Sensitive skin.  Two lowly words I’ve uttered followed by an exasperated sigh at one-too-many makeup counters in my 20 something years on this planet. For this and this reason alone, my makeup choices as of late have been limited to consciously choosing to use oil-free, non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic foundation and powders ONLY. No exceptions. For anyone who knows anything about make-up, coming across a good, all day-wear, foundation and/or powder for sensitive skin requires patience and persistence.

I had a double helping of both when I happened upon Lancome Teint Idole Fresh Wear 18-hr shine free, SPF 15 liquid foundation during a google search for I-kid-you-not “best foundation for sensitive skin.”  Although, I’ve had to ditch my NW45  for Suede 1N, which is (admittedly) noticeably lighter, I took a helpful piece of advice from a makeup artist friend of mine, and went with a powder a shade darker than my own complexion to balance the lighter liquid foundation.

Insert the best thing since online Poker gaming here, fragrance-free, paraben-free and oil-free pressed mineral powder foundation Cover FX Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation, which I wear in B35, but comes in a multitude of shades.  Combined, this sensitive-skin liquid foundation/powder duo leaves my skin oil-free, matte, and pore-less with a super natural finish for hours!

And yes I know it’s kind of, sort of sacrilege to mix makeup brands in this manner, but trust, when you have acne-prone skin, unlike Poker tournaments, all rules must be thrown out! If it’s any consolation, however, I only wear a light concealer and Cover FX powder for work, and I pair Lancome’s fresh wear and Cover FX powder for all outings outside of the 9-to-5. Four months in, I’m loving the noticeable difference with less acne, irritation bumps and clogged sebum-producing pores overall. Tell a friend to tell a friend , because foundation has NEVER looked and felt better! -spons.

Confession.  A little over a year ago I experienced one of the worst  acne breakouts of my adult life.  Absolutely horrendous. I mean cheeks, forehead and chin completely covered in pimples and dark acne marks.  It happened as I was attempting to transition from chemical based products to all-natural products.  I quickly learned, however, that as much as  I wanted to be Erykah Badu, queen-mother of the earth, I could not, or rather my face could not function as a non-acne-giving entity without a daily dose of benzoyl peroxide.  Once I figured this out, I took over Sephora.com in a crazed search of something, ANYTHING, that would bring my face back to some semblance of normality.

After comparing what seemed like hundreds of ratings and ingredients, I settled upon Kinerase Photofacials Daily Exfoliating cleanser for sensitive skin.  I knew in order to reverse the damaged skin, I’d first have to exfoliate the dead skin cells so that new skin cells would form in its place. (Sidenote:  This is still my go-to cleanser to this day and it’s kind of the best thing since Grace coconut water.)

I then incorporated Kimberly Sayer of London Botanical Astringent, into my daily routine. Finally, I embarked on weeks and weeks of thesis-worthy research on fade creams for my unsightly left-over acne marks. Why? Because my skin, if I haven’t mentioned before, will break out in .5 seconds.  It only takes one lowly ingredient to sabotage an entire year’s worth of carefully orchestrated good skincare.

So after comparing ratings (again), reading blog posts, and cross-referencing against my list of acne-causing  ingredients (which I pinky-swear promise to list in another post),  I felt confident in sampling and subsequently purchasing Ole Henriksen’s Sheer Transformation, an anti-aging skin perfecting complex formulated to fade skin discoloration– acne marks, hyper pigmentation etc.– without the use of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals or phthalates. The biggest draw for Ole was it’s all-natural way of fighting skin discoloration, which certainly appealed to my Erykah Badu, Queen Mother Earth side. Needless to say, it did not break me out. Whew!

However, after using Sheer Transformation for a couple weeks, it became apparent that it worked better as a whole as opposed to a spot treatment, and I would need a stronger component to deal specifically with acne marks. And so the search resumed. This is how I happened upon a product totally out of left field (meaning you couldn’t purchase it at Sephora), Civant Skincare’s, Meladerm pigment reducing complex (pictured as main image of post). I researched (read googled) everything I could about Meladerm and found that even though there were one or two posts about the harmful effects of this product (which I cannot attest to, after using it for more than a year), there were way more positive reviews than negative.  In addition, Meladerm was not only free of parabens, it was also free of hydroquinone, mercury and steroids and actually contained mulberry root extract, kojic acid, licorice extract (great for dark spots as well) and vitamins a and e, in addition to more good-for-you ingredients.  I doled out the $60 and never looked back.

Now I’m pretty certain, my skin discolorations would have faded much quicker had I decided to use Meladerm and Sheer Transformation in the daytime and at night. Yet, even though I was assured of the non-acnenegic ingredients based on my thorough research, I still didn’t know what, if any, negative effects it would have on my facial parts if I mixed the two products with my makeup and primer during the day. And I damn sure didn’t want to chance another major breakout, since again my face has a mind of it’s own.

So instead, my nightly routine consisted of the following: Wash face with exfoliating cleanser using a poor woman’s version of a Clarisonic brush, an exfoliating facial sheet, tone with botanical astringent, apply benzoyl peroxide (DDF 5% gel formula with tea tree oil) to my problem areas, and spot treat with meladerm. After about 10 minutes  (enough time to let the Meladerm fully absorb – as noted in the instructions), I applied Sheer Transformation on my entire face. Note: I have combination skin, so this particular routine worked during the winter season, when my face was dry, but during the warmer spring and summer months, I transitioned strictly to meladerm only  for spot treatments and left the Ole Henriksen out completely, since my skin was often less dry and did not need as much moisture.

A year after adopting this new skincare regimen, I can honestly say my face has never looked better.  Don’t get me wrong, I still get the occasional breakouts due to clogged pores when I decide to go to sleep without washing my face after a crazy night out or during my favorite monthly visit from you-know-who, but my face clears up almost immediately once resuming my routine, while minor marks often disappear quickly and/or are easily covered with concealer. I also still have a ways to go before I’m completely satisfied and confident in venturing out with absolutely no-makeup on my facial parts. Speaking of makeup, I have to mention that my skin has also benefited from switching to non-acnegenic/non-comedogenic and mineral-based makeup only (shout out to BareMinerals and my newest love sensation Cover FX Pressed Mineral powder, post soon come). In the end, the pain, frustration and newfound skincare knowledge have ALL been worth it.

Had I not experienced such a traumatic experience, yes trau-ma-tic, I probably would not have embarked on getting my blog out to the world as quickly and this post would be null and void.  Hopefully, at least one person can and will benefit from reading this skincare diary of sorts. Lastly, major thanks to ThisThatBeauty for the inspiration via twitter. (I’m too much of a wuss to post pictures as she did, but I’m slowly, but surely building up my courage.) In the meantime and in between time, peace, love and good skincare.

Tracklisting

North Hollywood

Watching You Go Crazy is Driving Me Insane

Designer Jeans

Plum

Falls (Violet)

Moving Targets (ed. note. this is THE track. Love it!)

Eyes Like Pearls

A Time Machine is My New Girlfriend

What Were You Hoping For?

Cross Dresser

It’s A Mysterious Hustle

 If you haven’t heard Idris Elba’s “Private Garden” or Tank’s “Compliments” yet, do yourself a solid and click on the links after the jump! The two uber fine chocolate drops released their vocal odes to women within the last month ….just in time for cuffing season. (I see what they did there.)

Congrats to both on these beautiful singles and shout out to Idris on his new SmartWater endorsement. Check out the flics (you’re welcome) then check out the music after the jump.

Idris Elba – “Private Garden” 

Tank  - “Compliments” feat. Kris Stephens

What do you think? Are you feeling one more than the other?

Stacy Barthe, songwriter to the stars, most notably, Rhianna, Brandy, and Katy Perry, just released her EP Sincerely Yours. After getting a hold of the beautifully written single, “Without You,” featuring Frank Ocean (also included on this EP) a few months ago, via Goapele on Twitter, I couldn’t wait to download her EP!  Anyone else find it refreshing to see yet another songwriter take a leap of faith from behind the scenes? But before I give my thoughts,  take a few minutes from your post VMA Beyonce stannery, to check  out  her EP and let me know what you think! Tracklisting and download link after the jump!

Tracklisting:

Comfy Little Coffin

Drink My Pain Away ft. Joi Starr

Without You ft. Frank Ocean

Let It Be

Never Did

Not Like I Used to…

The Only One

Touch

Download Sincerely Yours here:  http://www.mediafire.com/?y2579e7wbq0mzcb

Leave it to Eric Roberson to bring the Soul of BeautyVirtuoSoul out of hiding. On Wednesday, August 17, he did just that with the anniversary celebration of his first album, Esoteric at SOB’s monthly soul series, Sol Village.  The event was sponsored by Singersroom.com and brought out the likes of up-and-coming artists Emanny,  ArinMaya, Rocki Evans, and crowd pleaser and favorite, Charles Perry.

Eric performed a few popular hits including “Runaway”, one of my faves, in between sets and I was able to snap a few shots of  a couple of the performances. Read more after the jump.

ArinMaya performed a few cuts off her album, The Sound of ArinMaya, including the lovely guitar-laced track, “I Want To Be Beautiful” where she sounded like a dead ringer for India Arie.  Don’t take my word for it though, check out ArinMaya and her  cute asymmetrical mohawk at her website, arinmaya.com.

This dude Charles Perry.  (Yes, that was a fragment.) When you have the audience and the headliner of the show singing your name in unison, you know he’s going to be a problem.  Aside from his super charismatic personality and stage presence, Charles Perry and his band, complete with matching outfitted background singers, shut it down. He bantered with the audience, had a photo shoot on stage, where he stopped  in the middle of a set to snap photos and then proceeded to take the audience to church.  Let’s just say, if you didn’t know or weren’t a Charles Perry fan before the show, you would have been after. Check out more of his music on his MySpace site (yep it’s still around now hush and visit), myspace.com/charlesperrymusic.

Emanny and Rocki Evans also put on pretty good sets. But of course, I didn’t get to take pics, welp.

All in all, the night was filled with good folks, good music and a few pleasant surprises. Eric announced that his new album, Mister Nice Guy will be dropping on October 11th of this year, and his label, Blue Erro Soul Entertainment Company, just signed their first U.S.  distribution partnership deal with Purpose Music Group and Entertainment One. Go Eric!! Be sure to check his new single, “Picture Perfect” here!

After returning from my overdue vacation a few weeks back, I realized just how handy a few skincare items were in particular on those super hot Boca Chica days. What better time to highlight some of my essential  Summer skincare musthaves, than at the beginning of July 4th weekend when people are enjoying some fireworks and watching poker on TV.  Check out some of my faves after the jump.

City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protectant SPF 25:  A creamy moisturizing face protectant fortified with SPF 25.

Pros: Light oil-absorbing properties,  moisturizer and primer in one!

Cons: It goes on pretty thick. If you’re of the darker persuasion, it also leaves a bit of a white tint on your face. However, when worn under makeup or foundation, the tint disappears almost instantly.

Shiseido Pureness Oil-Control Blotting Paper:  These blotting sheets are coated with a hint of powder for extra oil-blasting greatness.

Pros: Not only do these sheets absorb oil like nobody’s business. The extra addition of powder wards off oil much longer than the average blotting sheet.

Cons: It’s a bit on the expensive side at $18 for 100 sheets.

Carmex Moisture Plus:  An SPF 15,  aloe and vitamin E filled lip balm.

Pros: Congratulations! You’ve officially graduated from chapstick grade school to Moisture Plus High! This lip balm is  SUPER moisturizing,  doesn’t feel waxy like most chapsticks, and protects your lips from harmful sunrays.

Cons: If you happen to leave your Carmex in your purse and forget that said purse is in direct path of sunlight, be prepared to encounter an HSM — a hot sloshy mess.

Kimberly Sayer of London Botanical Astringent: This organic toner for combination, oil & blemish-prone skine is formulated with plant extracts to “cleanse, tone, and detoxify,”  while minimizing large pores to boot.

Pros: Unlike most astringents, this Botanical Astringent is alcohol free. That means zero irritation! Over time, complexion actually does appear more balanced and clearer.

Cons: The product comes in a spray bottle, which can get annoying if you’re used to being able to pour astringent/toner onto cotton face pads.

Boscia Pore Purifying Black Strips:  Peel off strips that unclog oil and dirt filled pores.

Pros: These Black strips are formulated with charcoal, which acts as a literal dirt magnet, helping to draw out  impurities. Silica and witch hazel extract round out this perfect pore-cleansing trio.

Cons: 6 Strips at $15, You do the math!

Bonus: It’s July 4th weekend, so I’m sure my beauty beaus will all be hitting up a few game-packed barbeques.  If you need to get away from the sunrays, and chill in the AC, bring the games inside and check out this cool site online: Texas Hold Em Poker. Be sure you put your best summer poker face forward!

Now go forth into the sunlight. May the skin gods be with you!

*sponsored post

1. Nails – Yes, manicures and pedicures usually don’t burn a hole through your pockets. But between shopping for last minute ‘eff me stilettos and making that mid-afternoon hair appointment, sometimes  doing your nails fall to the wayside.

Problem: You decide to paint your nails yourself.  Base coat? Check! Polish? Check! Top Coat? Check! Steady hands? Fail! Polish spillage on the outside of your cuticles will now commence.

Solution: Let your nails dry completely. (Lightly tap the nails of  both your right and left hands together to make sure.) Hop in a steaming hot shower. After a few minutes of doing what you do in the shower, the steam will loosen up the polish spillage on the skin surrounding your cuticle. Gently peal off the excess spillage with your fingernails. (Be careful not to peal too roughly!)

2.  Bra Straps – So you still haven’t made it to Vicky’s for the 7-way bra. But low and behold you’ve found the perfect dress…revealing back and all!

Problem: No matter how you adjust your bra and/or dress, your straps continue to show!

Solution: Have you seen the wire strings that seals bread packages? Well, it’s actually strong enough to hold bra straps together too! Situate the bra straps on top of the wire string, in the middle of your back and twist until you can’t twist anymore. Then fold downward.  Alternatively, you can use a large safety pin. However, this can be dangerous if you happen to raise your hands while your dancing and the pin pops loose. (Don’t ask me how I know.)  These solutions alittle to medieval for ya? Go on and dish out the $10 for Strap Perfect at your local Walgreens or Target. They actually work!

3. Hair – So you have short hair, and you refuse to go to the salon when you can bust a mean curl with your curling iron at home. I feel ya!

Problem: Your hair is a little on the greasy side and there’s no time to wash, blowdry and curl.

Solution: Invest in dry shampoo!  (A 1 oz bottle has lasted a year for me, because I break it out on must-use occasions ONLY!)  I’d recommend Oscar Blandi Pronto, Dry Shampoo.  The directions on the bottle instruct you to section your hair using the pointed cap as your guide. But if you do have shorter hair, you’ll only need a quarter-size amount. In any case, distribute evenly through your hair and brush with a natural bristle brush or small tooth comb. Follow up with a volumizer hair spray. Curl and lightly spritz some holding spray and lastly sheen spray to complete your look.  Don’t take my word for it. Try it ladies!

4. Foundation -  Foundation is an essential when your hitting the town. Powder make-up, such as Bare Minerals,  holds up pretty well during the day, but during a night out, you need something that’ll hold up against sweat and will have you looking absolutley flawless during photo ops.

Problem: Your foundation  seems to always fail and fade only a few hours into the night.

Solution: Primer! I didn’t know just how much of a difference this made, until my former roommate, a make up artist with M.A.C. introduced me to M.A.C Prep and Prime. After further research, I happened upon M.A.C Prep and Prime SPF 50, which I use during the day and especially at night. It’s literally a  life face saver!

5. Shaving – Yes, you read correctly. Don’t act like you’ve never gotten dolled up, totally forgot you were wearing a sleeveless dress and then suddenly remembered, “OMG, I didn’t shave!”  It’s happened to us all at least once!

Problem: You want to shave as quickly as possible, but are worried about yucky razor bumps.

Solution: Undress partially. Take a washcloth and run hot water on it. Squeeze out the excess water and hold the cloth in your underarm area to loosen the hair follicles. Ten seconds should do it. Proceed with your regular shaving routine–this time with no hassle. Whatever you do, don’t forget your deodorant! Stinky underarms in the club are not whats up!

Now venture out on New Years Eve, take these tips and tricks with ya, and be sure to share!

A few quick deets for ya…

Date/Venue: This Saturday, Nov 13 at Harlem Stage in Harlem, NY.

Host: Dee Vasquez,  Hot 97 radio personality

Event Sponsors: Carol’s Daughter, 98.7 Kiss FM, KOS Productions, and more

Judges: Dominique Sharpton, daughter of Al Sharpton;  Mikki Taylor, Editor-at-Large of Essence Magazine;  Actress Naturi Naughton among others…

For ticket info, click the image above or this link:  Miss Black New York| Miss Black New Jersey Pageant

See you there!

Now here we are in 2010 with his latest, Airtight’s Revenge, and while I didn’t hate it the first time I heard it two weeks ago, it did take some getting used to.  The 13-track CD is typical Bilal but just a tad wiser, evident in tracks like “Little One,” where he talks about his hopes and dreams for his little one and “Move On” where he laments over a past lover before ultimately making up his mind to…move on.  Bilal’s classical music background makes itself known as he taps into his worldly background, bringing along some Jazz, rock, funk, folk and even a little deep house to make Airtight Revenge, his revenge against that pesky ole’ Neo Soul label.  And so it makes absolute perfect sense that even though a couple songs at times have me thinking WTF, there are a few songs that make me wonder WTF took him so long to release this? One such single is “Think it Over.” Instead of describing it, I’ll just go ahead and let you listen…

Fave line, “Like King and Coretta, I thought we could change the world.” We can…