Archives for September 2009

Pucker Up in Purplish Hues!

September 30, 2009

Everything old is new again and makeup is no exception. During my high school and early college days, dark, muted lips were all the rage and it looks like it’s making a strong comeback this season. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kelly Rowland and Chanel Iman all have been seen out and about sporting dark plums and berry-colored lips.

Lip color is definitely a fun and easy way to switch up your look without the commitment. I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting this lovely look with Maybelline’s Color Sensational’s incredibly pigmented purplish hue called, Madison Mauve, ever since I tried it during a Fashion Week promotion. Not only does it provide a rich color, it moisturizers your lips too.

Maybelline’s Color Sensational lip colors in Plum-Perfect, Madison Mauve, Plum-tastic, and Yummy Plummy (not pictured) available at drugstores nationwide for $7.49.

Would you rock this vampy lip look this fall?

Four lucky readers will get a chance to try one of Maybelline’s Color Sensational purple shades! Just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

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Category: Beauty | 25 Comments

BGG Anniversary Giveaway!

September 24, 2009

As most of you know, I celebrated my 2nd anniversary of Brown Girl Gumbo earlier this week. As promised, to show my appreciation for reading BGG, one lucky reader will win a box of goodies filled with a few of my favorite products (a value over $250) listed below.

Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and the winner will be selected randomly and announced on Monday. Thanks again for all of your support – it’s truly appreciated!! 🙂

Bio Oil available at www.walgreens.com for $9.99

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion available at www.cetaphil.com for $11.49

Iman Luxury Eye Defining Powder available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99

jane iredale Cream Blush in Confidence available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $26

Maybelline Great Lash BIG available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99

Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $12-$18

Queen by Queen Latifah Eau De Parfum available at www.macys.com for $59.99

Rx for Brown Skin Virtual Pell Ultra Gentle Mask and Booster Kit available at www.rxforbrownskin.com for $50

Schick Quattro for Women Trim Style Razor & Bikini Trimmer available at www.drugstore.com for $12.99

Revlon Fantasy Lashes available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99

Sedu Revolution Pro Shortie Mini Flat Iron available at www.folica.com for $50

Serena William’s “On The Line,” book available at www.amazon.com for $17.81

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Category: Giveaway | 78 Comments

BGG Turns 2!

September 22, 2009

Today marks my 2nd year anniversary for Brown Girl Gumbo! I am truly grateful for all of the readers that frequent my site every day. There are a few readers who have been there with me from the very beginning and I’d like to thank them personally, they probably already know how much I love them!! I want to thank: K-Bear, Rebee, Kwana, B, T, Antithesis, Nerd Girl, PJD, and Kittyvodka for all of your support. You always leave comments and give feedback and it’s greatly appreciated. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for all of my readers – new and old, but I must express my gratitude to those who have been there consistently since day one.

Anyway, I am going to take the day off just to reflect on how far BGG has come. I never imagined that I’d have anyone read my blog and now it seems like it’s slowly but surely growing and I owe it all to you guys!!

In celebration, I’m in the process of putting together the ultimate BGG goodie bag for one lucky reader, so stay tuned!!! 🙂

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Category: Uncategorized | 28 Comments

Baby BGG On Board!

September 21, 2009

Some of you already know, but for those who don’t, my husband and I are expecting our first child (a baby girl) this January! I’ve been sick quite a bit, which has resulted in inconsistent posts. Now that I’m beginning to feel better, I wanted to share this extremely exciting time in my life with my valued readers. Plus, I’d also love to share some beauty products that I’m currently trying that are actually beneficial to non-preggers BGs.

Me last weekend at 5 1/2 months.

In fact, I’m currently taking the advice of many and keeping my skin moisturized with Carol’s Daughter’s Sexy Belly in an effort to prevent those unsightly stretch marks that 75% of women get during pregnancy. So far so good, but I still have a few more months to go! Even if this popular cocoa and shea butter-enriched product doesn’t completely prevent the ugly squiggly lines, it sure makes my skin super supple and smooth in the process, which is something that every woman wants – soft skin!

Sexy Belly available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $17

Have you ever tried this product? For fellow moms-to-be and moms, do you have any stretch mark prevention suggestions?

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Category: Beauty, Pregnancy | 48 Comments

Computer Love

September 17, 2009

Now that school is officially back in session and the vacations have ceased bringing everyone back to work, why not tote your most important professional tool – your laptop – in style! From basic black to funky polka-dot motifs, why not let your personality shine through with a unique, yet practical laptop bag?

Do you own a laptop bag? If not, check out some of these:

Brenthaven Metrolite Laptop Case available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $79.99

Acme Slim Cargo Laptop Bag available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $129.99

Laptop Tote available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $33.99

Built NY French Bull Laptop Sleeve available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $45.99

Knomo Toyah Laptop Briefcase available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $169

California Leash Laptop Sleeve available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $31.99

Urban Junket Tote Laptop Messenger Backpack available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $143

Black & White Laptop Case available at www.target.com for $24.99

Bellwether Front Pleat Laptop Bag available at www.endless.com for $279

McKlein USA Series Forest Leather Laptop Bag available at www.ebags.com for $139

Mango Tango Portfolio Laptop Bag available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $49.99

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Category: Fashion | 16 Comments

Mizani’s Marvelous Mist

September 16, 2009

Mizani products are a staple at most hair salons around the country and for good reason. Recently, I had the opportunity to try their popular Gloss Veil on my hair and was completely satisfied with the results. It goes on as a weightless mist, but packs a powerful punch of sheen. It leaves hair shiny and not heavy. Plus, it is preservative-free with a non-drying formula, which includes moisturizing avocado and rice bran oils. It’s perfect for obtaining a light shine without the unwanted greasiness that similar brand sprays typically cause.

Mizani Gloss Veil available at fine salons nationwide and select retailers. Click here for the list of salons.

Have you ever tried Mizani hair products? What do you use for a bit of sheen?

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Category: Hair | 12 Comments

Hot New Clothing Line: RACHEL Rachel Roy

September 10, 2009

Last night I had the pleasure of taking an exclusive sneak peek at fellow BG Rachel Roy’s new and more affordable line, RACHEL Rachel Roy at a pop-up store in Soho. I was excited to take a look at this line because I’ve always admired her style, but the prices for her high-end pieces never aligned with my budget – until now.

This super chic line consists of everything that a fashionable BG would love. From sexy, stylish dress to big comfy cardigans – RACHEL Rachel Roy has it all. I knew that I’d like the clothes, but I had no idea that I would fall in love with her accessories too! Her delicate, yet bold pieces of jewelry are simply stunning. You can tell that she pays close attention to every detail, which is exemplified throughout her entire line.

There were so many pieces that I wanted, but had to hold off from buying until next time. Trust me, once you see her entire collection you will not leave empty-handed.

Would you wear RACHEL Rachel Roy?

Origami Neck Dress available at www.macys.com for $109