The DiVa's LoUngE

Keep That Summer Skin Acne Free

2008-07-24T08:44:00.006-04:00

The summer heat can be a bummer on the skin. The humidity can cause breakouts that put a damper on those perfectly sun-kissed faces. Not to fret my Diva's. The Queen Helene Mint Julep masque will put that those break-outs in check.

Dry up acne pimples and rinse away blackheads. This Mint Julep masque helps to dry up acne pimples, rinses away blackheads and even shrinks enlarged pores. Relaxes tired facial muscles and eases tension lines on the face and neck.

Buy it for only $3.49 at your local beauty supply store.

WHO LOVES IT?: Clear Skin Divas

Butter Up For The Summer

2008-06-29T09:13:00.005-04:00

When you think body butter, think luxurious, tropical and light. I know we usually think thick and greasy but not this Illipe, Lemongrass & Sugar Body Butter by Crabtree and Evelyn.

This award winning body butter is light and great for the summer months. It conditions the skin with a blend of tropical illipe butter, shea butter, coconut oil, macademia nut oil, sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil. This fabulous butter tones with lemongrass and clarifies the skin with sugar. Excellent for all skin including oily types, it absorbs quickly and easily.

Free of mineral oil, synthetic dyes and parabens. So go ahead and indulge!

Buy at www.crabtree-evelyn.com 7oz $26

WHO LOVES IT?: Summer Diva's who crave their body butter

MICHELLE OBAMA A CLASS ACT

2008-06-19T19:43:00.007-04:00

Divas all around the world are LOVING Michelle Obama affectionately known as Michelle O. She has style, brains and confidence. What a Diva!

Many compare her to Jackie O which is such a compliment but I say Michelle is one Diva who's paving her own way. Her classy divalicious style has caught the eyes of fashionista's all around the world. This is evident because after wearing her Donna Ricco dress on The View it sold out nationally in one day. Now that's Diva power. You go Michelle!

Buy the dress at www.donnaricco.com for $99.00

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva Obama & The Divas at The View

EMBRACE YOUR KING AND HELP CHARITY

2008-06-15T00:00:00.000-04:00

Embrace your King for Father's Day. He will love this breathtaking fragrance that says "sexy, rich, unique and passionate"; and I'm sure you will too! Slightly dangerous, explosive yet cool. Hints of Sicilian Lemon, Champagne, Tuscan Basil and smooth Rum. In the support of breast cancer awareness, Sean John Fragrances will donate $10,000 from the Unforgivable by Sean John Eau de Toilette Spray (4.2 oz) proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. So embrace your King while helping a worthy cause.

Buy at department stores, 4.2oz. $78

WHO LOVES IT?: Kings & Princes

FRESH SUMMER SCENT

2008-06-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

The perfect citrus blend for the on the go summer Diva. Enriched with organic verbena from Corsica, lemon oil from Sicily and grapefruit extract from Italy, this new summer fragrance, "Citrus Verbena Summer Fragrance", tones and leaves the skin scented with an invigorating and fruity fragrance.

Buy at www.loccitane.com 5.1oz - $45

WHO LOVES IT?: On the go Diva's

GET YOUR MIST ON!

2008-06-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

Your beautiful face will thank you for this cool mist during the dog days of Summer. Ole Henriksen's African Red Tea Face Mist is a calming and clarifying antioxidant, anti-aging tonic for all skin types. It's formulated with fresh ingredients such as African red tea, white tea and pomegranate to hydrate, tighten pores and tone. Paraben free!

Buy at www.sephora.com 4oz. $28

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva Cameron Diaz

ELBOW GREASE SHOULD DO IT

2008-06-12T00:00:00.000-04:00

Tropical paradise! This blend of oils and beeswax bring back nostalgic memories of cold winter days and warm summer breezes. Lovingly compared to your moms handy "petroleum jelly", this moisturizer is a natural alternative without the extra grease. A recommend moisturizer for dry or damaged skin.

Buy at www.pookapureandsimple.com 4oz. $10

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva LaChanze (The Color Purple)

TIME TO GET THOSE TOOTSIES IN ORDER

2008-06-10T00:00:00.002-04:00

Beloved Body Care is a great indie line that has grown by leaps and bounds. With offerings like Mint to Be Foot Butter, I can surely see why. Their foot butter is highly moisturizing and has an unprecedented love affair with essential oils that stimulate, invigorate and sooth. This theraputic and buttery blend are surely meant to be.

Made with a generous amount of unrefined Shea Butter, Mint to Be Foot Butter has sure made a difference in my feet. It also helps to extend the softness of my heels after I get my pedicures. I actually use their entire foot line. I'm determined to be a "sandal ready" Diva.

Buy at www.belovedbodycare.com and local spas. 2oz. for $10.50

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva JHud, Diva Mom Winans

A DIVA MUST SPA 101

2008-06-09T00:00:00.006-04:00

HOW TO SPA 101

1) RELAX
If there is one word to remember in a spa it's relax. You are paying for this time and you deserve to be pampered and treated from head to toe. Give yourself permission to have your time and do not be intimidated by the place or the people, they are there for you. Liberate your mind and body of worries, discomfort and fear of awkward moments and open yourself to the enjoyment of the spa experience. This is especially true for first time spa goers.

2) CHECK IN
This can be overwhelming, especially the first time so make sure you arrive early for your treatments. You will usually be given a schedule of your treatments and a locker to stash all your belongings. Then you will receive your robe/sandals and you can disrobe. Suddenly, like entering a monastery, the quiet and relaxation of the environment will envelope you and all the other robed spa goers.

3) WEARING MY BIRTHDAY SUIT?....OH MY!
Absolutely, but wear your robe while you are not on the massage table, please. Wearing underwear for a massage undermines the spirit of the day and brings to mind those painfully awkward adolescent annual physical exams that were required before school started.

Before you go to the spa, take some time to yourself, get undressed, snuggle into your robe and pretend that a lovely person is walking you down to a private massage room. Imagine them showing you the massage table, the sheet you are to climb under and the hook for the robe. Now disrobe and fling yourself onto your "table", under the sheets, and wait 5 minutes for the massage therapist to come back in the room. Now you know what to expect.

It is ok to wear a bathing suit in the Jacuzzi between treatments. There will be some people who choose to be naked in the Jacuzzi and those that prefer a suit. Either way you will be fine.

4) FUN THINGS TO DO BETWEEN TREATMENTS
A spa day is a worthwhile investment and many spas create packages to pamper your body for the entire day. Make sure you are aware of all of the amenities at the spa like a pool, hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas. You may want to use these services between your spa appointments and they are almost always free.

5) TIPPING
It is always appropriate to tip for the spa treatments you receive. Some spas provide clients with envelopes for each treatment. You can tip each technician 15-20% of the total cost of a particular treatment at the end of the day as you are leaving. You just drop the envelopes off at the same place you checked in earlier that day. You might want to call the spa beforehand to understand their policy so you do not feel awkward and wonder if you are tipping correctly. Remember, the spa wants you to be comfortable and they know you won't be carrying cash around in your robe all day. Bring some extra cash so you have it on hand for the tip.

Speak up if......
You want a male or female massage therapist
You're pregnant
You take prescription medicine regularly
Feel pain in a particular area before the treatments
You are under a physicians care for a specific condition
If you are not happy.....about a treatment or the spa experience If the spa experience is painful

information courtesy of spaemergency.com

WHO LOVES IT?: Relaxation Diva's

TWO FOR THE ROAD

2008-06-08T00:00:00.004-04:00

Our lips can become dehydrated, chapped and painful during the summer months. The good ole' sun can take a toll on our kissable attraction. Paula Dorf has created a luscious treat to exfoliate and condition the lips. "Two For the Road" includes a sugar and jojoba oil lip exfoliator which has microfine crystals that gently melt away flakes and roughness. Follow it up with the soothing lip balm that's incredibly soothing and not at all greasy. It also will give you a hint of color.

I'll take two kisses for the road.....pucker up!

Buy Simple Skin Two For the Road at www.pauladorf.com $28 4oz.

WHO LOVES IT?: Kissable Diva's

LEMONADE, THAT COOL REFRESHING DRINK

2008-06-07T09:41:00.009-04:00

Boy is it hot and summer hasn't even started. One things for sure, there's nothing like a cool glass of lemonade on a hot, humid day. During the summer, my mom always made a fresh pitcher of lemonade weekly. Throughout the years, she has experimented with so many flavors, fruits and herbs. Each delicious experiment has brought pure joy to friends and family alike. So, I've decided to share a summer time memory with you.

Mommy's Sparkling Minty Peach Lemonade

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup of fresh mint leaves

6 cups of fresh water

8 freshly squeezed lemons (more or less depending on your taste)

1/4 cup of lemon juice from concentrate

1 cup sugar; less or more to your liking

1 fresh peach sliced in quarters

2 extra mint leave stems

1 can of ginger-ale

PREPARATION:

Heat the mint leaves in 2 cups of water until boiling. Reduce heat to a simmer and leave for 5 minutes. Let cool, then strain boiled mint leaves. Combine mint water with the rest of the water (4 cups), squeeze in fresh lemons. Add sugar and lemon juice. Stir. Add in peach and extra mint leaves then chill. Add ginger-ale once chilled. Viola! ...Lemonade, that cool refreshing drink!

WHO LOVES IT?: Sunshine Diva's

POMEGRANATE IS IN THE AIR

2008-06-05T08:19:00.003-04:00

There's nothing better than walking into a home and feeling and smelling the essence of home sweet home. It embraces nostalgic thoughts that tend to comfort, relax and embrace the senses.

You can capture such a feeling with Nyakio's Pomegrante & Sage home diffuser. The fruity yet earthy fragrance yields a sophisticated blend of dark berries, pomegranate and cassis.

It's time inhale and smell the pomegranate. Fragrance your home for up to two months.

Buy at www.nyakio.com or www.amazon.com 7.5oz. $58

WHO LOVES IT?: Home Sweet Home Diva's

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE

2008-06-04T16:39:00.011-04:00

THE DIVA'S LOUNGE TEAM EXTENDS OUR HEART-FELT CONGRATULATIONS TO SENATOR BARACK OBAMA FOR CLINCHING

THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

HISTORY WAS MADE AND IT CAN NEVER BE ERASED!

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva's Who Believe in Change

QUEENS IN THE MIDST

2008-06-02T18:18:00.000-04:00

"Short or tall, thick or thin, I love the skin that I am in!" is only one of the many affirmations presented on each bottle of J. Blossom's fun, natural bath and body products for girls.

My 7 yr old niece was the recipient of J. Blossom treats; strawberry banana to be exact. She was overwhelmed that she had her own set of natural body care. The products are wonderful and beautifully packaged. I found myself dipping into the natural body lotion until I was ordered by my niece Maya to "keep your paws away, Auntie".

Any little Diva would love to receive such a thoughtful and fun gift. Available in Great Big Grape and Strawberry Banana Smoothie. Thanks for thinking of our girls Diva Jamila!

Buy at www.jblossom.com $3 - $39

WHO LOVES IT?: Little Diva Maya

FLOWERS ARE THE BOMB!

2008-05-28T00:00:00.003-04:00

A beautiful fragrance that's sweet, slightly floral and rich in beauty. From the faux diamond bottle to the floral explosion, Flowerbomb's full-bodied fragrance screams Diva with it's ability to command the attention of both men and women.

Enjoy the seduction of tea, bergamot, sambac, jasmine, orchid, freesia, rose and patchouli.

As this fragrance gently lingers, you will quickly come to the realization that Flowerbomb is without a doubt THE BOMB!

Buy Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb at www.flowerbomb.com or www.nordstrom.com 1.7 oz $95.00 - 3.4 oz $150.00

WHO LOVES IT?: Sophisticated Diva's

SUN PROTECTION

2008-05-27T00:00:00.003-04:00

Sun protection is essential. Dr. Hauschka offers an array of sunscreen products to give your skin a fighting chance against free radicals and the sun that we just can't get enough of.

Sunscreen Spray SPF15 is available in a convenient spray bottle which makes for easy application. Botanicals, sesame oil and avocado soothe and hydrate the skin while protecting. In addition, mineral sunscreen titanium dioxide provides moderate sun protection for all skin types. This formula is gentle and non-irritating so it can be used on the face as well as the body. Ok, you've been informed so don't you dare go out without your sunscreen :).

Buy 5.1 fl oz for $24.25 at sephora.com or www.DrHauschka.com

WHO LOVES IT?: Smart Diva's

MEMORIAL DAY TEASE

2008-05-26T09:53:00.005-04:00

So they say you shouldn't wear white shoes before Memorial Day? Well, Diva's were created to break the rules. Step out right in these white beauties by Steve Madden.

Buy at www.SteveMadden.com

WHO LOVES IT?: Defiant Divas

GRAPEFRUIT AROMATHERAPY

2008-05-24T00:00:00.003-04:00

The summer is quickly approaching and it's time to leave the gloomy mood of uncertainty behind. With the aromatic scent of grapefruit, you can make everyday refreshing and uplifting. Proven to soothe, clear and brighten the senses, Origins has reintroduced their grapefruit Gloomaway collection.

Their body wash/bubble bath is a rich cleanser that cuddles the skin in a creamy foam. This 2-in-1 power wash will also produce a tub full of skin-softening bubbles to help you relax and focus.

Buy at www.origins.com or your local department store 8.5 fl. oz. - $21.00

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva Amber Strauss

CURLY Q's NEED LOVE TOO

2008-05-23T00:00:00.004-04:00

I'm a Curly Q and have a lot of Diva Fashionistas who are too. So to all my curly friends, this is for you.....

Rapid Recovery: (From the Miss Jessie site)

This once weekly intense luxurious deep treatment is the essential weapon for ensuring that your curls regain their healthy shiny bounce week to week. Rich shea butter and avocado cream oil penetrate for a radiant sheen that reinforces a smooth tangle free curl. Quite simply, your curls just behave better with a weekly dose of Rapid Recovery Treatment™.

Great for: Restoring moisture and supple elasticity to dry, brittle curls, kinks, waves and naturals. This essential, intense deep treatment is a natural curl’s secret weapon.

Buy at www.missjessies.com 2oz. $9 - 12oz. $48

WHO LOVES IT?: Curly Q's & Natural Fashionista's.

HANDS, NAILS AND CUTICLES...OH MY

2008-05-22T00:00:00.004-04:00

Creamy, moisturizing and hydrating -- These are the three words that come to mind when you think of L'Occtiane Shea Hand Creme. Formulated with 20% Shea butter, this hand creme is sure to soothe even the driest skin, nails and cuticles.

Protect your skin with a product that's been tested by the hands of time.

WHO LOVES IT?: Pop Diva Madonna

Buy at www.loccitane.com. $25 5.2oz.

ALOHA SILKY SKIN

2008-05-21T00:00:00.008-04:00

Alba's Kukui Nut Organic Body Oil is a silky scent-sation. Infused with Kukui Nut oil from the island of Hawaii, this spa treat is one of the best on the market. It's rich in essential fatty acids that help to restore, condition and hydrate the skin.

This is by far one of my favorites. It smells delicious but more importantly your skin really does feel like silk after you use it.

Bring a Hawaiian spa to your bathroom. Tap into your inner Diva. Can be used as a moisturizer, massage or bath oil.

Buy from Whole Foods Market or at www.AlbaBotanica.com, $9.95 for 8.5oz.

WHO LOVES IT?: Wellness Diva's around the world

IT'S ALL TRUE DIVA'S

2008-05-20T00:00:00.002-04:00

This is a wonderful home fragrance collection created by the beautiful humanitarian Manuela Nelson, ex-wife of Prince. The name of her collection ALTRU means unselfishly giving of one's self to others. I must say Manuela is an All True Diva.

She created this collection to support her In a Perfect World Foundation. The foundation empowers children from around the world to become compassionate, socially conscious and responsible leaders. Each candle is named after a core value or attribute that one might find in a "perfect world." How can you not love this Diva?!?!!

I personally love the Wellness Candle which is an embracing scent of cloves and green tea. It burns true to it's fragrance and it inspires the senses. I would like to wish Manuela the best in all of her humanitarian efforts. See you at the next event!

Buy these wonderful candles for $55 each at nordstrom.com, bergdoff.com and gamillah.com.

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood

DIVA ESSENTIAL

2008-05-19T00:00:00.004-04:00

DIVA ALERT, DIVA ALERT....SHAPE UP IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES WITHOUT BREAKING A SWEAT.

As seen on Queen-Diva Oprah, the Yummie Tummie is the hottest thing in lingerie since Eve picked up a fig leaf.

You ask well, what is it?! It's a body-contouring shaper designed to be seen while secretly slimming your waist, a beautiful tank and body shaper all in one. No more "muffin tops or stomach rolls." All I can say is THANK goodness!

Diva's you can exhale while taking those summer photo's. With this God-send garment, you will always be picture ready. Go ahead, have that ice-cream...in moderation of course. I could've kept that moderation part out huh? :)

WHO LOVES IT?: Queen-Diva Oprah...need I say more?!

Buy online at herroom.com $62-$78

EXTREME GLADIATOR!

2008-05-18T00:00:00.013-04:00

A shoe can change a womans life. Just ask Cinderella.

Ms. Carrie Bradshaw is rocking her Extreme Gladiator Platform Shoes by Dior! Worn in over 5% of the entire movie, such a fashion introduction is very uncommon. It's extremely rare to see the same shoe paired with different outfits but, Mizz Bradshaw has done it in a way that only a TRUE DIVA can. Every outfit is fashion forward and fab!

I have to admit this is a hell of a sexy shoe. Dior you better work! Fashionista's I've got news for you..... you better work too because these beauties are $770. Ummm yes, $770. The price of beauty never ceases to amaze me. Boy, I really like these.....

They can be yours at eluxury.com. They're sure to go fast! By the way, I don't advocate knock-offs but many of you emailed me asking if I knew where to find a pair. You can find a very similar shoe at asos.com for £55.00. Get'em while the gettings good!

WHO LOVES IT?: Fashionista Carrie Bradshaw & Diva Roxie

IT'S A GROOVE THANG!

2008-05-17T08:56:00.013-04:00

Carol's Daughter Groove Shea Soufflé is divalicious.

I'm smitten with soft skin, but what Diva isn't?! This luxurious formula is light and fluffy and smells divine. It's a great moisturizer for all skin types leaving your skin feeling like a pallet of silk.

Diva Lisa Price insured that we would get all the moisture we needed packing in a whopping 47% of butters and oils. But, not to fret fellow Diva's it's not a greasy mess. When I used it, it left my skin smooth and hydrated without an oily residue. Oh yes, this is a keeper!

For all of us natural fashionistas, this moisturizer is a good accessory not only because of it's brand star power but also because it's free of parabens, mineral oil, petroleum, and artificial color!

Purchase at carolsdaughter.com. 4oz. $13 - 16oz. $30

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva's Mary J. Blige & Jada Smith

100% PURE DIVA!

2008-05-16T16:34:00.005-04:00

Having reviewed hundreds of body care products, I am a self-proclaimed natural body care buff. On my journey to soft healthy skin, I came across this decadent scrub made with fresh fruit juices and organic sugar. This scrub is amazing! It smells like a fresh fruit smoothie and is preservative and chemical free. It's well, 100 percent pure.

If you can't live without soft, smooth, hydrated skin then this is a scrub to definitely try. Strawberry Lemonade Juicy Body Scrub buffs away dull, bumpy skin with the powers of fresh fruits- lemon, strawberry, cranberry, cherry, raspberry and pineapple. These fruits are high in anti-aging antioxidants, vitamins and brightening fruit acids for healthy, vibrant, glowing skin. This is truly one for every Diva!

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva's Eva Longoria & Lucy Lu

Buy at 100% Pure - 13oz. $22.00 100percentpure.com

GUCCI GIRLS RULE THE WORLD

2008-05-15T12:28:00.008-04:00

Oh Gucci you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind....hey Gucci.

All of a sudden everything looks much clearer from the lenses of these DIVALICIOUS Gucci sunglasses. No matter what you're looking at you're gonna like what you see when you step out and about with this summer's hottest shades.

Seen on Rhianna and Fergie, these shades are fashion ready with medium square lenses with the GG pattern embossed on the arm of the shades. 100% UVA/UVB protection.

For some this may be a splurge at $310 but let's face it, it's expensive being a diva! You'll turn the heads of even the faint at heart. Go Diva's, Go Diva's. Break the piggy banks...it's worth it.

Purchase a pair in brown or black at your nearest Gucci Boutique or high-end sun glass store.

WHO LOVES IT?: Pop Diva Fergie

FRUITY PATOOTIE

2008-05-15T10:17:00.003-04:00

Summer, summer, summer time! Oh yes, Mr. Will Smith it is indeed in the air with Marc Jacobs Body Splashes. Available in grapefruit, pear and basil, this limited edition is an ode to summer. Mr. Jacobs has outdone himself with softly scented, deliciously whipped, refreshing masterpieces. Every last drop of each splash captures the spirit of the summer season.

I purchased the grapefruit over the weekend and it was instant nostalgia. The scent brought back fun memories of past summers. Grapefruit Splash is fresh, light and beach ready. Each time I spray it, it revives my day and tickles my senses. It's light enough to layer or it can be used alone. The invigorating blend yields a burst of great staying power with grapefruit, orange flower, sweet ginger, freesia and lagette....yummy!

Fashionistas get this whopping bottle for $65 at your local department stores or Sephora.

TRENDSETTERS WEAR NEON NAIL POLISH

2008-05-15T08:11:00.026-04:00

OK my fellow Diva's it looks like the latest trend is a throwback to lumberjack colors and neon markers and I have to say I LOVE it! From Beyonce and Rhianna to Sarah Jessica Parker and Cameron Diaz, every trendsetting fashionista is wearing the bright colored hues on their nails.

Go ahead and pop that color with nail polish quads from Essie and Chanel. They contain four mini sized bottles of pink, yellow, orange, and either a blue or purple high-shine varnish...watch out now! I am so ready to throw my hands in the air and wave them like I just don't care. I'm gonna pick up this must-have this weekend.

NEON FASHIONISTAS can purchase a set of four at Essie Boutique. Price: $15

WHO LOVES IT?: Diva's Rhianna, Beyonce & Sarah J. Parker

YOU BETTER WORK VICKY!!!

2008-05-15T08:07:00.003-04:00

Victoria's Secret has launched a limited-edition make-up collection called Very Sexy Diamonds..ooh la la. This summers 2008 debut is formulated with crushed diamond particles that create a beautiful divalicious shimmer. The intensity is flawless.

I personally love the eyeshadow duos ($14.00 each) When I tell you I felt like I was on the red carpet right in my own bathroom....I mean it! Also available is three lip glimmers ($12.00 each) and a jewel-embossed face powder ($22). Alright ladies, get yours while the getting is good. I feel pretty, oh so pretty.....I'll see you in The Diva's Lounge.

ANGELINA PLUS TWO NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD

2008-05-14T16:39:00.005-04:00

Stop spreading those rumors around....stop spreading those lies....not this time....It's true! After months of rumors, Angelina Jolie confirmed that she's having twins! In a co-interview with Jack Black to promote their upcoming movie Kung Fu Panda, he apparently broke the news, which Angelina then confirmed. What are we gonna do with you Jack Black?! Angelina is due August 19. We wish Angelina and Brad the best.

CHANEL PERFECT BROWS....WOWZA!

2008-05-14T14:53:00.007-04:00

A must-have for the fashionista on the go. This divalicious treat is the perfect size and can be thrown into your make-up bag. Touch up those fierce arched brows with three powder shades, mini tweezers and a mini brush for professional results.

Why Roxie loves this product: I was able to blend my brows with depth. The powders were the perfect sheerness that allowed me to touch up my brows without looking like Elvira. Watch out Tyra...my brows are fierce girlfriend!

The size of the applicator brush is very small but Chanel had perfection in mind when creating this brush. The applicator allows you to apply the powders a little at a time which makes it less likely for you to go outside your natural brow. Ms. Chanel, you and your Perfect Brow are invited in The Diva's Lounge anytime!

Retail Price: $65.00. Purchase at Chanel online boutique or at select department stores.