What I have used up lately....

I have not been on target with my monthly empties reviews but I have been somewhat keeping track of my empty products; so here are the products that I have recently depleted:

SheaMoisture Moisture Retention Shampoo - This has been my holy grail shampoo for years. I have one bottle remaining and when I am done with it I plan to try other cleansers, just because I am bored with this one and I wonder if there are better cleansers for my hair. I have reviewed this product in a previous Monthly Empties post. I typically purchase SheaMoisture products at Target or Walgreen's.

Curl Junkie Beauticurls Argan and Olive Daily Hair Conditioner - This is one of my favorite instant conditioners. I love to use it in the summer to co-wash and I also use it to help detangle my hair. It makes my hair super soft and moisturized. I have one more bottle remaining and I will probably repurchase when that bottle is complete. This conditioner has been on my holy grail list for years. I usually order this product from aveyou.com but it is also available on curljunkie.com.

Qhemet Biologics Amla and Olive Heavy Cream (AOHC) - I have been using this leave-in hair cream for about four years. I have another jar on deck but I rarely use this product. When I first went natural it was one of the only products that kept my hair moisturized, but it is very heavy so you only need a little, thus one jar has lasted me forever. This product does not mix well with other stylers, and since I have primarily worn twist-outs over the years, it is rare that I have the opportunity to use this product. It also does not work well alone for loose styles, as it does not help my hair with definition (which the product is not intended to do such, so this is not a complaint, just an explanation of usage). I enjoy using this product when I am preparing my hair for a long-term protective style because I know that I can depend on AOHC to keep my hair soft and moisturized. I would recommend this product to anyone who has trouble with moisture retention.

 

Claudie's Hair Revitalizer Renew Protein Conditioner - This is one of my favorite protein conditioners. It helps to strengthen my hair and restore elasticity, especially when I over-moisturize my hair. I have very fine strands and my hair is prone to reduced elasticity, so I apply this product and sit under my heating cap or dryer for about 30 minutes, and then follow with a deep conditioner. It seems to work instantly as I immediately see results when handling my hair (my hair feels less fragile when wet). I typically use this product once per month, and I recommend Renew Protein to anyone who fears a more aggressive treatment or anyone who is more ingredient conscious as this product is handmade. I purchase this product at claudieshairrevitalizer.com and the owner  provides excellent customer service. I plan to repurchase this product soon.

Claudie's Hair Revitalizer Hair Gel - This is my holy grail gel. No other gel has worked as well for me as this one. I usually wear this gel when I wear my hair pulled back in a bun or ponytail, and I can wear it everyday without it building up in my hair or causing my edges to feel stiff. I will repurchase this product soon, as I have been giving my hair a break from ponytails and I have also been trying to use up all of the hair products that I have been hoarding. This product is also available on Claudieshairrevitalizer.com.

Boscia Makeup Breakup Cleansing Oil - I love the way that this product removes makeup. I typically use it before my regular cleanser on days that I wear makeup. I have featured this product in a past monthly favorites post. I am still trying to develop a regular skincare routine that I love so I am trying other makeup removers and have not repurchased this one yet. I purchased this cleansing oil at Sephora and it is also available at Sephora.com.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser - I love this cleanser. It is very gentle and I can use it morning and night without fear that it will over-dry my skin. I have combination to oily skin and a lot of the cleansers for oily skin are too aggressive and drying for my sensitive skin. Fresh Soy cleanser is recommended for all skin types and safe for eyes. I plan to repurchase this cleanser. Soy Fresh cleanser is available at Sephora.

Shi Naturals Creamy Leave-In - this leave-in conditioner really helped to keep my hair soft and moisturized when I was struggling with chronic thirsty hair during the spring. It is creamy and water-based and easily absorbs into my fine strands. I plan to repurchase this leave-in after I use several more. This product is available on Etsy.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - the purpose of these pads are to exfoliate, tone, and brighten. I used them after my cleanser and they helped with oil-control. I noticed that my skin would be far less oily during the day when using this product. Though I suffered no harsh side effects during use, lately I have been fearful of over-drying my skin as this product contains glycolic acid, so I have not repurchased the FAB pads. However, these pads are available at Sephora.

Ren T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel - I received this gel in gratis from work. It is a gentle, antibacterial facial cleansing gel for combination to oily skin. This cleanser did not produce any negative side effects but there are other cleansers that I favor, thus I do not plan to repurchase this cleasing gel. This product is available at Sephora.

Ren Active 7 Radiant Eye Gel - I also received this product in gratis at work. I like that it brightens and makes the eye area appear less puffy. I recommend this gel to clients who are primarily concerned about under-eye bags and dry under-eye areas. I would repurchase this gel, but at this time I am testing out other eye creams. This product is available at Sephora.

Tarte Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment - I purchased this product in a set with maracuja oil. I did not use it consistently enough to see a difference. I plan to try it again before making a definite conclusion because I did find it to be moisturizing to my under-eye area. I purchased this product at Sephora.

NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Macao - this was my holy grail foundation for years! It matches my complexion very well during the summer and it does not oxidize during wear, plus I love the natural finish that it provides. The product is a sheer to medium coverage, and as I have become more of a full-coverage girl I do not plan to repurchase in the near future. I still love the product and I still use it on clients. I purchased this product at Sephora.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer - I love this primer! It was really there for me this summer when our store was undergoing renovations and the air conditioner wasn't working properly in this humid, Houston heat. I would start to sweat at work and my makeup stayed put because this primer repels water, thus making your makeup sweat-proof and humidity-proof. I have an additional small jar of this product remaining and at this time I plan to purchase a full-size bottle in the future. The Hourglass brand is exclusive to Sephora.

Algenist Genius Anti-Aging cream - this is one of my favorite moisturizers that truly hydrates without leaving behind a sticky film or extra oils. I have raved about this product in a previous monthly favorites post and months later I still love it. I finished a small jar of this product but I plan to repurchase in the future. Algenist is available at Sephora.

 

Almay Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads - I typically use the Almay oil-free pads and purchased these unintentionally. The waterproof pads work really well to remove lip stains, but sense my eyes are sensitive I prefer the oil-free variety for eye makeup removal. I usually buy these pads at Target but they can be found at any drugstore where Almay is sold.

IntensivEye Makeup Remover Wipes - I randomly found these pads in Marshall's one day and decided to give them a try. At the discounted rate, they are about $3 more in price point in comparison to the Almay pads, and they do not do anything special. I prefer the Almay brand over these pads and I do not plan to repurchase.

 

 

MAC Pro longwear concealer NW40 - this concealer is a staple for me in my personal makeup stash. It is often described as the best concealer in the industry - as it is full coverage, long-wearing and crease-proof. I have tried other concealers that receive equally rave reviews and found that they do not measure up to my beloved pro longwear. I repurchased this product the day that I realized that the bottle was coming to an end. This product is available on the Mac Cosmetics website as well as Mac counters. 

 

MAC Brush cleanser - I have featured this brush cleaner in a previous empties post. I have already repurchased this cleanser as it is one of my favorites. There is a new brush cleanser that I have had the opportunity to try at work, that I also plan to purchase to compare to MAC's cleanser. MAC's brush cleanser is available on the MAC website and at MAC counters.

 

Josie Maran bear naked wipes - I love these wipes because they do not irritate my skin! I have expressed in an earlier post about how my skin reacts with  severe dryness to most facial wipes. These wipes are great for removing makeup before I wash my face, as well as removing oils on days when I don't wear makeup or on days when I don't leave home. I have already repurchased this product from Sephora.

 

Croc Clips - I had a box of croc clips that lasted me for a few years. The final clip broke during the month of March and I repurchased two new boxes. I prefer the safari print edition. These clips hold large sections of my thick natural hair and they do not snag my hair at all. I purchased these clips at Sally's Beauty Supply. Sephora also makes similar clips that I plan to try.

Pura Body Naturals Murumuru milk - I featured a full review of this product in a past monthly favorites post. This leave-in conditioner helped combat my chronic dryness this past winter. I recently finished a bottle of this leave-in and I have additional bottles of this product on deck, thus I do not have a need to repurchase at this time. 

 

I have used up quite a bit over the last couple of months and I have purchased less than I have used. I used up far more than I was able to post but I edited this list in hopes of not boring you to tears! Thank you for reading my blog and feel free to leave questions and feedback below. If you have tried any of these products I would love to hear your thoughts!

The Natural Hair Struggle Is Real

I suppose I should start off by telling you guys my hair story. If you do not care to read it just skip down to the pictures! For those of you who are curious about my strands, I will begin by saying that I have had long, thick, healthy hair for most of my life. I wore my hair natural or pressed during my childhood and at age 13, I made the decision to get a relaxer to fit in with my peers who did not have to worry about their hair reverting when the gym coaches required us to stay outside and run in spite of light rain. "Your hair will be so much longer relaxed", they said. (We know the power of shrinkage too well). I was all about flaunting my length so it seemed like a great idea! By the time I reached age 15, after nearly two years of getting re-touches every eight weeks, I experienced breakage in my crown. I am talking extreme breakage, where the hair in some places was 3-4 inches in length. That has always been a problem area for me, even to this day, that is the driest, most coarse part of my hair. I spent ages 10th and 11th grade in various braided styles to give my strands a break, in hopes of achieving the same hair health that I had in my pre-relaxer days. I started relaxing my hair during my senior year, and I ran into the same breakage issues. When I left for college, I started wearing microbraids/freestyle braids and wore them up until my senior year. My crown grew back but my hair was not as long and thick as I hoped it would be. During senior year, I wore my first sew-in and instead of perming my perimeter, I would have my friend relax my entire head and braid it up and sew it in. Needless to say, I broke my crown again! I started wearing braids and weaves and in November 2008, I got my last relaxer. I got a really short layered haircut (see below) and I had never seen my hair so short (it was a little past my shoulders in the back) and it seemed thin. I did not say "I am going natural" because I stereotyped natural hair as afros and being militant and low maintenance. I decided that I would wear weaves and braids for the rest of my life. Fastforward to February 2010, and I discovered makeup tutorials on YouTube, and as I was watching a young lady's channel, she had a video entitled "My Hair Story - Through Hell and Back". As I listened to her tell her story, I related with her issues of breakage and improper haircare practices, etc. She shared her products and regimen and I decided that I would give relaxers a try again and immediately booked an appointment with my long time hairstylist. When I arrived at the salon, I got nervous and decided to get it flat ironed. I was impressed by the length and health of my hair and knew then that I needed to continue the journey. I educated myself on haircare by watching vlogs, reading blogs, and participating in online communities. I parted ways with my relaxed ends September 2010 and here we are August 2013 and I am still living the lye-free life! When I am tired of my hair, I get a sew-in. I recently got my hair straightened last month and suffered heat damage in the nape area, so straightening is not a frequent option for me. I have posted pics below of various hairstyles that I have tried, along with pics of my hair during various stages of my journey. I plan to update this blog with product reviews and tips/techniques, so if you are interested in hair care stay tuned.

 

November 2008 - My last relaxer and my first major haircut

 

 

February 2010 - 15 months post-relaxer, flat-ironed and trimmed

 

 

September 2010 - the day after my big chop, my very first twistout. I remember using Yes to Cucumbers leave in conditioner. I never repurchased that product.

 

 

February 2011 - you could not tell me that this was not the best twistout ever! I used SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Kinky Curly Curling Custard.

 

 

 

 

 

The beginning of 2012. I am not sure what products I had or what my technique was during this particular day, but I remember raving about Saravun Castor cream around this time of the year. I probably twisted it the night before and put the top half up in a hair zing and slicked my edges with a pomade such as Hairveda Almond Glaze or MyHoneyChild Hair Grease.

 

 

 

Spring 2012 - A braidout with OHM hair pudding.

 

 

 

Spring 2012 - Things at work were slow so I was able to work out a lot during this time, and lived in buns and ponytails. Bun Life! I usually slick my edges with Claudie's Hair Revitalizer hair gel when I want it this smooth.

 

 

 

Protective style - summer 2012. My first and last time ordering kinky curly hair from AliExpress. It only lasted two weeks and I paid $200 for my sew-in so guess who was so upset!

 

 

 

Summer 2012 - my hair bounces right back after a sew-in. Hence the reason, it is so important to get protective styles done by professionals. I go to Chara Joyner of Houston Weaves.

 

 

 

 

November 2012 - The first time I had my hair straightened since going natural. Chara from Houston Weaves also straightens and trims my hair. I maintained it for three weeks by sleeping in flexi-rods each night.

 

November 2012 - my hair bounced right back after the flat iron. I did not suffer any heat damage. I just applied a curl cream and it reverted and this pic shows the results.

 

 

 

 

December 2012 - protective style, kinky curly hair from California Lace Wigs

 

Spring 2013 - an overnight wash and go with Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and Donna Marie Dream Curling Cream. I like the curling cream for braidouts and twistouts but I do not recommend it for wash and go's especially for thick hair that may need a heavier product. If you are looking for a curl cream that will give you hold and definition without flakes, build-up and dryness, the DM curl cream is great. It was my go-to cream before I started doing more wash and go styles.

 

 

March 2013 - A twist out on lightly blow dryed hair

 

My length comparison pics - November 2012 vs. July 2013. I was a hostess in a wedding in July and I wanted to wear my hair wavy so I got it flat ironed and wore it in cornrows until the day of the wedding.

 

 

 

July 2013 - I did bantu knots to revert my flat ironed hair. I used water, Jane Carter wrap and roll foam, and Uncle Funky's Daughter Curly Magic

 

 

 

 

Earlier this week after a workout - an old three strand twist out that was set using Anita Grant Creamy Café Latte, SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, and Donna Marie Dream Curling Cream.

 

I look forward to sharing more hairstyles and product reviews/progress with you beauty addicts! In the meantime feel free to ask questions or leave comments.