Maybelline BB Cream Deep

Hey Loves....

Let's talk BB creams, I'm not sure how long they've been around but I am certainly hearing a lot about them lately.  Just about every beauty brand has one now.  On my search for the perfect foundation, I came across a YouTube video tutorial for the Maybelline BB Cream.  Everything she described about this product was exactly what I was looking for so I had to try it.  For the record this is the first and only BB cream I have ever tried so when comparing this product I will be referring to the foundations I have tried in the past.  We all remember the Urban Decay Naked right :( I still want to love that product so bad, simply because of how light weight and non-irritating it was. 

The Maybelline BB Cream claims to be 8-in-1, combined skincare + makeup in 1 simple step.  It claims to blur imperfections, brighten, even skin tone, smooth, hydrate, enhance, protects with SPF 30 and 0% oils and heavy ingredients.  It comes in 5 shades: light, light-medium, medium, medium-deep and deep.  My shade is deep.

I absolutely love this BB Cream, it's light weight and non-irritating.  I use it as a foundation and it gives me the coverage needed and looks very natural.  No primer is necessary, it's very hydrating but like I said it doesn't irritate my skin or clog my pores.  I've even slept in it before and we all know that's a no no.  With most products, I can tell if it's going to break me out almost immediately because my face will start to itch.  This BB Cream get's the full LOVE from me!!  Even with the SPF 30, it doesn't leave a white ashy look on my face.  My make up regimen is simple because any little thing can irritate my skin and break me out.  Concealer under the eyes, foundation to even me out and powder to set, finish and give me that flawless look we all go for.  I am currently trying a new foundation that claims to be nearly naked:) so we will see how that compares, stay tuned...

If you are looking for something light weight with a natural coverage, I encourage to give the Maybelline BB Cream a try.  It retails for about $7 and can be found at Walmart and Target, probably Walgreen's or CVS as well.  It's definitely worth it!!  Please let me know if you have tried any other BB Creams and how did you like them?  Don't forget to subscribe and comment.  Until next time Loves...



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I'm still here....Plus a Give away!!!

Hey Loves, I know it's been a while.  I've been wondering whether or not I should stop blogging, I mean there are so many reviews out there already.  Then I thought maybe those reviews aren't reaching the people I know.  I've decided to continue my journey and in the next couple of days I will be cranking out a few reviews that are long over due!! So stay tuned for that.  Also I'm thinking about doing a give away.  I'm not sure at this time what I will be giving away, more then likely it will be some type of beauty or hair products.  One thing is for sure, what ever I give away it will be good!!  So Loves it's all up to you, the more you comment, share and subscribe to my blog post the better chance you have at winning.  I want to here from you.  Good luck!!!

OAN...You guys know I have been growing my natural hair out since June of 2010.  Almost 3 years and I'm still natural and loving it!!!  EXCEPT.....NOW.....

YES!!! Time for a change....

For months I thought about cutting my hair, then decided I would wait until the summer.  I don't know what happen, one weekend I just decided I didn't want to wait anymore.  I'm so glad I decided to do it, I absolutely love it!!  Not to mention all the money I will be saving on hair products...LOL!! Don't Hate!!  I mean the more time and money I save, the more reviews I can bring to you right?!?!  Ok, talk to you Loves later, don't forget about the give away. Comment, Share and Subscribe!!  More details will be available on my instagram, facebook and twitter pages...



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My Satin Bonnet

I want to introduce you to my new best friend.  This review is long over due, I guess I just wanted to make sure it was worth all the hype.  I have been sleeping with this bonnet since November and it is definitely a keeper, I will not sleep without this or my satin pillow case.  Fellas if you want to step your game up, keep you a satin pillow case for when you have that special lady over.  Think about that the next time you complain about your girl wrapping her hair up.  Now that's swag....lol.  Men have no idea what we go through, but that's a whole other conversation.  So ok ladies, this is not your regular $1.99 satin bonnet that you find in the beauty supply store.  This bonnet is made of 100% Charmeuse satin and double lined.  It keeps my hair so soft and moisturized, even when my hair has a little crunch from the gel.  After sleeping in this bonnet my hair is nice and soft when I wake up.  I paid $25 and it is worth every penny!  If you are having a problem with breakage, whether permed or natural I strongly suggest you invest in a real satin bonnet or pillow case.  Both will keep the moisture in your hair.  If you have one of those so call satin bonnets you purchase from the beauty supply store, I challenge you to hold it up to the light.  You will see all the tiny holes, those are the holes that cause your hair to break.  1. because it gets stuck in the holes and break off and 2.  When you wake up all the moisture that was in your hair is now on your pillow case...ijs.  Now when I use the word moisture, I use it loosely, meaning the products that you put in your hair to keep it moisturized.  There are a lot of satin bonnets to choose from but if you are interested in the one that I have you can find it at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsByKaja1

The shipping was fast and the customer service was great!  The young lady is very nice and she responds to all your messages promptly.

Did I mention it's reversible?!?!

She was also nice enough to send me a free satin scrunchy....

 

As always, I hope this helps because it sure helped me.  Don't forget to rate, comment and subscribe.  Thanks for the support, until next time my lovely people...



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Humectants...

So let’s talk humectants….

 I’m going to try and make this short and sweet so that I don’t confuse anyone or confuse myself because I am just now getting the hang of it.  When I look up the definition of humectants, this is what I found:  Humectants are ingredients that attract water.  By applying these water-loving ingredients topically, they are able to draw water towards the skin.  Some examples of humectants that are beneficial to the skin are:  glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, urea, honey (my most favorite), sorbitol and lactic acid.  Hyaluronic acid is a very powerful humectant that can attract and hold 1,000 times its weight in water, and sodium PCA can attract and hold 250 times its weight.  Urea, sodium PCA, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid are also found naturally in our bodies and in our skin, so they are readily accepted and will not cause sensitivity.  Ok so now that we know the definition of humectants, let me share with you what I know.  High dew points 60 and up mean there is more moisture in the air.  Lower dew points mean the opposite.   I know you are thinking to yourself, but doesn't high dew points cause frizz?  Yes it does but this can be controlled with the right products.  OMG!!! Just had a flash back of my Jamaica hair, for 7 days I was a frizzy mess!! I had no idea what products would work in that type of humidity but who cares right it's JAMAICA!!!  

Ok where was I.....When you use humectants in your hair, you are drawing moisture from the air which helps to hydrate your hair.  Using humectants in the spring and summer when the dew points are higher, means your hair is happy and moisturized.  Now using humectants in the winter when the dew points are lower is a totally different story.  Since there is no moisture in the air in the winter months, using humectants will give you a reverse effect.  It will actually pull the moisture from your hair.  So all that water, deep conditioner and leave-in conditioner won’t stand a chance without sealing it with something heavier.  Ladies this is why our hair is much dryer in the winter.  This is why all those good products we use in the summer fail us in the winter.  It’s good to use thicker products in the winter like a butter or cream, as I mentioned in my previous post.  Next time you purchase products, take a quick look at the ingredients because they are very important to your hair.  I hope this helps because it sure helped me.  If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them at the bottom.  Don’t forget to rate, share and subscribe.  Until next time my lovely people…



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Moisture, Moisture, Moisture...

Hello beautiful people, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years.  I certainly enjoyed mine.  Spending time with family is always good right?  I even got to spend time with family I haven't seen in a very long time.  Any who, let's go ahead and welcome in 2013!!  I don't know about you but I'm looking forward to what's to come in the new year.

Ok so let's get to it!  This time it's going to be a little different, instead of doing a product review I'm going to share a little bit of what I know about keeping your hair moisturized during the cold winter months.  Since I've been natural, winter has been my hair's worst enemy.  For the first two years I just struggled through it because I didn't know what to do, what not to do or if there was even anything I could do.  Was I doing something wrong?  All I knew is that the products I was using in the summer, the products that my hair seem to love, were not working in the cold winter months.  My hair was dry and brittle no matter how much moisturizer I was using.  I would have to add some type of moisturizer almost daily, and this in turn would cause product build up on my hair.  I would then have to wash my hair by the end of the week or even the middle of the week.  Washing my hair would cause more dryness, even if I used a sulfate free shampoo.

Now the resolution...LOC method

Liquid, Oil and Cream = LOC.  I have been doing this for the past 2 months and so far so good!!!  I'm not sure where this method originated from but it is very popular on the blogs and vlogs for natural hair.  You can also YouTube the method to get a visual.  This is what you do; after washing or co-washing, condition and or deep condition, use whatever you've been using for a moisturizer as your leave-in, then layer on an oil, and finish with a heavy cream or butter Not a watery or semi creamy moisturizer but a thick cream or butter and viola!!!  You will have moisturized hair until you are ready to wash it.  You don't have to continue adding moisturizers or water and you can now save money on all the product you were continuously using.

So let's do a recap of the LOC method

Liquid (water) first, then use the leave-in to lock in the moisture of the water.  Use an oil to lock in the moisture of the water and leave-in and finally use a heavy cream or butter to lock in the moisture of the water, leave-in and the oil.

Just a few examples of oil and heavy cream or butters that you might want to try are:  jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, Camille Rose twisting butter, Camille Rose aloe whip gel, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie or just a simple DIY whipped shea butter mix will do.  I hope this information helps and I encourage you to give it a try.  Until next time my lovely people...





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B.A.S.K Beauty Products

This review is going to be from memory alone because sadly I am all out :( and I can feel the pain in my butt from kicking myself for missing their black Friday sale.  BASK Beauty consist of a variety of natural hair and body products.  So far I have only had a chance to try a couple of their products and let me tell you, they were amazing!!!  Above you will see the Cacao Bark deep conditioner, YAM Nectar intense honey hair nourisher and the Silk and Honey Latte' detangling hair milk....whoa what a mouth full right?!?!  Trust me it's worth every syllable.

The Cacao Bark is so rich and creamy, the chocolate smell is so amazing it makes you want to eat it.  It went onto my hair so smooth and instantly absorbed into my strands, I can just feel it now as I speak (Ahhh heaven!!)  The YAM Nectar is mostly honey and very sticky to the touch but once you smooth it onto wet hair, it just melts into your strands and smooths your hair instantly.  The smell is also amazing, so amazing I had to taste it....lol  Yes! I said taste it and yes it was sweet just like honey.  When I first used them, I used them separate and although really nice it just seemed like I was adding on more work for myself by having to sit then rinse twice.  Both are deep conditioners and you usually want a deep conditioner to sit on your hair for at least 30 minutes.  

I mixed them together in a foam bowl, about 2 tbsps each.  The consistency was smooth and a little looser then the Cacao Bark alone.  It can be a little messy when mixed together but it doesn't matter because so is butter.  After sectioning my hair into 4, I smoothed on the conditioner one section at a time.  If you can imagine butter spreading over a hot piece of toast then you can imagine how smooth this conditioner went onto my hair.  As I smoothed it on, it seemed to melt into every strand.  My curls began to pop from the moisture and the stands were as smooth as a babies bottom.  I know I keep using the words smooth and butter a lot but you will have to try it for yourself to know what I'm talking about.  It was like a spa treatment for my hair.  After rinsing it out, my hair was smooth, soft, very curly and so shiny.  It was amazing!!!  I could not wait to review this product and I regret not taking pictures of my hair after using it.  Once I repurchase it, I may come back and do a part 2 to this review.  I've never tried to push a product on anyone but this one you must try and I'm so sure that you will love it, that if for some reason you don't I will purchase it from you and pay the shipping and handling because I'm about that life...lol


The Silk and Honey Latte' detangling milk came in different scents, I purchased the cucumber honeydew scent.  The smell was amazing, it went on my hair nice and smooth, however there was not enough moisture for me.  I usually like my leave in conditioners about the same consistency as my conditioner, especially in the winter time when you need more moisture.  This hair milk was more like a lotion, like I said smooth just not moisturizing.  I gave it to my nephew, he has dreads and his mom loves it.  I will not repurchase this product I'm sure.

 

They even sent me a little gift, some sugar scrub in Birthday Cake scent.  This stuff smells amazing and it feels so good after rinsing it off, it leaves your skin so soft.  If they had this in stock I would probably order this to.  They do have other body scrubs that I'm sure are worth trying.  If you would like to visit their website here it is http://www.baskbeauty.com

Overall the products that I chose were awesome and they are #1on my staples list for deep conditioners.  The Cacao Bark and YAM Nectar gets the full L.O.V.E from me.  The Silk and Honey Latte' detangling milk only gets the L.O. and that's for the smell alone.  If you love your hair and you want to do something nice for it then I encourage you to try these products.  If you have tried any other products from BASK, please let me know.  Also please feel free to leave any questions, comments, rate and subscribe.  Until next time....



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Luv Naturals Love Me & Leave-in Conditioner

"Last Night a DJ Saved my Life", that's what I was singing last night and all day today after using Luv Naturals Love Me & Leave-in Conditioner.  Last night I decided to wash my hair, which was 2 to 3 days later from missing my wash day this past weekend.  So I grabbed a new co-wash cleanser, that I will be reviewing soon and my half gallon of Giovanni Smooth as Silk conditioner. 

 

Mind you I have not used this conditioner for almost a year, but I'm trying to use all my products before buying more so I decided to use the rest of this.  BIG MISTAKE!! BIG!!! When my hair was shorter, this was my go to conditioner, I mean it had to be good if I bought a whole gallon right?!?!   After co-washing I applied a generous amount of Giovanni conditioner, adding water to help distribute the product evenly throughout my hair.  As I worked the product through, trying to finger detangle, I noticed my hair began to tangle more.  I mean there was no slip, no moisture, NOTHING!!  Now I don't want to give Giovanni a bad reap or anything because like I said this use to be my best friend, maybe it had gone bad or something over the past year.  Any who, I needed a save quick!! This was the only conditioner I had left so I did a quick inventory check in my head and decided to try the new Luv Naturals leave-in that I recently purchased.  I divided my hair into two sections and applied a generous amount to each side.  Immediately the tangles began to melt away.  The moisture and slip was amazing.  After rinsing, I then applied a small amount to leave in.  I did not have to use anything else so I did a couple of twist and put my satin bonnet on.  This leave-in gets the full LOVE from me because even though it's not a rinse out conditioner it still worked amazingly.  Any product that has multiple uses gets nothing but LOVE from me, next I will try it as a deep conditioner.  This product line has a detangler, shampoo, conditioner and leave-in.  It can be purchased at www.luvnaturals.com.  I only purchased the leave-in, however I will try the conditioner and I will also repurchase the leave-in.  Please leave a comment and let me know if you have tried the Luv Naturals product line and how did you like it.  Also what are your favorite conditioners right now?  Until next time...

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Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation is amazing, in so many ways.  Let's start with the positives first ok.... 

First I have never been a make up girl, especially liquid foundation.  I always thought It made me look dead, shiny but dead.  Wet but dead.  Plan and simple, I was never about that life!!  For the past ten plus years I have been wearing the same MAC pressed powder, same shade and all.  For years MAC was good to me, consistent every time no matter what concealer I used my MAC never failed me.  The only downfall was that my skin is so sensitive that if I wore anything for more than a couple hours, my face would start to itch and I would immediately break out.  One day I came across this review on the new Urban decay foundation and the girl raved about the product.  She talked about how nice and light it was and how perfect it was for her sensitive skin so of course I couldn't wait to try it.   She also raved about the brush that is meant to be use with the new foundation, giving you flawless coverage, natural coverage.   I was a little hesitant at first because of the way I felt about liquid foundations but the product junkie in me could not wait to try it.  So one day after work I rushed to my nearest Sephora.  Did I mention I love Sephora, you can buy and sample anything there and if it doesn't work for you you can return it no questions asked!  Ok back to it, so the young lady at Sephora didn't waste any time matching me.  My shade is 11.0.  I was more happy to find out that the price was cheaper then I thought it was, but a little disappointed they did not have the brush.  Lucky for me Sephora has their own brand of just about every name brand product that they sale.  The brush they suggested was the same as the Urban Decay brush and it cost about the same. SAVE!! HAPPY AGAIN!!  I paid $38 for the foundation and $26 for the brush.

The foundation felt amazing going on, the brush was soft.  It was simple.  The shade was just right and the coverage was flawless, not cakey.  I didn't look dead or shiny.  It was light, like I was wearing nothing at all.  I didn't have to use concealer.  No irritation, no itching.  Perfect right!!  So of course ladies, when we think we cute we go to snapping pictures.  Please do not adjust your screen, what you are about to see is real!!

Without the camera flash...

With the camera flash....

Ladies I could not believe my eyes, I'm thinking LAWD!! WHY!!  It was so perfect NOT!!!  Crazy because I wanted to love it so much but what if someone caught me with a flash.  If you know me then you know I run from the cameras already.  So needless to say I will be returning Urban Decay, I am not about that LIFE!!  I will keep the brush, that is all....

If you've ever experienced this, please let me know is there any way around it?  A finisher of some kind, something?  Until next time....



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Henna

For those of you who aren't familiar with Henna, I know you are probably thinking what in the world is this green mess!!!  Yes it is a mess and it smells a mess as well.  Henna is a flowering plant used to naturally dye skin, hair, fingernails, leather and wool.  The name Henna is also used for dye preparations derived from the plant, and for the art of temporary tattooing based on those dyes.  Sometimes the name is misused for other skin and hair dyes, such as black henna or neutral henna, which are not derived from the plant.  These dyes contain other chemicals and are not completely natural.  Henna has been used as a cosmetic hair dye for over 6,000 years.  The dye inside this plant produces a red/brown stain on skin and various hues of red on hair. Henna will not lighten your hair; in fact your hair will appear darker with the exception of some red.  Henna is not only good for dying the hair, it can also be used as a conditioner or a treatment similar to a protein treatment.  Henna dye penetrates the hair shaft, binding with the keratin in the hair.  This makes the hair stronger and it also makes it really hard to rinse out.  I had to wash my hair 3 times with a clarifying shampoo.  Henna coats the hair and fills in rough spots of frayed cuticles.  This adds a second layer of strength, but it does not lock out moisture.  It makes the hair appear smoother and shinier.  Over time henna will begin to loosen your curl pattern, giving you stretched out hair.  At least that’s what I’m hoping.  

Henna is very easy to mix, just add water and oil (optional).  Some people add conditioner, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), or honey.  None of these will make the mixture smell or look any better.  Henna smells absolutely horrible!! If you know what greens smell like before adding the seasoning, that’s what henna smells like to the third power.  It is green in color and thick like paste.  My mixture includes EVOO, honey and some hair tea that I purchased from Chagrin Valley.  To help application, I use more liquid and oil to loosen it up.  I added the honey because I like the way honey and oil feels in my hair.  Honey is also known as a humectant, which draws moisture in.  I try not to use honey in the winter time because there is no moisture in the air and this can dry your hair out, I will get into humectants some other time.   Henna is very very very very (ok I think you get the point) messy!  You want to cover your floors, sink, vanity, what ever....Use things that you can throw away, or if you want to have a designated shirt to use only when you Henna that's fine to.  It also helps if you section your hair in fours and use large clips to hold the hair up off of your shoulders.

After washing my hair, I could feel the strength and smoothness from the treatment.  My hair was very shiny and soft after conditioning.  Before the Henna I planned on trimming my ends because they felt rough but after the treatment I decided to hold off for a couple more weeks.  I was able to run my fingers through my hair with ease and did I mention the shine!?!?  Days later I was still playing and twirling my hair, I love when my hair is manageable and soft.  Would I recommend Henna?  Yes I would, if you have the time and you want to give your hair a little extra attention and Love.  It will be worth the mess, smell and time.  Even if you are NOT NATURAL and you are having problems with breakage and shine, this just may be the answer for you.  Instead of wearing the Indian hair, you can have Indian hair.  All in all I think everyone who wants smooth, shiny, and strong hair can and will benefit from Henna.

I received my Henna in my October’s curlBox.  You can purchase Henna at various natural health food stores or Indian grocery stores.  The last Henna treatment I did was Rainbow Henna in Persian black which I purchased from Soaps and Scents at Mayfair Mall, Milwaukee for less than $7. 

I love Soaps and Scents; they have a variety of natural products from essential oils to soaps and body lotions.  Check them out!!  Let me know if you ever purchased anything from there and how did you like it?  Also let me know if you ever tried Henna and what was your recipe?  Hope this review was helpful, until next time….



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