Brown Girl Gumbo

GIVEAWAY – jane iredale – The Skincare Makeup Summer Prize Pack

July 9, 2013

What better way to beat the heat than indulging in a few free beauty treats?

My friends over at jane iredale—The Skincare Makeup and I want you to have that beach-ready, sun-kissed look so we’re giving one lucky reader a chance to embrace the sultry season with a a beautiful, bronzy glow. Tucked in a compact cosmetic case, one reader will receive deluxe samples of the four following products: Powder-Me SPF (a translucent powder), Tantasia (a moisturizing liquid bronzer that instantly gives skin a sexy shimmer), LipDrink SPF (a fruit-infused balm for lips) and the POMMIST Hydration Spray (a refreshing spritz with UV-protection pomegranate that sets makeup and soothes inflammation.

I’ve been touting this brand for years and each season they have an even more impressive lineup to offer. And if you’re wondering if the powder and bronzer work well for us BGs with varying skin tones, don’t worry they do! Plus, they all provide sun protection and proper hydration, which are essential during warmer months.

So, even if you can’t make it to the shore but want a summery look, definitely leave a comment below for your chance to win!

What are some of your favorite summer beauty buys? Also, the winner will be announced on Friday, July 19.

Category: Beauty | 8 Comments

Must-See TV: ‘Being Mary Jane’ Premieres Tonight!

July 2, 2013

For those of you who have been anticipating the broadcast premiere of BET’s “Being Mary Jane,” the wait is over.

Tonight, viewers will finally get the chance to watch the highly-buzzed about pilot starring Gabrielle Union.

Union will portray the central title character who juggles her professional and family life while searching for true love. Tonight’s original movie will serve as the pilot to the upcoming series set to debut in January 2014. Union will be joined by a supporting cast including: Omari Hardrick, Latarsha Rose, Margaret Avery, Tika Sumpter, Raven Goodwinn, Lisa Vidal and Aaron D. Spears.

The series is produced by Mara Brock Akil who also created the hit tv shows “The Game” and “Girlfriends.”

Watch the trailer below:

“Being Mary Jane,” premieres tonight, Tuesday, July 2nd at 10:30pm ET.

Will you be tuning in tonight?

Category: Arts and Entertainment | 3 Comments

In Case You Missed It: White Hot BET Red Carpet Styles

July 1, 2013

Last night it was all about the 2013 BET Awards in Los Angeles.

While the red carpet styles were white hot, the performances as a whole were a bit ho-hum (except the Charlie Wilson tribute) at this year’s annual awards show.

Many of the celebs who hit the red carpet were given the memo that white was the color of the night!

From Janelle Monae to host Chris Tucker, check out some of the stars who got in on the ivory trend:

Janelle Monae

Robin Thicke and Paula Patton

Omarosa

Mya

Miguel

Ashanti

Michelle Williams

Jamie Foxx

Letoya Luckett

Kenya Moore

Jay Ellis

Chris Tucker

Photos: BET

Who do you think rocked white the best?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Fashion, Fashions, Style | 2 Comments

GIVEAWAY: Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant

June 24, 2013

Now that the mercury is rising, it’s more important than ever to stay fresh and dry.

For the past several weeks, I’ve been using Lavanila The Healthy Deordorant to keep perspiration at bay. Unlike many deordorants that are made with aluminum, parabens and other potentially harmful chemicals, this 100% natural gem is packed with conditioning essential oils and nourishing beneficial vitamins.

Plus, it does it’s duty as a deordorant by keeping your armpits pleasantly scented and odor-free thanks to a natural technological breakthrough. Trust me, chasing after a toddler can work up a sweat and this deodorant does the trick! Also, it doesn’t leave behind that nasty, sticky film like other brands.

This summer is already stacking up to be a scorcher, so try this luxe deodorant and you won’t be disappointed!

Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant is available in a variety of vanilla-based scents including: Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Lemon and more! Click here to buy, $14.

Have you ever used an all-natural deodorant? If you’d like to try this brand, simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and notified by email next Monday, July 1st.

Category: Beauty | 10 Comments

Who Wears Short Shorts?: 6 Cool Denim Cutoffs

June 17, 2013

Being a teen in the late 90s, denim cutoff shorts are not exactly a new trend for me. In fact, they’ve been around as long as denim jeans have and for good reason.

This summertime staple is an easy way to keep cool while, well, looking cool. Whether worn with a billowy top, fitted tank or a quintessential tee, your gams will get all the glory in these American classics.

Just remember that confidence goes a long way while wearing this laid-back style!

Check out these eye-catching options:

Forever 21 Vintage High-Rise Acid Wash Denim Cutoffs available here, $19.80

Free People Dolphin Hem Denim Cutoffs available here, $68

Free People Denim Cutoffs (Summer Sky) available here, $68

Madewell White Denim Cutoff Shorts available here, $59

Jessica Simpson Plus Size Denim Shorts available here, $49

Madewell Denim Cutoff Shorts in Graphic Grid available here, $39.50

Do you dare to bare your legs in short shorts?

Category: Fashion, Style | 2 Comments

Must-See TV: ‘Oprah’s Next Chapter’ & ‘Dark Girls’

June 17, 2013

After a bumpy start, Oprah is slowly but surely turning OWN into a must-watch network.

On Sunday, June 23 viewers can tune in to Lady O’s cable channel and catch “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” which will feature four African-American Hollywood actresses: Alfre Woodard, Phylicia Rashad, Viola Davis and Gabrielle Union, followed by the television world premiere of Bill Duke’s buzzed about documentary “Dark Girls.”

Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Oprah Winfrey, Phylicia Rashad and Alfre Woodard.

Expect to hear the women share their thoughts and candid conversations about the challenges of being an African-American actress working in Hollywood today.

“Dark Girls,” will explore the complex issues surrounding skin color within our community. I remember receiving the press release about this film a couple of years ago, so I’m excited to finally see it in its entirety!

Check out both previews below:

“Oprah’s Next Chapter”

“Oprah’s Next Chapter” is set to air Sunday, June 23 at 9pm EST.

“Dark Girls”

“Dark Girls,” will make it’s televised premiere on OWN Sunday, June 23 10pm EST.

Will you be tuning in to both shows?

Category: Arts and Entertainment, Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Father’s Day Edition: Fabulous Celebrity Twitpics!

June 14, 2013

In honor of Father’s Day, check out some of our fave famous dads with their children. Happy Father’s Day to those few guys out there who check out BGG!