My Daily Skincare Regimen for Combination Oily Skin Types (UPDATED)

If you haven't heard: flawless makeup starts with GREAT skin!  I can't tell you all how many times I've been standing at a makeup counter, waiting for help, and heard how gorgeous and smooth my skin was, which honestly came as a shocker to me.  I didn't think I had great skin-- due to an occasional dark spot or breakout, keyword being occasional-- but from everyone else, I clearly had some damn good skin.  I pride myself in taking care of me-- my hair and skin included.

My Favorite Beauty Essentials (Summer Edition)

Hey all!  I just wanted to drop in and share my summer beauty essentials with you all.  With summer around the corner, it is important that we lighten up our makeup bags by putting some products on the back shelf, and utilizing other items to keep us fresh and flawless at all times.

Spotlight Monday: Melissa

Tell us about yourself.
> Hello Naturals!  My name is Melissa; I dance, I love cats and I am a "Natural Hair" And "Black Self Love" enthusiast!  I am pursuing my Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling.  I have strong aspirations of not only being an advocate in the Mental Health Community, but also of bringing more Mental Health services, and awareness, to our disregarded communities of color in any way that I can.

How long have you been natural? What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> Well (brace yourself! Lol), I am one of those naturals who "went natural" more than once.  As a freshman in college, I made the decision to change a lot of my habits including relaxing my hair, especially because I didn't get them often.  My first relaxer was forced; I was only 8yo!  After attempting my 1st transition, a fresh relaxer and weave called my name.  After almost 9 months, I went back!  When I saw how TERRIBLE the perm was, and how weak and stupid I felt, I said "that's it for this!" and ever since the summer of 2009, I never got another relaxer. :)  My hair type is mixed, but overall I think I am a 4A & 4B with BEAUTIFUL tight coils and tight S shaped curls.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I transitioned with multiple trims, braids, and weaves.  Then I cut my hair to my ears when I saw how unhealthy my hair was.  I decided to transition because I wanted to see the difference in my hair as it grew, and I was honestly too afraid to cut it all off.  Now I feel that because I went through a lot of phases and heat damage, and even though my curls are coming back to life and I'm way more comfortable, I definitely want to cut it again in the future.

 What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
> Like many transitioning naturals, I thought I would have Tracy Ellis Ross hair or something (lol), but I didn't.  I didn't know what I was doing with my hair and I felt kind of lonely in my journey.  It took me years to stop using heat and to embrace my TRUE natural texture after giving up crazy chemicals like relaxers (No lye, No lie lol).  However, when I decided to be 100% true to my naturalness, I was very happy when I saw how curly my hair was, and I was ecstatic for my freedom! - I felt so strong because this was one thing about me that NOBODY or NO social norm could continue to control. 

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I'm still in a trial and error phase because I feel like my hair is a complicated girl, but to name three products:

- Raw Shea butter (my whole body swears by it)

- Eco Styler Gel

- Cantu Shea Leave-in conditioner

I know it says to name three, but the Tresemme Naturals Conditioner is really good, too! LOL

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> As much as I love twist outs and Bantu knot outs, I have too many failed attempts with them.  So my go-to hairstyle would be my Beautiful, coily puff aka "Le Puff Zaddy".

How do you feel about your hair today?
> Today-- I love my hair!  Even though I am still not 100% confident with every hairstyle I do or try, I rock it with love and pride because I do love and value my return to natural.  I love to use water in my hair everyday now, and I will never turn back to relaxers, which just didn't work for me, or even heat.  I am fully in love with the versatility of my hair, and the hair textures of all people of color!  I feel like I can make a stance with my hair in so many ways and I love it.

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

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

Spotlight Monday: Christinia

Tell us about yourself.
> I am a Syracuse University Alumna pursuing a career as a Criminalist-- one laboratory position at a time.  I love to dance, watch movies (action & horror), paint my nails, do hair, shop and EAT!  I just enjoy having a good time with good people.

How long have you been natural?  What is your hair type?  Describe your curls!
> I have been fully natural for 2 years & 7months, but began the process April 2010 (my last relaxer was for my 20^th birthday).  My hair type is 4a/4c; my hair is very tightly coiled yet soft.  However, the middle of my hair is so thick and tightly coiled that it lacks definite shape while the sides of my head have more defined curls that are springy when pulled.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> In May of 2011 I did my Big Chop!  Prior to, I would just wear braid outs, but running out of patience, I was ready to cut all of the remainder of my relaxed hair off.  I thought and found it to be easier to deal with one texture of hair.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> After my BC I felt like a new person.  I had given myself a new look; however, I was still shy to show it off because it was very different than what I was used to.  It was definitely a style I would have to get used to being that it was only my natural hair.  I also felt like I had accomplished a goal being that I had been talking about going natural for a long time.

What was it like when you experienced your natural hair for the first time?
>  As time went on, I was surprised at how much I began to fall in love with my hair.  Not only was it easy to maintain, as far as saving time on doing my hair, the compliments I was getting played a part on it growing on me.  But when it came time for me to style my hair differently, I did think "OMG! what did I do?!" because it was so thick, and short, and I thought there was no way I could straighten it as good as it could have been straightened with a relaxer-- glad to know I was wrong.

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> I love using curling lotions and smoothies especially the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  Prior to washing my hair, I apply Taliah Waajid’s The Great Detangler while twisting my hair (I wash my hair while its twisted), and I wash and condition with Crème of Nature’s Shampoo and Conditioner with Argan Oil.

What are your go-to hairstyles?
> I love, love, love wearing Bantu knot outs, regular twist outs and my wash-and-go 'fro!  As a protective style, or a style when I know I’m not going to want to do my hair for a long time, I braid my hair in goddess box braids.

How do you feel about your hair today?
> I love my hair!  I find it simpler to maintain than if it was relaxed.  I am so glad I became natural because my hair is much healthier.  I know I can still do as many styles as I want, as well as styles I have done prior to becoming a Naturalista!

Until next time,
Ashley, xo.

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