Influenster and the #Voxbox: #LiveRadiantly #StIvesSkin

Hello Lovelies!

So a few weeks ago, influenster, sent me their St. Ives Live Radiantly #Voxbox!

So as you can see, in this #Voxbox, I received the Pink Lemon & Mandarin Exfoliating Body Wash, the Oatmeal Scrub & Mask, as well as the Pear Nectar & Soy Body lotion. First of all, I want to say, St. Ives has come a long way! These products are pretty amazing. By far, the body wash and the face scrub were my faves! But let me do this the right way and tell you about each one:

Pink Lemon & Mandarin Exofoliating Body Wash: This stuff smells AMAZING! It such a bright and clean smell and it lathers really well. I thought with it being an exfoliator that it would be too grainy or harsh, but I was wrong. The beads actually are not too big or rough and they make your skin feel refreshed. It is not drying at all and I have noticed that my skin is a lot smoother, and not as scaly in this cold weather. I would definitely repurchase again!

Pear Nectar & Soy Body Lotion: This product was just meh to me! I mean, it smells okay, if you like fruity scents, and it gets the job done, but I personally do not care for it as a lotion in the winter time. I could see liking it better in the spring/summer months. It's a light lotion and initially feels kind of sticky, but that feeling doesn't last. It absorbs well into the skin, and like I said, it's okay. In St. Ives defense though, I prefer thicker, creamier lotions. It's just my preference, so no diss to them! I think many of you may love this lotion because it is effective, just not my preference for a lotion.

Oatmeal Scrub & Mask: Now this I really liked! If you are a fan of their Apricot Scrub, then I think you will fare well with his. I actually prefer this over the Apricot Scrub because I feel like it is creamier, not as rough, and it has a lighter scent. It smells amazing and does a good job with lightly exfoliating the face, without making it too dry. You will have to tone and moisturize after using it, but I think you and your face will be delighted by this product. I notice that my skin looks smother and my makeup looks better on my skin since using this product. This has officially replaced my Apricot Scrub!


So there you have it lovelies! My first #Voxbox was an enjoyable experience and I look forward to receiving more boxes so that I can share my experience with you! Influenster is an awesome sight for the product junkie as you can earn points, badges, and free items to review! If your interested in joining influenster, click here. You'll be glad you did!

Stay tuned for my review on my two new fave foundations!

Peace!

I'm Back Beauties!!!!!

Hello loves! Long time, no hear from, right? I know, I know! It's been forever since I've blogged, but I am back! Last you heard from me, I was in grad school and my life was going through quite a storm! Also at the time, I was more into my hair and nails than anything else! My how things change!

Over the past two years, I graduated and got my Masters in Social Work (MSW yall!) and now I have my license (LMSW yall)! Also, I have solidified my hair and nail regimen and figured out what works, so I'm not as obsessed! However, my new obsession and love is MAKEUP! 

I have joined a sight, influenster, as well as a subscription company, ipsy, and my obsession has taken a turn for the worse!!! I'm completely makeup and body product obsessed, and I choose to share that obsession with you!

Stay tuned lovelies! I have some news and products to share and I will be back real soon to fill you in! I hope you will join me as I embark on this fun, colorful, and expensive obsession! We can al be junkies together!

See you in a few days with my experience and review of my St. Ives  Vox box from influenster! I hope to see you all #LiveRadiantly real soon!

Peace

Hairfinity Update: 30 day review

Hello loves!

So I wanted to come back and give you an update on my Hairfinity vitamins. If you read my post early last month, I bought 1 bottle of the Hairfinity vitamin and decided to try it out since there is so much hype about it. As you all know, I am on a journey to find a cheap, simple, product regimen, but I also want my hair to be healthy and thriving. I went online and ordered these to see if I could see some change in my hair. However, soon after I bought the vitamin, I felt duped, bamboozled, swindled, and any other word you can think of for being tricked!!!!

This vitamin is nothing more than a super multi-vitamin. After doing more research I found this statement to be very accurate. Hairfinity is charging an arm and a leg for a multi-vitamin. I later went on Vitamin Shoppe's website and looked at their Hair Skin and Nails vitamin. This vitamin contains the same ingredients, in higher doses, plus some added vitamins, similar to your average pre-natal vitamin. AND.....Vitamin Shoppe's vitamin is about half the price.

My conclusion on this: If your thinking of Hairfinity, look at alternatives! There are some of the same products out that have been around for a long time, and they give you the same results!

Anywhoo, I guess you wanna know if I noticed a difference, well, IDK! It's only been one month, so it's hard to tell. What I do know is that the short pieces in my crown area (I have a small case of trichotilomania)  and in the front area around my forhead have grown considerably. I have also noticed less shedding (I still don't know if it's from the vitamin, or the grease). I know I didn't give it a long enough try, but the good thing is that I just substituted one vitamin for another, so technically, I am still on the regimen. I will check in again in 30 days. By then, I should have more concrete evidence of what taking a hair supplement can do for your mane!

Peace

Beauty on a Budget: GREASE! Back to basics!

Hello everyone! I am back with another edition of Beauty on a Budget!  So as you can see from the title...I'm talkin about grease! If your a curly girl or an ingredient nazi, then you can stop reading right here, this post is not for you.

However, if you are a chick on a budget like me and looking for products that work and won't break the bank, this post is for you!

So I have been doing some research and watching some reviews on YouTube about using hair grease on natural hair and the theme is the same: grease is a great sealant, gives crazy definition and shine, provide a light hold, and combats humidity.

Of course, it has its cons too. The biggest one, if you use too much, your hair will be greasy and sticky, which is no beuno! It may also actually cause dryness if used alone as it is not really a moisturizer. Another con is that this probably shouldn't be applied to your scap for fear of clogging pores, stick to your oils or natural pomades for that.

How I Use Grease
In my opinion, this works best on really wet, freshly washed hair. I have only done twist outs so far with this and let me tell you, they have been bomb! So after washing and conditioning, I prep my hair for styling. I work some leave in through each section of my hair, then I add the moisturizer of my choice, preferably something light. Then I add a small amount of grease to each individual twist before twisting. I allow to dry overnight, separate, and fluff!

My hair has been soft,  moisturized, defined, and not as frizzy. It has also been holding up in this Georgia humidity!

Bottom Line
Grease is definitely worth a shot! If you have thick, coarse, or hard to define hair, then this may be for you. I firmly believe that grease is still around because it still works! Our parents may have been on to something so we shouldn't discount what they were doing!

Where to Find it and How Much
The grease I have been using you can get just about anywhere! I have been experimenting with Softee Coconut Oil hair & scalp conditioner, Softee Indian Hemp, and Dax. These can be found at your local Family Dollar,  Dollar Tree, Walmart, drug store, or beauty supply store. These jars can range anywhere from $1-$3, depending on what size you buy!

Stay tuned, I have more items coming your way so that you can stay beautiful on a budget!

Peace

Beauty on a Budget: Ecostyler gel

Sorry I haven't checked in for a while, but I have been super busy! I graduate next month and life ha been super hectic. I thought i would drop in and talk briefly about another product you can pick up foe less than $5: Ecostyler Gel

This gel is all the rave in the natural hair community and there are many reviews, tutorials, and the like on it already, so I will not go into much detail.

The Quick and Dirty Review
This stuff works great. I have tried the clear, olive oil, and the argan oil versions. Clear and olive oil are my faves! I use this gel when doing puffs, twist outs (when I'm fighting this GA humidity), and for laying my edges. I do find that this gel works best on dry hair when trying to lay down a ponytail, puff, or any hair style that you prefer layed edges with. I never get build up with this product and the only product it hasn't played nice with so far is Cantu Leave-in repair cream. Other than that, this stuff rocks!

Where Can I Find This
I have been able to find this product in many stores: local beauty supply's, Salley's, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid.

Alright folks, that's all I got for now! In about 2 weeks I will have way more free time and can update on the products and my regimen in more detail!

Peace

Protective Style Update and.....HAIRFINITY!!

Hey yall! So yeah, I know no one reads this because A) I have no subscribers, and B) No one comments. But that's okay, I don't blog for recognition, I do it because I love it and because someone may find information they are looking for concerning their hair, skin, or makeup. No lets get back to the topic at hand.....MY BRAIDS!

I am currently 4 weeks in with my box braids and let me say that they are the BEST thing in my life right now! With me being at the end of graduate program and getting ready for graduation, I just don't have time for my hair! The fact that I am usually running late because I'm so tired and can run out the door without touching my hair is great! All I have been doing to my hair is oiling my scalp with my oil blend (coconut, castor, grapeseed, flax, olive, and vitamin E oils) several times a week, and occasionally styling them.  This weekend, i am going to shampoo my scalp, do an acv rinse, and oil my scalp.

I cant tell you how i am sooooo looking forward to washing my hair and not having to detangle and style! The most product I will use is either some gel or setting foam in an effort to refresh my braids, I'll let you know how that goes.

Now that I have discussed all the positives,  I must tell you what I NOT feeling about these braids.....the pulling on my edges from my temples down to my ears. Its only maybe 2 braids on this 1 side that is bothering me! It is sore...even 4 weeks in. I haven't figured out yet why this one particular spot is irritated, but when I figure it out I will be sure to let you know!

In other news......I have ordered and received a 30 day supply of the HAIRFINITY vitamins. I have been hearing all the hype and women raving about this product, so I figured I would give it a try. I want to see if its worth all the hype that I have been seeing in the media, on the blogs, and in the natural hair communities. Plus, I feel as though my hair has been at a standstill and I want to see if the vitamin will improve the health of my hair.

I experienced some post partum shedding that caused my edges to thin, as well as some spots in the crown of my head to thin as well. I will be looking to see if this vitamin will help fill in the thinner parts of my hair, improve the strength of it, as see significant growth. Right now, I feel like it is just an amped up multivitamin. I have reason to believe i can get the same results from a regular old, $12, 90 day supply, multivitamin like Centrum, One a Day, or GNC.

I took the first dose of the HAIRFINITY vitamin today. I will check back in, in 30 days to update you the effects this vitamin has had on my hair. Until then...,.

Peace

Beauty on a Budget: Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol Review

This post marks the beginning of my series: Beauty on a Budget! With the evolution of the natural hair movement and the product lines springing up like a May garden, caring for your natural hair can get quite expensive. My goal is to find some basic products that will maintain the health of your hair without breaking your wallet! Products used and reviewed will cost no more than $10, and will be easily found at local stores and beauty supplies! I will be label reading and looking for the best ingredient lists, however, I will not shy from petrolatum and mineral oil, although they will be avoided if possible. I hope this series is useful and helpful to my people keeping it frugal but beautiful!

So as you know, I have been on the hunt for a staple deep conditioner. I don't know if I found it, but I do know that what I have been using lately has been working great!

A few posts back, I introduced you to Hollywood Beauty Olive Cholesterol deep conditioner! Well, I have been using this product since around January of this year and I have no complaints! This conditioner is thick, creamy, smells like cherry-almond, and has good slip for detangling! My hair has been enjoying this product, so I wanted to share with you how I use it, and the results my hair has shown.

How I Use it!
1. I apply this product to my hair BEFORE I shampoo. I first mix the conditioner (gage it by how much your hair needs) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. I microwave for about 12 seconds. WARNING: If product becomes to warm, it will turn into a milky liquid, then you have to wait for this to cool.
2. Next, I divide my hair into 4 sections, dampen each section with water, then apply it generously to each section. As I am applying the product to each section, I am also beginning the process of finger detangling and removing shed hair. This products works very well for this.
3. Once product is applied to each section, I clip each section out of the way. I then cover with a plastic cap and let the product sit in my hair for about 30-45 min.

The Rinse Out
I rinse my hair section by section before shampooing. When this product is rinsing out of my hair, I almost have a hairgasm every time! The product rinses clean and I can immediately feel how soft my hair is and see the shine. The curls are completely defined and it makes the rest of my wash routine a breeze!

The Verdict
I love this product and will continue to use it for several reasons: 1. The health and look of my hair has improved. 2. Moisture is no longer an issue. 3. This product costs about $3.25 for 20 oz. It doesn't get much better than that! I have found this product at my local family dollar and at CVS. I am willing to bet it can also be found at your local beauty supply. The price is phenomenal and it works well. For all you curly girls, tjos product does not make the list! However, my beauty bargain queens who love a good product, this is for you!

Soul Stars Earned: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let me know if you use this product, have used it, or will use it! How did your hair like it, will you purchase again? Hot me in the comments and let me know!

Peace