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!

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?

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!

Any excuse for a rhyme, right?

I know I’m not the only one who loves the beauty brands for sale on TV – did you know home shopping began in 1977 with lime green can openers? The things you learn on Wikipedia! Look at how far things have come. Now so many of your favorite celebs are on TV, selling products of their own design. And now you can find a few of your favorite bloggers, sharing their favorite picks on  QVC.com. See anyone familiar?

So what are my top favorite beauty picks on QVC? Click here to see the full list – prices range from $12 to $225, and my list includes items by Wen, Philosophy, Mally Beauty, Ojon, Bliss, Tarte, Algenist, Clarisonic and more! Everything from skincare to makeup, tried, tested and true! 

Some of these products will debut during QVC’s All Access Beauty event this weekend. What’s QVC’s All Access Beauty? Via my friends at QVC:

“All Access Beauty kicks off Friday, April 13 at 11PM (ET) and continues all day Saturday, April 14.  QVC’s All Access Beauty event is just that – unparalleled access to the biggest names and brands in the industry.  Hear from Laura Geller, Chaz Dean, Dr. Denese, Mally Roncal, Kate Somerville, Josie Maran and more as they share expert tips, tricks and behind-the-brand buzz and even divulge what’s in their personal beauty bags.  Brand favorites like Bliss, Clarisonic, philosophy and It Cosmetics will also be featured on the day offering new and hero products.”

Tune in over the weekend, bellas – but you can check out all of my top picks right here right now. Look out for more detailed product reviews to come (I need to tell y’all ALL about my love for that Mally Poreless Face Defender in DETAIL)! See any of your favorites?

Paula Patton is killing the game on just about every level. She’s drop dead gorgeous and has a killer body – as evidenced by her sexy scenes in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (yeah, my husband loved that movie). She’s married to the musical deliciousness that is Robin Thicke. Her career is on fire and her last four films were all hits – Precious, Just Wright, Jumping The Broom, and the latest installment of Mission Impossible. Paula’s box office mojo is undeniably rising. And now, she’s the newest Cover Girl, reppin’ for the Queen Collection.

However, where one might feel inclined to feel at all jealous of how awesome it must be to be Paula Patton, I don’t feel that way. Not at all. Because she’s so incredibly, genuinely likable and nice. During a recent phone interview, it was like neither of us wanted the conversation to end. I said conversation and not interview, because that’s kinda how she made me feel – she’s very comfortable and easy and girlfriendy and sweet. Paula Patton isn’t a diva who makes you feel like you’re presenting her with questions that she’ll flatly answer. She’s interested and engaged and might turn the tables and ask a question about you, instead. I loved talking with her!

It totally makes sense that Paula Patton would be a Cover Girl – she fits really well into the brand’s current roster of celebrities. Most Cover Girls are women known for their talent and personality and beauty – you know a little, but not a lot about their private lives, as it should be. Cover Girls are actresses, activists, women who are generally runnin’ thangs. And that isn’t the only thing Paula, Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Ellen DeGeneres and Sofia Vergara have in common. “All of the women Cover Girl has chosen as representatives are beautiful, kind, smart, funny women that you’d love to have lunch with. Queen Latifah knew I’d love to be involved and it’s been such a dream come true!”

Paula’s connection with Cover Girl began with her friend – and Just Wright costar – Queen Latifah. Paula described Queen as a mentor, and she’s super proud to represent her friend’s makeup collection. Paula’s earliest makeup memories began as most of ours do – with watching her mom beautify herself. “My mom was a schoolteacher for 32 years, and she always went to school in heels I loved playing dress up as a girl, but my mom was quite strict. I got my first lipstick when I was 14! Then I broke out in high school and it became all about coverage.”

Life has changed a lot for Paula Patton in the last two years or so – her film offers are increasingly high profile, and her husband Robin Thicke has been doing amazingly well in his career as well. And they’re parents to an adorable baby boy. I had to ask Paula what it’s like to deal with so many life changes. “It’s been overwhelming. I don’t know if my life has changed…but opportunities arise that you never thought would come your way. I’m still the same person and I have the same goals and ambitions. But I really didn’t dream this big.”

Increased success has meant increased awareness for Paula Patton, and now she has goals in place to pave the way for those who seek to follow her lead. “One thing that’s really important to me….I need to take the time and make the effort to create more opportunities for black actors, Latin actors, Asian actors. I want to make movies that give more people more opportunities.” When Paula received her award at Essence Magazine’s Women in Film Luncheon, she made mention of the same desires.

How does a woman like Paula Patton balance life and love, with a husband who’s also on the top of his game? “We’re really lucky cause we’ve known each other for so long…we’re adults now and we’ve had a lot of fun together. Right now we have to grind to set up a future for our son. We make everything we do, a partnership. When I’m working on a film he’ll read me lines and guide me – we have a creative partnership. You have to listen and not be hard-headed.”

What’s a typical day for Paula Patton when she isn’t on set? It’s very family oriented. “I wake up at 7 am for breakfast with Julian….we go to the park, then he takes a nap and mommy writes e mails and tries to do work. Then he’s up and we do an activity – go to the museum, something educational and fun. Then we come back home for dinner and bedtime at seven. Oh and I have to get in a workout – yoga, a run, something. It’s a stress relief for me. It clears my head.”

Because our interview was primarily about beauty and makeup, I had to ask Paula what makes her feel the most beautiful. “Oh gosh, I’m so corny but….when I’m happy, I feel more beautiful. I’m not perfect, I go through ups and downs. But I try to remember what I’m thankful for and draw joy from that. And in terms of the physical, I take care of myself, I drink water and green tea, I eat healthy. And for me, putting on a little lipstick, blush and mascara….makes me feel better about myself.”

Paula has her favorite Cover Girl products – she loves the Queen Collection Natural Hue Concealer. Her favorite Cover Girl lipsticks are Powderpuff Pink and says, “I love to do a great, bright lip and then leave the blush alone. It’s my new favorite look.” Besides Powderpuff Pink, she loves her reds and cites South Beach Sand and Cheeky Flipstick at favorites. And in her great videos with the incredible makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, they demonstrate the easiest, breeziest ways to be a beautiful Cover Girl.

In video #1, Ashunta demonstrates a “golden glow” using primer, natural tones and a soft shimmer on the lips.

In video #2, Ashunta uses Cover Girl’s new Flipstick in Cheeky to amplify the look.

And video #3 is all about a bangin’, bold eye look. Which you KNOW I love!

That must have been SUCH a fun shoot! I recently met Ashunta Sheriff at an event in Chicago, so keep your eyes peeled for our interview here on Afrobella.com! Ashunta is SO amazing and she’s such a cool person! As is Paula. What a peach of an interview

Keep your eye out for even more Cover Girl goodness with Paula Patton – you can follow Cover Girl on Twitter now, and they release great videos via their YouTube channel – click here to subscribe! And you can follow Paula on Twitter right here – she promises to be better about it and tweet more often, so don’t be hesitant to say HEY Paula!

Thanks to Cover Girl for the super fun interview opportunity! What are your favorite Queen Collection items, bellas? I am in LOVE with the new Queen Collection Vivid Impact Eyeliners, need to do a review for you!

If you’re curvy and fabulous, you already know – fashion made to fit and flatter can be hard to find under the best of circumstances. It’s hard to find the right outfit for a job interview. It’s hard to find a super cute dress for a party or fashion show. It’s even harder to find a wedding dress. So imagine if you’re plus sized and trying to find THE PERFECT dress for the Academy Awards red carpet.

There’s a reason your favorite plus sized actresses can typically be relied upon to go between a few well known designers – that’s because Tadashi Shoji, Marina Rinaldi and Carmen Marc Valvo are in an extremely rarified group of high end designers who are known for catering to a curvy clientele. This is why you’ll notice most plus sized celebs vacillate between those designers – lo and behold, Melissa McCarthy wore a Marina Rinaldi dress she co-designed, and Octavia Spencer wore Tadashi. Both of them played it pretty safe with their color choices.

And that’s because the pressure to look slender in photos and on camera is ratcheted up to crazymaking level in their line of work.  While there I literally heard a friend say, “I’m sorry – size 6 is plus sized in Hollywood. It just IS.” When you’re already over a size 12, those are unfortunate words to hear.

When it came time for yours truly to choose a dress for my first ever Oscar red carpet, I felt lost and uncertain and adrift. I knew I didn’t want to retreat to the safety of basic black, too many plus sized women wind up trying to hide their figures in ebony tents, if you ask me. I knew I wanted to go for BOLD color. I knew I needed a dress with a certain cut – the last thing I need is to feel self-conscious while trying to be my most beautiful for a camera. And I knew I wanted to feel gorgeous. Self confident. Like a princess. Like this.

That is me, feeling good about my dress! What did it take to get me there? Let me TELL you!

My Oscar dress search really began in December. I went about it in a few ways. 

1. I started looking at photos of plus sized women on the red carpet to get an idea of the color and silhouette I could envision myself wearing.

2. I started writing about the quest, reaching out to stylists I knew and respected, and gathering those professional opinions.

3. I started window shopping online and simultaneously reaching out to designers in the hopes of finding a really perfect dress for my first ever red carpet experience.

There were many could’ve been contenders in the running. Apparently the Trinidadian designers weren’t enthusiastic, so I turned my attention stateside.  Through the efforts of the incredible LaRue PR (GREAT people to have in your corner!), we reached out to a few American designers in the hopes of finding the ideal Oscar dress. We got quite a few outright no-we-only-dress-celebrities, some we-don’t-offer-our-evening-gowns-in-THAT-size responses, and some promises that never panned out.

The lovely people at Carmen Marc Valvo sent me an absolutely gorgeous lookbook, but timing conspired against us and things weren’t going to work out by February 26, alas. The designers of plus size brand Queen Grace Collection very generously offered to outfit me. I loved many of the dresses from IGIGI, also. The quest continued on as I worked to find THE Oscar dress.

The generous Kay Unger sent me this absolutely gorgeous sequined dress – which looked so stunning on the non-plus sized model. And this is me, with absolutely no shapewear on.

…and that’s reality. No shapewear, and a camera phone photo my husband took while briefly turning away from the Bulls game. Anyway. I love this dress, but I feel the need to wear shapewear to the max before I rock it. And I DO plan to rock it!

Adrienne Papell sent over a glorious box o’ gowns and I really loved how I felt in them. Here I am in three Adrienne Papell gowns.

The lilac dress had interesting tiers but the top of it felt a bit too mother of the bride, to me. The black dress feels so great on, but didn’t scream OSCAR to me – I’d love to wear it to something more free spirited and funky, jazzed up with accessories and maybe a belt. And the white sequined gown gave me the same must-wear-shapewear dilemma as the Kay Unger dress. Which is to say I like it but I’m not ready to work it just yet.

I was trying on dresses like a mad woman, and the whole time I kept looking on my own. I thought well, if I find the ideal dress at Macy’s or Nordstrom or Saks Fifth Avenue, at least I’ll have a backup. I never found anything I LOVED enough to commit to. And then I got an e mail from an independent designer label from Montclair, NJ, called Sofistafunk, The Skirt Boutique. They sent me photos of their absolutely stunning skirts and dresses. We exchanged several e mails. We Skyped. And then they asked if they could come and meet me in New York during New York Fashion Week and my Curls Unleashed events, to fit me into a gown we discussed and planned out together.

This is me, trying on my Oscar gown for the first time, in my hotel room in New York.

No makeup, no shapewear, in my hotel room with Arlinda the designer, and Blair of Sofistafunk. Love at first try. The first time I tried it on, I was a bit overwhelmed by the petticoat. But when the belt was tied and the shoulder ribbons were in place, I just KNEW. This was THE DRESS.

Sofistafunk also very generously gave me one of their signature skirts, A Gathering, which I wore to the Texture On The Runway event in New York. (I REALLY need to write a recap on that for you all, and I will! Promise). Here I am in that skirt, in my hotel room and then later on at City Winery, under the blacklights.

And with it I’m rockin’ my Afro Wig Clutch (got it on Etsy!) and to the party I wore a sequined tank I got at Nordstrom Rack and earrings by We Dream in Color. I think my husband got me that necklace as a Christmas present some years ago!

Back to the OSCARS. Packing for it proved to be a two suitcase affair, but it was totally worth it. You could see my Sofistafunk dress on the overhead cameras!

Can you see me? I can!

The sheer size of the dress proved to be both a blessing and a curse – the size and color of it made my look very distinctive on the red carpet. Luvvie and I felt like princesses.

I got compliments from men and women ALL night on the dress. The bad part was because of the size restrictions of where we were, it was tough to move around as quickly as I needed to. I would now like to thank the cameramen for not being visibly annoyed by my voluminous dress during the most hectic parts of the red carpet.

SO. What did I wear to the Oscars? Let me break it ALL down once and for all.

Dress was an original by Sofistafunk, similar to their An Affair to Remember dress.

I took a note from Octavia Spencer and also stylist Charles Wade, and wore TWO kinds of shapewear. I wore Bali Powershape Fusion Hi Waist Thigh and the Squeem Perfect Waist. My bra was the 5 way convertible bra by Lane Bryant’s Cacique, specially customized with purple ribbon straps added by Sofistafunk.

I wore sparkly leopard flats by Just Fab. Cute, fun, and perfect for standing and working for 8 or so hours.

My sunglasses were by Robert Verdi for HSN.

My jewelry was all via Max and Chloe – my earrings were by Sophia and Chloe, and the jewels were all green turquoise by Mali Sabatasso.

The makeup was sponsored by Avon,  and I did wear my signature lipglass, All Of My Purple Life.

And I know I wrote about all of this before but…. gotta show the video one last time. The hair – by Felicia Leatherwood. Makeup by Nicole Evans, and video filmed by Krystle Rowry, all blessed with an original song titled Bella, by Kirby Lauryen. Who says it don’t get better?

This is what is called a “fashion turn".”

And what did I think of the fashion I saw on the carpet?

Incredible video courtesy of FGW Productions!

It took months of effort and LOTS of help from my friends to pull all of this together, but YAY for my first ever Oscar dress. Will we be there next year? I HOPE so! Whatever will we wear? Only time will tell, my bellas. Only time will tell.

Stay tuned – the very next post will include something special for YOU from Sofistafunk!

In Chicago I am quite the homebody. You’re unlikely to catch me clubbing – at most I’ll go with my husband to a concert, or out to dinner. I don’t get out often when I’m in my city, but when I’m out of town? It’s non stop activity. This last trip to Los Angeles was a whirlwind of social activity and I loved it all! On the Saturday night before the Oscars, Luvvie and I went to Uptown Magazine’s 20th Anniversary of Boomerang Celebration, held out in Culver City.

Boomerang is one of my favorite movies of all time, for multiple reasons. It’s one of Eddie Murphy’s best. The soundtrack is killer. Halle Berry and Robin Givens are drop dead gorgeous in it. and the film brought together Caribbean icons Grace Jones and Geoffrey Holder in unforgettable roles. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen it! At the Uptown party, Boomerang played on repeat on screens throughout the venue. DJ D-Nice was on the ones and twos. And the party was quite the celebrity-studded affair! So both Luvvie and I had to turn it OUT.

I wore my Marilyn convertible dress, which was a gift from acclaimed and awesome plus size designer Monif C. I came REALLY close to choosing the dress in teal, which felt like a safe choice….but Brandon – Monif’s right hand man – convinced me to go citron. Yellow makes me SO happy!

I LOVE it! I’m still struggling to figure out what shoes I need to buy to go with it. But I LOVE it.

I set off my Monif C. dress with jewelry from Max and Chloe – that Privileged purple agate slice is quite the conversation starter!

I went for a festive arm party kind of thing to set off my uber bright dress – the bracelets are also Max and Chloe but I can’t remember which designer…and this is is the Andara Druzy Paisley Cocktail Ring. I wore sequined flats by Just Fab.

Luvvie wore an ADORABLE red retro frock by Tracy Reese, via Layla Grace. (not quite this, but close!)  It was SO perfect on her, and she paired it with Rachel Roy wedges and a clutch by up and coming Chicago-based handbag designer Moto. Click here to check out Moto on Facebook!

And our dream team came together to make us look gorgeous for the occasion! Nicole Evans gave us the perfect makeup for the occasion, Felicia Leatherwood set Luvvie’s hair off RIGHT, and Krystle Rowry was on hand to film it all! And the beautiful song you hear is yet another original track by Kirby Lauryen, check her out on Twitter!

Check out our party glam look, in this video sponsored by Avon!

For my look, Nicole used the Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Blushing Raisins, Avon Glimmersticks liqui-Glide liner in Brown and AVON Superextend Extreme Mascara in black, and she used the Jillian Dempsey for AVON Professional Perfect Eyes kit in Cinnamon Toast on Luvvie to accent the tones in her dress!

The whole Uptown party was lit in sultry shades of purple, so it gave our dresses an extra cool glow. All throughout the crowd, there were all kinds of famous folks. Here are the friendliest and coolest of those celebs!

If I had to write a list of the top five best television shows of all time, The Wire would be in my top five (alongside Breaking Bad, The Sopranos, and The Shield). There was something about The Wire that did more than shock or leave you on the edge of your seat, breathless with anticipation. The Wire lingered with you. The characters were so true to life that long after the show’s end, you still think about them and wonder what their lives would have gone on to become. At the Uptown party when Chad Coleman, who played Dennis “Cutty”  Wise walked by, Luvvie was like “PATRICE, it’s CUTTY!!!” Even though Chad Coleman has moved on to play other roles – now he’ s one of the stars on I Hate My Teenage Daughter – he’ll always be Cutty in the hearts of many. And he was SO nice to talk with in person. Thanks for being cool, Chad!

From the moment I spotted Terry Crews in the crowd, I started grinning. I wanted to meet him, just so I could tell him how much I love his work. ESPECIALLY because Terry Crews played one of my favorite characters in one of my favorite movies – President Dwayne Elizondo Mountain Dew Herbert Camacho, in Idiocracy! I think he got a kick out of the fact that I brought up that obscure 2006 cult classic, and Terry admitted that he’d love Mike Judge to start working on a sequel – The Rise of President Camacho. I WOULD LOVE THAT! Mr. Judge, if you’re reading – Idiocracy was SO primed for a sequel. I know I’m not the only one who would love it!

Terry Crews and his wife are absolutely lovely, by the way!

At the end of the evening we had TWO amazing encounters.

First I got to meet PR superstar Marvet Britto, and I was absolutely blown away that she recognized me and knew my blog. Marvet is major, and following her on Twitter gives me inspiration every day. It was so great to meet her!

When Stephanie took us over to meet Tisha Campbell, I was already excited. I mean…it’s TISHA CAMPBELL. I grew up watching her from the days of Rags to Riches. I wished I could dance like her in House Party. And then she went on to be Gina on Martin and Janet on My Wife and Kids. I have ALWAYS loved Tisha Campbell. So imagine what it’s like to meet  her, and to have her say “oh hey, you’re Afrobella! I remember doing a Skype interview a while back. I could never forget that beautiful face.”

I was ready to FALL OUT, y’all. I kept it cool, but I was positively aglow on the inside. And then Tisha looks at Luvvie and said she looked familiar and she’s read her blog before! She made our NIGHT. And by the way, Tisha is on Twitter (but doesn’t tweet often) – follow her @TishaCampblMrtn.

Another fabulous Los Angeles experience. And I still have a recap or two to go! Thanks to Uptown Magazine for a great evening!

Click here to check out Luvvie’s recap of what we wore!

For most special events and occasions, I feel comfortable doing my own hair and makeup. But certainly NOT for something as momentous as the Academy Awards! An occasion like that calls for full hair, makeup, exquisite garments, the whole 9 yards!

To put together the perfect Oscar look, we had to put together the ideal style and fashion red carpet dream team.

I was sent several dresses by mainstream designers, but I found THE DRESS when I met Arlinda, the designer of independent label Sofistafunk. She got me, she got my style, and fitted me for my dress herself. More to come on this incredible designer!!!

My jewels were procured by LaRue PR and are from collections found on MaxAndChloe.com – my earrings were by Sophia and Chloe and the jewels were all green turquoise by Mali Sabatasso. I wore sparkly leopard flats courtesy of Just Fabulous, and my sunglasses here are from the Robert Verdi for HSN collection.

I’m gonna break down more about the fashion in a post coming soon, because the quest for a plus size red carpet dress is a post within itself. This right here is all about the hair, the makeup, and getting ready on the day of the Oscars!

She’s a stylist to the stars and creator of the Loving Your Hair With Natural Care Workshop, but to me Felicia Leatherwood is much more than that. She’s become a dear friend of mine, and we share a sisterhood that I truly cherish. Felicia is everything! And for my Oscar hair, she made my curls defined and perfect with a special cocktail of Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Hold & Shine spray, and Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave In Conditioner. It brought out the curls and made my hair soft and shiny all day!

Felicia then pinned my hair back and brought it into an up do, leaving a crown of curls I referred to as a “fro fascinator.” I LOVED it. So elegant, yet so funky!

Our makeup was sponsored by AVON – I’m an AVON brand ambassador this year, and I’ve been absolutely falling in love with their products. Our makeup artist, Nicole Evans, used several of their products for our look and now needs Avon Glimmersticks liqui-liners, Be Blushed sticks, Shine Attract lipsticks and True Color Eyeshadow sets in her kit!

Wanna see exactly how our makeup look came together? Of course you do!! Incredible videographer Krystle Rowry of KrissDidIt.com was on hand to capture the magic. Up and coming singer songwriter Kirby Lauryen wrote and recorded the song “Bella” just for this video – you can download the EP here.

And this whole fabulous video was sponsored by my friends at Avon! LOVE THEM!

Here’s my completed look and a breakdown of everything we used!

Afrobella’s Oscar Makeup

Eyes:

• MAC Indianwood Paint Pot and Koh Gen Do Concealer,
• Jillian Dempsey for AVON Professional Perfect Eyes kit in Cinnamon Toast
• AVON True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Blushing Raisins
• MAC Pigment in Vanilla
• MAC Glitter in Reflects Gold
• Revlon Colorstay Gel Eyeliner in Black
• AVON Superextend Extreme Mascara in Black
• Make Up Forever Individual Lashes
• Duo Adhesive in Black
• MAC Charcoal Brown Eyeshadow (Brows)

Face:

• Mario Badescu Facial Spray Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater
• Embryolisse lait creme moisturiser
• NARS oil-free primer
• Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation,Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer and Face Atelier Foundation
• MAC Blunt blush
• MAC Gingerly Blush
• NARS Illuminator in Copacabana
• MAC Gold Deposit Mineralize Skinfinish

Lips:

MAC All Of My Purple Life lipglass

Et voila! HELLO, Oscar!

For Luvvie, Felicia washed her hair with Eden Bodyworks shampoo, and then retwisted her locs using Sof n Free’s "Nothing But” Line, Mold and Hold. She then finished it with Shea Moisture’s Reconstructive Elixir Spray and made her locs curly by twisting them into bantu knots. Luvvie’s locs stayed curly for days! And that adorable flower in her hair? It’s a ring Luvvie owned that Felicia styled right into her hair!

Luvvie’s OSCARS make up

:

Eyes:

• MAC Paint Pot in Blackground and Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer
• MAC Carbon Eyeshadow
• MAC Embark Eyeshadow
• MAC Bronze Eyeshadow
• MAC Coppering Eyeshadow
• MAC Platinum Pigment
• MAC Reflects Gold Glitter
• Make Up Forever Eyelashes
• Duo adhesive in black
• Avon Glimmersticks liqui-Glide liner in black

Face:

• NARS oil-free primer
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisture
• MAC Sketch Eyeshadow
• MAC Cranberry Eyeshadow
• AVON Truecolor Blush in Cranberry
• NARS Illuminator in Copacabana
• Estee Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Gelee

Lips:

• MAC Half Red lip pencil
• AVON Pro Luscious Pout Lipcolor in Pumped up Pink
• MAC Pro gloss in Honey Beige

We found Luvvie’s dress at Hannah’s Boutique (10500 Southwest Hwy; Chicago Ridge, IL 60415,708-398-4055) – Luvvie walked into the store looking for a cobalt blue gown, and when the owners suggested this greige gown she didn’t even want to try it on! But I had a feeling it was special and when she tried it on, she soon saw for herself. That gown is GORGEOUS and Luvvie looked so beautiful in it!

We both felt like princesses on the red carpet. And for that we’ve got to thank our team Sofistafunk, Just Fabulous, Jessy Fofana and LaRue PR, Max & Chloe, AVON, Felicia Leatherwood, Nicole Evans, Krystle Rowry, Kirby Lauryen, and Stephanie Frederic of FGW Productions – teamwork makes the dream work and we are so thankful for ALL of you!!!

Check out Luvvie’s recap here.

What do you think of our Oscar red carpet look, bellas? Did we make you proud?