It's the Weekend!!

It's the end of the week and apparently my hair knows this. This morning my hair just would not cooperate with me. Maybe it is feeling the effects of the long week that I had or it knows that wash day is Saturday.

Instead of my usual straight style I was forced to throw my hair up in a bun. Something that I have not done in a looooong time. Check it out below.

I am really happy that my hair has reached this length because now I have more options for bad hair days.

Since I have been using my scalp oil mixture I have more NG than usual (currently 4 weeks post) so I used ORS Edge Control to tame my edges along with some Designer's Touch gel to keep everything sleek.

This is today's face. My usual simple make with a bright red lip.

Enjoy your weekend!!

I Swear I Didn't Plan This

I just realised that my nail polish and lipstick are the same shade. lol

My makeup today is my usual neutral, no effort face but I thought I needed a bit of colour. The lip colour I am wearing should be very recognisable to my regular readers, who would know that this is Shiva by NYX. My favourite lip colour.

The colour on my nails is the same one that I spoke about here. I have not done my nails in two weeks and they still look presentable.

Anyway, enjoy your day!!

Bye!!

Hair Update

Since I have not been here in a while I just wanted to let you know what is going on with my hair.

For the last few months my hair has been doing quite well. I have not had any major set backs and I have just been allowing it to do its thing. Right now my hair is just about grazing shoulder length and I'm quite happy with that.

Peep my nail polish its Chelly Nail Colour in shade #14

As you can see I'm still dyeing my hair black. I just cant help myself!!

One thing that I have added to my regimen that I believe has greatly helped my to achieve some length is my scalp oil mixture. this mixture consists of JBCO, regular castor oil, coconut oil, pepper mint oil and rosemary oil.

I add this mixture to my hair about twice per week. but mainly on Friday nights as part of my prepoo in preparation for my Saturday morning hair washing session.

So thats it folks!! My hair progress in a nutshell.

Tips for the Frequent Traveller

My job now requires me to do alot of travelling these days so I just want to share a few tips with you that have made my life much easier on my trips.

1. Choose one colour scheme. I usually go with a neutral colour and plan my outfits around this colour. This helps to streamline the packing process by eliminating the need to pack several different pairs of shoes, bags etc.

2. Ditch the full sized beauty products. I know it is important to look great no matter where we are but those beauty product bottles can sometimes be so bulky and space consuming. To get around this you should either purchase the travel sized version of you favourite products or you can purchase empty travel size bottles from your local BSS and pour your favourite products in them.you would be surprised to know how little product you really need to use in order to get the job done.

3. Pack double duty cosmetics. Another space saving tip is to pack beauty products that can perform more than one function such as tinted moisturiser with sunscreen and eyeshadow quads.This would greatly reduce the number of products that you are required to pack and lighten your load.

4. Make a list and check it twice. I have found it useful to make a list of all the items that I need for that trip before I start to pack and check off those items that I have packed as I go on. This prevents me from forgetting anything important when I am miles away from home.

5. Always remained packed. Since I travel so often I never fully unpack my suitcase. For example my toiletries kit is always fully stocked and ready to go as well as a few items that i always travel with such as my mini flat iron and skipping rope.

I hope these tips have helped you to be more prepared for your travels

Long Time No See

I know I have been MIA for a long time but life just got in the way. My new job keeps me extremely busy so I haven't been doing much of anything else. Fortunately I have been able to keep up with my hair regimen and I haven't made any significant changes to it because its simplicity works for me.

Since I have been on the hunt for a good leave in for a little while and I recently stumbled across this product in my local BSS.

Yes ladies it's Beautiful Textures Leave in Conditioner!!

I have walked pass these products with their attention grabbing packaging so many times but never stopped to take a closer look.

When I finally looked at this product I liked what I saw. Take a look at the ingredients list below

This product contains many of the ingredients that my hair likes so I decided to give it a try.

 I have only used this product twice so it is too early to provide a full review. However, my first impressions of this product are positive. So far I would say this product is a good basic leave in. Since this product contains so much oil I try to use it very sparingly but I believe I am now forced to increase the amount of this product that I add to my hair because I am yet to obtain that soft buttery feel that I am accustomed to with HELTR. Although my hair is not hair and crunchy when I air dry, I am not in love yet.

Have any of you tried this product?

How to Keep Your Hair Moisturised

One of the many complains by black women, whether they have relaxed or natural hair is that their hair lacks moisture and can often be extremely dry. In an effort to combat this dryness here are a few tips to ensure that your hair is well hydrated.

1.Deep Condition, deep condition, deep condition. This is one of the most obvious ways to introduce some moisture into your hair however I have found that consistency is the key. Deep conditioning with heat for approximately 30 mins is an integral part of my weekly regimen. I have a a few deep conditioners that are on my favourites list that I keep in regular rotation. These are Creme of Nature Nourishing and Strengthening Treatment, Creme of Nature Intensive Conditioning Treatment and a new addition Design Essentials Natural Moisturising Conditioner.

2. Use a clarifying shampoo at least once a month. You may be wondering why are you moisturising andsealing every day but your hair still feels dry as a bone. Maybe you need to remove some of the build up on your hair that is preventing your daily moisturising from penetrating your hair. My favourite clarifying shampoo is by V05. It's a cheapie but it works.

3. Moisturise and daily regularly. Most people advise that you sould do this every day but I do not agree. Your moisturing and sealing schedule is totally up to you. You have to know what is best for your hair. Personally I moisturise and seal daily but only at night. 

4. Using the correct products for your hair will also assist in moisture retention. Finding out which products are good for your hair is strictly a process of trial and error. the mere fact is that not all products will work for you but I suggest that you note the ingredients in the products that do work in order to assist you in your product search.

5. Drink plenty of water. Your hair needs lubrication from the inside and out  and if your body is deficient in adequate water levels your tresses will eventually become dry, brittle and may stop growing at your maximum genetic rate. Drink up folks!!

Best Drugstore Nail Polishes

Like most of you out there I thin I have a healthy obsession with my nails and nail polish. In order to get my quick fix I generally tend to purchase drugstore brands and there are a few brands out there that I go back to all the time. These are Kleancolor, L.A Colors and Color Club.

Although I love each of these brands, they have their own unique personalities.

Kleancolor

Pros: Wide range of colours, highly pigmented, long wear

Cons: Slow drying

L.A Colors

Pros: Wide rang of colours, quick drying

Cons: Several coats required for even film, some re-coating is required

Color Club

Pros: Highly pigmented, long wear, quick drying

Cons: Does not produce a high shine finish

 Don't sleep on these brands people because they can help you achieve your nail polish fix on a budget.

Pantone Colour of the Year

Emerald
with Shoes, Oscar de la Renta, Angelina Jolie

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!!

Winter Hair Care
with John Frieda , Creme of Nature, Crane

Do you Pre-Poo
with Barlean's Organic Oils, Tropic Isle Living, v05

Beauty Must Haves
with NYX cosmetics, Nivea, Neutrogena

Interesting Read

Hey guys, I just saw this article over at Beautylish. I found it quite interesting. I what are your thoughts on lash application at beauty counter.

You can check it out here.

Airdrying Relaxed Hair

In an effort to reduce the amount of heat that I use on my hair weekly, I usually air dry my air after my weekly washing. In order to achieve smooth, frizz free hair I employ a few techniques.

Step 1: Dry soaking wet hair to about 20% dry using the T shirt method. This technique can be seen here. When my hair is this wet I do not apply any products to it. I just think it would be a waste.

Step 2: After my hair is 20% dry I apply my leave ins. Currently I use a few products at this step. These are Hawaiian Silky 14 in 1, Smooth and Shine Therapy Silk Fusion. I use a wide tooth comb to evenly distribute the products through my hair. I follow my leave ins with a few drops of Kemi Oyl which I also comb through my hair.

Step 3: I comb all my hair back and put on a headband and allow my hair to hang loose in the back. I leave my hair like this until it dries, which is usually about 3 hours.

I know many people may use a different air drying method but I have found that this works for me.

I hope this helps.

Stephanie

Flexi Rod Set

As promised here are the results of my flexi rod set.I took these quick pics before running out the door to work.

Contact Lenses

Anyone who knows me well knows that I wear glasses and that I have a phobia of things going into my eyes. However, I have been growing progressively tired of wearing glasses so despite my fear I have decided to get contacts.

Last week I was examined and fitted for my contacts and I am currently wearing them on a two week trial basis. Surprisingly, it is not as bad as I thought it would be. Taking them out is harder than putting them in.

My doctor suggested  Acuvue brand soft contact lenses for me that can be worn for 30 days. So far I have found these lenses to be quite comfortable to wear but I find that my eyes can get a little dry at the end of the day.

Lets see how this goes.

Side note: Apparently I dont close my eyes all the way when I blink. Who knew?!

New Shoes!!!

In case you didn't realise, I love shoes!! I think I buy a new pair every month.

Here are this month's purchases. I might have gone a little overboard with my purchases but a girl can never have too many shoes.

Thickening Those Edges and Other Stuff

As part of my renewed hair care and growth journey I have been taking better care of my edges; especially those on the left side of my head. This side of my head just looks a little thinner than the right and I want full, thick edges.

During one of my many visits to the beauty supply store I came across this product.

After reading the label and remembering some of the good things that I read about Profectiv products, I decided to give it a try. I know that is not a huge surprise to you. PJism in full effect.

I also bought some other goodies for my hair; Kemi Oyl and flexi rods.

I bought the flexi rods to do a rod set on this weave that I am wearing. I will take pics of the results in the morning. Hopefully it comes out the way that I want it to. I have also decided to reincorporate Kemi Oyl into  my regimen. I have decided to go back to the products that I used when my hair was at its healthiest.

Hair Progress and Product Review

Hi guys I just wanted to check in to let you know how the hair regrowth process is going.

Although I have not been following my regimen as I should lately I still see some good progress.

My hair has been doing well but I do need a trim. I will do that sometime this weekend. Overall I am happy with my progress even though I have slacked off a bit.

This weekend I introduced a new product to my regimen out of force not choice. My local BSS was out of my Creme of Nature Moisture Rich Conditioner as well as my Pantene Restorative Conditioner so I was forced to purchase another brand. 

The first thing that caught my eye was Elasta QP Soy Oyl Ultrahydration Conditioner.

This product promises to restore strength, manageability and strength and contains Soyabean Oil which is rich in fatty acids.

First Impressions. I like the smell. It has a sweet, flowery smell that lingers but it is not overpowering. The texture and colour reminds me of the DPR 11 deep conditioner however it has more slip than that product. Overall i like this product. I am not blown away by it but I like it. After I use this conditioner for a few more weeks I will be in a better position to tell you more.

Bye for now.

Recent Purchases

Hi guys I just wanted to show you a few things tat I bought over the last few days. I know that I have been MIA for a while but I have just been super busy. there are so many things going on in my life right now. However, I will be back to my regular posts soon.

Although I have been wearing bright nail polishes for the last few months I think its now time for more muted shades and I was really drawn to this shade for grey from NYX. I also bought this fuchsia lip liner to go with my favourite shade of lip stick called Shiva from NYX. This product can be seen here. 

Have a great weekend guys!!