Spotlight Monday: Imena

Present Day Ida, 2013/14

Tell us about yourself.

> I am a 23 year old Howard University graduate from NY.  I would like to consider myself a cosmopolitan as I love culture and traveling. 

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!

> My last perm was November 2009, but I have officially considered myself natural since October 2010!  So I would have to say roughly 3 years.  My curls are probably considered 4a/4b.  My curls are not extremely defined, but more like frizzy box springs.  They are soft and I love them!  I named my hair Ida B. Wells because she is a strong black woman! LOL  So if you see "Ida" just go with it ;)

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned with weaves and braids, and I wore wigs.  I took this route because my original intentions were not to wear my hair in its natural state.  I honestly wanted to grow the perm out of my hair.  When I went away to school, my permed hair was becoming damaged by the water and I could not find a good salon in the area.  I would have to come home to NY to get my hair done and go back to DC.  Getting a wash and set every two weeks was costly and ridiculous.  So i got protective styles to grow out my perm to eventually press it; it's amazing how things change in life because i barely press my hair now! LOL

Big Chop, Birth of Ida

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> I can say I big chopped because I cut off my permed ends on October 16, 2010.  I felt overexposed but also light and liberated!  This does not mean I ran around freely with my hair just yet; I was still very shy about it!  I posted pictures on Facebook, watched the Sesame Street "I love my Hair" video, and my very good friend helped me with the Natural commitment because she is a natural hair guru!  However, I still wore wigs and weaves to grow my hair.  I started to read and teach myself about natural hair care to ensure I was taking care of my hair.

Morocco, 2012

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?

> I felt overexposed, but it was not until I went overseas to study abroad that I had to really embrace my hair!  When they say there are level to this, there clearly are levels to self-love and acceptance!  I was abroad for 6 months, and I did not want to wear braids, or a weave, and have my hair all matted so I decided to do my natural hair while I was out of the country.  I was walking around Spain and Europe and people would STARE and even GRAB my hair.  It was a lot!  Some of it was sincere curiosity; I even got my eyebrows done and they said, "Wow this is my first time doing a negritas eyebrows" *major side eye*.  It was also frustrating because there were no products for my hair and TSA limited a lot of what I could bring.  So I had to be creative and make a lot of my own products.  I even traveled to Morocco and purchased pure Argan Oil!  It was amazing like a natural hair goddess' dream come true, and it was inexpensive!  I loved this experience even though it was hard at times because I learned so much about my hair and myself.  When I came back to the states, Ida was my CROWN! 

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)

> I always change my hair products with the seasons because some products work better in the summer or winter and vice versa!

• My favorite cheap detangling conditioners are Herbal Essences: Hello Hydration and YES! to Carrots.  I add Olive, Argan, and Coconut Oil and any other oil I can find just to make it even more amazing!
• I use the Chagrin Valley Ayurvedic herb Shampoo bar one to two times a month.  I also love Vitika Coconut oil as a pre-poo/hot oil treatment!
• As I am Leave-in Conditioner is AMAZING!
• For daily moisture, I use Oyin Whipped Pudding in the summer (because it has honey) and the Carol's Daughter Hair milk in the winter.  Thanks to CurlBox, I found some amazing, inexpensive moisturizers.  One of them is the Moisture Butter Whipped Curl Creme by Beautifully Textured and the second one is the Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer by Elasta QP.  I also change oils with the seasons, too.  If it is solid at room temperature I use it in the summer, and if it's liquid at room temperature I use it all year/winter. 

Summer 2013

What are your go-to hairstyles?  How do you spice up your TWA?

> I love bantu-knot outs, flat twist outs, twist outs, and puffs!  I also love perm rods and curlformers!  Hairstyles are just so much fun because you can do whatever you want-- funky to chic to sexy!

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I love my hair!  It is truly apart of me, but i am not confined or defined by it!  I can do whatever I please because it is my CROWN and a CROWN is the ultimate accessory for a Queen!  I have learned so much about it by going to the wrong salons, trimming, cutting, dying, and protective styling!  I know that my hair will grow with patience and care and that is all that matters!

I think my love for my natural hair is radiant; it also gave my mom and grandma the courage to do the BC!  So my house is filled with fierce TWAs! =)

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Imena about her natural hair?  Comment below!

My Tips for a Silky, Smooth Shave

Bahamas, July 2013

I know you all are probably wondering why I would want to write about the art of shaving, but with spring and summer approaching, it is crucial that legs be shaven and done in a manner that creates a smooth finish.

I've noticed that it isn't about the kinds of products or tools you use to shave your legs, but the method in which it is done.  Here's how I've adapted my leg shaving routine for smooth, silky legs:

Scrubbing (or brushing) legs to remove dead skin: Before I shave, I scrub my legs using an exfoliating pad with some body wash and body scrub, or I use my hairbrush to help remove dead skin.  Yes, I know you're probably reading the part about the hairbrush and saying 'eww', but hear me out.  When used in a circular motion, the bristles are perfect for removing dead skin, increasing blood circulation, and helping to lift ingrown hairs.  Of course when you're done using your hairbrush, I would definitely recommend washing it before use.  I would hate for you to walk around with properly laid edges filled with dead skin, LOL

Conditioner: I seriously gave up on using shaving cream.  Yes, they smell great, BUT I found that I get a better shave when using conditioner.  It also makes it better for me because I have plenty of it at my disposal for my hair.  So, just like shaving cream, I slather on the conditioner after I prep my legs and getting ready for the shave!

Razors: I've learned that properly storing my razors after use can help to preserve them and keep rust at bay.  After I use my razor, I dry it off and store it in my skincare bin until next time.  I definitely try to use my razors at least 5 times.  If I have properly stored my razors and I can stretch the number of uses, then I go for it.  However, it is important to pay attention to your shave.  If you notice that your shave isn't as smooth as your last, then it might be time to toss your current razor and get a new one.

The side of the bathtub: I've learned that shaving my legs in the shower does not work for me.  I usually miss a spot-- my knees-- or I nick myself.  So I sit on the edge of the bathtub and shave my legs.  I run some water in the tub, enough to reach my ankles, and I stick my feet in.  I have my wash cloth and towel handy and go to work!

Paying attention to these things has definitely helped me create the smoothest and most thorough shaves possible.  My legs seriously feel like silk when I'm done!  I usually like to highlight my freshly shaved legs by adding some kind of oil to my lotion to create a high shine.

My method can definitely work for various parts of the body, but I only shave my legs.  I'm an avid waxer and refuse to let Regina yank out my leg hairs.  Maybe I'll get there one day..

Until then,
Ashley, xo.

What method do you use to create a smooth shave?  Comment below!

Spotlight Monday: Natural Hair Junkie, Sie

Tell us about yourself.

> I go by the moniker "A Natural Hair Junky" AKA NHJ, but some call me Sie; I am 23 years old.  I am the mother of one, a full-time student, and a business owner.  I am the ONLY person behind the Natural Hair Junkies brand.  I “aspire to inspire”-- that is why I’m here.  I am super shocked that people have valued my opinion the way they have. It's amazing!

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I have been completely natural since February 19th, 2013.  This is my third and final attempt at going, and staying, natural, LOL Sad, huh?  I am a type 4 a/b chick (Kinky/Coily me!!).  My curls clump together for the most part and my hair shrinks up 85% of its length. *sigh* lol  So you can't really see my curls when I Wash & Go.  I have really soft, thick hair.  My hair has a high porosity level.  I actually just dyed my hair a 'cool, soft black' so we shall see, lol.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?

> I transitioned for a few months and then decided to big chop in February.  My transition went pretty smooth.  I did a lot of research and developed a lot of patience.  I decided in February, once I had all of my "essentials," to big chop.  I bought a pair of hair shears and some butterfly clips, and spent two hours cutting my hair.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?

> I decided to big chop after a few months of transitioning.  It was about 4 months after quitting the creamy crack.  I was tired of not really seeing my natural hair; dealing with two textures was starting to become more of a hassle.  I chose to free myself from all of the extra work and just go completely natural.  I wanted to see my hair for what it was and finally rep that #TeamNatural, lol.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> Lawd, when I experienced my natural hair for the first time, I HONESTLY, wanted to fall out... on the ground, LOL.  I couldn't believe that I had done that to myself.  Even though it was freeing, I was shocked; I was just like wow!  My hair was super soft and very healthy, but I felt boyish.  However, it was definitely an experience I do not regret.  If it wasn’t for my big chop, I would have never learned the true value of healthy hair.  That drastic change inspired and motivated me to remain natural.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)

> My top three favorites?  This is a hard one, BUT I loveee the honey shea twist and curl cream by www.prettykinkynaturals.bigcartel.com & their co-wash truffles.  I love the www.anunaturals.com Vanilla Capuaçu Daily Hair Lotion & the LCO kit.  And my third choice would have to be the www.mainelementlove.com Herbal Styling balm, and the citrus hair smoothie.  I have never had my edges laid the way this product lays them.  I pick and choose every week from these three products when it comes to doing my hair.  They are always in rotation.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to hairstyles would have to be flat twists and puffs.  I love rocking flat twists with a cute start, a full flat twist out, or doing some form of flat twist out with some flat twists left in for style.  My hair is still a tad bit too short to do twist outs, (I don’t have hours to do mini twists, lol) and I haven’t really tried braid outs or “cornrow” outs, lol.  I also do puffs and flat twist combos or just puffs.  That’s my go-to whenever I am having a bad hair day.  I make it cute and keep it moving.  I plan on experimenting now that I have more length.  I am almost at a year without heat.

How do you feel about your hair today? 

>  Every time I look at my hair, and its progress, I start singing, “Started from the bottom now we here.” Cliché, I know, but over the last 10 months, my hair has grown so much.  I can honestly say that I have learned the true meaning of beauty, being unique and what it means to have confidence.  I am very proud of how far I’ve come.  Most importantly, I love my hair more every day.  I am very proud to tell people that I have type 4 hair, and I honestly couldn’t complain.

*Be sure to check this NHJ out on http://www.naturalhairjunkies.com/ & on Instagram at @naturalhairjunkies, #naturalhairjunkies!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Sie about her journey?  If so, comment below OR send her an email at naturalhairjunkies@gmail.com!

MAC Cosmetics Haul, 2014

Hi ladies!

This is just a quick post about my recent MAC Cosmetics haul.  I've spent PLENTY of money on MAC in the month of January, but I have some goodies that I'm VERY happy with and a few things to share with you all.

I absolutely LOVE MAC.  It is definitely one of my favorite cosmetic brands because it has tons of makeup goodies, awesome shades, and they brought me closer to my beloved Fix+ Spray.  Here's a list of goodies that I recently picked up in January:

Lipstick ($16): "Colour plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made M·A·C famous" (maccosmetics.com).

• Heroine: Bright purple
• Rebel: Midtonal cream plum
• Dark Side: Deep burgundy (AmplifiedCreme)
• Up The Amp: Lavender violet (AmplifiedCreme)

Tinted Lipglass ($15): "A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny and can impart subtle or dramatic colour. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application" (maccosmetics.com).

• Angel: Light warm pink

Lustreglass ($15): "Two high-powered effects - Lustre and Glass - in one new lip finish. This amazing ornamental finish shines the lips with hi-shine overlaid with various tones of pearlized glaze. Beyond sexy. Transcends all known shine" (maccosmetics.com).

• Love Nectar: Ultra-soft apricot with pearl

Lip Pencil ($15): "A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils

have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in. They available in a wide selection of colours that each work well with many different lipstick shades" (maccosmetics.com).

• Hip 'n' Happy: Dirty Blue Pink
• Chicory: Soft muted peachy-brown

Fluidline ($16): "Ultra-smooth, Fluidline's gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-and-stroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof. Lines up in a rich array of colours and finishes. Brush sold separately" (maccosmetics.com).

• Blacktrack: Solid flat black
  

MAC also has a wonderful program called "Back to MAC" where you can exchange 6 empty MAC containers (glass &/or plastic) for a lipstick of your choice.  *I recommend going to an actual MAC store because you have the option of choosing a lipstick, lipgloss (tinted lipglass ONLY), or an eyeshadow. ;)

I returned 12 empties today, actually, and picked up two tinted lipglasses in:

• Snob: Light neutral pink
• Please Me: Mid-tone warm pink

I just wanted to share my recent MAC purchases with you all so you have an idea of what I'm wearing as of lately.  In the below picture I'm actually wearing the 'Chicory' lip pencil and 'Dark Side' lipstick. :)

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any favorite MAC Cosmetics products?  What shades have you been rockin' lately  Share them below!

The Skincare Routine for Drier Skin Types

Hey ladies!  My name is Khira, and I am a makeup/product junky.  Nice to meet you! :)  I was born in, and currently reside in, New York City!  I am interested in, and love all things, beauty and fashion related.  I was never really into fashion or beauty when I was growing up, and I was a tomboy for the most part until the end of high school/beginning of college.  I truly got to know myself as a person in college, and I became comfortable in expressing myself.  I started to dabble into makeup and immediately became obsessed.  Playing in makeup made me realize how important it is to actually take care of my skin.  I used to wash my face once in blue moon and never really took the time to tend to its needs.  My skin is not sensitive whatsoever, but it is extremely dry.  Now that I have experimented with skincare products, and have learned what is best for me, I have decided to share my must-have skincare products for those who have drier skin types.

Clarisonic Mia 2 ($150)

The Clarisonic Mia 2 is leading in sonic skincare cleansing.  It cleans 6x better than your hands alone!  "In just 60 seconds, its sonic action removes impurities from pores so that creams, serums, and moisturizers are more effective.  And with regular daily use you'll notice a reduction in dry patches, oily areas, and blemishes" (sephora.com).

Features:
- 2 speeds
- Int'l pLink charger for worldwide use
- Improved user interface indicating speed and charge functions

Yes it is very pricey, however, after purchasing the Mia 2, I immediately recommended it to EVERY single one of my friends and family members.  Since there has been a big improvement with the appearance of my skin, it was definitely worth the investment.  I have dry skin and when using the Clarisonic, it gently removes all of the dead skin by exfoliating, and it picks up all of the excess makeup.  I generally use it 3-4 times a week to make sure I don’t over exfoliate.

  

Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser ($6-$7)

"Get luminous!  Use every day to deeply clean and gently exfoliate dull skin.  So, skin looks renewed and luminous again!  Find out why Allure magazine named Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser a Best of Beauty award winner" (ponds.com).

Key Ingredients:

- Soft white Kaolin clay: a natural mineral known to act like a magnet to gently draw out deep-dwelling impurities

      - Gentle micro beads: help removing dull, lifeless skin

THIS!!! - My absolute favorite skin product.  When taking a break from my Clarisonic, I use this in the meantime to clean my face while exfoliating.  It definitely gets the job done nicely, leaving a nice glow and baby soft skin! ;) 

Noxzema ($5-$7)

"With the rich, hydrating moisturizers, Noxzema Deep Cleansing Cream Plus Moisturizer leavers your skin feeling soft and moisturized.  Removes dirt and oil while conditioning the skin, deep cleans with added moisturizers, dermatologist tested"(noxzema.com).

Ingredients:

Water, Stearic Acid, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed)Oil (Linseed), Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean), Fragrance, Propylene Glycol, Gelatin, Camphor, Ammonium Hydroxide, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil, Calcium Hydroxide, Menthol, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride

Another one of my must-haves!  I use this as a face mask, especially when I notice some breakouts.  It does have a very cooling and tingly effect, which I know some people do not like, but I absolutely love!  It feels like your pores are opening up and are being cleansed.  I’ve been using this product for years and I have never had a negative experience.  It does its job each and every time.

MAC Cosmetics Fix + ($21)
Like Ashley mentioned, this has been one of my favorites for years!  I also first started using it the same way-- to apply my liquid makeup (foundation & concealer, because it helps for a smoother & extremely sheer application) and setting my makeup.  Now, I use it to refresh my skin and help my serums and moisturizers really get into my skin.  It's infused with vitamins and minerals and helps to rehydrate my skin.

The Fix + Spray is "an aqua-spritz of vitamins and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi.  Adds radiance, finishes makeup.  Spray it on.  Skin drinks it up!" (maccosmetics.com).

This is another great product that I have incorporated into my skincare regimen.  I usually use this after I apply my toner and after I do my makeup.  Since I have dry skin, it's always nice to spray this on to gain some added moisture.  It doesn’t leave my skin sticky or oily, which is a plus!

 L'Oreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum Concentrate ($24.99)

The youth code is a "luxurious serum visibly improves skin quality working on uneven skin texture with visible pores and fine lines" (lorealparisusa.com).

Ingredients:
AQUA / WATER, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, GLYCERIN, ALCOHOL DENAT, PPG-15 STEARYL ETHER, DIMETHICONE, BIS-PEG/PPG-16/16 PEG/PPG-16/16 DIMETHICONE, POLYSILICONE-11, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE / AMMONIUM, POLYACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE, HYDROXYETHYLPIPERAZINE ETHANE SULFONIC ACID, EPERUA FALCATA BARK EXTRACT, DIMETHICONOL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, INULIN LAURYL CARBAMATE, ADENOSINE, POLOXAMER 338, DISODIUM EDTA, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, LENS ESCULENTA SEED EXTRACT / LENTIL SEED EXTRACT, XANTHAN GUM, DEXTRIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, MICA, LINALOOL, ALPHA-ISOMETHYL IONONE, LIMONENE, CITRONELLOL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE

I have been using this product for quite awhile now, and it is something I MUST have.  I use this product every single day after washing my face in the morning and at night.  Prior to my discovery of this amazing product, I would often experience raised bumps under my eyebrows and along my cheekbones.  I never knew what caused them and nothing seemed to get rid of them.  It is because of this product that my skin’s texture and overall appearance is so much smoother and even.  I LOVE IT!

Oil Minimizing Skin Toner (previously Refreshing Toner) ($5-$6)

"This toner helps deal with excess oil by removing it – along with dirt and make-up—without stripping your skin of its essential moisture" (olay.com).

Ingredients:

WATER, SD ALCOHOL 40, WITCH HAZEL EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, allantoin, MENTHYL LACTATE, FRAGRANCE, BLUE 1, YELLOW 5

Seeing that I have dry skin you are probably wondering why I would even use this product.  However, it benefits dry skin because it restores your skin’s pH balance, it shrinks pores, adds a layer of protection, refreshes the skin, prevents ingrown hairs, and actually moisturizes!  I use this toner 2-3 times a week after washing my face.

Pond’s Dry Skin Cream ($5-$10)

"This rich and creamy formula is easily absorbed by the skin to hydrate deeply while significantly reducing dryness.  For smooth, soft, radiant skin, put your trust in a classic" (ponds.com).

Key Ingredients:

- Occlusives: help to prevent moisture from leaving the skin

- Humectants: deeply hydrates to keep moisture within the skin

This is also one of my favorite products.  I use this cream every day after washing my face.  It hydrates my skin leaving it nice and soft. 

Water

Last but not least, the most important of them all!  I used to shy away from water because there wasn’t a sugary flavor.  I was the girl who drank juice and soda all day long.  I have started to drink water a lot more over the past few months, and I have actually grown to like it.  Doing so has caused a huge change in my skin.  I no longer have as many breakouts as before, and my skin is constantly flushed due to my increased water intake.  Water is important in more ways than one so make sure you drink it!

(I definitely wanted to include a skincare piece for my readers with drier skin types.  My friend, Khira, was perfect for this because I go to her with a lot of skincare questions.  Although she and I have different skin types and needs, I know that she is up on her products and will be able to help me in some way!)

I hope you all enjoyed this skincare piece for drier skin types.  If you have an oily skin type, please be sure to check out my post.

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Khira about her skincare routine or the products she uses?  If so, comment below OR send us an email at curlsfothegirls@gmail.com!