When you think of Jody Watley, very specific visuals might come to mind. Sleek hair. Bangin’ brows. Hoop earrings. A matte red lip. When I visualize Jody Watley, I always envision her in an all black ensemble. And for me that’s entirely because Jody Watley was one of my earliest beauty icons. Her Eighties hits like Looking For a New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Real Love, and Friends were in regular rotation on BET when that was my daily diet of TV, and they helped to shape my definition of beauty.

I have always had so much love for Jody Watley as an artist. And now she continues to make amazing music and she also has an incredible style blog — please do yourself a favor and check out JodyWatley.net for a much needed dose of style and glamour from of the best to ever do it!

When I went to the Beautylish Beauty Social last year, Jody greeted me with warmth and kindness, and even made a point to attend the Brown Girl Beauty Uncensored panel I participated in. Honored was NOT the word. I was so absolutely thrilled that she would do something like that!

Jody is as beautiful inside as she is out. We first met at the home of legendary makeup artist Billy B, and they told me all about the video they worked on together for A Beautiful Life. Directed by the insanely handsome and talented Mike Ruiz, with flawless makeup by Billy B, Jody is transformed into myriad looks to display the range of her gorgeousness. And in case you missed Billy’s interview about the amazing experience – click here to read Billy B on makeup, being a legend, and Jody!

Must have been A LOT of fun on that shoot! I was lucky enough to catch up with the beautiful and talented Jody Watley, and ask her questions for Afrobella.com. We discuss music, her personal history as an artist, the shoot for A Beautiful Life and her love for Billy, and her beauty and hair favorites! Read on, bellas!

The Afrobella Interview — Jody Watley

Afrobella -   Of course anyone who’s reading this blog would instantly know who you are, but I always love to ask people to define themselves. So for anyone who was born and raised under a rock and doesn’t know, who is Jody Watley?

Jody Watley — I’d just send them to my website and say “It’s all there”  to be honest, LOL! In short-form I’m a Grammy winning artist – Best New Artist of 1987. It’s been written that I’m one of the defining and trendsetting artists of the 80′s at my pinnacle – I’ve learned to really appreciate what that means because thousands of artists release music every year without an impact. My style and music videos it has been written – raised the bar for women in music – not just black artists which I find to be really humbling.

I am also the first artist to blend Pop/R&B and have a Hot 100 Top Five single with a customized 16 bar verse and guest rapper with Eric B. and Rakim – obviously that formula continues to dominate the charts. When Eric B and Rakim and I did “Friends” it was called a ‘duet’, because no one knew how to refer to it. It’s been written in a couple of books already about the history and evolution of Hip-Hop… that’s a little of who I am..I’m also a songwriter of the majority of my songs and not just eye candy, lol (had to say that). So, that’s a little of who I am – as an artist.

Afrobella -  Fans have watched you grow up right before our eyes, from the days of Shalamar and Soul Train to the Eighties, and right on up to now where you’ve been in control of your musical destiny. When you look back on your career, which three performances are your favorites?

Jody Watley — Thank you! Well, I’ve always been in control of my musical career since I went solo – with God’s grace, strength and wisdom…and of course my freestyle Soul Train days.

My Mom recently asked me if I remember telling her very matter of factly at 4 years old that I had started my own modeling agency, LOL! I’ve always had big dreams. My first stage appearance was with my godfather soul music great Jackie Wilson. It’s impossible to pick a favorite performance – my most recent shows in Japan were awesome – I really try to appreciate being in the moment and feel each opportunity I choose to take is special.

That said, every Arsenio Hall Show performance whether I was doing up-tempo/ jazz or inspirational (Friends, Your Love Keeps Working On Me, After You Who, It All Begins With You, etc). The MTV Awards, The Beacon in NYC, Gibson Amphitheatre some of the footage captured in my ‘Everything’ video..performing with Stevie Wonder for his Skeletons MTV Special, The White House by special invitation, Lifeball (Europe’s biggest AIDS Charity Gala) in Austria a couple of years ago was so fabulous and over the top and the biggest stage I’ve performed on  — so many…being a part of Band Aid..I can go on. God is good and I’m so thankful to have the opportunities I’ve been given.

Afrobella -  Would you say you have a signature look? I would say you change the hair but there’s a timeless quality to your look. If you had to describe the look that’s become synonymous with Jody Watley, what would you call it?

Jody Watley – Most people say the jumbo hoop earrings. I went looking for the biggest ones I could find. I wore big hoops in junior high – of course not a big, but the big ones for that time. I’ve also worn an afro off and on since junior high.

My solo debut my style was more street chic funky trendy and with punk rock edge (lots of black the metal belts with spikes, short studded biker boots, etc) my desire was to create timeless classic images. Mixed with that were high end designers like Gaultier (preceding Madonna), and Issey Miyake and also vintage – I’ve always added vintage since my Soul Train days.

I’m a true chameleon in that I’ve changed so much and adapted to so many styles that I like and have made them my own. The jumbo hoops are still here  – not just for me but I see them on other young singers on the commercial radar, reality stars, in fashion editorials etc..my style has always evolved. Toward the end of the 6 years I was in Shalamar I was heavily into Vivienne Westwood / World’s End. My solo debut was trendy with a rock girl edge..my second album went in a more high fashion direction with Steven Meisel shooting the album cover. David Fincher doing the video for ‘Real Love’ – all of that was a bit of the fashion curve at the time. All of it holds up which was my goal – to have everything from the start be as authentic as possible. “Still a Thrill” in Paris – was funky and chic at the same time. It was all un-choreographed freestyle, which was and is different than most ‘dance’ videos. Other than make-up, I was my own glam squad (no stylist) on the style tip – also very unique to other artists.

My third and fourth albums ‘Affairs of The Heart’ (Tailored suits) and ‘Intimacy’ (Bohemian chic) were more introspective and I really didn’t want the focus so much on the fashion so I took things down a notch but still very me.

Afrobella - I want to talk hair with you! In your stunningly directed video A Beautiful Life, you go through many hair transformations. Of course my favorite was the big, fabulous afro!! What was your favorite look from the video, and if you don’t mind me asking, how are you wearing your hair now? Any favorite products or recommendations?

Jody Watley – Thank you! ‘A Beautiful Life’ was written as one of two new songs I’d written for my last album in 2006 ‘The Makeover’, which was an ambient electronic covers album. I released it directly to a major retailer and it was #1 for them – really cool on the entrepreneurial side for me. The project had 3 Top Five Dance Singles on Billboard, with one of them, the makeover of the CHIC classic “I Want Your Love” giving me a 13th #1 Dance Single. “A Beautiful Life” was #5 and I wrote it with the thought of writing a song for women or anyone in a bad or unhealthy relationship. “I’d rather be living on my own, then to live in a constant state of misery…because I’m stronger, wiser and feeling beautiful” are a couple of my favorite lines. So, I write what I live or think other’s are living – always have, all of my songs tell a story – old and now. I have to say that, because when you’re not in the Top 40 the average person assumes an artist isn’t doing anything..sometimes that’s true but not for me.

I think that’s what everyone should aim for. Life is too short to settle for less. I’m not talking about money and superficial things in the song.

My favorite is the Philip Treacy cyborg hat. It was a fun day of hair and make-up with Mike Ruiz and Billy B. We were doing a photo session / video.

As far as products, I have so much stuff, my bathroom can double as a beauty supply. I’m always trying new things. I’m currently big on natural things you can keep in your kitchen, olive, coconut, jojoba and vitamin E oils — they all have natural anti-aging anti-oxidants. I like making my own concoctions. I recently did a coconut milk, coconut oil and avocado mask for my hair – it was fantastic. Fresh cold milk soaked eye pads are great to whiten and depuff the eyes. I recently started using that because I suffer from allergies, which can make my eyes puffy. It works, it’s also soothing. Fresh cold cucumbers work of course as well, but the milk is really something!

I also use a jade roller to ward off wrinkles – although my Mom is in her 70′s and doesn’t really have many wrinkles – so I made get lucky, LOL! But jade is an Eastern tool that’s been around for centuries. It’s also a great de-stressor, very relaxing. We’re all more beautiful with less stress!

Afrobella – You worked with makeup legend Billy B on that video, and he’s such an inspiration to me. Billy does such amazing work, particularly with women of color in my opinion. Talk to me about working with Billy – what’s it like, and what do you love most about him?

Jody Watley — We first worked together on the artwork for “The Makeover”, including the special effects faux plastic surgery photo’s for the inside booklet, inspired by a layout I’d seen in VOGUE Italia featuring Linda Evangelista photographed by Steven Meisel called “Makeover Madness”. I thought OMgosh, this will work for the album. Getting older in this business of course you see people painfully trying to hang on to their youth with plastic surgery and I wrote a bit on the inside about the unbalanced view we have now on what beautiful is and the lengths people go to erase father time. Anyway – that’s when I met Billy, in NYC for the session with Mike Ruiz. The second was the video for “A Beautiful Life”, and then fabulous “Lifeball” in Vienna, Austria…and a test session we did for ‘Chameleon’ – which I LOVE.

I adore that Billy is a southern gentleman. One would expect him to be a prima donna or full of attitude.  He knows his craft is so down to earth in a genuine way. Billy is collaborative yet very honest.  I remember him telling someone it’s not about the bag – it’s what’s IN the bag – and of course how to use it when giving advice to up and coming artists. That’s Billy. He also turned me on the fried olives, which I’d never heard of, lol. We had them at lunch once at one of his favorite Italian restaurants. No one does lashes on me like Billy – I want to say!

Afrobella – What’s your philosophy about beauty?

Jody Watley — I recently came across an article with me in my late teen’s from my Shalamar days and I was talking about the importance on taking care of yourself and to be happy and wanting to age well. It made me smile to see the younger me was already on the right path. I still agree with that – it’s from the inside – out. It’s how I raised my daughter – using your intellect and brains is beautiful. I made sure she knew her brown skin was beautiful. Much of what we feel about ourselves comes from our home environments and so parents must be mindful and diligent as teachers, role models and cheerleaders of our own children.

We are beautiful – in all of our diversity of hues, features, hair textures, personalities, shapes and sizes and so on. Growing up I had pics of a range of women I looked up to in addition to my own Mom – from Beverly Johnson, Diana Ross Judy Pace, Diahann Carroll,Nina Simone, activist Angela Davis – as well as Janice Dickinson and Twiggy. You can have a pretty face and be ugly – because of your actions or character. If you are miserable – it will show..so inside – out. A smile and a pleasant face can be beautiful. A positive attitude is beautiful.

It’s a blessing to grow older but it can be tough in that women are said to become more invisible the older we get. For me as I get older, it’s about doing it with grace. You can still be fly and fabulous but it’s about finding what works – wherever you are today.

Everyone has to define beauty for themselves, though I do think we are often too hard on ourselves, and the media doesn’t help. So it’s important to learn to love and appreciates ourselves; while always leaving room for improvement but not beating ourselves up about it. This sounds cliché but it’s true. Validate yourself and all that is distinctly you.

The title song of my forthcoming album is ‘Chameleon’ and the title song is about us as women, mothers, wives/ex-wives, daughters, etc – and all that we do and the changes we go through and not just our appearance – our journey.

Afrobella -  What are your favorite products right now? Skincare, makeup, perfume?

Jody Watley – I’ve been a longtime products fanatic – my bathroom is like a beauty supply store, LOL! I try new things all the time. Obviously, I’ve become very focused over the last 15 years on anti-aging treatments and creams. Retinol, etc. I answered this one above when speaking about how I use olive oil, etc…

I don’t wear much perfume I’m more of a scented cream or oils person but though I like Annick Goutal Petite Cherie, it’s very light. The coconut oil mixed with a touch of vanilla oil always seems to get a great reaction when I put that together. I like the soft scent of fresh roses. Monoi Tiare Tahiti Oil is yummy. When I wear my curly fro’ I really like what ‘Curls’ Coconut Sublime Conditioner does.

Make-up is a combination of Chanel, MAC, Kett, NARS and on and on! I love false eyelashes, and crazy about the range of choice in nail polish available now. My favorite lip colors at the moment are NARS Falbala and Clinique Chubby Stick 07 Super Strawberry – for a more natural mouth.

Rosebud Salve is one of my must-have at all times products. I keep it in my car and purse. It’s multi-purpose for quick fix dry skin (hands), lips (an instant gloss), hair (sheen), and it of course smells divine.

Also for dry hair — I love Moroccan Argan Oil.

Afrobella -   Tell me about A Beautiful Life – what message do you want your fans to get from the track?

Jody Watley — Aspire to be in a healthy, uplifting and empowering environment – personally and professionally. We all deserve it – believe that and don’t let anyone make you think / believe otherwise about your self worth and value. If you’re in an abusive environment – get out and don’t look back other than to remember the lessons you’ve learned.

Afrobella -  What new and exciting musical projects are you working on?

Jody Watley — My thoughts on releasing more albums continues to shift though I remain immersed in creativity of all forms – music remains a passion but I’m realistic in today’s sales climate – especially for established veteran artists. My last album in 2006 was an exclusive with the Virgin Megastore chain directly through continued entrepreneurial side. ‘The Makeover’ was #1 for them as they worked to bring consumers back to the brick and mortar retail experience. The album which is available at iTunes debuted at #3 Top Electronic Albums which was cool.

“Chameleon”, will be my 10th full length and touches in part on my early Disco/Funk influences which of course is also full circle for me as my career started back then first as a dancer on Soul Train and then as a member of the group Shalamar. Additionally, the music oozes with soulful dance and electronic music my genre since 1999.  I plan on releasing a summer single titled ‘Nightlife’ which is inspired by my love of 70′s disco funk.

I’ve also done two fun guest vocal appearances with Canadian Electro-Pop band “French Horn Rebellion” as well as Stones Throw’s international modern funk artist Dam-Funk which I believe will be out this summer.

I’ve been doing select live dates to preview my new music, celebrate the 25th anniversary of my solo debut..and all of the other great music I’ve been known for the past few decades.

I have  literary aspirations in books that can translate to TV and film. I’ve loved writing since I was a child. I started writing poetry and short stories, which evolved into novels at 12 – which turned into songwriting. So, I’m looking forward to that next chapter – writing more. My children aren’t children anymore and so I have more freedom now. My #1 goal, in the midst of having a successful career was to be a great Mom and give my children a great foundation – and for the time I was married to be a great wife.

With my longtime associated with style and fashion I’m working on line of figure flattering pants for full figured women in particular – inspired by the creator of Spanx!

Basically, I’m adding to my goals and dreams and looking forward to the next chapters of my life and career.

I also maintain my own Style and Beauty Blog, which was in part inspired by Afrobella

Afrobella -  For anyone who has looked to your career as an inspiration and wanted to be like you…what’s your advice?

Jody Watley  — Be the best YOU, everyone else is already taken!

Seeing as we lost a legend yesterday, I had to ask Jody for a statement on the loss of Donna Summer. Jody has weighed on on her blog and you can read her post here. She shared this with me:

“Not simply “Disco” Donna Summer also ruled “Pop” Music radio and charts. Her double albums were/are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre – her releases for me were events.  I couldn’t wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music, much of which she helped write.

Donna Summer also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance – one of her Grammy’s was in Rock..she really worked all genres and was such an inspiration to me in dance/pop. I also understood when she reached a point of not wanting to be put into a box and that she continued to work and create good music up through her last release a couple of years ago.

When I signed my solo deal with MCA, the executive who signed had worked with Donna Summer during her Casablanca years – which made it easier for him to understand and trust me..and to galvanize the company to market and promote me out of the box.

The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco .. electro, techno is simply another extension and so I hope they know she’s another artist whose shoulders they stand on.”

Bellas do yourself a favor and check out Jody’s blog right here. You can also follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Thank you for being so amazing, so inspiring, and so accessible, Jody!

What’s your favorite Jody Watley song, bellas?

When I first opened my eyes to the world of beauty and makeup and possibility that I too, might be an attractive girl in my own right….there was the makeup of Billy B to guide me.

In case you don’t know, the celebrity makeup artist who today is beloved for his work on RuPaul’s Drag Race, who helped to make Lady Gaga LADY GAGA, thanks to his ingenious makeup work and creativity, was THE MAN with the makeup brushes behind the scenes of some of the most influential music videos of the Nineties and 2000’s. Missy Elliott’s She’s a B*tch. Destiny’s Child’s Independent Women. Mariah Carey Emotions. Lauryn Hill’s Ex Factor. TLC’s Waterfalls. HE DID THAT.

Billy is a living legend, highly sought after for his talents. But despite all of the famous clients, he remains at heart a sweet country boy from Aberdeen, Mississippi.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Billy before – the first time was at The Makeup Show in Miami in 2008, before I was a full time beauty blogger! I can tell you from personal experience, Billy is a lovely person, self-effacing and genuine and wonderful. He has a big, magnificent, colorful personality and is never anything less than 100% himself.

This interview covers a wide range of what makes Billy B an awesome guy. We talk about makeup for women of color, his incredible work on Jody Watley for A Beautiful Life, where his skills came from, and even the motivation that fuels his most recognizable work. The language gets a little more raw and real and Rated R than it usually is here on Afrobella, but HEY. It’s BILLY B. The man tells it like it is and pulls no punches. But I edited so bellas of all ages can still read this at work despite whatever filters there may be!

Afrobella – Billy, you’re so well known to so many, but I always love beginning an interview by asking the artist to introduce themselves. For anyone who’s totally ignorant to the world of makeup, please tell us who you are, and what makes you such a well known, well respected makeup artist.

Billy B — My name is Billy Brasfield, but you might know me as Billy B. and for those of you that haven’t heard my name before, I am a makeup artist. I am from a small town in Mississippi called Aberdeen. I was born in 1963, I have 2 siblings, Pam who lives in Tupelo Mississippi, and 1 brother who lives in …. Um, I forget. UGH. That’s terrible. But it is true.

I am self-taught, and that happened only because I lied to get a job at Macy’s Herald Square. Macy’s had an opening in cosmetics, I needed to pay rent, I taught myself how to do makeup, to keep my job. I have no idea, how the rest of the story happened, but I have been a makeup artist since.

From my 20+ years as a makeup artist, I have become most known for being “a white boy that can beat the hell out of a “Colorful Face”. Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Well, name a woman of color and I have probably touched her face at least once. … I even did Juanita Bynum. See, told you.

Afrobella — For me, your work on women of color has been so incredibly inspiring. From Missy Elliott to TLC to Lauryn Hill to Beyoncé and now Jody – you’ve worked with so many icons in black music. As a makeup artist, what do you love about working with women of color?

Billy B — Thank you very much! I like a challenge. Ok, that doesn’t sound right (giggle) but when I was working on the Main Floor Cosmetics at the Ultima 2 counter, Flori Roberts was across from us.

The girls at FB were a whole lot more fun than my counter (although we did have a fierce b**** named Priscilla at our counter. She was the s***. We used to do (let’s say less than legal) things in the stock room. (Don’t hate, it was the 80’s) I lived for her, but I couldn’t learn anything from her because Ultima’s darkest color was “off white” ha ha But over at FB honey, COLOR!!!!!!! So anytime we got an “other than white” girl at Ultima, I took her over to FR and beat the hell out of her. I made it my business to learn. I had 0 knowledge of makeup. I mean Zip. So I’m sure I beat a GREY face more than once…. Maybe twice….

Then I learned quick, that…

1. Every woman of color has a unique skin tone unique to them, and the range of skin tons is endless.

2. When doing makeup for women of color, think out of the box. The most artificial colors can look perfectly natural on darker skin.

3. Darker skin tones LOVE makeup. You can paint paint paint and it still looks great.

4. When you are a makeup artist doing female celebrities of color, catering is better.

I am very proud of the work I’ve done with women of color!

Afrobella – What tips and advice do you have to share in terms of makeup for women of color? Any favorite brands in terms of foundations?

Billy B – I like Black Opal Stick foundation and Face Atelier Liquid foundation. Women of color can get away with heavier cream foundations, and some need it. Many women have several different shades of brown happening between the forehead and the neck…and some women want to even that out into one uniform shade. Maybe that’s why back in the day, there were primarily heavy liquid or crème stick foundations available. Now I think women of color approach their look differently. In many ways I think they have been “liberated.” More women are celebrating their differences instead of “blending in”.

Afrobella — Talk to me about Jody Watley. I realize not every makeup artist becomes friends with their celeb clients, but you and Jody certainly seem to be more than just client/artist. There’s a love and camaraderie there. How long have you known each other? What was your first project together?

Billy B — I have loved Jody’s work for years, but that changed the day we met. I fell in love with Jody as a person, a Human Being.

Jody Watley isn’t and has never been typical. The fact is that Jody is exactly the opposite., she is exceptional. I love her for that. I don’t “friend” my clients, to be brutally honest, I have more to gain from them as a makeup artist. I made a conscious decision to pursue knowing Jody. My admiration for her as a person was strong enough, that I was willing to blur the line that I had “drawn” to keep a safe professional distance from my clients.

But I knew I could with Jody. I knew I could benefit from her STAR. Not her fame, but I wanted to be in her light. Jody Watley is a Star. She is one of the brightest Stars I have had the pleasure of knowing. She Is everything I live for in a female… She is kind, clever, talented, funny, stylish a devoted Mother on top of course an iconic POP STAR! Its almost too much for this middle aged homosexual to bear. “snicker” God given beauty, incredibly good taste, face painted, hair snatched, sickening choreography, need I list anymore??? I didn’t think so.

I realize now, that Jody is one of the 1^st to “BRAND” I don’t know if she thought of her style that way then, but it was. Jody established a unique, strong modern style that she “owned.”

I don’t know if I have ever said this to her, but she should be very proud of that. Its not easy to do. I mean, how many artists, years later can say that their name is literally used as a fashion or beauty reference. Yes honey, give me Jody Watley.

IE Sickening matte red lip

Strong natural but defined brow

Snatched back Hhigh pony

A classic door knocker hoop earring.

Jeans

Black leather

Boots

Afrobella — A Beautiful Life is a beautiful showcase of Jody — of how iconic her look is. She’s such a classic beauty. What was the vision going into this project?

Billy B — I don’t know about anyone else’s “vision” but I thought to myself, The Good Lord (Mike Ruiz) has “gifted me” with what is more than likely the One and ONLY time that I ever have the honor of “Beating the Hell out of Miss Jody Watley” and this hillbilly from Mississippi has an agenda and something to prove…

1. Prove to Mr. Ruiz that he hired the right makeup artist for the job.

2. Honor and respect Jody as the Icon that she is by respecting her classic Jody Watley look, while also thoughtfully encouraging and guiding her to also depart from that look and create some new iconic looks for the kids that would be seeing Jody for the first time.

3. TURN HER OUT because I know every f** on the planet is going to be gagging at How SICKENING SHE LOOKS in the video.

4. To challenge and please myself

5. .And as always, a big part of my motivation is to help create something exceptional that people will notice, and admire.

6. For me, there is great personal satisfaction because , I consider every job that I do as a makeup artist as a big “f*** you” to everyone who ever called me a sissy or f***** or stupid.

7. Who is a stupid f***** now? A******.

8. I worked with Jody Effin Watley. And you didn’t.

Afrobella — Do you have a favorite look from the video? (Of course I am partial to the big fabulous afro!)

Billy B — I love it all, but of course I love the clip that I am in with her. It’s like “I worked with Jody Watley and I have the receipt to prove it”

Afrobella — I’ve never had the chance to meet him, but I’ve seen photos and he’s so extremely accomplished. He’s also distractingly handsome. What is it like working with Mike Ruiz?

Billy B — Take your thoughts about his accomplishments and his looks, and apply to personality. “Love him long time.”

Afrobella — I know you’re always working on something amazing and usually top secret, Billy — what’s next for you that you can talk about?

Billy B — Lord Have Mercy…. I am dying to tell you, but VERY soon! VERY soon. Buckle your Beauty Belts its gonna be a fun BEAUTIFUL (wear,watch and read) ride. Just saying!

Afrobella — I am sure you’ve been asked this one million times but here goes — any thoughts on a Billy B Beauty line? What would your products look like? And can your eager fans expect any news on that front anytime soon?

Billy B– Again   Lord Have Mercy…. I am dying to tell you, but VERY soon! VERY soon…

How soon? How about RIGHT NOW?

Bellas and fellas, announcing Billy B’s new AWESOMENESS – Billy B’s brushes will be launching with Beautylish sometime this summer! That’s SO SOON! Click here to check out the launch page for what’s sure to be THE must-acquire brushes for dedicated makeup artists.

“I am thrilled to announce that Billy B Beauty Paintbrushes are available again exclusively at Beautylish. When I designed the brushes, eyelash curler and Lash and Brow groomer it was with a Makeup Artists in mind…..ME… Billy B. I designed them for myself to work with. I was frustrated with what was available in the market and I had been modifying brushes for years but trimming them to change the shapes, and using brushes in ways they were not intended. I designed brushes that worked for me. I created brushes that were more compact, and more precise.

When I would work with them, people liked them and asked where they could get them. I decided to sell them. I had no idea how much work it was going to be.

Because most of the sales were to professional makeup artists or makeup junkies, it was extremely important to me that I provided more than exceptional customer service. I was involved in every aspect of the process and soon it was too much for me to manage with my schedule. I chose to take the brushes off the market, when realized it was impossible for me to provide personal attention to every person who purchased a brush that had a question. I feel like my customers deserved that.

Beautylish is a Fantastic Site devoted to Makeup Artists and Makeup Fanatics. They are passionate about what they do and the community they have created for makeup artists and Beauty Fanatics. I am so confident that Beautylish is the perfect home for BillyBBEAUTY Paintbrushes that they will exclusively be available at Beautylish.com. And trust, I am and will always be personally involved and available to those of you who choose to work with Billy B tools.”

So sayeth BILLY.

SO awesome! I love Billy and I LOVE Beautylish! Win win WIN. And YAY — June 18th 2-3:30 Billy B will keynote The Makeup Show Chicago!!! You KNOW I’m there.

Can’t get enough Billy B?  Click here to check out his website, click here to check him out on Beautylish, click here for his Facebook, his YouTube channel, and click here for his Twitter – no matter where you follow him, he’s a riot!

For even MORE Billy, do yourself a favor and watch Erin Scandalous’ AWESOME interview with Billy!

Thank you for being a friend, Mr. Brasfield! I’m honored to know and love ya!

Mama Bella, my mother, Peggy Aura Arlene Grell, is a woman of elegance and good taste. She loves the finer things in life. Every ounce of my fabulousness comes directly from her.

Right before my wedding, 10 years ago!

Mama Bella knows what she LOVES and isn’t afraid to say it. She also isn’t afraid to respectfully speak her mind if she’s confused by a gift. I remember when I was young, my big brother Clint gave her an iron for Mother’s Day. And my mama was NOT having it. I called her up yesterday to ask her why she had that hilarious and memorable reaction. “Well you see, in my mind, that’s how he looked at me. Like I am there to serve. So let me equip her with items to serve. It was NOT the thing to do,” she explained. And remember that year that Dad got you an exercise bike for Mother’s Day? That didn’t go so well either. “Yes, I remember. That threw me off completely.”

Baby pictures from Belmont, Trinidad

The typical gifts that Mama Bella LOVES? Flowers, fragrances, special clothing items and spa trips are all par for the Mother’s Day course. But to find out the VERY best gift a mother could get, I had to dig deeper.

My parents renewed their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary. I was 12

It’s Friday! Mother’s Day is SUNDAY. And according to my mother, these are THE BEST MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS YOU COULD GIVE.

Mother’s Day gift #1 — “Your presence and personal attention on that day. Get up, have breakfast with her, maybe you prepare her favorite thing and bring it to her on a tray. Or maybe you take her out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever. The salient point is, spend time with her and be happy to be there. Remember in 2009, when they brought you?” (In 2009, my mother’s Mother’s Day present was ME, brought in on a surprise trip from Miami, right before we moved to Chicago). “The main factor that made that Mother’s Day so special, is that you were here.”

Mother’s Day gift #2 – After gift #1 I had to ask my mom, what if you’re not able to hop on a plane and surprise her, what’s another great gift idea? “Well if you can’t actually be there, just keep in touch. Let her know how you feel. Skype is a good tool for that. Call on the phone, send a card, all those little things mean something on Mother’s Day.”

I plan to Skype with my parents — I got them a Logitech camera a few years back and Skype sells Skype approved cameras and phones to make the process painless on both sides. It’s revolutionized communication. It’s so amazing to be able to literally SEE each other, show your relatives your apartment, eat a meal or play a game with them via the camera. It’s so awesomely Back to the Future, I LOVE SKYPE.

Mother’s Day gift #3 — I had to press Mama Bella to discuss actual material gifts, she’s definitely a woman with a lot of stuff (as am I, as am I). But she’s always had specific loves and she believes just about every woman would agree with her. “Gift number three…. flowers. To me, flowers say alot. Flowers and fragrances. Because your children can’t truly buy you the jewelry you might want unless they’re very wealthy. But a daughter or child should know what kind of scent their mother would like, and more than anything else it’s the thought behind the gift. The fact that you took time and effort to choose something special. You get extra points for effort.”

Me and my mom in Salybia, Trinidad, in January during my last visit home!

And there you have it, straight from my mom! She’s given me the best beauty advice, the best life advice, the best upbringing. I love you so much, mom. Thank you for everything you are, and everything you’ve done. Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Bellas, what are you giving or getting for Mother’s Day? Tell me!

This Sunday – May 13, in case you haven’t checked a calendar – is Mother’s Day! Now’s the time to order those flowers and put together those gift baskets, if you haven’t already. And for the moms who read Afrobella.com – I’ve got special Mother’s Day goodness for you through the rest of the week! Some of my FAVORITE brands have offered Mother’s Day giveaways, and I handpicked only the best for you!

Moms today are aware and consciously making an effort to improve the health and happiness of their kids. They work hard to cook healthy meals for their families, and to provide in the best way that they can for their loved ones. And often, moms work so hard that they don’t get time for themselves, to enjoy life and connect with their own interests. So often it winds up being that you sacrifice being an individual woman with your own style and flavor, for being a supermom which means listening to kids music and not having time to read or relax or do YOU.

Afrobella moms, I SALUTE YOU. And so does amazing natural hair and bodycare brand Cara B. Naturally.

Cara B is all about gentle, loving care for children’s hair. Chemical free, certified natural, by the Natural Products Association, and made with love. Check them out at MyCaraB.com. In honor of you this Mother’s Day, we’ve come up with the ideal gift. LO and BEHOLD, the Ultimate Mother’s Day Gift Basket!!

What’s inside and in store, for one lucky mama bella? Let me tell you!

-a full set of CARA B Naturally products

-a Beautiful Naturally t-shirt

-a Kindle Fire (!!!)

-an autographed children’s book by author Helen Kimbrough

-a $150 Spa Week gift certificate

Yes. All of this for you, because you deserve to go to the spa, read some good books, and reinforce natural beauty for both you and your little ones!

How do you enter, how do you win??

Leave a comment below telling me what YOU do to to improve the health and happiness of your kids!

And ALSO the wonderful folks at Cara B are offering a special 30% coupon code!!! Just enter AFROBELLA to get 30% off your entire order + free shipping on purchases of $25 or more.

This contest will be officially closed in a WEEK – so you need to enter by May 17 at noon CST to be eligible to win. Only ONE lucky winner will be chosen.

Please like Cara B on Facebook and follow Cara B on Twitter!

This contest is open to entries in the U.S.A, from readers over age 18.

Winners will be notified via e-mail, and they’ll have 48 hours to respond with their name, address and phone number — if a winner fails to respond in time, an alternative winner may be selected.

GOOD LUCK, bellas!

As a teenager, I looked forward to my future with high hopes for clear skin. After all, we’re told that acne is a teenage problem, caused by bad food and oily skin and roiling hormones. At one point in my life I honestly believed that turning 20 would end my acne issues. And then I thought…maybe by age 25 this will be over. OK. Maybe 30. And now here I am at age 33, telling you the sad truth. Adult acne is real. Things usually get better, but if you’ve grown up dealing with breakouts, you’ll occasionally have to deal with them when you’re grown enough to be dealing with stuff like taxes and mortgages and kids.

Photo via Blinging Beauty

Now that I’m an adult, I know exactly what triggers my acne. I’m more likely to get breakouts after periods of eating badly, or spending too much time in the sun. Recently when I had a facial, the aesthetician was able to tell that I sleep on my left side and that I don’t always take off my makeup, “because the blackheads on that side of your face are so deep.” YIKES. Some of my acne issues are clearly my own fault. Other issues are caused by my hormonal cycle, my stress level, and other factors I have less control over. It can be hard to know how to deal with those kinds of acne issues.

Let’s clear this one thing up right here right now — the best way you can deal with adult acne is by tackling it internally by drinking more water, exercising and eating healthier, and finding a dermatologist. More often than not, we deal with skin issues by going to a spa for a facial or buying some over the counter product instead of dealing with things medically, and that’s really the most sensible way to deal with it — click here to find a dermatologist in your city. Personally, I’m taking a varied approach to the issue. Recently I visited a derm for the first time — more on that soon! I eat healthier than I used to, and I drink more water than I used to. I’m trying to deal with my acne internally, but externally I still need some extra help. And so I also still go for facials, AND I use over the counter acne products that include approved ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, and salycilic acid to deal with the pimples I get, as I get them. Allow me to tell you about my favorite at-home acne brands!

Mario Badescu — OK so I know I’ve raved on and on (and on) about Mario Badescu, but I LOVE their products. The second I get a zit, I reach for their Drying Lotion or Drying Mask. If I’ve already got a zit that’s erupted, I love the Buffering Lotion. My only issue with MB products is, I haven’t yet tried one that goes on clear and works under makeup. These are products for if you’re at home and want to dry up a blemish overnight. Click here to check out Mario Badescu’s acne products.

Murad — I’m a fan of the brand in general, but Murad actually makes a product to help with the issue. Murad Acne Anti-Aging Acne Treatmenttackles both blemishes and wrinkles, and claims to smooth fine lines and restore suppleness as well. All of this basically means it’ll get rid of your zits without totally depleting your skin of moisture, as acne products can so often do.

Clean and Clear — I may drift away and try other, more expensive products, but if I’ve got a zit and I’m out of town and don’t have my go-to’s, best believe I will buy a tube of Clean & Clear Persa-Gel 10 from any store I can. Recently when a close friend of mine got like her third pimple ever in life, this is what I told her to buy. Good ol’ Clean and Clear will never do you wrong.

Neutrogena — I’d say that Neutrogena is pretty much the gold standard when it comes to drugstore skincare. Their Oil-Free Acne Wash was THE must-have face wash for my teenage acne days. And still to this day I’ll use it, or the newer Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Power-Foam Wash which has a super long name but works really, really well.

Olay – When I think Olay, I don’t usually think acne — more moisture or cleansing or anti-aging, right? Well yes, but they also make a range of acne fighting products, including the Olay Professional Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol Kit, which is tailor made for adult acne. It’s a three part system involving a cleanser, a clearing treatment, and a renewing lotion. And Pro-X also makes a refining sulfur mask, for those of you who like masks for dealing with acne. (PS: These are my favorite face masks). (PPS: did you know aspirin makes an excellent at home acne mask? It’s basically salycilic acid! Click to learn more via BlackHairMedia.com).

Et voilà, my go-to, tried and true product faves for dealing with acne as a grown woman. Bellas, how do YOU deal with adult acne?

Lowkey obsessed –

1. To be secretly in the early, heady stages of infatuation with something or someone, the stage when you can’t stop thinking about said thing or person.

2. The feeling you get when you’re ready to tell the world about the new favorite thing you just discovered

3. The instant passion you feel for a new product you love that you need to incorporate into your arsenal ASAP.

4. A new hopefully-regular series where I tell you all about the awesome new thing I just tried, but haven’t road tested forever just yet.

(inspired by BBJ’s Fictionary and Urban Dictionary!)

Rare is the day that I try a product and become inspired to begin a whole new blog series, bellas. And yet here I am once again. The last time it happened, I started the You Deserve category (and the product that inspired it? Votre Vu Duette Luxe).

The product that inspired Lowkey Obsessed? It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush. I am in LOVE with Je Ne Sais Quoi.

It is so moisturizing, so pretty, so what I didn’t even know I needed.  For bellas like me, who may have two or even three-toned lips, it could be the perfect pretty shiny pink you never thought existed.

See my before on the left and after on the right. As you can see, my lips without pencil or color are kind of like a red grape – not consistently one color. This is a subtle, shiny, wearable, super moisturizing lippie – in terms of texture and appearance I’d compare it to Votre Vu Champagne Kisses, one of my favorite lip balms EVER. It’s even more emoillient than Chapstick or Softlips or Burt’s Bees. And it gives your lips a subtle flush of sheer pink that conforms to your lip color. Check it out.

So perfect for summer, n’est ce pas?

It Cosmetics is a really intriguing new product line – the creators reportedly “work with leading plastic surgeons to infuse the latest anti-aging technology into their high-performance color cosmetics.” Their products are intended to improve as well as beautify the skin, and they’ve been written about in more magazines than you can shake a stick at, even though you may not have heard of them or know their products by name just yet. Their products are on sale on QVC and everything I’ve been lucky enough to try so far has been pretty awesome.

The pink flush of Je Ne Sais Quoi delighted me the MOST, though. Most pink lipsticks have the effect of highlighting the discoloration of my lips, or revealing how chapped they are with opaque color that cakes in the cracks. But not this. It’s just sheer, supremely moisturizing lip shine that looks sheer or clear in the tube, but has this delightfully flattering effect. And when the shine fades, your lips retain a rosy glow. I’d LOVE to see my dark skinned bellas who have struggled to find a pink lippie try this and let me know your thoughts. I hope it’d work for everyone as well as it works for me!

Let me stop rambling and let them explain:

What is it: Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain takes the place of your lipstick, anti-aging conditioning lip balm, ultra-hydrating lip gloss, and your lip stain! This truly innovative formula contains Hydra-Luxe Technology including ingredients such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, and jojoba that all work together to treat, hydrate, condition, and nourish your lips. It minimizes the appearance of lip lines and wrinkles. Plus, this lip flush is packed with anti-oxidants including acai, green tea, white tea, and vitamins A, C, and E to fight free-radical attack.

Who is it for: Anyone who wants a naturally pretty flush of color for their lips! It’s also for anyone who wants ultra-hydrated and conditioned lips.

Why is it different: Vitality Lip Flush Anti-Aging Lipstick Stain is developed to give that long-wear flush of naturally pretty color, the anti-aging hydration of a super-luxe treatment lip balm, and the infusion of a powerful stain that doesn’t dry out your lips. Plum oil, cherry oil, and a power-packed formula of anti-aging and good-for-you ingredients drench your lips with hydration. Works on all skin tones.

How do I use it: Apply directly from the tube for a sheer, naturally pretty flush of color that lasts.

AND this comes in two more colors I’m officially now dying to try!

Look, I wore a pink top (vintage Lane Bryant) and took a sip of my morning veggie juice to give you a comparison in pinkness. Oooh and my druzy earrings are by Nina Nguyen. Love her stuff!

Please excuse these raggely brows, I’ll be getting them take care of this week!

For this look I tried to come up with something SUPER simple and easy to wear, in colors that are office friendly or even appropriate for someone younger. What did I use to get this look?

– Urban Decay’s Naked 2 palette – mostly Bootycall, Chopper and Snakebite.

– Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes pencil in Gypsy

– Benefit They’re Real mascara

– Avon Glow bronzer in Deep Tan

– Josie Maran Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in medium/dark

– Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Nectar

– It Cosmetics Vitality Lip Flush in Je Ne Sais Quoi. It’s $20!

It Cosmetics are available through QVC and you can follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook.

Is this the pink lip color of your dreams? What products are you lowkey obsessed with these days?

Products provided for consideration but opinions are all mine, baby!

The New York Times just did a lovely little piece on products brought back by popular demand. Social Media Breathes Life Into Shelved Products featured the stories of women who have been stockpiling their favorite products via Amazon and Ebay, and the brands who are bringing their most popular products back according to Twitter and Facebook demand. I learned about a few brands I didn’t know about, and I love hearing about stuff like this because it turns me on to cult favorite products — for example, the Erno Laszlo powders that I’ve apparently been sleeping on and Lush’s All That Jas bath bomb which sounds absolutely DIVINE. I am a fool for anything jasmine!

Allow me to share a few of my actual favorite products I’ve tried, that have been brought back to life!

Carol’s Daughter Ocean has always been that refreshing, enticing kind of fragrance that your man loves to smell on you – and your man might also not mind using himself! Ocean is just as fresh and as clean clean, and I’ve always loved it. Now by popular demand, Ocean is back on HSN. My husband loves the body cleansing gel, and I adore the dry oil mist, which makes my legs and décolleté all gleamy and fabulous and fragranced with water lily, lavender, and blue marine. If you need an Ocean fix, check out the Ocean Bath and Body Indulgence Set, $39.90 for double the body cleansing gels and body creams (so a one-for-you, one-for-mom situation could work perfectly!)

Remember when Estee Lauder shut down Prescriptives in 2009, to much weeping, moaning and gnashing of teeth? Well there’s no need to cry into your last hoarded jar of Comfort Cream in 2012, bella – Prescriptives was “refreshed” in 2011 and you can get ALL your favorites at Prescriptives.com.  Yes, custom blending and all!

MAC puts out SO many collections a year that I have a super hard time keeping up with them, but despite all of the new hotness they bring forth, certain colors remain the most beloved in fashion capitals around the world. Rebel in New York, Russian Red in Dubai, Snob in Sao Paulo, Saint Germain in Tokyo, Morange in Paris. (So apparently I’m a New York, Paris kind of woman! Wonder what Chicago’s favorite color would be? Or Port of Spain, Trinidad?) To celebrate their most popular colors in these major global cities, MAC Fashion Sets is here, with trios of lipstick, lipglass, and nail lacquer to satisfy the matchy-matchiest among us. For my brown skinned bellas I’d recommend you check out the Europe and Africa set or the Latin America Middle East set, that’s where my fave colors (like Rebel Morange and Girl About Town) were.

Talk about using Facebook wisely. Bobbi Brown’s Bobbi Brings Back program used Facebook to crowdsource fans for their absolute favorite Bobbi Brown lippies. And now, they’re back! Fans voted for the return of Blush, Tulip, Clove, Tulle Brown, Wine and Scarlet. And according to In Style, the Bobbi Brings Back campaign wasn’t just a one-off thing for lipsticks, future campaigns will include cult favorite eyeshadows and blushes.

Just the other day I had a long, warm, affectionate conversation with an older black woman about Fashion Fair. “I remember that was the first lipstick I ever had. What happened to Fashion Fair?” Well to her and to anyone who’s ever wondered – first of all, Fashion Fair never went anywhere. And second of all, the brand is about to come back in a major way thanks to creative director Sam Fine. Sam is currently touring the nation on the Fashion Fair Truly Treasured Tour, – click that link to see if he’s coming to a city near you. He’ll be in Chicago in June!

Sam will be highlighting Fashion Fair’s delicious collection of plum and rose colored cosmetics. Click here to check out Truly Treasured. You see that Grapesicle lipstick? I need it! We have a DATE with DESTINY.

** edited at 7:30 am — so this post went live and my friend Audarshia on Twitter says BRING BACK VINCENT LONGO! Which reminds me! I FORGOT to mention that Vincent Longo is BACK and you can buy products on HSN! MY BAD.

In March the esteemed artist and founder of his own awesome product line brought his beloved Water Canvas™ Base Primer, Velour Pressed Powder, 1-2-3 Trio Eyeshadow and Perfect Shine Lip Gloss back on HSN. And MY fave Vincent Longo product, the gel lip stain, is back as part of a lip and cheek stain set. Photo via Bellasugar’s article fittingly titled Vincent Longo Cosmetics Set to Make a Comeback.

Those are some of my fave products that are back on the block! Did you see any old, new favorites?

For this post, I was asked to speak about a celebrity that I admire. Someone I turn to for style and beauty inspiration. I didn’t have to think twice when asked. My number one style icon right now is Michelle Obama.

Via the official White House Flickr page. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
When she speaks, I want to hear whatever she’s saying. When I see photos of her, I want to know who and what she’s wearing. When there’s a book or a magazine with her on the cover, I’m that much more likely to buy it — and I’ve got quite a nice little collection so far. And when the time comes for me to make an appearance, dress up in a fancy outfit and wow a crowd, I try to think about what she would wear, say, and do under the circumstances.

Michelle Obama is more than a style icon to me. She’s a life icon. The way she carries herself as the First Lady of the United States has ushered in a new era of femininity and has inspired me to be my own best, most stylish self.

What I love most about her style is the effortless simplicity she always manages to express. Michelle Obama isn’t a woman who makes fashion missteps often quite simply because she KNOWS herself. She knows her figure and which shapes of dresses suit it best. She knows that she looks amazing in bold, jewel tones, but she’s also stunning in a more understated palette, or in an unusual pattern. She boldly mixes low end with high end fashion without batting an eye. Her ensembles are never over the top or fussy, always timeless and appropriate.

Her beauty is classic and typically understated — Mrs. O isn’t exactly known for bold eyeshadows or out there lipstick. She keeps her hair in a sleek style that works for her, she’s always known for looking polished, classy, elegant and yet approachable and chic.

And that’s what I’ve learned from her. From watching Michelle Obama be the best First Lady she can be, it’s inspired me to be my own best self, and I definitely take style cues from her. She makes me want to wear shift dresses. She makes me want to go for a bold color that compliments my shade of brown skin. She inspires me to be classy and approachable, and a role model. I love that.

My Michelle Obama book collection currently includes:

Mrs. O – The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer
Everyday Icon – Michelle Obama and the Power of Style by Kate Betts
The Obamas by Jodi Kantor
Commander in Chic by Mikki Taylor
and the brand new What Would Michelle Do? by Allison Samuels.

Have you read any of them? Which are your favorites? Also, I am contemplating adding book reviews to the Afrobella mix, what are your thoughts?

We think its tremendous popularity is proof that the 2012 Corolla offers the ideal blend of comfort, value and safety. In it, you’ll find a surprising number of high-end features, like available Display Audio system. It offers remarkable performance and fuel efficiency, plus an impressive list of standard safety features. Factor in its legendary reliability, and it’s even more apparent that Corolla is the smart choice.

Compensation was provided by TOYOTA via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of TOYOTA

Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s color of the year, and we’re officially in the midst of Spring – Chicago’s dismal weather aside. Orange is sizzling hot right now for lips, cheeks, nails, and even eyes. Yes ma’am, just the other day I gave Make Up For Ever’s orange Aqua Cream a try on my eyelids under a bold, black cat eye, with peachy cheeks and a shimmery nude lip. Lately I’ve been rocking orange lips in varying degrees of intensity, and it’s a head turner of a look. If done wrong, it can be very eighties. (When I told my mom I was writing a post on orange lips she said “IT’S BACK!!!” with tremendous excitement. That was her signature for a while!

Photo via Fashion Bomb Daily.

Recently a friend on Twitter asked me if I had a recommendation for THE perfect orange lip for brown skin. I didn’t know if there was one special orange for all of us. I had to ask incredible makeup artist Tia Dantzler, who offered some helpful orange lip tips. “That orange can be tricky. I like to use a pencil first to fill in. Sometimes you have an orange that’s too bright. So I like to use a brown or burgundy pencil as a base to tone it down. Or you can use a gloss or an orange lip balm. I like to tone it down before I turn it up.”

I dug deep into my own orange-or-in-the-orange-family lippie stash to see which were the best. Photographed here with my camera phone, apologies for photo quality:

MAC lipstick in Watch Me Shimmer from Shop MAC Cook MAC, which is a coral pink that’s super pretty and wearable

Black|Up Cosmetics lipstick in RAL 26 – creamy, bright, buildable orange with a touch of red coral to it, if you feel me

OCC Lip Tar in Safety Orange – the gold standard of longlasting orange lippies, with a touch of red for the bravest among us

Lancome color design lipstick in Corset, a matte coral peach that is so smooth and fabulous

Milani Lip Flash pencil in Flash Light – coral with red shimmer, very shimmery, great over lip pencil

Cover Girl blast flipstick in Cheeky, interesting orangey coral you customize – one side is shimmer, the other cream

Avon Glow Lip Gloss in Coral, the safest, sheerest, shiniest option for those who are a tad too shy for overt orange. Just a hint of creamsicle orange that’s super sheer, excellent when layered over a lipstick or pencil.

Those are the few I have – couldn’t find my tube of MAC Morange for the photo. Classic shade, one I LOVE.  Check out this post by Style And Beauty Doc for a few more classic MAC oranges.

If you’re looking for a brand new orange lippie, might I recommend Sephora? I stopped by the one on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue recently to check out their orange lip collection. And there were some GREAT oranges in store.

Urban Decay’s Super Saturated lip pencils are chubby and slick and highly pigmented and full of win, and Punch Drunk is a delicious orange cream. A Go Go by Kat Von D is a hot coral color. And then I hit the motherlode — Sephora has a Pantone Color of the Year collaboration that you can shop in store or online! Check out this display with all the Tangerine Tango you could want. Look!

So if you’re looking for your ideal orange, check out Sephora. And if you want to know how to wear them, consider the advice I got from Tia Dantzler. “It’s best to use a scrub on your lips first, because with bright lip colors they really show if your lips are peeling.” TRUE STORY.

Have you found YOUR perfect orange lip color? Tell me about it!

On any average day — especially in the mornings — my Twitter timeline and Pinterest page are full of juice. Juice recipes, tweets about starting the day with a green juice or smoothie, photos of delicious looking, vibrantly colored juices. Juicing is huge right now. Huge to the point where, when I went to buy a juicer at Macy’s recently, the saleslady told me “you better buy it right now cause once these are gone, we ain’t getting no more in a hurry.” And I knew she was right because literally the Breville juicers disappeared off Macys.com the day before and there were just five left, hidden under a table in the basement of Macy’s on State.

What is the DEAL with the juicing? < /Seinfeld voice>

I was already intrigued by just the idea of drinking my quota of fruits and veggies for a day, but then I started seeing more and more of my friends go on juice cleanses. But wait.

What’s a juice cleanse?

Basically you only drink vegetable and fruit juice for as long as you’re willing to do it. Most cleanses are three days, five days, or a week. But Riana Lynn, owner of Peeled Chicago told me, she’s known some diehard juicers to go on juice cleanses of 30 days or more. I’m sorry, but 30 days with no solid food sounds crazy to me. And when Riana offered me the opportunity to try a three day Peeled Chicago juice cleanse, I didn’t know if I could make it. But I decided to try. Go brave.

Why did I decide to try a juice cleanse?

– it seemed like the thing to do/everyone is doing it/I’m a health lemming

– from the reading I’ve done it seemed like a healthy life decision

- I wanted to see if I could do it. I lack discipline to a shameful level

– I was offered the opportunity and I wanted to share the experience with you all!

I didn’t think my reasons were good enough, so I had to ask Riana, what are the benefits of doing a juice cleanse?

“There are a range of benefits that come from juice cleansing. Of course, many people come to Peeled for a “quick fix,” as in repairing from a stretch of processed and junk foods high in fats or sugars. There are a lot of customers that want to lose a few lbs or clear their skin before a vacation or wedding. At Peeled, we want our customers to think long-term. Juicing can improve your immune system, clear skin, and more. It is just a great and tasty way to re-invigorate your system. Our juice can help improve digestion and remove toxins. These things can help with a range of health issues and help prevent the onset of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. It is not just the hip thing to do, it is about preparing your body for long-term success with good health,” she explained. Ah. Gotcha!

My juice cleanse was for three days. Each day included six juices, to be consumed in specific order. The kinds of juices were switched up a little during each day. Green juice made with kale, spinach, apple, celery and ginger. Maroon juice made with beets. A Haute Lemonade that was super tart, spicy and not very sweet — not like the lemonade we usually drink! Young coconut water which was so sweet and good, LOVED that. And the last drink of the day was cashew milk, which if you’ve ever done a juice cleanse, you know it’s heaven in a bottle. Creamy and sweet and nurturing and YUM. The day would always begin with green juice, then end with cashew milk.

If you don’t like green juices or vegetable based juices, then obviously this isn’t for you. I didn’t like green juices when I first tried them, but I know how good they are for me and I know that I need more veggies in my life. And now, I honestly love them. The quick veggie fix is part of why Riana says juicing is so popular these days. “…Unfortunately, Americans do not love vegetables. We are a foodie and fast-food nation. It is a great thing to have fast-food and superfoods all in one mix. It’s always good to focus on incorporating raw foods and juicing into a diet, as well.”

On day one of my juice cleanse, I felt proud of myself by juice three. By juice four on day one, I was HONGRY with an O. I didn’t think I was gonna make it. I was already thinking of all the leftovers in my fridge I was gonna smash and then I said to myself IT IS DAY ONE. Make it through at least one day! So I did. I went to bed really early, just because I needed to stop thinking about food and how delicious it is.

On day two of my juice cleanse I woke up feeling happy and lighthearted and I noticed the thing everyone says — juices make you energetic! I felt very positive and full of energy. I found myself doing tasks I’d put off around the house. I went to the post office. I felt good! I did feel hungry in the afternoon — any time between 3 and 6 pm, I felt those familiar hunger pangs coming back. But I made it through and I felt really good about that.

People kept telling me that if I made it to day three, it would be a breeze…and that wasn’t my experience. I was still hungry and was actively looking forward to day four, in which I could eat food again! Towards the end of day three, I was ready to end the cleanse but I definitely noticed the benefits of being on it. Let me tell y’all about THOSE.

Doing the juice cleanse made me aware again.

I had fallen into the habit of eating without thinking. I would serve myself huge portions and eat while watching TV or browsing the internet…I wasn’t conscious of the physical act of eating. The act of consuming nutrients. I didn’t THINK about the fact that is what food is. Nutrition. I was eating what tasted good and what my body was conditioned to crave, and many of those things are bad for me. Complex carbohydrates, white flour, white sugar, highly processed things, salty things, sweet things. Things with minimal nutritional value, at best. Doing the three day juice cleanse helped me realize I didn’t need any of it. You know how you wake up in the morning and say “oooh I need a hot cup of tea or coffee with all these sweetners in it?” Well, you don’t say THAT, but that’s basically what it is. And you don’t need it. You just think you do. You’re conditioned to think you do. Doing the juice cleanse helped me realize that I didn’t need to start my morning with a hot cup of sugar, which is something I had done my whole life without questioning it. When I finally ate I noticed how much food has to do with touch and feeling. I noticed how food felt while I consumed it, and how it made me feel after I consumed it. Awareness is beautiful.

Doing the juice cleanse made me realize I was stronger than I thought.

There were many times where I wanted to throw the towel in on the juice cleanse and just eat FOOD. I had these leftover scallops in the fridge…and they were calling my NAME. And at night my husband wanted dinner, obviously…and as he went about preparing himself something hot and highly scented, I thought I was gonna lose it and quit this thing. But I didn’t. I made it through three days and now I know I can do it again. And now I know I can do OTHER things I’ve talked myself out of, too.

Doing the juice cleanse reset my appetite and my cravings.

I didn’t come out of the three days thinking “I’m gonna smang this bag of potato chips!” I came out of it thinking, OK now what do I eat? Foods that were highly appealing to me before (like doughnuts) now seemed unappetizing. On the day after my juice cleanse I ate vegetarian foods as advised. Oatmeal for breakfast, kale salad for lunch, and for dinner my husband and I went to a Mexican restaurant and I was persuaded into having a margarita with my vegetarian tacos, but I didn’t crave it the way I used to, and I only had one. I ate my food slowly. I savored the sensations. I didn’t notice how food tickles the tongue, or feels going down my throat as much before. It was cool to notice and appreciate that.

I did this juice cleanse three weeks ago and in the days afterward, the scale showed a 7 pound loss for me, but of course that was water weight. I actually lost four pounds and gained an appreciation for food as nutrition that I didn’t have before.

What were the downsides of the cleanse?

I had to pee All. The. Time. So on afternoon two I decided to walk to the post office and back….and I tell y’all Jesus was with me because I was about to embarrass myself in downtown Chicago and that would not have been ok!

If you aren’t eating food, you don’t want to see pictures of yummy food. So avoid Pinterest because it will just piss you off.

Also, it’s not fun to go out and be social when you’re on a juice cleanse. Most social events involve cocktails or food, and it’s just temptation all around you. I don’t need that when I’m feeling weak!

What’s my advice for anyone who’s considering a juice cleanse for the first time?

Take the time beforehand to check your calendar. Do you have any special events or places to go to coming up that week? Can you make a lasagna or casserole on the weekend to tide your family over when you’re not going to be eating with them at dinnertime? Think about those life scheduling details. Don’t let them prevent you from trying it though! And don’t be afraid. You can do it! If I can do it, ANYONE CAN.

If you’re in Chicago, you must check out Peeled Chicago! and also follow them on Facebook and like them on Twitter. Thank you, Riana for this amazing opportunity!

Have any of you ever done a juice cleanse? What are your thoughts on the whole thing?