Christmas Guide Post

Is it too early? But is it ever too early?!

 

Hey my loves, so as the title suggests, this will be a short guide to some amazing products you should think about getting for your loved ones this Christmas. At first I thought it was way too early for this post but then I watched the totally awesome John Lewis advert and I was like yhh its not lol. After all we are in November, countdown to Christmas? 39 days!

 

Oh in case you haven’t seen the vid, which I am sure you have but just in case,

 

So lets get into  this post then. 5 simple categories to choose from, all the prices ( hopefully to fit every budget) and links to where to purchase will be up too.  Who doesn’t love a beautifully packaged set with 2, 3 maybe 4 items inside? My only requirement for this guide was that the gift came in a set!

One for the SKINCARE lovers

Nothing beats healthy, radiant skin especially in the winter! Whilst you are taking care of your self from the inside( because no matter what you put on your face, if your diet, water intake etc is not top notch, the products can only be effective till a certain point), check out my picks for taking care of yourself on the outside

skincare

 

  • Dermalogica skin kit, different kits available for most skin types. £26.35. Available here
  • Boots N07 Cleansing Brush Set, £30.00 Available from com
  • Liz Earle Superskin Botanicals All-Stars, £43.00. Available from com

Best for PERFUME fanatics

Lets face it, no outfit is ever complete without your signature perfume ( or in my case perfumes, because #addictedtoperfume), soo if you are looking for one to start with or just want ot try something different, shop my picks to help you come out smelling like rose

All these these are available on Debenhams, if you hurry, you may catch their 10% off discount! (P.S they are also on my wish list :))

  • YSL Black Opium EDT 30ml giftset, £45.00 ( now £40.50)
  • Marc Jacobs Decadence EDP 75ml giftset, £75.00 (now £67.50)
  • Viktor & Rolf BonBon EDP 50ml giftset, £79.00 (now £71.10)

Bonus- Paco Rabanne Olympea EDP 50ml giftset, £54.00 (Now £48.60)

perfume set

 

 

One for NATURALISTAS

hairkit

Of course, been a naturalista myself I had to include something for us! Keep your hair looking fly with these great products from top brands

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter and Argan Oil Repair& Transition Kit, £22.45. Available from British Curlies

BeUnique Try Me Travel Kit, £24.99. Available from Beuniquehaircare.co.uk

SheaButterCottage 3 Step Hair Pack, £26.50. Available from SheaButterCottage.com

 

MAKE UP lovers I got you!

makeup

Tis the season to upgrade your make up game! My picks have everything you need to make sure you nail your Christmas selfie!

Pur Minerals Starry Eyed Kit, £12 Available from Beauty Bay

Sleek 24K Gold Gift set, Limited Edition, £27.49 (now £25.00). Available from Sleekmakeup.com (P.S check out their other gift sets)

Clinique Days of the Week Lipstick, £35.00. Available from Clinique.co.uk

 

Top picks for AU NATURALE

These days, everyone wants to incorporate something natural, organic or mineral products in their regime. I think this is great but with the hefty price tags around, it may not suit everyone’s budget. Shop my picks for affordable gifts for your natural savvy friend

LoveShea Himalayan Salt and Rose scrub and Shea Soufflé Gift Set, £17.50. Available from LoveShea (P.S check out LoveShea reviews under the Product Directory Tab)

Bare Minerals Precious Gems, £25.00. Available from BareMinerals

Lush StarDust, £27.95. Available from Lush

natural

That’s all folks! Let me know what you think. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Or are you a last minute shopper? I will hopefully be back with some more gift guides, so stay tuned!

Until next time,

Love

Sarah

Top 10 under 10!

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!

  1. LoveShea whipped Shea butter in key lime pie- £8.50IMG_20150810_193255

1st impressions review >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-H1

Full product collection post > http://wp.me/s1uQOd-loveshea

Buy online at http://www.loveshea.co.uk/products

 

2. Mon Shea Shea soap -£ 4.50 sheaso

First look > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-ys

Full review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-AM

Buy online at http://monsheabutter.co.uk/

 

 

 

3. Curl Harmony intensive repair deep conditioner 60ml- £ 4.95

deep conditioner is blue
deep conditioner is blue

Full product collection > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Bn

1st impressions review> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-CP

Full review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Fe

Buy online at http://www.curlharmony.co.uk/shop/

 

 

4. SheaButter cottage bentonite clay- £ 3 for 100g bentonite-clay

Bentonite clay experience > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-wg

Buy online at > http://www.sheabuttercottage.com/home.php

 

 

 

5.Cantu leave in creamy hair lotion- £ 5.49

my cantu collection
my cantu collection

Full product collection> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-yF

1st impressions review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-zh

Full review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-D2

Buy online at http://shop.britishcurlies.co.uk/cantu/

 

 

 

6. NuNaat garlic shampoo £ 5.95NAAT_Garlic_Extra_Force_Shampoo_260x260_15537.1411569336.380.380__50936.1423217067.215.215

Full collection > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-yV

1st impressions review> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Bb

Buy online at http://shop.britishcurlies.co.uk/nunaat/

 

 

7. ecoEco styler gel- £ 2.50

Buy online at http://shop.britishcurlies.co.uk/ecostyler-gels/

 

 

 

 

 

8. Motions pre wash detangling butter- £ 4.69pre wash

Full collection> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Er

Review> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-t7

Buy online at http://www.pakcosmetics.com/brand/motions/motions/motions-enhance-and-define-pre-wash-detangling-butter.html

 

 

9. ApHogee curlific – £ 3.9911349400_1012397648793566_707707684_n

Buy online at http://www.beautybyzara.com/aphogee-curlific-moisture-rich-leave-in-8-oz/#

 

 

 

 

 

10. Creme of nature leave in spray £3.99leave in

Buy online at http://www.beautybyzara.com/creme-of-nature/ 

 

 

 

 

Bonus 5 products also under 10 pounds!

  1. Try the rhassoul clay from SheaButter Cottage for £ 3.60 for 100g

Review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-us

 

  1. Mon Shea pure Shea oil £ 7.99

First look > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-ys

Full review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-AM

 

  1. Dr Miracle’s conditioning shampoo £ 2.99

Mini review plus other recommendations > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-za

Buy in store

 

  1. Try Love Shea other scented whipped Shea butter, I have the bake well tart scent too

1st impressions review >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-H1

Full product collection post > http://wp.me/s1uQOd-loveshea

 

  1. Cantu Leave in conditioner for natural hair

Full product collection> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-yF

1st impressions review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-zh

Full review > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-D2

 

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!

See you soon!

The Re-Discovery: African Black Soap

I love how we are re-discovering certain things the older generations used to use back in the day. While the use of natural products for skin and hair e.g. shea butter maybe new to us and we are only now discovering its benefits, the older generation are well versed in this area. I remember growing up in Ghana and the older ladies talking about how they use nkuto (shea butter) for everything: cracked heels, chapped lips, burns, relationship issues (lool) etc. I remember sitting there thinking why would anyone ever use that when you have *insert fancy brand product here* available to use. Fast forward 20 years later, and I can’t live without my shea butter mix. Infact the number of ladies who are now using shea butter as some form of cosmetic solution whether hair or skin have doubled in the last years. The number of stores/entrepreneurs who now stock and sell African shea butter have increased too.

Myself and other beautiful people out there are also re-discovering the great benefits of shea butter among other natural product and have now fully incorporated them in our hair/skin regimes. In this post, we will discover or should I say re-discover the great properties of African black soap, because I feel by now everyone and their sister’s best friend’s ex-boyfriend’s side chick knows about shea butter and its uses LOL. So I want to talk about the amazing benefits of African black soap and why you should think about incorporating in your regime.

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Black soap from SheaButter Cottage!

African black soap aka alata samina is not new to me. My aunties back in Ghana used to use this religiously and now I do too. But why now? What’s so special about it? Let’s find out. Black soap is made from plantain skin, cocoa pod powder, honey, and Shea butter and/or virgin coconut oil. There are a lot of variations however each country/ tribe has its own secret recipe. Each ingredient has been carefully selected for its skin nourishing properties, let’s take a look at some of them individually:

Plantain skin- this is very rich in iron and vitamins A and E. Vitamin E is known for healing and helping to improve the skin’s texture and tone whilst vitamin A boots collagen production to help firm the skin. Plantain leaves contain allantoin which help stimulate new skin cells

Cocoa powder- softens skin. Rich in antioxidants that help protect against free radicals.

We all know shea butter, honey and coconut oil are known for their great moisturising properties.

Black soap also contains palm kernel oil which has anti-bacterial properties and palm oil- very useful in the treatment of acne and eczema

Great ingredients = great results. This is literally the only soap I use now for my skin. Since I started using black soap, I literally have no need for my face washes and masks but the product junkie in me still uses them, sparingly anyway LOL.. I have a lot of dark spots from acne/ chicken pox and a very active childhood lol which really bother me and hyperpigmentation. Using black soap has greatly improved my skin! My skin tone/complexion looks much better (I should add I drink water a lot too). I didn’t even notice this until I had a photoshoot for my friend and she sent me the pictures and I could not stop looking at my skin, I was glowing lool. This was way back in May and I had been using black soap for a month or two previously and using shea butter as my skin moisturiser but took a break, so imagine what I did next? Lool I went back to using black soap and shea butter lol and you should see me now lool. My skin tone has greatly improved and the dark marks are fading.

My pores yes PORES have dramatically reduced to almost disappeared! Like literally, of course I still have them but about 90% reduced. When I use minimal makeup, so let’s say just powder and concealer and I’m feeling real lazy, I use black soap to wash my face and it removes my makeup. Breakouts are less often too. I swear by this and it’s literally the only thing I use now. I am on a quest of just using natural products so my body moisturiser is now just a mix of shea butter, coconut oil and grapeseed oil. I have some lovely pure cocoa butter waiting for me too lol.

African black soap is an all-round great product that can be useful from head to toe. It’s a powerful cleanser yet very mild and gentle enough to be used on sensitive skin and even new born babies. Now let’s talk the suds of the soap! If you love your bubbles you will love this lol, it creates lots of dark brown suds (Yes dark brown) with little product. A lot goes a long way. You can get it in both solid and liquid form but I always just make liquid form myself. This is so easy: just grate some soap and add some hot water, the more or less water you use will determine how soapy it is. I add lemon juice as it naturally helps to fade dark spots.

Verdict: as people are becoming more health conscious, they are looking for more natural and cost effective products. African black soap is very cost effective too and will last very long. I usually get mine straight from the motherland Ghana. You know when your relatives or friends are going to Ghana and you give them a list of things to bring you lol, mine is always the same: shea butter, black soap, pebbles (Ghanaian version of M and M’s) and chocomilo (Chocolate cubes) and kingsbite chocolate lol (So if you’re going to Ghana soon or you’re in Ghana and coming back or you’re in Ghana and you feel like sending me stuff looool).

Here in the UK you can get some from the BSS, I can’t comment on its authenticity but I recommend you get it from either:

Shea butter cottage- I recently purchased some from there. She also has a variety of black soaps with different recipes. Link to the website> http://www.sheabuttercottage.com/NATURAL-SOAP/

You can also get some from Mon Shea shea butter >> http://monsheabutter.co.uk/products . I am currently using their shea oil and shea soap and I love it! You can check out the full review here >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-AM

That’s all folks. Have you heard of black soap and what are your thoughts on it? If you already use it, how is that going for you? Hate it or love it?

P.S – you can also use it in or hair. If you want to try it in your hair but you’re not fully convinced, Shea moisture has a line with African black soap you can try. And been that I am very lovely lol, I have a post with the full collection and reviews AND where you can purchase in the UK. You can view it here>> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Bs

I have event covers coming up next! Stay tuned

Until next time

Love

Sarah

 

July Monthly Products

Hey family, how you doing *Wendy voice* this is the 3rd post in my monthly products series. I was blessed this month with 90% of the products. I was given them to review. These are now up and if you would like to check them out please click the corresponding links

Cantu for natural hair > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-D2
Curl harmony > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-CP
NuNaat > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Bb
Nailbox (for the nail polish n tool) > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-zc

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The makeup forever step 1 mattifying primer-£13 pounds from Debenhams. This is the 15ml size, it also comes in 30ml for £23 pounds I think. I read some good reviews for this and I really wanted to try it out: hence the smaller size. I will let you guys know how it performs.

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Montague jeunesse runny honey mask – this was 90p from Primark. I have used this now and you can check it out by clicking here > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Df

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I also got some goodies from SheaButterCottage! I love this store so much and I have been stalking it for quite some time now lol. I got African black soap, pure cocoa butter which smells so good btw and bentonite clay. I prefer this over rhassoul clay even though they say rhassoul is better. I got a bigger packet to last longer.  I will have some recipes up for the cocoa butter once I gather all my ingredients and play around with them.

Anyway I have tried both clays from SheaButter cottage and reviews for them are on here if you wanted to check them out.

Bentonite clay > http://wp.me/p1uQOd-wg

Rhassoul clay> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-us

That’s all folks. Products I have bought/ been given this month. Let me know if you have used any of these.

Watch out for next month’s edition. Also I have something very different for you guys, not hair or beauty related! Like a mini vlog? Well what do we call it if it’s written? Blog? Lool for you. I also have a Nailbox swatches post for you guys coming up!

Until then, I hope u guys had a fab month and looking forward to August. I am! Can u we are more than half way through the year?

Until next time

Love
Sarah

Want to know all about curly hair and how to maintain your tresses with the right products? The essential guide from Curl Harmony is the one for you! click on the image for more information!

 

 

CLEANSING SERIES: CLAYS

FotorCreated

Hey guys and welcome back to my blog. So as you know we are currently doing the cleansing series and today we will be talking about cleansing clays. If you haven’t already, check out the previous posts so far:

Shampoos>> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-za

Co washing>> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-zZ

There are a number of clays that you could use to gently cleanse your hair without stripping its oils. The most popular ones are (yes you guessed it) bentonite, rhassoul and kaolin clay. Maybe kaolin is not as popular as the latter two, but it’s still well used.

Cleansing clays are a great alternative to shampoos or co-washing. I only used these clays (Bentonite and rhassoul this year in May, I know I’m late lool) but I really liked them and now they are part of my cleansing routine when I don’t want to shampoo or co-wash.  I already have reviews of them on here so I am not going to talk about them in detail here. I will just be repeating stuff, so please please read those posts, I will link them below

Kaolin clay

kaolin-clay-benefits-skin-side-effects-properties

I actually found out about this as I was doing my research for this post. Kaolin clay aka white clay is very rich in silica and it also great in detoxifying the hair. It is mild enough to cleanse the hair and scalp without stripping its oils which makes it great for dry hair. It can apparently increase strength and elasticity and slow down the aging process of hair. Below are some really good videos I found on it

 

 

Bentonite clay

bento

Read review here >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-wg

I purchased mine from SheaButterCottage, link>> http://www.sheabuttercottage.com/products_map.php?symb=A

 

Rhassoul clay

images

 

Read review here>> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-us

I also got this from SheaButter Cottage, link above

I know a lot of people prefer rhassoul clay to bentonite clay but for me it’s the opposite. I loved how it made my hair feel afterwards and it did a better job cleansing my scalp than the rhassoul clay. Top tip- they work better when they do not come in contact with metal.

Here’s a video comparing all 3 clays

That’s all folks, I hope you try these clays as part of your routine! The last instalment will be on water and oil rinsing, hopefully I can get that to you soon. Connect with me on my social media, all the links will be under the social tab.

Until next time

Love

Sarah

 

Event: United Kurls Lounge and Learn

lounge n leaarn

Another event worth noting.

United Kurls, a collective of UK hair care brands, are pleased to present ‘The United Kurls Lounge’, a bi-monthly shopping experience that will highlight home grown UK small businesses as well as provide informative sessions on hair care & products. ‘Lounge and Learn’ while you shop!

LOUNGE: come and hang out with the members of The United Kurls Collective and other exciting fashion, jewellery and skincare brands.

LEARN: We have 2 exciting sessions designed to boost your knowledge of hair and the industry:

Lounge and Learn Session 1: ‘Is it worth it?’ Why are handmade products more expensive? Almocado & Sheabutter Cottage explain what goes into making natural products, how to read the labels & make the best choice for your hair.

When?

5th July 2015

Where?

Holiday Inn, West Stratford City

10a Montfichet Road

London

Tickets

This is a free event however registration is required. Register online at http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-united-kurls-collective-presents-lounge-learn-tickets-17217494991?aff=es2

For more information, check out the following links

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/unitedkurls/timeline

Website- http://www.unitedkurls.com/

 

Love

Sarah

Bentonite Clay Experience

bentonite-clay

Hey guys, hope everyone is doing well. In this post, I will quickly tell you about my bentonite clay experience. I got mine from SheaButter Cottage (http://www.sheabuttercottage.com/home.php) and it was either 3 or 3.60 for 100grams. I purchased mine at the Curlvolution event. I also purchased the rhassoul clay which I have already used and shared here on my blog click the link to check it out >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-us

So I used pretty much the same water mix I used for my rhassoul clay: apple cider vinegar and water (I also used Aloe Vera juice in the mix for rhassoul clay but I didn’t use it this time).  I also used the whole pack which I didn’t have to because I found that it swells a bit so I had a lot left over from my mix. After mixing I did the usual, detangled my hair with coconut oil and applied the clay.

Results

I noticed it didn’t define the curls as much as the rhassoul clay when I applied it however I found this easier to apply and work with. I then covered my hair with plastic bags and went about my day. I washed it out after 45 mins and proceeded to deep condition after. I did notice it left my curls more defined after I washed the clay out than the rhassoul clay and my scalp was much cleaner. My hair was also very soft.

I am definitely purchasing this clay as I am trying to move away from shampoo all together! I prefer this than the rhassoul clay as it left my hair cleaner and softer. *checks account to see if I can purchase more lol*

That’s all folks. Really quick and to the point post about my experience with bentonite clay. Let me know your thoughts and comments below. Are you trying it? What was your experience? Let me know!

Twitter- slimtings1

Instagram- SarahFynn

YouTube – Sarah Fynn

Until next time

Love Sarah

 

Rhassoul clay experience

micronized-rhassoul-clay

I am so late with this! I have recently gotten into Clays for hair cleansing and conditioning. I know I’m about how many years late ( excuse is I don’t like to follow trends and the hype, if I discover it good if not then hey I’m saving my coins!).

From Curlvolution (check out my previous post), I got rhassoul and bentonite clay from SheaButter Cottage. I have heard of both of them before but never got around to buying and trying them. I got 100g packets each and today been wash day I decided to put it to use. I’m sure everyone knows the benefits of these by now so I am just going straight into my experience and thoughts on it.

I used the rhassoul clay today and mixed it with one part ACV, Aloe Vera juice and about 1 table spoon of my oil mix (castor oil, olive oil and spearmint oil). I used the whole pack which was just about enough for my hair (4c, medium thickness and shoulder length). I mixed mine to an almost liquid consistency (huh? Lol not too runny or thick) and applied to my hair in sections about 12 in total. I let this sit on my head for about 1 hour I think and washed it out. I covered my hair with plastic bags for the 1st 45 minutes. Prior to this, I had detangled my hair with coconut oil- this works perfectly well to detangle- I saturated my hair with it and finger detangled and most of the shed hair just slipped out the only con is- the application is messy! I looked like I had just been anointed lol! It was fine when the oil was still solidified but when it got to melting boii! Lol. I did this because I wanted to use the clay for its cleansing properties so I did not want to detangle with conditioner and have to wash that out.

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The application process is not as messy as henna but wear an old t-shirt and cover the floor with old paper- don’t worry it doesn’t stain clothing or walls. Also use gloves to protect your hands. Mix the product in a plastic bowl with a plastic spoon. I washed with water until the water was clear and I also co –washed afterwards to make sure I got all the clay out

Results

Almost immediately I noticed curl definition when I applied the clay. It goes onto the hair quite easily as in you don’t need too much time to work it in (Is that even a thing? Do I know what I’m talking about? Lol, it makes sense in my head lol). It dries quite quickly and doesn’t harden as much as I thought it would.

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graphic picture lol, i had woken up about 30 mins ago

The big question- did it cleanse my scalp? Hmm I would give it a 6/10 for that. My scalp looked clean the day before but today this post is a day late btw) as my hair is dry I have seen some dandruff/clay. I’m not sure which is which but it looks like my scalp was not thoroughly cleansed. My hair though feels very soft and dried very quickly- I’m not sure if this is a benefit of the clay or not but I didn’t do anything different other than use the clay. Conditioning properties- 10/10! No deep conditioner has left my hair as soft as this!

Verdict- I would say if you have little product build up then go for it for cleansing. It did clean most of my build up but not thoroughly. Also if you are looking to condition your hair, this will work wonders for you. It’s almost like a 2 in 1 product- cleanse and condition, so if you’re short of time rhassoul clay is for you!

Check out SheaButter Cottage- http://www.sheabuttercottage.com/home.php

I totally forgot to measure my hair! Its now done! Urgh! This months update will be a bit late.

Until next time,

Love

Sarah

 

 

CURLVOLUTION 2015- EVENT COVER

Hey family!! I hope all is well with you guys! Grab a snack because this is going to be a looonnggg one! This post will be the official (in my world lol) event cover for CURLVOLUTION 2015! Sit back, relax and enjoy the post!

In its 4th year running, Curlvolution is a natural hair show aimed at the natural hair community to inform, inspire and educate. This year’s show was at the Hilton, Canary Wharf (great location btw) and was jam packed with workshops, vendors, amazing people and volunteers like me (lool). Yes I decided to volunteer for the show because wanted to be part of the show, network and of course for the blog. I am so glad I did because the event was a success! I met some amazing people and had the chance to meet some of my fav bloggers! And of course the product junkie in me was very happy to get some very amazing samples to try out!

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So the day started really early for me, volunteer debrief meeting at 9am (FAM it’s not a joke) after which we got some breakfast and proceeded with our duties! I was on vendor assistance so I went on my merry way to offer my assistance. I met the owner of Shea butter cottage (who is Ghanaian btw #teamGhana) spoke some Twi (lol) and carried on meeting other vendors. About an hour later, the place was packed with beautiful displays from lots of vendors. Hunty!, the products available on the day were everything! I mean it was product junkie heaven! Brands like ORS, Beautiful Textures and Big Hair. You also had beauty by Zara which stocks popular US brands e.g. tgin (I am soo bummed I didn’t get anything from the line!), Shea Moisture etc (torture ended). Have a look for yourself

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The day began for the guests in the main hall, with the main introduction show hosted by Action Jackson (hilarious btw, mantra of the day: I am beautiful, I am amazing, and I am good to go! Check out his motivational book on Amazon). Then Connie Jackson, brand manager of Fashion Fair was next and spoke about fashion fair makeup, its history and the struggles of black people in the industry. You know what’s shocking is that even in 2015, it’s still difficult to get the correct shade of foundation in my shade bearing in mind I’m not too dark or light.  You also had Felicia Leatherwood from Beautiful textures speak and did a live styling demo on stage! What I loved about this was the fact that she used girls with different hair types and UK natural hair stylists (btw I am thinking of tracking down UK natural hair salons and sharing my experiences, let me know if you will find this useful). After this there were vendor announcements talking about their brands etc then it was shopping time! I loved the interaction between vendors and customers and I was lucky enough to catch a few ‘in the moment snaps’

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So whilst there was browsing and shopping in the main corridor, the different workshops were taking place. There were a lot on the day and I didn’t get to sit in that many (L, why there isn’t technology to split yourself into 3 parts, I am not sure!). I caught the end of Action Jackson’s Phenomenal You workshop.  From my understanding it was a motivational workshop to inspire and education the girls. I also caught some of his advice to the ladies e.g. don’t say negative words to yourself e.g. I’m tired or I’m broke (what type of brokenness? If you don’t define it, your brain will take it as broke in your spirit, finances etc). I sat in the business of blogging workshop presented by Pelumi (from cfyh) and Laila (fusion of cultures). It was very informative and dealt with basics such as branding, building an audience and finding your niche. The ladies looked amazing as usual and were very interactive with the audience. This workshop was sold out guys! A few snippets from the workshop

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I also sat in the Jenell Stewart workshop- being natural isn’t easy but you can survive. She gave some practical and simple advice on how to care for and simplify your hair routines. Most of her advice I know now anyway but wish it came earlier because I learnt a lot from trial and error (oh! Those stressful, painful times!) It was a very fun and interactive workshop with questions at the end. Other workshops that took place but didn’t get to sit in were beauty masterclass presented by Kluermoi (I got a few pictures from my other volunteers) , Hair loss clinic and divas kitchen presented by Mane Divas and Felicia Leatherwood presented hair care and styling (bummer! I didn’t go to this- I am trying to be more creative in styling my hair). So around 4pm, everyone headed back to the main hall for the panel discussion with Bianca Miller from BBC Apprentice joined by all the other ladies from before. The topic was 50 shades of brown and mostly dealt with the issues us women of colour face- makeup, hair products etc. it’s really sad to see in 2015 (I wish I could make that capitals) some big brands either don’t want to attract black people (so don’t make products specifically for us but are happy to take our money #getfashionfairintoboots) or don’t carry enough dark shades. Check out Bianca’s nude tights for black women online ( I couldn’t find a direct link but follow her on twitter or google her name for more information) I couldn’t record the talk because I was on mic duty lol but it was a good talk I only wished it lasted a bit longer.

beauty masterclass workshop
beauty masterclass workshop

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After that it was giveaway time and a preview of Curlvolution 2016! I didn’t get to sit in again- volunteer errands! We gave out goody bags at the end and helped with vendor take down lol. It was a good day! I met lots of people and was part of a great event! God bless Bukky (founder) for this amazing event and looking forward to next year! You guys really missed out if you didn’t attend! Make sure you come next year! Please subscribe to my YouTube channel for videos from the workshops and the day. And my Instagram for short videos and pictures. Also follow Curlvolution twitter and Instagram for updates for next year and other events they may be hosting!

YouTube – SarahFynn

Instagram- SarahFynn

Curlvolution twitter and Instagram- Curlvolution

I was exhausted! By the end of the day, R.I.P to my feet lol but I went home with the most amazing goody bag of all time- Thank you fashion fair for the amazing products!  Want to know what I got? Check my Instagram!

I made a few purchases which I will be reviewing and bringing you in on, obviously so stay tuned! With today been wash day (yay! Is it a coincidence? Lool) I will be using my new products and letting you know how it went.

Off to detangle my hair! And biotin update coming soon! I got you!

Until next time

Love Sarah

Random pictures because I know you want more

Action Jackson Workshop
Action Jackson Workshop
goody bags for the business of blogging workshop
goody bags for the business of blogging workshop
MUA from Fashion Fair
MUA from Fashion Fair
Laila and Pelui (cfyh and Fusion of cultures)
Laila and Pelui (cfyh and Fusion of cultures)
Beautiful textures models
Beautiful textures models
all smiles all around
all smiles all around