Black Beauty History: Beverly Johnson

Beverly Johnson is one of the first black models in history and rose to fame as the first African-American cover model of the American Vogue in August 1974. The cover was shot by Francesco Scavullo. Johnson’s appearance on American newsstands was a landmark that helped expand the notion of beauty and it helped dispel the myth that white women would not buy a fashion magazine with a black model on the cover.
Nowadays, Beverly Johnson still makes appearances as well as having her own successful line of women’s wigs.

Black Beauty History: Penny Commissiong

In honor of Black History Month, every day in February I will post pics and background info about Black women who have made a major impact in the world of beauty.

Today’s Black Beauty History nominee is Janelle “Penny” Commissiong of Trinidad and Tobago who in 1977 became the first Black woman to win the Miss Universe title:

Janelle “Penny” Commissiong-Bowen-Chow (born 1953 in Port of Spain) is the first person from Trinidad and Tobago to win Miss Universe and the first woman of predominantly African descent to win the pageant.

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Commissiong migrated to the United States at the age of 13, and returned to Trinidad and Tobago ten years later. After winning the Miss Trinidad and Tobago title, she went on to be crowned Miss Universe 1977 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

She married Brian Bowen, founder of Bowen Marine, who died in an accident in November of 1989. After his death she married businessman Alwin Chow.

Commissiong was awarded the Trinity Cross, her country’s highest honour, in 1977. Three postage stamps were also issued in her honour.

Then and now—Miss Penny is still stunning and radiant.

Puff Puff Pass

Here’s some quick tips for touching-up your makeup throughout the day so that you look dewy and not greasy:

I ADORE MAC Pressed Blot Powder for touching up the greasies throughout the day. It comes in a sleek compact that makes it easy to carry and it comes with a powder puff for easy application. It’s a godsend especially in the warmer months or for those with oily skin. You just blot out the greasy spots and voila–welcome back, matte. It doesn’t add nor take away from any makeup you have on and it comes in shades from Light to Deep Dark.

And just like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Blot Powder and MAC Fix+ Spray go together hand-in-hand. This cool spray charged with vitamins and minerals calms & energizes the skin and can be used to finish or refresh makeup or right after using Blot Powder to add some radiance to the skin. It’s a must-have to avoid that too-much-powder look.