An Attempt at Striping (Mani Monday)

Disclaimer: I am not a nail blogger or professional (so sometimes I color outside of the lines and my cuticles look a bit ragged). I am merely a girl who LOVES nail polish!

I'm going to keep it simple this Mani Monday {though my manicure sort of isn't}. I tried my hand {ha!} at nail striping but obviously, I need to brush up {ha!} on my skills a bit {the puns are really flowing this morning, huh?}

NO EXCUSES!!! Sun Protection for Everyone! (A Product Roundup)

Summer may be coming to an end, but sun protection is essential year round! Regardless of your race, skin tone, and geography-make sure you are lathering up with sunscreen every day and often! Here are a few of my favorite brands, formulas, and even some soothing after sun solutions!

My Magazine Haul! How Shopping and Reading Magazines Goes Hand in Hand for Me!

I get A LOT of magazines every month and it drives the hubby crazy. One of the ways I get rid of them quickly is by flipping through them and tearing out all of the articles and ads that interest me so that I can focus on those and throw the bulk of the magazine away. I then construct a wishlist from the torn out ads, and sometimes I actually end up buying some of the stuff! Recently, I've acquired quite a few things from my torn out ads and I thought I'd share my haul with you!

L'Oreal EverCurl Line AKA: An Introductory CGC

I'm calling this an introduction because in this post I will only be covering 3 of the 5 products in the line I received for review. The Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel (pictured below) and the Cleansing Conditioner (not pictured) will be featured in a future post.

Hydracharge Shampoo, Hydracharge Conditioner, Hydracharge Leave-In Cream, and Sculpt & Hold Cream Gel

L’Oreal Paris has launched a new line created specifically for curly girls called EverCurl! It’s a sulfate-free hair care system developed to handle all of our unique curly needs, from cleansing to styling. EverCurl products are designed to keep your curls, coils, and waves hydrated and conditioned.

Here is my first impression of the line:

L'Oreal Paris EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

Product Description: EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment with Argan Oil from Morocco (MSRP $12.99) is lightweight, salon-inspired oil treatment that does more than just smooth frizz – it revitalizes dry, frizzy hair to reveal smoother, softer strands with incredible shine. Instead of just coating the surface, this luxurious formula rapidly absorbs into the hair to condition and help seal in smoothness without feeling heavy or greasy. Supremely sleek, purely luminous, frizz-defiant hair. The multi-use product is perfect for all hair types and can be used day or night on damp or dry hair. Product provides frizz control and acts as an anti-humectant.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, Olive Fruit Oil (Olea Europaea Oil), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil (Argania Spinosa Oil), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil), Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Coumarin, Carrot Oil (Beta-Carotene). Product is sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, and glycerin free.

My Take: This oil perplexed me a bit at first. It smells fantastic (which I love) and I love just about anything with argan oil in it, so I was excited to try it out. I followed the directions (1-2 pumps applied evenly on damp hair), and the results were only so so. So I tried to use it when dry detangling my hair, but though the oil is on the thinner side (thinner than olive oil, thicker than grapeseed oil), it has a bit of stickiness to it, so that didn't work out too great. But then I had a "a ha" moment and tried it again after using a spray bottle to dampen my fourth day hair; this time I sectioned my hair and used a pump (or two) on each sections. That did the trick! My curls were smooth, frizz free, and shiny. And the oil didn't weigh them down at all so I had nice volume. Plus it soaks into the hair very well, so there was no greasy residue afterwards (though to be safe, I would wait a while before resting your head on most surfaces). It now resides under my sink (the second most coveted spot in my bathroom, after the countertop).


Until next time...

I Know I Can Be Faithful... AKA: What I'm Loving RIGHT NOW...

I go through a lot of product (well, maybe not a lot... more like, more than the average... who am I trying to kid? I go through a lot of product, quite happily). Some things I  love, some things are so so, some...not so much. Get a shopping list ready, these are the things I'm loving currently and though the lineup may swiftly change, all of these goodies come with Mama's stamp of approval....

photo via BathandBodyWorks.com

CGC: L'Oreal Paris Ever Sleek Super Sleek Intense Serum

L'Oreal EverSleek Super Sleek Intense Serum (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description: Say goodbye to stubborn, unmanageable frizz with EverSleek Sulfate-Free Smoothing System Super Sleek Intense Serum. This smoothing serum, infused with Argan, Sunflower and Olive oils, helps control rebellious and unruly hair without the weight of heavy silicones. Hair is left shiny and stunningly sleek. Silicone-free 48-hour frizz control.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Steareth 100/PEG 136/HDI Coloymer, PEG 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PEG 15 Cocopolyamine, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Courmarin, F.I.L. D48778/1

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free

My Take: As far as serums go, it's okay. For me, it falls short of expectations; it just leaves something to be desired (probably silicone). I think this is perfect if you are anti silicones, as it does give a nice sheen and provides some frizz control. I can't see using it again for myself for curly hairstyles, but I will use it to prep my hair for straightening. I also like to use it for added shine in my daughter's 4a/b hair. 

PS- Product was sent for the purpose of review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CGC: L'Oreal Paris EverSleek Finishing Creme

Product Description:  This lightweight cream, infused with Argan, Sunflower and Olive oils, helps seal split ends and control frizz. No heavy silicones. Just shiny, manageable and stunningly sleek hair. Silicone-free and 48-hour frizz control. 

Ingredients:  Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Triethyl Citrate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Courmarin, F.I.L D49067/2 

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free

My Take: I don't know about the 48 hour claim, but the cream did smooth my second day hair quite nicely. It is surprisingly lightweight, so it's best for when you just need an extra little oomph, but nothing too dramatic. It has a light, pleasant scent. I definitely like it for second day hair, but I don't think it's strong enough to help 3rd day hair. It also didn't do a whole lot for my daughter London's 4a/b hair. But I'll keep using it for sure! 

PS- Product was sent for the purpose of review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CGC: L'oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner

photo via naturallycurly.com

Product Info:  EverCreme Conditioning Cleanser is an innovative, gentle way to cleanse and condition in one simple step. Ultra concentrated conditioning power for ultimate moisture and shine. Sulfate-free formula won't strip hairs natural moisture. Low-lathering creme thoroughly cleanses while reducing friction on the hair fiber to minimize breakage. Triple action conditioning formula, with Omega 3-6, leaves hair soft and controlled. 100% Vegan-formula not tested on animals, no animal byproducts. (It is also paraben, silicone, and protein free.)

My Take:  I actually like this product, because I really put it to the test. I experimented with a DIY Honey Mask and this cleanser was able to thoroughly remove all traces of stickiness with ease (and that was after leaving the honey concoction in my hair for over 30 minutes). Like, it got my hair SQUEAKY clean. Which is a good thing, I suppose. But it' s also why I don't exactly love the product. I feel like it misses the mark on the whole "conditioning" claim.   I guess I was hoping that I wouldn't need an additional conditioner to feel that my hair was properly moisturized, but really, I did. 

Final Verdict: Stellar as a cleanser, as a conditioner not so much. Best for use to get your tresses super clean, just be prepared with an additional conditioner afterwards.

L'oreal EverCreme Conditioning Cleanser retails for $6.99 on Amazon.com

Disclaimer: The product reviewed was sent to me for consideration by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and the opinions stated are honest and my own.