Cécred by Beyoncé

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is no stranger to beauty. She has now taken on the role as haircare guru! We are here for it. “The journey of creating Cécred has taken years, and I’m so proud to finally reveal what we’ve been working on,” Beyoncé said in a press release for the brand. The new haircare line launched on Tuesday, February 20, with eight products for hair textures from straight to coily. The historic Grammy winner credits early lessons in entrepreneurship to her mother, Tina Knowles. Knowles ran a hair salon out of their home in Houston and later opened her own salon called Headliners. Beyoncé's first job was sweeping hair at the salon. In the video, “ Bills, Bills, Bills,” you can actually see her childhood playout in a makeshift salon. Beyoncé--with her band Destiny's Child--got her start performing for customers at the salon. This next chapter seems very special to Knowles-Carter. Last night in Los Angeles, a family filled loft studio filled with the starlets family, friends, bloggers and specials guests. celebrated the momentous event. And with her latest entrepreneurial venture, Beyoncé is giving back. The singer's foundation, BeyGOOD, has launched the BeyGOOD x Cécred Fund, which will provide $500,000 annually in grants to salons and scholarships to cosmetology schools.

Top Ranked Brands

CEO of HEIGHT Magazine, Rae Ashe talks beauty and lifestyle with New York Living host, Marysol Castro.

Morning Glamour Heatless Curler

by Sandra Barlett

The kit includes: 1 Satin heatless curler, 1 Hair clip, 2 satin scrunchies all in Eco-Friendly Packaging. We can all rise feeling well-rested and looking good with the help from

Morning Glamour, the pros at beauty sleep with the must-have satin pillowcases, satin scrunchies, scarves, microfiber towels and shower caps, and the popular Heatless Curler sets.

“I absolute love the heatless curler.  It was easy and fast and it gave me beautiful lose curls.  I decided to sleep with it on and it was super comfortable. I like that it is heatless so it doesn’t damage your hair.  I would  have liked to use 2 of the curlers because I have thick-long hair. You could imagine the excitement I felt when I did not have to curl my hair for two whole days! The picture shown with me wearing the white shirt, was the first day I actually used the set. The picture with me wearing the blue shirt is day two. I did not set my hair at all. The results were pretty amazing.” Sandra Barlett

HEIGHT Teams Up with The Lip Bar

The ultimate collaboration has arrived! HEIGHT Magazine and The Lip Bar. Get 10% off your entire purchase when you shop online. All vegan and “Performance and quality. Non-toxic beauty essentials in non-toxic people”. The Lip Bar- Use code: HEIGHTMAG to receive a 10% discount off your complete purchase.

Black Pride’s Top Haircare Products for Summer

Summer '23 (😎 is out and 🔥) ! Beauties, far and near, are back outside in full swing rocking their coveted Hot Girl Summer hair.

 

As the temperatures heat up, that doesn’t mean your hair should end up dry, frizzy, or damaged. You can beat the heat and protect the mane with your fav protective styles - from mini twists, faux locs to curly wigs and weaves, knotless braids or sleek ponytails.  While rocking these looks, it’s a MUST to protect and condition the hair before, during and after protective styles.

 

Whether vacationing in the South of Italy, fete-ing during Carnival in the Caribbean or rooftop hopping, leading haircare brand African Pride, has an array of go-to products (not to leave home with) infused with natural ingredients to achieve the most lush, supple and hydrated hair for the warmer months. 

African Pride Braid & Scalp Cleansing Rinse gently cleanses and conditions hair, edges, and the scalp during braided styles and under weaves without causing frizz.  It soothes the scalp and calms itching, leaving hair refreshed and styles lasting longer. Perfect for braids, crochets, edges, under-weave care, and protective styles.

  •  African Pride Black Castor Miracle Sealing Oil - Specially crafted with a blend of black castor oil, tea tree oil, and soybean oil to lock moisture into hair strands and improve moisture retention. It helps to condition hair, soothe scalp, calm itching, and prevent dryness. Perfect for braids, crochets, edges, under-weave care, and protective styles.

  • African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray - This staple African Pride® Olive Miracle® Magical Growth formula restores hair’s natural beauty and boosts shine. It's best to use daily to revitalize dry, dull hair for a softer, silkier, healthier looking shine. 

Priced at under $5, these products are the perfect summer must-haves for protective styles. Let me know if you are working on any stories for possible inclusion.

 

New York - One look at Ceata E. Lash’s CV and it’s hard not to be impressed by what this ambitious, intelligent, and creative entrepreneur has accomplished. As founder and inventor of the PuffCuff, she has undoubtedly made her presence known in the natural hair and beauty industry.

Ceata follows the tradition of pioneering Black women entrepreneurs in the beauty industry, such as Annie Malone and Madam C.J. Walker. As the only Black woman to hold four patents for a natural hair accessory, Ceata is a game-changer and groundbreaker making a difference in her field. The PuffCuff, the first unisex curly hair clamp gentle on curly locks from 2C to 4C, is her creation and has positioned her as a voice in the natural hair movement.

“PuffCuff was born the day I decided to stop chemically relaxing my hair and embrace what the good Lord gave me as an African-American woman,” says Ceata. “I also wanted to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle free of chemicals and toxins, so I started my journey about 17 years ago.” Lash said.

Unable to find an existing product like many Black women making the same natural transition, she realized the need for an easy-to-use styling tool. Thus, PuffCuff was born and today, the brand offers various products for men and women of all ethnicities and textures. The brand is currently collaborating with Cocoa Kids and Healthy Roots Dolls to celebrate the beauty of diversity.

The success of PuffCuff is partly due to Ceata’s diverse graphic design background, which helped her create the hair accessory. She received her bachelor’s in Visual Communications from Northern Illinois University. She also is a Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses National Cohort alumna. She credits much of her go-getter personality to her 99-year-old grandmother, who inspired her to reach for her dreams and live a life well-led with no regrets. Thanks to her, Ceata set out to make her entrepreneurial dreams come true.

Meet Ceata Lash

Inventor of the PuffCuff - The Only Black Woman to Hold Four Patents for Natural Hair Accessory

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L’Core Paris’s 60 Second Eye Lift formula is said to drastically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, under-eye puffiness, and dark circles in less than a minute. Key ingredients Aloe Vera and Cucumber infused into their serum, insuring instant re-hydration, leading the formula to firming itself.

Why we love it

Here’s what we found:

Very little is needed

It dries very quickly upon application

We saw results almost immediately

Works great on all skin types

It does not dry out your skin

In a 10 hour day the results were still effective visually

Works drastically on those with very mature skin

If you’re not exactly ready for a more invasive approach to minimizing, dark circle or deep eye bags? This would be the perfect option.

The bottle is shaped like a shaped like a make shift needle. Actually, it’s a pretty neat concept. If used properly and diligently. You should have it for at least 3 months. But, it also depends on how active or often one relies on it. You’ll have a good 12 hours out of it.

Most effective if used during the day. If you apply overnight, chances are you’ll wash it right off it the morning.

L'Core Paris

For best results, apply a thin amount to clean, dry skin. Focus on areas of concern, like under the eyes, crow’s feet, or any facial lines or wrinkles. Gently pat to smooth out. When it dries, you will immediately notice the results, and they will last for up to 12 hours. It can be used as the last step of your skincare routine or on its own.

L’Core Paris $119

Top Ranked Products on PIX 11 New York Living

Top Ranked Products on PIX 11 New York Living

Jones Road’s official description:

Miracle Balm is the secret of no-makeup makeup: a wash of soft-focus moisture to perfect and enhance skin. A light-reflecting superproduct that’s as versatile as it is simple to use. Wear Miracle Balm alone or layer on top of foundation for an instant refresh. 

The perfect makeup. Can we even call it that? If you’re constantly on the go or don’t want to fuss with applying make-up at 5am? The Jones Road Miracle Balm is your best bet. Compliments every skin tone and skin type. “Break the top surface of the balm with your index finger first, and then warm it up to soften the formula. Apply balm using your fingertips, palms, a brush, or a sponge onto cheeks, lips, or anywhere you want to tint or glow. *Miracle Balm is not intended to be used on the eyes or eyelids.” Jones Road $38

Why you should have it

It decreases fine lines and wrinkles. Yes, I said. There are great cosmetic lines out there. But, the miracle balm will create any look you may desire with out looking as if the make up is caked on. Subtle to sultry while evening out lines under and above your eyelids. The illusion of it all is worth it. Try it for yourself.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan that can bind up to 1000x its weight in water.

While hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, retinol helps it be able to refresh itself more rapidly. Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin that is considered essential to the health and function of the body. It helps with vision and cell reproduction, among other things.‘

The acid actually nourishes and hydrates your skin rather than exfoliating it.

Hyaluronic acid helps to:

Increase skin elasticity (well-hydrated skin has more elasticity or ‘bounce’ which means that it returns to its shape when pulled or poked)

Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles almost instantly thanks to its hydrating effect (dehydrated skin makes fine lines and wrinkles appear much worse)

Reduces inflammation

Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that converts to retinoic acid (its active form) when it penetrates your skin. It helps treat a wide-range of skin conditions and is one of the only skincare ingredients that’s clinically proven to alter your skin on a cellular level.

It’s an antioxidant that increases the rate that your skin makes new skin cells and moves them to the surface of your skin in order to be shed. It also:

Boosts collagen production

Reduces inflammation

Helps prevent acne scarring

Helps unclog pores and treat acne

Reduces pigmentation by preventing melanin production as well as getting rid of existing pigmentation by increasing skin cell turnover

Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What’s the Difference between Hyaluronic Acid and Retinol?

Naked and Thriving Renew Resurfacing Night Serum $68

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier This serum is a little pricey, but is highly effective at restoring dehydrated skin. $106

La Roche-Posay Combining vitamin B3 with 0.3 per cent retinol. Great for all skin .types, including sensitive $30

Tata Harper

Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil Best for fine lines & wrinkles, or uneven skin texture. $165

Our favorite picks from B. Simone Beauty

B. Simone Beauty has become the new darling in beauty. Her charismatic collection of lip essentials, are perfect for everyday wear. For Fall, the Visionary hue compliments every skin tone. Sexy, sultry with deep brown and rich blue under tones.

B. Simone Beauty Matte Lip Color ‘Visionary’ $16.00 www.bsimonebeauty.com

‘New Beginning 3D Mink Eyelashes’ Medium $35.00

Let’s face it. We love a little glam, even if it’s not permitted or necessary depending on where we may be going. Lash lover will appreciate these modest flippers. They will make it look as if you’ve applied three coats of mascara and that’s exactly what some of us desire.

As we approach Winter and Fall. That doesn’t mean push our glosses to the back of the lippie picks. The 90’s Baby ($16.00)has a gentle shimmer and when paired with your shade of lip pencil, you can create a smooth earth tone vibe with ease. This high shine gloss can be worn alone, giving the look a more natural appearance.

Aaliyah Alicia Thomas, 21-Year-Old Black Autistic Woman Makes History, Opens New Beauty Bar in Georgia

At the age of five years old, Aaliyah Alicia Thomas was diagnosed with autism. She defied all odds by receiving accolades and was some what known as an over achiever. The support of her family and friends have propelled the 21 year old Georgia native to pursue her dreams. And that was to open her own beauty bar. She was able to sharpen her craft with the assistance of her mother Patricia. Aaliyah has successfully opened Aaliyah’s Beauty Bar using the designs and concepts that Aaliyah thought of on her own. The beauty bar is set to do hairstyling and offer other beauty needs such as cosmetics applications, nails technicians on site and other great beautifying services.

Congratulations!

Image courtesy of ShopHQ

Former Model turned CEO, Kim Baker is about to make history. The Newark, New Jersey native has created a fabulous life off of hard work, dedication and self-determination. Glamazon Beauty Cosmetics is quickly taking over the beauty world. And rightfully so. As a former model. Kim reflects on how she used to struggle to find the right makeup for her rich brown skin tone. Even the professional Make Up artists failed to give the same attention to the Black models as they did with the White models. And how could they? Cosmetic companies did not create a variation of hues to select from when it came to black, brown and yellow skin. Kim has helped to change that narrative. We have a special surprise coming tomorrow with more about Kim’s success. In the meantime. Be sure to watch her make history, live on ShopHQ, June 30th.

Baker will be the first African American woman to launch a cosmetics line with the home shopping service.

“Kim Baker is a makeup artist who specializes in working with celebrities and models with a focus of enhancing that “special something” everyone has- their personality. With her belief that makeup doesn’t need to be a coverup, she created products that look and feel like skin using botanical extracts, peptides, and other plant-based ingredients for breathable coverage the everyday woman will love.” ShopHQ

Why Love My Fav is great for your skin

Visit on Instagram @shoplovemyfav now

The all natural plant based skin care line is actually created by AnaMarie Henry, a registered nurse. Love My Fav offers, infused soaps, body butters, body gels, liquid face cleansers and more. And it’s a non-animal tested line. Yes, it’s vegan. Like the Honey Tumeric face and body wash all natural. Henry herself has already received 5 Star reviews from her customers. While the official site launches July 2022. You can still place orders. AnaMarie was also a vendor at the BGM Beauty & Business Fest in New Jersey. Needless to say, shoppers and other vendors were impressed with the entire line. And we first hand can see why. Everything from the packaging to the crafted soap bars were created with precise designing. Visit Love My Fav now on Instagram.

The versatility and benefits of protective styles

A protective hairstyle is a hairstyle that protects your hair from daily physical manipulation and environmental and chemical harms. Detangling and combing black hair can often cause breakage and brittle ends. In colder environments, harsh weather can often dry out our curls, leaving them vulnerable and listless. Protective hairstyles combat that by tucking away our precious strands and guarding them. Not only are protective hairstyles beneficial to healthy hair and length retention, they are undoubtedly stylish. Many women love protective styling because of the low maintenance — and it also allows you to add versatility to my personal style with each hairdo while still maintaining possibly healthier hair.

How can I begin my journey?

Braids, twists, and faux locs are just a few of the popular protective hairstyles you may come across while scrolling through your social media feeds. 

"The benefits of protective hairstyles are that they seal in moisture and moisture is one of the key benefits to maintaining healthy hair and retaining length,"

How long can most protective hairstyles last?

Even though your hair is in a protective style, you must still take care of your natural hair and particularly your scalp. Your skin is the largest organ on your body and this includes your scalp! Ensure that you keep it clean and use products to keep your scalp hydrated, no matter what style you opt for. Typically, most braids and locs can be worn up to 6 months with proper maintenance. It really is a selective decision.

Here are a few great products to help you maintain a fresh look!

1. Foam Reset Rinseless

2. Hydrating Cleanser

3. Feelunique

4. Super Hold Styler

5. Manketti Oil Finishing Mist

6. Super Dry Shampoo

7. Bloom Omega Healthy Hair Oil

8. Scalp Toner For Flaky & Itchy Scalps

9. Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste

Blushes, mascara and nails…Oh my!

Exfoliating, steaming, mint masks peptides, toners and whatever else it will take to achieve it. You name it and most women have tried it. How do you get and maintain perfect skin? Is there even such a thing as a flawless canvas? Well, with hormonal changes, free radicals and elements. Can we achieve a healthy glow? Start with a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. And remember to consume a variety of fruits and veggies.

We’ve created a list of our favorite products.

Here are some of the best cleansers for all skin types. Keep in mind, that you should switch out your cleansers routinely. Our skin cells do change.

1. Superfood Cica Calm Cleansing Foam

2. Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

3. Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser

4. Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash

5. Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser and Makeup Remover

6. Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser

7. Clearing Skin Wash

Best Daytime Moisturizers

Cerave Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 $19

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$20

LA ROCHE-POSAY

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

$39

GLOW RECIPE

Tatcha Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer

$68 TATCHA

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Cashmere Moisturizer

$65 CAUDALIE

Best Peptides

Paula's Choice Peptide Booster $52

SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex $220

Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Eye Gel Crème $52

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum $39

Olay Regenerist Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Face Moisturizer $29

Mele Smooth Pore Minimizing Serum $26

Then I Met You Calming Tide Gel Cream $42

BV FAVORITES

WHAT’S BEST FOR LOW POROSITY HAIR?

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY USE VITAMIN C TOPICALLY

For many centuries, citrus has been a main element used for hair growth. Of course, genetics plays a large part in every factor of our existence. But the maintenance we provide may possibly help us. When it comes to African American hair textures that’s another conversation. The term of “4C; hair type and opened up a new dialogue about haircare for us. For instance, low porosity hair types, while referred to by many as kinkier or difficult to manage is also the most resilient and can be the healthiest grades of hair. The most vocalized challenges of maintaining low porosity hair is having continuous moisture.

Many people have suggested using castor oil for both moisturizing and hair growth.

Other essentials oils known for the same benefactors are Tea Tree, Vitamin E, Rose Hip and Mint. But have you considered Vitamin C for scalp stimulation?

Vitamin C benefits for your hair are from a necessary property within the vitamin that creates the protein, known by the more popular term, collagen. Vitamin C promotes hair health, reduces hair loss and improves hair growth. Vitamin C deficiency can also result in dry hair and split ends.

The benefits of Vitamin C when used on hair has become highly recommended by dermatologists. Some have even suggested making it a routine part of your haircare regime.