Brown Girl Gumbo

Get the Perfect Red Lip Now: Skinn Hollywood Red Lip Palette

August 29, 2013

With fall right around the corner, it’s time to switch up your beauty routine!

Rocking a red lip color is a simple yet dramatic way to embrace the new season. I’ve tried countless scarlet shades, but have yet to find the perfect color that truly complements my skin tone. Not even the popular BG fave ‘Ruby Woo‘ by MAC looks good on me.

That’s why I’m excited to share with you guys a lip palette by Skinn Cosmetics that does the job. Created by professional makeup artist Dimitri James, the Hollywood Red Lip Palette includes a variety of six red shades that can be worn alone or blended into a custom crimson. With colors ranging from strawberry pink to a juicy reddish grape, you’re bound to find or create a red that’s right for you.

The only downside to this palette is that it doesn’t provide a single matte finish that’s all the rage this season. Other than that one hiccup, it’s a must-buy for fall.

Hollywood Red Lip Palette available here, $22.50

Do you have a hard time finding the perfect red lip shade? If not, what’s your favorite shade/brand?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Featured | 1 Comment

Hair Must-Have: Carol’s Daughter’s NEW Monoi Anti-Breakage Spray!

August 22, 2013

Since I’ll be a mom of two soon, I’ve been making it my priority to attend more beauty and style events while I still can.

Last week, I had the pleasure of spending the evening with the lovely Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter. About 15 of us writers/bloggers were treated to a fun mixology presentation (of course I couldn’t indulge!) of what I’m sure were delicious libations from mixologist Benjamin Wood at Distilled (they have some of the best wings I’ve ever had!!) here in New York.

Prior to sipping signature cocktails (mocktails for me) and noshing on scrumptious bites, Lisa told us about her newest product: Monoi Anti-Breakage Spray.

Monoi Repairing Anti-Breakage Spray available here, $24

She informed us that this particular spray sold over 700 units in a matter of minutes during one of her recent appearances on QVC, and after trying it myself I know why. The lightweight elixir comprised of a recipe that requires soaking of gardenias combined with coconut oil and wheat protein detangles hair gently and efficiently. Due to its special formula, you have to shake well in order to activate the natural ingredients. It’s an ideal leave-in conditioner because it doesn’t stop protecting and strengthening your strands.

Because I’m expecting, my hair doesn’t shed as much, but I did notice that after using it I didn’t have as much hair loss after washing. I’m excited to see how it works once my hormones go back to normal because I suffer from intense tangles and shedding.

If your hair is like most women’s while wet, this is a must-have product to tackle tangles and prevent breakage. Once again, Carol’s Daughter addresses our hair needs!

What products do you use for detangling?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Carol's Daughter, Featured | Leave a Comment

New Addition Coming to BGG!

August 19, 2013

For those who don’t follow me on Instagram (@browngirlgumbo), I just wanted to share some exciting news with you: I’m expecting my second child!

Yep, Ava is going to be a big sister and she couldn’t be happier. In fact, we’re all excited in the BGG household. It seems just like yesterday when I announced that I was expecting my first child on the site four years ago! Parenting is definitely the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it’s by far the most satisfying and rewarding. However, this time around I’ve been much sicker and unable to post as frequently as I’d like, but I’ve since passed that hurdle. Now, I can’t wait for our new addition and am counting down the days.

Last Saturday, I had a small “sprinkle” (that’s what people are calling subsequent baby showers these days) in my backyard in Brooklyn. A few of my friends and family members were in attendance to celebrate our impending arrival. My dear friends over at Aveeno were kind enough to sponsor the gift bags for my guests, which included a daily moisturizer and my favorite sunscreen. It was a lovely occasion and I’m so grateful to have wonderful people in my life.

Surprisingly, in this day and age of creating digital memories, I didn’t take many pictures. Luckily, I was able to salvage a collage out of the few photos I did manage to snap. Check it out below:

I never thought that I’d be anxiously awaiting the end of summer, but this year I am and for great reason! 🙂

Also, please be sure to follow me on Instagram @browngirlgumbo!!

Category: Baby, Featured, Gumbo Mix, Misc. | 2 Comments

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