Let's start with Shampoos:
I am transitioning from relaxed to natural. I have about 3 inches of curly new growth and about 9 inches of permed hair. These products work for ME and I'm not guaranteeing they will work for you. Also, just because I despise a certain product doesn't mean it won't be the product of your dreams.
Target or Walmart: $9.99
This product is awesome and I will buy it and buy it and buy it until they stop selling it and then I will curl up and wither away because nothing can replace it...........yeah. It's that good.
WHAT NOT TO BUY:
Once again this is just my opinion of the worst shampoo ever. It made my hair feel dry (underwater...how weird is that??) and stringy. It smelled good and the packaging was cute....that's about the only good thing I can say about it. I did not like anything else.
Organix Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo
All Drugstores: $7.99/$5.99
After I had seen billions of awesome reviews about this product praising it and ranting about how awesome it was I was thoroughly disappointed by it. If you want my advice, don't waste your money on this shampoo like I did.
Now for Conditioners:
Walmart: $3.49
This is a great moisturizing conditioner for my hair. I usually put it on my hair after shampooing it and I leave it on for between 30 minutes to 5 hours (big difference I know!) When I rinse this conditioner out, my hair feels soft, silky, and moisturized to perfection. There is nothing I dislike about this product.
Protectiv Mega Growth Anti-Breakage Strengthening Deep Conditioner
All Drugstores: $5.99
When I first used this conditioner, I put it on my hair for about 20-25 minutes. I rinsed it out and immediately decided that I hated it. It didn't do anything for my hair at all. It was pointless for me to put it on! HOWEVER, a few months later, I decided to try it again...and I fell in love! I left it in my hair for about 3 hours and I put a plastic shower cap and a night time bonnet over my head to hold in as much heat as possible. Apparently, heat is the key (although it doesn't say that it is necessary on the instructions). After washing my hair out, it felt smooth, soft and moisturized. This is a great product and I recommend everyone purchase it!
Sidenote: This brand also has a Daily Conditioning Moisturizer as well (it's purple) and I recommend purchasing that as well. I didn't want to feature it in this blog because it is not a "Fave" but it is an affordable daily conditioner for relaxed OR natural (or even transitioning) hair.
Leave In Conditioner/Moisturizers:
Walgreens: $4.99
This is a super lightweight leave in conditioner that is great for all hair textures. I apply this after my hair is dry when I'm doing bantu knot outs/twist outs/braid outs. This product works well with other products and doesn't leave any kind of sticky film or residue that some other products sometime leaves. I read many blogs about this product and was excited to try it and I was not disappointed! The product was thinner than I originally expected, not quite watery but not solid like all natural shea butter. If you're in the market for a great budget friendly leave in conditioner, I recommend this one for sure.
Walmart: $3.99
This product can be used as a protein treatment deep conditioner or a moisturizer. I used it as a conditioner once and hated it. I will never use it that way again. However, as a basic moisturizer this is a great product. Of course, since it is full of protein, it should not be used daily so I use it about once every week or every other week. It's very affordable and worth the money.
BEAUTY PRODUCTS!!!
This is my favorite part of the blog! I am a make up lover and beauty guru. I don't have many beauty products that I am obsessed with but here's a few of the ones I do love.
First things first...we all need a clean and smooth skin on the face so...........
Up & Up Facial Scrub for blemishes and blackheads
Target: (I can't remember the actual price but I think it's around) $3.49
This product is supposed to be comparable to St. Ives Blemishes and Blackhead Control Apricot Scrub but I have never used that product so I cannot judge. However, I am very much in love with this scrub. I'm not sure how many times a week we are to scrub our faces but I use this product about 5 days a week (the days I put on make up) because I always scrub my face for a smoother face when applying make up. This product is also great just to clean away the day's dirt and grime. There isn't a lot to say about this product because it is NOT a miracle worker when it comes to blackheads but it does help. I haven't found anything better so this is still on my list of faves!
Target: $5.99
I looooooove this foundation! It is awesome! I am an African American with yellow undertones. It is incredibly hard for me to find foundation, bronzers, concealers....anything that goes on my face (not my eyes) because of my undertones. Most foundations that match my actual skin color are not meant for women of color. They are meant for white people therefore they have sort of a white base when they oxidize on the skin. It gives me a pasty look and that is not attractive...at all. If I buy the foundations in my shade that are specifically meant for African Americans, they typically have red undertones. I get sort of a orangeish redish look and once again that is not attractive.
This foundation is perfect. In the one that is actually my shade, it actually FIT ME just like in the name. It is sheer-medium coverage (just like I like) and blends really well with other products which is always a plus. In the store next to the number (shade of foundation that matches YOU) there is another number that is for the concealer for you. I haven't tried it yet but I'm very eager to!
Eos lip balm (ANY FLAVOR!)
Target/Walmart: $2.99
I love these little lip balms! They are not good for women who don't carry purses. It is kind of awkward to put in a pocket. The application of the product is awesome because you can rub very hard on the lips (if you want to geez I'm not saying you have to!) and you don't have to worry about it breaking. It's comfortable to hold in your hand and all of them smell very good and don't taste half bad either! They are very moisturizing and it lasts for a long time ! I have NO complaints!
Ok you guys! I think that's about it! I hope you enjoyed my current faves and because I am a Certified Product Junkie, I'm pretty sure I will have some new products to introduce to you soon and hopefully you found this helpful!
Maybe next time I will take you on a tour of my make up and inform you of the "Steals" that I have found or the things I recommend that you don't buy....we will see!
