Sponsored – Aveeno’s Beautiful Change Challenge Part 2

We’ve all seen those tabloid spreads, “Stars Without Makeup,” but unlike some who scrutinize and ridicule celebrities who are caught out there without their “game face,” I find it empowering. When these women step out in the midst of paparazzi without a stitch of makeup I think it shows that they’re secure in their own skin, which is admirable. OK, some of them may not exactly intend to be plastered on the cover of these publications, but they still walked outside their homes without the help of a glam squad.


As women we all have days when we’d rather skip our beauty routines and brave the world bare-faced or throw on a baseball cap to cover our unpresentable strands. But, many of us have to take baby steps, namely me!  Once I decided to take part in this Aveeno challenge, I reflected on my daily beauty routine and recognized that I spend an unnecessarily long time getting ready.

In an effort to simplify, switch, and speed up my morning beautifying routine, I decided to give my hair a break and opt for a one-sided braid. It’s super easy to do and it’s a refreshing change from my usual topknot or two-strand twists. I’ve also simplified my daily makeup application. For a few weeks I’ve been using tinted moisturizers with SPF 30 instead of concealers or foundation. Admittedly, I can only do this because I’m not currently suffering from any discolorations or hyper-pigmentation.

Me wearing a side-bun and braid. 

New AVEENO® PURE RENEWAL™ lets you renew your hair to its naturally balanced state daily. Unlike ordinary shampoos, these sulphate-free formulas have Balancing Seaweed Extract; bringing hair back to its naturally healthy, most balanced state with each wash, for beautifully healthy-looking hair. Learn more here http://bit.ly/A1cjWg

“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by AVEENO® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of AVEENO®”

Contest: Kohl’s Spring Trends Sweepstakes

Is your closet screaming for some of the hottest spring and summer trends, but your budget isn’t exactly cooperating with those demands? If so, Kohl’s has a cool contest that you don’t want to miss. Simply click here to upload a photo of yourself in Kohl’s-inspired trends and fill out the entry form for a chance to win a $1000 gift card for a shopping spree!

With brands like Jennifer Lopez and Rock and Republic, Kohl’s has fashionable finds that will give your wardrobe a bold boost.

From color-blocking to knock-out neon trends, you’ll find various pieces to suit your style. Be sure to submit your entry today for a chance to win!

What fashion trends are you loving this season?

Get Beyoncé’s Vibrant Boho Chic Look

 Beyoncé stepped out yesterday in New York City donning a fitted neon pink tee paired with a pretty, floor-skimming print maxi skirt. While some may think the new mom may have gone a bit color overboard with her get-up, but I’m personally OBSESSED with this look!

Beyoncé out and about in NYC.

I have a tendency to purchase anything pink and if it’s bright, even better! If you’re like me and think the Queen Bee rocked this vibrant, boho ensemble check out a few pieces to replicate the electrifying look (warning: most of these maxi skirts come with a hefty price tag!):

       

Do you like Beyoncé’s boho chic look? Are you a fan of maxi skirts?

Partying for a Cause with Petals-N-Belles

We BGs know that the only way to move forward in life is to give back. That’s why I was so excited to attend the Petals-N-Belles’ Limitless 2012 one-year anniversary event at Greenhouse here in New York City earlier this week. Founded by Damali Elliott last year, Petals-n-Belles is a New York-based mentoring  organization created to empower and inspire young girls.

Hosted by 106 & Park TV personality, Rocsi Diaz, the fabulous fundraiser was co-chaired by ESSENCE’s Editor-at-Large, Emil Wilbekin and social media maven and founder of Dinner with Bevy, LLC, Bevy Smith. With over 300 attendees, Petals-N-Belles raised over $10,000 to help support its spring and summer mentorship programs.

Not only did guests give back, but they also mingled and partied to the tunes of DJ Kiss. Plus, some of the mentees were present and spoke positively about the powerful influence of Petals-n-Belles. Having only been established for a year, Elliott is well on her way to improving and impacting the lives of countless young girls one mentee at a time.

Check out these pics from the event:

From (L toR): Petals-N-Belle founder, Damali Elliott, Shantelle (singer), and Rocsi Diaz
Event co-chairs: Essence Editor-at-Large Emil Wilbekin and social media maven/Dinner with Bevy LLC founder, Bevy Smith
Chrisette Michelle

Petals-N-Belles partner Isis Adewale and Board member Larry Ossei-Mensah

All photos Hannan/Selah/Essence.com

For more information on Petals-N-Belles, please click here.

Do you mentor? Were you or are you currently being mentored? 

VIDEO: How to Diagnose Rosacea

Remember last year when I went to the Emmy’s on behalf of Galderma? Well, in between soaking up the sun and stargazing in L.A, I had the pleasure of speaking with celebrity dermatologist Dr. Deborah Luftman about how rosacea affects us BGs and guys. Although we aren’t as susceptible to the skincare ailment as our fairer-skinned counterparts, some of us do suffer from the condition.

Watch Dr. Luftman describe how to diagnose rosacea:

Do you suffer from any skin conditions?

Event Alert: IMAN Cosmetics Spring In-Store Makeovers

If you’re a Georgia peach looking to spruce up your spring beauty routine, there’s a super sweet event taking place in your neck of the woods this weekend. IMAN Cosmetics, the quintessential makeup line for women of color will be hosting mini-makeovers and one-on-one consultations at select Wal-Mart stores throughout Georgia, March 31st.

These in-store events will showcase IMAN’s new Spring 2012 Collection, Sweet Temptations,” featuring bold pops of colors and irresistible shades to enliven your look. This collection of complementary hues for women of color is the perfect palette to usher in the spring season.

Click here for more details.

Have you ever worn IMAN Cosmetics? If so, what are your thoughts?

Over the Moon in Cancun

A few weeks ago I shared with you that I was taking a mini-vacation. Well, that much-needed break involved a ton of sun, great food, and even better music in Cancun, Mexico! I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t BGG well beyond her wild partying college days?”

You’re correct, my college years are behind me (I still can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I graduated – yikes!), but you’re wrong if you think Cancun is solely the hotspot synonymous with rowdy college spring breaks and nonstop partying.

Granted, you will have a good time in Cancun if co-ed crowds are what you’re looking for, but the city has so much more to offer if you’re not. The city is becoming the go-to-spot for luxurious lounging, exquisite dining, and even music.

During my stay at the Moon Palace Golf and Spa Resort, I experienced top-notch service in addition to a full-on concert (it was included in the package) by Latin pop sensation Enrique Iglesias, which was attended by over 10,000. Plus, the mouthwatering cuisine from room-service and the numerous restaurants on site satiated my bottomless pit appetite.
From sipping strawberry margaritas by the pool to visiting an exotic crocodile zoo to dancing the night away at a concert, I found Cancun’s Palace Resorts to be a destination ideal for music-lovers looking for relaxation, good food, and outstanding service. 
Check out some of my pics:
On my way to a cocktail party.
One of several pool areas on the resort.

During my visit to the CrocoCun Zoo.
I LOVED this lime sorbet. It was refreshing and had just the right amount of tang.
A lovely view from my room.
I didn’t realize just how hot Enrique Iglesias was until I saw him in concert!

Do you have any spring break or summer trips on the horizons?