#MyEICLife: A Quick Trip to New Orleans, Finding a Great Red Lipstick & More 

“My EIC Life” is a dose of marvelous musings straight from ESSENCE’s editor-in-chief,Vanessa K. De Luca. It’s your glimpse into her oh-so-fabulous life, which is filled with amazing people, awesome must-haves and endless inspiration. 

#EssenceFest Countdown: This week I traveled to New Orleans for a whirlwind day of TV media appearances; a luncheon with local journalists; and a social media influencer event to get folks excited about our upcoming Essence Festival, which will take place this 4th of July weekend (June 30-July 3rd). Foodie that I am, of course I couldn’t go to New Orleans without stopping by some Black-owned restaurants. Here’s a few pics from my visits to Dooky Chase’s and Lil’ Dizzy’s Café. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet—and if not, what are you waiting for—you can visit essencefestival.com for all the deets about this year’s performers and the nightly schedule. Hope to see you there!

Lipstick love: There is nothing like a signature red lipstick to give your look that perfect polish. Finding one that works with my skin tone each season is my holy grail, and I think I’ve actually met my match this time: Maybelline New York Color Sensation Lip Color in Red Revival isn’t too brassy or vampy, glides on effortlessly and outlasts my morning coffee break. #winning

YOLO: While on vacation last week, I had the opportunity to get friendly with one of the “locals” at Everglades Safari Park just outside Miami. It was the first time I ever cradled a baby alligator. Brave? Well we all have to push ourselves sometimes to do the unexpected and reconnect with our adventurous side. What have you done lately to embrace your inner adventurer?