It’s no secret that Jada Pinkett Smith goes hard for those who are most important — her family. And even for a date night in New York with husband Will Smith, she pulls out all the stops to look her best. Glistening skin? Check. Bright smile? Check. Sexy and fabulous at middle age? Check. Check. While we can’t help you with these three date-night necessities, we can assist you in getting Jada Pinkett Smith’s flapper look. Click on for shopping details for three fringe dresses that will be appropriate for a casual or more formal date. Here’s a small warning, though, the dress will grab attention, so keep accessories minimal.

[Image: Mauceri/MacFarlane/INFphoto.com]

Endless Rose Faux Leather Fringe Dress, $78
Schutz Celina Ankle Strap Sandals, $180
Pattern-Knit Dress, $24.95
DV8 by Dolce Vita Suki Ankle Strap Sandals, $49
Beaded Fringe Tier Dress by Kate Moss for Topshop, $490
Gorjana Camilla Hammered Ring Set, $55

Courtesy of HypeHair.com

Despite ratchet reality TV shows often catching a bad rep, there are plenty of reasons why a woman should tune into some of the most highly shows on television. One of them being simply for the overwhelming amount of weaves. Now, it wouldn’t be fair to say the entire lot of reality stars have HD-ready tresses in every scene, but there are more than a handful of these made-for-TV celebs whose hair stays picture-perfect. Check out 13 weave-whipping women with the best on-screen styles.

Erica Dixon

She’s made some bad choices in men, but she can work a great weave for the cameras! Although most of her styles are made up from her natural locs, from time to time, the reality star uses extensions to add length and highlights to her dark hair.

Keep reading …

Tech giant Apple, Inc. is under fire for claims of racial discrimination by a current employee. Andrew Dupree, 31, alleges he was denied a managerial position because of the color of his skin. Dupree, a dedicated four-year employee, transferred from an Orlando Apple retail store to a store in Sydney, Australia in 2013. After increasing sales in the “Easy Pay Program,” an initiative designed to increase the amount of customers who come into the Apple stores and make purchases using their Apple devices, from 1.6 percent to 14 percent, Dupree wanted to transfer back to the U.S. for a promotion. His request was denied, and Apple fired him four months later.

Prior to filing the complaint, Dupree claims he tried to discuss the issue of discrimination with his superiors, to no avail. After his emails to Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, were ignored, Dupree was eventually granted a conference call with the company’s human resources department. He expressed how his Florida managers made racially insensitive remarks, saying “Black employees don’t reach management in this market.”

Despite being re-hired in December 2013, Dupree was denied a managerial position again, prompting his complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations. The lawsuit is now being investigated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Friends are often in our lives, (as the saying goes) for a reason, a season and if we’re lucky enough, for a lifetime.  They are our biggest supporters, our confidants, and in some cases they become like our family.   But there are times when our friendships take nosedives and become one-sided, causing the give and take to no longer exist and our best interest to no longer be of any significance.  It might be time to cut that friend loose. So rather than deal with someone posing as a friend, here are a few tell-tale signs your friend is not your friend after all. 

They’re always competing with you:

Having a friend who constantly plays the one up game can be very difficult to deal with—there’s never-ending competition for the smallest things. You buy a new car, your friend goes out and buys a faster, shinier, more expensive car. You buy a new couch; your friend all of a sudden decides they want to do a complete living room overhaul. Granted, in life you’ll be forced into competitive situations (like getting job promotions and getting an offer accepted on a home) but having a friend constantly wanting to one up you on everything can be draining. This type of friend is no true friend.

They gossip about everybody to you:

Frivolous banter and gossip amongst friends can sometimes be considered standard entertaining, run-of-the-mill talk. But, what if the only conversations you ever have with your friend are always consumed by them telling you about somebody else’s private business? Or what if all you ever hear is something negative about your mutual friends?  Wake-up! Chances are they’re discussing you and your private matters in the same manner to others. You can never fully trust someone who has nothing but negative things to say about everyone else.

They let you pay for everything:

Ever find yourself out with your friend and they never, NEVER have any money and you’re always picking up the tab?  If this sort of thing happens on every occasion you guys hang out, chances are your buddy is using you. And news flash – they’re not really your friend. Like in any relationship, friendships should be 50-50, so if your purse strings are constantly being pulled by this moocher-type, you might want to cut the strings altogether.

They constantly throw their success in your face:

Your friend just secured the biggest account of their lives, taking their salary well into the 6-figure range.  You are thrilled for your homie and want to celebrate their success over a few drinks.  But as you toast to the big news, s/he immediately fires back with snide remarks about your low paying job.  Not cool! So what you’re not at their level lifestyle-wise?  No true friend would ever make make you feel inferior. Let her/him go.

They’re never happy about your accomplishments:

If you find yourself texting to share your accomplishments, milestones, and good news with a buddy and their response is always, “Oh Ok.” –that my friend, is no friend at all.  When exciting things happen, you should be able to share your good fortune with those closest to you.  And if that’s not the case, and your excitement is always met with apathy, it’s time to transition that friend into the associate category.

It’s always about them:

When things get rough in life, it’s always nice to have a confidante waiting in the wings, to lean on and vent to about your problems from time to time.  You know, the friend who encourages you to stay positive, and always looks on the bright side of things.  What you don’t need is a person who consistently turns your time of need into his or her own therapy session.  That’s not fair.  As friends you should be able to be there for each other, so if they can’t seem to pull it together in your time of need, it’s time to dish out walking papers.

Snoop Dogg, or the reincarnated Snoop Lion, has worn many hats over the years and is apparently switching careers to become Snoop da Vinci to benefit the League of Young Voters Education Fund, their “No Guns Allowed” campaign, and the Snoop Youth League.

As a part of his initiative to stop gun violence, Snoop auctioned off a few of his paintings, along with items from legendary football player Joe Montana. While many applauded his efforts to personalize the auction with his paintings, he’s a few strokes short of being the next Vincent van Gogh. Like most of us, we were left scratching our heads at what exactly the paintings represented. As one of his followers commented, “Is that a uterus?” to a picture that appeared unfinished.

Regardless of his limited painting skills, the rapper took to his Instagram to show off his #ArtGame, which raised over $60,000. Not bad for his first art auction. But the new artist didn’t stop there. DJ Snoopadelic (his name, not mine) grabbed the mic to get the crowd dancing in support of keeping guns off streets.

[Image: Instagram]

Europe’s highest court earlier this month has allowed its residents to ask search engine’s to delete online results about themselves. And now the Google right to be forgotten form is here.

The case against the search engine giant dates back to 1998, when a Spanish newspaper published an article about Mario Costeja Gonzalez’s social security debt. Gonzalez’s numerous attempts to have the article removed were denied. Upon filing a complaint with Spanish data protection authorities, the article was ordered for removal in 2010. Google appealed this decision in 2013, and won, citing search engines are not required by law to remove legal public data. But the ruling was over turned again this month.

On the right to be forgotten form, Google asks people to explain why a URL contains information that is “irrelevant, outdated, or otherwise inappropriate.” It also asks for “a clear, readable copy of your valid driver’s license, national ID card, or other photo ID” to verify that impersonators aren’t using the form. If approved, the link will be removed from search engine results, but not the Internet.

However, not everything may qualify for removal. Criminal records, professional malpractice, financial scams, and public conduct of government officials data may not be removed.

The Queen of Soul is now Dr. Aretha Franklin. Harvard University awarded Franklin an honorary doctorate degree of arts on Thursday. After singing the National Anthem, Franklin received her degree alongside former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President George H. W. Bush, and five others.

Franklin’s Harvard degree is the latest accomplishment in her illustrious five-decade career. Franklin, 72, was the first ever woman inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. With 18 Grammy Awards, the Memphis-born entertainer started singing gospel at the age of 14. She later transitioned to secular music, and has become one of music’s most legendary singer, songwriters, and pianists. Franklin is best known for her rendition of Otis Redding‘s “Respect,” an anthem for female empowerment. Franklin received The Kennedy Center Honors in 1994 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005.

Harvard isn’t the first Ivy League college to honor the singer. Franklin also received an honorary doctorate of music from Princeton in 2012.

A Chicago teacher became the victim of gang crossfire Thursday evening as she sat inside a south side real estate office, according to police.

Betty Howard, an instructor at Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, was inside the building when a bullet came through the wall and struck her in the head. She later died at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

“This is an indescribably difficult day,” D’Andre Weaver, the school’s principal, said in a statement. “Her love for all children, but particularly children with diverse learning needs, was second to none.”

A 58-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman suffered graze wounds due to the gunfire from a gang dispute outside. They were treated at the scene and left to go on their way.

Howard’s brother, a Chicago police officer, said he’s feeling the personal effects of the city’s issue with gun violence.

“I feel the pain. I know how other people feel now,” said Orlando Long. “We just go to the scene and do what we have to do as a police officer, but now it’s hitting home and it’s such a terrible situation.”

Photo courtesy of DNAinfo Chicago/Handout photo/BLDD Architects

Police have yet to track down the suspect involved in Thursday’s shooting, but community members have already collected $2,000 to offer a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Howard’s killer.

Tyra Banks is headed back to daytime television in a new venture with Disney-ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The former model will set her sights on a series focused on lifestyle and self-empowerment.

On Friday, the company announced Banks inked a deal to host and executive produce a new syndicated daily talker. The untitled show will also feature a team of lifestyle experts who will cover a range of topics including fashion and beauty, home, entertainment, empowerment and individual enterprise.

From time to time, the series will welcome celebrity guests, Internet influencers and everyday people who will share their knowledge on various topics.

“The fire to inspire women and help them to blaze new paths fiercely burns inside of me,” Banks said in a statement. “I’m excited to be partnering with Disney-ABC to usher in a new era of lifestyle, beauty and entertainment that will inspire women to be the CEO of their lives via honesty, humor and the newest tips and tricks without being intimidating or precious.”

“To my fierce fam of future viewers: I can’t wait to shake up daytime TV together. I have a lot of information to give and still lots to learn. Let’s do it!”

Banks previously hosted “The Tyra Show” from 2005-2010 with more than 800 episodes. This newest series is slated to premiere in 2015.

In related (yet unfortunate) news, Arsenio Hall will say goodbye to his late-night talk show after just one season. Despite being previously renewed for a second season in February, CBS Television Distribution has decided to cancel the series.

Photos courtesy of Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Jesse Grant/Getty Images North America

“Unfortunately, The Arsenio Hall Show will not return for a second season; while there are many loyal fans of the show, the series did not grow its audience enough to continue,” CBSTVD said in a statement Friday. “Arsenio is a tremendous talent and we’d like to thank him for all the hard work and energy he put into the show. We’d also like to thank Tribune and all our station group partners for their support of the show.”

THR reports the reversed decision was made when station groups Sinclair Broadcast Group, Tribune Co. and LIN Television downgraded the series from its respective time slots. Despite premiering with impressive numbers, Hall couldn’t quite handle competition from “Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and “Late Show With David Letterman.”

In a statement, Hall added, “When I started this adventure with CTD and Tribune, we all knew it would be a challenge — I’m gratified for the year we’ve had and proud of the show we created. I’d like to thank everyone on my staff for rallying around me and striving to make the best show possible every night.”

Photo courtesy of CBS Television Distribution

Ray J found himself in hot water with Beverly Hills cops Friday evening after causing a disturbance at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, reports TMZ.

Law enforcement sources say officers got a call from someone claiming the star was causing trouble inside a bar at the ritzy hotel. Staff members reportedly asked Ray J to leave, but he refused.

When officers arrived on the scene, they began questioning him and an unidentified woman. Ray J was eventually cuffed, causing an even bigger mess.

While in police custody, sources allege Ray J kicked out a window of the vehicle while in the back seat of a patrol unit and spit on an officer during the arrest.

Photo courtesy of Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images North America

Ray J was booked for battery, trespassing, vandalism and resisting arrest.

In case you were wondering, Romeo Miller is all grown up. The 24-year-old rapper/actor will prove this once and for all in his new leading role in the upcoming stripper flick Chocolate City.

Miller is set to play Devin, a college student who has a difficult time staying financially afloat. He eventually meets the owner of a male strip club and is convinced to perform during amateur night. Despite his religious upbringing, Devin quickly gets swept up in the lifestyle of fast money and women.

As previously reported, Michael Jai White will play the owner of the strip club and Tyson Beckford will play the club’s former star who gets pushed to the side as Devin takes the spotlight. Newcomer Eurika Pratts (Gang of Roses 2) will play Miller’s love interest.

Photo courtesy of Leon Bennett/Getty Images North America

Chocolate City, directed by indie filmmaker Jean-Claude LaMarre, will reportedly begin production this June in Los Angeles.

Much like millions of parents across the nation, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have found themselves coming to terms with the inevitable: their children are growing up. In a recent interview, the POTUS revealed his oldest daughter Malia attended her first prom this spring.

When speaking on “Live! With Kelly and Michael,” Obama said it was a “little bit jarring” to see the 10th grader in heels for the first time. Yet he was proud to announce that Malia looked beautiful.

The President wouldn’t reveal whether she had a date or went with friend, calling the details “classified information.” Obama added that he doesn’t think he’s been to intimidating for any boy who’s tried to take Malia out.

Photo courtesy of Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America

Up next: Sasha Obama. Where does the time go?

By Greg Simms

If you’ve read any of my pieces for the Good Men Project recently, you know that I’ve tried to explain the behavioral DNA of American “typical” males. I know that many of this website’s male readers are socially advanced and very bright. Many of our faithful fellas live outside of the box that is normal American manhood, and that’s a wonderful thing.

But, some of our dudes are regular (for lack of a better word) guys.

And I’m one of them.

As a man who leans towards the more typical end of the man-spectrum, I can tell you that I’ve had to unlearn a ton of old man beliefs and teachings in the past few years. Not only due to my position as a writer/editor, but also because of recent sweeping social changes. And, it hasn’t been easy. I’ve documented my upbringing and past before, so I won’t go there again. However, I will divulge one particular nugget from my yesteryears.

I used to be Mr. Friendzone.

I lived in the friendzone.

(Tangent. Can we all agree to give props at least ONCE to Chris Rock, who coined the term “friendzone” in his classic stand-up special Bring the Pain in 1996? Tangent over.)

I now know there is no such thing as the friendzone. It’s a fallback word for a guy who’s frustrated when a particular woman (or women) who he’s attracted to doesn’t feel the same way. No matter how many compliments, flowers, or cards he may give her.

But, I believed in the friendzone. Because I was taught the same thing that many men are taught by their fathers, sometimes mothers, and society in general.

Be a gentleman.

[Image: Shutterstock]

Actually, be a gentleman, and the woman I was being a gentleman to, would melt, fall in love with me, Disney music would cue, and she would be mine forever. Just because I was a gentleman. And, if the girl I was Prince Charm-ing didn’t fall for me, surely, there was something profoundly wrong with her.

I was taught that, and I’m betting, in some form or fashion, so was Elliot Rodger.

As a 41-year-old man, I know that old-school, archaic concept is some bullshit. Just because a man is nice to a woman, doesn’t entitle her to like him. At all.

But, as a young man who had it drilled into my head that the Meek Shall Inherit The Booty, I had no idea that the concept of “Me, nice guy. You, have my babies” was wrong. For years. And when the concept of the friendzone was introduced to pop culture (Thanks, Chris), I was convinced I’d be a resident of “the zone” for the rest of my days. I thought I was going to be the mayor of the friendzone.

[Image: Shutterstock]

I’m not, and never will be an Elliot Rodger sympathizer. It’s more than obvious he was a very disturbed (and evil) young man. But I do sympathize with men, especially young men who grew up learning the same thing I did. It took me a while to learn that I had to treat women as individuals, not as objects to be won. It was a struggle to realize that the best thing for me to be in the company of a woman was to be myself, warts, and all.

If only because at the end of the day, if I did end up dating said woman, then I was going to have to accept and possibly love her — warts and all. If anything, now is a time of unlearning for many guys. Rodger’s horrible crimes have sparked furious debate, outrage, and several kinds of societal examination from women and men. Men, in particular, can, and should, unlearn the dating, social rules of old, and learn new ways of interaction with women.

For any man out there who may be on the fence about hopping aboard the progress train, know this. It’s the same train that’s leaving the friendzone, and it’s never going back.

Trust me, life is so much better outside of the zone.

Originally appeared on The Good Men Project

Read more from our partner The Good Men Project:

How to Lose a Woman … Forever

[Image: Shutterstock]

Everyday millions of people fuel their selfie addiction by posting images of their mugs to social media sites. Well, everyday the National Security Agency is collecting millions of those same images to fuel its facial recognition program. So it’s a good chance those selfies you think are private have been intercepted, The New York Times reports.

According to top-secret documents obtained from former agency contractor Edward Snowden, the NSA has been intercepting emails, text messages, social media posts, and other forms of communication to harvest images, over the last four years. Of those captured, about 55,000 are high quality images that can be used in their programs. Agency officials say those images are being used along with other records in an effort to gain a total picture on intelligence targets around the world.

Under the Obama administration, the NSA has accelerated technology that can match faces contained in agency databases to those suspected of being potential threats to the safety of Americans. Documents cited the arrest of two international suspects that attempted bombings while in America as motivation to intense those efforts.

[Image: Shutterstock]

NSA spokeswoman Vanee M. Vines defended the program saying, “We would not be doing our job if we didn’t seek ways to continuously improve the precision of signals intelligence activities — aiming to counteract the efforts of valid foreign intelligence targets to disguise themselves or conceal plans to harm the United States and its allies.”

Vines did not release figures on how many images have been collected or people affected by the technology, but declined to answer whether the program collects facial images from social media like Facebook.

But for those concerned about their personal images being collected, the technology has been in use for years. Facial recognition software is used by state and local law enforcement to identify suspects. Those departments use images from from driver licenses, passport photos, and foreign visa applications. In addition, law enforcement has been known to use social media outlets, Facebook and Twitter, to gain information about suspects.

Chris Brown was released from a Los Angeles County jail early Monday morning. The R&B singer had been sentenced to spend an additional 131 days in jail for violating his probation, after attacking male fan Parker Adams last October. Brown served 108 days and was given time served for his rehab stint to treat a bipolar disorder, previous jail time, and good behavior while incarcerated this time.

Upon release earlier today, Brown tweeted that he’s “Humbled and Blessed,” and it’s “Back to the Music and the Fans.” A move that is certain to make his record label RCA Records eager to pencil in another release date for his oft-delayed next studio album X. His latest single “Loyal” featuring Lil’ Wayne continued to top the charts, with the support of his fans, while he faced legal battles.

Brown is free until he faces a judge for pending charges of misdemeanor assault in the Washington, D.C. case. His bodyguard Christopher Hollosy walked away with a misdemeanor conviction in April. Brown’s trial was scheduled to start in April, but has been delayed while his lawyers work out a deal to allow Hollosy to testify in Brown’s trial. Brown’s lawyer Mark Geragos hopes that Hollosy will testify that he, not Brown, punched Adams and gave him a bloody nose. However, that would conflict with a planned appeal by Hollosy’s attorney. If convicted, Brown could face jail time as a result of still being under probation for the 2009 attack against then-girlfriend Rihanna.

The family of a promising student at the Harlem High School for Math, Science and Engineering is mourning her death after officials said she committed suicide after being caught cheating on a German exam last Thursday.

Police officials say 17 year old Omotayo Adeoye wrote a suicide note on the bottom of the German-language exam after her teacher Eva Malikova took her phone during the test. A classmate reported that Malikova yelled, “Oh, you shouldn’t be cheating! You guys shouldn’t be cheating! You guys are lying to yourselves!” while Adeoye apologized.

“I just want to go away forever on the bottom of the river,” Adeoye allegedly wrote before running out of the classroom and outside the school. Authorities believe she left the school and walked to the edge of the Hudson River at West 165th Street, where she placed her school ID and pieces of clothing on a rock, before jumping in the water. Adeoye’s father told officials that she did not know how to swim.

Officials presume the student drowned but she’s still being considered missing because her body has yet to be recovered. Fishermen reported they saw a body floating along the Hudson River shoreline but it disappeared beneath the surface. Authorities are continuing the search to recover the body from the river.

The family is awaiting confirmation to end this chapter of their life and properly honor Adeoye’s memory. The student’s family and friends said, “it is the responsibility of the school authority to protect this girl [Omotayo] no matter what happened.”

School Chancellor Carmen Farina provided a statement to ABC 7 stating,”We are conducting an investigation into this tragic accident, and we are taking immediate action.” The school has not commented on whether Malikova is allowed to continue teaching during the investigation. New York City Department of Education officials are investigating several complaints from students that the teacher Malikova was often heard screaming at students and not properly teaching classes.

Photo credit: CBS 2; Google

The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is one of the hottest tickets of the year, so it should come as no surprise that Hollywood’s hottest and newest it-girl, Lupita Nyong’o, hopped over to Liberty State Park in New Jersey Saturday to watch a little polo and sip a lot of champagne. Nyong’o, who allowed her brother Peter to tag along, dressed festively in an Alexander McQueen black and white patterned frock, black wedges that didn’t trample the grass, and the ever-important sun hat. While I’m not in love with her choice of footwear, I think the overall look would be appropriate for a garden wedding or a bridal shower this summer.

Keep clicking so you can recreate Lupita Nyong’o’s Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic look.

Swarovski Starburst Stud Earrings, $75
Betsey Johnson Ring Grid Print Sundress, $168
Vince Camuto Luciah Ankle Strap Wedge Sandal, $73.66
Brahmin Corsia Collection Amelia Stripe-Print Cross-Body Bag, $195
J.Crew Textured Summer Straw Hat, $34.50

I can finally say it out loud and proud: I’m going to a galaxy far far away!

-After eons of rumors, Lupita Nyong’o finally confirms via Instagram that she will be starring in the next Star Wars movie, which opens December 18, 2015.

Photo credit: Instagram

If the weekend is any indication, June is about to be a rollicking good time.  In this edition of Celebrity Instagram Weekend Recap, there were polo classics, Summer Jams, beach parties, market outings and even weddings to crash.  Wondering if they had as much fun as you did? Take a look at all the good times here, starting with Serena Williams.

Serena Williams thinks if you crash a wedding, you should do it in a leopard print bikini.

Cynthia Bailey, music video/movie director Billie Woodruff and RHOA guest wife Natalie Macklin Williams do a little wine-ing together.

Tyra Banks channeling her inner Malibu Barbie.

The only thing better than Sam Smith singing Stay With Me is Mary J Blige and Sam Smith singing it.

Epic backstage flicks abound at Hot 97′s Summer Jam. Because Rihanna and Nicki Minaj.

Angela Simmons does a drive by in the grocery store.

Jennifer Lopez brings Michael Strahan along on a surprise stop to support Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, as part of a promotional lead up to her free Orchard Beach concert on Wednesday.

The day after the birthday Corvette, Lala and Carmelo Anthony jet off to the Bahamas to celebrate his 30th birthday.

Lupita N’yongo and Olivia Munn being shady at Saturday’s Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic

Aaack Red Viper get away from the Mountain!! This will not end well. Oh wait. This is real life, not Game of Thrones. Carry on boys.

PS Miss you already.

-Compiled by Colby Carrington

A talent as endearing as she is humorous and genuine, Regina Hall illuminates every movie screen she graces. The Washington, D.C. native continues to headline Hollywood’s funniest flicks, making her a household name and undeniable force. First introduced to audiences as “Candy” in the 1999 film The Best Man, the actress revived her role as the exotic-dancer-turned-housewife in the film’s sequel, The Best Man Holiday, over a decade later. From her role as “Brenda Meeks,” the squeaky-voiced, token Black girl from the Scary Movie franchise to About Last Night, starring funny man Kevin Hart, Hall continues to make a name for herself in more ways than one. Now, she’s dabbling in the beauty realm as the new brand ambassador for the classic, signature fragrance White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor.

Keep reading to find out why she chose to work with White Diamonds, which two super-affordable clothing brands hold her down, her favorite memory from Think Like A Man Too, and why she’s not on social media.

UPTOWN: You’re the new brand ambassador for White Diamonds Lustre Fragrance by Elizabeth Taylor. How did the collaboration come about?

Regina Hall: It’s very exciting! It’s actually my first time and it’s because I love the fragrance. I’ve always said I didn’t want to represent a brand that I don’t actually wear or that I actually don’t think smells wonderful. I really loved the fragrance and I love Elizabeth Taylor. One of the things I do when I do premieres and when I do press is make sure I look classic. She had a style and a grace about her and I always hope that I have that too, whether I’m doing something demure or sexy. I always want to make sure I look like a lady. I think I resonated with both the woman behind the fragrance and the fragrance, so it was kind of a no-brainer to do it and to wear it, more importantly.

U:Speaking of style and grace, what are the top three beauty items you can’t live without?

RH: White Diamonds Lustre is one. I’m a huge believer of under eye creme. I love Kiehl’s lip balm. It’s moisturizing but it gives a little bit of sheen and makes your lips look sexy. You know some people use mascara to perk up their face, I do eye liner.

U: Nice, jet black?

RH: Of course!

U: What is your daily hair routine? How do you keep your hair looking so fabulous on and off the set?

RH: There’s two – when I’m working I wear pieces of weave and when I’m not working, like now, I don’t have anything in it, but I make sure I wash it, obviously. Because I’m in L.A. I usually wear it back because I try not to put a lot of heat on it. My hair is kind of dry. I’m prone to breakage if it’s not moisturized or if I use flat irons, even the great flat irons, the ceramic ones, my hair tends to break. Simplicity is best when I’m not working.

U: When you’re attending red carpet events and premieres, who are your go-to fashion designers?

RH: A lot of people have famous designers they go to, but I’m not one of those people. The truth is I wear what looks nice on me. Lately I’ve been wearing a lot of MissGuided because of the fit, but I have a tendency to find really small designers. I know the great thing is “who wore it best” but I like “who wore it first.” I like all designers, I love fashion! I think all fashion is amazing and it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone, but I love the creativity that fashion itself represents. But personally I end up going to smaller designers. And I just found a new brand I really like it’s called Stop Staring. It has a lot of classic, feminine, and demure dresses.

U: Wow, that name itself is hot!

RH: I know right!

U: The sequel Think Like A Man Too will be out next month. What was the funniest memory from behind the scenes or on set?

RH: We had a lot of fun shooting! We were in Vegas and there was this character I came up with and we just couldn’t get enough of her! Her name was Bitty; it was like “Bitty in Vegas.” We had a lot of late nights, so we laughed a lot, we were there for Memorial Day weekend. It’s like getting paid to have a great time with your friends. And of course Kevin [Hart] always made us laugh. But this time what was so great was I got to work a lot with the ladies. It’s like what we’re doing in Vegas and what they’re doing in Vegas.

U: We were looking for you on social media and couldn’t find you. We only found fan accounts. Are you not on social media?

RH: I’m not yet, I think social media is so wonderful. I love how people can stay connected, I love how you can see what people are doing. I like the mystique of not knowing what people are doing. And there’s so little time, I’m already addicted to “Bejeweled” on my phone. With so much to do, I honestly have not had a chance to do it but I have friends who do it and they love it. They’re kind of cruel to me and I’m like “Can you tweet this for me?” and they’re like “No!” [laughs] I’m like fine then! [laughs]

U: You don’t see it happening anytime in the future?

RH: It’s not even that I wouldn’t do it now that I’m technologically equipped to do it. My girlfriend had to force me to go up to the iPhone, I was holding onto my Blackberry for dear life – the old version. I was still stuck on BBM. It’s not that I wouldn’t do it, I haven’t done it yet. I love how it gives people the opportunity to have a voice. [If I tweeted] they’ll probably be like “Regina’s tweeting about White Diamonds Lustre again!” I’d probably get really passionate about whatever I believe in and tweet and tweet, tweet, so maybe … Maybe!

U: Do you ever Google yourself?

RH: You know I have, and I tell you every time I always find something I don’t necessarily want to see, like who said that?! But I google other people far more than I google myself.

U: What was the craziest thing you read about yourself that you wish were true?

RH: OH! That I was worth $242 million! I had a bunch of tequila limes, it was like I owned so much!

U: Let’s play “Fill In The Blank.” The last restaurant you visited in L.A. was:

RH:  California Pizza Kitchen

U: The one thing you ordered that was so good was:

RH: BBQ chicken pizza

U: The most memorable trip you’ve ever taken was:

RH: I went to Puta Mita in Mexico. Oh no! I went to South Africa. That was pretty amazing. I got to pet some cubs, the baby tigers. The safari was pretty amazing and I watched the lions feed. There were some amazing memories from that trip.

[Image: Screen Gems, Inc./Matt Kennedy]