10,000K+ VIEWS!

OMG!

Yes, it was all the way necessary that I wrote that in all caps.  We have reached 10,000+ views on curlsfothegirls.blogspot.com!

I just want to thank everyone-- for all the reading, tweeting, emails, IG tag features, posts, and love.  I am truly grateful that you all believe in my word, and take the time to read my posts and come to me with questions.  It really means a lot to me.  I am especially grateful because you all believed in me enough to support me and support the blog.  I can't tell you how much it means to me when I see people tweeting about the posts or retweeting them after I've just published one.

I am NOT going to leave you all hanging after all the hard work you all have done.  I definitely want to share some love and some of MY favorite products with you all!

Yes, a GIVEAWAY is coming!

Stay tuned for official rules, details, and prizes.  You do NOT want to miss this one!

For now-- send me some of your BEST hair pics via Instagram @curlsfothegirls #curlsfothegirls AND I will definitely take email submissions at curlsfothegirls@gmail.com.  Let's celebrate!

Thank you all so very much, from the BOTTOM of my heart!

Ashley, xo.

Spotlight Monday: Sasha

Tell us about yourself.

> My name is Sasha; many know me as Asha, I’m 21.  I’m an Anthropology and Forensic Science major with a minor in Medical Anthropology at Syracuse University.  I was born in Jamaica, moved to the United States when I was 13, and became an American citizen probably a year ago.  I teach dance and theatre works every summer when I can, and I have been dancing and doing musicals since I was 5yo.

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

> I’ve been steadily natural for about 2 years.  I think my hair is a 4c, maybe 4b.  My hair literally does what it wants, when it wants, and I’ll gladly let it.  My curls are sometimes super tight and coil-ish, then some days they're nonexistent.  It probably depends on the shampoo I use.  My hair gets really dry and that scares me and obviously with my curl type, when it gets wet, it shrinks to nowhere land.  I think I do a pretty good job of maintaining it since I’m a product junkie.  I have just about everything at my fingertips.

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

> I kind of did both when I was around 17/18yo.  I was going natural without much thought  to it.  My hair was red on the right side and black on the left side, and my bang was relaxed; I had a phase.  Freshman year, I randomly decided to shave my head but leave enough for some hair to cover my face; again, another phase.  During this time, my hair grew out and I just decided to keep it like this instead of frequenting a barber to cut it and a hair salon to relax it.

If you big chopped-- how did you feel?

> Well, when my hair was growing out from the shaved style, I still had some relaxed ends, and while I was twisting my hair and preparing for the winter, those relaxed ends bothered me!  So I got some scissors and snipped them away without a second thought, but then I freaked out!  I don’t know why, but I started panicking, like "Oh my God!  What did I do?!  Oh no, my hair in the front is so short now!" and even though everyone liked it, I was just nervous that it didn’t look good.

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

> I remember all the times I was natural-- from a kid, to my phase, to my chop-- each time, honestly, was traumatic.  Being of mixed ethnicity showed in my hair and it bothered me as a child.  We all had those horror stories of our mom combing out hair like she was searching for silver pieces and parting like Moses had nothing on her.  Well, my hair was long and it was thick so it took hours.  I would fall asleep as she did my hair so I hated it.  I hated my hair so much which is probably why I went through so many phases of coloring and cutting it.  Being older, going back natural was confusing.  I didn’t do any research on it and it was clearly spur of the moment.

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

> Only 3. . . . . oh boy.

1.     The Yucca & Baobab Thickening Growth Milk- makes my hair really soft after a long day so I can retwist it.

2.     Carol's Daughter, Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner- super helpful when I detangle on wet hair.  It really helps to loosen up those knots I get.

3.     Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo- I actually got this from Ash and I thought it would be bad for my hair, but it’s perfect!  It doesn’t erase my curls.  In my opinion, it defines them way better than what I’ve been using.

What are your go-to hairstyles?

> I always have a twist out, afro or a Mohawk, mainly because one is the precursor to the other for me Lol.  When I get home and forget to re-twist, I just comb it out to an afro then the next day maybe the Mohawk.  For protective styling, I usually do Senegalese twists, but I’m slowly backing away from that.

How do you feel about your hair today? 

> Today?  Well I just twist my hair and notice how much longer it is.  Man, I love my hair.  As deceitful, complicated and time consuming it is, there’s never a day I think “You know what, I’m getting a relaxer”.  It’s exciting to see how much it grows and everything I can do with it.  I’m still learning about it and realizing that my hair now isn't the same as when I first started, and I need to take better care of it.  Lord know it's been better to me than I have to it, but I am truly happy with my hair!

Until next time,

Ashley, xo.

Do you have any questions for Sasha about her natural hair?  If so, comment below!

My Top 5 Mascaras for Insane Length & Volume

I absolutely love bold lashes.  A good pair of falsies are cool, but nothing beats the power of a great mascara!  Mascara is definitely one of my must-have, can't live without cosmetics.  I love how I can take my lashes from 0 to 60 in a few swipes.

I constantly get complimented on my lashes with my favorite being, "are you fanning me?!".  So this post is going to tell you about MY favorite mascaras.  Note: The power is ALL in the brush!

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara ($19.50)

"With every stroke, the over-the-top brush wraps lashes in instant, jaw-dropping drama. This larger-than-life formula is also safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Ophthalmologist tested, too" (clinique.com).

This mascara is definitely high on my list of favorites.  If you want insanely bold and thick lashes, this is your go-to.  I purchased this product when it first came out during my senior year of college.  One of the women that I worked with at Clinique swore that it made her 'nearly invisible' lashes bold and very visible with just a few swipes.  She even showed me a picture where you could see her lashes in the photo!  This made my purchase so much easier!

The brush is covered in rows of tiny bristles that help get in between the lashes to create a bold look.  In 'Extreme Black' you cannot go wrong with this mascara!

Mac Cosmetics Extended Play Lash Mascara ($16)

"A lightweight curling, lifting Mascara in a glossy shade of Endless Black. Applies with a slim-line brush designed to give each lash effortless, upward bending definition and extreme volume. Easy wash-off formula. Lasts 16 smudge-free hours" (maccosmetics.com).

I love this mascara because it is great for a natural look.  It definitely lengthens lashes, but it also makes them slightly bolder.  This mascara adds fibers to the lashes, which helps with the length.  I wish I could describe what the fibers feel like, but they feel rather spongey (see what I mean upon removal).  I love how this curls my lashes just enough to make my eyes look more open.  I definitely wear this mascara when I want a little something on-- usually some super clean brows and a lippie of some kind.  I also love that this mascara lasts for hours and it is super easy to remove.

The wand aids in providing definition and curling lashes.  It doesn't take much work to get the look you want.  I use anywhere from 1-3 coats with this mascara and I am ready to go (definitely 3 if I want to be super natural, but a lil' spicy)!

Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara ($7.99)

"Experience COVERGIRL's first ever volume + length mascara! The fiberstretch formula and oversized brush make every little lash bigger, fuller, longer-looking, and more dramatic" (covergirl.com).

This was one of the first mascaras I used and I still love it!  This mascara definitely gives you length and volume as the wand is covered in rows of bristles.  They get in between lashes to lengthen them and make them bolder.  I have definitely used this mascara by itself, BUT I prefer to use this mascara as a primer.  I feel that it really gets in between lashes and separates them well before I really get to work on my lashes (I use 1-2 coats before layering my mascara).  However, if you use this mascara by itself, you're in for a treat!  I've definitely received tons of compliments with this mascara alone.  It provides enough length and definition with 1-2 coats, but 3-4 coats really gets the job done. :)

Maybelline Volum' Express the Mega Plush Mascara ($4.97-8.29)

"Now, mega volume goes mega plush. Our first gel-mousse mascara. Lashes never brittle or flaky" (maybelline.com).

I actually bought this mascara a couple of months ago during a BOGO sale.  I had always wanted to try it since I saw it on the commercials, lol (it's the inner PJ).  I was definitely intrigued by the gel-mousse formula and the 'plush' part.  Like I said before, I LOVE big, bold lashes so if a mascara is vowing to give me that, then I'm all ears, lol.

This mascara definitey delivers!  After the first use, I noticed right away how big & bold my lashes were.  I also noticed that they weren't hard like most mascara formulas, but they were so soft!  The wand-- a flexor brush-- allows for easy application by giving the brush the freedom to bend.  I think this is one of the best wands I've seen in a while as the bristles are tapered with the larger bristles in the middle.  I love layering this mascara-- the bigger the lash, the better!

Maybelline Volum' Express the Rocket Mascara ($4.97-8.29)

"Now, the most explosive, beautiful lashes ever! Supersonic Brush, and Fast Glide formula. Loads on big, sleek volume instantly" (maybelline.com).

This was the other part of my BOGO purchase when I purchased the Mega Plush Mascara.  I knew the MP was going to be one of my purchases, and after looking at the mascara 'results' chart in the store, I made my decision to grab the Rocket, too!

The Rocket claims to give "explosive volume in rocket time" (maybelline.com) and I am here for all of it!  Using this mascara alone, I was asked "are you fanning me?!" which made me laugh, but I was so happy that my mascara was doing its job.

This wand definitely gets in between lashes to lengthen them and make them bolder.  Using this mascara alone will definitely get the big, bold look you want, but pairing it with the Mega Plush will get you insanely big and insanely bold lashes.  Falsies have nothing on this combination.

Quick Maintenance Rules for Your Mascara:
- REPLACE your mascara every 3-6 months-- 3 if you use your mascara daily, 6 if you use it occasionally.  This helps to prevent bacteria from growing in the tube.  An eye infection is NO joke!

- NEVER pump a mascara wand into the tube!  It creates air pockets that will dry mascara out faster.

- NEVER share your mascara!  It can increase the bacteria in the tube and it can also increase your chances of an eye infection.

- DO layer your mascara for amped length and volume.  I am definitely one to use 2-3 different mascaras at a time for extra length and volume.  I cannot say it enough-- I love bold lashes and the bigger, the better!

- DO pay attention to the mascara wands because  it is the wand that creates the magic.

- DO remove all eye makeup, especially mascara, at the end of the day.  This helps keep your ducts clear and your lashes intact.  Failure to remove mascara can clog your ducts and your lashes will fall out.  Then you won't have anything to coat in mascara! :(

Until next time,
Ashley, xo *bats eyelashes*

Do you have a favorite mascara?  Have you tried one of the mascaras mentioned above?  Share below!

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!