If you were going to make up a gift basket...
 

like the grab bag one from CurlMart, what would you put in it? I'm thinking of giving myself one as a birthday present. I'm 2b with some 3a, though I've been straightening lately (long story). I live in a VERY humid climate. I have an oily scalp. My hair likes proteins in summer and 'cones in winter. My HG so far has been Ouidad Climate Control, though it leaves me a little more crunchy than I like, and gives a bit too much of a wet look. Shampoo (with SLES) is usually OK, though I feel like I should use something less harsh. I DON"T like using tons of stylers: two is probably my maximum. I have to be careful using too many botanicals because they can cause my skin to break out. Suggestions?

If you like proteins in the summer I would say stick with Ouidad or maybe try the Batia & Aleeza line from here in Curlmart. They have some proteins and their gel is awesome!! I absolutely love it and I live in an area that's been pretty humid lately.

I don't know about silicone products though.

I am not 2b, but I thought I would post anyway...

If I were to make up a gift basket from Curlmart, this is what it would include:

B&A Gel
B&A Conditioner
B&A Shampoo
Back to Nature Rosemary Mint Gel
Devacurl Set-It-Free
Elucence Moisture Balancing Conditioner
Jessicurl Too Shea
Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment
Ojon Volumizing Foam

WOW, skywatcher! How would you use these products? All together (except for the deep treatment), or what combination?

Well, I am a Product Junkie, so I rotate products. I actually have & use all of the ones I listed (expect for the B&A poo which I do want to try) :D

I'm trying not to be a product junkie, but I want to get the core things no 2b should be without. Any other suggestions?

I know, I know... I'm a bad influence :(

Don't feel bad, skywatcher. I have a huse product graveyard, and I just don't want to add to it.

For a cleanser, I would pick Low-Poo for you, or if you're still going to use many products with cones, maybe try the Elucence Moisture Balancing poo.

For conditioner I would pick 2 of the following: Too Shea, One Condition, Curls Ecstacy Asian Tea condish, Elucence.

For Styling: If it's really humid there, you might want to try Curlkeeper, but it has no hold and no curl enhancement, just helps with frizzies and keeping definition. Otherwise I would definitely recommend B&A gel, and either Recoil or Qhemet Karite Nut Curl Milk (to user under B&A or Angell). And as a finishing product for styling, I'd recommend Set It Free.

DT: Jessicurl WDT

:)

For a gift basket for a fellow 2b I would make up one of the following two baskets:

Basket 1 -
Devacurl No Poo & Low Poo
Devacurl OC
Devacurl Angell
Devacurl Set-it-free
LLL Coco Light


Basket 2-

Jessicurl HCC
Jessicurl Too Shea
Jessicurl RR
Jessicurl CCSS
Back to Nature Rosemary Mint Clean Gel

Both baskets would contain Re:coil, Suave M&H for a conditioner wash, Jessicurl WDT, ORS Lock & Twist (for second day hair), EMB clarifying shampoo for once a month, and EMB for a leave-in.

I am prone to break outs too and have not had problems with any of the above. :D

No fair, how come she gets away with it??? :evil: :wink:

Ah, the student has become the master :twisted: :lol:

You guys are great! I will definitely study this some more. I've been reading raves about the Re:coil combined with various gels....I tried CK a while back, but I tried it with the whole Curl Keeper line. My hair turned into a complete frizzball. I may try the CK with a gel.

One more thing: how does the Set It Free compare with Jessicurl Awe Inspiraling spray? The Awe Inspiraling spray is one of my favorites...-

csb, SIF is completely different from Awe (which I also love!). While Awe refreshes your curls, especially on 2nd day, and can bring back a little more spring to them, SIF is what I like to use after my hair has dried. I don't spray it directly on my hair, but rather spray 2-3 squirts in my hand and smooth that over the hair and then scrunch. It adds a soft but good, moisturizing hold to the curls and also on 2nd day hair it can help to reform the curls. :)

Well now, I would also recommend all those things that skywatcher, Lush and Kimberly recommended. I just thought you were only looking for protein rich or silicone products.

I love anything Jessicurl or Devacurl and I love the Elucence conditioner too. If I was to shampoo I would probably like to try the Elucence shampoo. :D

Decisions, decisions....At least I feel a bit better informed. Thanks, you guys!

Oh, good. Kimberly got here first. That saves me a lot of typing :D (If you guys don't knock it off, I will have to buy some of that mint gel stuff!)

:lol: :lol:
That mint gel stuff is awesome! 8)

HA! Sold out! So there! (yes, I checked--I was just going to add to my wish list--I swear :D )