Brown Girl Gumbo

Product Review: Skin+Pharmacy’s Extended Moisture Body Lotion

July 25, 2016

Suffer from dry skin? I may have found the solution to your moisture-zapped woes.

I’ve always had super dry skin. No matter how much oil or lotions I slathered on, somehow, some way, the sheen would be short-lived. From fancy creams to expensive emollients, I’ve used a variety of products in hopes of finding relief. Sure, some fared better than others, but none have been as effective as Skin + Pharmacy’s Advanced Skin Therapy Extended Moisture Body Lotion. Yep, a drugstore brand has been my best discovery.

Skin+Pharmacy Advanced Skin Therapy Extended Moisture Body Lotion, available here, $14

And it’s not your typical lotion. It’s infused with coconut oil and an apple-derived fruit extract to help bind water to skin, allowing for optimal absorption. Plus, it features a moisture-restoring technology that keeps my skin hydrated ALL day long.

To top it off, it’s fragrance free and never greasy. I’ve tried the entire line and my other favorite product is the Healing Gel, which is excellent for restoring, irritated areas. I like to use it on my calloused heels—instantly making them super soft and supple.

Skin+Pharmacy Advanced Skin Therapy Healing Gel available here, $10

Exclusively sold at CVS drugstores, the Skin + Pharmacy Advanced Skin Therapy line is the crème of the crop. Give it go, your skin will thank you.

What’s your favorite skin moisturizer?

Disney’s ‘Elena of Avalor’ Adds Diversity to the Princess Lineup

July 22, 2016

Move over Disney princesses, there’s a new royal beauty in town!

Tonight, the highly anticipated animated series, “Elena of Avalor,” will premiere on the Disney Channel and Disney Junior at 8pm EDT. The hour-long special will introduce Elena to the world.

Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, the series tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.

(Courtesy of Disney Channel)

My daughter hasn’t been this excited for an animated series since “Doc McStuffins” debuted four years ago. Now that she’s older, I’m sure she’ll be able to identify with many of the series’ underlining themes that Disney so brilliantly conveys to young audiences. During the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in May, I was lucky to have gotten a sneak peek at Elena and I, too, have been looking forward to this premiere ever since!

Not only will “Elena of “Avalor,” be a great addition to the Disney lineup—but she’ll also serve as a great role model for girls of color. During the Disney Social Media Moms Conference in May, I was happy to learn that the show will incorporate Elena’s Latin and Hispanic cultures through music, food and more—educating audiences along the way.

While Tiana is by far my favorite Disney Princess, Elena might give her some fierce competition!

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 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!

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

Product Review: Nubian Heritage African Black Soap

June 30, 2016

No one likes pimples.

Especially when you’re 36 and well past your acne-ridden teenage years. Unfortunately for me, those pesky bumps are back and have been wreaking havoc on my skin for weeks. Pinpointing the culprit has been elusive, but my guess is that it’s hormone based. Until I can get to the root of my flare-ups, I’ve been using The Vitamin Shoppe’s Nubian Heritage African Black Soap as a facial cleanser to keep the blemishes at bay.

Like many BGs, I’d heard about this special soap for years—but, for some reason, I’d never tried it. Boy, am I glad I finally did! Unlike most soap, this one deep cleanses and is packed with natural ingredients that slough away off dead skin cells without the dreaded drying effect. Blended with 100% shea butter, it lathers into a refreshing scent that leaves skin super moisturized and smooth. After the first use my face immediately looked more healthy and radiant.

Nubian Heritage African Black Soap available here, $4

Oats, Vitamin E, plantain peel extract, and papaya enzymes are just a few of the other ingredients mixed into the soap making it a must-have for those who swear by all-natural products.

Although I’m not completely pimple-free, I have seen a vast improvement in my skin’s appearance since giving this soap a go.

If you’re suffering from mild acne, definitely give African Black Soap a try — it doesn’t prevent breakouts, but it certainly keeps skin moisturized and diminishes the appearance of blemishes giving me a clearer complexion.

Do you suffer from occasional blemishes or have you been blessed with flawless skin?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Get SUN-day Schooled with Summer Skincare Tips from Dr. Jen

June 28, 2016

Now that summer is officially underway, it’s time to get SUN-day schooled. Taking the proper measures to prevent sun damage should be implemented year-round, but especially during the summer months. With longer, hotter days – protecting your skin from UV-rays is crucial. And for us moms, protecting our little ones is even more important.

I recently caught up with New York pediatrician and Dove ambassador Dr. Jen Trachtenberg to get the 411 on the best ways to ensure that our children are covered—literally. From the most effective sunscreens to easy ways to keep skin soft and smooth, we chatted about all things summer skincare.

So, before your family heads to the beach or park, be sure to keep the following tips in mind for a safe day out.

*Keep your kids cool and comfy by dressing them in loose-fitting, breathable clothing.

*Outfit your tot with sunglasses. They’re not just for fashion statements, but they actually help prevent sun damage to the eyes.

*Buy sunscreen with a physical barrier and one that’s broad spectrum and protects against UVA and UVB rays.

*Apply, apply and reapply sunscreen! Yep, Dr. Jen recommends slathering or spraying sunscreen on your children at least once every 3 hours, and always after they’ve been in the water.

*After a day out, cleanse your child with a mild cleanser such as the Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar because it will keep her soft and smooth all summer long. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and unscented.

How do you keep your kids’ skin protected during the summer?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ Launch Party

June 22, 2016

In celebration of GoGo squeeZ’s YogurtZ launch, my family and I were invited to attend a super cool event to kick off the new offering.

First, I was giddy with excitement at the mere fact that the popular squeezable fruit brand was expanding into the yogurt realm. My daughter, Ava, has been enjoying the applesauce packets for years and is also huge yogurt fan—so, having a trusted brand include another family staple to their lineup was awesome!

Throughout the event, all attendees were treated to tasty bites and of course yogurt—which my kids couldn’t stop eating it. Available in three delicious flavors: Strawberry, Banana, and Berry, the yogurt is the perfect healthy snack for school-age children. Free of artificial flavors and colors, parents don’t have to worry fake ingredients and harmful dyes. Plus, it doesn’t require refrigeration making it an ideal grab-and-go treat. Hence their clever tagline, “So cool, it doesn’t have to be cold.” Wondering how that’s possible? It’s simple: the yogurt goes through a heating step that ensures that the product can be stored at room temperature.

From create-your-own yogurt smiley face stations to dance contests to “ice” skating, the launch party was packed with fun activities for kids.

Overall, we had a wonderful time and can’t wait to see what else GoGo squeeZ comes up with next!

Is your family a fan of GoGo squeeZ products? What’s your kids’ favorite on-the-go snack?

Category: Parenting, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

Get The Look: ‘Eclipse’ Danai Gurira’s Makeup at the Tony Awards

June 13, 2016

Last night’s Tony Awards was a special night for BGs.

Danai Gurira the actress who penned the Broadway hit, “Eclipse” and the only female writer to be nominated in the best play category, stunned on the red carpet.

Her gorgeous crown of natural curls exuded regal elegance, while her jewel-tone yellow gown complimented her rich, luminous skin — but it was her flawless makeup that turned heads.

IT Cosmetics‘ makeup artist, Kim Bower created a sultry, yet seasonal look that made the playwright smolder. She used Brow Power and Build-a-Brow to groom her bold brows, which in turn highlighted her enviable cheekbones. While her brows set the stage, Bower opted for a classic smokey eye, with dark, defined lids using Liner Lid and the Naturally Pretty Palette. To take her lashes to new lengths, she coated them with Superhero mascara.

Her smokey eye paired surprisingly well with the bright pop of color on the lips. The pink provided a summerly look that wasn’t overpowering, but eye-catching. A few strokes of Radiance Ombre Blush on the cheeks and Gurira was red carpet ready!

Check out the IT Cosmetics used on Gurira so you can re-create this award-winning look!: