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...)

"Jumping the Broom" star Loretta Devine arrived at the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards in a Deanzign Couture Emerald Green Jersey Dress. We thought she looked superb in this gown but would've loved it if she had better support! Nevertheless, Devine was still one of the best dressed of the evening. She won for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama for her role as Adele Webber on Grey's Anatomy.

Celebrity makeup artist Anthony Merante worked with the Emmy winner last night. He applied Anastasia Illumin8 Eye Shadow Duo in My Bedford (pale pink shimmer/ violet sheen combo), "with a damp brush to give it staying power." Merante coated Devine's lashes with Anastasia Lash Lifting Mascara.

Devine's flattering flush is courtesy of Bobbi Brown's Chocolate Cherry Pot Rouge. He lined her lips with MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner Pencil in shade Matte Raspberry 10C (a deep berry plum) and applied Anastasia Hydrafull Gloss in Sangria, a berry pink shimmer.

Happy first day of summer to all of you!!

If you liked the Johnson's Baby Powder as a body veil tip, maybe you'll love this next tip: layer Johnson's Baby Oil Gel over sunscreen. This is actually a Sports Illustrated (SI) Swimsuit Issue Beauty Secret I remembered reading on the InStyle website. Makeup artist Tracy Murphy says she reaches for the Johnson's Baby Oil Gel because "it's super shiny, repels water and looks absolutely stunning in pictures."

Who knew Johnson's Baby Oil Gel could be glamorous?!

I'm not sure if I can adequately describe my adoration of Keri Hilson's makeup look at this year's Billboard Music Awards but I'll try. I love how Hilson's winged, green and gold eyes complemented her  chartreuse, sheer bell sleeved Rachel Roy mini dress (paired with a turquoise belt) and nude glitter Christian Louboutin Balota Sandals. The touch of blush and baby pink lips pulled it all together. Celebrity Ashunta Sheriff so graciously (again) shared the details and inspiration behind Hilson's look. "[I] was reminded of Michelle Pfeiffer from Scarface. It was very 1970's inspired with icy pastel colors [which I] made modern and fresh by infusing warm golden and copper colors to make Keri's skin glow. We also added two pairs of Ja'Maal Buster Lashes to add some serious drama."

This Pretty Girl definitely Rocked!

As you might know, I consider Nia Long as one of my girl crushes. Last month, I posted her entire skin care regimen but never had the pleasure of posting what products were used to create one of her beauty looks. Well, if you caught Long on "The View" this past Tuesday, you might have noticed that she was glowing more than usual. Celebrity makeup artist Saisha Beecham said that she knew that Nia "would be wearing a coral Rachel Roy [Fold-Neck] Dress, so I wanted to give her a subtle peachy/coral look." You can check out more of Saisha Beecham's work at her website. You can also follow her on Twitter at @saishabeecham.

Get the look!

Editor's note: Thanks to Blaq Vixen Beauty reader Liliana B, this post has been updated with the correct information. Very sorry for the confusion!

Update: Get Cassie's Dimepiece Designs La Mode Crop Top at Karmaloop.com Save 10% (returning customers) or 20% when you use rep code BLAQVIXEN at checkout.

Another beauty mystery solved! This time, I finally learned what shade of lipstick Cassie was wearing in Wiz Khalifa's "Roll Up" video. I asked celebrity makeup artists Mylah Morales about the shade on Tumblr but she couldn't recall the brand. Then I received an email from one of my awesome contacts at CoverGirl. That pretty pink pucker is courtesy of CoverGirl Lip Perfection in Enchantress. I'm picking this up ASAP!!

Now get her jewelry and nails!

If you're stumped as to what to buy in order to get free shipping ($50+), black|Up Cosmetics have teamed up with their brand ambassador, celebrity makeup artist Mylah Morales, to give black|Up Facebook fans exclusive beauty tips. This post will be updated with new information weekly!

Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin' with no makeup on...

Yesterday I finally picked up the March 2011 issue of Essence Magazine (with Angela Bassett on the cover). I was looking forward to a couple of features in this particular issue - the Essence 2011 Beauty Awards, Angela Bassett's "Unstoppable" and of course, Amber Riley's "She's Every Woman" photoshoot. I shot celebrity makeup artist Saisha Beecham an email after she revealed that she did Riley's makeup on Facebook.

For a moment, I honestly didn't think I would get this exclusive but Saisha came through last night. I am totally grateful that she emailed me back and I'm able to share this information with you all! She used all NARS Cosmetics. You can check out her profile on the Tamu Artist Agency website. For even more information, check out her website, her Facebook and Twitter.

Amber Riley is such a scene-stealer, thanks to Saisha Beecham!

Tomorrow, which is also the beginning of Fashion Week, New York City will have another reason to celebrate: NARS Cosmetics is scheduled to open their first flagship boutique there with the help of Fabien Baron. The 525-square foot space fuses elements of modernity and artistry with the feeling of a residental space that is inviting and uniquely NARS. The boutique's design encourages customers to play with color. To read more about the inspiration behind the boutique and the location, read the exclusive interview with Francois Nars and Fabien Baron.

It's a NARS attack!