Essence and Johnson & Johnson's What's Your Beauty Secret Event

Recently, I attended an Essence and Johnson & Johnson for WEEN event hosted by Mikki Taylor. Over a tasty brunch (with mimosas!) we got to hear expert answers and discussion on skincare and beauty for women of color. The panel of experts included Dr. Cheryll Burgess, Tia Dantzler, JoElle Lyons and Derrick Rutledge.

Some great tips I took away from the panel discussion:

• Don't spray your perfume on your neck; the alcohol in it can contribute to dryness and wrinkles.


• "Eliminate" regularly to help skin issues.


• Continue your skincare regimen down your neck, even on your hands.


• Use skincare with Vitamin C and Retinol A in its ingredients.


• Botox injections is a beauty treatment increasing in popularity amongst African American women.


• Everything natural and organic isn't good.


• Concealer and mascara are two products that will brighten your face, even on natural days.


• Keep skin supple and soft by applying Johnson & Johnson's baby oil right out of the shower.

More tips were shared as well as laughs! I'll be sure to share more in upcoming posts. At the end of the discussion, Johnson & Johnson donated $5,000 to WEEN to continue efforts empowering women!

Before we left, Toni and I got a picture with DC celebrity makeup artist and legend, Derrick Rutledge. Derrick has embarked on two new exciting ventures and we are excited to have gotten the news: 1. HE IS FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA'S MAKEUP ARTIST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sooooo excited for Derrick and 2. He's currently working on his own makeup line. I asked him about some recent celebs that he's made up and the products he used to help make them sparkle on the red carpet..? The answer? He's been test driving his new products, so we'll have to wait and see! Did I say I was really excited?

Here's my look from the days events. Derrick told me he could see my makeup from the stage and it looked nice. ;) *ting!*

Have you ever attended a WEEN or Essence event? What's your favorite use of a Johnson and Johnson product?

*I attended the event thanks to Essence and Johnson and Johnson/B-Link!

monte escalier