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2009 Best of Hair@: Conditioners

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:08:00 +0000

This year has been major in terms of history, politics and hair. I went natural this year, which started me on a whole new path of product exploration. In the ten months of wearing my natural texture I've had good days and bad, all equally attributed to the products I've used. In the next coming weeks, I will be doing posts on the BEST OF 2009.
Today: conditioners

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment

Ingredients: Water infused with Lemongrass, Nettle, Burdock, Kelp, Marshmallow Root, Horsetail, Basil, Bay Leaf, Oregano, Rosemary, Peppermint, Sage and Thyme, Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil,Cocoa Butter, Lecithin, Aloe Vera Powder, Diazolidinyl Urea (and) Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance

I've actually read favorable laurels of the Jessicurl Too Shea conditioner. After all, it did win NaturallyCurly.com members' vote for Best of the Best. So when a NaturallyCurly.com member sold me a bottle for next to nothing, I said, "why not?"
I am so happy that I jumped into Jessicurl products head first with the Weekly Deep Treatment (acronym: WDT) because it worked some serious homemade magic on my hair. I loved that the product was thick and spreadable. It had the consistency of whipped cream. By the time my hair was finished it was bouncy, shinny and... silky (as silky as 4b hair could be).

Mixed Chicks Deep conditioner

Ingredients: Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Glycerin, Amodimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Dicetyldimonium Chloride, Octamethylcylotetraxiloxane, Safflower Oil, Cetrimonium Chloride, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate and C14-18 Perfluoroalkyethyl Thiohydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride and Benzoic Acid and Glycereth - 2 Cocoate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Fragrance

Although Mixed Chicks was one of the original sponsors of the site, my tag line would not be "beauty without the bitchassness" if I were not one-hundred percent honest. This conditioner is great for the price point and very moisturizing. It actually got my 4b curls to hang down.
Any product that can shingle my hair gets a high-five from this editor.

Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose conditioner
Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Shea Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosa Mosqueta® Rose Hip Seed Oil; Extracts of Fennel, Hops, Balm Mint, Mistletoe, Camomile, Yarrow, Chrysanthemum, Angelica, Forsythia and Magnolia; Honeysuckle Oil, Carrot Oil, Aubrey's Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract, Vitamins A, C and E)

Quite possibly one of the most moisturizing conditioners on the world. I would say that any other the commercial hair care brand might be hard-pressed to create a moisturizing conditioner better than this one. I got hang with this conditioner, my It is completely natural and the smell is delectable. This brand is slightly harder to find than your regular Pantene and Herbal Essences but sometimes you have to work for good things.
*sheds a single tear like the Indian commercials back in the 80s*

Aubrey Organics GPB conditioner

Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base, Organic Aloe Vera, Wheat Germ Oil, Lactalbumin, Organic Rosemary Oil, Organic Sage Oil, Horsetail Extract, Coltsfoot Extract, Nettle Extract, Amino Acid Complex (Cysteine, Methionine), Glycoprotein (from oyster shells), Balsam Oil, Aubrey's Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract, Vitamins A, C and E).

I feel like such a fool telling people that this year was the first that I even tried any Aubrey Organics products. The Glycogen Protein Balancing conditioner is so super-luxurious and ultra-rich. My favorite attribute of the GPB is the scent; it's something like a floral immersion in coconut. I love that the fragrance lasts for several days, leaving my the opportunity to omit perfume for almost a week. This conditioner gave me some of the greatest slip ever; I finger-combed my hair ....without water running over my head. It's that good.

Aphogee 2-min. Keratin conditioner

Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Behenamidopropylamine Behenatem Stearolkonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, Cocodimonium Hydrolyzed Hair Keratin, Hydrolzed Mucopolysac Charides, Sodium Coco Collagen Amino Acids, Wheat Germ Fatty Acids, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Arachidonic Acid, Squalane, Avocado Oil, Acetimide MEA, Panthenol, Wheat Germ Oil, Jojoba Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sulfur, Amodimethicone, Polyquaternium 10, Linoleamidopropyl PG Dimonium, Chloride Phosphate, Tallowtrimonium Chloride, Nonoxynol 10, Cocoyl Sarcosine, Sorbitol, Fragrance, Imidazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

If you love the Aphogee Two-Step Treatment but your hair doesn't require harsh protein that might dry it out, I would totally recommend this conditioner. First of all, it has a creamier consistency than the Treatment, making it much easier to spread throughout the entire head. I love that you only need to take two-minutes out your day to see results from this conditioner. It totally revives my droopy, lackluster curls.

Lustrasilk Olive Oil Cholesterol
Water, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, olive oil, cholesterol, soybean oil, safflower oil, wheat germ oil, aloe vera extract, fragrance, vitamin e, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, phosphoric acid, DMDM hydantoin, disodium EDTA, yellow #5, blue #1

This conditioner costs under $3 for 20 oz. bonus size, making it the holy grail of the cheapie deepies. The main ingredient is water, and although no other component following is impressive, this product packs a serious punch of moisture. I use it as a leave-in to give my hair weight so curls can form. Lustrasilk Olive Oil Cholesterol imparts an immense softness to my blow-dried or air-dried kinks. The best part about this frugal buy is that it makes a great conditioner base so I can get as creative as I want to vamp up the effects.

D.I.Y. Hair and Skin Mixes

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 14:51:00 +0000

Learn some of my favorite recipes for treating your hair and skin

I would love to consider myself the original "mixtress" when it comes to hair products (how ever delusional the thought may be). I love stretching the length of my products--especially conditioners--with extra ingredients from the earth. Here are a few of my favorites:

Loosen and soften hair texture
1 bottle of Pantene Relaxed and Natural Hair Mask
3 tbsp. of 100% coconut milk
3 tbsp of 100% pure honey
1/2 tsp. with coconut oil
1/2 tsp. of Jamaican black castor oil
1/2 tsp. of jojoba oil

If the coconut milk is solid, melt it to about room temperature. Add the honey and whip. Once slightly cool, add the oils. Mix everything into the the conditioner. Use with heat for 45 minutes.

The first time I put this one together I got great benefits. It was so hydrating and I found my curls were much looser, although the effects were temporary. My hair was so smooth to the touch and it was very easy to detangle. Enjoy.

Tropical Skin Brightening Masque

1/2 of a ripe papaya
1 tsp. of strawberry powder
1/2 tsp. of yogurt or yogurt powder
1 tbsp. of Multani Mitti powder

Mix all ingredients with hot water and blend in mixer. Apply to face until dry. Wash off with hot water.

Molasses Strengthening Masque

3 Tbsp. of Cholesterol conditioner
3 Tbsp. of Africa's Best Organics Hair Mayonnaise conditioner
1 tbsp of Blackstrap Molasses
2 tsp of Shea butter
1 tsp. of grapeseed or avocado oil

Melt the shea butter and oil together. Let cool for 10 minutes or until room temperature. Add Blackstrap Molasses to shea/oil mixture. Mix both conditioners together. Add the oil/shea/molasses mix to the conditioner. Apply to hair and use with heat for 30 minutes. Makes a great pre-poo and mild protein treatment.

12 Major Hair and Skin Issues -- Solved!

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:16:00 +0000

12 Major Hair and Skin Issues -- Solved!

Get help for everything from cystic acne, hair breakage, psoriasis and more

Sure, we all get the occasional breakout or dry patch of skin, but if you're suffering from a more serious hair or skin issue then you need serious help. Get it here.

See issues

Happy Halloween: Meet Katerina Graham of The Vampire Diaries

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:11:00 +0000

Meet Katerina Graham, the star of the CW's new show Vampire Diaries.

Katerina Graham is the beautiful Liberian and Russian-Jew star of the Vampire Diaries. Graham speaks on her role as Bonnie in the new series below.

Actress Katerina Graham as "Bonnie"

Katerina has medium thick and relaxed curly hair to start.

To achieve this look:

1. Shampoo and condition hair with White Sands Vegan Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner to improve hydration levels and stand strength.

2. Spray on White Sands Porosity the Fix and apply Curl Up in Silk Medium Mousse to define texture and remove frizz, drying tresses under a hairdryer.

3. Spray entire head with White Sands Liquid Texture Medium Hold.
Take 1-inch partings, starting at nape. Gather each 1-inch section and hold a 1 ½ inch curling iron vertical and wrap hair around barrel from scalp to ends.

4. Let curls drop and separate with White Sands Smudge Texture Creme for a soft relaxed curl look

Product Review: Curls Asian Tea Ectasy and Soufflé

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:07:00 +0000

Oh, bother. I'm finally trying Curls conditioners for the first time and I'm not so sure if I like them.

Disclaimer: I absolutely despise writing poor reviews, especially when I feel as if I am the only one whose hair repudiates a company's record of excellence. I want my readers to take into consideration my hair type and the thickness of my hair. I am a kinky-nap natural. I have very small, very tight curls. It is not to say that these products don't work at all. It is not even to say that these products could or could not work for your hair.

I was so excited when I read that Curls was having a 20-percent off sale last week. I've tried samples of two Curls for Multi-ethnic Women and Girls products: the Quenched Curls Moisturizer and the Curls Souffle.

I loved the Quenched Curls (it is a spray moisturizer). It gave me a bit more "oomph" than I got with Jane Carter's Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner but more viscous than the Blended Beauty Silkshake.

Last Sunday in particular was probably the best day to test the effects of a new product on my hair. I had just taken out my twists and had a slew of breakage from not detangling properly...and using Fantasia IC gel with Sparklites.

Even my own family could not believe the amount of hair all over the tub.

Curls Asian Tea Ecstasy conditioner

Purified Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Octyl Palmitrate, Behentrimonum Methosulfate, Certified Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearth-20, Certified Organic Ho Shu Wu Extract, Certified Organic Green Tea Extract, Certified Organic Chamomile Extract, Certified Organic Calendula Extract, Mango Butter, Shea Butter, Panthenol, Soy Protein, Citric Acid, Quaternium-15.

So, I had very high hopes for the Curls Asian Tea Ecstasy. I shampooed my hair entirely too much trying to get all the gel out of my twists. It was breaking like crazy and parched. In fact, when I tried to rub the conditioner in my hair the resounding noise that followed was "crunch!"
Ugh.
I applied globs of the conditioner all over my super-thick 4b hair. You might ask, "why globs when the bottle came with a pump?" When I got my package in the main the pump on the top of the bottle was broken. Yep...
That was strike one.

The conditioner is very rich and thick, making it very difficult to get out of the slim-neck pump bottle. I actually wished it cam in a tub or jar so I can just dunk my hands in and scoop the conditioner out.

I sat under my bonnet dryer for a little past an hour. As soon as I rinsed the conditioner and tried to separate my hair with my fingers my hands got tangled. My hair was not smooth at all. I could not pull it back. It broke off everywhere.

One nasty mess.
I ended up washing again the next day, used the Aphrogee 2-Minute Keratin treatment, Avanti Silicone Mix and Pantene Relaxed and Natural mask. I first deep conditioned for about 5 minutes under the dryer using Aphrogee 2-Minute Keratin mixed in with Avanti Silicone Mix. I did notice a bit of a spring to my hair but I still had much frizz.
Afterward, I added honey, coconut cream, coconut oil and jojoba oil to a new bottle of Pantene Relaxed and Natural mask.
My hair was definitely back to normal after that.

Ingredients: purified water, certified organic sunflower oil, octyl palmitate, certified organic aloe vera leaf juice, glyercin, glyceryl stearate, potassium stearate, panthenol, stearic acid, sodium carbomer, allantoin, cetearyl alcohol, sweet almond oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, soy tocopherols, phenoxyethanol, fragrance.

I've kept a small 2-once sample of Curls Soufflé for a while, savouring every drop. It works like a soft hold gel without the alcohol or stickiness. It moisturizes like no one's business, too.

The product is very gelatinous and gooey. When you pick it up it just plops right back into the bottle. It also has a creamy texture, making it easily spreadable styler.

I used this when I was transitioning to slick back my edges. Now, I apply it to my hair when to bring out waves (practically microscopic) when I slick the first inch of my hair back, sort of like this photo of Beyoncé.

After, I apply my leave-in of choice (in this case, Qhemet Biologics Amla and Heavy Cream) on sopping wet hair. I rake my fingers through my hair with the product on my fingertips and scoop the product into my tiny coils.

Afterward, while my hair is still soaking wet, I use the Denman brush to smooth back the front of my hair, including my hairline and add a teaspoon of the Curls Souffle to hold.
I also put the Curls Soufflé on the ends of my puff to ward of humidity and to keep the ends of my hair from frizzing when I pick my fro. I like my ends to be curl and the coils well-defined (I hate a straight Afro or one with zigzag ends).
A very little amount goes a long way if you have short or medium thickness hair.
If you are a thick curly natural, you may want to try the Whipped Cream. This style won't force your hair downward like with the other styles.

Nuscents: YSL Parisienne

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:32:00 +0000

Total Beauty has been on a roll as of lately. Read my review of Yves St. Laurent's new fragrance, Parisienne

Have I died an gone to Paris?

Is it just me or do you too hate being girl in the office who aggravates everyones flippin' allergies with stinky cheap perfumes?

I'm very sensitive to scents and I am sensitive to other people's allergies. Strong smells wreak utter havoc on my allergies and my asthma.
I've been looking to upgrade my selection of perfumes from cute celeb-inspired eau de crapper water to more grown up, "pretty" scents. I don't want to go to the E.R. because the odor of my perfume is so strong that I collapsed my own lungs.

But, I love fell in love with YSL's Parisienne. It is so desirably romantic; so indulgently lush yet so remarkably understated.
The bottle is simple yet girly. When I look of it I imagine walking by the Seine, skipping rocks gaily like in Ámelie. I'm too busy for a bottle that is too frou-frou. Just a waterford-inspired bottle with embossed black sticker.

One of the first notes I picked up was the sandalwood. I like that powdery forest smell. I also enjoyed that the femininity of this Parisienne; they took a note that I more associate with cologne (sandalwood) and infused it with Damask rose.

I am crazy about the fact that the liquid itself is pink!

I've been using it every day all day--which is exactly what I wanted. A fragrance that if had to go out of town I can carry this one bottle with me to go to work, attend a party, and enjoy snuggle time with someone special. Parisienne is very versatile in that way.

A total must have.

New Product Review: Neroli Rose 100% Skin Care

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:26:00 +0000

Things did not go so well for my Neroli Rose samples. Or, did they...?

This has always been my gripe with all natural products: given certain weather conditioners they melt or freeze while being shipped . I received my samples from Neroli Rose months ago and, up to now I cannot get them to return to their original texture. Poo.

When I received my Neroli Rose eye cream, wrinkle treatment and stretch mark cream most of it leaked as soon as I opened the jar. This severely limited my ability to type up a positive review. I was missing half of the product from the very beginning.
Not to mention, the leakage stained my clothing. Bah humbug.

The scent is definitely strong. You can smell the fennel and geranium before you smell anything else. Usually I like the "hippie-dippy" smell of natural products but this cleared my sinuses.
I adored that Neroli Rose's products are 100% natural. The eye cream reduces under-eye puffiness with witch hazel, lemon oil and shea butter.
Luckily it fades soon after you go outside because I do not want to go around people smelling like Mother Nature had diarrhea, lol.

I made sure to take before and after pics of my my under-eye area to prove whether or not the eye cream has the ability to reduce puffy circles or not.

Here are the results of my trial with Neroli Rose eye cream. I thought I saw a deflation in my under-eye puffiness. Let me know if you agree or not. You can purchase Neroli Rose eye cream for $20 at NeroliRose.com

10:57 A.M.

About 15 minutes later

About 11:47 A.M.

Hair Updates: 9 months natural

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Here are glorious pictures of my Afro growth, charted at 9 months.

So, I've come a long way from the start of my new natural journey. I've always had hair that grew like weeds but, I've struggled with keeping it on my head.

I thought going natural would present the same problems, so I committed myself to one single solution: I did absolutely nothing to my hair.

Instead of struggling to make perfect braid-outs, blow-outs and other overwrought styles, I kept it twisted and braided in extensions. During that period I educated myself on natural hair practices, stocked up on products and revamped my routine. Less stress, less mess.

Here are my hair stats:
Post- BC timeline: 10 months since I big-chopped.
Starting length: about two inches of new growth. Very short fro.
Texture: I am an undeniable 4b. Don't waste your time searching for any texture looser ( although, I have found the occasional 3b loop).
Length: I am currently nape length straightened.

Current staples

shampoos
Miss Jessie's Super Sudsy shampoo
Chagrin Valley Cafe Moreno
L'Oreal EverPure Rosemary Mint

rinse-out conditioners
L'Oreal Everpure Rosemary Mint
Pantene Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Conditioner
Lustrasilk Olive Oil cholesterol

moisture treatments
Modern Organic Product Extreme Moisture
Pantene Relaxed and Natural mask
Mixed Chicks Deep conditioner
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment

Protein Treatments
Extreme Protein conditioners
Aphrogee 2-Minute Keratin
Miss Key 10-en-1
Avanti Silicone Mix

Hair tools
Denman D4
Denman D14
K-Cutter comb
Champion rattail comb
Jilbére detangling comb

Moisturizers and Stylers
Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Oil Heavy Cream; Burdock Root; Honey Hydrating Balm
Blended beauty Silkshake or Blended Cutie Kicks For Curls
Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue

Cheapies
Elasta QP Mango Butter
Africa's Best Kids Organics Shea Butter Detangling Lotion
Pantene Nature Fusion Smooth Vitality Conditioner
Lustrasilk Olive Oil cholesterol

Anyhoo, here are the links to the vloggers, websites, fotkis and blogs that continue to inspire and help me along my journey. Shout out to:

Tightly-Curly

Cynthiaf's YouTube

Kimmaytube's Youtube

Fotki's

http://members.fotki.com/EmpressRi/
Amazing product reviews. This woman has just about anything and everything out there on the market. Her Fotki is also completely well organized, too.

http://members.fotki.com/AFashionSlave/about/
http://public.fotki.com/Honesty/
http://members.fotki.com/Caisha/
http://members.fotki.com/jenteel/
http://members.fotki.com/growinback/
http://members.fotki.com/TishanaCher/
http://members.fotki.com/SPRINGYHEAD/
http://members.fotki.com/LeChatRouge/about/
http://members.fotki.com/Inspired09/about/
http://members.fotki.com/Copa-canary/
http://public.fotki.com/cluelessaka/

Product Showdown: Caress Evenly Gorgeous vs. Nubian Heritage Ivorian Cocoa Shea body wash

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Caress promises to make yours the same but, are the claims true? How exactly do they measure up to Nubian Heritage Ivorian Cocoa Butter Body Wash.

Thanks once more Total Beauty for sending me the new Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash and soap.

Caress introduced this summer a new body wash and soap that promises to turn dull, drab complexions into glowing sphere of beauty.

I started using Nubian Heritage Ivorian Cocoa Butter Body wash recently right after I ran out Caress Evenly Gorgeous Exfoliating Body Wash. I liked the both and would definitely repurchase both without any hesitation.

Caress has always delivered great results for a commercial beauty product. I used to buy their Glowing Touch body wash and in-shower lotion for a hot minute. I found it to be incredibly effective against my dry, easily agitated skin, so I have a long-standing history of excellence with Caress.

The Evenly Gorgeous body wash was heavenly. From the moment I opened the bottle I was enveloped in the scent of warm karite butter and brown sugar. In fact, every single time I took a bath I felt that I was getting an amazing spa experience. The steam from my shower premeated the fragrance of warm cookie made bath time a delectable event.
The moisturizers and exfoliating sugars in the product worked but I would have liked it if the product was more of a moisturizing scrub than a body wash-- with a bit of sugar crystals sprinkled in.
That would be the only component of this product that I would change: more sugar!

Nubian Heritage is pretty new to me. I know my aunt is obsessed with the lotions. I would always ship them to her.
I just started using the Ivorian Cocoa Shea body wash with chocolate and hazelnut. Trust me, they loaded on the chocolate! Oh my goodness! My bathroom smells like I died and went to Mrs Fields' heaven.
The body wash is actually made of natural soap and is loaded with hazelnut oil and cocoa butter, making it extremely rich. I'm surprised that the product does not get stuck in the small opening! You could wash your skin with this, run on with your day and not have to think twice about using lotion. My skin was not dry, parched or itchy afterward.

The biggest difference between these two excellent products is the price and availability.
Nubian Heritage can be hard to come buy if your regular beauty store does not stock it. Plus, the average retailer sells it for about $12 for an 8-ounce bottle. Caress can easily be picked up at any major bargain retailer or grocer. They both were highly effective, highly emollient and washed clean. They are essentially the same product except is made of natural soap and the other is made of sulfates.

Get The Look: Eve at "Whip It" Premiere

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:40:00 +0000

Eve has not impressed me for a while when it comes to fashion and beauty. This week, I couldn't help but give her props for being stunning. Eve showed up at the premiere of "Whip It" in this punk-inspired outfit with a slashed bustier and ripped boyfriend jeans. My favorite part of this ensemble is this bright beautiful pink gloss. It so complimented her skin. Look below to get this look for only $500.

Top 10 Emmy Awards Looks You Can Wear Now

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:09:00 +0000

Top 10 Emmy Awards Looks You Can Wear Now

Not a celebrity? Doesn't matter! We share how to make red carpet hair and makeup looks wearable for every day

Top 10 Emmy Awards Looks You Can Wear Now

Not a celebrity? Doesn't matter! We share how to make red carpet hair and makeup looks wearable for every day

Sure, it would be nice to walk the red carpet like Heidi Klum, Kim Kardashian or Drew Barrymore, but most of us will never get the chance. However, that doesn't mean we can't have red carpet-worthy style every day, right? That's why we pulled together easy-to-do tips from celebrity hair and makeup artists for our favorite Emmy Awards looks.

See looks

"Sex" in the News: Samantha is getting married?

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:53:00 +0000

Samantha Jones is getting married? Say it ain't so!

Paparazzi caught Kim Cattrall on the set of Sex and the City was snapped walking the streets of New York City in a wedding dress.
Does this mean that Manhattan's resident bad girl is set to tie the knot? According to leaks from the SATC2 scripts, Smith Jared (played by Jason Lewis) might be her new hubby!

Aw... I always knew they would get married someday! Cancer really brought her life into perspective. Who knows? Maybe a miracle will happen and we'll catch her carrying around mini-Jones-Jerrod babies in the SATC3.

source

New Product Review: L'Oreal Everpure UV Protect Spray

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 13:16:00 +0000

Read my review of L'Oreal's EverPure UV Protect Spray

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, PEG 14 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, PEG 60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance, Camphor Benzalkonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Methylparaben, Benzophenone 4, Disodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract (Peppermint), Linalool, Rosmarinus Officinalis Oil (Rosemary), Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Coumarin, Limonene, Geraniol

This review is going to be fairly short and simply: epic fail of a product, for me at least. I used it twice. The first time I didn't really feel any nasty film--it could be that I did not pay attention the first time around.
I'm not sure what happened to my hair the second time I tried this product. Maybe it was because I applied it to my hair dry. Maybe I sprayed a bit too much. Nothing about this spray was moisturizing. Nothing about it nourished my hair.
The ingredients claim there is peppermint in the bottle but I could not even smell the peppermint.
I actually had to go wash my hair twice to get this nasty, gunky residue on my hair!
Fail. All around.

[Disclaimer: I'm really not a bitch like this but, I genuinely have no other way to describe this product. However, do not fret, L'Oreal; I have several other product reviews coming up from this company and they may possibly receive the "fabu" rating!]

New Product Alert: Paul & Joe Fall 2009 collection

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:54:00 +0000

Here's your first look at Paul & Joe Beauté's Autumn-Winter 2009 collection.

Kitschy fashion brand, Paul & Joe's new collection of makeup makes each item an accessory to every outfit on its own. I am totally enamoured with the cute coverings over the eyeshadow and lipstick. Lipstick C ($20) is a creamy emulsion of Apricot oil, Jojoba and Orange Flower water, making these delectable hues salubrious for your pucker.

Lipstick C shades:

Cruising: This juicy pink plum is perfect for anywhere your night takes you (#065)

RPM: Maximum beauty in minimally soft pink beige (#064)

Reckless: A racy red that will leave you anything but out of control (#063)

Color Powder CS $(24) has frosty, silky texture made with Hyaluronic acid and white lily extract for an easier application. The cloth covering creates a girly packaging.

Breathless: Pink Beige/Bordeaux – A breathtakingly sexy shade that will steal his heart (#063)

The Wild One: Blue Green/Navy – Dare to bring out your wild side with this bold duo (#062)

Verite: Off-White/Gold – A natural hue that brings out your inner beauty (#061)

Get The Look: Sarah Jessica Parker on set of new Sex and The City 2

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:29:00 +0000

.

Get Carrie's style from the new Sex and the City movie.

The role of Carrie (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) is iconic. Her quips of aligning inanimate objects to romantic feelings will having us doubling over in laughter, while her enthralling style inspired millions of women.
In last year's spin-off flick, we witnessed flamboyant fashions that are significantly "Carrie". So far, with Sex and the City 2, I'm seeing her character tone-down. It could be attributed to the fact that she is a new wife. Look out for her unique shoes to spawn a million knock-offs. Big Aztec-inspired necklaces and flowing fabrics are adorning the picture above. I predict emphasis will be placed on the textural aspect of the clothes with ornate embellishments on wardrobe staples.

Source
Source

Get The Look: Miranda Hobbs Sex and the City 2 movie set

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:40:00 +0000

The girls are all back for a second movie. Sex And The City 2 started filming this month in Manhattan. Check inside to dress like Miranda and Carrie.

Cynthia Nixon as Miranda Hobbs

Miranda is the take-no-nonsense lawyer who is at constant odds with her career and her relationship. Miranda's style is a mixture of mommy chic with conservative edge.But, don't expect neutrals and acid-washed jeans on this parent?
Her main accessory is her flaming red hair and she works it with funky razor cuts. Miranda loves big bags that carry her whole life with her, from the office to the home.
Miranda changes the power suit from boring blue with white stripes to sexy with boho accents. I wanna work wherever she is!
I brought the best pieces inspired by the above photo for less than $500.

source

New Product Review: MAC Moisturelush Eye Cream and Origins No Puffery

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:31:00 +0000

I love the names that Origins give their products: No Puffery. How cute! See how this one-two combo works on my puffy eyes and dark circles.

Eek! There is nothing is more embarrassing than having to go somewhere (whether it is class, work, out on the town) with a dragged-down-looking face. I suffer from raccoon eyes-- an horrific side effect of being a college student--in perpetuity.

I don't mind using "lightening" products to permanently reduce dark circles, but sometimes you need something for those moments when you don't have 6-8 weeks to start seeing results!
When M•A•C first introduced the Moisturelush line, I wanted to purchase the eye cream but I was using another eye cream at the time ( something-something from Boots Botanics Moisturizing eye cream).
I saw absolutely no long term results while using the Boots eye cream. Nada. zilch. I did have moist skin under my eyes. And, that was it.

Origins had a big sale about a few months back and I purchased the No Puffery (where is my trademark symbol...). I loved the texture of the product (reminds me of pureed cucumber and Aloe Vera gel). I would apply a tiny drop on the under-eye area, rub it in a circular motion and rush off for my daily activities.

It certainly does what the packaging said it would: reduce the appearance of puffy eyes. My eyes did feel cooler. I would not say that my eyes looked brighter, just... glossy at first and then matte. And, once the product dried, my eyes looked flat and dark.

I needed to get an eye cream.

I happen to stumble upon this fabulous beauty spot that sells designer beauty brands for less. The Off-Saks outlet in the Sawgrass Mills! Yeah!
I bought the M•A•C Moisturelush eye cream and I started using it right away (conveniently, I happened to look like a truck ran over me because I was so incredibly tired) and I saw results. My eyes did look brighter and lighter (instantly) but they were a bit puffy.

I figured out once I started using the two products together I got exactly what I was looking for. I got the "de-puffing" effect of the No Puffery eye mask, but the moisture and the reduction of dark circles with Moisturelush eye cream.

It is funny how this worked out. I bought two products that I swore were not working for me and used them together to get the EXACT reaction that I wanted. I would recommend both products separate because they did work as promised. I do think that together I have a mega-potent cocktail.

Save Your Skin While Shaving Your Legs

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 03:35:00 +0000

Shaving your legs is dreadful, but Dr. Schultz’s Tip of the Week offers solutions to ease the pain!

Dr. Schultz’s Tip of the Week: Save Your Skin While Shaving Your Legs

With shaving comes irritation, nicks, and cuts, and none are more annoying than the ones that you get on your legs. But there's an easy way to avoid them, guaranteed: only use shaving gels, not creams or foams. Since there is so little friction with gels, they enable the razor to slide more smoothly across your skin without snagging any hairs (which is what causes problems). And as always, when it comes to shaving, only shave at the end of a shower when your skin and hair is most moist, and always shave first with the grain, and then if necessary for a closer shave, against it.
Click here to watch video.

And In Other Beauty News: 8•30•09

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:38:00 +0000

New York Times gives an (not-so-) impressive piece on natural hair.

I love the New York Times website. They can try to bring new and interesting perspectives on topics that affect the people. They are not afraid to publish topics that "go there." In Black Hair, Still Tangled in Politics, Catherine Saint Louis attempts to settle the "natural vs. relaxed" civil war that has been ravishing the black community.
Are you less black if you are relaxed or wear weaves? Are you trying too hard to be "African" if you wear your hair natural?

“For black women, you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” said Ingrid Banks, an associate professor of black studies at the University of California at Santa Barbara.

And, what exactly is good hair? Nia Long speaks on the pressures to have the holy grail of hair texture: "There’s always a sort of pressure within the black community, like ‘Oh, if you have good hair, you’re prettier or better than the brown-skinned girl that wears an Afro or the dreads or the natural hairstyle.’ ”

While this article brings in new voices from the women this issue effect the most, I found the overall piece superficial. The author did not delve deep enough to really get to the root of the problem or even tackled the many branches of the "good hair" tree. I guess I did not mind that they used Sasha and Malia as inspiration for the piece but, I still found the article lackluster.

There were some vague mentions to natural hair is the dominant symbol of the upwardly progressive negro:
“If you have natural hair, you’re considered more real, or in touch with your African-ness,” said Ms. Adusei-Gontarz, an assistant editor at Columbia University Press."[Photo]

But no mention to why weaves are demonized when worn on black women but a measure of status for white women. I loved the photo gallery of the different black women on the street with their hairstyles.

Le sigh. Read it anyway and see if anything sparks your fancy.

And, In Other Beauty News...

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Fefe Dobson speaks on Rihanna jocking her style and just so happens to looks glorious doing so.
New York Times says natural is as natural does.
Amerie's new video for "Why R U" solidifies her spot as a stunner.
Cassie...does Cassie....again. But, she looks fabú while doing it!

Why Fefe! You naughty, naughty minx!
Fefe Dobson, Canada's browning punk rocker, chatted with HoneyMag.com on various items, including her new album, her squashed envy of Avril Lavigne's success and Rihanna's bananas style-chomping.

Fefe has always been frank about how her race shaped her world so naturally, but I was shocked that she took the road of diplomacy instead is speaking up on the mistreatment of blacks in the rock industry. As they say, closed-mouth don't get fed.
I loved her new look. Check it out.

On Avril Lavigne's (former) success:

There was definitely a bit of jealousy on my end. For her everything was blowing up and for me it seemed like everything was a lot harder... Avril was first in the sense of that girl movement... I don’t know if it was a color thing. But I hope not.

On Rihanna's rockstaring:

I mean, for sure I question that, but who wouldn’t. She is supposedly a fan of mine. I try to take it as a compliment. It gets a little much when she starts getting the same tattoos as me...

Ouch...dra-ma! But, Fefe cannot talk too much because she's totally channeling Joan Jett in this photo for the article above. I'm living for the hair after I saw her video for "I Want You". Read the rest of the interview here for full responses.

The Best and Worst of the Real Housewives

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 03:23:00 +0000

Omigosh. These "Real Housewives" look absolutely horrible. You have got to see how bad they look!

The Best and Worst of the Real Housewives

Check out these looks -- proof that money does not always equal style

If attending charity galas and going to designer ateliers for fittings is your idea of being a "real housewife," then we know a certain cable channel that would like to hear from you. The "Real Housewives" have all the resources needed to look fabulous. Yet they frequently, and rather spectacularly, miss the mark. Here are some of the best and worst of the "Real Housewives" looks.

See looks

Apologies and Explaination

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:42:00 +0000

My apology for not updating regularly.

I know, HMS has been pretty lame lately. This summer has been incredibly difficult for me. Between school, work, homework and illness, I've barely had the time to write.

About 2-3 weeks ago I got sick with bronchitis, had an Asthma attack and an absolutely miserable virus. No, I did not contract swine flu, but I can tell you that if swine flu is any worse than this I would have had to beg the hospital staff to humanely euthanize me. That's right..."euthanize"...like a dog. Hell! Take me out to pasture for all a care.

All of this started on the week of finals. Yipee!

Not to mention, the one week I have enough free time and energy to stay up longer than 15 minutes, my internet goes out. So, I have no means to even add new posts.

Fantabulous.

Well, now my internet is working and I have a list of upcoming product reviews. I have not scheduled dates for these products but this is the order in which you will see them posted:

Q-tips new and improved packaging
M•A•C Moisturelush eye cream
Neroli Rose products
L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara
L'Oreal Revitalift Deep-set Wrinkle Repair 24-hour Eye Duo

New Product Review: Pink Dandy Facial Soaps

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:30:00 +0000

Since I'm rocking the two-strand twists this summer, I've decided to give my skin a natural beauty boost. Pink Dandy's facial soaps give my skin a luminous glow without stripping chemicals.

Skin care has always been a big catch-22 for me: I don't have major issues with my skin but when do run into a problems many beauty brands are capable of addressing in one custom-tailored line.
I suffer from very Eczema and Hyperpigmentation. It wasn't until I read Dr. Susan Taylor's Brown Skin: Prescription for Flawless Skin, Hair and Nails that I became more attentive to how my skin react to commercial products.

One of the tricks I learned through my summer reading list is creating and using natural ingredients for face and body masks. I love using fruit acids to tone and correct my skin but I cannot seem to find a body wash or soap that contains pure papaya, yogurt or strawberries enzymes. Why do I need these ingredients?

Papaya contain papain, a natural food enzyme that acts like little "scrubbers" to eat off surface skin cells. Papain is often use in natural skin-bleaching products because it gives off the appearance of a "brighter" complexion.

Strawberries contain the food enzyme AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid), another acid that removes the skin cells. The seeds from the strawberry are grainy enough for microdermabrasion without being irritating.

I use plain yogurt for the lactic acid, a very soothing and moisturizing acid.

I tried Nubian Heritage Papaya and Coconut soap but I wasn't crazy about the long shipping or the price. I found Pink Dandy, an all- natural body care company, through Etsy.com.

Pink Dandy is the sister company of Raw Beauty, a brand started by Janae Chang. Based out of Scottsdale, Ar., Janae has been whipping up food-inspired body treats since 2004, after becoming inspired by her culinary arts education.

I ordered the Organic Strawberry & Coconut Cream soap and the Tropical Paradise face soap. I was surprised by the fast shipping-- I ordered the item in the later half of the week but got my package at the beginning of the next week. The turnaround for organic beauty companies is much higher, so I wasn't expecting to get my product any earlier than a full week after the order date.
I loved the cute packaging and the little extra treat that Janae gives with every package. I got a sample size of the body scrub.

The soaps had no fragrance; I think you can actually smell the tallow or soap base and that was it. I was elated that I would have a soap that didn't clash with my perfume. The best part was instead of covering up a pretty basic soap recipe with fancy aromas she used actual papaya, coconut, strawberry, pineapple and yogurt.
The Strawberry and Coconut Cream soap had real strawberry seeds in it, so it doubled as a very gentle scrub and the Tropical Paradise soap had real papaya chunks in it. Both of those small details made bath time very enjoyable.

The Tropical Paradise soap seemed more gentle to my skin than the Strawberry and Coconut Cream, and believe it was because of the AHA that occurs in strawberries combined with the lactic acid. I really thought that the Papaya soap would have dried me out more than anything because of past experiences.

My only grouse with this line is the price. I suppose $4 for a bar of soap isn't incredibly overpriced for a bar of soap if I did not have to include shipping prices AND use this bar all over my body. I only bought the sample size but I don't see the full bar being much bigger.
The company cuts back on the price by offering free shipping for all orders over $50.

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Get Jordin Sparks beauty look from her hot new single, Battlefield.

I was completely awe-struck when I saw this video for American Idol-winner, Jordin Sparks' new single, Battlefield. Jordin looked completely stunning in every way humanly possible. I adore here two takes on the gilt smokey eye and the brün smokey eye. Both looks really brought out her beautiful almond -shaped eyes.

Prep

Jordin's face is very luminescent in the video, so I would prefer to go with a sheer look as her base. I have dry skin, so I would rather wear a richer primer to smooth out my skin, while using foundation for minor coverage. I would also put a primer for my under-eye area to make concealer and shadow application effortless[ Bobbi Brown Vitamin-enriched Face Base, $50, Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye brightener, $18].

Face

Sheer foundation with micro-opalescent qualities is better for this look than a matte foundation. Simple spot touch-up cover small blemishes without going overboard. Use the tinted moisturizer under the eye before you apply concealer--this will keep you from going overboard with a matte look. You want the skin to look as if it is glowing from within [Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup, $32; Stila Illuminating concealer].

Eyes

To recreate Jordin's "smokey"eyes, Rim the lid with Benefit BADgirl waterproof liner, applying thick lines. Apply a deep "dirty" brown in the crease of the eyes [Jouer Powder eyeshadow in Cappuccino] and right under the lower lash line. Dampen the eyeshadow blush to smudge the shadow. Extend the color a little farther than the edge of the eye to create an almond shape. Use a golden bronze all over the lid [ Jouer Cosmetics Powder eyeshadow in Chestnut] and a shimmering gold as your highlight [Jouer Powder eyeshadow in Caramel], directly under the brow and the corners of the eye towards the nose.
For a more subtle fashion, replace the darker shade for the contour with the bronze that would be used all over the lid--a nude color makes the eyes look natural. Go without the heavy dark eyeliner and switch to a soft, glimmering brown [Bobbi Brown Gel eyeliner in Chocolate Shimmer Ink].

Use a mascara with a wand that has teeth instead of bristles; the teeth will fan out your lashes, giving them a more lush look [Giorgio Armani Maestro mascara in Obsidian Black].

Lips

Jordin seems to be a big fan of nude lip gloss. Every time I see her, she's rocking some variation of that shade. Color within the lines by using a natural nude liner [Bobbi Brown Lip Crayon in Honeysuckle] and one coat of Jour Moisturizing lip gloss in Wind.

Cheeks

Both of these bronzers can be worn to turn a droopy face into high cheek heaven. Use the a large contour blush to sweep a deeper hue [ Bobbi Brown Bronzing powder in Deep] directly under the apples of cheeks, right under the Zygomatic bone. Use a larger Kabuki style brush on top of the cheeks for a soft shimmer [ Dolce & Gabbana in Natural].

Nails

Her nails were adorable in the video. Zoya's metallic polish can double up with a sparkly top coat to match her exact color [Zoya nail polish in Trixie and Sparkle Glass Topcoat]

10 Most Controversial Beauty Products

LuvinMyBeauty@gmail.com (LeAnne@Hairs My Story Team) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:19:00 +0000

Is this beauty product completely overrated or truly the bee's knees? Total Beauty lets us in one the most controversial products ever.

10 Most Controversial Beauty Products

See which skin care, hair, body and makeup goodies TotalBeauty.com readers can't see eye-to-eye on

Normally, readers generally agree if a product is good or bad and why. But sometimes they have extreme opinions on products, or they simply can't agree if a product is worth buying. Here we share the most hotly debated products on TotalBeauty.com.

See products