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The Black Women's Guide to What's Hot Now!

OSCAR JAMES, OUR INDUSTRY'S PREMIERE HAIRDRESSER IS STANDING ON A STRONG FOUNDATION

By Damone Roberts on August 12, 2010 11:36 AM 0 Comments

Over many years, I've had the privilege of getting to know Mr. Oscar James and I asked him to sit down with me so I can offer my Essence blog readers a glimpse into who he is and what he stands for in the industry.......

DAMONE - You are considered one of the premiere hairdressers in the industry. How did you get started?

OSCAR - I got my cosmetology license in high school, and have been styling hair professionally for over 25 yrs. 16 years ago, while working at a NY salon, I was asked to do hair at a fashion show where I met celebrity make-up artist Sam Fine. He liked what I was doing and introduced me to his client Vanessa Williams. He also introduced me to Tyra Banks and Iman. To date, I'm still working with all 3 ladies.

DAMONE - You have worked with some of the world's most beautiful women in our industry who are some of the other's that have been blessed by your hands?

OSCAR - I've worked with Halle Berry, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Mary J Blige, Fantasia, Deborah Cox, the list goes on and on!

DAMONE - Congratulations on winning The Emmy this year for your work on The Tyra Show! I'm so happy for you as I've known how hard you work. What advice do you have for someone looking to follow in your footsteps?

OSCAR - My best advice is to put God first--always! Study your craft, be quick on your feet and build a strong foundation. Learn to be good with different hair textures and great finishes. Do not jump out there without the necessary tools because you will need an arsenal of tricks in your bag to survive. When styling for celebs learn to be versatile; especially at a celeb photo shoot, if it's not working you must be able to quickly change things around!

DAMONE - Was there a pivotal point in your life when you realized that hair was your destiny. Was there an "Oscar James" that inspired you?

OSCAR - People often ask me when did I decide to do hair. I didn't choose to do hair, it chose me. I just always loved to style hair and it is definitely my calling. I can remember, when I was 12 years old, setting my mother's hair before she went to bed; and before she left for work, but especially before I should be up for school, I would comb her out.

DAMONE - Now you're currently working on the new season of America's Next Top Model. What can we expect in the way of hair styles this season?

OSCAR - Because of a confidentiality clause I can't divulge too much but what I can tell you is...at the beginning of each cycle of ANTM, we always pick a look for Tyra and we stick with that look throughout the cycle. This season the look we chose for her is very glamorous and timeless.

DAMONE - What's next for Oscar James?

OSCAR - There is so much that I want to do from a wig line to products but because I work so often, I am trying to find time to rest and feed myself spiritually. So I really can't say what's next, I'm just waiting to see where God sends me. I just came out of an intense 6 years of opening and closing a salon and I'm enjoying my freedom and my other work. As soon as I closed the salon I thought "What now?" and then Tyra called and said she was moving her talk show to NY and asked would I come be a part of it----look where that took me, I have an Emmy now!

DAMONE - What have you learned on your personal journey...thus far?

OSCAR - What I've learned most is that I don't always have to have the answers. Some of the most wonderful lessons in my life have come from sitting back and being present and available to the universe and loving where I am right now! I've learned that the key to being blessed over and over again is to truly be happy with what I already have.

MISS ROSS IS STILL "THE BOSS"

By Damone Roberts on July 8, 2010 6:12 PM 1 Comments

I recently had the pleasure of seeing, in concert, my childhood idol Diana Ross. Needless to say, she did not disappoint. She looked and sounded at least 20 years younger than her actual age. The costumes, the hair, the voice, the charisma, the screaming fans, the "it" factor were all intact for what proved to be a magical evening.

I remember as a kid going to the drive in movies with my parents to see "Mahogany" and as I watched her on the big screen, I sensed there was something "special" about that lady. An even stronger memory is that of walking through K-Mart to look through all the albums, and then I came upon the artwork for Diana's Album "The Boss" I was immediately mesmerized by her beauty. This was the 1st time I ever purchased music and I wore that album out. It's still, to this day, continually on my Ipod playlist.

I also remember crying my eyes out because Diana was doing a free concert in Central Park and I could not find any adult to take me from my home in New Jersey to the Big Apple.

I've seen her several times throughout the years, at movie premieres or shopping in Beverly Hills near my salon. I always get quiet and simply walk away because it is just too much for me to be in the same breathing space as someone whom I have admired with such deep respect, my entire life. I instantly turn into a little boy, one who has Diana Ross pictures all over his bedroom walls.

The funny thing is, celebrities are such a common sight in Beverly Hills, but you always know when Miss Ross is in town, because even the celebrities are excited, and everyone from the valets, to the maitre ds are whispering..."Did you see her"?

I recently attended a New York benefit that Diana was heading up and afterwards I was taken backstage to FINALLY meet my "EVERYTHING" face to face. I was prepared this time because I was prayed up and knew that I was at a point in my personal journey, that I could handle this.

I saw her; she smiled, reached out her hand and said...you look so familiar to me, I was floored, could she be mistaking me for someone else? She then said "you're the eyebrow guy with the green packaging"? I was floored yet again, because she told me, she uses my products.

I went home that night, fell to my knees and wept for so many different reasons. This is the woman who 1st introduced me to fabulousness. She is someone whom I listened to throughout my life, someone who I have looked up to for breaking down walls. I would study all of her pictures just to learn how to do makeup. And literally one of the most famous women in the world is saying to me, she uses a product with my name on it and that I designed.

The moral of my story is don't ever put a ceiling on anything! Miss Ross has touched me for so many years, and something I created...touched her...literally. The ending can surpass your wildest dreams if you just REACH OUT!

P.S. She smelled really good too (wink, wink)

Let's Hear It For The Boys!

By Damone Roberts on June 15, 2010 2:18 PM 0 Comments

Father's Day is right around the corner! I decided to switch it up a bit and offer some advice to "The Men" for their special day and everyday. I talked to my crew of male friends who are at the top of their chosen fields and are known for ALWAYS being on point from head to toe; this column is an exclusive peek as to how they make it happen. Men...heed this advice and ladies feel free to pass this info onto the special men in your lives.

Johnny Lavoy (International L'Oreal Hair Expert)

I don't always get the rest I need, due to my crazy work schedule. When I need to wake up my skin and look refreshed, I turn to my trusty L'Oreal "Men's Expert Hydra-Energetic" ice-cold eye roller to get rid of puffiness. Then I add L'Oreal "Men's Hydra-Power" invigorating moisturizer to my skin for a healthy looking glow....works every time.

Patrik-Ian Polk (Film/T.V Producer & The Creator of "Noah's Arc")

I find most colognes too harsh and intrusive. My tip for those wanting a nice fragrance is to skip the pricey designer fragrances and find a scented body moisturizer or lotion. Fragrant moisturizers are less expensive and provide a milder scent that doesn't overpower. My personal favorite is Laura Mercier's line of body soufflés. Whenever I wear their "Crème Brulee Soufflé Body Crème", I get compliments from both men and women. Less expensive brands like St. Ives have nice scents as well. The key is to shop around for a signature scent that works for you.

Valente Frazier (Emmy Award Winning Make Up Artist for The Tyra Banks Show)

A guy should exfoliate at home twice a week. Start by boiling a pot of water. Pour the water into a bowl before placing a towel over your head and place your face over the bowl. The towel keeps the steam from escaping. Hold for approximately 10 minutes. This procedure softens the skin and opens the pores! Apply Origin's "Never a Dull Moment" to the face for 5 minutes. Use a damp facial scrub brush or a dampened washcloth and gently scrub in a circular motion. Lastly rinse before using your favorite moisturizer.

B. Michael (Fashion Designer Extroidinaire)

Keep your feet moisturized and pedicured! Time is not always on our side, so the easiest way to maintain is to moisturize nightly before going to bed.

Sam Fine (The Celebrity Make Up Maestro)

After I shave my beard to resemble a five o'clock shadow using the lowest setting on my WAHL clippers, I pull out a Just For Men "Beard and Moustache kit" to remove the gray! After applying, I wait five minutes and jump in the shower to wash it off. This is also a great time to use a facial scrub to exfoliate and insure that I've removed any trace of hair color.

Oscar James ( Legendary Hairstylist to Tyra, Iman, Ciara, & Vanessa Williams)

I love Vaseline on my lips! I have tried everything. So many of the lip conditioners feel good when I first put them on, but ultimately make my lips dryer. I have found out that good old-fashioned Vaseline keeps them moist throughout the day.

Ross Burton (Oprah Winfrey's & National Lancome Make-Up Artist)

For a flawless flow of good-looking skin and an everyday feeling like a spa day in my shower, I treat myself to these things.....I personally love using the Clarisonic's cleansing brush in the shower. I use it on my face, head and the back of my neck and since it has two heads, I can switch one off for the body as well. I hit the elbows, knees and feet. I love keeping my head shaved; so I always make it a habit in applying the same skin care I use on my face for my head (cleanser, moisturizer, scrub and masque). And to end the spa day right, I also love applying moisturizer to my wet skin.

B. Scott (International Media Maven & Internet Sensation)

When cleansing your face, don't over cleanse it and afterwards remember to lightly moisturize. I cleanse my face nightly with Natura Bisse's "Sensitive Cleansing Cream". I also lightly moisturize with "Lacto Cream" from Ruth's Skin Care. I have extremely sensitive skin and through a lot of trial and error, I have found what works best for me.

AJ Crimson (Celebrity Make-Up Artist & Co-Creator of "Kissable Couture" Lip Gloss)

Exfoliation is key! By doing so, you help the skin breathe. You remove the dead skin cells, while also smoothing the skins texture. The trick is you want the skin to look fresh. Brands like Boscha, Ren and Queen Helene are my personal favorites.

Ja' Maal Buster (The Eyelash Guru To The Stars)

The simplest steps that can make a world of difference in the way you present yourself is keeping your facial hair and (yes your eyebrows) trimmed and shaped is the key to looking stylish, instead of scruffy.

BEAUTY 101 WITH MAKE-UP MAESTRO SAM FINE

By Damone Roberts on May 28, 2010 2:46 PM 0 Comments

DVD cover CROP.jpg DR: I first became a fan of your work years ago when I purchased the book "Fine Beauty". It was so inspiring for me as a make-up artist to see someone who looked like me doing such big and glamorous things. You are considered one of the premiere make-up artists in the industry! How did you get started in this field?

SAM: I've always been artistic and have drawn all my life. After graduating high school, I decided to move to New York and study Fashion Illustration at Parsons. I moved to New York and found a job at a cosmetic counter where my friends kept telling me that I should give make-up a try. So, I put down my pencils and picked up make-up brushes and began assisting legendary make-up artist Fran Cooper and later, Kevyn Aucoin... and never made it to Parson's!!! :)

DR: I know you have worked with some of the worlds most beautiful women, including Iman & Tyra Banks. Who else has had the pleasure of having Mr. Fine work his magic on their face?

SAM: I've had the pleasure of working with Patti LaBelle, Mo'Nique, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Vanessa Williams and many more... I'm currently on my way to work with The First Lady, Michelle Obama.

DR: The make-up industry has changed dramatically over the years. What changes have you noticed since you started in this field?

SAM: With the success of cosmetic lines such as MAC and Bobbi Brown, I've noticed more individuals becoming interested in a make-up career. When I started, there were fewer artists, whereas now there are many. I enjoy watching a new crop of artists join the make-up industry; they inspire me to continue pushing forward, not simply for my own growth and success, but for theirs' as well.

DR: Who inspired you when you were getting started? I feel you have opened so many doors, but we all know the door has to be cracked by someone before the next one can walk through.

SAM: My best friend, make-up artist Joseph Hampton (who taught me make-up) and legendary make-up artist Fran Cooper were huge inspirations. Being able to see African- American artists work in the fashion industry, which has no Affirmative Action, made me know that my success as an artist would one day inspire another generation of artists yet to come.

DR: What advice do you have for someone with dreams of becoming a worldwide famous make-up artist?

SAM: My advice to aspiring artist is to have patience! Many artists want to go from the cosmetic counter to working for Vogue overnight and get discouraged when it doesn't happen quickly. Yes, I've been blessed with a career that took off quickly, but patience has helped me to pace myself and maintain a career that has lasted almost twenty years. It's important to set goals and work towards them, but remain flexible and allow life to guide you to a place where you'll find purpose and meaning while using your talents.

DR: My BFF Gena graces the cover of your new DVD "Fine - The Basics of Beauty". We recently sat down together to watch it and I learned a lot. I think this is a MUST HAVE for anyone that wants to bring their best face forward. Where can people purchase the DVD?

SAM: Aw, thanks Damone... I developed the DVD to empower women of color and aspiring artists alike! My mom never had the luxury of having books, DVD's or make-up developed with her in mind, so she wasn't able to hand down valuable cosmetic information to my sisters... And although there are make-up schools, there aren't many schools that focus on the unique beauty concerns of women of color, so I thought I'd bring my book, "Fine Beauty" to life and show women step-by-step that make-up doesn't have to be intimidating! It's currently on sale exclusively on Amazon.com.

DR: What's next for the Sam Fine Brand?

SAM: I'm working on developing a cosmetic line to bring my perspective to the cosmetics industry for women of color.

DR: What have you learned on your personal journey...thus far?

SAM: As a freelancer, you're trained to want the next assignment, the next client, the next magazine cover... I've learned to appreciate what I do have and not yearn for what I don't! If I don't get a magazine cover or if I no longer work with a client, I know that it's all part of the circle of life.

DR: Thanks Sam!

SAM: Thank you, Damone for your continued support! Xo

O.P.I's New Nail Lacquer "Damone Roberts 1968"!

By Damone Roberts on May 14, 2010 7:14 PM 1 Comments

Those of you that are in my life, or have followed my career, throughout the years, know that I am on a constant journey of making my business, my spirit, and myself better. I believe one of the most amazing things we can experience in life is growth.

The next level for my beauty business is to take the company from being the premiere branded name in eyebrow & eyebrow products; to a company you can trust in beauty ...period!

O.P.I is one company that I have followed throughout the years, and they continue to amaze me by all the success they have achieved. They have revolutionized the nail industry with unique and exotic colors, and you have to admit those nail titles are always a fun topic of conversation.

Damone Roberts & O.P.I have teamed up to create a limited edition collectors' nail lacquer called "Damone Roberts 1968"! The color is a soft pistachio, which is proving to be THE HOT COLOR to wear on your toes or your fingers; superstars that are sporting it include Estelle, Brandy, Fergie, Taraji P. Henson, Gwen Stefani, and Kelly Rowland.

The color even made it to New York Fashion Week on the nails of several designers' models.

Check out the fun photo shoot we did below, and be sure to order your own bottle of O.P.I's hot new shade "Damone Roberts 1968"!

A limited collector's edition. Don't delay!
Order yours today at

www.damoneroberts.com

Hairdresser Extraordinaire Kimberly Kimble

By Damone Roberts on April 23, 2010 8:34 AM 0 Comments

I recently had the chance to sit down with Hairdresser Extraordinaire Kimberly Kimble. I have been a fan of her work for years now, as she is someone who has her finger on the pulse of what's happening in the hair care world including all the latest technologies. She has built a name that is instantly recognizable and because of that, she is at the top of her field. Read below to find out how it all started...

Damone: What made you decide to go into the hair industry?
Kimberly: I'm a third generation hairstylist - my mother and grandmother were
hairstylists, so it's in my genes.

Damone: How did you get started?
Kimberly: At a young age, I started working as an assistant in the salon where my
mother and grandmother worked.

Damone: What is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
Kimberly: The hardest part about being an entrepreneur is making decisions and
being sure they are the right ones. My product line has my name on it,
so I want everything about it to be absolutely perfect, and when making
choices, I need to be sure that I am staying true to the brand.

Damone: I first heard of you years ago from a mutual client we share by the name
of Beyonce. Who are some of the other celebs that have the pleasure of your expertise?
Kimberly: Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Kerry Washington, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon

Damone: How would you describe your product line and where can people get it?
Kimberly: My product line is a great foundation for building healthy hair. It's
full of natural ingredients and is both nourishing and replenishing. In
creating the line, I was careful to stay away from drying ingredients
and instead incorporated mild detergents that won't strip or dry the
hair. Kimble Hair Care Systems products are available at Target and
Target.com.

Damone: What have you learned so far on your personal journey?
Kimberly: I've learned to stay true to what I believe in and not to settle for
less than the best.

Damone: What does the next chapter look like for Kimberly Kimble?
Kimberly: The next chapter will include education and a professional hair care
line.

Damone: Continued success my friend!

The Hottest Woman in the Skincare Industry

By Damone Roberts on March 26, 2010 3:06 PM 0 Comments

I believe that true beauty starts with clean skin. I recently sat down to talk with "The hottest woman in the skincare industry" Mamie McDonald about how she built such an amazing name for herself, and what we can do to always put our best face forward...

Damone: A few years ago, our mutual friend Angela Bassett introduced us, and this intro led me to have the pleasure of you working your magic on my skin for several years now. Who are some of your other celebrity clients?

Mamie: The list of celebrities who enjoy our treatments are Kerry Washington, Eva Mendes, Estelle, Jay Z, Chloe Sevigny and Iman just to name a few.

Damone: What made you decide to go into the skincare industry?

Mamie: As a child, it was ingrained in us to become a part of corporate America, get the health care benefits, the gold watch and a retirement party after 30 years of service. I worked in the service/sales industry for Eastman Kodak for 14 years. One day, I decided instead of killing myself to bring in revenue for this company..what can I do to advance my career in something that benefits me, my family and my people?

Damone: What advice do you have for people contemplating starting their own business?

Mamie: I have been in business now for over 20 years. My work in corporate America taught me how to sell, manage and make sure my work is the best that I can do. I knew when the time had come to be on my own, so I made it happen by asking 5 friends to loan me $5000.00 each and that started my own business, in a dentist's office that had one room. I made this work for me!

Damone: What are some of the biggest hurdles you have faced as a business owner?

Mamie: My biggest hurdles have been 9/11, The Writers Strike and The Recession. When you pick a business you love and want it to grow, you must be prepared to experience serious pitfalls.

Damone: What are your favorite skincare products and why?

Mamie: I love products that encourage renewing healthy skin cells. At our skincare center, we have formulated a superior skin treatment that helps to clean, tighten, tone and stimulate the skin without dehydrating. I also really enjoy using products from Sothy's, innovative skincare and M'lis.

Damone: How important is sunscreen for people of color?

Mamie: With the depletion of the ozone layer in our atmosphere, the damaging sunrays are a threat to our skin's surface. The sunrays not only result in destroying the skin's elasticity, but also cause the skin to become sensitive, more prone to hyper pigmentation, harmful burns leading to rosacea, soreness and even eczema. Long-term exposure to the sun can also lead to certain forms of cancer.

Damone: For people that cannot get to New York to see you, what are some basic steps that you can recommend for their skincare regime?

Mamie: I recommend cleansing twice daily using the appropriate cleanser for your skin type, mask twice weekly, exfoliate twice weekly, add your sun block after you apply your moisturizer and apply an eye cream. In the evenings, apply a serum after washing, as they are accepted so readily, while promoting healthy, youthful skin cells.

Damone: What does Mamie McDonald's next chapter and future journey look like?

Mamie: My own skin cosmetics line and a beauty talk show with you and Mikki Taylor (laughter).

Damone: (laughter)Sounds good. Glad to be included in the wondrous world of Mamie McDonald. God bless and continued success...

Mamie McDonald is located at:

Mamie's Skin Care Center

30 East 60^th Street

Suite 208

New York, NY 10022

212-260-9372

www.mamiesskincare.com

The Icon Miss Cicely Tyson

By Damone Roberts on March 5, 2010 2:01 PM 0 Comments

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending The Essence Black Women in Film Luncheon, held at The Beverly Hill's Hotel.

I attended the event with the icon known as Cicely Tyson as she was to receive The Legend Award! She asked me to paint her face for the ceremony as well as be her escort for the fabulous event.

The day was filled with many highlights including Miss Tyson's decision to wear a hat made of real flowers and spending time in a very intimate setting with every major African American Star.

The real highlight for me however, was spending some one-on-one time with the lady I grew up watching in the movies Sounder, Roots, Miss Jane Pitman, The Marva Collins Story & Harriet Tubman just to name a few...and now I am able to call a dear friend.

I asked Miss Tyson, how it felt to know your peers are honoring you as a legend and did she realize how much she had impacted those around her? Before answering, she took a deep breath, grabbed my hand, looked deeply into my eyes & said, "I'm just thankful for our ancestors, whose shoulders I stand on".

Thank you Essence for celebrating the legend known as Cicely Tyson and thank you Miss Tyson for literally changing my life & making me understand the power of gratitude. I now have the knowledge that there is still much more to do....and I will be more!

Continue reading The Icon Miss Cicely Tyson.

The Oscars

By Damone Roberts on February 26, 2010 1:31 PM 0 Comments

The Super Bowl of the entertainment industry is officially underway as the nominees for the 82^nd Annual Academy Awards have been announced. For the beauty industry that translates into who is going to give the Best Dress, the Best Hair and the Best Face.

I was very pleased to see my client Mo'Nique nominated for Best Supporting Actress due to her outstanding performance in the film "Precious".

Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe was also recognized with a nomination for Best Actress along with such luminaries as Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock.

I'm predicting all out glamour this year, from these two ladies in celebration of the thrill that we are experiencing yet another set of African American women up for the prestigious Oscar award.

What I know for sure is at Damone Roberts Beverly Hills the champagne will be flowing, the diamonds will be sparkling and believe me when I tell you once my girls step on the red carpet they will be giving it to you...from brow to toe!

Fashion Week

By Damone Roberts on February 16, 2010 9:56 AM 0 Comments

New York Fashion Week is in prep mode as clothing designers, set decorators, lighting technicians, models, hair dressers and make up artist plan out every minute detail to show their latest collections. The energy felt throughout the city is intoxicating as one rushes from one show to the next experiencing artistry at its best.

Most agencies will see to it that their models, prior to their big day, will stop by Damone Roberts New York for their perfect brow sculpting or lash extensions.

For several fashion shows, I will also be on set at Milk Studios with one of my "Brow Divas" in collaboration with M.A.C. Cosmetics.

During one Fashion Week season, I have had the honor of having a Bacardi cocktail named after me. Imagine a little boy from Oakland witnessing Sophia Loren tap a bartender on the shoulder to ask for "The Damone Cocktail"---only in this world of glamorous dreams called New York Fashion Week.

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