Red carpet makeup requires perfection in general, but there’s one particular item that needs to stay put and remain flawless all night long no matter what — and that’s mascara. Even if there are tears or if it rains, those lashes need to be full, fabulous and smudge-free. For fancy red carpet occasions, by and… read all

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

Empire is one of those shows that frequently gets labeled as a “guilty pleasure.” For me, there is no guilt. There is only pleasure. I enjoy Empire for the glamour, the drama, the sizzling intrigue and especially the STYLE. I grew up on a diet of Dynasty, Falcon Crest and Knots Landing; and Empire gives… 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

Let it be known far and wide that James Vincent is one of my favorite people in the beauty industry. I’m not the only one who would proclaim that anywhere. He’s one of the most accomplished MUA’s I know, but if you know James, if you’ve met James, then you know that he is warmth… read all

The photos of Angela Bassett at the Emmys have been floating around my timeline and getting tons of social media likes, with good reason. Because Angela Bassett looks AMAZING. The word flawless gets tossed around a lot. Here, I’d say it applies. Behold. Angela Bassett is never one to half-step and she SLAYED at the… read all

When I think of actress Uzo Aduba, I think of transformation. She is a real and rare talent, able to convey all of the complex layers of her character, Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on Orange Is the New Black. Last year she won the Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. This year,… 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

It’s bold, it’s fierce, it’s a must for rock stars of any gender persuasion. I’m talking about eyeliner – a dark streak of color around your eyes is the sure fire way to make your look pop and express that personality. There are some celebs who get it right every time and have a strong… read all