Pucker Up in Purplish Hues!

Everything old is new again and makeup is no exception. During my high school and early college days, dark, muted lips were all the rage and it looks like it's making a strong comeback this season. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Kelly Rowland and Chanel Iman all have been seen out and about sporting dark plums and berry-colored lips.

Lip color is definitely a fun and easy way to switch up your look without the commitment. I've been taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting this lovely look with Maybelline's Color Sensational's incredibly pigmented purplish hue called, Madison Mauve, ever since I tried it during a Fashion Week promotion. Not only does it provide a rich color, it moisturizers your lips too.


Maybelline's Color Sensational lip colors in Plum-Perfect, Madison Mauve, Plum-tastic, and Yummy Plummy (not pictured) available at drugstores nationwide for $7.49.

Would you rock this vampy lip look this fall?

Four lucky readers will get a chance to try one of Maybelline's Color Sensational purple shades! Just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced tomorrow!

BGG Anniversary Giveaway!

As most of you know, I celebrated my 2nd anniversary of Brown Girl Gumbo earlier this week. As promised, to show my appreciation for reading BGG, one lucky reader will win a box of goodies filled with a few of my favorite products (a value over $250) listed below.

Just leave a comment today and tomorrow and the winner will be selected randomly and announced on Monday. Thanks again for all of your support - it's truly appreciated!! :-)


Bio Oil available at www.walgreens.com for $9.99


Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion available at www.cetaphil.com for $11.49


Iman Luxury Eye Defining Powder available at www.walgreens.com for $10.99


jane iredale Cream Blush in Confidence available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $26


Maybelline Great Lash BIG available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99


Carol's Daughter Hair Milk available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $12-$18


Queen by Queen Latifah Eau De Parfum available at www.macys.com for $59.99


Rx for Brown Skin Virtual Pell Ultra Gentle Mask and Booster Kit available at www.rxforbrownskin.com for $50


Schick Quattro for Women Trim Style Razor & Bikini Trimmer available at www.drugstore.com for $12.99


Revlon Fantasy Lashes available at www.drugstore.com for $5.99


Sedu Revolution Pro Shortie Mini Flat Iron available at www.folica.com for $50


Serena William's "On The Line," book available at www.amazon.com for $17.81

BGG Turns 2!

Today marks my 2nd year anniversary for Brown Girl Gumbo! I am truly grateful for all of the readers that frequent my site every day. There are a few readers who have been there with me from the very beginning and I'd like to thank them personally, they probably already know how much I love them!! I want to thank: K-Bear, Rebee, Kwana, B, T, Antithesis, Nerd Girl, PJD, and Kittyvodka for all of your support. You always leave comments and give feedback and it's greatly appreciated. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for all of my readers - new and old, but I must express my gratitude to those who have been there consistently since day one.

Anyway, I am going to take the day off just to reflect on how far BGG has come. I never imagined that I'd have anyone read my blog and now it seems like it's slowly but surely growing and I owe it all to you guys!!

In celebration, I'm in the process of putting together the ultimate BGG goodie bag for one lucky reader, so stay tuned!!! :-)

Baby BGG On Board!

Some of you already know, but for those who don't, my husband and I are expecting our first child (a baby girl) this January! I've been sick quite a bit, which has resulted in inconsistent posts. Now that I'm beginning to feel better, I wanted to share this extremely exciting time in my life with my valued readers. Plus, I'd also love to share some beauty products that I'm currently trying that are actually beneficial to non-preggers BGs.


Me last weekend at 5 1/2 months.


In fact, I'm currently taking the advice of many and keeping my skin moisturized with Carol's Daughter's Sexy Belly in an effort to prevent those unsightly stretch marks that 75% of women get during pregnancy. So far so good, but I still have a few more months to go! Even if this popular cocoa and shea butter-enriched product doesn't completely prevent the ugly squiggly lines, it sure makes my skin super supple and smooth in the process, which is something that every woman wants - soft skin!

Sexy Belly available at www.carolsdaughter.com for $17

Have you ever tried this product? For fellow moms-to-be and moms, do you have any stretch mark prevention suggestions?

Computer Love

Now that school is officially back in session and the vacations have ceased bringing everyone back to work, why not tote your most important professional tool - your laptop - in style! From basic black to funky polka-dot motifs, why not let your personality shine through with a unique, yet practical laptop bag?

Do you own a laptop bag? If not, check out some of these:


Brenthaven Metrolite Laptop Case available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $79.99


Acme Slim Cargo Laptop Bag available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $129.99


Laptop Tote available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $33.99


Built NY French Bull Laptop Sleeve available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $45.99


Knomo Toyah Laptop Briefcase available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $169


California Leash Laptop Sleeve available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $31.99


Urban Junket Tote Laptop Messenger Backpack available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $143


Black & White Laptop Case available at www.target.com for $24.99


Bellwether Front Pleat Laptop Bag available at www.endless.com for $279


McKlein USA Series Forest Leather Laptop Bag available at www.ebags.com for $139


Mango Tango Portfolio Laptop Bag available at www.coolcomputerbags.com for $49.99

Mizani's Marvelous Mist

Mizani products are a staple at most hair salons around the country and for good reason. Recently, I had the opportunity to try their popular Gloss Veil on my hair and was completely satisfied with the results. It goes on as a weightless mist, but packs a powerful punch of sheen. It leaves hair shiny and not heavy. Plus, it is preservative-free with a non-drying formula, which includes moisturizing avocado and rice bran oils. It's perfect for obtaining a light shine without the unwanted greasiness that similar brand sprays typically cause.


Mizani Gloss Veil available at fine salons nationwide and select retailers. Click here for the list of salons.

Have you ever tried Mizani hair products? What do you use for a bit of sheen?

Hot New Clothing Line: RACHEL Rachel Roy

Last night I had the pleasure of taking an exclusive sneak peek at fellow BG Rachel Roy's new and more affordable line, RACHEL Rachel Roy at a pop-up store in Soho. I was excited to take a look at this line because I've always admired her style, but the prices for her high-end pieces never aligned with my budget - until now.

This super chic line consists of everything that a fashionable BG would love. From sexy, stylish dress to big comfy cardigans - RACHEL Rachel Roy has it all. I knew that I'd like the clothes, but I had no idea that I would fall in love with her accessories too! Her delicate, yet bold pieces of jewelry are simply stunning. You can tell that she pays close attention to every detail, which is exemplified throughout her entire line.

There were so many pieces that I wanted, but had to hold off from buying until next time. Trust me, once you see her entire collection you will not leave empty-handed.

Would you wear RACHEL Rachel Roy?


Origami Neck Dress available at www.macys.com for $109


24-Hour Dress available at www.macys.com for $89


Antique Goldtone Earrings available at www.macys.com for $40


Brush-stroked Print Dress available at www.macys.com for $99


Oversized T-shirt dress available at www.macys.com for $129


Gold-tone Black Cord Necklace available at www.macys.com for $185


Studded Dress available at www.macys.com for $109


Sweater Dress available at www.macys.com for $129


Crystal Wing Adjustable Ring available at www.macys.com for $38

A Champ's Story: Serena Williams' "On the Line"

Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes of our time. Her athletic ability in tennis is unmatched and her life story is even more compelling. Her new memoir with Daniel Paisner, "On The Line," is a story of triumph, love and even family tragedy.

The tennis pro gives you a glimpse into her life growing up in a rough Los Angeles neighborhood, playing in a sport that was male-dominated where fellow brown girls were virtually non-existent, and eventually skyrocketing to fame and fortune.


"On the Line" by Serena Williams with Daniel Paisner available at www.amazon.com for $17.54

If you love a great autobiography, this well-written book is a definite must-read. Five lucky readers will have a chance - just leave a comment and the winners will be selected randomly and announced on Monday, September 14th. Good luck!

Are you a tennis fan? Have you been watching the U.S. Open?

Handy Hand Sanitizers!

Now that we're fast-approaching the cold & flu season, it's time to stock up on those tried and true travel-size hand sanitizers. These handy anti-bacterial cleansers are perfect for killing germs when you aren't able to wash your hands with soap and water. If you're like me, you take public transportation daily and touch numerous handrails and other frequently-touched surfaces that are littered with bacteria. So be safe the season and throw a couple of these sanitizers in your purse.

Also, be sure to get your free Swine Flu vaccine once it becomes available for everyone next month.

Do you use travel-size hand sanitizers?

Check out some of these choices:


Purell Hand Sanitizer in Crisp Apple available at www.drugstore.com for $2.99


Walgreen's Hand Sanitizer available at www.walgreens.com for $0.99


Burt's Bees Hand Sanitzer with Aloe & Witch Hazel available at www.walgreens.com for $4.99


Pure Seduction Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizer available at www.victoriassecret.com for $3


EO Peppermint Hand Sanitizer Spray available at www.smallflower.com for $2.99


Orange Vanilla All-Natural Travel Size Hand Sanitizer available at www.bathandbodyworks.com for $3.50

**The winners of the Queen Latifah fragrance are Nerd Girl and K-Bear! Congrats, please email me your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who participated. Be sure to check BGG daily - I'm going to have an ultimate gift bag giveaway soon.

A Fragrance Fit for a Queen!

Queen Latifah is one of the few entertainers who seems to have that coveted Midas Touch. From being a Covergirl to an Oscar-nominated actress, Queen has all the bases covered.

Her new fragrance, Queen by Queen Latifahproves that everything she touches does turn into gold. This magnificent scent is perfect for the new fall season. A blend of tantalizing aromas consisting of Baie Rose, Jasmine Noir, Cognac and a bit of Moroccan Coriander spice, this intoxicating fragrance will leave you feeling and smelling like royalty.


Queen by Queen Latifah available at www.macys.com for $59 (3.4 oz) or $49 (1.7 oz)

Have you tried this new fragrance? Two lucky readers will have the chance to take a whiff of this prettily-packaged perfume (the 3.4 oz bottle a value of $59). Just leave a comment telling me what's your favorite Queen Latifah movie, song, makeup, etc. and the winners will be selected randomly and announced on Tuesday, Sept. 8th. Good luck!

Fall TV is Back!

It's that time again - the new fall TV lineup is headed for a flat screen near you. Although it's still not clear whether or not The Game will be picked up by BET, the rumblings on various internet outlets have given us who loved the show hope.

While we wait to find out if our beloved characters, Derwin and Melanie (The Game) will return, here are three new shows that will be worth watching!


Brothers

Synopsis: A comedy about a former NFL hot shot who learns that even though you can always go home again, doing so might be more difficult than you think.

Starring: Michael Strahan, Darryl "Chill" Mitchell, Carl Weathers, and CCH Pounder

Air Date: Fridays beginning Sept. 25th 8:30 (EST), Fox


The Cleveland Show

Synopsis: A new animated series that follows everyone’s favorite soft-spoken neighbor, Cleveland Brown (Mike Henry), to his hometown in Virginia as he settles down with his high school sweetheart, her unruly kids and his own 14-year-old son, Cleveland Jr. (Kevin Michael Richardson).

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Reagan Gomez-Preston, and Kevin Michael Richardson

Air Date: Sundays begining Sept. 23rd (8:30pm EST), Fox


The Brian McKnight Show

Synopsis: A syndicated weekly one-hour entertainment showcase. Brian will play host to celebrity interviews, round table discussions and musical performances. Shot at various locations in and around Los Angeles, the series will allow audiences to enjoy a view of the entertainment capital of the world.

Air Date: Debuting the week of September 21st (Check local listings for stations and times), Litton Entertainment

For those reality TV buffs like me, the return of America's Next Top Model and So You Think You Can Dance will also return this month.

America's Next Top Model

Synopsis: This season all of the aspiring models are between 5'3'' and 5'7'' - not exactly runway height, but we'll see how these shorties stack up.

Air Date: Wednesdays beginning September 9th (8 EST), The CW

What shows are you looking forward to watching this season? Are you a reality TV, comedy or drama fan?