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My Brow BFF

August 15, 2011

While I love a nicely shaped brow, I do not love the uncertainty of waxing. Ever since I encountered a bad eyebrow wax a couple of years ago, I’ve opted to take matters into my own hands – literally.

Yep, tweezers are my BFF (brow’s friend forever). Plucking those tiny sparse hairs can be a bit painful, but it’s the only way I can ensure precision. Plus, we all know that beauty is pain.

Tweezerman is my go-to brand because of their stainless-steel slanted surfaces, which make gripping hairs easy. Available at www.tweezerman.com for $15

If you’re like me and like to tweeze, remember to pluck from the root in the direction of hair growth for the best results.

How do you keep your brows trim and neat?

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Category: Beauty | 5 Comments

Now that I’ve been wearing my hair natural (no longer relaxing) for the past 3 1/2 years, it’s exciting to see so many products on the market available for women who have kinky/curly/coily hair like mine.

A photo of me taken via Instagram during a recent trip to Miami. Btw, I know I’m late, but don’t you just love that app?

I’ll admit, it took me some time to find the right products to complement my coarse curls. But, after trying scores of puddings, potions, and more, I’ve finally found a few products that can transform my dull and dry strands into lush and lovely locks.

From Carol’s Daughter to Ouidad to Miss Jessie’s, there are countless lines that specialize in naturally curly hair. Although the search can be frustrating, just be patient until you find the products that suit your tresses best.

Here are a few of my top picks:

This deep conditioner smells as good as sounds. I only use this once a month, but it moisturizes my strands to perfection.

I’ve been truly loving so many L’Oreal products lately! This entire sulfate-free system makes my strands frizz-free, which helps to accentuate my natural curl pattern.

Talk about a heavy-duty curling gel! This pleasantly scented curling custard turns drab curls into intensely sleek, defined ones.

There are many Carol’s Daughter products to covet, but the Hair Milk line is by far my favorite. The light-weight formula adds a bit of shine and moisture without weighing down hair. Plus, it has a fresh, lemon-like scent that livens up your locks.

Do you wear your hair natural or relaxed? If you wear your hair natural, what are your favorite products that help bring out your natural curl pattern?

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Category: Hair | 9 Comments

Like Me, Pretty Please…

August 10, 2011

Hello My Beautiful Brown Girls,

Somehow my Brown Girl Gumbo page on Facebook was erased. Therefore, it would mean the world to me if you could “like” me again.

Thanks in advance,

Karla aka BGG

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Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Cross Your Heart

August 8, 2011

For the past 8 years I’ve been basically carrying my life around in huge bags. Whether satchels, hobos, buckets, or totes, big bags have been my go-to purses to house everything from iPads to bobby pins to a countless collection of lip-glosses.

That is until I decided to downsize my daily essentials (that I carry) and ditched my bottomless pit purses. Now, when I grab my bag, it’s a small cross-body purse that is practical as it is pretty. Plus, they’re effortless to carry – so you can wear them with ease.

Check out a few of these small wonders:

Michael Kors Small Messenger Saddle Bag available at www.bloomingdales.com for $178

Gem Lock Flap Cross-Body Bag available at www.juicycouture.com for $148

Nine West Lady Likes Small Cross-Body Bag available at www.amazon.com for $31

Percy Cross-Body Bag available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $198

Rebecca Minkoff Zebra Hair Calf Mini available at www.rebeccaminkoff.com for $275

Pour La Victoire Leather Mini available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $225

Topshop Red Leather Zig-Zag Stitch Cross-Body Bag available at www.topshop.com for $60

See by Chloe Black Fluffy Cherry Party Fringe Bag available at www.my-wardrobe.com for $495

Turn-Lock Leather Cross-Body Bag available at www.bananarepublic.com for $79.50

Do you prefer large or small handbags?

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Category: Fashion | 12 Comments

NYC Event Alert: Petals

August 8, 2011

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Fabulousness at Your Fingertips

August 3, 2011

If you’re tired of your nails chipping by the second day or hate playing the waiting game until your polish dries, then the Sally Hansen Salon Effects may be just the “nail candy,” you need to add flair to your fingertips.

The nail effects (or nail sticker strips) are a budget-friendly collection of eclectic patterns and bright colors that will certainly garner attention. With only two steps to follow (apply and shape), it’s a fast and fashionable alternate to regular polish. Plus, there’s no drying time whatsoever. The Salon Effects last up to 10 days and can be easily taken off with nail polish remover. I’ve tried the nail effects and surprisingly the claims hold true. They lasted over a week through dishwashing, heavy duty chores, and typing without any chipping.

While I’m a big fan of this product, I will caution you to take your time and select the stripes that best fit your own nails. Some of the strips that you may assume are automatically made for a specific finger–I assure you–it might not cover your nail the way you want.

Overall, the application process may take up to 15 minutes to complete. However, with each package only costing about $8 to $10 dollars, you can’t lose.

Have you ever tried these strips? If so, what did you think? One lucky reader will win a pack. Simply “Like” Brown Girl Gumbo on Facebook, Tweet me, or leave a comment for your entry.

By: Khadijah C.

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Category: Beauty | 6 Comments

Event Alert: Kandee Shoes Debut TONIGHT at The London Candy Company

August 2, 2011

If you’re a fashion editor/blogger then you don’t want to miss the launch of the popular, UK-brand, Kandee Shoes, taking place TONIGHT at The London Candy Company.

Check out the invitation below:

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Introducing BGG’s New Contributor

August 1, 2011

It’s with great pleasure that I introduce my new BGG contributor, Khadijah. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and hails from Queens, New York. Khadijah’s looking forward to keeping BGG fresh and on the pulse of what’s new in the world of beauty/style.

I’m sure you guys will enjoy reading her weekly posts on BGG.

Here’s a snapshot of Khadijah’s take on beauty and fashion:

Finding out the latest scoop in celebrity culture, discovering the best beauty products and uncovering the latest fashion trends are my true passions. Working a 9-5 job pays the bills, but browsing an aisle in Sephora makes my heart flutter. I’m grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of the Brown Girl Gumbo family and look forward to keeping you updated with all things that make us brown girls unique and beautiful.

Favorite makeup product: Concealer and lipgloss (I can’t choose only one…lol)
Style Icon: Rihanna–truly love her adventurous take on the HAIR, fashion and make-up game!
Best Hair Product Brand: Cantu products are my go to for styling at the moment. I also love Herbal Essences for washing my hair.
Describe Your Style: My style is a combination of boho chic, classic with a twist and whatever makes me feel good that day. I’m currently loving all things with a print pattern as well as bright colors. I can be as earthy as Erykah Badu one day and dolled up like Beyonce the next.
Best Advice You’ve Ever Been Given: Very simple–you can’t please everyone….
Favorite Quote: Never let people know your moves, let them see the results.
Favorite Book: Too many to name.
Fashion/Beauty Pet Peeve: Fashion–It’s not always about the size of the clothing, but rather if it fits well. Don’t be afraid to go a size up (or down in some cases). Beauty–Brown girls, don’t be afraid of color. We wear it well!

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Get Sculpted

July 28, 2011

Have you ever found yourself trying to sculpt and contour your cheeks, but fail miserably and end up looking like a clown? Well, if that’s the case you’ll love L’Oreal’s new duo blush – The One Sweep.

The fool-proof powder blush takes the guesswork out of highlighting your cheekbones. Thanks to the custom-designed brush applicator, the complementing pigments are evenly distributed providing perfected definition.

Available in 4 shades, you’re sure to find your ideal match!

Available at drugstores nationwide for about $11.

If you have the same problem while applying eyeshadow, they have a similar product that will have you beautifying like a pro!

Are you a fan of blushes or bronzers? One lucky reader will win The One Sweep Blush Duo. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

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Category: Beauty | 11 Comments

I’ve Got the Blues

July 26, 2011

Back in the ’90s when I was growing up, rocking a denim shirt was not only stylish, but one of the most practical and comfortable articles of clothing to own. However, once the new millennium got under way, the former fashion staple was tossed to the back of our closets and nearly forgotten.

Well, as we all know what’s old is new again when it comes to fashion. Needless to say, our favorite denim blouse is back and more versatile than ever. Paired with a colorful maxi-skirt or khaki shorts, denim tops whether short or long-sleeved have fashionistas clamoring for the classic blue-hued basic.