Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration line Review

                                                                              

Happy Spring!!!! It's that time of year again where you may or may not need to tweak your hair regimen. If you've been following me on Instagram (@Thenaturalinblue) which i just started so go follow and like. About a month ago, I was on a mission to find either the Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil line or the Manuka Honey line. Alas, I went to every CVS in my area and they were always sold out so luckily my local Target had the Manuka Honey line. This line promotes itself as being a dry hair recipe and typically in the cooler months, preventing dry hair and its  importance to naturals. 

The three advertised ingredients are specifically for preventing moisture loss and hydrating the hair. As stated by the brand: Manuka Honey has anti-inflammatory properties to sooth the scalp and helps create moisturizing barrier; Mafura Oil has high levels of beneficial oleic acid to help replenish oils stripped from the hair; and African Rock Fig contains antioxidant vitamin C which helps to keep the hair looking vibrant. Now that sounds like the perfect recipe for a cold weather product line! I have used the entire line and I must say I was impressed with some of the line. Here's my review and results of how it worked for me.

                                                   Intensive Hydration Shampoo

                                        

 

This shampoo cleanses while infusing hair with intense moisture and shine enhancing nutrients.This is the only product of the line that doesn't contain all of the advertised ingredients. Honey is not listed as an ingredient which is odd since this is the Manuka Honey line. ok ''kanye Shrugs''  this shampoo is sulfate free but lathers a lot. I used very little of the shampoo because there was so much lather which I don't mind. If the shampoo doesn't lather I get worried .This shampoo has great slip and I was able to run my fingers through it. Once I rinsed it out my curls was lovinngg it lol . I agree with the claim of it infusing the hair with intense moisture. I definitely recommend this shampoo and would re-purchase it if I ever finish it lol. A little goes a long way. 

Intensive Hydration Conditioner

This rinse out conditioner instantly softens and detangles while infusing hair with intense moisture and shine enhancing ingredients. The conditioner did not soften my hair nor did it have any slip to aid in detangling! My hair sucked it up, I was unable to detangle so I attempted to use a wide tooth comb which I had to give up on and how my hair just soaked it all in. I also tried to use this product as a leave in styler but my hair didn't dry and it there wasn't enough hold. I can't recommend this product for anyone with kinky, high porosity, thick hair. I won't be repurchasing this product. 
  
                                                      Intensive Hydration Hair Masque
                                                                              

This intensely deep conditioning hair masque infuses hair with a powerful dose of moisture and nutrients. Can we just pause for how AMAZING this hair masque is!!! Lets fast forward to will I repurchase it... YES! Do I recommend it... YES! The consistency is like any other Shea Moisture hair masque but this one has amazing slip and penetrates the hair shaft. I was able to finger detangle, my hair was soft and moisturized, and my hair had a great shine too it as seen in the pictures. My hair felt transformed like butter! If you've used the honey hair masque and you liked those results, you'll receive the same if not better results with this hair masque. The honey in this product has a strong presence and my hair loved it. It really softened my hair making it more manageable and easier to style. I can already say this will make my favorites list for 2015!!! Nothing more to say but let the results speak for themselves.  

Hopefully I will be able to check out  the new Shea Moisture lines  I will use the shampoo but I have others that are my favorite so it will have to fit in where it can lol. 

Questions, comments, or your own experiences with this line please leave them below.

HAIR TIP MONDAY

In this week’s edition, I thought I’d pick up from where we left off ....

 This natural hair stuff doesn’t have to be as difficult or as confusing as some might make it out to be. One way to keep from pulling out your hair in frustration is to keep a simple and consistent regimen, starting with a handful of products. In my experience, there are just a few basic things you really need to get you started on a decent regimen.

Cleanser

Whether you use a commercial shampoo or a natural alternative, the choice is yours. Bottom line- clean hair will lead to healthy hair.

If you do go the route of commercial shampoos, it’s great to have both a moisturizing sulfate-free shampoo as well as a good clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse all the random gook (gels, creams, butters) that you may have piled on throughout the week… aka product buildup. Apple cider vinegar and baking soda are also great for clarifying.

Conditioner

This is used to improve the condition of the hair and can come in the form of a moisturizer (to put back what you might have lost in the cleansing stage) a protein treatment or a combo of both as in the case with some deep conditioners. Generally, kinky or afro-textured hair craves moisture more than it does protein. So, protein treatments, while helpful, may not need to be used as frequently as a moisturizing conditioner. I’ll have more on all of this in a future post. 

Leave-In

Leave-in conditioners pretty much continue the moisturizing process after washing and may even include a form of light protein to give the hair a good moisture-protein balance. I never skip this step!

Oil/Butter

Here’s where it all comes together. While the hair is still slightly damp, seal all that lovely moisture in with an oil or butter of your choosing, depending on what agrees with your hair (for many, porosity comes into play here and you may need something light). I like whipped shea butters as well as coconut and grapeseed oils, to name a few. Fiddle with a some to find what works.

Styler… Optional

While I often end the process at the oil or butter, many take it a step further with a styling product, usually something that provides some hold for flawlessly defined hair. These may include your soufflés, creams, gels and such. I have found, though, that I can get a well-defined twist-out or braid-out without a styling product just by setting the hair while it’s still damp and allowing it to dry completely.

So that, as they say, is that! My suggestion to “newbies” is always to start with just a few things, one… maybe two from each category. Assess what your hair needs are, read the labels and make your selections. Try ‘em for a few weeks and see how your hair responds. Even if your products change, be it due to the change in season or otherwise, your routine should stay pretty consistent.

Hope this was helpful!

PRODUCT REVIEW: Valentia Even Glow Serum

I recently received a free full sized Even Glow Serum – 20% Vitamin C Antioxidant Treatment from  Valentia Skin Care @http://www.valentiaskincare.com, sponsored by Brandbacker.  The following information is from their press release about their serum

From Valentia's Site:

 Our skin is damaged each day due to environmental pollutants, oxidative stress, and chemical laden cosmetic products. The amount of free radicals waging war on the skin quickly depletes our natural protective resources.
    Our premier formulation is backed by scientific research into the efficacy of each of the natural ingredients we have carefully selected.
    Our proprietary blend of skin super oils compliment our 20% Vitamin C base, leading to a powerful antioxidant treatment. Each natural ingredient was chosen to support and enhance Vitamin C’s efficacy on the skin, leading to more well-rounded serum to add to your daily skin care ritual.
    Our Even Glow Serum will repair, refresh, and renew your skin; restoring evenness to your complexion, giving you an extra boost of confidence each time you look in the mirror. 

I mean, they really make this stuff sound like the King of Vitamin C serums! I was absolutely down for this, even if it meant I'd have to suffer through a zit here and there!

 Vitamin C: With a 20% concentration does more than boost the body’s immune system; it also provides many benefits to keep the skin tight, smooth and looking ageless. Vitamin C has been scientifically proven to reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, including sunburn, sun spots, redness and wrinkles. In addition to helping reduce the signs of aging, Vitamin C is essential for everyday maintenance to strengthen and smooth out the skin, as well as neutralizing free radicals before they can damage the skin.

Superior Ingredients:

Vitamin C: With a 20% concentration does more than boost the body’s immune system; it also provides many benefits to keep the skin tight, smooth and looking ageless. Vitamin C has been scientifically proven to reduces the effects of sun exposure on the skin, including sunburn, sun spots, redness and wrinkles. In addition to helping reduce the signs of aging, Vitamin C is essential for everyday maintenance to strengthen and smooth out the skin, as well as neutralizing free radicals before they can damage the skin.

***Our additional Key Ingredients below were all selected for their ability to enhance and support Vitamin C’s effect on the skin.

ORGANIC ROSEHIP SEED OIL & ORGANIC SEA BUCKTHORN OIL - These oils promote skin hydration and lock in moisture to protect your skin from signs of aging and improve its beauty and youthfulness. Rosehip Oil specifically has been used in medical communities around the world for those with serious skin ailments and only recently has North America learned to embrace natural solutions from our ancestors. These two organic oils are full of antioxidants and therefore act as the perfect supporting cast for our best friend – Vitamin C

RESISTEM (Plant Stem Cells) – This provides the perfect mix of protection from stress-related aging and promotes skin detoxification. Resistem will help your skin regenerate faster while protecting it from environmental stressors.

HYALURONIC ACID(Botanical) – Holding up to 1000 times its weight in water and drawing moisture out of the environment and onto the surface of your skin ,there is not a more effective moisturizing agent on the market today. Penetrates deeply, and actives collagen production for a fresher, younger, firmer, and brighter complexion

GREEN TEA EXTRACT- The catechins in green tea are a potent antioxidant which also contribute to the overall anti-inflammatory and anti-irritant benefits of this ancient health and beauty secret.

What It Does:

98% Natural Ingredients (see below for a description of our Key Ingredients chosen specifically to enhance Vitamin C efficacy on the skin)

EVENS SKIN TONE: Vanquish dark spots and skin discoloration with this new generation Vitamin C Serum. Quickly refresh uneven and ill-textured skin with smooth, wrinkle-free skin that leaves you looking flawless and ageless.

INCREASES GLOW & RADIANCE: Revitalize your skin with essential fatty acids that leave skin smooth and visibly brighter. Smooth skin capable of reflecting light will give your skin a youthful glow and a brilliant shine for that well-rested and refreshed look.

ABSORBS RAPIDLY: Moisturizes skin due to the capacity of the hyaluronic acid to absorb water, thereby increasing fluid between cells, giving your skin a smoother and younger appearance. This intense water absorption means no more dry, peeling or cracked skin, even in extreme weather.

BOOSTS COLLAGEN PRODUCTION: The presence of Organic Rosehip Seed oil to support Vitamin C increases collagen production so your skin retains the elasticity responsible for a youthful appearance and prevents skin sagging associated with aging. Enjoy smooth and supple skin that takes years off your appearance.

REDUCES WRINKLES & FINE LINES: Reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles with the help of our foundation 20 % Vitamin C. Special ingredients such us Hyaluronic Acid and Organic Sea Buckthorn oil work to plump up the skin, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles in the skin so it is smoother, clearer and younger.

I have been looking for a product that is natural, alcohol free, paraben free, so I am eager to try this out.

The ingredients for this product are clearly marked on the box as well: Proprietary Organic Skin Tea, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Methlsulfonylmethane (MSM), Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide (botanical hyaluronic acid), Globularia Cordifolia Callus Culture Extract (plant stem cells), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed Oil), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel), Citrus Paradisi (Pink Grapefruit Essential Oil), Carbomer, (2s)-2-Amino-5-guanidinopentanoic Acid, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Algae Extract, Camelia Oleifera (Japanese Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn Oil), Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

You just need a few drops of this serum, which is a thicker serum in the color of an orange creamsicle, which is due to the Organic Sea Buckthorn Oil,  and it smells like freshly squeezed orange juice – already I am  loving the scent!  The scent is natural from the ingredients as there is no added perfume to this product.   

 So as Natural hair/beauty/fashion blogger who will do anything to get the scoop on a product, of course I continued to use it and suffer through the short term breakouts right?

Nope.

Sorry guys...I just couldn't do it! It's taken me literally my entire 26 years on Earth (I'm sure I was probably fighting acne as an infant) to finally get rid of the huge amount of acne . While I'm always down to try and review a product to the best of my ability, I really don't want to go back down a road of constant breakouts just to see if this particular product does what it says.

What I will say, is in the 4 days of using this product before the breakouts, I genuinely saw a positive difference in my skin. It looked visibly brighter and more even-toned, similar to what my "brightening" serums from Korea will do. I think that if your skin really loves Vitamin C, or even if you've never tried a Vit. C serum, this is the one to try. The scent, the quick results I received and the decent price (only $30!) make this one a winner in my book. I just wish my skin would stop hating on Vitamin C so I could really see how well this stuff worked out long term!

Its available at Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HJD8NLY and is currently on sale for $35.00, which is over 1/2 off the normal price.  If you purchase this product, Valentia Skin Care will send you an Age Defying Facial Treatment e-book, which has 20 beauty recipes,

Have anyone Else tried it Let me know

Bobby Pins.....We were wrong this whole time

Hey Divas

We ok so let this straight  bobby pins  recently came across a picture on Instagram that pretty much shows that we have ALL been using bobby pins the incorrect way. Am I the only one who had no clue? Who says there is a right or wrong way anyways? (Side eye) Apparently the grooved end is the part the belongs on the scalp and not the other way around. *shrug* I am pretty sure since forever we have all been using them incorrectly.

Like really if only we could find out where all of the bobby pins go when they suddenly grow legs and walk away. That is the REAL question here! lol 

Just wanted to share this  with you all. It caught my attention although I will most likely continue to forever use them incorrectly. What can I say, I am a creature of habit.

until next time loves

5 tips to keep winter skin safe

                                                         

Hey guys so once again we are going talk about winter skin ... if your like me then u have two different complexions in the spring/summer a nice tan but in the fall/winter dry pale skin so im going to let you know what you can do and use

1. Switch gel cleansers for cream cleansers in the winter.

2. Don't use astringents! Replace them with hydrating toners.

3. Don't over exfoliate! Raw skin is more susceptible to damage, and the elements in higher latitudes are very rough. Exfoliate with a gentle peel on the face and dry brushing the body followed by jojoba oil all over.

4. Moisture, moisture, moisture! Use a hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid and follow it with a heavier cream moisturizer to hold in water. If you generally have dry skin, use a very heavy night cream. There are also many moisturizing masks available that can be used two or three times a week. 

5. Sunscreen!! Yes, you still need it in the winter! UV rays reflect off of snow, and keeping your skin protected from sun damage is just as important. Wear sunscreen on your face, neck, and hands; anywhere that will be exposed. You won't need as much sunscreen as in the summer, since there are fewer daylight hours and less exposed skin, but it is still necessary! Winter sunburns are even more painful in bitterly cold winter air.

Starting a winter skin care regimen now, before the winter weather really starts, is a perfect way to keep your skin healthy until Spring. 

A List of Shampoos That Won’t Strip Your Hair Of Moisture

                                                     

I know everyone isn’t comfortable with co-washing (I Know im one of those people) 

everyone’s lifestyle is different. Some may workout more than others. Some may have a more physically demanding job.

Whatever the case, sulfate-free shampoos are great addition to anyone’s regimen. You can cleanse your hair without the drying effect.

Being the awesome person i am, i have found a list of sulfate-free shampoos In Mine and also case some reasonable shampoos 

Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo
Aveda Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo
Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Shampoo
Aveda Men’s Pureformance Shampoo

Bed Head Foxy Curls Frizz-Fighting Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Bed Head Superstar Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Thick Massive Hair

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo
Burt’s Bees Color Keeper Green Tea & Fennel Seed Shampoo
Burt’s Bees More Moisture Raspberry & Brazil Nut Shampoo
Burt’s Bees Rosemary Mint Shampoo Bar
Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Grapefruit & Sugar Beet Shampoo
Burt’s Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo

Dr. Bronner’s Almond Liquid Soap Almond
Dr. Bronner’s Citrus Orange Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Eucalyptus Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Rose Liquid Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree Oil Liquid Soap

Elasta QP creme conditioning shampoo

L’Oreal Everstrong Hydrating Shampoo
L’Oreal Everpure Smooth Shampoo
L’Oreal Everpure Volumizing Shampoo
L’Oreal Everstrong Reconstructing Shampoo
L’Oreal Hair Expertise Everstrong Sulfate-Free Fortify System Bodify Shampoo

Neutragena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Moisture Retention Shampoo
Shea Moisture African Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo

Trader Joe’s Nourish Spa Shampoo
Trader Joe’s Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo

well that's it guys let me know which ones you use  

Elizabeth Arden flawless future powered by ceramide

                                                             

The Flawless Future Caplet Serum. No doubt, part of the buzz from this product is due to the little pearlescent spheres inside the serum. The appearance actually reminds me of the  because it looks similar, with a bunch of little shimmery balls suspended in a clear watery liquid. We as consumers are always suckers for pretty, visually-appealing things, and this just hits the nail on the head. 

after getting this as a mini sample For a review  i was trilled  experience with the product did bear out my expectations from the ingredients list. I found this to be a very lightweight, easy to apply serum that sinks into the skin quickly and doesn't leave much residue. When you dispense the product out of the pump, the little spheres "burst" and you get a clear liquid filled with little white shimmery bits, . When blended out, the shimmers pretty much disappear into the skin, and you aren't left with a glittery finish or a shimmery face. When I used this, I found it to be light but still fairly moisturizing, although not as intensely moisturizing as some of Elizabeth Arden's other products, which seems like a fair expectation given that the Flawless Future range is geared towards a younger age group. It did seem to help my skin condition seem better overall, too. im 25 so im starting to see wrinkles (forehead around eyes and smile area) 

I was able to see results right away. My skin looks well rested, refreshed. and rejuvenated. No more dull and lifeless looking skin for this girl. 

but im off to buy some more talk to you guys later .