I hardly keep a 'set' regimen when it comes to my hair, skin, or beauty. I do, however, like to keep a few staples around once I notice that they're working for my benefit. Since these products are so living up to their hype for me, I decided to share the inside scoop on my 2014 faves.
Oyin Handmade Burnt Sugar
Oh, how I love this pomade. The consistency is not overly thick, but solid enough to distribute in my hair whenever I am twisting or braiding. It reminds me of an upgraded, more decadent version of the “grease” my mom used to put on my edges when I was younger.
Ah, childhood nostalgia.
Eden Coconut Shea Cleansing CoWash
Man, this co-wash is super thick and moisturizing! It is not too heavy in my hair but removes build-up gently enough to use in the place of a shampoo when I let it penetrate my soaking wet hair for about 5 to 10 minutes.
And apparently I'm not the only one who's madly in love with this cowash-- check out who won Favorite Overall Brand for Best of the Best Awards!
Ampro Vitamin E Oil
According to our porosity test, my curls are medium in porosity. For this reason, I turn to this Vitamin E oil. It soothes my tender scalp and leaves my hair feeling moisturized all day when paired with a styler.
Another cool thing about vitamin e oil is that it can be used on your skin, too--so I rub it on my elbows for extra softness and moisture.
Maybelline Super Stay 24-Hr Makeup
This foundation is great for all-day coverage without worrying about sweat, tears, clogged pores, or any rubbing off on my collar. It covers all of my blemishes and isn't too heavy or thick on my face.
You can get it your nearest drugstore for about 10 bucks.
Bold Lippies!
I am a firm believer that a good lipstick can instantly transform your look. No matter where I am or what I'm doing--I always have a lipstick on hand. Right now, I really love the Mac & Poiz lines--long lasting, vibrant color for the season.
In this picture, I'm wearing Maybelline's Electric Orange.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk
This styling milk doesn’t leave a sticky, tacky feeling after applying (which is great!). It feels lightweight in my hands, and is simple to distribute in my hands.
My curls are immediately left looking defined and frizz-free.
Design Essentials Natural Honey CurlForming Custard
The Honey CurlForming Custard is kind of like a gel without the hard after-effect. It’s a great “in-between” when I’m simply too lazy to style my hair. If I am in a rush but want some quick definition, I like to brush my hair up into a high ponytail and use this at the ends to create a defined curly updo.
Ouidad Color Sense Color Preserving Shampoo
My colored hair needs a good shampoo to remove build-up without harsh chemicals. This shampoo delivers on that promise. I only shampoo once a month, so this is perfect for what it needs to do--keep my color from fading and not strip my scalp's natural oils.
FYI- Ouidad's shampoo also won an Editor's Choice Award.See why here.
Bigen Semi-Permanent Color
We all know ammonia is bad for your hair! I have been dyeing my hair ever since I was 14, and this is one of my favorite lines. Coloring can make your hair thirsty, so avoid ammonia, peroxide, and bleach if you can.
One rule of advice: Whatever color you’re aiming for, either get the box with a shade brighter or choose to make an at-home lightener with honey and cinammon, like I do. Semi-permanent almost never comes out like it looks on the package.
Coppertone Oil Free Faces
So I live in TX where the sun likes to bake people. This sunscreen is great for wearing under makeup and over a toner. And remember, in order to be protected by the sun, prevent wrinkles and sunburn, you need an SPF of at least 30 (which gives you 97% UV protection). I wear SPF 50.
Turbie Twist Towel
I have had these 2 microfiber towels since I first went natural in 2012, and I must say, I don’t know exactly what my hair would do without them. Literally. I never resorted to an old t-shirt or revert back to a terry cloth towel because these are so absorbent and easy to twist & tie up away from my face, making it seamless to ease into the rest of my morning/night beauty routine.
Curls Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner
Aside from the amazing smell (imagine putting cupcake frosting in your hair), this moisturizer has great slip for detangling my snarls and knots. It has Certified Chamomile Extract, which I must admit I'm currently infatuated with.
Sure, the conditioner might pricey for my taste, but to me it is oh so worth all that bounce my curls have afterward.
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