Best Product for Maintaining Braid Outs or Curly/Natural Hair REVIEW

When I first considered using this product, I cringed. I was reminded of times past when "Jheri Curl juice stained furniture." This product is drip free and does not look "greasy". Gone are the days of drip drip "Soul Glo".






•May be used daily
•Contains glycerine and vitamin B5 to help eliminate breakage
•Keeps your curls, waves and natural
•Hair is left soft, healthy and with a lasting sheen
•Does not leave a greasy build-up

S-Curl Activator and Moisturizer may be used daily to maintain and condition your curly hair style. It contains Glycerine and Vitamin B5, which together eliminate breakage and keep your curls, waves and natural hair soft and healthy. This special No Drip Formula allows you to use S-Curl Activator and Moisturizer without fear of ruining your clothes or pillow cases

Ingredients
Water , Glycerine , Cetearyl Alcohol , Propylene Glycol , Acetamide MEA , Ceteth-20 , Olealkonium Chloride , Stearalkonium Chloride , Panthenol , Simethicone , Imidazolidinyl Urea , Methylparaben , Propylparaben , Fragrance

My Thoughts
I see 4 products which are considered haram (taboo) for African textured hair.
Somehow, that just does not jive with the results I have experienced.
This stuff is amazing! I used it last night for my daughters' hair. As texlaxed, transitioning young ladies, they both have been sporting braid outs. This product helps hair retain moisture so it won't look dry. They both have soft sandy brown hair. Lighter hair seems to just lack sheen without some type of moisturizer. I love this product! I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

How I use it
- Every evening before bed. On my own relaxed hair, I use this product to moisturize my ends before sealing them with the oil of my choice.
- I spritz this product on my daughters' hair before braiding and sealing their ends with oil.

Essence of Beauty Kabuki Brush REVIEW

Photo Credit: CVS

"Essence of Beauty's plush cosmetic brushes are made of high quality, authentic hairs and fibers. Buy Essence of Beauty's luxurious cosmetic accessories for all the benefits of high-end department store brands at just the right price. Reusable cosmetic pouch."

DIRECTIONS
"The Kabuki brush can be used to apply powder, bronzer or blush. Just dip the brush into the product in a circular motion for optimal coverage and lightly tap to remove excess. Use a dusting motion to apply product where needed. This brush is great for use with mineral cosmetics. Recommendations: Follow with the 'Essence of Beauty' blush brush to add a rosy glow to your look. Instructions of usage inside.


My curiosity was piqued in this brush by many makeup YouTubers.
They compared it to the MAC 182 ($45). Many purchased this brush to carry in their purse or on overnight trips and vacations so as not to risk losing the more expensive MAC brush. Some claim to like this brush even better than the MAC comparable brush.

I was able to purchase mine on a bogo.
Generally it retails at CVS for $9.99.
It is worth every penny and MORE!

Unless I stumble upon a better brush by accident, the search is over!
This brush is as soft as my e.l.f. studio kabukis.
Click HERE (for e.l.f. kabuki review) It is however, more dense than they are.
The Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer is softer, but not as dense as this brush.

Comparative View



Overhead View



HOW I USE IT
This brush is excellent for applying powders. It is dense enough to pick up as much product as I desire without being over saturated. The extra large dome makes quick work of buffing. The pointed tip allows for easy access to the more recessed areas like near the sides of the nose.

This brush shed just a little out of the packaging.
Washing resulted in a little more shedding. There was not alot of bleeding.
It took a while to dry.

I am sure my other kabuki brushes will be jealous of my new love.

5 out of 5 stars!
I HIGHLY recommend adding this to your collection.

January Faves/Reviews (Hair Care Products)

Mas vale tarde que nunca! (better late than never)
When I went out during the month of January, I really didn't vary my makeup routine. I have not tried any new products. I haven't really been in a makeup mood. I've been focusing more on my hair.



NO PETROLEUM JELLY that can weigh down hair & clog follicles. This light, non-greasy formula enriched with NATURAL OILS and VITAMINS A, B, C & E will add moisture to your hair leaving it soft and manageable.

Directions:
Apply to fingertips and gently manage throughout hair and scalp. OLIVE OIL has long been used as a skin softener which you will notice on your fingertips & cuticles after each use. With regular use you should obtain the same results on your scalp.

Ingredients: water, isopropyl Myristate, soybean oil, olive oil, stearic acid, stearyl alcohol, glycerol sterate, vitamin E, matricaria extract(chamomile), Calendula extract, vitamin B, macadamia nut oil, vitamin A, coconut oil, rosemary extract, sage extract, vitamin C, great burdock extract, triethanolamine, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidnyl urea, fragrance, FD&C yellow #5, FD&C blue #1.

As I have two different textures of hair, it can be a challenge to manage it. I used this product on my scalp daily. I would recommend it to anyone trying to manage naturally curly hair or to anyone transitioning from a relaxer. I probably would use this product if I had my hair in an updo, as opposed to down. I feel like it might weigh down my thin hair if placed on the ends. It has a strong smell which might take a little getting used to. It is inexpensive & you get quite a bit of product.

4 out of 5 stars.
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Mane 'n Tail Detangler makes hair easier to comb and style and increases shine. Helps eliminate tangles and knots and the appearance of dry split ends while adding additional conditioning and styling benefits

•The solution for hard-to-comb hair
•Provides a rich, luxurious shine
•Hair becomes easily manageable
•Restores lost moisture
•Prevents breakage
•Reduces split ends

The Original Mane 'n Tail products have long been a solution for troubled hair.
Now from the makers of Mane ‘n Tail comes Detangler.

An exclusive pH balanced Detangler formula that is easy to use and helps eliminate tangles and knots and the appearance of dry split ends while adding additional conditioning and styling benefits. Your hair becomes easily manageable with a rich and luxurious shine.

Mane 'n Tail Detangler, the solution for hard to comb hair

Directions
After showering, while hair is still damp, spray Mane 'n Tail Detangler liberally on hair. Work formula through, making sure it covers and reaches all of the hair. DO NOT RINSE OUT. Comb out hair with a large tooth comb or brush. Results are a super slip that allows hair to respond to styling effortlessly. Style as usual. If pump becomes clogged, run under warm water.

I LOVE this stuff! I'm 7 months post relaxer. I have more new growth than relaxed hair at this point. Mane 'n Tail Detangler makes detangling my hair a breeze. I have not encountered a better product. I use this on my tween daughters' hair as well.
All Pros & NO Cons with this product. It may leave the hair a little oily. My hair absorbs product & tends to be more dry in the winter months.

5 out of 5 stars!
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New
Regular Formula For Normal Hair
With Certified Organic Ingredients
Detangling Conditioning Shampoo Featuring Organic Sunflower and Coconut Oils to Gently Cleanse and Condition For Soft Silky Hair.

Keep Out of Reach of Children
Wet Hair. Apply Shampoo and Work Into Lather. Rinse Thoroughly. Repeat. Next, Condition With CreMe of Nature Conditioner.


OMG! This is my new HG (holy grail) shampoo. Although my hair is dry, I thought I'd give this normal formula a play. It left my hair feeling so soft & tangle free. I would definitely recommend this to a friend!

5 out of 5 stars!
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Airless Pump Review

I purchased a couple of these pumps from
for $4.00. Be sure to check out their SALE Items page.

My L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation did not come with a pump, so I was wasting product every time I used it. I simply peeled the label from the L'Oreal True Match bottle and was able to transfer it to the airless pump bottle.



This is an awesome investment. I bought the pump from MAC Cosmetics to go with my Select SPF Liquid Foundation, for $5.


Photo Credit: MAC Cosmetics

I purchased the incorrect foundation color from the CCO. (Find your local CCO HERE)
I gifted it to a friend in an airless pump bottle, so I could BACK 2 MAC the bottle. It makes more sense to just purchase the airless pump. It costs less and you can

BACK 2 MAC the empty jar.



The airless pump holds 30ml of fluid. This bottle will prevent product coming in contact with oxygen during use to preserve ingredients and maintain shelf life. It will also help to minimize waste as product is being pushed up to the pump via a disk. It took a bit of time before I figured out how to use the airless pump. Eventually I figured out that I just needed to shake the bottle before pumping. There were no instructions accompanying the bottles.
I phoned Auraline Beauty and their customer service representative was most helpful. She confirmed that no straw was needed to use the airless pump.


PROS:
Less expensive than MAC Pump
Free's up the bottle for BACK to MAC
Convenient Lid
Conserves Product
Airtight (Preserves Quality of Product No Oxidation in Bottle)

CONS: NONE

I LOVE this! I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Run & buy this, you won't be sorry.

Auraline Beauty requires a minimum purchase of $50. There is a flat rate of $3 shipping if you spend less than $150. Purchases of $150 and up get free shipping.
At this time, as far as I know, they only ship to the U.S. and Canada.

Try Ebay for the airless pump.

Here is a link recommended by MissMakeupOnABudget

Maybelline Wet Shine Diamonds Review

This discontinued product may be found at your local dollar store.
I found it works best over another product, like lipstick or lip pencil to make it last longer. A little bit goes a long way. It makes your lips look spectacular.
It does not last for very long, as the warmth of your body kind of spreads it out. If you don't mind reapplying, then this product is for you. It is not at all sticky.
Some colors are more sheer than others. Many of these have been identified as close MAC Dazzleglass dupes on some makeup message boards.





Spoiled in Rubies







Pink Carats







Jewels 'N Berries




PROS

- Inexpensive, if you lose it in a purse or pocket, it won't really matter
- Pretty
- Not sticky

CONS

- Hard to find
- Have to reapply very often
- Not sticky enough
* When worn alone, melts & only silver glitter is left.
* Glitter Migrates to rest of face

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars!

e.l.f. Daily Brush Cleaner (Review) vs. essence of beauty Extra Gentle Brush Cleaner

e.l.f. Daily Brush Cleaner $3
8.5 fl. oz (250 ml)



An anti-bacterial daily brush cleanser for quick cleaning in-between makeup applications

Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time

Helps to keep your brushes lasting longer for extended use.

DIRECTIONS

After using your brush, spray several spritzes of cleaner over the brush bristles. Gently wipe the brush onto a clean cloth to remove makeup. Allow brush to fully air dry before next use. Repeat daily or as often as necessary. For best results, use with the e.l.f. Brush Shampoo once a week for a thorough cleansing.

INGREDIENTS

Aqua(Water), Alcohol Denat, Cocomidodopropyl Betaine, Methyparaben

PROS
- a lot of product for the price
- chic bottle can be reused with home made daily brush cleaner

CONS
- smells like peachy-citrus hairspray
- the berth of the spray is really wide. you waste a lot of product. you must spray more than once to really get the brushes clean
- no rinsing required (scary!)
- pkg leaked somewhat during shipping, despite elf's diligent effort to thwart that (shrink wrap)as well as wrapping separately from the other products in my shipment

3 out of 5 stars
not a fan of the hairspray smell, leaky pkg, wide berth of spray

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essence of beauty Extra Gentle Brush Cleaner $5.99
4.2 Fl oz. (125 ml)



DIRECTIONS

Spray brush cleaner onto the brush. Gently wipe the brush onto a lint-free cotton cloth to remove residue. Rinse with tepid water until the water runs clear. Squeeze out excess water, reshape brush and lay flat to dry overnight.

INGREDIENTS

Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Blycol, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Nitrate, Methyl Chloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone.

>essence of beauty Extra Gentle Brush Cleaner Review

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COMPARISON




neither company tests on animals

elf you get 2x the amount of product than the eob

elf terrible spray (wide berth) wastes product vs eob more control

elf more product needed to get the brushes clean vs eob less product needed

elf chic bottle to reuse for homemade prod vs eob plastic is so opaque, you don't know when you are running out of product

elf bottle leaked during shipping vs eob superior packaging no leaks

elf smelly hairspray smell vs eob pleasant lavender smell

elf no rinsing vs eob rinse after use

elf dries very quickly vs eob drying overnight

Overall, I would say that the essence of beauty extra gentle brush cleaner is a superior quality product.

e.l.f. Studio Shampoo REVIEW

An anti-bacterial brush cleanser for thorough cleaning in-between makeup applications.

Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh & clean application every time.

Washes away all traces of dirt, makeup, oil and debris from your brush while conditioning the hair to provide a clean and soft application for every use.

DIRECTIONS

Cleanse brush regularly by massaging a small amount of the shampoo with water and working it through the bristles from the base of the brush, outward. Rinse thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water. Reshape the bristles and lay flat on a clean cloth to fully dry before next use.

INGREDIENTS
Aqua(water), Sodium Laurly Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MEA, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Chloride, Methyparaben.

This shampoo comes in a 4.1oz container.
I was surprised it was so small.
It doesn't really have a smell.
It looks like a gel when it comes out of the dispenser.
I was also surprised that this stuff did not lather! What?
Despite that, it still got my brushes clean. I only had to wash them once.
I probably will NOT buy this product again, as the bottle is so small.
I will just create my own brush shampoo & reuse the container. I was able to purchase mine with a coupon, so I only paid $1.50 US. The regular price is $3.00 US. It was worth trying.

PROS
- concentrated product, really got brushes clean with just one wash
- brushes were very soft after having dried
- small bottle is almost ergonomically perfect for washing brushes.

CONS
- small bottle, just not environmentally responsible to continue re-purchasing.

4 out of 5 stars. Yes, I would recommend this.

Make Up For Ever Sens'Eyes & Aqua Eyes Pencil REVIEW

I was pleasantly surprised have found a gift from Sephora in my mailbox a few days ago.

I used my $15 Gift Card to buy Make Up Forever Sens'Eyes Kit.

The Sens'Eyes is fine. It does not really have an odor. It is more creamy than I expected it to be. It does the job of removing waterproof makeup. I could definitely recommend it. I am sure that it would be of particular interest to those with sensitive eyes, or those who wear contact lenses. I am comparing it to other eye makeup removers which I have used...

equate Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover (Works, but stings my eyes)
D'eclor Eye Makeup Remover (Works, but stings my eyes)
Olive Oil (tried, & true...does not sting my eyes)

4 out of 5 stars. It is an effective product, but I took away a star because of the price. OUCH! After this bottle is gone, I probably will not buy another bottle, unless I am seriously treating myself. I'll stick with my olive oil.

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Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil

UGH! I read on message boards & heard from close friends who swatched in Sephora & walked around that this stuff is not smudge proof. I just had to find out for myself!

I loved the softness of the pencil as well as the ease of application. It seems to kind of set after about a minute or two, so if you WANT smudge time, then you have it.

The first day, I used it only on my waterline. I was also trying out MUFE camouflage concealer palette #4 for my dark under eye circles. Unfortunately, this did not a good marriage make! My body heat softened the concealer. The concealer blended with the eyeliner. I am still trying to figure out how my waterline became an underlashline. NOT cute, unless you are going for that "Rocker Look", which I was not!

Today, I decided to set the pencil with black eyeshadow. It was fine for the top lashline, but not so for the waterline. It lasted all of 2 hours. I was disappointed. But I had been forewarned. I will follow the advice of the makeup message boards & try Revlon ColorStay Liner Pencil, Prestige Waterproof Pencil.
They are both touted as "budge proof".

Heel Tastic Review

I was able to pick up my Heel Tastic for $9.99 from CVS Pharmacy.
I understand they sell it at Walgreens as well.

I use the product at night. My heels are no where nearly as cracked as the woman who created the product. My heels are just super dry. Prior to using this, I would use olive oil and shea butter after a shower. The Heel-Tastic is superior to both of these products. It smells like lemongrass.

There are no cons to using this product unless you are unable to wear socks at night.

I would highly recommend this to a friend.

5 Stars.

e.l.f. Studio Kabuki Brushes REVIEW

Love these brushes!
They are the softest brushes I own!
I will NOT be purchasing the MAKE UP FOR EVER Face Kabuki ($39).
I can use the difference ($34) to SPLURGE on something else.

These brushes are a STEAL at just $5 each

Con: smelly, but hopefully after a good deep cleaning that will go away.

Boxes



Body Kabuki / Face Kabuki



Compared to the Coastal Scents Synthetic Wide Buffer Brush



Compared to the Coastal Scents Ltd. Edition Kabuki Brush



Kabukis Resting in Their New Home

AuralineBeauty Brush REVIEW

I received a Peer request from Stephanie to review the brushes I purchased from Auraline Beauty.

I bought 3 of them. 1 each of the

148 cream brush
161 blending powder brush
139 bronzing brush

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148 cream brush $19.00 OUCH i paid $8.00 on sale!
As a lover of cream blushes, I felt investing in the cream brush was essential. To date I'd been using my e.l.f. foundation brush for their application. The auraline brush is 2x as dense as the e.l.f. brush. This makes for more control re: placement of the blush. The e.l.f. brushes are more flexible (less control). It is important to dry the cream brush over the edge of the counter so as not to get mildew. It is so dense, it takes quite a while to dry.
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161 blending powder brush $11.25 I paid $9.60 on sale
Initially, I purchased this as a stippling brush for applying my liquid foundation. However, I found this brush to not be as dense as I needed it to be for that use. It appears to be much more dense on the website photo. It is very soft. I prefer to use it for application of MAC Mineralized Skinfinish, Powder Blush, or other bronzing powders. If you want a good quality dupe for the MAC 187 ($42.00), I suggest you invest in a Sigma SS187 ($16.00)
http://www.sigmamakeup.com/products/706.html
Another option is to wait for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale (July 17)
for the release of the MAC SPECIAL EDITION Brush set:
Shape & Perfect 168SE, 187SE, 194SE, 212SE, 275SE
($49.00) For more info, please ck. out
http://www.temptalia.com/mac-graphic-garden-collection-for-nordstrom-anniversary
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139 bronzing brush $6.00 I paid $4.00 on sale (pony hair)
I thought this brush would be a good dupe for the MAC 109, but it is not firm enough. It is great for buffing foundation, bronzer & setting powder.
It is fine, but I prefer my e.l.f. studio powder brush ($3.00) as a more accurate dupe for the MAC 188 & or MAC 109 ($32.00)
My purchasing experience from auralinebeauty was pleasant enough. The shipping was reasonably priced ($3.00 under $150 product ordered/$150+ free ground shpg) & arrived quickly.
www.auralinebeauty.com

Seabreeze Naturals and Boots No.7 Review

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Update!
This stuff is WACK! I should have tried it out for a longer period of time before doing a review.

It ended up breaking me out.
The only thing that I am able to use without problems is the Boots No. 7 & the SeaBreeze Toner. The other 2 SeaBreeze products are worthless to me.

Primary and Secondary Eyeshadow Base Review

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com