Get Knock-Out Nails this Fall

With fall officially upon us, treat your nails to awesome autumnal saturations that will make your digits standout. Essie’s current collection has 6 eye-catching hues that will make you swoon.

From a deep burgundy color called, “Carry On,” to my favorite, a striking grey-green shade that resembles a muted camouflage tone named, “Power Clutch,” these nail polishes are the perfect accessories to your fabulous fall ensembles.

What nail polish colors are you looking forward to rocking this fall?

**One lucky reader will win one of these shades. Simply leave a comment, “like” me on Twitter or join BGG on Facebook and the winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week. 

Red, Oranges and Pinks – Oh My!

If you kept up with last week’s New York Fashion Week extravaganza, I’m sure you not only noticed the eye-catching trends we can expect to wear next spring, but you may have also noticed some celebrity make-up trends that you can wear for the fall.

Normally, fall makeup consists of the darker or vampy hues like grays, deep purples, metallics or anything in the jewel-toned family. However, what I liked seeing the most on our celebrity trendsetters was the concept of bending the rules when it comes to adjusting your makeup for the season—specifically when it comes to lip color.

Check out Solange in this eye-catching bright pink lip-color.

You can achieve a similar look with MAC’s Amplified collection “Girl About Town.” It’s also one of my personal faves. If you want to tone down the lip color, you can always do so with by applying the appropriate lip-liner in the same color family over your lipstick.

With full eye brows and a dewy, “make-up less” look, model Jourdan Dunn rocked in the Jason Wu fashion show wearing a matte orange lip. I typically shy away from matte lip colors since they appear so drying on my lips. However, Revlon has a similar “Coral” shade in the Colorburst collection which is actually pretty moisturizing. More on this in the future!

If you want to turn heads, look no further than applying a sultry, hot color like Red on your pout. I know sometimes we women of color might think red is too hot to trot, however, no matter what your complexion or lip size—there is a RED for you!

The key is to look for the right shade and texture of red that complements you. I would highly recommend visiting a make-up counter to find your perfect match. Oftentimes the drugstore packaging of lip-color may be misleading and can become frustrating trying to find your right color. With a make-up pro—the guesswork is taken out. A visit to your local Sephora or any other make-up counter takes the stress off and allows you to embark in star treatment.

Take a look at Angela Simmons and her perfect red pout. Again, Mac has a similar color in the satin collection simply named “MAC Red.”

There you have it. Will you be embracing fall’s more subdued lip-colors or will you be trying the more bold approach?

Posted by Khadijah C.

Your Chance to Win a Cetaphil Prize Pack!

As some of you may know, I was selected by Galderma to attend the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards this Sunday in Los Angeles. Besides being incredibly giddy about dressing up and walking the red carpet, I’m excited  to let you guys in on the fun too.

Prior to the event, my guest and I will be getting glam by an expert stylist and makeup artist. Here’s where you come in…simply email or post a question in the comments section asking Dr. Luftman and/or the stylists and beauty experts who will be on-hand any questions related to the skin condition rosacea.

Because we BGs and guys aren’t usually affected by the skin ailment, it does occur. It’s especially important for us to seek treatment early in order to avoid hyper-pigmentation.

I’ll choose TWO lucky readers’ questions who will then receive a Cetaphil prize pack which will include a Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer. Some of my loyal readers may remember how I highly recommended both products a few years ago – it’s the best stuff on the market, especially for sensitive skin. 

Review: Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Line

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of trying out the shampoo, conditioner and repairing mask from the new Carol’s Daughter Monoi Reparing line. I was excited about the Monoi line because of the unique ingredients each item contained. Monoi oil, coconut cleansers, hibiscus extract, and bamboo water are just a few of the natural ingredients used to help undo and prevent future damage.

Although I only shampoo my hair about once a month due to the excessive drying ingredients found in most shampoos, I was pleasantly surprised with the Monoi Repairing Shampoo. It’s sulfate-free, which made my 4B natural strands very happy. This shampoo not only smells good but my hair didn’t feel dry and brittle after my first use.

The one thing I noticed most about the Monoi Repairing Conditioner was its ability to moderately detangle and moisturize my hair. I wouldn’t necessarily purchase or use this particular conditioner on its own, but it does work well in conjunction with the Monoi Repairing Shampoo.

Lastly, I really enjoyed applying the Monoi Repairing Mask. Used as a deep conditioning treatment, this mask is very buttery, thick and smooth with a light floral scent. The mask claims to put back your hair’s natural softness and conditions for better manageability. I kept the mask on my hair for about 10 minutes before rinsing out. So, did I notice a difference? Unfortunately, I think it’s too soon to tell. I will need to deep condition more often to see if the claims hold true.

Invincible Hair Set (includes, Monoi Repairing Shampoo 8.5 fl oz., Monoi Repairing Conditioner 8.5 fl oz., and Monoi Repairing Hair Mask 7 oz.) available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $67

So what’s the verdict? Overall, I do like many of the products in the Monoi Repairing line. However, if I was to actually purchase any of these products, my money would definitely go to the Monoi Repairing Shampoo.

Will you be trying the Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing hair care line?
Submitted by Khadijah C.

Iced Tea Lip Treats

I feel like I’ve just about seen it all when it comes to lip products. From lip stains to glosses, to plumpers to stains, but DuWop’s Iced Teas have managed to catch my attention. These innovative translucent lip treatments are as refreshing as they sound. With a barely-there hint of color, they cool the lips while providing a subtle fruit flavor.

Available at www.duwop.com for $19

If your lips are thirsty for something new, DuWop’s Iced Teas are a great buy and fun addition to any makeup arsenal.

What’s your favorite lip treatment?

My Biggest Beauty Blunder

As women, we’ve all had those rare occasions when we decide to step outside of our cozy, cosmetic comfort zone and test a trend. Well, I recently took a huge leap outside of my usual beauty box and wore a fire-engine red lipstick.

Despite my hubby being against the sultry shade, I colored my lips a deep crimson hue. What do men know about beauty, right? Well, apparently my husband knows what works for me. After looking at the pics snapped from my night of rocking red lips, I was nothing less than mortified. I quickly realized that nudes, neutral and pink shades are more my speed.

I’ll leave all-things-red to Rihanna.

What has been your biggest beauty blunder?

BGG Chats with Bobbi Brown, Iman, Lisa Price and Maureen Kelly

My lovely beauty babes, please check out my recent interviews with cosmetic empire mavens: Bobbi Brown, Iman, Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter), and Maureen Kelly (Tarte Cosmetics) on PARADE.com