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Vivica Fox & 50 Cent Reunited?
- The lovebirds are back... for 50's new video!
Old Flames
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Follow the Model... And Miss J
- The fashion guru and reality show judge tells all
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U.S. Reverses HIV Travel Ban
- Obama says policy was rooted in fear, not fact
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Not the Cold Weather!
When the temperature drops, so does the softness of your skin. But with these ash-blasting products, your skin will stay soft and moist throughout the cold months of fall and winter.
BV Beauty: Cold-Weather Skin Care
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BV on Style
BV on Style covers black style, urban fashion, and hot celebrity looks; everything the urban fashionista or fashionisto could want!
Filed under: Budget Fashion
November 27th, also known as Black Friday, is one of the busiest shopping days of the year! Eager shoppers recover quickly from their Thanksgiving meals to grab the best in the season's steals and deals.Here's a rundown for you shoppers who need the 411 on your favorite clothing and department stores:
The shopping fun goes from 5am-1pm at Macy's stores where you can snag DKNY coats for $80, Oscar de la Renta cotton sweaters for $20, and Calvin Klein leather gloves for $20. Get a flyer for extra discounts, which include coupons for 15% off sale and clearance items.
Run to JCPenney starting at 4am for doorbuster deals including $30 women's boots, $60 luggage sets, and women's separates for $50 and less. The fun ends at 1pm, so be sure to get there before all the deals run dry.
Head out to Old Navy starting at 3am for Outerwear at 50% Off, Performance Fleece Tops and Graphic Tee's for only $5, and sweaters for $10. If you just can't wait for Black Friday, select stores will be open at noon on Thanksgiving Day!
Already affordable Target prices go lower, as the discount den offers pants, tees, scarfs, and more for as little as $5. Get there at 5am to call first dibs.
If you haven't yet purchased a new winter coat, go to Burlington Coat factory for $10 Bubble Coats, $50 Designer Coats, $15 all weather boots and more! If you turn in an old coat, receive 10% off your entire purchase! Where will you be shopping?
Find more Fashion Deals and Steals on Claire's blog, The Fashion Bomb.
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Filed under: Celebrity Style , Red Carpet
Tons of stars came out this weekend for the 2009 American Music Awards, wearing their best for the glitter and paparazzi. AOL Black Voices has its own takes on the unique red carpet stylings. Take a look:
Mary J. Blige made an appearance in a floor length conservative black gown with touches of elegance found in knotted waist and neck details. Her chic hairstyle, diamond bracelet, and compact metallic clutch complete a hot yet reserved ensemble.
Young Bombshell Keri Hilson went for the opposite of reserved in a thigh grazing sequined long sleeve black sheath, accented with glittering ankle booties, and a new longer hairstyle. A very age appropriate rocker look for the young starlet.
Hot mamma Toni Braxton also bet on black in a plunging v-neck black maxi dress with a high slit and side cutouts. Stacked bangles, simple gold drop earrings, and platform black suede and gold platforms accessorize the lovely red carpet look. Her cute son also gets an A+ in red carpet chic!
Brit Leona Lewis vamped it up in a Vivienne Westwood PVC strapless mini creation with simple ankle boots and minimal accessories. While Vivienne Westwood is a flawless designer, this paticular silhouette does nothing to play up Leona's fabulous figure or gorgeous face.
Fearless fashionista Rihanna debuted a black and white laser cut floral Marchesa Spring 2010 strapless gown for the event, accented with white ankle strap shoes and minimal accessories. Rihanna is known for her bold fashion choices, and this dress fits her personality and adds a dash of daring to the red carpet fashion offerings.
Alicia Keys broke the black mold in a Giorgio Armani Spring 2010 blue, turquoise, and purple jewel encrusted strapless dress. The origami pleated detail on the bust provides an interesting talking point, but perhaps all the colors--the shoes, the eyeshadow, a multicolored dress take away from Alicia's sheer simple essence.
Which look was your favorite?
See more of Claire's American Music Awards reviews at The Fashion Bomb.
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Filed under: Photos, Fashion News
It's that time of the year again. Last night, in a flurry of feathers, hair extensions, glitter and uncomfortable underwire, the Angels once again strutted half-dressed down a diamond-crusted runway in the annual over-the-top Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Before a star-studded audience that included a tuxedo-clad Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Keri Hilson, models Selita Ebanks, Chanel Iman and Sessilee Lopez, among others, worked the runway in lingerie outfits that weren't the sorts of things any woman in her right mind could or would wear under her clothes. But they were pretty to look at nonetheless!
Heidi Klum, who had a baby daughter just five weeks ago, opted for hosting the event in an elaborate dress-leaf corset costume instead of actually modeling the goods on the runway. 
Dominican-American model Lopez had fun with a green velvet holiday-themed lingerie set paired with matching boots.
Chanel Iman donned this racy lace bodysuit during the show.
You can catch the full event, which took place at New York's Lincoln Armory and featured a performance by the Black Eyed Peas, Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 10 p.m. Until then, tide yourself over by clicking through the fashion show pics.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=779436&pid=779435&uts=1258736748 http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf 10 Family Films
'Akeelah and the Bee'
Directed by Doug Atchison, this 2006 film stars Keke Palmer as a young girl from Los Angeles trying to make it to the National Spelling Bee. Reuniting again for third time are Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, who play her mother and her mentor, respectively.
'Crooklyn'
Directed by Spike Lee in 1994, and starring Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo, is this vibrant semi-autobiographical portrait of a school teacher, her stubborn Jazz musician husband and their five kids living in Brooklyn during the '70s. Also starring in the film are Isaiah Washington, Vondie Curtis-Hall and RuPaul.
'Claudine'
Diahann Carroll received a best actress Oscar nomination for her role in this 1974 film about a black woman who tries to provide for her six children in Harlem while on welfare. Directed by John Berry, the film also starred James Earl Jones as her love interest, Roxie Roker and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs. Curtis Mayfield wrote and produced the film's score and soundtrack, and the vocals were performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips.
'Lean on Me'
Morgan Freeman star in 1989's 'Lean on Me,' which was loosely based on the story of Joe Clark, a real-life inner-city high school principal in Paterson, NJ, whose school was at risk of being taken over by the state. This film's title refers to the 1972 Bill Withers song of the same name. Also starring in the film are Beverly Todd, Alan North, Robert Guillaume and the late Lynne Thigpen.
'Roots'
Probably the greatest African American miniseries aired on television, 'Roots' is a 1977 dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line, from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendents' liberation. The series featured household names such John Amos, LeVar Burton, Ben Vereen, Louis Gossett Jr. , Edward Asner, Leslie Uggams and Cicely Tyson.
'School of Rock'
Jack Black scored a hit in this 2003 Richard Linklater film about a wannabe rock star in need of cash who poses as a substitute teacher at a prep school and tries to turn his class into a rock band. Also starring in the film are Mike White, Joan Cusack and Miranda Cosgrove of 'iCarly.'
'Sister Act'
Whoopi Goldberg starred in this 1992 comedy hit about a lounge singer who enters protective custody in a San Francisco convent after a mob boss puts her on his hit list. Also starring in the film are Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and young Lauryn Hill. The film was followed by a 1993 sequel, 'Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.'
'The Lion King' & 'The Incredibles'
Two of Disney's blockbuster animation films were the 1994 chart topping 'Lion King,' which is the highest grossing 2-D animation film of all time in the United States, and the 2004 computer-animated superhero film 'The Incredibles.' In 'Lion King,' a guilt-ridden lion cub flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future king after being tricked into thinking he killed his father, while 'The Incredibles' features a family of undercover superheroes forced into action to save the world.
'The Pursuit of Happyness'
Will Smith and his son Jaden scored a monster hit in this 2006 film, in which a struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor. Directed by Gabriele Muccino and also starring Thandie Newton, the film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner.
'The Wiz'
With an all-star cast that included Diana Ross, the late Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross, this 1978 adaption of 'The Wizard of Oz' captured the essence of the African American experience.
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Filed under: Celebrity Style , Trends
Though underwear worn as outerwear was a huge trend on the Spring 2010 runways, several actresses, including Zoe Saldana, are jumping on the "visible bra" bandwagon a little early:
For a Prada book launch cocktail at the Prada store in Beverly Hills, the sultry actress accented a long, high-waisted maroon skirt with a simple sheer turquoise top that visibly revealed a nude-colored bra:
Stars have long been huge fans of the 'peek-a-boo bra' trend, with some like Teairra Marie going so far as to match their lace bra to their accessories:
But one must ask: Is this an alluring, classy look? Or should your undergarments simply stay where they were intended...under your clothes?
Find more Fashion Discussions on Claire's blog, The Fashion Bomb.
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Filed under: Photos, Fashion News
What's your reaction? My eyes, imagination and very soul are thoroughly refreshed by these images. Behold African beauties, Mey Bun, Rila Fukushima and Ai-li Wang, all of whom are awash in bold rich makeup and a masterful mix of European couture pieces and traditional African accessories. These lush visuals can be seen in the latest issue of D Mode magazine, based out of -- of all places -- Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kudos to the creative team behind this shoot: Laurean Ossorio (stylist), Bryan Zaragoza (makeup), Brian Buenaventura (hair) and photographers Herring & Herring. See more of these images after the jump, then let me know: are you as into these images as I am?
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Love: Your Questions Answered
Love! So exciting and new...or old and broke down...Whatever the case, sometimes it's rough, and other times its sweet. So when you need some advice or inspiration on your relationship, look no further than BV's Love section.
Filed under: Sexual Health , Relationships, Sex, E Male
Consider this one a public service announcement for women on behalf of men. Those contemplating augmentation of your lower frontal lobes, stop. Hear me on this. Unless you have ambitions of being a stripper, porn star or a prolific practitioner of one night stands, it's totally pointless. Little known fact -- men really don't care about breast size, as much as you think we do. I know. Sure, some are obsessed, but most of us are far less concerned that popular culture and lore would have you believe. Let me put it like this. Women appear to be way more fascinated with "size" than men. It's true. You see, feigning great interest in breast size, initially, is like a rite of passage for us. It's a sophomoric litmus test of our heterosexuality. If a friend says "damn, look at the set on her", we feel obliged by 'man law' to look and respond with an equally juvenile comment. It's just how it goes.
And even as we mature and start hunting the drugstore aisles for Rogaine, we'll still notice a woman with an avalanche of cleavage. However, it's more spectator sport than anything else. When it comes to actually connecting with a woman and developing a meaningful relationship, bra size doesn't matter. Just because the boyfriend or husband cranes his neck every now and then for some passing titillation, doesn't mean that's what he wants. It's a novelty act, a fleeting fantasy. If a woman is actually 'the one', her body doesn't need a set of perky girlfriends to act as an advance team. We're perfectly capable of being smitten or enamored with you without the help of the dynamic duo.
Now, in the case of women who are naturally larger, that's cool too. I'm definitely not saying that women should run out and get reductions.
The world needs variety. The point is just be you. And if there happens to be some gravitational pull, so be it. You don't live your life in a spacecraft defying laws of physics, nor do you need your breasts to resemble twin planets orbiting your face. At some point, if they haven't already, they're going to fall to earth and that's okay. We'll be there to catch them.
Truth of the matter is 'fakies' not only look unnatural, they feel unnatural. And any guy with any firsthand experience knows it. Think about it ladies. It's like your man coming home after a procedure in Tijuana with an extra two inches of psuedo-penis. I can't say for sure, but, if it's anything like augmented breasts, chances are it's going to feel lumpy and rubbery. And what woman wants a rubbery lumpy penis with diminished sensation? Yeah, I thought so. What's bad for the goose is bad for the gander.
A few final things to keep in mind:
1.) Men don't care about breast size nearly as much as women, themselves, care about breast size. Frankly, the only size that we really obsess about is our own, ironically, thanks to women.
2.) If you insist on augmentation, do your research and find a licensed professional with a solid and successful track record in this area. You don't want to be carved up like an overcooked Thanksgiving turkey by Botox Bob M.D., who's looking to expand his services because his Malibu property is in foreclosure. Very bad idea.
3.) And just because I said breast size doesn't really matter, don't really get it twisted. There is a time and a place for everything. If the fellas and I decide to get tacky with it and hit the local Hooters, we need a waitress who understands the expression "when in Rome...".
4.) Last but far from least. There is something far more imp
Mason Jamal writes about issues pertaining to the style, substance and sensibilities of men (and sometimes women). For more of his musings, you can visit www.MasonSays.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @masonsays
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Read MoreFiled under: Sexual Health
There are two things human beings do very well, run their mouths and, ahem...procreate.
Trust me, right now someone in this world, actually probably many people, are getting their collective freaks on, in famliar and unfamiliar ways. There are people who should be having sex as well as people who shouldn't (at least not with each other). Through the 2 million-year history of our species, every generation got here through the act of coitus, and nobody asked, "Was it good for you, baby?" because we were boning before we had learned to talk.
But, oddly enough, in modern times, we put far more societal emphasis on people flapping their jaws than people slapping their loins. The result is a lot less sex education than we need and reports like the one from the CDC that says sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise -- particularly since the Bush administration did everything it could to eliminate sex ed from classrooms.
In fairness, the people offering the report say that better testing is revealing that more people are walking around burning, which is actually a good thing. Medical science isolating a disease and then treating it is how we eradicate it. But the fact that instances of diseases like chlamydia being the most ever reported last year (at 1.2 million cases) and syphillis making a comeback (despite being nearly annihilated a decade ago) points to lax attitudes about our sexual health. (Note: I don't believe in terms, like, "safe sex," because your sexual behavior should be a part of your overall outlook on health.)
Now the funniest thing about the chlamydia rate is that it is reported highest in teenaged girls and affecting African Americans worst of all. If we look back a few years to the previous administration, where President Goerge W. Bush insisted that the best sex ed was "abstinence only" instruction, technically, he was right. The only sure fire way to not get pregnant or go home with extra luggage is to keep your skivvies pulled up at all times.
With that said, how many teens actually did that? Remember as I said earlier, as a species, we've been doing it for a couple million years. There is nothing in the way we construct our societies that would suggest teaching teenagers -- who are just discovering their sexual virility -- that abstinence is something they can easily uphold despite their base instincts telling them otherwise.
Don't get me wrong, we'd all like to think our teenaged daughters are "saving it" and that our young sons are waiting for "the one." The truth is, though, times have changed and as a society we are just more liberal about sex. So why shouldn't the way we educate our youth about sex reflect that?
This isn't to say that we should be teaching 15-year-olds advanced whipped cream and honey methods or making the Kama Sutra a high school textbook (besides it probably wouldn't replace Juggs in any boy's locker anyway). But we should be teaching young people to be responsible with their bodies, to respect themselves, making them understand that sex isn't a toy or a weapon, and that like anything else, there is a consequence for their choices. Most importantly, we should teach that if they do choose sex, there are alternatives to "barebacking it" that would protect them in the short and long term.
Now, I know there are a lot of people who disagree with me wholeheartedly on this matter, primarily because of their political or religious views. But I've gotta challenge them with this: I've seen urban clinics passing out condoms, giving out birth control advice, and literature on sexual health that very, very significantly reduced the number of STDs and teen pregnancies in whole communities -- but they are constantly fighting for funds and resources to do their work.
On the other hand, every black community I know is full of preachers and politicians, and I have yet to hear any of them report that they actually prevented the spread of HIV, herpes, syphillis, gonnorhea, genital warts or any other disease, or reduced teen pregnancy. But there always seems to magically be funding and resources for them.
So yeah, this post was more parental discretion advised, but believe me, I can't even get as blunt as I'd like to. Still the message is that when it comes to our health, knowledge is to overall prevention what Viagra is to... well, you know.
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Read MoreFiled under: Relationships, Infidelity, E Male
The other day my attention was turned to the Black Voices Forums where the subject of cheating was getting heat. What lit the match was the suggestion that men cheat 'down' (with less attractive women) and women cheat' up' (with men who make more money and more moves than their current boyfriend/husband). Interesting.
As a married man for the past four years, I thought for a fleeting moment that perhaps I should just walk around this bed of hot coals. After all, I wouldn't want someone in my household to "misunderstand" my casual observations on the subject and turn them into a self-incriminating indictment. But as you can see, I defied the wifestyle and decided to do the barefoot fire walk over the hot coals anyway. I do suggest that my married male readers live vicariously through me and not get baited into this conversation with your wife. I'll take this one for the team.
On with it. The idea that men cheat down and women cheat up seemed too easy. I certainly recognize where the suggestion comes from -- married women. And it rings with a smidge of truth. But to believe it's that simple is to think you're sitting in a remedial basic math class when you're actually sitting in AP Calculus. It's complicated.
That said, most women who cheat probably do seek an upgrade, but there are plenty of exceptions. When cougars (and pumas) attack, for example, all bets are off. Men, on the other hand, are way more unpredictable. Let's keep in mind that plenty of men don't cheat. But for those who do, certainly, a lot of them indeed cheat down. However, others cheat up, cheat across, cheat diagonal, cheat standing still. They cheat. Connect Four. Name the game. Cheating men play it. Show me a room full of cheating men and I'll show you a chess board; different players moving different ways, some with more latitude than others.
Look, I understand the attraction to a good one liner like men cheat down and women cheat up. It's easy. It's kind of funny. It makes for good gab. But this idea that a man is simply looking for a jump-off to back that ass up, while a woman is on a mission for a man who can pack that ass up and fly her to exotic locales is exaggerated. When it comes to cheating, men and women are more similar than they are different. Where the contrast lies is how the two genders are viewed by society. Men who cheat, are seen as the next contestant on Maury Povich, while women who cheat usually get the "sit down and let's talk about it" Oprah treatment. Cheating is cheating, whether you're going up, going down, going in or going to Cabo. It is what it is.
Mason Jamal writes about issues pertaining to the style, substance and sensibilities of men (and sometimes women). For more of his musings, you can visit www.MasonSays.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @masonsays
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Read MoreFiled under: Celebrity Love, Dating
R&B singer Pleasure P, 24 recently confirmed that he is indeed dating actor and comedian Eddie Murphy's eldest daughter Bria. The singer and the 19-year-old model were spotted by the paps in Atlanta a few weeks ago and then at Chicago's WGCI radio station when Bria tagged along for her beau's interview. Although he told host Loni Swain that the two were "very good friends," he later spilled the beans when he admitted that Bria's father, Eddie, gave the couple his blessing. Someone clearly can't keep a secret!Pleasure P, a former member of the singing group Pretty Ricky, has a 5-year old son, but we hope this relationship is baby-mama drama free! Murphy has been creating quite the buzz on the Hollywood scene due to her budding modeling career. Recently, she played the role of the leading lady in newly-incarcerated rapper Gucci Mane's latest music video. She will also be making an appearance on the 'America's Next Top Model' finale, airing tonight. Eddie will be in the audience cheering his daughter on. Do your thing, Bria!
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Read MoreFiled under: Celebrity Love
It seems like pop princess Rihanna has found herself a new prince in '90210''s Tristan Wilds. The NY Daily News reports that the 'Russian Roulette' songstress and the actor, who also starred in the critically-acclaimed HBO series 'The Wire,' are dating. According to the newspaper, the two were introduced by a music producer who has worked with both of them -- Wilds is currently working on his own album.The CW star reportedly attended a farewell bash at Rihanna's LA home this past weekend as she said goodbye to friends before heading off to promote her new 'Rated R' album in London. "From the moment he walked into her party," a source told the Daily News, "Rihanna lit up." Apparently Tristan is quite the gentleman, which is exactly what the singer needs. It is said the two will keep in touch through iChat and Skype while Rihanna promotes her album overseas and Tristan wraps up taping for 90210.
So let's get this straight: the boy is good looking, and he knows how to act, sing and treat a lady? He's definitely a keeper!
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Read MoreBlack Hair Care: Hair Apparent Blog
Lets talk about textured curly coils and every type of hair. The Hair Apparent black hair care blog brings you all the information you need for beautiful African-American hair.
Filed under: Weaves & Extensions, Trends
If you have questions about weaves, wigs, sew ins, clip ins, extensions and/or lacefronts -- I sure hope you were watching Tyra today! On today's show, titled Tyra's Fake Hair Academy, Ms. Banks broke it down like only she could. And together with the as always, refreshingly candid Meghan McCain, they revealed a not-so-secret secret about hair extensions.
Women of ALL ethnicities wear them.
Did you watch Tyra's Fake Hair Academy today? Did you learn anything you didn't already know? Share your thoughts!
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Filed under: Hair Care, Product Reviews
Winter is creeping up, and regardless of your hair texture, you'll discover one essential truth -- all hair needs extra moisture and extra affection during the cold months.
There are some phenomenal, superluxurious hair treatments on the market that promise to infuse hair with much-needed moisture as the weather turns increasingly frightful. Allow me to share some of them with you!
First stop Oribe. The man is a hairstyling icon and has a line of products that offer the same kind of luxury that he's been giving to the locks of celebrities for decades now.
Packaged in an exquisite and unique multisided black jar, the Signature Moisture Masque even looks like luxury from the outside. The formula features beneficial ingredients such as lychee extract (which defends hair from oxidative stress, photoaging and the deterioration of keratin), watermelon extract, amber extract, macadamia nut seed oil and wild mango butter. It costs $59 for a 5.9 oz. jar and has a lovely but mild fragrance. This product is recommended for weekly use, but daily use is encouraged for those with thicker hair textures. But if you're like me, you might want to reserve this for fortnightly or monthly use to preserve your precious jar!
Next up, Paris-based brand Leonor Greyl. This company prides itself on incredible luxe, all-natural hair and body products to suit all your hair's needs. Thin and limp hair? They got you. Dealing with dry, oily or frizzy hair? Even if you've got dandruff or are suffering from hair loss, they've got products for you as well.
For my personal texture needs, the Huile De Palme offers the kind of protection I need. This pre-shampoo botanical oil treatment is great for normal and dry hair or hair that's been damaged by color, bleach, straightening or perms. It protects your hair from water and sun damage, so if you're going on a beachy vacay during these harsh weather months, make sure to bring your Leonor Greyl with you! Apply evenly to your hair's entire length (especially the ends), and you can leave this on overnight, or use a steam cap to make sure your tresses really soak up the goodness. A 3.2 oz. bottle costs $42, but with judicious use, it should last a while.
Finally, PhytoSpecific is a brand already known and loved by black women who pride themselves on shiny, supremely maintained hair. This botanical hair care brand offers extra nourishment and maintenance for the kind of hair that needs it most -- naturally curly, frizzy and relaxed hair. My homegirls with the most gorgeous relaxed hair have often attributed their dead-straight and shiny tresses to Phytorelaxer, which is NOT cheap, but reportedly is worth it. Click here for a detailed review on the Phytorelaxer process and results.
I've been using the Phytospecific Revitalizing Oil Treatment as a pre-shampoo treatment for a while, and I can honestly say it leaves my naturally frizzy hair feeling soft, bouncy and light. It'll cost you $30 at Sephora. The Intense Nutrition Mask promises root-to-tip hair repair for textured or color-treated hair, and it delivers! And just so you know, it also makes a great detangler if you're in a pinch. It costs $28 at Sephora.
I'll be back soon, with a review of affordable drugstore hair products that give black hair the love that it needs!
Have you tried any luxurious hair care treatments? What are your favorites?
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Filed under: Natural Hair, Product Reviews
Allow me to clear up a popular misconception -- natural hair isn't more expensive to maintain than chemically straightened hair. Most of the women with natural-textured hair that I know have learned to care for their hair themselves, without assistance from a salon.
It does take a certain degree of trial and error when it comes to finding the right kind of product for your hair. So from time to time I'm going to do some detailed product reviews to inform you about brands that (in my humble opinion) are worth checking out.
Please note, I'm not a hairstylist. I didn't go to beauty school. I'm just a natural-haired bella who has tried everything under the sun and can wax poetic about my experiences.
So please allow me to introduce you to a brand I am head over heels for: Karen's Body Beautiful.
If you're looking for supremely nourishing, decadently scented products for your natural or relaxed hair that is prone to dryness, look no further.
Karen's Body Beautiful makes items for the hair, body and bath, for women, men and even babies. Based in Brooklyn, the brand is dedicated to pure products made with ingredients that nurture natural hair and healthy skin. You won't find any bad-for-you hair ingredients here like you will in the drugstore brands!
KBB's shampoo is different from traditional drugstore formulas -- it's made with coconut and safflower oils, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera and other herbs that clarify and enrich hair. Despite its 99.4 percent natural ingredients, this shampoo lathers up well and leaves hair soft and sweetly scented, not squeaky clean like shampoos with more detergent tend to do.
KBB conditioner has become my go-to co-wash. For those of you who don't know much about the no-poo or low-poo method, that just means that instead of using shampoo twice weekly or however often the bottle recommends, I use conditioner instead because it softens and hydrates my hair instead of stripping away the natural oils. KBB's deep conditioner isn't as thick or buttery rich as other brands, but the ingredients do my hair a world of good. This is a great beginning product for any bella who is transitioning and isn't sure what her hair needs anymore.
KBB makes a variety of hairstyling products -- Hair Butter, Hair Cream, a fantastic Hair Milk that will more than satisfy my natural-haired sistas who have complained that their old favorite brand of hair milk may or may not have changed formulations on them. But my favorite KBB hairstyling product is the Hair Nectar, a lightweight, creamy leave-in I can believe in. Hallelujah!
Formulated specifically for "medium to super thick naturally curly textures," this product is perfect for those of us who live in a wash-n-go world. If my hair is frizzy and tangled, a co-wash and detangle with KBB conditioner, followed by some Hair Nectar, restores my curls to being bouncy and defined, the way I want them to be. And the scents! KBB comes in a variety of fragrances to suit every taste. Coco lime, white tea, Egyptian musk, luscious pear. My personal favorites are vanilla latte and honey oatmeal. Both are sweet enough to want to eat and leave a soft cloud of yummy fragrance floating about my head.
Like many natural-hair products that pride themselves on great ingredients, KBB ain't cheap. You don't usually find products with this kind of quality under $10. Most KBB products range from $12 to $16, and you get a decent size bottle that will last you through several uses. If you just want to try out the goodies, KBB offers a Heavenly Hair Sample Pack or a Sweet Treat Sample Pack for $25, containing 1 and 2 oz. products, just to satisfy your curiosity.
More products reviews are on the way. Next up, we'll hit the drugstore for brands that cost less than $10 but still get the job done.
Do you like Karen's Body Beautiful? What's your favorite product and favorite scent?
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Filed under: Photos, Natural Hair, Trends
How gorgeous is Corinne Bailey Rae? I've been a fan ever since I first saw the video for Like A Star on VH1 Soul. There's something truly refreshing, accessible, fresh and classic about her aura. She's got a bearing evocative of Josephine Baker, in my opinion. And then there's that hair! I know many a curly girl who cites Ms. Rae as their hair role model. Since she took a leave of absence from the spotlight following impossibly an painful personal loss, I've been rooting for her glorious comeback. And from the looks of her on the red carpet at the 2009 Q Awards, she's ready too!
I am loving these soft, romantic curls. It's the kind of look that you can replicate with old fashioned rollers and some time under a dryer, regardless of whether your hair is naturally textured or chemically assisted. This is a look that I might rock during the upcoming holiday season. Glam, feminine, festive! But that's just my opinion, I'm crazy for big curly hair 24 hours a day. What do you think of Corinne Bailey Rae's new 'do?
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Filed under: Interviews, Natural Hair, How-To, Video
Around these parts, we watch a LOT of hair videos. And while most are informative, many of them aren't exactly fun to watch. Unless you consider watching someone talk to a camera while standing in their bathroom, fun.
Which is why when I laid eyes on the wonderful webisodes being made by Andrea of art and design blog Fly, I had to share with the world!
Check this out!
I had to grill Andrea about her inspiration.
"My blog is about art and design mainly, and although I'm natural I know there are many great blogs out there covering hair. Still, one of the #1 questions I get is, how do you get your hair like that or what products do you use?
Black women are so hungry for this kind of information. So I wanted to make some videos about my hair. And I wanted to make it fun and really different."
Her stop motion videos make natural haircare look fun, vibrant, and EASY! I'm inspired by her technique.
Andrea's got some more awesome natural hair videos in the works, and she's also a BRILLIANT artist. I want all of her hair paintings. Homegirl is crazy talented! Check out her blog and her YouTube channel.
I stay looking for hair inspiration, how about you? Where are you finding your hair inspiration these days?
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