Brown Girl Gumbo

Vanessa Williams Expands ‘ReVitalistic’ Skincare Line

January 25, 2013

Is there anything that Vanessa Williams can’t do?

The stunning multi-talented entertainer, author and mother of four, now has her own anti-aging skincare line. Launched last year, ReVitalistic Skincare, is Williams’ latest endeavor in the cosmetics world. The former Miss America, 49, who has always been vocal about her personal struggle with skin problems, previously worked with Proactive (the popular acne-fighting formula), but is now stepping out on her own.

Designed and developed by Williams, the expanding ginger-scented collection includes premium creams, serums and moisturizers. Her latest release, Three-Piece Anti-Aging System ($68), includes the top-selling Re-Start Skin Serum, along with two new products: Re-Focus Firming Eye Serum and Re-Quench Anti-Age Defense Intensive Moisture Treatment. While there are so many celebrity skincare products on the market, Williams is confident that she has the right stuff.

“With my ReVitalistic Skincare Anti-Aging System, you are able to maintain an effortless and efficient three-step anti-aging regimen at an incredible price,” Williams says in a release. “Once you try my most basic regimen, which is effective and easy to use, you will notice how much better your skin will look and feel.”

Available at www.QVC.com

Although I haven’t tried any of her products, I’m looking forward to catching Williams on QVC tonight to learn more! Be sure to tune in to QVC’s “Friday Night Beauty” tonight 11pm (EST) if you want to buy or learn more about ReVitalistic Skincare products.

Would you check out her products?

Get the Look: Beyoncé’s Makeup at the 2013 Presidential Inauguration

January 22, 2013

Beyoncé always looks stunning, but the R&B and pop superstar amped up her natural beauty for her performance of the “Star-Spangled Banner,” for the 2013 Inauguration of President Barack Obama.

Dressed in a gorgeous Emilio Pucci gown and emerald Lorraine Schwartz earrings, celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal complemented Beyoncé’s eye-catching ensemble with natural-looking makeup for the historic day.

Beyoncé and Mally Roncal

Check out Mally’s tips and tricks to recreate the look using products from her Mally Beauty makeup line:

· To first set the skin, apply my Perfect Prep Poreless Primer all over the face and my Cancellation Concealer directly underneath the eyes.

· To achieve natural-looking coverage, first, apply my Ultimate Performance Liquid Foundation. Next, add a sweep of my NEW Diamond Unpowder that will illuminate the skin followed by brushing on my Effortless Airbrush Highlighter and Blush Duo to the cheeks in order to provide a soft, radiant glow to the skin.

· To achieve a rich, smokey eye – try my Evercolor Shadow Stick in Saddle Shimmer. Apply this all over the eyelid and underneath as well. Next, select a few shades from the Mally Beauty In the Buff Palette and sweep that onto the eyelids. Finish the look by applying a small amount of my Age Rebel Shadow Stick in Chocolate Diamond on the bottom lid right under your eyelashes to open up the eye followed by using my Lightwand Eyebrightener to the inner corners to instantly brighten this area. Lastly, to achieve this bold eyeliner at-home, try using the Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Eyeliner in Midnight, layered with the Ultimate Performance Ink Eyeliner (which is exclusive to QVC.com).

· Complement this confident eye by pairing it with a mascara that will enhance the overall look – such as the Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara and/or my NEW Instant Impact Mascara. To create glossy, Beyoncé worthy lips try my High Shine Lip Gloss in Mally’s Look or Mally’s Baby.

· And last but not least, before you leave the house, apply the Mally Beauty Face Defender to lock your makeup in place and Perfect Prep Hydrating Under Eye Brightener to make the eyes pop!

All of the products mentioned can be purchased at QVC.com and MallyBeauty.com!

Check out Beyonce’s performance below:

What did you think of Beyoncé’s look and performance?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Beauty News | 5 Comments

Happy MLK & Inauguration Day!

January 21, 2013

I can’t think of a more fitting way to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. than the second swearing in of the first African-American president of the United States—Barack Obama.

Having a African-American leading the free world is more than Dr. King could’ve ever imagined happening in only two decades after his death.

Martin Luther King Jr.

While I’m not in D.C. this year, I did have the pleasure and honor of attending the inauguration in 2009. Despite the chilly temps, it was an electrifying occasion that I’m proud to have witnessed. My sister will serve as the unofficial BGG correspondent tonight as she’ll be attending the main ball! Hopefully, she can get a few candid shots of the stars in attendance!

My buddy Rashadd and me braving the elements!

Out of the mass crowd, I managed to run into my buddy, Rashadd, from high school!

The crowd was amped for the inauguration!

There were many people holding signs displaying their religious viewpoints.

The crowd was amped with excitement and anticipation as we headed to the mall!

This is an incredibly special day for African-Americans and the entire country as a whole!

Are you watching?

Category: Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Fabulous Celebrity TwitPics of the Week!

January 18, 2013

Check out this week’s fabulous photos from some of our fave celebs! Have a wonderful weekend!

Brandy

Vanessa & Kobe Bryant and Garcelle Beauvais

Sanaa Lathan

Beyoncé

Elle Varner

Robin Thicke, Kevin Hart and JB Smoove

Mariah Carey with her daughter Monroe

What’s your favorite photo from the bunch? Also, will you be in D.C. this weekend for the inaugural festivities?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Celebrity BGs, Celebrity Photos, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Michelle Obama Debuts New Bangs!

January 17, 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated her 49th birthday with a bang, literally!

The always-stylish FLOTUS debuted a new look with textured blunt bangs just in time for her birthday and the inaugural festivities taking place this weekend. The fabulous fringe frames her already gorgeous face and complements the shoulder-skimming bob.

First Lady Michelle Obama

Hair expert George Gonzalez, a Chicago-based stylist who has worked for Oprah shares his tips on getting this banging look:

“Michelle Obama’s new bang is texturized which gives a softer piecey edge to the normal blunt style,” says the owner of George the Salon in Chicago. “To achieve, ask your stylist to chip in with the tips of their shears followed by using texturizing scissors to soften the initial cut to finish. Hair types that are very coarse, thick and curly will have a harder time pulling this look off unless you want to take the time to use a blow dryer and flat iron to style. Ideally, straight or slightly wavy strands that are fine to normal will work best for this new ‘Obama Bang’.”

Do you guys love this look?

Category: Beauty, Beauty News, Celebrity BGs | 1 Comment

Beauty NEWS: Burt’s Bees to Launch New Lip Products

January 17, 2013

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of attending an event previewing Burt’s Bees’ new lip gloss lines. The earth-friendly brand never disappoints when it comes to quality and affordability, and the two product launches live up to that standard. Just in time for spring, both the Lip Gloss and Lip Shine lines are packed with vibrant colors (combined they offer over 18 shades) that will get lips noticed. And, the fact that they’re formulated with 100% natural ingredients is definitely a perk!

If you’re a BG who likes applying gloss with a wand, then opt for the Lip Gloss line. With botanical oils as a key ingredient, these glosses moisturize lips while providing a pearlized shine.

Lip Gloss ($8.99) and Lip Shine ($6.99) will be available at www.burtsbees.com and retailers nationwide starting in March.

Since I’m more of a non-wand kind of girl, I prefer the Lip Shine products. They leave just the right amount of color and the consistency is flawless: not too sticky and not too runny. In fact, I think I may have found my new favorite lip product (in Flutter)! It’s the perfect mix of pink and plum. Plus, it smells delightful and the color is long-lasting.

I’ve been a fan of Burt’s Bees products for several years so I’m excited to see the brand expanding!

Do you prefer lip glosses with wands or without?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Must See TV: ‘The Real Husbands of Hollywood’ and ‘Second Generation Wayans’

January 15, 2013

Last night I wish I could’ve been at two places at one time!

BET Networks hosted a red carpet and press screening of two of its new original series, “The Real Husbands of Hollywood” and “Second Generation Wayans” here in New York City. However, I decided to check out a beauty event hosted by Burt’s Bees (more on that later this week) instead of catching the new shows.

Although I didn’t get a chance to attend the screening, I am looking forward to viewing both premieres tonight!

Here’s the lowdown on both shows:

“The Real Househusbands” is a semi-scripted show based on a skit that first premiered during the 2011 BET Awards. A spoof of the “Real Housewives” reality show franchise, comedian and producer Kevin Hart stars in the sure-to-be hilarious series along with co-stars Nick Cannon, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin, Robin Thicke and J.B Smoove.

From L to R: Cast members Nick Cannon, J.B. Smoove, Kevin Hart and Boris Kodjoe star in “The Real Househusbands of Hollywood,“ premiering Jan. 15, 10 p.m EST.

“Second Generation Wayans” is a completely scripted comedy series featuring Damien Dante Wayans, Craig Wayans, George O. Gore and Tatyana Ali. The show takes viewers on a fictional ride of what it’s like for the characters to make it in Hollywood having a famous last name.

From L to R: Cast members George O. Gore, Damien Dante Wayans, Craig Wayans and Tatyana star in “Second Generation Wayans,“ premiering Jan. 15 on BET at 10:30 pm EST. Photo courtesy: BET Networks

Will you be watching? If so, be sure to tune in to BET tonight at 10pm EST!

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments