Friday, July 29, 2011

Ilia Pure Lip Care



 ILIA Pure Lip Care (www.iliabeauty.com) is a new, prestige line of natural and organic lip products that combine superior color performance and nourishing organics for a unique balm, gloss and lipstick in one.

Each one is created with 85% certified organic, bioactive botanicals including the moisturizing and hydrating elements of Jojoba oil, Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E.

Each shade will appear slightly different, depending on the natural color of your lips. The unique formulation of the product allows you to layer the shades together to create a personalized color.

The debut collection of ILIA Pure Lip Care is comprised of six shades of organic lip conditioners that complement every woman, each housed in a sleek, recycled aluminum case.


Shades:

Nobody’s Baby – sheer nude

Dizzy – melon

Blossom Lady – muted pink

Shell Shock – bold coral

Bang Bang – classic red

Arabian Knights – deep berry

Retail price: $24















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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Natural Hair Ladies, please Relax.



To straighten or not - that is the question.


Nowadays, it seems like everyone is an authority when it comes to the topic of natural hair in the African American community. I'm glad that African American women are embracing their roots so to speak but some of us are taking the natural hair journey to an extreme. Many of you may know what I'm referring to but I'll explain for those who don’t.


As an African American woman with natural hair I know the frustration that may come with managing our hair. Though there are tons of resources (a bit overwhelming if you ask me) that are useful and helpful (blogs, forums, youtube videos, etc), I do have some issues with those ladies that are quick to criticize other women who do not have natural hair (chemically processed hair) or those that simply criticize how others manage their own hair in its natural state. I mean really, aren’t we suppose to support one another on this journey?


I've seen so many debates such as these:


to shampoo or not to shampoo;

to conditioner-wash (commonly referred as co-wash) or not

to trim regularly or not at all...

to flat iron or not

I mean the list goes on and on and on.


Should I even mention the infamous hair typing system? Do we seriously need to label our curl pattern? It seems that these numbers, 4a/4b or 3a/3b have become the new hair metric system. In my opinion, this type of labeling only causes further dissention amongst naturals. As some feel that one particular type of curl type is better than the other. Every strand on our heads is uniquely different so no hair typing system will ever encompass the range and depth of our natural curls, please understand that.


When it comes to hair products, I’ve heard of women totally eliminating an effective product from their regimen simply because it's not considered "natural”. I'm an advocate for reading product labels and deciphering chemical ingredients from natural ones, but ladies there is more than just looking for sulphates, mineral oil, and petroleum ingredients. There are plenty of preservatives and fragrances out there that are just as harmful to your hair aside from the three ingredients mentioned above.


The point being is this - Take care of your hair the way you want to. If you want to use shampoo - so be it. If you want to color you hair - go ahead and do it. That won't make you less of a person if you do so and no one should make you feel as such. If you want to get scissor happy and cut all of your hair – that’s alright. If it’s more convenient for you to follow a simple 3 step regimen as oppose to a 13 step regimen then do so and don’t feel badly about.


The way you care for your hair should dependent upon you, your lifestyle, your taste and no one else’s Natural Hair Commandments.


At the end of the day it's just hair. Try not to exhaust yourself when it comes to managing it and when researching “proper” techniques. Do everything in moderation because as the saying goes, “too much of a good thing is bad for you”. Use your common sense and do your research to form your own opinion.

So with that said, my question is: do you think the natural hair movement has gotten a bit out of hand?















Labels: 4 comments

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

How much are you spending on cosmetics, hair care and other beauty related items?

I came across an interesting article today discussing the enormous amount of spending that women are doing when it comes to cosmetics, toiletries, and haircare. {is anyone surpised?}

Here are some interesting facts:

"In 2010 women consumers spent approximately $36.5 billion on cosmetics and toiletries." 

"Women are more likely to skimp on food before cosmetics."

Now here's my question,
How much are YOU spending on cosmetics, hair care, and other beauty related items on a monthly basis? 

How much is too much? By that I mean, do you have a beauty budget or threshold?

Recently, I put myself on a no hair product buying challenge.  I plan not to purchase any hair products until the end of the year or at least until I run out of the necessities like shampoo and conditioner.  LOL  

Have you ever put yourself on a no-buying diet?


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Thursday, July 21, 2011

Get your Curl on with Ouidad's New Interactive Site

Ouidad, the world-renowned “Queen of Curl”, is proud to unveil the NEW and improved http://www.ouidad.com/, the online destination serving as THE curl authority for those interested in caring for gorgeous curls, waves, and textured hair.

Since pioneering the curl category in 1984, Ouidad has formulated products to improve and maintain superior curly hair condition, opened salons catering to curly hair clients, and trained stylists nationwide so her signature techniques are accessible to everyone looking for perfect curl care.

Now looking to share her passion and coveted knowledge with curl enthusiasts across the country, Ouidad introduces a new, more personalized, interactive website that highlights customized product regimens, tips, resources and services to keep curly hair at its best, 24/7.

For those that may be struggling with curly or frizzy hair, the site is designed to help anyone find products and techniques that work best for their specific curl type.



So, I have to hand it to the Ouidad folks - there website is PRETTY amazing.  It's clean, very streamlined, and visually appealing - all things I look forward to when visiting a website. 
 
Their Curl Profiler tool is a little genious tool that I like which allows you to determine your curl type along with which Ouidad products would work best for your hair.  It's very simple and quick and relieves you of any worry about not choosing the right product. 
 
I've heard pretty good things about Ouidad products across some natural hair sites and forums (Curly Nikki loves their Double Detangler)  and though I've never used their products I most certainly will be putting them on my very long list of products to try. 
 
Have any of you visited the site?  or tried the products?
Let me know in the comments - my product enthustiastic self is overly curious.
 
 

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Hair's My Natural Beauty: Renae

Welcome to another edition of Hair's My Natural Beauty -
a series of informative/inspiring/insightful natural hair interviews showcasing the various textures of natural hair. 

This week's Natural Hair beauty is...

Renae from New York

Renae, how would you describe your hair?
My hair is unapologetically temperamental and big on reciprocity - if I take care of my hair and show it love, I get the same love back in return. My hair is versatile and one of my greatest accessories!

How long has your hair been free of chemical relaxers?
I've been natural for about 8.5 years.

What prompted you to "go natural"? 
The desire to see my hair in a healthier state and have the flexibility of wearing it big and curly or smooth and straight.

In your opinion, what is the main difference between having natural hair
vs chemically relaxed hair?
The main difference for me has been having healthier tresses.

Are there any particular styles that you favor when styling your natural hair?
 My favorite style is just out and unrestricted - wild and free!


Do you accessorize your hair?  
I really don't use any hair accessories.


What hair products work best for your hair?
My hair has multiple personalities so the products that work best on my hair vary from season to season. I'm currently enjoying Aveda's Be Curly product line. Oyin Handmade's Greg Juice is also one of my favorites! It does a great job of revitalizing my hair each morning after sleeping on it.


 What's your hair regimen like? 
I co-wash my hair once weekly. During the Spring and Summer months, I increase this to twice weekly. After I wash my hair I part it in four sections to evenly distribute the products mentioned above. I either let my hair air dry or use a diffuser depending on how much time I have.

What resources if any helped you along your natural hair journey?
My resources have been my friends and women in my community with awesome hair. If I see someone with beautiful hair, I don't hesitate to ask which products they use and how they achieved a look.

Hair's your natural beauty because.......
It's uniquely mine. No one else on the planet has my hair. It's exactly the way God intended.


 =======================================================
Renae is the woman behind In Her Shoes blog -
which is chock full of inspiring, uplifting, and motivating stories of women entrepreneurs. 
Labels: 3 comments

Monday, July 18, 2011

The Best Foundation for Dry Skin by Dr. Leslie Baumann

Happy Monday!  Hope you all had a great weekend.  I wanted to share this article from Dr. Leslie Baumann of Skin Type Solutions with you ladies out there with dry skin (like myself)  that may have a hard time finding the right foundation.   Here it goes:





Finding the right foundation can be a challenge for women with dry skin. The wrong formula can dry your skin out even more and settle into fine lines and wrinkles—and who wants that? These basic dos and don’ts are good guidelines that help steer you in the right direction.



Do: Read the label and make sure there’s oil in there. Oil-free foundations are not for you.



Don’t: Salicylic acid is too drying for your skin. Make sure your foundation is free of this ingredient, which is usually found in blemish-fighting formulas.



Do: Look for SPF.



Don’t: Powder foundations and dry skin don’t mix. Opt for a more moisturizing liquid.



Now that you know these rules, it’s time to start shopping! If you’re heading to the drugstore, check out Cover Girl Smoothers All Day Hydrating Make-up for Normal/Dry Skin or L’Oreal Infallible Advanced Never Fail Makeup SPF 20.



At the department store, try M.A.C Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation, Diorskin Sculpt Foundation or Chantecaille Real Skin Foundation. And if you prefer a tinted moisturizer, I recommend Trish McEvoy Protective Shield Moisturizing Tint SPF 15.



A few words to the wise: Sometimes you really do get what you pay for, especially when it comes to foundation. More expensive products use better pigments, so if you’re going to splurge, this is when to do it.





Must-know info: Just because your foundation has SPF doesn’t mean that you’re in the clear. Studies show that the sun protection claims on cosmetics are nowhere near their real sunscreen counterparts.



When you finally find a foundation that works with your skin instead of against it, you can enjoy a beautiful, radiant complexion courtesy of a bottle!



image credit
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Thursday, July 14, 2011

A few of my favorite things....






1.  Clarisonic Plus About a month ago I finally got by hands on this little facial cleansing brush after wanting it in my life for the past 2 years and I'm glad I did.  The first night I used it I felt an immediate difference in my skin's texture.  I love it!


2.  Softsoap Vanilla Mega Moisture Body Wash I love a good body wash and this one may be neck in neck with my other favorite body wash.  The scent is delicious, the product itself is thick and creamy, and packs a punch in the moisture department.  And it's super cheap!


3.  c. Booth Honey & Almond Body Butter  While at Rite Aid perusing the bath aisle I came across this little jar of goodness.  It had a closeout tag on it and I thought it was a great price for such a large jar of product.  After opening the jar and looking at the thick content and the yummy scent I was hooked.  Love Love Love.  Going to look for some more of it to keep in my stash too. 


4.  Natural Complexion Bar Camelina & Aloe by Manor Hall Soap Co  This was my first purchase with this soap company and I am so pleased with this face bar.  I use it in conjunction with my Clarisonic Plus and it leaves my face feeling super cleansed but not dry.  It has a nice fresh scent that I look forward to when about to wash my face.  It's loaded with great ingredients like camelina oil, Hawaiian Kukui Nut oil, and other anti-aging, antioxidant rich, and soothing ingredients.  It truly is giving my skin life right now. 


So these are a few of my favorite things. I've got some more, so if you're interested in another post like this let me know and I'll share those other items with you too.


 What are some of your favorite things that you're using right now? 


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Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Keeping Up with the Kardashians New OPI Nail Polishes - Kardashian Kolors

I love getting my nails done and there's nothing more feminine than having nicely painted nails especially when there are tons of nail polishes to choose from. Oh and I'm a sucker for quirky and catchy nail polish names too.





So if you've been Keeping Up with the Kardashians lately, you'll know that the Kardashian clan has a new nail polish collection featuring 14 shades of colors ranging from sparkly/glittery to neutral/taupe by Nicole for OPI.



Of the 14 shades, these are my favorites. 


1.  Follow Me on Glitter  2. Disco Dolls  3. All Kendall-ed Up  4. It's All About the Glam

5.  Kim-pletely in Love  6. Kourt is Ready for a Pedi 7. Listen to Your Momager

Follow Me on Glitter
Disco Dolls
All Kendalled Up
It's All About the GlamKim-pletely in LoveKourt is Ready for a PediListen to Your Momager


#4 and #5 would make a pretty cute FRENCH mani.


For the other colors in the Kardashian Kolors Kollection click here.


Apparently, these will lanch sometime near the holiday season.  So hold tight until then.


Aside:
Those Kardashians never cease to amaze me with their branding.  Can't knock their hustle. I actually love it.  Look out for a Kardashian Kan Opener in a grocery aisle near you soon.  {Just kidding}   :)~
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