Category: beauty

Girl’s Spa Night with Make It Classy DIY Beauty

Published on by Kadi5 Comments

Hello Passionista!

Have you ever just needed a at home spa night? Well, I’m about to put you on to something that will change your beauty routines and turn up your self care practices.

Make It Classy delivers plant-based ingredients and step-by-step instructions needed to craft
your own chemical-free DIY beauty creations. Think of it like Hello Fresh, except it is a beauty box. The best thing about these kits is that you learn how to make your very own clean beauty products. Most of the kits makes enough product for you to use the product more than once. You also have a recipe card to keep and remake your beauty product over and over again with the purchase of the ingredients needed.

I hosted a spa night for a couples of girlfriends to enjoy. We each picked a Make It Classy kit that we wanted to make. As we sipped on Rose and talked about our week, we made some clean beauty products to care for our skin and hair. We decided to each do a clay mask from the Loyal Leah DIY Kit to deep condition with Rhassoul clay and moisturize our face.

For our spa night we made the following beauty products.

Majestic Maya – DIY Body Scrub. Each kit makes one 8oz body scrub

Loyal Leah – DIY Clay Hair + Face Mask. Each kits makes 1 hair mask or 15+ face masks.

Herbal Ebony – DIY Herbal Hair Rinse. Each kit makes 2 bottles of hair rinse.

I’ve been in love with the Make It Classy brand since I discovered them nearly a year ago. So far, I have made about 4 different kits from the brand. I love their branding and how everything is made to create a simple yet satisfying experience for the user. My favorite kit is the Rose Water toner kit. Rose water is a beauty jewel that I always wanted to try to make myself. But, I was skeptical about using store bought roses to make a beauty product because of all the peptides put on flowers through the manufacturing and distribution process. When I discover Make It Classy and the DIY Lavender Rose Water kit, I knew I would have to try it. Just to my expectation it was simple to make once you have the right ingredients.

How it works

1. Choose your DIY beauty box based on the recipe you’d like to create.

2. Add to cart and checkout

3. You’ll receive your box in the mail along with a recipe card and ingredients to create that DIY beauty product.

Thank you Make It Classy for sponsoring this blog post. Book a party and host your next girl’s night with a at home spa twist.

SheaBassador | The Final Box and Gifts

Published on by Kadi2 Comments

Hello Passionista!

Well, the time has come… the end of the SheaBassador program. I received my last box right before christmas. I’m so grateful I had this opportunity and hope for more great brand ambassador programs with Shea Moisture and other brands this year.

Because this was the last package of the year, they actually sent me 2 boxes. One was this month’s featured products and the other was a gift of random product received in previous packages. So I had the chance to stock up on some of my favorites.

Today, I decided I wanted to pamper myself and have a self care day. This is the first time this year (2020) I have actually did any self care activities. Just my luck, I have some new favorite skincare products this month’s Shea Moisture box to enjoy during my self care day.

What’s in the Box?

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Leave- In Conditioner

This is not my favorite leave in conditioner. But I do like that the formula is not to thick and heavy on your hair. I can’t pin point exactly what I don’t like about this conditioner. I just know it make my hair feel a way that I don’t like after washing it out. It’s not a horrible leave in conditioner but just not the one for m

Manuka Honey & Yogurt Skin renewal Recipe Body Yogurt Moisturizer

This body yogurt smells so heavenly to me. I like using it after I shave and exfoliate my skin. I feel like it really helps renew my skin with hella moisture. The formula is thick but not hard to rub in. You don’t need a lot of the product, just apply a little to each part of your body and rub it swiftly. Also, I appreciate the form of packaging this product has, very accessible.

Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil & Witch Hazel Skin Rescue Moisturizer

This is the first product I have used with hemp seed oil in it. I love that the formula also contains witch hazel. It doesn’t really have a smell. I wish it had some type of scent to it. It feels very light on the skin and gives me a restored glow.

100% Virgin Coconut Oil Shimmering Body Lotion

I’m not a big fan of body lotion. I prefer body oils or body butters. But I can’t stay away from the 100% virgin coconut oil scent. This product line smells amazing to me. I think this is a summer time body product. But right now I have it sitting on my desk and I used it to moisture my hands after washing them. I love to just inhale the scent after applying this product cause it smells so good.

Sugarcane Extract & Meadowfoam Seed Silicone free miracle Styler Leave in Treatment

I received this product 3 times now. The first one was a sample size, then I got a full sized one and now I have another one. Y’all know this is my favorite leave in treatment. I highly recommend this product.

Coconut & Hibiscus Illuminating Hand & Body Scrub

This is my first time using this body scrub… and baby !!!! it smells sooooo heavenly. I like to use a body scrub in the shower once a week to exfoliate my skin. Today was my first time using it and I scrubbed my body twice. The product not only smells good but it also feels really good on the skin.

Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

This is a great product. But it is hella greasy. Luckily it’s not heavy on the hair, but it’s super greasy. I think the coconut and hibiscus line of hair products are all greasy. And maybe my texture of hair doesn’t hold or need the amount of moisture it provides. I do like my curl results when I use this product, I just don’t like the greasy stains left on my head rest and pillows. LOL

These are some more products that I received in previous boxes:

Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo

100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Face Lotion

100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Glow Priming Moisturizer

Coconut & Cactus Water Pick Me Up Lite Masque

Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Fresh Bar Soap

Tell me, what’s your favorite Shea Moisture product?

Blogmas Day 18 | My Clean Beauty Skincare Routine

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista-

I was recently selected by Influenster to receive a Vox Box from the Biossance Clean Academy to kick start a new routine with these clean and sustainable goodies. Now that I have developed my clean routine I’m ready to share it with you.

First a little about Biossance.

Biossance developed a patented technology that allows them to create a accessible cure for malaria. This innovative biotechnology makes it possible for them to impact the world with clean beauty options. Using the rich history of science and sustainability, Biossance is able to create skincare that is effective and safe without harming the environment or animals. The company strives to make clean beauty the new standard.

I am a huge supporter of plant based consumer goods with non toxic or harmful chemicals and added ingredients. I’m elated to be able to share with you my new clean beauty skincare routine that has kept my skin feeling and looking well polished and hydrated.

Watch how I used each product here.

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Mask

This gel to cream mask really transform your skin from look dull to radiant glow in 5 minutes. I like to use this mask in the morning time to start my day with a fresh clean face. 3 to 4 times a week I will apply the mask before getting in the shower then wash it away after my shower and follow up with the rose oil. The best fresh face you can curate at home.

Squalene + Peptide Eye Gel

I’m not a big fan of eye gels and never really used them before. But I’ve learned that you should take preventative measure to control puffy eyes and sagging before it actually starts. So I use this eye gel twice a week for my under eye area. Lord knows I don’t want all of my late nights and early mornings to catch up with me in the form of permanent sagging eye bags in the future.

Squalane +Omega Repair Cream

This whipped moisturizer really soothes the skin and leaves your face looking all dewy and fresh. It’s hard to accomplish a dewy look with a fresh face and no make up. So I love using this product before bed after I’ve cleaned and toned my face but also throughout the day as needed.

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

I love a good oil product for my face and body. This rose oil is meant to brighten and hydrate the skin for that natural glowing look. Not only does it hydrate the skin but it protects the skin from moisture loss. And a little bit goes a long way. I used this product at night before bed and in the morning before starting my day. It truly lasts all day and night. It give you that picture perfect rose glow.

Rose Vegan Lip Balm

This vegan lip balm packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Y’all know I am big fan of anything with hyaluronic acid in it. That means that the product is water based and works to give your skin the overload of hydration it needs. I apply the lip balm before bed so I don’t wake up with crusty lips, but I also use it throughout the day when I’m not wearing lipstick.

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary in exchange for my honest review.

Tell me, what clean beauty products are you using?

Blogmas Day 14 | #HolidayFeels Pop- Up with Shea Moisture

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista!

Shea Moisture hosted the best holiday event I’ve been to this season (in Atlanta, GA) today, the #hoildayfeels Pop Up at Westside Cultural Arts Center. When I tell you I had a good time, a good time was had. This was a free event. They had like 5 holiday photo booths set up, a DIY shea butter bar, a cash bar, and the first 200 people received a free Slutty Vegan meal. Oh! and they handed out goodie bags with 1 full sized Shea Moisture product. Yesssss sis, all this for FREE!!!

Blogmas Day 10| Do you trash your expired beauty products?

Published on by Kadi8 Comments

Hello Passionista!

Okay, Beauties! We have to talk about expired beauty products. If I’m being honest I just started paying attention the expiration icon on my beauty products, meaning skincare and makeup.

Have you ever since this icon on your beauty products before?

This icon meaning that your product is good for 12 months. Depending on the product the icon may read 6M, 12M, 18M,or 14M. Most cosmetic products should have a shelf life of at least 2 years before its considered no longer any good to use. Only products with active ingredients like acne meds in it have expiration dates with a specific date on it.

A few days ago I went through all of my products to check the expiration dates and this is what I have to get rid of.

I was slightly sad about the eye shadow palettes because as you can see from the picture I barely used them. I was really upset about my skincare products because I WANT THEM.

Here’s my issue? If I purchase a product in May for example and the label has a 12 month icon on it how am I suppose to keep up with the date for when I should throw the product out. Also, if I’m purchasing a product in May, how am I suppose to know how long that product has been on the shelf or in warehouse storage since manufacturing. THIS ICON IS ACTUALLY POINTLESS. It’s not telling me anything.

Here’s my dilemma? Some skincare products will start to look or feel different once the expiration date has passed. This may cause break outs on your skin, and no one wants breakout. Picture below is what the expired product from my collection looks like months after the advertised expiration date. None of the formula look watery or like they have started separating the oils from the soild ingredients, which is a good thing. But I still decided to trash them anyways.

As a beauty influencer, I have a lot of beauty products. I may use a product for a month or 2 then I’m on to trying something else for content purposes. So it rare that I finish an entire bottle of something before the expiration date. Should companies produce smaller packaging sizes? I would appreciate smaller packaging that I know I will use entirely rather than wasting perfect good product.

Let’s discuss… Tell me

Do you pay attention to the expiration date on beauty products?

Do you use your products completely or do they go to waste?

Have you experienced a break out due to a product being old?

Blogmas Day 7 | Product Empties & Shopping 4 Hair Products Online

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista!

I’m back with another basket of empty products I have been collecting to share with you the good, the bad and the ugly.

Let’s start with…

The Shea Moisture sugarcane extract & meadowfoam seed silicone free miracle masque has been a game changer for me. I received this product in a SheaBassador box and before using this product I didn’t use a masque after every wash. Since using this product I see the difference in using a masque or deep conditioner vs when just conditioning the hair and using a leave in conditioner. My hair is a lot softer and not as tangled after the final rinsing. This is a product for all types of hair. If you’re looking for a hair masque to give your softer hydrated curls, I recommend you type this product.

Now, I’ve been using rice water for a year and never seen a product on shelf with rice water. The Shea Moisture purple rice water strength + color care conditioner (which I received in a SheaBassador Box) is the first hair product I’ve seen marketing on self with rice water as a ingredient. I don’t have any color in my hair, but I like how the conditioner nourishes hair with the ability to protect even colored hair. If you are a natural girl with color in your hair, I highly recommend you try this conditioner with the shampoo to nourish and balance your hair.

Not only does Camille Rose have great hair products, they have amazing skin and body care products. I used the Camille Rose Orange Honey Bath Elixir during my self care bubble bath sessions. It foams up really easy and creates the perfect bubble bath experience for a long hot self care night or it can set the mood for a night romantic shared bath.

I’m not big on taking vitamins, I honestly need to better with taking vitamins. So when I had the opportunity to try the Camille Rose Super Foods vitamins, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get me started on a daily vitamin. One thing I wanted to achieve with the Super Food vitamin is stronger nails and of course thicker, longer hair. I can honestly share that I saw results with stronger nails (fingernails and toenails). I have a history of having my nails break really easy. Taking 2 pills a day really helped my nails grow out naturally longer than they have ever been before without acrylic. I plan to continue to take the Super Food vitamins.

I’m not a Clinique customers. I see a lot of YouTuber using Clinique products but I never had a need for any of their skincare products. Someone gifted me a perfume samples that included the Clinique Happy scent. I must admit I like the scent. It’s not something I would pick for myself on my own but now that I’ve tried it, it’s a scent I would love to have in my collection. To me it smells slightly sweet but very mature.

Village Naturals Therapy Aches + Pains Cold & Allergy Relief Mineral Bath Soak-Everytime I take a bath I use epsom salt. It helps keep the water hot longer and it soothing to the body’s natural aches and pains.

I normally don’t use gels on my hair because I alway experience flaking. But the Chasing Curlz Instacurls Defining Gelle worked really well with my hair. I used in it combination with a curl cream to do twist outs. The belle gave my curls a nice hold that help my twist outs last a day or two longer than normal. I would love to re-purchase this product but its a online only product and I’m not eagered to purchase one hair product online that I could buy in store.

The Emilia Pro- Therapy Keratin Hair Mask is another great product that works really well for my hair but can only be purchased online.

There are a lot of things that I will order online to be delivered to my front door. Hair products are just not one of those products yet. I would rather go in store to purchase my hair products so that I can use it right then. I miss the hype of some products cause I’m just not shopping online for hair products. TELL ME, do you shop online for hair products?

Natural Hair Twist Out Using Taliah Waajid Natural Hair Products

Published on by Kadi2 Comments

Hello Passionista!

I’ve been treating my hair to a new product line and I love the results. So far I have used Taliah Maajid’s Green Apple and Aloe line to style my hair in two different ways. Taliah Waajid products has my twist outs looking so juicy and hydrated. Surprisingly, flat twists styles never turn out right on me, but I tried it using this brand and loved the 1st time results.

I purchased their product during the Curls, Kinks & Culture Fest in Atlanta, GA. This a brand has been around for a minute but I’ve never tried their products. I was chatting with one of their brand ambassador about never trying the product before and she did a demo on a section of my hair using one of the curls cremes from the latest product line. I liked the feel and smell of the product so I decided to purchase 3 of the products from the line to take home and try them out on different styles. Best of all, they were having a Festival promotion – 3 for $25. You can’t beat a deal like that for natural hair products. Here is what I purchased:

Green Apple and Aloe with Coconut Nutrition Leave- In Conditioner

Green Apple and Aloe with Coconut Apple Seed Oil

Green Apple and Aloe with Coconut Nutrition Curl Definer

To shampoo and condition my hair I used some Shea Moisture products, as well as a Lotta Body Hair Mask. Then, I used the Taliah Waajid Green Apple and Aloe products to style my hair.

I can’t express enough how much I enjoy the scent of this line. It smells so blissful like fresh green apples. I appreciate the packaging of the leave-in conditioner. The bottle sprayer has a lock feature that prevents leakage, which is great for travel. The sprayer also give you a wide range of product to help spray the product directly and even throughout your hair. Most sprayer give you a stingy mist of product that hits one spot of your hair at a time. I end up having to spray the product into my hands and rub into my hair in sections. But with this sprayer I am able to spray the product directly onto my hair and the products is distributed to a good range of hair per spray. To some people this is not a big issue, but for me this factor is major. The leave- in conditioner has a nice consistency that moisturizes, revitalizes and soften your curls. Using this product made it eacy to detangle my curl and prepare for twisting.

I used just a small amount of the curl definer to twist my hair into small sections. The creme feels really thick and heavy, but is actually lightweight on your curls if you use just the right amount. I can be a little heavy with product, especially curl creams. But you honestly only need one finger rub per section to style your hair.

Since I don’t apply heat to my hair, I allowed by twist out to completely dry over night. Before untwisting my hair I used the apple seed oil to moisturize my scalp. My hair feels stronger, my curls are more defined and my twist out has lots of volume.

Style 1- Individual Twist

Style 2- Flat Twist

@thepassionista__

Make It Classy | DIY Herbal Hair Rinse

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista

I have experienced yet another great beauty DIY from Make It Classy DIY beauty box. Each DIY beauty box is plant- based and free of chemicals for your everyday beauty routine.

I had the pleasure of assisting the CEO & Founder of Make it Classy, Victoria (who is also a fellow blogger) during the Ultimate Women’s Expo in Atlanta, GA. During the expo, I worked at the Make It Classy booth with Victoria and a few other ambassadors. The day was filled with me talking and networking with women who are curious and passionate about natural beauty care. There was even a station for customers to make a quick clay mask sample for face and hair to take home and try. I felt truly in my elment being able to share my passion for embacing natural beauty and DIY projects.

A few weeks back I posted a video of my using the Make It Classy DIY Beauty Box for Rose Water on IGTV, click here to watch. Today, I want to share with you the Make It Classy DIY Beauty Box for Herbal Hair Rinse.

After making my herbal hair rinse, I used it to rinse the conditioner from my hair after cleansing. I used the entire bottle provided for one rinse. The DIY beauty box comes with enough ingredients to make 2 batches of the product. If you don’t use the entire bottle in one usage like I did you may store in for up to one month in the refrigerator. My scalp felt refreshed and my curls looked more defined than ever. Picture below is how my curls looked after using the hair rinse.

Tell me, what are your thoughts about herbal hair rinses for your natural curls? Have you ever used a natural herbal hair rinse?

Skincare | Olay Product Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista

So, I am really late with putting this review out but better late than never. Last month, I received a VoxBox from Influenster to try and review some Olay products. I’ve been moving at such a fast pace these last couple of weeks it slipped my mind to create content for this Influenster campaign.

OLAY Pressed Serum Stick

I have never used a serum stick before. Honestly, I’ve never even seen a product like this on shelf but I guess it’s a new skincare innovation. It is a great idea for convenience with your skincare routine. The packaging is sleek and nicely designed. I found it to be great for travel. I recently went on vacation and was able to pack this in my carry on with no issues. I was worried it would melt in hot temperatures, but it remained as is through travel.

I’ve added this product to my night time skincare routine. I don’t use it every night, but I do make use of it most nights. After washing my face and patting it dry with a towel, I rub the stick all over my face. I use my fingers to really press the product into my skin. The product directions suggest that this product can be used in the morning and at night. My morning skincare routine is near perfect and I’m not ready to change it. So, I will continue to stick with using the serum stick at night. If you are looking for a product to give you refreshed and hydrated skin daily, this is a product I would recommend you try. It’s packed with Vitamin B3 + Sake Kasu. The Vitamin B3 will help your skin retain moisture to keep your skin hydrated. Sake Kasu is known for amino acids and antioxidants.

OLAY Retinol 24 Night Serum Fragrance – Free

I used the OLAY Daily face oil in the morning to moisturize my face. I’ve been using the face oil for a few months and it has become like the most important part of my morning skincare routine. I was elated to receive the OLAY Retinol 24 Night Serum to add to my nightly routine. I use it after applying the pressed stick to my face, before I press the product into my face with my fingers. This is a water based serum so I know it is really giving my skin the hydration it needs while I sleep. The greatest benefit of this product is waking up with flawless skin everyday. I don’t have any fines lines and wrinkles (Thank God) but this product helps reduce and improve the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, fine lines and firms skin without any irritation.

Have you tried these products before? What’s been your experience? 

Be sure to check the News & Media page for upcoming events.

SheaBassador | Manuka Honey & Yogurt Glow Getter Collection

Published on by Kadi6 Comments

Hello Passionista

Shea Moisture has sent me yet another amazing ambassador box. This manuka honey and yogurt glow getter collection feeds your skin with goodness. 

Key Ingredients 

Manuka Honey helps restore antioxidants and nutrient-rich hydration to skin. 

Yogurt Extract contains Lactic Acid to encourage cell turnover and renewal for an enhanced glow. 

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant known to help boost radiance, improve texture and invigorate skin.

My 1st Impression & Review

Manuka Honey & Yogurt Glow Getter Nourishing Cleanser with Vitamin C

This cleanser is thick yet nourishing to the skin. I use it once a week, massaging it in a circular motion into my skin (face and neck). I love the soft feeling of rubbing the cream against my skin. It actually lathers when you add a little bit of water to really get a deep clean.  

Manuka Honey & Yogurt Glow Getter Honey Mask with Vitamin C 

I love how light and fluffy this face mask is. I love the glow that this mask give my face during and after use. Directions say to keep it on face 10 minutes, but I let it stay on longer. I use a warm face cloth to wipe the mask off my face and apply the pressed serum. 

Manuka Honey & Yogurt Glow Getter Pressed Serum Moisturizer with Vitamin C

The Glow Getter collection is the perfect 3 step process for flawless skin. I use this pressed serum daily to moisturize my skin for a golden glow. I recently went to the beach and used this serum several times a day to keep my skin from feeling dry and brittle. 

These products can be purchased at Target.

View this post on Instagram

I have been in love with the latest collection from @sheamoisture This collection is the perfect 3 step routine for skin the glows and shines bright. Nourishing Cleanser Honey Mask Pressed Serum Moisturizer Key Ingredients: Manuka Honey helps restore antioxidants and nutrient-rich hydration to skin. Yogurt Extract contains Lactic Acid to encourage cell turnover and renewal for an enhanced glow. Vitamin C helps boost radiance, improve texture and invigorate skin. Available at @target QOTD: Do you like my glow? #crueltyfree #sustainablyproduced #animaltestingfree #parabenfree #mineraloilfree #phthalatefree #petroleumfree #sulfatefree #sheabassador #sundialbrandspartner #passionista

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Don’t forget to skincare with friends…