Asmau Ahmed, Founder of Plum Perfect

An age-old problem for consumers and the beauty industry is the lack of products being created that match the variety and depth of skin tones and complexions that exist.

In 2012, after years of research and testing, Asmau Ahmed, a trained engineer, launched Plum Perfect, a mobile and web-based application that operates as the ultimate personal shopper, picking out beauty products that are a perfect match for you every single time.

Ahmed wasn’t the only one that noticed this void. A few months after she launched Plum Perfect, Pantone launched their 110-shade SkinTone guide and partnered with Sephora on a foundation matching system, further underscoring the need for this type of technology on the market.

I recently caught up with Ahmed to get the inside scoop on Plum Perfect and to learn more about the company’s expansion beyond beauty products into the fashion and home categories.

Madame Noire: How would you describe Plum Perfect to someone who has never heard of it before?

Asmau Ahmed: Ultimately, Plum Perfect is designed to increase the excitement and customization of [shopping for beauty products]. We personalize the shopping experience online and in-store, by guaranteeing the right color match for every unique woman.  Our application allows for any user to customize her matched colors by price, product type, color, brand or look (ie. natural, glam, wear to work).

You can take a photo of your face and Plum Perfect will instantly determine your unique color signature and search across products and retailers to present you with the perfect makeup finds.

[We will also] launch our fashion application that will use the same technology to read the color of a dress and recommend the perfect purse to accessorize.  The launch of fashion will be essential to both men and women – no more guessing which tie will work with that shirt!

MN: When did you launch Plum Perfect?

AA: May 2012. But, I’ve spent many years building the technology, filing patents etc.  Since our launch, we’ve experienced 350 percent growth in new users and 150 percent growth in returning visitors.

MN: How many retailers/brands have signed up for this platform?

AA: Over 20 top brands and retailers are part of the Plum Perfect network. We expect this technology to be an online game changer for our preferred retail partners, with reach into beauty, fashion, and home décor.

MN: How long did it take you to convince your first retail/brand partner to sign up? Was it an easy or hard sell?

AA: Once I figured out the key was to show a demo of what we’ve built and its capabilities, it was an easy sell.  We have a number of different ways that we can partner with brands and retailers. One exciting new initiative is Beauty Sampling 2.0. where we use technology and each person’s unique color signature to recommend colors and products that she will love AND use.  [Madame Noire readers] can register at PlumPerfect.com to be notified when this program goes live! 

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Barely-there color is right on trend for this fall and winter when it comes to manis and pedis. Hues that compliment your natural skin tone but still make your manicure look sophisticated and put-together belong in your cosmetic bag this season. This is especially the case if you want to rock the rich tones of autumn like hunter green or ruby red, or want to get on board with the fall neon trend when it comes to clothing. While they may not all be our kinds of “nude” necessarily, whether your complexion is the color of caramel, latte, or cocoa, there are a number of polish shades that will definitely make your nails stand out–in a demure, chic kind of way.

Source: Madame Noire

Want to look good for your next date, but not looking to splurge for your look? Looking the part for a date should be effortlessly chic, but not rob your pockets. Looking good for your next date night doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Do your research, prepare ahead of time and save some money to look just as good on a budget!

Here is how you can do it!

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Lipstick has always been a staple for women as a coming of age badge to be worn proud and pretty. When you apply lipstick to your luscious lips you can immediately feel the transformation from laid back to luxurious.

There are so many different colors and textures to choose from, so here are my picks for your best pecks!

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From StyleBlazer.com

As of late, some of our favorite celebs such as Rihanna and Amber Rose have been painting their pouts with vibrant shades, so why not give it a try? Ditch your boring nude lipsticks and add some popping shades to your makeup bag. Bright, neon, head-turning colors are what you should be shopping around for this season. Introduce your lips to radiant reds, sun burst oranges and electric pinks that will have the fellas all up in your grill.

StyleBlazers, pucker up and indulge in some of our favorite luscious lip colors…

To indulge in all the recommended luscious lip colors, visit StyleBlazer.com

More on Madame Noire!

• Didn’t You Think They’d Last? 7 Surprising Celebrity Breakups
• Where Are They Now? The Cast of “Good Times”
• You Remind Me Of My Jeep: 7 Songs That Make You Want To (Joy) Ride
• Ready For The Beach: Swimsuits For Every Body Type and Style
• Gabourey Sidibe and Kelly Ripa Stumble Over Afros, Normal Hair, and Being Americanized
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• NEW MN WEB SERIES: “Ask A Black Man” Episode 3: The SEX Episode
• How Old is Too Old? Mayim Bialik (aka Blossom) Still Breastfeeds her 3-Year-Old Son

Photo via MSNBC

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s time to update your fragrance wardrobe. By now, most people have developed a signature scent, but its allure may have diminished because a significant other or friends have gotten used to it. And since smell is the strongest tie to memory, why not create brand new ones with a new brand of perfume this V-Day? We’ve searched high and low to bring you several fragrances that will spice up, freshen up, or sweeten things up a bit.

Purchase a bottle for yourself or “hint” to your lover which perfume is your heart’s desire: “Honey, I’d love that bottle of perfume on page __ of this Madame Noire article!” Let’s face it, there’s no time for subtly. Just remember that a great fragrance – like a great outfit – is an investment and subjective. If possible, visit the store to get a whiff of these scents in person. Even try a sample for a day because the scent can change as it wears. Still, we’ve included the complete notes of each perfume to make it easier for those who know what scents they like and are willing to purchase online.

With all that said, browse our picks and find the one that speaks to your heart…

Transitioning your make-up from day to night can be tricky. Most of us don’t have time to run home for a touch-up. Having an all-in-one eyeshadow palette allows you to go from, daytime – casual to cocktail hour.

Check out these 5 gorgeous eyeshadow palettes!

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Celebrities may appear to have the best stylists and makeup artists in the industry at their fingertips, and they may seem to have complete access to the absolute best makeup products, clothing labels, and shoes that money can buy, but why can’t you have the same look for less?  Well we’ve got good news – you absolutely can.

Check out these 8 tips on how you can create the same stunning and eye-catching looks that the celebrities are sporting, without the high cost products and overpriced salon stylists.  Enjoy!

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As a child, I remember the joys of dumping out my stocking on Christmas morning to find fun trinkets from Santa. While it was nice to find any and every little thing at the bottom of them, when a chick dumps out her stocking today, she needs to find something she can use. Looking for small gifts to give friends, daughters, secret-Santa coworkers, and a boyfriend (or last minute gifts to ask others to get you)?  Here are a few of my beauty must-haves for the holidays.

Yorokobi Super Orgasm (Sephora, $39)

Ladies! If you have never tried Orgasm (blush, get your mind out of the gutter) by Nars, you will want to pick up this awesome set. The super shimmery, peach shade looks great on all skin tones. It is a staple in my own makeup bag and this holiday kit is a great way to introduce yourself or loved ones to new cosmetic lines. For the price of one blush you will also get a nail polish and a lipgloss! The perfect set for the chick who stays reapplying her look on the go. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Christmas is in less than two weeks! We are gathering last minute gift guides in case you haven’t scratched everyone off your list. If you’re still stomped on what to get the makeup maven or beauty beginner in your life, then try a holiday gift set from Sephora. Chris, a Sephora Beauty Guru, helped me compile a list of the best sets that work well for women of color.

Although he notes that when it comes to makeup, excluding foundations of course, it doesn’t matter what race or color you are. “Makeup is makeup. While you might need a really good primer with some eyeshadows, we [African-Americans] can wear anything in the store. It just depends on preference. Some women won’t wear lots of color. They go for more neutrals….and some will wear it all. It’s really all about preference.”

I also surveyed Sephora customers about their thoughts on Chris’s picks.  Last minute shoppers, this one’s for you…

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