Kinky Curly to the Coil Rescue!

Ladies, I think I've found what I've been waiting for - a hair system that does not freeze dry, overslick or weigh down the natural bounce and beauty of my curls, while giving them pretty amazing definition. A seriously rambunctious Woo Hoo! goes out to the folks over at Kinky Curly for that. Remarkably, I hadn't tried their products before now, though I had heard lots about them. After being regaled with tales of overly-crunchy tresses and unfortunate white residue on hair, I made sure to consult the styling tips section of the brand's website before diving into my test drive.

I stuck to the magical triumvirate of Come Clean Shampoo, Knot Today Leave-In Detangler and Conditioner, and Curling Custard. Time after time, the results have left me very, very pleased. Experiment with the ratio of Knot Today and Curling Custard as different proportions yield different results, and that can be a very good (read 'versatile') thing. I found that my hair texture loves more Knot Today and a small amount of the Custard (which is concentrated).

On those days when I have to have my fix of Big Hair, I use the Knot Today, allow it to air dry to slightly damp overnight, and then add a bit more in the morning followed by a scrunch through of a couple healthy dabs of the Curling Custard. Refreshing was easy with a water assist, either with wet hands or the spray bottle.

Fan-tab-u-LOUS!

What do you think of Kinky Curly's products? -Zee

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COVERGIRL’s Latest Fresh-Faced Beauty (and a Contest!)

And the title of new Brand Ambassador for the COVERGIRL Queen Collection goes to (drum roll please) ... Paula Patton!! The actress was recently announced as the newest face of the collection, which caters to the beauty needs of women of color across a broad spectrum of complexions and tones. Mischo Beauty had the pleasure of meeting her, along with awesome makeup artist, Fiona Stiles, over an intimate dinner with fellow beauty bloggers and glossy editors.

Paula's excitement to represent the beauty of women of color with COVERGIRL was as palpable as she was gorgeous! She shared her new post-baby beauty staples of lip stain that doubles as blush, mascara and the ever important concealer, and revealed the January 2012 arrival of three new products: LashFantastic Mascara, Lasting Matte Pressed Powder and Vivid Impact Eyeliner.

Want to meet Paula yourself? Then visit COVERGIRL's Facebook page, beginning October 31st, and let them know how they can help you unleash your beauty. A winner will be picked in December, and will receive a one-on-one COVERGIRL makeover with Paula and one of her favorite celebrity makeup artists. The makeover will be showcased as part of a webisode series featured on COVERGIRL.com, YouTube and Facebook. I may need to enter this one myself - ha! Good luck!

Are you a Queen Collection fan? What do you think about Paula as the new brand ambassador? -Zee

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Amplify with Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Lash Lacquer

So, if you remember, I've told you all about Stubbs (the nickname for my underdeveloped lashes) and my ceaseless effort to amplify what little I have in the eyelash department. Well, I've tried Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Lash Lacquer and I find myself riding the fence on this one.

On one hand, the product definitely made my lashes appear super glossy and jet black, even without the recommended base of lengthening mascara. I was impressed with the glamorous look of it all, and even more taken by the fact that my occasional eye rubbing throughout the day (terrible, I know) did not rub off or flake the lacquer. Its latex-like finish adheres to your lashes differently than mascara does, and therein lies the goodness.

On the flip side, applying this product takes way too much care for my hectic morning routine, but could be worth the extra time when prepping for a night out on the town. Cleaning and brushing off the excess from the brush before each application is a must, otherwise the lacquer clumps and either doesn't brush on at all or gathers lots of lashes into an unattractive dog pile. No, not a pleasure. You really have to follow the directions and take your time.

All and all, I say try it if you have $28 to spare, as well as the time and patience to get the application right. -Zee

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Mischo Beauty Challenge Update: "A Healthy, Sexy & Beautiful 2011"

October is breast cancer awareness month. As the granddaughter of a breast cancer survivor, I am forever grateful for the saving grace of early detection.

My grandmother is many things: feisty, smart as a whip, witty as all get out, quite free with her tongue, gorgeous at any age and a fighter to her core. She has beaten back breast cancer, twice. A stickler for healthy eating and body maintenance, she has always been very good about annual doctor appointments and physicals. It was during one of those visits, about four years ago, that an abnormal mammogram exposed early stage breast cancer.

Being a septuagenarian, she assessed her options carefully and made a treatment decision that was right for her and the cancer was removed. During a checkup, almost two years later, a different instance of breast cancer, in the same breast, was found, again in an early stage. This time she opted to undergo chemotherapy. The road has definitely not been easy, but she is still here, kicking hard. If you asked, she would tell you that early detection was the key to her second and third chances at life.

The numbers are not heartening: 1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer during her lifetime, and out of those women, a whopping 85% will have no family history of the disease. It is highly likely that each of us knows and loves at least one woman who has or has had the disease.

What do these statistics mean for us? That preventive care - via healthy lifestyle choices, self-exams, and consistent and on-time screenings (as per guidelines outlined by your doctor) - can mean the difference between surviving and succumbing. Please visit the American Cancer Society for more information on early detection and prevention, and stand up for your life. -Zee

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Getting Pouty with Bliss Fabulips

Fall is upon us, and along with the crisp air and gorgeously changing leaves, comes dry, chapped lips. Bliss Fabulips offers a four step at-home remedy for this problem. I have used the kit to prep before heading out with a vibrant pink lip and again before wearing a sock-it-to-them wine colored lipstick. In both cases, my lips provided a perfectly smooth, and surprisingly, extra pouty canvas.

The Foaming Lip Cleanser (Step 1) is designed to lift surface impurities and is followed by the Sugar Lip Scrub, made with almond and walnut shells (so nut allergic folks, be aware), that gently roughs away dead skin. Then comes my favorite, Step 3, the Instant Lip Plumper, infused with cork tree extract and a peptide-packed complex. Now, my lips are naturally at least midway along the fullness spectrum, and I am very satisfied with them.

I confess that this plumper really amazed me by giving my lips enough extra that I saw the difference and enjoyed it... and would plump them again! Step 4 is the Softening Lip Balm. Made with shea butter, jojoba and grapeseed oils, it is perfect at any time, though I have been using it primarily before going to bed, to moisturize my kisser while I sleep.

This is a pretty pricey ($45) kit whose contents are available separately. The only product that you might have a hard time replacing with a less expensive and just as effective alternative is the Instant Lip Plumper ($18). It is definitely the standout of the bunch, and I recommend giving it a try if you are looking to extra-sexify your pout! -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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In the Flow of Change with Georgia NY

All good things must come to an end, but absolutely fabulous things only get even better. After three years at their flagship location on The Bowery in New York City, the ladies of Georgia NY are bidding adieu to the retail world to focus on their global presence in wholesale and online. The doors will close at the end of September, so if you are in the area (89 East Houston) please stop on by for discounted goodies and warm conversation.

Those of you who, like me, are already hankering to relax in the eclectically charming and well-appointed boutique/salon as you have known it, can take heart. There are plans in the works for a new salon in NYC, and products from their private label, Georgia by G & Company will be available online as well as at select boutiques internationally. You cannot hold a good woman back from her dreams, let alone two!

All the very best to owners Jodie Patterson and Kiara Ellozy. You are visionaries and artisans par excellence. We are excited to behold the next iteration of Georgia NY! -Zee

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I Spy Fabulous Eyes: Rimmel London’s Lash Accelerator

Ladies, a new mascara fave has entered the building - Rimmel London's Lash Accelerator! It easily performs on par with the other top drugstore picks and works as well as some of the more luxe brands, too. With little to no clumping and no flaking, my sensitive eyes were not irritated (woo hoo!).

A fresh, natural look was achieved with one coat, and two coats delivered a work-appropriate lusciousness that left me pleased as pie with my peepers. Mind you, my eyelashes are so legendarily sparse that they have a nickname: Stubs. They are the only thing that I inherited from my mother that I would like to give back, post-haste!

This mascara both thickened and lengthened poor Stubs, and piled on well after work for glamorous nighttime drama. Yes! Lash Accelerator is definitely on my hot list and will be in regular rotation.

Have any of you given Lash Accelerator a try? Where does it stand in comparison to your other lash favorites? -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from my beauty editor-at-large, Zee's sister, who asked the following:

"What is the best regimen and product recommendations to recover from stress induced hair breakage?"

Well, first and foremost, I'd recommend seeing a dermatologist. While I do believe in self-diagnosis, hair loss of any type can be a serious matter. Seeing a doctor might insure that the breakage isn't being caused by any medically treatable factors. So, rule the medical factors out first!

Now stress does play a part in your health and is reflected in the health and ultimately the appearance of your hair, skin and nails. My next suggestion is that you evaluate your lifestyle and determine what you can do to combat the stress. Are you lacking sleep? Dehydrated often? Following an improper diet? Lacking exercise? If so, make changes as soon as possible, and enlist help if needed. And if opportunities to relax present themselves - take advantage of them!

Lastly, evaluate the products you're using for your hair and make sure they're appropriate for your hair type. Your hair is going to need lots of TLC to get it back to it's optimal health. So, if you aren't following a home haircare regimen- start one today! Also, add to that regimen a protein conditioner which is used to strengthen the hair. Protein conditioners should only be used according to the manufacturer's directions because improper use may result in breakage.

I really hope this helps!

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

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Go Deep with Hourglass Aura Lip Stain

For those of you who, like me, have been on the hunt for a red lip that is appropriate even in a conservative work space, Hourglass Cosmetics has delivered the goods. Their Aura Lip Stain in Scarlet is quickly becoming my go-to shade when I want to appear pepped-up and ready to go. Its sheer, water-based color allows me the ultimate in control over my final look.

I use fewer layers during the day, which results in semi-matte berry/plum kissed lips that enliven my face, while I go deeper at night, with more layers and a gloss topper, to achieve a sexy scarlet. I love this color. Beware though, that any imperfection will show, so if in doubt, exfoliate those lips before using.

While Scarlet was perfect for me, Hourglass does not offer a wide range of colors in this product, so you may want to purchase in person, where you can match the shade against your skin and not have to worry about the hassle of a return. Thus far, the palette includes Scarlet, Flush and Petal. A great selling point? The lip stain is free of parabens/sulfates/synthetic fragrances/phthalates/GMOx/triclosan. Now those are "freedoms" I can get behind! -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Super Sweetback's Soft and Long Revenge

Could there be such a thing as a deep conditioner that softens and elongates every curly strand of your hair? The Miss Jessies's brand says yes, it is so, with their Super Sweetback Treatment. With a bubblegum/candy scent that will either carry you on a happy cloud to hair heaven or drive you diabetically batty with every whiff, this concoction definitely leaves hair soft and supple. I chose to apply the conditioner before entering the shower to let the steam penetrate my hair for 15 minutes.

I spent a fair amount of the application time wondering which ingredients led to the odd, slick texture with the consistency of jello-y pudding, but I appreciated the outcome. Once air-dried, my usually spirally coils hung in vibrantly buoyant waves. Shine is not one of the benefits imparted by Super Sweetback, so you will have to figure that one out for yourself with a good finishing product. All said, I am looking forward to guaging the long-term results of use, though learning to tolerate the overly sugary scent will be quite a challenge.

Have you given this conditioning treatment a try? What did you think? -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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COVERGIRL Queen Collection Lipsticks

There are some new lipsticks in town, ladies, courtesy of the COVERGIRL Queen Collection. Hypoallergenic and infused with a silk protein designed to soften your lips more and more with each wear, they are available in a range of colors specifically suited to women of color. The selection which I test drove included Ruby Slipper, Fine Wine, Spicy Seduction and Girly Pink. Fine Wine was by far my favorite.

It is a richly pigmented shade that goes on smoothly, though it is sadly not thick enough to avoid light re-application many times throughout the day. This particular color faded into a lovely berry-colored stain on my lips which I appreciated, though not as much as I enjoyed the intensity of color when it was freshly applied. Although the packaging on these lipsticks has been given an upgrade, work still needs to be done in the longevity department. -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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In Pursuit of My Fantasy Hair

For weeks the excitement ate me up inside. Ready to do more than have long hair for the heck of it, I let myself be carried away with anticipation - this curly pouf of fluffy goodness was about to get whipped into shape, and a sensually sweet one at that. I. could. not. wait. Cut day came and by the end of it all, my grand New Hair New Me dreams were living on a wing and a prayer. Had you seen me at 59th St. and Columbus Circle, you would have either pulled me into the nearest bar for some good, stiff drinks or let me the hell alone.

(before haircut)

Y'all know how I have raved about Hair Rules - the products that I use live up to their promises (the no-suds cleanser is so moisturizing that I almost forgot to condition my hair on more than one occasion); Anthony Dickey, a co-founder of the brand, has styled the hell out of some hair - celebrities and non-celebrities alike - I've seen the gorgeous results with my own eyes; and the salon specializes in "textured" hair, and if nothing, I've got plenty of texture all up in here. It was a no-brainer that my cut should be done at their salon. Dickey himself sheared me up and the resulting style looked good, though not great (the haircut inspiration photo I shared with Dickey is the first photo at the top of this post). My inner voice kept an interventionist dialogue going with the rest of my disappointed, then angry and frustrated self. My stated request was to keep my length while being given the shape illustrated in the inspiration photo that I dutifully brought along. I'm still wondering where our lines of communication crossed.

I was on a personal hair growth mission - testing my limits and figuring out how long I could let it grow (this challenge has been akin to figuring out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop. Like the owl, it seems I will never know). I was coveting the luscious, glorious afro-extraordinaire of the model who appeared on my Body Shoppe discount card about six years ago. I could have been a contender!

I arrived at the salon a few minutes early for my 6:00pm appointment to find I was not on the schedule. RED ALERT. What is really going on? Now, journey with me; I don't want to be unfair. The appointment was made weeks beforehand and confirmed, but stuff happens, and I didn't want to judge harshly so I kept on keeping on. I get to the chair, and because curly styles are cut on straight hair, I am blown out. The benefits of this method are far from lost on me, especially after an experience with a Moroccan stylist who was truly gifted with shaping curly hair, but whose work looked like an Edward Scissorhands swagger-jack when blown out straight. I occasionally wear my hair straight, so it is important that a cut has some sense of symmetry.

(the diffusing process)

Dickey begins to cut and my worry grows as he takes his third pass with the shears. "This man is a celebrity stylist with a great reputation," I said to myself, "and I let him know clearly that I wanted to keep my length. It will be fine." I should have been all over it once he hit on the second pass, but once he began the third it was already too late. On my way to the sink for cleansing, conditioning and curly whip application, I caught a glimpse of my hair from the side and felt all verklempt. Sweet Jesus, it was so much shorter than I asked for. At this point I could only hold out and see how it translated into the curly look.

(final haircut)

After sitting under the dryer for about 15-20 minutes to let the curly whip dry a bit, I was diffused while lying down. The curl definition was serious business, people. I do not exaggerate when I say there was no frizz. He shook it out with his fingers to separate the curls and give it more volume and still no frizz. I kept pulling at the hair at my nape, asking if there was a way to elongate the curl back there (code for: What the eff??? Why is this so short?? Can I get some of it back? No? Wahhhhhhh!)

(three days after haircut)

Needless to say, I left the salon with conflicted feelings. My hair was cute but not what I asked for or imagined. If you've ever had a cut gone wrong, then you know what I mean. In an attempt at self-soothing, I told myself that my hair would look as good as Marsha Ambrosius' once given three months or so to grow out. I was alarmed by the lack of body, but Dickey assured me that it would fill out and by day three it had. Day three was a very good day. Redemption!

(what I hope my haircut will resemble in 3 months!)

In a nutshell: I highly recommend their products, but the jury is still out on styling. If you go, make sure you call ahead to re-confirm your appointment. Bring photos and not only stipulate the shape you would like, but also be explicit regarding length. My hair is MUCH shorter than I wanted it to be, though if the cut necessitated this length, I would have accepted that. Clear communication is necessary to avoid such situations. I thought that was understood, but clearly I was not. Dickey has a long and loyal roster of clients (I told you, I've seen some beautiful hair birthed by his hands) so I am at a loss as to what happened the night that I visited. I am chalking this near-debacle up to distraction and misunderstanding, and waiting three months for my happy ending. -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Firm Determinations and Making It Happen in 2011 and Beyond

For some reason, I have felt uncomfortable with the world "resolution." Maybe it's mental, since there is such pressure every New Year to make big changes and re-direct our lives off the path of So-So in order to barrel our way down the Lane of Success. For some people that pressure is motivating and it works for them, but for others, not so much. So in the spirit of productive pressure and making it happen in 2011 and beyond, I'd like to embrace the way of Firm Determinations. My specific Firm Determinations, with the aim of feeling better, looking better and getting healthier are:

1. Keep my desires/aspirations written down and take at least one action toward their fruition daily, and congratulate myself on each accomplishment.

2. Integrate monthly facials into my beauty regime. A facial is pampering and necessary care all wrapped up in one package. Yum!

3. Stop eating all flesh foods except seafood. The poultry section cheers while creatures of the sea jeer. I know, it's not fair. Eat wild-caught fish at a maximum of three times per week (already started along this path so "Yay, Me"). Keep an eye on my mercury intake.

4. Experiment with a week of raw foods for one week each month and take that time to also consciously purge emotional waste.

5. Get to bed by 10:00pm in order to wake by 4:30am for 30 minutes of cardio/yoga/weight training at least four times per week (get energized before heading to work and get exercise out of the way early).

6. Be consistent with my daily vitamin intake (multi, vitamins C/D/E, selenium, CoQ10, probiotic).

7. Devise a layered and chic uniform look for the work week, easing the burden of the morning hustle and bustle and regularly playing up my best features with my chosen "look".

8. Find as many easy recipes as possible for body-care products that I have in regular rotation. This will save money and give me greater control over the content of items that I frequently use. Share the recipes with all of you.

9. Develop a wider array of funky ready-to-wear hairstyles.

10. Cook multiple healthy meals for consumption during the week on Sunday, at least twice per month. Major money savings here when I can bring lunch and possibly breakfast to work. Who couldn't benefit from that?

Well, that is my list for the undertaking. What about you? Anything you've been meaning or dreaming to do? Share it and take the first step toward making it happen. :) Happy New Year, and many more!!! -Zee

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Sexy Hair Fascinations

Hats, caps and fascinators - all accoutrement of women who have something to say that clothes and makeup cannot articulate alone. Among the many choices, my favorites are hair fascinators and other ornate hair clips that accessorize a formal look or take an ordinary outfit and spin it into fabulous (like the amazing mesh hair piece above by hair accessory maestro Colette Malouf). Depending on the style and materials you choose, the prices run from inexpensive ($10-20) to pricey, like this or that one-of-a-kind piece, both available on Etsy.com. With smart decisions in sizing and style, you are bound to have tongues wagging as you work this look, so be ready!

The hair fascinator, an accessory that is not quite hat and not quite jewelry, dates back to 17th century England, where it was worn primarily by women in the privileged classes and known for ornate, sometimes even garish design. Their use has waned and rebounded over the years, and now they seem to be back in vogue (not that you should ever let that dictate your own use). Although some styles, as above by Designs by Annalisa, are for formal occasions, there are also more wearable options that can be worn at less formal social events or about town when dressed to impress. New Year's Eve is right around the corner and offers the perfect opportunity to break out your fascinator and dazzle the crowd from every angle! Although Etsy has got countless options to choose from, Boutique de Bandeaux is an excellent place to start your search, especially if your hair is lusciously thick.

There may not be enough time between now and New Year's Eve to order a kit and make your own fascinator or hair piece (yes, you can DIY!), but it is possible to order rush delivery online or visit a local milliner's shop to browse and make a purchase. Be daring and give it a try! -Zee

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Another Way to Look, Another Way to See

What is better than a grandmother's wisdom? Not much. My sassy Grand Lady dresses sharp as a tack with a wit to match. I've been a major fan of her personal style and daring approach to life since forever, so I was quite excited to hear what beauty advice she would have for me and was surprised by what she, at first, had to say.

"I have no advice to give," she told me. This was unbelievable from a woman whose public face is always impeccably and minimally made; whose clothes always suit her frame and communicate well her conservative yet saucy personality; and whose well-groomed, curly, silvery-gray pixie is never out of place. She had to have something valuable to say.

She assured me that her lifelong dedication to smoothing on vaseline and wearing socks at night had produced bunion-less and corn-less feet which her podiatrist lauds as the smoothest he's ever seen. How's that for a good selling point? But, she went on, her face is unrecognizable to her now, as she ages and continues to bounce back from a go with chemotherapy due to her second bout with breast cancer over a year ago. Thankfully, since she has always had a healthy lifestyle and been a stickler for regular medical checkups (early detection is one of the best protections, ladies) her cancers were each found at an early stage. Despite it all, she is still one of the most beautiful people I know. She is now building a new relationship with her body and growing used to the changes in her physical and spiritual selves, so when I pressed her and asked what she would tell my niece, her great granddaughter, if she asked for her advice, she stopped and took a moment to think.

"Work hard, play hard and have pride in yourself." Pride is very important because it will motivate you to keep yourself up. "When you have problems, don't wear them on your sleeve. Put makeup on, a nice outfit and walk out the door with your head held high, even if your heart is breaking." My breath paused in my chest as I felt the ghosts of past hurt, disappointment and pain floating underneath her words. Wow. Thank you, Grandmom. This way of looking at, of seeing, the immaculately put-together and fiery woman I have looked up to my entire life, took more than the attention of a fleeting glance. I thought of the many guises our public mask can take. It can communicate, as "Azucar & Especial" commented in another post, who you are/what you believe on the inside, or it can, as my grandmother points out, be an exercise in hope- a fake-it-to-make-it inspired act toward the fruition of a healthier, happier, and more confident You. The use of cosmetics and beauty accessories can be a proclamation of aspiration, a performance of capability and wholeness that may or may not reflect the current reality.

I am better for having asked my illustrious Grandmom for her advice, and I hope she feels better for having shared it. Have you chatted with your grandmom or grandmother-figure today? There's no better time than now. -Zee

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Beauty Is As Beauty Does...It's True

As a child, I remember being entranced by my mom's beauty rituals -- my two sisters and I would sit outside her open bathroom door watching her go through the many stages of transformation until, VOILA, our Glamour Mama emerged. She has always been deft with a sponge and wore the most intense expression while applying her face which let us know that, clearly, this was serious work. We were always fascinated by her many looks: those pinkish red lips, Cleopatra-lined eyes, the punchy layer of blush, pop of shadow and her perfectly curled and teased hair.

You know that as soon as she left the house, we were rifling under the sink and in the cabinets, digging all through her makeup bag and making each other up, with the earnest stone-face that was apparently required. My youngest sister was always the guinea pig, and hardly ever the makeup artist. I remember a set of particularly horrendous eyebrows that I once gave her, before I learned the meaning of a light touch. Let's just say that it was NOT becoming. She loved the attention though and the mandatory strut up and down the hallway that always came afterward. It obviously left a deep impression, since she has become the makeup expert among the three of us sisters today.

Like many black women may, I also remember the smell and the sizzle of the hot comb and that green hair grease that seemed to be the press-and-curl secret weapon. I can smell it right now, just thinking about it! And there was that unfortunate time when a small section of my hair was burned to a sickly yellow color by the too-hot hot comb. No good at all. These memories though, are not about fashion, or looking "foine" (except maybe for my sister's strut up and down the hallway/runway); they are about identifying with family/community and find space as a woman-to-be via the practice of beauty rituals.

Contributing to Mischo Beauty offers me an exciting challenge. In order to share my opinions, I need a full awareness of my take on the many aspects of what we call Beauty and the best and most empowering ways to enhance it. I was thinking about this a couple of weekends ago after I visited the Studio Museum in Harlem, a cultural treasure that is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City. Among the many works up for view is "Me Broni Ba," a short film piece by Ghanaian-American filmmaker Akosua Adoma Owusu. In the film she examines hair, not through the lens of fashion, but as it embodies identity and culture, belonging and not belonging. I think these are issues many, if not all, of us face in our day-to-day choices of how to present ourselves, and it really illustrated the complexity of finding one's own perspective on personal beauty and acceptance in the larger world. Eureka... an unexpected moment of beauty-related inspiration at the museum! Her rotation in the VideoStudio will end on December 11th, so hurry if you want to check it out. I would truly love to hear what you think!

I've often heard that beauty is as beauty does. I think that statement relates deeply to what it means to be consciously beautiful. Consciousness is not necessarily all-natural, but knowledgeable. For me, it means making informed choices and being purposeful in our actions. It means thinking about what motivates each of us as we transform ourselves into the characters that we want to present to the world. What is it about a well-made face and laid out hair that takes our confidence and performance to another level? What is the source of that power? It has to be more than product. What I want to know is, what kind of Conscious Beauty are you? -Zee

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What's new at Shiseido for Spring 2011?

Shiseido has got a new pop-up shop in town (it closes today), and I had a chance to visit and get a sneak peek of their Spring 2011 collection. With its long history in the beauty industry, the company shows a commitment to evolving its products with the changing needs of the modern woman. If you've been a fan in the past, you will surely be excited by their new products and the improvements to old favorites.

Among the products which really caught my eye is the Body Creator Aromatic Sculpting Gel, which claims to burn fat cells and reduce the appearance of cellulite. The formula for the gel has been updated and now includes a plant sculpting complex designed to break down fat storing cells while promoting collagen production and suppressing the accumulation of fat. Are you giving it the side-eye as I was? Well, it was first released seven years ago and has a tried-and-true fan base, making it a consistent brand favorite. Does that mean it works? I am not sure, but have any of you tried it? Let me know if you have!

What else is new for Spring? There is a Refining Body Exfoliator; Replinishing Body Cream; Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist 24, a preventative and restorative line targeted at women in their 40s; and the Urban Environment UV Protection Cream. Facial sunscreen has always been a hard find for me due to my sensitive skin, but I decided to give this 35 SPF cream a try and miracle of miracles, it has not caused any allergic reaction thus far. This, combined with the fact that the cream is easy to rub in and absorbs quickly, excites my picky face!

The makeup on offer includes the Smoothing Lip Pencil and the new Shimmering Rouge -- a line of lipsticks in 13 shimmerific colors (I am crushing on "Sizzle" which is a vibrant coral) plus an ingredient that works on eradicating the fine lines around your lips. I am an enemy of those fine lines, so any opponent of them is a friend of mine! There is the Perfect Refining Foundation, whose darkest color, Deep Ochre, is my closest match, so know that if you are a woman of color deeper than Deep Ochre, Shiseido is not the place to go for foundation. Browner-skinned women may also find their Translucent Pressed Powder to be less than translucent. You may fare better with the bronzers, available in Dawn Light (light), Desert Rose (medium) and Dusk (dark), which are low on shimmer but high on color and warmth. I have been using the Dusk bronzer and love the boost it gives my face.

My favorite makeup item of the day was the Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio, available in three new shades. I have been using the "Bouquet" trio like it is going out of style! It is a purple-violet palette that has pretty good staying power, although you will have to re-touch at least once during the length of a work day. The intensity of color is worth the extra bit of work though, for sure. "Voyage," a trio of golden earth tones, and "Punky Blues," which mixes blues with a pretty pink, are also new and full of pop.

Spring is in the air! -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Sam Fine's Top Makeup Tips and Duane Reade's Look Boutique

Picture it with me... Duane Reade as a beauty lovers/product junkie's paradise. Having a hard time? So did I, but then I had a chance to check out the Look Boutique, a specialized section of Duane Reade, and found that such a place really does exist.

The Look Boutique is the store's economical answer to Sephora. It features high and low end beauty products, with everything from $31 Rilastil mascara to $1.99 Sinful nail polishes (both of which lit my fire). With a staff of freelance makeup, eyebrow and nail artists on the ready, this is an extra convenient one-stop shop for women (and men) on the go. Sam Fine, expert makeup artist to celebrities such as Iman, Tyra and Jennifer Hudson, gave a group of us lucky ladies a guided tour. While pointing out some of his favorite products (L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, Iman Bronzer in Afterglow and Luxury Pressed Powder, Maybelline Brow Pencil, Covergirl Outlast Lipstick and Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara), he also picked up a couple items to take home (Black Opal Patent Lip Liquid Lipstick, I believe in Violine and Maybelline Falsies Mascara for a first run).

Instead of giving product must-haves, Sam preferred to stress that "makeup is a personality," and encouraged us all to get to know our faces more intimately and use that knowledge to find products which best compliment our individual features. Each of us, he is convinced, is only one product away from upping our makeup game and giving better face. So, identify one product that you are not using and experiment with it. And remember that concealer is for highlighting, powder is for setting, bronzer is for adding luminosity and eye shadow is for giving those gorgeous eyes definition.

More sage advice from the master:

• Foundation is like an undergarment. Make sure your face is smoothly finished and then build with more detail.
• Look for lipsticks that tout being highly-pigmented or long-lasting and then start thinking about your color choice.
• Waterproof mascara builds faster than regular mascara.
• Felt tip liquid liners are best for beginners and those who want to get close to the lash line with fewer mistakes. Liquid liner with a brush is great for those with a steady hand who love to rock the thicker line of a 60s-inspired eye.
• Shop like a makeup artist. Don't get stuck on one brand for all products. Just because you loved a brand's foundation, does not mean that their powder best suits your complexion. Mix and match!
• Do not be thrown off by the terminology - a concealer is a dense foundation. Switch between creme and liquid foundations and concealer depending upon the kind of coverage you seek.
• Men can also wear makeup without looking made up. A primer can be used as a moisturizing base, followed by powder for an almost bare finish.

If you could ask Sam Fine any question, what would it be? Post your questions in the comments section and we will ask Mr. Fine himself and share the answers in an upcoming post.

All the best, Lovelies! - Zee

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Covergirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Concealer and Queen Latifah's U.N.I.T.Y. Reignited Web Series

While awaiting the premiere of the U.N.I.T.Y Reignited web series at the Tribeca Grand Hotel on Wednesday night, celebrity makeup artist Sam Fine worked his magic with a palette of new Natural Hue Concealers from the Covergirl Queen Collection and soon-to-be-released Lip Perfection Lipsticks (showcasing department store formulations and prestige packaging). The Covergirl collection at Walmart is a good place to find beauty products. He provided color matches along the spectrum of the four concealer shades available and shared that, if you use nothing else, a concealer is a must! Hmmmm, perhaps I should add a concealer to my complicated regimen of tinted moisturizer, mascara and lip color? Obviously, I have not perfected my canvas as a bona fide makeup artist would do, but, I am up for the challenge! After trying out the concealer, I found that it does dry to a powdery finish, as promised, and the coverage is quite sheer - just the way I like it. Sam's advice? Layer, layer, layer until you find the coverage that works for you. Two was my magic number.

The joy of the evening was the sneak peak at the U.N.I.T.Y. Reignited web series, in its entirety. The series is an introduction to the five finalists who were hand-picked by Latifah, as well as a short testament to the journey of some of the most important women in hip hop. The featured MCs are Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Yo Yo and Rage (and the crowd roared! Yo Yo? Rage?? Where the hell have you been? So great to see you!). Make sure you visit Covergirl's Facebook fan page and check out the installments as they are released weekly. Also check the site to score a free download of the updated "U.N.I.T.Y." -- can you believe it's been 15 years since the song's release?

After watching the series and meeting four of the five young ladies, I rode home with a refreshed and deepened faith in the commitment of our youngest generation of women to positive change for the whole of humanity. That young women are self-aware and community-minded is not a surprise (spoken like a true Spelman College graduate - LOL). I just love a good public reminder, especially given the negative images of us that abound in the media. These ladies (the youngest is 15) speak and rhyme thoughtfully and with their eyes on the prize. My favorite is Christel - that girl is nasty as she wants to be - in the very best of ways.

All hail the five finalists... and the Queen who brought them all together! -Zee

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Karen's Body Beautiful: Chic Grows in Brooklyn

Karen Tappin-Saunderson, owner of Karen's Body Beautiful, has a message for those who still wonder -- Yes, natural can be and is sleek, chic and beautiful! Her brand's new, all-black, minimalist packaging sexily communicates that missive loud and clear.

After spending years hearing a good friend rave about KBB's products, and, for some strange reason, still not indulging myself, I was excited to stop by the retail shop and spa on Myrtle Avenue in the Fabulous Borough of Brooklyn (do you detect some bias?) for Champagne and Cupcakes, the brand's re-launch party. Karen hosted the event, and treated us lucky guests to mini-manicures, consultations and mini-makeovers with the new resident makeup artist and esthetician, head-bobbing sounds courtesy of a live DJ, and of course, the promised champagne and cupcakes.

I roamed around the space, taking in the black-a-fied and geometrically pleasing wall of product (the Virgo in me appreciates such order), the new mani and pedi stations, massage rooms and a curious room fitted with a futuristic-looking hydro-jacuzzi tub that was speaking directly to my tired muscles (what kind of crazy, pleasure-inducing soaking can be had in that thing??!!). Karen had indeed taken it to the next level, and I am looking forward to seeing what is to come. I have since heard tell that a cosmetics line is in the works. Is this true? We can only hope!

The Bottom Line: KBB has upped the ante and that is cause for major celebration among body-loving Brooklynites and Bridge-and-Tunnel folk looking for a hot new spot to stop on by after work for a spa treatment, specialized mani or pedi, or just to pick up some great, time-tested natural products to pamper themselves at home. For those of us living outside of the Planet of Brooklyn or NYC -- we are fortunately just a point and click away from KBB's online store, where we can order smell goods and feel goods galore! My personal faves? The shampoo and conditioner (this conditioner is A-MAZ-ing in my very thick, very curly, and extremely dry hair) in the Egyptian Musk fragrance. Truly heavenly. -Zee

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