Featured

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

Interview: Artist Mickalene Thomas On Her HBO Documentary ‘Happy Birthday To A Beautiful Woman’

February 24, 2014

Ever since seeing Mickalene Thomas‘ eye-catching portraits and colorful collages a few years ago, I’ve been captivated by her work.

That’s why I was surprised, yet thrilled to learn that the acclaimed visual artist’s latest masterpiece wouldn’t be adorned with her signature sparkly rhinestones or vibrant patterns affixed on wood panels, but instead would be a heartfelt story told through film.

Photo via www.mickalenethomas.com

“Happy Birthday To A Beautiful Woman,” is Mickalene’s first film project and will premiere tonight on HBO. The docu-short is a touching, semi-sad, celebratory ode to her mother,”Mama Bush,” who is also the subject and inspiration behind many of her portraits.

Mickalene’s undeniable creativity is showcased throughout the film as she allows photographs, music and cinematography to serve as powerful storytellers alongside her mother’s gripping recounts of dreams deferred, abuse, and addiction. Her story of struggle and overcoming adversity is universal, which is why this piece is sure to resonate with everyone, especially women.

“Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” premieres tonight, February 24 on HBO at 9PM EST.

I had the pleasure and privilege to speak with Mickalene about the film, her mother and more. Check out the interview below:

BGG: “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” was excellent. I was so sorry to learn that your beautiful muse/mom passed away. What was it like working with her on this project?

Mickalene Thomas: My mother is such an elegant and charismatic person. I think that was one of the reasons why I was always inspired by her…with her strength and resolve despite the difficulties (health issues, addiction and abuse) throughout her life. Doing this film allowed me to really see that person and love that person, which is why I wanted to make this film. Using her as a subject for this film was actually quite easy. Initially it was going to be an art show/project. But, after I conceived the idea and talked to friends about it they suggested that I use film as a way to tell the story.

BGG: What do you want viewers to take from watching this film?

MT: I’d like for them to know what a great opportunity it was for me or anyone to create a great tribute to their mother. I think that’s something that we all hope to do in our own way in our lives no matter what we’re doing in the world. That’s why the title for me is so important. “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” is a title that signifies celebrating motherhood and womanhood. I think my mother putting that on her cake for her 50th birthday was a mantra for her because that’s the time when her health declined. It was the inspiration that she needed in order for her to persevere.

BGG: So it was easy for you to decide on “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman,” as the title, right?
MT: It was really easy because as I mentioned, she put it on her cake for her 50th birthday party. During her party, I had taken a photograph of the cake. When I was filming her at her house, I saw that she had it framed and put it on her nightstand. It was then that I realized that the title was already there for me to use.

BGG: Do you plan on doing more films?

MT: Absolutely! I do plan on doing more films. I am really interested in filmmaking as a means to tell a story as an artist. I’m actually interested in doing a semi-autobiographical feature film that deals with love (a love story).

BGG: Has your daughter (18-month-old Junya Rei) changed your approach to your craft? Will you incorporate her into your artwork?

MT: Yes, she actually has! My new body of work that I’m doing a preview of on March 6th (Brand New Gallery in Milan, Italy) is a tribute to that. It is very much childlike and free in dealing with geometric and formal aspects of painting. I think it has a lot to do with that child’s play of how kids see the world and them grabbing at things and having a response to what’s right in front of them. The portraits that I’m making are all untitled pieces because I want the viewers to have their own experience of the work; unlike my others that have titles that acts as a way of how it should be perceived.

BGG: The juxtaposition of patterns and the women in your paintings is so eclectic and beautiful, from where do you draw that inspiration?

MT: I was always looking at African textiles and photographs from African photographers from the 1970s and was just really inspired by those patterns. I also drew inspiration from my own family (my grandmother) and started bringing them into the work to create environments for my portraits.

BGG: How has fashion influenced your aesthetic?

MT: For me, fashion has always been a part of my aesthetic. The patterns I use, the fabrics that I’m interested in, and juxtaposing them with what the women are wearing in my portraits is very important. I look at fashion spreads for composition and how some of the women are posed, as well as historical art compositions. And, I like fashion myself.

BGG: I know that rhinestones are prominently used in your work, tell me about that decision.

MT: Rhinestones are sort of a primary fashion aesthetic that’s used in a lot of fantastic dresses and garments throughout the world. They have always been a part of my process. One of the reasons why I’m interested in using them is because they come from very high to low quality. They’re these pieces that you put on to embellish or to make something more beautiful or to stand out. So these notions of beauty signify the same sort of thing in relationship to how a young girl emulates her mother by learning how to dress. So those are transformed through the relationship of young girls and how they see themselves through their mothers. And I think that’s why I use my mother a lot in my work.

I really want people to hold on to this title (“Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman”) because it’s not just about the woman being beautiful on the outside, it’s the whole woman and what we represent in the world: what we go through, how we persevere, how we give life, how we struggle, how we uphold families and how we persevere and the tenacity of what a woman is from the inside out.

BGG: What has been your proudest moment thus far in your career?

MT: At this moment I would say that this documentary is one of my proudest moment because it has transcended beyond the boundaries of my own work of only being in art galleries and museums . It’s reaching a larger public audience of people that I don’t think I’ve ever imagined to reach. There are very few creations in the world that break the barriers where it allows for a larger audience. I think film, music, and literature do that where more people can see it and be inspired by it.

Will you be tuning in “Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman” tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Featured, Features, Interviews | 1 Comment

Warner’s and Olga New Bras Banish Side Bulge

February 5, 2014

Lately, my evenings have been filled with baby feedings and finding new ways to keep my 4-year-old busy before bedtime. But, thanks to Warner’s and Olga I was given the opportunity to take a much-needed mommy break to learn about their latest launch and have my first bra fitting.

Although I was unfamiliar with the bra brand prior to the event, I was excited to have a professional take my measurements and reveal my true size. To be honest, I have been buying a 34B since high school. While my weight hasn’t fluctuated that much throughout the years, my breasts have changed since having two children.

Since I am nursing, I figured that my size would be much bigger than normal. I was right and wrong. The width I have been purchasing all these years have been off a size (I’m actually a 32) and the cup size was one size larger (due to nursing).

Warner’s “No Side Effects” bras are available mid-February at retailers nationwide including Kohls.com, $38

Warner’s new “No Side Effects” (Olga has the “On Your Side” plus-size offering) bra provides excellent coverage which prevents that unsightly “sleevage” that we women suffer from no matter our size. There’s a swath of extra fabric that smooths the area that tends to bulge while wearing sleeveless tops creating a sleek look. Plus, these bras have cushy padding on the straps for a comfy fit.

Not only did I learn my actual bra size, I was also able to try out the new bra under two super cute vegan leather Sanctuary tops that were gifted at the end of the event:

Initially I thought this top was dark brown, but it’s really a deep wine color.

I love that the sides of this top are stretchy.

Have you ever been professionally bra-fitted? Do you ever suffer from “sleevage?”

Category: Fashions, Featured, Features, Style | 2 Comments

The Body Shop Re-Introduces Classic Blueberry Body Butter

January 27, 2014

With frigid temps sticking around for a couple more months, now’s a good time to bring a bit of summer into your bathroom with the fresh and fruity scent of blueberries.

Thanks to The Body Shop, you can treat your body to the brand’s re-introduction of their Special-Edition Blueberry Body Butter for an indulgent pampering fix. The bath & body brand has been tantalizing our senses with their luxe line of rich and creamy body butters (a variety of 20+ flavors/scents) for over two decades and this decadent, blueberry-infused classic is no different.

The Body Shop Special-Edition Blueberry Body Butter available here, $20

Packed with moisturizing agents that hydrate and nourish the skin, this body butter contains Shea butter and oil from 500 blueberries! Plus, it’s rich in Vitamin E and other fatty acids that leave skin smooth and silky.

I am totally obsessed with this scent. It makes you want to sniff your hands just to get a whiff of the refreshingly sweet smell.

If the reintroduction of the Blueberry Body Butter wasn’t enough, there’s also an entire blueberry collection (Body Lotion, Lip Butter, Jam Scrub and a Blueberry Sponge) to make you long for summer even more. However, don’t wait until summer to purchase this berry good collection, it’s only available for a limited time!

What’s your favorite body butter scent?

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features | 4 Comments

GIVEAWAY: ‘The Best Man Holiday’ Black Opal Cosmetics Collection

November 11, 2013

If you’re anything like me, you’re counting down the days until the release of “The Best Man Holiday!”

The original film is one of my all-time favorites so I can’t wait to see the gorgeous cast back on the big screen this Friday. For the sequel, Black Opal Cosmetics is serving as the movie’s official US cosmetics partner. In this role, Black Opal is hosting a “Win an L.A Holiday Vacay,” sweepstakes (open until Nov. 17) for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to the City of Angels. Click here to enter!

“The Best Man Holiday” in theaters nationwide Friday, November 15

**Also, one lucky BGG reader will win a “Best Man Holiday” beauty collection comprised of products inspired by looks from the film. Simply tell me if you’d be as forgiving as Morris Chestnut’s character Lance (from the original movie) if you found out that your best friend had slept with your soon-to-be husband? Leave your answer in the comments and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday.

Category: Beauty, Featured, Features, Giveaway | 2 Comments

Brown Baby ‘Boy’ Gumbo Is Here!

October 8, 2013

If you’ve been wondering why I haven’t updated my blog in over a week, it’s been for a very good reason—the birth of my son!

Ava now has a baby brother who will surely become her partner in crime. Since he came into the world 10 days ago, I’ve already had my fair share of emotional mommy meltdowns and unwarranted anxiety, but those feelings pale in comparison to the love and adoration I have for my baby boy!

For the next few weeks, my posts will probably be sporadic since I’m still navigating the world of mommy-hood part two!

Here’s a pick of my pride and joy:

Category: Featured, Features, Gumbo Mix, Health, Misc., Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 9 Comments

BGG Featured on Style31 Mag!

September 23, 2013

Today I am so honored to be featured on Style31mag.com!

Launched earlier this year, the site is dedicated to the encouragement of faith-centered women and is a reliable media source on the subjects of relationships, fashion, beauty, travel, health and business. The name “Style 31″stems from Proverbs 31, which focuses on Christian women’s ministries.

The day I got the request for an interview I was debating whether or not I should continue BGG. I took the extremely timely email from Style31’s editor as a form of confirmation that I should not give up. Like many women, I struggle with not giving myself enough credit and falling into the trap of comparing myself to others (in my case to other bloggers). I’ve since come to the realization that there is only one Brown Girl Gumbo and I can’t be anyone else!

That said, please check out the Q&A and bookmark Style31: