solange talks about her new do!
















What inspired the bold new ‘do? You mentioned you can no longer hide with that hair, has it changed the way you see yourself?
“When I was recording, I was staying in a house with five guys and two showers. I knew there would be a shower wait everyday and with my natural cropped hair, it’s mandatory that I wash it otherwise it gets stuck to my head like glue! I wanted to get something that I could literally roll out of bed without looking nuts. I watched so many Chaka Khan YouTube videos and became sort of obsessed with her during the process. I went to my stylist and said ‘Give me the fro.’ I walk differently now, sing differently; This hair has spirit and soul.”


.......ok solange......

eperanza @ BET awards








alopecia

ok so i'm not posting this  picture to point and laugh at Naomi Campbell, like so many women in our community she is suffering from traction  alopecia  from a life time of weaves and working in an industry that knows very little about caring for afro hair.
traction alopecia is caused by braiding and weaving to tightly or to often, as even if you get your hair braided by a professional you are still at risk if you braid to often or leave the braids in for to long. traction alopecia can also be caused by pulling you hair back into tight buns or ponytails. 
if you are suffering from hair loss when you braid your hair STOP immediately if you ignore it will continue and result in permanent  hair loss.


traction alopecia is not the only type of hair loss, 
 Alopecia areata  affects about one in 100 people, mostly teenagers and young adults. Symptoms include patchy hair loss. This condition is linked to a problem with the immune system. The hair follicles are not permanently damaged, and in many of these cases the hair grows back in a few months.


Telogen effluvium: general shedding and thinning of the hair. This usually occurs a few months after a shock to the system, such as extreme stress, fever, childbirth, sudden weight loss, an operation, or as a reaction to medication. The hair loss is usually temporary.


Female-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia): women’s hair gradually thins with age but they often only lose hair from the top of the head. This usually gets more noticeable after the menopause. Androgenetic alopecia also tends to run in families.


i myself have suffered from alopecia areata so don't be alarmed if this happens the hair grows back in most cases. i have going though a difficult time an noticed hair loss on the top of my head. as i already had a shaved head i dealt with it by keeping my hair very low so it was not as noticeable. this obviously is not for everyone but don't panic more stress will just make it worse!


when i got it i thought i was very shocked i assumed hair loss was due to people who did not take care of there hair or wear tight braids ect this is not the case always it affects many of us and it is not a dirty word!
gail porter long time sufferer of alopecia 

BET awards 2010








amber rose......and friends




amber rose and pal's doing what they do best........lol  
they look cute tho! especially the girl on the right we shall call her amber rose no 2! we'll ignore the snookie lookalike.........

Crystal Bowersox headlining Centennial Olympic Park

Crystal Bowersox headlining Centennial Olympic Park July 4th festivities
Crystal at the Voice at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in January, 2011. CREDIT: Rodney Ho/rho@ajc.com There are three dates where virtually any decent “Idol” performer can get a solid pay day: Thanksgiving, New Year’s and July 4th.

Thanksgiving lighting ceremonies like the one at Lenox Square Mall has hosted “Idol” contestants in the past, including George Huff and Katharine McPhee. New Year’s is probably the biggest one and anybody with a half-decent name should be able to get a decent paycheck that day.

Folks who host July 4th fireworks celebrations often like to spend a few extra bucks on big-name entertainment. This year features two “Idol” alums at two different fireworks events. Diana DeGarmo will be at Lenox Square, as reported a few days ago. I just heard on Q100 (a sponsor) that another “Idol” runner-up Crystal Bowersox will be headlining the Centenntial Olympic Park festivities. (Last year, they had the Smithereens.)  She begins performing at 8:30 p.m. before the fireworks.

And what’s best: it’s free! “The Voice” duets tomorrow: Dia Frampton and Miranda Lambert (Blake’s wife). Steve Nicks is paired with Javier Colon. Train’s Pat Monahan sings with Vicci Martinez. Ryan Tedder (OneRepublic lead singer who was on “Platinum Hit” last night) will duet with Beverly McClellan.

Katharine McPhee Introduces Viewers to Smash

Katharine McPhee Introduces Viewers to Smash Is NBC looking at TV's next big smash? Katharine McPhee sure hopes so.

The former American Idol finalist jumped ship last night and showed up on the performance finale of The Voice. She talked to Carson Daly in the audience and hyped the network's upcoming drama, Smash, which will be paired with The Voice in 2012.

The series can most easily be described as an adult version of Glee, as it focuses on the production of a Broadway musical and stars McPhee, Debra Messing and others. But I've seen the pilot and that would be doing Smash a disservice.

Yes, there's singing, but it's easily the best new show of the 2011-2012 season for numerous reasons. A mature drama with sharp dialogue, quick pacing and layered characters, Smash premieres in January. Watch an extended ad for it here.

By: NBC

Katharine McPhee Career is going to be huge!

Katharine McPhee Career is going to be huge! Finally! visited The Voice Finale to promote her show


Smash which will premiere along with the second season of The Voice next year. I’m so excited! Kat appeared after Christina Aguilera and Beverley McClellan sang ‘Beautiful’ which Kat also sang on Smash. Awesome.

Tres, Tres Chic & Magnifique!




Sometimes a professional makeup artist lives a glamorous life and gets to travel outside of the confines of the makeup room or trailer to a world more incredible than the one he or she has left behind.

Most individuals think that the career of a Pro MUA is nothing but a jet-setting, couture-wearing, snob-inducing lifestyle filled with indulgences and perks only “common” folk could dream of, but alas, I am here to burst that overly exaggerated and completely false image in your head and bring you back to reality.

Life inside a makeup room or trailer is fun, full of laughter and creativity, but please understand that working as a makeup artist in film, television or photography is nothing short of…WORK!  Hours and hours of work!  Early morning “call times” and late night “last looks” can leave this Pro feeling less than glamorous.



Remember, it is the model, actress or actor that receive all those “favors” from designers, makeup lines, skincare gurus and hairstyle experts.  This Pro is simply a piece of a very fine-tuned puzzle creating the smoke and mirrors that sell magazines or movie tickets!  I won’t fool you…I do reap some benefits, but not the kind that many readers may think!

Please don’t consider for a minute that this Pro is cursing the career I have chosen for the past 20 years (has it really been that long?).  It is the only job I have ever had and would never trade for all the Prada in the world, but it can be stressful, time consuming and sometimes I shoot in the most “unglamorous” locations you could ever imagine (like the State Prison)!

Recently, my MUA Fairy Godmother answered my prayers and blessed me with a very tres, tres chic makeup job, which would take me to the most fashionable and enchanting city in the world…Paris! 



Faster than sweeping Chanel Lipstick on Giselle, I was packed and on a plane bound for France with a smile on my face and plenty of Evian spritz for the 12-hour flight (not to mention many, many more skin reviving serums).

Paris is filled with women who can only be described in one word…magnifique!  They ride bikes in 4-inch Christian Louboutins, they eat baguettes, they smoke, they drink, and they always, always look incredible!  They are fabulous and their skin is amazingly flawless!  How do they do it?



Mingling amongst the people of Paris I learned a few secrets…the French live life to the fullest everyday, they worship experiences more than money and they spend their hard-earned dollars on top-notch products!  Quality over quantity is their motto!

I started to think about all of the incredible French skincare and makeup lines and thought it was time to start adapting a more Parisian lifestyle.  During my time off from the set, I wondered the streets of Paris and photographed the people and places this city has birthed.  I ventured into boutiques that carried expensive concoctions that tickled my senses and revived my tired skin!

I started with a brand called Talika, which was given to me by a very generous person who heads-up the companies PR both in the United States and Europe.  In researching this product line I discovered that this brand was created in 1948 by doctor Danielle Roches, in the ophthalmologic department of the famous Paris hospital, Hopitaux de Paris.  She began her career by developing an antibacterial cream with plant extracts that help cure individuals suffering from dramatic face and eye burns due to war casualties.



I was given several products for the eye area and nails including: Eye Detox Contour Gel, Eye Dream, Eye Therapy Patches and Nail Regenerator Serum.  The first thing I noticed about this product line is the packaging.  Parisian skincare and makeup packaging feels different when you hold it in your hands.  It is weightier, classic in design, sturdy and very appealing to the eye.  It is not “flashy” or over exaggerated.

Eye Dream was the first product I tried because my skin was more than dehydrated from the travel, lack of sleep and airplane food (even though I put a ton of care into my skin) and because I completely agree with the information found on the Talika website quoting, “sleep is often considered an underrated and ignored wellness necessity of life!” 



Also, “sleep is the body in recovery mode, during sleep the delicate skin around the eyes loses up to 50% of its moisture and is most biologically receptive to external hydration and nourishing ingredients.”  Eye Dream provides that renewal and it is a short-term eye treatment.  To quote, “Eye Dream transforms bedtime into an 8-hour long spa treatment for the eyes!”  I couldn’t rip opening the packaging fast enough!

I am still in the process of using the Eye Dream treatment (on day 10 of the recommended 28 days) but I am noticing a decrease in my deep wrinkles and the elasticity of my skin seems to be improving.  I can’t wait to also try the Eye Detox Contour Gel, which claims to fade the appearance of bags and dark circles and the Eye Therapy Patches, which is also supposed to reduce dark circles, wrinkles, puffiness and scars.



As far as the Nail Regenerator Serum also by Talika, if you are anything like me, your nails get dry and brittle during travel and in the summer time.  This product has been a lifesaver!  It has rejuvenated and hydrated my nails and cuticles.  This Pro highly recommends this product and I will continue to use this treatment throughout the summer months.  Plus I plan on purchasing another tube during the severely dry winter season in order to ensure that my nails will stay nourished!



If you are an avid reader of IMPO then you know that this Pro carries a variety of makeup lines in my kit, but I have a few products that I use time and time again because of pigmentation, wear-ability, blend-ability and stamina.  One of those go-to lines is IL-Makiage, which is a French cosmetic company with an extensive product display specializing in every color of the rainbow!



When I need to match the colors in a peacock’s feather, the blue of the Caribbean ocean or the exact red of Santa Claus’ suit, I turn to IL-Makiage because I know that this product will provide me with amazing hues and top-of-the-line quality.

I discovered IL-Makiage during research for a photo shoot many moons ago and it has been a “staple” in my kit ever since.  Ilana Harkavi is the beauty behind this cosmetics line and it has been deemed the “makeup artist’s makeup line!”



With over 500 shades, all-in-one products to simplify application and textures that make any high-fashion photo shoot a breeze; this product line is also priced competively with other American-brands.  IL-Makiage will be celebrating their 40-year anniversary in 2012 and Ilana is known for sharing her makeup secrets with some of today’s most sought after artists, including Bobbi Brown and Dick Page.

There are many other French designed makeup lines that have this Pro’s seal of approval namely Dior, Nars and Avene.  If there is one thing I have discovered over the past 20 years as a Pro MUA, it is that I don’t need to stock my kit with tons of makeup and skincare in order to give a model, actress or actor a flawless look, but I do need product that will perform in front of the camera just as much as the person wearing it will give a quality performance!

PRO TIPS AND TRICKS:

Money is always a big issue and today it seems as if it is bigger than ever before, my tips and tricks for this particular post is to encourage our readers to spend their money wisely and purchase quality product regardless where it is manufactured.  Do your research and choose skincare and makeup that will treat and enhance your face.  Take good care of your skin and it will reward you for many years to come!

STAY TUNED:

Up next on IMPO:  All the glitz and glamour that was the Los Angeles IMATS!  You won’t want to miss this post!

Katharine McPhee and more

Katharine McPhee and more Thursday thread: James Durbin, Stefano Langone, James Durbin and Stefano Langone are using Dr. Drew's Lifechangers to get them in shape for the upcoming American Idols Live tour, and they're looking for workout partners. If you're interested (and you're 18 or over, in the Los Angeles area, click here.





• Katharine McPhee has signed with Columbia Records, and the label will also release music from her upcoming NBC show Smash. "Had a great meeting today @ColumbiaRecords," she tweeted Wednesday. "So excited about getting started."

• Jordin Sparks is partnering with VH1 Save the Music and Energizer to put on a concert at an undisclosed location in New York City on July 28. Click here to find out how to enter.

• Season 9 semi-finalist Ashley Rodriguez is releasing a debut single called Dance All Night, and she'll have a release party this coming Wednesday at Geisha House in Los Angeles. You can hear the single streaming on Ashley's website.

• Season 6 finalist Stephanie Edwards has been acquitted of charges stemming from a fight in Georgia in March of last year.

By Chris Pizzello

Katharine McPhee gets a record deal

Katharine McPhee gets a record deal tied to NBC’s ‘Smash’ Katharine McPhee, the star of the upcoming NBC show “Smash,” is getting her own record deal with Columbia Records, the network revealed Thursday.


Here’s the entire press release:
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.NBC and Columbia Records have agreed to a recording rights deal for the soundtrack of NBC’s new musical series “Smash” and series star Katharine McPhee also signed a solo recording deal with Columbia Records. “Smash” - starting mid-season on Mondays (10-11 p.m. ET) on NBC — stars Debra Messing (“Will & Grace”), McPhee (“American Idol”) and Oscar winner Anjelica Huston (“Prizzi’s Honor”). The announcements were made by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman, Columbia/Epic Label Group. The arrangement guarantees worldwide, digital and physical rights to the first season of “Smash” with successive options to subsequent seasons.

“A musical series should naturally be accompanied by a soundtrack deal, and NBC is very excited to be working with the best. Our Columbia Records partners will guide the soundtrack of ‘Smash’ into a big component of the show’s success,” said Greenblatt. “The music will be a driving force of what promises to make a tremendous impact for NBC in January and we couldn’t have asked for better expertise and strategy than this company will provide.”

“We are thrilled and proud to be chosen by NBC to work on their amazing new show,” said Rob Stringer, Chairman, Columbia/Epic Label Group. “Music is at the heart of ‘Smash,’ and with our wonderfully creative broadcast partners, we will develop innovative strategies to present this music to a huge audience.”

“Smash” is a musical drama that celebrates the beauty and heartbreak of the Broadway theater as it follows a cross-section of dreamers and schemers who all have one common desire — to be a “Smash.” The soundtrack will be both original compositions by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the Tony and Grammy Award-winning songwriters of Broadway blockbusters such as “Hairspray” and “Catch Me If You Can,” as well as covers of a variety of existing hits that will combine to tell the narrative of this musical series. McPhee’s career launched with her renowned run on “American Idol” in 2006 in which she was the runner-up on the fifth season. Her self-titled debut album “Katharine McPhee” was released in January 2007 and premiered at the #2 spot on the Billboard 200. The first single from the album, “Over It,” was a Pop Top 30 hit and was certified gold in 2008.
 
“Unbroken,” McPhee’s second album, was released in January 2010 and debuted at #27 on the Billboard 200. The album included the single “Had It All,” which crested at #22 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. McPhee has already had success with Christmas releases from her 2007 single “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” in 2009.


In addition, she has appeared frequently on television around the holidays, including a guest appearance on the annual “Christmas in Washington” television special as she performed for the First Family, and the “My Christmas” concert starring Andrea Bocelli. Last year, the sensational singer released some of her favorite Christmas songs for her third album, “Christmas Is the Time…To Say I Love You.” The single “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was a huge hit, and was downloaded over 500,000 times exclusively on iTunes. McPhee also has co-starred in the feature film “The House Bunny” and has guest-starred in NBC’s “Community” and “CSI: New York.” She co-stars in the upcoming films “Shark Night 3D” and “Peace, Love and Misunderstanding” with Jane Fonda.
 
“Smash” centers on a desire to create a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe — written by the successful songwriting duo of Tom (Tony Award nominee Christian Borle, “Legally Blonde: The Musical”) and Julia (Emmy Award winner Messing).

Julia recently began the process of adopting a child with her husband of many years, but her focus is torn when she has the opportunity to write another Broadway hit. A rivalry soon forms for the lead role between a youthful, inexperienced Midwestern beauty (McPhee) — who is trying to find fame in the big city against all odds — and stage veteran (Megan Hilty, “9 to 5: The Musical”), who’s determined to leave the chorus line and finally get her big break. A tenacious producer Eileen (Huston) discovers the “Marilyn” project and jumps on board with a brilliant director (Jack Davenport, “Pirates of the Caribbean” films) — whose talent is matched by his cunning and egocentric amorality. The series stemmed from an idea of executive producer and multiple Emmy and Oscar winner Steven Spielberg (”ER,” “Schindler’s List”).
 
The pilot was written by acclaimed playwright/screenwriter Theresa Rebeck (“Mauritius,” “NYPD Blue”). David Marshall Grant (”Brothers & Sisters”), Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning “Chicago,” “Hairspray”) and Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey (”United States of Tara,” “The Borgias”) will also serve as executive producers. Shaiman and Wittman also serve as executive producers. “Smash” is a production of Universal Media Studios in association with DreamWorks in association with Madwoman in the Attic. The pilot was directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (”Spring Awakening,” “American Idiot”).

By: UNIVERSAL CITY

Katharine McPhee The American Idol

Katharine McPhee The American Idol 'Smash-es' Into 'The Voice' (Video) The American Idol alum drops by the NBC show and delivers some music news





Ruh roh, is Katharine McPhee crossing to the enemy’s side? The American Idol Season 5 runner-up dropped by Idol's rival singing competition The Voice on Tuesday to talk about her new series, Smash, plus she announced she would be doing her own version of one of the coaches' hits.

STORY: 'The Voice': Stevie Nicks, Train's Pat Monahan and OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder to Perform It’s never too early to get some promotion out there – especially with 12 million viewers tuned in. McPhee talked up NBC’s new musical drama, which she’s costarring in with Will & Grace’s Debra Messing and FlashForward’s Jack Davenport. The series will be the lead in to The Voice on Mondays this winter. She also talked about doing her own version of Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” on her new show, which the coach performed with her team’s finalist, Beverly McClellan, on Tuesday’s show. Now, that’s synergy.

By: NBC-news

Long Hairstyles

Long hairstyles have long been a favorite of the young-at-heart as well the jet-set and glamour girls. Whether curly or straight or layered into a shag haircut, long hairstyles exude confidence and up-to-date style. Let's look at several latest trends for the best look with long hair.

Long hairstyles make a woman look feminine and attractive. At the same time, they present the maximum scope for trying out various hair dos. You may tie a bun, get long curls, keep your hair straight as well as get good French plaits. In short, the options for long hair are plenty. However, the problem with long hair is that they are hard to maintain and need lot of time and attention on your part. The best way to avoid this is to find a good and trendy long hair cut, which can help you to style up your tresses quickly.


There are lots of factors that should be considered before selecting long hairstyles. You have so many styles to choose from, but this does not mean that all of them would be ideal for your specific facial shape and character. The style that you choose needs to be based on which style best flatters your facial characteristics, your personality, and the amount of time you have available to maintain the style. In most cases, those with heart-shaped faces or oval faces have the highest number of choices in the long haircut that is flattering.


Anyone who wants to grow their hair into a long hairstyles must be sure to visit their stylist to have all the split ends trimmed. This promotes quicker growth and healthier hair. Long hair is very susceptible to split ends, heat damage, and tangling. Using the proper styling products will take care of those problems.