Revealing October 2013 CurlKit and Alikay Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner

Revealing My October 2013 CurlKit

Alikay Takeover

I know it's late but like they say better late than never! I was very pleased with my kit and couldn't wait to try out my goodies. Here's what I got.....

CurlLife: A CurlKit Publication

Alikay Naturals Creme Brulee Curling Delight.....2 ounces

Alikay Naturals Essential 17 Growth Oil .....2 ounces

Alikay Naturals Glazed Argan Oil Silkener.....Sample Packet

Alikay Naturals Honey & Sage Deep Conditioner.....2 ounces

Alikay Naturals Knots Be Gone Hair Detangler.....Sample Packet

Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner.....8 ounces

Alikay Naturals Shea Yogurt Hair Moisturizer.....2 ounces

Product Review: Alikay Naturals Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner

I received this item in my CurlKit and I as you can see I couldn't wait to try it. This product promises to lock moisture in hair without weighing it down or causing product build-up. I love the scent it reminds me of lemonhead candy, it's not overbearing like other lemon scented products...no names. I use this as a refresher for my curls, due to the fact that my hair requires cream/y leave-ins. My mother on the other hand uses it as a leave-in. In fact, she's part of the reason I have to purchase another bottle already. This beauty does just what it says it moisturizes my curls without weighing them down; it really extends and preserves my twist outs. Oh yeah and did I mention I often get "you smell good, what is that." It can be purchased at the Alikay  Naturals website for $13.00. It definitely is a keeper, I love it!

By the way this product is free of Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Alcohol, Parabens, Sulfates, Silcones

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Almond Oil, Wheat Germ Protein, Silk Amino Acids, Lemongrass Extract, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Rapaseed Oil, Herbal and Botanical Blend

Looky looky.....what I found!

So this weekend, my mother and I went to Patrick Air Force Base and I ran into a neat find..... Nature's Organic Soaps! I couldn't resist...I picked up 5 of them and they are delightful, I mean they smell so good! I have been interested in trying poo bars for the longest and I am so glad I got introduced to these. They are all natural and can be used from head to toe. I bought some Shea Butter as well. For everything I paid $31.80.

Here's what I got.....

Pomegranate Pear (olive oil & shea butter)

                                               Vanilla Sugar (goat milk & shea butter)

Oatmeal Milk & Honey (goat milk & shea butter) 

Acai Papaya (olive oil & Shea butter) 

Brown Sugar Fig (goat milk & shea butter) 

8 oz. 100% Certified Raw Organic Virgin Unrefined Shea Butter

Nature's Organic Soaps can be found on etsy, as well!

Revealing My September 2013 CurlKit

I was so excited to today I received my September CurlKit. It contained all kind of goodies I 

couldn't wait to try. Here's what I got...  

 CurlLife A CurlKit Publication

 Kandy Kurls: Moisturizer Leave In Conditioner 8 fluid ounces

Kandy Kurls: Shea Souffle 4 ounces

 Karen Body Beautiful: Super Duper Hydrating Cream 1 ounce

Koils by Nature: Marvelous Mango Hair & Body Butter 2 ounces 

 Obia: Curl Enhancing Custard 2 ounces

Nubian Heritage: Raw Shea Butter Body Wash 0.5 fluid ounces 

Nubian Heritage: Raw Shea Butter Body Lotion 0.5 fluid ounces

Nubian Heritage: Coconut & Papaya Body Lotion 0.5 fluid ounces

 Spray Bottle

Product Review: Beautiful Textures Curl Definer Mousse

I couldn't resist trying this product when I ran across it in Sally's Beauty Supply. It had a delightful scent and it was a part of a new line, so I had to cop it. I had it for a few month's and I decided to give it a go on straightened hair. It advertises that you will achieve amazing manageability and styling versatility for natural hair: resulting in soft defined curls. I was a little apprehensive in the beginning, thinking that it would cause too much shrinkage. I used perm rods in conjuction with this mousse;I let it sit overnight and I absolutely loved the results and my style actually lasted about 4 days without any issues. My hair had hold, it wasn't sticky, and I didn't get any flakes. I paid about $7.00 at Sally's and it was well worth it.

Ingredients: Aqua, Polyquarternium 11, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Rosemary Extract, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Argan Oil, Acrylates Copolymer, Glycerin, Cetrimonium Chloride, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Polsorbate 20, Fragrance, Benzyl Benzoa te, d-Limonene, Linalool

Revealing My August 2013 CurlKit

 I know it's kinda if late, but here's what I got in my August Curl kit.....Yes, hunty!

Revealing My July 2013 CurlKit.....

    I was so excited to receive my monthly awaited box. My kit contained 3 full size packages and 3 samples. Overall I was very pleased with what I received and can't wait to try them. Here's what I got...... 

*CurlLife: Curlkit Publication-Fun In The Sun Natural Hair Tips, Summer Sizzle= Natural Curl Goddess 

 *CB Smoothe Smooth Naturally Moisturizing Styling Creme (4 oz jar): adds moisture and shine without weighing down hair. Great for twisting, braiding, wash n gos 

 *Curls Cashmere Curl (2 fl oz Packet): Formulated with Cashmere Extract, Aloe Juice, & Coconut Milk softens, conditions, and repairs. 

 *Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel (3.5 fl oz): Made with 100% Olive Oil, helps attract moisture, its weightless, leave a healthy shine and superior hold.

 *Eco Custard (8 fl oz): Conditioning Shining & Styling Cream Infused with oils and conditioners to protect, hydrate, and nourish hair. 

 *Edens Body Works Coconut Shea All Natural Pudding Souffle (.75 fl oz): Adds moisture using all natural ingredients formulated to reduce frizz, enhance texture styles, and provide a soft, shiny finish.

 * Hi.Pro.Pac Extremely Damaged Hair Intense Protein Treatment (1.75 fl oz Packet): Treats and Corrects Damaged Hair, Rebuilds Strength, Detangles, & Improves Manageability. 

 *Luscious Locks Shea Butter Shampoo (8 fl oz): Sulfate free shampoo enriched with shea butter and infused with fruit pectin and argan oil. Moisturizes, repairs, seals and smooths cuticles. 

 The kit also included a Straight to Curly Afrobella Style Card from Eden Body Works

Poetic Justice Inspired Look

     To avoid too much manipulation to my recently colored hair..... I decided to get box braids. We were going for the poetic justice look. It only took about 3 hours and they are looooong, they are just above my butt. I love them and my goal is to keep them in at least 4 weeks....(fingers crossed). I have been maintaining this protective style with my CD Black vanilla leave in, SM Curl Enhancing Smoothie, CD Macadamia Hold & Control Smoother, DL Au Naturale Sealing Nectar. and Tea Tree Oil.
     At night I spray my scalp and hair with my leave in and then apply curl enhancing smoothie. If needed I apply tea tree oil to scalp for itching to avoid me digging on my scalp. I use the control gel to lay down my edges if needed. I also spray sealing nectar for sheen if needed.

Revealing my June 2013 CurlKit.......

     I was so excited to see my package in the mail box yesterday. There are couple of new items in there that I have been dying to try....oyin hair dew and curl keeper total control for frizzy hair; I was very pleased to receive those items. I was expecting a box busting at the seam with 3 full size products, I didn't get that but overall I was pleased. Here's what I received........

*CurlLife ( CurlKit Magazine)

*Caviar Curls Velvet Leave-in Detangler (8 fl oz)

*Curly Hair Solutions Curl Keeper (1 oz)

*Itiba Papaya Body Lotion (2 fl oz)

*Lustrasilk Curl Max Twisty Curly Spray (8 fl oz)

*Oyin handmade Hair Dew (2 fl oz)

*Pooka Lemonade Hand Exfoliator  (sample)

Rockin' the Straight Look!

Recently I got bored and decided to straighten my hair. Back in Febuary, I went to a salon and did it...this time I decided to do my own hair. Here's how I did it.

1. I washed my hair with it's a 10 Silk Express miracle silk shampoo.
2. I placed the it's a 10  Silk Express miracle silk conditioner on my hair for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing me a chance to detangle in sections.
3. My hair was still in sections when I rinsed out the conditioner.
4. I then applied it's a 10 Silk Express silk smoothing balm to my hair.
5. I blow dried my hair using a comb attachment.
6. Once completely dry, I applied Carol's Daughter Macadamia Heat Protection Gloss to my hair.... Then proceeded with the flat iron process.
7. While flat ironing I did this in sections, placing a small tooth comb below flat iron as it's being pulled through.

*I loved the results... Plenty of body, in fact many people thought I relaxed it. Even with that being said I miss my curly do.....I smell a twist out coming real soon.

Product Review: Ori Essentials Cleansing Conditioner

     I received this product in my May 2013 Curlkit and I couldn't wait to try this cleanser. It is described as a gentle cleanser that removes residue and soothes scalp, while maintaining  and adding moisture to curls. This cleanser is free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, mineral oil, petroleum, alcohol, and dyes. It has a very creamy texture and has a very sweet scent, you can definitely smell the coconut. I was a little nervous due to the ingredients list with alcohol being listed twice, but surprisingly, I loved this cleanser, it cleaned my hair and scalp like a dream and provided enough slip for easy detangling. This one's a keeper I definitely plan on incorporating this one in my regimen...can you say staple. This conditioner can be purchased on the Curlkit website for $12.00.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Nettles, Horsetail, Chamomile, Tea Tree, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Polysorbate-20, Stearlkonium Chloride, Coconut Oil, Carrrot Oil, Argan Oil, Olive Oil, Phenoxyethanol and Capryloyl Glycine and Undecylenoyl Glycine, Fragrance.

My Nappiversary/ Naturalversary!

Recapping May 2012 to May 2013

So May 17th marked my natural anniversary! Yaaaayyyyy! I was worried I wasn't going to make it this far, but I an so glad I did. Things I have learned thus far...

*Water is your best friend; inside and out

*What works for one person won't necessarily work for you

*Travel/trial sizes are your BFF (prevents you from being a product junkie and wasting unnecessary money)

*Protective styles are a blessing (twist outs, braids, etc)

*Not all products are created equal and just cause you pay more doesn't make it better. 

*Your hair is growing, so don't compare your growth to someone elses

Revealing My May 2013 CurlKit..........

     So I received my long awaited May Curlkit today and I was a bit worried because it seemed a bit lighter than the previous kits. Although lighter than usual there were some good items in the kit. This months kit included.......

     CurlLife (Curlkit Magazine)

     Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Invigorating Shampoo (2 fl oz)

     Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Threat Invigorating conditioner (2 fl oz)

     Nyah Oatmeal & Honey Soap (1.5 oz)

     Ori Essentials Cleansing Conditioner (8 fl oz)

     Satin Triangle Scarf 

     UR Curly Tight Curl Enhancer (1.75 fl oz)

     Yum Yum Candle Limoncello scent (4 oz)

     

Product Review: Kiss My Face Upper Management Gel

     I was introduced to this gel at a natural hair meet up back in September of 2012. This product states it is a medium hold gel that is perfect for all hair types: nourishes hair, natural formula with out build up, free of SLS, free of parabens, free of phthalates, no animal ingredients, no animal testing, and no artificial colors/fragrances.  I finally decided to use this gel in aiding in my twist-outs and to help lay these edges down........my verdict it actually worked. After twisting my washed hair , I place this gel on top of my cream styling agent for hold. It has a grapefruit scent and has the texture of a jelly without the stickiness and it doesn't cause flakes. In addition, this gel comes in a bottle so you don't have to dip your finger in a jar. I definitely plan on continuing to use this product again, I really like it (May even become a staple product, hmmm.) I purchased this product at Publix for approximately $6.00 for an 8 ounce bottle. 

Ingredients: Purified, Deionized Certified Organic Floral Water of Nettle, Calendula and Chamomile, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate (Amino Acid derived), Yeast Extract, Panthenol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Grapefruit Extract

My Perfect Twist-Out

To those who don't know my favorite style is........drum roll please.......a twist-out. After  going through these steps I absolutely fell in love with my results.

1. Wash: Wet hair then applied SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl and Shine Shampoo concentrating on the ends the first time, then the second time on my scalp.

2. Condition: I applied SheaMoisture Mango & Carrots Kids Extra Nourishing Conditioner to my hair and let it sit for about 45 minutes; then rinse.

3. Seal: Applied coconut oil to seal in the moisture.

4. Applied Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave In.

5. Style: I parted my hair in sections and detangled each section with my Denman; then I placed them in my 2-strand twist using SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie. (15-20 twists)

6. Rubbed Kiss My Face Upper Management Gel in hands and applied it to my twist. Let dry overnight.

7. The following morning twists were taken down and fluffed.

*My hair was left with definition, shine, body, hold and most of all it was soft to touch. Loved It!

Revealing My April 2013 Curlkit

     I received April's Curlkit about a week and a half ago and unfortunately one of the products had completely wasted out and another half way.....I know wonk,wonk. I was a little ticked off about it so I decided to contact the company in which I can appreciate the fact that they personally apologized. Despite the mishap in the mail handling, there were some great items in this kit some old favorites and some new.

CurlLife Magazine Volume 8
Amazing Botanicals AloeMint Spritz (2 fl oz) *
Ampro ProStyl Vitamin E Oil (6 fl oz)
Ampro ProStyl Silk Edges (.14 oz sample packet)
Ampro ProStyl Shine n Jam (.14 oz sample packet)
HoneyCurls Hair Honey Oil Blend (2 fl oz)
Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia Leave In (2 fl oz)*
Naturalista Juicy Leave In Conditioner (2 fl oz)
Ori Essentials Moisturizing Leave In Conditioner (8 fl oz)

*wasted product

Product Review: Dark and lovely Au Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Line

     I finally ran across these products in my local Walgreens a couple a months ago after hearing about this new natural line from Dark and Lovely. These products run about 9.99 a piece a and smell like mango, like a very tropical smell. I really enjoyed the products, so here we go......

Coil Moisturizing Souffle is described as "a moisturizing delight with a low crunchless hold that instantly defines and softens tight curls and coils." The directions state to apply to conditioned, detangled, damp hair and allow to air dry; finish off with Sheen Sealing Nectar. So, I followed the instructions and applied it to my damp, detangled hair at night while doing a twists for a twist-out; I sealed the end of my twists with KBB Love Butter. I let them stay in overnight and in the morning removed the twists and my hair very moisturized and my coils were very defined. My twist out lasted about 2 to 3 days. It had a very light creamy texture like that of a conditioner. I really liked the product because there was no flakes or residue after applying. I used this product several times and there were great results each time.

Ingredients: Water , Cetearyl Alcohol , Cetyl Esters , Glycerin , Fragrance , Phenoxyethanol , Isopropyl Alcohol , Mangifera Indica Seed Oil/Mango Seed Oil , Tricedeth-6 , Cetrimonium Chloride , Benzyl Salicylate , Methylisothiazolinone , Linalool , Benzyl Alcohol , Limonene , Yellow 5 (CI 19140) , Yellow 6 (CI 15985) , Geraniol , Bambusa Vulgaris Sap Extract

10-In-1 Styles Gelee is described as a crunchless firm hold gel that controls frizz and elongates coils. It says it can used on wet or dry hair. I tried this product alone on twists for a twist-out and along with a couple of styling moisturizing creams (Moisturizing Souffle and CocoCurls Styling Cream). When I tried it alone, I loved the definition but it felt a little dry and crunchy, that's why I decided to use it together with a cream which yielded awesome results which I loved. It has the texture of flaxseed gel. I received so many compliments on my twist out results.

Ingredients: Water , Sorbitol , Glycerin , Benzyl Alcohol , Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate , Dehydroxanthan Gum , Phenoxyethanol , Fragrance , Panthenol , Mangifera Indica Seed Oil/Mango Seed Oil , Ethylhexylglycerin , Benzyl Salicylate , Linalool , Limonene , 2 Oleamido 1 , 3 Octadecanediol , Bambusa Vulgaris Sap Extract , F.I.L. D55074/2

10-in-1 Gelee alone

10-in-1 Gelee with Styling Cream

Sheen Sealing Nectar is a sheen spray that conditions both the hair and scalp while providing a succulent sheen used after styling. What I really like about this product is that it provides a light sheen of an oil to my hair in a spray bottle. I liked the product it did what it said it would do...I am not going to get rid of my oils, but it provides a great option.

Ingredients: Isopropyl Myristate , Helianthus Annus Seed Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil , Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil , Dicaprylyl Ether , Isopropyl Isostearate , Fragrance , Mangifera Indica Seed Oil/Mango Seed Oil , Benzyl Salicylate , Linalool , Benzyl Alcohol , Limonene , Geraniol , Bambusa Vulgaris Extract , F.I.L. D55090/2

Revealing My March 2013 Anniversary CurlKit.....

     I was very excited in anticipation for this month's kit, I know it was the anniversary edition and contained some of their favorite things. This kit contained......

   CurlLife (CurlKit Publication) Volume 7: Anniversary Edition

   III Sisters of Nature Once a Week Nourishing Treatment (2 oz sample)

   Alikay Lemongrass Leave In Conditioner (2 oz sample)

   Aubrey Organics GPB Balancing Conditioner (11 oz)

   Bel Nuovo Coco Castor Pudding (2 oz sample)

   Ecostyler Styling Gel: "Pink" For Curly and Wavy Hair (8 oz)

   SoapyLuv Raspberry Green Tea Soap

   WonderCurl Butter than Love Hair Pudding (2 oz sample)

Can't wait to try all these goodies!

   

Time to Play with Clay!

I have heard all the rave about Bentonite Clay (Indian Healing Clay) and how it is suppose to rid the hair of impurites (clarify), increase curl definition, and increase hair shine. So after thinking and debating, I decided to make a Bentonite Mask for my hair using these ingredients ........

I mixed the clay and vinegar at about a 1:1 ratio with a few drops of vitamin e oil which resulted in a paste (Sorry, I didn't accurately measure the ingredients.) I applied it to my hair in sections and allowed it to sit for about an hour. I rinsed it out in warm water and my curls did appear shiny, springy, and more defined; however it felt like straw.

So, I followed up with Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose Conditioner as a Deep Conditioner which I allowed to sit for also about an hour. My hair felt very moisturized and I loved it. I probably will implement this step in my regimen at least once a month to rid my hair or impurities.

Product Review: Texture My Way Keep It Curly Ultra Defining Curl Pudding

   

     

      The label reads that this Ultra-Defining Curl Pudding is the ultimate solution for achieving luscious, elongated, moisture-rich curls that last all day. It controls and transforms dry, tangled, lack-luster hair into silky, healthy-looking, beautiful curls, coils and waves. Super light-weight and non-greasy, Keep It Curly Ultra-Defining Curl Pudding helps restore a healthy moisture balance, while taming frizz & minimizing shrinkage, Daily use allows you to define and create your best signature style. Whether you rock two-strand twists, kinky coils, long spirals, smooth waves, or any look that requires long-lasting, intense moisture, Keep It Curly puts you in control. It has a decent smell, like a citrus scent and has the texture of a pudding; you can definitely tell that it is water based when applying it. I have you it on a wet twist out, on a dry twist out, and as a moisturizer and I yielded pretty good results. I ran across this product line at my local beauty supply, a 15 fl oz. jar for $6.99; I figured I would give it a try and I am glad I did. i probably liked the results more so on my dry twist out than the wet twist out.


Ingredients: Aqua , Propylene Glycol, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, Butyrospermum Parkii Fruit, Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Olvea Europaea Fruit Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Polyquarternium-37, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Parfum, d-Limonene, Lanolin Oil, Acrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride/Acrylamide Copolymer, Stearalkonium Chloride, Benzyl Benzolate, Linalool, 5-Chloro-2-Methyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-One, 2-Methyl-4-Isothiazolin-3-One, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Yellow 5, Blue 1, Red 40.

Revealing My February 2013 Curlkit.......

     So I finally received my February Curlkit and it was worth the wait. It seems like every month I say that this is going to my last month and then I get my kit. If only the Curlkit knew how much they were enabling this product junkie.....I clearly have a problem. This month included.........


     CurlLife (CurlKit Magazine)

     B's Organics Jamaican Liquified Coconut Oil                1 fl. oz.

     Cantu Shea Butter for Naturals Hair Lotion                   13.8 fl. oz.
     Charming Terry Turban
     Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner 2 fl. oz.
     Mixed Chicks Trial & Travel Pack                                2 fl. oz.
     Oyin Handmade Burnt sugar Mini                                 Sample
     Pooka Mint n Rose Spa Soak                                      Sample

I can't wait to test them out......reviews here we come.......