As brown skin beauties we often shy away from color when it comes to makeup. Make it a thought of the past!  We can dibble and dabble in color! See how its easily done.

Inexpensive Alternative: e.l.f. Eye Widener ($7)

Alexandra Burke

The X-Factor winner knows how to work the cameras already; see how her eyeshadow is so subtle, even though it’s a contrasting hue to her skin tone? For a naturally gorgeous look that still stands out, grace your eyes with gray.Get the Look: Tarte Pressed Shadow Shimmer Eyeshadow in Luuucy I’m Home ($17) available at Beauty.com.

Inexpensive Alternative: e.l.f. Studio Single Eyeshadow ($5)

Rihanna

If your eyes are on the small side, make them pop by rimming them with an electric blue liquid liner. It screams rebel, but still errs on the side of incredibly chic.Get the Look: Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Navy Blue ($22) at Beauty.com.

Inexpensive Alternative: e.l.f. Studio Cream Liner ($3)

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS TUTORIAL                                                                                                                                                                               

Check out one of my favorite makeup channels.  This gal is outright gorgeous in all her TWA flyyness!  She also has a few hair tutorials. The tutorial below showcases her use of a bright blue eyeshadow. Subscribe to her channel ColouredBeautiful.

Well, not completely — coconut oil will still be in my product rotation, but babassu oil can be a great substitute!

This brazilian nut oil is harvested similarly to coconut oil;  the babassu nut falls from a tree which looks much like a coconut tree, the meat is pressed, extracting the oil which is used in many cosmetic products for hair and skin. This oil is also used for cooking. Unlike coconut oil, babassu is non-comedogenic and absorbs well into the skin for a non-greasy feeling.

MORE: Benefits of Coconut Oil on Black Hair

This absorption property is also true for babassu’s use in hair. I was recently sent a sample of Brown Butter Beauty’s Babassu Cream Deep Conditioner  (Babbasu Butter Love Deep Conditioner) and was very impressed.  I decided to do a side-by-side with HairVeda’s Sitrinillah, a coconut oil based conditioner, where each conditioner was applied to 1/2 of my hair. I found both conditioners left my hair feeling very moisturized and curls were poppin’, but there were a few differences…

Immediately upon application to dry hair, the BCDC had incredible slip and began to detangle.  Even using my method of slathering conditioner, this 8oz jar went a long way (approx 3 applications).  Both conditioners were left on for approximately 3 1/2 hours with a Therapy Wrap. When I rinsed, I noticed that the BDBC seemed to completely absorb into my hair and the 1/2 of my hair, which had the Sitrinillah, left an oily residue (as usual).

Visually, the textures of Sitrinillah and BCDC are similar. Both very thin, but creamy; the Sitrinillah has a bit thinner consistency. The scent of the BCDC is weird, but bearable and does not linger (kind of like castor or sapote oil). I’m not completely sure what babassu oil smells like on its own, but judging by this product I don’t anticipate it to be offensive.

Overall, if you take well to HairVeda’s Sitrinillah, you may want to give Brown Butter Beauty’s Babassu Cream Deep Conditioner a try. There’s a strong possibility you may like it even more than Sitrinillah. I do!

MORE: Top Ingredients to Look for in Natural Products

In reading reviews of the oil alone, many seem to prefer the use of babassu oil to coconut oil all together.  Also mentioned was the rancid scent that occurs with coconut oil (while in the hair) after a period of time. This is said not to happen with babassu oil.

To further experience the benefits of this oil I’m researching suppliers of this oil in its pure state. Looking forward to adding this oil to other products, oil rinsing, pre-pooing, and everything in between , then reporting back to you guys.

MORE: Don’t Believe Pre-Pooing is Beneficial? Here’s Proof

What has been your experience with babassu oil?

Patchouli85 is owed100% credit for revealing the mystery concept many of us Naturals were clueless about when it came to successfully flat ironing natural hair for silky, smooth, body and bounce. Below you’ll find her YouTube tutorial on the steps she takes before flat ironing her hair.  Watching this video, you will find the key to this silky hair your see before you is the pre-poo (and how the conditioner is applied)!

Like many, I never understood the purpose of conditioning your hair before shampooing… until I garnered the same results as Patchouli85.

MORE: Pre-Poo 101: Why You Must Do This

Check out the ingredients of Patchouli’s pre-poo!

This is the result of using Patchouli’s method when I straightened a few years ago. My base conditioner was Silk Elements Mega Silk Moisturizing Treatment.

Now, will you consider pre-pooing?

Our Milk & Honey Facial recipe makes a nutritive mask rich in lactic acid (milk sugar) that gently exfoliates and brightens the skin.  The mask also includes the soothing properties of White Willow Bark, Yarrow Hydrosol, and Oatmeal.  Honey and White Kaolin Clay help to deeply cleanse the skin, while Red Raspberry Seed Oil and Carrot Seed Extract add their regenerative powers to the mix, making this a wonderful treatment for those with normal, sensitive, combination, or mature skin types.

This recipe was recently retired from our popular line of Body Care Craft Kits in order to make room for some new additions.  You can still find all of the ingredients for this recipe at From Nature With Love, along with many more that can be used to customize the recipe.  For instance, you could try swapping out the Carrot Extract for Geranium Essential Oil, and the White Kaolin Clay for Rose Clay, making a wonderful mask for combination skin.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Whole Milk Powder
• 2 tablespoons Honey Powder
• 2 tablespoons Oat Flour, Fine
• 2 tablespoons White Kaolin Clay
• 1/4 teaspoon White Willow Bark Extract
• 1/8 ounce Red Raspberry Seed Oil
• 1/16 ounce Carrot Seed Select CO2 Extract
• 1 ounce Yarrow Hydrosol
• 1 -- 3 tablespoons Spring Water or Distilled Water

Directions

In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered ingredients and stir well, making sure to break up any clumps in the powders.  Add the Red Raspberry Seed Oil and Yarrow Hydrosol, followed by 6-9 drops of Carrot Seed Extract.  Add just enough Spring Water or Distilled Water to form a smooth paste.  Scoop out the portion that will be used immediately and transfer the rest to a PET Jar.  The facial can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately 1 week, allowing you to use the mixture one or two more times before discarding it.  If the mixture becomes too firm after being refrigerated, add a little more Spring Water or Distilled Water and mix well.

Usage

Scoop a small portion of your facial into a small bowl and allow it to warm to room temperature. While you are waiting, gently open your pores by applying a warm, damp washcloth to your face. Apply the mixture to your face, avoiding your eyes and mouth. Massage gently with a circular motion to encourage circulation. Allow the mixture to dry for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing it away. Pat your face dry, and follow with a natural toner and moisturizer.The facial can be stored in the refrigerator for approximately 1 week, allowing you to use the mixture 1 or 2 more times before discarding it

SOURCE: Natural Beauty Workshop

Totally digging Solange’s dress choice for the Met Gala Awards. Just an extra splash of ruffling makes any outfit that more feminine. Extra ruffles — the essence of the peplum trend. This retro, now modern detail has come back full force gracing the hips of many celebs, runways, and malls.  I adored this style in the 90′s and never realized it went out of style until recently when the pages of mags were filled with peplum dresses, tops, and skirts.  As I, you may have many peplum tops in your wardrobe that you may have overlooked. Get on board with this waist-slimming trend!

How many peplum styled items do you own?

Nadege of Relaxed Hair Health writes:

If you were to ask me about what the most important part of my hair care routine is, I would, without a doubt say, “it’s the pre-poo!” I value the pre-shampoo aspect of my weekly routine even more so than the deep conditioning. In fact, I attribute the pre-poo step to my miraculus victory over numerous setbacks over the past couple of years. It was after I amped up my pre-poo that visible results began to emerge. I’d like to share more about this wonderful journey with you if you don’t mind….

I’d like to first begin by defining what I mean when I say pre-poo. Even though this term may be common place for some of you, there’s still a ton of people who have no idea what the pre-poo is and why it’s even important. Basically, pre-pooing is the act of applying conditioner, to dry hair, prior to the wash. The purpose of doing so is to prepare the hair for the shampoo/conditioning process.

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s get to the nitty gritty……

What’s the point of the pre-poo? You’re just going to wash your hair anyway.
Yes it is true that the product applied during the pre-poo step is not only rinsed out, but washed out by your shampoo. Even with this being true, there’s a whole heap of benefits to this process. First off, the wash routine is highly stressful on the hair. There’s a ton of manipulation that tends to take place when we wash, deep condition and style the hair. Remember my post on protecting the cuticle layer? One of the biggest learnings, for me, when I researched articles for the post, was how much damage one can avoid to the cuticle layer by simply making sure the hair is conditioned before the excessive manipulation takes place. For me, the pre-poo step is the ultimate answer to the problem of wash day manipulation. Because of the pre-poo, my hair feels much less stripped after the wash. I don’t know about you but I love the feeling of having clean, conditioned hair even before the deep conditioning step. By the time I’ve deep conditioned, my hair not just conditioned but ultra-moisturized.

MORE: Results of Pre-Pooing Natural Hair Before Straightening

What product(s) should I use during my pre-poo?
Ah yes….here’s where the fun begins. When I first began to incorporate the pre-poo into my routine, I would basically just squirt a bottle of .99 cent conditioner on top of my hair. It wasn’t until I conducted the Hair Fixer Experiment that I was forced to look at the pre-poo into a whole new way. If you read those posts or used Hair Fixer, you might remember that I was essentially barred from using deep conditioner for a full 6 weeks. My only recourse was to really focus on how could create a powerful pre-poo. That’s when I began to experiment and get creative. Immediately I upgraded from cheap water based conditioners to more intensive ones. Since I wasn’t using my “good” conditioners for their normal purposes, I started to use them before my wash. The difference I noticed was huge! In fact, I believe this shift in my routine was critical to my success with Hair Fixer. Since then, my routine has evolved to include a myriad of pre-poo boosters. Today, I experiment with oils, powders, and other products to make my pre-poo that much more powerful. Specifically, I like to include coconut oil for it’s ability to penetrate and add protein to the hair strand. Amla oil, just because it works well every time I’ve used it. High powered, thick conditioners because I like for my conditioners to “stick” to the hair and have a bigger impact. Additionally, sometimes I break open some vitamin e capsules or pour a few drops of honey to the mix for good measure. Pretty much anything I feel comfortable adding to my deep conditioner is fair game for my pre-poo mix.

How do I maximize the pre-poo step?
Without a doubt, the most complicated part of my weekly routine is the pre-poo. The process, has evolved so much. It’s now become a mechanism to systematically erradicate hair issues and promote health above anything else I do. Just recently I shared my “strand ceremony” with you all. I can’t begin to tell how how vital this process has been for my hair. I don’t know about you but for the longest, I just haven’t been able to make huge improvements in the health of my hair, in the past, even though I deep conditioned weekly. I believe this is because I wasn’t able to master the art of impacting the individual strands that ultimately create a beautiful head of hair. The pre-poo, for me, was the ultimate answer to this dilemma. The pre-poo gives me easier access to smaller sections of hair because I’m better able part and apply product on dry hair versus damp, freshly washed hair.

Beyond that, I’ve also incorporated “deep conditoner-like” actions into my pre-poo step like sitting under my steamer. I’ve even gone as far as extending my pre-poo overnight. If found that, instead of choosing one over another, combining the forces of Burt’s Bees and OJON pre-shampoo treatments to create an amazing duo of pre-poo goodness. All I needed to do was add a plastic cap and some time for the products to germinate and voila! If any of you are interested in pre-pooing overnight, I find that using oil based products, like those described above, are much more powerful than water based conditioners.

I hope this was helpful to you who are still trying to figure out if the pre-poo step is even worth it for you in your routine. For me, it meant break though but I had to take it to the next level. Bottom line is this has been the most critical means of improving the overall health of my hair in recent months. Hopefully you will find value from my sharing so your hair will benefit as well.

SOURCE: Nadege of Relaxed Hair Health

GIVEAWAY

Up for grabs is 3 full-sized Pura Body Naturals products which includes the Sapote Lotion, Chocolate Hair Smoothie, and Cupuacu Butter.

1. You must post genuine comments on ANY blog post — One winner will be randomly selected.  More comments increases the chances of your name being drawn.
2. You must follow Confessions of a Blog Vixen‘s Facebook page.

Additional Rules:

• Note: All of the actions listed must be completed prior to the ending date of the giveaway
• Open to all Facebook Friends of Confessions of a Blog Vixen.
• Ends June 3, 2012.
• 1 Winner will be announced June 5th, 2012. The winner will receive the 3 full-sized versions of the products listed above.
• Winner will be selected at random and the winner (only) must respond by June 8th, 2012 at midnight by e-mailing west[at]confessionsofablogvixen[dot]com and posting a comment on the wall of Confessions of a Blog Vixen FB page (just in case there is an e-mail glitch)
• Under the age of 18? Must have permission of guardian.
• Multiple entries per person.
• This contest is subject to all federal, provincial and municipal laws. In accepting the prize, the winner acknowledges that Confessionsofablogvixen.com is not liable for any loss, damages or injury associated with accepting or using this prize(s).  Contest open to Continental U.S. only.

Blow drying is bad
Blow drying causes a “flash drying” effect that not only removes the surface moisture but also removes water that is bound to the hair, which is called water of hydration. The effect of this flash drying is that the cuticles become dried, rigid and brittle. When the hair flexes, the pressure causes the cuticles to crack. One study (see Reference 1) showed cracks occurring not only on the surface layer of cuticles, but actually two and three cuticle layers deep. Combing hair with this degree of cuticle cracking causes significant breakage.

MORE: Preventing Heat Damage while Flat Ironing

Ironing is icky
Ironing hair causes two different types of damaging depending on whether the hair is ironed dry or wet. Ironing dry hair causes radial and axial cracking along the edges of the cuticles, which can lead to chipping. Ironing wet hair causes the moisture to burst out in little steam explosions. This causes a bubbling and buckling of the cuticle that appears as tiny hair blisters under magnification.

Helpful heat treatments
Blow dry damage can be prevented by using products containing glycerin and propylene glycol because these actives retard water evaporation. Products like Tresemme Heat Tamer Spray should be helpful in this regard. You can also look for an ingredient called “hydrolyzed wheat protein polysiloxane copolymer,” which also showed significant reduction in cracking. Interestingly, while we would expect various silicones to have a similar effect, this study showed that silicones alone did NOT reduce cuticle cracking.

MORE: Cleansing is Not Necessary to Remove Silicones

Iron damage can be reduced by using conditioners formulated with low molecular weight conditioners that can penetrate into the hair like cetrimonium chloride. Another study (see Reference 2) showed that exposing hair to heat in the presence of such a conditioning agent actually caused an increase in tensile strength (the force required to break a hair). This is because the heat reacts with the conditioning agents and cross links some of the protein chains inside the hair. Look for products like Sunsilk Heat Defense Cream if you want this effect.

Additional Conditioners Containing Centrium Chloride
Kerastase Ciment ThermiqueLacio Lacio Leave-in Conditioner
Queen Helene Super Cholesterol*
Yes to Carrots Pampering Hair Conditioner
Silk Elements Mega Silk Moisturizing Treatment
Elasta QP DPR-11+ Deep Penetrating Conditioner

SOURCE: Right Brain of  BeautyBrains

 What products do you use to help prevent heat damage?

Transitioning to natural hair means shopping for new hair products. We often wonder what ingredients will help our natural curls grow and stay healthy. Organic and unrefined ingredients always work the best on natural black hair.

If you are a natural newbie or natural hair pro wondering what to look for in hair products, we have created a list to consider for reference for product purchases.

1. Shea Butter – this helps to reduce the amount water that is lost in your hair. It melts easily in hair and absorbs into dry hair well.
2. Coconut Oil – this ingredient is perfect for sealing moisture into the hair. Also, it helps to make your natural hair shine instead of it looking dull.
3. Aloe Vera – It helps to restore the pH levels of the scalp. Also, aids with hair growth.
4. Jojoba Oil – Works to fix damaged ends.
5. Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Used often for as a deep conditioner. It helps to seal moisture and softens the hair.
6. Avocado Oil – Works great as a conditioning treatment. Packed with vitamins A, D, and E, this oil helps to improve hair growth.
7. Vegetable Glycerin – Helps your hair lock in moisture by creating a layer of oil over your hair’s strands.
8. Castor Seed Oil – Ensures a clean scalp. If you had a hair loss, it helps to increase the thickness of thinning edges.
9. Sesame Oil – Protects the hair from harsh temperatures.
10. Tea Tree Oil – Used a remedy for dry scalp, but should not be over applied.
11. Grapeseed Oil – It is a light oil that easily absorbed by natural hair.
12. Sweet Almond Oil – Helps to get rid of flaky, itchy scalp.

MORE: Natural? Products You Should Consider

BONUS Tutorial                                                                                                                                   

naptural85′s Shea Butter Tutorial

SOURCE: Paulette Wilson of VibeVixen

What other ingredients should be added to this list?

PRODUCT SPECS

Price: $16.99 (4 oz)
Where to Buy: Entwine Couture
Product Claims: Naturalle-Style Recall Technology™ for 60% longer lasting, redefinable styles and staying  power. Curl elongation for less shrinkage. Improves curl definition and shine. Resist humidity for less frizz. Helps to condition and protect the hair. Strengthens hair up to 75% while styling. Lightweight with No Tacky, Sticky Film or Excessive Build-up. Absolutely NO Mineral Oil, Petrolatum or Parabens
Ingredients: Water.  Isopropyl Myristate, Oleth-20…  [more]

THE REVIEW

I copped this joint at the hair show a few weeks ago.  I’m going to be honest — Entwine never really peaked my interest, which is probably why they were my last stop at the show. Entwine’s deal was $10 for all 8oz products.  Pretty good considering the website is toting an almost $30 price tag for the same product.

With the product I also got a mini pamphlet  which stated a 100% Money Back Guarantee that caught my eye.  If you know me, you know I’m always up for a challenge. I was ready to shut Entwine’s claims down and go on ‘head and send their customer service an e-mail requesting my $10 back lol.

Negative. Didn’t happen.

As many saw from my teaser post, this product does some great things!  First and foremost, after setting, my hair did not poof into a huge ‘fro, which is what usually happens in the hotter, humid months down here in the South.  Also it is important to consider there was high humidity on day one and there after. Plus there has been isolated showers all week.  The product was only re-applied once since the initial set. I even got caught in a drizzle several times on day 5 without an umbrella. The photo below is what my hair looked like at the end of my work day (day 5). Sorry, its a bit out of focus. Technology :-/

I originally applied this product after stretching my hair with heat and styled into a simple twist and curl. The texture of this product is like a slimy, sticky lotion. It’s hard to explain, but based on how it applied I was definitely expecting a sticky residue, even though I used a fingernail’s worth of product on each twist. Not so. The twists dried quickly, felt smooth, flexible, were defined, had body (see video below).

Though this product performed great, there are a couple things to consider:
1. The scent is very floral.  If you are sensitive, this may easily give you a headache, but the scent is not long lasting.  Its pretty much gone after day one.
2. The retail price. At almost $30 for 8 oz., it is quite pricey. But since so little is needed to do the job,  this jar can last over a month with weekly twisting.
3. Smoothness. My hair did make out pretty well, but I do wish the product smoothed the cuticle just a bit more. It’s possible. I’ve seen it happen.

The first photo illustrates my curls at the start of day one.  The photo below is what my hair looked like at the end of day one…after being out in the elements all day.

This video is a bonus tutorial demonstrating  how I maintain all twist-out and braid-outs.  Also, don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE!

Check the twist and curl on stretched hair! Check that shine! Oh and did ya check the minimal frizz? And the best part of it all is that the curls stood up to after-rain humidity!

How did this miracle occur you ask? I tried a new product.  I didn’t want to like it. I really didn’t. But it seemingly has lived up to all of it claims. One of those claims happen to be defy humidity.

MORE: Humidity Got the Best of Me

With hair on point, I decided this would be a good time time test run the diamond studs I customized which were gifted to me from Anjolee.  They also have diamond tennis bracelets and diamond earrings.

MORE:  Humidity on the High Seas

Without further adieu, here is my hair after 6 hours of running errands and hanging out in an outdoor garden after a rainy day. Pay the face no mind.  It was a long day and I was also testing out the long-wear of a new foundation that I don’t think I like so much. Anywho!

Give me a minute while I write up this review for you guys. Stay tuned! ETA: Humidity Defying Product Revealed

 Any guesses on what product this might be?