Rainy Day Diva™

Wilhelmina Slater, the villain who’s closet I’d love to raid, will be making her grand exit from the silver screen.  ABC announced last week that this season will be the last for Ugly Betty.  It was a great show, with a talented cast.  I’m aware that the character Betty was the “star” of the show.   But for me it was the scenes with Wilhelmina Slater, Editor-In-Chief of the fictitious Mode magazine, that I was eager to see.  Aside from the fact that Vanessa Williams is one of my favorite actresses, it was Wilhelmina’s style that I loved.  The clothes, the makeup, the hair-the attitude!  Grown folks fashion at it’s best.  Not only was it high fashion and sometimes over the top, it was fun.  Wilhelmina will be missed.  But there’s always the DVD.  Hats off to the costume director of the show.  While Wilhelmina may be taking her final bow, I can’t wait to see what is next for Ms. Williams.

I’m hoping someone will create a coffee table book with all of Wilhelmina’s styles over the last few years.  Don’t be surprised if it happens, I said the same should be done for a  certain stylish singer last year and from what I hear, there’s one in the works.  So don’t be too quick to discount the idea of a book devoted to some fashion and advice from Wilhelmina, I just may be on to something.

Legendary makeup artist, Roxanna Floyd, died in her sleep on January 28, 2010 at the age of 49.  Throughout her career, which spanned two decades, Roxanna worked with a host of celebrity clients.  The first, being Yoko Ono.  Roxanna’s work has been featured on countless magazine covers and in music videos.  In addition to transforming clients with her gift and artistry, she was also a collector of makeup memorabilia.  Her creative influence was also part of the development of the CoverGirl Queen Collection.   Most recently, she created Whitney Houston’s look for the cover of her album, I Look To You.  Floyd is survived by her husband, mother, nieces and nephews.

Halle Berry 2010 Golden Globes, Examiner.com

Every evening as I begin my commute, I can’t help but notice that each day rush hour is just a little lighter than the day before.  Which means that Spring really is coming.  Which means that it won’t be long before we shed these winter clothes and start to bare a little skin.  Soon it will be the season for showing off our shoulders and back baring tops–not to mention swim wear.  This is why it is so important to share that same love, care and exfoliation that we give to our faces every day to our backs.  Most spas offer back facials.  Basically, it’s provides the same specialized cleansing, treatment and extractions to your back that you receive when getting a facial–and it is just as relaxing.  Go ahead, make an appointment.  You won’t regret it.

Above, Halle Berry 2010 Golden Globes.  Halle is definitely one of the Undeniably Grown crowd.  I just love it.

In just a few short weeks one of my favorite artists, Sade, will make her way back on the music scene.  Soldier Of Love will be released on February 9 and the single of the same name, already promises something fresh and new.  Not only do I miss Sade’s music and sultry alto, but I also miss her style.  Always crisp, cool, and classy.  Her style was so simplistic, but packed so much appeal.  You always knew what you were going to get and you were always eager for a glimpse and mesmerized by the experience.  Her wardrobe: White Shirt, flowing skirt or cropped pant.  The hair: sleek chignon, ponytail or carefree.  Makeup:  Bold lip, soft, pretty shadows.

Sade was one of the few women to master smooth.  There were’ no dance moves to master, no mantra to repeat or attitude to mimic.  There was just …cool.  A vibe that was Sade.  Two decades after her debut,  she still has us wanting to harness that effortless chic-Sade’s signature style.

The good news is, Sade isn’t the only one making a comeback.  According to Senior MAC artist, Fatima, lipstick is making a return as well.  She suggests using Prep+Prime under your lipstick as improvement to your look. “A well-painted lip looks so chic and sophisticated.”   Personally, I kind of miss the bright corals and deep matted shades.  But if bright and matte are not your thing don’t worry.  In Fine Beauty, Sam Fine reminds us that neutral lips don’t have to be boring.  He offers the following tip: After applying lip pencil, apply a brown shade of lipstick, “making sure to avoid the middle section of your mouth.”  Fine suggests following your lip liner with “a colored gloss in the middle of your lip to add a subtle shine. ”

Makeup artist AJ Crimson offers a product pick for beautiful lips in his post, “Stained Red Lips”

For more on the perfect lip, click here.

Check out Sade’s new video Soldier of Love, below.

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want beautiful skin.  Too often we focus on our faces, and neglect the health of our skin from the neck down.  To get glowing shoulders and legs that shimmer you have to work at it.  Exfoliation is key to healthy glowing skin.  Basically, exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells that naturally build up on the skin.  These skin cells give you skin that dull, dry look.  So it’s important to help that shedding process along. Since maintaining a better skin care regimen is on my list of 2010 intentions, I was stoked to try Suave’s Apricot Exfoliating Body Wash.  The scent is amazing and what I like most is that unlike a lot of exfoliating products, it wasn’t harsh.  Exfoliation is not supposed to hurt or irritate the skin.   This is an excellent at home treatment and it costs just under $4.

Another way to get a thorough exfoliation, along with a little pampering and relaxation is by having a body polish.  Most spas offer this service.  A body polish exfoliates and hydrates the skin using salts, scrubs, oils and aromatherapy.  While it is relaxing and refreshing it is not a form of massage.  It is a service that concentrates on the health of your skin for your entire body.  The price varies depending on the spa.  It is definitely worth the investment if you can incorporate it into your budget.  Marsha Boyea of Cynergy day spa in Brooklyn recommends having a body polish at every change of season.

To read more on the importance of skin care click here, Cynergy Day Spa

Rainy Day Diva, The Blog received the above product from Suave.

Last night Mo’nique won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mary Jones in the film Precious.  There’s no telling what my neighbors were thinking because I screamed, applauded and screamed some more.  While I was doing the happy dance in my living room, Mo’nique gracefully made her way to the stage and gave an acceptance speech so touching you could feel it.  Her speech was not only eloquent, but sincere.  Now some might not have ever thought that the comedienne would be a Golden Globe, SAG Winning, Academy Award contender, but I could see it way back when.  When she had that emotional break in the movie Phat Girlz that came out a few years ago, I knew there was more to her than jokes.  I knew she had some depth as an actress.

And while I was listening to her give what would become the best acceptance speech of the night, I couldn’t help but notice that she was flawless.  She wore a gold gown by Reem Acra, a stunning look for her.  Her makeup was done by none other than my favorite makeup artist, Mr. Sam Fine,  who described her look as “heavenly” on his twitter page (yes, Sam I follow you).  So I want to congratulate Mo’nique and all those who helped make her night a success.

I’m still experimenting with new ways to style and care for my natural hair.  So this week I tried a new hair styling product, new to me at least: Noodle Head Condition Your Curls conditioner and Kick Up Your Curls curling creme, by Beyond the Zone .  I was super excited to try this product.  This was really easy to use.  I didn’t have to buy a complete line of products.  Instead I just purchased the conditioner and curly creme ($5.99 each).  The application was easy enough.  All I had to do was wash my hair, comb in the leave-in conditioner, and then work the curly creme through my hair.  I had the most amazing, tiny, defined curls in no time.  It almost gave my hair a wavy appearance.  What I like about Noodle Head is that the curls, while defined were loose, so I didn’t have to use the diffuser as much.  The only drawback, was that I felt my hair was a bit dryer than it has been with the other product, that I had been using.  So I followed with a generous portion of Jane Carter’s Nourish and Shine.  The results were well worth the $12 bucks and I definitely like the fullness and the body that I have.  Noodle Head is only available at Sally’s Beauty Supply.

Here’s a few related post you may want to check out:

Kinky Curly

A Natural Woman

We all know that vitamins are good for the health of your body.  From kindergarten on, Vitamin C specifically is touted as a must in staying strong, fighting off colds and being a staple of your diet for nutrition.  But now skin care experts are saying that vitamin C is also vital to the health of your skin.  That’s right.  Good old vitamin C.  Dermatologist now have skin care correction and prevention serums that you can apply directly to the skin.  Skinceuticals has an entire range of products that do everything from correct blemishes to age prevention.  I tried the Serum 20 AOX+.  My concern was that the products would be greasy or heavy on the skin.  It absorbed quickly.  Left my skin with a smooth finish.  I’ll have to continue the product long term to give you the full 411 on correction, but so far, I’ve been pleased with the result.  To learn more about Skinceuticals’ product line, click here.

Earlier this week, I tried Peter Thomas Roth’s Ultra-lite Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30.  My experience with sunblock has always left me with a thick, chalky, makaeup-altering film.  I’ve also found that the higher the SPF, seem to exaggerate the problem.   Which, in spite of the health benefits, has always made it a begrudging part of my skin care regimen.  So, Peter Thomas Roth’s Ultra-lite Oil-Free was a welcome surprise.  I didn’t have to spend, what seems like an eterenity, blending.  It was definitely light and didn’t leave me with an oily shine or an ashen film.  It was a quick and easy add to my routine.  So this product gets a wink, a bat of the lashes, and a place on the shelf from Rainy Day Diva.

If you have a product that really works for you, send me an e-mail: rainydaydiva@gmail.com

One of my favorite networks debuted a new show a couple of weeks ago, What I Hate About Me, hosted by Lisa Arch.  When I first saw the commercial I knew I’d be adding this to my Tivo list.  This was going to be real women getting real answers about style that work in real life and you all know, that doesn’t always happen.  But once I started viewing the first episode, my enthusiasm begin to morph into a mixed bag of unsettling feelings.

I mean 10 things that a person “hates” about themselves.  I started to make a mental list of things I would add to my own list if I were on the show.  Thankfully, I didn’t have 10 things.  Not even eight.  Do people really have lists that long?  Now granted, some of the things weren’t about the person themselves.  There’s a difference between hating your mustache (no woman should have one) and hating that you aren’t good at writing “Thank You” notes-at least in my world anyway.  I mean I’d like to be more stylish, who wouldn’t?  I’d also like to be able to change a flat tire lickity split.  Every girls dream right?  But if I were to list the things that really bother me about living with myself, that’s not one of them.  There’s a simple answer to that one:  road side assistance.  So being the curious cat that I am, I went to the Style Network blog and yes, there are people that have 10 things (some more) that they are really down on themselves about.

I will say this, for the tasks they were given, the Style team did work wonders and I thought the second episode was even better.   I prefer Lisa Arch on this show than on Clean House because no one can really replace Niecy Nash.  So I think this is a great fit for Lisa. Personally, I think it would be nice if someone did a show on helping people take their strengths to the next level.  So many people are  ”good” at things that they never become great in.  Or maybe it just sounds better.  Maybe they could give them some advice on what to love or how to love themselves as a parting gift.  But for now, I think I’ll keep tuning in.

What are your thoughts?  Do you like the show?  Is it really OK to have 10 things you “hate” about you?

So you’ve seen the above image and I know what you’re thinking.  But before you start laughing, I have to tell you the story behind how I became acquainted with this product.  No, I was not raised on a farm.  After hearing me complain about how winter weather wreaks havoc on my skin, a co-worker brought in a jar of this…Udder Ointment.  Now I had the same reaction as you.  I mean, what exactly was she trying to say?  I wanted nothing to do with this based on the name alone.  However after she prodded and reassured me that it wasn’t a joke, I rubbed some on my thirsty hands.  Well, I don’t think an hour had passed before I handed her some bills to purchase not one, but two jars of this stuff.

I’ve had several of you tell me that some of the products I review are not within your budget.  And being that we are in a recession and all, desperate times call for desperate measures.  I can tell you that this stuff works.  It is petrolatum and lanolin based with Vitamins A, D and E.  But if you’re thinking you can get the same results with Vaseline, think again.  This beats Vaseline hands down. It is not greasy, mild scent, and I promise you, if you use it once, you may not need lotion for a few days.  In fact, you may forget what ash looked like.  It even soothes conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  Seriously.  This is the reinforcement.  Now granted, its not sexy or cute, but it can help you get there at an affordable price (about $10 a jar).  And most importantly, it will get you what you want: healthy, well moisturized, soft, glowing skin.

Hey, I told you I would keep it real.