L-R: Melody Harris (Clairol), Terrica Jones (Winning Hair Color Competition Stylist), Briana Cost (Model), James Bronner (Bronner Brothers)

Stylists competing in the Clairol Professional® “Art of Fabulous” Hair Color competition will take “everyday” women and transform them in the “FabU Studio” at each art gallery event. Competing stylists will use products  from the Clairol Professional® Hair Color Collections Liquicolor Permanente, Beautiful Collections and Jazzing to reveal the fabulous new looks on their model’s hair color. The winners from each market will receive $2,500, and the coveted opportunity to compete in the legendary Bronner Bros. International Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia (source: dryerbuzz.com).

Hosted by Dwight Eubanks,  BRAVO’s Atlanta Housewife personality/celebrity,  the Atlanta event was exclusive to divas and hair mavens. As I walked in it was all about GLAMOUR! Hair. Make-up. Nails. Eyelashes.  The competition was fierce—not that I was competing—-and continues in New York City (July 25), and Chicago (July 31) which will showcase Clairol Professional® hair color products that are available to African-American stylists nationally and internationally.

Professor Cali on the Red Carpet with Dwight Eubanks. Photo by Ralph Smith

As I scoped the scene, in walks Mr. Eubanks himself—looking fab. Black suit, swanky white tie, square toe black shoes and flawless skin…well make-up. Because I was there assisting with media and participated as media–thanks to this blog–I interviewed Dwight first.  Ummm…so what do I say? Well, thanks to some prep with Professor Mac a couple days before, I was ready.

The art of “fabulous” is being able to define your beauty. According to Dwight, being a diva, “I’s not just hair and make-up, it’s a complete package.” He also mentioned that fashion should always be an expression—how do you have it put together from top to bottom?

Considering we were at a hair event, this famed Atlanta stylist offered some tips. The most important point I took from our conversation: be adventurous with your hair as long as you have a knowledgeable stylist who truly knows about hair and your hair.

Dwight’s Tips:

Change is good: Every three months hair trends change and so should you especially to freshen up your look. And color can be a part of that new look.

Style: Find a stylist and build a relationship. Easier said than done right? It’s like finding a good church… a process so be patient—that’s my two cents.

No Plain Jane: Change it up and make sure your stylist does too. They should not be stagnant in their creativity.

Now don’t go coloring your hair or cutting it because you think you can do it yourself  after reading this post–lol—get a professional. What will be your next hair step? Let us know in your comment. Mine will be a weave—yes, a weave–post to follow.  It’s truly time for a change and I am ready. The hair journey continues!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

Kalizya applying Deva Curl products

I arrived at my summer destination of Washington, D.C. this week.  One of my first outings was “Curl’s Night Out.”  It was hosted by the Hela Salon & Spa in Chevy Chase, to introduce curly girls to Deva Curl products.  According to the flyers at the event “Deva Curl products are created for a healthy, frizz-free and easy-to-manage curly hair lifestyle.”  I had been around the house all day recovering from the seven hour drive and unpacking.   I came across the email invitation and decided to get out of my pajamas and go. Plus it was an opportunity to see my friend and stylist Adrin.

When I arrived at the salon it was filled with women representing multiple ethnicities, with every curly hair pattern, all dining on sushi, sipping champagne and sharing information on how to best manage your curls.  Washington is extremely humid during the summer. Humidity is a curly girl’s enemy.    It’s no surprise that the event attracted so many women.     Demonstrations of the products from Deva Curl were conducted by stylists at the salon.  The demos  based on different curl pattern types.  There were also stylists mingling in the crowd answering questions.     

I attended the demo session on zigzag curl patterns.  A very large number of the women in attendance jammed the shampoo room to see and hear stylist Kalizya Hutchinson.  It was literally standing room only as she worked on the model’s hair.  Kalizya talked about the importance of conditioning curly hair.  She recommended using Deva Curl’s Heaven in Hair Deep Conditioner and demonstrated the best way to apply it and detangle curls (never with a comb or brush, use your hands.)    There was also a question and  answer session as the stylist worked on the model’s hair.   One of the major concerns of the crowd was frizzy hair.   She stated that the major contributor to frizz is hair that is not hydrated.  Most shampoos are too harsh and dehydrate hair.  She used Deva Curl’s No-Poo shampoo on the model’s hair and recommended it along with deep conditioning to combat frizz.  

It was a fun and informative evening and I can’t wait to return to the salon for my appointment.

Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Mac

About a month or so ago I was talking to my cousin about red lipstick. We both love it with pearls. I mentioned that my husband actually despised it and she said her fiancée thought the same. What was up with that? The funny thing is that even though our significant others HATE IT, we still wear it.  Red lipstick just adds to my femininity and darn it, it looks great on me.

So, I took a poll among my diva friends and family to get their thoughts. From what I can tell, the consensus was that most women love it as long as they find the right shade—which is a task in itself. One friend said that she hated it—that was funny.  What do you think of it?  Here is what some of the ladies had to say.

“I do wear red lipstick and I love it!! It can vamp you up with a smear and a pucker and you are diva. I wear Indulgence by Fashion Fair or Deep Red by Sephora.”

 “I actually like bright red lipstick . . . especially if you have on black attire; Revlon brand, Love That Red is what I wear.”

  “A freshly washed faced, bronzer, simple eye lashes and a great red lipstick are definitely the way to go. Black Radiance 5016 compliments my complexion and others tend to notice it as well.”

“Red is bold, too bold for me. I found some red lipstick while cleaning and wore it around the house. I kind of liked it but was too nervous to wear it out of the house; maybe when I’m feeling extra flirty . . . and bold.”

“I love red but more ruby/wine colored lips in a matte, no shine.”           

“I love red lipstick but don’t really like it on me. I went to the MAC counter a while ago to seek help with my dilemma in hopes of finding a red that I was right for my complexion…I ended up buying MAC lipstick in a brick red type tone. I just wasn’t exuding the femme fatale vibe at the time so I tossed it.”

“I love it with a lightly adorned eye.  My favorite is to mix my “jezebel” (lipstick) with my “scintillantes” (gloss).”

“I love red lipstick.  I wear it often and think that I look great with it on.  My favorite is Lancome, Smokey Rouge.  I also wear Mary Kay Red. “

“I mainly wear a neutral color lipstick or lip gloss, HOWEVER…when I want to step out on the wild side, I wear either MAC‘s Desire (lipstick) or Oversexed (lip gloss).”

“I’m actually wearing red lipstick right now!  Actually mine is a MAC lip gloss called Russia Red or Russian red.  The label is a worn so I can’t read it exactly.   I love red lipstick, I feel it gives you something extra a little more swag, a boost of confidence and definitely it attracts attention. “

“I love wearing red, but it has to be the right shade for any complexion.  I wear cherry wine by Fashion Fair, that’s old school but it works for me…smooches.”

“I HATE RED LIPSTICK!!!  I prefer browns or more neutral colors.  Maybe I’m boring.”

“Love red lipstick even though I’m scared to wear it.  I guess it is the sex appeal the red gives off that I’m intimidated by.  I live vicariously through others that I see wearing it well.”

It looks like we have more “lovers” than “haters.” Overall, most of my diva friends have the attitude to wear it well, while some are just trying to find the right color. One thing that I have heard is that red is hard color to match with browner skin as in black women. Yeah right…I’ll continue to strut my stuff as a black woman in my red lipstick and then dare someone to say something to me.

Unfortunately, my friend had an encounter of this sort at the MAC counter and responded to my email below.”

“After reading this email, I decided to redeem my 6 empty MAC containers for a free red lipstick.  So, yesterday afternoon I go to the Macy’s at Lenox and I stop by the MAC counter.  While I was waiting for the young lady to finish with the customer preceding me I look at the lipsticks and I am surprised that don’t see as many reds (or variations thereof) as I would expect to see.  I explained to the rep. that I normally wear gloss but I would like to try a red lipstick.  She tests a few lipsticks on my hand and I notice that they are not in the red family, but more pink or gold.  She tells me that she is so “tired of girls my complexion wearing berry colored lipstick” and proceeds to ask me to try about three colors before deciding on an orange/gold color.  I didn’t push for a red because I felt like I could be better served by another rep. at another time. Not as easy as I thought.”

After I saw this, my response was to go to the MAC counter with her  (the next time )and talk with the sales person who proceeded to “assist” her with colors. My thought:  give me a sales person that appreciates my complexion and the beauty that I will exude with wearing RED lipstick. 

Rock the red and keep it movin’!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

kugelfish

College campuses have an economy of its own, where everything is considerably lower priced than in the outside world.   Since relocating to the south from Washington, D.C., I’ve enjoyed reverse sticker shock for goods and services except for dry cleaning.   The one price for all garments concept has not reached this city yet.   But on campus exorbitant prices are nonexistent.  Lunch in the faculty dining room is $7 for an entrée, salad, dessert and drinks.  This also comes with ambiance, waiters, white tablecloths, piano music and original art hanging on the walls.  The 24 oz. Diet Coke that often brings me out of my afternoon coma is $1.    Attending the ballet, opera or plays are free or a very nominal suggested donation.  

The best savings of all I have found is on hair care.  My stylist Adrin in D.C.  is from the college town where I live and recommended a stylist to me when I moved here.   For a year she has been styling my hair. This semester our schedules frequently do not coincide.   A few weeks ago I desperately needed to have my hair  blown out but could not get an appointment with my stylist.   Therefore I decided to try the top stylist on campus.  I see great examples of her work daily including her own hair.  She’s a senior ,works  at the TV and radio stations, is in a sorority, has an internship, maintains a high G.P.A.  and received a cosmetology license while in high school.  I pondered whether having a student style my hair was appropriate. or not.   Then I learned of all the other faculty, staff and administrators that she has been styling for years.   My reservations went out the window and I made an appointment.  The student came to my house. Normally she styles in her room, but you know the diva was not going up in the dorm.  When she was done my hair looked as if I had just gotten a relaxer instead of being over due for one.   The blow-out rivaled the work at Dominican salons.   After she was done she wrapped and scarfed my hair.  This was superior at home service all for $15!  I was tempted to ask if she would read me a bedtime story too.   This week she relaxed my hair, styled and rolled it all for $35.   The Phytorelaxer cost more at Sephora than her services.   College life is great! I’m going to weep at her graduation and will be contacting all of my friends to help her find a job.   Until then I will continue to tip well.

Last weekend I traveled to Washington, D.C.  Instead of packing my large pack of makeup removal wipes I grabbed the sample pack of Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes that I received at Blogalicious.  On Friday I used the wipes for the first time and am now hooked!  The cucumber was very soothing to my skin, especially around my tired eyes. I taught two classes on Friday and advised students before leaving campus for the airport.  The wipes also did an excellent job of removing my makeup. It did not feel soapy or produce bubbles, as some wipes I’ve used in the past have. The bubble effect can be particularly irritating, literally when removing eye shadow and mascara.  I’ve ended up with red eyes as a result.   
 
However, the Yes to Cucumbers wipes simply removed the makeup and left my face feeling clean. Prior to Blogalicious I was not familiar with this company. Since I am a professor I did some research and discovered that the Yes to brand has been around since 2006.  The company’s website describes the brand philosophy as “a consumer-inspired line of hair and skin products born out of a desire to make you look and feel your most happy and radiant.” 

The line also includes Yes to Blueberries, Carrots and Tomatoes products. All of the products are made with “organic fruits and vegetables and a special mineral elixir derived from the Dead Sea.” The facial towelettes are hypoallergenic, paraben-free and biodegradable.  The very reasonably priced ($5.99 for the my wipes) Yes to products are available online and at a wide range of national grocery and drug stores.   Furthermore the company allocates a portion of all proceeds to the Yes To Carrots Seed Fund, a nonprofit organization that supports sustainable agriculture.  
 
After my trip to D.C., I’ve continued to use my sample pack of Yes to Cucumbers Facial Towelettes. Hopefully I can find a full size package before my small supply has been depleted.
 

Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Mac

 But the question that crossed my mind was why pink? The color itself has so many connotations associated with it. From a baby girl to the color of happiness . . .  pink, pink, pink. Honestly, at first it really wasn’t my color. But now, I like it. From frosted pink lipstick, to pink nails, to a pink blinged-out case for my blackberry—yes, I know—the color has become a part of my life.  It’s feminine, supports the awareness of a great cause, and by the way, looks great with chocolate brown.

So in my quest to find a cute pink watch band, I started to research all things pink–cute, rare, and interesting to say the least.  I’d like to give a shout-out to my diva friend Masika who LOVES pink and named her foundation P.I.N.K. Check out the website.

In the Eyes–yes, pink contact lenses. At least now you won’t have to wear rose colored glasses–lol. Who knew such an item existed. Seriously? I didn’t believe it when I saw it with my own brown eyes. They’ll cost you about $30 and there are more colors to pick from.  Also, several designs. Huhh?

Hot Stepper–who else but Betsey Johnson. These boots are around $260 but you will be struttin’ like the Pink Panther’s wife. All I can say is if you can pair these with an outfit, you know how to bring it diva.

 Mama Said Knock You Out–and you’ll be adorable in these fuzzy boxing gloves. They are available online at the Pink Superstore along with other items. From pink tool belts to a water nozzle, it’s all there. Now if you want to duke it out with your honey, this is a cute way to do so.

Pretty in Pink–I love a good frosty pink gloss. Estee Lauder has a Pink Ribbon collection in support of breast cancer awareness month. The Pink Ribbon collection includes the Evelyn Lauder Lip Design Collection ($25), the Jeweled Pink Ribbon Pin ($12.50), and Elizabeth Hurley Lip Design Collection ($25). Shop ‘til your pink heart is content. 

Hopefully you will go out and purchase something pink in support of breast cancer awareness month. If not, paint your nails pink or wear some hue of pink lipstick. According to the most recent statistics 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 40,820 women died from breast cancer in 2006.†

Let’s all take a stand by wearing/purchasing something pink albeit cute, rare, or interesting.

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

†Source: U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group. United States Cancer Statistics: 1999–2006 Incidence and Mortality Web-based Report. Atlanta (GA): Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Cancer Institute; 2010. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/uscs.

sans extenstions

This summer I had my hair extensions (weave!) removed after wearing them almost full-time for several years. Summer is probably not the ideal time for a hair re-acclamation. The heat, humidity and frequent afternoon rain storms makes managing ones hair very challenging be it real or really from India.  I’ve also been going to the gym several days a week.  Once you add sweat to the list of hair factors, it’s no surprise my hair has been in a ponytail a lot this summer.  

Shortly after I arrived in DC for the summer I sought out my friend, perennial “Essence” magazine contributor and senior stylist at The Ted Gibson Salon  Adrin ‘Seven’ Washington to release my tresses. Well he did, and I was greeted by hair I had not seen in four months. It was healthy and full of body. However, after a few days of DC’s infamous humidity, I wanted my extensions back.   My hair was frizzy and the bounce was gone.   In my frustration, I opened a sample of PhytoSpecific Moisturizing Styling Balm that Adrin had given to me; at this point I would have tried anything. I discovered that it’s perfect for taming fly aways, because humidity + hair = frizz. My hair is also very dry and Phyto moisturizes it without being greasy or weighing my hair down.  

Summer '09 with extensions

So far I’ve found no product that can make curls conquer humidity. However, PhytoSpecific Moisturizing Styling Balm caused me not to give up on my hair.    When I am defeated by the curlers and rollers I can always go back to my ponytail. The styling balm smoothes my hair out evenly without the flakiness or stiffness of gel.   Before I head south for the fall semester, I will be stocking up on PhytoSpecific Moisturizing Styling Balm because it is not available in my college town.

Air kisses,

Professor Diva Mac
P.S. How  are you keeping keep your hair coiffed this summer ? 

For hair tips from Adrin check out his posts on LA Beauty Beat.

Source: ladyartlooks.com

I absolutely love getting manicures and pedicures especially a spa pedicure. Relaxing and rejuvenating, manicures and pedicures are a girl’s best friend besides diamonds. I also love the hair salon–it’s like a getaway for me.

I recently went to the nail salon with a dear friend who convinced me to get gel nail polish. We went to Nouvelle Nail Salon near downtown Atlanta; it was cute and quaint. I opted for the color Cajun Shrimp (bright orange), by OPI, since I was headed to the beach . It lasted an entire two whole weeks plus to my surprise. I cleaned, cooked, and did everything else under the sun with no chipping or fading at all. It was $60 well spent for my hands and feet. 

OPI Axxium Gel Lacquer has many colors to choose from.  The application for gel nail polish is simular to getting acrylic nails minus the damage. In addition, the gel can be removed by soaking your nails in a acetone based solution, i.e. polish remover.  After professional application (ladies, I wouldn’t try this at home unless you have skills), your nails look beautiful with a great shine. Even after a week or so they still look fabulous. Take look at the video below and you be the judge; it’s definitely worth a try.

So this diva is looking forward to beauty day that will include, hair, eyebrows (thank God!), and a mani and pedi. There is nothing like treating yourself–and you know how divas are; we never need an reason for a treat!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali

P.S. Tell me about your nail beauty secrets by leaving a comment!

My journey with beauty products has followed an accidental diva’s path where the unexpected ended up being the solution.  I’m a frequent powderer because I have oily skin. The mainstay in my beauty bag for years now, had been Iman Luxury Pressed Powder.  Usually I keep two compacts so that I’m never without it.  During a really hectic period this semester, I realized my compact was nearly empty and the customary backup was nonexistent . No big deal, I set a reminder on my iPhone to stop by Walgreens to buy two compacts on the way home from campus. That evening I went to the store and was horrified to find that my powder was out if stock!   I had to find an alternative because my old compact was a few swipes away from empty. I can’t leave the house without it! 

Grudgingly I bought Perfect Response Oil Blotting Pressed Powder also by Iman.  But I purchased only one because I planned to only use it until Walgreens supplies had been replenished. It’s the only store in town that sells Iman Cosmetics.  After a few days of use I began to realize that I was retouching my powder less and the coverage was better. The reluctant substitute was absorbing the excess oil instead of me continuously piling on more powder. My stalking of the Walgreens shelves ended and I bought a second compact of my new discovery to back me up.  Like the Accidental Diva, I discovered that the unexpected and deviating from your norm can sometimes result in a better solution. This find truly was a Perfect Response.

Air Kisses,

Professor Diva Mac

As I unpacked the bags and placed the items in the dresser of our room at our “summer home” (that would be the  in-laws house) I came across heaven! I discovered  two bags and a box of jewelery. I felt like Carrie on “Sex and the City” in shoe heaven. OMG! I immmediately ran downstairs to my MIL (mother-in-law) and said “for me?” She laughed and said “You can take a look through it and see what you want. That is from my mother’s and aunt’s jewelry boxes.” I could barely get back upstairs before digging in as I am an accessory junkie.  We decided that we (me and my three SILs -sister-in-laws) would go through it to see what we wanted.

There were pearls, pendants, necklaces, beads, earrings, rings. bracelets, and everything else under the sun. As we laid it all out on the table, I salavated and was mezmorized that I had come upon this and would be wearing the same jewelery that had adorn divas Grandma Beulah and Aunt Viola. These were some great pieces. All I could think about were my jewelery drawers at home and how I need the hubby to eventually build me a jewerly closet! 

For me, an accessory is like brushing your teeth; you must do it every day and do it well. I just don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have accessories. It is serious for me, as it takes me a while to think about the right accessory. When I travel, I overpack on accessories instead of clothes–well actually both. Anyway, you get my drift… Accessories, accessories, accessories!

But there are some faux paux with accessories. If you wear big earrings, you don’t need a huge necklace. If you wear a huge necklace, small earrings please. Also, with bangles, scarves, rings, etc., be careful not to over-do -it. And last, don’t wear five different accessories at once! You want people to focus on you and  not go blind because of what you have on.

In the words of DaNita McClain, Ms. Stylatude herself, “An accessory will take your ensemble to another level quietly.” I totally agree!

Smooches,

Professor Diva Cali