I know that a lot of you werent too fond of Ashantis brightly colored lip-gloss, but maybe there are some more adventurous readers who would actually like to give the fuchsia, reds and hot pinks a try! Im not sure if Im one of them (although they are great for mixing), but for those of you who like to make your puckers stand out, this post is for you!

Check out these traffic-stopping shades of gloss and lipsticks that will definitely get you noticed!

Would you wear boldly hued gloss or lipstick on your pout?


Jane Iredale the Skincare Makeup Pure Gloss in Cosmo available at www.janeiredaledirect.com for $19


Kissable Couture Lip-gloss in Red Rose available at www.kissablecouture.com for $22


MAC Plushglass in Plus Luxe available at www.maccosmetics.com for $17.50


Sephora Plumping Lip-gloss in Red available at www.sephora.com for $10


Vincent Longo Baby Balm Lipstick SPF12 in Love Berry available at www.sephora.com for $23


Lorac Mocktail High Shine Lip-gloss in Lava Flow available at www.sephora.com for $18


Pop Beauty Lip Lust in Naughty Strawberry Red available at www.sephora.com for $13


MAC Heatherette Lipglass in Style Minx - SOLD OUT ONLINE, but available in stores nationwide for $14


CoverGirl TruShine Hot Pink Lipstick available at www.drugstore.com for $6.29


Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Gloss in Brighten Cherry available at www.saksfifthavenue.com for $25


Liparazzi Light-up Lip Gloss in Shimmer Toffee available at www.asos.com for $32.72

Tags: None Categories: Beauty Fashion

I recently had a chance to chat with Grammy award-winning R&B singer, Ashanti. Known for her catchy lyrics and heartfelt tunes, this Long Island native is back and hotter than ever. Her latest single, "The Way that I Love You," is climbing the charts and is in heavy rotation across the country. She's declaring that she's no longer "Foolish."

Check out our Q&A:

BGG: Tell me a bit about your new album, "The Declaration." What makes it different from your other CDs?

Ashanti: Well this is my first album in 4 years. Ive done a lot of growing up and I did basically everything on my own this time around with the project. I executively produced the entire thingbehind-the-scenes and the creative process. So Im really excited about it. Its very versatile and you can just tell sonically, musically, vocally and lyrically Im at a different place than with my last album; so Im very excited!

BGG: What producers did you work with this time around?

Ashanti: I worked with a whole bunch of producers. Every single one didnt make the album, but the fact that I was able to work with them was really an amazing experience for me. From Babyface to L.T. Hutton (who actually worked on her latest single), Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri, Brian Cox, Polow, Rodney Jerkins, Robin Thicke, 7 Aurelius a lot of very talented producers.

BGG: Whats your relationship with the Inc.?

Ashanti: The Inc. is signed to Universal so its the Inc/Universal. And thats what it is (laughing)!

BGG: Whats your next single?

Ashanti: Im not sure yet, which is a really good position to be in because we have 2 or 3 really great candidates. Well see!

BGG: I know that you write all of your songs. Whats the inspiration behind your lyrics?

Ashanti: Just real life. Usually its something that Im going through or something that Ive gone through or something that people who are in my circle are going through or have gone through. No matter what, its always something that is real. Ive always been really genuine and sincere with my lyrics and I think thats why a lot of people can relate to my records. Ive just always had a passion for writing so I feel like when you hear a record and you can relate to it, its like Ah, its such a wonderful feeling. Its like, Im not the only one going through this!

BGG: Are you going on tour this summer for the album?

Ashanti: Definitely, Im not sure when, but Im definitely excited about touring.

BGG: Tell me your secret to staying in great shape!

Ashanti: Its about being healthy. I do have a trainer. I do try to hit the gym as much as I can. I dont eat a lot of fried foods and I dont eat red meat or pork. Thats just my own personal preference. Its just about being in shape and again trying to hit the gym. If you really 'wild-out' with pizza, chicken, cake and all kinds of stuff then you really should hit the gym. You have to make up for it.

BGG: I know you once wrote a book of poetry (Foolish/Unfoolish), do you think youd ever do something like that again?

Ashanti: Yes! I had a really good time writing that. Ive been thinking about doing another book. Im not sure if it will be poetry, maybe or maybe not. I have had an idea of doing a book called, Ashantis Style. It would basically be about beauty secrets and fashion tips. A lot of behind the scenes stuff that most people dont talk about too much like, the miracles of double-stick tape! (laughing) Look for that maybe later this year or early next year.

BGG: If you could do a duet with someone that you admire, who would it be?

Ashanti: Wow, I dont know. Ive honestly taken it one step at a time and working with a variety of producers is already a huge step for me. Ive always worked with in-house producers. But as far as collaborating, I feel like anytime you get two artists in the studio, you could potentially come up with something incredible just with a lot of talent and creative juice flowing, but I dont have anybody particularly in mind right now. Im still stuck on the high of, wow, Ive worked with so many different producers this year alone!

BGG: What are a few of your must-have beauty products?

Ashanti: Lip-gloss!! MAC! Recently, Ive actually been into the MAC color glosses for the last couple of months.

BGG: Ive seen a few photos of you in shades similar to what youre wearing now.

Ashanti: Yeah, I like it. Oh and lotion. I have 3 things of lotion (travel size) in this bag right now. You never know when youre going to have to lotion up those toes! (laughing)

BGG: Your latest video, "The Way That I Love You," is like a mini-movie; are you working on any new movie projects?

Ashanti: I definitely want to venture more into the movie side of things. I had a really good time filming all of the films that Ive been in. Its a different experience than recording. Its good so I definitely want to get back into it. Ive been out in L.A a couple of times this month working on a couple of things so I have my fingers crossed!

Check out her video here:

BGG: Is there in any role that youre more drawn to than others?

Ashanti: For me I would love to get everything in one big ball drama, comedy, action and romance! That would be ideal for me.

BGG: What would you like your fans to know about you that they might not already know?

Ashanti: Well, I dont know because they usually know everything! (laughing).
Wow, I guess I would tell them about(long pause) My favorite bike was my Strawberry Shortcake bike that I received when I was 5-years-old. It was pink and I got a pink jacket to go with it. The bike had a basket with strawberries on it!! I loved it! It was my best toy for like so many years! (Her mom adds, more like FOREVER!) And I would always wear my pink jacket with my pink and red bike!

BGG: Is there anything else that you want readers to know?

Ashanti: ALBUM IN STORES JUNE 3rd!!! Oh yeah, I also have this website site called, Gotchagram.com, which is a viral tool that you can use if you find out if that your boyfriend or girlfriend is cheating on you, you send them this email blast that you can fill out and customize. It shows a snippet of my video (The Way That I Love You) and basically it says my boyfriend is cheating on me and the way Im going to get him back is that Im going to put a boot up in his ass! You can use a boot, Timbaland, high-heel, a machete or whatever it is and you kind of put him on blast so you can be like, "I caught you!" And he could be guilty of not being emotionally available, he cheated, or hes trying to talk to your cousin and you just put him on blast! You have to see it! Just log-on to www.thewaythatiloveyou.com.

Tags: None Categories: Beauty Fashion

During my birthday trip to Houston I was treated to my very first facial! Its true, I was a virgin to the relaxing process that purifies pores, sloughs away dead skin and leaves your face feeling smooth and rejuvenated. Yes, I know Im a late bloomer.

Of course I had done mini-facials in the comfort of my own bathroom before, but never had I had an actual professional esthetician perform one on me. I absolutely love to be pampered so it was the perfect gift.

Since getting professional facials can be a bit pricey, here are a few over-the-counter products that just might give you that same spa experience!


Pretika Sonic Dermabrasion Facial Care System available at www.target.com for $59.99


Nivea Visage Q10 Gentle Spa Microdermabrasion Kit available www.drugstore.com for $19.49


Pangea Organics Facial Mask Japanes Match Tea with Acai and Goji Berry available at www.nordstrom.com for $34


Vitamin Infusion Home Facial Kit available at www.ulta.com for $70


Bliss Pore Perfecting Facial Polish available www.blissworld.com for $30


Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Facial Peel available at www.ulta.com for $21.49


Bliss Youth Group Skin Care Kit available at www.blissworld.com for $68


Cosmedicine Spa-It-Yourself at Home Facial Kit available at www.sephora.com for $95


Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator available at www.thebodyshop.com for $12.50


Sue Devitt Micro-Quatic Anti-Ageing Facial Treatment available at www.spacenk.com for $125

Tags: None Categories: Beauty Fashion

We all have them and they all need our support. You got it, I'm talking about our beloved boobies! That's why finding the perfect bra is essential to making them look their absolute best!

Because I am a member of the, "Itty Bitty..." - you know the rest, I opt to wear bras with a tad of padding. In fact, I used to be a huge fan of the gel-padded bras until I had a messy mishap that I'll spare the details about. Since then, I now stick to regularly padded, but liquid-free bras!

From sexy lace underwires to super supportive sports bras, there's one that's right for you. Plus there are tons of bras out there that can work with just about any outfit. The key is to make sure that you're getting the right size. Head to your local lingerie store or a nearby Victoria's Secret to get professionally fitted - trust me, it will make a huge difference.

In the meantime check out some of these!


Simply Vera Vera Wang Wire Free Bra available at www.kohls.com for $19.99


Hanky Panky Stripe Bralette available at www.nordstrom.com for $45


Chantell Intimates Caprice Underwire Demi Bra available at www.nordstrom.com for $115


Tobi Cosabell Pearl Bra available at www.tobi.com for $88


Adidas Clima "Cool" Sports Bra available at www.nordstrom.com for $30


Gilligan & O'Malley Favorite Fit Bra available at www.target.com for $9.99


Padded Bandeau Bra available at www.gap.com for $29.50


Victoria's Secret Low-Cut Push-Up Bra available at www.victoriassecret.com for $48-51


Victoria's Secret 100-Ways Strapless Convertible Bra available at www.victoriassecret.com for $50-56

Tags: None Categories: Beauty Fashion

We BGs love trying that hot new lip gloss or the latest trendy miracle cream, but some products are just staples in perfecting our beauty. Whether your grandmother told you that Vaseline is the answer to ashy elbows or your college roomate told you to use Johnson's Baby Powder under your eyes to dust off excess eye shadow, we all have our favorite, tried and true products that we can't live without.

Share some of your must-have items! Here are a few of mine:


Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Gel available at www.duanereade.com for $3.99 - I use this on my legs after a nice hot shower and they always leave them feeling silky smooth!


Optimum Oil Therapy Dry Hair Healer available at www.walgreens.com for $4.49 - I have extremely dull hair so this cream breathes a bit of life into it, plus it smells delightful!


L'Oreal Colour Juice Lip Gloss available at www.drugstore.com for $7.99 - I've used just about every color they carry and I still can't get enough!


Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner available at www.walgreens.com for $7.49 - Before I found this product I used to get raccoon eyes by the end of the day, but because it's waterproof it never smudges!


Oil of Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion available at www.walgreens.com for $6.99 - My mother has always used Oil of Olay so I thought that I should too since she has fabulous skin even though she's in her 60s!


Maybelline Great Lash Mascara - Of course this made my list. I've written about it several times. It really is the best mascara ever!


Sulfar 8 Original Anti-Dandruff Medicated Formula available at drugstores nationwide. - My hair is extremely dry and dandruff prone as a result of my relaxer. Although it stinks, it tingles and gets the job done every time.


Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Concealer available at www.macys.com for $18 - I've been using this concealer for several years. It blends into my skin perfectly without making me look like I'm obviously wearing makeup.

Tags: None Categories: Beauty Fashion