Kinky Curly to the Coil Rescue!

Ladies, I think I've found what I've been waiting for - a hair system that does not freeze dry, overslick or weigh down the natural bounce and beauty of my curls, while giving them pretty amazing definition. A seriously rambunctious Woo Hoo! goes out to the folks over at Kinky Curly for that. Remarkably, I hadn't tried their products before now, though I had heard lots about them. After being regaled with tales of overly-crunchy tresses and unfortunate white residue on hair, I made sure to consult the styling tips section of the brand's website before diving into my test drive.

I stuck to the magical triumvirate of Come Clean Shampoo, Knot Today Leave-In Detangler and Conditioner, and Curling Custard. Time after time, the results have left me very, very pleased. Experiment with the ratio of Knot Today and Curling Custard as different proportions yield different results, and that can be a very good (read 'versatile') thing. I found that my hair texture loves more Knot Today and a small amount of the Custard (which is concentrated).

On those days when I have to have my fix of Big Hair, I use the Knot Today, allow it to air dry to slightly damp overnight, and then add a bit more in the morning followed by a scrunch through of a couple healthy dabs of the Curling Custard. Refreshing was easy with a water assist, either with wet hands or the spray bottle.

Fan-tab-u-LOUS!

What do you think of Kinky Curly's products? -Zee

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Amplify with Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Lash Lacquer

So, if you remember, I've told you all about Stubbs (the nickname for my underdeveloped lashes) and my ceaseless effort to amplify what little I have in the eyelash department. Well, I've tried Hourglass Cosmetics Film Noir Lash Lacquer and I find myself riding the fence on this one.

On one hand, the product definitely made my lashes appear super glossy and jet black, even without the recommended base of lengthening mascara. I was impressed with the glamorous look of it all, and even more taken by the fact that my occasional eye rubbing throughout the day (terrible, I know) did not rub off or flake the lacquer. Its latex-like finish adheres to your lashes differently than mascara does, and therein lies the goodness.

On the flip side, applying this product takes way too much care for my hectic morning routine, but could be worth the extra time when prepping for a night out on the town. Cleaning and brushing off the excess from the brush before each application is a must, otherwise the lacquer clumps and either doesn't brush on at all or gathers lots of lashes into an unattractive dog pile. No, not a pleasure. You really have to follow the directions and take your time.

All and all, I say try it if you have $28 to spare, as well as the time and patience to get the application right. -Zee

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Getting Pouty with Bliss Fabulips

Fall is upon us, and along with the crisp air and gorgeously changing leaves, comes dry, chapped lips. Bliss Fabulips offers a four step at-home remedy for this problem. I have used the kit to prep before heading out with a vibrant pink lip and again before wearing a sock-it-to-them wine colored lipstick. In both cases, my lips provided a perfectly smooth, and surprisingly, extra pouty canvas.

The Foaming Lip Cleanser (Step 1) is designed to lift surface impurities and is followed by the Sugar Lip Scrub, made with almond and walnut shells (so nut allergic folks, be aware), that gently roughs away dead skin. Then comes my favorite, Step 3, the Instant Lip Plumper, infused with cork tree extract and a peptide-packed complex. Now, my lips are naturally at least midway along the fullness spectrum, and I am very satisfied with them.

I confess that this plumper really amazed me by giving my lips enough extra that I saw the difference and enjoyed it... and would plump them again! Step 4 is the Softening Lip Balm. Made with shea butter, jojoba and grapeseed oils, it is perfect at any time, though I have been using it primarily before going to bed, to moisturize my kisser while I sleep.

This is a pretty pricey ($45) kit whose contents are available separately. The only product that you might have a hard time replacing with a less expensive and just as effective alternative is the Instant Lip Plumper ($18). It is definitely the standout of the bunch, and I recommend giving it a try if you are looking to extra-sexify your pout! -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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I Spy Fabulous Eyes: Rimmel London’s Lash Accelerator

Ladies, a new mascara fave has entered the building - Rimmel London's Lash Accelerator! It easily performs on par with the other top drugstore picks and works as well as some of the more luxe brands, too. With little to no clumping and no flaking, my sensitive eyes were not irritated (woo hoo!).

A fresh, natural look was achieved with one coat, and two coats delivered a work-appropriate lusciousness that left me pleased as pie with my peepers. Mind you, my eyelashes are so legendarily sparse that they have a nickname: Stubs. They are the only thing that I inherited from my mother that I would like to give back, post-haste!

This mascara both thickened and lengthened poor Stubs, and piled on well after work for glamorous nighttime drama. Yes! Lash Accelerator is definitely on my hot list and will be in regular rotation.

Have any of you given Lash Accelerator a try? Where does it stand in comparison to your other lash favorites? -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Go Deep with Hourglass Aura Lip Stain

For those of you who, like me, have been on the hunt for a red lip that is appropriate even in a conservative work space, Hourglass Cosmetics has delivered the goods. Their Aura Lip Stain in Scarlet is quickly becoming my go-to shade when I want to appear pepped-up and ready to go. Its sheer, water-based color allows me the ultimate in control over my final look.

I use fewer layers during the day, which results in semi-matte berry/plum kissed lips that enliven my face, while I go deeper at night, with more layers and a gloss topper, to achieve a sexy scarlet. I love this color. Beware though, that any imperfection will show, so if in doubt, exfoliate those lips before using.

While Scarlet was perfect for me, Hourglass does not offer a wide range of colors in this product, so you may want to purchase in person, where you can match the shade against your skin and not have to worry about the hassle of a return. Thus far, the palette includes Scarlet, Flush and Petal. A great selling point? The lip stain is free of parabens/sulfates/synthetic fragrances/phthalates/GMOx/triclosan. Now those are "freedoms" I can get behind! -Zee

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Fight the Good Fight with Origins Clear Improvement Mask

Good people, I have been fighting the good fight against breakouts lately. Between the pollution of New York City, the harsh, cold winter air and drying indoor heat, my poor combination skin has been suffering big time. Despite the constant drilling of Ms. Mischo Beauty herself (Kitiya), I have not been a regular mask user, but I am here to tell you that this has all changed now! Thank you, Origins Clear Improvement Mask, for showing me the light!

This mask's main active ingredient is active charcoal, lauded widely for it's "adsorptive" powers, which means it has the ability to attract substances to itself and make them stick. So, when accompanied with heat, active charcoal seeps down to the lower dermal layer of your skin, magnetizes oil, bacteria and toxins and rids your skin of the nasty critters that can lead to acne, inflammation and a generally unhealthy-looking complexion. If you have oily skin, or combination skin, this mask, which also contains clay, could be a great alternative or sidekick to a lot of the salicylic acid-containing products we are often encouraged to use.

I tried it: my skin looked tauter, my blemishes dried out and perhaps best of all, my pores appeared smaller! The pore thing is huge since I am genetically predisposed to large pores in certain zones of my face and I'm always on the hunt for a great product that effectively works to minimize them, with as many natural ingredients as possible. The mask has now become a twice weekly ritual.

Use it only in your t-zone if that is where the oil is. If you have sensitive skin like I do, apply a thinner layer for your first application, since afterward you may experience a lingering (10-15 minutes for me) hot sensation and a bit of a flushed cheek. This is probably due to myrtle, also an ingredient, which can be irritating for those of us with sensitive skin. And also be aware that rinsing the mask off is not quick work, but the result is well worth it.

Have you used this mask before? What did you think? -Zee

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What's one must-have beauty product you can't live without?

So, I'll start off by telling you mine! Well, I'm actually cheating, because I'm going to name two- Jolen Crème Bleach and Maybelline New York Expert Eyes Twin Brow & Eye Pencils. And this is why!

So my question for you today is: What's one must-have beauty product you can't live without?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Carol's Daughter Hair Milk

I guess I'm still mourning the end of "Girlfriends" (yes, another post with Tracee Ellis Ross) - cancelled without a proper finale, a proper farewell. I'm left not knowing if "Joan Carol Clayton" played by Tracee Ellis Ross, ever finds her true love...but such is Hollywood. At any rate, I love Tracee Ellis Ross' hair! It always looks so healthy and full of life- and because she wears it natural, she easily transitions from full, curly styles to straight, sleek looks.

To keep her hair thoroughly moisturized, I suggest Carol's Daughter Hair Milk. It contains soy oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter and lemongrass oil which all work to condition, strengthen, moisturize, soften and protect the hair. I'm also recommending the Rosemary Mint Herbal Shampoo because it conditions and detangles and the Mimosa Hair Honey for it's ability to control frizzy hair and add shine.

Have you tried Carol's Daughter products?

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Charged Up Cherry By OPI

I gave myself a pedicure a few days ago and I'm in love with OPI's "Charged Up Cherry"- so much so, that I had to post about it! I'd been wearing OPI's "Atomic Orange", which I think is hot, but I'm in love with this new color. It's part of the "Brights by OPI" collection and it's a hot pink with a little orange, and a little red in it. The image I've included really doesn't do it justice! Since it's summer, I've been changing the nail polish on my toes every week, but I love this color so much that I think I may need to give it more time to be shown off!

What nail polish color are you wearing at the moment?

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: African Pride Miracle Deep Conditioning No Lye Relaxer System

My fascination with relaxers started at a young age. I was allowed to get my very first relaxer my sophomore year in high school, only because I had a job and could pay for it. This fascination grew over the years and by my senior year at Spelman, my friend and I were researching the differences between "lye" and "no-lye" relaxers for our final analytical chemistry project. I've discussed the differences in a previous post, so I won't go into it again. What I do like about this African Pride Miracle Deep Conditioning No Lye Relaxer System is that it is a "no-lye" relaxer (which I recommend for home use!), which means it's not as strong as a "lye" relaxer. I also like the fact that it contains "healing & hydrating herbs" which work to moisturize, protect and condition the hair. This isn't a "natural" relaxer (by the way, there is no such thing!) but the benefits of the natural ingredients will help to keep your hair in good health. Lastly, I love the fact that this comes in "regular", "super" and "sensitive" strengths, because using a relaxer strength stronger than what's needed for your particular hair texture/need could result in serious damage!

Any questions?

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: Dr. Miracle’s Intensive Spot Serum

Dr. Miracle's Intensive Spot Serum is a leave-in treatment formulated to treat areas of slow growth, breakage, and split ends. The manufacturer's directions suggest that it be massaged into the scalp and used on problem areas twice a day. Those I know who've used it and love it, have said that they felt a "tingling sensation" which I would attribute to the peppermint oil, which is listed as one of the ingredients. Peppermint oil is also known to stop the growth of bacteria, which means that this will help keep your areas of problem growth free of bacteria which might be one of the reasons there is an issue with consistent hair growth.

Has anyone tried this or any other Dr. Miracle's products?

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: Lavilin Natural Deodorant Cream

A few months ago I wrote about my wanting to give natural deodorants a try. I did find a good one, but I've found an even better one! It's Lavilin and it's a deodorant cream formulated with arnica and calendula which work to eliminate the bacteria that causes odor. It's free of aluminum, alcohol, parabens and phthalates. The claim is that it will keep you odor free for up to 7 days, and for me it worked for 3 full days. I liked that fact that the application of the deodorant only required a very small amount and I didn't need to reapply until after the 3rd day. It's water resistant, hypo-allergenic and fragrance free and I highly recommend it!

Have you tried it?

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: L’Oreal's Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil-Free Lotion

I was recently given the opportunity to try L'Oreal's Skin Genesis Daily Moisturizer Oil-Free Lotion, and because I loved the Daily Treatment Serum Concentrate- I gladly accepted! I've been using this both in the morning (under my sunscreen since it doesn't contain SPF) and at night and have found that my skin both feels smooth and looks hydrated. I have an oily t-zone, so I can appreciate the fact that this is lightweight and oil-free. It contains an anti-aging molecule called Pro-Xylane, which strengthens and tones skin cells which is great for preventing fine lines and wrinkles. And since my undergraduate degree is in Chemistry, I totally appreciate the fact that L'Oreal uses an environmentally safe process called Green Chemistry to extract Pro-Xylane from the beech wood plant. Pro-Xylane is easily absorbed into the environment and is non-toxic and biodegradable. An investment in this product is totally worth it's price and you know you're worth it!

Are you using any products from L'Oreal's Skin Genesis line?

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner

So I'm posting about another product from the Sexy Hair line because a few of you asked me about the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Tri-Wheat Leave In Conditioner after reading the comments section from my post last week. This was one product I loved using while in cosmetology school. We used to fight over it- believe it or not- because my school never seemed to keep it stocked! Anyway, I loved it because it has so many uses. Not only is it a great leave-in conditioner and detangler, but I was able to use it for roller sets (depending on the type of hold my client wanted) and for cutting, as opposed to spraying the hair with water to keep it hydrated. It contains a soy protein that strengthens the hair, while conditioning and moisturizing all at the same time. I highly recommend it for someone like Nicole Ritchie, who colors their hair and wears hair extensions because her hair definitely needs constant conditioning. Finally, this product isn't a heavy leave-in conditioner, so there's no need to worry about hair being weighed down- just style as usual!

Has anyone used it?

(photos courtesy of people.com & sexyhair.com)

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Q-tips + Mally Roncal

I'm sure you all have figured out by now that I'm a fan of Mally Roncal, by the multiple posts I've done on her over the past few months (smile)! I was finally able to visit her beauty counter a Henri Bendel a few months ago and was not disappointed. Anyway, I was in CVS last night restocking my supply of Q-tips and discovered that she's actually a celebrity expert for the brand! Now that's a perfect fit! Here's one of Mally's tips she shared, with WWD Beauty Biz, a few months ago for keeping your makeup bacteria free: "Use Q-tips whenever possible. In a perfect world, if we were all kajillionaires, we could use our Kevyn Aucoin brush once and throw it away, but we can't. Q-tips get the makeup on and off and you can just ditch them." So true! I can't begin to tell you the many ways I use Q-tips! And for the price - we should all have an easily available supply in our bathrooms! Love it! Any Q-tips users out there?

(photo courtesy of nymag.com)

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum

So I finally finished moving over the weekend and when I looked at myself in the mirror last night all I saw was stressed and tired skin. So I immediately followed the steps of my Juice Beauty skincare regimen (which I will post more about later this week) and this morning I woke up to calm and refreshed skin! I'm giving most of the credit to the Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum which specifically treats stressed skin, and skin damaged by the environment, by working to regenerate and rehydrate skin cells. The serum is certified organic and contains vitamin A and E liposomes which fight free radicals along with certified organic oils which work to regenerate and nouris the skin. I love it and recommend it!

Has anyone else tried it?

Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum 2 oz

(photo courtesy of juicebeauty.com)

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: L'Oreal Voluminous Naturale

I must admit that I love a well made commercial and after seeing Eva Longoria in L'Oreal's Voluminous Naturale mascara commercial and hearing how much my reader Andrea loves this new mascara, I decided to pick it up and try it. I've been wearing it now for about two weeks and I will say that I like it. It's great for the "look" I wear to work. It gives me "natural" volume, length and definition which results in nicely defined and separated lashes which is all I need during the day. And, I love that it does not clump! As soon as I apply it, it immediately sets and I have no clumping, smearing or flaking. I find that when I want a little more, for let's say a happy hour after work, I layer it with the Voluminous Original mascara and my lashes are perfect!

Is anyone else using it? Any thoughts?

(photo courtesy of lorealparisusa.com)

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Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite: Giovanni Smooth As Silk Conditioner

My reader and fellow beauty blogger, "Dominican Enigma over at Beauty Logic, wrote in the tell me about a conditioner she loves. It's "Smooth As Silk" conditioner by Giovanni. She states: "I like it because it's organic; there are no harsh ingredients in it, and my hair is left incredibly shiny and so lustrous- not weighed down at all! I constantly get compliments on my hair when I condition with this!" I love it! Thank you "Dominican Enigma"!

Are you using a "natural" or "organic" conditioner? If so, please tell us all about it!

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick

I've been using Tom's of Maine toothpaste for years now, and while it took a while to get used to (it doesn't contain artificial sweeteners), now I find that I won't use anything else! In an effort to make informed changes with my personal care products (isn't there a saying "when you know better, you should try to do better"- I'm guilty, but I'm trying!), I recently decided to search for a "natural" deodorant. I'd tried Tom's of Maine Natural Long-Lasting Deodorant Stick a few years ago with no luck and after that I went back to my regular brand. Well after visiting their website and learning that they'd "improved" the formula by adding an ingredient called "Hops" (which inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria) I decided to give it another try. I picked up the "Apricot" fragrance (love it!) and prepared myself to have it with me at all times so that I'd be able to freshen up throughout the day. Surprisingly, since I've started using it, I haven't had the need to reapply it! I know body chemistry varies, but I'd recommend it if you're searching for a natural deodorant.

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Misikko Contest

Submit a product review by April 27th and WIN $200 in prizes! Click here for details.

(logo courtesy of misikko.com)

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