Aaaah! The collective sigh of relief of spring after a long dreary winter. Everything is coming up roses and daffodils and it is time to get seriously gorgeous… for the beach, red carpet and just life… from head to toe. These are few of my favorite things:

1. IMAN Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup with Minerals

IMAN Luxury Radiance Liquid Makeup with Minerals available at DrugStore.com

2. Diana B. Black Fig Sugar Scrub

3. SK II 3-D Redefining Mask

4. IMAN Global Chic accessories at hsn.com

5. Metallic Mani

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I’m happy to report that I’ve recovered completely, hence my decision to go back to my fitness regimen–ie, a personal trainer. One morning as I was watching The Today Show, coffee in hand and WWD on my lap, I saw an interview with an Equinox trainer, Patricia Moreno, that stopped me in my tracks. She claimed that, with her IntenSati workout, you could burn 500 calories in one hour!

I’m a member of New York City’s Equinox gym and, in my opinion, they have the best group classes in the city. So, I reasoned that, to save time and money, I could take a month of Moreno’s IntenSati classes to get myself physically prepared for the trainer (Honey, I don’t like to throw money away…even with my Bowie budget!). CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

IMAN: Do clothes determine the hair, or vice versa?
MAISHA OLIVER: Clothes always determine what the overall look is going to be. Hair and make-up have to compliment the clothes. If the look is futuristic then you have to be able to carry out a futuristic look.

IMAN: What’s was your inspiration for Keri’s Grammy’s hairstyle?
MAISHA OLIVER: I wanted to create a style that was elegant but still had that Keri flare. I also wanted to make sure that she was recognizable on the red carpet. Plus, she’s wearing her hair short these days, so I wanted to add some glamour to her cut.

Keri Hilson with Maisha Oliver

Next, I caught up with her makeup artist, Ashunta Sheriff.  She told me that, for her, the Grammys represent the creme de la creme of musicians, so being quirky, funky, edgy, or just straight glam are all acceptable. CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

If you didn’t know, let me confide in you that I love wearing wigs. Five years ago, I decided I’d had enough of hair extensions, and wanted to start taking care of my “real” hair.  I know that many of us who’ve been wearing extensions for a long time can start to think that it is our hair… but, girl, let’s face it is not! I should know–I almost feel that I was part of the “invention” of hair extensions.  Let me clarify it … some twenty years ago I was traveling to Paris for the couture shows, and my hair stylist Ellin Lavar decided to experiment this fascinating technique on my hair.  Voila: in a mere ten hours I was transformed. CONTINUED AT ESSENCE.COM

BEAUTY AND HSN

I shot in New York city the new ad and video campaign for HSN for IMAN Global Chic and of course the usual suspects of my glam team where with me… Sam Fine/makeup and Oscar James and a sleuth of Video Camera crew. Check the behind the scene video on the home page to give you a glimpse of the philosophy behind my line and don’t forget to watch me on HSN on Sept 27th.

Wearing Herve Leger with Sam Fine

BEAUTY AND FAVE RESTAURANT

My fave restaurant in New York is Norwood. It is a private club/restaurant on 14th street. It is housed in a glorious brownstone that is so chic and private and the food is delicious. It is over 5 floors in a spectacular landmark townhouse. Beside the restaurant it has lounge bars, screening room, private dining room and to top it all a walled garden. Love It!!

At Norwood

BEAUTY AND THE WIGS

I have been loving these great wigs that I have been trying out the past 6 months and I am just loving them. It gives my hair a break and it can take me from drab to glam in an instant. They are light and easy to manage as you don’t need a hairdresser to groom your locks daily. No self respecting fashionista leaves the house with a hair extension or a wig these days so why should you… So, you are dying to know where can you get these wigs from? Stay Tuned!