I know because he told me himself! And here I’ve been buying overpriced brush cleaner this whole time!

For more gems of wisdom, follow him on Twitter or visit his website, SamFine.com. My girl Erin Scandalous did a great review of his new DVD, and now I need it in my life ASAP! Click here to buy his DVD, Fine: The Basics of Beauty.

Thanks for the money-saving tip, Mr. Fine! I’m a big fan!!

Karen Robinovitz may be the busiest woman I know. Besides being a writer by trade who knows everyone who’s anyone in NYC, she’s the creatrix of Purple Lab NYC, an indie cosmetic brand that’s about to hit the big time. She just hosted an insanely successful event — the “Find Your Luvah” speed dating party in Hoboken is being reported as the world’s largest speed dating event in history! AND she’s about to launch some super sexy new beauty products on the Home Shopping Network — her debut will air February 18th and 19th, and they’re doing FIVE different live shows. As I said to her on the phone yesterday, “OMG, Karen that’s HUGE!”

As stressed out as she must have been, Karen remained upbeat and excited.

“OMG, Patrice – these are my CHILDREN. Our cream blush, Cheek Implants? Patrice. You. Are. Going. To. DIE. It’s got all of the treatments I use on my skin, in a blush. It is SO good. There’s elastin and collagen in it…it’s so velvety and perfect. And I chose the names for a special reason — I think every woman should feel like they’ve got a Backstage Pass, and are wearing Six Inch Heels, even if they’re just going to the grocery store!”

Karen is a fashionista for the ages, I tell you. I’m extra super duper excited for Lashionista Modelista, a mascara infused with diamond dust for that over-the-top touch of glam. And I also love Purple Lab’s most popular product, Huge Lips Skinny Hips. This Hoodia-infused gloss is paraben free and gently plumps your lips after application. As a woman with a pair of naturally full lips I wasn’t really concerned about the plumping action so much, but my friends with thinner lips or with lines that can detract from their lips looking smooth and kissable would LOVE that effect. On me, it just makes my lips look full and smooth. Just the way I like em!

My favorite color is Worship Kate — a deep rose/mauve with a touch of glitter to it – very sheer, very layerable, perfect on any shade of skin. That was a big concern for Karen.

“My group of friends is like the United Nations. So I made sure these colors would work on EVERYONE!”

For a special giveaway just for Afrobella readers, Karen and Purple Lab are offering the ultimate gloss that will work on everyone.
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That photo above is from the Washington Post, from a photo gallery titled The Roots Of It. But it could easily have been me, 25 years ago. Or any one of you bellas reading this, I am sure.

This weekend’s Washington Post included an absolutely lovely article on the traditions (and trials) of braiding a little black girl’s hair. Click here to read Balm: By styling her daughters’ hair each morning, she was attending to something deeper than a beauty ritual, by Lonnae O’Neal Parker. This riveting personal essay reveals how hair styling is so much more than just tending to the superficial exterior, in black culture. Please read it, it’s SO good.
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Did you watch the Miss America pageant? Just half an hour ago, a new Miss America was crowned. Miss Virginia, Caressa Cameron! Read that Washington Post article for details!

The beautiful Ms. Cameron now joins a list of seven — now eight — African American Miss America winners in history. PBS offers a fascinating look back at African Americans and the Miss America Pageant.

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Shopaholics are SERIOUS about their business. When a hot store announces a sale, a dedicated shopaholic is the first one to tell all their friends. When an incredible new product launches, y’all are the first to know!

So my shopaholic bellas — put this on your radar. Tonight at 11 p.m. through 1 a.m. on 1/30 (and also 11am, 3pm, & 9pm ET that day), QVC is hosting Bare Escentuals sales and shows. Tune in, check em out, and shop it up!

But just in case you can’t wait and really-really want to get your BE on right this minute, I’ve got a giveaway for you! My first for the year!

The Bare Minerals Buxom Babes Winter Escapades Lip Color 4 piece set is everything you need for your lips to look ultra luscious. Four colors — Holly, Merry, Hope, and Joy, go far beyond the holidays and add glitter and glamour to your look whenever you want it.
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I’ve thrown a little shade at Barbara Millicent Roberts — better known as Barbie — over the years. But that isn’t because I don’t LOVE Barbie’s style and wish I too could have a pink Caddy, dream house, and a veritable battery of lucrative and fun occupations. I’ve just had a hard time finding a Barbie within my price range, who also has the kind of features and style a bella like me can truly relate to.

Which is why the just-launched Barbie Basics collection is giving me EVERYTHING right now.

Bellas, behold designer Philip Crangi’s one-of-a-kind Barbie doll. She is part of a collection of 12 fabulous dolls, who each are sporting their unique designer silhouette of the classic little black dress. Not to mention – these Barbies can be customized with “ultra-chic accessory packs, including shoes, scarfs, jewelry and more.” Oh. My.

My inner child has been awakened, and thankfully this LBD-loving Barbie Basics line is also for a fabulous cause!

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