Reviews

Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture: Whipping my Hair into Health

April 26, 2016 by Kim S. / Hair Care, Reviews / 31 Comments

Remember that time when I broke the news about the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture hair product line? Well, now I am back after putting some of the products into action. I had the opportunity to test out products from both the Curl Enhancing Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oils Collection, and the Smoothing Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Collection.

I started off my hair wash day using the Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Pure Clarifying Shampoo with Apple Cider Vinegar($26). Both JBCO and ACV are staples in my hair care routine, especially as a natural hair girl who is working on growing longer, stronger, and healthier hair.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil is dark, raw oil that is rich in Omega-6 fatty acids and Vitamin E. I’ve used the oil alone on my scalp, as a hot oil treatment and on my hairline to help regrow the areas where hair was lost or thinning. Apple Cider Vinegar also has great hair health benefits like balancing the pH levels of the hair and scalp, which can create the perfect environment for hair growth, and it aids in shinier and healthier hair by helping to seal the hair cuticles. If you have dry and itchy scalp, both ingredients are perfect treatments.

I liked seeing the two ingredients combined into this sulfate-free shampoo that created a thick and creamy lather when applied to wet hair. It successfully removed any build-up of product form both my daughter’s and my hair. Fellow natural hair girls know how much product can build-up within a week or two, and the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Pure Clarifying Shampoo with ACV does an excellent job of removing the buildup without stripping the hair. Both of our hair was left soft manageable, and tangle-free.

I don’t always blow-dry our hair, but I did get a chance to use the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Silkening Blow Out Crème ($26). The crème has the consistency of lotion, but without the oily or greasy feel. It has a light candy-like scent that quickly dissipates once applied to the hair. I like that it doubles as a heat protectant for those times when I want to wear my hair straight after blow-drying. Plus, the special time-release ingredients aid in extending the life of my straightened hair.

After either of our hair is styled, using the pump dispenser, I’d place a few drops of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Brassica Seed Oil ($26) into the palms of my hands and work through for added shine, and to help lay down fly-aways. The oil isn’t thick, and doesn’t weigh down our hair. I do find that it works and smells best on freshly washed hair.

I thought I had an HG edge control gel until I used the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Edge Control and Shape Paste ($26). This Jamaican Black Castor Oil & Murumuru Edge Control has my edges LAIDT, hunny! I’m not even kidding. Even if my hair isn’t pressed, it gets my edges slick and without the stickiness or buildup. Oh, and there’s no white residue. It’s definitely a product I would repurchase.

So far, I’m loving the products I have from both of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture lines. I can’t wait to check out the others. Although it’s too early to tell how well each product is working in helping my hair growth, I’ll continue using them and just wait and see.

The Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Jamaican Black Castor & Murumuru Oil Collection is meant for those with coily or curly hair, while the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Brassica Seed & Shea Oils Brassica Seed Oil is made for those who heat style their hair. Both collections, along with the other two collections: Coconut and Moringa Oils Collection, and Dream Come True Collection are currently available at your local Sephora or Sephora.com. Prices range between $24-32.

Have you tried any of the products from any of the Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture hair product lines? What are your thoughts?

Trying Something New: LURK Perfume Oils

April 22, 2016 by Kim S. / Fragrance Friday, Reviews / 10 Comments

PR SAMPLE

My love for perfumes, especially niche fragrances are no secret, which is why I excitedly opted to try out the niche, green fragrance line, LURK.

LURK Perfume Oils are hand poured and blended by founder and perfumer Anne Nelson Sanford. She uses 100% pure essential oils, resins, absolutes, and CO2 extracts infused in certified organic jojoba oil.

Perfume oils are very new to me so I was not quite sure what to expect once I tried out the LURK Perfume Oils for the very first time. I mean, I’ve heard that perfume oils last longer due to the skin’s natural ability to absorb oils better versus fragrances with alcohol, so I guess you can say I went into this thinking I will experience a longer lasting scent. Was my assumption correct? Continue reading to see.

First we’ll begin with LURK TRN V4 is described as a spicy fragrance with Tobacco, NErolig, Bulgarian rose, and Lavender blossom notes. “An intoxicating infusion that is densely layered yet never heavy.”

Being a fan of scents more on the masculine side, I was initially excited about the Tobacco and Neroli notes; however, what sticks out most to me are the floral notes, especially the lavender. It’s not completely disappointing as the florals make it the perfect spring fragrance, but part of me wishes it had more spice.

Next up is LURK NST V7, which is composed of notes of Lotus blossom with Owyhee, fresh citrus, warm Sandalwood and creamy Tuberose.

This one I loved almost immediately, and I know why. LURK NST V7 reminded me so much of one of my favorite Frederic Malle scents, Carnal Flower. It has the same woody notes mixed with tuberose. Although floral, it isn’t overly dainty so a man can get away with wearing it. In fact, this was the LURK oil preferred by my husband, and it smells good on him.

Out of the two LURK perfume oils I’ve tried, the LURK NST V7 one has the most sillage, which is one of the things that are a must for me in a perfume. It isn’t too strong, but it isn’t so light in the sense that you can barely smell it. With the LURK TRN V4, I feel like I have to place my nose directly above the spot to where it was applied in order to get a whiff. Its lightness makes it the perfect fragrance to use after my evening showers.

LURK Perfume Oils are packaged 1/8 oz. glass bottles topped with a round gold cap; simple and elegant. Each bottle comes in cute little muslin bag on which LURK is printed in bold letters. Both oils retail for $55 and can be purchased online at lurkmade.com

Have you tried LURK Perfume Oils?

Be Paparazzi Ready with the February ESSENCE BeautyBox

March 23, 2016 by Kim S. / blog, Reviews / 10 Comments

Be Paparazzi Ready with the February ESSENCE BeautyBox

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ESSENCE, the most coveted and respected magazine for women of color (WOC) in both print and online arenas expanded its horizons by entering the subscription box service world. The first ESSENCE debuted in October 2015 with a curated set of deluxe beauty samples perfect for women of color. I was lucky enough to receive the February box for review purposes. I’m excited to share its contents with you.

The February ESSENCE BeautyBox contains products chosen by ESSENCE Beauty editors to ensure the box recipient is ready for the paparazzi at any given moment.

Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment – .16 oz – Value: $5.00

This was my favorite item in the box! I’ve wanted to try this exact primer for a while now. God answered my prayers. My skin can become an oil slick, and using this first definitely helped with that. Breakouts were practically non-existent due to the Salicylic acid. If you haven’t yet, check out this primer.

Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Soak It Up Oil Cocktail – 4.1oz – Value: $9.99

Featuring Coconut and Moringa Oils, this cocktail is said to easily absorb into the hair, preventing dryness. First, I love the scent of this oil. It’s very tropical, and lingers a bit. I typically do not use oils on my hair due to my hair being fine, and oils tend to weigh it down, but with this product I didn’t have that issue.

Iman Cosmetics Luxury Lip Shimmer ‘Muse’ – Sample Size – Value: $1.00

Subscribers may have received a lipstick or lipgloss from Iman’s brand. My February ESSENCE BeautyBox contained the Iman Luxury Lip Shimmer in a beautiful milky, pinky nude shade called ‘Muse’. Even though it is a shimmer gloss, the shimmer is barely there, which I love. I’m in my early 30’s and the last thing I want is shimmer in my makeup. This shade is perfect for me.

Colgate Optic White Platinum Express White Toothpaste in Fresh Mint – .075 oz – Value: $1.00

This toothpaste arrived just in time because I took it with me on our most recent trip to Florida. There’s a lot of bang in that little tube. My teeth and breath felt clean. I’d definitely purchase a full-size tube.

Kiss Looks So Natural Lashes in Flirty KFL02 – Value: $3.99

I love wearing lashes on special occasions. Otherwise, you can find me just applying them on other people. These are nice; I’ve actually used a similar pair, if not the exact pair (I go through so many). They give a natural look without being too overwhelming.

Broadway Eyes Strip Lash Adhesive with Aloe in Clear DGLG02 – 3g – Value: $1.99

You can’t have eyelashes without an adhesive right? This box included lash glue by Broadway Eyes. I’ve used this brand before and didn’t have a good reaction; it burned! Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try it. I just wasn’t brave enough. If you use this lash glue please let me know how you like it. This glue is also black; I prefer my glue to dry clear.

Miss Jessie’s Coily Custard – 1 oz – Value: $1.60

My hair is natural, but I haven’t yet worn it natural… well, curly or in a twist out. I haven’t yet tried this product, but may eventually use it on my daughter. Stay tuned for updates.

Overall, I’m happy with what the February contained. So far my favorite items include: Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Soak It Up Oil Cocktail, Colgate Optic White Platinum Express White Toothpaste in Fresh Mint, Cover FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment, and the Iman Luxury Lip Shimmer. For $15, the subscriber received at least $25 worth of products, which sounds like a win to me.

Sign up for your ESSENCE BeautyBox Subscription . The monthly price for the Essence Beauty box is $15, however you can sign up for 6 months for $90 or a year for $165.

Will you be trying the new ESSENCE BeautyBox? Share your thoughts below!

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First Impressions: Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H

March 22, 2016 by Kim S. / Beauty, Product Swatches, Reviews / 24 Comments

First Impressions: Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H

I BOUGHT THIS | AFFILIATE LINKS

Do you know the feeling you get when not one, but two of your favorite foundations are on its last leg? That feeling of desperation, working diligently to make each drop count – that was me just a few days ago. My husband helped to fix my problem by picking up for me the Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H.

Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H is the brand’s first ultra-longwear foundation. Lancôme says:

“With its new EternalSoft technology, Teint Idole Ultra 24H defeats all challenges. Complexion stays perfectly flawless and unified. Never cakey.”

The Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H is a moderate to full-coverage foundation with a matte finish. On me, it seems more of a velvety matte texture; it’s not so matte where my skin doesn’t look like skin.

The Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H include is not your ordinary foundation. You know how your skin can sometimes feel tight when using a matte foundation? You won’t experience that when using the Teinte Idole thanks to the Eternalsoft Polymer. You also don’t have to worry about your color changing throughout the day due to oxidation or what have you since the Teinte Idole contains specially coated NAI pigments that help maintain consistent pH levels with your skin. Lastly, if you’re an oily girl like me, you will love that it contains perlite and silica, two of the most effective oil-absorbing ingredients.

The Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H comes in five intensity levels, and four colors (Ivoire for porcelain skin, Buff for light skin, Bisque for medium skin, and Suede for darker brown complexions) in neutral (N), Cool (C), and warm (w) tones. I wasn’t able to first test the foundations in-person before having my husband pick them up for me, but he was able to buy for me the following shades:

460 Suede (W)
470 Suede (C)
500 Suede (W)

After swatching and testing out all three of the foundations, I found that 460 Suede (W) was the perfect match for the summer, but I would need to purchase 450 Suede (N) for the cooler months when my skin starts to lose its tan.

Once the summer hits, the Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H will become my go-to foundation. It applies easily, it feels light on the skin, and makes my skin look like my skin but better. My skin doesn’t look like an oil-slick at the end of the day when using this foundation. I also love that even though it is a matte formula, it doesn’t give off the cake face look.

The Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H Makeup is oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, and has SPF 15. It comes in 28 shades, with 10 of them specifically for brown skin, which is a great thing for other brown girls like me. The Teinte Idole retails for $47, and is worth every single penny. Check here for the foundation chart to see which shade is best for you.

Have you tried Lancôme Teinte Idole Ultra 24H foundation?