My lovely beauty babes, please check out my recent interviews with cosmetic empire mavens: Bobbi Brown, Iman, Lisa Price (Carol’s Daughter), and Maureen Kelly (Tarte Cosmetics) on PARADE.com.
My Brow BFF
August 15, 2011
While I love a nicely shaped brow, I do not love the uncertainty of waxing. Ever since I encountered a bad eyebrow wax a couple of years ago, I’ve opted to take matters into my own hands – literally.
Yep, tweezers are my BFF (brow’s friend forever). Plucking those tiny sparse hairs can be a bit painful, but it’s the only way I can ensure precision. Plus, we all know that beauty is pain.
Tweezerman is my go-to brand because of their stainless-steel slanted surfaces, which make gripping hairs easy. Available at www.tweezerman.com for $15
If you’re like me and like to tweeze, remember to pluck from the root in the direction of hair growth for the best results.
How do you keep your brows trim and neat?
Natural Hair Wonders
August 11, 2011
Now that I’ve been wearing my hair natural (no longer relaxing) for the past 3 1/2 years, it’s exciting to see so many products on the market available for women who have kinky/curly/coily hair like mine.
A photo of me taken via Instagram during a recent trip to Miami. Btw, I know I’m late, but don’t you just love that app?
I’ll admit, it took me some time to find the right products to complement my coarse curls. But, after trying scores of puddings, potions, and more, I’ve finally found a few products that can transform my dull and dry strands into lush and lovely locks.
From Carol’s Daughter to Ouidad to Miss Jessie’s, there are countless lines that specialize in naturally curly hair. Although the search can be frustrating, just be patient until you find the products that suit your tresses best.
Here are a few of my top picks:
This deep conditioner smells as good as sounds. I only use this once a month, but it moisturizes my strands to perfection.
I’ve been truly loving so many L’Oreal products lately! This entire sulfate-free system makes my strands frizz-free, which helps to accentuate my natural curl pattern.
Talk about a heavy-duty curling gel! This pleasantly scented curling custard turns drab curls into intensely sleek, defined ones.
There are many Carol’s Daughter products to covet, but the Hair Milk line is by far my favorite. The light-weight formula adds a bit of shine and moisture without weighing down hair. Plus, it has a fresh, lemon-like scent that livens up your locks.
Do you wear your hair natural or relaxed? If you wear your hair natural, what are your favorite products that help bring out your natural curl pattern?
Like Me, Pretty Please…
August 10, 2011
Hello My Beautiful Brown Girls,
Somehow my Brown Girl Gumbo page on Facebook was erased. Therefore, it would mean the world to me if you could “like” me again.
Thanks in advance,
Karla aka BGG
Cross Your Heart
August 8, 2011
For the past 8 years I’ve been basically carrying my life around in huge bags. Whether satchels, hobos, buckets, or totes, big bags have been my go-to purses to house everything from iPads to bobby pins to a countless collection of lip-glosses.
That is until I decided to downsize my daily essentials (that I carry) and ditched my bottomless pit purses. Now, when I grab my bag, it’s a small cross-body purse that is practical as it is pretty. Plus, they’re effortless to carry – so you can wear them with ease.
Check out a few of these small wonders:
Michael Kors Small Messenger Saddle Bag available at www.bloomingdales.com for $178
Gem Lock Flap Cross-Body Bag available at www.juicycouture.com for $148
Nine West Lady Likes Small Cross-Body Bag available at www.amazon.com for $31
Percy Cross-Body Bag available at www.bergdorfgoodman.com for $198
Rebecca Minkoff Zebra Hair Calf Mini available at www.rebeccaminkoff.com for $275
Pour La Victoire Leather Mini available at www.lordandtaylor.com for $225
Topshop Red Leather Zig-Zag Stitch Cross-Body Bag available at www.topshop.com for $60
See by Chloe Black Fluffy Cherry Party Fringe Bag available at www.my-wardrobe.com for $495
Turn-Lock Leather Cross-Body Bag available at www.bananarepublic.com for $79.50
Do you prefer large or small handbags?
Fabulousness at Your Fingertips
August 3, 2011
If you’re tired of your nails chipping by the second day or hate playing the waiting game until your polish dries, then the Sally Hansen Salon Effects may be just the “nail candy,” you need to add flair to your fingertips.
The nail effects (or nail sticker strips) are a budget-friendly collection of eclectic patterns and bright colors that will certainly garner attention. With only two steps to follow (apply and shape), it’s a fast and fashionable alternate to regular polish. Plus, there’s no drying time whatsoever. The Salon Effects last up to 10 days and can be easily taken off with nail polish remover. I’ve tried the nail effects and surprisingly the claims hold true. They lasted over a week through dishwashing, heavy duty chores, and typing without any chipping.
While I’m a big fan of this product, I will caution you to take your time and select the stripes that best fit your own nails. Some of the strips that you may assume are automatically made for a specific finger–I assure you–it might not cover your nail the way you want.
Overall, the application process may take up to 15 minutes to complete. However, with each package only costing about $8 to $10 dollars, you can’t lose.
Have you ever tried these strips? If so, what did you think? One lucky reader will win a pack. Simply “Like” Brown Girl Gumbo on Facebook, Tweet me, or leave a comment for your entry.
Have you ever tried these strips? If so, what did you think? One lucky reader will win a pack. Simply “Like” Brown Girl Gumbo on Facebook, Tweet me, or leave a comment for your entry.
By: Khadijah C.
