Brown Girl Gumbo

Go “Nuts” for The Body Shop’s Brazil Nut Body Care Line

August 5, 2013

I don’t know about you, but I’m quite a nutty girl!

I’ve always been a lover of a nutty ice creams, sweet treats or a simple handful of mixed nuts as a snack. Basically, anything with nuts as a main ingredient count me in. And that apparently applies to body butters and shower gels too!

The Body Shop has a new and improved line of Brazil nut-infused body care products that is ahh-mazing! Brazils are one of my favorite nuts so I was interested in seeing how they would translate into a luxe lotion or body wash. The alluring sweet and nutty scent caresses the senses like only The Body Shop products can. The soap-free shower cream soothes and cleanses the skin with a rich lather that leaves you feeling refreshed and ready for the day. The body butter soaks into skin like a richer and more moisturizing shea butter. While the 3-in-1 beautifying oil provides skin with a light sheen that isn’t too oily but keeps skin glowing and moisturized for hours! I haven’t quite figured out how it can be used for the face, but a few drops does wonders for my super dry hair. Plus, all of the products are environmentally friendly and are made with Community Fair Trade Brazil nut oil from nuts hand-harvested in Peru.

If you’re looking to take a break from the usual floral and fruity scents that most body care companies offer, opt for this nutty line of products!

Brazil Nut Body Butter available here, $20

Brazil Nut Shower Cream available here, $8

Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil available here, $14

Are you a fan of nut-infused products or do you prefer to EAT your nuts?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

3 Sunscreen Tips That You Need to Know Now

July 29, 2013

If you’re still planning that summer getaway, don’t leave home without a few sun protection essentials from my friends at Aveeno.

Since becoming an Aveeno Brand Ambassador, I’ve tested and tried several options from the skincare brand. When my daughter was a baby I used, Baby Natural Protection Face Stick w/Broad Spectrum 50 SPF, which was super easy to apply and worked marvelously. My husband and I currently use the new Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. I’m a stickler for smelly sunscreens and this one is nearly fragrance-free, which is a major plus.

Aveeno Active Naturals Protect + Hydrate SPF 30 Lotion available here, $10.99

Also, with skin cancers on the rise, we need to make sure that we take the proper precautions to prevent the deadly disease. Dermatologist Dr. Jeanine Downie shared three highly-overlooked skincare tips that we all need to know while having fun in the sun:

1. Remember to use sunscreen on ears, posterier neck, and the tops of feet because they are the most overlooked places for sun protection.

2. Use a hypoallergenic, non-comedegenic sunscreen underneath your eyes consistently and do not rub your eyes. This alone will decrease dark circles.

3. Don’t forget your scalp! “I am seeing more scalp skin cancers, many of which can be avoided. Protect your scalp from the sun by applying a spray sunscreen like Aveeno’s Hydrosport Wet Skin Spray Sunscreen w/Broad Spectrum 30 to your hair, on your part.

Do you apply sunscreen everyday?

Category: Beauty, Health, Sunscreen, Travel & Lifestyle, Wellness | Leave a Comment

7 Stylish Espadrilles for Summer

July 16, 2013

When it comes to summer shoes, espadrilles are at the top of my list.

The easy-breezy footwear is the perfect alternative to flip-flops. Whether worn with a pair of cutoffs, dress or even jeans, these canvas keepers are ideal for the warmer months thanks to their breathable fabric. Plus, they provide just enough coverage that can take you from summer to early fall.

Check out these eye-catching espadrilles:

Kate Spade New York ‘Lara’ Espadrilles Flats available here, $89.60

Marc by Marc Jacobs Espadrilles available here, $135

Brian Atwood ‘Hardesty’ Espadrilles available here, $118

Soludos Chevy Chev ‘Zig Zag’ Espadrilles available here, $36

Soludos Floral Lace-Up Espadrilles available here, $49.95

Missoni Espadrilles available here, $158

Juicy Couture ‘Gigi’ Espadrilles available here, $99

Are you a fan of these summertime staples?

Category: Fashion, Style, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

GIVEAWAY – jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup Summer Prize Pack

July 9, 2013

What better way to beat the heat than indulging in a few free beauty treats?

My friends over at jane iredale—The Skincare Makeup and I want you to have that beach-ready, sun-kissed look so we’re giving one lucky reader a chance to embrace the sultry season with a a beautiful, bronzy glow. Tucked in a compact cosmetic case, one reader will receive deluxe samples of the four following products: Powder-Me SPF (a translucent powder), Tantasia (a moisturizing liquid bronzer that instantly gives skin a sexy shimmer), LipDrink SPF (a fruit-infused balm for lips) and the POMMIST Hydration Spray (a refreshing spritz with UV-protection pomegranate that sets makeup and soothes inflammation.

I’ve been touting this brand for years and each season they have an even more impressive lineup to offer. And if you’re wondering if the powder and bronzer work well for us BGs with varying skin tones, don’t worry they do! Plus, they all provide sun protection and proper hydration, which are essential during warmer months.

So, even if you can’t make it to the shore but want a summery look, definitely leave a comment below for your chance to win!

What are some of your favorite summer beauty buys? Also, the winner will be announced on Friday, July 19.

Category: Beauty | 8 Comments

Must-See TV: ‘Being Mary Jane’ Premieres Tonight!

July 2, 2013

For those of you who have been anticipating the broadcast premiere of BET’s “Being Mary Jane,” the wait is over.

Tonight, viewers will finally get the chance to watch the highly-buzzed about pilot starring Gabrielle Union.

Union will portray the central title character who juggles her professional and family life while searching for true love. Tonight’s original movie will serve as the pilot to the upcoming series set to debut in January 2014. Union will be joined by a supporting cast including: Omari Hardrick, Latarsha Rose, Margaret Avery, Tika Sumpter, Raven Goodwinn, Lisa Vidal and Aaron D. Spears.

The series is produced by Mara Brock Akil who also created the hit tv shows “The Game” and “Girlfriends.”

Watch the trailer below:

“Being Mary Jane,” premieres tonight, Tuesday, July 2nd at 10:30pm ET.

Will you be tuning in tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 3 Comments

In Case You Missed It: White Hot BET Red Carpet Styles

July 1, 2013

Last night it was all about the 2013 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

While the red carpet styles were white hot, the performances as a whole were a bit ho-hum (except the Charlie Wilson tribute) at this year’s annual awards show.

Many of the celebs who hit the red carpet were given the memo that white was the color of the night!

From Janelle Monae to host Chris Tucker, check out some of the stars who got in on the ivory trend:

Janelle Monae

Robin Thicke and Paula Patton

Omarosa

Mya

Miguel

Ashanti

Michelle Williams

Jamie Foxx

Letoya Luckett

Kenya Moore

Jay Ellis

Chris Tucker

Photos: BET

Who do you think rocked white the best?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Fashion, Fashions, Style | 2 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant

June 24, 2013

Now that the mercury is rising, it’s more important than ever to stay fresh and dry.

For the past several weeks, I’ve been using Lavanila The Healthy Deordorant to keep perspiration at bay. Unlike many deordorants that are made with aluminum, parabens and other potentially harmful chemicals, this 100% natural gem is packed with conditioning essential oils and nourishing beneficial vitamins.

Plus, it does it’s duty as a deordorant by keeping your armpits pleasantly scented and odor-free thanks to a natural technological breakthrough. Trust me, chasing after a toddler can work up a sweat and this deodorant does the trick! Also, it doesn’t leave behind that nasty, sticky film like other brands.

This summer is already stacking up to be a scorcher, so try this luxe deodorant and you won’t be disappointed!

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant is available in a variety of vanilla-based scents including: Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Lemon and more! Click here to buy, $14.

Have you ever used an all-natural deodorant? If you’d like to try this brand, simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and notified by email next Monday, July 1st.

Category: Beauty | 10 Comments