Sunday, December 23, 2012

In Memory of Machanda Jenell LLoyd aka Shawn

It has been 2 years today that you have been gone, I miss you dearly sis and I love you!



Gone but not forgotten

7/9/72-12/23/2010

Our hearts still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one will ever know
But now I know you want us
To mourn for you no more
But remember all the happy times
Life still has in store
Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you'll always stay

We love you Shawn!

Product Review: L'oreal Evercreme Cleansing Conditioner


     L'oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner promises to cleanse and condition in one simple step: with it's sulfate free formula helps preserve hair's natural moisture, low-lathering creme thoroughly cleanses and reduces friction, & omega 3-6 softens and controls. My first thoughts are it cleaned my hair well, even with its low lather and it left my hair very clean but well moisturized. I normally love shampoo/conditioners with pumps, but this one I had to struggle to get product...I had to press down using all my strength. This product is sulfate and paraben free and 100% vegan. Also as a bonus it did provide slip as I detangled. I purchased this at my local drug store for $6.00.

Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Cocoamphopropionate, Hydroxpropyl Startch Phosphate, Behentrimonium Chloride, Fragrance, Isopropyl Alcohol, Capryl Glycol, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Camelina Sativa Oil/Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernal Oil/Apricot Kernal Oil, Vitis Vinefera Seed Oil/Grape Seed Oil, Caramel, CI 19140/Yellow 5.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Product Junkie......

     I have been collecting hair products for some time now. I literally have products everywhere, I think I need help....I am constantly being told by my loved ones "you can open your own store" or "salons don't have this many products"...my response "yeah, yeah, yeah." How have you other Naturalistas minimized your products? I am constantly giving away products and I am constantly picking up new ones. I am trying to minimize my collection, but I don't know where to start?
~ CurlyBeSurprise  
Storage Bins  underneath My Bed
Storage Bins on Dresser
Storage Bin in Bathroom

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Product Review: Kinky Curly Original Curling Custard


     This natural styling gel  promises to eliminate frizz, lock in moisture, define curls, give shine, and provide long lasting hold. I first attempted to use for a wash n go, but I either used to much or it agree with the leave in that I used prior; I had these little fuzz balls all over my hair. The next time I tried it was for a twist out and it worked  very well, I was impressed with the results being that the first go around was a "no go." I can't really describe the smell I can't this of something that smells similar, but I like it. It has a jelly, sticky texture. I picked this up from Target at $16.99 for an 8 oz jar. I will use this product again, in fact I have to pick up another jar....either my head is big or I use it alot, lol.


Ingredients:  Botanical infusion of Water, Horsetail, Chamomile, Nettle and Marshmallow, Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Agave Nectar Extract, Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E), Pectic, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate and Natural Fragrance

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

A Little Splash of Color...

     I have been pondering for some time now about coloring my hair, so yesterday I decided lets do this thing, lol.  I was a nervous wreck, but my cousin and decided to make it happen. I picked up a color at my local Beauty Supply Store called Blazing Burgundy from Clairol Texture & Tones for $5.99.
      We placed the color in different areas to give a highlighted effect, I figured I was being bold enough just trying the color, so my whole head would have been to much. I followed with my SheaMoisture Curl and Shine Shampoo. I followed with an Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse to close down my cuticle layers (1/4 cup ACV and 2 cups cool water). Finally, I deep conditioned my hair with the conditioner provided for about 15 minutes.


     And the results are..................................



I like it, it added some spice to my TWA! Voilรก!

Some of My Work....

I normally do twist-out, braid outs, and wash n gos in my own hair, here is a couple of pictures showing some other styles I have done....
Box Braids using Kanekalon 

Kinky Twists using Marley Hair


Dread Styling

Starter Locs (Comb Coil)

Product Review: Aubrey Organics Honey Suckle Rose


     When first transitioning to natural, I came across info regarding Aubrey Organics product line. I became interested in the line and emailed the company and they sent me samples packets of all their products (I know, awesome right). The line contains all-natural ingredients and can be found out your local health food store. This conditioner has a flowery scent and is very thick. I tried it as my rinse-out conditioner in co-washing my hair, but it did not give me much slip on "this" hair. However, when I tried it as a deep conditioner..... I loved the way my hair felt it was soft and well moisturized. Being pleased with the results I purchased it and will probably purchase it again. This is definitely one of my go to deep conditioners. I purchased at Vitamin Shoppe for $8.99.

Ingredients: Aqua, cetyl alcohol, alcohol denat. (38b, lavender*), butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)*, triticum vulgare (wheat) germ oil, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) extract, aloe barbadensis (aloe) leaf juice*, glycerin, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, rosa rubignosa (Rosa Mosqueta®) seed oil*, citrus grandis (grapefruit) extract, tocopheryl acetate, foeniculum vulgare (fennel) fruit extract, humulus lupulus (hops) extract, melissa officinalis (balm mint) leaf extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil, daucus carota sativa (carrot) root extract, beta-carotene, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) water, angelica archangelica extract, chrysanthemum sinense flower extract, magnolia biondii flower extract, ascorbic acid. *Organic

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Product Review: Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme



 Miss Jessie's Baby Buttercreme "The Sweetest Baby Buttercreme Period"
     With its baby scent and creamy texture, this worked wonders for my twist-outs. I was kind of hesitant when I first seen the ingredients, because normally mineral oil just sits on my hair. However, it gave me a very defined twist-out and it was very moisturized as well. I probably wouldn't use it as a daily moisturizer, but most definitely a styling agent. I purchased it at my local Target for $32.00. 


My Results:


Ingredient: Water, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Fragrance, Glyceryl Stereate, PEG-100 Stearate, Acetylated Lanolin, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Panthenol, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Keratin, Hydrolized Keratin, PEG-8 Dilaurate, Ceteareth-20, Stearyl Alcohol, Acrylates/C 10-30 Alkyl Acylate Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Treithanolamine, DMDM Hydantoin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Caramel, Yellow 5 (CI 19140)

Product Review: Aunt Jackie's Curls & Coils Knot on my Watch



     I received Aunt Jackie's Knot on my Watch in my December Curl Kit.  Its label says its a instant detangling therapy that softens, helps restore moisture balance, eliminates knots and tangles.  This product has a sweet scent and I was able to smell it even the after applying other products. I normally can only detangle my hair in the shower with rinse out conditioner on it to provide slip. However, with product I was able place it on towel dried hair and it detangled like an angel. This is definitely now going to be one of my staple products and I plan on purchasing it again. I love, love, love this product.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Propylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, PEG-150 Distearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Glycerin, Parfum (Fragrance), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Lanolin Oil, Polyquaternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearalkonium Chloride, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, d-Limonene, Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, Linalool, Amyl cinnamic aldehyde, Lilial,Benzyl alcohol, Citronellol, Hydroxycitronellal, Cinnamic alcohol, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 19140 (Yellow)

Monday, December 17, 2012

Product Review: Nice & Curly 3-In-1 Triple Tamer





     I have to be careful of the shampoo I use due to my sulfa allergy. This shampoo is sulfate-free in every sense of the word. It claims to cleanse, condition, and detangle. It did clean my hair every well, it gave a nice lather; detangle...... it did not, my hair laughed at it. I probably will continue to use it as a shampoo until I run out, but  I probably won't purchase it again. I can't really describe the scent, but it  has a medicine like smell. I purchased this at my Local Beauty Supply Store for $4.99. 

Ingredients: Water, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Cocaimidopropyl Betaine, Matricaria Flower Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Sunflower Seed Oil, Pathenol, Polyquaternium-10, PEG-150 Distearate, Glycol Stearate, Polyquaternium-47, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Betaine, Cco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Amodimethicone, Glycerin, C11-15 Pareth-7, Laureth-9, Trideceth-12, Benzophenone-4, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Citric Acid, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodoprpynyl Butylcarbamate, Almond Oil, Fragrance.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Product Review: Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In Conditioner




     I ordered KBB Sweet Ambrosia Leave-In some time back when I order my favorite butter KBB Butter Love. I was looking for a Leave-In to provide moisture to my always thirsty hair. It has a very light creamy texture and of course has an excellent scent, Creamy Coco Mango. I have tried it with several products and have yet to receive fuzz balls or bad results period. I love this Leave-In, it is one of my staple products; I use it as a Leave-In as well as a moisturizer. It is available on-line at http://shop.karensbodybeautiful.com. 8 oz at  $16 or 16 oz at $24.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Vegetable Wax, Olive & Jojoba Oils, Organic Aloe Vera, Echineacea, Nettle & Horsetail Extracts, Essential and/or Fragrance oils, Natural  Enzymes, Panthenol & Vitamin E.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Product Review: Naked by Essations Honey & Almond Moisture Whip Conditioner

     My cousin introduced me to this product back in September. I am a conditioner fanatic, so of course I had to try it. It has a sweet smell and very whipped, airy texture. I really enjoyed using this conditioner, it did provide moisture to my hair, while strengthening it as well. It was light weight,  so I have slept overnight with this conditioner on my hair; the directions say 3 to 5 minutes (I don't follow directions very well...wink). He gave me a big 64 oz container from his Nairobi rep that comes into the salon (I know I made out like a bandit, Thank You Cuz!); so I have tons conditioner for days. I am not sure how much he paid for the large container, but it is available on-line at http://www.essations.com for a 8 oz container is $14.00.


Ingredients: Cetearyl Alcohol & Polysorbate 60 & Peg-150 Stearate-20, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrolyzed Protein, DM DM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Glycerine, Polyquarterium 7, Stearal Konium Chloride, Sunflower Oil, Honey, Almond Oil, Water.

 I also want to  note that it does contain protein, so it probably wouldn't be best to use this every week if protein sensitive.

Revealing My December CurlKit


Christmas came early this month with the December Curlkit, the package was bulging (3 full size products)....Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah!

This months kit included.....
   CurlLife (CurlKit Magazine)
   UR Curly Loose Curl Enhancer (sample)
   UR Curly Tight Curl Enhancer (sample)
(2)III Sisters of Nature Natural Lengthening Creme (sample)
   Ily Adore Light Weight Leave In (sample)
   Nice & Curly Curl Me Up Curly Pudding (Full Size)
   Aunt Jackie's Knot on my Watch Detangler (Full Size)
   True Crazy Sexy Cool Curls Curling Souffle (Full Size)
   Flower Hair Accessory

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Adding Some Flava to My Natural Do!


When I BC'ed back in May of 2012, the new look definitely took some getting used to. So, I found ways to give my newly natural do a little flava!


Earrings (Whether Big or Small)


                                                                                                       








Head Bands
Plain Head Band


Scarf Turned Head Band




Scarves/ Hats


Beanie



Scarf



Hair Pins/ Bows


Flower Clip

Bow

Flower Clip attached to Headband



Cheetah Hair Pin


In addition I use Banana Clips, Combs, etc....the sky is the limit!







Monday, December 10, 2012

Product Review: Karen's Body Beautiful Butter Love


     After checking out a blog (bossygirl1980.com) when I started transitioning  October of 2011, I came across her Natural Hair Transition Emergency Kit; it's no secret my inner product junkie said buy everything, lol. I decided to try the KBB Butter Love in the Creamy Coco Mango scent. Needless to say I have been in love ever since. I used it on my scalp and my brothers, as a styling agent in my twist outs, as the oil unraveling my twist out, and as a oil in to seal my ends. The scent is awesome and it so very creamy. I love it  and would encourage anyone to buy it, it is definitely one my staple products. It is also great for twisting locs, my cousin and I found out. I purchased it on line at  http://www.karensbodybeautiful.com/ for $18.00.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Jojoba Butter, Aloe Butter, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils, Grapefruit Seed Oil & Vitamin E.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Taking Control of My Edges: My Top 3 Edges Control

Here are my top 3 edge controls that work with my hair...

3. Ampro Prostyl Shine n' Jam Silk Edges
Ingredients: Artesian Water, Ceteareth-25, Glycerin, Oleth-5, Peg-20 Hydrogenated Lanolin, Mineral Oil, Fragrance, Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrolyzed Silk Protein, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Blue #1.

$3.99 @  Local Beauty Supply Store




2. Carol's Daughter Macadamia Hold & Control Smoother

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Polyurethane-14, AMP-Acrylates Copolymer, Polyquaternium-10, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Honey Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Lawsonia Inermis Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Symphytum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Alcohol.

$22.00 @ Aafes




1. Hicks Total Transformations Edges 
Ingredients: Water, Ceteareth-25, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-7, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, DMDM Hydantoin (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance.

$12.99 @ Local Beauty Supply Store

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Revealing My November CurlKit

    I know this is late but I wanted to talk about the goodies I received in my November Curlkit.



    UR Curly Quinoa Conditioner (Full Size) 
    Oyin Handmade Juices & Berries (Full Size)
    As I Am Smoothing Gel (Full Size)
    Wide Tooth Comb
    Amazing Botanicals Pumpkin Pomade (Sample)
    Ampro Olive Oil Gel (Sample)
(2)4Naturals Afro Stretch Curl Cream (Sample)
(2)LustraSilk Moisture Max Keratin Plus Oil Moisturizing Lotion (Sample)
    Alikay Creme Brulee Curling Custard  (Sample)
    CurlKit Curl Life Magazine

Product Review: CocoCurls Styling Cream



 
  I received a sample of the CocoCurls Styling Cream in July's 2012 Curlkit. Let me first say I absolutely loved the smell, it was had a light, sweet vanilla smell; it had a very creamy texture as well. I tried it as a daily moisturizer, which did not work so well with my hair. So, I tried it as a styling agent for my twist out and not only was my hair soft, but I didn't have any little fuzzies (yay!). I definitely love this product, in fact I bought the 16 oz jar for $25.

Ingredients: Aloe Vera Juice, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxypropyl trimonium Honey, Lactobacillus Ferment, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil (and) Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract,  Dehydroxanthan Gum, Fragrance Oils



Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Newly Natural Travel Kit

        I recently went on a vacation to visit with family and I found myself packing a duffle bag full of hair products and accessories...I know shameful. So, I got to thinking what items would I need to minimize the load. So here's a list of items that I find absolutely essential....

Pick/Wide Tooth Comb 

Ouchless Rubberbands 


Satin Cap

Hair Pins 


Favorite Conditioner


Spray Bottle (Water)


Favorite Oil 


Favorite Moisturizer/Butter/Gel


Hair Accessories (Head Bands,Clips,Etc)


* You can never go wrong with travel size products.* 

 What about you, what's in your kit?