International supermodel Iman has learned every trick of the trade when it comes to beauty, and even at the age of 50, she remains one of the most beautiful models of all time. Women want to know her captivating beauty secrets, and now Iman is willing to reveal them in her new book. Inspired by her career and cosmetic line, The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color serves as a beauty tool for women of color to utilize and learn the importance of self-love and acceptance.
As founder and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Fragrances, and Skin Care, Iman has launched a national tour to promote her new book. Book signings were held last week in Dallas at Borders Books at Park Village and at Black Images Book Bazaar in Oak Cliff. Focusing on celebrating true beauty and self-expression, Iman hopes to empower women to learn better skin care skills. Iman also offers the first beauty and make-up guide that caters to the beauty and skin care needs of women of different skin tones.
"I was surprised to find that there wasn’t a book on the market for women of color, so my book is really a celebration for women of color," Iman said.
The 5-foot-9-inch Somalian model started her career in 1975 when she was discovered by legendary photographer Peter Beard while studying political science at Nairobi University. Iman’s first modeling assignment was for Vogue magazine in 1976. During her 15 years as a model, Iman became the fashion muse for such designers as Yves St. Lauren, Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. Iman’s first book, I AM IMAN, was an autobiographical sketchbook of her career that questions the business of fashion and beauty. Today, Iman is married to rock star David Bowie and has two daughters.
Today, women are bombarded with images of what society feels a woman should look like. Women are not necessarily taught that it is okay to have flaws. Instead of agreeing and teaching the same theory as society, Iman addresses the topics of creating what look fits best in her new book.
"...in my book, I want women to see images that actually look like them," said Iman. "So I use real women in my book and show step-by-step instructions."
In celebration of her book and the 10th anniversary of the cosmetic line, IMAN Cosmetics has created four new face kits, Ghetto Fab, Bad Girl Glam, Vamp and Nude Scene that will be available in Walgreens, Wal-Mart and Target stores. As part of her national tour, free make-up demos by celebrity make-up artist Byron Barnes and other IMAN Cosmetics make-up artists were given.
Demo participants enjoyed their new and exciting makeover as they were glamorized with the face kits new bold and trendy colors. Participants like Beatrice Kabage, who rarely wears make-up, were surprised by the outcome.
"I really like this brand, and I do not wear a lot of make-up. I like the lipstick and the way the colors are mixed up from two different shades," Kabage said. "The foundation is also good for covering up the dark spots around my eyes."
Iman’s main advice to women was to celebrate their beauty and to embrace their features. Iman really wanted to reach out to young girls and encourage them not to compare themselves to the images presented on magazines.
"I have found that there are a lot of people out there, especially young girls, that would rather look like somebody else instead of look like themselves," Iman said. "That is where the worrying about how you look and also looking in the mirror comes from. I want young girls to see us and see that we all…look the same way."
Mothers like Sharon Thompson want their daughters to grow up and be confident about themselves. Thompson, who has two daughters of her own, feels that the beauty tool will help her daughters when it comes to applying make-up and feeling confident.
"I have two teenage daughters, and one of them loves to wear make-up. Sometimes I can tell that she is picky about the way she looks, so hopefully this book will give her some new ideas," she said.
The most important advice Iman gives to women of color is to care for their skin by cleansing and moisturizing to keep a healthy tone. Iman moisturizes daily and uses bronzers to maintain her glow.
Iman also advised women her age on how to keep their youthful looks. One of the things that older women tend to do is critique themselves and tell themselves that they look old, she said. Then they try to cover up their blemishes and wrinkles by using heavy foundation and make-up.
"My best advice to women 50 and older is when it comes to make-up, less is more," said Iman. "Some women put on a lot of make-up thinking that they are hiding their wrinkles, but applying too much make-up makes the wrinkles look more noticeable."
The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color is available in bookstores now, and Iman’s new cosmetics will be available in select cities.