Diet Pepsi Teams Up With Sofia Vergara To Deliver Fun, Fizz And Flair To Women

From now through September 22, Diet Pepsi fans can enter for the chance to win prizes big and small at www.DietPepsi.com. From lipsticks and refreshing fizz to a once in a lifetime fun-filled experience, including a wardrobe makeover by Sofia Vergara' s personal stylist along with a $1,000 shopping spree in New York City, the opportunities for fun, fizz and flair abound at DietPepsi.com.

Seiko + Go Red For Women Movement

Go Red For Women is s the American Heart Association's national movement is dedicated to uncovering the truth about women and heart disease. Statistics show that more women die from cardiovascular disease than all forms of cancer combined.

Seiko has announced its continued support of the American Heart Association Go Red for Women movement with two exclusively designed "Go Red" Seiko Tressia watches. Starting this Saturday, September 1, 2012 every watch sold through March 1, 2013, Seiko will donate $15 to the organization to assist with saving lives in the United States.

Oprah Winfrey Tops Forbes List....Again

Ms. Winfrey has done it again. She has topped the Forbes List of highest paid celebrities for the fourth year in a row. Despite claims of a struggling network and a reported loss of $125 million, she still managed to earn $165 million between May 2011 and May 2012. Wow!!! I so want to be like Oprah when I grow up. If you haven't noticed by now this is definitely a Team Oprah blog. By the way, I absolutely love the OWN network. Super Soul Sunday, Life Class, The Next Chapter are all soothing to the soul.

The Beauty of Having Girlfriends

In a recent interview with iVillage.com, Michelle Obama stated, “Barack is somebody who understands my need to have my girls around me. And he knows that when I'm down, he'll call on one of them just to come up and take me to lunch or to spend some time. They're always there."

Having good, healthy friendships can definitely give life an amazing boost. More importantly, research suggests having friends can slow the aging process and add years to your life. Some of the studies indicate stress levels are reduced through human interaction. While other studies indicate, good habits typically resonate among groups of friends (what about bad habits?). Sounds pretty accurate to me. I am blessed to have, what some would consider, a fairly large group of girlfriends. I have known majority of my friends since middle school. Most of us attended the same high school and some of us even attended college together. With such a large group of friends comes a wide range of personalities, yet, overall our morals, values and belief systems are congruent. My girlfriends and I all love to dance, laugh and we all take advantage of all life has to offer. Most importantly, we have each other’s backs through the good and the bad. Undoubtedly, the love amongst us will keep us beautiful and around for a very long time. Keeping good friends means being a good friend, but it’s so worth it, especially if it helps you preserve your beauty.

Nicole Richie Launches Fragrance

Nicole Richie's much anticipated fragrance, Nicole will be unveiled this week at Macy's in Glendale, California on August 29th and on September 20th at Nordstrom at The Grove in Los Angeles, California. Her fragrance can be purchased as Eau de Parfum, body lotion and bath/shower gel. Prices will range from $28-$69. You will soon be able to purchase the fragrance at Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillards and other specialty stores nationwide. Congrats to Nicole!!!

Could Lack of Sleep be a New Risk Factor for Aggressive Breast Cancers?

According to new findings published in the August issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment by physician-scientists from University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University, lack of sleep is linked to more aggressive breast cancers.  For more information on the study refer to:

http://www.uhhospitals.org/about/media-news-room/current-news/2012/08/lack-of-sleep-found-to-be-a-new-risk-factor-for-aggressive-breast-cancers

Shadow Security

If you never have any eye shadow on by the end of the day and you are looking to achieve long lasting eye shadow, the key is to prep your eyes with an eye primer or a concealer before applying your eye shadow. However, if you prefer using concealer, you will have to set it with a powder because some concealers have a tendency to crease. Next, apply a natural color all over the eye. Lastly, apply your desired shadow. This technique never disappoints.

Will You Dance or Remain a Wallflower?

“No woman can call herself free who does not control her own body” -Margaret Sanger

Legitimate Rape—the term, casually used by Republican Representative Todd Akins as he explained that WE can not become pregnant via rape. I am not sure what is more shocking, the casual manner in which he stated such nonsense, the interviewer’s ability to maintain a straight face, the fact that this man is running for public office and currently serves on the House Science & Technology Committee, or perhaps the fact that many from within the GOP have the audacity to defend him.

As the RNC begins its weeklong conference, it is important to understand that the party has adopted a policy stance banning abortion in all cases---to include incest and rape. Do not be persuaded by Romney and Ryan’s pandering, as Ryan has endorsed anti abortion legislation such as the Sanctity of Human Life Act. Supporting a Romney/Paul ticket means that YOU believe all abortions—including those cases involving rape and incest—are wrong and that women should be held criminally responsible for undergoing abortions.

Romney has promised to defund Planned Parenthood and ban many basic forms of birth control. We must not allow any attempts to defund Planned Parenthood as they provide much needed services to include screenings for cancer, birth control, and treatment for STDS. Abortion accounts for only 3% of its services. Ladies we are the largest, most reliable voting block. There is a war on OUR BODIES and US. We cannot afford to be complacent in November and I hope our roar is heard near and far. The spotlight is on us…will you dance or remain a wallflower? The choice is yours!

By The Political Beauty

Victoria Secret Allegedly Selling Knockoffs?

Victoria's Secret Stores, Inc. and its parent company Limited Brands, Inc. have been accused of breaching a 2001 agreement, and deliberately selling cheaper "knockoffs" to unsuspecting consumers, in a fifteen million dollar lawsuit filed by one of the retail chain's former major hosiery suppliers. New Jersey-based hosiery designer Zephyrs alleges that Victoria's Secret is misleading customers by selling less expensive, Canadian-made stockings while intentionally using photographs of Zephyrs-designed Italian-made stockings on packaging and in store displays. The less expensive copies are missing key design features, Zephyrs claims. The Complaint also alleges that, facing stagant profits and mounting debt, in order to unlawfully reduce its expenses, the retailer has contacted Zephyrs' suppliers directly with the intent to copy their designs, in violation of its written contracts from 2001.

June Ambrose + HSN

The fabulous, June Ambrose, is scheduled to appear as a featured guest to kickoff HSN's Fall Fashion Series, Ultimate Trunk Show presented by Elle Magazine on August 26, 2012.

Mrs. Michelle Obama to appear on The Dr. Oz Show

Mrs. Michelle Obama is scheduled to appear on The Dr. Oz Show, on September 14, 2012, during the show's fourth season launch week. She will be discussing two issues regarding her Lets Move! Initiative- improving guidelines for school lunches and updates to the President's Youth Fit Program, in effect this school year.

Oprah Interviews Gabby Douglas

First Look: Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas on Oprah's Next Chapter

Olympic gymnast Gabrielle "Gabby" Douglas won gold and the hearts of millions. Now, Oprah travels to West Des Moines, Iowa, to sit down with this 16-year-old gold medalist. Plus, Oprah meets Gabby's mother, Natalie; her three siblings; her coach, Liang Chow; and visits with her host family. Tune in Sunday, August 26, at 8:30/7:30c.

Powdering in Public

According to some etiquette experts, there is nothing prim and proper about applying make-up in public. On the other hand, Peggy Post, Director of the Emily Post Institute via www.goodhouskeeping.com, says she sees nothing wrong with applying a little lipstick in public. I personally don’t see anything wrong with it either, especially since I previously discovered men are attracted to women applying lipstick/lipgloss, through prior research. Yet, I do feel like everything else should be done in private. I feel like when you do your complete face in public you are giving all of your secrets away and a real lady should always have secrets.

Menopause Took My Eyebrows….Really?

I didn’t want to touch this topic because 1) I am not a doctor and 2) there are studies on top of studies on this topic, making it quite difficult to cover in one post. Nonetheless, I was baffled by the information I discovered about this topic. According to several articles, menopause can undoubtedly affect hair growth and cause hair loss. Apparently, it can cause the hair to disappear in places you don’t necessarily want it to disappear and excessive growth in places such as your underarms….YUCK!!! The seeming culprit for this unfortunate situation can be attributed to a shift in hormones and your androgen-to-estrogen ratio. Essentially, you want more estrogen than androgen. Additionally, the articles provided some other elaborate medical terms. However, in a nutshell, menopause forces your body to go through natural changes. Since, I am not a doctor yet, I can’t provide any suggestions. Yet, some of the articles I read suggested complying with a good nutritional diet and taking daily vitamins and minerals. The good news is the average menopausal period is five years and your body will eventually resume its’ normalcy. So, hang in there. Women go through so much. Yet, I still love being a women. By the way, if you are experiencing unbearable perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms, please consult your doctor.

A Good Do Over

There has been a lot of talk about Oprah recently revealing her beautiful, natural tresses on the cover of O magazine. During a recent interview regarding her natural mane, she was asked why she decided to reveal her hair in its’ natural state. Oprah indicated she frequently alters her hairstyles and wearing her hair natural is one of the styles she opts for at times. She smiled as she talked about how good it feels to be able to alter her appearance. Moreover, she advocated occasional hair style changes for all women, which I totally agree with. Every now and then, I do believe you should refine your look or totally makeover your entire appearance. I previously discussed trying some of the fun trends this past season. This summer was loaded with color and versatility but now fall is rapidly approaching. As it enters with its cool temps, take advantage of the season with a new hair style or a new rich make-up look. Smoky eyes, nude lips, and the ever-so popular, matte red lip are all making a polished, comeback. I actually think I am going for a good chop this season. A good makeover is always good for the soul and it’s always my intent to help you achieve beauty for the soul.

I Can't Find the Right Foundation

The ultimate key to selecting the right foundation is to make your selection based on the products ability to enhance your natural skin tone and provide the amount of desired coverage. Foundation for everyday wear should never appear as if you are wearing a mask nor should you appear as if you are preparing to climb into the ground for your underground appointment. When attempting to find the right foundation, pay attention to how the foundation feels and how it makes you look. Does it make you look gray, red, orange, pale, ashy, shiny, dark or muddy? If so, keep testing different foundations until you find a true match and the preferred coverage. Remember, the goal is to achieve effortless beauty, therefore, be prepared to splurge a little in the foundation department.

White-Stripes-Under-The-Eyes Syndrome

Have you ever looked at your pictures and noticed ever-present white stripes under your eyes, closely resembling Band-Aids? Lately, I’ve noticed an increasing amount of women religiously applying under eye concealers and powders, which I commend. Unfortunately, I don’t believe the method in which they are applying their under eye make-up is totally affective. So, hopefully the following steps will assist in remedying this issue. First, when choosing concealer, be sure to select a texture that can be easily worked into your skin. Secondly, select a tone slightly lighter than your skin tone but be sure to stay within your same skin tone (warm or cool) family. Your concealer should never appear too ashy or white. Lastly, blend, blend out, blend down and keep blending. Oh and please be sure to set your concealer with a non-reflective powder. Reflective powders will really give you white stripes in pictures. If you have fallen victim to the White-Stripes-Under-The-Eyes Syndrome, don’t feel bad because I have too, but together we can resolve this issue. By the way, the above picture reveals the beautiful Eva Longoria suffering from the syndrome. Poor Eva!!! The product under her eyes is rumored to be Make Up Forever HD Powder. Oh well we live and we learn.

What’s the Skinny on Shapeware….Or Shall I Say A Women’s BFF?

Spanx, girdles, long bras, high panties, control hose or whatever you prefer to call your BFF, all assist women in sucking in and tucking away unwanted bulging, creating the illusion of smoother skin and coke bottle bodies. I will be the first to confess my love for shapeware. In my opinion, there is nothing more attractive than neatly fitted garb. Clothing should flatter your physique regardless of your body type and the right shapeware will definitely do the job. It’s a great cheating method for those of you who haven’t totally committed to rigorous gym regimes or if you simply want your clothes to fit better. The funny thing is women large and small are wearers of shapeware. Believe it or not, shapeware has been one of the best kept secrets among celebrities for centuries. Nevertheless, as flattering and beautiful as it makes women appear, the medical community is beginning to express concerns regarding excessive suckedindom. According to a recent NBC article on this very issue, an OBGYN from Kaiser Permanente warned that long-term use of shapeware can affect circulation, can cause bacterial infections and nerve damage. She further advised about the possibility of blood clots forming in the body, which can ultimately travel to the brain. She recommended wearing shapeware for special occasions, avoid sizes that are too small and definitely avoid wearing more than one pair at a time, which is a special secret for some celebrities….OUCH. Unfortunately ladies, it appears we are being left with no other alternatives but to eat right and exercise. Health before beauty!!!

All Dolled Up and Fired

Should women be fired for wearing too much make-up? In my opinion, the decision to wear make-up or not to the workplace is a personal preference.  While I do believe some women take it a bit overboard with excessive eyelashes, clown-like shadows and monstrous brows all to report to their 9 to 5, I don’t stand behind the decision to fire a person for wearing too much make-up.   Yet, when a flagrant violation arises, I do believe the individual should be made aware of the company’s dress code policy and warned.  Should the individual continuously violate adherence to the company’s policy, then actions should be taken.  Recently, a woman in the U.K. reported being fired for her heavily, drawn on Cleopatra eyeliner.  Apparently, she worked in a hospital and was informed her look was not congruent with the dress code policy.  In my opinion, her make-up did not warrant termination but I have seen some make-up jobs that would make you wonder. What do you think? 

Shopping for Goodies

I can’t imagine being a consumer walking in ULTA or Sephora or standing at a make-up counter. It’s overwhelming for me as a Make-Up Artist. So, how in the world do you make the right decisions regarding purchasing products? The best approach would be to do a little on-line research before entering a store or walking up to a counter. With all of the fun colors and wonderful packaging, it’s very hard to stay focused making it overly easy to break the bank. Stop…Think…Test…Decide…Purchase. Lastly, check the store’s return policy because you may get home and decide to return your products. Happy Shopping!!! 

Eyelash Beauty

Eyelashes should never appear as if they are some derivative of an insect or some newly evolved mammal. Eyelashes for everyday wear should inherently enhance your natural eye beauty, while giving the appearance of normal, human eyelashes. When applied correctly, they should not hurt or require thick layers of glue. The glue used to adhere false eyelashes should always be glue made specifically for eyes, not hair. There are so many variations of eyelashes now that even some strip lashes can offer a natural appearance. However, should you choose to have eyelash extensions applied, always be mindful that everyone who claims to be a lash professional is not always so. I caution you to do your research first. You only get one set of eyes. Therefore, proceed with caution. I have heard, seen and corrected some horrible applications. By the way, do not sleep in strip lashes. It’s not sanitary!!! Health before beauty.