16 Best Hot Tools For Healthy Hair

16 Best Hot Tools For Healthy Hair

I like to consider myself the queen of heat styling because there is nothing that I enjoy more than straightening my naturally curly hair with a good blow dryer and flat iron. There’s a ton of heat styling items currently on the market, but here you’ll find some of the newest (and best!) ones out now.

13 Must-Have Makeup Palettes For Spring

13 Must-Have Makeup Palettes For Spring

Now that the temperatures are finally beginning to warm up, it’s time to update your makeup arsenal to reflect it. Use makeup palettes to create a myriad of makeup looks, so that you get more bang for your beauty buck. Click on to see some of our top picks!

Drop Earrings Add Wow Factor To Your Spring Wardrobe

Now that Spring is here and we can take off all those layers of wool that we draped ourselves in from head to toe for the past few months, it is time to stock up on some accessories like these drop stone earrings that work with your less-is-more warm weather ensembles. Jewelry statements like this will accentuate a revealed neckline or spice up a workday outfit. From chandeliers to teardrops, take a look at some of favorite drop earrings, and remember to have fun with your accessories. Related stories: Fancy Fingers: Chic Rings For SpringMake A Statement With A Sexy Stone Necklace

SoftSheen-Carson Gives Back To Its Roots

Hundreds of women gathered at the Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem Saturday for free mini-makeover sessions and professional photographs. The event, entitled Picture of Strength, was created by SoftSheen-Carson as a way to celebrate the community, SVP and General Manager Angela Guy, said. For each attendee, the beauty brand donated $5 to the Harlem Children's Zone. Participants had their edges straightened and their ends bumped by professional hair stylists who used products from the SoftSheen-Carson Roots of Nature Remedies line. Makeup was applied by professional Maybelline New York makeup artists. They were then given the opportunity to take a photograph with their family or friends by a professional photographer... Related stories: Tress Talk: Chrisette Michele Shaves Her HeadOne Cut, Two Ways: Day To Night Transformations

Salon Star: Celeb Stylist Amoy Pitters Opens NYC Salon

Celebrity hairstylist Amoy Pitters is responsible for the sexy styles of some of Hollywood's hottest stars, including Kerry Washington, Nia Long, Ciara and Joy Bryant. Now, the jetsetting diva is capitalizing on her expertise and A-list clientele with a new Manhattan salon, Amoy Couture Hair. Here, we caught up with her to get the scoop on the new space and her fabulous new product line. Read More: Ask the Experts: Scoring Sexy Strands by Valentine's DayEmil's Email: Joy Bryant Hosts Amoy Pitters' Salon Opening

High or Low: Spring Shoe Styles

Whether money is no object or you're on a tight budget, get a jumpstart on this season's new crop of shoes for a winning new look. We featured some selections in the March issue of ESSENCE, a pair for every budget, because you don't have to break the bank to get in on hot designer trends. Here, we present some more options for your consideration. Read more: Hautest Bags For The Coming SeasonWatch Out: Upgrade Your Timepiece This Season

Hautest Bags For The Coming Season

The warm summer months may not be here just yet but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't start looking for that new "it" bag to carry you into the next season. We featured some fabulous bags in the March issue of ESSENCE, one for every budget, because you don't have to break the bank to get in on hot designer trends. Here, we've selected some more options for your consideration. Check them out. Read more: Turn Heads With A Patterned DressFire & Desire: Red Shoes Bring The Heat

Black Women In Hollywood: Zoe Saldana's Beauty Best

In honor of the third annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon this Thursday, we spotlight the honorees by looking back at their work, style and beauty looks. The annual luncheon honors African-American women in Hollywood who help to transform images of Black women in television and film. Held during Oscar week, this year's event will also commemorate ESSENCE Magazine's 40th anniversary. Black Women in Hollywood honorees include actresses Queen Latifah, Cecily Tyson, Gabourey Sidibe and the lovely Zoe Saldana. Saldana's acting skills are a smash hit on the big screen and her beauty looks on the red carpet are to die for! Take a look at some of her top hair and makeup looks through the years. Read more: Tress Talk: Ciara's Weave Obsession Stars Say Eye Do at the Golden Globes

Thirty Beautiful Years of Mikki Taylor at ESSENCE

If there's one thing that Mikki Taylor knows, it's beauty. For the past thirty years, she's honored us with her ever expanding knowledge of everything Black women need to know when it comes to our skin, hair and makeup. When she's not jet setting around the globe shooting the top celebrities in the game, she can be found at her desk in the ESSENCE offices discussing the latest and greatest in beauty products in order to make sure that only the best are always included in the pages of the magazine. Because, after all, "we must always make time for the lipsticks", she would often say to me. ("Lipsticks" being her code name for beauty products.) I'm honored to have worked so closely with her for the two years out of the 30 that she's given to us. I, along with several other of the top beauty executives and brands, salute you Mikki Taylor. Here's to many more years of the "lipsticks!" Read more: Iman Salutes Mikki Taylor's 30th Anniversary of ESSENCE

Bridal Beauty: Philosophy Tying The Knot Gift Set

Congratulations, you're engaged! While your wedding day will be undoubtedly be magical, the months of planning can be a bit stressful (who knew your betrothed had so many opinions about table linens?). Treat yourself to Philosophy's new Tying The Knot Gift Set ($100), an elegant box of indulgent beauty goodies that will have you glowing all the way to the alter. Created exclusively with bridal website TheKnot.com, the kit contains: Eye Hope Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream Purity One-Step Facial Cleanser Hope In A Jar Moisturizer Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads Amazing Grace Perfumed Shampoo, Bath & Shower GelAmazing Grace Perfumed Firming Body Emulsion Kiss Me Very Emollient spf 20 Lip Balm Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub and Facial Amazing Grace Spray Fragrance Eau de Toilette