Beauty

Must-See TV: TLC’s ‘Dare to Wear’ Hosted by Tai Beauchamp Premieres TONIGHT!

June 12, 2015

If you’re into beauty and fashion, chances are you’re very familiar with Tai Beauchamp.

The super savvy former editor and style influencer is now the host of TLC’s brand new series, “Dare to Wear.” The makeover show premieres tonight and won’t be your typical transformative style series. Each show will feature two participants with opposite fashion tastes who will be forced to swap wardrobes. Once they realize that they have to wear the other person’s “out there” clothes, they’ll discover a sense of self-worth and learn to embrace change…in a good way.

Tai Beauchamp Photo Credit: Courtesy of TLC

Tai has most recently been a regular on “The View’s” “Must-Have Mondays” segment, but I’ve been following her work since I was in college. She’s worked as a writer/editor at some of the most prominent magazines in the industry, including Seventeen, O, The Oprah Magazine and Vibe Vixen. In fact, when I first moved to NYC over 12 years ago, I reached out to Tai in hopes of getting some insight into the magazine publishing industry. She graciously obliged and treated me to a lovely lunch at the now closed, posh brunch hotspot—Mayrose. I valued her sage advice about the business and have admired and rooted for her success ever since!

So, please tune in tonight to catch Tai doing what she does best, helping individuals realize their beauty (and style) from the inside out.

Check a clip from the show below:

Style Expert Tai Beauchamp’s “Dare to Wear” airs on TLC, Fridays at 10Pm, EST

Are you a fan of makeover shows? Will you be tuning in tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: Dove Takes BGG to NYC’s Governor’s Ball

June 12, 2015

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the epic, revitalizing weekend I had last week.

Thanks to Dove, I attended the 4th Annual Governor’s Ball music festival on Randall’s Island here in New York City. While the 3-day festival took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I was so happy to have attended the last day. Unfortunately, the two previous days seemed to have pretty crappy weather. Sunday was sunny, warm and basically picture-perfect. The only downside was that I wasn’t familiar with many of the artists that performed that day. But hey, music is music, right?

Despite not knowing many of the bands, I had an amazingly relaxing time hanging out in Dove’s exclusive VIP cabana. Not only was the super posh cabana comfy and shaded, but it was also the best seat in the house with sick views of the main stage.

Dove didn’t miss a detail with the coordinating and inviting decor.

Governor’s Ball balloons provided a festive flair to the event. \

I got a cool manicure to match my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

I got a cool manicure to complement my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

In addition to being treated to food, drinks and great music, we also received a brief lesson in what makes Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash and Beauty Bar the best personal cleansers on the market. Its scent-sational mandarin tiare flower fragrance makes it one of my favorites. In fact, I included it in my must-haves for spring a few weeks ago. Its NutriMoisture technology leaves skin super smooth after just one wash! I have exceptionally dry skin and it makes my skin supple and incredibly soft.

Dove go fresh Revitalize Beauty Bar with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent, available at mass retailers nationwide, $3.79 (2-pack)

Dove go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent available at mass retailers nationwide, $6.99

For those who have been reading BGG for some time, know how much I truly love Dove. From their empowering and inspiring messages for women and young girls to their outstanding products, it’s a brand that I support. And, this past weekend is one that I won’t soon forget!

Are you planning to attend any music festivals this summer? Have you tried Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash or Beauty

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty | Leave a Comment

Product Review: Motions Nourish & Care Leave-In Detailer and Scalp Balm

June 8, 2015

As a beauty writer/editor, I’ve come across countless hair care products for just about all types.

But, when it comes to sharing them with you guys, only the cream of the crop make the cut. Motions is a brand that I’ve used for years, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered that it does wonders on my daughter’s hair.

Granted, I try not to use too many products on her hair, but Motions Nourish & Care Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler has become my go-to for getting rid of her pesky tangles. Since her hair gets knotted easily, using the leave-in immediately after washing and deep conditioning is a must. Thankfully, combing through her curls becomes effortless with just a few sprays. The mix of the Vitamin E, silk proteins and keratin-based formula glides over her strands separating them with ease.

In conjunction with the leave-in detangler, I use Motions Nourish & Care Stimulating Scalp Balm to give her hair a smooth finish. It isn’t greasy, doesn’t have a nasty build-up and seems to moisturize all without weighing her hair down. The ginseng and spearmint oil provides a subtle tingling to help get her scalp’s circulation going, which helps prevent dandruff. Plus, the scent is pleasant and isn’t overpowering.

Motions has always been a good line for relaxed hair, but their new formulas are a must-have for us naturalistas!

Ava before and after I use Motions Leave-In Detangler and Stimulating Scalp Balm. I use it daily on her hair and couldn’t be happier with the results.

Motions Nourish & Care Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler available here, $4

Motions Nourish & Care Stimulating Scalp Balm available here, $5

Do you use Motions products? If so, what’s been your experience with the brand?

Category: Beauty, Hair | Leave a Comment

Crazy for Coral: 6 Sizzling Lip Colors for Summer

June 4, 2015

This summer it’s all about bold, coral lip colors.

At first I was a bit hesitant to rock the in-you-face shade. But, after trying a few colors from some of my fave brands I’m now on board! There’s something about the reddish-orange shade that just screams summer. When I wear a coral lip, I tend to use bronzer on cheeks instead of my typical pink blush for a more fun-in-the-sun look.

Whether you prefer a glossy shimmer, modern matte finish or something in between, finding a coral that complements your skin tone should be easy!

Hanging out with friends wearing Fashion Fair’s Moroccan Spice.

Check out these orange-y offerings:

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick available here, $21

Maybelline Color Sensationals Vivids Lip Color in Electric Orange available here, $5.50

SheaMoisture Lip Stain in Bari available here, $11

MUA Super Sparkle Lipgloss in Coral exclusively available at CVS, $7

Maybelline Color Sensationals The Mattes in Craving Coral available here, $5.60

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger available here, $16

Are you a fan of coral lip colors?

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Dove Releases Book To Inspire Curly-Haired Girls

May 18, 2015

There are so many reasons to love Dove.

From the brand’s powerful messages of self-empowerment to the tried-and-true products that make it a household name— the skin and hair care company is now giving us curly girls one more thing to add to that list.

Today the brand launched “Love Your Curls,” a book dedicated to women who bear naturally curly manes. As an extension of Dove’s short film and campaign of the same name, the book was inspired by the countless stories and photos shared by real women as a result of the moving film.

“Love Your Curls” is available for free download at iTunes, Amazon and GooglePlay

Written by New York Times best-selling author, Taiye Selasi, the book is packed with beautiful poems to encourage women and young girls to embrace their oftentimes under-valued curly hair. The poetic tribute is complemented by lovely water color drawings by award-winning illustrator, Annick Poirier, making it a wonderful gift for yourself or special curly-haired little one.

Not only is it available as a free digital e-book, but each download at Dove.com/LoveYourCurls allows users to personalize the book by creating a self-written dedication and watercolor portrait.

In a world that bombards us women with incessant messages and images of how we should change our appearances to meet certain”beauty standards,” it’s refreshing to have brands such as Dove encouraging us to celebrate who we are naturally.

Being a mom to a young curly-haired girl, I’m always looking for ways to support her self-confidence and this book seems like just the tool to give her that boost.

Check out the “Love Your Curls” video below:

How do you encourage young girls in your life to embrace their natural beauty? Did you struggle with self-image issues growing up?

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

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

Unilever & Keep America Beautiful Launch Rinse. Recycle. Reimagine. Campaign

May 8, 2015

If you’re a bath and beauty hoarder…I mean lover like me, chances are your bathroom is overrun with products. There’s no denying that trying new products is exhilarating, but those beauty buys eventually become empty plastic bottles cluttering your space. Do yourself and the environment a favor by clearing them out and properly recycling.

Unilever, the company behind some of our favorite brands such as Dove, Vaseline and Motions, has teamed up with Keep America Beautiful to launch “Rinse. Recycle. Reimagine.“—a campaign created to encourage and motivate product lovers like us to recycle. Unilever uncovered survey findings that suggest that the average American has at least 8 empty bottles lying around their bathroom at any given time—now that’s a lot of plastic that can be repurposed!

There’s a social component to the initiative too. Unilever is asking us to snap a pic of empty bath and beauty bottles and share them on Twitter and Instagram using #ReimagineThat and #Sweeps for a chance to win some cool prizes.

Being a beauty editor, it’s no surprise that I have TONS of products that are dying to have a date with the recycling bin and this campaign is just the inspiration I needed to take action.

So gather up those empty lotion, shampoo and body wash bottles and get to decluttering all while helping to persevere our beautiful earth!