Iconic Black Beauties

I was disturbed by the fact that when I Googled the word, "Beauty," I had to scroll nearly half a page before spotting a woman of color. Even after scrolling the length of the page, I couldn't count on one hand how many black faces I actually saw. There are black women that have paved the way in fashion. television, film and in music for not only blacks, but women in general! Our history is in serious jeopardy of being lost. If you don't believe me, test yourself. How many of the beautiful ladies below can you name? I'll list the names at the bottom, but try really hard to not peek until you've given an honest effort.

Top row: Pam Grier, Cynthia Bailey, Diahann Carroll, Naomi Campbell, Grace Jones.
Middle row: Phylicia Rashad, Josephine Baker, Tyra Banks, Diana Ross, Iman
Bottom row: Billie Holiday, Lena Horne, Gladys Knight, Eartha Kitt, Vanessa Williams

My Favorites: Eyelashes!

If you know anything about me, I am ALL about EYELASHES! I say lashes are to me what contacts are for others; they can't see without their contacts and I can't BE SEEN without my lashes. #ThatsABeautyCommandment. If you decide to start wearing lashes, the most important thing to remember is: don't get frustrated. Eyelash application takes practice, and you may not get it the first time. Maybe not even the first 10 tries! But you will get the hang of it and... YOU WILL GET ADDICTED!

I've been wearing lashes, nearly every day of my life since January 2008. I first purchased some for prom, and totally forgot to apply them before my photo shoot. I didn't mess around with the again until 2007, then got HOOKED once I mastered the technique in 2007. I have tried and applied nearly every lash out there, from $0.99/pair to $9.99/pair. I bought them from the Dollar General, Walmart, Sally's Beauty Supply, hair supply stores in the hood, online, and more. I don't discriminate when it comes to lashes, because I'm confident that I can make them work for me. However, if you are new to the lash game, I'm going to share with you my FAVORITE, go-to lashes from my top 2 favorite brands, Ardell and Red Cherry. (I also order from a company called Christine; they manufacture their lashes in the same factory as Red Cherry and are the same quality for a similar price and the same lash number.) A heart is above my favorites... I have a lot of favorites!

I always buy in bulk because I like BIG, DRAMATIC lashes and double the strips. Some times I will do two of the same strip, or I'll mix and match. Whether you wear 1 strip or 3, have FUN with creating a new look. Lashes really intensify eye makeup, add to your beauty if you choose to not wear makeup that day, or add life to your face if you're color is a little washed out. I don't ever need a reason. I just <3 lashes! Interested in trying some of these, or have questions about lashes in general? Leave me a comment below or e-mail me at: ELLEgantMakeup@gmail.com.

Ardell Lashes

Red Cherry Lashes