As you must have noticed, we are taking a break! Feel free to explore the site. We’ve got years of good stuff for you to dig through

See you when we get back. . .

xo,
Beauty 365 Team

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CC Creams: The New Skin Care Trend

BB creams are so last season. Now there’s a new product that’s taking the beauty world by storm. Get the lowdown on the latest must-have: CC creams

This is a TotalBeauty.com skin care article

Big news: There’s a hot skin care trend that is just starting to hit shelves. Color correcting creams (better known as CC creams) will minimize blotches and brighten your complexion while giving you other long-term skin care benefits. See what makes the CCs so special.

See list

The good folks at Elie Tahari and fab non-profit, Room to Read are hosting a private shopping event here in NYC. June 12th. Discounts, cocktails and company. Details on the flier below.

Don’t say I never gave you anything!

xx,

Ugochi

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 by Stephanee for Beauty 365

Curlformers are nylon spiral shaped rods that come with a crochet like hook. The hook allows you to pull your hair through the inside of the Curformers and end up with curls without using heat. . .

My first time hearing about Curlformers was from Naptural85 on Youtube. You can check out her video tutorial below.

As soon as I saw the video I drove to Sally’s Beauty Supply and bought the starter kit. . .

The only kit they had at Sally’s was the long and wide and I thought that would suffice. Unfortunately I had to go back to Sally’s with wet hair and purchase the extra long and wide pack of six because my hair was too long for the other ones. Overall I had to purchase seven packs of six.

Using these curlers was challenging in the beginning and I kept ripping my hair which was very upsetting. The first time I used them on soaking wet hair, the curls came out nice but by the end of that rainy day I had a frizzy mop on my head.

The second time I used them on dry hair I had spritz lightly with water. That technique was much easier pulling the hair through the curler and I thought it was all good until my curls fell and got all puffy.

The most recent time I used on wet but not soaking wet hair and made sure I used product so it would come out with less frizz. I decided to sleep on the Curlformers since I waited so late at night to put them in. I should have known better than to do that because I’m a very finicky sleeper and sleeping on 42 Curlformers was a sleep robber.

However my curls came out perfect, shiny and no frizz. A section in the back had not dried all the way but it didn’t matter much. Seems like guys like curly headed girls because I received tons of compliments.

My recommendations to make your Curlformers application easier are to use product of your choice to set your hair.

* Make sure all my hair was inside of the hook or risk some serious hair ripping.

* Make sure you use small sections of hair it will be easier to pull through the Curlformer.

* Allow enough time for your hair to air dry, around five or six hours if you don’t like sleeping on rollers like me.

Next time I will try sitting under my hood dryer to dry my hair that way. To preserve my curls as long as possible I used the pineapple method where I pulled my curls at the top of my head with a pony tail holder and covered in a huge satin scarf at night.

Overall this product is ideal for me since I am transitioning it helps camouflage my new growth and gives me curls without harsh heat and they are much easier than using magnetic rollers. You can purchase Curlformers at Sally’s but its better to purchase directly from their website; they have a larger selection and enough information to browse before buying. You can also purchase here.

xx,
Stephanee

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Disclaimer: I bought these products myself!

by Dr. Uzoma for Beauty 365

In my quest for healthier hair, I decided to experiment with an Ayurvedic approach. I did some research on it and I saw that others who used the powders (Henna, Cassia, Amla, etc.) were getting great results. So on a recent trip to the Indian grocery store, I saw three powders, which I thought would be interesting to try: Amla, Brahmi, and Shikakai.

The powders are manufactured by Hesh and are said to have the following properties. . .

Amla Powder

• Promotes hair growth
• Controls hair fall
• Cures scalp infection
• Controls premature graying of hair

Brahmi Powder

• Cools the scalp and induces sound sleep
• Controls dandruff
• Makes hair long, dark, dense & lustrous
• Strengthens hair roots

Shikakai Powder

• Provides new life to hair strands
• Strengthens hair roots
• Increases bounciness and silkiness of hair
• Clears dandruff
• Keeps the scalp clean and cool.

So on my next wash day, I was ready to go with the powders. Here is the mix I used.

• 1 spoon Shikakai
• 3 spoons Amla
• 3 spoons Brahmi
• 1 spoon each: castor, coconut, and jojoba oils
• Hot water to mix

For each “spoon” I used the white spoon in the picture. It was a bit less than a tablespoon. I mixed everything until it looked like a muddy paste and left it for an hour.

The paste immediately after mixing

While the mix was setting, I used Dabur Amla Oil on my hair as a pre-poo and stayed under heating cap for about an hour. Then, using latex gloves, I applied the mix after roughly sectioning my hair into 4. I left the mix on my hair for an hour. Then, I rinsed it out, washed and deep conditioned as I normally do.

It wasn’t difficult to rinse out but my hair felt so dry afterwards. I had to put TONS of different moisturizing conditioners (Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask, Suave Humectant Conditioner, and Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose) plus castor oil to help. I also deep conditioned with heat for about 2 hours.

After conditioning, my relaxed hair was so tangled and matted. It took over an hour to detangle, when it usually only takes about 30 minutes. I lost much more hair than normal in the detangling process. I was planning to roller set my hair that day but since it was such a disaster after the treatment, I just let it air dry. My hair was still dry after moisturizing. So, I had to moisturize and seal every day until it was back to normal.

I’m not sure why I got these results but I don’t think I will try this again. Since my hair has been responding well to Amla oil, I may try to use the powder to make my own oil infusion with coconut oil or olive oil.

Have any of you had good or bad results with Ayurvedic treatments?

Let us know in the comments.

xx,
Dr. Uzoma

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by Dr. Uzoma for Beauty 365

Bonjour, mes amies!

I really love raw shea butter. It has done wonders for my skin, especially this winter. My skin was so dry to the point of itching and irritation. Ugochi recommended using raw shea butter and since using it I haven’t looked back. However, since the weather is warming up, pure raw shea butter is a bit thick for me. I needed a lighter mix to use. So, I decided to make my own whipped shea butter mix using some nourishing oils. . .

Here are the ingredients and their benefits:

• Shea Butter: repairs rough damaged skin, treatment of dry skin, eczema, and minor burns, contains sunscreen due to its rich content of vitamins E & F, Treats dark spots, & skin discolorations
• Coconut oil: Hydrates Dry Skin and Hair, Improves Skin Rashes, Prevents Wrinkles and Premature Aging, Protects Skin From the Sun
• Sweet Almond oil: Moisturizing Oil, Nourishing, Promotes Healthy Skin
• Apricot Kernel oil: Moisturizing Oil, Softens Fine Lines, Treats Dry Hair
• Jojoba oil: Moisturizing Oil, Promotes softer Skin, Hair & Body
• Castor oil: Skin Softener
• Vegetable Glycerin: Softens & Moisturizes, Humectant

Amounts Used

• About 1 & ½ to 2 cups shea butter (I don’t usually measure the amount of shea butter I use.)
• 1 teaspoon each of almond, apricot and jojoba oils, vegetable glycerin
• 1 tablespoon of castor oil
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Steps

I melted the shea butter using a double boiler method. I used this method in order to not expose the butter to direct heat. I also chose to melt the butter because I wanted the oils to mix well. It took about 10 minutes to melt.

I then added the oils and mixed them briefly with a spoon. Next, I put the bowl over ice to quicken the cooling process.

While the bowl was over the ice, I used the whisk attachment of a hand mixer to whip it. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making it light and fluffy.

As the mixture started to solidify, I poured it into the final container and continued to mix. After about 20 minutes, the mixture eventually solidified throughout but it was a bit runny. It was almost the consistency of pancake batter.

Then, I put in the refrigerator to fully cool and solidify. I kept it there for about 6 hours. Once the mix came out of the refrigerator, it was solid and hard. I left it overnight to warm to room temperature and used it the next day.

I am so happy with the results of the mix. It is very light and it moisturizes my skin beautifully. I will definitely make this again.

Have any of you made your own creams/mixes?

Share your recipes and steps in the comments.

xx,
Dr. Uzoma

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My Big, Fat Nigerian Wedding
[CP-Africa]

Protect Your Dreams from Those Who Would Crush Them
[The Sales Blog]

$3 Dupe for MAC Chestnut Lip Liner
[Scandalous Beauty]

Black Women Shift to Curly Hair Weaves [Philly.com]

4 Awesome Lippies Under $10 [Clumps of Mascara]

Coping With Email Overload [Harvard Business Review]

xo,
Ugochi

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Photo: CP-Africa

By Stephanee for Beauty 365

Wet ‘n Wild is giving other makeup companies a run for their money.

The other day in Rite Aid my brain must have short circuited and had a makeup overload  because I ended up buying every single color of Wet ‘n Wild’s Mega Last Lip Color ($2).

I’d picked up one on a whim the week before and fell in love, hence the beauty binge.

When I got home I realized I bought dupes of two of the same colors. Duh!

Thank the beauty Gods that I love these semi matte lipsticks. . .

These lippies have beautiful and vibrant color that’s matte but not overly drying on the lips — like other matte lipsticks I’ve tried.

This is thanks to the marine plant extract and vitamins A & E. These Mega Last Lip Colors are so awesome a M.A.C. employee asked me if it was one of their lipsticks. Wet ‘n Wild products can be found at your local drug store however CVS only carries it in select locations.

Color Swatches. Not pictured: 915/Moody Mauve (couldn’t fit it on my hand!)

You can also order them here.

Now you can look sexy with bold, matte lips and still have money left over for your beauty addiction like moi.

#winning

xx,
Stephanee

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by Dr. Uzoma for Beauty 365

Earlier this month, Carol’s Daughter invited the Beauty 365 team to learn more about Transitioning Movement.

We learned that more and more women are transitioning from relaxers to natural hair. The relaxed hair market has been rapidly declining. We were informed that is has decreased from over $100 million to $35 million in sales.

Despite the declining market, there is no packaged kit or localized resources addressing the issues involved with transitioning to natural hair. . .

Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, speaks to the group about Transitioning Movement and the new 3 step kit.

Carol’s Daughter’s Transitioning Kit is a 3-step regimen designed specifically for those of us who are growing out their relaxers. The kit addresses 3 problems that are specific for transitioning hair needs:

1. Product Build-up: The 2 textures may be frustrating to care for so some women overuse products which build up on the hair and scalp.
2. Scarred Scalp: Repeated relaxers can scar the scalp (especially if the relaxer is too strong or applied incorrectly). These scars can damage hair follicles and the scalp, leading to weaker hair strands.
3. Demarcation Breakage: The demarcation point, where the natural and relaxed parts of the hair meet, is the weakest part of the hair. Since it is weak, it can lead to breakage if not properly strengthened.

The Carol’s Daughter 3-step Transitioning Kit will be available for purchase beginning June 2012.

Along with the kit, Carol’s Daughter founded TransitioningMovement.com. The site is dedicated to providing the resources, support and education that women need to embrace their natural hair. This site aims to be the singular resource for natural hair transitioning.

Are any of you transitioning or planning to transition? How is it going for you?

Let us know in the comments.

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This week’s edition of The Beauty 3/6/5 features Asha from Montreal! Asha is a writer and beauty junkie. 

She likes every beauty product under the sun, funky accessories, and her dog Coco.

So, without further ado…

3: PERSON

1. Describe yourself in 10 words or less.

Bold, creative, jovial, passionate and resilient.

2. Tell us about your personal philosophy.

Live this life like you haven’t been promised another.

3. “I am the most beautiful when…”

I’m good to myself: respecting my dietary constraints, working out and doing what I love.

6: BEAUTY

Stepping into the sunlight.

1. Your earliest beauty memory?

My mother’s love for red lipstick.

2. Wackiest or most disastrous beauty moment?

I went through a blond phase and decided to color my locks platinum blond.

3. The most foolish beauty advice you’ve been given?

I can’t recall any bad beauty advice.

4. Last product you used down to the last drop?

Ole Henriksen’s Truth Serum – This plumps the skin and provides an amazing glow. I love it!

5. Who is your beauty icon and why?

My mom, because she has always liked unique pieces, and she puts them together so well.

6. Celeb whose beauty style you most admire?

Shingai Shoniwa has a bold, unapologetic style. I love that she isn’t afraid to take risks with her outfits.

5: PRODUCTS ON YOUR VANITY RIGHT NOW

I love my hair!

1. Baby Lips by Maybelline in Grape Vine – I love the way this makes my lips feel; it’s ultra-moisturizing and it has a bit of SPF, which makes it perfect for summer.

2. MAC Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara –  I’ve tried every mascara imaginable, but this mascara has a double brush: one to separate and elongate the lashes, while the second brush adds volume.

3. Glycolic 10% Gentle Peel Solution by Dermaglow – I recently had a breakout on one side of my face, so right now I’m trying to renew my skin as quickly as possible. Glycolic acid speeds up the skin renewal process, tightens pores and reduces the look of any cracks that may start forming.

4. A homemade Shea butter mix that I slather on my face -- This mixture keeps me moisturized and has every vitamin you can think of as an ingredient.

5. La Roche -Posay’s EFFACLAR deep cleansing foaming cream – It can be a bit harsh, so I use it around twice per week.

Visit Asha at www.EstrogenInc.com

The Beauty 3/6/5 is an interesting peek into the lives and beauty personalities of our fantastic readers! We would love to feature YOU! Please send an email that includes: your name, where you live, picture(s) and your responses to beauty3sixty5 [at] gmail [dot] com

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