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One in a Million

July 20, 2011

If you’re looking for a mascara with a ‘lash’ up on all of the competition, L’Oreal Paris’ brand-new Voluminous Million Lashes in Carbon Black is your best bet. The sleek gold tube contains an innovative brush with bristles that successfully separates lashes preventing clumping. Plus, the formula includes jojoba and palm oil to help soften and conditions while creating long, thick lashes. I’ve always been a fan of Maybelline’s Great Lash, but this mascara definitely has me reconsidering my options.

What’s your favorite mascara brand? One lucky reader will win a tube of L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes in Carbon Black. Simply like Brown Girl Gumbo on Facebook or Tweet me your favorite mascara brand to be entered for the contest. The winner will be announced on Friday.

Available at drugstores nationwide for $8.95

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Category: Beauty | 3 Comments

Beach Buddy

July 18, 2011

Even though I just returned from a fun Miami getaway with my girls, the real BFF on vacation was my Co-Lab Christopher Kon tote. The large canvas bag allowed me to cram all of my beach essentials from flip flops to sunblock to my iPad. I literally couldn’t leave my hotel room without grabbing the comfortable and practical all-purpose bag. Plus, it helped served as my carryon at the airport too.

Before you book your summer vacay be sure to pack a great beach bag.

Check out some of these totally cool totes:

Lesportsac Beach Tote available at www.bloomingdales.com for $88

Kate Spade Cabana Stripe Raelin Tote available at www.katespade.com for $147

Lanvin Flower Denim Tote available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $663

Juicy Couture Gen Y Je T’aime Tote available at www.juicycouture.com for $88

See by Chloe Tote available at www.couture.zappos.com for $65

Volcom Keep It Up Beach Tote available at www.pacsun.com for $29

Do you own a beach bag?

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Category: Fashions, Totes | 4 Comments

Achieve Flawless Skin with Ambi

July 13, 2011

Have you ever seen that Ambi commercial where actress Tika Sumpter’s and Bre’s (from America’s Next Top Model) skin looks beautifully bronzed and picture-perfect? Well, I know that I’ll probably never have glowing, flawless skin like they appear to have in the commercial, but I can definitely attempt! Ambi’s Essenitals Gentle Cleanser ($4.99) and Daily Moisturizer with SPF (4.99) are two products that I’m hoping will help me achieve a radiant camera-ready look!

I’ve actually used the moisturizer by itself a few times with good results, but I haven’t tried using it along with the soap-free cleanser. Will keep you guys updated.

**Are you a fan of Ambi products? Want to try the two aforementioned products? If so, leave a comment about your summer skin regimen. A winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

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Category: Beauty | 9 Comments

Hipp x RGB Nails It!

July 11, 2011

We BGs know that when we read the term, “nude,” to describe anything from bras to nail polish, the neutral shade probably won’t blend in with our beautiful sun-kissed skin. Thanks to Hipp x RGB, we can now paint our nails flesh-toned pigments that actually complement our complexions.

Right now, there are only two lacquers (one for medium-dark and the other for chocolate with red undertones)

One of the two shades’ muse is the beautiful Kerry Washington.

($16) that match our varying skin tones, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Hey, maybe Iman needs to do an entire line of “nudes” for us BGs!

Do you wear “nude” polishes?

**Btw, the winner of the Belle in Brooklyn, by Demetria Lucas is Carla. Congratulations! Please send me your mailing address.

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Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Beauty On-the-Go!

July 7, 2011

For a girl on-the-go, portable personal care items are a must. L.A Fresh has a wide variety of 100% pre-moistened wipes including: nail polish removers, oil-free face cleansers, makeup removers, body soothers, and hand sanitizers. These incredibly convenient cosmetic packets come in handy if you’re out and about and need a quick beauty fix. Plus, they’re all free of parabens, dyes, artificial fragrances and animal byproducts.

My favorite is the nail polish remover. They’re great to keep in your handbag in case you find yourself in need of an instant remedy to chipped nails. One single wipe removes polish and conditions all 10 nails while leaving behind a light, refreshing scent.

If you’re always on the go, these handy wipes are a must-have!

18-Count Trial Pack is available at www.lafreshgroup.com for $9.99

Have you ever used L.A Fresh products?

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Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Keep the Post-4th Fireworks Going with White-Hot Jeans

July 5, 2011

When it comes to style, nothing says summer like a pair of curve-hugging white jeans. Now’s the time to ditch the dark denims for a lighter, brighter look. Remember, rocking white jeans isn’t for the faint of heart since they tend to accentuate our “assets,” whether that’s the aim or not. Whether you favor flares, skinnies, boot cuts, or wide-legged, finding a pair that suits your style will be easy.

Just be sure to take an honest friend with you to get necessary feedback on whether your finds are figure-flattering or a denim defeat.

Celebrity Pink Jean Skinny Fit available at www.macys.com for $34

Cropped Ankle Zip Jeans available at www.bergdorfgoogman.com for $97

Flare Leg Stellar Regular Fit Jean available at www.express.com for $39.99

Front Seam White Bell-Bottom Jean available at www.shopadam.com for $225

Hudsons Signature Boot Cut White available www.hudsonjeans.com for $165

Paige Denim Lou Lou Flare available at www.revolveclothing.com for $179

Modern Crop White Jean available www.loft.com for $54.50

White Denim Trouser available at www.bananarepublic.com for $89.50

Do you wear white jeans during the summer?

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Category: Fashion | 5 Comments

Heading to the Essence Music Festival?

July 1, 2011

If you’re one of the thousands making their way to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this weekend, be sure to check out Carol’s Daughter Pop-Up Store! From today through the 3rd, the natural beauty company will open its doors for a weekend-only boutique in New Orleans.

Throughout the weekend, you’ll be able to get a sneak sniff of Mary J. Blige’s newest fragrance, My Life Blossom, as well as see a few our favorite celebrities including the faces of Carol’s Daughter (Solange Knowles, Cassie, and Selita Ebanks), as well as Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, The Braxtons and more!

How will you be celebrating the holiday? The hubby and I will be attending the Macy’s 4th Of July Fireworks media event compliments of my friends over at Macy’s. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited to see Beyonce perform. Should be an interesting evening! Will report back on Tuesday if it’s good.

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Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments

More Bang for Your Beauty

June 29, 2011

Betcha didn’t know that you can buy more than beautifying products on the popular Beauty.com website. That’s right, now the cosmetics online retailer boasts a boatload of fashionable finds including bags, shades, shapewear, and jewelry. With brands like Spanx, Ray-Ban, Nicole Miller and more, you’re sure to find the perfect piece to complement your pretty.

Check out a few of my favorite items from Beauty.com:

Christopher Kon “Corie” Tomato Red Clutch, $178

Dogeared 16″ Good Luck Necklace, $54

Spanx “Power Panties,” $30

Ray-Ban Sunglasses, $139.95

Do you find it interesting that an online beauty retailer is branching out to include fashion on its site?

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Category: Fashion | 1 Comment

My Summer Reading Picks

June 23, 2011

Nothing says summer like hitting the beach and curling up with a good read. I’ve always been a fan of self-help books and biographies and the following books don’t disappoint. Whether you download them on your e-Reader, iPad or simply find joy in turning actual paper pages, there are countless books to keep you occupied this summer!

Check out my picks:

“A Belle in Brooklyn,” by Demetria Lucas

Oprah’s Farewell Celebration: Inside 25 Extraordinary Years of the “The Oprah Winfrey Show” bookazine.

“Black Woman Redefined,” by Sophia Nelson

“Starting Over,” by LaToya Jackson

What’s on your reading list for the summer? One lucky reader will win a copy of “A Belle in Brooklyn,” by Demetria Lucas. Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite book genre (non-fiction, fiction, short stories, cookbooks, etc.) and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week. **UPDATE** This contest has been extended until July 8th, so please submit your comments!

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Category: Books | 13 Comments

“Pint-Sized” Travel Sets

June 21, 2011

Since it’s been several years since the TSA deemed it unsafe to tote toiletries and other liquids and gels in quantities exceeding 3.4 oz on commercial airplanes, finding your favorite “pint-sized” products has never been easier. Companies caught on quick by making convenient travel sets of everything from body lotions to shampoos that comply with the security restrictions.

I plan on doing quite a bit of traveling this summer so packing my small-sized essentials should be a cinch with these six sets:

Bliss Lemon & Sage Sinkside Six-Pack Travel Set available at www.macys.com for $25