face prescriptives custon concealer + studio tech nw50 foundation + prescriptives custom liquid foundation (center) + deep dark blot powder + gold deposit mineralized skin finish.
Before even watching Tyra Banks' talk show, I guessed it would be a silly platform for Tyra's brand of grandiose inarticulate posturing, mimicking the idea of a down-to-earth inspirational and informational guru, but failing miserably because she's a fucking clown. The problem with Tyra is that she'll do a show on actual controversial topics, like skin lightening trend in the black community and MSM's unhealthy prorogation of the super waif, but she'll never delve deeper than the surface and she's completely ingenuous in the process. She's far too emotional when it's not necessary (see: vasaline give-away and "I'm not fat!") and then pretends to cry when an actual beating heart is called for (see: Chanel Iman and Keysha Cole). Top that off with her vapid awkward personality, her unconvincing "You go girl! I'm down!" monkey show, and her shameless habit of making every topic somehow be a reveal centered around her... I can't!
Case in point, the above clip is an recently aired episode of the Tyra Banks Show in which Tyra discusses the popularity of skin bleaching by black women and where the problems really stem from. First, I'll give her this: 20 minutes is not enough time to flesh out the meat of a topic so loaded as skin lightening, but I'm still annoyed by her inability to present the subject more than superficially! What is the purpose of the doctor? How comical is her little sidekick's "investigative reporting"? Count how many times Tyra says "me", "my" and "I". Why weren't the guests prepped to sound a little less foolish? Why not find a woman who could come up with a convincing argument for skin bleaching? How little light did that lame faux expo shed on the desperation of these women while making them look even more silly? Why not mention the statistics of women in South Africa or Congo or Brazil actually dying from the habit? Why not mention some famous and successful dark-skinned women (Alec Wek, Angela Basset, India Arie)? Is it me, or do the expressions on the audience's faces look choreographed? How pointless was her chat with the three young boys? Could she be anymore inarticulate when the words run out on her cards?
I hate to be a hater, but I more hate someone making light a subject that hangs so heavy in the hearts of so many women. And I can't give props to someone so untalented. Somebody turn that heffa's mic off... PLEASE!
I love these photos! They were taken by Montana. From the bright Indian dress to the delicate jewelry to the beautiful handpicked lilies in my hair. I styled this photo myself, I did my own hair and makeup, and in the end, I felt proud with the results.
Afrobella did a skin care for women of color post yesterday. It's filled with all sorts of excellent advice, product recommendations, and general inspiration. I commented and thought I'd share my two cents here as well.
My two cents on hydroquinone: I first used Black Opal Essential Fade Complex gel back in the spring. The gel has 2% hydroquinone. Anxious to achieve instantly flawless, even-toned skin, I applied way more than the recommended dose on my entire face and headed out into the sun, sans sunscreen (the bottle encourages application of a single thin layer on dark spots only and liberal application of sunscreen to preserve results). It wasn’t until two days later that I noticed that a discernible mask of dramatically darker, dry, peeling skin had developed. I panicked and then researched. I’ve since chucked the bottle, forgoing chemicals for more natural, gentle options. Now my skin is finally regaining it’s natural honey cocoa glow. Adding a bit of baking soda to my antibacterial cleanser every few days has helped immensely. Exfoliation is key! And sunscreen is now a staple in my beauty bag. Trust me.
Also consider your skin troubles a good indicator of what’s going on internally. For me, drinking a liter of water daily seems to have quenched my dry skin, scalp and hair. And, I’ve found that sweating is very effective at eliminating toxins and impurities, so exercising, hitting the sauna, going out dancing may be helpful to you too. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Take vitamins. Brush your skin. Get a massage.
Be good to your body and your body will reward you.
i am a dancer living and working in new york. this blog is a collection of my inspirations & meditations. lettucemove is an artist's journal chronicling the ups and (often) downs of hustling towards success and enlightenment in a world too small for my dreams. [subscribe]
