Rihanna stuns at 2012 Grammy Awards

 

Pop singer Rihanna had heads turning and women all over the U.S. wondering what kind of African American skin care product she uses as she stepped onto the red carpet at the 2012 Grammy Awards on Feb. 12.

Rihanna, who was born in Barbados, wore an Armani gown with a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit to show her toned legs. Always the chameleon, the pop star also debuted a beachy blonde hair style, which stood out against very simple makeup.

"I wanted to do something very Michelle Pfeiffer from Scarface," she told E! before the awards. "Simple, but sexy, and a little gangster at the same time."

Later in the ceremony, the singer changed into a black cropped top with leather shorts, a studded belt, black tights and combat boots to perform with Coldplay.

After the Grammys, she reportedly put on a show with electronic artist Deadmau5.

Ladies who don't have the funds for Armani can still aspire to look as glowing as a pop star by using the right black skin care products and making lifestyle choices that are known to promote a healthy glow, like eating right and staying hydrated. 

Snowy conditions don't mean you can skip sunscreen

 

Winter is in fully blast now, and even if you don't have any snow flakes in your front yard, you may be finding some flakes on your skin due to dry conditions. The cold weather requires you to switch up your skin care routine a bit. It's important to do all you can to protect your skin, since it is the body's number one defense against harmful pathogens.

Recently, the Massachusetts Daily Collegian ran an article offering some winter skin care do's and don'ts. First, during the winter months it's important to moisturize often. While your African American skin care product may already have an added moisturizer, you want to be stringent about re-hydrating all of the skin on your body, not just your complexion.

"Any kind of cleansing, from showering to simple hand washing, becomes an acolyte in the dark cause of skin-dehydrating when under the evil influence of the dry, wintry air," stated the news source.

Along with moisturizing often, the news provider recommended using products with added SPF, since the sun's UV rays can damage your skin even in winter. In fact, the Mayo Clinic states that snow can reflect these rays, so even if it's cold and cloudy outside you should wear sunscreen on all exposed parts of the body, including using a lip balm with SPF. 

Viola Davis goes au natural for Los Angeles Times Magazine

 

Actress Viola Davis has rightfully been in the spotlight since the release of her hit film The Help. Now, people are beginning to pay attention to her for more than her acting abilities, as Los Angeles Times Magazine recently ran a spread that showcases her natural beauty.

Davis appears on the cover with short, natural hair – a far cry from the smooth, bobbed wigs she typically dons on the red carpet.

She told US Magazine that she's "not a glam woman," and that preparing for industry events is actually a bit of a chore for her.

"My biggest fear is that paparazzi with some like lens is going to come in my backyard and see me when I get in my pool!" said Davis, quoted by the news source."That would be very unfortunate!"

When looking at her magazine spread, one has to conclude that the stunning actress is being modest. Her sparse makeup and black, high-fashion wardrobe do far more than flatter her gorgeous African American skin, they make her look like the star she truly is.

 

Former model shares beauty secrets

Few people know more about beauty than models, who spend most of the careers dedicated to looking their best. Recently, the Huffington Post interviewed Peggy Dillard Toone, the second African American model to ever be on the cover of Vogue, and founder of Turning Heads Salon in Harlem, New York City, which helped create the first natural black hair care curriculum for licensing in New York State. The model turned African American hair care pioneer discussed what beauty means to her.

According to Toone, she saw beauty everywhere she looked growing up, and her family used to use the natural ingredients found in their backyard such as red clay for skin care purposes. As she got older, she felt there was a need for a beauty salon that would encourage African American women to make the move from chemical to natural hair.

Next, the Post asked her to describe her beauty rituals.

"Take time with yourself. My philosophy is to incorporate the elements into a beauty regimen. Drink enough water, breath enough air, walk on the earth and get enough sun, or heat. My favorite rituals always involve water. I love baths for spiritual and physical purposes," said Toone, quoted by the news source.

Today, the website for Turning Heads Salon states that it now includes a day spa, making it Harlem's only full service salon and spa.