The Moment All Beyonce Fans Have Been Waiting For...

Yes, Beyonce Knowles, is going to be a mom! It seems like fans have been dying for Beyonce and her hubby, Jay-Z, to have a baby ever since they tied the knot 3 years ago. Now that the singer will be sporting a bump, I'm sure moms-to-be will be taking note of what's sure to be a chic pregnancy.

What did you think of her two baby-bump ensembles? Did you prefer the orange flowy gown or the sequined jacket and tuxedo pants?

In case you missed it, here's the clip where she revealed her growing belly to the world!

2011 VMA - Music - Beyoncé

Remembering Aaliyah

It's truly hard to believe that it was 10 years ago today that the entertainment industry lost a budding superstar. Granted, Aaliyah was our original Princess of R&B (sorry Ashanti) for years, but she was well on her way to becoming an incredibly major mainstream artist. With her budding acting career coupled with her marketability, Aaliyah was ready to take the world by storm before her life was cut short at the age of 22.

Although that avoidable airplane crash took her away physically, her music and movies will live on forever.

Be sure to catch, "Aaliyah: One in a Million," tonight on BET at 8pm EST.

What was your favorite Aaliyah song? 

Iced Tea Lip Treats

I feel like I've just about seen it all when it comes to lip products. From lip stains to glosses, to plumpers to stains, but DuWop's Iced Teas have managed to catch my attention. These innovative translucent lip treatments are as refreshing as they sound. With a barely-there hint of color, they cool the lips while providing a subtle fruit flavor.

Available at www.duwop.com for $19


If your lips are thirsty for something new, DuWop's Iced Teas are a great buy and fun addition to any makeup arsenal.

What's your favorite lip treatment?

My Biggest Beauty Blunder

As women, we've all had those rare occasions when we decide to step outside of our cozy, cosmetic comfort zone and test a trend. Well, I recently took a huge leap outside of my usual beauty box and wore a fire-engine red lipstick.

Despite my hubby being against the sultry shade, I colored my lips a deep crimson hue. What do men know about beauty, right? Well, apparently my husband knows what works for me. After looking at the pics snapped from my night of rocking red lips, I was nothing less than mortified. I quickly realized that nudes, neutral and pink shades are more my speed.

I'll leave all-things-red to Rihanna.

What has been your biggest beauty blunder?

BGG Chats with Bobbi Brown, Iman, Lisa Price and Maureen Kelly

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

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

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...

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

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

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.

By: Khadijah C.

Event Alert: Kandee Shoes Debut TONIGHT at The London Candy Company

If you're a fashion editor/blogger then you don't want to miss the launch of the popular, UK-brand, Kandee Shoes, taking place TONIGHT at The London Candy Company.

Check out the invitation below:

Introducing BGG's New Contributor

It's with great pleasure that I introduce my new BGG contributor, Khadijah. She holds a master's degree in journalism and hails from Queens, New York. Khadijah's looking forward to keeping BGG fresh and on the pulse of what's new in the world of beauty/style.

I'm sure you guys will enjoy reading her weekly posts on BGG.

Here's a snapshot of Khadijah's take on beauty and fashion:

Finding out the latest scoop in celebrity culture, discovering the best beauty products and uncovering the latest fashion trends are my true passions. Working a 9-5 job pays the bills, but browsing an aisle in Sephora makes my heart flutter. I'm grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of the Brown Girl Gumbo family and look forward to keeping you updated with all things that make us brown girls unique and beautiful.

• Favorite makeup product: Concealer and lipgloss (I can't choose only one...lol)
• Style Icon: Rihanna--truly love her adventurous take on the HAIR, fashion and make-up game!
• Best Hair Product Brand: Cantu products are my go to for styling at the moment. I also love Herbal Essences for washing my hair. 
• Describe Your Style: My style is a combination of boho chic, classic with a twist and whatever makes me feel good that day. I'm currently loving all things with a print pattern as well as bright colors. I can be as earthy as Erykah Badu one day and dolled up like Beyonce the next. 
• Best Advice You've Ever Been Given: Very simple--you can't please everyone....
• Favorite Quote: Never let people know your moves, let them see the results.
• Favorite Book: Too many to name.
• Fashion/Beauty Pet Peeve: Fashion--It's not always about the size of the clothing, but rather if it fits well. Don't be afraid to go a size up (or down in some cases). Beauty--Brown girls, don't be afraid of color. We wear it well!

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