My Vicarious Life: March 2011

Copy That: Oversized Leather Clutch

American Apparel March 27, 2011

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{Quickie} Shop Express: $30 off a $75 Purchase

Express March 25, 2011

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Help Japan: 5 Stylish Ways to Give

Japan March 22, 2011

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Friend Friday: Lessons in Blogging

Friend Friday March 18, 2011

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{Quickie} A Good Salad is Everything

J. Alexanders March 17, 2011

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MVL Radar: ORS Fertilizing Temple Balm

Fertilizing Temple Balm March 17, 2011

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Friend Friday: The Pursuit of Beauty

Friend Friday March 04, 2011

By Katrice

I love this week's Friend Friday questions! I spend at least 60 percent of my conversation time talking about beauty products. Yes! It. Is. That. Serious. I even have a cousin who calls me when she's in a store searching for something in the hair and skin care sections because I seriously have a photographic memory when it comes to these things. I can tell you brands, in-store locations, prices and price comparisons. Soooo ...

1. What's your favorite drug store makeup product and your favorite higher-end product?
Milani Cosmetics Secret Cover Concealer is my favorite drug store makeup product and, I don't know that NARS is necessarily a "high-end" product, but the brand's sheer pigment Lip Lacquers are my splurge. I love them.

2. Is there one type of product that is your go-to, can't live without?

The one thing that I can't live without in my beauty regimen is lip gloss. However, I don't have a specific go-to product or brand, at the moment. I tend to carry about four to five in my makeup bag.

3. What's the best hair product you've ever used?
I have had a lot of bests as my hair has been in different styles and textures. My best since I've been natural is Qhemet Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee. It is my essential for the detangling alone, but it's also a rich moisturizer. It is the foundation for everything else that I use.

4. Fess up, what's the worst beauty look you've tried to rock and look back at now with a little shame or apprehension that you actually did that?
I had a Jheri Curl in when I was 13. My mom tried to persuade me against it, but I was persistent. I shudder at the thought and am so glad that style did not span more than one year of school pictures.

5. When it comes to beauty products, we all use the same basic products. What do you use that helps show off your personal flare and personality?
When I do my hair, there is something very small that I do to seal whatever style I have chosen for my afro (I actually did this when my hair was straight, as well), and that is to give my edges extra attention. I put a dab of MoroccanOil on two fingertips and (repeatedly) massage it into my hairline all the way around, even in the back. I sometimes use a soft bristled brush, but I prefer to use my fingers so that my I don't disturb the natural pattern. I'm also careful to cover my hair whenever I lay down to protect it from drying friction. This has also been helpful for keeping the edges of my hair healthy and tame.

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Afro Bliss: Finding My Way

March 03, 2011

By Katrice

I was talking with my good friend Ebony Janice (of TotallyandCreativelyEmployed.blogspot.com) today about our natural hair experiences and during the conversation found myself pointing out something that comes up often in one-on-ones. But, a fact that I hadn't ever written about here. And that is that in the nearly three years that I've been natural, I have gone through several sets of product combinations/routines as the length of my hair has progressed and the texture continues to change. I literally have had a mini beauty supply store between my linen closet and bathroom cabinet.

So, I thought it would be good for me to share some of what I've tried to encourage those of you who are still figuring out the right products for your hair. It really is about trial and error, and it does pay off. Don't get weary.

This will be sort of a ramble, so bear with me.

When I first had my hair officially cut into it's natural state, my routine was as follows:

Washing and conditioning with Aura Rosemary Mint Rejuvenating Shampoo and Aura Rosemary Mint Rejuvenating Conditioner. I layered on Barry Fletcher Instant Moisture Spray and Moisture Silk Mousse. Once it was dry, I applied Organic Root Stimulator Shea Butter Hair Softening Lotion.

I struggled with a lackluster cropped 'fro and was always bothered by how dry and rough my hair felt by the end of the day.

Of note: I think it's particularly interesting that I tried to use Paul Mitchell Foaming Pomade, a staple in my styling routine with relaxed hair, and my hair did not respond well, at all.
I used the shampoo and conditioner until they were gone, and continued to use the Barry Fletcher and ORS products for at least a year.

At about three inches, I was desperate for moisture and so I started washing my hair with Hair One Sulfate Free Shampoo. My cousin was using it and thought that I could benefit from the premise that the non-sudsing cleanser would eliminate some of the dryness I was experiencing. I washed and then allowed my hair to drip dry because I had heard people say that rigorous towel drying would also deplete my hair's moisture.

Products:
Luster's Pink Oil Moisturizer Hair Lotion
Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Glossing Polisher
Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue
Murray's Parnevu Leave-in Conditioner

Of note: I made my first trip to Urbanbella at this point, and Miss Jessie's Curly Meringue was suggested as well as Curls Euphoria Elixir. I was never able to achieve the suggested styles with the Curly Meringue, but I finally turned a corner as far as my hair having a nice sheen because of the Euphoria Elixir. I would still be using it, if Urbanbella still sold it.

To replace the curl elixir, I purchased

Motions Hair & Scalp Moisturizing Hairdress. Although, it was more wet than I was used to using for a hairdress, it smelled good and dried quickly. It also kept my hair from looking as dry as it still felt. I went through at least two containers of this before my hair was too long for me to use it and it not feel like a curl activator {at the length in the pic below}.

Of note: At this point, I was using Parnevu leave-in conditioner and my hair responded extremely well to that product. I noticed that it was more moisturized that it had been through my entire natural cycle up to that point. However, when I ran out one day and had to search for something else in the cabinet, I discovered a Qhemet Cocoa Tree Detangling Ghee in an event gift bag. Another turning-point product in my natural hair journey.

You can literally tell the difference in my how much more lush my hair looks with this conditioner.

Realizing the importance of a good detangler was major for me. My entire process changed and I went from loading on oils and moisturizers to washing with Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe Shampoo and Qhemet conditioner, applying a extra virgin olive oil and going.

I got the nerve up to try a twist out in January, 2010, which was also the week I started my blog. The twist out as a protective style was another win for me in learning to care for my afro. My hair was suddenly softer and more manageable.

Products:

Organic Root Stimulator Carrot Oil

Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer

Organic Root Stimulator Lock and Twist Gel

I just recently used the last of the carrot oil and mango butter, but I will continue to purchase both as they have been noticeably effective in my hair at this stage. I consider them base products that I can always fall back on as I periodically try new products.

I'm very happy with the repertoire of products I have now and my routine. But, I enjoy sampling what's on the market for something even better. The object is to use up what I have before launching into something new and to as always to be patient with my hair as it continues become more of itself.