This year I’m doing monthly favourites, each month I will talk about the products I am loving and whether they are worth adding to your collection. I have also decided to do 6 month empties (so excited to try this!!) instead of monthly empties.
These are the products that have been heavy in rotation and made a difference to my skin:
Nivea Vitamin C plus Q10 Sleep Cream– lovely lightweight cream that leaves the skin moisturised and brighter. Pairs well with all serums /oils. This has left my skin looking fresher and healthier. I will bring a full review soon.
Votary London Super Seed Facial Oil- I’m not the biggest fan of facial oils (there’s only one oil I can remember liking) and I almost gifted this but I’m glad I didn’t! Incredibly lightweight for an oil and leaves the skin hydrated and glowing.
The Ordinary 30% AHA BHA mask – mild chemical peel that leaves the skin ultra-smooth. I usually follow with a soothing hydrating sheet mask
Good Molecules Discoloration serum– the texture of this is lovely and whilst I haven’t seen a massive improvement I really like how it feels and it leaves my skin feeling smoother.
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow– this has made the biggest difference to my skin! 14% acid serum. It leaves the skin smoother! More radiant and healthier looking. I have a backup already
Makeup MAC cosmetics studio fix powder foundation– I never knew about powder foundations till I wanted something quick & easy for work. This does the job. Easy to apply and blend. Doesn’t need extra setting. Doesn’t look cakey and stays put
That’s all for this month. I have a few new products this year so I am looking forward to bringing you my monthly favourites every month.
If you read my Protective Styling + Haircare post, I give loads of tips and product recommendations on how to care for your hair underneath that wig or in braids! Now that I currently have braids in, I thought I would share with you which products I have been using to help keep my hair and scalp fresh and clean, to maximise growth and retain moisture! If you’re ready, let’s get into it
So the above pic is a snap shot of products I currently rotate between. I don’t use them every day and some products I use more often than others. Let’s look at them individually..
Zerreau Towel Off Shampoo
I used to be an avid user of Sulphur 8 anti-dandruff spray, you know to keep your hair clean but it’s been ages since I used it!. This Zerreau Towel off Shampoo is a great alternative for that! It’s basically cleansing your hair and scalp without the need for water! Read my full review and see a demo here. I use this when I start to see product build up.
Palmers Olive Oil Formula Conditioning Spray Oil
I love this stuff! It smells great and gives a lovely sheen to my braids. I use this about twice a week to give my hair some shine but also condition my scalp. I spray directly onto the roots of my hair, or in my palms and rub over the braids. It’s not heavy and doesn’t stain my pillow case/ clothes!
Dark & Lovely Alma Legend Billion Hair Serum
See the whole Alma Legend Collection and reviews here! I love the scent of this but for a serum its super watery! Anyway, I use this on my scalp and although I haven’t really seen much difference in the thickness/growth of my hair (that’s what it claims to do) I will give it a chance. I use this about once or twice a week.
Oils
So I have the Mielle Organics Mint Oil & Shea Butter Cottage Haitian Black Castor Oil. I have made a little concoction with these two for my edges and nape area as well as using it as a scalp massage oil. The lovely mint scent of the Mint oil really balances out the strong castor oil scent of the HBCO. And we know both castor oil and peppermint essential oil is popular for promoting growth/thickness. I use this whenever but try to use once a week
I’ve had these braids for about two weeks now and I plan on keeping them for another 2 weeks before taking them out and letting my hair breathe for a bit. And whilst we are on the topic of braids here are some quick tips on rocking the style and keeping your edges
Don’t braid too tightly- this can cause traction alopecia. If you have a headache right after braiding, it’s a sign of tight braids
Don’t pull braids into a tight high bun. Again doing this puts constant pressure on the weakest parts of your scalp e.g. temples and nape area and may lead to alopecia
Use oils/sprays once a week to keep your hair/scalp refreshed
Use an anti-dandruff spray or towel off shampoo foam to keep product build up to a minimum
Finally don’t keep your braids in for too long! 6 weeks is ok, 10 weeks is a stretch!
I hope this helps and gives you some tips on how to keep your hair and scalp happy when you have braids
Gosh it’s been a while since I got braids done! Eek!
In my protective styling and winter care post, I spoke about how the winter takes a toll on our fro. The elements play a huge part on the moisture levels in our hair so it is essential you do everything you can to maintain it. Why? Dry hair leads to shedding/ breakage which isn’t a sign of healthy hair.
LOC, LCO or LOCO?-Liquid Oil Cream
Whether you rock your braid outs or a wig this season, proper moisturising will ensure your hair is as soft as it can be. Following the LOC method or any of its variations (depending on your hair texture) will lock in optimum moisture and ensure its looking its best.
The LOC method allows you to layer different types of products for max moisture. It’s good to experiment with the order in which you layer your products to know which works best for your hair. For instance, for my 4c hair, I do LCO because I found that order works best for my hair.
What’s the Best Leave In To Banish Dry Natural Hair?!
These leave in conditioners will give your natural hair some serious moisture and softness. Ask yourself, are you ready to let dryness go? Lol
Are you ready for softness? Like really ready because this leave in conditioner will do just that! it smells BOMB too, just read my full review of it here
I know. I know you think SM products are super hyped up products but it’s for a good reason. The SM jbco leave in conditioner leaves your hair silky and soft and it’s actually one of the leave-ins I use without following it up with an oil. My full review is here
Cantu leave in cream is probably the most affordable and popular leave in conditioner in the natural community! I was a huge fan of the leave in until the released a version for natural hair then I became a super fan LOL. This one is great because it has all the goodness of the leave in and no nasties! Guess what? I have review for the naturals range here
Ask yourself again, are you really ready to let the dryness go? Lol. I hope you find this post helpful! There are a ton of products out there so I hope this helps you to choose the right ones. Let me know which leave ins are your favourite!
Countdown to Christmas! Are you Christmas shopping?! Don’t forget my gift guides to help you this craziness! What are you looking for? Skincare sets (I got you), an extra special treat? Check out my Customised Gift Guide or looking to support small business? I got you too! Read my Black British Brands for more!
Hey beautiful people, how is everyone doing? Good I hope! So todays post will be for anyone who is looking to save money on some hair goodies! If you’re on a budget, or just looking to try something new without breaking the bank then check out my top 10 products under 10 pounds that do just the trick! These 10 have been tried and tested by me so that you take out the guess work and just purchase, purchase purchase lol. Infact most of these are under £5! As a bonus I will have 5 more products that are worth checking out too
What I did as well is to add some stuff from UK brands ( first 4 are UK brands) as I know from my Laika project survey( if you haven’t taken the survey please do so by clicking here >> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k9hvKmw3wjICTL-rFAqo3XxF29eO5l9MzJXeI1X1W8w/viewform?c=0&w=1 ) a lot of you would like to try UK brands but find there isn’t enough reviews or don’t know where to purchase.
I will leave links to where to purchase, prices (of course) and reviews, all you gotta do now is get a notepad and pen and start writing! Let’s get started!
LoveShea whipped Shea butter in key lime pie- £8.50
That’s all folks! This will be the 1st post in my budget series. i hope this is helpful to anyone looking for UK brands or new products to try out. Please check my UK brands page under the natural hair tab for good products from UK brands!
Please comment and subscribe so you don’t miss a thing! I usually post mini reviews on my Instagram so check out that under the social tab and follow me!
Let me know what your fav products under 10 pounds are!
Hey family! Summer is officially over! The weather is week has been terrible but I have something to brighten your day (well hopefully), product junkies sit back and enjoy my monthly products!
These are all the products, I bought and where sent to me. I will include any links if I have reviewed them here on my blog. I will also include prices where I remember and any external links. Let’s get started
So at the beginning of this month I had to get another one of my fav red lipstick from Sleek! ( my girl conveniently kept my old one lol) Clearly liquid matte lipsticks are in and the Matte me collection from Sleek does the trick! This red, Rioja Red (£4.99) is beautiful and its staying power is great! The only downside I can think of is its too matte lol and can be quite drying. Check it out on the Sleek website >> http://www.sleekmakeup.com/matte-me-rioja-red .
both of us wearing the rioja red
I got the Garnier micellar water in the small size (£1.99) since I am now obsessed with micellar water. I have tried a few different types and I am always on the hunt for a new one. Did you see my post on micellar water? I know you did but for my new readers, you can check it out here, you will find suggestions on which ones you can start off with and reviews on what I have used so far >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Gf
I was invited to the press breakfast of Sukin skincare, Australia’s top skincare brand which is now available in the UK. Check my event cover (http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Eo ) to find out where you can purchase and the full collection. In my goody bag, I got the rosehip day cream, the body moisturizer and the facial moisturiser for the classic collection and a cute pendrive.
Rosehip day cream, their best seller body lotion and face moisturiser from thier classic collection and a very cool looking usb stick
Boucleme also sent me some products to review (check out he post by clicking here > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-FO.
If you have been looking for the orange corrector from L.A girl look no further! BeautyByZara has them in stock! £3.99!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know these have been hyped for so long but they are worth it! I got that and the ApHoogee curlific leave in conditioner. This stuff is bomb.com. Link >> http://www.beautybyzara.com/l-a-girl-hd-pro-conceal-gc990-orange-corrector/#
From British Curlies, I ordered the rosemary jbco and a black stain scarf
I went to the launch event of CurlyHairMag and got some goodies from there. Read the event cover here >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-E1
Goody Bag!
Almost there guys!
Loveshea, a vendor I met at the mag event also sent me some stuff to review! This is up on my blog, check it out here>> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-H1
I also bought this makeup setting spray from Avon
Finally, I went to the launch event of the light expert click brush by Terry! Read the cover here and this is what I got in my goody bag!
Phew! These are all the stuff I got this month! What have you guys been spending your money on? Let me know your thoughts below! Until next time, love
So as promised, in this post we will be going through the Body Shop vitamin C skin care range. We previously looked at Vitamin E range, you can read that post here>> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-F9
Vitamin C has great benefits when applied topically such as slowing the aging process down and having a brightening effect on the skin. It also offers a small amount of UV protection but still apply your normal sunscreen afterwards.
The Body Shop’s Vitamin C range is really popular. The full collection is as follows
Vitamin C instant glow enhancer
Vitamin C glow boosting moisturiser
Vitamin C skin reviver
Vitamin C facial radiance capsules
Vitamin C energizing face spritz
Vitamin C daily moisturiser with SPF 30
Vitamin C radiance powder mix
Vitamin c eye reviver duo
Vitamin C facial cleansing polish
Vitamin C microdermabrasion
I really want to try the capsules, daily moisturiser and the face spritz. Let me know if you have these and how they work out. I found some videos for you
What do you guys think? I want to try this collection! I like anything that says ‘will brighten your skin’ because to me that equals radiance. Are you using any of the products in this range? And which is your favourite? Let me know!
Until next time
Love
Sarah
Remember I have a cashback link for you to earn up to 11.55% cash back on all purchases from the body shop online. Sign for Top CashBack and shop through their site to earn this amazing deal! Link below. Honestly guys, this is now my favourite way to shop, they have so many more retailers from which you can get cash back, of courses its’ just pennies but watch them stack up and see what you can get in a year!
Hey guys! I hope everyone is doing ok so far. How is your summer going? Good I hope.
So as promised, there is the final full review for the NAAT cream Garlic and Cupuacu I purchased from the WITJ2015 event ( if you missed the event, you can read my event cover by clicking this link >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-wx ). Ok so let’s get started!
Before I get into details, here’s what nuNaat have to say about the product:
NAAT Cream Garlic & Cupuacu is ideal for brittle hair. Specially formulated to strengthen and repair cuticles, leaving hair softer, healthier and completely revitalized. The perfect treatment for split ends.
BENEFITS
Deep moisturizing in 5 minutes or less
Suitable for daily use, in place of conditioner
One for every hair need
Can be combined to create a customized formula for your hair type
So does it live up to it?
YES. From the first use, I noticed a lot less shedding and my hair was left softer. I like that it doesn’t have any garlic or harsh smell. What I love the most though? Is the size, a full 1kg worth of goodness which provides 50+ applications (description on tub)! I think I got a bit carried away and I have now fully realised how much I saturate (over) my hair with conditioner when it comes to conditioning! I have used it four times now, and I think I have a bit more left for another 3 or 4 applications! (Tut tut, Smh Sarah).
For a blast of protein, I mixed one egg with the Naat cream and left on for about 30 minutes and my hair was strengthened with less shedding too. I’m not sure about the split ends as I don’t have any (well that’s what I think lol) and I haven’t noticed any difference in the state of my ends whilst using this product.
Verdict
It’s definitely worth it! We naturals are notoriously known to use more conditioner that anything else so I am happy that this comes in a bigger size! I think I am set for the rest of the year for conditioner, between the others I already had and these NAAT creams (I got 3 for £10 pounds from the event!), I am definitely good.
It also has good slip for finger detangling should you wish to multi use this product or condition before you cleanse.
I am not sure where you can purchase this yet in the UK (sorry guys) and I can’t seem to find it in on Amazon too. Anyway if you happen to come across it or you have been wondering about it then give it a go, you won’t regret it!
Check out the other creams in the range, watch the video below for a full explanation on them
That’s all folks, now moving onto the next NAAT cream and of course I will report back to you as usual. Until next time
i really do not have any idea why my tablecloth is christmas themed! but i love it
Hey guys, I hope everyone is doing well. (Wow second post today, I’m on fire!). Anyway I have been recently contact by some ladies to do a makeup collection and as I love sleek products right now I decided to do a sleek make up collection. I don’t have a lot of their products, I recently bought some and it’s on its way in the post but that is another story I am going to tell you about now.
So if you want to try sleek products and unless it’s your only choice I do not recommend purchasing online ( from their website that is) It is a UK based company so you can walk into your local boots or Superdrug or the beauty supply stores and get yourself what you want. Why do I say this?
Well-
When I was in Spain and I couldn’t get my hands on their darker shades I ordered some products online. It took a while to get to me and I thought maybe it was because of my location (however even with all the other stuff I bought online from the UK, everything took week tops). so I emailed them and they replied in their own time later saying yh its going to take a while
They came out with their new foundation range- the bare all foundations which I really wanted to try. But it wasn’t available in Spain for swatches. I emailed them to recommend what shade they would suggest telling them that I was a shade deep in their BB cream. That email is yet to be replied. I am now back in the UK and have gone to superdrug and swatched them. Thank you.
Recently bought a few more things online (which I wanted to include in this post) and paid for 3 days tracking. I had problems with tracking so once again I emailed them. And they said they’re courier was having problems etc. so I am yet to receive my items.
I had wanted to include those items in this post especially the powder because I havenot seen that around but I will just update the post once they are here. So I got the powder and a replacement bb cream and a blush by 3 palette in pink sprint. (If you search on YouTube you will find some swatches)
Any way moving on my collection of sleek products is not the biggest but I have got some essentials. So I have the sleek bbcream in dark, 2 blush palettes: one in sugar and the other in lace. One face contour kit in dark. And 3 lipsticks: mystic, exxagerate and amped.
Collection/swatches/thoughts
Bb cream (dark) – I LOVE this bb cream. I came across this when I was on the search for a bb cream that actually fits my skin tone; most of the drugstore brands fit the pale to lighter skin tones. So when I found this I was so happy. It is full coverage and I didn’t expect that from a bb cream but it’s ok. It works like a charm. It’s very breathable and buildable. And I don’t get breakouts from it. (Which is a plus) and for £8.99 you get 50ml of product. Good value for money.
2. Face contour kit (dark) – I love the highlighter in this palette. It is so pretty. I love that they did a combo palette with the dark powder and the lighter powder for highlighting. the only problem I have with this is the power is too dusty (lol I don’t even know if this is a valid problem) for £6.99 you get 14g of product and a good sized mirror
look at that highlighter!
3.Blush by 3 palette in LACE. The shades are crochet, guipure and Chantilly. I love this palette. Combo shades of both matt and shimmer powders. And a good sized mirror. My fav in this palette is Chantilly and I usually wear this wear a nude or neutral pink lip.
from left to right: chantilly, guipure and crochet
4. Blush by 3 palette in SUGAR. the shades are turbinado, muscovado and demerara. this is my fav pallete. fav shade has to be demerara. It looks so good with a fuschia pink lip or matte nude lip. (If you are thinking of getting any of these palettes which I think you already have anyway, try this pallete the shades are gorgeous especially against darker skin tones.
from left to right: demerara, muscovado and turbinado (lol and me in the mirror)
All the palettes have a total of 20g of product each that’s about 6.6g per blush. Pallete are either £9.99 or £12.99 each. Not sure
5. Lipsticks- I love their lipsticks and I am looking to get more shades. It’s very affordable (1/3 of a mac lipstick) and they have a variety of shades. The only shade I do not like this exxagerate. I love the purple colour (guys this is a dupe for mac heroine) however it has shimmer in it and I HATE SHIMMER on my lips. So I will be selling that soon on eBay. ( whilst you are here perform a seller search on eBay for slimtings1 and check out my items, very good quality used clothing or makeup and accessories) I have hardly worn it. Lipsticks are £4.99 each and you get 3.5g of product.
from left to right: mystic, amped and exxagerate and the lip pencil
Can you guess which one is which?
I love the sleek packaging. The matt black finish makes and gives the products a more expensive feel. The palettes are fairly easy to open and close. I think my favourite product from sleek is their bb cream. I am to try more of their products but we will see as time goes on. They came out with the new foundations, CC creams, a limited edition eyeshadow palette and 6 lip gloss shades. If you have any of these products, let me know how they are working for you.
all together nowlipsticks
Other place you can get the sleek products online is amazon, check out their range by clicking on the image >>>>
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That’s all folks; I hope you have a wonderful day, until next time… bye xx
PS- did you guess it?
the shade at the top is MAC heroine. the bottom one is SLEEK exxagerate. heroine has no shimmer i previously swatched the highlighter there thats the shimmer you can see in it.
sarah fynn 
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