Keep Skin Clear Naturally with Belli Skin Care!

Having been pregnant 3 times, I closely remember having to adjust so many things in my daily routines - from what I ate, my normal activities, and even what I used on my skin! I remember the anxiety that came with wanting to make sure that I still looked my best {which isn't always the easiest thing with surging hormones and a burgeoning belly} without putting anything on my skin that could potentially harm my baby. That's a really difficult feat when you have acne prone skin, as many products created to treat the condition contain ingredients that are no so good for babies. But now, there's Belli... {products sent for review/feature consideration}

Original Sprout Natural Styling Balm AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

Original Sprout offers natural hair styling products that help improve hair health and are ideal for all hair types. Their Free & Clean formulas contain soothing emollients & organic botanicals to smooth frizzies, tame flyaways & support curls softly. Their leave-in treatments restore moisture and help protect hair from UV damage and dryness.

My Tropic Isle Living (JBCO) Routine! AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

A while back, I did a post about a hair care regimen I was trying out, that incorporated products that included Jamaican Black Castor Oil. They garnered decent results, but being the true product junkie that I am, I jumped on the chance to try another line of products featuring the “miracle” ingredient. Enter Tropic Isle Living!

Hydratherma Naturals AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

There is one more product that I received to review from NaturallyCurly.com and Hydratherma Naturals, but this is the series of products I used initially. The review on the last product, the Moisture Boosting Deep Conditioning Treatment, will be covered in a later CGC. 

HPO Spa Treatments Butter Drops AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

HPO Spa Treatments Butter Drops (MSRP $11) available at drugstores...



Product Description: This aromatic blend of citrus and lavender provides deep hair conditioning with just a few drops. Use Butter Drops as a hot-oil treatment before shampooing hair or apply a few drops to reduce frizz and keep unruly hair in line. Butter Drops provide frizz control. You can also add a drop to HPO Body Lotion to relieve extremely dry skin or use it to soften stretch marks. 


Ingredients: Jojoba oil, extracts of orange and lavender and HPO essential oil blend.
Product is silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, and glycerin free.

My Take:  I'm all about oils and this one has a bright, citrusy scent that I love. I use it as a detangler on dry hair: concentrating it on my scalp and on my ends. It works wonders that way! I also really like that it is multi-purpose and that I can rub any excess oils into my elbows, knees, and cuticles.

Until next time...

It Started as a Supplement for the Kiddies, Turned Into My Newest Beauty Obsession; AKA: The Many Faces of Sea Buckthorn Oil

I'm not gonna lie, I've had these supplements for a while, but it wasn't until recently that I enjoyed them enough to share with you lovelies. To me it's just proof that life is about perception; when you can't accept or embrace something initially, try looking at it in a different way.

Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle

Jane Carter Solution Scalp Renew (MSRP $20 for 2 fl. oz.)

Product Description: This all natural pre shampoo scalp treatment is great for stimulating hair growth by cleansing and exfoliating the scalp. The fundamental to growing great hair is a healthy scalp. The tea tree oil, sweet orange and peppermint will invigorate your scalp and exfoliate all of the toxins and sludge that slow hair growth. Not only does it make your scalp feel tingly clean, peppermint and tea tree revive your energy. Scalp Renew is a must!

Ingredients:  Pure essential oils of peppermint, lavender, tea tree, sweet orange, Vitamins A, D, & E, and Hybrid Safflower Oil 

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, glycerin free

My Take:  They had me at the convenient applicator tip! The oil is thin enough to seep into the scalp well (I find that thicker oils lay on top of scalp and just gunk up my hair). It leaves a refreshing, tingling sensation and really relieves dry scalp and flaking. Plus, it smells like yummy peppermint. I like to use it at night, preferably as part of my pre poo treatment, after detangling my hair. 

Until next time...

As If I Needed More Reason to Adore Davines: AKA: Davines Sustainable Beauty Day (October 15)

How cool is the illustration on this packaging?!?

I have been HOOKED on this rich, creamy, delightful smelling butter for the past month or so. Davines Authentic Replenishing Body Butter is remarkable because unlike some other products that claim to multitask (but really only perform best at one duty), this wonderful cream works just as well in my delicate, curly tresses as it does on my parched skin (my oily face makes me wary of using anything on it that uses the term "butter" to describe it). 

Made with 98% naturally-derived ingredients, this nourishing butter deeply replenishes both your body and hair. You can use it as a pre-treatment on dry hair before shampooing, or massage it onto your face and body for superior moisturizing.

But there's more to Davines than superior quality, salon grade hair care products...

Tropic Isle Living Leave In Conditioner & Detangler- AKA: A Curly Girl Chronicle (CGC)

Tropic Isle Living's Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler

Product Description: Give your hair that extra vibrancy it needs by using Tropic Isle Living's Leave-In Conditioner and Detangler with a fusion of Rosemary, Shea, and Jamaican Black Castor Oil. This conditioner not only conditions your hair,  it also calms tangled hair making it so much easier to comb through. It adds extra sheen and moisture-helping to keep your curls looking fresher and more defined than ever. Use on dry hair to refresh your style. Do not rinse out. Squeeze an adequate amount of product into palms and apply over, under and through hair. For more defined curls apply product to wet or fairly damp hair.  

Ingredients:  Organic Aloe Juice, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Shea Oil, Vitamin E, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Stearalkonium Chloride, Meadowfoam Oil, Phenoxyethano, di-Pathenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Black Willow Bark Extract, Rosemary, Bay, Basil, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Pimento, and Cetearyl Alcohol.   

My Take:  I *love* a spray detangler/leave in conditioner, and with the all star list of ingredients (aloe juice, JBCO, and Pro Vitamin B-yes please!) in Tropic Isle Living's Leave In Conditioner and Detangler, I had very high hopes for this one. And I was not disappointed! It was a great introduction to the brand (stay tuned for more reviews of their products), and a great product to boot. I used it on Kenzie to detangle her ever growing mane (I promise she has more hair every time I do it) and was so pleased with the results that I attempted French braided pigtails on her for the first time...

The only way her hair could have turned out better is if she had actually stayed still :)

Thusly motivated, I aimed the spray at my own tresses in order to dry detangle my own hair (my normal pre poo habit) and was once again so impressed with the results, that I actually held off on washing my hair. The conditioner left my hair so shiny and soft and smooth, I just couldn't convince myself to wash it away! The only slight caveat to this product (and it is not at all a deterrent, even for me the fragrance snob) is that, in order to maintain the integrity of the formula, there are no fragrances added to any of the products in the Tropic Isle Living line. What you smell is a combination of all the wonderful, natural ingredients within-a scent that I can only describe as nuanced, earthy, and herbally-not at all unpleasant, just perhaps something that you are not used to. Until next time...

Eden BodyWorks Jojoba Monoi Line

Eden BodyWorks was founded by 13 year old Jasmine Lawrence to address the need in the hair care market for all natural products that actually work. There is no alcohol, petroleum, mineral oils, or sodium sulfates in any of the products, ensuring that your hair doesn't just appear healthy, it actually is!  

I was pleasantly surprised by how well my hair responded when I used these products. Out of the four, there are definitely some hits and some misses, but when used all together, the results were stellar! Here's a breakdown of each product I tried:

CGC: Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

Kinky-Curly Curling Custard

Product Description: Curling Custard gives moisture and curl definition, hold and brilliant shiny hair! An all in one product that will simplify the styling process and provide you with the best value for your dollar! This high-performance product is very concentrated so a little goes a long way. It reduces bulk, defines and elongates your curls, helping them to 'hang' better. Curling Custard will bring out the natural curl or wave pattern you never knew you had! It is an advanced botanical formula made with all natural ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair. Utilizing the humectant properties of the agave nectar, Curling Custard will give weight to your hair, define your curls, remove frizz, provide long-lasting hold and shine without ever being greasy, crunchy or drying.


Ingredients: botanical infusion of water, horsetail, chamomile, nettle and marshmallow, organic aloe vera juice, agave nectar extract, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin e), pectic, citric acid, potassium sorbate and natural fragrance

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, organic, protein free, glycerin free, animal friendly



My Take: This was the curly girl jump off product for us! We use this in London's 4a/b hair and are huge fans! We've tried other products, but nothing promotes and holds her drinking straw width ringlets like the Curling Custard. It leaves her hair shiny and with a subtle scent. The best part is, as long as she wears a satin cap to sleep, we don't have to worry about even touching her hair for at least 3 days! This is one of those products that we just can't live without!

CGC: Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Shea Moisture Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  All-natural hair dressing moisturizes hair and imparts a shine and bounce to curls. Nutrient rich vegetable butters condition hair, restoring moisture, body and shine. Enhances curls, minimizes frizz and provides curl control. For thick, curly hair. Adds moisture, definition, and shine.

Ingredients: De-ionized water, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, Macadamia Ternifolia seed oil, Mangifera Indica (mango) seed butter*, Persea Gratissima (avocado) oil, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil*, Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract, silk protein, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) seed oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (carrot) seed oil, Caprylyl glycol, Sorbitol Esters, essential oil blend, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract and Tocopherol (vitamin E). * these ingredients are certified organic.

silicone free, paraben free, organic, glycerin free

My Take: This product is the first I've used from Shea Moisture and I was truly impressed by the results we achieved using the Curl Enhancing Smoothie! I used it immediately after washing and conditioning my 3b hair, as a leave in conditioner and detangler. My curls were nicely defined and my hair was soft, shiny, and beautifully fragrant. It resisted humidity induced frizz and though I used no other product after applying the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie, my 2nd day hair is gorgeous as well! We also used the product on Lo's 4a/b hair and had great results with her as well. In fact, my husband refuses to use anything else in her hair! We are definitely fans and will continue to use this product and look forward to trying more items within the Shea Moisture brand.

Give It Away, Give It Away, Give It Away Now! Use Me! Products

I love the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and used this line for the title of a giveaway way back when, but I think that it will be the recurring title of all giveaway posts, so remember this!

You may recall my review of Use Me! Cleanser and Moisturizer for Fine Hair, as well as the Curl Up & Shine Cream, in my inaugural CGC (Curly Girl Chronicle). If not, you can refresh your memory here! Well the lovely people at Use Me! enjoyed my review so much, they not only have a link to it up on their website, they want to give one of you lovelies your choice of one of their four styling products!

Melvita Extraordinary Water

I'm not going to wax poetic on how much I love Birchbox (again), and though I do feel a bit indifferent about some of the items in my Jetset themed box this month (Band Aids designed by Cynthia Rowley?), I am very pleased with the rest of it (John Vavartos cologne for the hubby, a full size Eyeko liquid eyeliner, theBalm Stainiac lip and cheek stain), especially the gem pictured below...

Melvita Rose Floral Water

CGC: Karen's Body Beautiful Butter Love

Karen's Body Beautiful Butter Love (photo via NaturallyCurly.com)

Product Description:  Made only from rich, thick butters and luxurious oils, Karen's Hair Butter conditions, softens and adds sheen to fragile, stressed hair. Great for natural, relaxed or pressed hair. Use twice a week on hair and scalp or more as needed. (Works best on dry hair.)  Adds moisture and shine.

Ingredients: Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Mango Butter, Jojoba Butter, Aloe Butter, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils, Grapefruit Seed Oil & Vitamin E

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, glycerin free 

MyTake:  This butter was soft and rich and gave my daughter's 4a/b hair great sheen without being greasy. However, while the Lavender Vanilla scent is nice, it is also very powerful and my scent sensitive hubby found it to be a bit... cloying. I like it though; I just recommend not using this in conjunction with other products that have any discernible scent as I could see that being a tad overwhelming to the senses. But as far as how the product itself performed, I was very pleased. I will be using it for myself when doing up do's and to smooth down my edges and for both of my daughters (to seal the ends of 2 strand twists after detangling and to smooth edges).

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

CGC: Alikay Naturals Bentonite Me Baby %100 Pure Bentonite Clay

Alikay Naturals Bentonite Me Baby 100% Pure Bentonite Clay 

Product Description: Bentonite Clay is a natural clarifier, used to purify your skin, hair and entire body. Its healing properties are activated once clay is wet. Bentonite safely pulls the impurities out. Use as a hair mask for defined curls and clean hair. Product adds definition.


Ingredients: Pure Bentonite Clay

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free

My Take: I'm not going to lie, I had this for a while before I got the courage to use it. It's in powder form and you have to mix it (the instructions suggest using olive oil and water, but I've seen it mixed with aloe vera as well), so I was a bit worried about concocting it correctly. But then I was motivated by a YouTube video to go ahead and give it a shot, and I'm very happy I did! It will probably take another use or two for me to get the whole mixing process right (it was a bit too thick and chunky and a little difficult to thoroughly apply all over my hair) but the results were so good, I'm definitely going to continue to use this on a regular basis. It left my scalp feeling fresh and clean and my hair was so soft afterwards! I opted to use some (light) oil after rinsing it out and the overall results were excellent!

PS- This product was sent for review by naturallycurly.com. I was not paid for this review and all opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :)

CGC: Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine

jane carter solution nourish & shine (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Oh my gosh...You have never in your life experienced a product like this! We blend all-natural butters with vitamins and essential oils to create this hair nourisher. It completely melts into your hair and adds incredible shine. It never leaves your hair feeling greasy! Nourish & Shine helps to reduce dryness on the skin and scalp. Order two and hide one for you! It's a great mid-day frizz-banisher! Carry one in your purse to touch up flyaways. Product adds moisture, shine, and provides frizz control.

Ingredients: Natural Butters, Essential Oils, Vitamins

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free, glycerin free

My Take:  After reading other reviews, I feel a bit guilty for not liking this more than I do; perhaps I did not use it correctly, and I'm certain I will give it another shot. I'm pretty much a wash and go girl; I don't generally do shingles, twists, or braids (which I think this product is more suitably used for). I used this on wet hair and while it left my hair "moisturized," it was also kind of sticky. I did find better results when I used it to smooth down some flyaways when I pulled my hair back in a high ponytail. It imparted a nice sheen to my hair. I found the scent refreshing, citrusy, and very reminiscent of summer time, but the hubby thought that it was too intense and overpowering and requested that I not use it again in his presence (he alluded to it smelling like a citronella candle). I do really like that the product is all natural and is multipurpose. I think I might like it better as a skin moisturizer as opposed to a product for my hair...

PS-This product was sent to me for review by NaturallyCurly.com. I was not paid for this review and the opinions stated are 100% honest and my own :) It is available for purchase on CurlMart.com and select Target Stores.