Shake Your Beauty

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.