spotted over the weekend...

Seems like some pretty major events occurred this weekend and OBVIOUSLY I'm here to bring you the beauty from backstage.

Actress and tv host, Vanessa Minnillo, got beach beauty ready before heading out to watch the World Cup USA vs. Ghana game in the Hamptons.

Photo Courtesy Life.com

Makeup artist Kerry Malouf prepped Vanessa’s skin with Garnier Nutritionist’s new Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream Moisturizer, then used new products from Maybelline New York to give her a pretty, beachy glow, including:

* Dream Smooth Mousse Foundation
* Eye Studio Color Gleam Cream Eye Shadow in Blue Freeze
* The Falsies Mascara - Vanessa could not stop raving about how fab The Falsies made her lashes look. It’s her new obsession!

Photo Courtesy Life.com

Hairstylist Danny DiMauro smoothed Vanessa’s hair with Garnier Fructis’ new Sleek & Shine Blow Dry Perfector, then applied Color Shield Instant Color Sealer Lightweight Leave-in to add shine and UV protection. He finished by creating, sexy tousled waves perfect for a day in the Hamptons.

At the BET Awards, held last night, makeup artist Mylah Morales (best known for doing Rihanna's makeup!) worked on Taraji P. Henson using Lancôme mascara and lip colors. Mylah also helped Taraji get ready for the awards after-party, where she co-hosted with P. Diddy.

Photo Courtesy Life.com

For the awards show, Mylah created a look that consisted of gorgeous skin, pale lips, a neutral eye palette and loads of mascara. Lancôme’s Color Fever Gloss in Delirium delivered pretty pink shimmer that played off Taraji’s sleek silver dress. For the lashes, Mylah used for Lancôme Définicils Mascara in Deep Black. For the after-party, Mylah amped up Taraji’s lashes with Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara in Excessive Black (a MissWYA fave) and switched up the lip color to Color Design Lipstick in Natural Beauty. To top off the whole look, Mylah applied Lancôme Color Fever Gloss in Inferno for a high-shine pout.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Why don't you...Vol. 3

Can you name this bridge??

hiya ladies!

It's the beginning of a new week and over here at casa de MissWYA, we're pretty excited! The weird thing is, I don't know what for LOL! I just woke up this morning (ok...afternoon--I woke up at 12:23pm) and I felt sort of brand new. It's completely out of character but I'm excited for the week to come.

Does that ever happen to you??

Oh well, set forth positive energy and the universe will throw it back at ya, right? Let's get started shall we. This week, why don't you...

• Read foreign editions of your favorite magazines. My personal faves are Harper's Bazaar UK and Vogue Paris
• Put your iPod on shuffle and don't press next! I recently fell in love with an artist all over again! Have you ever heard of Florence and the Machine? Check out my fave song Cosmic Love
• Rock some fierce eye makeup looks and do so unapologetically. Need some inspiration? Check out Petrilude's video...HOT!
• Eat real food and I don't mean none of that junk you buy during a quick dash out of the office/class/work. I know I'm one to talk (hello McDonald's!) but let's try incorporating some fruits & veggies!
• Attend an outdoor concert I know in NYC there's Summer Stage held at Central Park and there's ALWAYS a concert going on for free. Get to Googling, grab your friends and get to boogie
• Rock the hippie headband look sans bell bottoms, natch. This is one look I've been lovin' for the past two years now and it's all because of Nicole Ritchie. Forever 21 has a great selection of headbands to choose from
• Go to the museum this always makes me feel good. Dunno why-- the history, the beauty- it just does something to me, y'know?
• Use your Clarisonic in the shower Literally two days ago, I revealed that i was too chicken to go into the shower with mine but after a bit of encouragement- I'm hooked! You get an even deeper clean and you end up looking amazing. Oh and you don't die.
• Find a hobby outside of makeup/fashion. I'm taking up photography (again) and now trying to get into tech
• Wear harem pants and don't worry about the naysayers.

Do you have anything you're looking forward to this week? Let's have an awesome week!!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

From Fab to Drab to SUPER Fab!!!

Earlier this week, I got my hair blown out and trimmed by at the Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon. Now we all know that when it comes to hair, yours truly is not fancy and can't really work a round brush to save her life, so needless to say I was pretty damn excited. My stylist was Aki Naito who studied in Japan and has been in the industry for 29 years (!!!)

As someone with relaxed hair, it's tricky territory getting your hair done professionally because, simply put, not everyone knows how to deal with it. Women with relaxed hair HATE water. We also have dry scalp and our hair structure is pretty weak because of the chemicals we put in. Aki knew where I was coming from (rare) and assured me that he wouldn't put too many products on my obnoxiously thin hair so it doesn't get weighed down.

He applied a bit of Sally Hershberger Salon Luxe Layers Gel to my ends to seal them. This allows my hair to hold the bit of curl at my ends that I love oh so much.

After a quick blow dry, Aki then trimmed my ends explaining that dry, split ends only attract frizziness. Why wasn't I able to put the connection together, the world will never know. Instead I just whined and complained about my frizzy hair and crappy ends. As more proof to his genius, he told me if it's humid out rather than tease and comb hair to create volume while blow drying, blow dry hair flat and allow the humidity to work its magic. Instant volume without my hair turning into a massive pouf ball.

Unfortunately I got caught in a massive downpour (literally the minute I got off the seat it started to rain) and the wicked blow out turned into something wicked. However all was not lost as when I arrived home I did a quick flat iron job and applied Sally Hershberger's Hyper Hydration Spray. Not only does this spray smell super yummy, it moisturized my tresses and put frizz in its place.

The Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger Salon is located on 17 East 71st St, New York NY 10021. For more info check out www.sdsh.com. Make sure you see Aki when you go!

Disclosure: samples were provided for possible review. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Breaking Hair Down to a Science: Pantene and the African American Consumer

by Mechell Turner

On Tuesday morning, I attended a round-table discussion sponsored by Pantene to talk about their all new customized hair treatment system. Pantene revamped their line of hair care products in order specifically cater to four distinct types of hair found among women: fine, medium-thick, curly and color-treated.

For those who are a fan of Pantene’s Relaxed and Natural line, don’t fret as they are going to continue to carry the line in stores.

Class was in session as Dr. Jeni Thomas, senior scientist for Proctor & Gamble, explained how Pantene scientists were able to characterize the hair care line into these unique categories. Pantene used cutting edge research tools that are normally used by NASA, the medical industry and other fields of science in order to gain a better understanding as to how certain ingredients work on hair. Dr. Thomas talked about how scientists analyzed hair fibers and based on the fiber arrangements was able to come up with four distinct hair structures that their new products is based on.

After gaining insightful knowledge about the new line, celebrity stylist Tippi Shorter offered some quick tips to keep your hair in tip top shape.

Hair Myth Buster: Don’t put on a lot of conditioner! Contrary to what your mother might have told you when you were young, it is not necessary to put on tons of conditioner. Shorter suggested to sure that you evenly distribute an even amount of conditioner to your hair from root to tip.

As a natural hair chica, I had mixed feelings about trying the new line of Pantene products because when I try anything that is new on my hair, it turns my 'fro into a big Brillo pad or a hot flat mess (and when you have a big head like I do, rocking any of those two looks is a big fat FAIL.)

However, the new line of Pantene will definitely help out the specific needs of any woman’s hair and for the African American hairistas who are not sure that these specific products will cater to your tresses, fear not! The customized line does not discriminate on the miracle work it can do for your hair.

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Mechell Turner is a recent graduate at Iona College with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications. As a tomboy learning to embrace her inner "girliness", Mechell can often be found blogging over at CrazyPrettyLady. WARNING: her site is not for the shy or the meek. Be sure to follow her on Twitter @CrazyPrettyLady!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Jada Pinkett Smith on the July 2010 Cover of Essence Magazine

Actress, rocker and mother of three, Jada Pinkett Smith, bared it all on the July 2010 cover of Essence. While some may not like the cover, I am in L.O.V.E.

Jada looks unbelievable and my God, her hair!! It seems that stripping down in the mags is the latest fad but I mean print is struggling ;) In all seriousness, I love that she is trying to tell her 9-year-old daughter, Willow, to embrace who she is, her chocolate skin tone and promote positive body image.

For those who get offended easily, fear not, for Essence has a second cover where Jada is fully clothed and looking fab. Everything from the makeup, to the hair, to the dress makes this cover a win! I literally stopped in my tracks when I saw this cover and scooped up (both) covers.

Jada on self-love
“Do you love what you see when you look in the mirror? Because I bet that if you love it authentically, everybody else around you will. They won’t even have a chance to see anything else, because you will have a shield of confidence around you. That is a powerful gift that God gives us that most of us rarely use.”

Jada on posing nude
“When I walked out there and disrobed, I felt like a queen. I felt like the world was mine. Like there was this power just emanating from my person. Like there was nothing I couldn’t do.”
-Essence

So, what's your verdict? Is Essence just trying to sell magazines by placing a nude actress on their cover or is it deeper than that?

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Woman v. Acne

When it comes to skincare, I'm as serious as serious gets. I never try no to go to bed with makeup on, use sunscreen religiously and do not pick at pimples. However, sometimes my skin like to revolt and I'll get a monster of a zit that REFUSES to go away no matter how many times I use a cleanser/moisturizer combo with salicylic acid.

That's when I whip out the big guns. Say hello to my little friends...

Okay, so it's a lot of little friends but they WORK!

1. Clarisonic Mia
I've already waxed poetic of the wonder that is the Clarisonic Mia but in cased you missed, here it is again: OHMIGOODNESS THIS IS AMAZING! Clarisonic delivers such clean and baby bottom smooth skin within seconds! The Mia is a one-button, one-speed device that can be taken with you practically anywhere. The brush is super soft and it removes makeup and dirt like nobodies business.

2. ZENO HOT SPOT
This little heating device originally scared me to pieces but now I can't imagine my life without it. The Zeno Hot Spot has a built-in computer that controls the treatment tip which delivers a small dose of heat when applied directly onto the pimple/zit/problem area. The heat destroys the bacteria that causes acne. The idea of applying heat directly on my face had me nervous but 2 ½ minutes later I was a happy woman (with a much smaller sized pimple!). It only takes one use for me to see results so I tend to use it at night and wake up to a pimple free face.

3. Nutritioniste Skin Renew The Brusher Gel Cleanser
I use this a) when I'm feeling to lazy to use the Clarisonic or b) when I'm washing my face in the shower as opposed to over the sink. While you can use the Clarisonic in shower, I've seen one too many movies where the pretty girl gets killed due to an electronic device landing in her tub. Call me chicken. Simply squeezing the product releases a cool gel that you allows you to apply directly on your face using the scrubbing brush. While it looks harsh, the brush tip is rubbery and doesn't scratch my skin at all. The result is skin that brighter, soft and blemish free.

4. CLEAN & CLEAR® ADVANTAGE® Acne Spot Treatment
Immediately after cleansing, I apply acne treatment directly onto my skin to allow it to sink in and really treat an area.This clear gel dissolves surface oils on the skin and allows acne fighting medication to go in deep and clear pimples fast. It contains salicylic acid, which is a known acne fighting ingredient that helps unclog pores and prevent future clogging by helping the skin´s natural renewal process. While this is a spot treatment, I've been known to apply it rather generously all over my face. I like to think of it as beating the system.

5. Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Day Cream
I've been a fan of Lumene ever since I was introduced to it last year, so I sort of had high expectations for this moisturizer. I'm happy to report that this does not disappoint! This moisturizer is rich and leaves skin looking rather glowy. It contains arctic cloudberry seed oil, which is full of natural antioxidants that nourishes and protect skin. The one downside is that it doesn't contain sunscreen, so I normally spray 6. Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45 directly onto the moisturizer and then apply onto my skin. When used alone, it can feel a little greasy so be careful not to spray too much.

There you have it- my secret to clear and beautiful skin. I never realized how much of a process this was but I'd rather have great skin than having to rely on wearing thick, heavy makeup. What are some of your skin concerns? What do you use to fight acne?

Disclosure: some samples were provided for possible review. Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

And Just Like That J. Crew Steals My Heart

Last month, I tweeted a picture of the mixed pavé cable link bracelet from J. Crew that I loved oh so much. However, the bracelet would have set me back $95 and I wasn't read for that commitment.

Fast forward to July where I learned a) students get 15% off at J. Crew (who cares if I graduated) and b) I reeaalllyyy wanted that bracelet. After running to J. Crew, it was a whirl of emotions because the bracelet went on sale (YAY!) but was sold out in every store in NYC (BOOO!!)

Thankfully J. Crew is amazing and has this magical red phone where a customer service rep can locate your product and mail it to you. Since the bracelet was 50% off in stores, they honored the in store price and I am the proud owner of a rather heavy but beautiful bracelet.

 At the moment, J. Crew is having a 30% off sale online so get on top of that!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

So Fresh, So Clean: Dove Go Fresh Revive Collection

Ain't nobody dope as me I'm dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
Don't you think I'm so sexy I'm dressed so fresh so clean
(So fresh and so clean clean)
--Outkast

Last week, I attended an event sponsored by Dove to announce their latest addition to the Go Fresh collection, Revive.

Creating a new scent for their products is a rather tedious process that involves many noses and long hours- all to make sure that your pits (and elsewhere) come out smelling pretty dope.

The Revive fragrance is scented with pomegranate and lemon verbena to deliver an invigorating and crisp sensory experience. The full Revive product collection includes body wash, anti-perspirant/deodorant and matching body mist.

Summer Tip: pop the body mist into the fridge overnight and throw it in your bag the next morning. The cold sensation mized with the crispness of the scen will really wake you up!

Dove also announced their three young ladies who won their Go Fresh Correspondent contest a while back.

Liesbeth Ramirez (Cosmopolitan Magazine), Kathryn McDermott (Marie Claire), and Maryssa Stumpf (Seventeen).

Starting in July, these young ladies will be writing weekly blogs to provide a "fresh perspective to peers on topics ranging from beauty trends to career and relationship advice".

Be sure to check out the Dove Facebook page for when that goes live! The Revive fragrance products are available at drugstore ranging from $3.89-$6.50.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Complimentary Blow Outs Courtesy of Kerastase

Kérastase is hosting their 2nd Annual OUR TREAT EVENT on June 23rd (TOMORROW!!) for those livin' on the West Coast. Nearly 250 participating Kérastase Consultant salons will open their doors and offer COMPLIMENTARY Kérastase treatment rituals and blow outs.

And who doesn't love a good blow out?

Also, Kérastase has also partnered with Locks of Love and will encourage guests who receive treatments to donate $10 to the cause. For more info, head on over to the Kérastase website.

[UPDATE]: If you're in San Francisco, head on over to get full VIP treatment at Elevation Salon!!!

Elevation Salon
451 Bush St.
San Francisco, CA 94108

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Chris Benz Resort 2011

Last week, Chris Benz presented his resort collection and in it were short jackets and high waisted pants. It was, overall, for a sophisticated woman who is looking to throw on a quick somethin' somethin'.

John Ruidant, Redken Session Stylist, created the voluminous 'do in the spirit of Jackie O. The classic ‘do is done, but not overly done and structured.

To get the look, Ruidant applied Redken Body Full Amplifier at the hairline for texture and blow dried in the product with a mason brush. Next he split the head in half starting at the nape and continuing in sections about one inch thick spraying hot sets 22 thermal setting mist on each piece before curling with a 1½ inch curling iron. Ruidant then pinned each curl to the head to set. To finish off the look, he pulled the hair back into a looped pony tail and secure ends by pinning under the nape of the neck to create the bob. He also teased the hair and applied forceful 23 super strength finishing spray.

As for makeup, the talented Daniel Martin created a look reminiscent of a “1950's Californian Lady-of-Leisure.” For this he used Lancôme’s new Teint Idole Fresh Wear Foundation, Blush Subtil in Mauve Coquette and Tropiques Minérale Bronzer in Natural Sunkiss. For the eyes, Daniel lined with Artliner in Noir and topped lashes with Hypnôse Mascara. The bright lips are courtesy of Le Crayon in Berry (all over the lip) topped with Color Fever Lipstick in Rock Icon Fuchsia.

Photos: Style.com
Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Juicy Couture Friends & Family!!!

For four days only, one of my favorite places in the world (don't judge) is having a Friends & Family sale where you can get 30% off your purchase. This is good on full priced and sale merch at Juicy stores only.

Print out the image above and Happy Shopping!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Why Don't You Vol. 2

Sorry this post is so tardy, but I woke up sick as a dog this morning. No bueno. I've been lying in bed all day so at the tender hour of 10:45PM I finally feel somewhat better.
That or it's all of the Advil I've been popping all day. HA!

Hopefully you like this new "Why don't you..." feature on MissWYA and it's time to gear up for Vol. 2

• Wear bold lipstick this week and don't worry about what ANYBODY says or what they might be thinking. You are Fierce (capital F necessary) and it's only time for you to rock your fierceness with the world. I suggest wearing MAC Red lipstick a la Roxy Olin from The City.
• Listen to some 90s pop I secretly have B. Spears' "Baby One More Time" on repeat on my iPod. No Shame. 
• Smile
• Turn off the TV, turn off your computers, put the BlackBerry/iPhone/Android/what have you away and just live. Nowadays we're always ON so turn it OFF for a little bit and remember that time by yourself isn't such a bad idea.
• Get a statement necklace
and WERK! Be sure to check out J. Crew's Fenton/Fallon collection.
• Speaking of J. Crew, watch the video clip. I've seen it like ten times.
• Take a walk
I recently discovered Washington Square Park in NYC (why haven't I been there before!?) and it's my new favotrite place to just walk around and enjoy the city.
• Wear something short That's all.
• Switch up the types of blogs you read don't just read beauty and fashion blogs! Diversify what you do on the interwebs. I've been loving tech blogs and just pure random ish. A few of my faves are Zen Habits, Ridiculously Extraordinary and Savvy Chick
• Get some sleep
• Listen to some foreign music Lately I've been LOVING me some K-Pop, or Korean pop music.
How fun is this!?! 

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Dating tips from a man

...because Ken Carson is the dream guy for every girl.

Actually, I'm more of a Brad girl (Brad was the first African American male doll...and boy toy to Christie).







And remember ladies, Boys WIll be Boys!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Lancôme Friends and Family

Who doesn't love a Friends & Family deal??

Between Friday, June 18th to Friday, June 25th, Lancôme is offering an exclusive Friends & Family deal at the Lancôme boutiques. Bring a copy of this invitation to any Lancôme boutique and get 20% off all your Lancôme favorites.

My kinda party! Happy shopping!

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Ashley Greene's new 'do

While I may not be a Twilight fan (vampires don't glisten in the sun...I'm sorry) I am a fan of Ashley Greene. The 23 year old is gorgeous and seems to have a good head on her shoulders.

And I mean that literally and style wise. On Monday night, Greene rocked her lighter, sleeker hair on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. The new 'do was done by hair genius and celebrity stylist Ted Gibson.

According to Ted, “Straight hair is not for girls who are not confident with themselves. Ashley looked sexy, chic and super modern with her long newly lightened hair color.” Color Director of the Ted Gibson Salon, Jason Backe, also provided Greene with the gorgeous new color just in time for summer.

To get the look, Ted created a solid foundation by using build it blow drying spray and hair sheet styling on wet hair. He then blow dried her hair with a flat brush to smooth out the cuticle and flatiron in 1 inch sections to flatten hair and give that straight look.

Ted followed up with Tame it Shine Lotion on the ends and Beautiful Hold hairspray on the top to give added shine.

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Quote of the Week

“You gotta have style. It helps you get down the stairs. It helps you get up in the morning. It’s a way of life. Without it you’re nobody. I’m not talking about a lot of clothes.” Diana Vreeland

Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.

Hit or Miss: Solange Knowles Spins at TAO Beach

Over the weekend the wildly talented and oh, so beautiful Solange Knowles was spotted DJing at TAO Beach in Las Vegas. I love Solange's style because she's original with it and doesn't give two damns what everyone thinks (see when she cut her hair and the internet went wild).

Knowles wore the colorful Tam Tam dress from Boxing Kitten's Resort 2010 Collection paired with YSL Tribute Platforms while entertaining the crowd.

What say you? Is this a Hit or a Miss? I say she werked it *snaps*!

Photo from Vegas News.
Please don't forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.