Hair Care Product Review -- WELL OVERDUE...

So this product review is well overdue. As I mentioned last month I said I would review the products that I was incorporating into my hair care regimen. Some I was not impressed with and others I have decided to incorporate as a staple in my journey back to healthy hair.

I have a lot of hair. It is a decent length, at BSL (bra strap length), dark and curly. My hair is good at camouflaging damage because there is so much. However, I know when there are major issues in the wasp nest. Over the last couple months I have noticed significant shedding and major split ends. So I have adopted a new and improved regimen than what I was doing before, which was pretty much nothing.

Organix Fortifying Lavender Soymilk Collection

I decided to give the Organix line another try but instead of the traditional Coconut line tried the Lavendar line.

What it is suppose to do:
Nourish your hair follicles, fortify, heal and condition. Strengthen and silken hair making hair frizz-free.

How did I use it:
Regular shampoo and conditioner. Keep the conditioner on a little longer, about a 1-2 minutes longer

Pros:
- Smells great
- Cleans hair well

Cons:
- My hair did not feel any stronger
- Hair was did not feel as moisturized as expected
- Hair still was still frizzy

Overall Rating:
2 out of 5. This product did nothing for me and I was not impressed. NEXT!!!!

Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

What it is suppose to do:
Helps repair damaged hair and cuticles, and mend split ends and frizziness. Promotes longer hair by helping reduce everyday damage while adding strength and elasticity to weak and brittle hair.

How did I use it:
After cleaning hair, section hair and apply root to tip. Applied more while wet and less during daily use on dry hair.

Pros:
- Smells great
- Reduced shedding (not considerably but I did notice a difference in breakage)
- Added moisture to hair
- No build up from daily use

Cons:
- Did not tame frizz as much as expected

Overall Rating:
4 out of 5. I will definitely continue to use the product.

John Frieda Extra-Strength Formula Hair Serum for Coarse/Extremely Frizzy Hair

What it is suppose to do:
Eliminates chronic unruly frizz by smoothing and controlling wild, wiry, and unmanageable hair. Promotes longer hair by helping reduce breakage.

How did I use it:
After cleaning hair and applying Organix Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum, section hair and apply root to tip. Applied more while wet and less during daily use on dry hair.

Pros:
- Smells great
- Noticeably tamed frizz
- Added moisture to hair
- No build up from daily use

Cons:
- Have to use more than the recommended amount. The bottle is too small.

Overall Rating:
4 out of 5. I will definitely continue to use the product. However, I wish I could get more for the money. But it is still worth every penny

MAC Cosmetics Keeps Getting Sweeter...New Release 6/11

Introducing the Naked Honey Collection

According to Specktra, MAC has a new release 6/11. Is it me or are they coming out with something every two weeks? I mean the there were 3 releases alone in May, two of which had 2 part releases (Rose Romance and Style Warrior).

I am loving the colors but am not super excited about the collection. I am interested is smelling the two scents that are a part of the collection.

Creations Fragrance: Naked Honey (LE) -$22.50USD/$28.5CDNAn aromatic journey that traces honey’s fragrant heart back to summer’s sweetest blooms. Energy starts to buzz, spirits soar, light floral and woodsy notes float toward an electric finale. Sweet and sexy all the way.

Creations Fragrance: Africanimal (LE) - $22.50USD/$28.50CDNA scent that starts with a honey-ness that’s seductive and given its dash of pepper, not without spice. Add a dark kiss of bergamot and wood, and an aromatic orgy breaks out to create a scent that's all-honey, but far from sweet.

Here is some info on the rest of the collection, courtesy of spectra.net,
Lipglass (LE) - $14.00USD/$16.50CDN
She’s a Star - Light neutral gold (Repromote from Dress Camp)
Queen Bee - Mid-tone apricot with multi-dimensional pearl
Buzz - Dark copper brown with multi-dimensional pearl

Eyeshadow (LE) - $14.50USD/$17.00CDN
Crème de Miel - Frosty light yellow gold
Pollinator - Mid-tone warm reddened peach with pearl
Buckwheat - Dark copper brown with multi-dimensional pearl

High-Light Powder (LE) $24.50USD/$29.50CDN

A high-light powder specially created for the Naked Honey Collection. Features an embossed honeycomb pattern. Super fine, impeccably pearlized, it creates soft highlights. On cheeks, brows, shoulders–anywhere on the body.
Honey Light - A light peachy gold with shimmer
Golden Nectar - Muted golden tan with gold shimmer

Naked Honey Salve (LE) $18.50USD/$22.50CDN

Formulated from honey , organic beeswax, sunflower oil and other natural ingredients, this rich honey–scented and flavoured salve instantly moisturizes and helps recondition dry skin. Multi-purpose . Use everywhere.

Naked Honey Hand and Body Cream (LE) -$22.50USD/$27.00CDN

A sensuous cream made from bio-converted honey, shea butter, and vitamins C and E derivatives. Absorbs quickly for skin-softening moisture. Conditions, nourishes, protects. Use on all areas where ultra-moisture is called for.

Naked Honey Body Wash (LE) - $19.50USD/$23.50CDN

Formulated from bio-converted honey, this body wash cleanses the skin while providing the soothing and moisturizing benefits of lavender, narcissus, jasmine flower and blue agave extracts. Provides a sensual, calming, cleansing experience.

Weightloss Journey...Check-In

Well the doctors results are in...I NEED TO LOOSE A LOT OF WEIGHT!!!! I am perfectly healthy. My blood pressure, cholesterol level, and sugar level came back all normal. But my doctor has put me on a strict diet. Along with my blood work I had to take two tests, one was the Body Mass Index (BMI) test and a caloric consumption and metabolism test. Of course my BMI was entirely to high so I have to work on burning a lot of fat and as for my caloric consumption it was too high as well. As for my metabolism, I learned that I have a normal metabolism.

I was given a diet to follow and I requested some other boosters to help me with my weightloss. I start the gym tomorrow after work and I will start with a 3-days a week workout and eventually build my way up to 5-days a week.

Please cross your fingers and I will keep you all up to date on my weekly weightloss results.

I need a new CAMERA!!!!!

As I am getting my blog together I have been mapping out ideas for topics. One of my topics that I would like to do on a regular basis is, instead of FOTD (Face of the Day), I want to do EOTD (Eyes of the Day). Showing of different eyeshadow looks. Sssooo...I need a better camera.

Now since I am in the market for a new camera, I have been doing a lot of research to make sure I purchase the best camera that gives me the most for my money. So I thought why not share my research with all of you, who may be interested in doing the same thing. So here are a few digital camera shopping tips I have taken heed to and would like to share with all of you,

1. Megapixels
More does not always mean better. The more megapixels the camera boasts the less likely the picture will appear blurry when blown up. **MESSAGE: This is good to know when taking pictures of products (e.g., eyeshadow, swatches, etc.) and even your own makeup.** So, if you don’t plan on blowing pictures up past the norm 4x6 print, then you don’t have to have a camera with a trillion megapixels.

2. White Balance

This is important when taking pictures in various types of light (e.g., inside v. outside). **MESSAGE: This is good to know when taking pictures of products (e.g., eyeshadow, swatches, etc.) and even your own makeup.**

3. Optical Zoom v. Digital Zoom Optical zoom magnifies, with no image quality tradeoffs while digital zoom enlarges pixels already present, causing a rapid decline in image quality. If you are interested in taking pictures from far distances look for cameras with a higher optical zoom.

4. Image Stabilization
This is a great feature to look for in a camera to prevent blurred images. It can reduce vibrations that come from camera shake or slow shutter speed. It is even helpful when taking pictures in low light.

5. Rechargeable Batteries and Charger
Some cameras have the ability to use AA batteries of any kind—disposable or rechargeable. Finding a camera that allows you to use both can be most beneficial. Rechargeable batteries are great and if you need to let them recharge you can throw in some disposable batteries in the mean time. This feature is more so about preference.

6. Memory
Make sure you understand your cameras capabilities and what it may require. Not all cameras come with extended memory. To many times I have known for people to purchase cameras and not realize that they have to purchase extended memory. They get to a momentous event like a wedding, graduation, or even vacation, and they start snapping pictures only to see that their camera begins displaying a message, “Memory Full.” Not all cameras require the same thing. They could require a CompactFlash, a Memory Stick, an xD-Picture Card, or a Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard. Read the camera’s Specs!!!

7. Other great features to consider....

Facial recognitions features, such as smile mode and blink detection, red eye deduction, special photo effects like black-and-white or sepia, software, etc.

If you have comments or suggestions please share. The more feedback the better.

*Continuation* of Hair Product Haul -- OVERLOAD

There were a few more products that I have added to my regimen (to test their worthiness of being in my perminent rotation) that I forgot to mention. I will also provide reviews on these products once I have done my regimen consistently for atleast a month. So here are the other products...

This is what happens when you mix a payday with a Sunday sale at Target! YAMNIT!!!!!

Organix fortifying Lavender Soymilk Shampoo & Conditioner

I have used the Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner and I was not that impressed. It was just ok for me. Now this one I like it so far but we will see. My concern with the conditioner though is that it seems a little watered down. I like richer products but I know with my hair I have to be careful. My hair can hold on to product. For example I can't use Motions conditioners because it will not wash out. But that is a conversation for another day another post.


Next we have Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum.

Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum

So far so good. I am really loving this little miracle in a bottle. It smells great and it is not greasy or sticky. I used it twice so far and there was no build up. You are suppose to apply this liquid gold after you wash your hair. We will see by the end of the month what the breakage report will look like but so far there has been some serious transformations with my hair shedding and breakage...all for the best! Keep your fingers crossed!

Lastly I have started using, Extra-Strength Formula Hair Serum for coarse/extremely frizzy hair.

Extra-Strength Formula Hair Serum for Coarse/Extremely Frizzy Hair

Let me excuse myself before I say this, but this shit is GREAT! After the first use I noticed a big difference. Since I have been battling bad breakage compounded with DC humidity my fly-aways have been OC! This product has really helped.

It is not greazy or sticky but it is very thick and rich. It gave my hair some extra shine and tamed what it could, which was way better than the grease and water trick I was trying to use.

I love this stuff...

NIVEA A Kiss of Moisture Hydrating Lip Care SPF4

I am going to be quite honest. I am pretty darn lazy. During the work week my morning regimen is 30 minutes...wake up, brush teeth, take shower, get dressed, LEAVE. Now I have enough makeup and beauty products to open my own small store. It is really sad. I use none of it. I mean I don't always put on facial moisturizer and/or lip moisturizer. I know I know...but hey that will make my regimen 31 minutes and I have a record to maintain...30 minutes or less. But regardless of my laziness I still love to try things, especially when they first come out.

NIVEA A Kiss of Moisture -Hydrating Lip Care SPF 4 combines intensive moisturization and effective protection to leave your lips smooth, supple and healthy looking. Advanced formula with moisturizing Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil and UV filter (SPF 4).

• A light-weight formula that absorbs quickly into the lips
• Enriched with Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter to provide long-lasting moisturization
• Helps protect your lips from the damaging effects of the sun

I was in RiteAid picking up a few things and grabbed a tube of this miracle in a tube.

Now let me pause for a second...I have had the worst experiences with lip moisturizers. I have tried the entire everything, expensive to inexpensive, and I always have the same results. I experience feathering, caking, dryness, etc.

...back to my rant...OMG, I love this stuff ssssooo much. It is great!

Weightloss Journey..Turning over a new leaf

Since I graduated from undergrad...won't say when...my weight has been a constant issue. It has fluxuated. Now I have never been that thin chic. I have always been kinda thick but toned because I was extremely athletic. Well I graduated...started working...went back to school...graduated...and went back to school again. Now I am 220 lbs. and I have had enough. Many say I don't look it because I still rather muscular. But I look at myself everyday and I feel the ailments coming from the weight gain. So I decided to finally do something about it.

I have renewed my membership to Bally Total Fitness and I have decided to try My Weight Doctor. I had my first appointment was last week. I had to get some blood work done, weigh in, etc. My second appointment is Friday and I will get my customized meal plan and my overall weighloss regimen. I am so excited! Wish me luck and I will keep you all posted.

Hair Product Haul -- OVERLOAD!!!!

So I have decided to go back to being natural. No more relaxers or color treatments. Back to what the good Lord blessed me with...crazy uncontrollable curly thick hair!

So I have been reviewing many blogs and you tube videos and decided, hey I wanna try! Soooo here we go....

Parachute Coconut Hair Oil

I have been doing some research and thought I would give this product a try. It says that it should be used everything before you shampoo.

Instructions for use: Gently apply from the root to the tip of your hair. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and shampoo. Use every time before you shampoo, and get healthy, lively and beautiful hair for life.

Ramtirth Brahmi Oil

Now I used to use this oil when I was in high school. It was great. It really did make my hair grow. Why did I stop using it? I don't even remember. Now that we have been reunited I do remember the love hate relationship that I had with the product. I love the smell...I don't love the smell...I love the smell...well you get what I am saying.

Well I have decided to give the product a second chance. I will post my review in a couple of weeks.

Dabur Vatika Smooth & Silky

I came across this shampoo while paroozing through the aisles at my local Indian Grocier. It was fairly inexpensive ($3.99), so I said why not. It looks extremely concentrated and rich. I will let you guys know how it goes.

Morrocan Oil

I have heard so many great things about this product I could not help myself. It smells so good and the consistancy is less sticky then that of Chi Silk Fusion which I am also an avid fan of.

Sssooooo....I have put the Ramtirth Brahmi Oil in my hair. Sectioning it and applying it to the scalp and working to the tips. Before I go to bed I will put in the Coconut Oil, paying more attention to my ends, and I will wash my hair when I get home from work.