Archives for December 2015

GIVEAWAY: EcoTools Holiday Brush Sets + Ulta $50 Gift Card!

The holidays are officially upon us!

If you’re looking to gift the beauty buff in your life, you’ve come to the right place. When it comes to applying makeup, there’s very little one can do without using a brush. Well, there are some products that can instantly beautify without using a bristled tool, but you get the point.

The popular eco-friendly brand, EcoTools, has several brush sets that would make any makeup maven happy. First up is their Festive & Flawless Set. This five-piece collection is designed to brighten your complexion and provide buildable, coverage that will last all day long.

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Festive & Flawless Brush Set is available here, $14.99

The set includes: Flat Concealer Brush, Buffing Concealer Brush, Precision Foundation Brush, Complexion Blending Brush and Full Powder Brush. If you use liquid or powder foundation, be sure to make circular motions with the Complexion Blending Brush for a flawless finish.

Next, their Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Set is perfect for those who may suffer from blemishes and minor imperfections that require specific coverage. This self-wrapped set comes with a Mattifying Finish Brush, Skin Perfecting Brush, Eye Perfecting Brush and Correcting Concealer Brush. The latter’s duo bristles easily picks up and distributes concealer making dark circles and redness disappear.

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Four-Piece Beautiful Complexion Brush Set is available here, $19.99

Lastly, the final set is a must-have because it’s got the bases covered! The Mini Essentials Set comes with the three basic brushes every woman needs in her makeup bag. It includes: Full Powder Brush, Eye Shading Brush and Angled Liner Brush. Whether you want to distribute powder, add color to cheeks or created smoky, defined eyes this will be your go-to set! Plus, its compact size makes it easy to tote in a clutch or purse.

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Mini Essentials Holiday Set is available here, $5.99

All of the brushes are beautifully designed and are of coursed packaged in recycled materials. Their sleek, signature bamboo handles make gifting these beauties guilt-free because they’re not adding to our environmental issues.

Guess what? I’m giving away each of these sets including a $50 Ulta gift card! Simply leave a comment or Tweet (@browngirlgumbo) telling me what’s the one beauty product you can’t live without. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on December 16th. This contest is only open for U.S. residents. 

What’s the one beauty product that you can’t live without?

UK-Based Home & Bedding Brand bluebellgray Launches in the U.S

If you’re like me and love pretty pastels and feminine designs for your home, keep reading because you’re in for a treat.

bluebellgray, the popular UK-based home and bedding brand has launched a stateside collection exclusively sold at Macy’s. Known for its gorgeous, hand-painted watercolor prints, the collection includes everything from bath towels to bed linens—it’s a floral lover’s dream.

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The bluebellgray collection is exclusively sold at Macy’s.

The brand’s founder and designer, Fi Douglas, is an acclaimed watercolorist who masterfully brings her eye for beautiful simplicity to your bath and bedroom. The clean, abstract designs exude tranquility without compromising style.

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A peek at the bluebellgray luncheon held at Park Avenue Autumn in New York City on November 18, 2015.

In celebration of the U.S. launch, the brand and Douglas held an intimate luncheon last month at Park Avenue Autumn in New York City. Unfortunately, due to an incredibly hefty workload on the day of the event, I regrettably wasn’t able to attend. I’m still disappointed about my last-minute cancellation because it was indeed a lovely afternoon. Who wouldn’t regret not being surrounded by beautiful blooms and delicious food?

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Although I wasn’t able to attend the luncheon, I’m still thrilled that I can now purchase some of these eye-catching pieces for my place.

What’s your design personality? Feminine, minimalistic, modern, country chic, etc.? 

CoverGirl & ‘Star Wars’ Team Up for a Fab Collaboration

You don’t have to be a “Star Wars” nerd to know that the quintessential sci-fi classic is releasing a new installment, “The Force Awakens” on December 18th. While I’m not psyched to see the film (shh…I’ve never seen any of the movies), I am excited about CoverGirl’s makeup collaboration with the forthcoming release.

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“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will open in theaters nationwide, December 18th.

The out-of-this-world collection is for adventurous beauty buffs who aren’t afraid of being bold. The limited-edition line includes a variety of mascaras, nail polishes and lipsticks. Each of the products fall under a “light” or “dark” side as a fun reference to the film.

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Check out the entire CoverGirl “Star Wars: “The Force Awakens” Star Wars” collection here, starting at $5.49.

Admittedly, the silver and gold lipsticks are a bit too far out for my taste. But, the rest of the collection is great. In fact, I’m obsessed with the dark purple lippie. It goes on smooth and doesn’t have that greasy feel without being matte. It’s perfect for the winter months when you want to go for a dark, vampy look.

Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or a beauty buff, this collaboration  is a must!

Are you a Star Wars fan? If so, are you planning to see “The Force Awakens?”  

GIVEAWAY: Tickets to ‘ANNIE’ at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn!

One of the most beloved characters and timeless stories is coming to Kings Theatre in Brooklyn this month—”Annie the Musical!

The classic tale of the curly-haired orphan is making its debut at the beautiful, newly restored theatre on December 15th. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin  Charmin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, the Tony award-winning production will have a fresh new feel. But, don’t worry—original songs like “Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” still remain as the soundtrack to this sentimental rags-to-riches story.

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Annie” runs through December, 27th. Click here for ticket information and show times. 

If you’re in the New York City area this holiday season, this is a show you don’t want to miss. Adults and children alike will enjoy watching this musical live on stage. My daughter is already excited about seeing it. I’m just shocked that she’s already familiar with some of the songs!

**I’m giving away 4 tickets to the opening show on Tuesday, December 15th at 7:30pm. One winner will be randomly selected and notified via email on December 10th. Simply leave a comment below or tweet me telling me what’s your favorite stage play and/or musical. This contest is only open to U.S residents. 

What’s your favorite stage play and/or musical?