Get Sculpted

Have you ever found yourself trying to sculpt and contour your cheeks, but fail miserably and end up looking like a clown? Well, if that's the case you'll love L'Oreal's new duo blush - The One Sweep. 

The fool-proof powder blush takes the guesswork out of highlighting your cheekbones. Thanks to the custom-designed brush applicator, the complementing pigments are evenly distributed providing perfected definition.  

Available in 4 shades, you're sure to find your ideal match!

Available at drugstores nationwide for about $11.

If you have the same problem while applying eyeshadow, they have a similar product that will have you beautifying like a pro! 

Are you a fan of blushes or bronzers? One lucky reader will win The One Sweep Blush Duo. Simply leave a comment and a winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

I've Got the Blues

Back in the '90s when I was growing up, rocking a denim shirt was not only stylish, but one of the most practical and comfortable articles of clothing to own. However, once the new millennium got under way, the former fashion staple was tossed to the back of our closets and nearly forgotten.

Well, as we all know what's old is new again when it comes to fashion. Needless to say, our favorite denim blouse is back and more versatile than ever. Paired with a colorful maxi-skirt or khaki shorts, denim tops whether short or long-sleeved have fashionistas clamoring for the classic blue-hued basic.

Asos Pussy Bow Denim Blouse available at www.asos.com for $60.34

Belted Blouse available at www.neimanmmarcus.com for $70

Coy Blouse available at www.7forallmankind.com for $215

Current Elliot Bluejay The Scout Denim Top available at www.stylebop.com for $182

Denim Shirt available at www.shopmango.com for $42

Denim Halter Top available at www.hm.com for $12.99

Jessica Simpson Puff Sleeve Blouse available at www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com for $49

Washed Blue Ruffle Sleeve Jean Top by Closed available at www.stylebop.com for $120

Are you a fan of the denim top? Would you rock this country chic look?

One in a Million

If you're looking for a mascara with a 'lash' up on all of the competition, L'Oreal Paris' brand-new Voluminous Million Lashes in Carbon Black is your best bet. The sleek gold tube contains an innovative brush with bristles that successfully separates lashes preventing clumping. Plus, the formula includes jojoba and palm oil to help soften and conditions while creating long, thick lashes. I've always been a fan of Maybelline's Great Lash, but this mascara definitely has me reconsidering my options.

What's your favorite mascara brand? One lucky reader will win a tube of L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes in Carbon Black. Simply like Brown Girl Gumbo on Facebook or Tweet me your favorite mascara brand to be entered for the contest. The winner will be announced on Friday.

Available at drugstores nationwide for $8.95

Beach Buddy

Even though I just returned from a fun Miami getaway with my girls, the real BFF on vacation was my Co-Lab Christopher Kon tote. The large canvas bag allowed me to cram all of my beach essentials from flip flops to sunblock to my iPad. I literally couldn't leave my hotel room without grabbing the comfortable and practical all-purpose bag. Plus, it helped served as my carryon at the airport too.

Before you book your summer vacay be sure to pack a great beach bag.

Check out some of these totally cool totes:

Lesportsac Beach Tote available at www.bloomingdales.com for $88

Kate Spade Cabana Stripe Raelin Tote available at www.katespade.com for $147

Lanvin Flower Denim Tote available at www.neimanmarcus.com for $663

Juicy Couture Gen Y Je T'aime Tote available at www.juicycouture.com for $88

See by Chloe Tote available at www.couture.zappos.com for $65

Volcom Keep It Up Beach Tote available at www.pacsun.com for $29

Do you own a beach bag?

Achieve Flawless Skin with Ambi

Have you ever seen that Ambi commercial where actress Tika Sumpter's and Bre's (from America's Next Top Model) skin looks beautifully bronzed and picture-perfect? Well, I know that I'll probably never have glowing, flawless skin like they appear to have in the commercial, but I can definitely attempt! Ambi's Essenitals Gentle Cleanser ($4.99) and Daily Moisturizer with SPF (4.99) are two products that I'm hoping will help me achieve a radiant camera-ready look!

I've actually used the moisturizer by itself a few times with good results, but I haven't tried using it along with the soap-free cleanser. Will keep you guys updated.

**Are you a fan of Ambi products? Want to try the two aforementioned products? If so, leave a comment about your summer skin regimen. A winner will be randomly selected and announced next week.

Hipp x RGB Nails It!

We BGs know that when we read the term, "nude," to describe anything from bras to nail polish, the neutral shade probably won't blend in with our beautiful sun-kissed skin. Thanks to Hipp x RGB, we can now paint our nails flesh-toned pigments that actually complement our complexions.

Right now, there are only two lacquers (one for medium-dark and the other for chocolate with red undertones)

One of the two shades' muse is the beautiful Kerry Washington.



($16) that match our varying skin tones, but it's definitely a step in the right direction. Hey, maybe Iman needs to do an entire line of "nudes" for us BGs!

Do you wear "nude" polishes?

**Btw, the winner of the Belle in Brooklyn, by Demetria Lucas is Carla. Congratulations! Please send me your mailing address.

Beauty On-the-Go!

For a girl on-the-go, portable personal care items are a must. L.A Fresh has a wide variety of 100% pre-moistened wipes including: nail polish removers, oil-free face cleansers, makeup removers, body soothers, and hand sanitizers. These incredibly convenient cosmetic packets come in handy if you're out and about and need a quick beauty fix. Plus, they're all free of parabens, dyes, artificial fragrances and animal byproducts. 

My favorite is the nail polish remover. They're great to keep in your handbag in case you find yourself in need of an instant remedy to chipped nails. One single wipe removes polish and conditions all 10 nails while leaving behind a light, refreshing scent. 

If you're always on the go, these handy wipes are a must-have!

18-Count  Trial Pack is available at www.lafreshgroup.com for $9.99

Have you ever used L.A Fresh products?

Keep the Post-4th Fireworks Going with White-Hot Jeans

When it comes to style, nothing says summer like a pair of curve-hugging white jeans. Now's the time to ditch the dark denims for a lighter, brighter look. Remember, rocking white jeans isn't for the faint of heart since they tend to accentuate our "assets," whether that's the aim or not. Whether you favor flares, skinnies, boot cuts, or wide-legged, finding a pair that suits your style will be easy.

Just be sure to take an honest friend with you to get necessary feedback on whether your finds are figure-flattering or a denim defeat.

Celebrity Pink Jean Skinny Fit available at www.macys.com for $34

Cropped Ankle Zip Jeans available at www.bergdorfgoogman.com for $97

Flare Leg Stellar Regular Fit Jean available at www.express.com for $39.99

Front Seam White Bell-Bottom Jean available at www.shopadam.com for $225

Hudsons Signature Boot Cut White available www.hudsonjeans.com for $165

Paige Denim Lou Lou Flare available at www.revolveclothing.com for $179

Modern Crop White Jean available www.loft.com for $54.50

White Denim Trouser available at www.bananarepublic.com for $89.50

Do you wear white jeans during the summer?

Heading to the Essence Music Festival?

If you're one of the thousands making their way to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this weekend, be sure to check out Carol's Daughter Pop-Up Store! From today through the 3rd, the natural beauty company will open its doors for a weekend-only boutique in New Orleans.

Throughout the weekend, you'll be able to get a sneak sniff of Mary J. Blige's newest fragrance, My Life Blossom, as well as see a few our favorite celebrities including the faces of Carol's Daughter (Solange Knowles, Cassie, and Selita Ebanks), as well as Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, The Braxtons and more!

How will you be celebrating the holiday? The hubby and I will be attending the Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks media event compliments of my friends over at Macy's. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't excited to see Beyonce perform. Should be an interesting evening! Will report back on Tuesday if it's good.