Color Me Bad

Sara Liz Pickett and H. Ginger Johnson at a recent showcase event.

The full nail color collection at Ginger + Liz - www.gingerandliz.com

My favorites: 1. Caution!; 2. Heart Breaker; 3. New Money; 4. Show Off all $12.00 by Ginger + Liz at www.gingerandiz.com

Summer sun means summer nails and with all the bright colors available these days it's hard to know which brand to pick. If you're going to spend $9 or more on nail lacquer you'll want to make sure it's got the power and intensity to last. Enter "Ginger + Liz." The new nail collection, founded by friends Sara Liz Pickett and H. Ginger Johnson, is the buzzworthy brand of organic and vegan friendly nail lacquer with a growing legion of fashionista and celebrity fans alike. Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Julissa Bermudez and Beyonce are just some of their followers. If you like daring colors that won't chip at the drop of a hat, check this brand out. My favorite color is
"Show Off" - I'm wearing it right now. There's nothing like neon pink toes to get your summer started right!

Hair Stories: To Shave Or Not To Shave

Cassie Ventura, Lala Vasquez and Keyshia Cole all took the plunge and shaved one side of their head!

1. ConAirPro Moda Groom Single Speed Clippers, $79.99, www.groomers.com 2. Creme Of Nature Ultra Moisturizing Shampoo, Kiwi & Citrus, $3.99, www.walgreens.com 3. Kidada For Disney Couture Pocahontas Gold, $78.16, www.asos.com 4. John Hardy Baby Monkey Silver & Black Palm Wood Hair Brush, $52.50, www.jewelrygalboutique.com 5. Aveda Brilliant Humectant Pomade, $22.59, www.target.com 6. Orangewood Large Porcupine Boar Brush, $6.99, www.sallybeauty.com 7. scunci Classic Pins. $1.29, www.walgreens.com 8. Tui Leave in Conditioner, www.carolsdaughter.com

It used to be that the ultimate hairstyle statement for a woman was to shave your head bald (or close), but these days celebs have put their own twist on the avant-garde style. If your not sure that you, or your head shape, can pull off a completely shaved look, ease yourself into the style by going partially bald first. Cue Cassie Ventura, Lala Vasquez, Keyshia Cole, Raven Symone and the pioneer Kelis. They've all put their unique interpretation of the style by adding hair dye, patterns, track lines and even ultra girly curls on the side of the head still with hair.

If you're going to try this style be prepared. Stock up on bobby pins to stop your long sided hair from falling across the border. Also, invest in a good pomade to keep your shaved side neat and frizz free. As always, keep your hair healthy with a good conditioner like Carol's Daughter's Tui Leave-in and Creme of Nature's moisturizing shampoo. So come on ladies, do Grace Jones proud and get the clippers out!

The Perfect Smokey Eye...

I don't know about you guys but I find it so hard to recreate the smokey-eyed look that so many models and celebrities wear in magazines and the red carpet. I always thought that because I have darker skin I had to use more eye shadow but I have been using the wrong technique! The video above shows make-up artist Johnny Lavoy applying the perfect smokey eye to Ethopian-born model Gelila Bekele. I find it particularly useful since Gelila has a similar skin tone to myself. I think dark charcoal and burgundy are much more flattering colors for this look - say "no" to standard black.

Hair Stories: Rock It Out

Rihanna, Tamyra Gray and Sylvia Rhone punk out their short crops to give them each a new look.

1. Kizzi Stay-Put Hair Pomade, $9.50, www.carolsdaughter.com; 2. Moisturizing Silkening Liquid-Gel by Miznai, $13.96, www.just4beauty.com; 3. Bumble and bumble Sumo Wax, $21.95, www.folica.com; 4. Color Brilliance SilKomb 50, $4.99, www.sallybeauty.com; 5. Tool Science Nano Silver Paddle Brush, $6.99, www.sallybeauty.com; 6. Dirt Texturizing Paste by Jonathan, $14, www.sephora.com; 7. Elucence Extended Moisture Repair Treatment, $15.99, www.culmart.com; 8. L'Oreal Color Rays in Red, $10.99, www.drugstore.com

Long hair is so overrated. Yes, it's versatile but there's nothing more endearing than a woman who can wear her hair short with confidence. For those of you already sporting a cropped hairstyle you might consider trying the spiked looks above. Rihanna's hairstlye is especially fabulous - it has a hard edge but is soft enough to wear on an everyday basis. The products above can help you achieve these looks. The most important is hair wax and the stay-put pomade. If you want your style to last all day, carry the pomade/wax with you so you can retouch when needed.

Shea Moisture, Sheer Genius!

Left to right: Shea Moisture Coco Hibiscus Soap & Lotion Set, $12.99; Shea Moisture African Black Soap and Lotion, $12.99; Shea Moisture Raw Shea Wash & Lotion, $15.99 all available at www.target.com

Always on the look out for new and exciting beauty products, imagine my joy when Target were kind enough to send me their new Shea Moisture line. Shea Moisture is a distinctive array of bath and body products designed to address the unique skincare needs of African-American and Hispanic consumers. The Black Soap line will even your skin tone, the Raw Shea Butter will keep you moisturized and the Coconut Hibiscus will heal any skin irritants you have. The products vary from $12.99 - $15.99 but those prices you get two items! Visit www.target.com to test them out.

Hair Stories: The Braidy Bunch

Nia Long, Beyonce and Nicole Richie bring hobo-chic to the red carpet.

1. Burnt Sugar - Hair Pomade, $10.00, www.oyinhandmade.com; 2. Karen Marie - Colossal Gem Butterfly French Twist Comb - Onyx & Smoke, $17, http://mp.hairboutique.com; 3. Frederic Fekkai Wave Creating Spray, $19.50, www.sephora.com; 4. Supreme Bobby Pins, $4.99 for 60, www.sallybeauty.com; 5. Star Snap Clips, $3 for 2, http://mp.hairboutique.com 6. All Day Hold Spritz by Elucence, $7, www.culmart.com; 7. Sailboat Hair Pins, $4.90, www.forever21.com; 8. Organic Sapote & Coconut Pomade - For sheen, hold & silkiness, $9.95, www.anitagrant.com

Lazy days in the sun require an equally laid back hairstyle. This summer make your staple style loose braids held back by antique-inspired hair clips. Hobo-chic is here to stay and since you’ll probably wearing a long floaty dress this season (see these celebs), braids will finish off the look. Styling essentials include a no mess pomade to slick down your edges if you’re going for a more polished look like Beyonce. For those of you who like your hair looking a little disheveled like you spontaneously decide to braid it and put it up, Frederic Fekkai has a Wave Creating Spray that’ll give your hair that flyaway look. Naturals should braid their hair then take it out to create a braid-out/waves. You can then loosely re-braid certain parts of your hair to set off the style. Take some inspiration from Nicole Richie and Nia Long. Their hair looks elegant yet unpretentious – the perfect theme for summer.

Are your feet ready for summer?

Stop hiding your feet in those pumps – get pedicured up!
Top: Casting, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; Lansing, $30, www.aldoshoes.com; Sirprise, $89.95, www.stevemadden.com
Middle: Trinangle Sandal, $34, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Croww, $79.95, www.stevemadden.com; Le Petit Sperone, $60, www.piperlime.com
Bottom: Hendrix, $90, www.dune.co.uk; Volatile Cassie Thong Sandal, $38.95, www.endless.com; Belle by Sigerson Morrison, $225, www.piperlime.com

Shoe shopping is one of life’s little pleasures, but I delightful day in the shoe department of Saks can quickly turn into a nightmare if your feet aren’t perfectly polished when the sales clerk tries to help you slip on those Louboutins. Avoid the potential embarrassment and get your toes Manolo ready today. You don’t have to spend a fortune at a spa. In fact, I prefer creating my own pedicure at home - I’m too ticklish for someone else to handle my toes! Try Tweezerman’s deluxe pedicure set available at Sephora or their more modest version for just $14.99 at Target. After you’ve spoiled yourself, pick the perfect color* to match your sandals and away you go!

*All nail colors by Nars Cosmetics. Click here for their regular selection and here for their vintage line.

Hair Stories: Make It Shine

Amerie, Porschla Coleman and Jessica White brighten the red carpet with ultra shiny tresses.

1. Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Conditioning Wrap & Set Lotion, $4.99, www.walgreens.com; 2. Phytospecific Beauty Styling Creme, $24, www.sephora.com; 3. Platinum Silkening Gloss by Kenra, $12.35, www.brightonbeautysupply.com; 4. Tui Hair Oil, by Carol's Daughter, $18, www.sephora.com; 5. Tui Jojoba & Shea Butter Sheen, $17, www.carolsdaughter.com; 6. Silken Seal Liquid Sheen by KeraCare, $18.70, www.thebeautyauthority.com; 7. Silk Finishing Gel by Mizani, 411.49, www.mountainbeautysupply.com; 8. Serious Shining Spray by Elucence, 48, www.curlmart.com

Black hair can be dull and lack natural shine compared with other ethnic groups, but that doesn’t have to become the story of our lives. Encourage a natural state of glow by regularly conditioning your hair. Just slather on a crème conditioner after washing your hair in the shower and leave it on for ten minutes. Remember to rinse your hair afterwards with cool water to close the hair cuticles. For a little extra gloss after styling, avoid products with mineral oils. If you see it listed as one of the top three ingredients run for the hills! Products with a high mineral oil content are purely cosmetic and just sit on top of the hair shaft instead of nourishing it – which should be the objective. If you like using a particular product with minerals oils be sure to wash (and condition) your hair once a week. Silky smooth hair is only a healthy regimen away!

Hair Stories: Quench My Thirst

Tanika Ray, Yaya DaCosta and India.Arie show off their luscious natural hair - big earrings are optional!

1. Kizzi Stay-Put Hair Pomade, $9.50, www.carolsdaughter.com; 2. Curly Pudding, $38 for 16oz, www.missjessies.com; 3. Citrus Shea Butter Whip, $16.50 for 2oz, www.tuliaskincare.com; 4. Greg Juice - nourishing herbal leave-in, $9, www.oyinhandmade.com; 5. Whipped Butter, $5.75, www.anitagrant.com; 6. Amla & Olive Heavy Cream for 8 oz, $16, www.qhemetbiologics.com; 7. Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo, www.elucence.com; 8. Happy Nappy Styles, $19, www.blendedbeauty.com

Afro hair is a slave to dryness and with summer fast approaching you’d better stock up on heat defying products. The key is to add moisture, moisture, moisture to your hair (as well as good protein treatments for strength). Whether it’s a shampoo, conditioner or styling product make sure you pick at least one moisturizing version of your staple brand. Above are some of my favorites, most of which were produced by black-owned companies for black hair.

Products I’m Lovin’

Left to right: Monoi Body Glow II, $59, www.sephora.com; Miss Jessies Rapid Recovery Treatment, $48 for 12oz, www.missjessies.com; Elizabeth Arden Intervene Makeup SPF 15 in Soft Cocoa, $36, www.shop.elizabetharden.com; Yes to Volume by Bourjois Paris, $14, www.bourjoisusa.com

Blogging at the best of times ain’t easy, but once in a while the mailman will ring the doorbell and what he has in his hands reminds me why I love it so much. Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been receiving some goodies from various beauty companies. So it’s that time again for another “Products I’m Lovin’” feature – these are the items I’ll continue buying long after the freebies run out! NARS has added the “Monoi Body Glow II” oil to their beauty line. Native to the South Pacific and France, Monoi de Tahiti oil is the result of macerating the native tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia) in refined coconut extract for at least ten days, slowly infusing the oil with nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. Available at Sephora.com for $59, this oil leaves my skin silky smooth and smelling so sweet. It’s great for skin that dries easily as it locks in the moisture from your shower/bath. Also use as a massage oil for post-Valentine’s day fun! ;)

My hair has found a new best friend in Miss Jessie’s “Rapid Recovery” treatment. I’ve been using it once every week for the last 3 weeks as a deep conditioner and my hair loves it! My hair is so soft and bouncy after each use and my hair seems shinier than ever. The 12oz tub costs $48 but if you’re weary about making such an expensive commitment, try the sample 2oz tub for just $9.

Elizabeth Arden has launched a new foundation. “Intervene Makeup SPF 15” is a new liquid makeup with Biodormin™ - helps prevent skin aging and evens skin tone. Though they don’t have this foundation in a variety of colors for black skin (the darkest they go is Soft Cocoa), I like how light it feels after application. At $36, this isn’t the cheapest foundation out there but is does offer excellent finish. Let the intervention begin!

Hands up all of you who are fed up of mascara that clumps together your eyelashes. This mascara by Bourjois Paris has been around for awhile but I’ve only just discovered it. Unlike typical mascaras that have brush applicators the “Yes to Volume,” has a comb applicator that does a good job of separating the lashes while it elongates. I use it to supplement my regular mascaras. It finishes up my lashes nicely! It costs $14, but I think it’s totally worth it.

Down to Business: Kimberly Kimble

Kimberly Kimble, the go-to hairstylist for celebrities such as Beyonce and Mary J. Blige, has hair styling firmly in her blood. Kimberly’s mother and both grandmothers were all hair care professionals, so it’s no wonder that Kimberly has had such success in the beauty industry. She has styled hair for major cosmetic companies including L’Oreal, CoverGirl, and Neutrogena, and has also worked on campaigns for Pepsi and True Star for Tommy Hilfiger. Kimberly’s cutting edge hairstyles and innovative contributions to the world of beauty have also been featured in hundreds of magazines including: Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, Rolling Stone, InStyle, Essence, Us Weekly, Blender and Seventeen. While working on the set of movies and television, Kimberly realized the need for styling products that would allow her to style hair that endured the long hours of filming while still looking fresh and healthy. With a thriving salon in West Hollywood (Kimble Hair Studio), a full range of hair care products (Kimble Hair Care Systems), and a recent appearance on Oprah, who is there more qualified to give us advice on our hair and how to get started in the industry?

1. You first started working at your mother's hair salon washing hair, and even your grandmother was a hairdresser. I guess it was in your destiny?

It was definitely in my destiny! I spent so much time in the salon growing up, that I do think I was destined to be here. I actually planned to go into fashion, and was working as a hairdresser to put myself through fashion school when I realized that my true talent and love was for hair.

2. How did you know you had something special to offer the hair industry, especially since it is so competitive?

I always knew that I had a true passion and love for the care of hair. There are a lot of people that just do the job for the money, but I’ve always REALLY cared for it. I still remember the feeling I got when I saw my first client stand up and look in the mirror- when I saw her smile so big, I felt so good about my job. I’ve always loved and cared about the health and look of people’s hair.

3. Do you think one can become a successful hairdresser without inventing or even redefining classic hair styles?

I think you definitely can. There are so many different aspects of hair that you can specialize in- hair color, haircare, extensions, cuts, etc.

4. Many hairdressers can style hair to perfection but to the detriment of one's hair. Where do you stand when it comes to hair care versus hair styling?

Hair care is a major part of my philosophy- I don’t compromise the integrity of someone’s hair for their style. Hair health is so important because your style looks much better when your hair is healthy. Damaged hair is much harder to style.

5. What was the inspiration behind your hair care line? What were the key things you wanted people to benefit from using your products?

My products were all about finding a way to style your hair without damaging it. I wanted my products to give results- healthy hair that looks and feels good and has incredible shine. My clients always loved the way their hair looked after they came out of my salon and I wanted a way that they could achieve the same shine at home.

6. When you decided to open your own salon, Kimble Hair Studio, how did you find hair stylists that shared the same philosophy?

It is definitely hard to find. The main thing I do is work through beauty schools, bring interns in so that they can gain a hands on learning experience, and we can see if they have the same determination, passion and philosophy that we share here.

7. You've styled numerous celebrities including Mary J. Blige, Gabrielle Union, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington and of course Beyonce. Did you always intend to gain celebrity clients or did that just sort of happen?!

I never intended to work with celebrity clients, but my mom moved us out to Los Angeles to start doing hair in the television and film industry. She learned about the opportunities and told me that I should go for it. My first movie was B.A.P.S, where I did a lot of the hairpieces for Natalie Desselle, costarring with Halle Berry. I continued to do movies and met Beyonce when doing her hair for Austin Powers, and then she started hiring me for other events she was appearing in.

8. What are your top three tips for black hair care?

● For Black hair, you definitely want to keep it moist, don’t let it get dry and brittle because that’s what causes breakage.

● Many women are afraid to cut their hair- don’t be. It’s much healthier to keep your hair cut- it looks fresher and keeps the hair healthier.

● Hair maintenance is the most important- the key is to get the right maintenance products. Black hair needs a little bit more attention than most to stay healthy, so make sure you’re sleeping on silk (I have products like silk pillowcases, scarves, bonnets, rollers, etc. on my website
www.kimblehaircare.com) these types of products give your hairstyle longevity.

9. What should a customer look for in a good hairdresser?

I would recommend finding someone who is passionate about their job and the health of your hair. Someone who is just in it for the money will not care about the long term effects of what they’re doing to your hair and may damage it.

10. What one priceless business tip could you pass on to a budding young hairdresser?

I would say to be professional! Be punctual, well studied, and determined! Take the time to explore new things and be open to learning all aspects of the business until you find your niche and what you’re really passionate about- then stick with it!

Products from Kimberly's line, "Kimble Hair Care Systems."

Left to right: Cleansing Shampoo (Nuturing Shampoo & Conditioning Treatment System); Honey & Oatmeal Moisturizing Conditioner (Nuturing Shampoo & Conditioning Treatment System); Replenish Oil Drops (Oil Treatment System); Retrospective Workable Hairspray (Styling Care System); Scalp Relief (Extension Care System); Waxation (Fashion Forward Styling System)

Credit: Kimberly Kimble & Jennifer Dalton for all photographs.

Smell Like a Star

Sarah Jessica Parker and her new fragrance "Covet."

Left to right: Diamonds by Emporio Armani, $64 for 3.4oz, www.macys.com; Unforgivable for Women by Sean John, $55 for 2.5oz, www.sephora.com; Covet by Sarah Jessica Parker, $52 for 1.5oz, www.nordstrom.com; Usher for Her, $52 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com

Left to right: L by L.A.M.B. Fragrance By Gwen Stefani, $55 for 1.7oz, www.sephora.com; M by Mariah, $62.50 for 3.3oz, www.shop.elizabetharden.com; Baby Phat Golden Goddess by Kimora Lee Simmons, $52 for 3.4oz, www.babyphat.com; Glow by J Lo Gift Set, $60, www.macys.com

It isn’t enough to have mutli-platinum selling albums or number one movies. Now celebrities are almost expected to leverage their name to seemingly unrelated business ventures. Fashion lines, liquor and even car rims are all fair game, but the fragrance is the ultimate celebrity venture. What could be better than being immortalized into a sweet scent?

If stars aren’t making their own fragrances they're lending their status to promote others, a la Beyonce for Armani’s “Diamonds.” I have and love J Lo’s “Glow” and I’ve smelt Diddy’s “Unforgivable” – very spicy and not in a good way. As for the others I’m no expert, but I’ve heard great things about both Sarah Jessica Parker’s fragrances. Leave comments for your fellow readers about any of the brands above or others you love.

P.S. My all time favorite scent is “Blue” by Dolce & Gabbana. ;)

Read My Lips: Scarlet Siren

Beyonce, Rochelle Aytes and Malinda Williams turn heads in foxy red lips.

1. No 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Cherry available at www.boots.com; 2. Crushed Velvet Lip Creme in Crimson Corset by Revlon; 3. Tinted Lip Balm in Rose Petal, $17, www.bobbibrown.com; 4. Lip Pencil in Redd, $12.50, www.maccosmetics.com; 5. Just Bitten Lip Stain in Blood Orange by Revlon; 6. Benetint Lip Balm, $20, www.benefit.com; 7. Lovely Rouge Lipstick by Bourjois, $14 available at www.sephora.com; 8. No 7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium available at www.boots.com

Wearing red lipstick is a statement. Whether you’re full of confidence or “preserving your sexy,” red is the color of choice. Whilst wearing red lips can seem intimidating at first, the key is to pick the right color for your skin complexion. Those with red/pink undertones will look better in plum shades, while those with yellow undertones should try warmer and bronzer reds. Now if you already possess a red lip color that you don’t like, mix it with other shades until you find a color that suits you. Use the back of your hand as a palette. Novices should start with gloss then work their way up to lipstick. When all else fails, try Benefit’s Benetint Lip Balm (pictured, No. 6) or a lip stain for “just bitten lips” (See No. 5 above) for softer red lips.

Fall Skin Care: Products I’m Lovin’

Fall doesn’t just mean clearing out your closet to make way for chunky sweaters and knee-high boots, your skin goes through a seasonal transition as well. During the colder months I tend to find that my skin and hair becomes dryer and more fragile. Prepare skin for harsh temperatures by bathing with an oil based wash like Bath & Body Works’ Sugar Scrubs. They’re so good you don’t even need to moisturize afterwards. For midday moisture, slather on sweet smelling body butters like Vaseline’s Cocoa Butter Body Butter, Carol’s Daughter’s Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle or the Mediterranean Almond, Pistachio & Milk Body Butter by Boots. Not only do they smell yummy, but they prevent “ash attacks.” For night time protection (especially if I’m going out and showing some skin) I LOVE Johnson & Johnson’s Oil Gel in Chamomile. This stuff keeps you silky smooth for days! Lastly, your face and hair will need extra love and care since they are the most exposed parts of your body. Try spending a bit more money here on products that contain herbal and plant extracts known as “Phytos.” Phytokarite Hair Treatment Mask with Shea Butter (for Ultra Dry Hair) is a great deep conditioner for natural or relaxed hair. Also try Artdeco’s Phyto Science Advanced Phyto Cream for your face. If you’re rolling in disposable income may I suggest Crème De La Mer’s products. Notoriously expansive, this product claims to be “the miracle” of all creams. I say send me a sample and let me be the judge!

I Like Her Style! Tip: Use face creams on your hands. Since your hands are always exposed they need as much love as your face. Anti-aging face creams are also great for your hands.

Left to right: Jamaican Punch Shea Souffle, $30, www.carolsdaughter.com; Vaseline Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter, $7.99, www.drugstore.com; Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub Eucalyptus Spearmint, $20, www.bathandbodyworks.com; La Mer Creme De La Mer 1oz, $125, www.neimanmarcus.com

Left to right: Mediterranean Almond, Pistachio & Milk Body Butter, $10.99, www.cvs.com; Phyto's Phytokarite Hair Treatment Mask with Shea Butter for Ultra Dry Hair, $38, www.sephora.com; Artdeco’s Phyto Science Advanced Phyto Cream, $40, www.walgreens.com; Johnson's Baby Oil Gel with Chamomile, $3.99, www.walgreens.com

Read My Lips: Berry Delights

Rihanna, Jessica White and Heather Headley show that berry lips can provide retro, modern and classic looks respectively.

1. No7 High Shine Lip Gloss in “Sugar Muave” available at www.cvs.com; 2. Almay Ideal Lipcolor Lipstick in “Berry” available at www.drugstore.com; 3. No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in “Velvet Kiss” available at www.boots.com; 4. Sweet Jelly Lip Gloss in “Delicious” by Rimmel; 5. Color Perfection Lipstick in “Chianti” available at www.maxfactor.com; 6. Lip Tint SPF 15 in “Black Cherry” available at www.bobbibrown.com; 7. Iman Luxury Moisturing Lipstick in “Bewitched” available at www.walgreens.com; 8. Lip-Liner Pencil in “Salsa” by Nars Cosmetics

Plum to berry shades suit all skin tones and add a sensual look to any made-up face. A more subtle statement than red, plum shades are a great way to go if you want to experiment with color. Be sure to use a primer on lips before applying any lip color to condition your lips and help color last longer. Primers are also excellent at preventing lips from drying out and cracking. Try Smashbox’s Lid & Lip Primer, $24 from Sephora.com.

Read My Lips: In the Nude

Tia Mowry, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Hudson enhance their natural lip color with luscious nude products.

1. No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in “Bare” available at www.boots.com; 2. Super Lustrous Lipstick in “Sandelwood Beige” by Revlon; 3. No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in “Spice” available at www.boots.com; 4. Lip Pencil in “BBQ” by Mac Cosmetics; 5. Semi-Matte Lipstick in “Morocco” by Nars Cosemetics; 6. No7 High Shine Lip Gloss in “Nectar” available at www.cvs.com; 7. High Shine Lip Color in “Diane” by Stila; 8. Moisturizing Lip Color in “Pretty Penny” by Cover Girl Queen Collection

No matter your shade you can take your natural lip color to a whole new level. Don’t be afraid to try different textures. Lip gloss, lipstick and lip stains all offer their own distinct advantages, experiment to find the best fit for you. Stay tuned for other lip colors, for all skin tones.

I Like Her Style!: Tia Williams

I had the pleasure of interviewing beauty expert-turned-author and fellow Glam.com winner, Tia Williams this week. The former Beauty Director of Teen People has also worked at prestigious fashion magazines such as Glamour, Elle, YM and Lucky. She currently writes the must-read beauty blog "Shake Your Beauty". With all that experience under her belt it was only right and proper that she share her superior beauty wisdom with us mere mortals. We are not worthy…

What is the number one beauty mistake black women make?
Ashy foundation! It’s so important to choose a foundation or concealer that’s yellow-based—it’s the most natural shade on brown skin.

What is the best beauty advice you can give black women?
If you’re stumped when picking out a lipstick or gloss, stick to sheer bronzes, coppers, and gold-flecked neutrals. You can’t go wrong with a soft wash of metallic shimmer on your lips.

What are your top five beauty products right now?
Narciso for Her perfume, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Revlon Superlustrous Lipstick in Raisin Glaze, Nars Blush in Taos, Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Passionfruit Poppy. (See stockists below).

How would you describe your personal style?
I’m a mix of classic and bohemian. Basically, my uniform is a flowy top, gold flats, and skinny jeans (or a mini in the summer). Not groundbreaking, but it works when you spice things up with a great bag or fabulous earrings!

Where do you see "Shake Your Beauty" in 5 years?
It’s so sad, but I’m incredibly computer illiterate. I think I’ll still be happy with my weekly beauty posts! Hopefully, I’ll be totally global by then...and maybe I will have figured out the whole podcast thing.

Tell us a little about your new book "It Chicks."
My new book, IT CHICKS (Hyperion/Disney, April 07), is the first in a series for teens! It’s centered around a group of sophomores that go to a prestigious Manhattan performing arts academy. There’s a dancer, a singer, a rapper, a grafitti artist—and each one’s more spotlight-hungry than the last. IT CHICKS a super-juicy summer read, filled with competitive drama, a hot love story, sexy boys, and bitchy girls. And even though it’s geared toward high school students, it’s fast becoming a guilty pleasure for women in their 20s and 30s, too! IT CHICKS Book #2 will debut in Spring 2008.

Click here for more beauty tips at Tia Williams' award-winning blog “Shake Your Beauty.”

Tia’s Top Picks: Narciso Rodriguez “For Her” Eau de Parfum, $72 - $94, www.nordstrom.com; Nars Blush in Taos, $25, www.narscosmetics.com; Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Raisan Glaze, $7.99, www.walgreens.com; Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $18, www.sephora.com; Creative Nail Design Nail Polish in Passionfruit Poppy, www.creativenaildesign.com

Products I’m Lovin’…

I just bought the Select SPF 15 Liquid Foundation in NW47 from MAC. It is by far the best foundation I’ve ever bought and for $25 I think it’s worth it. I also invested in their Foundation Brush (190) which cost $32. I must have at least three practically unused foundations, and even more face powders, that I’ve bought and discarded because I didn’t like the way they looked in daylight or in photos. This time I made sure I knew what I was getting into and visited the MAC counter no less than three times before settling on this foundation. Each time I got their makeup artist to put the foundation on, then I bounced to see my face in different lighting! I’m sure they think I’m crazy but I didn’t want to make another mistake. If you’re like me and have slightly oily skin and mild hyperpigmentation this product is for you.

We`ll have Manhattan…

Only a city as vibrant and majestic as New York could have a scent dedicated to each of its neighborhoods. Bond no.9 is the first perfumery in fragrance history to launch a collection that pays homage to NYC. Each fragrance represents a specific downtown, midtown, or uptown locale in the city. Their latest scent is called “Bryant Park” and represents the fashion hot spot of New York Fashion Week. I’m lovin’ the swirls of pink, lavender and black on the 50’s Mod inspired bottle. I'm a little embarrassed to admit it but sometimes I buy perfumes for their bottles! Bryant Park will be available at all four Bond No. 9 stores in New York, countrywide at selected branches of Saks Fifth Avenue and internationally at Harvey Nichols, UK on March 1st.

Mix or Match...

Above: Oval Ring, $15, www.alltherageonline.com; Flower Ring, $27.50, www.tiffany.com; Oval Ring, $2.80, www.forever21.com; Ring with Diamond, $89.99, www.target.com

Above: Ink Blot Painted Bangle, $14, www.urbanoutfitters.com; Stripy Wood Bangle, $18, www.frenchconnection.com; Polkadot Bangle, $8, www.monsoon.co.uk

Above: Bruges Ring, $98, www.anthropologie.com; Battered Wrap Ring, $24, www.monsoon.co.uk; Oval Catseye Ring, $20, www.monsoon.co.uk; 10K Yellow Gold Diamond and Amethyst Ring, $29.99, www.kay.com

Nail Colors (from top to bottom): Temptress; Very Petal; Pink A Dink; Highland Mist. Salsa; Sunset; Golden Pearl. Nougat; So Bright; Crystal Lilac and Oyster all $4.49 by No. 7 cosmetics by Boots.com. See “Lucky No 7” post.

If your lousy partner didn’t get you anything for Valentines Day, treat yourself. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend so go for a little bling. Alternatively you can embrace your funkier side and opt for something unique. Urban Outfitters and Monsoon (U.K.) have some great jewelry pieces. Above I picked my favorites and nail polish to match.

Note: Also see this “Perfect Match” post for more nail colors and see “Arm Candy” for some cute bracelets.