Um, where have I been? My dream shampoo and conditioner have been sitting under my nose for years and I never bothered to try them out! What was my problem?!
At the insistence of my friend and personal hair guru Monica (check out her fab open letter blog here), I decided to give Mizani a try after all these years. I mean, I had nothing to lose. My current shampoo and conditioner weren't hitting it, and my dry, color-treated hair was starting to look a mess.
Mizani has quite an extensive line-up, so I went for the Botanifying Conditioning Shampoo, $8.80 and the Moisturefuse Moisturizing Conditioner, $9.99. The Botanifying shampoo got my hair really clean without stripping it of its natural moisture. My hair had lots of slip and actually felt moisturized! I followed up with the Moisturefuse conditioner and was equally impressed. After leaving it on for just a few minutes my hair felt like it had received a deep conditioning treatment. My hair is now shiny, soft and healthy and I couldn't be more pleased! Who knew all this could come from a shampoo and conditioner?
I also love the affordability of these items, plus they're easy to find at your local salon or beauty supply store. Definitely give these a whirl when your hair is craving moisture. You'll thank me for it!
Mizani Botanifying Shampoo & Moisturefuse Conditioner
Beauty Review: Neosporin Lip Health Daily Hydration Therapy
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I LOVE Neosporin! I know, it's totally random, but it's a total cure-all for a klutz like me.
You may not think of Neosporin as a beauty product, but I keep several tubes in my beauty stash. It's perfect if you have a run-in with a hot flat iron, pick too much at a pimple or nick yourself shaving. Seriously, it once saved my upper lip during a self-waxing session gone wrong.
So imagine my delight when I found out that Neosporin was coming out with a new product just for lips! I picked up the Daily Hydration Therapy SPF 20, $5 last week and have been testing it out. .jpg)
First, the positives. It really does impart moisture into your lips. My lips instantly feel softer, but if yur lips are chapped it will take a few days of consistent wear to get smoother lips.
One thing that takes getting used to is the consistency of this product, because it's unlike any other lip product I've tried before. Think of it as a lotion for your lips. Yes, lotion! It's going to take a little getting used to, but its actually a positive because it sinks right into your lips. But don't apply too much or your lips will look white.
I also love that this lip cream comes with a sunscreen of SPF 20! You never have to worry about sun damage to your lips with this! The only think I didn't care for was the taste. It has the faint taste of castor oil even though there's none in here. But it does fade away, so this probably wouldn't stop me from purchasing this again.
There is also a nighttime lip treatment product that I'll be trying next. This is a great, inexpensive lip moisturizer that will be perfect for the cold winter months ahead!
Beauty Review: L'Oreal Telescopic Exploision Mascara
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Beauty Review: Organic Wear Facial Makeup Remover Towelettes
These were terrible. There. I said it.
I had such high hopes for these Physicians Formula Organic Wear Facial Makeup Remover Towelettes, $10. They're 100% natural, and I'm a sucker for any natural beauty product. But the performance of these wipes was beyond sub par.
They were extremely dry, and I prefer I makeup wipe to have at least a little moisture, you know? But more offensive was the fact that it removed not a stitch of my makeup. It just pushed it around my face. Never have I ever had such an experience.
I was so disgruntled, I took these suckers back for a refund! There are more natural makeup removing products debuting from Physicians Formula, but I don't think I'll be trying those after this experience. Boo for that!
Beauty Review: Moroccanoil
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I've been hearing lots of buzz about Moroccanoil for months now, with friends of mine in the beauty industry raving about what miracle workers the products were. Well, I recently had the opportunity to test out two Moroccanoil products, and now I'll be raving about them too!
First, I tried out the product that's been getting the most buzz: the Moroccanoil Treatment, $34
This serum-like treatment is filled with argan oil, which is known for its moisturizing and healing properties. I applied just a dab to my hair after washing and conditioning, and I could instantly notice a smoothness and glossiness to my hair.
Even better, my hair stayed this way after blow drying it! No frizzies, no dull, dry hair. It was amazing! The treatment serum is super light, and didn't weigh my hair down. This is my new favorite hair product! I'll definitely be using this every time I wash my hair for instantly shiny, glossy hair. I totally see what all the rave reviews are about!
I used the Gold Glimmer Shine Spray, $20 to maintain my shine between washes. I think of it as the liquid spray version of the original treatment serum. After styling, I spritz on a little for lots of glossy shine. The thing that I love about it, is that it's never greasy like some oil sheens can be. Instead, this super-fine mist coats the hair with not just shine, but actual moisture, courtesy of argan oil, wheat germ oil and panthenol (vitamin B5). As you can see from the picture, I've been using this a lot!
I can't say enough good things about these items. I will definitely be trying out their shampoo, conditioner, masks and styling cream next! Though they are kind of pricey, they are worth every penny. If you try these out I guarantee you'll love them!
Beauty Review: Dr. Miracle's Healing Oil Sheen Spray
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When I received a few Dr. Miracle's products to try, the item I was most curious about was the Healing Oil Sheen Spray, $9.
Before I went natural back in March, I had considered purchasing the spray but balked at the idea of a $9 drugstore oil sheen. Plus, I wasn't thrilled about the idea of menthol (the culprit behind Dr. Miracle's "feel-it" formula) and mineral oil being in the spray. So, I passed and eventually made the big chop.
Fast-forward to a couple of weeks ago. My best friend and I were at my place getting ready to go out and she asked for some oil sheen. At first I looked at her like she was crazy. I mean, hello, I barely had any hair! But then I remembered the Dr. Miracle's spray in my beauty closet and gave it to her to try.
We were both SUPER impressed with the results. It left her shoulder length, blown-out hair incredibly shiny, without the slightest hint of greasiness. Her shine lasted all night and didn't weigh her hair down at all. Color me stunned! Since I relaxed my hair a couple of weeks ago I've been using Dr. Miracle's oil sheen spray and have been experiencing the same fab results.
I give this two enthusiastic thumbs up!
Beauty Review: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing
I'm about through with Neutrogena. Each new collection released leaves me disappointed, and the new Oil-Free Acne Wash Redness Soothing collection was no exception.
I happened upon this set in Wal-Mart and was intrigued by the fact that Neutrogena left out some if its usually irritating ingredients.
First, the Facial Cleanser, $7.99. I was super glad to see that Neutrogena had left out the highly irritating ingredient Sodium C14 16 Olefin Sulfonate. This ingredient is a detergent that can be super drying and irritating to the skin.
Unfortunately, Neutrogena neglected to omit the Menthyl Lactate (aka Menthol). They added less of it but it was still super irritating to my skin. Why they feel the need to add menthol to everything is beyond me. If your face needs that much cooling, sit in front of a fan for Pete's sake! This had the potential to be a great salicylic acid cleanser with no irritants, but Neutrogena totally missed the mark.
As far as the Gentle Scrub, $7.99 goes, it was far too gentle to be effective as a manual exfoliant. It has great ingredients such as salicylic acid and glycolic acid, but has the consistency of a cream cleanser, which isn't a fave for oilier skin types. This also has menthol, but in a far less irritating amount. Try this if your skin in super sensitive to more abrasive scrubs.
Have you tried these? Will you try them? Let's hear it!
Beauty Review: Iman Face Kit
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I was in Ulta last week (which I strongly advise against. Sephora's service is way better!) and I decided to try Iman Face Kit Palette in St. Tropez, $20. The kit caught my eye because I'm always looking for travel friendly makeup to carry in my bag, and the lush neutrals were pretty and glamorous.
Sadly, this kit was a big disappointment. The color payoff was non-existent. Three of the four shades eye shadow looked the same ashy shade of grey on my eyes, and bronzer was too light while the blush was too orange. Hot. Mess.
I did not expect such poor pigment quality from Iman, as I figured a woman of color with a line of cosmetics for women of color should know better. But hey, what can you do?
On the plus side, the case was sleek and slim, and the large mirror was a nice touch. This makes me wonder how similar her other color products are to the colors in the palettes. Hmm...
Bocia Clear Complexion Kit & Willow Bark Breakout Treatment
I mentioned yesterday that I've been on the hunt for natural skin care, and I think I've found just what I've been looking for in Bosica.
Bosica skin care products are super-natural and preservative free. I've been using their Clear Complexion line for blemish-prone skin and I think I'm in love! Not only is this line super gentle, but it's also super-effective. The key ingredient is Willow Bark Extract, a natural version of Salicylic Acid.
The Clear Complexion Kit, $48 consists of a blemish fighting cleanser, toner, daily blemish serum and a mattifying moisturizer with SPF 15. My only beef is with the moisturizer, as I wish it was SPF 30. Its incredible under makeup though, so I guess I'll let it slide!
While the kit is really awesome, the real star of the line is the Willow Bark Breakout Treatment, $25. This stuff is the business! I got a lovely time-of-the-month pimple on my chin the other day. So, before bed I dabbed some of this on it and it had gone down overnight! Even better, it comes in a cute little to-go size!
Whether you're into natural skin care or not, give Boscia a try if you're in the market for an acne skin care line that won't irritate your skin!
Beauty Review: Josie Maran Bear Naked Wipes
I'm on a natural kick lately and have been replacing my skin care products with natural alternatives. Instead of my usual Ponds wipes, I decided to try model Josie Maran's Bear Naked Wipes, $12.
The good thing is that these wipes are bio-degradable, so they don't sit in a trash heap for all eternity. The bad thing is that they don't work so well.
With the exception of eye makeup (these puppies don't stand a chance against eye makeup of any kind), these wipes appear to take off every last bit of makeup with the greatest of ease. Notice how I said they appear to take of makeup?
Well, one night I got the notion to use a little toner afterward, and was stunned at how much makeup was still on my face. I couldn't believe it! How these things manage to take off makeup while not taking off makeup is beyond me. All I know is I won't be buying these again! Next time I'll try Korres wipes before I return to my trusty Ponds. Oh well, at least a portion of the proceeds goes to save polar bears!
Got a fave makeup remover? Let us hear it!
Beauty Review: Ted Gibson Tame It Lotion
Hey Beauty Babes! Since I gave a rundown of my fave styling products for natural hair last week, I decided to share one of fave styling products for my relaxed beauties!
Ted Gibson, deliverer of sexy, tousled celebrity hair, has a fab line of styling products that are available at Tar-jay (aka Target for those not in the know!). The first thing to mention is that the entire line smells like heaven, and his Tame It Lotion, $23 is no exception!
This sweet Merlot scented concoction makes relaxed or blown-out hair uber-shiny without weighing it down. This super-light lotion is very concentrated so you only need a dime sized amount. Plus, the bottle will last you an eternity. Seriously. I've had mine for well over a year, so you'll definitely get your money's worth!
Have you tried any of Ted Gibson's products? Do tell!
Beauty Review: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
I'm 0n a mission to find a new favorite mascara. I'm looking for lashes that are full and plump, with nary a clump in sight. Tall order? Maybe. But Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara, $18 filled most of it.
This mascara turns out super long, glossy black lashes with nary a clump, and the packaging is to die for! Sadly, it doesn't do much in the way of volume (Darn! So close!). If you're in the market for a lash lengthening mascara, run to pick up this fab mascara!
Beauty Review: The Big Three
Since I went natural several months ago, I've been experimenting with different hair products to see what will work with my newly curly hair.
Like any other natural newbie, I tried what I call The Big Three. These three cult favorites are considered to be THE products for defining the curls of natural hair. Since I've been using all three for the last several months, I decided to review and compare them for you!
Good: One of the first products I tried was Carol's Daughter Hair Milk, $12. People swear by Carol's Daughter (nobody I know, but I digress...), and Hair Milk is the line's star hair care product. I was also game try Hair Milk because of its reasonable price. Shoot, being natural ain't cheap!
Sadly, the price was one of the more agreeable things about this product. I applied this liquidy lotion to soaking wet hair, and whatever curls I got did not stay for long. Not only that, but it made my hair look ashy if I put on too much. I will say, however, that it smells amazing! I would wear this for the smell alone! Though it's marketed for natural hair, I think it would be an awesome moisturizer for relaxed, wavy or blown-straight hair.
Better: Next, I bought some mini sized jars of several Miss Jessie's products. Though many people have mixed feelings about Miss Jessie's products, I have to say that their Curly Pudding, $7 (travel sized) worked really well on my hair. Now, the curls were not perfect, but there were curls aplenty!
If you're looking to stretch your curls, then this may not be the product for you. It made my curls really, really tight. So, unless your hair is really long, it may not be for you. Also, it can dry a little crunchy. I remedied this by applying some Baby Buttercreme, $9 right after. If you are interested in Miss Jessie's, take advantage of their travel sizes first!
Best:I thought Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding was going to be it for me until I tried Kinky Curly Curling Custard, $29! Curling Custard, unlike the creamy Curly Pudding, is a gel. But don't get it twisted. This is no regular gel! When applied to wet hair, this product consistently gives me lots of springy, coils. No matter if my hair is frizzy and smushed. I just spritz on some water and apply some Curling Custard.
You must be very mindful of how you apply this product. Apply too much in one spot and you will get a gooey clump of gel. It does dry a little crunchy, but I've heard that the Gloss Pomade, $10 can remedy that, so I'll be trying that next.
Already using one of these products. Share your thoughts! If not, give these a try and tell me what you think!
