What's in my Bag ?

I'm completely addicted to this phenomenon of sharing what people carry and how they carry it. It's a sneak peak into the life and habits of a person. It says so much about a person as well as the products they keep. So with here's what's in my purse:

What's in my bag

Product Review: Henna Sooq Sweet Mimosa Butter

Henna Sooq Sweet Mimosa Butter

I've been using this product for months now and have been loving it. First off, my hair really likes butters so when I saw this on the Hennasooq's website I was really tempted. Then I read the ingredients and  it was 100% vegan- I had to get it.  It was about $12 which is reasonable. A little bit of this goes a long way.

October Favorites & A Regret

Above: Yes to Coconuts Cooling Lip Oil, DermaNew Calming Gel Masque, Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Hair Masque, and Real Techniques Contouring Brush

Favorites:

I'm terribly sad to see October go. But doing monthly favorites, really makes me appreciate time because it sure does fly. I did get to try out some new products and use more of what I had in my stash. 

Product Review: Red Apple Lipstick Eyeshadow in Champagne and Lipgloss in Cabernet

Hello my lovely people. Today, I have a review of some Red Apple Lipstick products which is a brand based in Texas and is cruelty-free, gluten free and paraben free. Also, according to their site, they do not use any petroleum, animal bits, gluten, soy, dairy, corn, harsh chemicals or GMOs in their products.  Did I mention, they make everything in small batches, so you only receive the freshest products? Its basically everything you want, all rolled up into one. Intrigued? I was. But to find if their products were any good, I reached out to them and they kindly sent me some products to play with.

Au Naturale Journey

As I mentioned in my Going Green Tag, I'm still in the process of moving away from chemical laden products as well as products that test on animals. But I wanted to share some changes that I've made below:

Going Green Tag

DIY: Hair Tonic

DIY: Hair Tonic - Ginger, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Rosemary, Almond oil, Castor oil, and Mahabringraj oil

I've mentioned in my previous posts, that I was having some issues with my hair. So lately, I've been experimenting with a lot of oils and massage techniques. Scalp massages have actually been around for centuries. They help with promoting circulation and supplying nutrients to hair follicles. They are also a great method of relaxation. Seriously.

Beauty Bite: Yummy Breakfast On The Go

Yummy Breakfast on the Go: Oatmeal , strawberries , blueberries , almonds , walnuts , brazil nuts , and honey

Cruelty Free Brand Focus: Murad

1. Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion , 2. Murad Oil Control Mattifier SPF 15 PA++, 3. Murad Acne Spot Treatment , 4. Murad Acne Spot Treatment

Since starting this blog, I alway's refer to Phyrra's CF List  before making a purchase. But while perusing some forums and groups, I learned something that I had forgotten! Murad is one of the major cruelty free brands out there. So I thought I would do some research and share my thoughts on some products.  Murad offers a no-nonsense and effective approach to skincare.

August Monthly Favorites and Regrets

It's that time....Favorites Time! August came and went so fast. Sad to see it go, but it was good for me in terms of my skin. Since my skin was good, I got to try out a lot of products. So some of things I'm loving are Queen Helene Julep Mint Mask, Rose Water and Butter London's Toast and Tea,

Product Review: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

Product Review: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

Product Review and Demo: Lush Caca Noir

Product Review and Demo: Lush Caca Noir

First let me start off by saying, I've been using this product for a few years. For first time user, the preparation process might be difficult but don't let that deter you. You will have amazing results with this! With that said, I'm sure you already know my general thoughts of this product :)

Beauty Bite: Pomegranate and Strawberry Smoothie

Beauty Bite: Pomegranate and Strawberry Smoothie

When browsing the farmer's market, most people skip over the pomegranates. But most wouldn't if they knew that this oxidant rich fruit which is high in vitamin k and zinc could lead to better, younger looking skin! This fruit which ironically, is one of the world's oldest fruit, can actually prevent premature aging.

Product Review: TARTE Mascara Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1

Product Review: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara 

Product Description & Claims: (From Sephora's Website)

• Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! 4-in-1 Mascara could be considered a push-up bra for your lashes—a 4-in-1 (lengthening, curling, volumizing, and conditioning) dermatologist- and clinically-proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424% after applying giving dramatic, thick and sexy lashes. 

• This mascara contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients like:

1. Rice bran wax to help lengthen lashes 

2. Carnauba wax, an emollient wax that ensures a smooth application

3. ProVitamin B5 treats and thickens lashes

4. Olive esters condition, treat, and protect lashes

5. Mineral pigments known for their soothing and softening properties.

My Experience:

I hauled this mini during an Ulta trip recently for $10 bucks. Now, just for the record- I'm a firm believer in drugstore mascara's. Never have I really bothered with a high end mascara but, well...let's just say it ended up in my shopping basket. It seems to have a throw back wand with the traditional short bristles. When I first pulled the wand out I could see plenty of product which seemed to be on the "wet" side. The color is definitely jet black and coats each lash nicely. However, I noticed some clumping and was not happy about that. After, 11 hours of wear I noticed it stayed on without flaking or smudging.

DIY: Coffee Body Scrub

D I Y : Body Scrub using Coffee, Sugar, Coconut oil and Lemon Juice

Its the end of March and apparently, spring is here. It's almost that time to shed the winter coats and say hello to dresses and bright colors. But while shedding our layers, lets not forget to prep our skin with this easy DIY homemade body scrub.

Sephora VIB 2014 Code: VIBTICKET

It's that time...yep, you can finally check out your cart that you've been adding/removing items to for items to. Whether you're stocking up or looking to try new things, this is the time. Shopping at Sephora can be expensive so when you can get a discount, you should get it!

Wooden Combs 101

Body Shop Wooden Comb Price: $7.00

This is a product that I will always have in my stash. It’s been a great addition to my hair care tools and detangling routine. Unfortunately not many people are aware of the benefits of a wooden comb.

Beauty Bite: Turmeric Tea

Beauty Bite: Turmeric Tea Recipe  

Last week, I spoke about the benefits of Turmeric and how to use it as part of a face mask. I want you to know it has plenty of benefits when taken internally, too!

Easy Organization For Hair Accessories:

Last weekend, Papa Bear and I ended up at Harbor and Fright hardware store. As I tried to kill some time by perusing the shelves, I came across these:

For $3, the price was waaaay better than Michaels or A.C Moore and the fact that the dividers could be removed-made it even more perfect! 

Top 3 Products for March

So last week, we welcomed in spring! Hallelujah! I’m so glad to be done with March and head into April. The warm weather and being able to be out and about is my favorite.

Speaking of favorite, I wanted to share some of my favorite products of this month.

March 2014 Monthly Favorites

Turmeric 101

What is it?
If you're familiar cooking with spices, you've probably heard of turmeric. Turmeric is a plant from the ginger family which has been getting a lot of attention from the medical community. A main component of turmeric, cur cumin which is said to play an essential role in combating many diseases such as alzheimer.  It is also, thought to have significant anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties.

Product Review: Lush Skin Drink Moisturizer

Lush Skin Drink Moisturizer

       As you might guess from the picture....this is well-loved !

This is a super-moisturizing product made for those with dry skin. It has rose petal infusion, aloe, sesame oil, and avocado to make it super nourishing. When I first opened this, I was slightly put off by the color and weird smell. Also, when applying this, I put waaaaay too much on. The phrase "a little goes a long way" is so true for this, so it should last awhile.

DIY: Aloe Vera Gel Moisturizer

    Aloe Vera Gel, once used by Cleopatra, has numerous healing benefits. It can be used for eczema, acne, and minor wounds. But aloe vera gel from the plant and what is found in stores are two  extremely different products. While in nature aloe vera gel is clear, what is found in the store is laden with artificial dyes to give a green color. Who wants to put that on there skin or hair?

Here is quick and easy recipe that can give you the benefits of aloe vera without the chemical junk.