Natural Woman

I'll never forget that shower. It was about ten years ago. I had an appointment to get my hair done the next day, so I was washing my hair in preparation for the fresh synthetic braids to come. I had been wearing braids for about three years straight because I had about an inch and a half of hair left after a tragic episode of chemical overlapping. I had paid a fancy stylist from a fancy Black salon a lot of money for a touch-up. He touched me up all right. He also overlapped the fresh relaxer and the old one. Within three weeks, most of my hair broke off about an inch from my scalp, the area where the old and new relaxer met. I didn't know what to do with the sudden one inch of hair, so I got braids.

Back to the shower. As I washed, I realized how foreign my natural hair texture felt. It was dense and fluffy. I can remember smiling and thinking, I like this. This God-given hair is special, no more or less beautiful than anybody else's God-given hair, yet it is unique. I canceled that appointment, but I had no idea what I was going to do with my bushy, beautiful mass. Thank God for Essence! I didn't work here then, but I can remember being inspired by various natural styles in the magazine.

Keep in mind that using the right products for natural hair is just as important as finding a style you love. You need treatment conditioners, a wide-tooth comb, patience to work through your texture -- unless you have locks of course -- and the appropriate moisturizers. Some of my favorites include Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment (ojonhaircare.com), a restorative treatment that strengthens and transforms the way your hair feels. Leonor Greyl Huile de Palm (866-GREYL US), which I love to cocktail with my regular conditioner, especially if I'm blowing my hair out, and Miss Jessie's Buttercream (missjessies.com), which may be the best moisturizer in the universe. You have to use the right amount, however, a dab for some, a dollop for others.

These days I can do most everything with my natural hair. I get bored easily so I twist it, blow it out, fro it out or knot it up. In case you're in need of strand inspiration, check out our hair galleries. There are plenty of options for natural girls and everybody else too!

Do you have a horror hair story with a happy ending? Which products really work for you? Tell me all about them. I'd love to know.

Photos: Roberto Ligresti (top left); Haitem (top center); Ondrea Barbe (top right); Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment, ojonhaircare.com (bottom left); Leonor Greyl Huile de Palm, 866-GREYL US (bottom center); Miss Jessie's Buttercream, missjessies.com (bottom right)

Problem Solved!

Hey, Lazy Beauties, this one's for you.

The problem: Some nights I'm so tired that I have no recollection of falling asleep. I think I nod off before my head hits the pillow. It's on such nights that I often do the unspeakable -- especially for someone in the beauty industry -- sleep in makeup. With all the issues I have, the breakouts, the oil, the acne scars, you'd think I'd take more care and just wash my face. I mean, every time I do this, I break out two days later.

The solution: About a month ago a friend of mine, mother of two little ones, told me that her end-of-the-day exhaustion has prompted her to remove her makeup with the kiddies' baby wipes. I laughed. But then weeks later, I was introduced to Noodle & Boo (noodleandboo.com), a luxurious line of baby toiletries. They sent me all their stuff, from baby reed diffusers to shampoos to fragrance. It took me about two seconds to look at their baby wipes and stuff them in my bag. Now they're right by my bed. And after a few nights of use, I realized that I could expand my bedtime beauty by placing some real makeup removers bedside. So I've found two that work marvelously: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover (clinique.com) even removes waterproof mascara, and Institute Arnoud Paris One Step Cleanser and Toner (Walgreen's stores) leaves my skin incredibly soft. These two, along with cotton balls of course, are my new best friends, and guess what? In the last few weeks I've been breakout free!

Got a tried-and-true beauty solution? Tell me about it.

The Best BET

Call me old fashioned, but when I hear the words "red" and "carpet," I'm expecting tuxes and tails, diamonds and trains. I'm just gonna say it. The BET Awards was more about fun than fashion. I enjoyed the show, I mean between the opening Jennifers, PE's tribute to James Brown and the strange but comical real-people intros, I couldn't stop watching...

Fashionably speaking, the night was allllll white. Most got the memo that ebony and ivory live together in perfect harmony:

White Fever: Rihanna's homage to old-Hollywood, a tube dress with a ruffled hemline, was stunning.

Royal Flush: Queen Latifah's Grecian goddess gown showed off the most flawless bronzed skin.

Runway Ready: Eve's belted ivory mini with the long slit sleeves was very fashion forward.

Guys and Dolls: Even the fella's got into the white nights, from TI's head-to-toe, so-fresh and so clean suiting to Nick Cannon's dinner jacket to 50 Cent's white tank.

As for the actual red-carpet looks, there were highs and lows. It was refreshing to see 50 Cent in his smart sky-blue jacket and dress shirt -- no large chains, no baseball cap, not a tattoo in sight. He looked marvelous! Not to say that the biceps aren't also marvelous, but I appreciated the change. Sorry to say, but Eve's leopard-print mini dress was not spot on. And Vivica's bronzed mini was, well, not quite right -- too muddy, too tight. Ms. Monique had a few metallic changes -- all empire cuts, all flattering. Beyonce's metallic moments were stellar -- on stage and on the red carpet. I loved the wide belt with her silver gown, just wish she rocked a little less hair, but hey, if she had less hair she wouldn't be Beyonce. Last but not least, her heavy metal moment with the bra top and skintight jeans -- hot, hot, hot.

What do you think? Who were your faves of the night? Least favorites?

We're running a best-dressed poll over at ESSENCE -- clcik here to cast your vote!

Photos: Frederick M. Brown/Stringer/Getty Images (left); Kevin Terrell/WireImage.com (center); REUTERS/Fred Prouser (right)

Feet Don't Fail Me Now

Don't be that girl -- the one caught out there with jacked-up feet in sandals on a sunny summer afternoon. Look, it's happened to the best of us. You run from work to get a pedicure, the shop's closed. You're leaving the next morning for your cousin's wedding; your dress needs those sandals! What to do? Keep these staples around, and I guarantee that no one will know you missed the professional pedi. I do all of this in the shower, but if you like to pull out your little tub and soak to your heart's content, go ahead. Oh, and if my toenails are too long, I clip and file them before I jump in the shower.

1. After a few minutes under the hot water, I reach for OPI Manicure/Pedicure Green Tea Scrub (opi.com). The directions say to apply to towel-dried feet, then rinse. But who has time for that? I use it on the bottoms of my wet feet, hands, even elbows and knees. It's a little oily, so be careful and mix it well in your palms before you scrub.

2. Next up is the Microplane Foot File (us.microplane.com). You can scrape all the yucky calluses off with this little guy. Hang it up on your shower caddy; you might want to revisit it a few times a week.

3. After you're out of the shower and dried off, dab a bit of Johnson's Baby Oil Gel to your feet. It leaves a nice shine and isn't too oily. Creative Nail Solar Oil (creativenaildesign.com) is what I use on my toenails. This conditions your cuticles and gives your toenails that extra shine.

4. I pat my feet dry of excess oil, then put on a few coats of any sheer pink color. I leave the bold blacks, blues and reds to the professionals; my hand isn't that steady.

5. If you want your color, you may want to try the fast and fabulous Avon Instant Pedicure (avon.com), adhesive strips of dry nail enamel that can be attached to your toenails. They last two weeks!

Let me know your at-home pedicure secrets.

Wishing you peace, love and beauty,
Pamela

Photos: OPI Manicure/Pedicure Green Tea Scrub (top left); Microplane Foot File (top center); Johnson's Baby Oil Gel Aloe Vera & Vitmain E (top right); SolarOil (bottom left); Instant Pedicure (bottom right)

Chic on the Cheap

Can we say another "Amen" for all of this affordable chic popping up everywhere? Target, Steve and Barry's, H&M, Kohl's -- they're all partnering up with big name designers and fashionable celebrities -- bringing cheap thrills to stylish shoppers like you and me. I finally made it to Steve and Barry's this weekend. Honestly, I'd never heard of the place until the whole Stephon Marbury sneaker thing. In case you missed this ball player's fashion move, he's revolutionized the way we look at must-have, high-profile sneakers by selling, and wearing his namesake $15 kicks, starbury.com. Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten line, bittensjp.com is also sold at Steve and Barry's. That's where I scored this Saturday. I got a pair of dark washed skinny jeans and a crisp gingham blouse with a ruffled front for only 24 bucks! On Sunday I happened to swing by Target for a shower curtain and was surprised to see that they still had pieces available from Patrick Robinson's line. I got my hands on his earthy toned cotton and linen summer gear, in May, when his stuff first hit Target. My point is, both lines still have great stuff left, so check it out, you're not too late. Oh, by the way, this fall there's much more to come. Roberto Cavalli will have a line at H&M, hm.com and Vera Wang will have a collection at Kohl's, kohls.com. Don't worry, I'll give you a sneak peak on these later when you're ready to think about tweed skirts instead of cotton shorts.

Photos: Bitten (left); Patrick Robinson for Target (right)

Give Me Some Skin

What do these three have in common? Besides being black and famous? They all put their skin in the skillful hands of one of my favorite ladies, aesthetician Mamie McDonald. I saw her Saturday, and as usual, she whipped my oily/dehydrated/acne-scarred face into place. It's tough getting an appointment with her these days, now that she's seeing clients in both New York and LA -- lucky for you California girls. When I'm a good girl and see her every 6 weeks, it really shows. If you'd like to get on the road to clear skin I suggest you make an appointment with Ms. McDonald, she's worth the wait, and every dime. Visit mamiesskincare.com for more information.

Photos: Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com (left); Jim Spellman/WireImage.com (center); Lester Cohen/WireImage.com (right)

Be Bold

My hair is that typical black girl color. It looks like the darkest of browns when it's blown out, black when it's natural and curly -- a little boring, I must say, in the shade department. Because I've been the victim of a few chemical breakdowns -- my hair has fallen out twice -- I no longer relax or color; I am now chemical free! This commitment, however, has not stopped me from pining for extreme color. I'd love a jet-black bob like Ciara's or wheat and honey curls like Mary J's. So I'm going there. And like so many celebs, I'm going the weave route so I can hue as I please. Of course, I know that a weave gone wrong can create a whole other type of tragic hair-loss situation. Don't worry, I'll get the right stylist and tell you all about it. If you have no intention of getting a weave, but love color, remember the basics: 1. Don't relax and color (permanent color) on the same day. 2. Don't color your hair more than two shades lighter in one sitting. 3. Do use color-specific products.

How do you achieve the hair color of your dreams? Tell me all about it.

Photos: Steve Granitz/WireImage.com (left); Mark Liddell (right)

Animal Magnetism

I grew up in Virginia with dogs, I had three: Skipper #1, Skipper #2 and Pepper. We got Skipper #1 when I was about seven, Pepper died when I was twenty -- nothing but happy times with the pooches, many tears when they died. They still however had their place under my mother's domain, which was for the most part, outside. There was no doggy on the beds, licking the face stuff going on in our household. Therefore, I have no memories of animal odors or hair around the house. Fast forward to my Brooklyn apartment and the issue of rodents. Don't freak at that statement, sadly this isn't that uncommon in NYC. I've heard there are nine rats for every New Yorker. I say all of this to say, soon after moving into my place, I heard, but in fact did not see, a mouse/mice? behind my stove. This was simply unacceptable. My native New York friends said there was one certain way to end this: get a cat. A cat? "But I'm not a cat person..." I thought. I got one anyway, Walter is her, yes, her name. I adore her as much as my beloved childhood dogs. The only difference is that her litter box stinks to high heaven and there is hair everywhere. This is simply unacceptable. For all of you pet owners with scent concerns check these wonders out! Xela Aromasticks reed diffusers (xelaaromasticks.com) naturally deodorize pet odor. Their Pup-pourii, with lemon and jasmine, supposedly provokes a happy mood. Hah! Aromatherapy for animals! The Isle of Dogs Canine Grooming System (iodogs.com) uses Primrose Oil in most of their products, they've got everything from detangling shampoos to grooming sprays! The Hillhouse Naturals Good Dog line (hillhousenaturals.com) has a linen spray that neutralizes the odor in dog beds. And finally Kiehl's Since 1851 Spray and Play (kiehls.com is like deodorant, preventing you pooch from getting too stinky in the fist place!

What do you do to keep pet odors at bay? Let me know.

Photo: Kerry and her beloved doggy, Josephine Baker, photographed by Sandra Martin.

Get Glowing

I'm obsessed with clear skin. I really think it's the first thing you notice about a person. Gabrielle Union's skin is actually memorable. I interviewed her once at a photo shoot. She walked in without a stitch of makeup, but with a complexion that looked like liquid chocolate--absolutely flawless. My skin can look like hers, with the help of a professional makeup crew, but since I don't roll with a glam squad, I've figured out a few ways to get that glow, on my own. First of all, you've got to exfoliate your face a few times a week. This will improve the texture of your complexion and sun block is a must, daily. This will actually help any dark areas or marks from getting darker, and protect you from the harmful rays that cause skin cancer. And yes, black folks do get skin cancer. I cover my acne scars with concealer only, no more foundation. Prescriptives has so many formulations and textures to choose from--a great place to get one that really matches. I've learned from several makeup artists that it's better to apply makeup only where you need it, not all over your face. If the color is right and you blend well, no one should know you're wearing anything.

Some of my skin-perfecting favorites include Kate Somerville's Kate in a Jar (katesomerville.com) and Clinique Pore Minimizer (clinique.com).

Some of Gabriel's favorites include Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser Mask and Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 45 with Helioplex, drugstores nationwide.

What are your clear-skin secrets? Tell me all about them.

Photo: Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage.com

So Fresh and So Clean...and So Zen

I did a little something for myself this morning. I added a touch of pampering to my 10-minute shower routine and what a difference it made! This morning's indulgence came in the form of aromatherapy. Now everyone loves some scent, and believe it or not, you can give yourself a lift if your favorite one is around. Hey, you're going to buy soap, shower gel, lotion, maybe even candles, anyway, so pick up those that include a fragrance you love. My aromatherapy desires change by the second so I have a lot around.
This morning I was feeling citrus. I made an effort to inhale and appreciate the subtle scent of Nars Bath and Shower Gel in ginger grapefruit (narscosmetics.com) so much so, that it made me hunt for the grapefruit lotion that I knew I'd brought home a week ago. I found it, Philosophy's I Love Grapefruit Body Butter (sephora.com). This kept my citrus thing going and softened my pedicure-needy feet. It all brought a smile to my face. Who doesn't need a smile?

Tell me: how do you work pampering into your busy lifestyle?

Photos: Nars Bath and Shower Gel (left); Philosophy's I Love Grapefruit Body Butter (right)

Good Scents

I’m a sucker for pretty packaging... But there’s a downside: I have a dresser full of gorgeous bottles and jars -- lots of stuff that I don’t actually use. Perfume bottles are the worst culprits because they have the most elaborate casings, so I naturally can’t get enough of them. And nine, no, seven out of ten times I’m not a fan of the scent, which brings me to my point today. I have found three, yes, three fragrances that not only smell fantastic, but are encased in elegant, portable packaging. Stella In Two Amber Solid Perfume and Narcisco Rodriquez For Her Eau de Parfum Roll-On hold sweet but soft, musky scents. I know “musk” sounds heavy, but these are not. And there’s the Miss Boucheron Pendant and Perfume. It's fragrance and jewelry. How smart is that? I can’t wait to transform my simple white tees with this pop of chic.

What scents are you loving this season -- whether for the actual smell or the beautiful bottle?

Photos: Stella In Two Amber Solid Perfume (left); Narcisco Rodriquez Roll-On Eau de Toilette (center); Miss Boucheron Pendant and Perfume (right)

Change Is Good

Alicia Keys is mixing things up lately in the hair department. I had a shoot yesterday with celebrity stylist Tippi Shorter who coiffed Alicia’s hair the previous evening for the Keep A Child Alive Foundation event here in NYC at Cipriani’s. Tippi says Alicia isn’t committed to one look at the moment, but she’s open to not only showing off her natural texture, but stepping out in super sleek as well as big and curly looks. Of course sleek ain’t easy in these summer months so Tippi used her no-fail recipe on Alicia’s strands to lock in the straightness. After running a flat iron through Alicia’s hair once, she then applied a light mist of Pantene Pro-V Restorative Anti-Humidity Hair Spray onto small sections, before flat ironing a second time. Hey, if Pantene works for Alicia, it just might work for you. Oh and for you braid fans -- not-to-worry -- Alicia won’t ditch the braids. Easy, fuss free hair works for her physically active lifestyle these days. In case you didn’t hear Alicia ran a marathon in Greece a few months ago...Sound mind, sound body.

By the way, if you have a beauty or fashion dilemma you'd like to resolve, let me know about it in the comments section below or by emailing me at stylediary@essence.com. I'd love to be of help!

Photos: Joe Kohen/WireImage.com (left); Jim Spellman/WireImage.com (right)

Three's A Charm

The third time I laid eyes on yet another one of these gorgeous charm necklaces, I said, that’s it. That is it. Where can I get one?!? I happened to be at a beauty event, waiting to meet a new doctor and possibly test her skills with Botox. Yes, I’ve had Botox and no, I’m not middle aged. I can’t say I’d be doing this if I didn’t report and write about such things, but I do love how well rested I look afterwards. The deep furrow between my brows is gone, gone, gone. So the secret is out, I’ve had Botox, and I’d gladly do it again.

Anyway, while waiting for the injectables, I peeped yet another one of these super stylish charm necklaces on my friend and industry colleague, Melissa. Melissa is fortunate enough to have a slew of these charmed darlings because her sister-in-law is the designer. Nicole Schumann is her name. Nicole likes to scour antique shops and collect old gold pendants, which become sort of a jump-off-point to her one-of-a-kind pieces. She then incorporates wood, semi-precious stones, metals and additional charms like Buddhas, skulls and Geisha girls, resulting in a glorious mix of baubles. Her web site isn’t live yet, but her work is sold all over the country in chi-chi boutiques. If you live in New York you can find her stuff at Calypso or Intermix, otherwise call her at 917-796-7092. She’d be happy to take an order over the phone or point you to a shop that carries her goodies.

Know a talented designer? Email me a brief description of him/her at stylediary@essence.com so I can check it out and possibly tell the world about your great find.

Rihanna: To Bang or Not to Bang

Just saw the well-bobbed Rihanna, pre-bangs, recently at the Warren Tricomi Salon here in NYC. I was in for a pedi, she was in for a mani. I was very impressed with her daytime glamour: skinny jeans, stilettos, oversized bag -- perfect hair and makeup, maybe a bit too perfect for getting one's nails done. But hey, she was pretty as the snooty clientele tried to hide the fact that they were totally gawking, gawking, gawking.

Word on the street is that Rihanna's uber-cute asymmetrical cut is on the most-requested list at practically every black salon on the planet. As for the recent China doll bangs...I like them. I think they suit her. At the ESSENCE office the jury is still out, though. What do you think? Tell me in the comments section because I'd love to know.

By the way, if you or someone you know is rocking a slamming 'do, please tell me about it below or email me at stylediary@essence.com. Who knows? Your look could be featured right here on this ever so stylish blog. Have a favorite celebrity style you are loving (or not)? I want to hear all about it.

Photos: Hubert Boesl/dpa/Corbis (left); Anders Overgaard (right)

Welcome to the Style Diary

Hey, beauty addicts & fashionistas!

Welcome to ESSENCE's Style Diary! I'm Pamela Edwards, ESSENCE Fashion and Beauty Features Editor, and I can't wait to share my latest and greatest fashion and beauty obsessions with you. I'll be giving you the inside scoop on everything from the ripped-from-the runway trends to behind-the-scenes access to celeb events, so check back every day for MY new updates.

Don't forget, I want to hear from you, too. Whether it's your hot new haircut or a fashion trend you hate, share your style tips,pics...whatever! Each week, I'll also search my inbox for your pressing beauty and fashion questions my "Ask Pamela" advice section. Leave your faves, raves, questions and suggestions in the comments section of each post.

Wishing you love, peace and beauty...Pamela