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It’s not often we here at The Nerds of Color review theatre performances but once in a while, there comes a production so wonderful, magical, and full of heart that it must be told for all to know.  That production is Hannah and the Dread Gazebo, performing in Los Angeles at the Fountain Theatre (in […]

Every weekend as I’m scrolling through my feed and Insta-stalking the celebrities and influencers that I fangirl for, I come across something interesting and inspiring in the beauty space. From jaw-dropping transformations to drool-inducing hair, there’s always something that I can’t stop staring at or watching, and it instantly garners a double tap.

This weekend a (seemingly) simple blowout by Raynecia Simmons, also known as Razor on social media made my heart melt. With a natural hair journey that began just a few years ago, she’s blessed social media with a hair diary displaying her beautiful curls and their versatility. Just days ago, she posted a photo sporting the most gorgeous full blowout with a texture that I’ve recently tried to mimic with my lace frontal and sew-in.

The influencer, content creator, personal trainer and teacher based in the British Virgin Islands generously spilled the tea with ESSENCE on how she achieved the electrifying ‘do with just a few products and some hand skills.

What are your favorite curl products you use to get your curls so defined?

My fave curl products for definition are the TréLuxe Curl Supreme 4-in-1 Hydrating Creme topped off with Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel. I also love Uncle Funky’s Daughter Curly Magic Curl Stimulator.

How did you achieve this blowout?

The blowout was super quick and easy. I started off with freshly [washed] and deep conditioned hair. I twisted it up while my hair was damp with Lemongrass Super Twisting Butter, my favorite moisturizer by Alikay Naturals. Then, I unraveled the twists one by one and blow dried each section with the Revlon One Step Hair Dryer and Styler.

What do you love most about your hair?

I love the versatility of my natural hair. It’s amazing how I can style my hair to look different every time whether I want to rock twists, blowouts, a wash n’ go, braid outs, the list goes on. Each style gives a different look.

What celebrities or influencers give you hair inspiration?

In the beginning of my hair journey I relied heavily on Kim Love @kimmaytube, Domineque Banks @longhairdontcare2011 (RIP), Whitney White @naptural85, and Chime Edwards for hair inspiration. Now, I’m my own hair inspiration for the most part. Ever since I did my big chop almost three years ago, I’ve been looking to my old pictures and videos for inspiration. I knew if I did it before then I can definitely do it again. This time around the goal is to achieve healthier hair. I’ve [kept] this hair diary to let people know that attaining healthy natural hair is possible and it’s okay to rock your natural hair regardless of what anyone says!

The post My Social Media Beauty Pick Of The Weekend appeared first on Essence.

Writer: Kieron Gillen / Artist: Stephanie Hans / Image Comics

Seven issues in, Die still manages to be as captivating as its first issue. The unique blend of dark fantasy, psychological horror, and personal drama is unrivaled in its ambition and its ability to unravel a character in a chilling way. With the rules of the world firmly established, the Split the Party arc continues to showcase the talents of virtuosos of Gillen and Hans as they turn the spotlight to the Godbinder and the Fool.

Isabelle and Chuck are the focal characters of Die #7 and it’s a self described odd pairing. Isabelle as the Godbinder is constantly trading favors and incurring debts with the gods of the land, while Chuck as the Fool is doing whatever he pleases because he just doesn’t care about any potential consequence that could possibly happen. It’s a case study of contrasts, an analysis of calculated risk and sheer disregard for the world. Gillen’s pairing extenuates the other’s faults as the world of Die tends to do.

In the midst of all of the character development, we are also treated to new set pieces and new NPCs courtesy of Hans’s continually incredible artwork. As the fractured party traverses the vast tundra, the artwork continues to be an equally crucial part to the tone and surreal nature that is Die. This story works so brilliantly as a comic largely because as brilliant as the dialog and plot are, the visuals give it both a visceral and ethereal form that is necessary for it to be an effective story. Hans transforms the game into a living landscape of fantasy that captures the imagination every page turn, and every panel promises some new enticement.

I keep gushing about Die every month because it provides a fix that only it can provide. There’s no other piece of media, let alone comic, that’s able to synthesize elements of horror, fantasy, and psychological thriller is such a succinct and poignant manner. Every new issue of Die provides another chance for Gillen and Hans to showcase their adeptness at creating this enthralling world of monsters and magic, and every issue they knock it out of the park. This is as close to a perfect run of a comic in 2019, and if any of the listed genres interest, you need to read this series immediately. It’s unrelenting in how phenomenal it is.

9.8 “Lessons Taught” out of 10

Reading Die? Check out BNP’s other reviews here.

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The post Die #7 Review appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.

Olympic star Simone Biles spoke out about her brother’s arrest in connection to a triple homicide for the first time on Sunday, expressing her “sincere condolences” to the victims of the incident that occurred during a New Year’s Eve party in Cleveland, Ohio.

Biles noted that she was “still having a hard time processing last weeks [sic] news.”

“There is nothing that I can say that will heal anyone’s pain, but I do want to express my sincere condolences to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy,” she tweeted. “I ask everyone to please respect my family’s privacy as we deal with our pain.”

Biles’ brother, 24-year-old Tevin Biles-Thomas, was arrested on Aug. 29 and charged with murder, voluntary manslaughter, felonious assault, and perjury in connection to the Dec. 31 shooting that left three dead at an Airbnb party, Cleveland.com notes.

He is currently being held without bond as he awaits extradition to Cuyahoga County, and is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 13 in Ohio, CNN reports.

The shooting stemmed from a fight, according to police, after a group of uninvited people showed up to the party.

Delvaunte Johnson, 19, and Toshaun Banks, 21, were killed at the scene, CNN reports, while 23-year-old Devaughn Gibson died at a hospital.

The post Simone Biles Breaks Silence On Brother’s Arrest, Offers ‘Sincere Condolences’ appeared first on Essence.