Beauty

Thirty-Four: The Most Beautiful Age Ever!

May 15, 2014

A few weeks ago, I came across an article in PEOPLE magazine’s “Most Beautiful” issue that caught my eye. No, it wasn’t the piece on the stunning cover girl (Lupita Nyong’o) that grabbed my attention, but a spread featuring five celebrity women (Pink, Dania Ramirez, Stacy Keibler, Rachel Leigh Cook, and Laura Prepon) with one thing in common—their age, 34.

Since turning 34 less than two weeks ago, the article and its accompanying photographs were especially timely, inspiring and relatable for me.

According to the piece, a recent study suggests that thirty-four is the age when women feel the best about their bodies.

Seeing my fellow 34-year-old counterparts baring their bodies in celebration of their feminine confidence was refreshing. Admittedly, I’ve struggled with self-image issues like many women throughout the years. But, after birthing two babies I have never been so content with my body. While I’m aware that I need to exercise more to maintain a healthy lifestyle, I no longer beat myself up over certain physical shortcomings.

I’m not sure if I came to this acceptance and appreciation for my body simply because I have two children, one of which was born less than a year ago, or the fact that I’m 34 and finally coming into my own. Actually, I’m sure this mind shift can be attributed more to being a mom the second time around. Watching your body transform and ultimately perform its greatest task is nothing short of amazing.

No matter what the underlying reason is for my newfound confidence, I’m going to cherish every minute of it because 35 is right around the corner!

Me celebrating my 34th birthday with friends at Pio Pio in Manhattan. By the way, I’m wearing Too Faced’s “Melted” lip color in ruby that I wrote about last week.

Are you completely content with your body? If you’re over 30, were you happier with your body in your 20s?

Category: Beauty, Wellness | 1 Comment

Check Out My Family Travel Tips on ESSENCE.com!

May 13, 2014

Recently, I had the opportunity to write for ESSENCE.com’s mom blog (Chic Busy Mom) to share some of my tips on family travel.

It was an honor to lend my “expertise” to such a beloved outlet such as ESSENCE. Please check my must-have travel-friendly products here!

Category: Aveeno, Beauty, Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix | Leave a Comment

Get ‘Melted’ with Too Faced

May 7, 2014

Last week, I had the opportunity to check out the latest offerings from Too Faced at the Mondrian Hotel in Soho.

Being a fan of the brand for years, I expected cool packaging, quirky names and quality products—needless to say, I was not disappointed!

Although there’s notable fanfare for their bronzers and shadows, I rarely hear much buzz about their lip products—but, that’s all about to change.

Melted, their new liquified long-lasting lip color is sure to be a coveted beauty buy. The super pigmented lippie goes on with ease and precision thanks to its built-in brush like tip applicator. With just a slight squeeze the color is transferred seamlessly to lips. No need to worry about a liner or brush because the innovative design makes application effortless. While it goes on like a liquid lipstick, it sets into a rich semi-gloss akin to a stain that lasts for hours!

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long-Wear Lipstick available at Sephora, $21

Available in six shades : Nude, Peony, Coral, Fuchsia, and Ruby. I’m totally obsessed with the Ruby offering. It is one of the few red-based lip colors that doesn’t look clownish with my complexion. Take that Ruby Woo (MAC)! I even rocked it for my birthday dinner (more on that in a future post) and after the meal, my lips still looked good.

If long-lasting, incredibly saturated lip colors are what you’re looking for to update your spring and summer looks, these Melted lippies are a must!

Which shade would you be inclined to try?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | 1 Comment

Get Janelle Monae’s Red Hot Met Gala Look!

May 6, 2014

From Lupita’s violet eyeliner to Beyoncé ‘s vampy pout, some of our favorite BGs donned gorgeous beauty trends at last night’s Met Gala in New York City. But, when it came to effortlessly timeless looks, Janelle Monae’s bold red lip was a standout.

The singer, 28, looked stunning in her signature black & white get-up, accompanied by an intricately embroidered scarlet caplet. The eccentric CoverGirl ambassador complemented her ensemble with an eye-catching, classic red lip.

Makeup artist Jessica Smalls shares how she created the crimson look: “I used a cherry red liner to define her lips, filled them in slightly and accentuated her cupid’s bow. CoverGirl’s richly pigmented, and Janelle’s signature, LipPerfection Lipcolor in Hot #305 was then applied with a lip brush ( for ultimate precision) and an electrifying red carpet look was born!”

Janelle Monae attends attends the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York City. Photo By: CoverGirl/Getty

CoverGirl LipPerfection in Hot #305 available here, $6

Did you like Janelle’s red lip? Who rocked your favorite overall look at the Met Gala?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 1 Comment

Beauty Buy: Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment

April 22, 2014

Being a busy mom of two, I rarely get the opportunity to indulge in the luxury of spa pampering.

Thanks to Bliss Micro Magic, it’s now easy for me to recreate a spa-like facial experience in the comfort of my own bathroom. A cross between a mask and a cleanser, this at-home microdermabrasion treatment has been a godsend for my skin.

The fine micro-beads exfoliate by gently sloughing away dead skin cells leaving behind a super soft and clear complexion. Plus, it manages to make my pores appear smaller.

I’ve been a fan of Bliss Spa and just about every product from the brand for years, but I was especially drawn to Micro Magic because it’s formulated with volcanic pumice. There’s just something intriguing about a product containing anything from a volcano! Not only does the volcanic pumice make the treatment an interesting beauty buy, the aloe, peppermint, and Vitamin E ingredients seal the deal.

Although the directions suggest using the product twice a week for the best results, I’m already impressed with my skin’s appearance after a single use. I’m going to use it again tonight, but can’t imagine my face looking any more radiant.

If you’re in need of a good facial, but short on time or money give Micro Magic a try!

Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment available here, $48

How often do you get facials? What are some of some of your at-home spa products?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Kelly Rowland Joins Caress as New ‘Fabulista’

April 10, 2014

In case you haven’t heard, Kelly Rowland is the new “Fabulista” for Caress body washes.

Known for her flawless healthy-looking skin, it seems only fitting that the Grammy-award winning singer would be tapped by the Unilever brand to be its newest ambassador.

In her role, Kelly will follow in her BFF Lala Anthony’s (she was also a Caress Fabulista) footsteps by sharing beauty and fashion tips with consumers and showing them how fresh fragrances inspire her to be fabulous.

Through her partnership with Caress, the brand has launched the new Fresh Collection of body washes including: Emerald Rush (also has a beauty bar), Aqua Sparkle and Juicy Escape. Each of the shower gels is refreshingly fragrant and leaves just the right amount of scent on skin. Since I’m a sucker for citrusy smells, Juicy Escape is my favorite because it has notes of pink grapefruit.

Caress Fresh Collection is available at drugstores nationwide, $5.99

Watch Kelly give us a sneak peek into the upcoming Caress® S/S ’14 Lookbook

I recently caught up with the former Destiny’s Child beauty to inquire about her favorite scent from the collection, her role as a Fabulista and more!

Check out our Q&A below:

BGG: I’m sure you’re offered many partnership opportunities from various brands. Why did you want to team up with Caress?

Kelly Rowland: As an artist, finding inspiration from my surroundings is so important. I’m so excited to team up with Caress Body Wash to help launch the NEW Fresh Collection. Starting my day off with a little fresh fine fragrance gets me revitalized and ready to experience my day to the fullest potential. I’ve been using Caress products for years, and when I got a sneak peek of the new line, I loved it, and knew my fans would too!

BGG: What does being a “Fabulista” mean to you?

KR: I’m so excited to be one of the newest Caress Fabulistas. It’s a celebration of being fabulous and a fashionista! Being part of this amazing group of beauty and style icons gives me the platform to share tips I’ve learned along my journey on how to be fabulous. I’m so excited to join Caress to inspire my fans to enjoy every day experiences in a fresh new way.

BGG: I know they all smell lovely, but out of the three new Fresh collection body washes, what’s your favorite scent?

KR: I love the Caress Emerald Rush from the new Fresh Collection because I’ve always loved the revitalizing scent of lush gardenia and white tea. I also love the Juicy Escape body wash to start my day – so uplifting!

BGG: What is the one style trend that you’re looking forward to trying this spring/summer?

KR: I am LOVING Pastels!

BGG: What’s the most inspiring time of day for you? When do you feel the most creative?

KR: It doesn’t matter what time of day, inspiration brings my creativity to life!

BGG: When do you feel the most beautiful?

KR: When I’m with my family, I feel happy and loved – and beautiful.

BGG: I’m sure it’s hard to choose just one, but if you can what is your all-time favorite song (solo or as a member of Destiny’s Child) to perform? Why?

KR: My favorite song to perform is “Motivation” because it really makes me feel sexy.

BGG: What’s the one song from any artist that can instantly boost your mood?

KR: Right now, I’m loving “Happy” by Pharrell.

Do you use Caress body washes? What’s your favorite Kelly Rowland or Destiny’s Child song?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Beauty News, Interviews | 2 Comments

Beauty News: Lupita Nyong’o Is the New Face of Lancôme

April 4, 2014

Brown girl beauty buffs rejoice, Lupita Nyong’o is the new face of Lancôme!

It comes as no surprise that the gorgeous Academy Award winner, 31, has partnered with a huge beauty brand. It was simply a question of which cosmetics company would be lucky to team up with the lovely Lupita first. Looks like Lancôme scored.

Photo Credit: Lancôme

“I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman’s freedom to be herself,” the actress said in a release.

Lupita joins fellow Hollywood heavy-hitters, Julia Roberts, Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz, as ambassadors for the French-based luxury beauty retailer.

“Both talented and committed, true to her African beauty, and showing a great curiosity and open-mindedness in her career choices, Lupita is by essence the Lancôme woman,” stated Françoise Lehmann, General Manager of Lancôme International. “A strikingly beautiful and intelligent woman, serenely but strongly living her life her own way, Lupita has this special kind of aura both enlightening and deep.”

Hopefully, Lancôme will continue to celebrate beauty of all shades by expanding their products to include more options that complement women with darker skin tones.

Congratulations to Lupita and kudos to Lancôme!

Does this partnership make you more inclined to use Lancôme products?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 3 Comments