Pink is my favorite color, so I'm not sure why I hardly use it (except on lips) when playing with my makeup?  Here's what I came up with.  I'm also debuting my new, funky, short , wig.  I got it to hide my hair in this cold weather and possibly for interviewing. It was between this and a stepford wife, long wig.  Of course I chose the more funky one, but my whole purpose for going to the BSS, was to purchase the latter....oye!

Playing around with my MAC (computer, that is...lol)

Products are by MAC unless otherwise noted

FACE

Becca Stick Foundation in Hazelnut

EYES

Base -  Baselight

Lid - Lancome's Visionary Eyeshadow

Crease -  Sketch

Outer V - Bobbi Brown's Black Plum

Highlight - Trace Gold (blush - yes, I used a blush as my highlight)

CHEEKS

Bronze Hero Lustre Drops (LE)

LIPS

Bing Mattene (LE)

Wow, I must be going insane.  I have not posted any news of upcoming MAC collections?!  Okay, here is a sneak peek at the Spring Colour Forecast collection. It's a BIG one!!  Gosh, just thinking about Spring is making me all warm inside.  I am really excited about this collection (ummm, when am I never excited about a MAC collection...lol) and see a few things that I really want to pick up.  There seems to be something for everyone in this collection of pinks, golds, purples and corals.  I'm hoping it won't be as exciting in person, because my pennies are quite low.  Let's see if I can bother hubby for an early valentines day gift!

Shame on me: I still feel a way about rocking my natural hair on interviews.  For some reason, I just think employers will concentrate too much on my hair and not so much on what I'm saying.  This may all be in my head, but this is the first time since I've had natural hair, that I've had to search for a job (I interviewed right after my big chop, but it was a for a position within the company I was already in - got the promotion too!). So, perusing one of my favorite blogs, saw the fiercest, natural, interview hair.  When you watch the vid below, you may think it's just a ponytail?  It's fierce because for some reason I didn't think of attempting it on MY hair.  For some reason, I thought it would be too kinky, too thick, to achieve (I still have some hang ups to get over eventhough I'm natural).  Erin of Makeup Fiend was so gracious to post this tutorial.  I started to attempt the do this past weekend and chickened out (well I didn't chicken out, I was being lazy -  my hair is in cornorows and I didn't feel like taken them down yet). Will once again rock a wig, but I will definitely be trying this in the near future. Frankly, I try to be as honest as I can with everyone, so why not prospective employers?

Check the waves...

Tutorial - My Slicked back bun from EdotRich on Vimeo.

I love Zoe Saldana as an actress and I feel we could be so FAB together if we hang out, but this right huuuuuurrrr, is a HOT MESS!!  Can we say bag lady chic??

Jennifer Morrison (House) is PIMPIN for sure!

Last night I noticed that the more 'mature' actresses were NOT playing.  Sandra Bullock was GAWGEOUS in this purple dress!

Mrs. Cannon wouldn't have faired to bad, if not for the neckline.  It is waaaaaayyyy too low.  I'm a big fan of cleavage, but can we see something else from her?!

Drew B. is a friend in my head.  I thought she was stunning in this gown, but that extra hip piece made me itch.  It was statement enough on the shoulder. Some designers need to know when to quit.

Olivia Wilde...STUNNING!

Another friend in my head, Kate Hudson.  I'm not sure how I felt about this?  I like it, but then again I don't?  The shoes are FIIIIIIERCE!!!!

Congrats to Monique on her win!!!  I am so PROUD of her!  I thought she looked beautiful in this dress, but Mo, what happened to shaving your legs?? Nothing wrong with being au naturel, but this is not a good look?

She needs a new stylist ASAP!  Fiona, call me....

I think people are under the assumption that because it's an awards ceremony you need to have a long flowing gown. Ginnifer Goodwin is a WINNER in this dress and I am LOVING the color.

Her name escapes me, but I think I likes...

I've always admired Chloe Sevigny's style.   For someone in their mid-thirties she is fearless with fashion.  She reminds me of me (wink).  Not sure why I saw this dress on a 'Worst Dressed' list.  I think it's SOOOOO interesting.  Don't you?

And the stunner of the evening, hands down goes to Halle Berry!!  This 'itch' betta WORK!  This is what the Fab Forties should look like.  She actually has me hating.

This don't make NO sense!!  Let me hit the elliptical.

I'm booking as I type.  This sounds too luxurious to pass on.

Update: In lieu of the devastation in Haiti, I've decided to dedicate the funds to them.  If I can get extra pennies between now and the 24th, then Back Room, here I come!

Happy New Year?  I've been M.I.A. for a minute, but it's not too late to wish everyone a Happy, Blessed and Prosperous new year.  I cannot believe we are already in a new decade.  I remember when friends and I would talk about approaching Y2K: How old we would be? Would the world come to an end? Would our bank accounts shut down?  And more importantly how would we usher in the New Year.  Ten years later and my, how things and I have changed. I was glad to leave 2009 behind.  It was a year of struggle, tests and trials for so many, including myself.  Well, God brought me thru in my right mind and what didn't kill me, has made me stronger.  I now look at it as the year of sewing my seeds and prayerfully 2010 will be my year to REAP!!  I'm looking forward to favor, miracles and abundant blessings in this New Year.  I'm also going to try to get better at write-ups to this e-zine.  Look forward to some new and exciting things!  Stay Blessed.

Emgke'

Just Found Out...

That a new season of one of my all-time favorite shows kicks off tomorrow on Lifetime.  My dvr was set since last year.  I cannot wait for the talent, the fashion, the runway, the models, the drama and Heidi and Tim.  Be sure to check your local listings for the first of the year premiere of Project Runway.  You know what?  Models of the Runway, which follows PR isn't half bad.  Be sure to check that out, as well.

Been seeing a few pics on the web lately with celebs an pink/reddish hair.  Not sure if this is a new trend or not, but I'm feeling it.  I also didn't know that Keyshia Cole joined the shaved-head-band-wagon.  So far, hers has been the most fab and I love how she incorporated the color for just the artwork.  Is Misa Hylton-Brim still a celeb sylist?  Hmmmm....

If you're in the Philly area this weekend come check out the Punk Rock Flea Market.  I've seen people come home with some really BEEautiful vintage and one of a kind pieces.  I personally love events like this.  Don't let the name fool ya!

At The Starlight Ballroom

460 N. Ninth Street (Just Below 9th & Spring Garden Sts - Chinatown!)
Philadelphia, PA 
$3 Entry Donation / All Ages / 21+ To Drink At The Bar

For more info check here

Still skeptical?  Check out this vid!

BrownFace TV at the 1st annual NYC Natural Hair and Beauty Show, produced by Oraje Nefertum on November 8, 2009.

BrownFace TV at the NYC Natural Hair and Beauty Show

When I watched my dvr'ed American Music Awards this morning, JLo had me get up off my pillow.  All I could think was how CA-UTE her hairstyle was and how much better the kinky version would look.  Yes, we know she had a performance mishap, but all I could see was the hair...lol Stay tuned for my interpretation!

Answer me this: Is this woman really 40??  Wowser!

In today's edition of Pimpin or B**** Slap, we have two women who are not afraid to push the envelope: Rhi Rhi and Sharon Stone (God bless her heart).  We'll start with Rhi Rhi.  The BEE is feeling her dress!  It's a beautiful knit dress, with puff sleeve shoulders and because it's Rhi, it's also uber short (I agree with the shorter, the better).  I dig fanny packs (my husband has already abused me because of this statement). I think they are very simple and easy.  But how are we feeling with it paired with this dress? Also, how are we feeling about the hair.  I did this back in 2001.  Is two-toned coming back or is she looking for more ways to push that envelope?

Now unto Ms. Stone.  When I saw these pics on Yahoo, both women were on the worst dress list with these outfits, but for some reason the BEE is feeling Sharon's dress, as well?  Is it just me?  I think it's the top hat and jacket that make it to costumey (is this a word?) or cabaret.  What do you think?  Are these women Pimpin or do they need a back handed B**** Slap?

On another note, I'm not sure who this young lady is (found this pick over at Lulus.com), but this oversized bow is FIERCE!!!  I think this time, it may just be me...lol

Everyone should know how much we love Qhemet Biologics over here at the BEE.  When you order products totaling over $34 on Black Friday, you can enjoy 20% off by using coupon code CULTURE at check-out.  It will only be active during a 16 hour sale window! Visit www.qhemetbiologics.com today!

The BEE Picks:

Amla and Olive Heavy Cream - Thick, Coarse Hair

Burdock Root Butter Cream - Finer hair textures, but I think it can work in thick hair, as well

Olive and Honey Hydrating Balm - This product is AMAZING!!  Your hair will thank you!

HAPPY MOISTURE!

Carolynn Washington

Reppin: Baltimore, MD

Length of Nappturality:  5 years now (went through a horrible flat ironing stage until I learned what products to use and how to take better care of it...lol)

Natural Journey: I went natural in high school originally in tenth grade. Got a perm for prom because the stylist said she would not be able to do my hair:(  Went natural again the summer after my sophomore year of college. I have just always loved my hair in it's natural state. I have no shame or hangups.  All my family members get perms and I have no problem with that. But health is very important to me and hair should be healthy too. 

C-Boogie, we're going to need a tutorial on this first pic, because it is HAUTE!!

All Products are by MAC unless otherwise stated

Face: No Foundation Used

Eyes: Haunting on lid

          Brown Down to blend in crease

           #92 Purple - Makeup Forever on outer 3rd of lid

           #04 Black - Makeup Forever in outer V

           Trace Gold blush as brow highlight

              Cobalt Blue liner by Stila as liner

Lips: 3N Lipglass  (I seriously did not like this color when I bought it and now I can't get enough.  It's a pretty neutral gloss which will be repromoted in an upcoming MAC collection)

Cheeks: Sweetness Blush 

I was very disappointed in the lack of representation of natural hair in Chris Rock's movie "Good Hair."  I am in no way a natural hair nazi (because I know I am sometimes steps away from a relaxer or a really good weave), but I feel there was too much emphasis on 'our' spending on weaves and what we go thru to get relaxers.  The lone natural young lady in the movie was actually put down for having a natural fro?  Huh?  It was not diversified enough AND didn't really address where the notion of "Good Hair" came from and how we can stop using yet another thing, HAIR, to divide us.

So for the month of November (and possibly ongoing), The BrownFace BEE will be profiling natural hair beauties.  

Let's check out our first "Good Hair" Beauty!

Stephanie Theodore

Reppin: Boston, Ma

Natural Journey: I've been natural since 2002, started my locs December 2003. I went natural because I felt like I was doing too much to be beautiful. I felt that I no longer needed a relaxer and acrylic nails to look beautiful plus I wanted a change. It was hard at first but now its soo easy.

Okay, is it just me or are these earrings bringing you to life right now!!!

One of my fellow youtubers, Blkbderfly, created a make-up look in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I really meant to post this video earlier this month, but better late than never.  Pink is my favorite color and I never know how to wear it as an eye color?  This was very helpful in so many ways and very pretty, I might add.

My weekday ritual consists of (this is the exact order): dropping hubby to work, doing my devotion, daydreaming/processing all the creative ideas going thru my head, head to the computer to check on my favorite blogs, then start looking for jobs.  

While sifting thru blogs this morning (then thru blogs from blogs), I happened on this film starring Sophie Okonedo, called Skin.  Every movie that I've seen Sophie in so far, has not disappointed.  WHo do I speak to about getting her some more mainstream gigs?

About the movie:

"SKIN is one of the most moving stories to emerge from apartheid South Africa: Sandra Laing is a black child born in the 1950s to white Afrikaners, unaware of their black ancestry. Her parents are rural shopkeepers serving the local black community, who lovingly bring her up as their ‘white’ little girl. But at the age of ten, Sandra is driven out of white society. The film follows Sandra’s thirty-year journey from rejection to acceptance, betrayal to reconciliation, as she struggles to define her place in a changing world - and triumphs against all odds. "

Find out more about the film and US release dates, by visiting TheSkinMovie.net.

Here's a sneak peak.  It looks like a tear-jerker and a so MUST SEE!

Lisa Akbari is a natural hair specialist, whom I found sifting thru youtube videos.  I am a helper by nature (blame the Virgo in me) and I admire what she is doing, but not sure if I would be able to do something like this.  What a selfless act.  Are any of you relaxed ladies willing to take this journey?  Are any of you natural ladies willing to straighten to help women along the natural road?

Today marks the first day of the inaugural Philadelphia Fashion Week!  BrownFace will be doing press for the three day event.  After the MAC event in Center City Philly this past week and now this huge Fashion event, I must say the city is finally growing on me.  Now time for BrownFace to make its mark.

I can't wait to check out the Brooklyn Royalty Show.  I will represent Brooklyn till the day I die.  BK STAND UP!

About Philadelphia Fashion Week

Founded by CMK Entertainment in 2009, Philadelphia Fashion Week is the premier fashion event in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. This accessible, three-day celebration of fashion, food, and arts and culture, will include runway shows featuring street wear, contemporary couture designers sold in Philadelphia and student designers from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Philadelphia University, Moore College of Art & Design.

Platinum-level sponsors: Big Events, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Wilhelmina of PA and Wired 96.5 FM; Gold-level sponsors: Macy’s, Amtrak, Lucky Strike Lanes and Lounge, KB Experience, Raison D’Etre Marketing, Insalaco Public Relations, Well Fed, Junk Drawer Media, Brolik Productions, Little Giant Media, two.one.five magazine, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Matthew Izzo Lifestyle & Home, Beautiful Blooms; Silver-level sponsors: Southwest Airlines, TicketLeap, Design Philadelphia, Silver Marketing Group, CydeClops Productions, Rosie Kim, Strange Powers Productions, Phlare magazine, Bluecoat Gin, Penn 1681 Vodka, Loews Hotels, Village Green Productions, Christopher Gabello Photography, Trio and DP Image Consulting.

Lead Stylists: Kevin Gatto, Fountainhead Beauty and Studio CL Workshop.
Other stylist sponsors: Barex Italiana, Andre Richards Salon, Verde Salon, Art + Science Salon and Spa and HeaD AreA.

Today's Line Up

Thursday, October 8, 2009

To find out more or to purchase your tickets, check out www.philadelphiafashionweek.org

I'm not sure what to think about Amber Rose.  I'm neither here, nor there.  I will say though, her body is on POINT!  I am such a huge fan of jumpsuits and am glad that they are back in fashion rotation.  I think this Summer alone, I purchased like seven, all for under $100! 

I think I'm loving the style of this jumpsuit, but what are we thinking about the print?  Too much?  The shoe color is PIMPIN!

Lets get educated, tested and healthy!  BrownFace sends it's prayers to all the women and their families battling breast cancer.  

On September 10, 20009, I was invited to go backstage to cover The Vessel by Lois fashion show.  It has definitely been one of my biggest dreams to be at fashion week.  To say I was excited would be an understatement.  I was privileged to interview Felicia Walker Benson, the Creative Director of Make-up for the show and Lois Samuels, model, author and now designer of The Vessel collection. 
 
I personally would like to thank Mrs. Benson for sharing her blessing with me.  She invited me to the show after learning she would be a major part of it.  She could have kept this to herself and because she decided to share this with me, God will be sending even more blessings her way.  Due to Felicia’s generosity, I was able to meet the designers from my all time favorite show, Project Runway, and make some new and invaluable professional (and personal) connections.
 
Let’s not be afraid to share what God has given us.  There is no need to keep things to ourselves, hating on others, blocking others from fulfilling their dreams, fearing the gifts in others because we think they may get farther than us.  The more you do this, the less God will prosper you.  We were meant to be a blessing to others.  Let’s stop being crabs in a barrel and support one another.  On the same note, DON’T LET ANYONE STOP YOU FROM FULFILLING YOUR DREAMS. What God has for you is for YOU and no man on earth can take that away.  Stay Blessed, Fab & Fierce, BrownFace Beauties!  VIEW THE INTERVIEWS HERE ON BROWNFACE TV!
 
Love,
Emgke’ 
 
 Let's Talk with BrownFace TV premiering October 2009!

This is my Style Black haul, part 1.  I will be going back for more once the collection hits, next week.  Pictures to come soon.  I really overdosed on shoe buying!!  Oh, well...it was my BIRTHDAY!!

Judging by the fact that I am wearing a jacket in my house, Summer is officially done.  But I think these 'hotties' can be rocked well into October, maybe even November (weather permitting), if done RIGHT!  I don't think I need anymore shoes, though..lol.  

                                          80%20 Boots - $198

Forgive me, I totally forgot where I snatched these from.  I do remember them being a purty penny!

                                     Piperlime Final Sale $50

How would you PIMP them for Fall?

Okay, so the news of Tyra showing her 'natural' hair has been buzzing around the internet for weeks.  I knew it was big business when my husband (who usually cares nothing of hair, beauty make-up or Tyra) came home to tell me to tape the show.  He knew I would be very interested. I will be watching the show today, but I know I will be disappointed, because when Tyra says 'natural'  it just means she is sans wig. It also means she may be sporting those tired cornrows she always wears whenever there is a 'real' or 'natural' show.  Maybe someone should explain to her what NATURAL really means.

Let me know what you think when you watch the show. I pray to be surprised.  Now onto more fun news...

Oh, how I love New York.  I will be in NYC on the 10th!  Somewhere, anywhere!  It's FASHION WEEK!  I may even have a surprise coming!  Look for me in the evening at MAC's fashion event at around 6pm.  They will be previewing the Style Black collection.  Can we say UBER EXCITED!

Okay, I am feeling Lady GaGa's music (and her style for that matter), but WHO KNEW she could really sing?!  This is making me want to actually cop the album.

Why does Solange get some much slack?  Here she is again PIMPIN HER BEAUTY at Q-Tip's MJ Party.  You! Betta! Work Solo!