Beautiful Skin is In!

You know I can't hold out on my fellow Curlies. I've started a new skin care routine and I'm noticing IMMEDIATE  results! Christine over at Temptalia.com interviewed Renee Rouleau, an esthetician who warns against over-exfoliating facial skin with the Clarisonic. Instead, she suggests alternating weeks of chemical and physical exfoliation, and using adequate moisturizer. Click here for the full interview.

Here's what I've been using for my dry skin. Make sure you choose products for your skin type.

Week 1
Cleanse with Philosophy Purity Made Simple
Exfoliate with Philosophy Microdlivery Peel (day 1)
Apply Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid facial toner (vitacost.com)
Moisturize with Philosophy Hope in a Jar Dry, Sensitive skin

Week 2
Cleanse using Oil-Cleanse Method
Exfoliate with Honey Olive Oil Sugar scrub, 2-3x/week  (3 TB Olive Oil, 2 TB Honey, 1/2 C sugar)
Moisturize with Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew serum and
Philosophy Hope in a Jar

My skin is so clear, virtually pore-less. My face looks healthy and glowing. Old acne scars are fading and I don't need to wear foundation, just a bit of concealer. I am sticking with this routine, and I hope it works for you if you give it a try. Always remember to eat well, drink water, exercise and rest. Vitamins can also be a great supplement. Leave a comment and let us know what works for your skin!

Outfit of the Day- Dad's 55th Birthday Dinner!

My father-in-law turned 55 Sunday, and to celebrate my mother-in-law invited the entire family over for a beautiful dinner. Dad was pleases, and everyone got a kick out of reminiscing with old photos. The icing on the cake- was Grandma's pineapple cake! Heaven!

Headband: BCBG
Beaded Jacket: Loehmann's
Tunic Tank: Foever XXI
Skinny Jeans: GAP
Boots: Old Navy
Bracelet: Wet Seal

FOTD- This is my 5-minute face, no foundation or concealer. I simply added eyes.

Face: No. 7 Radiant Glow Beauty Lotion, Target

Brows: Maybelline Define-A-Brow pencil, Med. Brown- Strong brows are very on-trend for winter, and in to Spring 2010
Bobbi Brown angle brush
Cover Girl e/s, Brown Smolder as brow powder
Mascara: Cover Girl Lash Blast, Very Black
Base: Loreal De-Crease
Vincent Longo Eye Shimmer Souffle, Pallido (a very soft, gold cream shadow, used as a base)
Zitomer Luminous e/s, Metropolitan on lid
Cover Girl e/s, Brown Smolder, crease
NYX l/s Echo
MAC l/g 3N


I am the Queen of mixing high and low, vintage with modern. You don't have to spend a million to look like a million! Be beautiful, Curlies!

Five Minutes to Gorgeous!

With two boys, three jobs, and no time, it's sometimes a challenge for me to look as glam-tastic as I would like. These are my absolute must-have products and accessories that keep me looking  my Kinky-Curly best- in a hurry.

1. Moisturizer- If you're opting for a foundation-free face, make sure skin is primed and moisturized. Choose a product that suits your skin type. For my dry skin, I love a mix of jojoba oil, shea butter and aloe vera gel.

2. Groomed Brows- It literally takes seconds to fill in brows. They frame your face and keep your look polished and pretty. I love Maybelline's Define-A-Brow, or a brown eye shadow like Cover Girl's Brown Smolder.

3. Lush Lashes- Simple enough. Curl lashes and apply 2-3 coats of mascara. I love Cover Girl Lash Blast. Go for a brown mascara for a very natural look.

4. Gloss, Gloss, Baby!- Slick on a moisturizing balm, then apply your favorite color. The choices are endless. I'm loving cocoa brown shades of lipstick and gloss this season. Some to try: MAC's Touch l/s, 3N l/g, Mad cap l/g, NYX's Echo l/s, Cover Girl Queen Collection Shiny Cinnamon l/s.

5. A Cute Coif- Check out my hair routine post for details. I love wearing my 2x twists in a retro updo. No need to worry about frizz or weather-worries. Just secure with pins and add oil for shine.

6. A Pop of Color- Scarves are great all year long. A bright orange or purple scarf transforms jeans and a tee into a sophisticated uniform for Curlies on the go. Choose wool blends in winter and sheer cotton in summer months.

Now, I'm ready for errands, playdates, and lunch with the girls- whatever the day brings, I'm game! Make sure you are too. Until next time.....

Emerald Greene Designs in Essence Magazine!

I can not BEGIN! to tell you lovely KC Cuties how excited I am about these photos! God is so Awesome to me, and I believe He is pleased with my committment to my family, my children and my natural-haired sistahs. When we honor God, He will honor us.

I was selling my designs in a boutique in Atlanta that has since closed its doors. During my time there, a stylist by the name of Kimberey Lacy fell in love with my pieces and contacted ME to borrow them for a photo shoot. Happy to get the exposure and recognition, I signed over everything I had. Little did I know, the shoot was photographed by Atlanta's premiere photographer- Mr. Derek Blanks! and for Essence Magazine no less! This was almost 1 year ago, but these are the pics I recieved from the shoot.

I left my position in Fashion and Beauty, which was my dream job in NYC, to focus on raising my two sons. It was a decision that not many people supported, and I faced a lot of criticism and negativity from family and friends. I believe this is proof that God is pleased with my heart, and that's enough for me. This is only a taste of what's to come for me in the future!

Get your custom designs NOW, before Oprah calls. Just kidding, but not really :)

www.emeraldgreene.etsy.com

Until next time.......

A Little Fall Face For 'Ya

Brick, Berry and Bordeaux lips are so hot for fall. So are warm lids and bold brows. Get ready!


Courtesy of Bobbi Brown:

Lipstick- Rich Cocoa

E/s- Chocolate Shimmer

Blush- Velvet Plum Pot Rouge (can also be used on lips)

Beauty Insider #4

Summer's in full effect, which means mini skirts and shaving. For a silky, smooth shave, try this tip: use an exfoliating body scrub on legs BEFORE you shave. You'll remove dead skin, and prepare legs for a smoother shave. Definitely use a hydrating shave cream, and follow up with your fave moisturizer afterwards.

That "Lit From Within" Look

Brown girls use bronzer too. To look "lit from within", not like 70's disco throwbacks. Cosmetics companies don't often think about bronzers for Brown girls. It's hard for them to get it right. Then I found a Mineralize Skinfinish Trio from MAC's new Colour Craft collection-it's really pretty y'all! Definitely a Brown girl must-have and it's limited edition, so hurry up! The collection debuted today and trust me when I say this one will sell out!


Warm Blend, $27
(Trio) Left: Antique Gold; Center: Mahogany Bronze; Right: Copper

Rihanna-FOTD

Plus, an interview with her MUA, Mylah Morales, on how to get the look.
Because I love ya. Be fro-abulous, fly and fierce this summer. Until next time Curlies.........

Mylah: I’m all about skin! Right now my favorite foundation to use is Giorgio Armani Designer Shaping Cream Foundation SPF 20. Then I use La Mer The Powder. It gives a really pretty, glowy, natural look to the skin. And actually I always ask Rihanna to hydrate her skin well before any red carpet event. She uses Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask. It works really well to energize and revitalize the skin especially since she’s always traveling, which dries out your skin.

A: I could see that. I have noticed that Rihanna always has a really pretty glow to her skin, a really pretty sheen. I have always wondered how you do that.

M: Yep, that’s how I get it. The Le Mer powder has a slight luminescence to it; it’s not matte. So, it gives the skin a really pretty glow. As for the concealer, I also used Kevyn Aucoin The Sensual Skin Enhancer under the eyes.

A: Can you tell me what you used on her eyes?

M: Sure. I used Cover Girl Exact Eyelights Mascara in Black Ruby. It’s got pigments in it that really bring out your eye color and it creates really long & lush lashes.

A: Did you use lashes too?

M: (Laughs) Yeah. But they're not a full strip. I cut them to look more natural on the eye. They’re by Red Cherry but I don’t remember which ones exactly. Maybe the #42’s… but I’m not sure.

A: Ok. No problem. Can you tell me what shadows you used? Do you use a palette or do you use specific shadows by brands like MAC or Make Up Forever?

M: You know what? I love using a palette by Dior. It’s a neutral palette. I have been using that a lot. You can use it alone or add a splash of color. Then on her cheeks I used Orgasm by NARS. Actually, it is called Super Orgasm.

A: I was wondering what that was! It’s so pretty. I heard that it shows up better on olive skin or golden skintones because the original Orgasm doesn’t.

M: Yep. And to contour her cheeks I used GlowFusion® Micro-Tech™ Intuitive Active Bronzer. It’s a really great bronzer.

A: So what color did you use on her lips?

M: It’s Cover Girl Trushine Lipcolor in Brillo Delilah**

A: Okay. I think that’s about everything. Oh, one more thing! What did you use on her brows?

M: I used Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow pencil to define them and then used an angled brush with brow powder to fill them in.

Source:Spektra.net

Keyshia Cole-FOTD

I think Keyshia's makeup in this photo is beautiful! This album is also one of my summer faves ("I buy my own liquor, I'm a go-getter. Thought you should know.")

What I would use to re-create this look, aka, shopping my stash:

NYX Jumbo eye pencil-Black Bean-all over lid
Vincent Longo Eye Shimmer Souffle-Argento-on inner lid
L'Oreal HIP Duo-Sculpted-darker shade in the outer crease
NYX eyeliner-Black
Sephora Blush Me-Rose Rebelle-applied lightly with MAC 187 brush
Lorac Sheer Lipstick-Nude
L'Oreal Colour Juice-Bubble Gum

Cleaning Your Brushes

Beauty Insider #3

Use a brush cleaner to spot clean make up brushes daily. Transfer the cleaner to a small 4 oz. spray bottle. When you're done applying makeup, spray a little bit on a paper towel, and a little on the brush. Wipe the brushes clean using swiping motions on the towel. I usually do this before bed and my brushes are ready to use in the morning. I deep clean brushes 2x month with baby shampoo and water.

Get Naked, Honey!

I was at the mall today checking out MAC's Naked Honey collection. I swear I've seen these colors before. Maybe not from MAC (okay, yes from MAC) but also from other brands that I have in my stash. Here are some product shots:

l to r, She's a Star, Queen Bee, Buzz

I really love Queen Bee lip glass, Naked Honey Skin Salve, and Hand and Body Cream. The products range in price from $14-$22.50, so let's just say I left them at the counter. I think my Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush l/g in Lotta Colada is a nice dupe, and it only cost $7. Check out the limited edition collection for yourself and decide. Until next time.....

Retail Therapy #1- MAC Style Warrior Collection

Retail Therapy: an alternative to the word "haul" used on YouTube. Thanks GucciGyrl1229!

Let me start by saying that I am NOT a makeup snob. I love CoverGirl, L'Oreal, you name it, I've tried it. There's just something about MAC that makes my heart flutter.

The Style Warrior collection was refreshing, considering the collections of the past year have been sort of a snooze (Dame Edna comes to mind).

I purchased Bright Future e/s. It's a sunny yellow shade with a veluxe pearl finish. Shout out to my favorite MA's Brittini, Alex, and January! Check out the entire collection here.

Christine at temptalia.com has some amazing photos using yellow e/s. She was my inspiration for purchasing Bright Future after seeing the stunning looks she created using it and Going Bananas (LE). Please don't be afraid of this color, it's really beautiful on Brown Girls and I think it's a summer must have! To view Temptalia's yellow looks, click here. Until next time...

Do You!

Good Morning Curlies! It's a wonderful Monday morning following a restful, 80 degree weekend here in The A. I'm sipping lemon water and detox tea so I can get my mind right, money right. I just wanted to check in and offer some encouragement and morning inspiration. Loving ourselves and our natural hair is a process, for some, a difficult one. Be patient. Be yourself. There's only one Kinky Curly Cutie like you, and you are Beautiful! All hair types are not created equal. Products that work for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

When I joined naturallycurly.com, I was in awe of some of the hair photos women posted. Long hair, curly hair, but most important, Healthy hair. I ran out and bought Every product they mentioned, hoping to achieve the same results. Good thing I shop at Ulta and kept my reciept! LOL! Needless to say, I was disappointed. Deva Curl, TIGI, Giovanni Direct Leave-In, Pantene, I'm sure these are great products, just not for MY hair. I encourage you to research, experiment with different products (save those reciepts), and get to know your hair and it's specific needs.

KinkyCurly Magazine is bringing you exciting new posts for Spring 2009! Stay tuned.....

If you're in the Atlanta area, check out the My Black is Beautiful tour May 2. Check the website for dates in other cities.
















I hope you have a Fro-abulous day! Until next time.......

Killah' Combos

I was catching up with old chums on Facebook (Go Eagles!), and I saw a pic of my college homie sportin' some bangin' curls. If I had to guess, I would say her hair type is 3a/b/c. Here's her killah' combo:

Mixed Chics Leave In Conditioner and Kerastase Oleo Curl. Nice! Haven't tried these products myself because I'm 4a. Just sayin'.

I do, however, have several makeup/skincare killah' combos. Like to hear 'em, hear they go:



Everyone in my family has loooong lashes. Even the baby boys. My killah' combo of Cover Girl Lash Blast and Maybelline Great Lash mascaras (both in Blackest Black-this name just made me think of CB4. You know you saw it, too. LMAO. Chris sure has come a loooong way) make them look fake! Like lash extensions. I'm not kidding. It's sick. Try it.

Equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar (a weak acid) and Water to help with acne. I mix 1 capful of each, moisten a cotton round, apply all over face, leave on 5-10 min, then rinse thoroughly with cool water. This step is done after cleansing and before moisturing.

Aloe Vera Gel/Glycerin/EVOO as a serum or face mask. I have dry skin. Really dry. Like, I apply 3 layers of face cream in the winter dry. I use this mix of 1 tb AVG, 1/2 tb EVOO, and 1/4 tb Vegetable Glycerin (mixed and stored in a travel-sized container) as a serum applied lightly over my face cream (currently using Jason Vitamin E Creme. LOVE!). When I have more time, I slather on a generous amount as a face mask. Let sit 10-15 min, then remove with a warm wash cloth. This makes my skin so soft and radiant. And if you ever saw it, you would even say it glows. LMAO.

I'll leave you with one more juicy beauty tidbit. The best killah' combo, EVER!- mixing fragrances. Now, I'm not new to this, I'm true to this. There are rules and regulations to this beauty science. Please continue reading before you go and mix Angel with Romance.






Research fragrance families

Discover your fragrance personality

Layer lotions, shower gels and body splashes in exact (or complimentary) families as your fragrance to intensify your scent and make it last all day and night.

Off to enjoy the sunny weather! Until next time...

Rip Your Own Runway

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! Rip the Runway aired last night on BET and I could not wait to bring you the hotness!

Joy Bryant and Derek Luke gave us Young Black Hollywood as the evening's hosts. Joy's stunning strapless Maxi Dress with embellishments- one word-A-Mah-Zing!











Our girl Korto Momolu from Project Runway was, by far, the best treat of the evening. At least for me. Equally delightful were all the Kinky Curly Cuties struttin' down the runway. Owwwwww! (As in, "All the ladies in the house say Owwwwwww)!




1. Designer Korto Momolu

2. Kinky Curly Cutie in an LBD


3. The baddest Chunky Fro and the baddest jumpsuit- Period!



4. Model Stacey McKenzie in Korto Momolu gown


















Did you see the bold, feminine hair accessories? Mama said, "Put a flower in it." KC Magazine will never steer you wrong. Here's designer Byron Lars and more lovely Curlies givin' us Spring. You-Bettah-Work!





























Designer Johnny Vincent showcased swim wear, and Douglas Says showed love to full-figured women.

In true BET style, performances from T.I., Ron Browz, and Keri Hilson were show highlights. If you missed any of this goodness, (in true BET style) the show will re-air Thursday night.

KC Magazine is giving it to 'ya- Fashion, Beauty, Hair, Jewels, Inspiration, Motivation, Appreciation, Relaxation....... Stay Tuned!















ETA: Joy Bryant's flowing pink silk gown is from Missoni.

Kinky Curly Love

I started this blog because I believe Brown girls are grossly underrepresented in mainstream fashion and beauty mags. Imagine my surprise to see beauty tips for Kinky (yes, they used the word) hair in Glamour. Finally showin' us some love. Progress is often slow, but the world will catch on. This Kinky Curly Cutie demands it.

Check out these healthy hair tips from Glamour magazine.

Kinky/Curly Cutie- Janelle Monae

I think she's beautiful, talented, smart, sophisticated, and she is wearing that hair!
Be inspired. Have a great weekend!
Until next time...