LBS Beauty Review: MegaGrowth Detangling Conditioner + Giveaway

I'm back with another product review guys. This one is courtesy MegaGrowth. They sent me their complete collection of new products including their Pro-Growth Anti-Breakage collection.

There were so many different products in the lineup but since I'm still rocking my extensions and I'm sensitive about product overload, I decided to start small with their Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner.

There are so many different uses for a great conditioner so I thought that was a good start. You can use it as part of a pre-poo treatment, after shampoo or just for the purposes of detangling hair. And this collection was created for both relaxed and naturals, so that's a win.

So I started here with super dry and frizzy hair in dire need of detangling. I used the Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner as part of my pre-poo regimen. On weeks when I'm not co-washing my curls (both my natural leave-out and my Indique extensions), I start my regimen with a pre-poo. For this, I simply dampen my hair and run conditioner through it and then proceed to detangle my hair while it's damp (instead of soaking wet). I let it sit for 15 minutes, then I wash my hair in sections.

Before I do anything, I separate the hair into 4 even sections. It makes the detangling process so much easier and it assures that I get the product evenly all around the hair. When I have my full head of natural curls exposed, I actually do this in 6-8 sections since my hair is shorter than this.

I started the first section off by simply dampening the hair with lukewarm water.

I then applied the Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner, which has a thick creamy consistency (and smells really fruity too). I will say just a little bit of this product goes a LONG way. I didn't really need all of what I put in my hand for this one section so definitely use the product sparingly.

I started off by smoothing it onto my natural curls on top. It actually soaked into the hair really well and didn't leave any white residue.

Next, I proceeded to apply the conditioner to my Indique extensions. It gave the curls a nice shine and made the detangling process relatively easy. I started from the ends and worked my way up to the root. Again, to avoid buildup, I would suggest only using a dime-sized amount for each section.

Here's a closeup of how the hair (my natural curls and the extensions) looked after applying the MegaGrowth Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner.

Overall thoughts about the product: a) I love the smell and consistency b) Use sparingly! A little goes a long way c) Works great as a pre-poo treatment or simply as an affordable conditioner just for detangling the hair before or after shampoo.

Interested in trying out? MegaGrowth has agreed to give 5 lucky winners both their Anti-Breakage Detangling Conditioner as well as their Leave-In Strengthener to try out. Just enter your information below to be entered to win a set of products:

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Giveaway ends Friday, June 7th at 12AM EST. This review and product giveaway is sponsored by MegaGrowth. All opinions expressed herein are solely my own and not those of the company.

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Westside Safari

I took a trip to my local H&M recently and stumbled on this tunic for $4.95. At first I thought it was too good to be true. Nothing worth having is $4.95 anymore. But upon trying it on, I fell in love.

I really love the high-low construction of it, as well as the waist tie. That was thoughtful, considering without the waste tie it can turn into a boxy piece of fabric that won't give me any shape.

The tie helps accentuate my waist, and turns it into a mini-dress as opposed to a simple tunic. 

The pattern is really what caught my eye. Once I tried it on, I realized how versatile a piece like this can be. You can take it casual with a pair of flats, or a little dressier with heels.

And for chilly evenings, you can easily slap a sweater or a leather jacket on top.

I paired this look with my red Zara heels (wore them here). They look good with everything, seriously.

My crochet cross-body bag is from H&M as well. It was my go-to when I went to Cali for Coachella.

Tunic: H&M | Jacket: Vintage | Necklace: Forever 21 | Shoes: Zara (similar here) | Bag: H&M (similar here)

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Join Me This Sunday for "Fit For A Queen" in NYC + Ticket Giveaway

Exciting news! If you follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram you've probably heard the buzz but I am co-hosting a luxe pampering event called "Fit For A Queen" this Sunday, June 2nd 3pm - 6pm at the Rooftop 760 in NYC. In partnership with One Life 2 Live Entertainment and Obi Nwabuzor, LoveBrownSugar.com will be live and in full effect snapping pics, tweeting, posting to instagram and keeping you in the loop on all the fun activities on site.

NYC and tri-state area ladies & gents, you can head to the FFAQ Eventbrite link to sign up. There will be a Nail Bar with mini manicures, a Hair Bar with product demos and samples, and a beauty bar hosted by The Lip Bar. You don't want to miss out!

Just because I love y'all, I'm hosting a special VIP Ticket giveaway for one winner and a guest to come to the event and receive the VIP treatment (no long lines!)

Sound good? Enter your information below for a chance to be my special guest:

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Giveaway ends Friday, May 31st 11:59PM EST. Winner will be contacted on Saturday, June 1st.

Steal Her Chic: Kerry Washington Covers The Hollywood Reporter

There is a new queen werkin’ the cover of The Hollywood Reporter—a new primetime queen that is. Kerry Washington, known to us as the scandalous, President Fitz-loving Olivia Pope, graces the new cover of the Hollywood Reporter with other primetime actors as the queen of her coveted time slot. All decked out in this season’s black and white trend, Kerry shows off her lithe frame in a pair of edgy white tapered tuxedo pants and a dangerously sexy crop top.

The look, far away from the structured suits, and pastels of her famous Scandal character, is fresh, clean and accented by a pop of red on her lips. This black and white sport look is perfect for hard working and intense flirting alike. Here's how you can get the look:

Start with the tuxedo striped pants; Macy’s has some fabulous (5) Calvin Klein Straight Leg ones on sale! As for the crop top, though they decided to put Kerry in a lighter material, I thought it would be cooler to have a similar top in faux leather, (1) ASTR had the perfect one. Bring the look from magazine cover to life with a pop of color. Ditch the black pumps for this pair of orange (2) High Heeled Shoes with Ankle Strap from Zara. Why not let (4) L’Oreal’s Color Riche Le Gloss in Peach Fuzz help you match your pout with your pumps? Accent your outfit with a simple gold (3) Idiom bangle from Kate Spade and Ba Da BING: CHIC STOLEN!

What's your favorite look by Kerry Washington? How would you Steal Her Chic?

- Chrislande Dorcilus

Press Play Style: Solange Mini Video "Locked Up in Closets"

I happened to be browsing Refinery29 the other day and I stumbled onto the mini production of Solange's promo video produced by Absolut Tune & Refinery29. The mini film follows Solange around her super chic neighborhood in Brooklyn, to the tune of single "Locked Up in Closets" from her TRUE EP. Per usual, her outfits give so much life. Here are my favorite scenes, and how to get her look:

1. The Pink Lace Look

Get It Here:

2. The Mixed Prints Look

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3. The Printed Dress

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Check out Solange's video HERE for your own style inspiration

Style Play Polish: Great Gatsby-Inspired Nails

A lady should always treat her nails as she does her hair, never get caught slippin'. We know a thing or two about nail DIYs and looking extravagant without extravagant pockets. Speaking of extravagance, the week's Style Play Polish nail design is inspired by raved-about blockbuster film, "The Great Gatsby." Here are 4 easy steps to achieving the perfect Gatsby inspired nails:

What you will need:

• Royal Blue Polish (Sinful Colors' Midnight Blue)
• Gold Polish (Butter London's MARBS)
• Black Polish (Essie's Licorice)
• Silver Polish (Essie's loophole)
• Detailing Brush (MASH Nail Art Kit)

Step 1: Paint your nails 2 coats of the royal blue polish to assure a darker opacity. (Remember! Always apply a base coat before applying your base color).

Step 2: Using the black polish, freehand a V-shaped stroke pointed towards the tips of your nails.

Step 3: Using your detailing brush, trace along the line where the black meets the blue polish. Paint 2 other lines parallel to the original lines. Don't worry about the lines overlapping, we will fill that in later.

Step 4: Use the silver polish to create a half moon design near your cuticles, as well as filling in the sides and top of your nails where the black polish is exposed.

Gatsby is known for his expensive taste and bringing his wild imagination to life. If you have a Gatsby nail inspiration you'd like to share with us, tag us on Instagram @LoveBrownSugar.

- Gracie J

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Memorial Day Sales

Happy Memorial Day everyone! This weekend is such a special time. It's a time for expressing appreciation for the fallen soldiers that have fought for our beautiful country. And it also marks the official beginning of summer - woot! Whether you're spending it with friends & family, away on vacay or poolside for a BBQ, I hope you all are enjoying yourselves.

Memorial Day weekend also means MAJOR summer sales. So you'll either love me or hate me for this, but here are some Memorial Day sales you just can't pass up:

ASOS (20% OFF)

Click above for ASOS.com

You guys know how obsessed I am with ASOS. They have sales that roll out literally every other week and Memorial Day is no exception. Scoop up an additional 20% off their low prices with code TAKE20 at checkout!

Macy's (Storewide SALE plus 15% OFF)

Click for Macys.com

If all else fails, we all know Macy's will be having a sale, no matter what holiday it is. For Memorial Day, they've slashed prices storewide and are giving an additional 15% OFF all merchandise using promo code SAVE at checkout.

Old Navy (Summer Sale + 15% OFF Everything)

Click above for OldNavy.com

I'm a huge fan of Old Navy for their staples. I head there for plain tees and jeans I know will fit (love their Diva cut jeans, they fit me like a glove!) For the holiday, they're giving 15% OFF everything with code ONSUMMER

Nine West (Buy One Get One 50% OFF)

Click above for NineWest.com

 Who doesn't want two pairs of shoes for the price of one and a half?

Nine West is hosting their annual BOGO sale - perfect time to stock up on comfortable summer sandals at affordable prices!

Topshop (20% OFF Select Merchandise)

Click above for Topshop.com

Topshop brings London chic, stateside with cute and trendy items like denim jumpers and killer heels.

They're giving 20% OFF for the holiday - head there now and stock up!

Forever 21 (FREE Shipping)

Click above for Forever21.com

Forever21 is doing FREE shipping for the holiday! Not only can you stock up on cheap summer essentials, but you don't have to pay a dime to have them dropped off on your doorstep.

J.Crew (30% OFF Sale Items)

Click above for JCrew.com

 I'm obsessed with J.Crew baubles. They have the best staple work-to-play pieces and amazing statement jewelry. Save an extra 30% off their sale items this weekend.

Happy Shopping!

LBS Beauty: 3 Easy DIY Natural Hair Styles

So one of my daily favorites Refinery 29  posted a lovely slideshow featuring 3 super-easy and chic hairstyles for natural hair. Instructed by stylist Alana Williams of the Mirror Salon at Carol's Daughter in Harlem and modeled by natural stunner Natasha Gaspard of Mane Moves TV, there's a style in here for everyone from the easy, breezy classic puff to the vintage-style Victory roll, which gives me Janelle Monae vibes.

The trick to pulling off the three styles is to start with an old yet defined twist-out. It's the perfect foundation.

Aside from your favorite styling products, to achieve hese various looks you'll need sturdy hair pins to hold everything in place.

Check out the full story here at Refinery29

Would you try any of these styles?

LoveBrownSugar Chic: Parking Lot Pocahontas

The weather's been unbelievably beautiful in NYC this week. So I decided to celebrate with a mini dress and fun accessories.

Most people think graffiti is dirty, but I actually think it gives the city character. Graffiti-covered walls are my favorite backdrop for shoots.

I paired this LOFT Tiered Lace Dress ($98) with my favorite bright-colored accessories for a fun spring/summer look.

This Bongo Neon pink crossbody bag I scored at the Kmart Fashion Remix Challenge. I paired the outfit with my new turquoise Minnetonka flats (similar here).

I'm obsessed with super long finger rings. I scored the one above at H&M for only $9.95. 

My nails are Color Club in "Tweet Me" ($8.00).

This statement necklace is from H&M as well. RiRi Woo is on the lips!

Dress c/o LOFT [buy it here] | Necklace & Ring: H&M | Shoes: Minnetonka, bought at Marshall's [similar here] | Bag c/o Kmart [similar here] | Watch c/o Caravelle by Bulova | Bangles: Forever 21

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