Pamper Your Skin with Carol's Daughter's Black Vanilla!

Show your skin some love and prep for any date night or girl night you have planned with the Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla limited collection line. These lightweight creams will keep your skin hydrated while you carry a lovely scent throughout your day. They also make a cute gift when paired together!

Get Invisible Lasting Hold with Carol's Daughter Monoi Repairing Flexible Hold Hairspray

I only use hairspray when my hair is straight. That being said, it's very hard for me to find a hairspray that doesn't cause my hair to revert to its naturally curly state, fights frizz, and doesn't leave my tresses sticky. But now there's a flexible hairspray that gives buildable, brushable, invisible hold. {Product provided for review/feature consideration}

Refreshing Fall Essentials

We all know that the cold can be harsh on your skin and hair, so make sure you're ready for the change in weather with these go-to products!

Keep Moisturized From Roots to Tips This Winter

With winter weather in full effect throughout most of the country {I'm in the Atlanta area, where we are currently enduring the second Snowpocalypse in a matter of weeks}, below are some tips and product recommendations to help keep you moisturized from head to toe during these cold and dry winter days!

Carol's Daughter Limited Edition Gardenia Bath & Body Collection (An HSN Exclusive)

This fresh, limited-edition (HSN Exclusive) Gardenia fragrance joins the Carol’s Daughter family of delicious, naturally inspired scents. Free your skin with this moisturizing collection of a Body Cleansing Cream, Body Cream and Dry Oil Mist that doesn’t smother your skin with heavy artificial mineral oil – allowing it to breathe naturally. As is customary with Carol’s Daughter, the Gardenia Collection is free of parabens, petroleum and artificial colors. {Products sent for consideration}

Get Curls Straight (and Healthy) with Carol's Daughter and John Frieda!

I only straighten my hair an average of once every other month, but I may start doing it more often! Why, you ask? With my new dream team of tools and products, I'm getting my hair straight in a record amount of time, and it's looking better than ever!

CGC: Carol's Daughter Macadamia Heat Protection Serum

(photo via Naturally Curly)

Product Description: Macadamia Heat Protection Serum harnesses the power of Macadamia Oil’s frizz-shield to smooth the hair cuticle and provide a barrier for heat styling. Hydrolyzed Silk, a moisturizing protein, and pro-vitamin B5, known for its strengthening properties, shield hair from damaging heat styling such as blow-dryers, diffusers, curling irons and flatirons. Apply before heat styling. Product aids in straightening, adds moisture, gives frizz control, and is an anti-humectant.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alcohol Denat., Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrolyzed Silk, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sprout Extract, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate),Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum) 

sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free

My Take: I don't know what took me so long to use this! The consistency was light and not at all greasy or sticky. The smell is fantastic (light and fresh, with not even a hint of nuttines, lol), and most importantly, it worked. Mind you, I used it after a poor hairstylist's failed attempt at a blow out, so I wasn't working with a full head of curls. But, it got my hair sleek, smooth, and shiny without an ounce of grease. I like that I really didn't need a lot of product to get the desired results-just a pump or two for each half of my hair and I was good to go! I will definitely be reaching for this whenever I want to straighten my curls!

We'll call this "before" even though technically it's "after " a blow out.

Before

After! I used the Morroconoil's Frizz Control the night before and CD's Macadamia Heat Protection Serum (purchase here: http://rstyle.me/e4dtz8nade) right before straightening. I used my flat iron from Flat Iron Experts (which I posted about here: http://bit.ly/MnXfDb )

I had to include this picture because I love Kenzie's face and you can really tell how shiny my  hair is!

Ciao, XxO

Q


PS-Product was sent for the purpose of review by Carol's Daughter and Naturally Curly. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own. Click here to purchase from Sephora: http://rstyle.me/e4dtz8nade  This is an affiliate link, if you choose to click it AND make a purchase, I will receive a small commission :)

Carol's Daughter Acai Skincare Collection

Just in case you hadn't noticed a trend, I'm kind of obsessed with skin care lately. I don't know if it's the fact that I've entered the "dirty thirties" or  because I now have 3 daughters, which has emphasized to me that I must set a good example for them on what it means to be a lady. I want them to know that though God (and awesome genetics) made them beautiful to the eyes, true beauty comes from within. I want them to know how to look and feel pretty inside and out, from the youth on, and that it's okay to age gracefully. So that means they have to see me not just cover my skin with pretty makeup, but take good care of what's underneath. Thus began my tireless hunt for the perfect skincare routine/regimen.

In that quest to find the good, the bad, and the so so in the vast world of skin care, I've had the pleasure of discovering some true gems. While I love it when I can find a single item within a brand or line that performs well, I really like it when a company comes out with a complete system (cleanser, toner, and moisturizer at least) that works for me. Who knew that I would be blown away by the woman that specializes in natural hair care and fragrance?

Carol's Daughter recently introduced it's Acai Skincare Collection: with two sets of regimens formulated to "naturally restore beautiful skin with the antioxidant power of Acai Berry Extract" to "minimize the effects of pollution, sun damage, and free radicals."

Carol's Daughter: Transition 1-2-3 featuring Solange Knowles

Remember the sneak peek for the Carol's Daughter ad featuring the new Transition 1-2-3 Kit and Solange Knowles? Well, here is the full length version (via Sephora's YouTube Channel)...



 




Solange is swiftly becoming one of those ladies that I look forward to seeing on the red carpet at events and in magazine spreads. She's fashionable, quirky, authentic, and embraces her individuality-all things that I find admirable. I think she is a perfect fit as a spokesperson for Carol's Daughter!

What do you lovelies think of the ad? Are you transitioning? And if so, will you be trying out the Transition 1-2-3 Kit from Carol's Daughter? Have you tried it already? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Until next time...

Ciao, XxO


Q

SNEAK PEEK: Solange Knowles Ad for Carol's Daughter's New Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit

Here's a sneak peek still of the just released ad Solange Knowles did for Carol's Daughter's new Transitioning 1-2-3 Kit...

The groundbreaking kit is the first hair care system developed to uniquely address the most concerning issues women face when transitioning from relaxed to natural hair, including: product build up, scarring on the scalp (due to the harsh chemical processes involved in relaxing the hair), and breakage at the demarcation point between relaxed hair and new growth.

Carol's Daughter Chocolat Shampoo and Conditioner

I saw this video on YouTube on Sephora's channel and thought it was a great opportunity to share my experience with the Chocolat Smoothing Sulfate Free Shampoo and Conditioner.

Chocolat Smoothing Sulfate Free Shampoo, Conditioner, and Smoothing  Blow Dry  Cream

The shampoo and conditioner smell FABULOUS! Both were oh so creamy, and even though the shampoo is sulfate free (a huge plus) it lathered wonderfully. I did feel an immediate difference in my frazzled tresses after using the shampoo; it really did smooth my hair and left it soft and silky. The conditioner was like chocolate icing on the cake. It felt rich, but did not weigh down my curls. It left them feeling bouncy and luxurious. I loved the scent so much that I left a bit of the conditioner in to serve as a sort of leave in conditioner, and it worked beautifully in that capacity. Major bonus: the hubby couldn't stop smelling my hair!

I was so impressed with the shampoo and conditioner (and after seeing the results in the video), I definitely want to try the Blow Dry Cream. It seems like the perfect product to use when I want to switch to a straight style! There's actually a really great starter set that will let you try all 3 products at a reasonable price...

Chocolat Smoothing Collection 3-Piece Starter Set $24 at Sephora.com

I realize I'm a little late on the train, but the more exposure I have with Carol's Daughter products, the more I love them! What's your experience with the brand? What are your fave products from the hair care line? And have you had a chance to try any of the skin care products? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Until next time...

Ciao, XxO

Q

PS: PR provided me with the shampoo and conditioner to try. I was not paid to do a review and all of the opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

Carol's Daughter "I AM Because You Are" Competiton

So, perhaps I’m going a bit overboard in my love affair with oils, but I can’t help it! I’m starting to think there is an oil (or oil based product) out there for just about any purpose you might need it for.

I’ve known for years that the best time to moisturize your skin is while it’s wet; sealing in water while it’s still on your skin is the optimal way to maintain properly balanced and hydrated skin. Trouble for me is, I can never seem to get moisturizer on my skin straight out of the shower or bath. I either get distracted by my hubby or one of my girls, or I’m tending to the needs of my hair or face before I turn my attention to my body. So this morning, I had a revelation: What if I had a dry oil mist to spray as soon as I got out of the shower? Kind of as a base, to seal the moisture in? Then I could do whatever else I needed to do, and if I wanted to layer on more moisturizer later I could. Genius, right?

I was going to use Facebook and Twitter to ask if anyone had any recommendations as far as dry oil mists, and then I stumbled on to this little gem…

Memorable Mists Trio; $29.50 on CarolsDaughter.com

(Just in time for Mother’s Day) Carol’s Daughter has created a custom Mother's Day Gift Set: the Memorable Mists Trio. The set includes the Almond Cookie, Sugared Violets and Orange Ambrosia Dry Oil Mists to pamper mom (or any woman, really). These delectably scented mists will keep your skin moisturized and positively glowing. Each fragrance is wonderful on its own, but you can also blend them together in order to create your own custom scent. This limited-edition gift set will be available in Carol’s Daughter stores and CarolsDaughter.com.

Carol's Daughter is also inviting fans to celebrate their mothers with the "I AM Because You Are" competition, sponsored by Sprite. You can share the invaluable beauty lessons your mother has taught you by posting a note about it on the Carol's Daughter Facebook Wall. Here are the details: