When Kimbell saw the trailer for “Good Hair,” she immediately saw the similarities and was stunned. “I had a feeling of disbelief and disappointment, so overwhelming that all I thought was I am seeing my film with a different title.” To read the entire official press release visit www.facebook.com.

The origins of “My Nappy ROOTS”

In 2002, my daughter (Brighton Lynscot) was invited to participate in the NAACP ACT- SO 5 minute film competition while in high school. She had been wearing these beautiful semi-twist locs at the time, and being in a diverse school she got interesting responses from her assorted group of friends. The Whites and Asians liked it. The African America kids were ready to send Brighton to a therapist. And we thought, “what’s wrong with that picture?”

A week into the project, I was researching in the Los Angeles downtown library – there were no ‘hair’ books readily in the library at that time. I researched Africa, the Middle Passage, the Harlem Renaissance etc. I became more and more engrossed with the history and business story that I had never heard before. I thought, what a great way to address African American history.

Finally, a month later my daughter and I hopped on the train to ATL and went to our first Bronner Brothers show. That was it!

What is “My Nappy ROOTS” about?

MNR is about embracing the natural beauty we all possess. MNR is about understanding a mindset that was placed before us by our ancestors in order to protect us, and today we still find ourselves judging each other based on our hair choices.

The film empowers us with the stories of the innovative entrepreneurs that created the Black hair business; their achievements were created in times of great adversity. Given the current state of affairs, this topic will always be a passionate subject that needs to be treated with a certain reference.

Hence the name, “My Nappy ROOTS: A Journey through Black Hair-itage” the name represents everything it says, especially the hair-itage and film’s journey.

Her personal hair journey

My journey has been one of change. As a creative person, I bore easily. I’m not one to sit in a salon for 6-plus hours and then spend my money. Man, if I’m going to sit for 6 hours, I think someone should be paying me – lol. Plus my hair would look great when I left the salon, but it just would not last.

I always liked low maintenance styles that can be fast and funky. I had been natural for years, before the documentary. I wore an afro for a long while, then I colored it before that got popular; then I did my share of twists, braids, French braids, silky locs, short knotty afros, now locs. I’m at the ‘in between’ stage and feeling a little bored …so the journey continues.

On the subject of today’s rise in natural hair wearers and whether or not natural hair is a passing fad she states, I’d like to think, since people are much more aware of what we are

doing to our bodies it won’t be a passing fad. Just like we’re more aware of the planet, the environment and going green; it’s the same thing. Once you understand the damage you may be causing, it’s a little harder to do something contrary to your beliefs. Also the veil has been lifted, people can see more clearly. Our hair IS beautiful in it’s natural state.

Her advice to those contemplating going natural

Do it! You will be pleasantly surprised; do your research, try natural hair products and watch your healthy hair grow. You may experience an unexpected freedom which allows you to live a more balanced life.

How to find out more about “My Nappy ROOTS: A Journey through Black Hair-itage”

The best way to stay in touch with the film is to join our MNR Facebook fan page. To support MNR, which is an independent film send an E-mail to mynappyrootsfilm@gmail.com with your donation amount, and we will send you a PayPal link. All who donate will receive a free music download from the soundtrack, and supporters will receive film/DVD (indie producer) credit.

The website My Nappy ROOTS The Movement — www.mynappyrootsthemovement.com is in the process of being redesigned into a community, so be sure to check it out, as well as the My Nappy ROOTS YouTube channel and MySpace page.

If you want to create a look that knocks the socks off of your family and friends around the dinner table then look no further then the BareMinerals Jewel Collection ($54, ulta.com) This elegant nine-piece, gem-infused collection gives you everything you need to great an unforgettable look. All in colors that will work perfect for this time of year. Some of the amazing products in the set include Citrine Radiance All-Over Face Color infused with Citron, Smoky Amber Eye color infused with Amber, Cranberry Sorbet 100% Natural Lip-gloss and Wet/Dry Eye Shadow Brush in limited-edition berry. And all of this comes in a beautiful Jewel Collection Vanity Box.

Q: It seems like there are a ton of celebrity-endorsed fragrances on the market right now. Is there any that really are worth the price?

I have tested enough fragrances to say that some people will put their names on anything. I have tried some products with super famous names on the bottle that smell like they belong on a clearance rack in a dollar store. Yes, that bad. But some celebrities have fragrances that can hold their own against popular top of the line fragrances. In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon ($59, avon.com) is one of these fragrances. It is an alluring and sensual fragrance that entices the senses with gardenia blossoms and lush florals, enveloped in amber wood and peach tea leaves. I was pleasantly surprised by the elegance of In Bloom. It is sophisticated but not stuffy. Resse should be proud to have her name on this bottle

Q: Whenever I travel on a plane my hair gets super dry and frizzy. Heading home for the holidays I want to try and avoid this. What should I do?

Frizzy hair and dry skin are the two main beauty concerns of travelers. The dry circulated air and rough fabric of the seat pillow are hard on your hair and skin. Once soft silky hair can turn into a dry frizz ball after a long flight. Beyond bringing a silk pillow case to put on your seat you can pack a travel size bottle of NO FRIZZ Straight Making Styling Cream in your carry on ($14, qvc.com) This velvety cream provides optimum frizz reduction and a touch of conditioning to your hair. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz—humidity and friction. It provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair while reducing surface friction. The result is the most effective, lightweight frizz fighter on the market today. Hair is left sleek and manageable without becoming greasy or heavy.

Q: Being around my family during the holiday season stresses me out. I need a way to calm down in the middle of a family get together. Any quick way to calm your senses?

Leave the house and board a plane to Bora Bora. Okay maybe you shouldn’t do that but it would be nice. The next best thing is Juice Beauty ‘s Hydrating Mist ($22, juicebeauty.com). The mist is a harmonic blend of certified organic, antioxidant-rich white and red grape juices, soothing aloe vera, nutrient-rich rosehip, grapeseed oil and vitamins. The mist works to hydrate and balance skin’s natural moisture, tone and balance. With just a few sprays your skin you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Use throughout the day for an exhilarating refreshment.

Well on this day, the day of my first relaxer…those days of torture were behind me…or so I thought. What I experienced for the 20 years that followed was a ritual of putting this dangerous chemical on my hair every 8 weeks, enduring burns, breakage and dryness, in the quest for straight hair. A funny story — one time in college the salon’s water was shut off while the relaxer was on my head! I had to run across the street to an insurance office — my stylist frantically trying to rinse the relaxer off my burning scalp in the bathroom sink!

Early on as a television reporter, I felt it was a necessity to have bouncy straight hair. No one ever told me I had to have it, but I’d never seen anyone on television with natural hair.

Early on as a television reporter, I felt it was a necessity to have bouncy straight hair. No one ever told me I had to have it, but I’d never seen anyone on television with natural hair. The goal, or so I thought, was to blend in, and that’s what I tried desperately to do. When I first started out at a small station in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I’d often drive 4 hours to Chicago, just to get my “creamy crack.” What I would later realize is that by being my true authentic self — I am a stronger reporter. It really wasn’t until experiencing the life changing event of having a child that I realized this.

Two years ago, I had a daughter with a full head of curly hair. In my womb the ultrasound technician said she could see her hair floating in my amniotic fluid. Soon after she was born I started to stress. Even though I never thought about the pain and physical ramifications of putting chemicals on my head every month — I certainly didn’t want my daughter to take on this “tradition.” I wanted her to love herself — and her curls. This revelation also made me question my own feelings about my hair, and I realized I never had a chance to really know what my real texture was like. I’d only associated my curly kinks with pain — I decided to find out, for myself and my daughter.

This posed a bit of a problem for me, because I was certainly sure this decision would have an affect on my career in broadcasting. At the same time, I’d become so into being an example for my daughter, I decided to take the plunge. Last month I went to a salon and asked the stylist to chop off my relaxed ends. She wouldn’t do it, so I went home and did it myself.

After getting it lined up and shaped by a barber, I took another plunge and wore it to work! I don’t think I’ve ever been so nervous in my life! My heart was in my throat as I walked into the newsroom, where I was met by my boss. She said, “Oh my God! You look awesome!” I almost cried! The response has been overwhelmingly positive. What was I so afraid of?

For more of Tonya Mosley make sure to visit www.king5.com.

Well first you want to identify your skin type and the problems or challenges you face concerning your skin. For example, you have dry skin and you want to avoid wrinkles. Or oily skin and you want to erase wrinkles. Narrowing your criteria down to meet specific needs will greatly aid in finding the right product for your skin.

Once you narrow it down set a reasonable price limit. If you end up finding a cream that will work but is out of your range, find its key ingredients and look for all or some of those in a lower price version.

Check to see if you can get a sample of the products before you buy it. At department stores or specialty stores like Sephora, you can test out the products or get a sample. If you are buying a drugstore version or there is no way to get a sample then check out reviews online for your item. What do the positive reviews highlight? What do the negative reviews say?

After deciding on a product to buy make sure to follow the directions (use day cream during the day, night crème at night). Then give the product about three weeks before you come to conclusions on how well it works. Most quality creams provide results much sooner but changes in your skin due to stress, weather and hormones can effect how the cream works. Take note of how the skin appears and feels each week. At the end of three weeks, ask yourself if you can see and feel differences in your skin. If the differences are positive you have found your new skincare cream.

3 Skin Creams to Try:

1. Transform by SleekSkin ($78, sleekmedspa.com) A light-weight cream that relaxes facial muscles, nourishes skin cells and moisturizes, Transform helps to achieve the appearance of youthful, healthier skin. Daily application can dramatically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to the presence of muscle-relaxing Hibiscus Extract, as well as increase collagen production, improve elastin and skin firmness. Skin looks younger and more vibrant.

2. Dermalogica Active Moist Moisturizer ($34, evabeauty.com) Many top skincare experts recommend Dermalogica for women of color. Active Moist is an oil free moisturizer that absorbs completely leaving no excess residue. Silk Proteins join extracts of Burdock, Sage and Cucumber to calm and hydrate the skin. Perfect for normal to oily skin conditions.

3. SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture ($55,skinstore.com) This easily absorbing cream contains antioxidant vitamin E and other minerals and amino acids to nourish the skin. The formula is based on botanical extracts, including burnet, thymus, greater burnet, witch hazel, St. John’s Wort, glycyrrhiza glabra and stinging nettle. Super calming and moisturizing makes this cream is a real stand out.

1. 12 Flash Color Case by MAKE UP FOR EVER ($95, beauty.hsn.com) Find every color you will need to use on your face. You get 12 vibrant Flash Colors in one easy to use palette. You can create an array of looks for a day in the office to a wild Halloween party. It can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips. Colors include silver, gold white, bright blue and Fuchsia. Perfect to travel with.

2. Lush Pumpkin Soap ($5.95, lushusa.com) A spicy Jack-o’-Lantern-shaped soap, made with a blend of sweet orange juice, pumpkin puree, cinnamon powder and clove bud oil to warm you up after those tireless rounds of trick-or-treating. Or if you attend one to many parties in your witch dress up shoes.

3. Design Nails On The Go – Black French ($10, amazon.com) A set of 28 top-quality, easy-application, ultra thin-nails with a high-gloss finish and an elegant design. Great to make your nails ready for Halloween without any mess and safe. These comfortable, natural-looking nails are easy to apply securely. They will not shift, lift, or pop off during wear, and give you cool nails.

4. Sephora Brand Eye Glitter Gel ($10, sephora.com) A transparent gel full of glitter to add a sparkle to your eyes. Light up your look with a sparkling touch—The Sephora Brand Eye Glitter Gel is an easy-to-use, controllable glitter formula that works over eye shadow or alone. Start off with a light swipe of glimmering glam, or layer it on for an especially stunning evening or holiday look.

5. Philosophy Trick-or-Treat ($20, philosophy.com) Enjoy a spirited treat for your senses with this duet of multitasking, lavishly lathering formulas that gently cleanse and condition the skin and hair. You get Pumpkin Spice Muffin and Caramel Apple Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath. Plus you won’t have to work these treats off on a treadmill.

6. Stila 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss Collection ($30, beauty.com) Get a gorgeous pout this Halloween with a lip gloss that leaves your lips vibrant and glistening. The collection features four shades of Stila’s 24kt Luxe Lip Gloss. Infused with genuine 24kt gold, this non-sticky formula gives you a vibrant, glistening, gorgeous grin. The smooth texture is loaded with moisture-locking ingredients including Vitamin E to nourish and condition and Vitamins A & C to provide anti-oxidant protection and keep the lips hydrated.

7. Megachrome Eyeliner Pencil ($2.99, wnwbeauty.com) Put a little twinkle in your eye with this longwearing, soft and smudge able metallic pencil. Intense color with a multi-dimensional prismatic effect so you can shimmer and shine day or night or Halloween night. Delivers powerful, vibrant color with a duo chrome metallic effect for eye-pop intensity Smooth formula allows for easy application and long-lasting hold so the luminous color won’t fade

8. DuWop Twilight Venom ($16, bathandbodyworks.com) Get sexy vampire lips with this shimmering, crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced liquid lip conditioner Twilight Venom should be shaken before use and can be applied repeatedly until desired intensity of color has been reached and lips are plumped and revitalized. Its formula contains argan, avocado, and olive oils as well as vitamin E.

9. M.A.C. Cosmetics 42 Lash ($13, maccosmetics.com) These natural hair lashes are specifically fashioned for style and drama. Perfect for Halloween night and parties. Impeccably dense at the lash line, they gradually lengthen into an uneven array of wisps and clusters. The lash equivalent of a shag cut.

10. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner ($18, ulta.com) Play it soft by painting on precise, crystalline lines with the top of the thin brush. Or wear it loud by sweeping the side of the brush to create entirely jewel-encrusted eye looks. Available in intensely sparkling shades such as Heavy Metal Glitter Liners redefine the term “power metal.” Get a couple to great your own look on Halloween or your everyday makeup.

11. Frederic Fekkai Golden Shimmer Gelee Mist ($20, nemianmarcus.com) This tress-dressing essential creates shimmering shine and touchable hold for your. This limited edition must-have contains golden micro-diamond particles that impart subtle luminosity and glamour for all of your Halloween festivities. The lightweight formula provides flexible hold so your style lasts throughout the night.

12. Glamour Revolution by Too Faced ($39.50, sephora.com) A limited-edition makeup book that includes everything a glamour queen needs to overthrow an old beauty routine. This beauty arsenal includes everything a glamour queen needs to overthrow an old beauty routine.
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Protective ‘low manipulation’ hairstyles reduce the amount of hair breakage, aid in length retention and protect against split ends. Braids, cornrows, twists, buns, updos, wigs and even headwraps can be worn to protect your hair for the upcoming winter weather. Last year, I embarked on a journey of wearing my hair in protective styles for an entire year. From August of ’08 to August of ’09 I wore protective styles which helped me achieve much healthier hair and I retained about five inches of growth.

Although I don’t plan on doing this again, this upcoming fall/winter season I plan on wearing protective styles, but this time instead of wearing just plain box braids or two-strand twists, I plan to wear more styles. I decided to make a protective hairstyle guide for myself and others who are looking for protective style ideas. The following YouTube videos consists of some simple and intricate styles that can be done on short or long hair, and most have step-by-step instructions.

Box Braids

By: Dancer Mickey

Bantu Knot-Out for Twists

By: Monicajoi

Flat Twists

By: Kinky Hair Blog

Straw Set by Chi-Chi

By: Glamazini

Straw Set on Short Locs

By: Miel001

Updos/Buns

Sock Bun

By: Shebapearl

Coil Bun w/sticks

By: Mwedzi

French Braid

By: BeautifulBrwnBabyDol

Loc Styles

Simple Loc Updo

By: Chescaleigh

Long Locs Basket Weave

By: Shawnta715

Short Locs Basket Weave

By: Nappystar25

Extensions/Wigs/Weave

Extensions – Kinky Twists

By: Ladyair22

Yarn Braids

By: Chocolatetresses

Micros w/Sew-in

By: PhliyDiva18154

More Styles:

Curling Box Braids: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyCBWYZj3ZA

Straw Sets/Finger Coils/Finger Coils, By: Ladykpnyc: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjdcJIKIRjg

Twists/Sister/Rope Twists, By: Kinky Hair Blog: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZXZhZZjh0E

Three Strand Twists, By: BreBre83: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjwWanR65Pg

Headwraps, By: Fauryn78: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RORRQ0vVYZs

Basic Bun Headwrap, By: AvaAmin: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wso-IGwjVOw

Wigs, By: Chappy2468: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zFRIWyqoiw

When taking a break from wearing protective styles and wearing your hair loose, remember to keep your ends moisturized. For those with longer hair, in colder seasons protect your ends by wearing silk or satin scarves around your shoulders to keep your ends from rubbing against wool coats and cotton sweaters. Remember, cotton absorbs moisture and also snags your hair, therefore at night use a silk/satin scarf, bonnet or pillow case. Make sure that the hats you wear have a silk or satin lining or wear a silk/satin scarf underneath them.

As NBCAM celebrate its 25th anniversary, they remain dedicated to educating and empowering women to take charge of their own breast health by practicing regular self-breast exams to identify any changes, scheduling regular visits and annual mammograms with their healthcare provider, adhering to prescribed treatment, and knowing the facts about recurrence. Nothing is more beautiful then a women who takes charge of her health.

While October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the www.NBCAM.org website is a year-round resource for breast cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, and the general public. They encourage you to visit their site in October and regularly throughout the year as we add updated breast cancer information and resources.

Some beauty companies that are supporting National Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

1. VMV Hypoallergenics Glow Lip and Cheek Tint ($21, vmvhypoallergenics.com) Use this versatile tint on lips and checks. On the lips it provides a deliciously dewy, drip-wet shine look. On cheeks it gives a just-been-kissed full flush. Radiance in a bottle and its Validated Hypoallergenic. Plus to support Breast Cancer Awareness month, VMV Hypoallergenics is teaming up with one of the leading not-for-profit organizations dedicated to preventing and finding a cure for breast cancer, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and will donate a dollar from each sale of a gorgeous assortment of pretty-in-pink shades, including: Debutante, Blush Crush and Tea Rose.

2. Tweezerman Precision in Pink ($20, twezzerman.com) Tweezermans fun sparkly slant- tip tweezers are not only cute and effective but they support a great cause. Proceeds from Precision in Pink benefit CancerCare, an organization that supports cancer patients and their families.

3. Clinique Lip Gloss Keychain ($18.50, sephora.com) This is a limited-edition key chain that comes with three mini Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss, Kissyfit and Whisper. Plus the super cute key chain comes with two charms—a Clinique “C” and Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon. Sold exclusively at Sephora, $10 of each purchase of Great Lips, Great Cause will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation during October.

4. Estee Lauder is doing something unique this year. They are inviting all survivors, supporters, and anybody who has been touched by the disease to create a World Pink Mosaic Square as a way to virtually wear and share a pink ribbon. It’s really easy. All you have to do is choose a frame, upload your photo into the frame and add in your first name, where you’re from and a brief description of your experience. The square you create will become part of a much larger World Pink Mosaic that will place squares from around the globe together to create the world’s largest online breast cancer ribbon. They are asking people to share their square via Facebook and Twitter (just click on the “share” buttons on Brickfish) – they want to see as many World Pink mosaic squares as possible! You can check out some of their favorite mosaic squares on the new @WorldPink Twitter channel and on The Breast Cancer Research Foundations (BCRF) Facebook page.

AfroGlitz - caters to curly and kinky haired beauties, both loose-haired and loc’ed. Within AfroGlitz, you can create your own profile, gallery, blog, submit your hair story and much more. AfroGlitz also has an online magazine – http://afroglitzmag.com/ which features articles and blog posts ranging from art, fashion, beauty, love and literature, as well as articles profiling members of the natural hair community. AfroGlitz’ CEO Gee – manages to find the most beautiful and rare natural hair pictures featuring hairstyles from African tribes, as well as those pictured on covers Jet Magazines from the 70’s.

YMIB – You Make It Beautiful

YMIB is a beautiful online magazine, resource, and community for women of color focusing on health and holistics, inspiration, beauty, fashion, decor, creative living, literature, arts and crafts, and culture. The site features articles such as Crown Effects: Detangling Natural Hair, The Dream Factors: Reaching Your Goals, and The Invisible Mother. YMIB’s Inner Circle members can also post their pictures and blog entries.

Afrobella – Celebrating All Shades of Beauty

This community created by the Afrobella herself, Patrice Yursik of Afrobella.com focuses on positivity, beauty, intelligence, and natural hair. Just like her website, the Afrobella community is composed of wonderful discussion topics on beauty, natural hair care, skin care, and more, but there you will be able to further explore the topics of her posts by sharing your views with members of the Afrobella community, as well as post your own pictures, videos and blog.

Natural Sunshine

This community was created by Sunshine Abuwi who also sells her very own natural hair products – Peacelovesunshine.etsy.com. The site features helpful posts such as, How to Prepare Your Significant Other for Your Natural Journey, and interesting discussion topics such as Big Chops are Only for Beautiful Women, and Is Hair Just Hair? It also consists of groups such as Natural Vets, Newly Natural and I’m Transitioning.

Napptural Sista

This community was created by Singer, Songwriter, Artist, Rhonda Ray (check out her work at www.rhondaray.net). Napptural Sista discussion topics include, A Lesson Learned – Teaching Our Children to Love their Hair, Do You Know the Difference…Natural vs. Organic Products as well as those focused on health, hair tips and fashion. Groups include Napptural Entrepreneur Sistas and Sistas with Locs. Be sure to join to catch the next giveaway a copy of the book by Chris-Tia E. Donaldson, “Thank God I’m Natural”.

Celebrating Natural Hair

This community was created by Michelle Bryant, author of “Celebrating Natural Hair for Braids, Twists, Locks & Sisterlocks”, she is a Sisterlocks™ wearer and Master Trainer for Sisterlocks™. The site features wonderful hairstyle pictures as well as information, and discussions on products, recipes, shampooing tips and more.

Natural Success

This community is designed for entrepreneurial minded women of color who want to live life well and find natural balance in mind, spirit, family, business, beauty, hair, and health. Natural Success was created by Erin Shell Anthony, the ‘Nappturous Diva’

CEO of Live Life Well, NOW!, LLC and author of “Nappturosity: How to Create Fabulous Natural Hair and Locs” – http://www.naturalhairbook.com/. Groups include, Black Hair Can Grow, Sistah-preneurs, and Beautiful Healthy Skin. Among the discussion topics are Internet Marketing 101 and Roles Vs Place in the Family.

Fashionably Natural – Where Fashion Gossip and Hair Collide

This site’s creator Mia has combined topics on celebrities and the latest fashion with natural hair. The site’s discussion topics include fashion and celebrity gossip, and span to topics such as society’s view on natural hair and AIDS Awareness.

Caribbean Natural Hair Scene

CNHS is a community that inspires, educates and brings together Caribbean women who are proud of their natural hair. Groups include Rep Your Island, Trinabago Posse and Sxm Naturals (Reps of the Island of St. Maarten). The community also features videos, a hairstyle Fotki gallery and e-Magazine. I stumbled upon CNHS by lurking on (Mikaela’s) the creator’s Fotki album – www.fotki.com/msmikamika.

Keep It Simple Sista

Keep It Simple Sista (created by Traycee) is a hair care forum similar to Hairlista – due to the fact that it is an inclusive site that caters to those with natural, texturized, and relaxed hair with the primary focus on growing and maintaining healthy hair. Groups include, Naturals Winter Strategy Support Group, Protective Styles and Product Exchange. K.I.S.S. also features various challenges from healthy hair/scalp to fitness, one-on-one hair consultations are also available.

More info:

Create your own Community: www.ning.com

Natural Site Directory: www.kinnks.com/directory

Natural Hair Online Support Groups: www.clutchmagonline.com/beauty/natural-hair-online-support-groups/

1. Philosophy Hope For the Best ($42, sephora.com)

What is Contains: A skincare set that contains some of philosophy’s best products.
- Purity Made Simple
- Hope In A Jar
- Eye Hope

What it Does: Looking younger and fresher doesn’t get any easier then with this kit. It is a simple regimen that uses some of Philosophy’s top products to help you achieve a younger-looking complexion. Now you can reduce the signs of aging and enhance your skin’s texture, well-being, and brightness without a ton of work. Each piece does something different but they work well together. Purity Made Simple gently and thoroughly cleanses, the beloved Hope In A Jar moisturizes magnificently, and Eye Hope pampers and perfects the eye area.

2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Eyes Kit ($29, sephora.com)

What it Contains:
- 2 Aqua Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Mat Black (black) and Star Black (black sheen)
- Sens’Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser

What it Does: This is a must-have kit featuring two waterproof eyeliners and an incredible makeup-remover. Aqua Eyes is an award-winning, waterproof eyeliner that will knock your socks off. It is a two-in-one eye shadow and liner pencil that adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions. When you want to remove Aqua Eyes just use the gentle but effective Sensitive Eye Cleanser. Great for even the most sensitive eyes this cleaner will soon be something you can’t live without.

3. DiorShow Black Out Look – Catwalk Eye Makeup Kit ($24, sephora.com)

What it Contains:
- DiorShow Black Out Mascara in Kohl Black
- Mini 5-Colour Iridescent Eye shadow in Smoky Light
- Plush pouch

What it Does: Just the fact that this beautiful set contains Dior’s world famous Mascara is enough to pick it up. Add a gorgeous mini eye shadow set and a plush pouch and you have a real winner. You can get a runway-worthy eye look for an affordable price. The eye shadow goes on super smooth and provides rich color. The plush pouch, tied with a festive ribbon, holds your get-glam essentials with style.

4. Prescriptives Everything Eyes False Eyelashes ($26.50, drugstore.com)

What it Contains:
- Full-size False Eyelashes Plush Mascara in Plush Black
- Travel-size Lash Builder Mascara Basecoat
- Travel-size Quick Remover for Eye Makeup
- Travel-size Softlining Pencil in Cocoa

What it Does: If you want eyelashes so long that they look like false eyelashes then this is your kit. Packed with four must-have products for must-see eyes this set has all the essentials all in the perfect size to travel with. And they come packed in a cheerful yellow cosmetics bag. I love how there is a full size mascara and a different kind for travel. The pencil goes on super smooth. A must have kit.

Q: I am in the process of changing all my makeup products to natural products. Do you have a must have natural product for my new collection?  

I highly recommend getting the Vapour Trick Stick ($18, vapourbeauty.com) This magic stick is an exciting new concept in skin highlighting and illumination. You can use the stick to highlight the cheekbones, eyes and lips with a hint of luminous radiant color. Use on bare skin or with other makeup. All it takes is a few quick strokes for a lustrous, youthful glow that appears to emanate from within. And this product will fit right in with the rest of your new natural beauty collection. Trick Stick is 100% natural and chemical free with 70 percent certified organic ingredients. From the raw materials to the final packaging they always consider the environment using everything from wind power to renewable packaging materials. This is a top-notch product that creates beautiful results and is environmentally responsible. You can’t go wrong with this amazing stick.

Q: I’m finally done growing out any chemicals in my hair and need an effective product to use on my natural curls?  

Congratulations on finally growing it out. But as I am sure you realize the work is not over yet. Keeping natural hair moisturized and curls defined can be a full time job. I suggest trying Curls Soufflé ($16, curls.biz). This soufflé-textured cream defrizzes, defines and holds curls while locking in moisture. The cream does a good job of defining curls without making them hard and crunchy. Because it’s a soft natural hold it also works great as a gel substitute for styles. Plus it smells like a sweet desert and a little goes a long way. Ingredients include certified organic sunflower oil, shea butter and organic aloe vera leaf juice.

Q: With H1N1 going around I have been washing my hands like crazy and now they are super dry. Any suggestions on how to keep my hands clean but not dry them out?  

Washing your hands is the most effective way to keep from getting sick. So we all should be scrubbing up at the sink, especially this year. But your right all that washing can turn your skin into something that looks like it belongs on a reptile. I discovered a natural but really effective hand soap that keeps hands soft. Depth Hand Soaps are enriched with marine botanicals and organic aloe vera to naturally soothe your hands no mater how often you wash them ($7.99, depthbody.com) The hand soaps are 70% Organic, Artificial Color Free and have 100% Natural Aroma Blends. Flavors include Mangrove Citrus, Ocean Blossom, Sea Berry and my favorite Bay Coconut.

Q: My skin is so sensitive I can only use natural mineral products. What’s your favorite mineral bronzer?  

Don’t pack up your bronzer as we move into the fall and winter. Bronzer is an easy way to give skin a warm glow and transform your look. Mineral Fusion Bronzer is a beautiful bronzer is an easy way to add color and contour to your face and body ($39, mineralfusioncosmetics.com and Whole Foods Markets nationwide). It comes in two shades Sparkle and Luster. Sparkle is a traditional single shade that is used to achieve an all over warm glow. While Luster is a duo bronzer with a sheen glow as well as a matte finish. This bronzer is packed with good stuff like White Tea, Red Tea, and Pomegranate. Your skin will never look better.