Brown Girl Gumbo

Get Your Oil Under Control

June 3, 2010

Having a dewy glow is always in vogue during the summer – having oily skin is not. Since our skin tends to produce more oil during the warmer months, it’s important to use products that will keep our faces fresh and oil-free. That’s why for the past two weeks I’ve been able to avoid oil-triggered makeup meltdowns with Skindinavia’s No More Shine Makeup Finish.

This oil-free, weightless mist holds foundation, eye shadows, blush and concealer in place creating a matte finish. It absorbs excess oil, which in turn reduces shine so that your face will glow, but not glisten. In the past I’ve used blotting papers, but this is much better and quite refreshing!

Spray on just before your makeup and after. Available at Skindinavia for $29 for a 4 oz. bottle (which lasts about 4 months).

What do you use to curtail oily skin?

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Category: Beauty | 13 Comments

Is Bitch the New Black?

June 2, 2010

After reading Helena Andrews’s profile in the Washington Post a few months ago, I’ve been anxiously anticipating her memoir, “Bitch is the New Black,” which hit bookstores yesterday.

Comprised of candid, yet heartfelt essays that document the life of a young, single, highly-educated BG with a successful career who’s on the quest for love, “Bitch is the New Black,” is sassy as it is insightful. Told in a singular, witty voice, Andrews shares her life experiences up until her late 20s in a relatable girlfriend style. With film rights already sold, this book will resonate with many BGs who realize that finding “Mr. Right” and embracing adulthood isn’t as easy at it may seem.

Available at www.borders.com for $24.99

Would you read this book? What are your thoughts? One lucky reader will win a copy. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced later this week.

**UPDATE** The winner of the book is K-Bear! Congrats! Please send me your mailing address info.

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Category: Book | 7 Comments

Winner Announced – Bangles with a Bang!

June 1, 2010

What woman doesn’t like to express herself through clothing and accessories? Well, there’s a new brand of bangles that will let fashionistas wear their expressions on their wrists. Bangleism is a line of custom-made bangles that allows you to choose from a host of popular affirmations such as “I Am Extraordinary” and “Believe in Yourself,” or gives you the option to be original and create your own designs.

Founded by fellow BG, Arika Pierce, 30, who has a background in law and politics, Bangleism serves as her creative outlet. “I have been working on this for about 9 months now, perfecting the process and now I finally feel ready to share my creations with the world,” she says. Her signature hot pink paint can be seen inside all of the bracelets giving them that distinct, pretty pop of color.

So this summer while you’re donning sundresses and tank tops, add that extra oomph to your outfit with one of these bold, bright, and unique bangles.

Available at www.bangleism.com for $12

Do you wear bangles? One lucky reader will win her own Bangleism bangle. Just leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced on Tuesday.

**The winner of the Bangleism bangle is K. Rock. Please email me your mailing address info! Congrats. 🙂

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Category: Fashion | 27 Comments

Belly Bandit Believer!

May 25, 2010

Being a new mom comes with many challenges. Fortunately for me, battling the post-baby belly bulge is no longer one of them. Immediately after giving birth to Ava, I used the Belly Bandit, which, according to their website, “helps tighten and shrink your tummy post pregnancy.”

Prior to using the abdominal wrap, I had heard conflicting stories from other mothers about whether or not the concept of binding actually helps flatten stomachs and redefine waists. I asked myself, What could it hurt to try? So I decided to give it a go and hoped for the best.

Throughout weeks of feedings and never-ending diaper duty, my once-burgeoning belly stayed bound with this band. While helping to hold everything in place, it also provided back support, which was an added bonus. Around 6 weeks post-partum (I took it off from time to time) I decided to give the wrap a rest and couldn’t have been more pleased with the results.

Granted, I’m not sure how my belly would’ve looked post-partum had I not used the wrap, but I’d like to think that this nifty undergarment played a part in helping me regain my pre-pregnancy figure fast.

This photo was taken a little less than 7 weeks after giving birth.

Prices start at $45.95. Visit www.bellybandit.com for more information.

Have you ever used an abdominal wrap after childbirth?

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Category: Mommyhood, Pregnancy | 19 Comments

BGG Chats w/Celebrity Hair Stylist Ted Gibson!

May 21, 2010

From magazine spreads to red carpet looks, Ted Gibson has styled the hair of some of today’s hottest celebrities, including Gabrielle Union, Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldana and more.

Ted’s effervescent attitude and knowledge of hair has made him one of the country’s most sought-after stylists. He’s appeared on a number of shows, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and most recently as the resident hair guru on TLC’s hit series, What Not To Wear. His mantra, “Beauty is Individual,” is a testament to celebrating every woman’s uniqueness.

Click here for our Q&A!

What’s styles are you wearing this summer?

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Category: Hair, Interviews | 7 Comments

Pink Eggs & Glam!

May 19, 2010

If you’ve ever had a blemish that you want to conceal, but it’s in a hard-to-reach place like near the crevice of your nose, there’s a spectacular sponge that will get the job done! Thanks to my makeup artist cousin, Nicole Rogers, I was introduced to this pink, ergonomically-designed egg-shaped sponge by BeautyBlender. It’s ideal for those nooks and crannies where you can’t properly apply foundation or concealer with your fingertips or a brush. The suede textured-sponge is super soft and blends areas with precision. Plus, this set comes with its own cleanser to keep pesky germs and bacteria at bay.

Beauty Blender Duo Set available at www.sephora.com for $39.95