Beauty

My Brow BFF

August 15, 2011

While I love a nicely shaped brow, I do not love the uncertainty of waxing. Ever since I encountered a bad eyebrow wax a couple of years ago, I’ve opted to take matters into my own hands – literally.

Yep, tweezers are my BFF (brow’s friend forever). Plucking those tiny sparse hairs can be a bit painful, but it’s the only way I can ensure precision. Plus, we all know that beauty is pain.

Tweezerman is my go-to brand because of their stainless-steel slanted surfaces, which make gripping hairs easy. Available at www.tweezerman.com for $15

If you’re like me and like to tweeze, remember to pluck from the root in the direction of hair growth for the best results.

How do you keep your brows trim and neat?

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Category: Beauty | 5 Comments

Fabulousness at Your Fingertips

August 3, 2011

If you’re tired of your nails chipping by the second day or hate playing the waiting game until your polish dries, then the Sally Hansen Salon Effects may be just the “nail candy,” you need to add flair to your fingertips.

The nail effects (or nail sticker strips) are a budget-friendly collection of eclectic patterns and bright colors that will certainly garner attention. With only two steps to follow (apply and shape), it’s a fast and fashionable alternate to regular polish. Plus, there’s no drying time whatsoever. The Salon Effects last up to 10 days and can be easily taken off with nail polish remover. I’ve tried the nail effects and surprisingly the claims hold true. They lasted over a week through dishwashing, heavy duty chores, and typing without any chipping.

While I’m a big fan of this product, I will caution you to take your time and select the stripes that best fit your own nails. Some of the strips that you may assume are automatically made for a specific finger–I assure you–it might not cover your nail the way you want.

Overall, the application process may take up to 15 minutes to complete. However, with each package only costing about $8 to $10 dollars, you can’t lose.

Have you ever tried these strips? If so, what did you think? One lucky reader will win a pack. Simply “Like” Brown Girl Gumbo on Facebook, Tweet me, or leave a comment for your entry.

By: Khadijah C.

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Category: Beauty | 6 Comments

Get Sculpted

July 28, 2011

Have you ever found yourself trying to sculpt and contour your cheeks, but fail miserably and end up looking like a clown? Well, if that’s the case you’ll love L’Oreal’s new duo blush – The One Sweep.

The fool-proof powder blush takes the guesswork out of highlighting your cheekbones. Thanks to the custom-designed brush applicator, the complementing pigments are evenly distributed providing perfected definition.

Available in 4 shades, you’re sure to find your ideal match!

Available at drugstores nationwide for about $11.

If you have the same problem while applying eyeshadow, they have a similar product that will have you beautifying like a pro!

Are you a fan of blushes or bronzers? One lucky reader will win The One Sweep Blush Duo. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

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Category: Beauty | 11 Comments

One in a Million

July 20, 2011

If you’re looking for a mascara with a ‘lash’ up on all of the competition, L’Oreal Paris’ brand-new Voluminous Million Lashes in Carbon Black is your best bet. The sleek gold tube contains an innovative brush with bristles that successfully separates lashes preventing clumping. Plus, the formula includes jojoba and palm oil to help soften and conditions while creating long, thick lashes. I’ve always been a fan of Maybelline’s Great Lash, but this mascara definitely has me reconsidering my options.

What’s your favorite mascara brand? One lucky reader will win a tube of L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes in Carbon Black. Simply like Brown Girl Gumbo on Facebook or Tweet me your favorite mascara brand to be entered for the contest. The winner will be announced on Friday.

Available at drugstores nationwide for $8.95

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Category: Beauty | 3 Comments

Achieve Flawless Skin with Ambi

July 13, 2011

Have you ever seen that Ambi commercial where actress Tika Sumpter’s and Bre’s (from America’s Next Top Model) skin looks beautifully bronzed and picture-perfect? Well, I know that I’ll probably never have glowing, flawless skin like they appear to have in the commercial, but I can definitely attempt! Ambi’s Essenitals Gentle Cleanser ($4.99) and Daily Moisturizer with SPF (4.99) are two products that I’m hoping will help me achieve a radiant camera-ready look!

I’ve actually used the moisturizer by itself a few times with good results, but I haven’t tried using it along with the soap-free cleanser. Will keep you guys updated.

**Are you a fan of Ambi products? Want to try the two aforementioned products? If so, leave a comment about your summer skin regimen. A winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

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Category: Beauty | 9 Comments

Hipp x RGB Nails It!

July 11, 2011

We BGs know that when we read the term, “nude,” to describe anything from bras to nail polish, the neutral shade probably won’t blend in with our beautiful sun-kissed skin. Thanks to Hipp x RGB, we can now paint our nails flesh-toned pigments that actually complement our complexions.

Right now, there are only two lacquers (one for medium-dark and the other for chocolate with red undertones)

One of the two shades’ muse is the beautiful Kerry Washington.

($16) that match our varying skin tones, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Hey, maybe Iman needs to do an entire line of “nudes” for us BGs!

Do you wear “nude” polishes?

**Btw, the winner of the Belle in Brooklyn, by Demetria Lucas is Carla. Congratulations! Please send me your mailing address.

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Category: Beauty | 2 Comments

Beauty On-the-Go!

July 7, 2011

For a girl on-the-go, portable personal care items are a must. L.A Fresh has a wide variety of 100% pre-moistened wipes including: nail polish removers, oil-free face cleansers, makeup removers, body soothers, and hand sanitizers. These incredibly convenient cosmetic packets come in handy if you’re out and about and need a quick beauty fix. Plus, they’re all free of parabens, dyes, artificial fragrances and animal byproducts.

My favorite is the nail polish remover. They’re great to keep in your handbag in case you find yourself in need of an instant remedy to chipped nails. One single wipe removes polish and conditions all 10 nails while leaving behind a light, refreshing scent.

If you’re always on the go, these handy wipes are a must-have!