GIVEAWAY: Aveeno’s “Winding Down” Prize Pack

October 24, 2012

Between press events, writing, traveling and taking care of Ava, I’ve been a busy BG this month. That’s why unwinding is so important to me.

As soon as I get home, removing my makeup is my main priority. I simply can’t function if my “face” is still on once I’m home for the night.  I’ve been using Aveeno’s Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes for a few months and they dissolve oil, dirt and other gunk from the skin with a few gentle swipes. Since I’m a lover of eye liner and water-proof mascara, a wimpy wipe just won’t cut it and these don’t disappoint! An added bonus is that unlike many removers, these wipes don’t have that unpleasant chemical smell.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Remover Wipes available here, $7

Before bed, I take a relaxing shower to ease away the stress of the day. Aveeno has a Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash that smells wonderful and has a cleansing effect that doesn’t dry out skin. The delightful scent of lavender and chamomile is truly a treat for the senses. I finish up with their ultra-soothing Positively Nourishing Calming Body Lotion to seal in moisture. It sinks in quickly leaving behind smooth, glistening non-greasy skin.

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Wash available here, $6

Aveeno Positively Nourishing Calming Body Lotion available here, $6

The quality of Aveeno products is outstanding! Even though I’m an ambassador of the brand, I used their products long before I was approached to partner with the company.

It’s been my mom’s fave for as long as I can remember and will probably remain at the top of my list for years to come too!

Do you use Aveeno products? Do you need to unwind? One lucky winner will win each of these products to create a spa-like experience home. Simply leave a comment, Tweet, or Instagram a pic holding your fave Aveeno product with the hashtag #BGGAveeno and the winner will be selected and announced next Wednesday on Halloween! 

Category: Aveeno, Beauty, Giveaway, Giveaways | 12 Comments

‘Brown Sugar’ Bliss

October 23, 2012

Can you believe this month marks a decade since Brown Sugar, starring Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs made its big-screen debut? Yeah, me neither! Who can forget their remarkable on-screen chemistry playing opposite sex BFFS?

Sanaa Lathan and Taye Diggs in Brown Sugar.

In honor of the 2002 rom-com (obviously one of my faves!), I’m sharing some of the best beauty products made with the ultimate sweetest ingredient—you guessed it, brown sugar!

The ideal fall exfoliator sloughs away dead skin leaving behind a soft and smooth surface. Plus, it provides a natural shine that makes skin and lips radiate.

These decadent lip and body treats will give you a guilt-free sugar rush!

Check them out!

Carol’s Daughter Brown Sugar Scrub Sea Salt Scrub available here, $34

 Lush Ma Bar available here, $7.95

*This soap star boasts a cubed brown sugar center!

Bath & Body Works Brown Sugar & Fig Body Lotion available here, $11

Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish available here, $22

If you want to get a brown sugar glow without breaking the bank, try this DIY scrub from beauty expert Erika Katz:

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup of brown sugar

2 tablespoons of almond or olive oil

5 drops of honey

3 to 5 drops of essential oil (optional)

Directions:

Mix ingredients thoroughly in glass bowl. Use the scrub all over the body and rinse well with warm water.

Are you a fan of brown sugar products?


Category: Beauty, Body Oils, Body Scrubs, Featured | 4 Comments

I’m A BB Cream Believer!

October 18, 2012

By now many of us have tried or at least know about BB creams. After hearing constant beauty chatter in the blogosphere about the all-in-one beauty buy, I’ve found one that actually lives up to the hype!

Jane Iredale the Skincare Makeup’s Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream (aka beauty or blemish balm) is super lightweight and leaves my skin looking natural, only better!  I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because a few of the other BB creams I’ve tried were less than impressive. Either they covered but suffocated my skin or were nothing more than a tinted moisturizer that didn’t exactly complement my complexion.

Jane Iredale Full Coverage Mineral BB Cream available (in a variety of shades for us BGs) here, $48

That said, my temperamental epidermis needs constant TLC. One day I might have a pimple the size of Mt. Everest and the next suffer from a case of the oilies, or I could, lo and behold…be blemish and oil-free! Basically, my skin is like that box of chocolates that Forrest Gump had, you never know what you’re going to get!

Thankfully, this BB cream seems to be keeping my skin in check. It minimizes oil, evens skin tone, and provides a bit of coverage. Plus, it’s packed with skin-boosting vitamins and natural properties such as apple extract and other beneficial ingredients. And of course it boasts a broad-spectrum SPF.

Remember, when purchasing a BB cream, it’s important to find one that can effectively tackle your problems and cater to your skin’s needs. Whether it’s excessive oil, blemishes or you just want a bit of coverage without spackling on foundation, a good BB cream is your best bet.

Also keep in mind that a little goes a long way, just a few small dabs should do the trick!

Have you hopped on the BB cream bandwagon?

Category: Beauty | 7 Comments

New Beauty Ingredient on the Block: Camu Camu Berry

October 8, 2012

Remember when goji berries seemed to be in just about every skincare product? Well, if Peter Thomas Roth’s new Camu Camu Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer and Vitamin C Brightening Serum are any indication of the revolutionary power of the Camu Camu berry, then this ingredient is on its way to being the next big thing in beauty.

Top: Peter Thomas Roth talking about his new products for fall. (R) Vitamin C Brightening Serum available here, $85 Vitamin C Brightening Moisturizer available here, $72

Found in the Amazon, this extremely potent superfruit has 30 times the vitamin C of an orange. Its antioxidant properties helps improve uneven skin tones, smooths and firms while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, its natural super citrusy scent makes you want to pour it into a glass instead of slathering it on your skin!

I’ve been using both products for about two weeks and I’ve already seen an improvement. So far, it’s made my skin softer and look more awake. Ideal for fall and winter, I’m sure it will help revitalize and replenish dull-looking skin caused by colder temps and harsh winds.

Known for his quality products, his Camu Camu collection definitely lives up to the Peter Thomas Roth brand.

Have you ever used Peter Thomas Roth products? Have you ever heard of the Camu Camu berry? 

 

Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Laila Ali Launches New Hair Styling Tools Line

October 3, 2012

Champion boxer, wife and mother, Laila Ali makes balancing family and business look easy!

The fab former fighter, 34, recently launched a line of styling tools with Helen of Troy (hair product empire) made with us BGs in mind.

Specifically designed for our various hair types (with a concentration on natural hair), the ceramic and titanium technology that these tools use can heat up to 450 degrees, but still leaves hair healthy and prevents breakage. The line includes a variety of hair dryers, straighteners, and specialty tools (conditioning heat cap, 3-barrel waver, etc.).

Laila Ali Styling Tools are available here, $23-$50

Since I wear my hair natural, but occasionally straightened, I’ve tried the Ionic Styler Dryer ($29.99) and absolutely love it! I use it when I want to stretch my shrinkage and wear a variety of styles. Using only a medium heating setting, it dries my hair quickly and leaves it semi-straightened and shiny!

Not only do these tools get the job done, but they’re also eye-catching! The sleek, purple design punches up the typical boring black models found with other brands.

Ali is a beautiful multi-talented woman who continues to prove that we BGs can do it all and look good while doing it!

What are some of your favorite styling tool brands?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Hair | 1 Comment

BGG’s Top Breast Cancer Awareness Beauty Picks

October 1, 2012

It’s a sobering stat that 1 in 8 women has a chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point during her lifetime. I’ve already lost three aunts to the disease and don’t want to lose anyone else.

Since 1985, October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the cure. During the month, retailers and companies donate a portion (and in some cases 100%)  of their proceeds toward breast cancer research.

From specially-designed brush sets to pretty lipstick shades, purchasing beauty  products for a great cause is always a good look!

Check out a few of my faves:

Mixed Chicks Special “Pink Cap” Leave-In Conditioner available here, $16.99 (From every purchase, $1 will be donated to Save the Ta Tas Foundation)

Ka’Oir ‘Survivor’ Lipstick available here, $19.99 (10% of the proceeds of every purchase will be donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation)

 La Mer ‘The Hand Treatment’ available here, $75 ($10 from every purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

 

Proudly Pink 5-Piece Purse Brush Set available here, $14.99 (For each purchase, 15% of the proceeds will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Coach ‘Poppy’ Lipgloss Set available exclusively here, $35 (20% from each purchase will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Bobbi Brown ‘Pink Peony Set’ available here, $45 ($10 from each purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation)

Have you ever purchased a product solely based on helping a good cause? Have you ever had a mammogram? 

 

Category: Beauty, Health, Travel & Lifestyle, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

BGG Dines w/Carol’s Daughter’s Lisa Price

September 24, 2012

Last week, I had the privilege of attending an intimate dinner with Carol’s Daughter founder, Lisa Price.

Held at the swanky French-Vietnamese restaurant, Indochine, here in New York City, fellow beauty bloggers/editors and I had a chance to dine with the natural beauty businesswoman. Over an exquisitely delicious meal, (I was obsessed with the stuffed shrimp!) we chatted and learned about new products while getting to know the incredibly down-to-earth entrepreneur.

 Since I’m a huge CD fan, I was already pretty familiar with most of the products of topic, but was thrilled to learn about her new split-end preventing-product—Monoi Repairing Split End Sealer ($25). Since going natural a few years ago, I tend to suffer from split-ends, but not as much as I did when I wore my hair relaxed. Until now, I hadn’t come across a product that solely focused on combatting the annoying hair occurrence of split ends.

Monoi Repairing Split-End Sealer available here, $25

Infused with coconut oil and formulated to seal and bind ends, this product also moisturizes and conditions in an effort to maintain strong, healthy hair. I’m excited to give it a go in hopes of cutting down on occasional trims. Stay tuned for a full review!

In addition to learning about new CD products, I also got the scoop on her line of luxurious Candy Paint lip glosses. Unfortunately, if you loved them like me, you’re out of luck. She doesn’t plan on taking on the makeup arena again anytime soon.

After talking products, Price and I also chatted about the wonderful world of motherhood. She gave me great advice about  balancing work and family, which is never an easy feat!

Thanks to this lovely dinner, I can definitely attest that her personality is as warm and inviting as her products!

Are you a fan of Carol’s Daughter products? 

Category: Beauty, Featured, Hair | 3 Comments