Brown Girl Gumbo

Quench Your Curls: 6 Moisturizing & Conditioning Sprays for Natural Hair

June 9, 2014

We BGs who rock hairstyles that show off our natural curls, waves, kinks and coils know that hydrating sprays are essential to achieving some of our favorite looks.

Although I stopped relaxing my hair in 2007, it wasn’t until last year that I finally started using hair spritzers and leave-in conditioning sprays to help enhance, moisturize and maintain my curls. They can tame frizz, define curls, as well as provide a bit of shine. Plus, now that summer’s around the corner these sprays are perfect for overall rejuvenating and refreshing tresses in hot and humid weather.

Check out these picks to help quench your curls:

Ouidad Botanical Boost Moisture Infusing & Refreshing Spray (8.5 oz) available here, $17

“The Juices” Nourishing Herbal Leave-Ins (8 oz) available here, $14

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-In Conditioner available here, $11

Quenched Curls Curls Refresher and Moisturizer available here, $16

Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Blossom Moisture Mist (8.5 oz) available here, $16

Do you use leave-in conditioner sprays and mists to hydrate your strands?

Category: Hair | Leave a Comment

7 Stylish Studs & Ear Cuffs

June 3, 2014

Now that my baby boy is almost 9 months old, my beloved hoop earrings have been forced to take a backseat.

Like most babies, his curious nature has resulted in broken earrings and painful, pulled lobes. So until he no longer finds my classic gold hoops fascinating, I’ll be opting for more baby-friendly styles like cute cuffs and eye-catching studs to adorn my ears.

Check out some of these buys:

BCBG Max Azria Spike Ear Cuff available here, $24

Jennifer Zeuner “Love” Earrings available here, $132

Eddie Borgo Pave Crystal Cone Single Ear Cuff available here, $100

Betsey Johnson Camera Stud Earrings available here, $30

Freida Rothman ‘Femme’ Maltese Cross Stud Earrings available here, $65

Steve Madden “White” Faceted Bead Ear Cuffs available here, $18

Alexis Bittar ‘Elements – Jardin Papillon’ Chain Link Stud Earrings available here, $75

Do you prefer studs or hoop earrings?

Category: Fashion, Style | Leave a Comment

Remembering Dr. Maya Angelou: One of America’s Greatest Treasures

May 29, 2014

Yesterday, I learned of Dr. Maya Angelou’s passing en route to my children’s doctor’s appointments. As I schlepped toward the subway with two kids in tow, I got several back-to-back text messages from friends and family alerting me of her death.

After being in the pediatrician’s office for what seemed like an eternity and just being a busy mom in the evening, I didn’t have a chance to write about the prolific poet and author. In this fast-paced 24/7 news cycle, people may be on to the next big story, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge Dr. Angelou’s legacy today.

I remember reading her autobiography, “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings,” in elementary school like so many other young African-American girls and connecting to her story in ways I had never connected before. In fact, that book single-handedly made me fall in love with reading biographies and autobiographies (my favorite book genre).

Throughout the years, I’ve found myself quoting lines from her poems, speeches, books, etc. Who hasn’t repeated one of her most famous quotes, “When a person shows you who they are, believe them the first time?” She had such a special way of making the most profound concepts seem so simple.

The late thought-provoking activist and teacher’s wisdom will live on in our hearts and through her brilliant work forever. She was indeed a phenomenal woman!

1928-2014

Here are a few more popular Dr. Angelou quotes (via ABC News):

“If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love.”

“The truth is, no one of us can be free until everybody is free.”

“I’m a woman Phenomenally.”

“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.”

“Nothing will work unless you do.”

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. Don’t complain.”

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

“Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.”

“While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.”

“My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.”

What’s your favorite Dr. Maya Angelou quote?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | Leave a Comment

Gabrielle Union Shares Summer Beauty Tips as the New Face of Philips Sonicare

May 22, 2014

No matter how we style our hair or what clothes we wear, a gorgeous smile is always the best accessory. That’s why Philips Sonicare and Philips Zoom! has tapped actress Gabrielle Union as their new face to help drive home that point.

Known for her beautiful smile, the “Think Like A Man Too” and “Being Mary Jane” star, 41, has teamed up with the popular oral healthcare brand to help encourage women to feel confident about their looks. As part of their partnership, the bride-to-be is sharing a few beauty tips for the summer.

Check them out below:

Stay hydrated: They say you should drink 8 glasses of water a day, but I drink double that – a FULL gallon! Aside from the obvious – staying hydrated – it keeps my skin, hair and nails healthy and keeps my metabolism revved.

Feel good about your smile: A healthy, white smile is an essential part of my year round beauty routine. It’s a great accessory to any outfit and helps make a lasting first impression. I brush with Philips Sonicare DiamondClean to keep my teeth and gums healthy, and my dentist whitens my smile with Philips Zoom either in the office or with convenient take-home trays.

Go natural: On set at “Being Mary Jane,” we’ve been experimenting with this fresh look for my character that has become my go-to for warmer weather: A heavier brow (it makes you look more youthful!), a nude lip and just mascara for the eyes. If I do more eye makeup for nighttime, I avoid black and stick to shades of brown for a more naturally dramatic look.

Keep hair simple with bold accents: I live in Miami and my show shoots in Atlanta, which are both extremely hot and humid places in the summer. For a cute and low maintenance hairstyle, I take it back to 1986 with braids, or I put my hair up in a simple topknot. A top knot is also great for going out or a big event – I pair it with a cat eye and a bold red lip.

Confidence is key: It’s so important to feel confident about who you are and not to succumb to unrealistic expectations. I gave that up a while ago. I try to keep healthy habits like exercising and eating fruits and veggies – I’m really into juicing daily – but I don’t put pressure on myself to fit a certain mold. If you’re 5, 10, 20 pounds more than you want to be, it’s okay. Just feel confident about being YOU!

Do you use teeth whitening treatments to keep your smile bright?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News | 4 Comments

Product Review: Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel

May 21, 2014

When I think of my first beauty experiences, Oil of Olay comes to mind.

I’ve been using the classic skincare brand ever since my mom introduced the facial moisturizer to me in middle school. The simple white and black bottle always had a luxe appeal despite it being a drugstore buy. Although I didn’t need any anti-aging wrinkle-prevention creams at the time, the quintessential moisturizer always rescued my skin from dryness.

That’s why I was super excited to try the brand’s new Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer. The fun and inviting packaging caught my eye, as well as the commercials.

Olay Fresh Effects Dew Over Hydrating Gel Moisturizer available here, $14

The hydrating gel-based moisturizer is a departure from the creamy lotion that original Olay fans have come to love. But, change is good. The light-weight gel is cool and calming leaving behind a refreshed feel, making it ideal for the warmer months. Plus, it’s oil-free and won’t clog pores. In fact, thanks to its powder formula, it actually absorbs excess oil! While the scent of white tea and honeysuckle is a wee bit off-putting, it doesn’t make it deal-breaker.

I never thought that I would find a facial moisturizer that could potentially replace my beloved original Oil of Olay, but this just might be the one!

Do you use gel moisturizers?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured | 3 Comments

Fashion News: Chanel Iman Joins the Gap Factory Store Campaign

May 16, 2014

Chanel Iman might be most known for being a sultry Victoria’s Secret model, but the fresh-faced beauty is now tapping into her girl-next-door allure by teaming up with GAP Factory Store.

Kicking off today, the model, 23, is joining celebrity stylist E! TV personality George Kotsiopoulos for the “Exclusively Styled” campaign. Together they will showcase some of the hottest summer styles and trends from the discounted retailer.

Check out this behind-the-scenes look from their recent shoot:

What trends are you looking forward to trying this summer?

Category: Style | Leave a Comment

Special Offer: ChicBusyMom & Cocotique’s ‘May Is for Mothers’ Beauty Box

May 16, 2014

Although Mother’s Day was last Sunday, ChicBusyMom and Cocotique are celebrating mom all month long!

The mom/lifestyle blogger has partnered with the popular beauty box subscription service to bring some of the best buys for us BGs directly to our doorsteps with the “May is for Mothers” offering.

Specially curated for women of color, subscribers can test out beauty goodies including: CURLS Defining Moments Curl Release Serum, BADGER Peppermint & Tea Tree Foot Balm, HARVEY PRINCE Hello Fragrance, NAKED BAR Pit Cream Natural Deodorant, Natural Style by FUBU Curl Defining Gel, Natural Style by FUBU Deep Conditioner & Co-Wash, Natural Style by FUBU Curl Elongator and Men’s Natural Style by FUBU 3-in-1 Cleansing Wash.