We’ve got “alternative facts” in media and politics, and they don’t stop there – I’ve seen quite a few beauty “tips” or “hacks” that I’d definitely categorize as potentially harmful, couched as advice from a beauty or wellness pro. I’ll admit, I’ve had my concerns when I watch these well-edited, ill-advised video clips of beautiful… read all

This year, unfortunately I was out of town and wasn’t available to attend The Makeup Show Chicago. I knew it was going to be wonderful and the focus of at least one major panel was on diversity in beauty. I was sad to miss the show experience, but I found the most amazing person to… read all

Winged liner has been a thing for decades now, but it’s absolutely had a resurgence in popularity in 2015. Every celebrity, every young woman you see on the street practically (at least here in Chicago) is rocking thick eyeliner as part of their everyday look. I absolutely love a bold, fierce winged liner and have… read all

What are the beauty rules you were taught early in life? I realize now that so many of mine were all wrong – or at the very least, wrong for me. For years I believed everything I read in magazines. I thought the models really did have lashes that full and that long. I thought… read all

I’m just old enough to remember a time before manicures were commonplace. When I was growing up, manicures were for the fancy or for special occasions. Now, many of my friends have weekly nail appointments. I live in a part of Chicago where there’s a nail salon almost every three blocks – and when a… read all

Beautifully Brown by Melanie Yvette is one of my favorite new beauty blogs – and if you’ve never checked out her work, you totally should! Here’s what I love about Melanie and her message – she is all about the melanin, all about celebrating her beauty on her terms, and all about self love and… read all

I love wearing a bold, bright lip. But honestly, sometimes a bold, bright lip doesn’t love me back. Chapped, dry lips are the enemy of bright lipsticks and glosses. There’s no better way to point out “HEY, I’ve got dry skin issues” than to slather on a creamy matte lipstick, pre-exfoliation. It’s like pointing a big… read all

January 5, 2015. Day 5 of 365. We’re in the heady days of New Year’s resolutions. Everyone’s making a list, creating a vision board, and planning new ways to become better people in the next 360 days. It’s an exciting time. A time of promise. A time of self flagellation. A time of personal critique,… read all

Lately I’ve been getting a lot of questions about skin care. I’ve blogged about grown women’s skincare and the need for a regimen in the past, but it’s been a while. I’ve tried a few new things and had some new experiences. It’s time for an update. As we get older, our needs change. Our bodies… read all

Listen. It’s hot outside. When you get ready to face the world, you already know you’re going to emerge sweaty and melty with a side dish of frustrated and over it. But summer isn’t supposed to be about struggle, it’s supposed to be FUN. Your beauty regimen shouldn’t slow you down one bit, and having… read all