I often find myself pondering over what new beauty products (or new to me at least) to try. Back in July, I told you all about a few products I purchased at the Latina Magazine expo, but now, I'd like to introduce you to my new BFF Mirta!
Read MoreIt’s not every day that I treat myself to the spa or a beauty session. However, the last two months have been quite special for many reasons (newsflash, my birthday is next weekend). Between the hard work I’ve been putting in and trying to lead my career in a path to call my own, I felt it was only necessary to venture back into the salons for a few necessities.
Read MoreAfter attending Latina Magazine's first Beaty, Hair, and Wellness Expo, I have to say, I didn't expect to walk away with fabulous products. Below, I've listed some of the brands I chatted, consulted, and did business with. I must say, I shocked myself!
*Note: I am NOT sponsored by any of these brands. I purchased all items with my own money.*
Some of the goodies I snagged!
My best friend and I preparing to search for the next best thing!
My Makeup
Face: MAC Stuido Sculpt (NC20), MAC Golden Bronzer, MAC Peaches blush
Eyes: Maybelline Master Drama in Midnight Master (liner); TOO Faced Better Than Sex (mascara)
Lips: ELF Plump & Prime; MAC Heronine Lip Pencil & Lipstick
Trying the Coconut Monoi Masque after I finish the Quinoa & Bamboo treatment!
When I saw their booth at the expo, I was a little skeptical. I had, in all honesty, never come into contact with this brand in the past. Not an article. Not a review. Not even on my local Target's shelves. But after a little chat with a representative and nudge by a friend, I opted to give DE a chance.
If you've followed me over social media, you've probably noticed my hair goes through phases. After years, and I mean ages 10 to 22 (present), I've dyed, ironed, bleached, you name it, I've probably done it, to my hair. I regret all of these things, so any product or system that would help me is greatly appreciated. Well, the Quinoa Bamboo Strengthening & Repair collection has done the trick - and it's only week 2!
I purchased the Quinoa Bamboo system and have already seen a difference. It's recommended to do it once (1x) a week because of the amount of protein. Typically, I shed like a dog, but I've seen minimal shedding, my curls are holding, and my hair simply feels 10x better.
This brand has been a staple in my household for years. Being Latina, my hair likes to change and not play nice from time to time, but this product has allowed me to live my life and keep somewhat of a normal hair care routine. Below, I've outlined some of my favorite products and a new item I picked up at the expo.
Monoi
The Monoi collection has been and probably always will be, a necessity in my bathroom. I've been using the Monoi Repairing shampoo and conditioner, which were top products at the expo. Each time I use this product, my hair is soft, smooth, and is just simply perfect (it's something you have to feel to understand).
So, this product I was very iffy about. The gentleman on the sales floor was very knowledgeable and really eased my nerves. I've been around beauty for quite a while, but I was willing to try something new for MY hair type. Thus, I splurged just a little on Taliah Waajid's kit.
According to the back of my new Mizani Thermasmooth hair care system, I have Type III or Type IV curly hair. As someone who avidly straightened her hair as a child, the damage has become quite significant. But a colleague of mine gave me the system because she ovbiously had no use for it (her Mongolian hair has a little wave, but she said it was better suited for me). That being said, I've begun to use it and here are my thoughts.
Using several "smoothing" products, I've never found one that was truly 'The One.' I washed my hair earlier with the Thermasmooth shampoo and conditioner and then applied their Smoothing Serum to it while damp. I don't feel a difference in my hair (it feels slightly smooth, but nothing crazy), but the curls look pretty tamed. But there's only one true test of the product and that is through straightening.
After about three (3) hours of air drying, I finally got around to using my Paul Mitchell straightener (ceramic plates!) Because of how my hair is, it takes about half an hour to straighten (nothing in comparison to the previous two hours of straightening when I was in secondary school). I must say, the heat protectant the Thermasmooth system came with isn't so bad, but we shall see it's durability over the next 48 hours.
For the past few years, my hair regimen has been moved around and changed so much that I couldn't tell you when I last purchased a particular product. Within the last year, I have been using Organix hair products and have seen a dramatic difference. Organix is a company that prides itself on being sulfate, paraben, and gluten free. Not only are their products healthy for your hair, but they give you a whole new look!
Okay, so why am I writing this post? Because I want my readers to make educated decisions to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I am currently using the Macadamia Oil shampoo and conditioner and I absolutely love it. My hair is soft, my curls are in tact, and I have an everlasting clean and fresh feeling in my hair. In the past I have used the Brazilian Keratin Therapy line, as well as Biotin & Collagen, and pieces from the Tea Tree Mint and Awapuhi Ginger collection. With all of their products, I have never had anything negative to say about them.
Do I think Organix is a good investment? Yes I do. Would I continue to purchase their products? Of course! I am honestly tired of companies advertising that their products are non-drying and are healthy for your hair when not only me, but friends and family have used the same products and had the same outcome. There is no turning back once you begin to use Organix and right now, I am torn between Organix and DevaCurl (which is also amazing). My advice: Purchase the trial kits of the Organix line you'd like to purchase and go from there. One line may not work for everyone, but it's sure worth a try.
Happy hair hunting and live healthy and happy!
XOXO
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Image was taken from Google Images.
When you wash your hair, it's supposed to be a cleansing and loving relationship for the minute you shampoo and the three you leave the conditioner in. Well, I recently used the Matrix 24HR Smooth Repair and I can safely say I am not pleased.
I received the set as a gift over the winter break and decided that I would break away from sulfate-free shampoo this week to give it a try. BIG MISTAKE.
I'm unsure if it did not fit my standards because I have gotten used to using organic or safer products, but I know I did not like it. The shampoo was very drying to my hair and I feel like it absorbed it all; it was very stringy and felt like straw. So after I rinsed it out, I immediently applied the pairing conditioner, which made it better, but still. Shampoo is meant to be cleansing and clarifying, not drying and creating straw.
Anyways, I threw in some Carol's Daughter Hair Milk and coconut oil and it's feeling back to normal. But for now on, choose your hair care products wisely!