Shea Moisture Product Review: Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

                                                   

In the beginning of my natural hair journey I had issues with dry hair. My hair never stayed moisturized for more than a day then after telling my own mother about these products I  try Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and I loved it. So, I tried the entire coconut & hibiscus line and I love them. Their products are all organic and very affordable. This is my first  product review of these products. Enjoy!

When I first used the Shea Moisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie A month ago,  applying the cream to every single twist as I had done before, I applied it to my entire head and instead and worked it in. I did my regular flat twists and went to bed with my satin bonnet. In a rush as usual, I didn't use any oil or anything when I took out my twists and I was shocked! My hair was so soft and moisturized and *gasps* shiny! I know right.

I was drawn to this product because of all the luscious ingredients it has to offer such as; Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Neem Oil, Aloe, Avocado and Silk Protein. With big hitters like that, which includes some of my favourite hair treats, I just had to give it a whirl! The first thing I noticed about this product is that sweet scent - it really does smell good enough to eat. 

        SHEA MOISTURE CURL ENHANCING SMOOTHIE = A+

  Have You Tried Any Shea Moisture Products And Which One Do You Loved 

  Let me Know 

Ultimate Hair Growth 60-Day Scalp Massage Challenge

Daily scalp massages have been proven to be a very effective hair growth aid and they REALLY boost hair growth.  Just like our skin, our scalp needs to be pampered and moisturized.  Good circulation is an important element in the natural hair growth journey and scalp massages are enjoyable way to relax and boost your hair’s ability to grow.

Requirements:

1. Massage scalp 1x daily (for the 1st 30 days, 2x for the remaining 30 days)

     a). 5-10 minutes in the morning or at night

1. Take a before picture that shows the length of your hair (front, back and sides) and post it no later than the end of this week, Saturday, May 31, 2014.
2. Post your measurements of the length of your hair.
3. Measure the length of your hair (front, back & sides) at the end of 30 days, June 30, 2014; post your progress & post a picture of your results.
4. Measure the length of your hair (front, back & sides) at the end of 60 days, July 30, 2014; post your progress and post a FINAL picture of your results.
5. Update your progress throughout the challenge (for ex., growth, thickness, oils using, etc.) 

Don’t look at this as a chore, but an exciting part of your Healthy Hair Growing Journey.  Remember, anything you do for 30-days will become a habit and growing healthy hair is a great habit to create.

Let’s get our Massage on!

                                 

How to do Scalp Massages

You can massage your scalp, using the pads of your fingers with any oil of choice or none (if allergic or scalp doesn’t like oil). 

• Pour some oil into a bowl and warm the oil by placing the bowl in some hot water. The oil should be warm but comfortable to the touch.  Or you can just use your favorite oil straight from the bottle.
• Using the pads of your fingers, apply the oil little by little to different parts of your scalp, parting your hair as needed.  Then, using the pads of your fingers, work the oil into your scalp, using circular motions. Slow, deliberate movements are relaxing while steady but vigorous movement helps enhance energy and circulation.


The Benefits of Scalp Massages

A properly done scalp massage can increase blood circulation to the hair follicles, increase relaxation, decrease stress, condition the scalp, and boost the strength of the hair roots. The kneading pressure applied by massage warms the skin and opens up blood vessels to increase flow and boost circulation. Increased circulation means that the cells of the hair follicle will receive more of the nutrients necessary to optimal hair growth function. The rubbing motion promotes relaxation and feels good, thus increasing the production of "feel good" chemicals that work to lower levels of stress hormone in the body. Lower stress levels allow your organs to function more efficiently, thus boosting your hair follicle's ability to grow hair.


• It lubricates and conditions the scalp, helping to prevent flakes and dry scalp without the use of harsh chemical shampoos.
• It helps enhance blood circulation in the head and neck area. When the scalp is “tight” from stress, circulation and hair growth are impeded.
• It helps relax the scalp and increase pliability.
• It helps strengthen the roots of the hair and nourishes the hair-shafts, promoting new hair growth and strengthening current hair.
• It helps soften and condition the hair, making it more manageable.
• It spreads the natural oils of the hair, increasing hair luster and vibrancy.
• It helps protect hair from the damaging effects of the sun and harsh weather by improving resiliency over time.
• It is replenishing and rejuvenating for dry, damaged hair, and helps prevent excessive brittleness and split-ends.


Tips for Carving out Time for a Scalp Massage

1. When you’re too tired to do your scalp massage, have your Significant Other or children massage your scalp for you.
2. While watching your favorite show on television, reading or surfing the internet, take a few minutes to do your scalp massage.  You will get it done in no time.
3. Massage your scalp 1st thing in the morning before you style your hair or in the evening before your tie your hair up.



Sample list of oils for scalp massages

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Avocado Oil
Coconut Oil
Castor Oil
Jojoba Oil
Almond Oil
Emu Oil
Jamaican Black Castor Oil
Grape seed Oil
                                               Neem Oil
                                              *Burdock Oil
                                              *Basil Oil
                                              *Tea Tree Oil
                                              *Lavender Oil
                                              *Peppermint Oil
                                              *Rosemary Oil


*Essential Oil that should be used with a carrier oil such as Jojoba, Castor or Olive Oil.





**IMPORTANT**
Information for Scalp Massage Challenge



You must note that most essential oils are very strong and should be used only after diluting it with a carrier oil. Before using them you must also consult your health care provider as some oils could cause irritation and allergic reactions in the body.

There is an essential oil available for nearly every hair or scalp problem. But remember that essential oils are VERY concentrated and shouldn't be used directly on the skin or hair. It's best to use them in combination with carrier oils like almond, olive, castor and jojoba, chosen in accordance with the effect you're looking for. Choose the appropriate essential oil and team it up with carrier oil and soon, you'll find you have long, lustrous hair.


Healthy hair is the result of a healthy scalp, and your scalp is part of your skin.  Regular massages on your scalp not only prevents hair loss but also improves the growth of your hair.


Happy Hair Growing 

GARNIER ULTIMATE REGENERATING OIL

I don't care what anyone says moisturizing your body is a chore and the reason so may of us willing skip the step. I'm guilty of quickly getting dressed after a shower rather than loitering about in the cold waiting for a body cream to sink in. Goosebumps never were attractive. To cut a long story short for fellow lazy and dry skinned readers I present.... Garnier Ultimate Regenerating Oil.

Garnier Ultimate Regenerating Oil is a weightless, non-transfer body oil meaning that should some come in contact with clothing in theory it shouldn't leave a stain. It smells great (a light somewhat generic floral scent but not powdery), is easy to use thanks to the spray on function and do you know what? It is a rather good body oil if I do say so myself. Garnier Ultimate Regenerating Oil contains vitamin E to keep the skin, soft and supple (it is also know for it's anti-ageing properties) as well as pomegranate, camellia, jojoba and geranium oils to nourish, moisturize and firm the skin. 

Being an oil my main concern was will this feel heavy and tacky on the skin because if so count me out. The reaffirming answer is no. I kid you not when I say this silky oil instantly absorbs into the skin, leaves behind no residue - just soft, lightly fragrance skin that feels nourished and is safe to get dressed immediately after application. This regenerating version is enriched with pomegranate, camellia, jojoba and geranium oils so the scent is fabulously fruity and floral. Regenerating Oil I have little dry areas on my arms and after a week of using this and some light exfoliation such patches are gone. I  like that a little goes a long way and that unlike body lotions one application a day is all I need for my skin to feel hydrated.

Garnier I think we are on to a winner!

I Bought this from http://www.feelunique.com I Still Do not know if it available in the US but i will be on the lookout

Beauty On A Budget

Sometimes the best beauty products come from the corner store.  Seriously, who said you have to spend big bucks to keep up with the beauty trends?! That never came from me, I know that because my favorite foundation right now is Black Opal and guess how much I paid for it??? Only $10, yup just $10!  And that’s not all my favorite eyeliner is by Maybelline and it costs me a whopping $8!

Check out more of my drug store faves under $10….

SKINCARE
Cetaphil face wash – A gentle face wash perfect for sensitive skin. ($10)

Garnier Dark Spot Corrector – A little vitamin C goes a long way with this stuff. ($13, okay a little over $10 but totally worth the extra $3 and you can probably find it on sale at your local drugstore).

FOUNDATION / CONCEALER
Black Opal Foundation Stick - A full coverage foundation for women of color. One of my favorite foundations! ($9.50)

L’Oreal True Match – You’re bound to find your shade with this foundation. ($9 to $11 depending on your drugstore).

L’Oreal BB Magic – This self-adjusting BB cream is perfect for the minimalist or girl on the go. ($9 to $11 depending on your drugstore).

Rimmel Match Perfection Match Perfection Skin Tone Adapting Concealer - I bought this because it was on sale for like $2 and now I love it. It self adjusts to your skin tone and perfect for under the eye because it’s light and blends easily. Snatch this beauty secret for only $6!

LIPS 
Covergirl Lip Perfection - I love these creamy colors! Covergirl offers a wide range of colors from nudes to reds to plums. ($5)

Maybelline ColorSensational – Every single time I wear this lipstick someone asks what is it…MAC? Nope, Maybelline honey! ($8)

Maybelline Baby Lips - The best lip balm out there (well in my opinion). This stuff is great alone or under your favorite lipstick. And they come in the cutest colors. ($4)

Wet N Wild Mega Last Lip Color – If you’re sleepin’ on Wet N Wild than shame on you. This lip color gives a vibrant color and seriously lasts all day long. ($2)

EYES
Maybelline Master Precise ink liner - I have never been able to make a line so straight before I got this liner pin! ($8)

L’Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara – Okay now I have my favorites when it comes to mascaras, but whenever I’m in the drugstore I always have to grab one or two of these babies and guess how much? I, luckily, always catch this when there’s a BOGO sale. ($9)

BLUSH 
Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush - I came across this in a magazine being used on Zoe Saldona. I went to the store the very next day and grabbed it. I had never tried a blush by Maybelline, so was surprised when I fell in love with this. It’s not your typical powder blush, it’s like a soft creamy powder that can easily be applied with your fingers. Great price and the colors and bright and bold! ($8)

L’Oreal Visible Lift Blush - I usually dont buy Blush but i just decided I ran into my local drugstore and grabbed this. The texture takes some getting used to, but once you do the color is amazing and lasts all day. ($13)hw

HAIR 

Organix Coconut Water Hydration Spray – My hair gets super dry by midday and it seemed that no matter what I used my hair would just drink it up. I took a chance on this because it was on sale 50% off. I’m glad I did! It’s a light misting spray with oil & water to hydrate & shine your hair. Now I can go 3 days with the same “wash & go” curls. ($10)

Garnier Fructis – Pretty much everything in this line is great. I currently use the Sleek & Shine Flat Iron Spray and the Blow Dry Perfector. ($4 – $6)

NAILS
Essie – My favorite nail polish and considering I’ve been painting my nails since the 3rd grade, I think I know a little something about my “obsessive” love for nail polish. These colors last for days! ($8)

Wet N Wild Mega Last – I love the brush this polish comes with, but not only that, the colors are great and this polish lasts for days. ($3)

Love your Beauty (on a budget)!

St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotions

I feel that the warm weather is about 2 months delayed in my area.

 Until just a few weeks ago I was still slathering on different  moisturizers and the humidification was still turned up on our heater. This week I'm finally making some warmer weather beauty adjustments and shopping for a new sundresses

Here is a quick peek at a few of the changes I'm making this year!

 Lighter Body Wash and Lotions
Once warmer weather hits, my winter products are just too much. They're too heavy, too greasy, take too long to absorb into my skin, you get the picture. Just too much everything. I swap out my body wash and my body cream for lighter versions. Rather than reaching for a typical lotion, this year I'm using the St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotions. They're still moisturizing, but feel much lighter on my skin and application is super fast! I can spray them up and down my legs, rub the lotion in for about 30 seconds and I'm ready to go! The lotion absorbs almost immediately and I don't feel greasy at all. 

Sandal Feet Ready

I like a nice pedicure as much as the next girl, but I admit that since my feet rarely see the light of day during the cold Illinois winters, I am a bit lazy on the pedicure upkeep. About a month before the warm weather comes I start to finally pay attention to my feet, pumicing in the shower, using my cuticle remover and picking out a fun, bright polish or Going to get a cute pedi with my daughter.

What changes are you making to your beauty routine in the warmer weather?