Kickin' It: 2013 NOLA Crawl Recap

I'm back from the Big Easy! I got back earlier this week and I'm still on a high from all the excitement, good food, live performances, beauty parties and more we got into on our 2013 NOLA Crawl! As I mentioned, me and the girls (Jessica of Glamazons Blog, Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor and Lexi of LexiWithTheCurls) headed down to New Orleans to partake in the festivities surrounding the Essence Music Festival, and we decided to put on our very own "Crawl" similar to the FNO Crawl we did last September.

This might have been the best decision we ever made! Aside from receiving so much love from our sponsors like African Pride, Shea Moisture and CoverFX, we had an absolute blast making the rounds in New Orleans, taking in all the sights and even getting to meet some of you guys who were down in New Orleans with us! Here's a snapshot of all the amazing fun we got into:

African Pride Beauty & The Beat Suite

Upon arrival into New Orleans, we headed to the Wyndham Riverfront for African Pride's premiere event featuring songstress Kelly Price (who looked AMAZING by the way) and DJ Spinderella on the 1's & 2's.

Kelly dished all about her upcoming endeavors, including an album on the horizon for early 2014, and also about the challenges of being part of an industry that doesn't really embrace natural hair or plus-sized talent. It was a very honest and much-needed conversation.

DJ Spinderella still got it y'all. She had the crowd turned up at the African Pride event. Anyone else used to love some Salt-N-Peppa?

The event was chock full of product freebies and giveaways, including African Pride's Olive Miracle collection.

They were also doing makeovers and beauty treatments at the suite.

We got to snap a pic with the hostess of the evening, Miss Kelly Price! 

We also ran into the infamous Momma Dee (of Love & Hip-Hop ATL fame).

From left: Lexi,  Jessica, Danielle and Me!

Good times at the African Pride Beauty & The Beauty Suite!

Sidebar: Congrats to the five winners who won my African Pride giveaway. Check out who the winners are here.

The Shea Moisture Pop-Up Shop (Saturday)

Our next stop along the NOLA Crawl was the Shea Moisture Pop-Up Shop - one of my favorite places in New Orleans this weekend. I loved the homey, organic feel of the shop and of course being surrounded by some of my favorite hair & skincare products.

While there, I ran into natural hair blogger Curly Nikki.

I had a blast trying out all the products from Shea Moisture - from their body scrubs and hand creams to their curl creams and detanglers.

They have products for every skin type under the sun.

We did video interviews and took tons of pics with the Shea Moisture folks.

We got a little carried away shopping for products!

We had a great time! And just like that, Saturday was a wrap.

Kirk Franklin House of Blues Gospel Brunch

There's nothing like a good Gospel Brunch to put you in a positive mood on a Sunday morning. We went over to the House of Blues in the French Quarter to meet & greet Kirk Franklin and to indulge in an all-you-can-eat buffet of Southern, Louisiana-style breakfast. It was beyond amazing.

Shea Moisture Pop-Up Shop (Sunday)

At the Shea Moisture pop-up shop day party on Sunday, we ended up running into actress and natural beauty Nicole Ari Parker. I really love Nicole. Aside from being one of my favorites on the hit series Soul Food, I really admired that she took a leap and did the Big Chop during a time when being natural as a celebrity is still something slightly taboo in the industry. I think it was such a bold move and I appreciate her for that.

Her handsome hubby Boris Kodjoe was there as well. The power couple posed with the CEO of Sundial as well.

DJ C. Devone was on the 1's & 2's for the party - she did an awesome job

Imani from TribeCalledCurl and Julee Wilson from Huffington Post were there.

Photo courtesy Huffington Post

The lovely Julee of Huffington Post featured me in their Essence Festival Street Style gallery - head over to the site and check it out!

CoverFX Kept Us Covered

If you've ever been to New Orleans, you probably know that the humidity can be quite intense. Whenever heat & humidity are a factor, you need dependable makeup that will last you from daytime brunch to nighttime party-hopping. Me and the girls gave CoverFX a test run this weekend, and they passed with flying colors. I had barely any shine, thanks to their blotting powder and kept a crystal clear complexion due to their concealer. Had to give them a major shoutout. They were definitely a pivotal part of this year's NOLA Crawl.

We had such an amazing time in New Orleans this weekend! Have you ever been to NOLA or Essence Music Fest? Would you plan a trip there?

LBS Beauty: My Skincare & Makeup Essentials in New Orleans

I'm here guys! I have touched down in The Big Easy and can't wait to jump into all the Essence Music Festival festivities including the stops we plan to make along our #NOLACrawl. In preparation for the trip, I made sure to pack a few skincare and makeup essentials that will help get me through this long humid weekend in New Orleans. Check out a few skincare must-haves I packed from Shea Moisture and makeup essentials from Cover FX:

Shea Moisture Skincare Essentials

The best way to take care of your skin, especially with a change in climate, is to pamper it. I brought along with me some essentials like Shea Moisture's body butter, scrubs body washes and massage oils to pamper my skin. 

The Coconut & Hibiscus Body Scrub ($9.99) is my go-to when my skin needs some exfoliation and extra moisture. It's also great to combat the effects of dehydration and dryness from frequent flying.

I swear by Shea Moisture's Body Butter ($9.99). It's light enough to use during all seasons but really does a great job of providing long-lasting moisture. I have it in the Olive & Green Tea scent as well as the Lavender & Wild Orchid.

And even though it's from the masculine grooming collection, I really enjoy their Three Butters Wash & Scrub and Lotion ($9.99/each). Each is infused with Shea, Mango and Avocado butters. 

CoverFX Makeup Essentials

I was first introduced to CoverFX at a launch event they hosted last year. I've been obsessed ever since.  I bragged about their Total Cover Cream Foundation and Matte Setting Powder in my LBS Chic: Mixed Media post last December. 

What I really love about the CoverFX brand is the quality of their makeup essentials. This is makeup that goes on and stays put all day long.

I also love that they place an emphasis on making colors that match different skin tones so well. I use their cream concealer in Deep and it blends really well.

I'm also really impressed with their powders and bronzer collections. They were kind enough to send me their Illuminator, Bronzer and Blotting Powder which I plan to put to good use while in this NOLA humidity. 

What are your travel skincare and makeup essentials? Have you tried any of these products?

Join us at Essence Music Festival! #NOLACrawl in New Orleans

Happy 4th of July guys! I hope you're all enjoying your beautiful holiday. I'm sure quite a few of you are reading this from the sunny streets of New Orleans as many of you are down there for the Essence Music Festival. I had a blast when I attended last year for the first time.

For those of you who are there, and for those who can't be there but want to follow along in the excitement, myself and some of my favorite fellow bloggers Jessica of Glamazons Blog, Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor and Lexi of LexiWithTheCurls are hosting our very own #NOLACrawl!

What exactly is a "crawl"? Well it's very similar to the Fashion's Night Out Crawl we all collaborated on last September. We made quite a few stops all around NYC that evening in celebration of FNO. And you guys, our lovely readers and friends, came right along with us! Here's a video to jog your memory:

You ready for Part 2 in New Orleans? We are! Thanks to our wonderful #NOLACrawl sponsors African Pride, Shea Moisture and Cover FX, here's what we're getting into during this weekend's Essence Music Festival festivities:

Saturday, July 6th

12:00PM – 4:00PM: African Pride Beauty & The Beat Suite hosted by DJ Spinderella, Kelli Price and celebrities from the 80's, 90's and today! We’ll be there from 1:00PM – 3:00 PM.

Wyndham Riverfront 701 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans

2:00PM – 5:00PM: SheaMoisture Meet & Greet with Curly Nikki and Celebrity Stylist Diane Bailey. Come out for consultations on hair care and color! We’ll be stopping by from 3:30PM – 5:00PM

321 Chartres Street Between Bienville and Conti Streets (across from W Hotel French Quarter)

Sunday, July 7th

1:00PM – 6:00PM*: SheaMoisture Day Party with hair consultations by celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood (we’ll also be there chatting about SheaMoisture’s skincare line and helping you guys with purchases). We’ll be there from 12:00PM – 2:00PM. (*Shop opens at 11AM, party starts at 1PM)

321 Chartres Street Between Bienville and Conti Streets (across from W Hotel French Quarter)

2:00PM – 4:00PM: Cruise the Convention Center–we’ll be checking out the various booths, seeing the sights, and celeb-spotting!

900 Convention Center Blvd New Orleans

Hope to see you guys there! Follow along with us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and everywhere in between using the hashtag #NOLACrawl to keep track of all the festivities!

Have you ever been to Essence Music Festival? Are you attending this year? Holla at me below!

Shea Moisture's Chic Pop-Up Shop in New Orleans

If you're planning to be in New Orleans this weekend (or even if you reside there and want to stop by), Shea Moisture has your skincare & hair needs on lock with their new NOLA pop-up shop!

You guys already know I'm a huge fan of Shea Moisture's skin and hair products. From their body scrubs and oils to their curl products and their Art of Color at-home hair color, I'm a big supporter of their approach to all-natural, yet effective products. Hence, me and my #NOLACrawl buddies will be spending quite a bit of time at the pop-up shop this weekend.

Here's a rundown of all the cool #SheaMoistureNOLA stuff happening. Everything is free to the public, so be there or be square:

Friday, July 5th -  5:00PM - 8:00PM

This one should be fun. Some of my favorite bloggers will be there PLUS first 50 guests get free swag!

Saturday, July 6th 2:00PM - 5:00PM

Meet & greet natural hair guru Curly Nikki and celebrity stylist Diane Bailey. There will be hair consultations and skincare recommendations from yours truly and the #NOLACrawl crew as we'll be attending between 3:30 and 5:00PM.

Sunday, July 7th 1:00PM - 6:00PM

Sunday is all about a good day party! Shea Moisture will be keeping the NOLA party going with special appearances by stylist Felicia Leatherwood, and of course me and the #NOLACrawl crew will be in the building as well. 

Can't wait! Have you tried Shea Moisture products? Will you be partying with us down in NOLA?

LBS Giveaway: SheaMoisture's "The Art of Color" Hair Color System

Naturals interested in hair color, I've got some news for you! Shea Moisture has just released a hair color collection catered specifically for you - amazing color without the stripping, harsh ingredients. That's right, an organic option for those seeking hair color at-home. 

The collection includes 12 moisture-rich hues, and offers ammonia- and sulfate-free hair color infused with natural ingredients including Soy Protein (helps strengthen hair by replenishing lost protein); Certified Organic Glycerin (aids in moisture retention); Flax Seed Oil (enhances shine and dimension) and Certified Organic Shea Butter (provides moisture to damaged hair from roots to tip, and promotes healthy, shiny hair).

I was a little skeptical but I took to the interwebs to research and found some faboosh bloggers and vloggers who've tried it and love!

Carmen of Lipstick Fashion Mascara used the Bright Auburn color to die her strands and her color looks awesome.

Also, Tia of YouTube channel BeeUtifully Made did a trial of the Bright Auburn and above are her results. Gorge!

I was so intrigued by the hair color system, that I decided to get more of the scoop from Jullanar Barron, SheaMoisture Creative Director. She gave us the lowdown on how the concept of the hair color system was created, if the line is truly organic, and tips for getting the best results:

LoveBrownSugar: What prompted SheaMoisture to develop a hair color line?

Jullana Barron: We recognized the need for a safer, healthier option to coloring naturally curly tresses. Our followers run the gamut, from women who are transitioning and aspire to lead a more natural lifestyle, to women who live and breathe all things natural and organic. What's interesting, is that almost all of them, even the most natural of our fans, had one vice — BOLD, bright hair color. From the newly big-chopped, with fresh, fiery red curls to waist-length, golden blonde locs, our ladies love color! So, we decided to do some creative problem-solving and fused our knowledge of natural and certified organic healing ingredients with science and years of listening to real women. The honest truth is that creating a permanent hair color without using chemicals is difficult to say the least, but I think we've found a balance here — a moisture-rich, permanent hair color system with natural and certified organic ingredients for any hair type. Does it contain chemicals necessary for coloring hair? Yes. Did I just have two slices of cheese pizza between my organic fruit salad for breakfast and my kale salad for dinner? Absolutely (hair color and cheese are my personal vices).

Many women with naturally curly hair are concerned with dryness and breakage that can result from hair color. How does this line prevent that? What are the difference in ingredients between this line and other mainstream at-home color collections?

Our Hair Color System "The Art of Color", like all of the hair care products made bySheaMoisture, was formulated with naturally curly women in mind. It's free of ammonia and sulfates, and uses natural and certified organic ingredients that minimize damage and restoremoisture to colored strands. As an added bonus, we include our award-winning, sulfate-free RawShea Moisture Retention Shampoo, which I stockpile in a closet at home, as if one day I'll wake up and go to work and we'll be out of shampoo...hmm, maybe I should pick up a few more, just in case. Our Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner and Raw Shea Finishing Elixir are also included in the kit as well, to seal in color and keep hair soft and manageable.

Is it safe to do at-home or is it better to get the color professionally applied?

It's completely safe and easy to use at home, so you shouldn't be afraid to try it yourself. It's also great for women who are transitioning or dealing with thin hair, because our hair color thickens strands while adding shine and improving manageability. I use our jet-black and I love how it gives my hair depth and accentuates its natural texture.

Any hair maintenance tips for women who are adding color to their hair? Are there any other Shea Moisture products that work well with the system?

I have three tips: Condition. Condition. Condition. All of our hair care is color-safe, so depending on the texture of your hair, you can mix and match all of our collections to come up with a regimen that works best for you, and helps keep your hair healthy and shiny. However, our RawShea Butter Extra-Moisture Detangler is my newest obsession, because you can re-apply as often as you like, without any fear of build-up...and now that I've let the cat out of the bag, I should probably make room for a couple of cases of that in the closet, too.

This product line sounds like a win! Lucky for three of you lovelies, Shea Moisture has agreed to let you guys give it a whirl! Interested in trying out the line? See below for rules on how to enter to win a FREE SheaMoisture"Art of Hair" color system:

Rules
1. You must be following LoveBrownSugar on Facebook and/or Twitter to be eligible.
2. You must be a fan of Shea Moisture on Facebook to be eligible.
3. For bonus entry, tweet @LoveBrownSugar @SheaMoisture4u with a link to this post OR Leave a comment in the section below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The SheaMoisture Art of Hair collection is available at select Target stores nationwide for $14.99.

Flavor of Friday: Curly Pool Party NYC

NYC curly gals - this one is for you! Hair blog NaturalSelection.com and mega site NaturallyCurly.com are hosting a super fab Curly Pool Party at the Grace Hotel next Saturday, July 23rd. 

 

 

What: Stylists from Ouidad, Hair Rules, Jane Carter and Shea Moisture will be pool-side to demonstrate styles specific for water and summer fun. Curlies will be invited to swim and mingle while getting product knowledge.  

 

Shea Moisture will be on hand to provide knowledge on summer skin-saving techniques as well as give each guest an exclusive treatment in the steam room and saunas.  Each guest will receive a gift bag worth over $50.  Also, with each ticket purchase, you are entered to win tons of prizes from the brands; and if you show your Curls On The Go mobile app, you are automatically entered to win an iPad!  

When: Saturday, July 23rd 4pm-7pm

Where: Grace Hotel, 125 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036

RSVP: Advance tickets can be purchased through Curl Mart for $25.  Tickets will also be available for $30 at the door. Purchase them here: http://www.curlmart.com/store/product.php?productid=23607

 

Check out Facebook for more info:  http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=214610225244825

 

All guests are encouraged to jump in the pool at Grace Hotel, but casual pool-side attire is welcome for those who are there strictly for the styling and mingling.

LoveBrownSugar's Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials

Though I’m not a complete beauty guru, working for a women’s magazine has definitely turned me into somewhat of a PJ (product junkie). Considering all the samples and products I’ve come across in my time as an editor, you would think I knew all the answers to my own beauty questions. Well I don’t. What I do know are the products that have come to be my faves this season. When I find something amazing I stick with it, and I rave about it to everyone who cares to listen. I’m also a huge proponent of staying on budget, so products that promote my inner beauty without demoting my bank account are always a win! The following are my Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials this season…

1. Hair Crème: Tea & Honey Blends Curl Definer, $14.99

As I'm transitioning back to my curls and growing out my relaxer, I'm using extensions to help protect and maintain my hair until it gets to a length I can deal with. In the mean time, I was sent this amazing product from new hair care line Tea & Honey Blends. They boast a great line of Tea & Honey shampoo, leave-in conditioners and styling products. I've fallen in love with their Curl Definer! I apply it after I deep condition and it really helps soften my natural hair before and after styling. And in the harsh winter weather, my tresses need all the moisture they can get.

Runner-up: Mixed Chicks Leave-In. Great moisturizer for thirsty curls.

2. Lip Color: L’Oreal Infallible Stars Collection in Beyonce, $9.99

You guys have heard me rave about this one before. I wore it for THIS post and it is absolutely amazing. Aside from my borderline obsession with Beyonce, this particular color from the collection is really the perfect red for a number of complexions. I’m not as light as Bey, but somehow the shade works for me. And the real kicker: it actually lasts! It will NOT come off. Honestly guys, I tried…

3. Fragrance: Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Natural Spray, $27.00

In the winter, I opt for fragrances with deeper, natural notes like vanilla and cinnamon as opposed to fruity florals for spring. I love the way Carol’s Daughter’s Almond Cookie products smell. They leave me sweet-smelling without being too overpowering. The natural spray adds the perfect touch after the shower. And of course the ingredients are all natural.

4. Mascara: Maybelline Falsies Volum Express, $7.50

This might be my all time favorite product this season. Although I have naturally long lashes, I like to take them to the next level with great mascara. Maybelline is hands down my favorite brand for affordable, trusted mascara. They recently released their Falsies Volum Express product which actually coats your lashes with kerafiber maximizing them in width and length. It’s unbelievable. Seriously.

Runner Up: Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto Voluptuous. Maximizes lash length and adds a little oomph to your wink.

5. Cuticle Crème: Carol’s Daughter Lemon & Jojoba Cuticle Oil

One thing I dread about the onset of cold weather – dry hands and cuticles. It drives me nuts when my winter manicures don’t live up to their fullest potential due to Mother Nature. A dab of this on each cuticle in the morning before you head out makes a huge difference in defending your manicure against harsh conditions.

6. Nail Color: Ginger & Liz "Swagger", $12.00

My gals Ginger & Liz created a gem when they crafted this color. I love it because it’s neutral enough to wear in more professional environments but still has a touch of…well…swag! This light metallic rose gold goes great with everything and never goes out of style. Also their “Blowin' Money Fast” pictured HERE is a great one for fall.

Runner Up: Essie Nail Color in “Chinchilly” pictured HERE. Gray nails are in!

7. Hair Oil: Dr. Miracles Follicle Healer Hydrating Oil, $4.99

Part of their new Follicle Healer line, this Dr.Miracles Hydrating Oil is my go-to for moisturizing my scalp and my edges. It has that same Dr. Miracles "tingly" feeling and comes in an easy to apply bottle with applicator. I also use it as a pre-poo treatment before washing my natural hair. Definitely a mainstay product for winter!

8. Facial Moisturizer: Specific Beauty Daily Hydrating Lotion, $17.99

This new skin care line created by an acclaimed female African-American dermatologist out of Miami, was specifically developed to address hyperpigmentation; discoloration of the skin that can affect many of us sisters, especially in the winter time. Specific Beauty provides an array of great skin products and the Daily Hydrating Lotion happens to be one of my favorites.

Runner Up: OLAY Complete All-Day UV Moisturizer. A great year-round moisturizer.

9. Body Scrub: Shea Moisture Organic Red Bush & Sage

 

In the winter, I make it a point to do a weekly body scrub and pamper my parched skin with moisture. Part of my weekly ritual has been Shea Moisture's Red Bush & Sage scrub. It's luxe, smells amazing and is completely organic. Your skin will literally feel like you've taken a milk bath! Shea Moisture hasn't started sale of this product online so price and availability are TBA. Will update you soon on price and purchase details!

Runner Up: Carol's Daughter Jamaican Punch Sea Salt Scrub. Smells like Jamaica in a bottle.

10. Body Moisturizer: Ambi Soft & Even Creamy Oil Lotion, $8.49

Most people know the AMBI brand for their scar removal products, but recently they've launched a brand of products that cater to the face & body with gentle moisturizing properties. I must confess - I've been using the Creamy Oil Lotion faithfully since the beginning of summer and it hasn't failed me yet! Lightweight so it absorbs quickly, but the perfect amount of oil so I stay moisturized all day.

So, what are your winter beauty essentials? List them below! 

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