E
    ESSENCE.com

    ESSENCE.com

  • Top 10 Products for Black Hair

    <img src="http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/mr_a394e93e45993b.jpg" width="282" height="400" alt="" > <br> Here are the top ten miracle workers to give you glorious, shiny, just-stepped-out-of-a-shampoo-commercial hair -- just like <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/topics/?s=Vanessa+Williams">Vanessa Williams</a>. <br> <br> <br> <i><b>Related stories:</b> <br></i> <ul> <li> <span><i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/miracle_worker_1/lorac_visual_effection_collection.php">Miracle Worker: LORAC Visual Effections Collection</a></i></span> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/great_beauty/great_beauty_top_10_fall_fragrances.php">Great Beauty: Top 10 Fragrances for Fall</a></i> </li> </ul>

  • Balancing Act: I Was a Divorcee at 27

    Like many women, I looked forward to being married with children and felt blessed that it happened. When I was 22 years old, I fell in love with a man who proposed marriage. I accepted. Most importantly, we did things the right way.Not only did we talk about everything from spirituality to finances,

  • Great Beauty: Top 10 Fragrances for Fall

    <h3> <span><span>After a long, hot summer, we're thrilled to welcome fall! Crimson-colored trees, chunky sweaters, windy weekends spent cuddled up with your honey... what's yummier than autumn? <br> <br> This season, the top beauty brands are all debuting fall scents that perfectly embody all the crisp sensuality of the season. From Sarah Jessica Parker's new SJP NYC to Coach's sassy Poppy scent, here are the ten most addictive fall fragrances.<span><br> <br> <b>Related stories:</b> <br></span></span></span> </h3> <ul> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/beauty/mary_j_blige_launches_her_first_fragranc.php">Mary J. Blige Launches Her First Fragrance, 'My Life'</a></i> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/beauty/puma_taps_usain_bolt_for_new_fragrance.php">Puma Taps Usain Bolt for New Fragrance</a></i> </li> </ul><span><br> <span><span><b><span><br></span></b></span></span></span>

  • Commentary: Is Technology the Enemy of Love?

    It's hard to tell someone how you really feel -- in 140 characters. I mean, you can try it. Sometimes it works. Except when it doesn't. Like when your significant other texts you to ask what you think of your date-night plans, and you text back only one word: "Fine."

  • Commentary: Are We Addicted to Heels?

    I have a confession to make. My name is Keli and I'm a heel-a-holic. I didn't come to terms with my high heel addiction easily. In fact, as someone who's been nearly 6 feet tall since junior high, I had never considered high heels a necessity. Looking back, I actually spent much of my adolescence trying to call less attention to my height, not more. But at some point -- and I'm not exactly sure when it happened -- I became just as obsessed with sky-high stilettos as some of my vertically challenged sisters. How obsessed? Let's put it this way... ...

  • Piece de Resistance: Metallic Statement Necklaces

    <p> <span><span><span><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://photos.essence.com/galleries/metal_necklace_fashion"><img src="http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/bold-necklaces-300-sash-1.jpg" alt="bold-necklaces-300-sash-1.jpg" height="425" width="300" ></a> <br> Sometimes, our only fashion option is to go bold or go home. A statement necklace makes it easy. Oversized gems, shiny dangling fringes, and eye-catching beads all speak for themselves. Your clothes don't have to be the only thing getting all of the attention. Step out on the edge and give a little shine to your accessories with one of these spotlight-stealing metallic neck pieces. <br> <br></span></span></span> </p> <p> <span><span><br></span></span> </p><i><b>Related stories:</b> <br></i> <ul> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/beauty_beat/mac_venomous_villains_collection.php">Office Obsessions: MAC 'Venomous Villains' Collection</a></i> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/hot_topics_1/supermodel_iman_2010_fall_fashion.php">Jet-Setting with Iman: Fall 2010 Must-Haves</a></i> </li> </ul>

  • Hollywood Glam: Chic and Shimmery Dresses

    <span>Glam and glitz are almost synonymous (in our minds, anyway). It's easy to steal the spotlight when wearing a bit of sparkle, and who doesn't love to be the center of attention? Whether it's a full on shine-fest or a more modest dose of glimmer, dazzling duds are no longer banished to after-hours clubs. <br> <br> Hollywood starlets have turned shimmery nighttime staples into looks that work both day and evening. If you're looking to add a little pizazz to your look, without the gaudiness, here are some sparkling options. <br> <br> <br> <i><b>Related stories:</b> <br></i></span> <ul> <li> <span><i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/accessories/cognac_colored_bags.php">Fall Essentials: Cognac-Colored Bags</a></i></span> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/accessories/cognac_colored_bags.php">The Ultimate Fall Fashion Essentials Guide</a></i> </li> </ul> <br>

  • The Predator in Your Daughter's Bedroom

    There is no better tool for predators than the Internet, says Nola Brantly, executive director of the Oakland-based Motivating Inspiring Serving and Supporting Sexually Exploited Youth, Inc. (misssey.org), an organization providing counseling to trafficked children. Here she describes how pimps use

  • Beauty Beat: 'Glee's' Backstage Beauty Secret

    If you caught last night's season premiere of "Glee," then you know Amber Riley and the rest of the uber-talented cast go hard during their musical numbers (how many times did you rewind that "Empire State of Mind" performance?). But they never let us see them sweat! The trick?After filming a grueli

  • 5 Jobs Made for Workplace Romance

    Love On The Job In "Undercovers," Boris Kodjoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw play Steven and Samantha Bloom, former C.I.A. agents who fall in love on the job and try to leave the spy life behind them. While most of us don't know what it's like to fly around the world hunting down bad guys, their workplace ro

  • Fall Essentials: Cognac-Colored Bags

    <span>Just like the liquor, the smooth light brown tone of cognac is rich and full of flavor. When translated into leather, the warm hue has an opulence that matches perfectly with fall's classic palette of browns, reds and yellows. Phase out your summer totes for one of these supple saddle-like leather carryalls. <br> <span><span><br></span></span><i><b>Related stories:</b> <br></i></span> <ul> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/go_buy_now_colorful_suede_pumps.php">Colorful Kicks: A Spectrum of Suede Pumps</a></i> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/accessories/fabulous_totes.php">Carry On: Fabulous Totes for Any Occasion</a></i> </li> </ul><span><br> <br></span>

  • The Ultimate Fall Fashion Essentials Guide

    <span>While it's sad to say goodbye to summer weather, sundresses and strappy sandals, fall is officially here! And the fashion couldn't be more fabulous. <br> <br> This season's staples are a mix of timeless classics with a playful edge. We're doing a complete closet overhaul. Freshen up your look a few items from our complete list of fall essentials. <br> <br></span> <p> <span><span><i><b>Related stories:</b></i></span></span> </p> <ul> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/accessories/fall_fashion_sporty_chic_boots.php">Fall Fashion: Sporty Chic Boots</a></i> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/fashion_week/fall_fashion_recap.php">Fall Fashion Trends Straight from the Runway</a></i> </li> </ul> <br>

  • Girdles Aren't for Grandmas!

    Ask anyone who knows and they'll tell you Sherri Shepherd wears her Spanx loud and proud. At the ESSENCE Fierce and Fabulous luncheon, the talk show host declared her love of Body Magic shape wear. ESSENCE.com contributor Lakeia Brown knows all about it. Read on for her take on why every girl needs

  • Diary of a Single Mom: Talking Sex with Your Kids

    I've been out of town on vacation. When I got back, everyone was like, "Oh, you must be so relaxed." But my idea of "relaxing" is having no one talk to me. Remember what that was like -- silence? As every single mother knows, silence is almost impossible once you have a child. Every time I cracked o

  • 5 Tips for Getting Back into the Dating Game

    Time to Start Dating Again? Getting back into the dating scene after a divorce or the end of any long-term relationship can be tough. We all want to find someone who's right for us to love - and to love us as well. This is the way we do it. If you think you're ready to get back into the dating game

  • Fall Fashion: Sporty Chic Boots

    <span><br> In 2003, when Beyonce rocked a pair of rugged <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/topics/?s=Manolo+Blahnik">Manolo Blahnik</a> boots in the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/topics/?s=Bonnie+and+Clyde">Bonnie and Clyde</a> video, she made us look at construction boots in a whole new way. The sporty style is making a comeback this season, combining everything from rubber wedged heels to lace-front peep-toes. Ideal for transitional fall weather, sporty chic boots are the perfect not-too-dressy, not too casual choice. Get ready, boot camp is about to begin. <br> <br> <br> <i><b>Related stories:</b> <br></i></span> <ul> <li> <span><i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/fashion_week/fall_fashion_recap.php">Fall Fashion: Trends Straight from the Runway</a></i></span> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/celebrity_style_1/retro_glam_chic_pencil_skirts_and_dresse.php">Retro Glam: Chic Pencil Skirts and Dresses</a></i> </li> </ul><span><br> <br></span>

  • 10 Ways to Have Better Sex

    A lot of attention is given to spring cleaning, but we do a lot of reflecting and reorganizing during the autumn months too. With the fall season wafting in, we're all thinking of ways we can improve our lives. While you're making improvements, why not pay some attention to your sex life? Here are t

  • Retro Glam: Chic Pencil Skirts and Dresses

    <span><br> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://photos.essence.com/galleries/pencil_skirt_and_dress_fashion"><img src="http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/blogs/partner/kerry-wash-pencil-skirt-300-sash-1.jpg" alt="kerry-wash-pencil-skirt-300-sash-1.jpg" width="300" height="425" ></a> <br> <br> There are a handful of items that work brilliantly on everyone, and the pencil silhouette is one of them. The slim bottom, that usually hits just below the knee, brings out the curves even in shapeless figures. It's a timeless red carpet staple that time and again brings back the glamour of old Hollywood. If you're skeptical, check out how some of our favorite starlets are wearing this wardrobe must-have. <br> <i><b>Related stories:</b> <br></i></span> <ul> <li> <span><i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/hot_topics_1/fall_fashion_live_for_leather.php">Fall Fashion: Live for Leather</a></i></span> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/accessories/fall_fashion_boots.php">Get the Boot: Fall's Fiercest Over-the-Knee-Boots</a></i> </li> </ul><span><br> <br></span>

  • Staying Organized: Back-to-School Tips

    It is that time of year again! Many parents are frantically wondering how they can make the mental and emotional transition from the lazy, hazy days of summer to the scheduled, intense days of the school year for their children (and themselves, for that matter!).No need to press the panic button, I

  • Ask the Experts: Fall Makeup Must-Haves

    With so many new products on the shelves, revamping your makeup bag for fall can be a tad overwhelming. Ladies, we went straight to the top for answers! Super-famous celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff (Keri Hilson, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/topics/?s=Mary+J.+Blige">Mary J. Blige</a> and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/topics/?s=Alicia+Keys">Alicia Keys</a> are devoted clients) gives us her picks for the top ten makeup and skincare products every Black woman should have in her arsenal this season. Hope you're taking notes! <br> <br> <br> <i><b>Related stories:</b> <br></i> <ul> <li> <span><i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/hot_topics_1/readers_choice_your_top_ten_favorite_nai.php">Reader's Choice: Your Top Ten Favorite Nail Polishes</a></i></span> </li> <li> <i><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.essence.com/fashion_beauty/miracle_worker_1/miracle_worker_stila_color_wheel_eyeshad.php">Miracle Worker: Stila Color Wheel Eyeshadow</a></i> </li> </ul>