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Get Brows that Wow!

April 15, 2013

This season it’s all about thicker, bushier brows to frame our faces.

That’s right, step away from the wax and tweezers and embrace a fuller shape that will not only make you appear a younger, but the fresher look is also easy to achieve and maintain.

Simply let your brows grow in and allow them to take their natural shape. Then, follow your natural arch and pluck wayward strays and fill in any sparse hairs with a brow pencil or powder for a polished finish. I usually opt for a pencil that’s one shade lighter than my hair color and apply in quick, small strokes for a fuller brow.

Check out a few of these must-have brow products:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes available here, $39.50

Benefit Cosmetics ‘Brow Zings’ available here, $30

Sephora Retractable Brow Pencil available here, $12

Lorac ‘Take A Brow’ available here, $22 *I swore by this palette for years!

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil available here, $32

How do you prefer your brows, thick, thin or somewhere in between?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features | 4 Comments

BGG is Back in Bloom!

April 1, 2013

I’m sure some of my loyal readers have been wondering where I’ve been these past few weeks. Well, I haven’t felt my best for for a while and just decided to take some much needed time off. For nearly six years, I’ve been writing style/beauty/celebrity posts on an nearly daily basis. Needless to say, I was feeling uninspired and a bit burnt out.

That said, I’m back and hopefully will be better than ever! As promised, I hope to introduce a new column within a few weeks that will profile BGs who are doing wonderful things in their communities, etc.

I hope you all had a wonderful start to spring and an even better Easter.

Thanks for reading!!

What’s the thing you love the most about spring?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 5 Comments

New Hair Product Buzz: Optimum’s Amla Legend Rejuvenating Ritual

March 5, 2013

You may have seen the commercials or perhaps the print ads in some of your favorite magazines, but if you haven’t already heard about Soft-Sheen Carson’s newest haircare product line, Optimum Amla Legend Rejuvenating Ritual, read on!

An Indian beauty ritual for thousands of years, Amla oil is made from the Amla Superfruit, which is a powerful antioxidant rich in minerals and vitamins. Each of the products from this line is infused with the super conditioning ingredient and promises to protect hair from heat damage and promote thicker, fuller hair.

Amla Legend Rejuvenating Ritual available at drugstores nationwide starting at $5.99

The entire collection includes the following: Body Filler Hair Wash Shampoo, Body Filler Hair Cream Conditioner, Damage Anti-Dote Oil Moisturizer, 1001 Oils Cream Night Wrap, Billion Hair Potion and a No-Mix, No-Lye Cream Relaxer.

So far, I’ve only tried the Billion Hair Potion, which is a hair and scalp serum. Since I’m sensitive to overwhelming scents, I was afraid that this oil would be one of them. To my surprise, it’s almost fragrance-free! I’ve used it several times and I see why Indian women have been using it for centuries. It instantly gave my hair a sheen without being too greasy and combatted the dryness that always creeps along my hairline. If this product is any indication of what the other items in this line, I’ll definitely check them out!

Plus, this line has been endorsed by First Lady Michelle Obama’s highly-sought after hairstylist, Johnny Wright. Need I say more?

Have you tried any products from this line yet?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Hair | 5 Comments

CoverGirl Queen Collection’s Must-Haves Perfect for Spring!

February 27, 2013

Since Queen Latifah looked so ravishing at this past Sunday’s Oscars, I thought now would be the perfect time to tell you about a couple of new products that I’ve tried from her CoverGirl Queen Collection.

As many longtime readers know, I am not a huge fan of foundation. In fact, I’ve probably worn foundation on two occasions: my wedding and when a makeup artist did it as demo at an event. In every day life, it just doesn’t fit in with my basic beauty routine. That was until I tried the new All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation.

CoverGirl Queen Collection All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation available here, $10

It’s easy to blend like foundation, but it has the coverage of a concealer and the staying power of a powder. While I’m not that big on powders either, my favorite part about this product is that it has exceptional coverage and eliminates shine. I dab a bit on slight blemishes and I’m good to go! I still would never use it all over, but it definitely does the trick for hiding minor dark spots due to hyper-pigmentation.

In addition to the foundation, the Queen Collection’s new Jumbo Gloss Balm is incredibly innovative and practical. If you’re a lip gloss or lip balm girl, this cool lippie is the best of both worlds! It has the precision of an oversize liner combined with the application of a balm, but with the finish of a gloss. The best thing about this cute crayon-like product is that it’s a breeze to apply and gives just the right amount of color and leaves lips super soft. Oh and of course the fact that it’s made with us BGs in mind makes it even better!

CoverGirl Queen Collection Jumbo Gloss Balm available here, $7 (comes in a variety of 16 shades)

Have you ever tried any products from the Queen Collection? If so, what are your favorites?

Category: Beauty, Featured | 1 Comment

BGs Rock the Oscars Red Carpet!

February 25, 2013

Some of our favorite BGs and guys hit the red carpet for the 85th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood on Sunday.

From Jennifer Hudson to Kerry Washington, the stars sparkled in couture gowns and eye-catching jewels. Check out some of the best red carpet and candid pics below:

Jennifer Hudson in Roberto Cavalli and Kelly Rowland in Donna Karan Atelier (Photo: Kelly Rowland/Twitter)

Halle Berry in Versace (Photo: ABC)

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu (Photo: Facebook/Getty)

Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka (Photo: Queen Latifah/Twitter)

Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille Couture (Photo: ABC)

Who would you crown best-dressed? My vote goes to Queen Latifah who look white-hot in her beautiful Badgley Mischka gown!

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

Caudalíe’s Premier Cru ‘The Cream’: The Skincare Product That Every Woman Should Try

February 18, 2013

Since your sweetheart probably spoiled you with chocolates and roses last week , why not treat yourself to luxe gift just because?

Forget shoes and handbags. Instead, invest in putting your best face forward by pampering your skin with, “The Cream,” the newest addition to the luxurious, all-natural anti-aging Caudalíe Premier Cru collection.

I’ve covered beauty for years and have tried countless creams and moisturizers that promise to deliver results, but none have come close to what I’ve experienced with this product.

About two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of learning about the anti-aging skincare line and received a mini-facial at the popular French brand’s spa at The Plaza Hotel here in New York. While speaking with the co-founder, Bertrande Thomas, I learned that this innovative, skin-firming cream is a result of an exclusive blend of the brand’s three signature patents at their highest concentration. In addition, it’s infused with the powerful anti-oxidant ingredient—grapeseed oil, as well as apricot butters and sesame oils to create a vibrant, renewed appearance.

The Plaza Hotel

After using it for only a little over a week, my skin has already undergone a huge transformation. For months my skin has been dry and flaky due to the cold winds, but now it’s luminous and softer than ever. I typically use drugstore brands and a few higher end moisturizers from time to time, but I have never seen instant improvements like I have with Premier Cru. My face is remarkably smooth, even-toned and simply radiant. Although, it comes with a pretty hefty price tag, it’s worth every penny!

It’s also the first luxurious skincare product that I’ve come across that’s also eco-friendly, but doesn’t compromise its exclusivity or style when it comes to packaging.

Caudalíe Premier Cru is available here; $155 (50ml)

If you’re interested in learning more about Caudalíe products and you’re in the NYC area, be sure to check out the following events:

WHAT: An exclusive Premier Cru preview event. Be one of the first to experience the ultimate in anti-aging at our new NYC boutique. Experience a free Premier Cru facial, meet the founders, enjoy a glass of wine from the family vineyard and receive samples of the new products.

WHERE: Caudalíe Boutiques at Lexington Avenue (1031 Lexington Avenue at 74th St. ) and Bleecker Street (315 Bleecker Street at Grove St.)

WHEN: Lexington – Wednesday, February 20th and Thursday, February 21st
Bleecker – Friday, February 22nd and Saturday, February 23rd

HOW: Space is limited. To register, please visit www.caudalie.com/premiercru. 21 and older only.

Again, if you’re on the market for a luxe moisturizer that actually works, definitely check out this amazing anti-anging cream!

*Full disclosure: I was given this product free of charge for review.

What’s your favorite luxe beauty product?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | Leave a Comment

In Case You Missed It: Fabulous Celebrity Twitpics of the Week!

February 15, 2013

Check out this week’s fabulous Twitter and Instagram photos from some of our fave celebs!

Lala and Kelly Rowland

Brandy

Tyrese and his daughter.

Oprah Winfrey and Tika Sumpter

Keke Palmer

Trey Songz and Swizz Beatz

Tamar Braxton and her husband Vince.

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch? Have a wonderful weekend!

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Celebrity BGs, Celebrity Photos | 3 Comments

Love Is In the Air: 7 Fun Valentine’s Day Facts!

February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine’s Day my lovely BGs!

I hope your day is filled with love, chocolate, red roses and all of your heart’s desires! In the meantime, check out these fun Valentine’s Day facts:

*Approximately 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged annually, making Valentine’s Day the second most popular card-sending holiday after Christmas. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

*More than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold for Valentine’s Day each year. (Source: History.com)

*2.2 million marriages take place in the United States annually. That breaks down to more than 6,000 a day. (Source: History.com)

*California produces 60 percent of American roses, but the vast number sold on Valentine’s Day in the United States are imported, mostly from South America. Approximately 110 million roses, the majority red, will be sold and delivered within a three-day time period. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

*Over 50 percent of all Valentine’s Day cards are purchased in the six days prior to the observance, making Valentine’s Day a procrastinator’s delight. (Source: Hallmark Research)

*In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is easy for other people to know how you are feeling. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

*The oldest surviving love poem till date is written in a clay tablet from the times of the Sumerians around 3500 BC. (Source: StValentinesDay.org)

Ava has this new awkward smile thing going on, but she’s still my special Valentine!

XOXO,

BGG

What’s your favorite gift to receive on Valentine’s Day?

Category: Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 3 Comments

Must-See: Gabrielle Union Stars in Ava DuVernay’s Miu Miu Fashion Short ‘The Door’

February 12, 2013

When it comes to female African-American film directors, Ava DuVernay is the first to come to mind.

Her way of beautifully capturing and telling our stories on film is bar none. She’s recently teamed up with high-fashion house Miu Miu to direct their newest film short—The Door, which is nothing short of a cinematic gem.

The fifth installment of the fashion brand’s “Woman’s Tales” series, stars a lovelorn Gabrielle Union and focuses on strong female bonds. Throughout the film, friends (Adepero Oduycome, Emayatzy Corinealdi, and Goapele) come to Union’s door offering their love and support, while showcasing fabulous fashions that represent the heroine’s rebirth. It also features the incomparable Alfre Woodard and includes an incredible soundtrack.

It’s a wonderful short film that’s worthy of a watch!

Check it out below:

What are your thoughts on the short?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

Get the Look: Elle Varner’s Hair at the Grammys

February 11, 2013

Elle Varner may not have taken home the Grammy for Best R&B song for her smash hit, “Refill,” but the breakout star was a still a major winner on the red carpet.

The Los Angeles-native’s black & white gown was complemented by her gorgeous long, 70s-inspired long locks. Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy celebrity hair stylist, Oscar James, wanted to create a memorable look for Varner’s Grammys debut.

“This was Elle’s first time attending the award show and she is a nominated artist so we really wanted to do something different than her usual style,” said James.

Elle Varner

Below, Oscar shares tips on how to get Elle’s lovely Grammys look:

1. Always start with the right foundation and that means a nourished scalp and hair. Rinse and condition with Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Ultra Shea shampoo and conditioner for strong, beautiful hair that can hold any style

2. Next, create a center part and blow dry hair straight.

3. Once dry, flat iron hair in small, quarter-inch sections to make sure heat is evenly distributed to every strand.

Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy products are available here; starting at $5

4. Then, use a drop of the Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Ultra Shea Nourishing Scalp & Hair Oil, emulsify and run through hair from scalp to end to add gorgeous shine and tame flyaways

5. Finish with a spritz of hair spray for extra hold.

What do you think of Elle Varner’s look? Did you watch the Grammys? What was your favorite moment?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Celebrity, Celebrity BGs, Hair | 1 Comment