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!

Spotlight Monday: Mercedes

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Mercedes, and I’m an ambitious 21 year old from Hot-lanta!  I'm currently a senior at Syracuse University in the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs, studying Political Science.  I aspire to fulfill my dreams of one day becoming a legend in both the entertainment and political spheres.

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

> I've been natural since the 8th grade.  That was the last time I had a relaxer.  My hair is very curly & springy.  The curls resemble little ringlets like the Shirley Temple curls.  My hair is very thick, but soft.  For the most part, my hair is very manageable.  I would say my hair type is mixture of 3A, 3C & 4A.

Did you transition or big chop?  Why did you take that route?
> I was actually forced to transition when a relaxer caused my hair to fall out in the crown area of my head.  The relaxer caused horrible scabbing, and once the scabs fell off, it took my hair with it.  I had a huge bald spot that got infected.  Going natural was the only option; I didn't have much of a choice.  I eventually found out that I’m allergic to some of the chemicals within relaxers (because I have a very sensitive scalp), which is one of the reasons I stopped getting them.  I was on antibiotics and had to use medicated shampoo for a year.  It took a total of 2 years to completely revitalize my hair to its natural state.  I've cut my hair several times, but my "Big Chop" happened during my freshmen year of college in 2010.  I cut my hair because of heat damage.  No dramatic revelations over here-- I just wanted my healthy hair back.

On big chopping-- how did you feel?
> I felt so beautiful!  I loved the feeling of simply rubbing moisturizer & oil in my hair without having to really 'do' anything to it.  I was very comfortable with short hair.  Cutting my hair isn't a big deal to me (I would do it again in a heartbeat).

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

> When I first experienced my natural hair after I stopped relaxing it, I hated it.  I was very athletic & played several sports, so the relaxer maintained my roots and edges from "drawing up" or "napping up".  It took a couple of years to get used to it.  After doing research on the actual maintenance, I fell in love with it.  I'm in love with my natural hair now to the extent where I'll go months without putting the slightest bit of heat on it (including a blow dryer). 

What are some of your favorite products? (Top 3)
> Raw Coconut Oil, Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo, and Miss Jesse’s Curly Pudding.  These are products that I liked, and I found that they worked best for my hair.  However, I’m somewhat of a product junkie, and I’m constantly trying new things in my hair routine, especially when the seasons change.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> My go-to hairstyles are curly 'fros using twist outs, two-strand twists, Bantu Knots on semi blow-dried hair (hair is still fairly damp, just blow-dried to stretch the curls) and natural updo hairstyles.  I’m known to switch up my hair A LOT.  I always have different hairstyles and I'm willing to switch things up.

How do you feel about your hair today?

> I've been through a long journey with my hair, but it was worth it to obtain healthy hair.  I love my natural roots and curls!

Bonus: Check out Mercedes' growth as of December 2013!  She's definitely serving up fierceness in this pic, :)

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

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

Shea Moisture Organic Yucca & Baobab Anti-Break Masque Product Review

This stuff right here.. This. stuff. RIGHT. here!  OMG.  This stuff right here..

So I ordered the Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque from Walgreens during the BOGO sale.  I had heard so many things about it, and the sale was a perfect time to try it out.  For $5.24, how could I go wrong?!

I have fine strands so to hear about a product that is supposed to thicken the hair, and it isn't JBCO, sounded great to me.  I couldn't wait to try it!

The masque is formulated "with biotin & bamboo extract for fine, thin hair."  It claims to "strengthen, thicken & volumize."

Claim:

"Our all-natural treatment masque penetrates deeply to moisturize, strengthen, and fortify fine, thin hair.  Helps prevent breakage while increasing volume for thicker, full-bodied hair."

"Baobab oil contains Vitamins A, C, D, E, and F to fortify and strengthen hair.  Yucca thickens hair while adding volume.  Biotin is a powerful B Vitamin that strengthens the hair follicle."

Ingredients:

Deionized Water , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)* , Cocos Nucifera Oil (Coconut)* , Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter* , Persea Gratissima Oil (Avocado) , Olea Europaea Oil (Olive)* , Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract , Ammonium Salt (Conditioner) , Yucca Filamentosa Extract , Vegetable Protein , Adansonia Digitata Extract (Baobab) , Biotin , Panthenol (Vitamin B-5) , Rosemary Extract , Bamboo Extract , Sorbitol Esters , Caprylyl Glycol , Essential Oil Blend , Tocopherol (Vitamin E) , Lonicera Caprifolium Flower (Honeysuckle) , Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract (Honeysuckle) 

*Certified organic ingredient

Review:

First off, this stuff smells amazing!  It's not like the Deep Treatment Masque, which smells great, but is a bit overpowering after a while.  The DTM honestly reminded me of men's cologne.  However, the Yucca & Baobab masque is very light in scent, and it reminds me of the Curl Enhancing Smoothie in texture.

I washed and detangled my hair, and I applied the anti-breakage masque.  Because it has a thick consistency, like the curl enhancing smoothie (CES), less is definitely more in this case.  I threw on a shower cap, and headwrap, to run some errands.  Once I got back in the house, I set up my steamer and prepared to steam.  My hair had been feeling extra dry, especially with the extreme temperatures, so I definitely needed an extra boost of moisture.  The directions state that a plastic cap or any other hair covering is not needed when using a steamer because the "moist heat will add to masque's hydration".  I removed my cap and set up a seat.

I had two steaming sessions-- one to get the front of my hair and one for the back.  I needed all of the moisture I could get!  After steaming with the anti-breakage masque, I sat for a bit until the conditioner cooled.  When I used to steam during my textlax days, my stylist used to make me sit for about 10 minutes until the conditioner cooled.  After it cooled enough, I began to rinse my hair with cold water.  *Cold water helps to close the cuticle to lock in the goodies! :)  

I immediately noticed a difference!  My hair was a lot softer and it felt extremely moisturized, which was great after suffering from the cold weather.  The slip was also great, which allowed me to run my fingers through my hair while rinsing.  I also noticed that I had very little hair to remove from my hands after rinsing.

I will say that although my hair was soft and moisturized, I noticed that I had a frizz patch in my crown area.  I'm not sure why the frizz occurred, but I was not happy to see it! LOL Luckily, the frizz was in one area, and not all over, and it was soft! :)

I would definitely use the Anti-Breakage Masque again.  I loved how my hair felt-- it was soft and moisturized for DAYS (I couldn't keep my hands out of it, *bad Ashley*)-- and I loved how the masque smelled.  I think it's a great moisturizing deep treatment with a boost of protein.  If your hair is protein sensitive, I wouldn't recommend using this masque every week as a protein overload is never a good thing, especially in cold conditions.  However, if you need a boost of protein, using this masque one to two times a month would be sufficient enough.

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Have you used the Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque?  Share your experience below!

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!

My Updated Detangling Routine Using My Lovely Digits

I'm definitely going to keep this post short and I just wanted to briefly touch on my updated detangling routine.  Since cutting my hair, I've decided to give my wide tooth combs a break, and I have been using my lovely fingers instead to detangle!  Yes, I have tested out finger detangling and I honestly love it.  Here's why:

• Less broken hairs: Since finger detangling, I've noticed that I have a lot less broken hairs than before.  Granted I only have a small section of hair to detangle, but I have noticed that I remove less hair with finger detangling than I would by a wide tooth comb.  I am able to feel for tangles and knots a lot easier with my fingers which allows me time to work them out rather than ripping them out.
• Less tugging: I don't have to constantly pull at a section of hair to detangle.  I usually wash my hair with a sulfate-free shampoo or cleansing conditioner, then I apply my Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture Conditioner to detangle.  Here, I separate my hair starting from the front of the tuft and I gently comb through the section with my fingers.  This way, I get rid of the tangles without yanking my hair out.  After the section is completed, I move to the next section using the same combing motion.  I remove any shed hairs from my hands before moving to the next section to prevent future knots, etc.
• Time efficient: Finger detangling is also time efficient.  I have a small tuft to detangle, but I noticed that I am able to finger detangle a lot more quickly than I would with a WTC.  With the comb, I'd have to be careful so that I don't snap the hairs, but I noticed that I am able to move quickly and my fingers comb through my hair a lot more smoothly than with the comb.
• Curl preservation: I have also noticed that finger detangling preserves my curl pattern.  I noticed that my curls would be a bit frizzier if I detangled with a WTC, but my fingers allow my curls to stay intact thus reducing frizz.  My curls remain springy and curly instead of wavy and a lot less frizzy!

Check out this video from my favorite curly girl/vlogger, MahoganyCurls about Finger Detangling.  She explains (and demonstrates) the pros of finger detangling and why she opts to use her fingers instead of a wide tooth comb.

I hope this helps,

Ashley, xo.

What is your detangling method?  Do you, or have you, finger detangled before?  Share your experience below!