Here is Cassie at the 2009 BET Awards, and I think she looks absolutely stunning.  She was probably thinking “Diddy, eat your heart out!”

This is what Cassie looked like before

She was definitely just as gorgeous then but now with her new look she has a more exotic thing going. She also has a good head for revealing as shaved.  Anyone can do this really, but its not going to look the same on everyone of course.  Cassie actually reminds me of the model and wife of David Bowie, Iman.

Iman has been like the ultimate exotic African American supermodel forever.  She makes cosmetics now.  But seeing those photos of Cassie at the BET Awards just made me think of Iman.  Cassie looks mature now, statuesque and she’s carrying herself with confidence, something Iman always does in every photo that is snapped of her.  The thing is, if you decide to do something this drastic, you must be able to wear it with confidence.  As silly as that sounds, its just the plain old truth.  My hair is curly and wild, and I might consider doing this one day, not shaving half of my head, only a small portion on the right side, the area where you tuck you hair behind your ear.  I had a previous co-worker that had half of her head shaved.  It looked good.  She wore it well.  My best friend shaved a little portion of her head and her hair kind of falls into it, disguising it sometimes.  I think it looks awesome.  I don’t know you guys…is this the new trend???

Image Source: glamour.com, beautyfashionlife.files.wordpress

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This idea popped into my head last night at 10:30 p.m. while cruising the aisles of my local drugstore, as I usually do on a late weeknight after work.  I was in need of a new lipstick and came across some version of a Cover Girl lip plumping lipstick that supposedly gives you a fuller pout.  It was a nice color…Honey Rose to be exact and it was cheap, only $7.99.

So, I went for it and put it on this afternoon while getting ready for work, and to my surprise…the lipstick worked!  There is some sort of ingredient in it that makes the lips tingle, kind of like the secret ingredient in Lip Venom, but not as painful.  (For those of you who have ever tried Lip Venom…you know the sting that I am referring to.)  Incredifull Lipcolor is what its called, and yes it made my lips look full!  It plumped them up with the minty/tingly sensation and the color goes on smooth and creamy looking, not matte, not glossy.  Totally worth 8 bucks.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to get this lipstick, and you may all not like the results because they may differ from lip to lip.  But to continue on in our quest to get the legendary, iconic Jolie pout, the first step is to find a decent lipliner.  It doesn’t have to be an expensive, fancy brand.  As long as you pick one that is a neutral color, something along the lines of nude, or fleshtone, or a very brownish rose color.  I can remember for the longest time (particularly late 90’s) that MAC’s Lip Pencil in Spice was all the rage.

I mean, every woman in my immediate family owned that thing…and still might!  It was a good color.  This time around though, I would go for a lighter nude…and if you feel confused or overwhelmed, just be sure to pick something with the actual words “nude” or “naked” in the title…you should be good.

Line the lipline with your “naked” pencil, and don’t be afraid to use a heavy hand!  Next, fill in the lips with the same pencil, and top with either a simple lip balm like Blistex or something, OR a similarly colored nude lipstick.  Last, get ready to pucker up.

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Discounts on lip balm.

Gilligan O’Malley Woven Robe: $19.99

This robe also comes in white for all you purists out there.  I’ve been wearing mine every morning.  I feel so glamorous and girly in it, and its definitely made my beauty routine more fun.  One of the best parts about it I think is not only the softness and simplicity of it, but the fact that its so lightweight for warm mornings.  When it’s hot, and you’ve just gotten out of a warm shower, and then have to turn on a warm air blowing hair dryer…the last thing I wanna do is put on a heavy chenille or terrycloth robe–although these are awesome.  The print is a more mature floral too and not all bright pink with dogs and college logos.  When I wear my robe now, I don’t feel like I’m in a shared bathroom at a college dorm which is oh so nice…

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If you follow celebrity fashion or keep in touch with the latest music videos, you might be wondering why the nails that the ladies are sporting look extra spunky these days.  It is thanks to a revolutionary new nail treatment called Minx made from flexible film strips applied to the nails using a heat lamp.  The high gloss, long wearing coating takes about 15-20 minutes for application and needs absolutely no drying time, therefore avoiding accidental smudging or denting.  They are supposed to last for 1-2 weeks without chipping.  To remove them at home you just warm up the film with a hair dryer and peel it off.

So, if you are tired of your run of the mill, timid polishes and can’t stand fake nails either, check out Minx’s stunning array of selection.  The solids are anything but boring (think gold metallic like Beyonce in “Single Ladies” or chrome silver) .

The patterns range from intricate, delicate bridal laces to bold and brash animal prints.  You could even custom design a favorite photo into a nail coating.  How is that for a choice?  If you are worried about any harsh chemicals in the formula, you can relax.  Since it requires only heat for application and removal, it contains no harmful substances and is totally eco-friendly.

This hot new trend sported by the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Pink, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, Victoria Bekham among others, can now be found at Spa Nordstorm Escape. Or, to find a Minx nail salon in your part of the country, try the spa finder at Minxnails.com.  At Nordstorm , getting a minx treatment would cost you $50 including manicure and just $30 without manicure.

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This scrub is a $26 value and my mom didn’t want it!  So, I took it and used it all…the results on my skin were awesome!  Not only did it leave my skin smelling fresh and sweet, but my skin was glowing, thanks to the sugar, salt and olive oil ingredients in the scrub.  So, now I knew I liked this line Origins has been offering for what seemed like forever.  I ventured out and picked up the Ginger Gloss, a smoothing body oil that comes in a small spray bottle.  This was $18.50 and worth every penny!

It smells wonderful and not only can I use it on my skin without getting oily hands, but I also spray it lightly in my hair for some extra sheen and fragrant locks.  If you are a fan of natural, aroma-therapeutic scents…this is the way to go.

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Almay Liquid Eyeliner in Black: $6.30

This liner is fantastic!  I used it for several months and found that it goes on easy and washes off with soap and water…come on..who doesn’t love that factor?!  When applying, just pull the eyelid taut and with a steady hand, slide a thin line of the liquid across the base of your eyelid, closest to your lashes as possible.  Let dry for a sec and your done.  Mistakes will almost always be made so have a q-tip handy to clean up.

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The packaging on this is so cute and summery!  It is a sustainable and reusable straw palette that is filled with a bamboo eyeshadow brush, six new shades of mineral eyeshadow and three lip glosses.  The tray inside is made of post consumer waste and can either be recycled when you’re done using the shadows. The products themselves are all paraben free and the lip glosses are infused with acai, pomegranate, and gogi berry.

Use coupon code 3SJ9HQ at checkout at Sephora.com and get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $25.

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Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15: $34

By choosing a tinted moisturizer, you lower your chances of picking a shade that is way off since the pigmentation is less concentrated.  For those of you who need more coverage, there are of course a slew of other options, but as a former beauty consultant myself…this is my top recommendation.

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Discounts on Stila Cosmetics.

The new mineral enriched formula is specifically geared towards lengthening and is made with 86% natural orgin-ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E and aloe vera.  This mascara is totally eco-friendly and paraben free, plus it only cost me about $10.

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Discounts on L’Oreal cosmetics.

Alba Botanica Facial Sunscreen: $5.24

This is made for sensitive skin and has ingredients like chamomile, green tea and aloe vera.

Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen: $16.31

This is great for adults and children and is 100% chemical free.

Don’t forget! You have to re-apply sunscreen every couple of hours while in the sun, it rubs off easily with sweat, clothing, water, etc.

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