April Faves

I love spring! The temperature is just right, the world around me seems to be rejuvenating, my hair always looks particularly good for some reason, and I am always eager to get my hands on the latest beauty goodies. Below are my beauty faves for April:

My nail color for the spring is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Color Set Sail. It is a perfect baby blue and makes me smile whenever I see it on my nails. If blue is not your color, I still suggest you check out the Insta-Dri collection. Out of all the polishes I have tried that claim to dry quickly, this is one of the few  that is actually telling the truth! It also dries shiny, no top coat needed.

The cool thing about Life Therapy products is that they are characterized by mood. The Hydrating Body Lotion in Escape is my favorite. The lotion is very light in both consistency and aroma, which is great for summer. It also includes one of my favorite moisturizers: Shea butter. Plus, their Mood Inhancing Hand and Body Wash, also in escape, is a must-try as well.

The first product I ever tried from Burt's Bees was their lip balm. It was one of my essentials for a long time. So I was very excited to try a product from their new Renewl Collection. The brand teamed up with nutritionist Kimberly Snyder to launch a 28 day "Face Cleanse". Your skin renews every 28 days, so using the collection, you can see the difference in your skin during this time frame. My favorite product is the Renewal Refining Cleanser with Hibiscus and Apple Rejuvenating Complex. You know I love scents, and it smells like heaven!!! The apple gives it a sweet aroma that fits the season. As you also know, I am typically afraid of facial products because of my sensitive skin but this product exfoliates gently and made my complexion noticeably brighter after one wash!

Rituals makes amazing, spa-grade bath and body products and this spring they are launching the Rituals Sakura Collection. The Japanese celebrate "Sakura", which is the annual blossoming of the Cherry Blossom. The Rituals Sakura Collection includes Cherry Blossom and Organic Rice Milk. I had the opportunity to try the Sakura Scrub, which has this exotic, clean scent that I can not get enough of! I actually caught myself sniffing myself the other day, lol, it's great! It leaves skin smooth and supple and isn't overpowering. It's a must for the season.

Giving Me Life 8: Naja Eco-Friendly Bras and Knickers

Naja.co has an AMAZING array of panties, bras, and swimwear. They are sexy, coming in various prints and colors, and they are also affordable! Now, to make them even cooler, they have come out with an Eco-friendly line...made of recycled plastic bottles! Below are my faves:

Jackie Bra Swinging London, $65

Martina Lo- Rise Blue, $24

Marsha Bikini Swinging London, $22

Poppy Bra Get Happy, $65

Carmen High Waisted Get Happy, $28

 *Sign up for the Naja newsletter and updates and you'll receive 10% off your first bra purchase! Furthermore, if you refer a friend you will receive $15 off your next purchase. 

* See their entire bra and panty collections below here and here.

Manuka Secrets Pt. 1: The Interview

Have you ever heard of Manuka Honey? It's a type of honey, native to New Zealand, that is not only edible but also full of goodies that benefit the body and skin when it comes to anti-aging. It is a major ingredient in anti-aging line Manuka Secrets. I recently spoke with brand Managing Director Russell Cowley about the products (which are available at US Ulta stores)and the benefits of Manuka Honey.

TheBGInTheCity: What sets Manuka Secrets apart from other anti-aging product lines?
Russell Cowley: We have a brand position: owned by nature, proven by science. We know that honey is good for you, but our products include Manuka Honey which has UMF (unique manuka factor) which no other honey has. This is the heart of our products.

TheBGInTheCity: What is Manuka Honey?

Russell Cowley: It's a type of honey in New Zealand that has always been used for skin healing. It has high antioxidants, and hydrates and moisturizes skin. It has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it helps the skin produce collagen. 

TheBGinthecity: What are the must-have products of the brand? 

Russell Cowley: The day and night creams as well as the serum are getting rave reviews, as well as our natural cleanser.

TheBGInTheCity: I see in your ingredient list that many of your products include cocoa butter and Shea butter which are key ingredients in beauty products for African-Americans. Can Manuka Secrets be used on the skin of women from different racial groups?

Russell Cowley: Yes. We consciously decided to create this brand for all women. All women need accessible and affordable skincare.

Visit ManukaLab.co.nz for more info! 

Not So Dirty 30: The Texting Tools

I think that its time that we create some rules for texting between the sexes. I apologize if there are some already in circulation, but they definitely haven't made their way to the men I talk to. Here are a few rules to nibble on, inspired by what I have dealt with these past two weeks:
1. When a girl texts you a standard wyd text, that is not license for you to send her a topless photo of you in pajama pants.😞
2. If you haven't talked to a girl in OVER A YEAR, there is no need to text her ever again, even if your girlfriend has dumped you and there is no one else to text.
3. Texting a girl that you want to go on a date with her....to her own house...at midnight is a clear sign that you are not seriously  interested. Do not text her a confused emoticon when she does not reply.
4. And with that in mind, use your words. How are 7 different yellow faces in a row supposed to communicate to me that you had a bad day at work and will hit me back after watching Boodocks on Netflix?

Again, these are just a few rules to consider.

Review: The Just Be Spring Collection 2015 @Family Dollar

Summer is on the way, and if you are anything like me, you are looking to update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Thanks to the Just Be Family Dollar Spring 2015 Collection, this is possible! 

When you think of Family Dollar, you probably don't think of fashion, but this season, you definitely should. The new Just Be Spring Collection 2015 has fabulous, inexpensive separates that are perfect for the season. And the pieces are on trend, including ruffles, tribal prints, and stripes! And when I say inexpensive, I mean great separates under $15! 

And the collection doesn't just stop at clothing. They also have sandals and accessories, as well as pieces in plus sizes! See my favorites below from the collection:

Coral Strapless, DoubLe Gauze, Tulip Hem Dress $12.50, Plus Size, $15

Colorblock Floral Infinity Scarf, $4

Cork Wedge Thong Sandal, $8

Crochet Lace Peasant Top, $10, Plus Size, $12.50

Moroccan Stripe Print Knit Maxi Skirt, $10, Plus Size, $12

Cork Wedge Sandal, $8

Brush Stroke Geometric Print Woven Dress, $12.50, Plus Size, $15

Animal Print Metallic Thong Sandal, $6

Placed Screen Print Knit Maxi Dress, $12.50, Plus Size, $15

Frosted Metal Leaves Necklace and Earrings Set, $3

Microsuede, Back Zip Thong Sandal with Stud Details, $8

Review: Balm Chicky Balm Balm

Balm Chicky Balm Balm is gaining momentum across the map. Many fans became familiar with them from their appearance on the hit show Shark Tank. They have recently moved into Target stores, and their plentiful tubes even come with a Friend End for sharing. 

Because of my dry lips, I go through lip balms consistently! I love this product because its containers hold 3x more than the average balm tube. It's also smooth, and works well with my lip gloss. It doesn't have a scent or flavor, but I dont mind. 

The balms come in five flavors and go for $7 a pop. I know that this may seem a little steep, but it is well worth it.

Learn more at BalmChicky.com.

Brytni Talks Beauty

If actress Brytni Sarpy looks familiar to you, it may be from her previous work on Disney. Today, this natural beauty is the newest star on super soap General Hospital. She was able to take time off the set to speak with me about her new character and cosmetic tips.

TheBGInTheCity: Tell me about your new role as Valerie.
Brytni: Valerie is the newest addition to the legendary Spencer family. She is definitely a Spencer through and through; tough and passionate.

TheBGInTheCity: What is your biggest beauty secret?
Brytni: Drinking water. I don't particularly like water, but when I'm on my water game, my skin looks better and my hair grows.

TheBGInTheCity: What are some of your favorite beauty products?

Brytni: I use the Enzo Milano Wand to reinforce my curls. I also use Dior mascara and Oribe shampoo and conditioner. 

TheBGInTheCity: What is your favorite feature? 

Brytni: My eyes. I get a lot of compliments on them and they are fun to play around with. I love doing a smokey eye. Adjusting my eye makeup colors makes my eye color change. 

TheBGInTheCity: How can we follow you on social media? 

Brytni: I am @_brytni on Twitter and @brytni on IG.