Yesterday I gave you what I hope were helpful tips from the beauty and brains behind Thevi Cosmetics on which eye shadow shades work best for African-American women and other women of color.  But I didn’t share my favorite brands and shades.   Like Thevi, I’m a fan of gold,  golden brown, and burgundy.
In no particular order, here are my affordable picks, all available at Walgreens:
 
 
 
For more tips on eye shadow and how to achieve a glamourous “Red Carpet” look, watch this video from Iman Cosmetics.
Image credit: Walgreens, Iman Cosmetics

The New Year is only a few days away.  That can only mean one thing — it’s time for end of the year lists.  Last week I recounted my fave and not so fave pop culture moments.  So in no particular order, it’s time to revisit my five favorite beauty products of the year:
1) Black Radiance Velvet & Glow (Color & Shimmer for the Face).
This versatile makeup is available at your local drugstore, and can be used to add color to your lips, cheeks, and eyes.  What a life saver.
2) Mariah Carey “M” and “Luscious Pink” perfumes.  These long lasting, feminine and floral scents will …read more

Meghann Early from New York City!  For submitting her winning photos and descriptions, this Thrifty Fashionista (that’s the name of her cool blog) won a pair of “Flirty Eyelashes” and Tahitian Sunset shimmer from Tropez and “Precious Metals” eye shadow by Black Radiance.  You see mamas, you have to play to win.
 
Here’s what Meghann had to say about her fave winter hats:
Blue Hat: I bought the hat at H&M it cost me $5.90. I like it because it has the pom pom in the back and the dark blue color is versatile.
Purple Hat: This one is from H&M also and it cost …read more

Earlier this week I issued the first “Hot Mama Daily Challenge.”  The challenge is simple. Email me a photo of you wearing your fave fashionable hat.  I set the deadline for today by noon, but I’m extending that ’til Monday at noon.
 
If you want to take the challenge, email me a photo of yourself wearing your fave, funky hat.  I have a thing for slouchy, bohemian knit hats like the one Brandy is wearing in the above photo.  What’s your hat style?
Here’s your chance to flaunt your hot mama-ness. On Tuesday, I will post the best photos that are emailed to me …read more

African American women often have a hard time finding the right makeup.  Some brands that shall remain nameless give us a gray or orange finish.  So it’s important to find the perfect foundation, powder, blush and eye shadow to compliment your complexion. Often that means blending a couple different shades to customize your doll face.
A few of my go-to brands for quality foundation and press powder are Black Radiance and Black Opal, found in your local drugstore, and Clinique and Christian Dior, found in your local department store.
And when it comes to eye shadow and blush, I can always count on …read more

Looking fierce in fuschia, Christina Aguilera is red-carpet ready with the latest trend in lip color.  Hot pink.  Are you ready to be pretty in pink?
Try it for yourself with these chic, affordable shades:
Black Radiance Perfect Tone Lip Color in Purple Passion, $.99   
Wet n Wild Silk Finish Lipstick in Noveau Pink, $.99   
Tropez Moisturizing Lipstick in Palatial Pink, $.99
Wet n Wild, Black Radiance, and Tropez can be found at drugstores nationwide.
Photo Credits: Newscom, Cmmpr.com