Beauty News

BGG’s 2015 Holiday Gift Guide

December 7, 2015

With Christmas less than three weeks away, now’s the time to shift your holiday shopping into full gear!

To save you time, I’ve rounded up some of the hottest gifts for everyone on your list. From your “Scandal”-obsessed co-worker to your artistically creative nephew, I’ve got you covered! Plus, these thoughtful presents won’t break the bank.

Read on for the gifts that are sure to make your loved ones’ holiday merry!

Give the gift of gorgeous hair with Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk Gift Set. The ultra moisturizing formula will quench curls, coils, kinks and waves. Plus, the set includes a bonus pair of Monoi products. Available here, $42

We all know a selfie queen (or king). Shake up their digital world with this retro Instax Mini 8 camera that will capture memories and print them instantly. Available here, $74

This Dove Cool Moisture Gift Bag will be a hit with anyone who loves feeling fresh and clean! Available here, $15

Any little brown girl would love this adorable Ikuzi Doll. Her curly hair and big brown eyes will make her a stunning standout in your child’s collection. Available here, $65

Gift the Sleeping Beauty in your life with this luxurious Iluminage eye mask. It boasts a copper-based technology that rejuvenates skin during slumber. Available here, $32

Brighten any kitchen with this eye-catching Keurig 2.0 K250 Coffee Maker w/My K-Cup 29 K-Cup Pods & Filter Set. Available here, $89

Auntie Oprah always knows best! “O’s Little Guide to Finding Your True Purpose” will get you pumped up and on the path toward fulfilling your destiny. This trusty guide is packed with inspiration and advice, this book (also available as an audiobook) makes the perfect present to start the new year. Available here, $15

Who said fancy face creams and luxe cleansers were just for us ladies? Your guy will gush (maybe not in your presence!) over these Anthony goodies. Available here, $52

The gift for your coffee-guzzling co-worker is handled! This “What Would Olivia Pope Do” mug is a must for die-hard “Scandal” fans. Available here, $20

Calling all kids, Crayola has done it again! Color Alive Easy Animation Studio is an incredibly innovative app that will get kids’ creativity flowing. Through the free app, children can virtually bring their drawings to life! The kids’ colored creation responds to the movable mannequin making this a fun animated must-have. Available here, $25

Try not to keep this smoldering “In the Blink of An Eye” kit from jane iredale for yourself. It’ll be hard, but your gift recipient’s eyes will surely light up with delight! Buy here, $50

Get the party started wherever you go with this portable Bose SoundLink Color Bluetooth Speaker. Available here, $120

Give a gift that will keep on giving. This wooden Stacking Train will have the toddler in your life playing for hours on end while 100% of its proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Buy it here, $18

Have you finished your holiday shopping? What’s the one gift on your list?

GIVEAWAY: EcoTools Holiday Brush Sets + Ulta $50 Gift Card!

December 2, 2015

The holidays are officially upon us!

If you’re looking to gift the beauty buff in your life, you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to applying makeup, there’s very little one can do without using a brush. Well, there are some products that can instantly beautify without using a bristled tool, but you get the point.

The popular eco-friendly brand, EcoTools, has several brush sets that would make any makeup maven happy. First up is their Festive & Flawless Set. This five-piece collection is designed to brighten your complexion and provide buildable, coverage that will last all day long.

Festive & Flawless Brush Set is available here, $14.99

The set includes: Flat Concealer Brush, Buffing Concealer Brush, Precision Foundation Brush, Complexion Blending Brush and Full Powder Brush. If you use liquid or powder foundation, be sure to make circular motions with the Complexion Blending Brush for a flawless finish.

Next, their Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Set is perfect for those who may suffer from blemishes and minor imperfections that require specific coverage. This self-wrapped set comes with a Mattifying Finish Brush, Skin Perfecting Brush, Eye Perfecting Brush and Correcting Concealer Brush. The latter’s duo bristles easily picks up and distributes concealer making dark circles and redness disappear.

Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Brush Set is available here, $19.99

Lastly, the final set is a must-have because it’s got the bases covered! The Mini Essentials Set comes with the three basic brushes every woman needs in her makeup bag. It includes: Full Powder Brush, Eye Shading Brush and Angled Liner Brush. Whether you want to distribute powder, add color to cheeks or created smoky, defined eyes this will be your go-to set! Plus, its compact size makes it easy to tote in a clutch or purse.

Mini Essentials Holiday Set is available here, $5.99

All of the brushes are beautifully designed and are of coursed packaged in recycled materials. Their sleek, signature bamboo handles make gifting these beauties guilt-free because they’re not adding to our environmental issues.

Guess what? I’m giving away each of these sets including a $50 Ulta gift card! Simply leave a comment or Tweet (@browngirlgumbo) telling me what’s the one beauty product you can’t live without. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on December 16th. This contest is only open for U.S. residents.

What’s the one beauty product that you can’t live without?

CoverGirl & ‘Star Wars’ Team Up for a Fab Collaboration

December 1, 2015

You don’t have to be a “Star Wars” nerd to know that the quintessential sci-fi classic is releasing a new installment, “The Force Awakens” on December 18th. While I’m not psyched to see the film (shh…I’ve never seen any of the movies), I am excited about CoverGirl’s makeup collaboration with the forthcoming release.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will open in theaters nationwide, December 18th.

The out-of-this-world collection is for adventurous beauty buffs who aren’t afraid of being bold. The limited-edition line includes a variety of mascaras, nail polishes and lipsticks. Each of the products fall under a “light” or “dark” side as a fun reference to the film.

Check out the entire CoverGirl “Star Wars: “The Force Awakens” Star Wars” collection here, starting at $5.49.

Admittedly, the silver and gold lipsticks are a bit too far out for my taste. But, the rest of the collection is great. In fact, I’m obsessed with the dark purple lippie. It goes on smooth and doesn’t have that greasy feel without being matte. It’s perfect for the winter months when you want to go for a dark, vampy look.

Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or a beauty buff, this collaboration is a must!

Are you a Star Wars fan? If so, are you planning to see “The Force Awakens?”

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | Leave a Comment

Mizani Launches New True Textures Line

November 19, 2015

Known for being the authority on relaxers, Mizani has now launched an entirely new line for naturals—True Textures!

The L’Oreal-owned brand has done a complete overhaul of its former True Textures line and has upgraded it with products to enhance our curls, coils and waves. The 8-product line includes: Moisture Replenish Shampoo, Moisture Replenish Conditioner, Cream Cleansing Conditioner, Style Refresher Milk, Curl Enhancing Lotion, Curl Define Pudding, Intense Moisture Replenish Treatment, Twist and Coil Jelly. All of the products are infused with natural ingredients such as marula, olive and coconut oils, which provide a balanced level of deeper moisture for creating gorgeous curls.

My ultimate favorite is the Twist and Coil Jelly. The consistency is of course like jelly and the smell is downright divine. It gives hair the hold it needs for optimal definition, without the flakiness or dryness that comes with other brands.

While Mizani is a professional brand, these product are incredibly consumer-friendly. Ever since cutting my hair a couple of months ago, I was hesitant that my former shoulder-length twist-outs would look like a bunch of shrunken crinkles, that has not been the case. I’m loving my short curly Afro and Mizani’s new products have made my transition to short hair so much easier.

From professional hairstylists to bloggers like me, this new line is sure to be a favorite amongst those who love and care for natural hair.

To purchase Mizani’s True Textures visit shopsalon.com.

Have you ever used Mizani? What’s your favorite natural haircare brand?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Hair | 1 Comment

Get Zestfully Clean with NEW Fruitboost Shower Gels

November 9, 2015

Being a body wash buff, I’m always on the hunt for the latest and greatest when it comes to cleansing gels.

A few weeks ago, Zest launched Fruitboost—four scent-sational shower gels and I couldn’t be happier. Available in Citrus Splash, Very Berry, Pomegranate Acai Berry and Peach Mango, Each of the fragrances smell heavenly, but my ultimate favorite is the Citrus Splash. A delightful mix of lime, orange a lemon, it’s simply sublime.

Infused with vitamin C and twice the concentration, a little goes a long way. It says that it can last up to 40 showers, but because I tend to use a lot of shower gel, I doubt that it’s going to last beyond half of that. I’ve heard that too much lather isn’t good, but I’m a sucker for an abundance of sudsy bubbles! Each of the shower gels leaves my skin feeling, you guessed it—zestfully clean!

The New York City launch of Zest Fruitboost Shower Gels was befittingly held at Dylan’s Candy Bar. The shower gels are sold exclusively at Walmart, $2.99

Plus, the best part about these body washes is that they’re comparable to those sold in bath and body specialty stores, but at a fraction of the price! The practical upside down design makes it possible to squeeze out the very last drop.

If you’re getting a head start on holiday shopping, these would make great stocking stuffers for all the women on your list.

What’s your favorite shower gel brand or scent?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Body Scrubs | Leave a Comment

Stay Fresh & Dry with Dove

November 3, 2015

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know how much I love all things Dove. Well, the brand’s Beauty Finish Dry Spray antiperspirant deodorant is no different.

I’ve always used roll-on or stick antiperspirants, but had never given sprays a try. Boy, have I been missing out! It’s so easy to use and it smells so good! Typically, deodorant scents start to bother me after a while, but surprisingly the fruity & floral fragrance doesn’t aggravate me at all. It keeps me dry and works up to 48 hours. Since I shower daily and sometimes twice a day, I haven’t been able to find out if that selling point rings true. But, I’m sure it does because Dove always exceeds expectations.

Dove Beauty Finish Dry Spray available here, $5.49

Also, since I suffer from extremely sensitive skin (especially my underarms) this spray doesn’t irritate me at all. Again, that’s because Dove formulates their products with those with sensitive skin in mind. Plus, did I mention how it goes on dry and doesn’t create that unpleasant residue? One day I was in such a rush that I threw on a gray top and got a bit of the spray on it. Within seconds it was completely dry and no trace of it was in sight!

If you want to stay dry and smelling fresh all day long, give Dove’s Beauty Finish Dry Spray a go. Be prepared to never go back to sticks or roll-ons!

What’s your favorite antiperspirant/deodorant?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Health | Leave a Comment

Great Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gifts

May 8, 2015

Mother’s Day is less than two days away. If you’re like me and waited until the last minute to purchase a gift for the most special woman in your life, don’t panic—BGG’s got you covered.

I’ve rounded up some great gift ideas that will make your mom smile and put you in the running for winning the best daughter of the year award!

From tried-and-true floral arrangements to sniff-worthy scents, these finds are sure to make your Mother’s Day a smashing success.

Check out these great last-minute gifts:

If you’re planning on stocking up on must-have beauty picks for mom, be sure to go to Beauty.com because if you spend $150 or more, you can give her a bonus with this cute sample-packed Embroidered Rose Lela Rose Designer Clutch. Filled with luxe finds from popular brands such as H20 and Bare Minerals to name a few.

Who doesn’t love juicy fruit dipped in decadent chocolate? Treat mom to a Half-Dozen Gourmet Dipped Chocolate Strawberries here, $20. Don’t worry, if you order today they’ll get there by tomorrow!

This warm weather-inspired 3-in-1 shampoo, bubble bath and body wash will wash away all of your mother’s worries. Hey, we’ll drink to that! Philosophy ‘The Lemonade Stand’ 3-in-1 Shampoo, Shower Gel and Bubble Bath available here, $26 (Also available in Sephora stores)

Ultra-feminine, this tantalizing scent of orange, pear, rose and vanilla will leave mom smelling heavenly. Tocca Beauty ‘Isabel’ available here, $68

For all the sweet kisses that mom bestowed on you growing up, keep her lips moisturized with these lemon-scented balms. jane iredale LipDrink SPF 15 Lip Balm available here, $15 (each)

Show me a mom and I’ll show you a woman who adores flowers. Give your mom this pretty pink and yellow bouquet to show how much you care. ‘Fields of Europe’ arrangement available here, $60

Have you already made or purchased your Mother’s Day gift? If you’re a home, what are you hoping to receive on your special day?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | Leave a Comment