Crazy for jane iredale’s New Lip Crayons

When it comes to press events, jane iredale’s beauty launches are always a treat to attend.

To celebrate their new lineup for fall, beauty editors and bloggers not only got to play with their new “PlayOn” lip crayons, but also with REAL paint. Yep, we had the opportunity to learn about their latest mineral-based makeup offerings while unleashing our inner Picasso!

jane-iredale-fall

While my “masterpiece” proved that I’m no Vincent Van Gogh, I am a pro at spotting great lippies and these are must-haves!

Available in 7 striking shades, these creamy lip crayons are easy to apply and pack a bold punch of color. Plus, they keep lips super moisturized and conditioned thanks to their Castor Seed Oil and Vitamin E base.

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jane iredale “PlayOn” Lip Crayon available here, $18 each

And who said crayons were just for kids?  😉

What’s on your “back-to-school” makeup list for fall?  

BGG is COCOTIQUE’s Blogger of the Month!

I have some pretty exciting news to share…COCOTIQUE has named me their Blogger of the Month for August!

In case you’ve been living under a rock, COCOTIQUE is a monthly subscription beauty service that caters to us BGs. If you’re always on the hunt for the best beauty and hair buys, but aren’t sure you want to commit—this service is for you! Instead of purchasing full-size pricey shampoos or luxe liners that you’ve been eyeing, COCOTIQUE allows you to test out these products without breaking the bank.

Each month you will receive samples from skin care, hair care, fragrance, nail and lifestyle companies delivered to your doorstep for only $20/per month! How cool and convenient is that? Plus, it’s a cost-effective way to satisfy your beauty and hair product fix.

That’s why I’m beyond honored to have the opportunity to share my thoughts on blogging, style and of course beauty with the innovative, BG-owned brand. Be sure to check it out here and pass it on! 😉

Cocotique

 

Click here for the entire Q&A.

Do you subscribe to any beauty or hair subscription services?

 

Take the My Black Is Beautiful ‘All Together Beautiful’ Challenge!

With Misty Copeland becoming the first African-American principal dancer at the American Theatre Ballet last week and Serena Williams making history with her four consecutive Grand Slam titles in Wimbledon this past weekend, we know that black girls rock! There’s no denying that we can accomplish any feat and break down any barrier placed before us. We are smart, beautiful and powerful!

That’s why Procter & Gamble’s (the company behind beauty brands such as Covergirl, Pantene and Olay) My Black Is BeautifulAll Together Beautiful” campaign is the perfect way to celebrate us. In a world where beauty is often defined by the outer exterior, this challenge invites Black women and girls to redefine the standard of beauty as a standard that defines beauty by – integrity, strength, character and spirit, as well as values positive actions, and celebrates those who are reaffirm this standard everyday.

Far too often neither our inner nor outer beauty is appreciated or acknowledged in mainstream media, TV or films—leaving it up to us to honor ourselves.  And, while self-love is great, it’s just as important to support, uplift and encourage our fellow BGs too! That’s why I’m thrilled to share this “pay it forward” challenge with you!

ESSENCE relationship editor Charreah Jackson is one of the editors who has embraced the "All Together Beautiful" campaign.

ESSENCE relationship editor Charreah Jackson is one of the editors who has embraced the “All Together Beautiful” campaign.

Simply follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Record a video that celebrates a woman who you believe is “All Together Beautiful”.
2. Share this video across your social media pages using hashtags #MBIB & #AllTogetherBeautiful
3. Challenge another woman by tagging them on social media to do the same for someone else.

Check out the video below to hear whom a few editors and online influencers believe are “all together beautiful!”:

Who do you believe is “All Together Beautiful?” 

Beauty Buy: CARGO Cosmetics New Gel Lip Colors

During the summer months I usually opt for a less-is-more look. Who can be bothered with heavy makeup while fighting constant humidity? Not me.

That’s why I’ve been obsessed with CARGO cosmetic’s new 2015 limited edition Gel Lip Colors. Not quite a gloss or a balm, this unique beauty buy is definitely a treat for your lips. The soothing gel texture glides on effortlessly and doesn’t create that nasty white film like some glosses and balms. It can be worn alone to moisturize lips while providing a subtle hint of color or added to existing lipstick for an added bit of sheen. I like to use it solo to keep my lips soft and supple. Plus, the adorable skyline packaging and New York City-inspired names (Brooklyn, Soho, Tribeca and Chelsea) make it even more of a fun and practical purchase.

If  simple, hydrated lips is your thing don’t miss out on these offerings.  Remember, they’re a limited edition and won’t last long!

Check them out below:

tribeca-cargoCARGO Limited Edition Gel Lip Color in “Tribeca” available here, $20

cargo-brooklynCARGO Limited Edition Gel Lip Color in “Brooklyn” available here, $20

soho-cargo

CARGO Limited Edition Gel Lip Color in “Soho” available here, $20

chelsea-cargo

CARGO Limited Edition Gel Lip Color in “Chelsea” available here, $20

What’s your go-to summer lip choice: lipstick, balm or gloss?

Show Off Your Patriotic Side With These Festive Polishes

With the Fourth of July only a couple days away, why not celebrate with a patriotic mani? Deck out your digits in festive red, white and blue shades to honor America’s independence.

I’m a bit on the conservative side when it comes to polishes and designs—so rocking a plain white color is probably the extent of my patriotism. But, if you’re feeling a bit more daring, opt for a decorative mix of eye-catching nail art. From flags to fireworks, the options are endless.

Check out these patriotic-inspired polishes to show off at your 4th of July shindig:

mischo-beauty-polish

Mischo Beauty “Billie” Nail Lacquer Set available here, $54

butter-london-sprog

Butter London Nail Lacquer in “Sprog” available here, $15

Flag-nail-decals

American Flag Nail Decals available here, $2 (for a set of 20)

opi-nonstop--white

O.P.I Infinite Shine Lacquer in “Nonstop White” available here, $8

Essie-Leading-Lady

Essie Nail Polish in “Leading Lady” available here, $8.50

jin-soon-cool-blue

JinSoon Nail Polish in “Cool Blue” available here, $18

Do you get creative with your nails or stick to more conservative looks?

Get the Look: Brandy’s Hair at the 2015 BET Awards

Last night’s BET’s Awards was one to remember. From the Bad Boy to the Janet Jackson dance tribute, the night was filled with moving speeches and memorable performances.

But, being the hair and beauty buff that I am, I couldn’t help but notice Brandy’s gorgeous blow-out! Since joining the cast of “The Game,” it seems like the former teen pop star/actress has been more daring with her hairstyles. Perhaps her character, Chardonnay, has inspired her to step outside the box and rock looks beyond the braids that she made famous in the ’90s.

Hair stylist Tymothe Wallace for Motions Hair Care created her eye-catching ‘do. Inspired by Barbie, Wallace put a natural spin on the typically long and straight look. “Brandy is an icon—she can do no wrong! Tonight she wanted to look like Barbie in her metallic party dress so we went for the natural version,” he said. Plus, Wallace gave it an ultra-modern edge so it didn’t look too retro.

I’m a huge fan of celebrities and fashionistas wearing natural and textured hairstyles on the red carpet. Just a few years ago (in the era of relaxers) this would not have been as acceptable or deemed as beautiful as it is today. Kudos to Brandy for embracing this statement-making style!

brandy-betPhoto via Brandy’s Instagram

To get her lovely look, check out the following steps:

How to:

Prep hair with Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter to tame hair and reduce breakage. Next, wash hair with Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser and Smoothing Conditioner to add moisture and improve manageability. Lock in moisture with Motions Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler to enhance natural texture. Finish with Motions Light Hold Working Spritz for hold and Motions Indulgent Oil Spray for shine

Products Used:

*Motions Natural Textures Pre-Wash Detangling Butter

*Motions Natural Textures Moisturizing Cleanser

*Motions Natural Textures Smoothing Conditioner

*Motions Active Moisture Leave-in Detangler

*Motions Light Hold Working Spritz

*Motions Indulgent Oil Spray

Did you like Brandy’s hair? Whose style did you like the most last night? 

Product Review: Proactiv Really Works to Fight Pimples!

There might only be one week left in June, but there’s still time to acknowledge Acne Awareness Month.

Since having my son nearly 2 years ago, I’ve suffered from a mild form of the common skin problem. When I first noticed cyst-like bumps forming around my nose, chin and forehead, I figured that it was just hormonal. I knew that my body was changing, but I didn’t anticipate the unsightly pimples to persist as long as they did.  As soon as one would go away, another was waiting in the wings to replace it!

In the beginning, I avoided using any salicylic or benzoyl peroxide topical treatments because I was breastfeeding and didn’t want to harm my baby for the sake of vanity. But, after that was no longer a factor, I opted for all of the over-the-counter creams, gels and pastes I could get my hands on. After many trials and error, Proactiv quickly became my go-to product for tackling my new, uninvited friends.  I don’t know why I hadn’t tried it sooner because the popular brand is practically synonymous with fighting acne. The benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid-based formula works wonders. For nearly a month, I’ve used a variety of products including: Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, Pore Targeting Treatment, Complexion Hydrator and Emergency Blemish Relief.

ProactivProactiv products available here, (prices vary)

Initially, I noticed a bit of excessive drying after using the Pore Targeting Treatment twice a day. After eliminating an application, the system worked brilliantly. The emergency zit cream is the best. It stops pimple in their tracks if applied at the onset of forming. In fact, I keep it in my purse just in case I need to zap a few zits. It dries clear so there’s no need to only use it at bedtime.

If you’re like me and WELL beyond your teen years and find yourself suffering from acne, give Proactiv a try. I know the cheesy infomercials can be a turnoff, but the stuff really works—at least for me! I’m hoping that eventually my body goes back to normal and I won’t need to use it anymore, but until then it will continue to be a mainstay in my medicine cabinet.

Have you ever suffered from adult acne? If so, what have you used to treat it?