Shake Your Beauty

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2010-04-28T12:18:00.001-04:00

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Sunday Night Weepies

2009-11-29T19:22:00.001-05:00

I love you guys. Really a lot.
xoxo,
Tia

I Love You, SYB Babes

2009-11-24T21:09:00.015-05:00

Hi ladies,
I don't know how to say it. I guess I should just jump into it, since my keyboard is soaked with tears and my laptop will probably die in seconds. Next Tuesday, I will begin a full-time position as Beauty Director at Essence.com. Which means I'm also shutting down "Shake Your Beauty."

I know. I know. Believe me, it hurts me more than it hurts you. I feel like we're best friends. Sisters, even. Play cousins. You and I have been through five and a half years of love, laughter, marriages, babies, bad perms, migraines, Revlon Raisin Glaze Lipgloss, Q&A Wednesdays, a zillion posts about Tarte Cheek Stain and, and...well, LIFE. You don't know this, but you've gotten me through some really hard times. For three of our fives years together, I was going through a series of emotionally and physically traumatic IVF procedures. They kept failing and failing, and there were some really bleak times. YOU kept me smiling. Your comments, your emails...even all the drama over the Saks dress during AMBI-gate. Thank you. Girls, when I started SYB, I had no idea it would become so successful. I barely even knew what a blog was; all I knew was that I'd just left my post as Teen People's beauty director and wasn't ready to stop talking beauty. You helped me turn it into something that really mattered. We did it together! We rock!

How quickly my mood turned from despondent to rah-rah! I'm PMSing.

Recently, my life has taken some rather major turns...which I decided meant that the universe was telling me to switch some things up. This Essence.com position couldn't have come into my life at a more perfect time! I've always adored the magazine, the site, and Emil Wilbekin, Essence.com's irresistibly debonair managing editor (you also know him as the former Editor-in-Chief of Vibe and Giant). His vision for the site was so positively delicious and sexy that I was dying to be involved. Girls, as bittersweet as it is, I'm over-the-moon, hell-and-gone excited to begin this new chapter in my career. I really am. And I'm not moving to Siberia! Please, please follow me over to Essence.com! I have some really exciting stuff planned for the beauty and hair channels. Essence's digital staff is incredible, so I can do fun things I'd never have been able to pull off here (mainly because I thought the "ht" in "html" meant hot tamale).

Thank you so much for supporting SYB over the years, dear readers. You made it so fun for me. I'll always love you (especially the regulars...you know who you are). And even though the blog as we know it will be no longer, I'll send you updates here and there just so you know what's going on with me. And La Lina!

Here's what I know: You will ALWAYS be my SYB Babes. I don't care what other blogs you're into, or even if you never catch on to my orange blush thing. You'll always be my girls! Got that? Good. Now have a glorious Thanksgiving. I know what I'm thankful for!

Kisses, kisses, and mo' kisses,

Your Tia

AMAzing Alicia

2009-11-23T18:58:00.008-05:00

Hi ladies,
So, what were your thoughts on the AMA? Here are mine:

* J Lo's performance was hilariously ill-advised (the champ is back? really?), and the fall before her Big Dance Break proved it. If you didn't see it, you never will...shortly after telling Ryan Seacrest on his radio show that "she meant to do that," the clip disappeared from the internet.

* I've had it up to here with Jermaine Jackson's painted-on sideburns. I'm tired of sitting idly by, doing nothing, while this man makes appearances with shoe polish smeared on the sides of his head. I need some answers. Oprah or somebody needs to confront him about this.

* Lady Gaga rules EVERYTHING. When she broke through the glass to bang the #$*t out of that piano, I died. LOVE. HER.

* Will I Am is a wiggly little thing, isn't he? As much as they annoy me, the Black Eyed Peas really did rock the crowd with that Nirvana/Rob Bass moment.

* Jay Z and Alicia Keys almost made me weep with love for New York. The lights will inspire you, indeed!

Speaking of Alicia and inspiration, didn't you think she looked particularly soft and feminine last night? Here's what her makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff, had to say about the look:

“Alicia's look was inspired by her hand-beaded Armani Prive Gown. I focused on golden glowing skin, beautiful blue and burgundy eyes, soft pink shimmery cheeks, full lashes and light pink lips. On Alicia's skin, I used Cover Girl Queen Collection Natural Hue Minerals Bronzer in Light Bronze ($8.18)--its golden sparkly flecks gave her complexion a fabulous glow. Mary Kay Lipgloss in Pink Diamonds ($13) perfectly set off the look in a soft and subtle way. Finally, I topped off her eyes with Shu Uemura False Lashes ($29). I love their lashes because there's sooo many to choose from."

And thanks to Pantene celeb stylist Tippi Shorter (there she is, working her magic), Alicia's braided updo was twelve kinds of elegant. Here's how Tippi made it happen:

"Alicia recently got her hair colored a few shades lighter with Clairol, so I washed it with
Pantene Pro-V Color Revival Shampoo & Conditioner ($8.99). Then, I spritzed on
Pantene Pro-V Detangling Light Conditioning Spray ($4.99) to protect her hair before heat styling. To recreate the backwards Mohawk braid we did for Alicia's most recent music video, I sectioned the hair into three pieces. Then, I gathered the two outermost sections and secured them in ponytail using Ojon Animated Styling Cream ($26). Using the center section, I braided the center section from the nape of the neck to the front, making it a little off-center. I tucked the end of the braid underneath the main braid and secured with bobby pins. To finish the look, I used Ojon Tunu Elastik Hairspray ($25)."

Thanks for the insider info, Ashunta and Tippi!
xoxo,
Tia

Rita to the rescue

2009-11-20T09:29:00.003-05:00

Hi ladies,
Yesterday, I had the distinct pleasure of getting my hair colored by one of the industry's most legendary colorists and favored Oprah guests, the lovely and talented Ms. Rita Hazan. She's responsible for highlighting luminaries like Jessica Simpson (she took her from blonde, to lovesick-over-John-Mayer brunette, and back to blonde), Britney Spears, Debra Messing, Michelle Williams, Ellen Pompeo, Rachel Weiz, Keyshia Cole and Renee Zellweger. Probably her most important celeb moment is La Lopez--circa '99, Rita gave J. Lo the honey-caramel streaks that became her signature look! Major! Anyway, hair was in such a state that I had no choice but to call on the best of the best. I showed up at Rita's eponymous 5th Avenue salon looking crazy...the bottom half of my hair was a mass of dead, brassy highlights, and the top half was scattered with errant greys. SO GROSS. I was hoping Rita could tell me there was a way to get a head full of cinnamon-y highlights that wouldn't damage my over-relaxed hair. I was sadly mistaken. Instead, she decided I needed to go for a deeper, richer color...a chestnutty/auburn vegetable die (ie, no harsh chemicals or bleach that would further damage my hair). So, I went for it, and let me tell you...my hair hasn't looked so glossy and healthy in YEARS. It's so shiny, so mink-like! Penelope Cruz is somewhere wailing with envy! Stay tuned for a picture...
Kisses,
Tia

Happy First Birthday, La Lina!

2009-11-17T02:13:00.000-05:00

Aint Nothin' but a Party

2009-11-16T22:44:00.003-05:00

Hey ladies,
Hello! New mascara obsesh! Bobbi Brown's brand new Extreme Party Mascara ($22) means business. It makes my lashes crazy-big, super-lush, blacker-than-blackety-black...but wait, that's not all. The groundbreaking (no seriously, it's groundbreaking) formula actually stays flexible after it dries. What does this mean for you? Basically, it's the very first mascara in the history of lash-batting that allows you to layer on coat after coat (whether immediately, or hourse later) without dragging or clumping. Or getting all dry and flaking on your cheeks. So, you can apply your mascara in the AM, and then add a couple coats before you go out after work, and your lashes will look ridiculously fresh. Buildable mascara! Genius!
xoxo,
Tia

This is see-wee-ous!

2009-11-11T10:09:00.002-05:00

Hey ladies,
Last week, my Fairy Godmodel, Iman, invited editors and bloggers to her showroom to present the latest and greatest from Iman Global Chic, her bestselling accessories, jewelry and clothing collection for HSN. As usual, I was knocked out. The jewelry! Oh, so luxe...dripping with sparkly things and artful, deco-esque flourishes...and most of it, under $100! I could go on and on about the cuffs and earrings, but that would leave me little time to gush about what I consider to be THE Global Chic standout of the season: the "Jet Set Go!" Luxury Duffel Roller Luggage ($109). Buttery-soft and chock full of travel-friendly compartments and pockets, this carry-on bag takes the "lug" out of luggage. It's just so fancy, right? And it's deceptively spacious on the inside...plus, it comes with cosmetic bag and shoe bag. Cannot wait to storm LaGuardia Airport during the holiday season with my fancy, uber-expensive looking duffel!

After Iman wrapped up the presentation, we obviously started talking beauty. Being that she is my Fairy Godmodel, I pointed out my hormonal chin breakout and asked her if she had any suggestions. Girls, she summoned her associate, Byron, and had him bring me Iman Second to None Cover Cream in Clay Medium ($12.99). Which is the best concealer I've ever used in my life. I'm not kidding. This is very, very serious (do any of my SYB Babe mommies watch "Wonder Pets?" I was like Ming-Ming when she goes, "This is see-wee-ous!"). I don't understand why I've never used it before? The great thing about it--aside from the pitch-perfect shade--is that it dries to a powder finish. So you don't need to set the concealer with powder...and it doesn't settle into fine lines. Iman doesn't even use foundation with it; she just covers up her problem areas with the concealer, and calls it a day. Cannot sing it's praises enough!!
xoxo,
Tia

Precious Monique!

2009-11-09T16:55:00.004-05:00

Hey muchachas,
Okay, so I don't have the balls to see Precious just yet (**ducking tomatoes**). I don't know, something about the profound sexual and emotional abuse in the story just really brings me to my knees. It might be because I'm a mom now (my excuse for everything). When I had La Lina a year ago tomorrow, I turned into a big, throbbing heart...it was like I took on all the suffering of the world. I had to stop watching America's Best Dance Crew because JC's critiques were like daggers in my heart. But I digress. Anyway, I'm giving myself until next Monday to see "Precious." I'm a writer; I work best with deadlines.

Since I haven't seen it, I can't comment on the movie, but I can talk to you about Monique's GORGE makeup look at the November 1st premiere! Of course, she owed her stunning face to my lovely and fierce friend, legendary makeup artist Sam Fine (if you haven't gotten his genius new how-to DVD, "The Basics of Beauty," what are you waiting for, woman?). Here, he breaks down the myriad was he hooked up Monique, with her sure-to-be-nominated-for-an-Oscar self.

FACE: “The key is to subtly layer your bronzer and blush until you create a softly sculpted look. After finishing her base, I used a dark-hued bronzer from CoverGirl Queen, and then layered it with the Iman Sheer Finishing Bronzer in Afterglow, which contains a bronzer, blush and highlighter trio.”

EYES: “I lined her eyes, and then used a beige liner on the inner rim of her lower lash line. Beige liner is much more subtle than white but still opens up the eye area. Then, I applied golden hues on her lids, like Stila Eyeshadow in Twig ($18), and Nars Eyeshadow in NightStar ($22). Lashes are a must on the red carpet, so of course I used false lashes! After applying the falsies, I fused them to her natural lashes with a couple swipes of L’Oréal Voluminous Mascara ($7.50) I finished the look by adding a touch of gold glitter on the inner corners of her eyes to offset her dress!”

LIPS: “I applied golden shades on Monique's lips, taking the same layering approach I used on the rest of her face. To complete the look, I used lip liner, lipstick and a golden gloss (try Dior Addict Ultra Gloss)."

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

2009-11-05T21:45:00.002-05:00

Hi girls,
So yesterday, the legendary makeup artist--and Cover Girl/Max Factor spokesperson--Pat McGrath held her bi-annual recap of beauty trends from the collections. Her overview was genius, of course, the second she mentioned using Cover Girl Smokey Shadow Blast Shadow Stick in Onyx Smoke ($8.49) at zillions of the shows, I sort of tuned out. When she held this darling little double-sided crayon stick up in the air, and I had a beautygasm. It's all you need to create the perfect smokey eye! One one side is a dazzling pearl crayon for the browbone; and on the other is a deep, metallic black crayon you can use to smudge along the lashline. I immediately tried both sides on, and the texture is perfectly creamy and smudgelicious. I'm so in love I'm making up words. In any event, I predict that the Smokey Shadow Blast Stick will be the Next Big Thing. You heard it here first.
xoxo,
Tia

GAGA FOR GAGA!!

2009-11-03T11:09:00.002-05:00

Girls,
So, um, last night MAC threw a super-exclusive little fete celebrating their two new spokespeople, Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga (check out WWD's piece on the event). I was there. I WAS THEERRRRE! Hyperventilating. Okay, here's the huge admission. Aside from La Lina, Lady Gaga is my favorite person on Earth right now. I mean, I grew up in the '80s, right? I was raised on Prince, Madonna, and MJ...artists that were true-blue, absolutely-not-pre-packaged, balls-to-the-wall ORIGINALS that created truly unique music, fashion, videos, etc. I mean, it was clear who their influences were (Little Richard, James Brown, Debbie Harry, etc.), but they took it to a whole new level. I think Lady Gaga is one of only a few stars that actually goes there, too. Her voice is ridiculous, she plays a zillion instruments, and her stage shows are no less than performance art. Yay to MAC for choosing Cyndi and Gaga to be their next Viva Glam spokesladies!!
xoxo,
Tia

Post-H'ween Hydration

2009-11-01T12:05:00.005-05:00

Hey girls,
How was your Halloween! What was your costume? I was particularly proud of mine! One of my Halloween parties was my girlfriend Abby's "Come as Your Most Hated Celebrity" soiree, and of course I was Elisabeth Hasselbeck.

And La Lina was Brooklyn's sweetest fuzzy pink bunny! Could you just die? She was a little hot in her costume, though, so five minutes after we took pictures, she was hopping around in a pink onesie. Ah well.

Cannot believe it's November. Last year at this time I was enormously pregnant, about to eat the Jamaican beef pattie that would give me food poisoning and an emergency C-section. Time flies! Some things don't change, though...one of them being that the cold weather makes my skin SOOO DRRRYYYY. Parched. My lips, my hands, my legs. Everything. The mistake we make in the fall, I believe, is not moisturizing our bod is well as we should because no one sees it. In the summer, we're in miniskirts and sandals, so we HAVE to lube up...or risk being handcuffed by the Ash Police. Girls, we cannot ignore the ash in the fall! And in fact, I've taken to attacking the problem from several different angles. I have a lotion for my body, a special balm for my lips, and a portable moisturizing stick for my bag (well, it's for touch-ups during the day, but I KEEP it in my bag). Here are the details:

BODY
Vaseline Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter ($8.49): Simply put, this stuff is a cold-weather-miracle-worker. This super-rich, decadent body butter melts into my skin on contact and manages to keep it supple and smooth ALL DAY (thanks to a winning combination of cocoa butter and shea butter). Particularly yummy after a good shave...I slather it on my legs the second I step out of the shower, and I swear my gams are Victoria's Secret Angel-worthy. Vaseline, man. The gift that keeps on giving.

LIPS
Kiehls Lip Gloss in East Village Vibe ($14.50): Any beauty buff worth her weight in blush is more than familiar with Kiehls' famous Lip Balm. This stuff is a cult-fave bestseller for good reason. Blended with apricot kernel oil and grapeseed oil, the non-sticky balm keeps lips super-moisturized and shiny for hours. Well, recently Kiehls updated things a bit by adding a hint of tint to the formula! So smart. I love that you get the moisturizing properties of the balm, but also a sexy little shot of color, too. My favorite shade is East Village Vibe, a coffee-hued bronzey-nude.

BAG
Josie Maran Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick ($22): Remember the model Josie Maran? She was, like, on the cover of Glamour every other month for a good two years in the late '90s. Anyway, she's now the creator of an amazing organic beauty line (all her stuff is authentically all-natural, too...we're talking no parabens, no preservatives, the whole 9). Anyway, she has this best-selling Argan Oil that makeup artists love to use on models for instant sheen and hydration. And now, it comes in a stick form! So clever. I keep it this portable little stick in my bag for touch-ups on my hands, elbows, cuticles, lips, split ends...anywhere that calls for a moisture boost. So luscious--and it smells HEAVENLY.
xoxo,
TIa

Cocktails and Perfume...Happy Halloween to me!

2009-10-30T08:51:00.003-04:00

Hola chicas,
Last night, me, my darling Karen from PurpleLab, and her incredibly game hubby, Todd, stormed a masquerade ball/launch party for YSL's new Parisienne fragrance...and it was very toot-toot-beep-beep! The invitation clearly stated "stylish attire and mask required," and we were thrilled to see that people really took it there (of course my Karen, who's truly NYC's original Carrie Bradshaw, shoes and all, ordered her mask from some chic fetish site). I mean, if you're thinking "Eyes Wide Shut," you're not far off. It was in this old synagogue on the lower east side, so it had that old-school, naughty-church, Limelight feel...the Misshapes deejayed, Alexandra Richards (spawn of Keith & Patti, don't get me started on the glamour) hosted, and I cocktailed. Too much. Not sure how I got home--and that apple pie ate itself, I swear--but I AM sure that YSL knows how to throw a delicious party. Oh, and fragrance lovers...Parisienne is truly a gorgeous scent. Have you seen the print ads? Kate Moss, darling. And apparently, the uncut commercial is only being shown in Europe; it's too hot for the US. Pout. Why does Europe get to have all the sexiness?

Happy Halloween, my pretties!!
xoxo,
Tia

I'm SO In Style!

2009-10-28T10:55:00.002-04:00

Well, well, well. Guess who's in the November issue of In Style? And guess who's so late to this particular party? I hadn't been on Twitter in awhile because of my eye sitch (I also hadn't read the November mags yet), and I just checked it and saw some super-sweet "congrats Tia on the In Style mention" tweets. I am so ashamed...please don't think I'm rude for not responding, my eye was the size of a pancreas!! In any event, I'm so excited I made their list of favorite blogs/inspirations. Thanks, Amy and Kahlana!!
xoxo,
Tia

MAC Glimmerglass Gets a Second Chance

2009-10-28T09:59:00.004-04:00

Hey girls,
So, the other day my baby sister Lauren (of AOL Black Voices fame) came over to watch the premiere of So You Think You Can Dance. This show is very important in my family. Anyway, she pretended to come over to watch adorable Russell do NappyTabs' hiphop routine, but really, she wanted to plunder my makeup drawers (sounds dirty) for sparkly eyeliner befitting her Halloween costume. Williams Sister Fun!! So, as we were looking, we got distracted by the entire line of MAC's new Glimmerglass Glosses ($18, each). Have you SEEN this? Now, admittedly, I'd ignored them when they first launched because, I mean, it's a collection of three BLACK lipglosses--Blackfire, Blackware, and Blingblack--each spiked with different color shimmer. I thought, "Gross." But me and Lauren started trying them on, and we realized that they're gorgeously sheer, and meant to be layered over lipstick to give it a deeper, sexier color. Or, you can wear them alone for just a sheer hint of vampy-dusky color. So genius. And the shot of shimmer is just right for an after-work moment. Blackfire is shot through with pinky-purple glitter; Blackware is a shimmer-free, true black; and Blingblack has pale gold flecks. Stunning...and perf for Halloween!
xoxo,
Tia

Princess Tiana and Lina Bean

2009-10-26T10:46:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
I feel SO much better! Thanks for your well-wishes and advice. Turns out, my swollen eye wasn't a reaction to cheap "papier m hygiénique" at all, it was some crazy infection (no doubt picked it up from those slobbery, germy kids at the park...my child is obviously the exception). Oh, and speaking of my child, I'm up to my ears planning Lina Bean's first birthday party. Can you believe it? She's not a BABY anymore. I mean, that purple shirt-dress just screams "toddler." Sigh. Anyway, it's my understanding that the goody bags at these things are of the utmost importance. Now, I've gotten the requisite tiny, cheap party favors like yo-yo's and bubbles, but I wanted to include something that really spoke to who me and La Lina are. Something that reflected the essence of our humanity more than multi-colored plastic whistles. Then it hit me.

I'm sure by now, you guys have heard of Carol's Daughter brilliant Magical Beauty Collection, inspired by Princess Tiana of "The Princess and the Frog" (ie, Disney's first black princess). I thought it would be perfect to buy a couple sets of the Magical Beauty Collection--which includes Shampoo ($10), Conditioner ($10), Hair Detangler ($8) and Bubble Bath ($8)--and stick each bottle in a goody bag! So special, right? It's about beauty products and a black princess--if that combo doesn't scream Tia and her Bean, I don't know what does.
xoxo,
Tia

First Family Fierceness

2009-10-23T12:17:00.003-04:00

Hi SYB Babes,
Okay, I'm weeping uncontrollably. My goopy eye medicine is all over my face (FYI, the doc prescribed this topical antiobotic, Ciloxan, that's kind of working but is totally gross). I'm not supposed to be doing "laptop work" until my eye heals, but I had to show you guys this. Just this morning, the White House released the official portrait of the First Family, taken by fancy photographer Annie Leibowitz. Is it not the most gorgeous thing you've ever seen? My Lina Bean will never know a world where the Obamas couldn't happen!! Wheee!
xoxo,
Tia

Eye-yai-yai Part Deux

2009-10-21T10:03:00.002-04:00

Um, I can barely get my eye open, so anything I write will be a foggy, unfocused mess. I went to my primary care physician yesterday, and she demanded that I see (haha, yeah right, "see") a proper eye doctor today. Hopefully he will not prescribe me an eye patch. But if he does, I'll bedazzle it with purple sequins. When life gives you lemons, and all that. I'll be back in a couple days, girls!!
xoxo,
Tia

Eye-yai-yai

2009-10-19T09:13:00.002-04:00

This is what happens when you're cheap, and opt to wipe off your mascara with eye makeup remover-soaked TOILET PAPER, and not a fluffy cotton pad or cotton ball. My right eye is totally swollen and I can barely open it. Here's what I'm thinking. I discovered that, once I started wiping, the wet toilet paper started tearing off in these tiny rolls. I think I got a piece in my eye and slept the whole night with it in there. I know, I know. But I ran out of my favorite cotton pads, and even thought they're cheap, the $$ adds up, so I just thought...

That's what I get for thinking, right?
xoxo,
Tia

Zahara, French Vogue, & the Controversial World of Black Beauty

2009-10-14T11:47:00.003-04:00

Hey ladies,
So, there's a bunch of interesting stuff happening in the world of black beauty. Did you guys read Newsweek's editorial on Zahara's 'do, "Zahara Jolie-Pitt and the Politics of Uncombed Hair?" The writer is furious with Angelina for letting Zahara leave the house with "unstyled" hair. Very interesting. Even more interesting is genius beauty blogger Afrobella's retort on AOL Black Voices, "I'm on Team Zahara!" Okay, so I'm dying to hear what my SYB Babes think of the ZaharaGate. Do you approve of her let-it-all-hang-out locks, or do you think she could benefit from a couple barrettes and a deep conditioner? And is it appropriate for us to even be analyzing an innocent first grader's hair?

And hot on the heels of that supremely weird Australian blackface moment with Harry Connick Jr., we've got French Vogue's "Supermodel" issue, featuring a spread with Dutch model Lara Stone in blackface. Yep, full-on blackface. Um, instead of painting Lara brown, why couldn't French Vogue editrix Carine Roitfeld have hired Jourdan or Chanel or Arlenis? Oh, and FYI, not a single black, Asian or Latina model was included in the issue. I know it's France, and they have a totally different history than Americans, but this is so not okay. See, this is when I start to chafe at the notion that because Obama is president, we somehow live in a "post-racial" world. Nope, we don't. Ladies, I'd love your thoughts on this spread. Hit me.
xoxo,
Tia

Anjel Salon, PS

2009-10-12T10:24:00.002-04:00

Girls! Remember when I went to the fabulous new Anjels Salon last week, after the screening of Good Hair? I just got a pic of my blowout...here it is! Shiny, bouncy, glossy-good times! Cannot gush enough about the service, too. Here's the info, if you're ever in NYC:
Anjels Salon
37 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
(888) 804-6947

Rihanna & the Best Eyeliner Evah

2009-10-12T09:55:00.003-04:00

Hey girls,
As you all know, Rihanna killed at Paris fashion week. Completely. And when she wasn't darting in and out of shows in a pair of the darkest, shadiest sunglasses you've ever seen, she was all about an EYE. Whether it was a skinny line along the inner rims or a major cat-eye situation, she was definitely loving some eyeliner. Inspired by Princess RiRi, I recently challenged myself to find the hands-down best eye pencil out there for under $10. My criteria included depth of blackness (this is a pigment issue, not a "how DOWN is the eyeliner?" issue), smoothness of application, and the non-smudge factor. Girls, I stumbled upon a winner. Without a doubt, Max Factor MAXeye Eyeliner Pencil in 100 Night Club ($6.89) is the hottest liner to ever line!! I wore it to my girlfriend Trenesa's super-fancy birthday fete over the weekend, and four girls demanded to know what liquid liner I was wearing (disclaimer: this was a party full of beauty editors, so this is what we talk about). I was so excited that my drugstore eye pencil looked like liquid liner! And can I just tell you, it stayed on until 3am. Oh, it's just the inkiest, sootiest black ever, and the application is smoother than smooth. You barely need to touch your lid and it gives such full-pigmented color! Go get it, before the stores run out of Max Factor. Sadly, the brand is no longer being produced in the States. All good things they say, never last.
Kisses,
Tia

Talkin' 'Bout Good & Bad Hair

2009-10-07T17:35:00.004-04:00

Hey muchachas,
News flash: Tito and Miko Branch, owners of Miss Jessie's curly girl hair products, are teaming up with NaturallyCurly.com to sponsor the first ever 2009 Grow Out Challenge! How much do I LOVE this? From October 5th to March 31st, Miss Jessie’s will award over $3,600 worth of products to the participants who show the most spunk and determination as they embark on the life-changing journey of "transitioning," ie, growing out their perm and embracing their natural hair (lest you thought I was referring to gender reassignment surgery). As many of you know, transitioning starts when you A.) snip off your relaxed ends little by little, or B.) chop off the relaxed hair in one fell swoop (the gangsta option). This is a HUGE deal for most women, so having the support of your curly community is totally empowering! To start the process, register on NaturallyCurly.com, create your first blog post and begin uploading pics of your transition. Each month, four winners will be selected to receive a personal hair prescription and products from Miss Jessie’s valued at approximately $150.00!

Cute, right? And somebody involved is a marketing genius, because the contest coincides with the premiere of Chris Rock's buzzy new documentary, "Good Hair." Last Thursday, I had the pleasure of seeing a screening of the film with my dear friend and Ambermag.com creator, Marcia Cole, as well as a brilliant bunch of girls from the site's blogger network (and after the movie, we had a blowout party at the hottest new black salon in Manhattan, Anjels' Salon, on 37 W. 46th Street. Just so you know, my hair is still looking glossy and sexy and bouncy, SIX DAYS LATER. Ask for Brenda, she's the truth). I wish I could say that I loved the film. I mean, in terms of the business of weaves of relaxers, it was definitely eye-opening. I certainly didn't realize that most black haircare companies are white or Asian-owned. The global implications of the weave trade never really hit me, either (not to give it all away, but most of the hair used for weaves comes from Indian men and women who've chopped off their hair during sacred religious ceremonies--and who have no idea that it's being sold for gazillions). And the commentary for actresses like Lauren London, Megan Good, and Nia Long (WHY doesn't Hollywood come up with great roles for the sexy, smart lady?) was hilarious and truthful and refreshing. But I really wanted Rock to touch on the reasons WHY black women feel the way we do about our hair. You know, the social history of the whole thing. The centuries-old notions about "good" and "bad" hair that are ingrained in us, passed down from our great-great grandmas. That's what's truly interesting to me about the whole debate. But baby steps, I guess.

Definitely see it, though! If for nothing else, to come full circle from the barbed hilarity of the "Good and Bad Hair" scene from School Daze. In any event, I love us...and all of our hair, in every incarnation!
kisses,
Tia

Sonia K, All Day!

2009-10-05T09:44:00.002-04:00

Hey mujeres,
I went to such a fun event last week for Sonia Kashuk's fall line! For the uninitiated, Sonia Kashuk is a legendary celebrity makeup artist who, for the last ten years, has designed her BRILLIANT, eponymous makeup and skincare line for Target (and her makeup book, Real Beauty, is a true classic). Ms. Kashuk was also the very first famous makeup artist I ever met...when I was a wee beauty editor at Glamour, she did the faces for my first big photo shoot! We've been friends, ever since.

Anyway, she invited the beauty press down to her offices right across from Ground Zero (the sadness never ebbs, no matter how many times I've been down there). Her office was a beauty girl's dream...shelves and shelves of the most exquisitely packaged little gems, each one fancier and smarter than the last (honestly, Target really has cornered the market on high-quality, budget-friendly products. I just bought an Anna Sui for Target dress that deserves a spot on Barney's 8th floor). As Sonia walked us through her fall offerings, I spotted a cluster of the most gorge blush tints on a shelf across the room. I demanded an explanation, so Sonia pulled one down--now, it's important to remember that it was a random shade--and blended the lightweight, subtle shimmery, hint-of-a-tint liquid on the back of my hand. Girls, it was sooo pretty. Obviously, we all know that brown girls have to be very strategic about makeup shades; it's almost impossible to just throw on any blush and have it look great. But this tint was so sheer, so soft and natural-looking, that it truly just looked like me, blushing. FYI, the shade was Rose, but I tried on the rest of them, and they're all super-gorge. Sonia Kashuk Super Sheer Liquid Tints are available in Peony, Poppy, and Rose ($9.99 each, at Target stores).

Oh, and just so you know, Sonia Kashuk's range of makeup brushes ($9.99-$21.99) are insane. Cannot believe they're sold at Target...the woman could sell the at Bendel's for a zillion dollars and no one would bat an eyelash (I spot them backstage at fashion shows all the time). Anyway, they're ridiculously soft, and last forever. Sonia was sort of grossed-out to find out that I've been using the same blush brush for five years.

Don't judge me!!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...thanks to Daphne Youree for the shot of me and Sonia!

Vaseline is the New Black

2009-10-01T23:48:00.001-04:00

Hey ladies,
Lately, I feel like
Vaseline is everywhere. Do you feel this, too? Walk with me, friends, walk with me...

1.) It all started about a month ago, during the episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta called "Home is Where the Heartbreak Is." You know the one, right? Where Lisa's 62-year-old-looking, 90-year-old Korean grandma said she owed her youthful visage to Vaseline? Apparently, she'd been slathering the classic petroleum jelly all over her face for years! I mean, her complexion really was amazing. Suddenly, everyone was talking about Grandma Wu and her hotness. Including my friend Selene, who mentioned that the trick was absolutely NOT news to her, since she'd been using Vaseline to take off her eye makeup since before Lisa Lisa met Full Force. I loved this tip, and immediately tried it out. SO GENTLE. SO GETS-IT-ALL-OFF-IN-ONE-SWIPE. Why have I been spending good manicure money on fancy eye makeup removers all these years? Bad beauty junkie, bad beauty junkie!

2.) Secondly, I've been having some dry skin issues. Have I mentioned this? Every year, at the dawn of Fall, I get these weird, flaky spots on my arms and legs. The only thing that works is...wait for it (Glee!)...Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil ($7.49). It's a gel-based body oil that I slather all over when I first get out of the shower and my skin's still wet. Then, after I towel off, my skin is totally moisturized and supple and flake-free...AND all sheen-y and glowy (it's the combo of Brazilian Nut Oil and Almond Oil). I don't even need to put on lotion. I swear. All this gloriousness, for under ten bucks.

3.) Okay, so the third and final reason Vaseline is on fire? This month marks the launch of one of the biggest breakthroughs in body lotions in a decade, Vaseline Sheer Infusion Body Lotion (which comes in Botanical Blend, Mineral Renewal and Vitamin Burst, from $7.99 to $9.99). Why are they so fancy? The lotions are spiked with a completely groundbreaking new moisturizing complex, Stratys 3, that actually suspends (this is the key word, "suspends") moisture across the skin's top, middle, and deep down layers. Basically, ash is no match for Vaseline Sheer Infusion. And the texture! Honey, it feels like heaven. Okay, but that's not even the best part. Remember the key word? Well, to celebrate the launch of Sheer Infusion, Vaseline invited beauty bloggers to TRAPEZE LESSONS, so that we could do a little "suspending" of our own! Those of you who know me well know that I don't like to move or break a sweat. I don't work out, I don't run...I even avoid breaking into a swift walk if I can help it. But on the trapeze, I was MADE of awesomeness! If I'm lyin,' I'm flyin.' But it was terrifying at first (that's me, up on that ridiculously high platform, about to do my first swing). Of course, I wouldn't have done something so momentous without taping it for my SYB Babes. Check out the video, HERE.

Are you proud of me? Have a great week, miladies!
xoxo,
Tia

Out Damned Spot!

2009-09-29T13:58:00.004-04:00

Hey girls! Okay, so blogger has not been my friend, yet again. I wrote this big, fancy post for you and it's just. not. uploading. In the meantime, though, I do want to tell you about a totally unrelated new obsesh of mine. I've been wanting to rave about this product for weeks now, but I had to wait and make sure it REALLLLY worked. Okay, enough mystery. The miracle worker in question is Clinique's new Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF 20 ($42.50)...and it's worth every last penny. Quick TMI backstory: I've had about four periods since I gave birth last November, and each one has trampled all over my face. Acne like you wouldn't BELIEVE (any doctors in the house? Is this some post-natal hormone thing? Explain!). In any event, being a brown woman, once my zits disappear, they leave behind unsightly dark marks. My chin looks like a poppyseed bagel. There are a zillion creams, masks, and exfoliators on the market purporting to even out hyperpigmented, spotty skin...but I haven't found long-lasting success until I tried out this new jobby from Clinique. It has special ingredients that actually get into the dark spots and break up the pigmentation, over time.

And girls, a month into slathering on this moisturizer twice a day, my skin is flawless. Almost as flawless as La Lina's (exhibit A to the left). So, if any of you have stubborn dark spots and uneven skin tone, you must try this!!

In other news, I have officially dragged myself into 2009! I am now obsessed with Twitter! It took me awhile, but now I totally get it. If you haven't already, follow me! I tweet all day long, and often gush about products that I don't mention here. So, in order to Shake Your Beauty in the most comprehensive way, you need to follow me, sweet pea. My tag is, obviously, ShakeYourBeauty. Oh, and in the near future, I'm going to start doing SYB Youtube videos! Haven't quite figured this out yet, so stay tuned...

xoxo,
Tia

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

2009-09-23T10:01:00.004-04:00

Hello gorgeous,
A couple weeks ago, I went to a Fashion Week party and was thrilled to find June Jacobs Perfect Pumpkin Peeling Enzyme Masque ($78) in my goody bag. Now, June Jacobs is one of the beauty world's most famous luxury spa experts, and her skincare line is beloved by celebs, socials, and other fancy people with disposable income. Anyway, I'd always heard about the wonders of her Pumpkin Peeling Masque. A little backstory: Not only is pumpkin a natural anti-oxidant, it's full of enzymes that gently and naturally slough off dead skin cells and impurities. So, this masque is a fabulously non-invasive alternative to rough, grainy exfoliating treatments! You slather it on clean skin--let it remain for 10 minutes on the face and 30 minutes on the body (great for flaky areas and bacne)--and then rinse it off. Your skin will feel totally purified, and ridiculously soft and smooth. Did I mention that the masque smells like the chic-est, nutmeggy-ish pumpkin pie, ever? So warm and "autumnal." I love that word.

Admittedly, this stuff is kind of expensive. No worries! I found Freeman Good Stuff Organics Pumpkin Enzymes Facial Mask ($8.99) at Duane Reade, and it does exactly the same thing (and it's paraben-free, like June Jacobs'!). And along with pumpkin, it also contains organic chamomile to soothe and organic apple extract to hep brighten dull skin. Good-for-you and packaged in recycled plastic. Love.
xoxo,
Tia

The Right Red

2009-09-21T09:27:00.002-04:00

Hey ladies,
Call off the dogs. The search is over. I. Found. The. Perfect. Red. Allow me to apologize for the pic, though...I took it with that horrible Photo Booth thingie on my I-Book. I was just so excited and I had to show my SYB Babes! I mean, as we all know, searching for the perfect red to flatter your brown skin can be tougher than finding the perfect MAN to flatter your brown sin. If it's not too blue, it's too pink. Or too orange or too "working girl." My perfect red is Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss in Tyrant ($26)! And who knew Rock & Republic made makeup? Anyway, this gloss is incredibly shiny, and totally pigmented...so they way it looks in the tube is exactly how it'll look on your lips. But it has this incredible, buildable intensity, so you can make it as light or dark as you want. This is my new favorite thing!!!
xoxo,
Tia

Rainbrow Brite

2009-09-16T14:31:00.004-04:00

Hey muchachas,
Hope you're not afraid of eyeshadow, because I'm seeing a veritable riot of rainbow-esque shadow shades all over the runways. You better get ready! We're talking fuschia, turquoise, electric purple (ow-ah!), shimmery tangerine...think one of the jungle girls from Duran Duran's "Rio" video. Or the jungle girls in Gloria Estefan's "The Rhythm is Gonna Get You." Or the hot Latina Mary Jane Girl (was her name Corvette?). Or that soft-spoken, bashful girl above. The look is in-your-face, brazen, and so not for the timid. Raowrr!

My favorite incarnation of the rainbow shadow moment was at Derek Lam. Oh! I barely noticed what the models were wearing, so good was the Fruit Stripes-inspired eye. Of course, you don't have to go this hard in your own life. Just use the runway look as inspiration, and pare it down so you don't look crazy. Try just lining your bottom lid with a bold turquoise shadow, using a tiny liner brush. Or punch up a neutral eye by blending a kick-ass plum in the crease. Or, using your pinky finger, dot a golden hue in the inner corners of your eyes, near your nose (this is a secret makeup artist trick used to make hungover models look instantly, breathlessly awake).

Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume II ($48) comes sixteen shadow shades in every texture under the sun--shimmery, matte, sheer, opaque, everything. Honestly, it's such a find. You'll never have to buy another eyeshadow again. Plus, it comes stocked with two eye pencils, and a travel-size bottle of the bestselling Eyeshadow Primer Potion (blend over your lids before applying eyeshadow, and it won't budge all day). For my recessionistas, I'd recommend Revlon Illuminance Creme Eyeshadow in Copper Canyon (which comes with a turquoise, bronze, orange and champagne shades) or Va Va Bloom (a palette of yummy purples), $6.99 each.
xoxo,
Tia

Orange you glad I met Selina?

2009-09-14T15:01:00.003-04:00

Hey girls,
I so found the next hot model backstage at Twinkle by Wenlan last week (there she is in Teen Vogue). Okay, I totally thought she was black. Hyperventilating with excitement (truly, finding black models backstage is a rarity these days...it's not just hype), I ran up to her for a little interview. This is how it went:

Me: Hiimtiaiwriteforablackbeautyblog...

Beautiful Girl: Oh, I'm not black.

Me: Honey, someone lied to you.

Beautiful Girl: No, really (giggling the most refreshingly unaffected giggle). My mom's Indian, mixed with Arabic and Creole, and my dad is Vietnamese. Yep, Indian and Chinese.

Me: I thought you said Vietnamese.

Beautiful Girl: It's ethnically the same thing. Just a different country.

Me: Oh.

I found out that her name is Selina Khan, she's only 17, it's her third season, and she's having a blast. I told her she was gorgeous and she said I was, too, and so I made a friend for life. Oh, but back to the beauty report. I was so charmed by the orange lips! And it's funny, usually at the shows when the lip is some bold crazy color, it always looks a little off on the brown girls (makeup teams always have lighter girls in mind when they develop the color story). But at this show, it looked the BEST on the brown girl. Loved that! I tackled the makeup artist, Giancarlo Ceciliato, and he told me the shade was MAC LipMix in Orange. Since this is a MacPro color, you can only buy it if you have a special professional membership. Laypeople can enjoy MAC LipGelee in Saplicious ($14), a juicy burst of tangerine goodness. It's super-soft and totally wearable...way less intense than the LipMix, so you can wear it for day. Or, wear your favorite neutral and dab just a little in the center of you bottom lip and blend for just a hint of orangey love. Mmm, mmm, mmm.
xoxo,
Tia

Fashion's Night Out!

2009-09-11T13:02:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
Okay, last night was SICK! You ladies heard about Fashion's Night Out, right? Basically, Vogue, the CFDA and NYC conspired to create a night of frenzied shopping to help reinvigorate consumer spirit (which has been dwindling due to economy messiness). Last night, department stores, boutiques, and a zillion other retail outlets in fashion capitals all over the globe stayed open until midnight! And New York? It was bonkers city! There were celeb sightings everywhere (Michelle Trachtenberg stepped on my foot), bands were jamming in the street, champagne was flowing, and generally, everyone was feeling giddy and cool and hot, bouncing in and out of stores and flirting with scrawny fashion boys. I started out the night at Scoop in the Meatpacking District. My girl Karen, the Carrie Bradshaw-esque writer/makeup maven whose beauty company, Purple Lab--which launched the uber-chic Huge Lips Skinny Hips glosses-- was hosting Scoop's party for the night. And, oh, Ms Karen was definitely the hostess with the mostess. Scoop was awash in purple (purple boas, purple eyeshadow, purple kisses on the windows), everyone was downing Lychee Martinis, and burlesque queen Veronica Varlow gave a veddy veddy luscious performance in the window.

The best part, though? Karen arranged for her three favorite bloggers (myself included) to be chauffeured to Scoop in a magenta-colored, 2011 Ford Fiesta!! What? It was amazing! I felt so fly and sexy, riding through the strollerville that is Park Slope in my hot little whip. Mommy's night out!!

I hung out at Scoop for awhile, and then I perused the other major Meatpacking stores, like DVF (got too tipsy on her signature cocktails), Stella McCartney (they were serving the most insane pizza), and the super-fashiony department store, Jeffrey's. They had a genius fashion illustrator there doing watercolor portraits of various revellers, and when he fixed his aqua eyes on me and murmured something about my "great neck," I simply had to have him sketch me. Here are the results! Excuse me while I get it matted and framed and then hung prominently over my couch...

By then it was like 11:30, and the girls I was with wanted to see what was happening in Soho, and I just wanted to go home to my girl. Which is where I went. But the night was truly fantastic, and totally memorable. A perfect kickoff to Fashion Week!! See you on Monday...
xoxo,
Tia

PS: Contest alert: “Got2b’s Hot Hollywood Hair-Do Rescue” campaign is asking you to share photos of how you’ve turned yesterday’s hair don’ts into hair dos! Simply submit before and after photos of your hair, or pics of your favorite styles. Then, select the got2b products that helped you go from drab to fab. The Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for two to the Us Weekly Hot Hollywood Event where he or she can hang out with top celebrities and enjoy the total red-carpet treatment!

Kick off your Sunday shoes...

2009-09-09T23:14:00.003-04:00

Hey y'all,
Today and tomorrow, the lovely team at TotalBeauty is hosting a Blogger Summit for the top bloggers in their network (of which, claro que si, I am one). They treated us to a lovely day of checking out the fabulous new beauty launches at Kiehls, Chanel, and Molton Brown; and we even stopped in at the starry Warren Tricomi salon to hear tell of the latest and greatest in, well, hair. We also had the distinct pleasure of hitting up the office of Tractenberg & Co, one of Manhattan's top beauty PR agencies. The Talented T'berg Team gave us a sneak peak at many of their clients' fall/winter offerings! Loved, loved, loved this. Imagine, having two hours to peruse different dozens of tables stocked with your favorite brands new offerings...stuff no one has ever seen before. It was like beauty speed dating...and I wanted to take all of the prospective dates home. I'll be telling you about my favorite new fall products over the next couple of weeks, but I just wanted to quickly give a shout-out to a something I saw today that took my breath away. It's not one of the super-new ones, but it's an item I'm sure will change your life. Backstory: I am a fan of sole inserts. Not chic, but I'm not ashamed. My shoes and boots ALWAYS hurt me, no matter how expensive the leather or thoughtful the construction. Stilettos, especially. But I've never found an insert that I can convincingly rock in a fancy shoe without it showing or being all bulky and unsexy. WELL. Foot Petals Killer Kushionz ($12.95) have changed all that for me. This is the first-ever full insole that you can wear in heels! It's super-skinny, but still totally effective and cushy and yummy. You can even stick them in flats, or the most naked strappies you own. Brilliant, right? Why didn't I have these two years ago when I was covering the West Village Halloween parade for TheDailyNews.com, and I had to run around for hours in sky-high stilettoes dressed as the world's sluttiest flamenco dancer? Ah well, if I knew then what I know now...

In any event, I've already slapped these suckers in my four-inch Frye wooden platforms, which I plan to wear all Fashion Week, and also tomorrow night to the Fashion's Night Out party at Scoop, featuring Purple Lab goodies! Stop by if you're in town!
Love you ladies,
Tia

Sparkle, please

2009-09-08T09:28:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
Okay, so mama has some thrilling news for eyeshadow devotees. You know Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadow? The cosmetics queen has gone and one-upped herself by adding a touch of twinkle to the formula! Bobbi Brown Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadow ($22) has that same incredibly velvety, satin-smooth texture that lasts and lasts, but now it also comes with the prettiest hint of sparkle! Just a swipe of the shadow on lids adds incomparable oomph to any moment--day, night, or in-between. Comes in eight fabulous shades, but my everyday favorite is Antique Gold (surprise!). Love it! Oh, and if you order today, you get the no-shipping-fee Labor Day discount.
xoxo,
Tia

PS...Who here would like to have seen Brad perform "Single Ladies" for Beyonce?

Oh, Oh, Ojon!

2009-09-01T22:32:00.004-04:00

Hi ladies,
Hyperventilating. You've guys have heard of Ojon, right? It's the cult-favorite, deeply nourishing line containing no less than The Ancient Native Secret to glossy, gorgeous hair. Said secret? A rare oil found in the Central American Ojon tree that Tawira Indians have been using for more than 500 years ("Tawira" means "the people of beautiful hair." Any questions?). Their signature product, Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment ($55) basically set the beauty world on fire with it's exotically nutty scent and luxe texture (the highly-concentrated, waxy balm melts in your hand like some exquisite, um, elixir, and can be used as a moisturizing mask, a leave-in conditioner, or a shine booster). Anyway, the exciting news is that the brand is launching a new collection of Ojon Restorative Leave-in Treatments for Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads, plus a clear shine for all colors ($29, each)!! Not only do the treatments contain light-reflecting Mica to add oomph to your color, they're blended with a zillion strand-strengthening ingredients to help keep hair healthy and extend the life of your shade. The treatments aren't out yet, but they'll be available at QVC.com in the next week or so...get into it, mama!!

Speaking of hair...I know me, my sisters, and my girlfriend Selene are not the only ones who've noticed that Kate Gosselin has a black girl hairstyle. For your snarking pleasure, here's Lauren's gallery of black celebrities with Kate's 'do, on AOL Black Voices. Too perfect.
xo,
Tia

I Vant to Suck Your...Lipgloss?

2009-08-31T10:09:00.006-04:00

Hello fangbangers,
Let it be known that I did not jump on anybody's Twilight bandwagon, I've ALWAYS been fascinated by los bloodsuckers. I heart them all, from Bram Stoker's Dracula (I favor Gary Oldman's upside-down-butt-hairdo version..."I am DRACUUUHHHL!") and the doomed residents of Salem's Lot, to the Lost Boys and the Buffy/Angel/Spike triangle. Yes, girls, I am a vampire OG. So allow me a fangirl moment. DID YOU SEE TRUE BLOOD LAST NIGHT? Me, Devon/Brownie and Lauren had a True Blood marathon last night (I'd missed the last two eps), and we were dying. Vampires are just so sexy, so verboten, so chic. I mean, if Eric and Edward Cullen were in a sexy-off, I just don't even know who would win (actually, yes I do). Oh, and do you think if I dressed as Maryann for Halloween that anyone would get it?

You can imagine my delight when I discovered that one of my favorite brands, DuWop, just debuted their limited-edition DuWop Twilight Lip Venom ($16). If you aren't familiar, Lip Venom is the brand's wildly popular, super-zingy lip-plumping gloss...and this new Twilight version is spiked with a shot of twinkly, bloodred lipstain that looks appropriately vampy on all skintones! Nothing like sexy-swollen, crimson-stained lips right? Wear it alone for a just-bitten moment, or add a layer of clear gloss for a high-wattage gleam. Fangtastic!
xoxo,
Tia

Recessionista Eye Makeup Remover

2009-08-28T13:08:00.003-04:00

Hey ladies,
Thanks so much for your tremendous response to the Pantene Moisture Renewal Collection ($28 value) Giveaway! As promised, I randomly picked five winners, each of whom will receive an entire years' worth of Pantene Moisture Renewal products, including the Shampoo, 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, Rinse-Off Treatment and Conditioner. Here are the lucky five: Kiki, Mary007, Cherice, STL Blaque Femme Lesbian (honey, I need to meet you), and Fairelaine! Woo-oo, let's hear it for 'em, girls! Winners, please shoot me an email with your mailing address at beauty@tiawilliams.net. If you haven't responded by next Tuesday, I'll have to give the prize to another fabulous SYB Babes, so get on it!

Okay, onto le beaute...

I usually don't leave my house without mascara, so eye makeup remover is very important to me. My all-time, been-using-it-forever-and-ever favorite is Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover ($26). As you know, I've tried EVERYTHING, and this is simply the best remover on the market. The dual-phased formula is equal-parts skin conditioner and makeup remover, so you give it a little shake before applying. This stuff erases my entire eye moment--including mascara--in ONE SWIPE (let me tell you, this is a plus when it's 2am and you're half-asleep and two seconds away from passing out with your makeup on despite knowing that this violates about seven different beauty rules). The best part, though, is that it moisturizes the delicate skin around my eyes--so much so, that I don't even need undereye cream. Love a double-duty product.

Here's the fun part. These days, I'm not quite excited about dropping nearly $30 on eye makeup remover. So, I've been searching high and low for some cheap-but-effective version of my Lancome Fabulousness. Guess what? I found it! CVS Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($3.99) do the EXACT SAME THING as the Lancome formula! And I don't have to bother with cotton balls! One pad takes care of both eyes, and it leaves behind a gentle, non-greasy moisturizer. All for the price of a Happy Meal. Not that I ever eat those.

Love you,
T

One of Essence.com's Top Beauty Bloggers Loves Your Hair

2009-08-27T13:40:00.004-04:00

Hey y'all,
Two things:

One, Essence.com named me one of the top four beauty bloggers in all of online-dom! Happy birthday to me!!

Two, did anyone see the NY Times article called "Skin Deep: Black Hair, Still Tangled in Politics? (I mean, zzzz, are we still talking about this?). Dying to know your thoughts! Do you think this story a non-story in this day and age, or do you land heavily on one side of the permed/natural debate? And here's the deep question: Since the good/bad hair convo and all it's sinister implications are still so unresolved within our culture, do you kind of feel like maybe it should remain ours (ie, not be called out in the NY Times, inviting all kinds of speculation from folks who didn't even know it was an issue?). And what did you think of Malia's twists in Rome?

Drop me a line,
Tia Pet

MAJOR Pantene Giveaway: A Year's Worth of Products!!

2009-08-26T08:38:00.004-04:00

Hi ladies,
Huge news!! The lovely, generous gals at Pantene have agreed to give away A YEAR'S WORTH of product to five lucky SYB Babes! I mean, what better gift in this economy? The mega-haircare brand is gifting my girls with Pantene Moisture Renewal Collection ($28 value), which includes the Shampoo, 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner, Rinse-Off Treatment and Conditioner. I've tried them all, and I assure you, my hair is very, very grateful. Since black girls have naturally dry hair--especially when we relax it, color it, and use every heat appliance under the sun--we need to use hair products loaded with hydrating ingredients. Pantene's Moisture Renewal Collection is The Answer. Plus, the products bathe every strand in nutrients while also preventing breakage and frizz before it starts, so you hair looks it's glossy, super-soft best.

Okay, now onto the deets of the giveaway! Read the SYB trivia question below and leave your answer in the "comments" section. Then, I'll RANDOMLY choose five winners out of the SYB Babes who give the correct answer. The winners will be announced on Friday! Good luck, sweetpeas...
xoxo,
Tia

SYB TRIVIA QUESTION:
In a Spring '06 post, I wrote about a comedy team that gets on my last nerve. Who was it?

Golden Girl

2009-08-24T11:07:00.005-04:00

Hola mis ninas,
Okay, so I've been depressed lately. And not just because Blogger.com kept me from you for, like, almost a month. No, it's this damn economy. Right? I mean, when is it all gonna end? I HATE feeling poor (notice I said "feeling" poor. Still don't want to admit that it's more than a feeling). So, over the weekend, I did the most nonsensical thing you can do when you're feeling poor. I spent money! With reckless abandon! I don't know, I feel like some splurging here and there is healthy...as long as you don't go overboard, and don't make it a habit. In any event, it made me feel sooo much better. Wanna know what I bought? Obviously, it was a hair product. The beauty industry has been all a-twitter about Oribe 24K Gold Pomade ($49), and since I loathe being left out of the conversation, I bought it. Some backstory: Oribe is a beyond-famous editorial and celebrity hairstylist responsible for sexing-up the strands of goddesses like Naomi, Penelope and J to the Lo. His signature look has always been high-wattage glamour, so it makes sense that he'd be the one to create a fancier-than-fancy pomade spiked with 14-karat gold flecks! I just love to LOOK at it--the rich, metallic lushness is so yummy (reminds me of that 80s colored mousse from Pizazz). Slick just an itty-bitty schmear on wet or dry hair for a brilliant, luminous sheen--and don't worry, the gilded glimmer is very subtle (just make sure you use sparingly; it's super-concentrated and a little goes a long way). Forget therapy...in these drab, no-money-having days, a touch of Dominique Devereax sparkle is an instant spirit-lifter! And every time you glance at the glitzy-glam container perched atop your vanity, you'll feel rich.
xoxo,
Tia

Purple Post

2009-08-20T13:21:00.000-04:00

Hey lover,
I'M SO FRUSTRATED. I've been trying to post for two weeks now, but the folks at Blogger.com are being little shits (HELLO? Get a help desk!!). So, this post is way overdue and now totally outdated, but since it involves my BF, I had to share:

If you know anything about me, you know I am a devoted disciple of Prince. DEVOTED. I once got into an altercation with a fancy Frenchman who thought he was a bigger fan, so I was forced to show him my unfortunate "tramp stamp" tattoo of the face with the purple tear from Purple Rain (he trumped me when he put his custom Air Force Ones on the table and showed me the tiny Prince symbols lining the soles). In any event, I was beside myself when Purple Rain came to my neighborhood on August 6th! The Celebrate Brooklyn" folks hosted a huge Purple Rain singalong in Prospect Park"--they showed the movie on a huge outdoor screen while a band played along with the songs and the enormous crowd went, literally, crazy. It was THRILLING. I felt like I was actually at the '84 Purple Rain world tour...the one that I was, at 9 years old, forbidden to attend. Thousands of like-minded Darling Whomevers of every race, color, and sexual persuasion were screaming and singing, and dressed in every shade of purple imaginable, and waving lighters, and weeping (oh wait, that was me). And being me, I theme-dressed. There I am in the pic, squealing with my cousin Annie! I wore my favorite Prince tee, got a purple pedicure, and wore 80s-style striped violet-and-plum eyeshadow (easier said than done...it's a challenge to create a puce-colored eye without looking like somebody knocked you out).

I used a fabulous eyeshadow, MAC's Mineralize Eye Shadow Quad in Eccentricity ($18.50) from their brand-new Color Craft Collection. The palette comes with four intensely pigmented, slightly metallic shades, including a searing gold, twinkly violet, deep bronze and shocking plum. I wore the violet on my lid, plum in the crease, and gold along the browbone. I don't know if you can see it in the picture, but the combo totally worked. And as for my toes, I've been hell-and-gone obsessed with neon nail polish this summer, so when I decided to go for purple, I chose Essie Polish in Perky Purple ($8), a kick-ass, electric violet hue from their new Neon Collection. Love, love, love.
May U Live 2 See The Dawn,
Your Tia

Black Girls Rule

2009-08-05T09:40:00.004-04:00

Hey ladies,
I'm still reeling from the untimely passing of trailblazing black model Naomi Sims on August 1st. She died of cancer at a mere 61--so sad! The fashion world has truly suffered a profound loss. A little about the woman widely regarded to be the first black supermodel: At 18, Pittsburgh-born Sims came to NYC to attend FIT, but ended up stalking catwalks for Halston and making serious fashion history by landing the cover of Ladies Home Journal in 1968 (the first black model ever to make the cover of a mainstream women's magazine). She also graced the covers of Cosmo and Life, where she appeared next to the headline "Black Models Take Center Stage" (this is 1969, people...major news). In 1973, after breaking all kinds of boundaries and blowing all kinds of minds, Naomi retired from modeling and launched her enormously successful line of wigs and cosmetics for black women. The woman was an original, a trailblazer, and she will definitely be missed something terrible.

And speaking of fashion trailblazers, this month marks the 35th anniversary of Beverly Johnson's blindingly gorgeous, historic Vogue cover! Check out my sister Lauren's interview with the legendary model on AOL Black Voices. Such a coup, Laur!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...Obsessed with the history of black models? Allow me to recommend one of my favorite coffee table books of all time, SKIN DEEP: INSIDE THE WORLD OF BLACK FASHION MODELS by Barbara Summers. It's a total classic. It's also totally out of print, but you can buy it used on Amazon.com for as low as $3.

Losing my marbles...

2009-08-02T23:59:00.005-04:00

Hey chicas,
I like to think of myself as a sophisticated beauty consumer. I mean, when I started working in the beauty industry, I knew exactly two people with cell phones. That's how long ago it was. I've been doing this forever, folks. I've seen a zillion products come and go, like the wind. I should be jaded, right? It should take a lot more than cute hook to turn my head. But lady, when I saw MAC's new Marbleized Lipglass collection ($18 each), I wanted to pour them all out into a bathtub and roll around naked in the rich, swirly, candy-colored lusciousness of it all. I mean, YUM. I didn't even care what they looked like on my lips, I just had an immediate and visceral need to OWN. THEM. ALL. I suppose that's how boys of my generation felt about Transformers? In any event, I think these new glosses are fun, fun, fun. Bonus: They look gorgeous on, too (Miss Marple, the muted pink one, is mi favorito). Get 'em fast, ladies...these babies are limited edition! Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to take a dip in my gloss-bath...
Bravo MAC,
Tia

Let the Sunshine In

2009-07-29T10:25:00.002-04:00

Hola mis muchachitas,
I don't know about you, but every year, long 'round mid-July, my hair gets FA-RIED. It's a combination of relaxer, styling, and color damage--plus the harsh effects of the sun. In their infinite wisdom, Kiehls has just invented the Sunflower Color Preserving Hair Care line, which includes a shampoo, conditioner, and deep moisturizing pak, each containing all kinds of anti-oxidants, nutrient-rich conditioners and most importantly, Sunflower Seed Oil, which is a natural UV filter! The collection is brilliant--it not only helps repair color-damaged hair, it prevents your shade from oxidizing (ie, getting all brassy and orange-tinged) in the sun. The best part? Each of the three products are totally paraben, sulfate, and silicone-free. Very 2009. Get into it.
xoxo,
Tia

"Botox in a Bottle"

2009-07-26T21:43:00.006-04:00

Hey mamacitas,
The other night I was enjoying a very sexy dinner at Waverly Inn with my equally sexy girlfriends Tina Wells and Stephanie Smith, when I was suddenly distracted by Steph's glorious, glowy complexion (check it out, left). Being me, I immediately pushed pause on the convo and DEMANDED that she explain precisely how she achieved le luminosity (an otherworldly concealer? Afterglow?). As she divulged her secret weapon, I had an idea. Stephanie is actually a brilliant journalist--for the past three years, she's been a media reporter at WWD, and she's also written for the likes of Playboy, People, Money and Vibe (RIP, sniff)--so, why not have her write up a little testimonial about her favorite beauty obsession? Here, Miss Stephanie gives you ladies the 411 on what's behind her complexion perfection...

"You know, there's truth to the old saying, “black don’t crack.” But that doesn’t mean a little preventative care isn’t necessary.

Though I’m barely into my 30s, I use Strivectin SD Eye Cream ($59) underneath my eyes each night. The stuff is truly Botox in a bottle. It was formulated to prevent stretch marks on the body, but women soon discovered that it was fantastic for preventing wrinkles around the eyes and on the neck. Soon, the manufacturers produced formulas specific to other body parts.

Dabbing one small drop of the light cream around the eyes at night soothes the skin around the eye and literally erases any signs of aging. Whether I've had a hard day’s work or a hard night of partying, I apply it at night and by the next morning, I look like I’ve gotten a facelift. I have not one line around my eyes—-not one crow’s foot, not even a crow’s toe—-because of this super-cream.

This stuff is so good, I once risked being arrested rather than losing my bottle! On a flight to Miami, I forgot about the "no liquids over 3 ounces" rule and almost had my Strivectin confiscated by the TSA. After hyperventilating and declaring that the male security employee had something against age-defiant women, he gave me a choice between the eye cream or my toothpaste.

Sorry, I’m just not that attached to Colgate."

I hear you, Steph. And I'm the daughter of a dentist.
xoxo,
Tia

Q&A Wednesday

2009-07-22T11:13:00.003-04:00

SYB BABE: Anonymous

ISSUE: "What can I do about the hyperpigmentation that has resulted from years of shaving my underarms? My underarms look like I have five o'clock shadow even though nothing is there. Is there anything that can help?"

TIA'S 2 CENTS: Oh, Anonymous, the dark underarm thing is something so many brown girls have to deal with (we're all super-prone to hyperpigmentation). Adding to the problem? Most skin-lightening agents contain hydroquinone, a harsh bleaching agent that can cause further irritation, which causes even more darkening. What you need is a gentle product like Medliten Skin Lightening Serum ($49.95), a mild-but-insanely-effective gel used to fade dark spots not only on underarms, but also age spots, some birthmarks, knees, bikini area and, well...(earmuffs, kids) some porn stars use it for, um, at-home anal bleaching. I say that only to bring home how effective it is!

On a budget? At half the price of Medliten, DermaDoctor Total NonScents Ultra-Gentle Brightening Antiperspirant ($28) is just as fabulous! Instead of hydroquinone, the anti-perspirant/deodorant contains Kojic Dipalmitate, a powerful, all-natural botanical brightener. It helps balance skin tone with regular use. Both of these products really do work, but it must be noted that it can take up to a year to reverse hyperpigmentation under the arms. So be patient, chickens!
xoxo,
Tia

Two Things...

2009-07-20T00:01:00.004-04:00

Hi ladies,
Happy Monday! Okay, let's get down to business. Today, mama has two things to get off the smooth, flat, planes of her chest...

1.) You all need to run out and get Nars Cream Blush in Gueule de Nuit ($25). You know I've long been a fan of Nars Powder Blush, but the cream version is even better. I just started wearing it, and the compliments are almost starting to embarrass me (almost). It's a dewy stain in the juiciest peachy-coral shade (looks super-bright in the packaging, but you won't believe how natural it looks on brown skin--just a healthy, outdoorsy pop of color). To apply, just smile, and use your fingers to dot and blend over the apples of your cheeks. Instant radiance! So good, you won't even need any other makeup.

2.) Remember the profile I wrote on my friend Karen Robinovitz, the one who invented Huge Lips Skinny Hips ($20, each), the lip-plumping, appetite-surpressing gloss that's sweeping the nation? Well, her beauty company, PurpleLab, is sponsoring a lavish "Kiss and Tell" contest with a host of super-glamorous prizes. Here are the deets: Log onto www.purplelabnyc.com/kissandtell.html, upload your hottest pic, and explain which lipgloss shade best represents your style and personality. Then, readers will vote on their favorites (the coolest part? You'll be able to see how many times your entry was opened...as well as where it has traveled as others share your content!). In the end, Karen and her panel will choose a bunch of random winners and a "most viral" prize, but the ultimate Grand Prize Winner will win a trip to NYC with a friend, a stay at the ridiculously chic new Smyth Hotel in Tribeca, and a host of sexysexysexy prizes inspired by each of the "Huge Lips Skinny Hips" glosses, including:

* "Kitty Poledancer": A private pole-dancing lesson with S Factor

* "Worship Kate": A shopping spree at Kate Moss fave, TopShop

* "Lychee Martini": A sexy night out at a NYC hotspot...and Lychee Martini lessons!

* "Red Sole": A trip to the Christian Louboutin store

* "Love Your Thighs": A burlesque lesson with professional vixen, Veronica Varlow

* "No Panty Lines": A pair of Karen's favorite G-strings

Plus, Karen will film the whole experience, you'll get all the glosses, and fabulous dinners out. The best part, in my opinion? I'LL BE AT THE POLE-DANCING CLASS AND ONE OF YOUR DINNERS! I cannot wait to meet you, so start entering. Good luck, darlings!

Check here to see if your entry is one of the top six most viral! Kisses!

xoxo,
Tia

BREAKING NEWS: Essence's Makeover Magic Tool

2009-07-16T22:41:00.004-04:00

Ladies!!! Allow me to introduce you to Shake Your Beauty's new Essence Makeover Magic tool (you'll find it by scrolling down on the right hand side)! I'm SO excited about this, and you will be too. All you have to do is upload your favorite photo, and you can try on virtually any celebrity hairdo under the sun...plus all the hottest new makeup looks, courtesy of Cover Girl Queen! Girls, in this economy, no one has the ca-ching to throw away on a fancy cut or expensive makeup that might look a hot mess on you. Avoid a beauty money pit by taking your new look for a test drive on Shake Your Beauty!

Have fun, girls...and tell your friends all about my fancy new feature!
Kisses,
Tia

Lend me your ear

2009-07-16T22:27:00.004-04:00

Hey ladies,
Obviously this is a beauty blog, but I had to give a little shoutout to one of my "fairy godmodel's" new costume jewelry pieces. Iman's Global Chic Bohemian Chandelier Earrings ($27) are almost too spangly-dangly-dazzling for their own good. I wore them to lunch at Pastis today, and the host gushed all over them (okay, he was a man, but he was a slinky little thing wearing skintight, Will-I-Am-ish highwaters, a shrunken blazer and a cockeyed fedora, so I have a feeling he knew his earrings). They just look so rich and fun and indulgent, you know? Thank you, Iman, for making a doughy-in-the-middle mom feel like a kittenish, carousing siren. While eating french fries and strawberry shortcake.
xoxo,
Tia

Naughty Little Minx

2009-07-14T08:54:00.000-04:00

Hey ladies,
Check out my sister Lauren's new nails (that is, if you can get past the megawatt glare of her engagement ring)! So sexy and sleek and RAOWR, right? You're looking at the product of Minx Nails, the hot--and GREEN, no less--new nail trend that's got ubercelebs like Sasha Fierce obsessed (click on www.minxnails.com for salons that offer the service). Here's how it works: The salon technician heats up these fab little stickers under heat lamps, apply them to your nails, and then file off the excess. To remove them, you just blowdry your fingers and peel it off. Ingenious! The results are insane...super-slick, glossy, lacquered-looking nails that rock the casa. And we hear that in the next year or so, you'll be able to get personalized designs--even baby pictures and stuff. The only thing is, Minx Nails are kind of expensive. $55 expensive. But if you loved Lauren's metallic digits, there is a recessionista alternative...

Lippmann Collection Nail Color in Believe ($15) looks like pure liquid gold, stay on forever, and (this is the best part) none other than CHER helped create the shade. And speaking of Lady Bono, check out this clip of Cher and Michael performing "Dance-Dance-Dance-Dance-Dancin' Machine" (thanks, Nissa!). I know, I know, you've had it up to hear with MJ nostalgia, but this is really cute.
Love you madly,
Tia

Girls of Summer

2009-07-13T09:12:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
Sigh. Swoon. Summer is really here! I spent the whole weekend slathered in sunscreen, lounging by the pool, watching La Lina splash around in her teeny-tiny bathing suit (need a visual? look to the left). Heaven! It was such a lazy, lovely weekend. So naturally, I'm feeling super-summery right now. I want to dip myself in a vat of bronzer and slink around my neighborhood in a tankini (wait, am I describing Kate Gosselin?).

Anyway, in celebration of summer, I wanted to introduce you to my new favorite summertime makeup staple, Dior Bronze Lumieres D'or Face and Lip Palette ($45). Okay yes, it's kinda pricey...but if you have a few extra bucks, it's SO worth it. This super-glam, 70s-chic compact comes with a two-toned pan of gold and bronze pressed powder, and a shimmering honey-gold lip gloss. For the ultimate sun-kissed moment, I swirl a large, fluffy brush over both the gold and bronze powders, and then swirl it over my cheekbones and down the bridge of my nose. And that gloss!! After slicking on my favorite pinky-brown lipstick, I dab a bit of this liquid-gold gloss in the center of my bottom lip, and it instantly plumps up my whole situation. With my gilded cheeks and lips, I look like I should be vamping on a Scavullo-shot Cosmo cover, circa '78. This is a good thing. Get into it!
xoxo,
Tia

MWAH

2009-07-07T12:17:00.002-04:00

Hi Ladies,
How are you??! Did you have a fantastic July Fourth weekend? We certainly did. There was a disastrous experiment involving La Lina and the pool, but more on that later. Wanted to let you know that I'm on vacay this week, but I'll return with tons o'beauty hotness next Monday. Love ya lots!!
xoxo,
Tia

Natural Woman's Lament

2009-07-01T11:47:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
At our friend Emily's birthday party awhile ago, me and friend Shay were having an interesting convo. Shay, who'd recently grown out her relaxer, was trying to understand why her folks at the swanky SoHo restaurant where she works thought it was okay to touch her hair. You know, "ooh, it's so soft!" "Do I look like the star animal in a petting zoo?" she wailed. We got to talking more about her hairdo, her favorite products, and other stuff I thought my SYB Babes would be interested in...especially those of you considering going the au naturel route. So I decided to introduce her to you guys with a Q&A. SYB Babes, Shay. Shay, SYB Babes. Discuss!

TIA: Okay, so tell us why you grew out your relaxer.

SHAY: I'd always admired the natural look. Plus, I got tired of having frizzy, unmanageable hair in the summer, even with a perm. I got a pixie cut first, so it only took less than a year to grow out.

TIA: Smart girl. So, now that you've been relaxed AND natural, which do you prefer?

SHAY: I definitely prefer my natural hair! I have the best of both worlds. I can wear it straight for half of the year and I have the option of wearing it curly for the other half. Also, my hair is so much healthier!

TIA: I hear that. My split ends are so bad, my hair looks like it should be blowing across the American West. What’s your haircare regimen?

SHAY: I'm CONSTANTLY changing it. These days, I wet my hair daily, let it dry a little, and then massage in avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil while it is damp. Then, I use Miss Jessie's "scrunch and pull" technique and style with my fingers. My Dominican stylist got me hooked on Emergencia Conditioner ($10)...it keeps my hair so shiny and healthy. It's my secret weapon! I'm also a huge fan of Ouidad's products.

TIA: They don't call Ouidad the "Queen of Curl" for nothing. So, let's get right down to it. In an effort to keep it from happening again, explain to everyone why strangers petting your hair is weird and annoying.

SHAY: Don't get me wrong, it's flattering that people want to touch my hair! But most folks don't realize that having natural hair takes a lot of effort. It looks like I just woke up and rolled out, but my hair is actually styled. I'm constantly scrunching and pulling to make sure that it looks right. When my hair is straight, no one thinks twice about touching it because they respect the fact that it's been styled, and they don't want to mess it up.

TIA: I feel like next time I see you, you'll be wearing a tee shirt that says "Respect the Natural."

xoxo,
Tia

PS...What are your biggest hair pet peeves? Dying to know!

Liberian Curl

2009-06-29T05:25:00.007-04:00

Hey ladies,
Wow. Michael Jackson. DEVASTATED. To answer what will for sure be the "where were you when..." question we'll be hearing the rest of our lives, me and my sisters were celebrating Lauren's birthday (Happy 28th, SisterWoman!) at a swanky restaurant. Almost immediately, everyone around us began frantically checking their Blackberries and I-phones, frantically texting and generally looking shocked. How can this be? I can't fathom that La Lina will grow up in a world without MJ...or worse, that she'll grow up in a world that'll remember him as nothing more than a clown-faced freakshow (at a loss for words, I relayed his significance by performing the entire Thriller routine for her). So sad. We love you, Michael! Don't stop till you get enough!

BTW, does anyone find it somehow meaningful that he died on the 25th anniversary of Purple Rain? I feel like there's got to be some significance there, but I don't know what it is.

Whatever it is, the show must go on. And that's exactly what last night's BET Awards did! At the eleventh hour, they switched up their entire run of show to allow for a passel of MJ tributes...and oh, they were so good. NeYo singing "Lady in my Life?" Smashed it. But of course, me being me, I was transfixed by a particularly sexy hair trend. Curls, curls, and mo' curls were popping up all over the red carpet, and I loved it!

What I loved the most was that the celebs proved that ringlets aren't limited to long hair alone. From Keri Hilson's sexy, hipster crop to Alicia's shoulder-grazing moment and Beyonce's looser-curled long locks, every length was represented. Equal opportunity curls, so ooh-la-la!!

Here's how you do it, whether your hair is itty bitty or down to your butt: Pile your hair ontop of your head, and pull down a small section, starting in the back. Spritz the section with a heat-activated conditioning spray (I love Frederic Fekkai Defense Thermal/UV Protectant Spray ($25)), to protect your hair from heat damage. Then, wrap the section around the barrel of a 1/2 inch curling iron like Hot Tools Professional Marcel Curling Iron 1/2 inch, $33 (for looser waves like B's, use a 1 or 2 inch barrel). But make sure the curling iron is CLOSED before you wrap your hair...this is key. Hold for no more than 10 seconds, then slip the iron out. Voila! A perfect, springy ringlet. After you've finished your entire head, shake it out with your fingers. The sexiness is ridic. Try it!
yours in curls,
Tia

PS...this is one of my FAVORITE hairstyles to rock, as evidenced by my author photo and any other pic of me taken at an important event. It's so much more, I don't know...WANTON than stick-straight hair!

The Dry Idea

2009-06-23T22:30:00.003-04:00

Hey ladies,
Every summer, I get at least a dozen emails from my SYB Babes, asking me what to do about excessive facial sweating. You know, when your nose and forehead--or any other place on your face--seems to perspire all the time, and seemingly for no reason? I've never had a pithy response, though. Because honestly, until now, your options would be to use mattifying gels (not strong enough), take prescription pills (side effect-inducing), or get Botox injections (they totally work for excessive sweating, but who wants Botox if it's not absolutely necessary?). Well, a couple of weekends ago, a girlfriend of mine brought something BRILLIANT to my attention. DERMAdoctor Med e Tate ($48 for 30 wipes) comes with 30 individually packed towelettes soaked in a prescription-strength anti-perspirant forumula, each meant to be swiped over sweaty spots for instant and long-lasting dryness. Truth be told, I don't have an excessive sweating problem (technically called hyperhidrosis), but I wanted to see how it worked. Honey, I tried one of these on my nose before attending a very sweaty party, and I didn't so much as glow ONCE. I couldn't believe the results! Absolutely a must if crazy perspiration has been a problem for you. Plus, you can use it anywhere you want--behind the knees, under the arms, your palms, inner thighs. Anxiety-inducing interview or public speaking appearance, here I come!
xoxo,
Tia

Budget Monday: My Favorite Bushwacker

2009-06-22T14:04:00.004-04:00

Hey ladies,
I am no longer getting my nether-regions waxed. Yet another thing I'm blaming on the economy. Most local spas charge around $65 to tend to my flower, and I'm sorry, but mama needs that cash to buy formula. Lately, I've been taking matters into my own hands with the brilliant new Schick Quattro for Women Razor & Bikini Trimmer ($12.99). This multi-tasking, all-in-one doohickie comes with four itty bitty blades that leave you post-waxing-smooth...PLUS a waterproof trimmer that, well, shapes everything up very nicely. I am loooving this. Get into it!!
Kisses,
Tia

PS:
You know that New York Magazine is one of my favorite publications, right? Imagine how flattered I was when nymag.com's Shop-a-Matic section asked me to choose my favorite fifteen lipsticks, glosses and stains of the season! Check out my picks here, and let me know what you think.

Do the "Lite" Thing

2009-06-19T10:35:00.003-04:00

Hi Ladies,
So, I looove body butters. In fact, I consider myself to be something of a body butter connoisseur. One of my all-time favorites is Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter...have you tried it? Oh honey, this stuff is beyond dreamy. The scent is deliciously subtle (every time I catch a whiff of it during the day I smile a secret smile to myself, which I like to think makes me look enigmatic and mysterious), and the texture is luscious, rich, and lasts all day. In fact, the only negative thing I can say about it is that it's a tad heavy for summer. Since those Bliss Family Elves think of everything, they've just introduced the brand-new Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter Lite ($29), an airy, lightweight version of their bestselling Body Butter! How brilliant is this? And even though it's less dense than the original, it still moisturizes like crazy and lasts forever. So, the ashies are vanquished but you don't feel like you're coated with Crisco! Love that. I also love that you get a free Hanky Panky thong ($21 value) with every purchase of a Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Butter Lite...just enter "HANKY" at checkout!
Big kiss,
Tia

PS...
Happy Father's Day!! Still haven't figured out a gift? You can't go wrong with Kiehls. Even the butchest husband will love Kiehls Men's Travel Kit ($24.50), which is packed with tiny versions of all their Men's bestsellers. And in my experience, everybody's middle-aged dad is a sucker Polo by Ralph Lauren EDT Spray ($62.50), an overwhelmingly masculine blend of leather, patchouli, and wood (so Marlboro Man!). On a budget? Skip the fragrance and spring for the Polo by Ralph Lauren Deodorant Stick ($17)...it smells just as "grrr" as the cologne, but it's a fraction of the price. And what man couldn't use another stick of deodorant?

New, Blue, Fabulous

2009-06-17T11:08:00.002-04:00

Hey ladies,
I'm am sooo tired of bikini bumps (I accidentally typed "bikini bums" and had visions of down-on-their-luck sexpots begging for spare change on some gritty boardwalk). It doesn't matter if I wax or shave! No matter what, I always get a few, supremely annoying bikini-line bumps that never seem to go away. I've used Tend Skin for years, and it works, but it smells like a geriatric medicine cabinet and really brings me down, man (tiny disclaimer: I totally recommend it for be-razor-bumped guys, though. They don't care about scent as much). For years, I've been searching for something less clinical and unsexy-smelling to help me with my, um, little flower. Guess what? Found it! Shaveworks The Cool Fix ($25) is new, blue gel that obliterates ingrown hairs, razor burn, redness, the whole enchildada, mama. Shave bumps happen when hair gets trapped underneath the skin, attracting bacteria and excess sebum. The Cool Fix is loaded with powerful exfoliants that clear out clogged pores and liberate trapped hairs...and prevents new bumps from occurring in the first place! And it doesn't just work on the bikini line...my girlfriend has rough, bumpy patches under her arms, and The Cool Fix cleared it right up. All this, and it smells and FEELS heavenly, too. You better not go to Turks & Caicos without this blue miracle gel, sexy.

Speaking of stuff that's blue and genius (I know, a stretch)...do you know any tweens? If so, you must give them with the newest middle-school-age literary sensation, Mackenzie Blue ($8.61)!! It's a totally brilliant, totally smart story about a seventh grader who's having a really bad day. Her BFF moves away, someone steals her diary and reads it to the whole class, and she blows her big chance to be a rock star! Ladies, it's the cutest story, and the multi-cultural cast is to die for. Point your niece or daughter in the direction of the fantastic, interactive website, too: www.mackenzieblue.com. Oh, and did I mention that this book was the brainchild of my darling friend and Buzz Marketing CEO, Tina Wells?!! Congrats, lady!!
xoxo,
Tia

Budget Monday

2009-06-15T09:32:00.004-04:00

Hey girls,
Yesterday me, Sunshine and La Lina had our very first professional photo shoot! Our friend
Wyatt Gallery, award-winning photographer and lover of ladies (preferably of Trini descent) shot us, and the pics are too brilliant. But I was worried the whole time about my hair. I mean, OBVIO. I haven't had a trim since before my daughter was born, seven months ago. And it shows. Here's the thing, though...I shouldn't have worried, because I looked at the images in Wyatt's camera and my split ends were virtually undetectable. For two weeks, I'd prepared for this moment by using Pantene Pro-V Split End Prevention Leave-In Cream ($4.99). The directions say to use it on wet hair, but I only wash my hair once a week and decided my split ends called for more than a once-a-week treatment. So, I applied the cream to my ends every night...and the results are amazing! Not only did it somehow smooth down my frayed edges, the leave-in is loaded with moisture, so it makes my hair look super-glossy. After only fourteen days, my hair looks better than it has in MONTHS! And for only $4.99! Cheers to that.
xoxo,
Tia

ANTM, Web Version

2009-06-12T10:09:00.003-04:00

Hi sugarplums,
I thought my gorgeous SYB Babes would love to know about these two, high-profile model searches...

Essence and CoverGirl are searching for a beauty-loving stylista to be the face of the Essence Makeover Model beauty campaign! The winner will be an official Essence Makeover Magic Model--the new "try on" makeover tool that will allow readers to try on zillions of hair and makeup looks (the entire CoverGirl Queen line will be at your disposal!). The winner will be pampered at a fabulous photo shoot, and the resulting image will appear on Essence.com until December 31, 2009. Plus, she'll receive a beauty gift basket filled with CoverGirl Queen Collection Cosmetics and a free trip to the Essence Music Festival! The contest ends on June 18, 2009, so click here for all the deets!

Smashbox Makeup is also having a search to find the next "face" of their campaign. Enter here to become famous!

Sick and Tired

2009-06-11T14:23:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
I'm so sorry I don't have a post for you today, girls...my Lina has a wicked, wicked cold. She's miserable and NOT shy about showing it. My poor girl! I will definitely be back with a post tomorrow. Just a little caught up today. Love you much,
Tiaxo

And it's just/like/ho-o-ney-ey

2009-06-09T09:13:00.004-04:00

Hey girls,
Okay, I've gotten about a dozen emails from my SYB Babes, demanding that I divulge the name of the gloss I wore at La Lina's baptism (I'm also rocking it in this pic, with my darling girl in her crimson eyelet extravaganza). I'm so excited you like it, because this lipgloss my new obsesh! It's MAC's brand-new Naked Honey Tinted Lipglass in Buzz ($14). This uber-glossy, coppery-coral shimmer is not only goes with EVERYTHING, it somehow enhances my tan, giving me a yummy, tawny glow. Think Mariah/J. Lo circa 2000 (don't act like you're not still coveting that moment).

It's from MAC's new limited edition line, Naked Honey, a collection of thirteen bath, body, and makeup items with fragrances and shades inspired by honey! I've got to tell you, this is undoubtedly the freshest, most exciting collection MAC's come up with in a looong time. Along with Buzz Lipglass, I'm also kind of addicted to Naked Honey Body Wash ($19.50). Blended with jasmine, lavender and, of course, honey, this super-gentle cleanser leaves a faint, earthy-sexy scent on my skin that makes me so happy. Perfect for summer!!
xoxo,
Tia

Q&A Wednesday

2009-06-04T09:52:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
Thanks for all your well-wishes re: La Lina's baptism...it really was such a special day. I'm so proud of my little doll. She was so composed, so well-behaved! Particularly remarkable, considering how her mother reacts to water coming anywhere near her hair. But enough about me. Girls, it's Q&A Wednesday! I picked out a question that I found particularly relevant as the weather heats up. Enjoy!

SYB BABE: HtGrl28

HER ISSUE: "Hey lady! I know brown girls need sunscreen as much as anyone else, but I hate wearing it. All the ones I've tried have been really thick and they make me break out. Any suggestions for a sunscreen that won't give me pimples?"

TIA'S TWO CENTS: Oh HtGrl28, I have the same problem. Most sunscreens give me zits, too. Sometimes I feel like shaking my fist at the heavens, shouting, "What price sun protection?!" I found the answer in Cosmedicine Speedy Recovery Daytime Blemish Lotion SPF 15 ($40). I wear it every single day, under my makeup. Not only is loaded with UVA/UVB protection, it contains salicylic acid to clear up zits AND prevent new ones from coming. The only catch is, salicylic acid can make your skin sensitive if it's over-exposed to the sun, so if you're planning some major sun-worshipping, try an oil-controlling sunscreen sans acne-fighting ingredients, like Peter Thomas Roth Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 ($26). The ungreasy, fragrance-free formula keeps your skin both protected and matte all day, plus it's loaded with skin-nourishing vitamins. Hope this helps!
xoxo,
Tia

Say Cheese

2009-06-02T09:19:00.002-04:00

Hi ladies,
Obsessed with teeth whitening? I know you are...especially if you're a career coffee or tea drinker. I get emails every week from you ladies asking me about simple, cheap-ish ways to score a scintillating smile (sorry, sometimes I lapse into alliteration...I spent too much time writing beauty coverlines at Glamour). I always want to recommend something to you, but as you know, my father's a dentist and he is not that into over-the-counter whiteners. As it turns out, a lot of them are way too strong, and can possibly make your chompers sensitive and kind of brittle. Well, I finally found a teeth whitener I can happily cosign! Pout & Polish Bright Stain Eraser ($21.50) isn't just a run-of-the-mill whitener, it's a glorious multi-tasker, too! This portable pen erases stains in one swipe--plus, it's ALSO a breath-freshener and lipgloss, blended with green tea, cranberry extract, CoQ10, vitamin E, collagen and hyaluronic acid. The best part? It's totally safe on enamel and all dental work. And thanks to the breakthrough peroxide-free formula, it's the first-ever teeth whitener you can use all day long (ie, after a cup of coffee, tea or a carafe of red wine). Brilliant.
xoxo,
Tia

PS:
Check out me and the fam at La Lina's christening! It was absolutely gorgeous.

I probably think this song is about me...

2009-05-28T11:37:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week thirteen--the last and final week--of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is NIKKI! Miss Nikki, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: Orlane Paris Absolute Radiance Lightbox ($200) and Sampar Eye Rule ($78)! Lucky girl. Girls, thank you SO much for your boundless enthusiasm for my two-month "Free at Last" experiment. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! And a huge shout-out to all the fabulous beauty brands that helped make the thirteen giveaways possible. Sigh. So full of love on this rainy Thursday. Enough gushing, onto le beaute...

Saturday is La Lina's christening! We're having it at St. Augustine's, a stunning old cathedral-type church in Park Slope, and the weather's supposed to be GORGEOUS. Equally gorgeous? My outfit! Whatever, I'm a new mommy, I'm allowed this moment of sartorial self-indulgence. Influenced as hell by the J. Crew numbers Mrs. Obama wore on her triumphant traipse across Europe, I raced to the Soho store and splurged on a vivid, coral pencil skirt and a sleeveless, ruffly silk blouse in a gorgeous cream. Slinky and sophisticated, no?! Anyway, I searched forever for an appropriate eyeshadow to go with the whole look. The bright melon skirt really called for a sun-drenched moment...I was thinking shimmery salmons and golds. And I saw a pic of RiRi somewhere rocking a gold eye with a thin teal line along her bottom lashes (sounds bold, but it wasn't, I promise! Just a subtle shot of color). Loved that! So, when I found Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Sand & Sea EyeShadow Palette ($38), I dropped everything and splurged (if I was really being honest with myself, I'd admit I had most of these colors already in my makeup drawer, but they were scattered throughout different palettes! So inconvenient!). Honestly, how gorge are these colors? The dazzling shades include Turquoise, Aqua, Bronze Cube, Gold Nugget, Tea Biscuit and Ginger Drop...perfect for my moment, each and every one. I plan to apply Gold Nugget to my lids, Bronze Cube in the crease, Tea Biscuit on my browbone and inner corners (instantly wakes up tired eyes), and I'll use a teensy liner brush to drag Turquoise along my bottom lashline. I realize that my child's baptism is not about my eyeshadow, but between you and I, I'm terribly excited about this. Pictures coming next week!
xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #13: Orlane and Sampar

2009-05-25T22:56:00.004-04:00

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week thirteen of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Did you have a fabulous Memorial Day Weekend? Speaking of, you know I usually post on Monday, but for some reason, I thought today was Sunday. How long does the new-mommy excuse last? In any event, this week is the last and final "Free at Last!" So crazy, man. I feel like it was just a little spark in my brain, like, yesterday. It's been so much fun paying all my loyal SYB Babes back for four years of blood, sweat, tears, and eyeliner! Hope you enjoyed it, too. Okay, so here are the rules for le latecomers: I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives at the end of this post, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Thursday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win this week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZES: A couple of brand-spanking-new, insanely luxe launches from two major skincare brands!

Orlane Paris Absolute Radiance Lightbox ($200) is an anti-aging kit that takes your skin from dull to dazzling in seven minutes. NO, really. The three-part system is seriously concentrated, though, so it's not to be used as a daily regimen. Instead, use it before some grand event where you need to look your most devastating, like a wedding, or a first date with your future-husband-that-doesn't-know-it-yet, or some major job interview, or a reality show audition. Complexion perfection, promised.

Sampar Eye Rule ($78) is a brilliant puff-reducing, dark circle-fading, wrinkle-erasing formula that has celebs like Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr beyond addicted. Forget the genius eye cream for a minute, and focus on airtight pen applicator! Something about that teeny-tiny, skin-cooling roller ball is so delightful, and it feels fantastic on hot, summer skin. Eye do!

AND NOW, THE TRIVIA QUESTION: In a Summer '08 post, I wrote about throwing a doomed stoop sale. Why was it a failure? And why was I throwing it?

No Sweat

2009-05-20T20:16:00.001-04:00

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week twelve of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is FOXIJT! Miss Foxijt, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: A slew of bestsellers from hair guru, Oscar Blandi. Congrats, doll! Ladies, come back next Monday and compete to win products from the insanely fancy skincare brand, Orlane Paris. And now, onto mama's latest obsesh...

Oh, how I love my SYB Babes. Sigh. Let me tell you a-something about my SYB Babes. We are as thick as thieves. And because of our closeness, I feel comfortable telling you about, well...my fantastic new deodorant. As you may or may not know, I'm a sweater. Not a cardigan; I'm a person who sweats a lot. And I've always been kind of obsessed with Certain Dri, that prescription-level, over the counter anti-perspirant that keeps you dry for, like, four days. I mean, I've worn this stuff for every speaking engagement I've ever done. But I've always been more a bit concerned about the levels of potentially harmful chemicals in Certain Dri--especially aluminum, which some folks think may lead to cancer (it's not been proven, but still). So, I squealed when LaVanila, the makers of one of my favorite candles of all time, recently debuted LaVanila The Healthy Deodorant ($18). It's a serious-business, clinical-strength deodorant like Certain Dri, but it's 100% NATURAL! I mean, absolutely no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, pthalates, aluminum, or anything bad. That, and it comes in all the deliciously chic scents that the candles come in, including Pure Vanilla, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Grapefruit, and Vanilla Lavender (my fave). So, so, so exciting. Girls, not only does it keep me dry for days, the scents totally have that chic-Parisian-girl-stealing-off-to-meet-her-secret-lover-at-a-dusky-Left-Bank-bookstore feel to them. Perfection.
xoxo,
Tia Pet

Giveaway #12: Oscar Blandi Bestsellers

2009-05-18T08:52:00.004-04:00

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week twelve of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Again, the rules: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZE: A selection of items from legendary haircare guru, Oscar Blandi ($85 value!)

THE DETAILS: Only the best for my SYB Babes! The winner will get a collection of bestsellers from the celeb-fave hairstylist, including Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray ($23), a gloriously non-sticky, frizz-fighting spray; Oscar Blandi Olio di Jasmine ($22), a deliciously scented shine spray blended with Italian olive oil; Oscar Blandi Pronto ($21), the lemon/verbena-scented, paraben-free dry shampoo spray (great for working out!); and Oscar Blandi Seta Silk Polishing Cream ($19), a super-light styling cream that gives hair a sexy, mirror-like shine.

AND NOW, THE TRIVIA QUESTION: In a Fall '05 post, I write about my favorite shimmer glosses. What's my third favorite?

Serious Business

2009-05-17T12:13:00.004-04:00

Hey girls,
Just a quick note to remind you that it's Skin Cancer Awareness Month. If you don't already know how, definitely take a minute to learn how to give yourself a breast exam, and check your bod for any sketchy moles. And guess what? Aveeno and the Skin Cancer Foundation are offering free full-body screenings with dermatologists all month long. For more info, check out Lifeminute.TV. Okay, enough with the sober stuff. Have a great Sunday, and I'll talk to you ladies tomorrow!
xoxo,
Tia

Brown Woman's Burden, Part 2

2009-05-13T11:32:00.005-04:00

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week eleven of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is "I'm Glossy Myn Juan" (I mean, the name alone deserves some sort of gold-plated trophy)! Miss I'm Glossy, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: A selection of items from Dior Beauty Summer '09 Collection. Congrats, doll! Ladies, come back next Monday and compete to win products from haircare legend, Oscar Blandi! Now, onto the beauty.

Girls, I am SO very excited about this new product. Listen, I love being brown. Love it. But there are some definite drawbacks, one of which is the fact that brown skin scars if you BREATHE on it wrong. And the scar seems to last forevah. Doesn't it? We've all experienced the frustration of a pimple that disappears in a week, only to leave behind a scar that lasts for an entire season of Lost. Who hasn't been through gallons of concealers and fade creams in an effort to get rid of all those little zit scars? Good news, chicas! Clinique's brand-new Even Better Makeup SPF 15 ($24.50) is blended with Vitamin C and other assorted acne-scar-zapping ingredients, which promise to even out your complexion in a month! This stuff has been getting rave reviews from industry insiders, so I ran out to get mine last week. So far, I'm loving it. The great thing is, while the foundation is working to erase dark spots, it makes your skin look incredibly luminous and radiant (it's blended with all sorts of illuminating minerals). Plus, it has SPF, which is obviously important. Try it!!
xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #11: Dior Beauty Summer Essentials!

2009-05-11T09:08:00.003-04:00

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week eleven of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Again, the rules: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZE: A selection of items from Dior Beauty Summer '09 Collection

Whether or not it's officially hot yet where you live, Dior Beauty Summer '09 Collection has all the essentials you'll need to rock a super-sunny, beachy-time faux glow! Dust on a little gold-flecked shadow, some coppery blush, and a neutral bronzer, and you're ready for your Victoria's Secret catalog close-up.

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a post from the summer of '07, I blogged about a pair of butt-enhancing panties I was coveting. Where did I get the idea to buy it?

xoxo,
Tia

La Dia del Madre

2009-05-08T14:06:00.006-04:00

Hey SYB Babes,
Happy Mother's Day, from me and La Lina!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...
I'll definitely miss you over the weekend. If you miss me, too, check out my article on protecting your hair from sun damage on Lifeminute.TV, and my Q and A on Stylecaster.com. Love you madly!

Met Ball, Mother's Day, and Mis Manos

2009-05-05T21:07:00.007-04:00

Hi ladies,
Thank you so much for participating in week ten of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is Raleigh! Miss Raleigh, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: My favorite skincare products from Neutrogena, including the Deep Clean Facial Cleanser, Deep Clean Gentle Scrub, and Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($20.50 value). Congrats, sugar! Now, onto the beauty. I have a lot on my mind, so I'm slipping into bullets...

* On Monday night, the Costume Institute held its spring gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art! This year, it was in honor of the exhibition, "Models as Muse." Ladies, this event is like fashion porn. Scores of celebs and glitterati in one glorious room, all dressed to the nines...heaven. Sadly, this year I was not impressed by the ensembles (look up Leighton Meester's situation for a hearty laugh). I did think this trio of brown goddesses looked amazing, however: Check out model Lakshmi Melon, designer Rachel Roy, and Joy Bryant, all swathed in Rachel Roy frocks with Manolo Blahnik for Rachel Roy shoes. Gorge! In honor of the glamorous fete, here's a product that'll sprinkle a bit of fancy-dust over your everyday beauty regimen. Cover Girl Exact Eyelights Eye Brightening Mascara in Black Pearl ($7.49) is not only a fantastic, lash-plumping mascara, it's infused with a bit of subtle black sparkle! Not enough so that people will mistake you for Lady Miss Kier...just a barely-there wash of shimmer, enough to make you feel secretly special. Plus, it somehow makes your eyes look brighter, and more awake. Hot stuff!

* Okay, so this swine flu thing is killing me. I've become PSYCHOTIC about washing my hands. And La Lina's tiny hands. I mean, I live in a city where our we depend on the SUBWAY to get around...filthy! So, I've taken to slathering on hand sanitizer every ten seconds. I don't love putting Purell and the other chemical-based ones on my baby's hands, so I've become a huuuge fan of Frais Pocket Hand Sanitizer ($3.50). This eco-friendly stuff is blended with 66% sugarcane alcohol, which obliterates germs without leaving any harsh residue. Plus, it's mixed with tons of yummy essential oils, including Ginger, Tangerine, Orange, Basil, Grapefruit and Cardamom. Gentle AND effective.

* On Sunday, I'll be celebrating my very first Mother's Day!! I'm so excited. I hope whoever's in charge of Lina's gift to me considers Stila's "My Mother My Hero" Gift Set ($38, $110 value!). Forget the darling gold clutch, this gift includes a sheer plum lipstick, a thickening mascara, a shimmering bronze eyeshadow trio, and an illuminating finishing powder. But enough about me. Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful, supportive, gorgeous, and endlessly generous mommy (it's her very first as a grandma!)...and also to my mother-in-law, who is the best a girl could ask for. Love you all!

xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #10: Neutrogena Skincare Essentials!

2009-05-04T10:30:00.005-04:00

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week ten of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Again, the rules: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway. Good luck!

THE PRIZE: A trio of my favorite skincare products from Neutrogena, including the Deep Clean Facial Cleanser, Deep Clean Gentle Scrub, and Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($20.50 value)

Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser ($6.49) is so gentle, yet incredibly effective...I've been using it for yeeeaaars. It's loaded with hydroxy acids that gently remove complexion-dulling dead skin cells, revealing super-pretty, rosy-cheeked goodness. Perfect for normal-to-oily skin types, this stuff gets you squeaky-clean without drying out your face. Mmm, mmm, good.

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Scrub ($6.49) is just the thing to use after you cleanse. This beta hydroxy-based exfoliator digs deep into pores, scooping out the dirt and sebum that causes gross blackheads. Eww. Plus, it's blended with super-fine microbeads that help buff skin to a supple, glowing finish.

Neutrogena Night Calming Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($7.49) is one of my favorite products of all time. As you know, I do not wash my face with water (I spend too much time and money on my blowouts, so I'm not about to let any H2O near my roots). Instead, I use these lovely cleansing sheets. They may be gentle, ladies, but they mean BIDNESS. In one swipe, the towelettes dissolve oil, dirt, and makeup--including waterproof mascara. Loving that. Plus, they have the most soothing little barely-there fragrance. Niiice.

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a post from the summer of '05, I write about a vintage actress/model my Aunt San insisted I looked like as a child. Who was the actress/model?

xoxo,
Tia

PS:
Thanks so much for participating in the "Big Lips Tiny Hips" giveaway on Friday! Here are the six winners: CincyFan, Southern Girl, E.D. Lewis, Gigi, Jackson's Mommy, and Ebony!! Shoot me an email with your mailing address at beauty@tiawilliams.net so Karen can send you your lipgloss. Congrats!!

Get your hot lips & hips right here!

2009-04-30T20:11:00.008-04:00

Hi girls,
Well! Today is the launch of a groundbreaking new beauty brand that's already setting the industry on FYEH, child. My lovely friend, Karen Robinovitz, has created Purple Lab: Double Duty Beauty, a brand devoted to wickedly chic products spiked with cutting-edge science (follow her blog, PurpleBlab). The company's first offering? A collection of witty-as-hell, delicious-tasting glosses called Huge Lips Skinny Hips ($20, each). So cute! And Karen knows from cute. This real-life It-girl started her career covering haute happenings in Women's Wear Daily; moved on to freelancing for Harper's Bazaar, New York Times, and InStyle; shared her pop culture two-cents on VH1, MTV, and E!; became an in-demand brand consultant; and wrote three bestselling books: HOW TO BECOME FAMOUS IN TWO WEEKS OR LESS, THE FASHIONISTA FILES: ADVENTURES IN FOUR-INCH HEELS AND FAUX PAS, and FETE ACCOMPLI! THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO CREATIVE ENTERTAINING. Here, we chatted about the lip-plumping/hip-slimming glosses, her pole-dancing fetish, and curly hair products!

TIA: Okay, Karen, how exactly do your "Huge Lips Skinny Hips" glosses work?

KROB: The formula contains Vitamin B3, which stimulates blood flow and creates a plumping effect. Then there's the Hoodia, a botanical extract that's been used for centuries as an appetite suppressant. Since we're always licking our lips, I figured why not add an ingredient to curb carb cravings?

TIA: Who were your muses when you were developing the glosses?

KROB: Kate Moss, Dita von Teese, Bridget Bardot,
French Vogue's Carine Roitfeld,, Studio 54-era Bianca Jagger (left), Warhol "Superstars" Edie Sedgwick and Baby Jane Holzer, Jane Birkin, vintage Little Edie of Grey Gardens (pre-cat/raccoon manifestation), and pioneering funk-rock diva Betty Davis.

TIA: Okay, your muses rock. And so do your shade names! Explain.

KROB: They're all my favorite things! "Kitty Poledancer," a nude pink, is what my gay husband calls me (I have pole in living room). "Worship Kate" is a mauve shimmer dedicated to my style icon; "Lychee Martini" is a sheer peach and my fave cocktail; "Love Your Thighs," a springy coral, is my personal mantra; Red Sole salutes Louboutin soles; and the clear gloss, "No Panty Lines," is self explanatory!

TIA: You know I had to ask...what hair products do you use to maintain your glorious curlage?

KROB: All my products are from Devachan, the curly girl salon I go to in New York City [NOTE: MY SIS LAUREN AND COUSIN BRITNEY SWEAR BY THIS STUFF!]. I love their sulfate-free shampoo, DevaCurl No Poo ($17.95)--so I joke that I haven't "poo'd" in ten years! And I live for their gel, DevaCurl Angell ($17.95).

TIA: You’re a fabulous pole-dancer and S Factor devotee. How has the workout changed your bod?

KROB: S-Factor changed more than my body--it changed my mind Poledancing isn't about stripping, it's about exploring your femininity in a safe (mirrorless!) environment. In classes, girls wear little boy shorts because they'll slip on the pole in long pants. At first, I HATED them because I thought they made me look fat. But the environment was so liberating--and the women so supportive--that I soon forgot about my thighs! I loved knowing that I was fully in my body, not stuck in my head. Every girl should get a pole and take S-Factor classes.

TIA: Vanity vs. Appollonia?

KROB: That's right, I'm please to meet you... still don't wanna tell you my name...

TIA: Tell us how you enter a room and command attention, fancy girl.

KROB: Fancy? Please, I go to bed early and watch reality shows! But I do have my secret weapons: Big heels. Big hair. Shiny lips.

xoxo,
Tia

HUUUGE PS:
Almost forgot!! In celebration of the launch of Huge Lips Skinny Hips, Karen is gifting one free gloss each to six lucky SYB Babes! To win, answer this pop culture trivia question correctly, and I'll RANDOMLY pick six chicas:

"What year, and at what occasion, did Jennifer Lopez popularize fur faux-lashes?"

Oh Mama

2009-04-29T10:42:00.004-04:00

Hello darlings,
Thank you so much for participating in week nine of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is Lucky! I mean, yes, she's "lucky," but her tagname is also Lucky! Congrats, sugarplum! And listen, I just want you guys to know that it's SO hard to randomly select one winner. I wish you all could win, just for being such devoted readers (she says, wiping away a tear). I love my SYB Babes!! Anyway, Ms. Lucky, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: A trio of genius gems from Kiehls including the Limited Edition Erykah Badu Superbly Restorative Body Lotion, Essence Oil in Musk, and Marvelous Mineral Mascara ($97 value)! Ladies, come back next Monday and compete to win my favorite skincare products from Neutrogena!!

As we all know, Mother's Day is quickly rounding the corner. And I SO have a fabulous gift idea. Well, I can't really claim the idea...it's actually the brainchild of my fabulous Fairy Supermodel, Ms. Iman Abdulmajid. She's just come out with a brand new handbag from her wildly popular IMAN Global Chic line for HSN, the IMAN Global Chic Hampton Style Bamboo Tote with Key Fob ($69.95). Honestly, what mommy wouldn't love this? It comes in six spring-erific colors, including yellow, green, brown, black, camel (love), and purple, and it's the perfect throw-in-everything-you-own size. And it has the cutest little removal keychain with wood beads. So breezy-cool, right? This bag truly looks like some ridiculously expensive designer situation, but it's a fraction of the price. Loving that.

Oh, and speaking of Mother's Day, Bath and Body Works is celebrating your mom with a super-special sweepstakes! The delicious beauty company wants to know if your mom is cuddly, romantic, fresh, or sexy. To enter, visit BathandBodyWorks.com/MothersDay to sumbit a short story along with a video or photo explaining your mom's personality! Participants have a chance to win the grand prize...a $1,001 Bath & Body Works shopping spree for you and your mama. Four second-place winners will receive a $250 Bath & Body Works shopping spree, and ten third-place winners get a Signature Collection Eau de Toilette. Hurry up, because the cutoff date is May 10th!

xoxo,
Tia

Feelin' Fine

2009-04-24T09:42:00.003-04:00

Hola locas,
Well! Last night I had the distinct pleasure of attending the launch of my dear friend Sam Fine's makeup how-to DVD, called FINE: THE BASICS OF BEAUTY ($24.99)! There we are, looking eerily like brother and sister. Oh ladies, I'm SO excited. Sam and I have been musing about this DVD on and off for years, so I'm thrilled to see the dream come to life! For the uninitiated, Sam Fine is one of the most influential celebrity makeup artists, like, ever (just ask his devotees, including Iman, Naomi, Halle, Veronica Webb, Tyra, Queen Latifah and Queen Rupaul). Ten years ago, he wrote the bestselling makeup book, FINE BEAUTY, and now he's expanded his beauty empire with this gorgeous instructional DVD, which educates both "regular" women and aspiring makeup artists on how to create great face. There are application tips, professional tricks, tool how-to's, and tons of practical advice on how women of color can look their most amazing-mazing. Finally, right?! The DVD comes out in May, but in the meantime here are some tips from Sam on how to create a devastating 15-minute face. And...time!

SAM FINE'S 15-MINUTE FACE:

1.) PREP: After applying moisturizer, press a tissue to your face to blot off excess shininess. This evens out your skin texture so your powder doesn't go on streaky or blotchy.

2.) CONCEALER: Use your finger to apply concealer over blemishes and under eyes (if you need a bit more coverage, use a stick foundation as concealer...just make sure it's a shade or two lighter than your complexion). When concealing the undereye area, make sure you fan the color out over the cheeks so it looks seamless. To set, dust a translucent loose powder allover with a big, fluffy brush.

3.) BROWS: Fill in brows with two different brown pencils--one a shade lighter than your haircolor, the other a shade darker. This makes for a more natural look!

4.) LASHES: Before curling your lashes, wipe your mascara wand with a tissue and apply a thin coat to lashes. This technique actually sets your lashes, making the curl last longer! Followup with another, thicker coat.

5.) FACE: Instead of blush, choose a powder bronzer two shades darker than your skintone, and dust it along cheekbones and the outer perimeter of your face (ie, hairline, jaw, etc.). Not only does this technique give your face a sultry glow, it adds dimension. Has your face ever looked mask-like in pictures? It's probably because you applied only ONE foundation or powder shade. The thing is, no one has a monochromatic skintone! Adding bronzer helps give your complexion natural-looking dimension. The lesson? Don't go anywhere near a camera without first applying bronzer.

6.) LIP: Line and fill in lips with a pencil a shade or two darker than your skin color. Follow up with your favorite gloss or lipstick, and you're done!

Brilliant. Thanks Sam! Make sure you stop by www.samfine.com to pick up the DVD in May. Love you,
Tia

PS: Here's an example of Sam's exquisite handiwork, up close. This was seconds after he painted my face for my
IT CHICKS author photo. I've never looked so delish, honey.

You. Betta. Work.

2009-04-22T09:36:00.006-04:00

Hello darlings,
Thank you so much for participating in week eight of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is "From Gullah to Ghetto and Now Ivory Tower!" Because, well...because she's one of the veddy veddy few girls who noted that I co-wrote Iman's "Beauty of Color" (hello?). I'm vain, dammit. Appeal to my ego and you win prizes!

I'm kidding, of course. Vaguely.

Anyway, Ms. Gullah, Etc., send me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: A trio of bestselling products from Carol's Daughter, including Mimosa Hair Honey, Almond Cookie Bar Soap, and Bring in the Moisture Face Wash ($47.50 value)! Come back next Monday and compete to win bath and body favorites from none other than, drumroll...KIEHLS!! And now, onto le beaute...

I am hell and gone obsessed with Rupaul's Drag Race. I mean, obviously. I didn't catch it the first time around, so now I'm watching it on LOGO. Sweet baby Jesus, Ru found some drop-dead gorgeous girls, didn't he? Punk-fierce Nina Flowers (left), cute-as-a-button Ongina...I can't get enough. And the makeup, the makeup, the makeup! These ladies are true artists. Anyone who has watched Bebe Benet contour the living s*&t out of a cheekbone will agree.

In tribute to these sultry-eyed sirens, allow me to introduce my all-time favorite smoky eye palette, Sephora Smoky Eyes Palette ($38, $50 value). The thing is, it's sooo hard to create a grade-A smokey eye if you have no idea how to start. And this genius kit makes a major eye ridiculously easy to do. It comes with four shadows--a base, contour, lid, and brow shade--as well an inky-black eyeliner and a volumizing mascara. Plus, the kit includes step-by-step instructions and a mirror! You absolutely cannot go wrong.
xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #8: Bestsellers from Carol's Daughter

2009-04-20T09:36:00.008-04:00

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week eight of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! The rules, for the latecomers: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway. Here goes...

THE PRIZE: A trio of bestselling products from Carol's Daughter, including Mimosa Hair Honey, Almond Cookie Bar Soap, and Bring in the Moisture Face Wash ($47.50 value)

Carol's Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey ($15.50) is simply one of my favorite hair products of ALL TIME. It's a delicious, citrus-scented herbal pomade that smoothes fly-aways and frizzies like nobody's business. Plus, it contains sage to stimulate the scalp and help with flakes (I hate the word "dandruff"), and nettles that assuage scalp irritation (fabulous after a particularly harsh relaxer). You'll be obsessed.

Almond Cookie Bar Soap ($12) is downright delish. This handmade soap contains tons of glycerin, which leaves skin feeling cashmere-soft. The best part? It's infused with a knee-weakingly yummy blend of marzipan and musk (very unisex...keep it away from your man). Almost edible.

Bring in the Moisture Gentle Face Wash ($20) is a super-gentle foaming cleanser blended with ylang-ylang and patchouli essential oils. So invigorating and tingly-good, it'll definitely perk you up after a night of carousing and canoodling. Removes makeup, too--including mascara!

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a January '08 post, I discuss an irritating article that ran in the New York Times Style section about me and my beauty blogging sisthren. Name AT LEAST TWO of the beauty books behind my head in the corresponding photo. Good luck!

xo,
Tia

Color me happy

2009-04-15T08:55:00.004-04:00

Hi my darling Dorothy Zbornaks,
Thank you so much for participating in week seven of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! This week's winner is Miss Miranda! And yep, it was indeed a trick question...the answer was that I didn't suggest anything for a sassy tween in December 07. Wait, please reserve your tomato-throwing...I had to do SOMETHING to make this a little tougher, right? Mama loves you? Miss Miranda, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address so I can send you your prize: Bobbi Brown Platinum Collection ($180 value). Girls, make sure you come back next Monday for week eight of "Free at Last," and compete to win a slew of must-haves from Carol's Daughter! And now, onto my newest beauty obsession...

I hate this, but I'm getting MAD gray hair. It's popping up all over the place, and for some reason it's pin-straight, so it sticks out like crazy. It's so bad that yanking out the offending hairs has taken the place of eyebrow-tweezing as my number one insomniac activity. Pout. I was never supposed to have gray hair! I was going to be a plucky young ingenue forever! I thought about dying my hair, but with my post-pregnancy shedding issues (I'm making myself sound like a real catch, here), I'm not about to slap chemicals into my hair. I'd heard about those little pen thingies you get at the drugstore to color in your grays, but I always thought they were for old ladies. When I discovered that glamorous, hairstylist-to-the-stars Oscar Blandi makes one, I totally revised my thinking! Oscar Blandi's Pronto Colore Root Touch-Up & Highlighting Pen ($23) not only fills in errant grays, it also colors-in roots as your highlights grow out. So easy, so cute, and it comes in five shades: Neutral Brown, Beige Blonde, Light Golden Blonde, Dark Brown/Black, and Warm Reddish Brown. Oh, and it washes out with one shampoo, and the ammonia and peroxide-free formula is totally safe for pregnant women. So smart...and with this economy, who can afford regular hair appointments? Brilliant!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...You asked for a La Lina Easter pic! Here she is, mad as hell at the indignity of these bunny ears.

Giveaway #7: Bobbi Brown Platinum Collection

2009-04-13T09:11:00.003-04:00

Hello ladies,
Hope you had a fabulous Easter weekend!! Welcome to week seven of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Again, the rules have switched up a bit. Here's how it goes: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway (this is to make it fair for SYB Babes on the West Coast). Good luck, girls!

THE PRIZE: Bobbi Brown's new Platinum Collection ($180 value)

THE DETAILS: Bobbi Brown's brand-new Platinum Collection includes the beyond-stunning Platinum Pink Shimmer Brick (a shot of radiance for dull, winter-worn complexions); four new shades of Long-Wear Cream Shadow, which lasts all day with no creases; and three new, super-shiny Lip Glosses. Looks fabulous on all complexions and, I know this doesn't really mean anything, but for some reason Bobbi Brown's products always SMELL so delish. I'm a scent girl.

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: What gift do I suggest for "sassy tweens" in a December '07 post?

xoxo,
Tia

La Lina Speaks

2009-04-09T18:18:00.009-04:00

"Happy Easter, SYB Babes!"

Flirty Eyes and Curly Girls

2009-04-08T10:01:00.005-04:00

Hi ladies,
Our winner for week six of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza is...drumroll...TNDRHRT! And the answer was New Orleans, not Shreveport (trick question, muchachas). Ms. TNDRHRT, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address and foundation color (choose your shade here), so I can send you your prize: Bare Minerals Foundation, Concealer and Blush ($60 value). Girls, make sure you come back next Monday for week seven of "Free at Last," and compete to win makeup essentials from Bobbi Brown! And now, onto le beaute...

I'm just gonna get straight to the point. I'm having a little bit of a beauty crisis. I feel that my look is lacking that "ooh la la" quality. I'm kind of married to my gloss and blush moment, so I decided to amp up my eyeshadow game. LADIES. I believe I've found the sexiest new eye palette on the market...Flirt! Lash-a-delic Dreamy Eyes Eyeshadow Palette in Groovy Blues ($16). Now, the name is a little misleading--the shadows themselves aren't blue; they're formulated to match Flirt!'s blue mascara. Since I don't really believe in Pantone-colored lashes, I'm skipping that part. Anyway, the Groove Blue kit comes with the MOST gorgeous collection of soft golds, taupes and bronze shimmer shadows. They're just neutral enough to work beautifully for day, and just sexy enough to look super-hot at night. Oh, and the shimmer is exquisitely subtle--ie, just enough to give your lids some oomph. I use the buttery-champagne shade on my browbone and in the inner corners of my eyes (this trick makes you look instantly radiant and awake), the soft gold allover my lids, and the deeper bronze-brown in my crease. If I'm feeling saucy, I add the orangey-copper moment ontop of the brown for a shot of sauciness. Genius!!

BTW, hats off to whoever can figure out how to open the damn near childproof packaging.
xoxo,
Tia

PS...
Got curly hair? Live in California? Well, the curly hair guru herself, Ouidad, is doing a special, limited-time-only promotion at her Ouidad Santa Monica Salon! When you book her signature "carve and slice" cut, you'll get a free Deep Treatment service ($90 value). Make sure you mention the EXCLUSIVE EMAIL OFFER, though. To book an appointment, call 310-393-3542.

PPS...
Do you wanna make my day? Help Shake Your Beauty win a 2009 Glam Network Award! Click HERE to vote, darlings. Kisses!

Giveaway #6: Bare Minerals Foundation, Concealer and Blush

2009-04-06T09:41:00.003-04:00

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week six of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Okay, so starting this week, the rules are switching up a bit. Here's how it goes: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and if you know the answer, leave it in the "comments" section. On Wednesday, I'll RANDOMLY pick a reader from the correct answers to win that week's free product giveaway (this is to make it fair for SYB Babes on the West Coast). Good luck, girls!

THE PRIZE: Bare Minerals Foundation, Concealer and Blush ($60 value)

THE DETAILS: Bare Minerals makes the #1 foundation in the US, which isn't surprising to anyone who's bathed their skin in it's silky-smooth, blemish-erasing goodness. Totally free of skin-irritating preservatives, oils, talc, dyes and chemicals, this wildly popular foundation goes on like a dream, looks utterly natural, and comes in a thousand colors to complement every skin tone. Seriously, it's the foundation for chicks that HATE foundation (like moi). And guess what? The winner will pick her foundation shade here, and then the geniuses at Bare Minerals will choose a corresponding blush and foundation for you!

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: Oooh, this one's tricky. Answer the trivia question I posted in my October 22, 2006 post.

xoxo,
Tia

Pat McGrath is a Genius

2009-03-31T21:48:00.006-04:00

Hi ladies,
Our winner for week five of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza is the fabulously named Ms. Porkchopanonomus! Go 'head, girl. Okay, so shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address, and I'll send you le prize...the Redken Color Extend Sun Collection! Girls, make sure you come back next Monday for week six of "Free at Last," and compete to win a mountain of must-haves from Bare Minerals! Until then, two things:

1.) I love you to death. If you heart me, too, then help me win a 2009 Glam Network Award, dammit! Sorry, did I come on to strong? I'm just saying...thanks to you, I won the Best Voice/Creative Writing Award back in 2006, and I know we can make the magic happen again. Click HERE to vote, sweet thangs!

2.) Guess who I had lunch with today? None other than the Lady Maquillage herself, the supernaturally talented makeup artist, Pat McGrath (quick bio: London-born Ms. McGrath has not only worked with every top designer, photographer, and supermodel that ever drew a breath, she's also the creative design director for Max Factor and Cover Girl. Oh, and Vogue called her the most influential makeup artist on the planet. Plus, she's brown. Not that it matters, but we love that). Anyway, a bunch of my blogger pals and I met with her at Robert Verdi's Luxe Laboratory to discuss a matter of international importance: Spring '09 makeup trends. Here's what mama discovered:

* For years I've been trying to find the perfect nude lip, to no avail. Well, according to Pat, the it's been sitting in my makeup kit, all along. When I asked the beauty maestro to name her favorite nude lipcolor for brown girls, she gave me a brilliant trick. Simply apply your favorite foundation all over your lips, and top it off with a shimmery, sheer gloss for depth and shine. I mean, DUH.

* Speaking of lips, she announced in no uncertain terms that Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor in Wine Not ($8.49) was amazing-mazing. I tried it on, and surprise! She's right. The deeep, beet-red crimson is glorious.

* One of her favorite beauty looks at the Spring shows was the turquoise eye at Gucci (there's Chanel Iman, flaunting the moment). Pat told us how she created it: Using her finger, she applied Cover Girl Eye Enhancers in Turquoise Tempest ($3.49) along the lid, and then lined the entire eye with black pencil. So, so pretty and fresh for spring! And, as she said, "at this price, you won't feel guilty for taking a risk with color. Anyone can have a go!" Love Britspeak.

* Last but certainly not least, Pat gave a great tip for filling in brows. DON'T use only one pencil--it can make your arches look harsh and unnatural (she says that brows are made of up several different haircolors. Who knew?). She recommends using two shades--one lighter and one darker than your brows--and lightly filling in with short, feather-like strokes. I'm all over it.

Okay, that's it for now! Talk to you ladies later,
Tiaxoxo

Right here is where you start paying...IN SWEAT

2009-03-30T17:33:00.005-04:00

Hey girls,
Wanted to let my SYB Babes with gorgeous kids know about an open casting call at Wilhelmina (please ignore if you and your child have appeared on "Toddlers and Tiaras" and/or "Little Miss Perfect"). Here's the info:

WHAT: Wilhelmina Models open casting call

WHO: Boys and girls, ages 4 to 16

WHEN: Friday, April 3rd, 10:30-1:00 PM and 2:00-4:00 PM

WHERE:
Wilhelmina Models & Talent Agency
300 Park Ave. South, 2nd Floor
(between 22nd and 23rd St)
New York, NY

GUIDELINES:
Kids must be legally 4 to 16 years old. Only one parent may accompany the child or children to the open call.

WHAT TO BRING:
Please bring at least 2 non-returnable snapshots with your contact information on the back of the photos (include NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, PHONE NUMBER, and SIZES).

Giveaway #5: Redken Color Extend Sun Collection

2009-03-30T09:17:00.005-04:00

Hello ladies,
Welcome to week five of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Quick catch-up: Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and the first reader to answer correctly wins that week's free product giveaway. Oh, and remember...don't email me your answer, leave it in the "comments" section!

THE PRIZE: Redken Color Extend Sun Collection ($45 value)

THE DETAILS: This fabulous, brand-new haircare collection protects highlights, replenishes moisture and nourishes chemically-damaged hair in the sun! Super-conditioning and chock full of UV filters, the line includes the After-Sun Shampoo, After-Sun Conditioner, and Sparkling Shield (a leave-in serum that shields hair from the absorption of chlorine and imparts a dazzling shine). Don't you dare book your Spring Break vacay without stocking up on this stuff, woman!

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In an August '05 post, I write about "unnecessary-but-fun" products. What was the sixth product I named?

big kiss,
Tia

You've got nail!

2009-03-25T09:41:00.002-04:00

Hi ladies,
Our winner for week four of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza is...drumroll...Deanna! Yay, DEANNA! Miss Deanna, shoot me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address, so I can send you a stack of Jessica Kagan Cushman Printed Resin Bangles from Ravinstyle.com. Girls, make sure you come back next Monday for week five of "Free at Last," and compete to win a bunch of haircare essentials from Redken! And now, my newest obsession...

Like everyone else, I've been trying to save money wherever I can. You know, decide what I can and can't live with. I absolute cannot live without my blowouts, so I'm continuing to visit Adelina's every Sunday. What I AM cutting back on, though, is nail salon visits...and it's all because I have a huge crush on my Tweezerman Petite Manicure Set ($20). The darling, itty-bitty nail kit comes with a totally revolutionary Cuticle & Hangnail Trimmer (it handles like a tweezer, giving you more control...loves it); a Pushy & Nail Cleaner (it's a two-in-one cuticle pusher and nail cleaner); and a mini Nail File. I never realized how freeing it is to tend to one's own nails! And these little tools are so effective, I've taken to whipping them out whenever I have a moment. In fact, hangnail-snipping and cuticle-pushing has replaced brow-tweezing as my chief insomniac activity. The kit is super-chic, too.

Now, if you happen to be a Demi Lovato and Twilight-obsessed sixteen-year-old, I'd recommend the Juicy Loves Sephora Manicure Set ($25...$54 value!), which comes with a crown-kissed nail file, royal nail scissors and clippers, and a pink cuticle pusher. Sweet!

xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #4: Jessica Kagan Cushman Resin Bangles from Ravinstyle.com

2009-03-23T10:14:00.005-04:00

Hello my darling nikkis,
Yep, today kicks off week four of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Quick catch-up: I'm doing ONE super-fabulous product giveaway a week 'till the end of May! Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and the first reader to answer correctly wins that week's prize. Without further adieu (I had a friend in high school who pronounced it "ah-dee-oh" while reading aloud in AP English, which I found hilarious), let's get into le contest, shall we?

THE PRIZE: Jessica Kagan Cushman Printed Resin Bangles, in Ivory and Black ($125 each) from Ravinstyle.com

THE DETAILS: Okay, so not only are these these kitschy new bracelets the height of cult-chic in NYC right now, they're total conversation-starters. Each piece is printed with a different pop culture-ish saying; things like "I'm ready for my closeup" and "Well, yes and no..." (my personal favorite). They usually run for $125 each, but the winner will get a stack of FIVE for free!

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a Mother's Day post back in '07, I list a bunch of my mom's favorite beauty things. Where does she put the "fancy, expensive-looking, limited edition items" I give her?

Good luck, pretty girls!!
xoxo,
Tia

Curly Hair Savior

2009-03-20T01:05:00.006-04:00

Hi girls,
This is my friend Pamela Edwards, Essence's beyond-gorgeous and elegant beauty editor, at the Root Ball during Inauguration weekend in DC. She's getting married in April, yay! So excited for her. Alas, that's not why I bring her up. I bring her up because she just introduced me to some haircare gems that I had to share with you.
Hair Rules is a new line of haircare products designed by curly hair expert, Anthony Dickey. The genius? The products are separated into three categories: kinky, curly, and wavy. But why don't I let Miss Pamela tell you all about them, in her own words? Here's what she says:

"All curls are NOT created equal and Dickey gets that. His specific style products are formulated to compliment your curl type––wavy, curly or kinky––and they actually work! My hair will be blown-out and in an updo for the big day, but I need the curl control for working out, when I sport a wash-and-go. Love!"

I can't wait to try them, myself. Sigh. Why does this stuff continue to make me so happy?
xxoo,
Tia

PS...
Have you ladies checked out the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly? My dear friend Margeaux Watson just wrote a BRILLIANT piece on Tyler Perry, called "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Madea?" It's about damn time, right! My girlfriends, sisters and I have been having this "Tyler Perry...um, really?" convo for years, so I'm thrilled it's made it's way to print. Thoughts?

La-La-Lalicious

2009-03-18T08:37:00.008-04:00

Hi ladies,
Come on girls, let's give Mintybee68 a hearty round of applause--she won the third installment of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Ms. Mintybee68, email me at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address, so I can send you your prize...the fabulous and earth-friendly Tarte Be Good to Your Mother (Earth) Reusable Cotton Tote Set ($62 value). Lucky girl.

For the past couple of months, my skin has been reallly dry. It's my personal belief that La Lina's cradle cap hopped off her scalp and landed on my arms and legs. Anyway, after auditioning several body scrubs, I recently settled on Lalicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs ($34, each). J'ADOOORE. Ladies, these super-delicious, totally decadent body scrubs are not only worth every penny, they do everything short of plunging my sink drain. Hand-whipped and fluffy, the scrubs manage to exfoliate dry skin while ALSO leaving skin so hydrated you won't even need body lotion. Seriously. Plus, you can use the moisture-rich scrubs as shaving creams! The scents come in Sugar Kiss, Brown Sugar Vanilla, Coffee Bean, Passionfruit Lime, Peppermint, Island Guava, Tahitian Flower, Coconut Cream, and Lily Mango...but my favorite is Peppermint, because ontop of all the skin-nourishing benefits, the zingy tingle wakes me up in the morning. I simply refuse to step out onto a beach or poolside without first scrubbing every inch of my body with this stuff. Cannot gush enough.
xoxo,
Tia

Wherefore art thou, Joi?

2009-03-17T17:09:00.002-04:00

Hey girls,
Okay, Victoria, you had a week to email me your info so I could send you your "Free at Last" Giveaway #2 prize...What Comes Around Goes Around's Vintage Boyfriend Jeans ($180) from Chickdowntown.com. Alas, the sexy-as-all-get-out jeans are now going to my second runner-up, Joi! Miss Joi, please email moi at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address and jeans size. Congrats, missy!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...Some of you have been emailing me your answers to the weekly SYB trivia questions. Just a reminder: Please leave your answers in the COMMENTS section! Gracias, miladies.

Giveaway #3: Tarte Be Good to Your Mother (Earth) Reusable Cotton Tote Set

2009-03-16T00:42:00.005-04:00

Hey hot thangs,
Okay, first things first. I joined Twitter! I know, I know. Totally confusing, but my bloggerista baby sis, Lauren, said I had to do it. Can someone tweet me so I don't feel so lame? I'm at http://twitter.com/shakeyourbeauty.

Now, about the free stuff. Today kicks off the third week of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! In case you're new to my recessionista moment, mama's doing ONE super-fabulous product giveaway a week until the end of May! Every Monday, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB's archives, and the first reader to answer correctly wins that week's prize! Speaking of prizes...Victoria, the SYB Babe who won last week's contest? I have a pair of What Comes Around Goes Around's Vintage Boyfriend Jeans with your name on them. You've got exactly ONE MORE DAY to email me at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your mailing address and jeans size, before le prize goes to the second runner up. Okay, moving on to the third "Free at Last" contest...

THE PRIZE: Tarte's new Be Good to Your Mother (Earth) Reusable Cotton Tote Set, $62 value

THE DETAILS: In honor of Earth Day, the makers of the best cheek and lip stains on earth are launching a must-have kit of nice-to-the-earth products. Specifically, the reusable cotton grocery tote comes with three Natural Lip Sheers--each paraben, mineral oil, and pthalates-free; and each encased in recycled aluminum tubes. Plus, they're super-moisturizing and leave just the barest hint of tint, so the shades look fab on practically every skintone. You'll get Reduce, a sheer peach; Reuse, a poppy pink; and Recycle, a pinky-beige. Cute names!

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: Whose picture illustrated the "cute-as-a-button pale pink lip" in a February '06 post? Um, sorry, I have to make these questions harder because everyone's getting the answers, like, right away!

Good luck, lovelies!!
xoxo,
Tia

PS
Did you guys check out the May Vogue cover? Beyonce, finalmente! I mean, two black Vogue covers in a row? That's major. That's overdue. That's...Obama. Lauren broke the news on AOL Black Voices.

Essence! Cargo Lipgloss! Jourdan!

2009-03-12T20:25:00.007-04:00

Hi ladies,
Wheee! BIG NEWS!! After eleven years in the biz, I've published my very first cover story! Check out the new, April 09 issue of Essence magazine...I wrote the cover piece on Iman, Taraji P. Henson and Serena Williams! It was so much fun interviewing them (since it was way before Benjamin Button even opened, I didn't ask Taraji any Brad-centric questions. You know, things like...is he as gorgeous in person? Did he try to adopt you?). I'd tell you all about my experiences with the ladies, but then you wouldn't pick up the issue. Go get it, girls! Sigh. Mama's proud.

Okay, enough bragging. Onto what you came here for. Muchachitas, it takes a lot to get me all hot and bothered over a lip gloss. As you well know, I'm happy enough rocking my ages-old Revlon Lustrous Lipgloss in Raisin Glaze. But I recently stumbled across the magic that is Cargo's new blu_ray High Definition Lip Gloss in Montego ($24), and now have a new obsession. First of all, this is probably THE shiniest gloss I've ever encountered (and without shimmer, so it doesn't make you look like a Bratz doll. Or Fergie. Redundant?). Secondly, it moisturizes as deeply and consistently as Carmex or something...which is great, since my lips are constantly chapped. Thirdly, the shades are so pretty on brown skin; my favorite is Montego, a lush, rose-bronze. And finally, the cap features a sassy little "timestrip," that remembers when you first opened the gloss, and tells you when it's time to get rid of it! I mean, are NASA engineers now formulating lipgloss? Here's how it works: The "timestrip" window gradually turns red as months go by, and when it's fully red, it's time to get a new one. The coolest!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...

Any Jourdan Dunn fans out there (by the way, this pic is from the March 09 issue of Japanese Vogue)? You must check out New York Times' Style section blog, The Moment Blog for their latest installment of their "Model-Morphosis" photo gallery. Today, The Moment Blog follows our Jourdan on her travels backstage at Paris Fashion Week!

Do u Dowop?

2009-03-11T08:46:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
We have a winner for the second week of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! It's Victoria, who was the first reader to give the correct answer (for the record, the answer was Lakrishia!). Miss Victoria, send me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your address and jeans size. You're going to love your What Comes Around Goes Around's Vintage Boyfriend Jeans from Chickdowntown.com. Girls, make sure you come back next Monday for week 3 of "Free at Last, and compete to win some fabulous goodies from Tarte Cosmetics!"

Onto le beaute...

Mama has a new obsession. As you know, I have huge, genetic undereye circles, so concealer is VERY important to me. But no matter how fabulous the concealer is, it always starts settling in my fine lines by around 3pm. Well, kooky-brilliant beauty brand Duwop has just launched the solution to my issues: DuWop Circle Block in Dark, $28 (note to the naming fairies...waaayyy too close to "circle jerk"). The two-part system comes with a concealer AND a water-resistant treatment shield that acts as a primer, smoothing out fine lines and helping the concealer last longer. And it works. Try it ladies; it's totally enhanced my mornings.
xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #2: What Comes Around Goes Around's Vintage Boyfriend Jeans from Chickdowntown.com

2009-03-08T14:52:00.001-04:00

Hey muchachitas,
Holla! Today kicks off the second week of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! Here are the deets, my loves...

THE PRIZE: What Comes Around Goes Around's Vintage Boyfriend Jeans, ($180, at Chickdowntown.com

THE DETAILS: At the moment, very few things are as achingly chic as boyfriend jeans (in fact, I can think of exactly one thing: Sawyer on Lost). Somehow, the slouchy, lived-in silhouette makes everyone look insanely cool--from shortie SJP to hourglass Halle. And one of THE coolest denim brands right now, What Goes Around Comes Around, happens to make a faaabulous pair. Good thing mama knows some folks at cult-favorite fashion destination, Chickdowntown.com! The addictive shopping site is giving away one pair of What Comes Around Goes Around's Vintage Boyfriend Jeans, to the first reader to correctly answer this week's trivia question (the winner will email me her size, obvio)!

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a May '07 post, I answered some reader questions. What was the name of the SYB Babe wondering what to wear to the NABJ convention?

Good luck, lovelies!!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...
Special thanks again to Chickdowntown.com!!! Be sure to check them out, since they're the largest online retailer of Black Halo...plus, their impressive list of designers includes CC Skye, Elizabeth and James, Rory Beca, Rachel Pally, and See by Chloe (just to name a few)!

Want to stay up-to-date on what's new at Chickdowntown? Read up on your favorite designers on their revamped fashion blog and follow them on Twitter,
YouTube, MySpace, and ChickDowntown TV.

Mirror Face Contest at BeautyBloggingJunkie!

2009-03-08T10:30:00.002-04:00

Hey ladies,
Wanted to let you know about a new giveaway my friend Amber at BeautyBloggingJunkie is doing! She's giving away five products to the person who sends the best picture/explanation of their "mirror face"--the face you make when you're applying makeup and no one is watching. To enter, email Amber at beautybloggingjunkie@gmail.com (subject line: Mirror Face Giveaway) with a photo of your "mirror face" and a short explanation of why you do it and how you realized you make it. The deadline is Friday, March 13th, and she's posting the winner's name on Monday, March 15th.

Here is a list of the products for the giveaway:
Olay PRO-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment
Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Smoothing Essentials Fast Absorbing Lotion
Yes to Tomatoes Terrific Day Shower Gel
Sally Hershberger Finishing Cream for Wavy Hair
Philosophy Candy Hearts Pink Bubbly and Angel Food Cake Flavored Lip Shines

Good luck, ladies!
xoxo,
Tia

Clean Queen

2009-03-05T10:35:00.002-05:00

Hi girls,
These days, I'm really into, like, paring everything down. Streamlining. You know, making things uncomplicated. Por ejemplo, I'm uncluttering my DVR (wait, what? You mean I can't keep the episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8 when "Hannah poops in Hannah's unnapants?"). I've exfoliated extraneous magazines from my vintage publications box (no pre-'88 issues of Seventeen were allowed to live). I'm doing a concealer/lipgloss/blush/mascara moment--no eyeliner! And, when it comes to fragrance, I'm suddenly into smelling really cleaaan. Not flowery, not spicy, not perfume-y, just clean. I think there's something so chic, so FRENCH, about smelling shower-fresh. You, but better. Obviously, I don't mean that I leave the house smelling like Irish Spring. No, I spritz on my new obsession, Bobbi Brown Bath Fragrance ($40). A decidedly Sixties-ish blend of neroli, orange flower, white lily and sage, this scent is the very personification of "so fresh so clean." I've taken to spraying it into my closet, it's so divine. And I also kind of love the subtle, naughty implications of a fragrance called "Bath." Very "Wendy?/Yes, Lisa/Is the water warm enough?/Yes, Lisa/Shall we begin?/Yes, Lisa." And if you don't know what I'm talking about, ask your big sister.
Big kiss,
Tia

PS...Two nights ago, Sunshine and I had our first post-La Lina date (there I am, on the red carpet)! AMBI invited us to the Apollo for the premiere of BET's new show, "Harlem Heights," an every-which-way-but-scripted reality show about gorgeous black 20-somethings in Manhattan (AMBI sponsored the event). Cannot WAIT to hear your thoughts after it debuts! Keep a lookout for Brooke, the all-drama fly girl who used to date Kanye. Fine, I'm already hooked. And speaking of hooked, will someone please hold me back from "Toddlers and Tiaras," for the love of all that's good and holy?

Q&A Wednesday

2009-03-03T16:32:00.005-05:00

Dear girlies,
Congratulations are in order, my lovelies!! Ms. Astacia Shari was the first SYB Babe to answer the first "Free at Last" trivia question correctly (for the record, in June '06, Sam Fine's fifth favorite makeup product was L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara, $6.99)! Lady Shari, you are going to love Pantene’s new Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality collection...send me an email at beauty@tiawilliams.net with your mailing address, asap! And ladies, come back next Monday for the second "Free at Last" product giveaway contest--and compete to win an achingly chic piece from ChickDowntown.com!

Okay, onto the beauty. I recently got an email from an SYB Babe having a beauty crisis that I thought we all could relate to. Toast to Q&A Wednesday!

SYB BABE: Clarissa

ISSUE: "Every winter, I got these gross little bumps on my elbows, arms, and legs. And they're itchy and dry, too. What can I do? I've heard that creams with glycolic or alpha hydroxy acid get rid of the rash, but I'm not about to spend upwards of $50 on one of those medicated lotions. Any suggestions?"

TIA'S 2 CENTS: Clarissa, you're absolutely right about two things--A.) that glycolic and alpha hydroxy acid body lotions smooth out dry winter rashes (they're brilliant at sloughing off all that flaky, bumpy stuff, and revealing the pretty skin underneath), and B.) that they cost a fortune. Here's my little secret. Instead of wasting $$ on said fancy products, I use a drugstore-brand cream, Alpha Hydrox AHA Exfoliating Cream ($8.29). It's a face cream, so it's smaller and less expensive (and who needs a huge body lotion when you're just spot-treating, right?). Just massage it into your problem areas, and it'll take care of the rash in about a week. So brilliant. Good luck, 'Rissa!

xoxo,
Tia

Giveaway #1: Pantene Nature Fusion Collection

2009-03-01T23:22:00.007-05:00

Hey muchachitas,
Yayyy! Today kicks off the first week of SYB's "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza! In case you missed my last post, allow me to explain. Because the economy is kicking all of our behinds, I'm doing ONE super-fabulous product giveaway a week until the end of May! Every Monday, I'll ask you a trivia question from SYB's archives, and the first reader to answer correctly wins that week's prize (I convinced all my FAVORITE BRANDS to participate, so trust me, these giveaways are SICK!). Without further ado, here's my first "Free at Last" contest!

THE PRIZE: Pantene’s new Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality collection

THE DETAILS: Every savvy beauty chick I know is obsessed with Pantene, because A.) it honestly gives you the glossiest, most expensive-looking hair, and B.) the products cost, like, nothing. Two qualities I love in a haircare line. And now, the Pantene smarties have truly outdone themselves with their new Nature Fusion collection of shampoos and conditioners. They contain all kinds of good-for-you botanicals that deeply condition and nourish your hair while protecting it from damage--but in the gentlest possible way (ie, no gross product buildup). Here's what you'll get: Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Shampoo ($2.99), a grapeseed and bamboo-infused cleanser that obliterates frizz; Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Conditioner ($2.99), which hydrates fried hair with aloe vera; Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Conditioner ($2.99), which tames flyaways with nourishing avocado; and Pantene Pro-V Nature Fusion Moisture Balance Shampoo ($2.99), a cassia and calendula-blended formula that protects wet hair from the damage caused by brushes and combs.

AND NOW, THE SYB TRIVIA QUESTION: In a July '06 post, I persuaded legendary celeb makeup artist Sam Fine to reveal his favorite products. What was the fifth product?

Good luck, lovelies!!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...

For my SYB Babes who asked me to upload a La Lina pic with every post, Merry Christmas! I can't promise you EVERY post, but you will be seeing more of my peanut because, well, I have no self-control. This is La Lina's 3-month-old sitting with her BFFs, Lucy and Teddy (I take one every month!).

PPS...If you don't notice your comments being posted immediately, it's because we had to turn on some moderating features to keep the blog from being inundated by comment spam. Please know that the comments will appear in order that they were received once all the spam is filtered out on a routine basis.

HUUGE Shake Your Beauty Giveaway!!

2009-02-27T12:37:00.007-05:00

Hey lovelies,
HUGE news. HUGE!! In this crazy economic climate, I really feel weird posting about, like, miracle mascaras, and trillion-dollar treatments. So, in a bid to lighten your load--and to thank my SYB Babes for their loyal support over the years--I'm starting Shake Your Beauty's first-ever "Free at Last" Giveaway Extravaganza!! From March through May, I'm giving away tons of free products from my favorite brands—-including Redken, Tarte, Bare Escentuals, Dior Beauty, Carol’s Daughter, Neutrogena and Bobbi Brown (and some hot fashion pieces from ChickDowntown.com and Ravinstyle.com)!

Here’s how "Free at Last" will work: Every Monday until the end of May, I'll ask a trivia question from SYB’s archives. The first reader to correctly answer will win that week’s giveaway! Come back on Monday, March 9nd to participate in the second contest—-and compete to win a pair of What Comes Around Goes Around's Vintage Boyfriend Jeans from ChickDowntown.com Good luck, vidas mias!

xoxo,
Tia