My Summer Beauty Basics

Even though the mercury’s been rising consistently for several weeks now, summer doesn’t officially start until next week. So in order to endure the balmy season, you’ll need to have a few few basic summer beauty essentials.

For me, that includes the following:

Bold nail polish is my absolute favorite accessory during the summer. A pop of color adds a bit of whimsy to any ensemble. Essie always has a wide variety of eye-catching colors ideal for summer.


Instead of blotting, using a mattifying spritz like Skindinavia’s No More Shine is a refreshing alternative for tackling oily skin.


My new obsession has been the combination of a gloss and balm like Topshop’s Gloss Stick. It’s not too sticky, but gives just the right amount of shine.


We all know the importance of sunscreen, but unfortunately not enough of us actually use products that protect our skin from the sun’s rays. When I recently ran out of my tried-and-true Olay, I decided to give Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream with SPF a try and I’ve been pleased with the results.


Nothing says summer like beautifully bronzed skin. Iman’s Afterglow Bronzer does the trick. The mix of pinks and gold makes your skin look sun-kissed.

What are your beauty must-haves of the season?

21 Drops of Heaven

After a busy week, unwinding is the first goal on my long list of to-do’s this weekend. Luckily, I’ll have some help getting a little R&R thanks to my newfound love of aromatherapy.

21 Drops, a modern line of therapeutic grade essential oils has a trio kit aptly called, “The Weekender,” that includes “passion,” “sleep,” and “hangover” oils. Collectively blended from jasmine flower, sandalwood, and juniper fruit oil, this senses-stimulating set will have you bringing your sexy back, slumbering soundly, and detoxing from excess.


Available at www.21drops.com for $74.00

Do you use aromatherapy?

**The winner of the Dermablend brush set is: Tiffany, congratulations! Please send me your mailing address no later than Friday, June 17th.

Taking it to the Max!

Wearing long skirts has never been my thing. However, after seeing how lovely my BFF, Azeeza, looked donning a Zara maxi during her recent trip to Italy, I’ve refocused my fashion lens. Paired with a fitted tank or flowy blouse, maxi skirts can look polished and chic, yet still summery and laid-back.

While I admire the stylish, floor-skimming skirts on others, I’m still “skirting” around the idea of rocking this sure-to-be sizzling trend.


Azeeza wearing a Zara skirt, DVF top, Furla handbag, and Urban Outfitters sandals during her visit to Italy.

Check out this cool mix of maxis:


Free People Ruffle Maxi available at www.macys.com for $88


Asos Chiffon Maxi available at www.asos.com for $60.34


Elizabeth and James Flared Skirt available at www.saks.com for $265


Ella Moss Cali Chevron Maxi available at www.nordstrom.com for $138


Eternal Sunshine Creations Maxi available at www.revolveclothing.com for $149


Gamboling Maxi available at www.anthropologie.com for $228


Jasmine Blue Lable Ralph Lauren Maxi available at www.ralphlauren.com for $169


Maxi Prairie Skirt available at www.forever21.com for $22.80


Jasmine Silk Skirt available at www.ralphlauren.com for $169


Weekend Max Mara Faiti Ikat Maxi available at www.saks.com for $205


Tibi Silk Maxi available at www.saks.com for $297


Melissa Odabash Hannah Split-Leg Maxi available at www.theoutnet.com for $70

Are you a fan of maxi skirts?

Giveaway: Dermablend Celebrates Its 30-Year Anniversary

I’ve never been a big fan of foundations for everyday use, but I can NOT go a day without wearing concealer. Since my college years, I’ve worn Dermablend concealers to hide blemishes and diminish the appearance of dark under-eye circles.

Not only does Dermablend conceal minor imperfections, but it is known for its outstanding coverage of unsightly scars, tattoos and various skin ailments. This year the popular makeup brand is celebrating its 30-year anniversary. In honor of making us beautiful for 3 decades, I’m giving away a fabulous professional brush set (includes each of the brushes below) that will help you create a flawless complexion. (a $125 value!)


Concealer Brush, $22


Face & Body Brush, $40


Foundation Brush, $30


Powder Brush, $32

Simply leave a comment telling me what’s your favorite makeup trend for the summer season and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later in the week.

Covergirl & LeSportsac Launch Cute Cosmetic Case Collection

Looking for cute cosmetic bags to tote on your summer getaway? If so, Covergirl has you covered! Last week the beloved brand joined forces with LeSportsac and renowned makeup artist Pat McGrath to create incredibly, adorable and durable cosmetics bags for the beauty buff. The eight-piece collection features never-before seen styles, shades and prints from LeSportsac inspired by Covergirl LipPerfection lipcolor. Ranging in size from small “Kiss Case,” to the large “Professional Carry All,” tote, these makeup cases are a cut above the rest.


Prices range from $25-$120 and will be available at LeSportsac boutiques and on LeSportsac.com.

Do you use makeup bags or toss your goods into your bag loosely?

I’m Not Abandoning BGG!

Don’t think I’ve abandoned you this week, I’ve just been sick. Will be back on Monday. I missed out on several really cool events that I hope to still give you the deets about next week. Until then, have a wonderful weekend!

P.S Does anyone know of a smart, eager individual who would love to cover some of the coolest beauty & fashion events in New York City on my behalf from time to time? Being a full-time working mom, sometimes I can’t attend events that would be great to feature on BGG. If so, please email me!

Dermablend is celebrating its 30th Anniversary and wants

https://www.browngirlgumbo.com/249/

Black is Beautiful!

Over the holiday weekend I finally got the chance to watch the preview of the documentary, “Dark Girls,” directed by Bill Duke. If you’re unfamiliar with the video, it explores the deep-seated biases and attitudes about skin color – particularly women of a dark complexion.

The candor of the documentary’s participants is why this must-see video has captured the attention of thousands. Being a mom to a little girl, I can only hope that as she grows up she will love herself regardless of people’s ignorance.

Have you ever had any internal issues about your skin color? Were you ever teased because you were dark-skinned? Please share your thoughts.

Farewell Oprah…


Courtesy of Harpo

Today marks an end of an era in television. For nearly a quarter of a century, millions of viewers from around the world have tuned in and grown up with The Oprah Winfrey Show. Although I was only 6-years-old when the show first hit the airwaves, like so many other 80s babies, Oprah was THE queen of television in my household.

From shows on domestic violence to unbelievable giveaways, The Oprah Winfrey Show has taught me immensely throughout the years. Plus, being a Chicago native, I feel proud to have lived in the city that built Harpo.

It was always my dream to work for her and a few years ago I came VERY close to fulfilling that goal. However, at the time it was not meant to be. I’m sure that her inspiring and uplifting passion to enlighten the world will continue and ultimately go down in history. Oprah is by far one of America’s greatest teachers and I’m forever grateful.

What’s your favorite Oprah show/memory?

Cool Carol’s Daughter Event for my NYC Beauty Babes

If you’re in the New York City area and are a fan of Carol’s Daughter, there’s an event taking place right now that you won’t want to miss. The brand known for their luscious lathers and sweet skin and hair care products is launching their Monoi collection at Sephora 34th Street today. The new spokesbeauties: Solange, Selita Ebanks and Cassie will be on-hand to celebrate the new hair care collection.

Beginning at 9am today, the first 250 customers to make a Monoi Gift Set purchase at the Sephora 34th street location will receive wristbands enabling them to meet Solange, Selita and Cassie in person later that evening (consumers should bring their own cameras to get their photo taken with the Spokesbeauties; one photo per person). Walk-ins will also be welcome during the consumer portion of the event.