I hate heavy shampoos! And it seems Patene Pro-V does too. The popular brand has unveiled Aqua Light, a silicone-free shampoo and conditioning treatment that promises to be zero weight, yet still able to nourish the hair.

Tired of spending hours of your time deep conditioning your scalp? The Aqua Light conditioner boasts the same salon quality results, just done in a fraction of the time—two to three minutes tops. Finally, I can imagine a world without heavy cream-based conditioners that clog up my sink.

Interesting in testing this product out? Visit them online at Pantene.com

Former MTV VJ turned reality show star La La Vasquez is now a beauty maven. The star of VH1’s “La La’s Full Court Life” has teamed up with the Motives by Loren Ridinger cosmetic brand, to introduce Motives For La La, a brand extension that features mineral based foundations, lipsticks, blushes, and lip glosses.

Touted as the “perfect blend of runway and everyday styles” for women of every shade, Motives for La La is chalk full of fun colors that will add the perfect punch of punctuation for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Into La La’s Motives? It’s available online at motivescosmetics.com.

In 1975, Beverly Johnson became the first Black model to grace the cover of French Elle

It seems racism and low-key discrimination continues to trend in the world of fashion. This time, the French edition of Elle Magazine is in the hot seat. In a recent article posted on the publication’s website, writer Nathalie Dolivo gives what is undoubtedly a misguided interpretation of “Black fashion”—whatever that is—and a failed attempt to “positively” praise it.

“For the first time, the chic has become a plausible option for a community so far pegged [only] to its street wear codes,” states the post that was originally written in French.

In an attempt to discuss President Barack Obama and the first family’s influence on the refinement of style among people of color, Dolivo basically undermined and insulted the achievements of Black people in the industry who have influenced and helped revolutionize the business.

Damage control much?

Elle editor Valerie Toranian released an online apology, and announced that an anti-racism group was invited to be a part of an upcoming debate surrounding the article. And while the post has since been removed from the site, it doesn’t mean all is remedied.

With the recent controversies over Black Vogue’s “slave earrings,” and Dutch magazine, Jackie’s description of Rihanna as “the ultimate n*gga b*tch,” still fresh in the minds of many, it’s clear we have some serious work to do.

Maybe the names Iman, Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell, Eunice Johnson, Stephen Burrows, Tracy Reese, Duro Olowu, and Ozwald Boateng don’t ring a bell. And that isn’t even a fraction of the names on the list of major Black fashion contributors.

I am personally exhausted by fashion media outlets that can’t recognize the fabulousness of Black people. Do they not realize that we set trends? From wearing logos (hello Karl Lagerfeld!) to coining the term “Bling-Bling” (albeit used excessively)—we did that and so much more.

I don’t need affirmations of our contributions, because I know that my Black is beautiful and is ALWAYS in vogue.

Contemporary plus-size clothing brand, Monif C. Plus Sizes teamed up with beauty powerhouse, Indique, to present THE PERFECT 10—a  fashion and beauty collaboration that brought together ten real size women of varying industries—fashion, television and business—to show off fashion forward frocks and easy application extensions.

The selected group of curvacious ladies showcased Indique’s 10 piece hair clip-ins and Monif C. Plus Sizes’ 2011 Holiday Collection—an array of glamorous sequin party dresses, tailored jumpsuits, and the popular Marilyn convertible dress, which can be worn more than 40 ways.

“This collaboration is for the fashion forward, the daring, and the glamorous,” says Ericka Dotson, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Indique.

The campaign, a celebration of a woman’s natural curves, features model, Liris Crosse;  What Chilli Wants star, Tionna Smalls; celebrity makeup artist, Porsche Cooper; marketing associate, Gabrielle Joffee, and blogger Lauren Brake.

Indique offers some of the best premium virgin human hair extensions in the market, and boasts a clientele that includes,  Angela Simmons, supermodel, Iman Chanel; singer, Jill Scott; Real Housewives of Atlanta reality star, Sheree Whitfield; and even Lady Gaga.

For more information, visit Indique and Monif C. Plus  Sizes online

After nearly four successful decades as a supermodel, Beverly Johnson obviously knows how to maintain stunning good looks. The 52 year old model-turned entreprenuer is taking her knowledge—and brand—to the next level, with the launch and release of her new eponymous cosmetics line.

The line includes products for the skin and hair that are focused on promoting good health and rejuvenation. Boasting fun names like, ”WORK-IT” conditioner and SASHAY end creme; this line is fun, and works for everyone.

You can snag the complete collection on BeverlyJohnson.com and in Target department stores nationwide starting Spring 2012.

Editors Pick: LUSCIOUS BODY CRÈME ($16.95), this will give you the smooth skin that will make any man think you’re a top model.

Nothing says ‘happy holidays’ like the color red, and FASHION FAIR’s holiday collection, Siren Call, ooozes fa-la-la-la-la. Inspired by rich velvet and sensuous satin, the collection features four red lip sticks that will work for any and all shades of brown. With names like Intrigue, Forbidden, Siren and Femme Fatale—being naughty might be a good thing.

The limited edition collection also includes three must have nail lacquers—Heart Throb, Allusion, and a bedazzled shimmering lacquer called So Cold (my personal favorite)—that will become your go-to’s during and after the season.

Watch this behind the scenes video on the set of the collection’s campaign shoot with Fashion Fair’s new Creative Makeup Director, Sam Fine.

Loving? Buy online at FASHIONFAIR.COM.

Nicki Minaj took being a Barbie to the next level. The rapper, who recently took home the 2011 Soul Train Award for Best Rap Song, was spotted at Billboard’s 6th Annual Women in Music Awards, held last week in New York City, rocking a form fitting black and white gown and a long blond wig a la Rapunzel Barbie.  Are you loving her look, or should this one be kept in a far off tower? (yeah, we went there).

The quest for longer, fuller lashes can be daunting. But, girlfriend carefully take off those falsies and pump up the volume this holiday season with a little help from these fabulous mascaras. These picks are sure to extend, volumize, and curl those lashes for all the drama and glam your yuletide heart can take.

1. Plush Mascara, M.A.C Cosmetics ($15)
With a specially designed boxy shaped brush, this mascara plumps, curls and volumizes your lashes for a luscious look.

2.  PHENOMEN’EYES Mascara, Givenchy ($30)
This spikey brush head extends and separates your lashes to give you an over the top dramatic look.

3. DiorShow Mascara, Dior ($25)
DiorShow adds fullness and thickness to your lashes that will surely make you look like your ready for a show.

4. Great Lash Mascara, Maybelline ($6)
This classic mascara is a definite must have! It extends and curls lashes so good it looks like they’ll never end!

Take a walk on the wild side and and let your inner feline purr—or roar—through animal prints.  Sensual, ferocious and classic. Animal prints can transform a simple look into a trendy affair—just ask award-winning entertainer Jennifer Hudson (pictured above in a Michael Kors ensemble). Whether it’s leopard, cheetah or snakeskin; prints can effortlessly transition from day to night. 

If a full animal print dress or suit is too much for you, opt for accessories done in the print—pumps, boots, hats, gloves or a handbag.

Need help searching for the perfect items? Check out these staff favorites:

Cedric The Entertainer

If you missed the 2011 Soul Train Awards, you missed a night of groovin’ performances, great laughs (courtesy of show host Cedric The Entertainer), timeless soul (Gladys Knight, anyone?) and great surprises. But while Soul Train is synonomous with music, it was also a known hotbed for the hottest fashion—and last night’s award show was no exception. Who were we loving? The fellas. From smooth and daper to funky and original, the men of Soul Train showed up and showed out. Check out the photos below and tell us who you thought was best dressed of the night.

Catch an encore airing of Soul Train Awards 2011 tomorrow (November 29th) on BET at 8P/7C.