Another Sew-In

The Hair I used for this sew-in was Premium Too Hair. Premium Too Hair is 100% Human & Premium Blend hair.The color of this hair is a 1B and the style is called "Desire".I used 1 pack of this hair along some of another pack, and some Janet Collection "Perm Yaky" Hair which i placed at the top.. The Premium Too hair is 14 inches and the Janet hair is 10 inches. The braid pattern is simple. I had a perimeter braid going around the top of her head and just braided the rest of the hair back (The huge braid at the top is just the leave out braid). Enjoy.

Excuse her goofy-ness

BOB SEW-IN STEPS.
I did a sew-in on my sister today, and I decided to take pictures of all the steps. I'll try to make this post brief.

The hair that I used for her sew-in was Janet Collection Perm Yaky 10-inch & Sensationnel Bump Collection Hair 8-inch

I  glued the tracks onto a Styrofoam head that was covered with a plastic bag & a spandex cap. The plastic bag was just used to keep the Styrofoam from from sticking to the cap. I put the 10-inch hair in the front & the 8 inch in the back.

To cut the hair, I pulled the sides to the front & put the back into a ponytail. Then I cut above the ponytail holder, positioning the scissors at the bottom and cutting up.

This is the result. After this I cleaned up the bob & curled it. Unfortunately,I don't have pics of the cleaned up/curled bob. I took pics, but some how they were erased or either didn't save.

This is a front picture of the bob, and a  picture of the bob taken off of the styrofoam head. Please disregard the face of the styrofoam head; My little cousin does her "makeup" when she comes over

This is my sister's natural hair and her braid pattern. There is a braid going around the perimeter of her head.

I sewed the cap, with glued tracks on it, onto the perimeter braid.Then cut the remaining of the cap, where the leave out is.

The Result.

I will include more pics in a later post after I put highlights in her hair

Soap Reviews

Canus Goat Milk Soap

I already have a review on my blog about this soap, Canus Goat Milk Soap. I use this soap on my face and body. Because it contains lactic acid, this soap is great for evening out your skin tone.  It has a creamy lather and smells great. It is gentle enough for the whole family to use. The bars last & do no melt like some other soaps tend to do.

Kojie San Soap

      

 I only brought Kojie San soap because everyone was raving about it, but to me this soap was very harsh and drying to my skin. I only let it sit on my body for a minute, and the next thing I knew I had a dark spot on my arm that looked burnt. I hated this soap & I brought it in a pack of three so the bars are just sitting in my bathroom. The best Kojic Acid soap to me is Diana Stalder’s Kojic Acid Soap. It took me about 3 applications to get used to the tingling that I experienced, but after that it was a piece of cake & I was able to let the soap stay on longer and longer each time. You can really see results, lightening of dark spots and even tone, with this product after continuous use. I only used both of these Kojic Acid soaps on my body.

After I fell in love with the Diana Stalder Kojic Soap, YOU ALREADY KNOW my PRODUCT JUNKIE SELF brought the Diana Stalder Black Soap AND the Diana Stalder Glutathione Soap. These soaps are the shizzzniieeee. The Diana Stalder Black Soap is very mild, and I received lots of compliments on my skin; everyone said it glowed.  The Glutathione soap  has the same effect, but it took a little longer for me to see some results. All Diana Stalder soaps do seem to melt fast, and the bars do not last that long. I only used these soaps on my body.

Black Opal Pre-Fade Complexion Bar

I used the Black Opal Pre-Fade Complexion bar on my face and body. I think the bar is just for face use, as the bar is quite small, so if you are using it on your body then you will constantly be buying more soap bars. This soap is good for exfoliating. I didn't see any noticeable results though, but I can tell it was doing its job when it came to removing dirt and impurities from the skin. Make sure you apply a moisturizer after using this soap, it is a little drying.

Green Tea Herbal Soap

The Green Tea Herbal soap is a nice gentle soap to me. It main ingredient is Green Tea, a natural antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from the aging an damaging of free radicals. This soap lathers well & the bar lasts a long time. It also has a nice smell, is very refreshing and has a pretty green color.

The Magical Glutathione Whitening Soap is a great soap if you are dealing with acne or an uneven skin tone, whether on the face or body. This soap does what it claims to do & fast. I have no cons.

The Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar, I loved. It’s very gentle, smells great, and leaves you with a refreshed feeling when you’re done using it. It’s a glycerin-rich facial bar that contains no harsh detergents, dyes or hardeners.  My skin did look healthier with consistent use of this soap.

Diana Stalder Glutathione Soap, Magical Glutathione Soap, & Neutrogena Transparent Facial Bar

CharginValley Rhassoul Yougurt  Soap- When I say you can smell these soaps through the box, I mean it literally. The mailman wanted to keep the box in the truck with him all day. These soaps SMELL SOOOO GOOD & are great for the targeted issues that they claim to correct (Its toning action revitalizes the complexion and tightens pores & it is enriched with moisturizing yogurt that hydrates, soothes, softens, and rejuvenates the complexion). I brought sample bars of these two soaps along with the Body Sorbet Sugar Scrub which is the best and also SMELLS SOOO GOOD. The sample bars lasted longer than I thought they would, they do tend to melt a little fast though. It does not cost a lot to purchase the bigger size of these soaps, and the bigger sizes are huge.

Makari Exfoliating Soap. This soap can be harsh, be careful. It is a wonderful exfoliator. Exellent. This soap does what It claims & you will see results. It’s the only product that I have used from the Makari Line, the other products have too many scary reviews for me to try them. I did purchase the Makari Body Milk and never used it because I kept seeing horrible reviews about it. I can say that Makari does have nice packaging to their products.

Black Soap Lick Me All Over

Original Black Soap Lick Me All Over. As a person of a dark complexion, you just can’t go wrong with purchasing black soap.  Black soap is great for almost every skin issue;  From acne to uneven skin tone. This soap is a great light exfoliator and made my skin very soft. I used it all over.

The African Formula Soap are the best. I love products with those good ingredients. This soap is the Olive Butter Soap and Green Tea Leaves. It smells great of course and is very moisturizing. Good choice for people who love natural products

Olive Butter Soap & Green Tea Leaves

GLYTONE

I wanted the Retexturize Glytone Lotion and the Retexturize Glytone Exfoliating Wash so I decided to just get the KP Kit (Unfortunately I do not have Keratosis Pilaris so I can’t give you any review on that) which also included an exfoliating poof. The main ingredients in these products are Glycolic Acid, which is good in exfoliating dead skin cells and smoothing out rough areas. I did notice a difference in skin texture while using these products, and I also noticed a more even, brighter, creamy looking-skin tone. The lotion was quite strong though. You have to be careful, as it can burn the skin; wouldn’t recommend using it while the skin is very dry. You will run out of the wash before you run out of the lotion; even though they are about the same size. These products will work well on areas that tend to get a rough feeling (i.e. feet, elbows , and knees). I only used these products at night time. The label on both products does tell you that this product contains AHA’s, and using sunscreen & wearing protective clothing is essential when using this product.

WITCH HAZEL BENEFITS

-Moisturizing Skin

-Astringent

-Refine Pores

-Natural Glow

- Makeup Remover

-Treat Acne

-Fade Age Spots

-Anti-Itch Remedy

-Helps With Skin Texture

-Balances Skin's Natural Oils

- Helps with Redness

- Helps in Scar Healing

Breast Cancer Awareness: Natural Deodorants

Pure & Natural Crystal Deodorant Mist & Stone

When breast cancer month comes around I am always active in the events and products that different groups have to offer.  The products that I took the time to review were natural deodorants.

 (There have been tons of finds & informing about the use of commercial antiperspirants and deodorants linked to Breast Cancer).

The products that I have are:

Crystal Body Deodorant Spray

 Pure & Natural Crystal Deodorant Mist 

Pure & Natural Crystal Deodorant Stone

 Lafe’s Deodorant Stone. 

Note these deodorants are deodorants, not antiperspirants.  They are 100% natural and the main ingredient in these products is natural mineral salts.  They all claim to be hypoallergenic, fragrance free, paraben free, 24 hour lasting, odor eliminating, and  aluminium chlorohydrate free. Honestly, when I was going somewhere & had a lot to do, I never used these products alone; I used my regular deodorant along with them. I do use these products when I am at home, or going out & about with not much to do and they work fine.If I'm doing a lot around the house, they don't work unless I reapply once in a while. ( It beats using an unhealthy deodorant ALL the time).The sprays can be used anywhere on the body & the stick and stone are for the underarms.

Pure & Natural Crystal Deodorant Stone

OLAY & I

I have had my fair share of Olay Products, but I am only going to do a review on three of them. I purchased these products at my local CVS. The products from the Regenerist Line are targeted for older people; they are anti-aging products, but they were beneficial to me as well.

The Olay Professional Pro-X is a spin brush with 2 speeds & is used for exfoliating. I am not that into exfoliating brushes,  but I did have the Neutrogena Wave when the hype was out. I saw visible results with the Neutrogena Wave, and some with the Olay brush as well, but once again I'm not that into brushes so I can't compare it to other leading brands. I chose to use other facial products over this brush. *shrugs* I was basically using it just to use it, but the quality of the brush is great. **Once again the Regenerist Line IS marketed to older people, and I don't have aging issues like them**

The Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion System is a two part kit with Lactic Acid peel activator & microdermabrasion treatment with derma-crystals.

 This was my first experience with a little lactic acid, nothing about this product was unbearable to me. Before I purchased this product I looked at  some reviews & some people were saying that they couldn't take this product on their face for the time recommended. (The only sensation I felt was a warming sensation.) After using this product the skin definitely has a glow. I will honestly say that the glow didn't last that long, maybe a day,  but I put this product down and moved onto actual chemical peels. This kit is a good start though.

The Olay Regenerist Detoxifiying Pore Scrub is great if you're looking for a light cleasner. This cleanser is clear & slightly pink with red beads in it. Not hard or abrasive at all, very gentle and refreshing. I don't have problems with pores, but one of my sisters did & she found this product useful. Also I always found myself reaching for this cleanser, as you can see I'm almost out.

Get Naked: Naked Juice

When I die I want to go to Naked Juice Heaven; literally. I know many of you have ran across those smoothie recipes for great skin or for better health, and cringed when you got to the ingredient list. If you are like me, just thinking about walking around the grocery store finding all the right ingredients & getting home and turning my kitchen into a zoo while in the process of making the smoothie, turns my stomach. Naked Juices and Smoothies are the best alternative to problems like these. The prices for these drinks starts around $3 in most grocery stores. Each recycled-made bottle is packed with fruits and/or vegetables, along with other ingredients that are beneficial to your overall health. The variety of flavors that Naked Juice offers is endless.

Click Picture Below to see a better view.

 I ♥  Paula Choice.

I don't remember how I discovered Paula Choice Products, I think I saw a review about a BHA toner from this product line & decided to purchase it, but after purchasing my first product from the website, I definitely got hooked. These products do exactly what they claim to do & are very good for dark complexions. i also think that the packaging of these products are warm and inviting. Please note that the packaging for these products has changed and some of my pictures are of the old packaging. Different Packaging,Same Product.

The first product that I purchased was the Skin Perfecting  2% BHA Liquid. This product is for all skin types and is good for people who have occasional breakouts; contains salycic acid. I applied the product with a cotton ball after I washed my face & then later applied a moisturizer.I definitely saw more radiant-even toned skin and this product is great at preventing the occasional breakouts that I sometimes get. This product lasted me about two months, a little goes a long way. It is not that costly, and you will see results in two weeks. Special note: Those allergic to aspirin (acetylsalicylate) should not use products containing salicylic acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid or BHA). 

The next product that I purchased from Paula Choice was  the Remarkable Skin Lightening Lotion with 7% AHA. Initially, I got this product as a sample with my first purchase from the site, and after using it I decided to buy it. This product does well at lightening

dark spots or bigger areas of the skin & it gives you a radiant complexion. It can also be used on larger areas of the face and body.The first night I used this product, and woke up the next morning, my face had a noticeable glow. Another ingredient in this product is 2% hydroquinone. While using this product, make sure that you use a good sunscreen as this product can cause skin sensitivvity to sunlight. If you are prone to breakouts I recommend  you get the BHA versions of this product. Make sure you screw the top back onto this lotion tightly or it will turn a brown color, making the product less effective. All in all this is a great investment, and this product is not that costly.

The next product that I purchased was the Skin Revealing Body Lotion with 10% AHA, this product is good for repairing sun damaged skin.This lotion was my first experience with lotions that sting a little, so when I first tried this lotion after my shower, it was a little shock. 

 haha. Personally, I don't recommend using this product after exfoliating in the shower, as I noticed that it increased the stinging (also don't use this lotion after shaving).  I used this lotion in the middle of the day and didn't have a problem with the stinging. I still saw results though, as the product does do what it claims. Sometimes I used it along with the Paula Choice Beautiful Body Butter to lessen the stinging. Once again, I only used this product at night time (with the Body Butter or when I didn't exfoliate in the shower), and during the day when I was sitting around the house, never before I went outside. Because of the AHAs this product contains you will need to remember to apply sunscreen when you are out and about in the sun. Make sure you keep the top on this product, as it can change color as well.

I would have a picture of the next product that I purchased, Paula Choice Beautiful Body Butter, but I used it all! *slight laugh*. This body butter is great for dry skin, it is kind of thick though and a little tough to spread over the skin. I can say that the 4oz that you receive does not last that long. The other products that I purchased lasted longer than this one. 

If you are looking for instant brightness this next product is your best friend. This product is a new edition to the Paula Choice Product Line. It is the Pure Radiance Skin Brightening Treatment. This product literally looks like melted luminious pearls when you squeeze it out of the tube. It also helps with those stubborn dark spots and wrinkles as well.

I have received samples from Paula Choice's Earth Choice Natural Skin Care Line & those are very nice gentle products to use for people who have sensitive skin or are simply just into products that have natural ingredients. These products are plant based and are 98% natural. They are also very hydrating to the skin.

Water Intake Benefits

-Natural Detoxifier

-Healthier, Younger Skin

-Boosts Immune System

-Increases Cognitive Function of the Brain

-Helps With Weight Loss

- Strong Healthy Lubricated Joints

-Keeps You Hydrated

-Aids in Digestion & Constipation

-Helps with Hair Growth 

-Maintenance of pH Balance

-Good Mood

-Lessen Fatigue

DIY Lactic Acid Lotion

Mario Badescu Papaya Body Lotion + Lactic Acid = Lactic Acid Lotion

There is quite a hassle trying to find products for the body that last long and are easy to afford on a regular basic. Who wants to spend over $50 for a small tube marketed for the body, when its obvious that the tube wouldn't last a week?  Not me, and when it comes down to it the best thing to do is research ingredients that are targeted for your problem & make your own. Nothings more fun that whipping up your own special lotions for cheap. 

Combining a water-based lotion with lactic acid is a great way to exfoliate areas of your body to reveal great, clearer even-toned skin, and trust me it works like a charm. To make my lotion, I fill a plastic 3oz container with a water-based lotion, Mario Badescu Papaya Body Lotion $10-$22 (another good lotion is Jergens), and mix in 1/2 oz or 1oz of 88% Lotion Crafters Lactic Acid Starts at $3.50.  On applying this product, it stings slightly for about a minute but nothing unbearable me. If you are concerned about the stinging, simply lower the amount of lactic acid you mix into the lotion. You can up the intake gradually after weeks of use.  Sometimes to speed up exfoliation I wrap the area that I applied the lotion, in cling wrap overnight. When I wake up in the morning the area is flaked with dead skin, revealing a brighter, even tone. I only apply this lotion to areas of my body, not the face.

GET THE GLOW from within

We run across lots of products like lotions, facial cleansers, and serums that promote radiant skin, but those products are not the only way that you can achieve luminous results. Two dietary supplements: Pycnogenol & Vitamin C can do the trick as well. Pycnogenol, also known as pine bark extract, aids in promoting healthy, even-toned skin. This supplement, also known as the super-antioxidant supplement, boosts the immune system and helps with circulation as well. The supplements are small, not hard to swallow at all. Good ol' Vitamin C also boosts the immune system, makes the skin vibrant, and shares other benefits that Pycnogenol gives. After taking 100mg of Pycnogenol and 1000mg of Vitamin C for 2weeks, I noticed a more brighter even tone. This is a great combo, and a staple in my vitamin cabinet.

The Beauty Detox Solution.

The Beauty Detox Solution book is one book that you can't go wrong with. Written by Kimberly Synder, and raved by Dr. Mehmet Oz, this book has everything you need to know to achieve that radiant skin, have renewed energy, and get that ideal body. I've learned a lot from this book. I was drawn to the book after reading a section in Part One, which had me thinking....OMG She's RIGHT! This book is jam-packed and essential to your health, many of her suggestions have been incorporated into my daily routine (i.e. Hot water with half the juice of a lemon every morning) along with tasty healthy recipes. I don't want to spoil it for all of you, just go get it! Its a cheap investment, you've got nothing to lose!

Book Excerpt...

"The gorilla is a natural vegetarian 

[Our genetic makeup is similar to monkeys, chimps, and gorillas; 99.4%] .

...... So what happens when we have the genetic makeup of a gorilla but eat like a tiger? Trouble! We are going against the natural laws of Biology.. ----page 3

CO-WASHing...

Co-Washing is a term that may sound foreign to many, but the term is definitely not complicated. Co-washing is simply defined as washing your hair with conditioner instead of shampoo; also known as conditioner washing. By co-washing your hair, you can minimize breakage, strengthen your hair, and cut down on frizzness. Co-washing also helps promote thickness. You can also co-wash hair extensions  I co-wash my hair 2 to 3 times a week with a cheapie conditioner from local stores in my area, but recently I have been purchasing them in bulk from Amazon.com, simply because I use this product a lot. My staple brand of conditioners comes from the Herbal Essence Line (Wonderful Smell).

Two Herbal Essence Conditioners that I currently have (You can definitely notice that I use them):

Amazon Links to Bulk Buying of Herbal Essence Conditioner: Three Pack 23.7 oz

FUN EXFOLIATION: CURE AQUA GEL

 I know many people who find it hard to be consistent with a skin care regimen, and the only way I can help them become consistent is by creating a regimen with "fun" products. One step to a skin care regimen is exfoliation. Exfoliation is simple way to remove dead skin cells from your skin, resulting in a fresher, brighter, even complexion  & should be done once or twice a week depending on your skin type. For the exfoliation step I recommend Natural Cure Aqua Gel. This exfoliator is a top selling product from Japan  that is made up of 

"90% revitalized hydrogen water, natural plant extracts from aloe vera, gingko, and rosemary, and is free from preservatives, fragrance, artificial coloring or alcohol."

If you have a dull skin tone, enlarged pores, or blackheads, this is the product to run to. All you have to do is apply a quarter size amount of this product to a clean face, rub, and watch as dead skin balls appear before your eyes. This product is great and gentle for pre-teen and teen skin-regimens; as they find it simply amazing!

I borrowed my cousin's hand (She loves this stuff, 15yo) and snapped some pictures of this fun, cool effect.

 This is my second time purchasing the Natural Cure Aqua Gel. The first time I purchased it, I spent $50, but you can get it for $39 at Amazon.com (Link Below). An alternative to this product is the Aloette Restorative Enzyme Peel that runs around $39 also.

7 Years Younger

I remember receiving an email from the Good Housekeeping website promoting the free trial of this book. The agreement was to keep the book for 21-days and send it back if you weren't satisfied with it. If you wanted to keep the book you would start paying installment payments of $9.47 or make one full payment of $37.95. I started out placing my order for this book, but stopped at the payment section (All I did was fill out my name, address, email and zip code information).  A confirmation link was sent to my email anyway without my debit card input. It took about two weeks to receive the book.

7 Years Younger is targeted to women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and up. It aids women in constructing a 7- week plan to help them look and feel 7 years younger.  This book has received an outstanding review from Dr. Oz, and actual people have followed the 7-week-anti-aging plan, receieving outstanding results.

Honestly, I have had an interest in beauty and health for some years now, so a wide-part of this book, I already knew. I can say that this book does recommend specific products and  recipes to use and make that are beneficial to the 7-week plan.  I gave this book to my mother who is 53 years old, and less educated on health and beauty information. She loves this book, and finds it very helpful; as in most of the information is beneficial to her age group. If I didn't know a lot about the information, I would find this book very helpful as well. I can say that this book sums of everything that you need to know. Bottom line,  7 Years Younger is a great investment, and my mother can’t put this book down.

Here are some links to alternatives to books like 7 Years Younger.
1001 Forever Beauty Tips :Click Here!  
Reverse The Aging Process & Extend Lifespan: Click Here!
*E-Book*The True Beauty Promise:Click Here!   

 **Great Christmas Present; Gift Wrap Available through Amazon Link Below**

You can pre-order this book through Amazon (Link Below) for $17.95. The title will be released on January 1. 2013