Summer Skin Regime

 

 

Summer months are hard on our external organs and our skin is one of the most noticeable and delicate ones that can suffer if not carefully preserved. Here are some tips to help keep your skin in tip-top shape and allow you to look your best during those steamy hot summer days.

 

Skin protection is a regime that take a little bit more effort during the summer, yet it also has the ability to wreak havoc on our skin if not handled the correct way. During the summer time our skin will usually have more moisture to the touch, so moisturizers need to be of a lighter consistency to avoid pore blockage and break outs. The tricky part is finding something that still also has enough SPF protection to keep harmful UV rays away. Moisturizers that contain SPF coverage over a 30 is the best bet for keeping your skin protected, while allowing your pores to breath. Applying a light layer of sun block to your face can serve as a benefit the long term effects of your skin.

 

For those Glam Girls who dare not leave the house without make up on, there is a top-secret beauty industry tip that goes a long way in keeping your makeup on for long wear in the summer. No one enjoys spending hours carefully applying make up to their face to walk outside for 5 minutes and having it literally melt …. The answer and savior for your make up is an unlikely application, but one you will be writing home about and sharing with all of your friends…. Milk of Magnesia. Yes! Milk of Magnesia applied on a piece of cotton (1-2 mins of drying time) and then applied to your face, will serve as the perfect primer and base to assistant with exposure to outdoor elements, while keeping your face as fresh as when you first left the house.

 

Finding the balance of keeping your skin healthy and glowing without makeup can be something that you don’t often think about in the cooler months, wearing makeup is more bearable on cooler days but once summer hits, your desire to wear layers of makeup changes. In order help keep your skin glowing and fresh on those more “Natural” days consider an exfoliation scrub to remove the dead skin cells off the surface of your skin to reveal more healthy radiant looking skin. Your skin sheds anywhere from 28 - 45 days a year and depending on your age and skin type it can be more challenging to remove dead skin, so make it a point to renew your face and body by exfoliating regularly.  

 

So the goal for this summer is to focus on skin protection from the sun, make your makeup last by using Milk of Magnesia and exfoliate to allow your skin’s natural glow to speak for itself.

 

 

Written By: Danielle Stedman

IG: @Danirenee21

www.Danirenee21.com

 

 

 

Mela Machinko is More

What do you get when a beautifully brown girl born in the projects of Brooklyn grows up listening to soul greats like Al Green mashed up with hip hop legends, Wu-Tang Clan?  What do you get when these elements are impressing a young, very balanced Libra girl that began writing poetry at the age of nine years old?  Ladies and gentleman you are blessed with the soul gift named Mela Machinko.  A pirouetting, preening peacock in the midst of a bird sanctuary where almost every pheasant sings the same melody.  In the vast sea of black music noise where new music hits the airwaves and internet at warp speed, it can be extremely hard to navigate the waters to the safe harbor meant for your ears.  Mela Machinko is a soul lighthouse on solid ground in the midst of this storm.  

Mela Machinko, an amazing songwriter with a niche that is truly missing in contemporary soul music, yet inexplicably needed for those of us longing for real soul, from real people.  Mela has an ability to wield her pen directly into your hard-working woman, struggling, but love-filled soul like Minnie, Aretha and Phyllis.   Once you press play to listen to such standout gems as “Employment” to the second that you listen to her funk-dipped anthem “Get That Cash and Run”, you realize that your ears have been abused.  You have been fooled into thinking that the musical curtains do not have to match the drapes.  You cannot be beautiful and hurt at the same time.  Mela’s music is as stunning as her looks, yet as jarring as her soul.  She will convey this soul to any and everyone that dare defy it.  A true diva in a world where that term is used loosely and squandered on lesser subjects.  “Soul”Commoners. 

You do not have to take my word for it, you can take the words of other amazing artists that have called upon her soul expertise for collaborations and musical kinships.  Some of those names you may already know, such as:  Black Thought, Pharoahe Monch, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, super-producer Just Blaze… I could go on but the list is long.  Her pen game is so strong that the one and only Jill Scott graciously sang the Mela penned hook for Pharoahe Monch’s phenomenal “Still Standing” off of his 2011, critically acclaimed W.A.R. album.  All one has to do is follow Mela Machinko on Twitter (@MeLaMachinko) and look at the amount of superstars that are totally in love with her persona and her no-holds barred approach to life and the creation of art.  
Mela expressed that her stunningly amazing EP ‘9 a.m. Blues’ came about after going through some depressive moments and complaining about life to her ‘9 a.m. Blues” producer, the legendary Mr. Len.   After lending an objective ear, he suggested that she put all of those feelings onto paper and commit to tape.  This kick in the proverbial pants would result in this phenomenal EP released in December of 2014.  Mela Machinko and Mr. Len recorded the entire project in a record nine days.  Mela would pick beats and write songs at night, while sleeping on an air mattress, record during the day and mix the music at night.  In the morning the process would start all over again.     

Mela Machinko is an artist to not only look and listen for, but a soul queen whose music will reach deep into your innermost feelings and yank your soul out with truth, honesty, raw emotion and most importantly love.  She is currently prepping her new project for release, so keep your eyes and ears peeled for what I am known to call #RecordingExcellence.
In the meantime, get brushed up on @Melamachinko via these links.  

Brooklyn Blues 
Still Standing 
Hostile Gospel
9am Blues – The EP 
 

Google Play:
https://play.google.com/music/listen#/artist/Ads644kvli2ligr3cti7ewmbpha/MeLa+Machinko
Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/mela-machinko/id252421112
Spotify
https://play.spotify.com/artist/6vQGsQ9qdcDLklKbxqk2wK?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open
Tidal:
http://listen.tidalhifi.com/album/38625518

 

Vacation Ready Hair- Fluff Style!

“Oh the summer night, has a smile of light, and she sits on a sapphire throne.” –Bryan Procter

            Pixie cuts, fishtail braids, wash-n-go’s, or just straight and bouncy, the summer months challenge us to think outside the box, grab some sunscreen, and simplify everything while on vacation. Hence, whether you’re feeling fairy friendly and want to go for a pixie cut or enjoy long goddess tresses I have a few style options for you. Before you vacation off to the Virgin Islands or South Beach it's vital that you switch it up a bit or completely step out of your comfort zone. If there is anytime of the year to be bold and experimental with different styles, it's the summer. View the gallery below and if you see something you love, phone your hair stylist and try it out. 


Revolt Nation Hits Dallas

Revolt T.V. is a digital network that highlights and provides multi-genre, culture, music news, videos and artists interviews.  Revolt T.V., created by P. Diddy launched in October of 2013. It is used to create a platform for the best of the best in music and music television.  Already, Revolt T.V. has taken over the social music scene by gaining over 50 million young viewers all over the nation.  As the Revolt Nation team continues to take the road, their next stop is Dallas Texas, with guest host Kenny Burns and sounds by the sexy, up and rising hottest female Dj, DJ Duffey.

Revolt Nation is a nationwide tour looking for all new fresh artists with a hidden talent and a unique sound. Revolt Nation will be traveling city to city to introduce the brand as being the new number one name for music television, stopping specifically in Dallas to hear sounds by DJ Duffey and making a name for Revolt Nation.

DJ Duffey, a former D1 basketball player, took Dallas by storm in the course of 1 year. During that year, she became one of the most wanted DJs, known as “I Want Dj Duffey”. Expanding her career so rapidly, she has traveled as far as Turks and Caicos and to the 2015 All Star Weekend in NYC.  Duffey has created her own sound, along with her own brand, and creating her own success. “Some people sit back and wait for their dreams to come true and some people go out there and make their dreams come true… I’m sure you can tell what type of person I am,” says Duffey.

As the Revolt Nation tour continues, it makes a stop to Texas with guest host Kenny Burns at the kick off of  the new hot spot of the season, Travis Thursdays. Burns and Revolt nation kicked off the night at Travis, setting the atmosphere to the unique mix by Dj Duffey.  Burns rocked the mic, giving the crowd the true definition of Revolt Nation, telling Duffey, “You got next!”

For live appearances and sounds from DJ Duffey, visit her website at IwantDjDuffey.com.  Revolt T.V. is available on Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Verizon FiOS, CenturyLink and Suddenlink in 46 of the top 50 U.S. markets and Revolt.tv.

Summer Hair in Style

Summer is here and what is one of the most important things on a woman's mind for the summer??? Summer Hair! For any woman the summer can be brutal when trying to maintain magnificent hair, you're either battling with the humidity, summer showers, water play or just need to make a change with the change of season. Summer hair can be a dilemma if you don’t have a game plan ready.  The Fluff team made it a point to help you get the wheels in your head turning when comes down to how to spice up your hair-do for the unpredictable summer months. We have selected some of the hottest summer hair styles for a variety of hair types and textures, while keeping on trend for women of all ages and preferences.

 

First up we have the ever so popular faux locs that are perfect for the woman on the go! This current trend allows your hair to be styled in several different ways!  

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Second is the easy breezy fish tail braid that made a huge comeback last summer but is still a perfect choice for creating a chic look that can be worn both day and night. This style works on a multitude of hair types and can even be a savior when it comes to helping to keep your hair out of your face, which can be a necessity during those hot summer months.

Third is the option that is the most liberating and bona fide choice any women can make this summer, and this is tightly textured curly hair. Wether it's natural or with extensions, this style will have you getting in tune with your inner Diana Ross and making your life that much easier. 

 

Lastly but definitely not least, is making your hair a summer kaleidoscope, playing with lengths and colors from any section of the rainbow is a huge trend right now, and it makes a distinct statement of your personal style. Grey hair is one of the hottest color trends of 2015 and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere for the rest of the year. Make color your friend by lightening your hair for the use of playing with color.

For more trends on beauty, fashion and lifestyle subscribe at http://www.fluffmag.com/.


Meet Legendary Damon

Name: Legendary Damon

Occupation: Curator of Culture

Years in the Industry: Since Birth

 

Q: Everyone wants to know who DAMON is? Where were you born, where did you grow up, how did you become Legendary?

I proudly tell everyone that I was born and raised in Detroit. I love being raised in Detroit, because growing up in the Midwest it instilled in me good values and it taught me to work hard. I brought those skills with me to NY when I moved here at 18. I feel that I was born to be legendary. 

Q: "You're not on the list!" is one of your most famous tag lines. How did this come about? 

The tagline came about very simply. I do lot of events and work the door.  People always know someone and want to get in and I constantly have to say “You’re not on the List”. When I am working an event I am charged with a specific task of making sure the right people are in the room.  It is usually invite only and exclusive, so by the end of the night I have said “You’re not on the List” repeatedly so it just stuck.  

Q:  Fur & Sequins, what are your fashion musts when hosting your star studded events?

My fashion musts are gold teeth.  My goat to favorites are furs, sequins anything shiny.  Also a little Versace never hurt anybody.

Q: Do you feel like the party scene has changed over the years? If so, what's missing?

Yes, it has changed as is should. Evolution is an amazing thing.   I don’t want to be doing the same party that I was doing 10 years ago.   There is nothing missing from the scene.   I feel like I am here still doing amazing parties in NY city.

Q: If you were left on an island and could only bring three items, what would they be and why?

My gold teeth, music and Versace shades.   These are items that I can’t live without!

The ColorComm Conference

The ColorComm conference affectionately known as “C2” is “the ultimate business conference and retreat for women of color in Communications. Unlike many conferences with thousands in attendance, C2 is an intimate group of approximately 300 multicultural, professional women” (http://www.colorcommconference.com). This year ColorComm is scheduled to take place on the beautiful beaches of Key Biscayne in Miami Florida, on July 29th through 31st. The conference is set to host keynote speakers such as CNN’s Lisa Ling, Social Activist Gloria Steinem and a VP’s from almost every major media conglomerate in existence. C2 groups some of the finest women in the international media industry, assembling “innovative programs and topics presented by the industry’s top practitioners and thought leaders” (http://www.colorcommconference.com). Women from all sectors communications attend the conference, spanning from fields of Public Relations, Media Relations, Corporate Communications, Advertising, Journalism Broadcast, Consulting, Education and Social Media all come out to share their vision and commonalities of navigating through the Media industry.

This conference is not all about business, the agenda combines all aspects of work life balance allowing attendees to cover ground on all aspects of both their personal and professional lives. With activities such as themed dinners, awards ceremonies, breakout sessions, morning yoga classes and inspirational channelings the conference covers the gamut of possible activities to feed your mind body and spirit.

For more info on ColorComm, please visit http://www.colorcommconference.com/ to register.