Tag: Product Reviews

Coconut & Cactus Water |June SheaBassador Box

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Hello Passionista- 

I have some exciting products to share with you from my June SheaBassador box. I am really enjoying all the products I have been receiving from Shea Moisture. The theme for this box is Coconut & Cactus Water. The smell of this product line is heaven sent. It means like morning fresh air on the beach, something like what I imagine a zin beach vacation smelling like.

What’s in the box:

  • Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Bar Soap
  • Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Wash
  • Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Lotion
  • Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Scrub
  • Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Pick Me Up Lite Masque

Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Bar Soap with Blue Agave for dehydrated skin

This bar soap is enriched with vitamins and coconut water to keep your skin feeling hydrated and silky through this summertime heat. I haven’t seen any products on the market like this. So this was my first time using a bar soap with coconut water, and my first time using any product with cactus water. I’m not a fan of using bar soap for bathing. I’m more of a body wash type gal. So I used the bar soap for washing my face and hands. I like that the product doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry after use. It honestly made my skin feel hydrated like I used a moisturizer.

Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Wash with Blue Agave for dehydrated skin

Like I said before, I am a body wash type of gal. So this product came right on time, as I was in need of some new body wash. The product is free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oils and sulfates, so I had no issues or reactions to using a new body wash. I normally try to stay away from body washes that have fragrance in it. But this product has a light paradise scent of essential oil blends instead of a fragrance chemical. The formula is light and cleanses the skin really well. My body washes of choices are Aveeno and Nivea but I think I’ll be adding this product to my must have a rotation of body washes.

Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Lotion with Blue Agave for dehydrated skin

Lately, I have been using body oils instead of lotion to moisturize my body. I have found oils to last longer and be more light weight on the skin with less perfumes and dyes. So I only tried this lotion at night after showering. The formula is thick and takes a lot to rub in, but it excels in keeping your skin hydrated. Most mornings I’d wake up not needing to apply oil all over my body because I still felt hydrated. Because the product is so thick, I think it will be a treasure to have in the colder months of the year when my skin feels the driest.

Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Scrub with Blue Agave for dehydrated skin

I love a good body scrub, so this was the first product I was excited to try when I received the package. I use a body scrub in the shower at least twice a week. I love that the formula for this product is silky and gentle on the skin. I found that this scrub is great to use before getting a wax or before shaving. I’ve only had this product for 3 weeks and I have already used all of it. My location ULTA store did not have it in stock during my last visit but I am on the hunt for more of this body scrub.

Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Pick Me Up Lite Masque with Blue Agave to Quench & Maintain lighter than air volume

So, I’ve started doing a Live @ 9pm segment on Instagram every Tuesday. Each week I get on live and chat about all things skin care, hair care, and self care. This week I decided to use the Pick Me Up Lite Masque on my dry hair on live. I normally use a hair mask after shampooing my hair, but the directions states this mask can be used on wet or dry hair. I applied the mask to my dry hair detangling it with my fingers and letting it sit for almost 2 hours. 

See the live footage here and tune in next Tuesday Live @ 9PM on Instagram

QOTD: What skincare or haircare products have you used that have cactus water in it?

Before I end this blog I have a few announcements!

First…… I will be hosting another DIY Workshop in Atlanta GA on July 19th. Learn how to create a rustic decorative candle lantern out of easy to find materials. Make it a girls night and come out for some creative fun, chick here for tickets and more information.

Secondly…. I have added a new widget to my blog. You can now support my content by buying me a coffee, click here to donate.

Advertisements

Playin’ n Make Up | e.l.f 16hr Camo Concealer Review

Published on by Kadi8 Comments

Hello Passionista

It has been a while since I have played in make up. I do not wear makeup on a day to day basis because I don’t need it and I don’t have time to do it. I used to put effort into doing my makeup at least for social events and going out but I sweat so easily that there’s no point of putting anything on my face unless it’s a special occasion. Well, there’s no special occasion today but I did receive a VOX BOX with complimentary product from e.l.f to try. So I decided to play in my makeup today and take some pretty pictures.

The VOX BOX came complete with 2 shades of e.l.f 16hr Camo Concealer for me to try, review and share with you.


I did this makeup look all by myself using the Deep Olive shade to highlight under my eye, tip of my nose and forehead and the Deep Chestnut shade to enhance my cheekbones.


E.lf. 16hr Camo Concealer

I like the packaging style of the e.l.f concealer. I think the bottle and stick duo works better than the tube and brush duo (for example L.A. girl Pro Concealer). The size of the stick is perfect for applying the product to the face. Although I did have trouble doing my nose contour. I ended up using a small makeup brush instead of the provided stick, just because I’m really careful with my nose contour. The formula lasts all day, even through sweat. I sweat a lot and when wearing this product I was out in the sun but once I bloated and fanned the sweat away, my makeup was still perfectly in place with no running or creases.

Deep Olive

This shade is perfect for my under eye highlight. I feel like it blends perfectly with my foundation and I was able to layer blush and highlighter on top for a flawless finish.

Deep Chestnut

This shade was a little to light for my darker contour. I wish I would have selected a darker color but I made it work for my try-on makeup look. Now that I have tried this shade I will be purchasing a darker shade for contouring purpose, because I feel like I can use this shade as an under eye highlighter as well.

Products used for this look:

  • Olay Total Effects Whip Moisturizer
  • Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
  • ULTA Beauty Color Correcting Foundation and Primer stick
  • NYX Eye Shadow Base
  • The Nubian 2 Palette by Juvia’s
  • E.l.f 16hr Camo Concealer – Deep Chestnut
  • E.l.f 16hr Camo Concealer – Deep Olive
  • NYX Matte Finishing Powder
  • Fenty Beauty Sinamon Match Stix
  • Bh cosmetics Wild & Radiant Baked Illuminating & Bronzing Palette
  • Fenty Glow Gloss Bomb
  • Covergirl Mascara

QOTD: Rate my makeup look! Tell me in the comment section how you think I did.

Before I close out this blog, I have a few events coming up that I would like to invite you to…

I would like to invite all of my fellow bloggers and readers that are in the Atlanta area out to my first DIY workshop at DIYher Studio @ MET ATL on June 22nd. We will be making Boho style dream catchers… click here for event information and tickets

I would like to invite all my millennials and happy hour lovers out to my Soul Conversations networking event on June 27 @ Resturant TEN (Atlanta, GA)…. click here for more information and to RSVP

Coconut Custard | SheaBassador 2019

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Hello Passionista-

My 2nd SheaBassador box arrived and I am super excited about the products I received. I have been working on mastering my wash n’ go look for a while now. After trying different methods, I’ve learned that the LOC method works best for me. This Make it Last Coconut Custard line is just the right product line to help my natural curls florish for the summer.

The Coconut Custard Collection by Shea Moisture holds 3 key ingredients:

  • Coconut – rich in vitamin E, conditioning fatty acids and natural triglycerides
  • Kokomo Butter- rich in essential fatty acids, it helps support hair’s elasticity
  • Plant Peptides- the building blocks of protein, it helps coat hair strands to enhance definition

WASH N’ GO BEFORE & AFTER

The 5 step product line contains the following products:

Step 1: MAKE IT LAST WASH N’ GO SHAMPOO

The formula is creamy and dispenses easily from the bottle and pump. I was able to get a really good lather to shampoo and cleanse my hair from roots to ends. After shampooing my hair smelt coconut fresh and felt soft, making it easy to style. My curl definition is flourishing and shining. The shampoo gives a gentle cleanse and helps with detangling hair when wet.  

Step 2: MAKE IT LAST WASH N’ GO CONDITIONER

I love the shampoo and conditioner combination of the coconut custard products. The conditioner is great for washing out immediately or using as a deep conditioner. Although the shampoo dispenses well in the bottle and pump packaging, the conditioner doesn’t work the same. The formula is thick and hard to pump out at times. I would prefer a different form of packaging for the conditioner.

Step 3: MAKE IT LAST WASH N’ GO CURL PRIMER

The curl primer is my favorite product from the coconut custard line. I like that I can use this product with wet or dry hair. My wash n’ go style has transformed to a whole next level of Naturalista with these products. I’ve used this product consistently for 4 weeks styling and refreshing my hair- and its almost time for a new one. This product is one to add to my natural hair must-haves. 

Step 4: MAKE IT LAST WASH N’ GO DEFINING GEL-OIL

My hair really doesn’t receive gel products well. When I first used this product I thought it would make my curls shine and give it a light hold. I applied the product after using the curl primer, but I noticed the product starting to flake. So I decided to stop applying it to my hair. I only tried using it on wet hair. But I hate when products flake and leave residue in my freshly washed hair. So I gave the remaining product to my mother ( who is also natural) to try with her twist outs. I don’t plan on using this product again.

Step 5: MAKE IT LAST WASH N’ GO CURL REVIVAL OIL

My hair loves oils and I love to hydrate my curls with oils. The revival oil is great for day to day refreshing of any natural hairstyle. When I first do my wash’n go I use the oil to seal the curl primer. I also use the oil on a day by day basis when needed to refresh and hydrate my curls. Just a couple of pumps of oil in my hand and fingered throughout my hair keeps my styles looking fresher than ever. 

Be sure to stop by your local CVS to purchase the Make It Last Coconut Custard products by Shea Moisture. Stay tuned for more Shea Moisture and natural hair content from your favorite Passionista!!!!

Surprise and Delight | SheaBassador Launch Box 2019

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Hello Passionista-

I am excited to share with you my review of my very first SheaBassador box. It’s been a few weeks since I received this box, I wanted to take my time to really use each product in my daily routine with washing and styleing my hair. I wish I was able to capture footage of my actully washing my hair with the products, but I recap the expiences in my review of each product below. Out of the 5 products in the Launch box I have purchased and used 3 of them before ( Coconut & Hibiscus, Coconut Oil Conditioner, and Jamician Castor Oil Shampoo). My favorite product in the box is the Miracle Styler Leave-in Conditioner. I have just about used this entire bottle up.

To see the unboxing blog for the Launch box, click here.

After washing my hair using the Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo w/ Shea Butter, Peppermint & Apple Cider Vinegar and 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner, I decided to try this quick knot twist style. The twist out style lasted about 4 days before I had to re-do the style for a fresh appearance.

Manuka Honey & Yogurt Hydrate + Repair Shampoo w/ Mafura & Baobob Oils

This product is best used on extremely dry and brittle hair. I do not have dry and brittle hair but I still tried it. I received this product in a SheaBassador box.  It smells powdery fresh. The formula is really creamy, milky like so the pop top is the best form of packaging for this shampoo. I have used it for 2 wash days. I have found that it leaves a natural shine to your hair. I feel my curls got really hydrated during the wash process and were easy to comb through. Not much detangling needed.

Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore Shampoo w/ Shea Butter, Peppermint & Apple Cider Vinegar

This product is for natural, chemically processed, or heat styled hair. I received this product in a SheaBassador box. Because I have tried this product before I had the conditioner at home. So when I washed my hair using this shampoo I used the conditioner as well. The shampoo contains lots of beneficial ingredients to help strengthen your hair. This is not a product I would use for every wash day. Honestly, I think overuse of this shampoo and conditioner can strip your hair of its natural healthy oils. So I plan to only use this shampoo when I have alot of product built out and need to really cleanse my scalp.

Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Conditioner w/ Silk Protein & Neem Oil

I received this product in a SheaBassador box. This is a product I have used before, I love how the Coconut & Hibiscus line moistures my hair and defines my curls. This conditioner is ideal for a wash n go styles. The formula is thick yet provides a lightweight hold to condition my natural curl pattern. I have never purchased the shampoo and conditioner for this product line before, only the curl enhancer smoothie, but now that I have tried the shampoo I think I will purchase it.

100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Conditioner w/ Coconut Milk & Acacia Senegal

I received this product in a SheaBassador box. I have honestly used almost all of this conditioner in a matter of a month. I’ve used it to condition my hair during the wash process as well as a styling product for my wash n go using the LOC method- using conditioner as the leave in.

Sugarcane Extract & Meadowfoam Seed Silicone Free Miracle Styler Leave – In Treatment w/ Marshmallow Root


I received this product in a SheaBassador box. This product has become my favorite. First off, I appreciate the packaging and spray top. It sprays a bit stringy instead of a wide spread. But I just spray the product in my hand then apply it to my hair and work in into small sections of my hair at a time. The formula is really creamy and not so watery, that allows you to evenly distribute product through the hair.

Stay tuned for more natural hair content and product reviews of products from my SheaBassador boxes.

Trashy Talk | May Edition

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista –

I have some new empty products to share with you before I officially trash them. These are all products I have enjoyed and will mostly likely be purchasing again.

Bobbi Brown Rich Color Gloss in the shade Pink Cocoa


This lip gloss has lasted for 2 summers. It has been my favorite and go to lip choice for all my summer vines. The formula is thick and shimmer. It lasts a long time so you don’t have to keep re-applying. It is a bit pricey so I’m not in a rush to purchase another one. I think I was treating myself to something nice when I purchased this lip gloss a few summers ago. I normally would not spent more than $10 to $12 on  lip gloss. Purchased at Nordstrom for $29.00

Michael Kors Wonderlust
I am in love with this scent. I received this samples size in a perfume sampler as a Christmas gift. It has a powdery smell to it which I enjoy over a floral scent. I think it make a nice everyday perfume. Its strong enough to last all day but not super over powering. I got compliments all time when wearing it.  Ulta has the 3.4oz for $115, I’ve been shopping around to find a cheaper price because now that I am out of this sample I want to purchase this perfume.

Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Leave-in Conditioner
This is one of my favorite leave in conditioners. I have been using this product for at least 3 years. It is for dry, dull and brittle hair. For sometime I struggled with breakage at the crown of my head. This leave in conditioner help bring that section of my hair back to health and life. It served not only as a leave-in conditioner but also a detangler and a bit of shine for my natural afro puff. I really appreciate the quality of the packaging for this product. I alway loose tops off my spray top products. But the top on this spray bottle fits super tight yet it’s easy to take on and off. Also the sprayer works like magic. It give you an even spray of product to the hair without being a headache to pump. Purchased at Target for $8.99

Curls Goddess Curls Botanical Gelle
This frizz fighting gel is the only gel product I use on my natural hair. My hair does not really do well with gels, I experience a lot of flaking. This is the only gel I have found that does not flake in my hair once it has dried. I appreciate the soft but firm hold it give to my natural styles. This gel is made with certified organic mango and shea butter and plumeria flower extract which adds moisture to the hold. It took nearly 7 months to completely use this 8oz product. I will be re-purchasing it now that I am out. Purchased at Target for $7.99

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Strong Roots Spray
This product is for dry, damaged or color treated hair. I have none of those things. I was out of town when I purchased this product because I needed some type of product that would help my twist out while I was out of town without all of my go to products. I honestly just went in the store grabbed the cheaper product I thought would work. And it did!  I love the way the product sprays evenly throughout your hair. The formula foams up really well. I did not expect it to foam up but I like the foaming effect. It served as like a styling mousse that contains coconut oil, monoi oil and peppermint oil. You can actually feel the freshness of the peppermint on your scalp. This product helped me achieve my twist while on vacation, which I appreciate.  This is a new product that I will be purchasing at some point to add to my hair product rotation.For the record, I lost the top to the sprayer before I even used the product. Purchased from a local beauty supply store for $5.99

Garnier Fructis Styler Curl Treats Defining Smoothie
I received this product in a in a VoxBox from influenster. It has become essential to my hair wash n’ go routine. I love how it helps my curls keep their form for days without needing to refresh. I was shocked that a Garnier Fructis product was able to do this for my natural hair. This 10.5 oz product lasted about 4 months. Now that I have tried it, I will be purchasing it at some point I know.

Product Review |Garnier SkinActive Moisture Bomb

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista

I have been obsessed with skincare products that contains Hyaluronic Acid. My go to products containing Hyaluronic Acid have been the Neutrogena Hydro Boost line of water gels, gel creams, and lotions. I recently came across a Garnier product with Hyaluronic Acid and had to try it. This Garner SkinActive Moisture Bomb is one of my new favorites in my daily skincare for my face and neck.

If you don’t know what Hyaluronic Acid is, it is a water holding molecule that provides the most hydration to your skin. It is meant to hydrate and moisturize your skin to the fullest. Any skincare products that have hyaluronic acid in it will leave you skin glowingly flawless. If your skin is lacking hydration and seems to be dry or you have dry patches, pick up a product that contains hyaluronic acid. When you are thirsty would you want to drink water or milk? Personally I would prefer water to quench my thirst. WATER is key for skincare.

I love the feel of the formula. It’s hydrating without being greasy. I see an instant glow after applying it to my face and neck. I have been using this product in my night routine, because it packed with water and no oils. So when I wake up, my skin looks flawlessly hydrated and smooth. The jar is a 1.7oz, which I agree is a great size for this product. I think it’ll take me several months before I run out of the product. It only takes a dot or two on your cheeks to cover your whole face and another dot for the neck.

I would recommend that you consider adding the moisture bomb to your summer skincare routine, or any product with Hyaluronic Acid. 

Get Your Glow On | Aveeno Positively Radiant |Product Review

Published on by Kadi3 Comments

Hello Passionista- 

My blogging journey has been unique and I have enjoyed it all. I’ve learned a lot, shared a lot, and still have a lot to learn. One thing I’ve been working towards is getting recognized by brands and gaining partnerships with brands I use to create quality beauty, skincare, and hair content. I’ve always enjoyed the maintenance of being a women. The innovative products on the market makes life easier to keep up with yourself. My preferences change just as much as the industry trends, so I am able to always try new products and brands to see how they work for my body type/ skin type/ hair type and give my opinions and tips. 

I recently received my first brand box from one of my favorite brands…. Aveeno! They reached out to me after I posted a skincare blog post that included one of my favorite Aveeno products, and sent me some Positively Radiant products. I’m super excited share these glow getter products with you. 

GET YOUR GLOW ON

Aveeno Positively Radiant Micellar Gel Cleanser Makeup Remover

This gel cleanser draws out your skin’s dulling impurities while removing makeup, dirt, and oils from your skin. I have been using it every day for about 2 weeks now. Before bed, I wash my face and apply a generous amount of the micellar gel cleanser all over my face. The gel formula is easy to rub into face with hands and it lathers really good with just a little bit of product. The Aveeno scent is light and fresh, I appreciate the gentle scent without having in harsh fragrance chemicals in the formula. After massaging into my face for a few minutes, I use a face towel and cold water to wipe product off.

My favorite thing about this product is that it washes away make up, dirt and oils to cleanser skin for a positively radiant glow. I appreciate the finger pump bottle for a clean dispensing of the formula. This is a 5.1 fl.oz. product that I feel will last at least 3 months if used at least 3 times a week.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Max Glow Infusion Drops

The infusion drops are meant to even tone & textures leaving your skin with a dewy glow. The product claims to give a 48 hour moisturization for a lit- from- within glow. I love that it only takes a drop or two to massage into you face and your skin feels flawless. I’ve used a drop every morning after washing my face with cold water. It has been taking the place of my daily moisturizer cream and last all day long. I’m not a big fan of the drops being in a small tube, I think a bottle with a dropper would be better. It would make it easier to get all of the product on your face without any waste.

Beauty Tip:

Was you have with cold water to prevent wrinkles and saggy skin.



#SephoraSquad

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista!

One of my blogging goals for 2019 is to partner with 3 brands as a Brand Ambassador/ influencer.

My first opportunity has come, I applied for the #SephoraSquad 2019. The #SephoraSquad is a beauty influencer program that highlights some of the most authentic and inspiring digital influencers.

For three years, I have been sharing my beauty secrets, thoughts and opinions on products I use, and my skincare and hair care regimens. I’ve shared my favorite trends and not so favorite trends, as well as tried the latest beauty products just out of curiosity and to share with you. I love the skin that I am in, I love taking care of it and I love sharing it with you. Becoming a part of the 2019 #SephoraSquad will help me produce more true to myself beauty content to share with you.

You can support my #SephoraSquad application by clicking the link below and leaving a testimonial.

https://www.sephorasquad.com/testimonial/thepassionista__

Your love and support is great appreciated!!! 🥰😘😍

Blue Agave Cooling Mask |Product Review

Published on by Kadi1 Comment

Hello Passionista!

I am loving this new cooling mask by Biore. It is a whipped nourishing detox mask with blue agave and baking soda. The natural baking soda has the ability to give your pores a really deep cleaning. The blue agave conditions the skin. The formula combination works to eliminate impurities under the surface of your skin. It lifts dirty and unclogged pores. The whipped formula texture is fluffy and allows for a smooth application to your face. It really has a cooling and pore-tingling affect to it. I felt it as soon as I started applying it to my face.

One of my favorite things about this mask is that it’s blue. The color really sparked my interest which was why I purchased it. I don’t think I’ve ever purchase a Biore product before, so this was a first for me.

With the cooling affect of the formula, I thought it would be nice to add some steam while I letting the product sit for 5 minutes or more. I used my facial steamer from Amazon. The steam mixed with the cooling feeling of the mask made my experience feel like I was at the spa.

Pros

Non-Greasy, smells good, and very moisturizing

Cons

Messy and leaves skin red after use

If you have not already, please click here to leave a testimonial for my #SephoraSquad application.

*This post contains affiliate links and I may receive commission from the purchase/ booking made through this link at no cost to you.

Influenster Vox Box Review

Published on by Kadi5 Comments

Hello Passionista,

Today, I have a special #curltreat to share with you. I received another Vox Box from Influenster,that is all about CURLS and treating yourself to healthy styles.

What’s in the box?

This Vox Box includes Garnier Fructis Curl Treat Leave- in stylers: Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie.

Y’all know I love a good hair product and these styler came just in time for the holidays. I decided to do a flexi rod set using both the Hydrating butter and Defining smoothie. I normally don’t purchase Garnier Fructis products for my hair because honestly I didn’t think it was a brand for ethnic natural hair. Now that I’ve tried these curl treats I will be purchasing these products and exploring what other good styling products Garnier Fructis has to offer my thick natural curls.

Both the Hydrating Butter and Defining Soothie formulas are thick and feels very rich. You only need to apply a little bit to each section of hair.

When styling my hair with the flexi rods, I wet my hair with a spray bottle of warm water, them added the Hydrating Butter from root to ends. Before starting to roll each section of hair with the flexi rod, I used my finger to rub the Defining smoothie and a small amount of curl gel to the ends. Once my entire head was rolled and twisted in the flexi rod, I let it air dry over night then sat under the hair drier the next morning for 20 mins (just to make sure my roots were completely dry)

Natural Hair Tip: Make sure your hair is COMPLETELY dry when doing twist out, rod or roller set before untwist or unrolling. It makes a huge different in the final look and how long it will last.

I am amazed at the finished look of this flexi rod protective style. Like I said, I never thought Garnier Frutis products were for my type of hair. There advertisements always have white women with straight hair, I don’t fit that audience so I over look the brand. I would like to see more women of color with different types and styles of hair in their advertisements.

ENTIRE LOOK FOR THE EVENING

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Influenster for review purposes.

For PR and brand partnership or sponsoring, please email passionlockedblog@gmail.com