Beauty

GIVEAWAY: Essence of Beauty Bath & Body Collection

April 1, 2014

I’ve never been a perfume type of girl, but that doesn’t hold true when it comes to bath and body products.

Instead of spritzing on the latest bottled perfume, I’d prefer to lather on lotions and shower gels that are refreshingly fragrant, such as the Essence of Beauty line.

It’s my current favorite because their lotions, gels and body mists provide just the right amount of fragrance without being too overpowering. Exclusively available at CVS, the collection includes a variety of scents that are expertly crafted by master perfumers. The shower gel is a true treat. It cleanses without stripping away natural moisture, while the body lotion seals it in. Finally, the body mist serves as a refreshing splash that provides the last layer of fragrance.

Essence of Beauty collection (bath and shower gel, body lotion, body mist and hand cream) available here, starting $5.99

Whether you’re fond of floral, citrusy, sweet or woodsy smells, this line offers a series of fragrances to suit your scent style. Plus, they’re free of parabens, artificial dyes, petrolatum and gluten, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

**What’s your favorite scent? Are you into fruity, sweet, woodsy, or cool/clean fragrances? Two lucky readers will win an Essence of Beauty collection (4 products). Simply leave a comment stating your favorite scent and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next Tuesday, April 9th. This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents.

Category: Beauty | 7 Comments

CONTEST: Want To Be The New Face of Ambi?

March 24, 2014

If you have gorgeous skin and are constantly told that you should be a model (or know someone), read on!

Ambi, the skincare brand that caters to us brown girls is hosting its first-ever model search. If you’re chosen to be the face of the brand, you could win a fabulous trip to New York City for a photo shoot and $2,000 in cash.

I’ve been a fan of Ambi products for a few years, but I mostly gravitate toward their facial cleansers. They refresh my skin without over drying.

The contest ends on April 15th so hurry up and enter! Click here for more information.

Good luck lovelies!

Do you use Ambi products?

Category: Beauty, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Celebrate Spring with jane iredale’s ‘Magic Hour’

March 11, 2014

About two weeks ago, I was transported from a woeful winter to a gorgeous garden party in the middle of Manhattan courtesy of the premium beauty brand, jane iredale —The Skincare Makeup.

Surrounded by green Astroturf and spring-inspired fare, it was the perfect setting to experience jane iredale’s latest collection, ‘Magic Hour’. I’ve reviewed the brand many times and I can honestly say that the ‘Magic Hour’ is by far my favorite offering.

They had a super cute photo station with silly props (I chose a fedora) and an enchanted garden backdrop.

Inspired by the brand’s most popular “Moonglow’ bronzer quad, the dreamy line includes: a trio of golden eye shadows (Eye Shadow Triple Golden Girl, $28), a surprisingly effective highlighter (InTouch Highlighter in Comfort, $28), sparkly pinkish-peach lip gloss (Lip Fixation Craze, $30), pinkish-brown lip gloss (Lip Fixation Compulsion, $30), a highly pigmented soft and creamy liner (Jelly Jar Eyeliner Black, $28), and a slanted eyeliner brush for easy application (Angle Eyeliner Brush, $15.50).

jane iredale—The Skincare Makeup ‘Magic Hour’ available here

Although I am obsessed with all six Magic Hour items, I’m most impressed with the highlighter since I’ve never found one that works well with my complexion. It provides an effortless, subtle glow that accentuates my cheekbones with very little application.

The entire collection boasts a mix of shimmery pink, peach, brown and golden hues that complement most BG skin tones, especially for spring.

Have you started switching up your beauty routine for spring?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured | 4 Comments

Nuance Salma Hayek Launches New Spring 2014 Collection

March 10, 2014

I recently attended the launch of Nuance Salma Hayek’s spring collection at a beautiful loft space here in New York City.

Before I could even speak with the beauty brand’s reps about the line, I was met with the aroma of roses and lavender that made me long for spring even more. After learning more about the collection, I realized that the fragrant space was inspired by the ingredients (rose oil, lavender, violet leaves, etc.) used in the products.

The collection is comprised of hair and skincare products including : Age Affirm Firm Day & Night Cream, Age Affirm Firming Eye Balm, Age Affirming Eye Balm, Age Affirm Firming Neck & Chest Balm, Age Affirm Glycolic Cream Cleanser, Bamboo Extract Straightening Balm, Blue Agave Curls & Waves Conditioner, Blue Agave Curls & Waves Shampoo, Blue Agave Wave Enhancing Styling Swirl, Healthy Shine Nourishing Oil, and Soy Protein Primer Spray.

Nuance Salma Hayek is available exclusively at CVS. Prices range $7.99-$21.99

Since I’m always on the hunt for a cleanser that doesn’t dry out my skin, I was most excited to try the Age Affirm Glycolic Cream Cleanser. After about a week of usage, its delicate micro-beads sloughed away dead skin without compromising moisture or irritating my face. Plus, it’s sulfate and paraben-free making it a must-have for those of us who like to use products with as few chemicals as possible. Instead, it’s packed with natural and exotic ingredients such as oat kernel and botanical extracts that are influenced by the actress’s family beauty secrets and world travels.

Nuance Salma Hayek Age Affirm Glycolic Cream Cleanser available here, $13.99

I’ve heard about the Nuance brand for a while now, but never tried any of her products. If the rest of the collection is half as good as the new cleanser, I’m a fan.

Stay tuned for more product reviews from the spring collection!

Have you ever tried any products from Nuance Salma Hayek?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | 4 Comments

Lupita Nyong’o Stuns at Oscars!

March 3, 2014

Last night, little brown girls everywhere were reminded that dreams do come true.

At the 86th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, Lupita Nyong’o became only the sixth black actress to win the coveted Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. The 31-year-old co-star of the stirring 12 Years a Slave stunned in a light blue Prada gown that reminded the actress of Nairobi, a sparkly Fred Leighton headband and jewels.

Photo credit: OscarGo.com

During her emotionally riveting acceptance speech, the Kenyan beauty spoke words that will inspire young girls and boys around the world for years to come when she uttered, “When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every child, no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”

Well done, Lupita, well done!

P.S For all of my fellow beauty buffs who were wondering what brand of lip balm the award-winning actress tossed in the hat for Ellen’s hilarious pizza pool schtick? Well, it’s Clarins ‘HydraQuench’ Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm! The ultra-hyrdating balm sold out almost across the country overnight!

Available here, $24

Check out the funny gif here:

http://31.media.tumblr.com/faeabf9db2915d009ebce14ac23780e0/tumblr_n1uf5xwGRG1r9us6no3_500.gif

Did you watch the Academy Awards last night? If so, who do you think deserves best dressed?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty | 1 Comment

Quench Winter-Ridden Skin

February 21, 2014

With one of the coldest, snowiest winters on record in recent years, my skin has fallen victim to the harsh conditions.

Applying thick creams and luxe lotions usually do the trick, but this Polar Vortex has my skin begging for more moisture. Good thing I discovered Jergens Shea Beauty Oil.

This lightweight oil is my new go-to for tackling dry, winter-ridden skin. It conditions and seals in moisture leaving behind a non-greasy sheen. I put it on immediately after showering and let it soak in before leaving the bathroom. After a minute or two, my skin feels soft and virtually glows with hydration. Plus, the easy spray bottle prevents messy spills and leaks.

If your skin could use some TLC thanks to this woeful winter, then this oil a must-have.

Jergens Shea Beauty Oil (5 oz) available here, $9

What products are you using to keep skin hydrated this winter?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

GIVEAWAY: Vaseline Wants to Make Your Valentine’s Day Rosy

February 7, 2014

Whether you’re single, married or dating, Vaseline wants to make your Valentine’s Day rosy and sweet.

The popular household brand is giving away a jar of their Lip Therapy Rosy Lips along with a box of chocolates in honor of the romantic holiday. The slightly tinted, sheer lip treatment will leave pouts super soft and totally kissable in case Cupid comes calling.

Due to its cute compact size, it easily fits into a purse or clutch much like a small pot of gloss. And after Valentine’s Day, this small wonder will keep lips moisturized all winter long.

Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy Lips available at food, drug and retailers nationwide, $2.29

Plus, the winner will also receive an array of decadent chocolates from MarieBelle, a boutique chocolatier here in New York City.

MarieBelle chocolates

Simply visit their Facebook page here to enter for a chance to win. The contest ends February 12th at 3pm EST.

Not only can you have a shot of winning on the Vaseline FB page, one lucky reader (US residents only) will have a chance to win right here on BGG! Just leave a comment telling me if you celebrate Valentine’s Day or simply see it as a Hallmark holiday. The winner will be randomly selected and notified via email by 2/13.

Category: Beauty, Giveaway | 4 Comments