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

My Brow BFF

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?

Natural Hair Wonders

Now that I’ve been wearing my hair natural (no longer relaxing) for the past 3 1/2 years, it’s exciting to see so many products on the market available for women who have kinky/curly/coily hair like mine.

A photo of me taken via Instagram during a recent trip to Miami. Btw, I know I’m late, but don’t you just love that app?

I’ll admit, it took me some time to find the right products to complement my coarse curls. But, after trying scores of puddings, potions, and more, I’ve finally found a few products that can transform my dull and dry strands into lush and lovely locks.

From Carol’s Daughter to Ouidad to Miss Jessie’s, there are countless lines that specialize in naturally curly hair.  Although the search can be frustrating, just be patient until you find the products that suit your tresses best.

Here are a few of my top picks:

This deep conditioner smells as good as sounds. I only use this once a month, but it moisturizes my strands to perfection.


I’ve been truly loving so many L’Oreal products lately! This entire sulfate-free system makes my strands frizz-free, which helps to accentuate my natural curl pattern.

Talk about a heavy-duty curling gel! This pleasantly scented curling custard turns drab curls into intensely sleek, defined ones.

There are many Carol’s Daughter products to covet, but the Hair Milk line is by far my favorite. The light-weight formula adds a bit of shine and moisture without weighing down hair. Plus, it has a fresh, lemon-like scent that livens up your locks.

Do you wear your hair natural or relaxed? If you wear your hair natural, what are your favorite products that help bring out your natural curl pattern?

Like Me, Pretty Please…

Hello My Beautiful Brown Girls,

Somehow my Brown Girl Gumbo page on Facebook was erased. Therefore, it would mean the world to me if you could “like” me again.


Thanks in advance,

Karla aka BGG

Cross Your Heart

For the past 8 years I’ve been basically carrying my life around in huge bags. Whether satchels, hobos, buckets, or totes, big bags have been my go-to purses to house everything from iPads to bobby pins to a countless collection of lip-glosses.

That is until I decided to downsize my daily essentials (that I carry) and ditched my bottomless pit purses. Now, when I grab my bag, it’s a small cross-body purse that is practical as it is pretty.  Plus, they’re effortless to carry – so you can wear them with ease.
Check out a few of these small wonders: 

Michael Kors Small Messenger Saddle Bag available at www.bloomingdales.com for $178

Gem Lock Flap Cross-Body Bag available at www.juicycouture.com for $148

Nine West Lady Likes Small Cross-Body Bag available at www.amazon.com for $31

Percy Cross-Body Bag available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $198

Rebecca Minkoff Zebra Hair Calf Mini available at www.rebeccaminkoff.com for $275

Pour La Victoire Leather Mini available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $225

Topshop Red Leather Zig-Zag Stitch Cross-Body Bag available at www.topshop.com for $60

See by Chloe Black Fluffy Cherry Party Fringe Bag available at www.my-wardrobe.com for $495

Turn-Lock Leather Cross-Body Bag available at www.bananarepublic.com for $79.50

Do you prefer large or small handbags? 

NYC Event Alert: Petals