IT Cosmetics’ New Serum Foundation Puts Your Best Face Forward

March 4, 2017

When it comes to foundation, I’m not the biggest fan. Sure, I have my fair share of blemishes that need to be masked, but concealer has always been my coverage of choice.

That all changed when IT Cosmetics launched its new Confidence in a Compact last month. See, I’ve been obsessed with the brand’s Confidence in a Jar moisturizer for a while now. So, when I heard that they were formulating a foundation that was infused with the moisturizing serum, I had to give it a try.

I’m always stressing the importance of packaging and the vital role it plays in winning me over. Well, IT Cosmetics always delivers in that department. The chic, luxe compact is impeccably designed in a shiny silver case that conveniently holds the makeup sponge on top of the foundation. Plus, unlike most foundations, you don’t have to worry about messy drips or spills because of its sold-to-serum formula.

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Confidence in a Compact™ with SPF 50+ available here, $38 (sold separately).

The scent was the second thing I noticed, it had that same fresh lemony fragrance that I loved from the moisturizer. One of the reasons why I never got into foundations was because of the heavy, cake-y, overly made up look it typically creates, but this one goes on so translucently that it’s like a second skin. The virtually weightless, anti-aging formula can be applied with the accompanying sponge or brush for full coverage. Since I’m still not big on full-face makeup, I do like to blend it with my concealer using my fingertips.

Oh and it keeps skin hydrated without making it greasy or overly shiny (I have super oily skin so I swear by mattifying primers). Available in seven complementary shades, there are four that cater specifically to melanin-rich skin.

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If you’re looking for a convenient foundation to even out your skin tone, definitely get with it – get it? “It” as in IT Cosmetics!

Do you wear foundation on a daily basis or simply for special occasions?

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

Product Review: Dark and Lovely’s Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Clumping Curl Crème Gel

February 27, 2017

There’s a lot of trial and error that comes with finding the right hair care products that work for both my daughter and me. We have two different curl patterns and usually what works well for her, doesn’t work for me. While she has fine, looser, easily tangled curls, I have denser, zig-zag coils and kinks that require tons of moisture.

Well, to my surprise and delight, Dark and Lovely’s Au Naturale new Anti-Shrinkage Clumping Curl Crème Gel is a godsend for both of our hair types. Formulated with two of my favorite hair care ingredients: argan oil and coconut oil, it provides ultra hydration while instantly eliminating frizz. For my daughter a small dollop defines her curls, creating perfect ringlets. While for me, it elongates and makes my hair easier to style. Also, in case you didn’t know, “clumping” refers to the process of hair strands binding together to create a natural, bigger and better curl.

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Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Clumping Curl Creme Gel (L) and two of my other faves from the brand: Easy Twist Gel N’ Butter and the Clumping Curl Clay Cleanser.

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after

After

In addition, I love that this gel comes in a convenient mess-free tube. I don’t know about you, but packaging can make or break a product—and unlike many crèmes and gels, this one is designed smartly. Plus, did I mention how good it smells? The tropical scent takes me back to my recent trip to the Bahamas.

If your curls needs to be awakened, run don’t walk to your nearest Target or other mass retailer to pick up this product. Trust me, it will breathe new life into your hair.

Have you tried Anti-Shrinkage Clumpling Curl Creme Gel ? If not, what’s your favorite Dark and Lovely product?

Category: Featured, Features, Hair | 1 Comment

The Mane Choice Founder on Growing Her Hair Care Empire

February 27, 2017

They say necessity is the mother of all creations. For Courtney Adeleye, The Mane Choice founder and CEO, that statement rings true.

Unable to find adequate products to meet her hair care needs, the Alabama-based entrepreneur took matters into her own hands—literally— and concocted various products to treat and care for her hair. Through sharing the results of her homemade mixtures, Adeleye’s videos attracted a large following and gained the trust of countless viewers.

In less than four years, The Mane Choice, which offers a wide variety of multi-cultural hair care and bath and body products is sold in several major retailers including Target, Sally Beauty, CVS and most recently Walmart. In fact, the brand made history by being the first hair vitamin to be featured in the hair aisle (they’re usually reserved for the vitamin aisle). In 2016, the company garnered over 6.5 million dollars in sales, making Adeleye a self-made multi-millionaire seemingly overnight. But we all know that it takes a lot of hard work, determination and business skills to make it to this level.

Earlier this month, I caught up with the nurse-turned-entrepreneur to talk about her rise through the hair care ranks, advice for entrepreneurs and more.

Courtney Adeleye

CEO/Founder of The Mane Choice, Courtney Adeleye

Below, check out our Q&A:

BGG: Describe The Mane Choice customer.
Courtney Adeleye: Here at The Mane Choice, we pride ourselves on providing premium healthy hair care products at an affordable price. Our mission is to create the best solutions for all hair care challenges and total body needs in the beauty space. Like our comprehensive approach to hair and body care, our consumers are very knowledgeable about products and look for items that can remedy multiple hair care concerns. We are just happy to be their main choice for a solution.

BGG: Was working in the beauty/haircare industry a lifelong goal? 
CA: No, I didn’t have an interest in working  in the beauty industry. My background is in science–nursing, specifically. As a YouTube personality, I created a video showcasing my length and shared my deep conditioner recipe, which was partially responsible for my length. I received SO MANY responses and feedback suggesting that I sell my deep conditioner. I had no intentions of doing that, but long story short, I eventually did. One order became two, three, and so on…

BGG:  Did you take any supplementary business courses as a result of pursuing entrepreneurship?
CA: No, I did not formally take any business courses. However, I did my homework on the industry and took what I learned from my nursing background to get to where I am today.

BGG: Did you have mentors in the business prior to launching The Mane Choice? If so, how has their mentorship impacted your business?
CA: Other than past experiences, working closely to the owner/CEO at my former jobs and studying how other business owners conducted business, I didn’t have any mentors prior to launching mine. In my experience, my faith and family were two of the biggest impactors on my business. I have been blessed with a powerful support system and a committed team at The Mane Choice. It becomes easier when people support and buy into your vision. I am especially thankful.

BGG: What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner?
CA: I strive to commit to having a positive outlook on life and my company, and focus all of my energy on new ways to best serve The Mane Choice customers. However, doubt from others, not myself, can often try to negatively impact how you view your success and what you’re striving towards.

BGG: What advice would you give a fellow entrepreneur who suffers from self-doubt?  
CA: If there is someone who feels doubted, I would tell them to be so good that they can’t ignore you! I think it’s especially important to focus on and hone your strengths and abilities. Always strive to be the best, the hardest working, and the most knowledgeable. It’s hard to ignore value. I would also remind he or she that in times where there isn’t a way that there is always the option to make one. I think the evidence of this is shown through the multitude of girl [and men] bosses around the world.

BGG:What advice do you have for women, particularly women of color, who want to pursue a career in the beauty/haircare industry? 
CA: My advice would be to strive to be the best at what you do. Do your research and make sure the presentation is just as great, or better than the product or service that you offer.

BGG: Is there any significance behind “purple” being incorporated into your brand or is it simply just a design choice?
CA: We chose purple because it is a regal/royal color. Royalty is what our brand embodies. Royalty depicts the consumers we represent.

BGG: What’s the single most important thing a woman can do to promote healthy hair growth?CA: Consistency is key. Developing a healthy hair growth regimen is paramount to a successful hair growth journey. Using quality products made with quality ingredients, such as The Mane Choice, and adopting great hair care practices will get you to your goals in no time!

BGG: Outside of the hair vitamin, what’s your most popular product? Why do you think it’s a top seller?
CA: Our 3-in-1 is next in line. There’s no other product on the market like it. It’s co-wash and detangler that you can leave-in. Talk about a game changer!

BGG: What makes the Mane Choice different from similar products on the market?
CA: As many may or may not know, my husband is a physician and I am a registered nurse. Together, our backgrounds in science have helped us to formulate our products based on extensive research, for all hair types and textures by infusing each product with vitamins, Biotin, and nutrients. We have successfully developed a comprehensive array of products that can cater to a multi-cultural demographic.

BGG: Describe the most rewarding aspect of your career thus far.
CA: The most rewarding aspect of my career and leader of my company is knowing that The Mane Choice has made such and impact in the lives of others! That impact has created such a demand for our products that we’re now in over 16,000 stores.

BGG: What’s next for The Mane Choice?
CA: You’ll just have to stay tuned. Trust me!

Have you ever used The Mane Choice? If so, what is your favorite product(s) and why?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Interviews | Leave a Comment

An Enchanted Experience: Cirque du Soleil—Toruk

September 14, 2016

Some things are just so beautiful that they take your breath away — leaving you searching for the words to fully justify their magnificence.

That’s exactly the case when it comes to describing the experience that is Cirque du Soleil: Toruk—The First Flight.

I had been looking forward to attending the show ever since the invitation popped up in my inbox a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, the days preceding opening night, I had fallen ill with the flu. Thankfully, the night of the show I was well enough to make the three-block trek to the Barclays Center.

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Photo Credit: Errisson Lawrence © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

From wondrous waterfalls to lava spewing craters to amazing acrobatic feats, the show was packed with fanciful performances and stunning sets. The light displays and set designs were so spectacular that my daughter incessantly asked if what she was seeing was “real.”

Photo Credit: Errisson Lawrence © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo Credit: Errisson Lawrence © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Plus, the costumes and masterful puppetry were spellbindingly good. The show was akin to a beautiful dream coming to life right before your eyes. It’s no secret that the imagination and sheer talent needed to bring this show to life had to be extraordinary. I tip my hat to the entire team who made the experience an evening to remember.

Photo Credit: Errisson Lawrence © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Photo Credit: Errisson Lawrence © 2015 Cirque du Soleil

Despite the show being the night before my daughter’s first day back to school, the late night was well worth it in so many ways.

If the show comes to a city near you, get your tickets now! Click here for tour dates and more information.

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

The Moodsters: Teaching Preschoolers All About Emotions

August 24, 2016

Dealing with everyday emotions as adults can be difficult, but for children and toddlers, it can be even trickier.

Thankfully The Moodsters, an educational line of toys and books designed to teach preschoolers about emotional intelligence makes learning about their feelings fun.

Through engaging storytelling—love, fear, sadness, anger and happiness are all personified via friendly characters that go on a quest to help discover and navigate the ups and downs of emotions.

Founded by Denise Daniels, an award-winning broadcast journalist and parenting and child development expert, The Moodsters are the perfect back-to-school gifts for your preschooler.

My almost 3-year-old son adores these books and accompanying toys. He enjoys pointing to each character and muttering their roles: “scary, happy, angry…” The books are really helping him understand the range of his emotions—and we moms know that their moods can change in a millisecond!

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Available at Target and Amazon, these books will be a great addition to your little one’s library and toy chest!

How do you help your child understand and communicate his feelings?

Category: Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Misc., Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

A Treat for Your Tresses: OGX’s + Quenching Coconut Curls Styling Milk

July 6, 2016

Over the years, I’ve tried countless hair concoctions that read more like a dessert menu than a product for your strands. From papaya-infused shampoos to milk & honey conditioners, I’ve tested a ton of products aimed at making my (and my daughter’s) natural hair more moisturized, healthier and of course—smelling heavenly.

Once in a while, the sweetly named products will actually deliver results beyond their charming packaging and sweet aromas. Enter Organix Quenching Plus Coconut Curls Styling Milk. This creamy, coconut-enriched hair dress is one of the best moisturizers I’ve ever used. Aside from the downright delightful scent, it successfully hydrates my daughter’s fine (read: easily tangled!) coils, leaving them soft, shiny and defined.

The coconut oil, sweet honey and citrus oils coat her curls without weighing them down or creating that dreaded crunch. I’ve been using it for only 3 weeks and I’m nearly out! Admittedly, I apply it liberally and am mesmerized by the smell so I tend to over use it.

If you’re looking for a product that performs and won’t break the bank, check out this moisturizer. Trust me, after one use you’ll be obsessed too!

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OGX + Quenching Coconut Curls Frizz-Defying Curl Styling Milk available here, $5.79

Have you ever tried this brand? If so, what’s been your experience and/or your favorite product? 

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Features | Leave a Comment

Disney Social Media Moms Celebration: 4 Surprising Things I Learned About My Family

May 23, 2016

There are trips and then there are EXPERIENCES OF A LIFETIME! Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the 7th Annual Disney Social Media Moms Celebration (DSMMC) at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and it was an experience that I won’t soon forget.

First, being invited to the exclusive, invite-only conference was an honor in of itself. Created with us moms in mind, the 4-day celebration was more than I could’ve ever imagined. Plus, this conference welcomed my family as well! The sheer excitement of surprising my kids with this unexpected trip was literally keeping me up at night. The thrill of knowing how much their little faces would light up with the news that we were going to Disney World had me beaming with glee.

Just when I thought my excitement couldn’t get any more intense, we received the cutest Mickey Mouse-inspired luggage as a surprise gift from American Tourister, one of the conference’s sponsors. That unexpected pixie-dust drop-off completely elevated my anticipation. At that point, I could no longer keep our secret (I of course told my husband) to ourselves.

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American Tourister Disney-inspired luggage available here, $99.

After spilling the beans to the kids, (whom by the way fell to the floor upon hearing the news), my packing and planning shifted into high gear. I bought all new dresses for Ava to wear for her anticipated character meet-and-greets. Then, I immediately downloaded the My Disney Experience app to learn all about what the resort and parks had to offer. To say I began immersing myself in all-things-Disney would be an understatement!

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From the moment we received our MagicBands until our departure home on the Disney Express, our time at the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration was out-of-this-world amazing and sprinkled with pixie dust throughout!

Filled with so many memories and an abundance of information, it’s hard to include everything into one write-up, so this will be my first recap in a series of posts.

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Here are the four most unexpected things that I learned about my family while at DisneySMMC:

  1. My daughter is a daredevil. While I’ve never been a huge fan of rollercoasters, my daughter, Ava, on the other hand is a true thrill-seeker. At only 6 years old, she was so excited to ride some of Disney Parks’ most popular attractions. In fact, she braved Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom and rode The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train rollercoaster THREE times at Magic Kingdom!
  1. My son is character-shy.  Prior to our trip, my two-year-old had been happily reciting all of the Disney characters he wanted to see: “Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Pluto!” But when we arrived, his tune changed. He was afraid of them—even Mickey! Even his big sister tried to encourage him to take photos with them, but to no avail. The goods news is that after seeing them over the course of our visit, he slowly began to warm up. During our Typhoon Lagoon outing, he actually waved to Donald!
  1. I have a sappy side. It’s no secret that many moms turn into mush when their kids do something sweet. Well, when I saw the Huggies-produced Mother’s Day video, you’d need buckets to catch the tears that fell from my eyes. Watching my babies say, “Happy Mother’s Day,” on that big screen reduced me to a mound of mush. I’m not overly emotional, so the tears that streamed down my face were proof that I do have a sappy side!
  1. My husband is my superhero. Well, this isn’t exactly a shock or surprise; I mean I did marry the guy! But the way he cares for our children and me is just mind-blowing. He’s so attentive to our needs and that was displayed 100 times over during our time at Disney. From schlepping our bags to going on rides with Ava, he is truly my Prince Charming.

As previously mentioned, I will be sharing more posts about my DSMMC adventure so be sure to check back for updates!

Have you ever attended the DSMMC? If not, have you ever visited Disney World? Please share! 

*I was invited to attend the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration. All opinions are my own. 
Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 1 Comment