2011 Personal Goals and Product Review : Loreal Youth Code

Some of my personal goals going into 2011 is to have healthier skin, hair, and body! So to jump start my new skin regimen, I will be trying out some different products to see if I notice a change.  My goal is to also get my hair to its healthiest state. Ive been going natural since Oct 2009 and I still have about 3-4 inches of relaxer on my ends left to go. Not sure if Im just going to cut that off or not yet.  But I definitely want to see my hair get to its full potential.  I know I'll never have super long or thick hair flowing down my back ....some things just wont happen no matter what products you use! lol  But I do want to get my hair to the best it can be!  Also, I am planning to lose 20 lbs by the end of March! So I have some hefty personal goals here as you can see! But Im confident I'll reach them!

Anywho, Loreal has a new line of skin care products called Youth Code. And since Im a sucka for new products, I decided to give them a try.  I have used their Skin Genesis line in the past which was pretty good.  I purchased the Youth Code eye serum, serum intense daily treatment, and the 30 SPF daily lotion (not pictured).

The only thing I didnt get was the day/night cream.  The run about $22 each from Walmart or Target.  I haven't been using them long but so far I do like the immediate effects of the serum intense.  It gives your skin a smooth effect. I use this in the morning after the eye cream and before I put my Cetaphil moisturizer on.  Lastly, I put on the daily lotion with 30 SPF. I fell off for awhile with using lotion with 30 SPF but its very important to do.  So I will keep you posted on my results after I use the line a little longer!

Homemade Brown Sugar & Honey Facial Scrub

Lately, Ive been looking for some new skin treatments to try.  While I was on one of my favorite hair, skin and makeup blogs (MoptopMaven), she mentioned a homemade scrub she uses twice a week so I decided I'd give it a try.  She suggested trying 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.  I looked online and saw this is a popular homemade scrub and some people add lemon juice. Honey adds moisture and the brown sugar acts as a gentle exfoliant.  So for my first homemade scrub I went with:

1 tbsp on brown sugar
1 tbsp of raw honey (I got this from Whole Foods)
A splash of lemon juice
(You can also add a lil vanilla extract and/or oatmeal as well)

Mix ingredients together in a bowl

This is the consistency final scrub should be.

Next I massaged the scrub on my face for a few minutes then washed off with cool water to seal my pores.

My final verdict for this homemade scrub...... I love it!! Its not harsh at all and it definitely leaves your skin with a smooth, soft feel.  Make sure you use this on clean skin.  This is great to do once or twice a week along with your regular skin regimen.

Product Review: Bio Oil

Today's product review is on Bio-Oil.  I first heard about this from my friend,Tish who swears by it! Bio-Oil is a specialist skincare product that is supposed to help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. It contains PurCellin Oil™ which is supposed to also make it highly effective for numerous other skin concerns, including aging skin and dehydrated skin. 

When I purchased the product I listened to other reviews I read online and tried to use it on my face.  Although it claims to be non-oily, I thought it was too oily for my face.  Products that are too oily clog my pores and cause my skin to immediately break out but some people have no issues using it on their faces.  However, it does seem to work really well for scars. 

Two weekends ago, my cousins "devil dog" (as I call him) bit me on my leg!! Can you believe it? Here is how it looked the first day.  Luckily he didn't break much skin.

By day two or three, it bruised all around the bite and looked like this (it looked worst in person) :

At first I used cocoa butter but then decided to try the Bio-Oil on it and I'm happy to say it has been working really well.  After only a few days (less than a week) of using it, the scar is almost gone! Now Im not quite sure how much of the scar would have naturally gone away on its own and how much the Bio-Oil truly helped but check it out:

I've also heard its really great to use while pregnant! So if you are looking for a product like this, give it a try.  Also, if you go on thier website, you can get a $2 off coupon (http://www.bio-oil.com/).  I got it from CVS and the regular price was around $13.

Hicks Edges Review

As you know, I venture off and do a few product reviews here and there and today's product is Hicks Edges.  One of my besties, Karee, told me about this awhile ago but I didn't get a chance to try it.  Well I finally broke down this weekend and bought a jar of this $17 "magic pomade" that everyone keeps raving about.

Basically, its claim to fame is that it lays unruly edges down really well without a flaky or hard feeling like gel and also promotes hair growth. 

I must say it works pretty well.  It didn't complete knock my socks off, but it does do what it says.  I recently got a new 'do' and my edges frizzed up so I used Hicks to lay them down.  It held pretty good for the entire day and definitely did not flake up or get hard.  Another good thing is that it should last for quite awhile considering you only need a very small amount of it for your edges.  This is especially a good product for natural girls (no relaxers).  And I hear a lot of people also use it quite often on kids hair as well.  So if you aren't already hip to this product and want to give it a shot, let me know how it works for you!

P.S. I found this works really well for laying your eyebrows down too! Just don't use too much! You only need a teeny tiny bit of it unless you want your eyebrows to look super slick and unnaturally too shiny! lol

UPDATE:  This product is best used on clean hair. Also, it didnt keep my edges completely straight the whole day but it's still pretty good.

Moroccan Oil Review

From time to time, I like to share hair and skin products/tips and today I'm featuring Moroccan Oil products.  I first heard about this hair care line from my friend Tish.  And surprisingly, ended up realizing that my stylist uses the line on my hair.  I must say its pretty pricey, but it does well in my hair.  My hair is not super thin, but not super thick.  (SN:  I've always wished I had thicker, longer hair but hey you have to work with what God gave you and be thankful!!)  I hate products that are really heavy because they weigh my hair down but the Moroccan Oil products seem to work pretty well.  When I started growing my relaxer out after my wedding in Oct 2009, I went from being a DIY hairstylist to going to a professional hairstylist regularly again.  For years, I did my own hair and only went to salons to get hair cuts.  Although, I think I did a pretty good job,  I definitely notice a difference with having someone else do my hair.  Now this process of growing out my relaxer is a completely different story...lol...I'll save that for another time. :) 

Anywho, back to Moroccan Oil products.  So far, Ive tried the shampoo, conditioner, and oil.  If you are in the market for new hair products, give it a try and let me know how it does in your hair!

Great Skin !!!!

Ever since I can remember Ive always been big on skincare. Thank God Ive never had major acne issues (although Ive had a few skin hickups over the course of my life). Now that Im getting older, Im even more into taking care of my skin and Im BIG into anti-aging products!

As we all know, the biggest thing to great skin is healthy eating. As the old adage goes "you are what you eat". I just have to thank God that what I eat (especially in my high school and college years) never showed up on my face..but you cant escape it forever. So these days Im making a big effort to eat better and exercise. Along with that...there are tons of products I swear by. I listed some of them in the blog I did on skincare last year. I think there are a number of products every woman should incorporate in their skincare regimen. And dont get caught up in all the luxury brands all the time either. Most dermatologists say that many inexpensive drugstore brands work just as well as the luxury brands because they contain many of the same ingredients. The key is finding what works best for your skin type.

Here I am and here are some products I use :)



Cetaphil- Very mild cleanser...works great on most skin types. This is truly a dermatologist recommended product. Ive been using it for years.

Cetaphil Moisturizer

Vaseline - Vaseline has a number of uses. I once heard Tyra Banks say how she used it under her eyes so every since then... I would sometimes do the same thing. Lately Ive been mixing a little Vaseline in with my Cetaphil Moisturizer and it makes your face so soft. Not to mention, its a great moisturizer in the winter months.

Oil of Olay Complete SPF 30 Defense Daily Moisturizer - This is SOOO important. Alot of people forget about wearing sunscreen. And Lord knows who told some people that you only need to wear it in the summer. NEWSFLASH: the sun shines during the winter too. So definitely add a moisturizer with SPF of at least 30(15 isnt enough) to of your daily regimen.

Eye Cream - So far Im not partial to a particular brand. Ive tried a number of them. I just think its important to use ...especially in your 20s and 30s. So make sure you are using an eye cream if you are in those age brackets.
The skin around your eyes can really age you so its important to take care of it.

Murad Age Diffusing Serum - This stuff is GREAT but its pricey... it goes for $72 for a 1oz bottle in Sephora. But I must say its worth it. The primary benefit is to inhibit collagen breakdown and increase skin firmness. I got a sample of it one day from Sephora and have been hooked every since. You dont get much but surprisingly it lasts for quite awhile.

Aclaro PD - This is a skin bleaching agent used to treat freckles, age spots, and other skin discolorations. My dermatologist prescribed this to me to use on a few dark areas I had on my face. As most dermatological RX creams are, its expensive and insurance usually does not cover it. I think I paid somewhere around $100 for it (maybe a little more) but it def works! I noticed results literally the next day or two after using it my first time. I just use it here and there now.

H20 as in WATER, WATER, WATER - Drink plenty of water!! The effects of drinking nothing but water for a period of time are amazing for your skin. Try it! Commit to only drinking water for a month...you'll definitely notice a difference!

I think black skin is BEAUTIFUL!! So I am featuring a few celebs who have beautiful black skin! Check them out:

Nia Long

Gabrielle Union

Bre Scullark

Eva Pigford

Melinda Williams

Monica Arnold

Halle Berry

Kelly Rowland

Jill Scott

Skincare 101

As an upcoming bride, making sure my skin is flawless on my wedding day is super important. But skincare has always been important to me! Thank God I haven't suffered any constant major acne issues but Ive definitely had the occassional "WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON WITH MY FACE" moments as Im sure we all have! For example, in high school my bottom lip turned black... and I mean black!
It started off as a tiny spot and just spread! After going to the derm and getting some bleaching cream, it turned back to normal but she never really gave me a real explanation to what caused it other than a possible allergic reaction. In my early 20's, my face just broke out on one side ....completely out the blue....which was devastating to me because I had never experienced that before. The derm told me that alot of adults who didn't go through teen acne, get adult acne. But after using Retin-A, it went away. Although, as some of you know, when using prescription creams, your face gets worst before it gets better. The meds pretty much bring everything to the surface, then clears it out. So its definitely a little nerve wrecking waiting for it to clear. Not to mention, most of those topical creams are NOT covered by insurance and usually run around $100 or more alot of time! So hopefully, you don't ever have to experience any of that! lol

Ive touched on some skincare tips in another post, but here are a few more! I will be doing regular skincare posts...so stay tuned for more! :)
1) Now this tip was totally new to me when my dermatologist told me. She said that people of color should NOT use exfoliating scrubs on our face. Why?? Well she says that overtime they cause tiny holes in our skin. After thinking about it, it definitely made sense although it seems to go against everything else Ive read on the internet. Needless to say, Ive cut exfoliating scrubs from my beauty regimen! So the choice is yours.

2) Wear sunglasses! Those haute new shades you just bought for the summer should not stay on top of your head. Wearing sunglasses protects the delicate eye-area skin which ages faster than other areas of our bodies.

3) Eat fruits & veggies! Leafy greens, cantaloupe, berries, grapes, watermelon, peaches, plums, and even corn are all great for the skin.

4) Shower after sweating! Our bodies produce more pore-clogging sebum when we sweat. And when pores get blocked by sweat and fail to excrete waste liquids, skin trouble like freckles and acne can arise.

5) Minimize sugar and alcohol! Here's the ugly truth about sugar.....there is recent evidence that suggests consuming excessive amounts of sugar over a long period of time can cause skin to look dull and wrinkled. When blood sugar goes up rapidly, sugar can attach itself to collagen in a process called "glycation," making the skin stiff and inflexible. Losing this elastic resilience of young skin will give you deep wrinkles and make you look old. The same is true when you consume high-fat foods cooked at or in high temperatures, like fried chicken.
Im a sugar feene so you know hearing this makes me sad :(

The ugly truth about alcohol: Too much alcohol can dehydrate skin and even cause broken capillaries. Alcohol also depletes the body of vitamin A, an important anti-oxidant.

And here are a few skincare products Ive used and love!
Murad Age Diffusing Serum
This stuff is awesome!! I tried a sample from Sephora one day and absolutely loved it! But its pricey! If you have a little extra to try it out...definitely do so!
Price: $72 for 1 oz bottle!!!! YIKES

L'Oreal Skin Genesis Daily Treatment Serum
This is what Im currently using right now. I like it ... but its not as good as the Murad. Its a bit more oily but it gets the job done. So if you want a less expensive alternative to Murad, try out this one.
Price: about $20 for 1.7 oz bottle


Palmers Cocoa Butter Moisterizing Gel Oil SPF 15
Ive always been a fan of Palmers Cocoa Butter products. I use the regular cocoa butter stick on all my scars and it always help them fade. This is a new product I ran across. In case you didnt know, Im a sucker for trying new products. I really like this stuff though. Its very moisterizing and its thick.... if you are wearing a dress and want your legs to look great...this is a must! And it has SPF 15
Price: from $6 to 9 depending on where you go



References: http://www.health.discovery.com/, Shape Magazine 2006, Good Housekeeping 2009

Girl Fun...MAKEUP!!

Soooo Im pretty sure every little girl loves makeup (well maybe not every one of them) but I know I loved all things girly as a child! From the time we were old enough to hold a doll, most of us were doing its hair and trying to put makeup on it! So having a fascination with makeup just seems natural for most women!

The things that can be done with makeup is absolutely amazing to me! Most of us dont walk around with a full face on everyday, but when its time to get painted...we are all for it!!
Im no pro with makeup but I know the basics..... I thought about taking a class one day .... but I figured I'll leave makeup artistry to those who are truly passionate about it! I love makeup but its not my passion!

Another thing I love are beauty shots...and I came across some I wanted to share. Makeup should enhance our beauty not take away from it and I think these pics all show that! Check them out...what do you think??


Makeup done by http://www.aboutfacebeauti.com/ Richmond, VA



Makeup done by http://www.aboutfacebeauti.com/ Richmond, VA



Makeup done by Sam Fine http://www.samfine.com/



Makeup done by Sam Fine http://www.samfine.com/






And while we are on the subject of makeup and skin care, I thought I'd share some of the tips Ive picked up over the years.

1) Sunscreen is a must! Dont be fooled by the whole "black dont crack" and "dark skin doesnt need any protection" .... because we do!! So my dermatologist recommends using a moisturizer -- at least SPF 30. And dont forget your neck!

2) Drinking lots of water truly does hydrate your skin. If you've ever gone thru periods where you drink more water than other beverages, you should have definitely noticed the difference in your skin. And if you paired that with some healthy eating... the difference is truly amazing!! You get a natural glow! Because at the end of the day, no matter how many topical creams we put on our outside skin, its what we put inside our bodies that ends up shining thru!

3) If you are around my age bracket, then eye creams are a must too! Actually its prob never too early to start using that. Getting proper sleep too (something I dont always get) really helps under your eyes and your skin overall!

4) Having a good mild skin cleanser is a priority too. Alot of dermatologist recommend Cetaphil. Ive been using it for years. It works well with most skin types too.


5) Dr Brian and Susan Evans (the African American married couple on Dr. 90210) recommend trying licorice extract to lighen dark spots and brighten under eye darkness. Ive never tried that but I have had a chemical peel before. Whats funny is that everytime I hear that term, I automatically think about Samantha's face on that one episode of Sex and the City!! LOL
But a chemical peel is good to get if you want to even out your skin tone/complexion... if you have alot of blotchiness, it can really help. I only went one time.... I couldnt swing the $200 price tag back to back. They recommend 6 to 8 peels for optimal results! Soooo if you have an extra $1000 laying around for skincare, definitely check out this procedure! Your face will literally feel like the bottom of a baby's behind! :)
http://www.imagedermatology.com/ - my dermatologist

6) Last tip... Vitamins Vitamins Vitamins. Now there are definitely alot of debates about whether vitamins really work or not...but in my experience they do! My BF Jackie got me hooked on them...because I too was a non believer at one time. But between her and I and a few of my other friends, we have tried a few brands of Hair, Skin, and Nail vitamins and by far we have chosen Solgar to be the best. They are sold at most vitamin shops but not all. I get mine from The Vitamin Shoppe. I pair it with a One A Day Multivitamin and I really do notice a difference. Give it a try!

Hair Rage

When I was younger, I wanted to become a hair stylist. I still remember the Christmas I was in 7th grade and my mom got me a overhead hair dryer and a gigantic stocking full of hair supplies! I thought I had died and gone to heaven (lol). My cousin and I had a little apprenticeship under this lady at my church who owned her own shop.....but we ended up knowing more about some of the "cool" hairstyles than she did! Fingerwaves, french rolls, rod sets, etc.... were all the rage back in the early 90s! And I had mastered the art of fingerwaving!! lol. Fast forward to college, I ended up running a mini shop in my dorm at Hampton doing friends and other students hair. I still remember charging $6.00 for a roller set! LOL
I even worked in a shop for a little on campus at Hampton . Of course, I didnt end up pursuing doing hair as a career but I still love all things about hair to this day. Its amazing how creative we can be with our hair....from color changes, to cuts, to weaves, to braids, to natural styles... the options are limitless!

Check out a few pics of different styles I love!! (Me & a few of my friends are mixed throughout these pics too :)









While we are on the topic of hair, Ive shared with you before that Im a jet black hair girl for life! My absolute favorite rinse is Rejuvatone. It gets your hair really black and last for a few washes. Ive had some bad experiences with some rinses over the years...but nothing tops my Rejuvatone! But of course, everyone's hair takes differently to various products

photos courtesy of: Instyle Weddings, Getty, Essence, personal

Lashes - Professional or DIY??

Nothing makes your eyes pop more than accentuating them with lashes!!! And what bride do you know who doesn't want to pop on her wedding day!? Alot of brides today are investing in lash extensions instead of gluing the strips on or applying individuals. However, the cost of this process is a long way from the 3 bucks you spend on a set of strip lashes. There are tons of places you can get this done. I found Xtreme Lashes online (http://www.xtremelashes.com/). If you're interested, they have a directory of the salons across the country who do them. I would love to get them done for my wedding.... but the cost is a bit much for me so who knows....but either way, I'll definitely have lashes on that day!!

Here's the breakdown:
COST: $250 - $600 (full set) depending on how many are applied, the skill level of lash stylist, & the part of country you live in
APPLICATION: Typically they take 90 to 150 minutes to apply, one lash at a time. Touch ups are needed every 2 to 4 weeks and touchup run about $75 to $150
HOW LONG DO THEY LAST? : They can last about 2 month or more
WHAT ARE THEY MADE OF?: Made from synthetic polyester since it responds better to wear and tear than other materials
REMOVAL: They should to be professionally taken off




Now if you want to just apply individual lashes yourself, that's alot cheaper. Thats if you have a steady enough hand to do that. Unfortunately, I dont :(