Sun-kissed

May 28, 2008

Now that summer is almost here, our days of having fun in the sun are on the rise. But before you head outdoors, be sure to lather on sunscreen.

Picnics in the park and lounging on the beach are fun, but can cause major skin damage if you’re not protected with sunscreen. Contrary to what many BGs think, we are susceptible to skin cancer due to sun exposure just like our fairer counterparts.

So while you’re packing your totes with magazines, snacks and cool drinks, be sure to toss in an extra bottle of sunscreen too. The best accessory this summer is healthy skin!

Here are a few sunscreen tips from renowned African-American dermatologist, Dr. Susan Taylor:

• All women with brown skin should use sunscreen daily
• Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you’re exposed to the sun to allow your skin to absorb the product and create a protective shield.
• Use sunscreen generously on all exposed skin—face, neck and hands. Apply at least a shot-glass full (about one ounce).
• Sunscreen in foundation wears off after only a couple of hours so it’s best to apply sunscreen separately, under makeup, or in moisturizers that say SPF 15 on the label.

Do you use sunscreen?

Check out some of these products:


Sephora Sun Safety Kit available at www.sephora.com for $25


Burt’s Bees Natural Suncare Chemical-free Sunscreen SPF 15 available at www.walgreens.com for $12.99


Carol’s Daughter Gelee de Soleil SPF 15 Tanning Oil available at www.sephora.com for $14


Murad Oil-free Sunblock SPF 30 available at www.sephora.com for $30


Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 85 available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99


Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Creme SPF 15 available at www.sephora.com for $35


Bliss “The Big Sunscreen” SPF 30 available at www.blissworld.com for $30

Category: Beauty, Health, Sunscreen | 19 Comments

Short-Stop

May 27, 2008

You may think your legs are too thin or too big to wear shorts, but the truth is that there is a pair out there that will work perfectly for your body type. I wasn’t always a fan of shorts, but that all changed last year when I tried on a pair that surprisingly flattered my figure.

This summer shorts can be worn night or day, casual or dressy. They can be paired with sneakers, sandals, wedges or even pumps (if done properly). Also, you don’t have to have legs like Tina Turner to successfully pull off this summer staple, but you do need confidence!

Do you wear shorts during the warmer months?

Check out some of these short styles:


Martin Button Pocket Shorts available at www.bananarepublic.com for $34.30


Lucky Brand “Lounger” Cuffed Shorts available at www.luckybrand.com for $68


Charlotte Ronson Sailor Shorts available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $154


Ralph Lauren “Normandy” Shorts available at www.ralphlauren.com for $59.50


J. Crew Chino 3″ Shorts available at www.jcrew.com for $39.50


White Cuffed Shorts available at www.rampage.com for $34


Covet Bamboo High-Rise Shorts available at www.urbanoutfitters.com for $98


Gap Belted Shorts available at www.gap.com for $39.50


G By Guess Maggie Bermuda Shorts available at www.gbyguess.com for $33.38


Striped Metallic Shorts available at www.forever21.com for $17.80

Category: Fashion, Shorts | 21 Comments

I Love Your Smile!

May 22, 2008

Nothing brightens up one’s look like a beautiful smile! Showing your pearly whites instantly make you look younger and happy. In order to keep our mouths healthy, it’s recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) that we visit our dentist regularly to have our gums examined and teeth professionally cleaned.

It’s imperative that we maintain good oral hygiene for not only superficial reasons, but also visiting your dentist can help prevent you from developing gum disease, tooth decay and even the loss of teeth.

What do you use to help keep your grin looking great? Have you ever tried tooth whitening? If so, did you like the results?

Check out some of these products to keep your mouth fresh and healthy!


Colgate Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste available at www.drugstore.com for $3.59


Reach Dental Floss Mint Waxed available at www.walgreens.com for $1.79


Colgate Peroxyl Anti-Septic Oral Cleanser available at www.drugstore.com for $6.19


Philips Sonic Care Flex Care Tooth UV Sanitizer available at www.drugstore.com for $148.58


5 Senses Tooth Paste Kit available www.ulta.com for $25


Night Effects Night Time Whitening System available at www.ulta.com for $14.99


Listerine Tooth Defense Anti-Cavity Fluoride Rinse available at www.walgreens.com for $4.79

Category: Beauty | 24 Comments

Straight Up!

May 21, 2008

We BGs have the ability to be very versatile when it comes to our hair. Our various textures gives us the option to rock an Afro, curly, straight or wavy style. Like I’ve written before, I tend to wear my hair straight via a relaxer. When it’s time to go home to Chicago to get my hair done, my stylist uses the FHI flat iron.

The first time she used it, I didn’t believe the hype that it could cut down the styling process tremendously by eliminating the step of blow-drying. Yes, she actually flat ironed my wet hair! I know some of you are thinking, “How can flat ironing wet hair be a good thing?” Well, the Ceramic Tourmaline locks in moisture and leaves hair shiny without damage. I must say, my hair was super bouncy and full of body after using the iron. What will they think of next?

Have you tried any of the FHI flat irons? If so, were you satisfied with the results? If you haven’t tried it, would you? Please share!


FHI 1″ Flat Iron Platform Special Edition available at www.misikko.com for $119


It comes in pink too! FHI 1″ Flat Iron Platform available at www.misikko.com for $119

Category: Beauty, Flat Irons, Hair | 32 Comments

Show Your Stripes!

May 20, 2008

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a fan of striped clothing. No, I’m not talking about the behind-bars type, but the classic, nautical kind of course!

There’s just something that’s elegant, yet fresh and sporty about the symmetric pattern. Whether, thin, wide, vertical or horizontal, stripes can give tops, dresses, bikinis and even shoes instant style!

Do you like the striped look?

Check out some of these!


L.A.M.B Mod Stripe Scoop Dress available at www.shopbop.com for $285


Splendid Ombre Rugby Stripe Dress available at www.shopbop.com for $133


Ralph Lauren “Regatta” Stripe Bikini available at www.macys.com from $41-$69


Metallic Stripe Knit Top available at www.walmart.com for $9.88


BCBG Rayon Jersey Top available at www.bcbg.com for $80


PJ Salvage Striped Racerback Tank available at www.nordstrom.com for $30


Diesel Nautical Cotton Halter Beach Dress available at www.asos.com for $207.20


Tory Burch “Nosietta” Diagonal Stripe Dress available at www.nordstrom.com for $195


Black Halo Trapunto Print Slip Dress available at www.singer22.com for $445 (obviously for the BGs who like to splurge! LOL)


L.A.M.B “Dominic” Platform Sandal available at www.shopbop.com for $224


This is one of my favorite striped tops! I got it from Macys.com for $5!!!!

Category: Fashion, Nautical, Stripes | 26 Comments

BGG Attends the 2008 Makeup Show

May 19, 2008


Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend The Makeup Show 2008 held at the Metropolitan Pavilion here in NYC. As a lover of all things beautiful, I couldn’t resist taking a peek at all of the latest cosmetics. I thought that it would be a smorgasbord of makeup goodies to try and buy, but I was so wrong!

Although there were over 50 makeup company representatives at the trade show, it was not what I was expecting. There were no sample-size promotional items available to the press for review, mini-makeovers were scarce and the seminars did not start on time. The only plus was that the vendors offered significant discounts to attendees, which mostly consisted of professional makeup artists. All in all, it was a pretty lackluster event.

One highlight was seeing the lovely BG, Keisha Nash-Whittaker of Kissable Couture and coming across a fairly new line founded by a BG based in Chicago, called Big Girl Cosmetics!

Have you tried any new makeup products lately? If so, please share!

Here are few products from Big Girl Cosmetics:


Ginger & Almond Body Butter available at www.biggirlcosmetics.com for $15


Brush Set available at www.biggirlcosmetics.com for $40


Mosaic Bronzer available at www.biggirlcosmetics.com for $40


Big Girl Cosmetics Diva Gloss available at www.biggirlcosmetics.com for $12


Aqua Creme available at www.biggirlcosmetics.com for $10

Category: Beauty, Makeup Show, New Line | 18 Comments

The Bold & the Beautiful!

May 15, 2008

I know that a lot of you weren’t too fond of Ashanti’s brightly colored lip-gloss, but maybe there are some more adventurous readers who would actually like to give the fuchsia, reds and hot pinks a try! I’m not sure if I’m one of them (although they are great for mixing), but for those of you who like to make your puckers stand out, this post is for you!

Check out these traffic-stopping shades of gloss and lipsticks that will definitely get you noticed!

Would you wear boldly hued gloss or lipstick on your pout?


Jane Iredale the Skincare Makeup Pure Gloss in Cosmo available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $19


Kissable Couture Lip-gloss in Red Rose available at www.kissablecouture.com for $22


MAC Plushglass in Plus Luxe available at www.maccosmetics.com for $17.50


Sephora Plumping Lip-gloss in Red available at www.sephora.com for $10


Vincent Longo Baby Balm Lipstick SPF12 in Love Berry available at www.sephora.com for $23


Lorac Mocktail High Shine Lip-gloss in Lava Flow available at www.sephora.com for $18


Pop Beauty Lip Lust in Naughty Strawberry Red available at www.sephora.com for $13


MAC Heatherette Lipglass in Style Minx – SOLD OUT ONLINE, but available in stores nationwide for $14


CoverGirl TruShine Hot Pink Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $6.29


Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Gloss in Brighten Cherry available at www.saksfifthavenue.com for $25


Liparazzi Light-up Lip Gloss in Shimmer Toffee available at www.asos.com for $32.72

Category: Beauty, Lipgloss, Lipstick | 23 Comments