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: The Lip Bar Turns 8!

Melissa Butler, founder and CEO of The Lip Bar cosmetics company started the brand from her kitchen while working in New York City in the financial industry.

I have had the pleasure of watching this entrepreneur’s story grow and seeing the brand expand over the years. I was first introduced to the brand on Twitter.

Originally, the brand sold about five lipsticks or so, all named after drinks-like cosmo, for instance. Cosmo is a beautiful red. I recall thinking about how different this brand was-I particularly liked what what the brand stood for and the packing was nice too. The Lip Bar started out by providing completely vegan lipsticks at a price point of $20. While there were other brands out there that were health conscious and earth conscious, I must admit that I wasn’t always impressed. For one, the pigment was not that great. In fact, it was waning and caused me to look elsewhere for product.

One day, Melissa went on the show Shark Tank. I didn’t get to see the show but I was able to see a recap. The show was very popular at the time and fit the entreprenurial wave that America was experiencing. With the rise of social media and technological advancements, it was easier than ever to become a successful entrepreneur. It was the first time brands could really directly engage with a large group of consumers in a more organic environment, really shifting and shaping the perspective of potential buyers. To Melissa’s advantage, her brand was doing this all the time and Shark Tank would be a catalyst to get her brand to a even larger audience and into mainstream.

The cast of Shark Tank couldn’t grasp the vision and they turned her down. My gut told me that this was just a stepping stone. So, I remember shortly after her television experience, she had a sale blitz. It was my first purchase and I think I bought at least five lipsticks. To say that I am a fan is an understatement! This stuff is awesome! It quickly became a go-to brand for me and I always tell clients about it.

There are so many things to love about this brand. Besides it being vegan, The Lip Bar delivers! The product payoff is phenomenal. The price point is at about $13 for lipsticks. The brand continues to grow and has now added a line of full-face products so that women on the go can confidently start their day with a complete face of makeup in under 10 minutes! That’s pretty impressive-especially coming from someone who is not an artist. She is a total visionary though and she knew how to seek out those who could help her carry out her vision of an all inclusive brand that is changing the beauty standard.

While she was not chosen on the show, she took that opportunity to build her brand into a multi-millionaire dollar beauty empire that continues to grow by the second. Keep inspiring us, Melissa! I can’t wait to see what you do next.

In honor of its 8th birthday, The Lip Bar has every product on sale today. Click here to go to the website.

Pat McGrath to Debut New Concealer Line- 02.21.20

Pat McGrath released her highly coveted foundation to ravashing reviews and success. Now, Pat McGrath Labs will be releasing its new and highly-anticipated Sublime Perfection Concealer line on Friday, February 21, 2020. The line boasts 36 shades and has a price point of $32. In line with making her brand inclusive and easy-to-use, consumers can also purchase a concealer brush (also priced at $32), designed by McGrath to mimic the finger, or use the doe-foot applicator provided. She is known for using her fingers and hands to apply makeup the brush design falls right in line with approach to beauty.

Known for versatility and thinking outside the box, McGrath says that you can use the concealer in lieu of foundation, for example, making this perfect for summer.

Pat McGrath Labs will also be releasing other products on Friday, so be sure to check out her website for more goodies. The products will also be available at Sephora and at select Sephora locations.

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!

Celebrate YOUR Lashes!

It’s National Lash Day!

So many beauty brands are celebrating this day with special pricing on mascara. Be sure to check your email and go on websites of some of your fave brands and stores for specials. Ulta has some great deals too-up to 50% off on lashes, mascara and all things lashes. It’s worth a look! In honor of National Lash Day, now would also be a great time to check out a new mascara or even purchase a new pair of lashes.

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.

Black History Month 2020

Happy Black History Month!

This month, we’ll explore some amazing movers and shakers, world influencers, and beauty moguls who are heavily impacting the world. I want to share some of my favorite beauty industry leaders who are opening doors for a shift in thought patterns and approaching beauty through an innovative lens.

Here’s to an amazing month!

2020 Grammys in Review

The 2020 Grammys have come and gone. Sunday, January 27, 2020, there was lots of beauty, glitz and glam.

For this post, I’m focusing on two beauties to discuss some trends that are easy to incorporate this upcoming bridal season.n The award shows always give us some great takeaways.

Let’s talk about Demi Lovato first. Demi looked absolutely ethereal in her stunning white gown. The complimentary combination of white with silver shimmer was perfect for television. Her hair and makeup styling was perfect.

Lovato’s emotional performance was touching, to say the least. I commend her for being able to push through and sing the way she did. It was not an easy task. She later recalled memories of the moment and how she reflected on how far she’d come. Emotions were high for many.

Sunday was a shocking day for many of us. We were all processing the news of the untimely passing of (former) Laker and history maker Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gia and seven other amazing people who are no longer with us, sending shockwaves that could be felt around the world. What is typically a celebratory occasion had a somberness that I don’t recall experiencing since the passing of Whitney Houston. This is a tragic and major loss for the world. They will all be sorely missed.

The loss was reflected in speeches of the night’s winners, like Lizzo. In contrast to Demi, Lizzo wore black when she received her Grammy for Best Solo Performance Winner. It was her first Grammy win. She looked great in her sparkly black gown. It had just the right touch of sparkle. I also liked her makeup and hair as well. They really complemented her gown.

The two ladies had similarities in that while these gowns both contrasted, they were similar in that they had sparkle and showed the perfect amount of skin. The makeup complemented vs. competed with the hair and gowns. This combo is a great takeaway for brides for the upcoming season.