J.Lo Realizes A Big Dream

J.Lo has announced that something new is on the way for her. In 2021, she will officially realize a long-time dream.

It was announced several months ago that she was coming out with, you guessed, a skincare line. This is a no-brainer. She’s long been known for having beautiful, glowing skin along with a serious skincare regimen. J.Lo definitely realizes the importance of taking care of her skin. It has served her well.

Her brand, dubbed JLo Beauty (of course!), will launch on January, 1, 2021 on its respective website. The brand will launch with eight skincare products including eye cream, a dietary supplement, and sunscreen.

J.Lo is pretty amazing and I expect that this product will be no less. One product she mentions that is used in her brand is olive oil. She says that the oil is part of her mother and aunt’s beauty secret. To be honest, it has been one of my long-time favorites to because it’s really an oil made for the skin. The prices vary for each of the launch items. So far, there have been rave reviews from those who were fortunate enough to test the products before they are released to the public.

Save ya coins so you can be part of this brand’s historic launch in a few weeks!

Netflix Just Announced This

Yesterday, Netflix announced that some major classic shows are coming to the popular streaming service.

Over the next 3 months, we will have access to these shows (let the binge watching begin!). I, for one, am looking forward to this and I know I am not alone. Shows such as Moesha, The Game (limited seasons), Sister, Sister, Girlfriends, The Parkers, Half & Half, and One on One will be lighting up our Netflix accounts as we approach the end of summer and start to say hello to autumn.

Thinking of the impact of these shows, Girlfriends comes to mind as a lesson in makeup for me. Makeup Artist Rea Ann Silva really nailed beauty-consistently. When I look at the series, I see beautiful women, not (heavy) makeup. Everything flows so well that the show still serves as an inspiration. The makeup accurately compliments the hair and clothing of each cast member. Silva created what we now know as the Beautyblender while on the show out of a need while working on set. I’d say the show has served her well.

So grateful for all of these shows and the cast and crew of each of these shows that made such great television.

See the upcoming dates below:

August

Saturday, August 1st- Moesha

Saturday, August 15th- The Game (seasons 1-3)

September

Tuesday, September 1st- Sister, Sister

Friday, September 11th- Girlfriends

October

Tuesday, October 1st- The Parkers

Tuesday, October 15th- One on One

Here’s to happy watching!

Remembering B. Smith

Over the weekend, we received news that the legendary and beautiful B. Smith passed away. The annoucement came via her husband, Dan Gasby’s, Facebook page.

As the condolences started to make their way around, I thought about my own experiences with her and her impact on me.

I first remember seeing the iconic model, author, restuaranteur and history maker on her television show, B. Smith Style, where I spefically remember the segment on how she cared for her makeup brushes (of course that had me hooked!).

I knew she was a model and that she’d made history in the 70s as the first African American model to grace the cover of Mademoiselle but I didn’t know a lot about her brand and what she offered. All I can say that is I’m glad to have experienced it in some way.

In addition to watching the tv show, I also attended an event where she was also in attendance, along with her husband here in Richmond. They were very personable and down to earth. It’s one thing to see people on stage or from afar and another to experience them up close and personal.

Later, I had the opportunity to eat at her restaurant-both the DC and NYC locations. The fare was different at each spot-both eateries were upscale and simply elegant. I enjoyed my food and her interpretation of each dish was both culturally and regionally befitting.

I am so grateful for the beauty icon that we knew as B. Smith. She will be greatly missed.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPOTLIGHT: Pat McGrath

This Black History Month, I celebrate the legendary and iconic makeup artist and entreprenuer Pat McGrath.

From Great Britian, McGrath always had a knack for beauty and art. She knew she wanted to pursue a creative role when the time came. Her success is legendary.

Pat McGrath is known for her creative and artistic ability and can be seen on the runways of major fashion powerhouses season after season and year after year. McGrath’s vision and influence are far reaching-influencing beauty trends for the masses. Her talents have taken her career to heights that many only dream of.

I can recall her saying that she always wanted her own makeup line and in 2015, the world was introduced to Pat McGrath Labs. It is only right (and natural) for her to have a beauty line. If anyone knows makeup, this woman does! She has used her expertise and knowledge to help launch and grow other famous big-name brands. This experience only prepared her for her own line. I love how this worked for her!

Besides having a stellar artistic career, I chose to highlight this icon because she answered a desperate need in the beauty industry-inclusivity. Her foundation, for instance has a ton of shades, guaranteeing that there is something for everyone. Foundation tends to be the most difficult find for woman of color and to see a brand such as this one answer that definitely deserves recognition.

I also respect this fellow artist’s drive to get things right and do things right. For instance, did you know that her foundation took 6 years of research and preparation before doing to market? That’s pretty amazing! The work that was put into making this a success is not to be taken lightly.

I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing more from this billion-dollar brand in the near future. As a matter of fact, the brand is scheduled to release several new products-in the coming days including concealer, eye shadows and powders.

Thank you Pat McGrath for all of your amazing contributions to beauty!

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

Today, Selena Gomez announced her new makeup line that will be coming out in the US this summer. Gomez, 27, made her announcement by way of social media (including Instagram and Twitter), that she is teaming up with Sephora for distribution.

The products will be available exclusively through Sephora and Sephora J.C. Penney. As Gomez joins the growing list of celebs coming out with beauty lines, I am looking forward to seeing what the brand has to offer when it officially launches this summer.

For more information, you can follow the brand using the IG handle @rarebeauty.