Shake Your Beauty

Creole Hootinany Rx!

2008-07-02T09:28:00.007-04:00

Hey muchachitas,
Tomorrow morning, I'm off to celebrate July 4th at a family reunion in Natchitoches, Louisiana! I'm so excited. It's le creole side of my family, the Chevalier's, and I plan to eat lots of crawfish etoufee, meatpies, and various marinated things. Oh, the food! I actually have a distant cousin who's won the great Southwestern Gumbo Cook-off many times over. You can imagine my delight. It's going to be fabulous, but also very, very HOT. And HUMID. And MOSQUITO-y. Think ever cliche about Louisiana wweather--sultry, soggy, searing--and that's Natchitoches (it's also the proud town where Steel Magnolias was filmed! In fact, practically all my ancestors were wedded in the church where Julia Roberts got married in the movie!). The point is, I wouldn't dare step off the plane without a serious sunscreen and an even more serious bug spray. Good thing the darling all-natural beauty brand, Kiss My Face, makes a combo situation! Kiss My Face Sunswat Waterproof Sunscreen & Natural Insect Repellent SPF 15 ($7.89) somehow manages to protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays AND shoo away gross critters...all without artificial colors, animal ingredients, and the nasty-smelling DEET chemical that's found in harsh bug sprays like OFF. In fact, Sunswat smells like aromatherapy heaven because it contains lavender, citronella and cedar--three ingredients that apparently terrify mosquitos. Definitely a must for all your July 4th BBQ's, picnics and things. Have a fabulous weekend, miladies! I'll be thinking of you as I inhale an entire pecan cake. In the meantime, check me out on The Fashion Bomb, where I give tips on breaking into blogging. Don't you just love The Fashion Bomb? Gracias Clare!
Kisses,
Tia

PS...Speaking of Louisiana, if anyone's going to be at this weekend's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, you must stop by Carol Daughter's third annual Pop-Up store! New Orleans has named July 2nd "Carol's Daughter Day," and from the 3rd to the 6th, you'll be able to shop for all your favorite products in a temporary store in the French Quarter (Mary J Blige and Chris Brown are expected to make in-store appearances!). Here are the deets:

What: Carol’s Daughter Pop-Up Store

When: July 3rd-July 6th, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Where: 622 Conti Street, New Orleans

I'm melting, I'm melting...

2008-06-30T09:39:00.002-04:00

Hi ladies,
I attempted to have a stoop sale this weekend. For those of you who have the pleasure of living in real houses with yards, a "stoop sale" is a yard sale for brownstone dwellers like moi. I was trying to get rid of a bunch of random stuff, since recent developments have me thinking that my teeny apartment is about to get MUCH teenier.

More on that later! Tee-hee, I'm such a tease.

Anyway, it went really well until a torrential downpour rained me out (actually, I'm totally lying. It was a failure, mostly because the bulk of my stuff was old shoes, and apparently most Park Slopers don't even KNOW a someone who wears a size 10. Hmph.) But to tell you the truth, I was rained out way before the thunderstorm happened. It was sooo hot, and I was a sweaty, bleary mess. By the end of two hours out there, my blush had traveled to my chin. I won't even tell you what happened to my mascara, it was too ghastly. It seems to me, though, that a fabulous new makeup collection has been sent to answer my summertime prayers. Cargo "Melt-Proof" Makeup Collection ($39...a $90 value!), a collection of three water-resistant products, was formulated specifically for sweltering summer days! I don't actually own this yet...my friend introduced it to me yesterday after I told her the story of my melting maquillage. But I tried it on and tested it out at an outdoor flea market, and my face was totally intact at the end of the day! The limited-edition collection includes a the Better-than-waterproof Mascara, a Melt-proof Bronzer, and a Melt-proof 3 in 1 Eye-Cheek-Lip Palette in Coral/Shimmering Apricot/Bronze (fabulous for all skin tones...seriously, my friend is blonde and it looked gorge on both of us). Enjoy!
xoxo,
Tia

Me on Ravinstyle!

2008-06-27T10:55:00.007-04:00

Hi girls,
Well, today is a good day! I'm profiled on the faaabulous style boutique,Ravinstyle.com, as one of their "Style Definers!" Click on my pic on the home page to see the profile! Apparently, my style is "Haute Hippie," though I must say, that's more what I aspire to look like than what I actually wear. I work from home, which means I'm generally wearing my sister Brownie/Devon's old UNC-Chapel Hill gym shorts and a tee that says "Everybody Loves a Latin Boy." Hey, guess what? In honor of the wildly flattering profile, Ravinstyle.com is offering all Shake Your Beauty readers free shipping on all orders! Just use the promo code 'shakeyourbeauty.' The offer is good until August 31st, so start shopping! And seriously? If you've never been on the site, you're about to max out your Visa...it has the cutest collection of summer dresses, sandals, accessories, and other such luxuries. Have fun!
Big kiss,
Tia

En Vogue, Lint, and Weezy

2008-06-25T09:27:00.005-04:00

Hi girls,
Did you watch the BET Awards last night? Did you?! I'm still squealing internally OVER the GLORIOUS 90's girl group reunion with Alicia "I-unintentionally-flashed-my-Spanx-on-the-way-to-the-stage" Keys! I thought I'd die before I ever saw SWV, TLC, and En Vogue (including the elusive Dawn!!) sharing a stage together. I was awash in a squishy-warm glow of female empowerment and overwhelming nostalgia. I hate to get all 33-year-old on you girls, but honestly, they just don't make 'em like that any more. As my sister Lauren said, these ladies were rusty, and STILL came out sounding better that half of the R&B chanteuses of today. I just wished someone would've checked Cindy's mic during rehearsal. Anyway, watching that performance made me want to call up all the girls I've lost touch with from UVA, have a big slumber party, drink Tang-spiked Zima, and try to replicate Chilli's baby hairs on each other with a fine-tooth comb.

Just so I don't sound completely over the hill, allow me to say that I firmly believe Weezy SMASHED it. How I love that brilliant little Dark Crystal puppet.

Okay, onto the beauty. On a totally unrelated note, I've discovered yet another little lifesaver (you know, a product I never thought I needed and now can't live without). I discovered a box of Lint-on-the-Go Sheets ($12.99 for a pack of 20) in a party goodie bag that other night, and instantly fell in love. I HATE lint, and since I have a shed-y dog, it's a constant problem for me. I usually carry around a travel-sized lint brush in my purse, but it inevitably get stuck on everything and it's way too bulky. These tiny (4.5" X 3"), individually wrapped lint removal sheets fit in the palm of your hand! You can toss one into your purse, desk drawer, luggage, or gym bag, and be secure in the knowledge that you'll be liberated from lint, hair, and weird fuzz all day long. I hear these ingenious packs were gifted to the stars at last year's awards shows, and now the likes of J. Lo, Tyra, and Angelina are obsessed. Worthy company!
xoxo,
Tia

Q&A Monday

2008-06-23T09:34:00.003-04:00

SYB BABE: Marlie Massena

QUESTON: "I LOVE wearing flats! But I hate all the issues that come with wearing shoes with no socks, like sweaty feet. I know you are the queen of finding these little but super helpful accessories. Please help!"

TIA'S 2 CENTS: Oh, Marlie. I just love that you've christened me the Queen of Moisture-Absorbing Foot Products on this overcast Monday morn. It just so happens that I love le flats, as well, and I also suffer from perspiring peds...especially since, as a New Yorker, I have to walk everywhere. For the past couple of summers, I've kept this little gem in my bag at all times: Fruits & Passion Deodorizing Foot Mist ($14.99). It's a purifying mist blended with eucalyptus and tea tree oils, which absorb sweat and stinkiness, like, INSTANTLY. You spray it all over your feet and in-between toes before you put on your shoes in the morning, and then re-spritz every three or four hours after that (or as needed). And in the cooler months, you can even spray it through tights, hose, or socks. I know several sweat-conscious Manhattanites that keep a bottle in their purse, and another in their desks at work. Try it!!

xoxo,
Tia

She got legs...

2008-06-20T11:23:00.002-04:00

Hi girls,
Fabulous new MAC invention alert! Everyone's favorite Canadian Cosmetics Company just introduced the MAC Skinsheen Leg Spray ($22.50), a mousse-textured sheer bronzer that adds a slight glow to legs, arms, cleavage...anywhere that you feel needs a touch of ooh-lah-lah. Now, I never really subscribed to the "leg bronzer" movement because, well, my legs are already brown. But this stuff doesn't change your skincolor, it ENHANCES it (pronounce with a soft "a"). It leaves the sauciest hint of a glimmery sheen...only someone looking veddy veddy hard will notice. And this is the person you want to notice you, anyway, right? I am super-tan right now, and I'm wearing Deepest Dark (it also comes in Medium Dark and Dark), and somehow it makes my tan look even yummier. I put it everywhere but my face. Gorgeous!
xoxo,
Tia

Shutup and drive

2008-06-18T09:27:00.004-04:00

Hi ladies,
Yay! Yay! Great news! I just passed my driver's road test! Long story. Honestly, this is so embarrassing, but if I can't tell my SYB Babes, who can I tell? Girls, NEVER let your license expire past a year. Why? Because you'll have to go through the ENTIRE TESTING PROCESS AGAIN. I'm talking the five-hour class, the written exam, the learner's permit, and then the road test. The indignity...I've been driving my whole life! Can you imagine me in a driver's ed course with a bunch of 16-year-olds? One was actually writing the lyrics to some Flo Rida song in his notebook (I know this because I asked...look, I write a teen series, it's research). Anyway, I got through all the preliminary stuff and finally scheduled my road test a couple months ago. You'd think this wouldn't be a problem--I mean, it's really just a formality, right? I've had a license since I was a croissant-banged teenager! Well, no. You'd be surprised at how many bad habits you pick up. I failed and shocked myself and the tester by crying a river of tears. Last week my second chance, and I passed!! Congratulations are in order.

I'm telling you this story not only to warn you about the dangers of letting your license expire. I swear to you, after I'd successfully knocked the test out of the park, my young, pretty tester asked me what perfume I was wearing. This may or may not have affected her decision, I'm not sure. But I was delighted to tell her it wasn't a perfume at all, it was Mark Self Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Dry Oil Mist ($10). I have some kind of weird stomach thing happening and I can't stand my usual fragrance...so I've fallen in love with this awesomely fresh dry oil spritz. It's lightly scented with the barest hint of honey and jasmine...just enough to impress the road test powers that be. I love it; it's perfect for the summer! Spray it all over, it's incredibly moisturizing and gives your skin a sexy glow.
xoxo,
Tia

Big PS...I got so many emails about Motion's fabulous new Marula Natural Therapy Collection, I thought I'd remind you that Glam.com is giving away of the luscious Hair Strengthening Moisturizer! Click here to enter. In case you missed my last post, the Marula collection is designed to repair and strengthen hair that's been demolished by chemicals and heat styling. Basically, Motion had me in mind when they whipped up these babies! I've been using the Hair Strengthening Moisturizer for two weeks now, and Adelina, my Dominican stylist, has been oohing and aahing about my "suave" hair like nobody's business!

PPS...To the girls sending all the emails, yes, this is my real hair!

PPPS...To the other girls sending all the emails, the dress I'm wearing in my "Makeover Mama" post is a red shift from H&M!

So fresh, so clean

2008-06-16T12:14:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
There are some things I just WISH I'd thought of myself. Things like the key card, or Cold Stone Creamery, or those little wheelie sneaker thingies the kids are wearing. These days, I'm kicking myself for not inventing Jonathon Pocket Redo Freshen-Up Wipes for Hair & Skin ($20). You know how your hair starts looking lank, frizzy and beatdown by the third day of your blowout? Simply swipe one of these rose oil-infused, alcohol-free towelettes throughout your hair to instantly refresh your situation! The little miracle workers add a tremendous amount of shine, sop up greasy strands, negate any odors (think cigarette smoke or the grilled salmon scent from last night), and leave behind a subtle, super-clean scent. The best part is, after you've revived your dead 'do, you can use the gentle towelettes to refresh your skin (fabulous on hot, sweaty days). Simply a MUST for every workout-addicted brown girl concerned about preserving her blowout post-Pilates! You'll love, love, love.
kisses,
Tia

I second that e-Motion

2008-06-12T09:32:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone,
Well! I feel like my comment section has morphed into it's very own version of a gossipy, nasty weekly tabloid. I'm kind of enjoying it actually. I've never knew I was so scandalous! I feel like dressing up in a shiny suit and hopping around to "Hate Me Now"...and then returning said suit back to the store a week later! Speaking of returning outfits, there's much, much more to my Saks story than I told you, but you'll find out later. Until then...those of you who were horrified by my actions, I won't hold it against you. Super-hot weather has been known to turn even the sweetest, most non-judgmental girls into b&^%$es.

Besides, I've been called a lot worse than "tacky," "inconsistent" and "hypocritical." Ricky Merced called me "Eight-head" (get it?) all through seventh grade, and I had a seething crush on him anyway! Ricky, where are you?

Let's move on!! I wanted to bring your attention to a special program Glam.com is sponsoring with Motions, the mega haircare line most beloved by everyone's hairstylist. Motions has just launched their new Marula Natural Therapy Collection designed to repair and strengthen hair that's been obliterated by chemicals and heat-styling. The line includes the Hair & Scalp Oil, a fabulous lavender-infused spritz that protects against heat damage; Hair Treatment Balm, which contains UV protectors (so important) and shea butter to nourish brittle hair; and the much-buzzed about Hair Strengthening Moisturizer, a seriously intense lotion that glossifies dry, damaged hair...the best part is, it's totally non-greasy and absorbs in, like, two seconds. Over the next week, Glam.com will be sponsoring a sweepstakes where you can score samples of the Hair Strengthening Moisturizer! Click here to enter.

Love you guys,
Tia

PS...Thanks so much to all the gorgeous ladies who defend my honor thru thick and thin! You know I love you to death, and you know who you are. Big kiss.

Ambi Love!

2008-06-10T07:50:00.008-04:00

Hi girls,
I'm back from the Hollywood Black Film Festival in Beverly Hills! It was fun, fun, fun! On Saturday night, AMBI Skincare sponsored the "Black Women in Film" screening and after-party...and they asked me to help host the events. There was a red carpet, and AMAZING short films, and Loretta Devine! And I got a saucy little cocktail dress (12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, and it's going back to Saks tomorrow). It was such an honor to be asked to participate, girls. Yes, I had a blast, but my excitement was slightly overshadowed by Adam's. My unassuming husband ended up having the quintessential LA experience. A., he was offered a Xanax by a harried businessman on our flight, and B., a porn director approached him at the after-party and asked him if he ever thought about exposing his Latin Lover on film. I'm still giggling...

Okay, so AMBI stocked our hotel room with all of their greatest hits, and both Adam and I fell hard for Ambi Soft & Even Body Care Creamy Oil Lotion ($8). Ooohhhh. It has all the super-moisturizing loveliness of a body oil, but it's in lotion form, so it's not greasy or weird. And your skin stays supple and ash-free for TWENTY-FOUR HOURS. Really great to keep in the bathroom for your and your hombre, since the scent is charmingly un-gender-specific...and once you get him hooked, you won't have to worry about him flashing those crusty knees and toes all summer.

xoxo,
Tia

Yes I can!!

2008-06-05T08:40:00.003-04:00

Hey girls,
OBAMAOBAMAOBAMA! I mean, can you stand it? And did you see Michelle? She looked stunning in her violet sheath...and someone talked her out of that flip! I'm so in love with them. I'm "yes, we can"-ing all over my neighborhood. So inspired. And in the inspirational spirit of "yes, we can," I decided to do something I RARELY do. It's been awhile since my last hoo-ha wax appointment, and I really needed a touch up. So, last night, I took matters into my own hands! Many of you have asked me what I think about at-home bikini wax kits, and I have to say, the BEST on the market is Sally Hansen Wax Strip Kit Brow/Face/Bikini ($6.59). Sooo easy to use and totally mess-free. The kit comes with a bunch of different sized wax strips encased in paper. You simply cut a strip down to the right size for your "little girl," and then warm up the strip between your hands. Peel off the paper backing, slap it on the troublesome area, and rip it off! Works every time...even on those pesky little hairs that are like, half-in, half-out. I'm not going to say it's pain-free, because there are no lies on SYB, but it's easy and cheap, which goes a long way. Oh, and it comes with a special Azulene Finishing Oil that removes residue and conditions your skin to death. Happy waxing!

Meanwhile, I'm off to L.A. for the Hollywood Black Film Festival! The amazing beauty brand Ambi is sponsoring a "Black Women in Film" screening and after-party, and they actually asked me to host the party! I'm dying. There's a speech involved, and red carpets, and Spike Lee...I'm shaking in my gladiator flats. But you know I'll be back next week to give you all the deets!!
xoxo,
Tia

Lash of the Titans

2008-06-02T19:34:00.002-04:00

Hi dolls,
I am wrong about a lot of things (including the fact that, no matter all the evidence to the contrary, I'm convinced there are 51 states in the US), but I'm seldom wrong about beauty-related matters. For years, I've insisted that there are certain products you buy in the drugstore, and others you must buy at a department store. For example, mascara. I used to shout from the rooftops that there's no mascara greater than good ole Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black--Chanel and Lancome be damned. Ohhh girls, I take it all back. I've never experienced longer, thicker, more false-in-the-best-way lashes that I have with Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara ($24). This brand new, limited edition mascara MONSTER was formulated expressly for ladies who love great big Liza-lashes. The black is the blackest black around (Dior describes it as "extreme khol"), and the enormous wand helps make lashes pop in a major way. I only need one coat, and I'm a triple-coat kinda woman. No clumps either! I'm so in love. It's hard for me to come to terms with spending over $8 for mascara, but I'm too into batting my new lashes to turn back now.
xoxo,
Tia

Makeover Mama

2008-05-29T23:39:00.001-04:00

Hi ladies,
Two weekends ago, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the TotalBeauty Beauty Summit in L.A.! Oh, the whole thing was glorious. It was just me and about 60 beauty bloggers mingling and gossiping and talking blush at the posh Ayres Hotel for three days. There were seminars, cocktail parties, club jaunts, sundresses, mimosas...good times! Julia from All About the Pretty even hosted a yoga lesson (5am...I did not attend). Okay, so, Saturday was easily the most exciting day, and here's why:

1.) I spoke on a panel called "When Blogging Becomes your Career," with a bunch of other fabulous beauty editors-turned-bloggers, including Kristen Lambertson of BeautyRiot, Nadine Haobsh of JolieNadine (formerly JolieinNYC), Anne Fritz of JetSetGirls, and Annie Tomplin of PopSugar (there we are, looking very knowledgeable). I'm now obsessed with Annie, and I expect a call about a restraining order very soon.

2.) I won an award! Yes indeed, SYB Babes, you're looking at 2008's "Media Darling." Darling, at that! I love it.

3.) For the first time in my entire life, I won a raffle. The prize was a fancy makeover! In the middle of the day, while everyone else was learning about how to maximize their blog readership, I was spirited off to a secret beauty room. Here, I was treated to an INSANELY relaxing and luxurious facial using Lisa Hoffman Skincare products. Never heard of her? You will! Lisa Hoffman, wife o'Dustin, just introduced a very affordable, very high-end line of portable, single-use bath and skincare products (great for travel, the gym, throwing in your office desk). The aesthetician used all ten vials from the Spa Facial Packette ($35), a little pouch containing all you need to give yourself an exfoliating, moisturizing, spa-worthy facial. If you are at all stressed and have no time to make it to a spa, I recommend that you purchase this kit immediately--such an easy, quick way to feel fabulous. Afterwards, my skin felt like BUTTER. That's not all...post-facial I got a fabulous haircut/blowout and makeover! When it was all over, I flaunted my new look in front of the group while the hilarious hairstylist explained his genius to everyone (meanwhile, my "before" and "after" pics were projected across the wall behind me). So much fun!

Speaking of makeovers, have any of my SYB Babes ever visited DailyMakeover.com? It's BEYOND. You can actually upload your photo and try on a zillion celebrity hairstyles! Plus, there are real women makeovers, and a whole community discussing the hottest products around. It's endless, addictive fun!
xoxo,
Tia

Hot Stuff!

2008-05-26T21:47:00.005-04:00

Hi girls,
It's been sooo long! I've had the worst blogger.com problems, you can't imagine. But enough about that. How was your Memorial Day? Hot dogs or hamburgers? Mine involved neither. At the VERY last minute (ie, four hours before my flight boarded), I decided NYC was too rainy and schlumpy and I booked a last-minute "weekend deals" ticket to Ft. Myers, Florida. I don't know, I like 95 degree weather and a beach with my Memorial Day. Okay, so Ft. Myers isn't the most happenin' spot in the world--I was the only person of color/person under 75 for miles--but it was sooo relaxing. And the tan is epic! Here's what I want to talk to you about. My favorite, favorite thing about a good tan is that you don't need a lot of makeup to look fabulous. It's all about rocking a naturally glowy look. You won't believe this, but in terms of mi cara, I only packed TWO KEY PRODUCTS. Not only will my dynamic duo instantly enhance your beach babe fabulousness, they somehow make you feel more refreshed on those super-hot, sweaty days (really, when trying to feel fresh in crazy heat, the key thing to remember is less makeup is more, more, more). Girls, don't leave for your beach vacays without these two stunners...

1.) Lancome Hydra-Intense Mask ($28): So after a day by the pool or at the beach, no matter how much sunscreen you slathered on, your skin is going to be extremely parched, dehydrated, and dying for moisture. It's so important to re-hydrate after lengthy sun exposure!! After I wash my face, I leave this mask on for five minutes and it leaves my skin so supple and gives my complexion a gorgeous natural glow. You know, that dewy thing that J Lo and Aniston pile on twelve pounds of highlighter and bronzer to achieve? Anyway, the radiance is so fab there's no need for concealer, foundation, or any face makeup.

2.) Tarte Cheek Stain in Sunkissed ($28): So after the mask, it's all about this glorious, oil-free cheek stain. It's my favorite thing in the world. A little dab on the apples of your cheeks, and you look like you've been schtupping all night. Just absolute healthy, sexy radiance. I particularly adore the Sunkissed shade because it's a looks -fab-on-brown-skin bronzy-berry shade...and it's coconut-scented, which drives the whole "beach goddess" thing home. That said, if you can't stomach shelling out $28 for blush (even, quite literally, the cheek stain all other stains are judged by), I also enjoy Flirt Lip & Cheek Tint in Berry Flair ($10).

So Sorry!

2008-05-21T12:04:00.000-04:00

I haven't forgotten you guys...my blogger server has been all screwed up! I can't upload photos and everything keeps erasing. Stay tuned!

Goin' Back 2 Cali

2008-05-15T16:11:00.005-04:00

Hi pumpkins,
Just wanted you to know that I'm leaving for LA and won't be back till Monday! TotalBeauty.com invited me out there to speak on a panel about beauty blogging, isn't that fun? Will tell you all about it and my tan when I return. Sadly, I won't be posting on Friday...but you know I'll be loving you in absentia.
Mwah,
Tia

Magic, Plain & Simple

2008-05-14T10:38:00.004-04:00

Hey girls,
I've been looking quite tired lately...you know, spirit-less complexion, wan eyes. Me sans radiance. No matter, I've just found THE cure. Celebrity makeup artist extraordinaire, Mally Roncal (she's largely responsible for Beyonce's whole doe-eyed moment) has whipped up the Mally Beauty New Naturals Eyepopper in Fabulous Summerlight, $15 (the golden one on top). This clever little wand has a concentrated bullet of shimmery golden-bronze eyeshadow at the tip. Either blend it over your lid for a dreamy, sun-kissed look, or use it like I do...swirl the sponge at the inner corners of your eyes. It's an old trick makeup artists have been using forever to make tired, hungover models look instantly radiant! And this particular shade looks dazzling on all skin tones, from the fairest of the fair to the deepest brown. I don't leave the house without it.
xoxo,
Tia

Q&A Monday

2008-05-12T09:44:00.004-04:00

SYB BABE: Shy

QUESTION: "I need to find an exfoliator for my face that gives my skin a healthy natural glow in about 7 days, I'm thinkin maybe Sephora? Can you guide me in the right direction?"

ANSWER: Well, of course I can! It's funny, Shy, that you actually specified "seven days," because I believe that the best, best, best exfoliator on the market is Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula ($17.50). It's not harsh like most face scrubs--in fact, it's so gentle you'll wonder if it's actually working. But after a week of use, your skin will feel absolutely baby-soft, supple, and flake-free. Here's how to use it: On clean, damp skin, massage in with your fingertips for about 10 seconds (steer clear of major breakouts). You can use it on your lips, too! Then, rinse or tissue-off with warm water and follow up with moisturizer. Try it for a week, Shy. You'll notice SUCH a difference. PS? My favorite time to use Clinique 7 Day Scrub is after a beach vacay, when I start to flake off that un-PC sunburn. It's so non-invasive, and the exfoliant is so fine, that it manages to slough off the dead skin without causing any irritation at all. I use it on my face, shoulders, wherever. Such a cure-all!

SIXTEEN CANDLES excerpt!

2008-05-07T11:14:00.003-04:00

Hey girls,
Just found out that TeenReads.com is running an excerpt of SIXTEEN CANDLES! Check it out right here!
kisses,
Tia

Yellow Fever

2008-05-07T10:26:00.003-04:00

Hi ladies,
Thanks so much for your sweet emails about SIXTEEN CANDLES! I hope you love it and tell all your 12-18 year old associates to buy, buy, buy! Okay, must back off from the self-promotion for a minute. Lately, I've been trying to give my nails (fingers, not toes) a polish break. They've been getting really brittle and they're peeling and cracking...it's a nightmare. So, I've just been doing a nice buff and clear polish, getting my nails prepped for the onslaught of summery, trashy-bright manicures that'll start happening around May 31st. Here's the problem, though. After a season of dark, vampy polishes, my nails are now a sickly yellow color. HATE. My brilliant manicurist suggested Barielle Nail Brightener ($16), a natural enhancer containing anti-oxidants that cancel out the yellow, while brightening and moisturizing your nails. I'm loving this stuff! You just apply one coat to get a luminous, totally natural-looking sheen (I hear it's also lovely as a yellow-preventative measure, if you apply underneath colored polish). If you've experienced the yellow at all, this Nail Brightener is a must. Thank me later!
xoxo,
Tia

SIXTEEN CANDLES is here!!

2008-05-05T09:25:00.011-04:00

Hi ladies,
It's here, it's here! The second book in my IT CHICKS series, SIXTEEN CANDLES (Hyperion/Disney, $8.99) hits stores on Tuesday, May 6th! It’s juicy and fabulous and, despite being a book about a bunch of sassy performing arts school kids, it's total grownup guilty pleasure (over-21-year-olds should not feel bad about buying a paperback with pastel balloons and a birthday cake on the cover)! In lieu of giving the whole delicious plot away, I'll just give you a little update on what's been going on with the It-chicks in the month since all their first-week-of-school drama went down:

SKYE: Everyone's favorite diva is turning 16, and her wildly over-the-top party's being filmed for an episode of"My Super Sweet 16!" Hi-jinx involving a near-fatal wardrobe malfunction, an epic love spat, and an It-chicks performance ensue...

TANGIE: When everyone least expects it, the sophomore dancer's secret fling with senior stud Trey Stevens takes a shockingly juicy turn (don't worry, she's still a good girl)! Will CJ implode with jealousy? Quite possibly...

CJ: Besides feeling lovesick, the adorable, graffiti-loving bad boy is riddled with guilt over a scandalous secret that'll change Tangie's life forever. Let's see if he can keep it.

IZZY: The hot-blooded Ethiopian MC and artiste has been disappearing a lot lately--what's she hiding? Well, besides that naughty past...

REGINA: Skye's former sidekick has a new obsession--the cute cameragirl filming the "Sweet 16" episode! Are they BFF's, or something more? Depends on whether or not you believe Lindsay Lohan and Charlotte Ronson spend their time braiding each other's hair.

NICK: The beyond-gorgeous actor boy reluctantly agreed to be Skye's date for her Sweet Sixteen...apparently, she's the last one to hear those pesky rumors!

Okay, that's all I'm giving away! I can't WAIT to hear what you ladies think of the book, so run out and get SIXTEEN CANDLES right away (buy a couple, give them to your niece, your hairstylist's daughter, whoever)! Honestly, I hope you love the book as much as I did writing it. There are a zillion teen series out there, but very few that have brown characters--let alone, ultra-smart, talented, funny brown characters--so, hopefully, we can make a change. Happy reading and guilty-pleasuring, ladies!
xoxo,
Tia

PS...How cute's this pic of me, Joanne, and the models from the cover shoot?

PPS...To find out more about SIXTEEN CANDLES (and to see ADORABLE illustrations of all the characters, courtesy of my brilliant designer amigo, Kibwe Chase-Marshall), check out the official Myspace page: myspace.com/theitchicks.

Scalp craziness, solved

2008-05-02T08:45:00.004-04:00

Hi girls,
I innocently walked into a Mizani event yesterday--you know, the groundbreaking brown-girl haircare line?--and left with the best hair of my life. So much so that, despite fighting off a deadly stomach flu--hence the sallowness and eye bags--I had to come home and immediately take a pic of my hair for my ladies (excuse the 70's porn quality, I took it with the "Photo Booth" thingie on my I-book). Let's get right to the point. The event was to launch Mizani's new Scalp Care, a new in-salon treatment for all kinds of scalp issues (dandruff, dryness, itchiness, excessive oiliness, etc.). It's absolutely ideal for girls with dreadlocks, braids, and weaves, too, since they tend to get product buildup at the scalp. The service starts off with the Scalp Care Pre-Treatment, an in-salon-only, pre-shampoo treatment that exfoliates dead skin cells and product buildup with salicylic acid, while moisturizing with tingly-zingy peppermint oil (you get a brilliant massage while all this is happening, too). SO exhilarating! After letting the treatment marinate under the dryer for ten minutes, then comes the super-creamy, luscious Scalp Care Shampoo and the incredibly moisurizing Scalp Care Conditioner, both of which contain dandruff-fighting pyrithione zinc, peppermint oil, and tons of hydrators (you can buy these, FYI, just not the Pre-Treatment). Now, most dandruff shampoos and conditioners leave your hair stiff, dry, and totally unmanageable, so I was FLOORED by the glossy majesty that was my hair. I'm talking the shiniest of shiny. Look at it! Also, my hair is usually a severely tangled trainwreck when it's wet, but Gala, the genius stylist/Mizani educator that treated and styled my hair, was somehow able to run a fine-tooth comb (fine-tooth, no less, not a wide detangling comb!) through my crazy wet hair with nary a problem. Girls, I'm sold. And I don't even have scalp problems. To find a Mizani salon near you, call 877-726-3624, or visit www.mizani-usa.com
Happy Hair,
Tia

PS...Huge shoutout to Gala, poor thing, who didn't know what stomach flu madness she was getting into when I sat in her chair. When she first started the treatment, I was fr-r-r-reezing, so she had the salon folks turn off the air. When she started blowing me out, I broke out in this insane sweat. I had the nerve to try to play it off like my early-onset menopausal attack wasn't really happening, but she turned off the dryer and was like, "Girl, you are not going to sit there and sweat out my brilliant blowout!" So she blew cool air on my face, someone handed me a croissant and an Evian, and all was well. Anyway, just wanted to thank Gala for dealing with my flu...and my hair...BRILLIANTLY.

PPS...Stay tuned for Monday, when I tell you all about my new IT CHICKS book, SIXTEEN CANDLES, which hits bookstores May 6th!!!

I Love Your Smile

2008-04-30T09:38:00.004-04:00

Hi girls,
I love a double-duty product. Shampoos that double as shower gels, lip balms that also work as cuticle creams, bronzers you can use for eyeshadow...you see what I mean. They simplify my day and make me happy. You can imagine how thrilled I was to discover Enbrightenment Brite Smile Whitener & Tarte Lipgloss Duo ($26), a double-ended pen with a Brite Smile tooth-whitening wand on one side, and Tarte's mint-scented lip gloss on the other! So brilliant right before a sexy date, or a big presentation, or a wedding. Because you can have on the hottest ensemble, but if your teeth suck and your lips are dry, your name is just Twan (showing my age, Ice Cube). Anyway, the whitener brightens teeth up to 8 shades in two weeks (use once a day, and wait a half hour before eating/drinking)! And the gloss comes in two shades, Radiant Red and Pearly Pink, both of which have blue undertones that help make your teeth look whiter-than-white. Love? Love.
xoxo,
Tia

Pearls, Panamanians, and Hook-Ups

2008-04-28T10:35:00.006-04:00

Hi ladies,
First of all, thanks for all your inspired emails re: Shnozgate. The whole thing truly threw me for a loop, but I can assure you, the brilliant legal minds in my family will take care of it. As for the legions of Panamanians who believe that I "clipped" my nose into submission, well, I'm going to have to give it up to the Lord.

Something so exciting happened to me last Thursday! I was invited to the Brooklyn NAACP's Third Annual Freedom Fund Awards Program, where I was presented the Valiant Service Award for my contribution to raising the self-esteem of young women in the community. Not bad, right? I was SO flattered. I even theme-dressed in a veddy polite, proper, knee-length frock with pearls, a cardigan, and sensible heels (fine, a part of me wanted to know how it felt to be Mrs. Obama for a day). There I am with my mom, my sister Lauren, and my award, which I've named Lucille. The event was at the Brooklyn Marriot, and it was sooo fancy...all kinds of special politicians and community leaders were there, and even the fabulously naughty Gov. Patterson showed up! It was truly a special night, and I thank Karen Boykins-Towns, the President of the Brooklyn NAACP, for even considering me for such an award.

Apropos of nothing, I absolutely MUST gush a little bit about Mark's new Skincare Hookup Treatments ($8 each). For those of you not familiar with Mark, it's Avon's twenty-something bridge line, and it's delightfully inexpensive and brilliant (total cult favorite among Hollywood types). Anyway, Mark has shrunk their bestselling skincare products into knuckle-size tubes that attach to each other with a 50 cent "connector," so you can customize your own portable, travel-sized skincare regimen. The skincare products available for Hookups include the Get Clearance Anti-Acne Blemish Treatment Gel, Need a Shrink? Pore Minimizing Lotion, Kiss Dry Goodbye Lip Smoother, and the excellent Light Bright Lighten & Depuff Eye Gel. Buy any two Hookups and you get the special connector thingie for free! So easy, so cute, so perfect for on-the-go girls. Enjoy!
xoxo,
Tia

The Nose Knows

2008-04-25T09:37:00.010-04:00

Hey ladies,
Welcome to my crazy. Yesterday, a well-traveled, eagle-eyed SYB Babe named Tisha Gibb sent me an utterly mystifying email. Apparently, Tisha's an Accidental Diva fan whose followed my career since I was a beauty editor at Glamour (this is important information). While innocently visiting an amiga in Panama, she happened to hit a local mall and came across an ad for special clips that make your nose smaller...and guess whose alleged "before and after" photo was accompanying the ad?! MINE! Tisha recognized the randomly random picture of me, which ran in Glamour when I was, like, 24. Please, girls, help me with this. How did that shot wind up in Panama? Does my God-given nose look like an "after" photo, post-clip rehabilitation? I'm a tad offended...I mean, I've devoted a good decade to helping women feel hot and sexy in their own skin, and now I'm unwittingly endorsing some loco anglify-your-nariz scheme? The nerve! My attorney sister, Devon/Brownie, is whipping up the cease and desist letter as we speak!

At the same time, though, I think this whole thing is profoundly hilarious and I kind of want to get the ads printed out on business cards. What do you think?

xoxo,
Tia