Brown Girl Gumbo

Get Janelle Monae’s Red Hot Met Gala Look!

May 6, 2014

From Lupita’s violet eyeliner to Beyoncé ‘s vampy pout, some of our favorite BGs donned gorgeous beauty trends at last night’s Met Gala in New York City. But, when it came to effortlessly timeless looks, Janelle Monae’s bold red lip was a standout.

The singer, 28, looked stunning in her signature black & white get-up, accompanied by an intricately embroidered scarlet caplet. The eccentric CoverGirl ambassador complemented her ensemble with an eye-catching, classic red lip.

Makeup artist Jessica Smalls shares how she created the crimson look: “I used a cherry red liner to define her lips, filled them in slightly and accentuated her cupid’s bow. CoverGirl’s richly pigmented, and Janelle’s signature, LipPerfection Lipcolor in Hot #305 was then applied with a lip brush ( for ultimate precision) and an electrifying red carpet look was born!”

Janelle Monae attends attends the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, 2014 in New York City. Photo By: CoverGirl/Getty

CoverGirl LipPerfection in Hot #305 available here, $6

Did you like Janelle’s red lip? Who rocked your favorite overall look at the Met Gala?

My Aveeno Daily Challenge Results!

April 29, 2014

My Aveeno Daily Challenge is officially over.

While I managed to make it the whole 21 days using Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Lotion, I’m not proud to say that I wasn’t as successful in the candy department. The first two weeks I was making great strides. Pineapples, apples, and bananas became my treats of choice. But, once Easter rolled around, my will power and pact to Aveeno’s challenge was compromised.

I blame those bite size Brach jelly beans and oh-so sweet pink marshmallow Peeps (yes, the colors make a difference in taste) for making me fall off the wagon. I just couldn’t resist raiding my daughter’s Easter basket. Needless to say, I didn’t notice any immediate weight loss as a result of avoiding candy the first two weeks, but I did feel more energized and less sluggish.

It’s also important to note that during the first two weeks, I noticed a change in my skin’s appearance. It seemed brighter, clearer and more refreshed. I’m not sure if that had anything to do with the new facial cleanser I’ve been using or my body’s way of saying “thank you” for not pumping it with sugar and artificial sweeteners. The rest of my body never looked better. Since I tend to have super dry skin, it’s imperative that I use a moisturizer that lasts hours. By consistently using Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion, my skin felt smoother and stayed remarkably hydrated for long periods of time.

Even though I didn’t successfully complete the entire challenge, I still plan on curbing my candy intake by only indulging on Saturdays and Sundays. I hope I can keep it up, but all I can do is take it one day at a time!

How do you manage to stay on track when it comes to healthy snacking, etc?

Category: Wellness | 1 Comment

Oyin Handmade Now Available in Target!

April 25, 2014

Fans of Oyin Handmade, the popular natural haircare line have a reason to celebrate this spring.

The Baltimore-based brand has announced that its products are now available in Target stores nationwide!

Oyin Handmade has gained a cult following since its launch in 2001. “Oyin,” which means honey in Yoruba, boasts a host of handmade sweet-smelling shampoos, conditioners, pomades and more. The Juices & Berries is by far my favorite product from the line. Not only does it serve as an awesome detangler, but also as a refreshing spritz when dry strands need a little moisture—making it a must-have for my fellow naturalistas.

Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing co-founder Jamyla Bennu (she runs the company with her husband) to chat about the brand. Check it out here!

Oyin Handmade “The Juices” Nourishing Herbal Leave-ins available here, $14

How cute is this “Juices & Berries” Scoop Neck Tee? Available here, $20

Have you used Oyin Handmade products? If not, will you give them a try now that they’re available at Target?

Category: Hair | Leave a Comment

Beauty Buy: Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment

April 22, 2014

Being a busy mom of two, I rarely get the opportunity to indulge in the luxury of spa pampering.

Thanks to Bliss Micro Magic, it’s now easy for me to recreate a spa-like facial experience in the comfort of my own bathroom. A cross between a mask and a cleanser, this at-home microdermabrasion treatment has been a godsend for my skin.

The fine micro-beads exfoliate by gently sloughing away dead skin cells leaving behind a super soft and clear complexion. Plus, it manages to make my pores appear smaller.

I’ve been a fan of Bliss Spa and just about every product from the brand for years, but I was especially drawn to Micro Magic because it’s formulated with volcanic pumice. There’s just something intriguing about a product containing anything from a volcano! Not only does the volcanic pumice make the treatment an interesting beauty buy, the aloe, peppermint, and Vitamin E ingredients seal the deal.

Although the directions suggest using the product twice a week for the best results, I’m already impressed with my skin’s appearance after a single use. I’m going to use it again tonight, but can’t imagine my face looking any more radiant.

If you’re in need of a good facial, but short on time or money give Micro Magic a try!

Bliss Micro Magic Microdermabrasion Treatment available here, $48

How often do you get facials? What are some of some of your at-home spa products?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Lala Anthony Debuts Short New ‘Do

April 21, 2014

Lala Anthony is going for a lighter, care-free look for spring.

The New York Time’s best-selling author, actress and TV personality, 34, took to Instagram to show off her new eye-catching blonde shorter ‘do with the caption, “Guess who got a haircut by @cesar4styles??!!”

Photo: Lala’s Instagram

Lala’s lovely new style is a nod to her flourishing businesses. “We felt it was time for a new look; a nice change to complement all the exciting new projects taking off in her career,” says Mizani celebrity hairstylist Cesar Ramirez. “Something young and fun to really show off her personality. Being that we are going into summer it was also the perfect opportunity to go much lighter and make a bold statement.”

If you want to achieve Lala’s look, here are a three easy steps:

*On wet hair Cesar applied Mizani Thermastrength Heat Protecting Serum get a shiny blowout while protecting the newly lightened hair from heat damage. Using a small round brush he created a wavy texture.

*Once dried, he used Mizani Defyne Wax to define and hold the desired style into place.

*Finally, Cesar set the look with Mizani HRM Humidity Resistant Mist light hold hair spray to prevent her hair from reverting in the warmer weather.

Do you like Lala’s new ‘do? Have you or are you planning on switching up your hairstyle for spring/summer?

Category: Hair | Leave a Comment

Denim Overalls for Spring: Over or In?

April 15, 2014

I never thought the day would come when overalls would be considered stylish again.

From Rihanna to Ashley Madekwe, over the past year or so, celebrities and street-style fashionistas have been sporting them out and about. Luckily, this time around they’re cropping up in slimmer, more flattering designs and fits.

Back in the 90s, I like many other teens confidently rocked the farmer chic fashion staple. I remember begging my mom for a pricey pair of oversize Calvin Klein aka “CK” overalls from Marshall Field’s (my Chicago readers will remember that store) much to her dismay, but she bought them anyway. They were at least three sizes too big, but back then the bigger and baggier the better! Clearly, I wanted to look like TLC’s long lost fourth member. But in fashion, even the most notoriously questionable styles make a comeback.

While I’m not totally opposed to this popular trend, I’m also not convinced that it lends itself to the over-30 set.

Check out these styles for spring and summer:

Hart Denim Overall Shorts available here, $78

Kensie Jeans Denim Overalls available here, $98

American Rag Denim Overalls available here, $62

American Rag Denim Short Overalls available here, $59

BDG Button-Down Slim Fit Denim Overalls available here, $79

ASOS Workwear Denim Overalls in Washed Black available here, $45

Are you feeling this trend? Did you wear overalls back in the day?

Category: Fashion, Style | 1 Comment

Review: Evenflo Classic Glass Feeding Bottle Featuring Proflow

April 14, 2014

I must admit, I hardly use bottles to feed my 6 1/2 month-old-son.

Yep, I’m one of those moms who breastfeeds on demand all day, everyday. It’s easy for me and my son loves the comfort and nourishment that it provides. However, when my outfit or a particular public location or outing isn’t conducive to breastfeeding, Evenflo’s new bottle line with Proflow vented nipples has been my substitute.

Evenflo Classic + Vented Bottles with Proflow Vented Nipples (trio of 8 oz) available exclusively at Babies R Us, $9.99

I prefer the classic glass option because it cuts down on germs and mold that can creep in with plastic ones. Plus, with the Proflow innovation, the vented nipples direct those dreaded air bubbles straight into the bottle instead of my son’s stomach, reducing gassy fussiness.

Being a second-time mom, I’ve never found a bottle and nipple that my children actually like as much as the “real thing.” My firstborn used bottles a lot more frequently than my son, so I’ve tried a wide variety. The classic glass ProFlow doesn’t leak either, which is a true bonus. And, since we moms are always short on time, the one-piece nipple eliminates extra dish duty.

If you’re on the hunt for a good glass bottle, give the new Evenflo ones with Proflow nipples a go!

Do you prefer glass or plastic bottles?

Category: Baby, Health, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | 2 Comments