The Makeup Vixen

Natural Hair Care/fashion/beauty Black Friday 2011 Info

2011-11-15T18:45:00.001-08:00

Carol’s Daughter
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30326

Early Bird Friday Special: Store Opening 4am – 10 AM Spend $50 and receive a FREE 8 oz. Soufflé (fragrance of guest’s choice)
All Weekend Special: 30% off all purchases of $40 or more
All Weekend Special: Spend $50 and receive complimentary Mary J. Blige My Life Clutch

www.shop.blackonyxworld.com
OUR BIGGEST HOLIDAY SALE EVER!!!!
Thanksgiving Black Weekend Sale Thursday November 24th -- Monday November 28th
15% off Everything !!! Choose from items in Alikay Naturals, Nyamani Chic, and Diva Shop USE COUPON CODE : Giving2011

Karen’s Body Beautiful (Starting EARLY, Thanksgiving at 1pm EST) Black Friday 11/25 – Cyber Monday 11/28 30% off purchases over $25 coupon code BLACKFRIDAY

Camille Rose NaturalsJust in time for the holidays****CAMILLE ROSE NATURALS...BLACK FRIDAY SALE****Now until Friday at midnight get 25% off using Promo Code Black11***

50% OFF

ENTIRE WEBSTORE!

SALE EXPIRES 11/29/2011 AT 9:00 AM EASTERN STANDARD TIME, USA.
ORDERS PLACED PRIOR TO ANNOUNCEMENT WILL NOT RECEIVE THE DISCOUNT. NO RAIN CHECKS.

Henna Sooq:
Some products on sale

Kyah Alexandria

Pre Black Friday/Closeout Sale starting Monday, Nov. 21-Fri. Nov. 25.
Selected items 25%-50% OFF. Closeout sale will no longer be sold (unless Holiday items). There's no limit on purchases...First Come, First Serve. Get them while they last.

Sweet Creek Herbs free shipping sale that runs through Boxer Day, December 25 with $6 minimum.

Naturalista Cosmetics For Black Friday, we are extending our customer's the opportunity to purchase our #1 seller-Juicy Leave In Conditioner at the wholesale price of $13.50 per 8oz jar! This offer will be available starting November 25th and end at midnight. Only 100 Juicy Leave In Conditioners are available at this price so be sure to get stocked up for the holidays! This offer is only for the Juicy Leave In Conditioner and may not be combined with any other coupon codes. Coupon Code: naturalistacosmetics

For Small Business Saturday we are extending another offer for 15% off your entire purchase through Cyber Monday!! This offer is valid from Saturday, November 26th-Monday, November 28th at midnight and will be made public. You are welcome to share this coupon code on your blog or in online forums.

Coupon Code: blackfriday

Stock N Go 25% off, plus free shipping for orders over $50. Code BF25

AfroVeda EXTRA 30% OFF YOUR ENTIRE ORDER. OFFER ENDS AT MIDNIGHT CST ON 11/25/11 Promo code: BF2011

Naturel Lyfe Black Friday - Cyber Monday Savings!! Code: NATURELFriday, November 25th – 12a to 1:30a EST HALF OFF – No Coupon Code NecessaryFriday, November 25th – 1:31a to Monday, November 20th 35% OFF – Use Coupon Code – NATUREL

Natural Girls Rock 30% OFF ALL ORDERS OF $30.00 OR MORE! Code: Thankful Natural Girls Rock® is offering 30% on orders of $30.00 or more for BLACK FRIDAY DEAL!!! Deal Runs from 11/23 @ 12:00 a.m. – 11/27 @ 11:55 p.m.

Jmarie Natural Beauty Everything on Sale! Everything is 25% off! No coupon code needed

SumKindaWndrful 20% off your order Black Friday through Cyber Monday ONLY using coupon code THNX2011

MlleCafeAuLait Earrings THANKSGIVING DAY/ BLACK FRIDAY SALE!!!
20% coupon!! code: BLACKFRIDAY

Shea Essentials

These prices are vaild Thanksgiving Day through November 28, 2011.

20% off liquid cleansers
20% off Vitamin E oil
50% off Shea Cocoa Balm Sticks
10% off Vegan Royal Jelly
25% off Pure Jojoba Oil
20% off Grapefruit & Lime Butters
10% off Bulk Black & Shea Soap
$1 off Maggy's Soap Connection soaps

Rachel Stewart Jewelry
Black Friday 11/25 20% off your entire order use coupon code XTIME20 OR free shipping with coupon code FREESHIP.

Anita Grant Hey Beautifuls, We're having a Black Friday / Cyber Monday Sale! 20% off everything in stock + free shipping worldwide on all orders from 25th to 30th of November 2011. Enter code Cheers at check out.

Cush Cosmetics
40% off of their entire order from Nov 22-Nov. 30 Enter code: HOLIDAY

Curlformers 15% off Black Friday 11/25

KYNX THANKSGIVING SALE 11/24 – 20% off order with code iamgrateful

Oyin Handmade

On November 25-28, take 20% off your entire order! Plus, all domestic orders of $60 or more get FREE SHIPPING using code: thankyou2011. (All prices on the website will reflect the discounted price.)

Sale starts at midnight EST, November 25 and ends at Midnight EST, November 29. That’s right, you have FOUR days to take advantage of our Black Friday sale!

In-Store Sale

Our flagship store will be open on Black Friday 3-8pm and Saturday 12-7pm. Take 10% off all purchases on both days! Our store is located at 2103 N. Charles St, Baltimore MD 21218.

Original Moxie:
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale
30% off everything in the store, and free shipping for orders $60 or more

Bee Mine
Door Buster - 12am-1am EST - 30% off Code:1HR30
Sale - 1:01am-11:59pm EST - 25%off Code: 25BEE25
Cyber Monday - 12am - 11:59pm EST - 15% off Code:bee1528

The Pomade Shop Black Friday 11/25 – Cyber Monday 11/28 Free Shipping on everything use coupon code NATURALHAIRLATINA at checkout.

Karen’s Body Beautiful Black Friday 11/25 – Cyber Monday 11/28 30% off purchases over $25 coupon code BLACKFRIDAY

Komaza Care Black Friday 11/25 – Cyber Monday 11/28 25% off Just enter the promo code THANKS during check out and receive 25% off your order.

Curl Junkie Black Friday 11/25 – 11/26 20% off orders subtotaling $50 or more (excluding sample sets and pre-made sets/kits) use code BF2011 at checkout, flat shipping rates and free shipping offer on orders of $100 or more.

Blended Beauty 20% off, 2 or more items, from Friday 11/25 – Mon 11/28 use coupon code curlydouble. Any order that comes through with that special code is entered into a draw to win DOUBLE their order

Be Beautiful Black Friday 11/25 through Cyber Monday 11/28 20% all items, free shipping on orders over $20.

Bear Fruit Hair Black Friday 11/25 coupon code THANKS11 for 20% off everything.

Zipporah Beauty Black Friday 4 Day Sale. 25% Off your purchase.
Code:BFSale

Nounou’s Boutique Cyber Monday 11/28 20% off everything, FREE SHIPPING and triple rewards points.

Kyra's Ultimate Indulgence: November 25 - 28, enjoy 25% off all items with the coupon code: Thanksgiving. We will also have free shipping on all order over $50 (no coupon code needed)

Curly Kinks Black Friday 11/25 30% off everything

Tiiva Naturals is having 40% off for Black Friday! It's a nice long Sale too!
Discount Code = 40off

Pura Body Naturals - Date: Nov 25 – Nov 27 Details: BOGO FREE will be offered on some items

Butters-N-Bars.com - Sale Date: Nov 28 (Cyber Monday) Details: 20% OFF of EVERYTHING (no coupon needed) — Plus free goodies with the purchase of select items (i.e. -with purchase of Nourishing Herbal Hair Masque customer will get FREE heat cap)

Shescentit - Sale Date: Nov 25 – Nov 28 Details: 30% OFF of EVERYTHING using coupon code ‘Sheblfr2011‘ Also Sale Date: Dec 9 – Dec 12 Details: 25% OFF of EVERYTHING using coupon code ‘Decbeauty2011‘

Silk Dreams Hair Care - Sale Date: Nov 25 Details: 20% OFF of ALL rinse out and conditioning treatments — No coupon code necessary

Sagenaturalceuticals
Castleberry Hills in Atlanta, GA
Sale Date: Nov 25 IN-STORE Details: 30% OFF! 7 am – 9:59am 20% OFF! 10am – 7pm

Sale Date: Nov 25 ONLINE Details: 25% OFF of EVERYTHING from Midnight to Midnight using coupon code blacksage11

Donna Marie
Sale Date: Nov 25 – Nov 28 - Details: 20% OFF of EVERYTHING using coupon code ‘DMBLACKFRIDAY2011‘

Darcy’s Botanicals

Sale Date: Nov 25 (am – midnight) - Details: 25% OFF of EVERYTHING with a special gift in each order

BASK Beauty
Sale Date: Nov 25 (am – midnight) - Details:20% off every item in our stores (bask.com & Etsy) - still including free product samples w/ each order as well as U.S. Flat Rate Priority Shipping of $5 no matter the order size! Discount Code valid for that day only = THANKFUL

Sevi

Sale Date: Nov 25 – Nov 27 - Details: 25% OFF of ALL hair & skincare products + 40% OFF of ALL mineral makeup

HairVeda
Sale Date: Nov 25 – Nov 28 - Details: 30 – 40% OFF of EVERYTHING plus FREE SHIPPING on purchases of $50 or more — with Door Buster prizes, and Green Bag specials

Marie Dean
Sale Date: Nov 25 (am – midnight) - Details: 25% OFF of EVERYTHING using coupon code ‘NOVSALE25‘ — note: Marie Dean will be on vacation until Dec 3rd and orders will not be processed until after the 2nd week of Dec.

Belle Butters
Sale Date: Nov 25 12amCST and end at 11:59pmCST - Details: receive free shipping on your order no minimum purchase amount required. Free shipping will automatically be zeroed out. Free shipping is available on both domestic and international orders.

On Cyber Monday, spend $35 or more and receive 10% off your order. You must enter the discount code ZE24CS at checkout to receive the discount.
sales begin at 12amCST and end at 11:59pmCST on their respective dates.

Jane Carters
Sale Date: 12 a.m. on Friday, November 25, 2011 - Details:

Buy 16 oz Curl Defining Cream, get Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner FREE
Buy Nourish & Shine, get Natural Hold Spray Gel FREE
Buy Twist & Lock, get Natural Hold Locking Spray FREE
Buy Hair Nourishing Cream, get Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner FREE

Brown Butter Beauty

25% off Black Friday Sale!!! Enter coupon Code "BlackFriday" at checkout starting Nov 24th at Midnight Eastern Standard Time!!

Miss Jessie’s BOGO 11/25 – 12/31/11

Afiya Black Friday Sale Offers Valid 11/25 and 11/28 Only No codes necessary Shop our Black Friday Collection to cash in on these great offers! Shop Friday 11/25 or Monday 11/28 12:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. ONLY!!!

Beija-Flor Naturals Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale Code: GIVETHANKS 15% Off the entire store. Plus FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $65.00.

Mozeke Black Friday Sale Terms and Conditions Door Buster Black Friday Sale 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon) CST everything is 50% off.From 12:01 pm - 5:00 pm CST everything is 30% off.No discount code necessary.No rain checks.Minimum order amount $10.

Botanical Spirits All products on sale from 25-40% off from Nov 25 midnight to midnight. Nov 26 from midnight until Sunday 15-20% off

Camille Rose
enter discount code: CRN
This coupon entitles you to 25% off any purchase $14 and up!

Koils by Nature's
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday Sales will be like no other!
$3.00 Shipping On Orders $49; Under
Free Shipping On Orders $50 &; Above
November 25th @11:59pm EST.

Part 1 - Friday @ 5am - 8am
Part 2 - Friday @ Noon until Monday
November 28 @ Noon EST.
Check Out the Sales Below!
Save on Both the
Moisturizing Shealoe Leave In
&
Hydrating Shealoe Creamy Shealoe
SAVE, SAVE, SAVE!
Moisturizing Shealoe Leave In
Black Friday Price: $15:00

Hydrating Shealoe Creamy Conditioner
Black Friday Price: $10.00

This sale will begin
Friday, November 25th @ 5:00am - 8:00am
No coupon code required!
Save 40% Off 4oz & 8oz Butters
4oz Butters: $7.50
8oz Butters: $14.50

This sale will begin
Friday, November 25th @ 5:00am - 8:00am (est)
No coupon code required!
Save on the Sample Pack
Friday, November 25, 2011
5am - 8am (EST)
Black Friday Sale: $15.00
S & H: FREE

Some Fashion/Beauty info to share as well: BLACK FRIDAY - BEAUTY

Too Faced (November 25th-28th)
Free Shipping on Any Purchase click code BLACK11
Click For 50% Off All Too Faced Vintage Makeup (November 25th-28th)
FreeSHADOW INSURANCE Eyeshadow Primer with purchase from Too Faced Cosmetics! (Free gift with orders over $75.)(November 25th-27th)

Elizabeth Arden(November 25th-30th)
Get 25% Off + Free Shipping on ANY order click code BF2

ELF Cosmetics(November 24th-26th)
BOGO 50% Off when you spend $30 click code BLKFRI

Stila(November 25th only)
First 500 - spend $25 and get a 6-piece eyeshadow palette click code BLACKFRIDAY

Julep(November 25th & 28th only)
Free Shipping on Holiday Nail Colors + Gift Sets click Julep

TheBALM (November 25th)
40% off sitewide with code BLACKFRIDAY

Clinique (November 25th only)
Free Eye Look + shipping on $25+ orders

Eve Pearl (November 24th-28th)
40% to 55% off products with code BPTG2011

LA Splash Cosmetics (November 23rd-30th)
40% off selected products

Urban Decay (November 25th only)
$20 off Book of Shadows Vol. 4 to first 1,000 people to purchase w/ code BLACKFRIDAY11.

Benefit Cosmetics (November 22nd-28th)
Free high beam mini with $35 order w/ code HLDYMINI.
Free full-size thrrrob with $90 order code HRTTHROB.

MAC (November 25th only)
Black Knight Lipstick for sale one day only online

Cherry Culture (November 25th-27th)
20% off everything in the store.code TGS20.

ZPalette (November 24th-27th)
20% off on all Colored & PRO ZPalettes.
(Like their Facebook page to get an additional 10% off)

Butter LONDON (November 28th-30th):
30% off the entire site, use code CELEBRATE11

Shu Uemura (November 24th-29th)
Take 20% + free shipping on orders over $50

Sephora (November 25th)
Ten products will be offered at $10 each (Limit 2 per customer).
You can preview the items by liking them on Facebook.

CYBER MONDAY - BEAUTY

Too Faced (November 28th-29th)
Cyber Monday 10% Off All Purchase + Free Gifts click CYBERMONDAY11

ELF Cosmetics (November 27th-29th)
50% Off w/ all orders over $25 click50WIDE

Stila (November 28th)
Annual Cyber Warehouse Sale - up to 80% Off click Cyber Monday

Julep (November 25th & 28th only)
Free Shipping on Holiday Nail Colors + Gift Sets Julep.com
Borghese (November 28th)
25% off entire purchase with code 25CYBER11

Eve Pearl (November 24th-28th)
40% to 55% off products with code BPTG2011

LA Splash Cosmetics (November 23rd-30th)
40% off selected products, Nov. 23-30.

Benefit Cosmetics (November 22nd-28th)
Free high beam mini with $35 order use code HLDYMINI. Free full-size thrrrob with $90 order code HRTTHROB.

Butter LONDON (November 28th-30th):
30% off the entire site, use code CELEBRATE11

Shu Uemura (November 24th-29th)
Take 20% + free shipping on orders over $50

Faux Lashes (November 28th)
Every single pair of lashes is marked down plus selected pairs are up to 50% off

The Body Shop (November 28th only)
All products are 3 for $30 + Free Shipping

ULTA (November 28th)
Beauty will be offering 20% off Fekkai products, 25% off Ulta Blockbuster and Ulta Kits, and 25% off Pur Minerals. Also, you’ll get your choice of 3 sample bags with any $35 purchase.

Milani Cosmetics (November 28th only)
Use code CYBER 50% off everything + Free shipping

H&M

Black Friday Special: Save 45% on our Amazing 88 Color Tropical Matte Palette! Get Gorgeous, Shop Now!

YSL: 20% off now through 11/26 with code CYBER.
Ulta online sneak peak here.
Cherry Culture sale - here.
Butter LONDON (November 28th-30th): 30% off the entire site, use code CELEBRATE11
Eve Pearl: Up to 55% off, using code BPTG2011 (November 24-28)
Urban Outfitters: In-store, 50% off sale items until 10am, Online: Free Shipping, no minimum (Now through November 29th)
Three Custom Color:30% off the entire site on Cyber Monday using code “Cyber11″
Stila Cosmetics:The first 500 customers to spend $25 or more will recieve a free 6 piece eyeshadow palette and free shing using code “blackfriday”. On cyber monday, get up to 88% off during the warehouse sale.
Victoria’s Secret: Spend $10, get a secret reward valued at $10, $50, $100 or $500. (Through November 30th)
Shu Uemura: Take 20% + free shipping on orders over $50 (November 24-29)
Online pick up great deals from Perfumania starting on November 22 and ending November 27. There’s buy one get one for $9.99, 10 percent off select items and 25% off select gift sets and there’s also free shipping.

Blissworld Get 20% off Bliss, Elemis and Laboratoire Remede products for a limited time online. Get a free golden Cayman bag filled with six deluxe samples of Sisley finest with any Sisley purchase of $300 or more at blissworld.com. Use code CAYMAN. Valid through 12.31.

On Black Friday take $15 off purchases of $75 at BeautyBar.com.

Ann Taylor Loft everything online and in stores are 40% off

SUPER by Dr. Perricone is offering a “Joy of Giving” sale on their website. Starting Friday the 25^th - Monday the 28th, customers can enjoy $25 off any purchase of $100 or more. Code: JOYOFGIVING at checkout to apply discount.

On Black Friday you can get a lash application, free makeover or up to 30 percent off your entire purchase. Stop in at any Inglot boutique from 8 am to 1 pm on November 25 (see post).

ViolentLips are the temporary lip tattoos that have been worn by Jesse J and the Kardashians . For Black Friday and Cyber Monday, everything is 50 percent off online and there’s also free shipping!

At Bath and Body Works stores on Black Friday, if you spend $40, you’ll get a Black Friday VIP tote for $20. In the tote, you’ll find: Be Enchanted body lotion, shower gel and shimmer mist, Mistletoe Kiss gentle foaming soap, Mistletoe Kiss Pocketbac, Pocketbac holder, Liplicious Cranberry Kiss lip gloss, 20 oz Aromatherapy Nighttime Tea Body lotion, mini gauze sponge, Glitter Pump to be used with any signature collection body lotion or shower gel, two cosmetics bags, coupon for $10 off any Slatkin & Co three wick candles, Signature Buy 3 get 3 free, home fragrance 2 for $20 14.5 oz candles and $5 Wallflowers.

Online- like Bath & Body Works on Facebook or follow @LUVBBW on Twitter for secret in-store and online deals/giveaways all day long. Post pictures of your Bath & Body Works hauls on Twitter for a chance to win a $25 Bath & Body Works gift card. One card will be given away every hour from 5 am – 3 pm.

Spend $100 on Black Friday and Cypber Monday on Beauty.com and get the Erickson Beamon($150) bag filled with samples for free!

Urban Decay Who doesn’t love a gift set? Urban Decay’s Book of Shadows Volume IV is on sale for $44 on Black Friday online.

HSN is having a site wide sale. A preview of what’s going to be on sale: Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18MP digital SLR camera with 18-55mm lens and accessories, $849.95, Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler 400 thread count Egyptian cotton sheet set, $39.95, Imperial wall mount jewelry armoire, $160.95. Tune in on Thanksgiving Day for all the deals.

QVC is having a “Better Than Black Friday” programming/deals starting on Thanksgiving night and going through Cyber Monday. Look for cool gifts for everyone and great deals on Dell, Clarisonic, Philosophy, Keuring, KitchenAid and more.

Juicy Couture Black Friday has 30% of full priced track, hand bags, small leather goods and women’s outerwear.

On November 25, VS Pink has a $25 crew neck hoodie. There is also a PINK Nation Panty free with any purchase from November 29 through December 7.

Piperlime is going to be 20 percent off site wide for Black Friday the sale goes through Cyber Monday.

TopShop has a Black Friday fashion dash at their stores. Be one of the first 100 customers online and get a prize. From November 25 to November 26, if you’re one of he first 50 customers to check into TopShop on Facebook, you’ll get a free TopShop makeup item. Check in times start at 8 am, 12 pm and 6 pm ET. There’s also a limited edition gift with purchase. Spend $100 and get a woolen bow headband (while supplies last). You can enter to win in the ‘Win your Fashion Stash’: Enter into our holiday data capture competition for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree and a personal shopper appointment. There’s also 30% flash discounts: on November 25, it’s selected knitwear; on November 26, it’s selected coats and jackets; and on November 27, it’s selected accessories, shoes, lingerie and nightwear.

Endless.com’s sale kicks off on the 24th and ends on November 26. Take 33% off boots, slippers, athletic she styles and accessories, including bags, and jewelry.

Banana Republic From November 20 to November 24, save up to 40% off select Style Level promotions at Banana Republic. The sales continue on November 25, take 40 percent off purchases until 1:00 p.m. and 25 percent off purchases for the remainder of the day. November 26 through November 28, Save up to 40 percent off select Style Level promotions.

Old Navy In Stores & Online: GOBBLEPALOOZA 3D

•  EVERYTHING’S ON SALE!
Thursday, Friday & Saturday —11/24-26
Excludes Gift Cards

•  3 DAYS of EYE-POPPING DEALS!
New deals added each day

•  EXTENDED STORE HOURS!
Most stores open 9 am, Thanksgiving Day
Check your local store for hours.
Online deals start midnight, ET on 11/24

Get the whole scoop on what’s on sale, store hours & coupons plus
more fun stuff:
GOBBLEPALOOZA.COM
Gap Wednesday, November 23d to Sunday, November 27, get 60% off the entire store. The sale also includes: $19 women’s jeans and sweaters (select styles) and $15 GapKids and babyGap Pro-‐Fleece Gap Arch Hoodies on Friday, November 25h until noon. $10 men’s & women’s long-‐sleeved T’s (select styles) And 60 percent off GapKids Graphic T’s on Saturday, November 26h and Sunday, November 27.

Esprit’s sale starts on November 21. Through November 29, take 40% off the entire store, outlet stores and online. The Early Bird sale runs midnight Wednesday November 22 to noon, Friday November 24; take 50% off everything- stores, outlet stores and online. November 25th through November 29, it’s 40 percent off everything in stores, outlet stores and online. And on Cyber Monday, it’s 40 percent off site-wide.
Armani Exchange $50 off every $150 purchase in Armani Exchange stores only from Thursday, November 24 to Monday.

Great deals from American Eagle, aerie and 77 kids start on November 23 and end on November 27. Get 40% off all full-price and on sale items in stores.

French Connection kicks off their Black Friday sale early- on November 23. Get 30% off full price and on sale items. The sale ends November 28. Shopping online? Use this discount Code: FCBLKFRI

JIBRI

Curve Appeal (North Atlanta) - Open Thanksgiving evening from 4-7pm for friends and family. Black Friday 50% off as well as an additional 30% off if they bring in a new Christmas

toy.

Boutique Larrieux's promotion is as follows: Friday-Monday with any purchase of $200 or more, you can pick your own promo either a free scarflace or 15% off. Online codes are FSCARF for the scarf 15OFF for 15% off.

Lola & Gigi - 25% off selected fall/winter merchandise.

City Chic

Ashley Stewart - 40% off of everything - No Exclusions. They are great for tights, a great time to stock up!

Curvy Girl's Guide - Everything is 30% off. The Curvy Girl's Guide to Style (book) will also be on sale for $9. Inbox chastity@garnerstyle.com to get the price adjustment.

Asos - 30% off Winter Style Updates

K Staton Boutique (Baltimore, MD) - 50% off all Outerwear, 30% OFF Dress, 25% off bras & panties, & 20% off Denim plus take an additional 10% clearance items! Open from 10am to 8pm.

ProActiv review from my Influenster Cosmo Voxbox

2011-11-14T23:34:00.001-08:00

Influenster is a company that sends products to it's members to review. Now mind you, this is NOT a free program or service, it is mandatory that you test the products they send you and post reviews about it, answer survey's and mention the products in a video, blog, facebook, or twitter account. You first sign up for free, and fill out survey's for badges depending on your interests. Say for instance you like to do outdoor activities. You fill out the survey and you earn the "outdoor activities" badge. Then based on your answer's Influenster will further look into your survey and if you qualify for a box based on the "outdoor activities" badge then they will contact you asking if you would like to receive a box. After you accept or decline, the rest is up to you and you have to review the products they send in the box when asked to.

I received my first Voxbox, the Cosmo Voxbox and included was the Proactiv's 3-step system. It retails for $19.95 and can be purchased from:

http://www.proactiv.com/

Proactiv is a 30 day 3 step system. Per Proactiv's product description:

The Proactiv 3-Step System included the renewing cleanser, revitalizing toner and the repairing treatment.

Renewing Cleanser: A unique oil-free formula that contains smooth, tiny beads to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities, plus prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores, attack bacteria and heal blemishes fast. I tried it and it works like a charm. For me this is a preventative measure since I don't have bumps, pimples and blackheads at the moment.

Revitalizing Toner: A refreshing, alcohol-free toner that helps balance skin tone and remove dead skin cells to reveal the vital, radiant skin beneath. Contains our special formulation to balance skin's natural acids, witch hazel to refine and purify pores, aloe and chamomile to soothe and soften, plus allantoin, a moisturizing and skin conditioning agent. Removes excess surface oil without drying, leaving skin. I tried it and it was nice, a little refreshing, but not something I need to use on a daily basis.

Repairing Treatment: Our light, oil-free lotion contains finely milled prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to heal blemishes and help prevent future breakouts. The advanced delivery system in Repairing Treatment is safe for your entire face. If problems ever do arise then I know what to treat it with, this repairing treatment. It's a nice addition to my pimple fighting arsenal of products.

I got some VitaBath with my November 2011 Influenster Cosmo Voxbox

2011-11-09T23:15:00.000-08:00

Loving your Vitabath Fragrance Collection Body Wash? Have you heard of Vitabath Body Wash? Well I didn't until I got home and received my Cosmo Voxbox from Influenster and in that box was the Vitabath Pink Frosting Body Wash for me to test.

OMG, the first thing I did was crack open this bottle and smell it and to my surprise it smelled like cupcakes and buttercream frosting. I knew I would be in love with it from the start. When it came time to take a shower I was elated to bring along this little pink gem to the shower with me. I applied it to my shower sponge and it slide out smooth, not too loose and not too thick with a light pink hue. That shower experience was heavenly as buttercream frosting and sweet smelling aromas are my favorite, Influenster sent me the perfect Vitabath scent to test.

The second time I tried the Vitabath was in the tube on a wash clothe. The lather just wasn't the same and I highly recommend using it on a sponge if you really like suds and lather like I do.

All in all I really like this bath wash. I have already been to the site to check out the other fragrances that they offer and I am ready to make my purchase. I want everything from their Cupcake Couture Collection and I know that I would love every scent. But don't think I'm not peeking at that Wild Red Cherry scent from the Fruit Fanatic Collection, LOL.

Oh and did I mention that Vitabath has your best interests in mind with because it is formulated with antioxidant rich super fruits like Acai, Goji, Coffe, Noni, Pomegranate, Green Tea and Mangosteen. Plus it has mega conditioning properties from their usage of vitamin A, B3, C, E and Pro-Vitmain B5.

On the Vitabath website they are current;y running a sale on their Body Wash for $9.99 and you get a whopping 12 oz bottle.

Revamped Blog

2011-10-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to really start getting into blogging and vlogging because it's something that I always wanted to do. I have revamped this blog to have a more sleek and up to date look, I hope you like it. I am also trying out new cameras so I can be better at product reviews and vlogging in the future.

The camera that I decided on is the Canon SX40, it just released a month ago and I'm really loving it. It's not a SLR but it's the next best thing. I love the zoom and I was so surprised when I could see the moon is such detail. I really want to try out the video feature soon. My only other choice was the Nikon D5100 but because of the price I didn't feel that it was worth it. I did go to YouTube to see if there were any complaints in the Video quality and there were tons of complaints so I opted for the Canon. So far I am happy with my purchase and I am looking forward to do a full review on it.

On a personal note, I was at the doctor's office trying to explain to him that my back condition had gotten worse and it happened on front of his very eyes. There was a pop in my upper back and my entire left side went numb, cold, and my hand turned blue and then black. All of this from a fall at work. I have never had upper back issues before and I'm not thrilled about how long it's taking to recover. It feels like everything hurts. I really wish I could go swimming, it was the only thing that helped any body issues I had in the past but trying to get clearance to do anything is super frustrating. I really just want to exercise so I don't get any weakness but it's like no one wants me to, how frustrating is that?!?

Well I hope to have more to talk about soon as I was finally selected to do a Vox Box review and I still have tons of Natural Hair Care products to talk about.

Kisses XOXO
J

Sephora Friends and Family Sale, Open to the Public!

2011-10-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sephora Friends and Family Sale, Open to the Public!:

The fine print: Visit www.Sephora.com/friends and enter your email address

Offer valid 10/20/11 through 11/2/11 at 11:59 pm PST/PDT with any merchandise order on sephora.com

Online promo code cannot be used in retail stores or sephora inside jcpenney. Enter your unique promotion code during checkout to receive 20% off your entire online merchandise purchase

Promo code may be only be used once, is non-transferable, is not valid on previous purchases, on Canadian online purchases, nor with the purchase of eGift certificates or gift cards

Only one promo code per email address and only five email addresses per computer

Cannot be used in conjunction with other promotions/offers

Sephora reserves the right to end or change this promotion offer at any time

By providing your e-mail address, you agree to receive e-mail announcements in accordance with our privacy policy

Friendly reminder from Krissy:

This promotion is normally reserved for friends & family of Sephora employees and it is not the same as the annual Beauty Insider/ V.I.B. sale. If you happen to know a Sephora employee ask if they can send you the Friends & Family card with the code that can be used in-store…but if you know someone they would already tell you that your card is on its way …hey it doesn’t hurt to ask lol.

Fall Favorites 2011

2011-10-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

As we step into Fall, dance our way down the Halloween streets, hop over to Thanksgiving and hang out at Christmas I wanted to go over some of my favorite Fall Products with you.

For Hair:
Poo: Terressentials Left Coast Lemon and Henna Sooq Berhempsu Poo Bar
Conditioner: SheScentIt Pomegranate Curl Quenching Conditioner is new to the line up. Not as impressed as I am with the Avocado Conditioner but has excellent slip, great smell, and smoothing to my hair
Deep Conditioner: Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Hair Mask
Butter: My butter of choice right now is the Afiya Healthy Hair Butter in Amber
Seal: Hemp Seed Oil

Face:
Foundation: Makeup Forever HD Foundation is in heavy rotation for my fall face. Excellent coverage.
Brush: I am loving my new baby Sigma f82 face brush
Eye: Never the same, lol
Blush: Pleasantry by MAC has been a go to for a few months now
Lips: I am really loving MAC Snob and MAC Saint Germaine

Body:
Soap: Lush Honey I Washed the Kids, Lush God Mother and Chagrin Valley Dead Sea
Soak: I'm loving the Lush bubble bath but the most moisturizing treat as been the Chagrin Valley Multi Butter Bath Melts. Only one and I'm soak for 48 hours
Clothes: Kyionna has really captured my heart this season for Deep V neck shirts but I think I'm going to start getting into Thirifting, looks like fun, hopefully my bad back wont stop my shopping, might have to stick to mail order.

Shoes: I found these lovely Calvin Klien Wedge Nude Heels that I want to wear but my back problems are really hard to deal with. Hopefully by Christmas I will have something to wear with them and my back would have improved.
Accessories: JewelMint is really putting out nice pieces but i love this necklace that I can add my favorite perfume to so I can smell it all day long on my necklace.

Spring Hair Rotation

2011-05-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few products that are in my hair rotation for spring:

Shampoo:

Garnier Frutis Length and Strength

Curl Junkie Daily Fix

Deva Curl No Poo

Chagrin Valley Poo Bars

Oyin Handmade Honey Wash

CoWash Conditioners:

Yes To Tomatoes

SheScentIt Avocado Conditioner

Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp

VO5 Moisture Milks (Strawberry)

Deep Conditioners:

Karen’s Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Hair Mask

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment

Leave-In Conditioners:

Curl Junkie Smoothing Lotion

Curl Junkie Beauticurls Leave-In

Pura Body Sapote Hair Milk

Komaza Care Califia Hair Cream/Milk

Curl Junkie Curl Rehab

Kylah Alexandria Leave In

Curl Junkie Hibiscus & Banana Deep Fix (for added Protein)

Stylers:

Eco Styler Blue

Ohm Sweet Hair Pudding

Dacy’s Botanicals Madagascar Vanilla Twisting Cream

Komaza Care Califia Pudding

Moisturizers:

Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream

Belle Butters (all of them)

Kylah Alexandria Carliza Cream

Sealers:

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Revive Holistics Lakshmi Oil (UK)

Spring 2011 JBCO Challenge

2011-04-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Vixens,

On April 1st I began my new hair care regimen for the spring. Now I am still doing my product reviews on YT (now at 100 videos) but I needed to be consistent with a few products. Here is my new routine for thicker, fuller hair:

Shampooing:
I cleanse my hair only once a week (Sunday) but I do rinse my hair twice a week as needed but primarily on Wednesday. To cleanse my hair I use 3 products in rotation, Curl Junkie Daiy Fix Cleansing Conditioner, DevaCurl No Poo, and JBCO Shampoo. I make sure I technically only shampoo my hair once a month (using the JBCO shampoo) and the other times I use a cleansing conditioner.

Conditioners:
My conditioners are pretty much the same staples, Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp Conditioner and She Scent It Avocado Conditioner. Anything else that I use it for testing and vlogging.

Deep Conditioning:
I deep condition my hair at twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday), pretty much with every wash. It is very important to me that I deep condition with natural products, since this is one of the main products that penerate the hair shaft and can seal in the moisture. So I use Karen's Body Beautiful Luscious Locks Hair Mask or Curl Junkie Hibiscus and Banana Deep Fix. The Deep Fix has a smae dash of protein in it and I don't want too much protein in my hair diet because I'm allergic to the Wheat Proteins and still not too sure about other proteins yet, so minimal usae is best for me.

Wednesday Preperation:
On Wednesday night I will leave my Deep Conditioner in my hair because on Thursday night I have me Birkam Yoga Class. That's a heated Yoga Class that I attend in Redondo Beach. It's a very diffcult class on the mind, body and HAIR. So I make sure my hair is saturated is natural deep conditioners, it's like siting under the heated dryer for hours and hours and hours, lol.

Leave Ins:
I am using mostly Komaza Care Califia Cream with 2 tablespoons of JBCO added to the jar and 2 tablespoon of JBCO Coconut oil. I am still testing leave ins but I make sure I start off my week with this leave in on Sunday. Any other leave in I try for vlogging I seal with JBCO, I don't add it to the cream.

Sealing:
Of course I seal with Tropical Isle JBCO on my eands and throughout my hair but primarily on my ends.

Refresher:
I refresh my hair in the morning with Oyin Handmade Greg Juice or Juices and Berries. Once I have sealed with my JBCO the night before the spray isn't as sticky as some people complain about, it's not really sticky at all and it absorbs into my hiar nicely.

Style:
I try and keep my hair covered, in twists or a bun. Low manipulation is the key right now for me.

Inner:
Drink at least 4-5 16.0 fl oz water bottles. This is a challenge for me as I normally drink only 1 or 2. The Daniel Fast of eating fruits and veggies for 3 weeks. After the fast, becoming a Pescetarian (vegetarian plus seafood) is key. The right Omega's in seafood helps my skin, hair, mind and body.

Outter:
Tangle Teezer and fingers are my tools of choice. This keeps my hiar from breakage, detangles, less shedding and gives me fuller thicker hair.

Okay Vixens I must bring this post to a close now.

One Luv,
J

LA Natural Hair Meetup 3/27/11

2011-03-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with the girls Sunday. Check us out in the picture above (more to come)

This event was held at Mahagony Revolutions in Los Angeles near the Beverly Center. When I arrived the vendors were setting up and I had to call in reinforcments to get me to stop buying things, LOL. I walked away with some Shea Butter whips and a flamless candle burner (which I want to get my mom some of). The space was rather small so after we heard from the fabulous Kim Coles we took our exit (after grabbing a drink from the refreshments table, lol).

While there I meet two lovely ladies that were fans of my YouTube channel, ladies you were a joy to meet. Next stop was the Grand Lux at the Beverly Center where we talked about everything from hair to motorcycles to Anime to basketball. We also talked about the next meetup and our suggestions, I hope SisBoyd comes up with something grand because she knows I will be the first one at the door looking for our free sample products, LOL.

The only down fall of the day was after it was all over we went to the ATM and on the way back down the escalator my dress got caught and I had to rip it out. That was one of my good maxi dresses so my next stop will be grandma's house to see if she can fix it, LOL. I can repair small rips but this rip is ragedy and messy.

All in all we had a great time and I can't wait for the next meeting.

Thanks to my subbies that follow me on YouTube! It's about to get a lil more fancy since I'm using my skills I learned from LMU and my intership to add a little flare to my channel. Mighest well since LMU cost me so much freaking money to attend, LOL. My next video should be coming out the first week in April, I want to hit my 100th video by August and I already have 91.

Blessings,
MakeupVixen
aka TastiRedbone

Results: JBCO Hair Challenge with Hairlista

2010-10-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

Before Picture was taken April 15, 2010.

After Picture was taken October 15, 2010.

I used my mole to kind of track how much my hair grew. It seems that I have gotten about 5 inches of growth in 6 months. This is pretty good for me since I don't get much growth during the summer months, my hair grows the most during November-February months.

Now during this hair challenge I had to ease up on the JBCO because I found out that I'm allergic to the Extra Dark Formula and that was the only bottle I had left to use. So I only added my JBCO to my Organix conditioner and would leave a little in after I washed with it. I had to stop using the Extra Dark JBCO on my scalp and ends because it would seriously break my skin out with painful sores and pimples. Using it in just my conditioner was enough for me to reap the benefits of it.

I did however purchase the JBCO Shampoo and washed my hair once a week with it. It doesn't strip my hair and left it soft. For one month I tried the Bee Mine Mango Sulfur Hair Growth Serum every two days but it left my roots so dry and irritated that I stopped using it. I didn't see any benefits from it. I did test out the DevaCurl No Poo during this challenge and the AfroVeda Shea Amla (which I no longer will be purchasing because of the price hikes and lies from the owner). I have been using Qhemet Biologics as my moisturizer since September and I seal with Karen's Body Beautiful Jojoba Heavenly Oil in Chamomile Sage.

I do believe i owe a lot of my hair growth during these summer months to JBCO, it's a time that my hair doesn't really grow. I will continue to use JBCO but I will use it more in the summer months to keep my hair growing year round. I'm going to continue to use my JBCO in my conditioner and the Shampoo when needed. This winter I will be trying out Qhemet Biologics as a staple along with Shescentit Deep Conditioner. I will be hurrying to use up the last of my AfroVeda products before they spoil, if I would have known that they spoil so quickly I never would have purchased from AfroVeda.

Take care ladies,
MakeupVixen

Good Bye to Spring - Interview with Nappy Rutz

2010-05-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

Where are you from? Dallas, TX but moving to Atlanta in the next few months!!

What do you do? I’m doing Nappy Rutz fulltime as of recent.

What is your hair story (including when and why you went natural). My first 2 years of becoming natural was a bit different from the typical. I went from perm to natural by way of press. Like most, I didn't do the "BIG CHOP."

I allowed my stylist to persuade me into transitioning from perm to press by simply pressing the new growth and flat ironing the permed hair until it all grew off a year and some months later. Mr. Nobles was quite educated and had many years of experience in working with natural hair. While in transition my hair fell out only on the edges, as this is normal when transitioning. Luckily my hair grew back quickly and I had enough hair to wear a swoop bang for a few weeks to cover my edges. Becoming chemical free wasn’t so bad; I was still able to obtain my length plus much more. Years later would I have gone about it differently, NO. Am I a lot more educated about natural hair since 8+ years ago, YES!

For 2 1/2 FAITHFUL years I threw money down the drain by getting my hair FRIED, DYED and LAYED to the side every 2 weeks. SHOUT OUT TO M. Nobles, now residing in Cali. Don’t get me wrong my hair was beautiful but I paid anywhere from $55-$80 every two weeks, you add that up. I would not suggest pressing your hair on a regular basis. He held me hostage for 3 hours every other week. I wish I had my time and money back. Because I was so dependent of Michael’s services, it wasn’t until he took a short leave from the salon for me to see the light. Once I heard that, I didn't know what to do! Press my own hair?, Whateva! So I decided to get two-strand twists with extensions. Can't quite remember if I kept them in for 1 or 2 months but they were in for a while. Anywho, once I took the twists out it was OVA, I was like, awww now shut CHO MOUTH, I love the crinkles in my hair. Immediately, I fell in love with the waves the twists left in my hair. Enough said and the rest is history I never went back. Initially my hair did not have its natural texture for quite some time because of the continuous heat for 2 ½ years. I then started to tackle shampooing and styling my own hair, which wasn’t a problem. Had no idea what I was getting myself into and boy was I in for a journey.

I will never go back to creamy crack, why you ask, BECAUSE I’M CHEAP!!

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you've learnt from? Do research before adding color to your natural hair/ Do research on the stylist that claims to know how to color!!

What's the best/most effective thing you do for your hair? Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! My hair thanks me for it!!

What was your staple hair style during the transition? Press and Run answered above

What do you use in your hair/What are you favorite products to use? Pure Shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil and EVOO mixed together. it also depends on what style I like to achieve, I do use them individually as well.

What do you like about being natural? Of course the versatility, I can get 6 hairstyles out of twists, ( twists one week, up-do the next, twist-out the next and an afro thereafter

How did family and friends react to the new you? Oh they loved it b/c I somewhat knew what to do. What was your response to them? Thanks and you can do it too, and now all my siblings and my mom are natural.

If your hair had a nickname, what would it be? Nappy Rutz Why? B/c I love my Nappy Rutz, literally!

What are you passionate about, aside from natural hair? My business, which consists of “Nappy inspired tee-shirts and handmade earrings specifically designed with a Natural Woman in Mind.”

What is your wish for all black women? Love and Embrace your natural hair, and it will LOVE You BACK!!

Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?

Website: http://www.nappyrutz.com/

www.facebook.com/nappyrutz

Fotki Hair Album: http: //members.fotki.com/SlendernessNapps/about/

Friday Funny: Over 30 Crowd

2010-04-30T08:11:00.001-07:00

If you are 30, or older, you might think this is hilarious!

When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning.... Uphill... Barefoot... BOTH ways… yadda, yadda, yadda

And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in h#@# I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a d@*n Utopia!

And I hate to say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!

I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the d@*n library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!

There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10 cents!

Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our a@@! Nowhere was safe!

There were no MP3's or Napsters or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!

Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no CD players! We had tape decks in our car.. We'd play our favorite tape and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig?

We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it!

There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn't make a d@@n call or receive one. You actually had to be out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOD !!! Think of the horror... not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah, right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are.

And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent... you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!

We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen... Forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!

You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off you’re a** and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!! Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?!

There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-finks!

And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had to use the stove! Imagine that!

And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh, no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside... you were doing chores!

And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first place!

See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980 or any time before!

Regards,

The Over 30 Crowd

Updated Hair Reggie for JBCO Challenge

2010-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

ACV Rinse Days(once a month instead of shampooing):
• Rinse with ACV in the shower using a spray bottle
• DC and add JBCO to it, rinse some out but leave some in
• JBCO on roots and ends
• Smooth my edges with mix of Jamaican black castor oil, shea butter, and aloe vera gel
• air dry

Cowash Days(twice a week):
• Cowash with homemade conditioner that has JBCO in it and fingercomb
• Scrunch in leave-in Cantu Shea Butter mix with Argan oil, gloss cream, avocado oil, jbco
• Seal with jbco

All Other Days:
• Spritz hair with watered down conditioner or leave-in
• Seal with mix of Karen’s Body Beautiful Hair Milk or Hair Nectar with JBCO

JBCO Challenge with Hairlista

2010-04-15T06:25:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of the challenge! My hair is starting at Arm Pit Length (APL).

Here are the rules from Hairlista.

This challenge will take place for 3 FULL MONTHS (great amount of time to see noticeable results). So only the strong, consistent and committed are suitable for this. As usual there are different levels to this challenge so please pick the appropriate one that suits you!

Challenge Levels:
Basic: Apply Castor Oil to a clean scalp 1-2 times per week.
Advance: Apply Castor Oil to a clean scalp 2-3 times per week.
Ultimate: Apply Castor Oil to your scalp 5-7 times per week. You must deep condition with a 1-2 tsp of your Castor Oil mixed in your deep conditioner and/or use it to seal your ends.
Rules:
1. Your Castor Oil MUST be 100% Castor Oil. Grease cannot be used as a substitute on the scalp. However, it can be used to seal i.e. Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil.

2. If you are doing the Basic or Advance level, the Castor Oil must be applied to a clean scalp to allow better penetration so that your scalp can absorb all the nutrients from the oil.

3. One must report any changes, improvements, success in your hair/new growth. This will inspire others!

4. Please upload a photo of your hair progress after the Challenge is complete (there will be a particular thread created for this).

5. NO OTHER GROWTH AIDS can be used while in this challenge.

NEW - Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil

2010-04-14T14:16:00.000-07:00

This product just came out on April 9th. It's suppose to be new and improved than the older version of JBCO.

The company says that:
It is the darkest Jamaican Black Castor Oil because the beans are roasted longer which produces more Ash Content. More ash content increases the effectiveness of the oil. Therefore, it will strengthen and increase the length of our hair faster. Also Sunny Isle Castor is the ONLY Jamaican Black Castor Oil that comes in a safety sealed bottle for protection.

Of course I will be trying this product out.

JBC Distributors is now under new management and they are suppose to currently (4/14/10) have about 6,000 units in stock and ready to ship. I know some people have have problems with shipping and backorders in the past but according to the company these new units are ready to go.

They are carrying 4 new versions of JBCO (Not longer Tropical Isle, the are Sunny Isle):

Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Sunny Isle Extra Dark Jamaican Black Castor Oil (the one I want as mentioned above)
Sunny Isle Rosemary Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Sunny Isle Ylang Ylang Jamaican Black Castor Oil

Once I have tried the Extra Dark version and will report back on how it arrives and later I will report my results.

Glossy Kisses,
MakeupVixen

Simple Work FOTD 4/13/10

2010-04-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today I decided to keep it pretty simple.

Brow: Tarte Taupe Brow Pencil

Highlighter: Nars Concealer

Eye Base: UD Primer Potion

Eyeshadow: MAC Coco Pigment

Top Liner: Buxom Leatherette Black Gel Liner

Bottom Liner: MAC Feline

Mascara: Dior Waterproof Iconic Mascara

Blush: MUFE 4 Walk of Shame

Base Face: Murad Vitamin C lotion with MUFE Muave HD Primer

Foundation: MAC Hyper Real 400

Lips: MAC Hello Kitty Gloss in She Loves Candy

Tamkia Lace Wig from the Janet Collection 1b33 from Hair Stop and Shop

2010-04-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have been doing an India Treatment on my hair and have been keeping my hair covered with a Lace Front Wig about 95% of the time, for the past 1 1/2 month. I have fallen in love with the Tamika lace by Janet Collection (I purchased from Hair Stop and Shop). I normally by different wigs in just one color, 1B. I try to get the same length just different styles and textures, 16-18" and the most Yaki texture they have.

Well here is my Tamika wig in a 1B/33, I wanted to try highlights but with my cell camera you can hardly see it, in my office I can tell but outside in the sun is where the difference is seen the most.

Spring 2010 Hair Diva

2010-04-06T06:35:00.000-07:00

Where are you from? What do you do?
I live in the United States and my goal is to bring the message of Black hair care to the masses by any means necessary!

What is your hair story (including when and why you went natural).
Well, I'm not natural...I am currently 65 weeks into my relaxer stretch.

My hair stroy is not very significant at all. I started on my hair journey after I found one of the largest online Black hair growing forums back in 2007. I was completly amazed, inspired and motivated by all of the sistas with hair practically reaching their behinds! I'd always known that Black women could have long hair but to see THAT many sistas with not just "long" but LONG hair was an eye-opener for me.

Even though I've always had what is considered "long" hair in the Black community (between shoulder and arm pit length) I wanted to find out just how long my hair could grow. So, I signed up and became active in all things hair growing.

My starting length was shoulder length and I only even started looking to grow my hair faster because I had recently got my hair cut and I wanted my hair back!
2007 was a year of nothing but incorporating EVERYTHING I learned online about growing Black hair including no heat, no scissors and no more relaxers...2008 was a year of scissor-happiness and a failed transition attempt...2009 was a year of remorse for the cutting I did in 2008 but I kept plugging along. I didn't see much<-- scratch that...I didn't reach the length that I had hoped...in 2010 I'm still striving to reach my length goals. I've seen significant improvements in the overall condition of my hair since I've started and I've even gained some length. Not as much as a whole lotta folks who've been growing as long as me, but enough to make me want to keep this thing going. I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will make my length goal. I just have to keep on keeping on and not get caught up in comparing how fast (or slow) my hair grows to someone elses.

Why did you choose to stop straightening?
I still heat straighten my hair and will probably never stop doing that! But as far as relaxing goes...I consider myself to be stretching my relaxer. I've not made the decision yet as to whether or not this stretch will turn into a transition.
I'm more cautious this time due to the failed transition attempt in 2008.

Where there any difficulties with your transition?
When I was transitioning (Jan. 2007-Jul. 2008), what I considered difficulties then, I woudn't necessarily condider them to be difficulties now...
Single strand knots - which I found myself cutting out of my hair more time that I would have liked.

The amount of time it would take me to detangle was ridiculous! I went from a 60-90 minute detangling time when I was transitioning to a 10-15 minute detangling time when I ended my transition by relaxing.

What mistakes have you made with your hair that you've learnt from?
None that I can think of...I will say, that length progress is not the be all end all to this hair growing thing. Progress can come in the form of increased elasticity or strength to your strands, the thickness of your hair, filling in "gaps" or just sticking to your journey and haircare routine is progress!
What's the best/most effective thing you do for your hair?
I stay on top of my 3C's (cleansing, conditioning & caring). The less manipulative my haircare routine is, the better my hair responds.
What was your staple hair style during the transition?
I wore a bun when I was transitioning. And now, 60+ weeks into a relaxer stretch, I'm opting for 2-strand flat twist corn-rows and a wig, briad outs and I'm seriously considering a sew in.

What do you use in your hair/What are you favorite products to use?
My all time favorite product is Bed Head by Tigi Moisture Maniac. This is my daily moisturizer, my leave-in, my EVERYTHING!! My hair responded well to it when I was 2 weeks post and it still responds well to it.

Here are the products I use:
Cleanse:LeKair Cholesterol Plus

Coconut Oil

Diluted Moisturizing Shampoo (I'm not commited to a brand)

Condition:

LeKair Cholesterol Plus

Coconut oil

Motions CPR

Moisture Maniac Conditioner

Henna (mixed with water, honey, peppermint EO, rosemary EO and tea tree oil)

Care:

Moisture Maniac Conditioner (this is my leave-in and daily moisturizer)

ApHogee Green Tea Reconstructor

Mane & Tail Detangling Spray

Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Dabur Amla Oil Gold

Peppermint Oil

Tea Tree Oil

Rosemary Oil

Hollywood Beauty Castor Oil Grease

Fantasia IC Gel w/ Sparkle Lites

Miconazole Nitrate

Fantasia IC Heat Protector Straightening Serum (when I straighten)

How did family and friends react to the new you? What was your response to them?
This question doesn't apply, but I will say that my husband was supportive when I was transitioning and was extremely disappointed when he walked in and I had the relaxer on my hair.

Him: "what's that in your hair, conditioner?"

Me: "no"

Him: walks away shaking his head in disappointment...
If your hair had a nickname, what would it be? Why?
The THICKNESS...well, because it's SO deceivingly THICK!

What are you passionate about, aside from natural hair?
Aside from BLACK hair (natural, relaxed, in between) I'm passionate about Jesus, my family and my career.

What is your wish for all black women?
This is a loaded question...but I'll answer it as it pertains to hair :) I wish that all Black women can know that they can have the hair length of their dreams if they would just mix some 3C's and some consistency and commitment in a big ol' jar and apply it to their hair every day!
Anything else you want to add?
Just that the power of positive thinking will help you to reach goals in every aspect of your life, including hair growth goals. Stay postitive and use this hair growing thing for what it is - a JOURNEY. Journey's can be easy for some, but for most they are very long and difficult. Stay focused, stay positive and you'll reach your goals.
Things are what you think they are...
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
Absolutely!

Blog: http://www.longhairdontcare.net/
Forums: http://www.longhairdontcareforums.net/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LongHairDontCareLLC?feature=mhw4
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/longhairdontcarenet/341596902659
Fotki: http://www.fotki.com/LHDC

Bentonite Clay for the face

2010-03-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so i tried the Bentonite Clay from my hair and it riped it of it's oils. It detoxed my hair so much that it dried it out. I had to leave my deep conditioner in my hair for 3 days and mixed oils in just to get back some of my moisture. But it did work wonders on my face. So I developed a mask that will draw the oils out and still be a nice cleansing and softening for the face.

Take 3 tablespoons of Bentonite Clay, One 1/2 teaspoon of pure green tea powder, 1 teaspoon of ACV and 1 teaspoon of honey. Add warm water until you get the paste that you like. Apply to a clean face (no makeup on) and wait, it will harden. Rinse with warm water and apply your normal moisturizer. By doing this I have not been getting as many pimples as I normally do and my skin appears more even in tone. If I don't want to add a moisturizer after the clay I make sure I add a few dashes of Argan Oil to the clay, it keeps the skin soft and supple.

Hair Alert

2010-03-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Jill is rocking this natural look at the Why Did I Get Married Too Primere! I love it (Hate the dress though)

Janet Collection Full Lace TAMIKA wig

2010-03-23T06:13:00.000-07:00

I LOVE THIS WIG! It looks like the texture of my natural hair. This will be my staple straight hair from now on. Has a very soft Yaki feel. The length is about 3 inches longer than my natural hair after I flat iron it.

I love that this wig can be styled with a curling iron or flat iron like normal hair. Thank you to Ateeya at Smuve Complexions for recommending this one.

Bobbi Boss - Synthetic Lace Front Wig - Yuca 1b

2010-03-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

Bobbi Boss - Synthetic Lace Front Wig - Yuca

I added 2 braided Tony Tails to the front. I just like adding tony tails to my curly haired wigs.

I really like this wig because it's so full. This is my goal hair! I wanted this length, this volume, and this curl pattern for my hair after I'm done transitioning for the next 3 years. The hair is just a few days old, kind of hard to keep the curl pattern without making it fluffy so don't run your fingers through this one. I would use a cream to keep the curls in tact about once or twice a week.

I love that this wig came with 3 combs in the front, one in the middle and two on the side. It comes with one in the back as well.

The front of this wig has hair that pulls up giving you height in the front of the wig. This is another reason why I have the Tony Tails on with it today, getting the first couple curls to lay a little more flat by the end of the week.

I really like this hair and will be using it as a staple for my protective styling.

Do you have a name for your hair

2010-03-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

NAJA

After so many trials and errors with my hair I have come to find out the my hair has an attitude problem! She is strong but very indifferent to change. She rejects most natural oils and rebukes 80% of the things I try. So I finally decided that although my hair is an extension of me she is still her own intity. I have given her the name Naja. Naja is African for Stoic and Strong, what better name...

I did some digging and I truly believe that Naja is the best name for my fickle locs.

Name: Naja
Gender: F
Meaning: Stoic and strong
Origin: African

Sto·ic /ˈstoʊɪk/ Show Spelled[stoh-ik] Show IPA
–adjective
1.of or pertaining to the school of philosophy founded by Zeno, who taught that people should be free from passion, unmoved by joy or grief, and submit without complaint to unavoidable necessity.

–noun
3.a member or adherent of the Stoic school of philosophy.
4.(lowercase) a person who maintains or affects the mental attitude advocated by the Stoics.

strong /strɔŋ, strɒŋ/ Show Spelled [strawng, strong]
–adjective
1.having, showing, or able to exert great bodily or muscular power; physically vigorous or robust: a strong boy.
2.accompanied or delivered by great physical, mechanical, etc., power or force: a strong handshake; With one strong blow the machine stamped out a fender.
3.mentally powerful or vigorous: He may be old, but his mind is still strong.
4.especially able, competent, or powerful in a specific field or respect: She's very strong in mathematics. He's weak at bat, but he's a strong fielder.
5.of great moral power, firmness, or courage: strong under temptation.
6.powerful in influence, authority, resources, or means of prevailing or succeeding: a strong nation.

MakeupVixen on the Bentonite Clay Treatment

2010-03-19T06:58:00.000-07:00

TGIF Curlies!

Last night I did my first Bentonite Clay Treatment. I was hoping to loosen my curls after reading others that were successful. This process wasn't time consuming like Henna Treatments, it wasn't as messy, and I did notice a difference.

Here's my process and products.

I got the Bentonite Clay from http://www.iherbs.com/, free shipping and it came overnight.

I used some Argan Oil I got from Sally's Beauty.

Apple Cider Vinegar from Trader Joe's (Like a Whole Foods)

Rose Water from Whole Foods

I took about 2 1/2 cups of Bentonite Clay and put it in a plastic container.

Next I added about 2/3 the bottle of Argan Oil (After reading about how this clay can make you hair dry I didn't want to take any chances)

Next I added the ENTIRE bottle of RoseWater and mixed it.

Then came about 6 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar.

I then mixed everything together and let it sit while I went to take my bun down.

Next I parted my hair and began added the thick muddy clay all over my head, face and neck.

Next came the waiting.

So I deceided to watch a little bit of The Ladies Number 1 Detective Agency with Jill Scott on my computer.

I wanted the mask on my face to get kind of hard to pull out the dirt and detox my face.

While waiting and watching the HBO show I was reading about how you can detox the body with Bentonite, so back to the kitchen I went to make a Clay Shake. I used Some Tropical Blend V8 Splash, a table spoon of the clay, and a dash of agave nectar for taste. I wasn't pasty it just tasted like a dirty V8 Splash. I downed some Wormwood pills with it, it detoxes my tummy and intestines.

Wacthed some more of the show!

Then I checked the time and it was time to wash my face.

I just got in the shower and used warm water to hit my face. I didn't add any soaps or anything to my face. The Argan oil in it kept my face nice and soft.

After about 20 more minutes I began to rinse my hair. I massaged my scalp and it took about 10 minutes to rinse the clay mostly out. Next came my Wen Fig Clarifying conditioner.

After rinsing that out I used my KBB Deep conditioner and my Macaroon Conditioner to soften my hair.

Here is my wet hair fresh out the shower

Nest I dried my hair with one of those microfiber towels I got from CurlMart.com

I added some JBCO to my roots to stimulate hair growth.

I sprayed on the last little bit of my Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Leave In.

Did a quick length check

Done!

Hair air dried

The next day at work

My review:

Pros:
1. The clay cleansed my hair and I felt my scalp was clean.
2. My hair felt a little stripped of it's moisture but it wasn't really bad.
3. The process didn't take very long at all.
4. Curls are still defined as normal
5. Hair texture did change
6. Low cost and effective cleanse
7. Can be used to detox the entire body, face, body, hair, and colon.
8. Skin felt cleansed

Cons:
1. The apple cider vinegar did make the clay mix smell a little strong.
2. Didn't loosen my curls, that was the main reason for the treatment.
3. Had to had tons of creams the next day because hair got dry over night
4. Hair texture changed but gave me more of an Afro, although I love my afros that wasn't what I wanted.
5. Had to use a lot of my oils to put the moisture back in my hair
6. Takes a lot of effort to rinse out of hair and face

FOTD 3-16-10

2010-03-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

FOTD

Going for a jLo look, without the bronzing.

FACE:
MUFE HD Foundation

EYE:
Too Face Shadow Insurance Primer
MUFE Burgundy (Crease)
MAC Orb (Base, lid)
MAC Arena (Lid, on top of Orb)
Tarte Brow Pencil
Cheap Lashes I cut to do a doe eyed half lash

CHEEKS:
MAC Shadestone
MAC PeachyKeen

LIPS:
NYX Power Lipstick
MAC Lilacrush Lipgelee