Most of my makeup life, I’ve been obsessed with being matte. I am a black woman with combination oily skin, and I grew up in a humid climate. To be oil free with an all-over matte complexion has been pretty much a lifelong goal. But now the makeup world has gone mad for highlighting,… read all

  Because of my history as one of the chosen ones for the 2011 Bloggers Obsession collection, I’m asked about MAC Cosmetics often. Mainly it’s two questions. This post will aim to answer both of them, with a little help from an expert!     Question #1 – will they EVER bring back All Of… read all

From the moment she did my makeup and helped to coordinate my MAC lipglass photoshoot, Bisi Essien – AKA @BisiCrystalEyez of Crystal Eyez Makeup Artistry has become my go-to Chicago makeup artist. She’s incredibly talented, incredibly hard working, and incredibly professional. Bisi is the woman I turn to when I’m involved in an event in… read all

If you’ve been reading my tweets, or following me on Facebook or Instagram you know that I’ve been traveling. A LOT. To be honest, I can hardly keep up with myself lately. Every week it’s been a different city. Traveling a lot should mean I’m a packing expert by now, right? Well, every time I… read all

When I was a teen, I went through a virulent and outspoken anti-makeup phase. This lasted for all of two years and was reflective of my mental state at the time (I was also dealing with general teenage angst and unhappiness, and an eating disorder I’ve thankfully managed to leave behind). I kept myself busy… read all

I didn’t get it when I lived in a hot climate but now it’s going to be my third autumn in Chicago and I finally GET it. I get the anticipation of the changing seasons. I get the allure of autumn. It’s still sunny, but cool enough to layer. It’s the season for blazers and… read all

Every now and then I’ll find myself at an event so special, it makes me reflect on my life and marvel at the company I’m surrounded by. That happened last week, when I attended a shade matching event and launch for Fashion Fair’s newest foundation, True Finish Refining Mineral Foundation, at the home of Desiree… read all

When I was headed to New Orleans, I knew I was traveling with a photographer (that’d be Chuck AKA @Chuckstr), I knew I’d be going to some high profile events (hello, Essence Music Fest!) and I’d be doing a photo shoot while in town (hello, Igigi). I also knew it would be like ninth circle… read all

Hey bellas! It’s been a minute since makeup correspondent Sherry Blossom (@MsSherryBlossom) blessed the blog! Now she’s here to collaborate with me on a post! Sherry’s no stranger to drugstore makeup, and neither am I – any makeup lover knows that wipes are ESSENTIAL. I can’t travel without ‘em, and as a makeup artist and… read all

From the moment I knew I was going to Atlanta to appear as the keynote speaker for Fro Fashion Week, I had three immediate concerns. 1 – OMG I have to give a speech? And not just be on a panel with other people? Everyone will be looking at me — yikes! 2 — What… read all