Tag: Product Reviews

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__

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

A post shared by Khadijah- Creative Blogger (@thepassionista__) on

Don’t forget to skincare with friends…

Empties| Would I repurchase?

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista!

It’s been a while since I’ve done a blog post featuring empty product reviews. I’ve been collecting these products for a while. I wanted to get a good amount of empty products to feature in this blog post for you. So, now I finally have a good bit of empties to share.

These empty products are for hair care and skin care. Let’s jump right in!

SKIN

OLAY Total Effects Whip Moisturizer

I absolutely love this moisturizer. It’s super lightweight and hydrating on the face. I found myself using this moisturizer in the morning and evening. I personally don’t think it’s affordable, because it retails for $20+. For me, that’s a lot. I strive to spend no more than $10-$12 on any facial product. Luckily as an influencer, many of the PR packages I get has had samples or full sizes of this product for me to try. What you see pictured is a sample size.

Will I Repurchase? I am currently using another one of the sample sizes I received in a PR package.

Neutrogena Body Oil (Fragrance-Free)

So, I don’t like using lotion. About a year ago I gave up lotion for body oils. It just feels better on my skin, more moisturizing. I love that Neutrogena offers a fragrance free body oil, because I appreciate skincare products that are fragrance free. Applying the body oil on your skin after getting out the shower will keep your skin moisturized all day. The directions say you can also adda few drops to your bath water to help soften your skin.

Will I Repurchase? Yes,I already have.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Gel Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

Now, I know I just told you about how much I love body oil over lotion. But I also love body gel cream- only from the Neutrogena Hydro Boost line. This product is also fragrance free and made with hyaluronic Acid which is like hydrating your skin with water. The body gel cream really locks the mositure into your skin for the most hydration you can give your skin.

Will I Repurchase? Yes,I already have.

Shea Moisture Coconut & Cactus Water Quench & Refresh Body Wash with Blue Agave

As a SheaBassador, I received this product in a box. It was my first time using it and had a beautiful experience. This product targets dehydrated skin, I don’t think I have dehydrated skin but it gave me an amazing shower time. The coconut and cactus water scent is mild but delightful.

Will I Repurchase? Not yet, but I plan to.

HAIR

Cantu Shea Butter Wave Whip Curling Mousse

I love how this mouse really defines my curls when using for my wash n’ go routine. I find myself using a lot of mousse when styling my hair. It gives me a frizz- free finish with no crunchy curls.

Will I Repurchase? Yes.

Dark and Lovely Naturale Anti-Shrinkage Clumping Curl Creme Gel

I literally run this product from my roots to tips for defined curls. I’m not sure I can agree with the anti-shrinkage claim. I have never came across a product that prevents shrinkage with my curls. I don’t think it possible. But I love how moisturizing and defined it leaves my curls for styling.

Will I Repurchase? Not Sure.

Shea Moisture Coconut Custard Make It Last Wash N’ Go Curl Primer

Now this is the holy grail of wash n’ go products. It helps detangle and prep kinky, curly-cooly hair. I used this stuff like water. Everyday I refresh my styles using this product to give me a picture perfect look.

Will I Repurchase? Yes, already have.

Shea Moisture Silicone Free Miracle Styler Leave- In Treatment

Honestly, this is a the BEST leave in conditioner I have ever tried. I love it! I’ve been using it to treat my hair this summer from jumping in and out of the pool. It smells amazing but feels even better. I have been able to use it as a leave in conditioner for my wash routine and wash n’ go routine.

Will I Repurchase? Yes, already have.

Chasing Curlz Twisting Souflee

This summer I became a brand advocate for Chasing Curlz. The twisting souflee is one of the products they sent me to try, review and share. Out of the six products sent to me, this is my favorite. When I tell you my twist out sets have been looking amazing , it’s beena picture perfect situation. Just check my instagram!

Use my offer code KHADIJAH15 to try this product for yourself.

Will I Repurchase? Yes.

Camille Rose Naturals Algae Renew Deep Conditioner

I used this dip conditioner at least 3 times to treat me curls. I like to add oil to the deep conditioner to provide additional hydration during the wash process. It’s also filled with cocoa & mango butter, in addition to the sunflower seed oil I’d add before applying.

Will I Repurchase? Not yet, but I plan to.

Shea Moisture Coconut & Cactus Water Pick Me Up Lite Masque

It is super important to deep condition. I have seen so much growth in my hair since I started deep conditioning every time I wash my hair. I was able to deep condition my hair with this mask about 2 times. The last time I used it I mixed it with another mask to have enough to cover my whole head. The formula is thick but very hydrating.

Will I Repurchase? Not yet, but I plan to.

QOTD: Have you tired any of these products?

SheaBassador| Velvet Skin & Strength + Color Care Purple Rice Water Collection & Review

Published on by KadiLeave a comment

Hello Passionista-

I’ve finally had the chance to try all of the products in from my 5th SheaBassador box. Y’all should know that I have been using rice water in my hair since December. So, I was exciting about receiving products with purple rice water. Now I want to go to the store and buy some purple rice to make some purple rice water of my own. Honestly, I have not seen any rice water products on the market. This is the first branded product I am trying that has rice water in it.

Velvet Skin & Strength + Color Care Purple Rice Water for sensitive skin & all hair types 

The purple rice water collection is enriched with 3 key ingredients

  • Purple Rice Water, which has been used for centuries on Asian Royalty.
  • Wild Orchid is a symbol of beauty around the world. 
  • Sweet Violet Extract is an edible flower often used in aromatherapy. 

Strength + Color Care Shampoo

This sulfate-free nourishing shampoo helps restore hair to a stronger, healthier state. A blend of Purple Rice Water, Wild Orchid and Sweet Violet Extract removes dulling residue, while restoring shine and vibrancy. Apply to wet hair, gently massage into scalp and hair, working into a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly. 

After cleansing my hair twice with this shampoo, I have found it to be very silky and soft cleanser for my kinky curls. I do not have any color in my hair, so there is no concern for dulling residue. I frequently use rice water in my hair during my wash process, this is the first hair care product I have used with rice water in it and I expect amazing results. 

Strength + Color Care Conditioner

This nourishing formula locks in moisture and nurtures strands back to health while combating unwanted brassy tones, softening and detangling hair. Apply to clean wet hair. Gently comb through from roots to ends and leave in for up to three minutes. 

This conditioner most definitely locks in moisture to promote soft hair. It was easy to finger detangle my hair after cleaning. The only thing I do not like about this product is the packaging. The conditioner is to think for this pump situation. It takes a minute of pumping to get the conditioner to even come out, then after a few pumps the conditioner stops coming out. The formula is thick and does not remove in the bottle. 

Velvet Skin Body Lotion 

Formulated for sensitive skin, this lightweight creamy moisturizer hydrates and leaves skin silky soft. Smooth lotion all over your skin after a bath or shower. 

I do not use lotion often. But I used this lotion after a day of Self Care. I agree that the product leaves your skin feeling silky soft. I do not agree that it is lightweight but it is creamy. 

Velvet Skin Rice Scrub 

Our scrub gently buffs away dry skin to soften and reveal a new radiance. Apply a small amount to palm, massaging gently into skin using a circular motion, concentrating on rough and dry areas. Leave on for one minute and rinse thoroughly with warm water.

I am in love with this body scrub. It is lightweight but extremely rich. I use it in the shower after shaving or at least twice a week. The scrub is gentle and soft. Honestly, after shaving my legs and using this scrub I felt in heaven. 

Velvet Skin Facial Mask 

This skin smoothing facial mask gently polishes skin, while an added boost of Papaya Extract leaves skin looking nourished and luminescent. Apply facial mask to clean skin. After 10 minutes rinse off with warm water. 

This facial mask formula has a whipped formula appearance. It only takes a little bit of product to complete the job of polishing your skin to be more nourished. I’ve been using this mask once a week and my skin feels amazing after using. 

This product line is cruelty free and available for purchase at ULTA.

Before I end this blog, I want to share my latest media feature in Voyage ATL, click here to read.

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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.

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