shea Butter. For nudes, Bobbi Brown and MAC have numerous options. In fact, Danielle from the Style and Beauty Doctor wrote a very informative article titled Nude Lipstick for Skin of Color. Go check it out to complete your fierce look.

What are your favorite Pam Grier movies?

Quote Her: Mercy Over Money

BlaqVixenBeauty — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:35:30 -0600

“

The [dating] advice I would give to women: Don't look at the bankbook or the title. Look at the heart. Look at the soul.

”- First Lady Michelle Obama (in the December 2009 issue of Glamour)

What is Glamour?

BlaqVixenBeauty — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:37:27 -0500

“

You've asked me what glamour is, and I've given it a lot of thought. Glamour is the style and elegance that becomes a particular woman's trademark. For most, it is the hair, the clothes, the bag and the fine jewelry. It is that for sure, but glamour to me is also something so much more. It is a woman's power. The power of confidence, the power of success, the power to walk into a room and bring all voices to a hush and all eyes in one direction: hers. That's glamour.

”Beyonce's definition of glamour (Glamour's 70th Anniversary Issue - April 2009)

Intro: How to Stay Feminine in Uniform

BlaqVixenBeauty — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:41:06 -0500

The reason behind this new series is to prove that you can still be professional and feminine (as long as you abide by your service's dress and appearance regulations) while in uniform. I've only served in the Navy and Air Force but I've always managed to maintain my femininity - whether it be through a new hairstyle, wearing a French manicure or wearing lip gloss with a hint of sparkle.

Maybe the latest issue of Glamour arrived in your mailbox? If so, then maybe you've read Cindi Levie's "Courage is Beautiful?" I loved how they displayed women from all the branches reading Glamour magazine. However, I especially enjoyed seeing female Hospital Corpsmen stationed with the 3rd Medical Battalion posing with the magazine as well as Airmen applying blush and nail polish while on deployment! Didn't matter if it seemed trivial at the time; I was just happy to see servicewomen not forgetting that they're a woman first, a Sailor, Soldier or Airman second.

Then there was the "Back-From-Iraq Makeover" article in which three Army officers received makeovers from Glamour's pro beauty and fashion teams. While I applauded Glamour for giving these lucky ladies the chance to be pampered and primped, I think that Glamour should have selected women from all of the branches - both officers and enlisted. Furthermore, I would've been happier had they included women of color to be hooked up!

Call me inspired because I asked on Twitter: "Wouldn't it be nice of all women returning from Iraq received makeovers (if they wanted them)?" As Rashida B. said, "You'd be surprised, everyone knows someone who's loved one is over there." And she's right. I'm sure we all know someone who loves getting perfume, facial masks and bath salts in their care packages. But what about taking that to a national level - a sort of Look Good...Feel Better program for our returning soldiers. To prove that your femininity is still there, ready to be awakened with lip gloss, lashes and legs!

So welcome to the introduction of my "How to Stay Feminine in Uniform" series! I hope this helps you or someone you know to stay girly but professional in the military.

Quote Her: Maya Angelou on Glamour

BlaqVixenBeauty — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:46:10 -0600

“

Glamour is profound. Glamour is saying: I want to be as beautiful as I can be - to myself first and then to anyone else who has enough sense to see.

”- Author Maya Angelou at Glamour's 2009 Women of the Year Awards, also quoted in Glamour April 2010 issue