Everything She Wants

I'm not a wig girl.  But during the pandemic, I wasn't able to get my twist extensions redone as often as I like.  So I started to consider wearing a wig as a manageable protective style option and an easy way to change up my 'do and look polished during  Zoom calls .  As a wig novice, however, I  didn't  know where to start. A nd  the curly synthetic wig I purchased on Amazon was not  entirely t he natural looking vibe I was going for. So  Everything  She Wants enlisted Mayvenn wig expert Schae Graham to offer six easy steps for installing a lace front wig , which she says offers versatility -- from wavy to  straight and from long to short -- without damaging your hair.   Checking the Unit:  First, examine the wig to make sure that all combs and straps are in the correct place. Prepping Your Hair:  Creating the right foundation is important! Make sure that your hair is braided down, or in some form of braids or twi...

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates and removes the outer layer of dry, dead skill cells. This treatment is especially effective for controlling hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone) and diminishing acne scars and dark spots. Skin Spa New York Flatiron/Chelsea./Spa Week When I can afford it, I treat myself to microdermabrasion every couple months. So thanks to the nice folks at Spa Week Media, I got the chance to preview the $50 Spa Week deal for micro at Skin Spa New York's Flatiron/Chelsea location . During Spa Week, Skin Spa -- which has several locations in New York City including Soho and Midtown -- offers a $50 power peel, customized facial, Brazilian wax or a 50-minute Swedish, deep tissue or aromatherapy massage. This was my first visit to Skin Spa New York and I was pleasantly surprised by the minimalist, modern decor. And my aesthetician, Marina, was warm and friendly.  She agreed that micro was a good treatment for my skin type.  First she rem...

We love Spa Week . And it's back, April 17-23, 2017. When else can you book luxe spa services for only $50? Available at day spas nationwide, Spa Week is the time to pamper and treat yourself to a facial, massage, mani/pedi or alternative therapy like acupuncture, cupping or floatation tank therapy. So what are you waiting for?  Book your $50 treatments today! Spa & Wellness gift cards can now be purchased at select retailers like CVS, Walmart and Rite Aid nationwide, and can be used at many of the spas participating in Spa Week. About Spa Week The Spa Week concept was born on a rainy spring morning in 2004. The goal was simple: bring the spa and wellness experience to the masses by offering full service treatments, normally costing hundreds of dollars, for just $50 dollars each. No longer would a trip to the spa be considered an indulgence and something relegated to the wealthy few. Spa Week was the vehicle that was destined to change an industry and make a spa visi...

Actress  Taraji P. Henson  dazzled in designer Reem Acra and made a powerful plea for unity as her film  Hidden Figures  took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards. She also slayed with a “chic but edgy undercut style” created by celebrity h airstylist Tym Wallace . "When thinking about Taraji's look- wanted to focus on her inner beauty and personality. Her versatility and command of any screen translates -- from  Empire’s ‘ Cookie Lyons’  to  Hidden Figures’ "Katherine Johnson’ ,” explains the stylist. Photos by  Tym Wallace Exclusively for Everything She Wants readers, h ere is a step – by – step guide to help you recreate Taraji’s flawless hairstyle: 1) Cleanse natural hair  with  L'Oréal Paris Sulfate-Free shampoo and c onditioner , followed by  It’s a 10 Leave-in Miracle Product . 2) Next, section the hair and blowdry ...

(Tracy E. Hopkins) You may recognize her from the '90s sketch comedy show In Living Color,  as Bill Cosby's daughter on Cosby , or Raven-Symone's Mom on That's So Raven . But T'Keyah Crystal Keymah is just as recognizable for her trademark twists. Everything She Wants chatted* with the natural hair pioneer via email about how her hairstyle choices affected her career, her product picks and her book, Natural Woman/Natural Hair: A Hair Journey . Everything She Wants: Back in the ‘90s not many black actresses wore their hair natural. Were you overlooked for roles because of your hairstyle? T'Keyah: Sure. I missed out on things because of my hair (which no one knew how to style at first, so I did it myself). I even had casting directors suggest that I "do something with it." Gratefully, I worked steadily enough that I was never tempted to trade my twists for more opportunities. [But] I've always been fine playing characters that don'...

What does Brooklyn smell like? Well, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t a fragrant candle or body butter.  But Brooklyn Flavors  ( 820 Washington Avenue, 718-854-7486), a Brooklyn-based natural skin care shop, wants to change that perception. Brooklyn Flavors owner, Sophia Sylvester/Yelp Created by Brooklyn native Sophia Sylvester, Brooklyn Flavors offers a signature scent inspired by some of the borough’s most distinct streets and neighborhoods (w isely, there's no Gowanus Canal flavor).  For example, Bed-Stuy ’s flavor is an earthy blend of sandalwood, jasmine, cedar wood and patchouli; Canarsie Cookie smells like freshly baked sugar cookies with butter cream frosting and vanilla extract; and the Caribbean-inspired Church Avenue combines juicy mango, papaya, jasmine peach and coconut.  Sylvester’s mission is to make quality handmade products using natural ingredients and to promote a healthy approach to candles and beauty and b...

Each year you probably ponder, "What should I get Mom for Mother's Day?" But even if your Ma already has closets and dressers full of everything, you still have to show her how much you care and give her something she wants, needs or both. To help you navigate all of the gift options out there and select the perfect gift for that special lady, here are a few beauty gift ideas under $50. 1. S heaMoisture Peace Rose Oil Complex, Community Commerce Collection (from $8.99, available at Target) is the newest offering from this cruelty and paraben-free hair, bath and beauty brand with ethically-sourced and natural ingredients. The collection features a unique blend of roses to nourish sensitive skin and dry hair, and was handpicked for Target's 2016 "Made to Matter" program as one of the 20 leading natural, organic and sustainable brands in the industry. We especially love the Peace Rose Oil Haircare Collection , which includes sulfate-free No...

Holiday parties and festive events are calling.  Since most of us don't wake up looking flawless, sometimes we need a little makeup to help illuminate our best features. For the holidays, glittery eyeshadow and a cool smokey eye are always a hit. And you don't have to spend a fortune thanks to Hard Candy makeup, priced under $10! Take a look at a couple of the eye palettes available, exclusively at a Walmart near you.

Several years ago, I wrote a daily blog called Hot Mama Daily for b5media (those were good times).  And one of my most popular posts was on the best daily moisturizers for African-American skin .  There are a lot of options when it comes to beauty and skincare products. But I’ve found that when it comes to finding the perfect moisturizer, skin type matters just as much as skin color. CeraVe works wonders. Since that post, I've discovered a few new moisturizers and added them to my tried-and-true list. Instead of acne, these days my main skin concern is hyper pigmentation (uneven skin tone).  So in no particular order, here are   my picks for the best moisturizers for African-American women   (and probably most women): Oil Control : Decades ago,  Mamie McDonald , an African-American aesthetician in New York City, recommended that I use Dermalogica products and I’ve been using the products on and off ever since.   For moisturizers, I like th...

It's that time again.  During the annual Spa Week , October 12-18, 2015, you can treat yourself to  facials, massages and alternative health treatments for just $50!  That's right, just $50. But appointments fill up quickly, so book yours today. Essential Therapy L&Y Spa is participating in Spa Week, October 12-18, 2015. Everything She Wants was invited to preview a treatment at Essential Therapy L&Y Spa   (122 E. 25th Street, 212-777-2325) in New York City, one of many participating spas. For Spa Week, Essential Therapy offers: a 50 minute Custom Organic Facial with Pumpkin Masque and Extractions; Eyelash Extensions from Synthetic Mink; and a 50 minute Pumpkin Spice Massage with choice of deep tissue or Swedish technique. I recently pulled a muscle in my neck and my upper back, and I needed a massage, big time. So the timing was perfect. Essential Therapy is conveniently located near Gramercy Park and the Flatiron Distri...

With temps on the rise even before the official start of summer, we need foolproof ways to stay cool, fresh and protected. To beat the heat, try these three must-have beauty, skincare and sun care products. 1. Natural deodorant that works. Nubian Heritage 24-Hour All Natural deodorants ($7.99, available at Whole Foods and Vitamin Shoppe stores) come in several naturally fresh scents:  Coconut & Papaya (coconut oil softens skin while papaya helps keep skin clear and healthy);  Honey & Black Seed (honey acts as a moisturizing humectant with anti-bacterial properties, while the fatty acids in black seed oil help improve circulation and calm skin irritation);  African Black Soap (an ancient remedy used to soothe symptoms associated with eczema, acne and oily skin); and  Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver (a fresh, herbal unisex scent rich in antioxidants). 2. Sunscreen that soothes and protects. Skin cancer is the most common cancer i...

It’s sandal season.   So you want pretty, polished toes that are corn-and-callus-free. To get  happy feet, Dr.Suzanne Levine , a celebrated NYC podiatrist, has  a few home remedy tips for five common foot problems —along with advice on when to see a specialist. 1. The cause of calluses is often faulty bio-mechanics (the way your bones and muscles align your foot) that results in extra pressure on specific areas. For minor calluses, try adding gel orthopedic inserts to your shoes to reduce friction.  Also, soak your feet in a basin with warm water, and half a cup of Epsom salt for 20 minutes. Use a pumice stone to work over any thick areas of skin. Finish with a moisturizer. If your callus becomes painful and inflamed, you’ll need professional help. A trained podiatrist can remove a callus (do not trust this to a nail salon). Dr. Levine has also pioneered a procedure called “Pillows for Your Feet ® ” that uses a biodegradable, injectable filler to r...

With so many hair and beauty products on the market specifically targeted to women of color, it's hard to figure out what works--especially when you're browsing the endless choices at your favorite drugstore or beauty supply store.  Well, a new product to consider is the Southern cuisine-inspired Y.A.M. Nectar Hydrating Hair Nourisher ($20) from Bekura Beauty . The product line was founded in 2011 by Rashida Jefferson, and we chatted with Rashida about her mission to promote more "me-time moments." Bekura Beauty founder, Rashida Jefferson. When did you start Bekura Beauty, and what inspired you to start your own hair, bath and body product line? I launched Bekura Beauty in July of 2011 under the name, "b.a.s.k. beauty."  The idea to create a spa collection was inspired by my love of traveling and getting pampered at destination day spas.  I would visit these beautiful, serene resorts, but didn't quite benefit fully from the treatments as they...

If you have diabetes, you probably have extremely dry skin. But over the counter relief is in sight, thanks to Eucerin's newest product line, Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief , specially formulated to prevent and relieve dry skin for those living with diabetes. The non-greasy, alpha hydroxy-infused product options are: the lightweight  Body Creme ; the advanced coverage Body Lotion;  and the gentle Foot Creme . Using the product is not a substitute for seeking medical guidance from your doctor or dermatologist, but they can help people with diabetes, and those who simply want a more substantial moisturizer, improve the appearance of the skin, soften and smooth dry skin, and achieve healthier looking skin. Here are a few tips from Eucerin on how to incorporate Diabetics' Dry Skin Relief products ($5.99-$12.59) into your daily moisturizing routine.  Although Eucerin is a sponsor of the American Diabetes Association, these tips are not intended to be medical advice...

At a recent press preview, I met freelance nail technician and all around sweetheart  Mimi Wilson .  After she did such a lovely job on my nails, I asked her to give Everything She Wants the skinny on nail care tips and trends for 2015.  Cool nail art./Photo by Mimi Wilson Mimi put herself through cosmetology school and has been doing nails professionally for three years.  She even created International Nail Art Day (INAD), which is celebrated the first Saturday in August. "I was sitting at home polishing my nails and I realized that there's a National Hot Dog Day and a National Hot Chocolate Day, and I thought, 'Why isn't there a holiday for nail art?," she says. "So I created one, and now it's celebrated all over the world." The hottest nail trends for spring "Pastels, floral designs and white nails. Also, something that I like to call lil' bits," says the Newport News, Virginia native. "Adding a met...