Beat Balmy Weather Makeup Woes

July 9, 2012
With temps reaching triple digits, it’s easy to have a makeup meltdown. But with the help of a few beauty basics, you’ll be able to beat balmy weather makeup woes.

From combatting oily skin to runny liners, the following products will keep your face fresh and flawless. 

Check them out: 
These all-natural, oil-absorbing sheets are a must-have for those who suffer from shiny skin syndrome during the summer. Ideal for on-the-go, they won’t alter makeup and will fit perfectly into compact purses and clutches. Tatcha Evening Aburatorigami Sheets (40 count) available here, $15


Forget gooey glosses and stick with a stay-in-place lippy for a polished look. Maybelline 14-Hour Lipstick available here, $8.49

Spritz on a a few squirts of this finishing spray and your makeup will stay marvelous and melt-proof. Skindinavia Finishing Spray available here, $30


Don’t let runny liners leave you looking like a raccoon. Lock down your peepers with a smudge-free formula like Revlon’s ColorStay Eyeliner available here, $7

What’s your summer beauty routine? One lucky reader will win the Tatcha Evening Aburatorigami Sheets (40 count).  Simply leave a comment or Tweet this post and the winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday. 

**The winner of the Mixed Chicks prize pack is Live Love Natural Beauty! Congrats, please email me your mailing address by Monday, July 16th.
Category: Beauty | 4 Comments

Blast from the Past Post: Taking it to the Max!

July 3, 2012

Originally published: June 2, 2008

This season the maxi dress is the perfect piece to add to your summer wardrobe. The popular, Grecian-like style can be worn on cool days at the beach; or if paired with the right accessories can even be ideal for  fun date nights out on the town!

Plus, these fabulous, free-flowing frocks can create long & lean silhouettes, which I’m sure many BGs can appreciate. Who doesn’t want to look chic and elongated?

I haven’t actually bought one of these dresses yet, but I know that I’ll eventually get one before the summer is over.

Will you wear a maxi dress this summer?

Category: Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Get Happy Feet at Old Navy

June 29, 2012

Tomorrow you’ll flip for the highly anticipated flip flop sale at Old Navy. For only a buck, frugal fashionistas will be able to slip their feet into colorful flip flops that are comfy and chic.

Whether worn to the beach or a backyard barbecue, flip flops are the quintessential summer must-have.

Available at www.oldnavy.com for $1 (while supplies last)


For this super low price you’ll be able to stock up on a wide variety of colorful styles!

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

Alicia Keys is Back with a “New Day”

June 28, 2012

With only a couple days left in June, Black Music Month is going out with a bang.  Singer Alicia Keys treated true R&B/pop music fans to ear candy with the release of her new, slightly anthemic single, “New Day.”

Produced by her husband Swizz Beatz, the track has an infectious, celebratory-feel coupled with a strong drumline that will surely get “party people” on the dance-floor. The single reintroduces the new mom, 31, to the masses since her last CD, Element of Freedom in 2009. 
If this single sets the tone for her upcoming album, I’ll be anticipating its release.
Listen to the song here. 
What’s your favorite Alicia Keys’ song? 
Category: Arts and Entertainment | 2 Comments

MUSIC: Old School vs. New School

June 27, 2012

After attending the launch party for Angela Simmons’ new hair extensions line last week, I realized that my music taste is stuck in the past. During the party, I only heard one song (something by Beyoncé) that I knew and could happily hum along to.

Surely, had I stayed longer, familiar “old school” tracks would’ve trickled in between the current hits, but for my duration “new school” tunes dominated the DJ’s playlist.

It seems like I’m becoming one of those people whom I heard growing up saying, “They don’t make good music anymore.” Well, I’m not sure if that’s completely true, but I do know that I have been left out of the popular music scene ever since I moved to New York nearly a decade ago.

Grammy award-winning artist Nicki Minaj

Maybe it’s because I don’t drive here to hear what’s hot on the radio or perhaps it’s due to the fact that I’d much rather listen to more customized music picks from Pandora or Music Choice (Throwback Jamz). Whatever the case, contemporary music has taken a backseat for me.

While my nieces and nephew are fans of Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Big Sean, I’m still “bank-head bouncing” to R&B and pop hits of the 80s, 90s, and aughts (I know, I’m not sure how the 2000s got coined that either)!

Do you listen to the radio on a daily basis? Who are some of your favorite artists past or present?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 5 Comments

Denim Delights

June 25, 2012

Forget basic blues and even those eye-catching bright hues while jean shopping this summer. Instead, switch things up with fun patterned pairs.

From florals to polka-dots to ikat designs, dive right into sexy yet playful denim duds this season for an unexpected alternative.

Check out a few chic choices:

7 For All Mankind Ikat Print Jeans available here, $110

Paige Verdugo Polka Dot Jeans available here, $189

Current/Elliott The Stiletto Cropped Printed Jeans available here, $170

Alice & Olivia 5-Pocket Printed Skinny Jeans available here, $118
Guess Brittney Ankle Skinny Leopard Jean available here, $29.95

7 for All Mankind Garden Party Skinny Jeans available here, $109
Will you wear printed jeans this summer?
Category: Fashion | 2 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Mixed Chicks Prize Pack

June 22, 2012
Like many BGs, I have various hair textures. For instance, the hair in the front of my head has a looser curl pattern, while the back tends to be a bit coarser, tighter curl. Having combination hair can make finding one product to speak to all of my strands difficult. That’s why I’ve been tempted to try Mixed Chicks to treat my “mixed-up” hair, but haven’t had the chance. 
Now that the cruelty-free, vegan natural hair care line is launching its full adult line in over 700 Target stores, I just might get that opportunity (check back for a full review). I’m curious to see how well the products work for a non-“mixed chick.”  
Ideal for multicultural women seeking a one-stop shop for all of their hair care needs, Mixed Chicks boasts a bevy of products for curly, kinky, wavy-haired, or somewhere in-between BGs. 
Mixed Chicks founders Kim Etheredge (L) and Wendi Levy (R). 
In celebration of their Target partnership, I’m giving away the following products: Mixed Chicks Sulfate Free Shampoo, Mixed Chicks Detangling Deep Conditioner, and the Mixed Chicks Straightening Serum. 
Mixed Chicks line available here. 
To learn more about the products and the BGs behind the brand, click here for an exclusive Q&A with founders, Kim Etheredge and Wendi Levy. 
Who’s your celebrity hair icon? Simply leave a comment and one winner will be randomly selected and announced on Monday, July 9th. Again, the prize pack includes a shampoo, conditioner, and serum. 
Category: Giveaways, Hair | 23 Comments