Blaq Vixen Beauty

Editor's note: As Blaq Vixen Beauty is a member of Rent the Runway, by clicking the link to rent Rihanna's electric blue sheath, we benefit from the transaction by receiving a $20 credit. If this is your first rental, use checkout code SPRING25 to receive $25 off.

It seems ages since we first saw Rihanna grace the Pepsi Refresh Project Kick Off Party back in February 2012 in a Christian Siriano Coastal Print Ruffle Dress. However, after being featured in Rent the Runway's slideshow of celebs today, it was a nice reminder of the old Rihanna.

I love structured pieces with gravity-defying details so the air grazing side ruffle really appealed to me. Combined with the multicolored coastal print and sweetheart neckline, this is one of my favorite looks the singer has worn.

While some of us complain about the lack of "Negro woman nude shoes," the $675 Jimmy Choo Ivette Sandals in patent leather nude the beautiful bombshell wore complemented her flawless cafe au lait skintone beautifully.

The elegant strappy stunners boast arched, interwining straps, delicate, adjustable side straps and a low, skinny heel. Butter Women's Shawnee Ankle-Strap Sandals at $215.60 are a fabulous substitute.

If you don't mind wearing a piece made popular in 2010 by this bold Barbadian babe, rent this $1,900 blue wonder from Rent the Runway for $200 for four days or $320 for eight days.

From BILLBOARD'S THE HOOK---Remember I said in my review for Reb'l Fleur I was "hoping for something more primal" and "something that read 'sex'?" Well, I think RIhanna's Rebelle could be that fragrance! Described as "raw and edgy," this erotic elixir is an ode to the singer's "mysterious and sensual side."

How does this new scent promise to "entice and entrance" fly girls wanting to get a piece of Rih's "yummy" action? "My new fragrance is about taking control but still being a lady. There's a feminine, romantic element to the fragrance," explained Rihanna. Additionally, Rebelle has "a defiant quality" underneath the elegance. "I love its duality," Rihanna gushed.

Housed in the same bottle design as its predecessor, Rebelle boasts a glowing gold vial with a twisting crimson overlay to represent the sweet and spicy composition of the fragrance. Instead of Reb'l Fleur's fruity combo, Rebelle's notes include amber and coffee beans with a dash of vanilla.

I'm all for the duality that Rebelle represents, but I definitely hope this second effort brings the sexy in Spring 2012!

Rihanna sure does love her burgundy/maroon gel manicures, doesn't she? Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees uses gel on [Rihanna] all of the time because it stays "flawless" and is "perfect" since she is always traveling.

For her appearance on American Idol and later at Coachella, Rihanna decided to go with a "moon manicure with just a little drama." So Kyees turned to two products - Ez Flow Buff Gelez and IBD Red Velvet Gelac (which Rihanna exclaimed was "gorgeous" when Kyees showed her the color).

First, Kyees applied a layer of Buff (a subtle, shimmery nude gel polish) and then added a coat of Red Velvet (a deep shimmery maroon gel polish) on top. Rihanna wore statement rings to compliment her gel manicure.

What do you think of this combo? Check out Rihanna's performance on American Idol below:

By far, this has to be my favorite shade of red on Rihanna. Celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen said, "First, I looked for a new red color and brought a variety of options to try but ultimately felt this one really stood out as the best." I completely agree - this shade stood out in a great way.

“When Rihanna and I collaborate, we are always searching to recreate her image through her hair. Since we’ve recently done a lot of texture and length, we wanted to mix it up. While we talked about going shorter,  I wanted to try something a little newer on her than the sleek bob that you are used to seeing."

What's her name? Red.

Updated 4 February 2011: Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics have created a new Lip Tar exclusively for Valentine's Day 2011. Now through February 14 only, all orders over $50 USD get a free Lip Tar in Valentino. Enter code VALENTINO in Special Instructions at checkout.

Sticks and stones may break my bones...

Editor's note: I bought and review Reb'l Fleur.

Although several sources are reporting that Rihanna's "Reb'l Fleur" fragrance will officially rule the shelves come February 2011, some customers have reported that their Macy's have it in stock already.

Described as "daring, sexy and truly memorable," Reb'l Fleur was created in collaboration with Carolina Sabas and Marypierre Julien of Givaudan. Although Reb'l Fleur is touted as "an intense and daring fruity chypre" with "sophisticated florals" such as tuberose, violet, and hibiscus, Sabas and Julien managed to infuse a bit of Caribbean flair to the "daring and sexy" scent. A "splash of coconut water" was added to pay homage to Rihanna's hometown of St. Michael, Barbados. It is rumored that the Reb'l Fleur's drydown is reminiscent of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb. However, this depends on the individual and of course, the perfume.

While Rihanna boasted that her "runway never looked so clear," the inspiration behind the Reb'l Fleur's bottle design is not. While I understand that the strategic onyx and topaz pattern engraved on the bottle is supposed to resemble a high heel, I still find it odd. However, the interlocking rings on the bottom of the stopper (also onxy and topaz) are a nice touch. I guess the pattern on the box is supposed to be a high heel as well?

Are you ready to add Reb'l Fleur to your growing collection of celebrity scents or perhaps you're waiting for Rihanna to "take a bow" and focus on "fading?" Reb'l Fleur will be the latest addition to the growing Parlux fragrance family.

More Ulta...

Image via Our Vanity

While most of the fashion choices seen on the red carpet weren't very inspiring, I knew I could count on Rihanna to stay true to her killer fashion sense!

If RIhanna's gown looks familiar, it's because it's from Elie Saab Couture Fall 2009 collection. Of all the white gowns I've seen at the awards shows lately, this is one of my favorites.

Celebrity makeup artist Mylah Morales told the Elle News blog that she was inspired by the makeup at the show, thus creating a couture-inspired makeup look.

Instead of matte white shadow, Morales opted for white shadow with a shimmery, pretty texture. She turned to Dior 1-Colour Ultra-Smoothing High Impact Eyeshadow in Crystal White. Instead of applying an eye primer, Morales applied the product with a damp brush to "ensure more intense and long-lasting coverage."

Not only was Rihanna a chic ice queen, but she was a twinkling Lash Barbie as well. On Twitter, Eyelash Guru Ja'Maal Buster revealed that Rihanna was wearing his lashes in "Notice Me," which are from his QVC exclusive lash line. Unfortunately, they're not available yet but they will be soon, as Ja'Maal Buster assured us. Morales coated these babies in CoverGirl LashBlast Length Mascara. "I used about three coats because I wanted the lashes to look spiky," Morales spilled.

At last, the glowing finish. Thanks to Dior Bronze Original Tan in Amber Tan (jaw line and cheeks, layered over facial moisturizer and foundation) and NARS Orgasm Illuminator (cheekbones, chin and upper lip), Rihanna proved you could go soft and still be hard.

More Christian Dior...