Archives for June 2015

Must-See TV: TLC’s ‘Dare to Wear’ Hosted by Tai Beauchamp Premieres TONIGHT!

June 12, 2015

If you’re into beauty and fashion, chances are you’re very familiar with Tai Beauchamp.

The super savvy former editor and style influencer is now the host of TLC’s brand new series, “Dare to Wear.” The makeover show premieres tonight and won’t be your typical transformative style series. Each show will feature two participants with opposite fashion tastes who will be forced to swap wardrobes. Once they realize that they have to wear the other person’s “out there” clothes, they’ll discover a sense of self-worth and learn to embrace change…in a good way.

Tai Beauchamp Photo Credit: Courtesy of TLC

Tai has most recently been a regular on “The View’s” “Must-Have Mondays” segment, but I’ve been following her work since I was in college. She’s worked as a writer/editor at some of the most prominent magazines in the industry, including Seventeen, O, The Oprah Magazine and Vibe Vixen. In fact, when I first moved to NYC over 12 years ago, I reached out to Tai in hopes of getting some insight into the magazine publishing industry. She graciously obliged and treated me to a lovely lunch at the now closed, posh brunch hotspot—Mayrose. I valued her sage advice about the business and have admired and rooted for her success ever since!

So, please tune in tonight to catch Tai doing what she does best, helping individuals realize their beauty (and style) from the inside out.

Check a clip from the show below:

Style Expert Tai Beauchamp’s “Dare to Wear” airs on TLC, Fridays at 10Pm, EST

Are you a fan of makeover shows? Will you be tuning in tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty, Fashion | Leave a Comment

Event Recap: Dove Takes BGG to NYC’s Governor’s Ball

June 12, 2015

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the epic, revitalizing weekend I had last week.

Thanks to Dove, I attended the 4th Annual Governor’s Ball music festival on Randall’s Island here in New York City. While the 3-day festival took place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I was so happy to have attended the last day. Unfortunately, the two previous days seemed to have pretty crappy weather. Sunday was sunny, warm and basically picture-perfect. The only downside was that I wasn’t familiar with many of the artists that performed that day. But hey, music is music, right?

Despite not knowing many of the bands, I had an amazingly relaxing time hanging out in Dove’s exclusive VIP cabana. Not only was the super posh cabana comfy and shaded, but it was also the best seat in the house with sick views of the main stage.

Dove didn’t miss a detail with the coordinating and inviting decor.

Governor’s Ball balloons provided a festive flair to the event. \

I got a cool manicure to match my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

I got a cool manicure to complement my temp body jewelry tattoos while enjoying the festival.

In addition to being treated to food, drinks and great music, we also received a brief lesson in what makes Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash and Beauty Bar the best personal cleansers on the market. Its scent-sational mandarin tiare flower fragrance makes it one of my favorites. In fact, I included it in my must-haves for spring a few weeks ago. Its NutriMoisture technology leaves skin super smooth after just one wash! I have exceptionally dry skin and it makes my skin supple and incredibly soft.

Dove go fresh Revitalize Beauty Bar with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent, available at mass retailers nationwide, $3.79 (2-pack)

Dove go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash with Mandarin and Tiare Flower Scent available at mass retailers nationwide, $6.99

For those who have been reading BGG for some time, know how much I truly love Dove. From their empowering and inspiring messages for women and young girls to their outstanding products, it’s a brand that I support. And, this past weekend is one that I won’t soon forget!

Are you planning to attend any music festivals this summer? Have you tried Dove’s go fresh Revitalizing Body Wash or Beauty

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Beauty | Leave a Comment

Product Review: Motions Nourish & Care Leave-In Detailer and Scalp Balm

June 8, 2015

As a beauty writer/editor, I’ve come across countless hair care products for just about all types.

But, when it comes to sharing them with you guys, only the cream of the crop make the cut. Motions is a brand that I’ve used for years, but it wasn’t until recently that I discovered that it does wonders on my daughter’s hair.

Granted, I try not to use too many products on her hair, but Motions Nourish & Care Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler has become my go-to for getting rid of her pesky tangles. Since her hair gets knotted easily, using the leave-in immediately after washing and deep conditioning is a must. Thankfully, combing through her curls becomes effortless with just a few sprays. The mix of the Vitamin E, silk proteins and keratin-based formula glides over her strands separating them with ease.

In conjunction with the leave-in detangler, I use Motions Nourish & Care Stimulating Scalp Balm to give her hair a smooth finish. It isn’t greasy, doesn’t have a nasty build-up and seems to moisturize all without weighing her hair down. The ginseng and spearmint oil provides a subtle tingling to help get her scalp’s circulation going, which helps prevent dandruff. Plus, the scent is pleasant and isn’t overpowering.

Motions has always been a good line for relaxed hair, but their new formulas are a must-have for us naturalistas!

Ava before and after I use Motions Leave-In Detangler and Stimulating Scalp Balm. I use it daily on her hair and couldn’t be happier with the results.

Motions Nourish & Care Active Moisture Leave-In Detangler available here, $4

Motions Nourish & Care Stimulating Scalp Balm available here, $5

Do you use Motions products? If so, what’s been your experience with the brand?

Category: Beauty, Hair | Leave a Comment

Crazy for Coral: 6 Sizzling Lip Colors for Summer

June 4, 2015

This summer it’s all about bold, coral lip colors.

At first I was a bit hesitant to rock the in-you-face shade. But, after trying a few colors from some of my fave brands I’m now on board! There’s something about the reddish-orange shade that just screams summer. When I wear a coral lip, I tend to use bronzer on cheeks instead of my typical pink blush for a more fun-in-the-sun look.

Whether you prefer a glossy shimmer, modern matte finish or something in between, finding a coral that complements your skin tone should be easy!

Hanging out with friends wearing Fashion Fair’s Moroccan Spice.

Check out these orange-y offerings:

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick available here, $21

Maybelline Color Sensationals Vivids Lip Color in Electric Orange available here, $5.50

SheaMoisture Lip Stain in Bari available here, $11

MUA Super Sparkle Lipgloss in Coral exclusively available at CVS, $7

Maybelline Color Sensationals The Mattes in Craving Coral available here, $5.60

MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger available here, $16

Are you a fan of coral lip colors?

Category: Beauty | Leave a Comment

Sunglasses: Stylish and Crucial for Sun Protection

June 1, 2015

Sunglasses can be a fun and stylish accessory to wear, but they’re far more important than that.

Like the rest of our bodies, our eyes need protection from the sun—year-round. Harsh ultra-violet (UV) rays can put our peepers at risk, which many people fail to realize. Leaving our eyes exposed can lead to sunburn, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which aren’t recognized as being preventable.

Since many of us adults aren’t aware of the damage that UV rays can do to our eyes, we often fail to protect our little ones too. This oversight can be very detrimental. According to The Vision Council, since children receive 3 times the annual adult dose of UV, not wearing shades sets the stage for serious vision damage later in life.

I received these cool sunnies from Sum Sunglasses that my daughter LOVES!

I used to think sunglasses on small kids and toddlers were just a cute fashion statement, but I never knew the real importance. Now, I make sure that both of my kids’ eyes are covered when we’re out and about.

So, no matter if it’s sunny, cloudy, rainy or snowy people of all ages should be wearing sunglasses when we’re outside—especially during peak UV times: 8am – 10am and 2pm – 4pm.

Check out these eye-opening tips and facts about UV rays and the significance of wearing sunglasses:

*Water reflects up to 100% of UV light
*Snow reflects up to 85% of UV light
*Dry sand and concrete reflect up to 25% of UV light
*Grass reflects up to 3% of UV light
*58% of Americans spend the most time outdoors from 2pm – 6pm
*3 in 10 Americans don’t protect their eyes in the winter, when UV rays are still present
*33.7% of parents of children under 13 said their kids rarely or never wear shades
*Children as young as a year old should wear sunglasses
*Look for a UVA/UVB sticker or label when purchasing quality sunglasses