White Sands Orchid Bliss Shampoo and Conditioner

I miss warm weather. Dearly. So while I usually prefer to adjust my fragrance selections to match the seasons (more fruity, floral, citrus scents in the spring and summer and musks, orientals, and woodsy scents in the fall and winter)-when I'm missing the sun, I sometimes try to trick my senses in to thinking that it's warm out by using products with scents that are more... "tropically oriented." Enter White Sands Orchid Bliss Revitalizing Shampoo and Conditioner...

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...

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: 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: U R Curly Soya Shampoo

U R Curly Soya Shampoo (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:   Our Soya Shampoo is free of alcohol, parabens and sulfates. It is made with soy protein and enriched with Abyssinian Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Echinacea and Aloe. Whether you wear your hair long or short, the friendly ingredients found within our weightless U R Curly Soya Shampoo will clean and moisturize your hair leaving it smooth and soft to the touch. Our unique formula is designed to soothe your scalp, reducing breakage, nourish damaged hair and help promote hair growth– helping you reach your hair goals. 
Ingredients: Artesian Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Taurate, PEG 150 Distearate, Polyquat 10, Menthol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Polysorbate 20, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Fragrance, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinine

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free

My Take: I was kind of on the fence about this shampoo based on my first impressions, mainly the scent (which is not bad; you can definitely detect the menthol and tea tree oil that are listed in the ingredients) and the texture of the product itself (it comes out of the bottle like a thick gel but when you rub it together it feels very sticky and kind of off putting). It also took quite a lot of product to cover my hair. But... once I got it in there it lathered decently and left my scalp tingly. The package says to leave it in for 2 minutes (which is a bit odd for shampoo I thought), but I listened and I'm so glad I did. When I rinsed the shampoo out, my hair felt like silk. I was shocked and amazed and pleased! Definitely an unusual product and it might not be for everybody, but I will definitely be using it again. 

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: 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: Entwine The Manipulator Creme Jelle Styler

Entwine The Manipulator Creme Jelle Styler (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Designed with real-world technology, perfected with natural Honey, Safflower Seed Oil & Vegetable Protein for limitless, re-definable styling for natural and transitioning. Adds definition, provides frizz control.

Ingredients:  Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Oleth-20, Polyacrylate-14, Candilla Wax, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Stearic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Behenyltrimonium Chloride, Ceteareth 25, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Honey, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol (Hair Strengthening Complex), Ethyl Hexylmethoxycinnamate, Fragrance, PEG-90M, Aminomethylpropanol, Propylene Glycol (and) Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate Phenoxyethanol

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, glycerin free 

My Take: I really like the packaging on this product. That alone had me intrigued. It has a very light, pleasant scent, but a very unusual, almost chunky texture. I used just a little bit to smooth down the edges of my 3rd day hair and while it worked fairly well at that (my edges didn't look as dry and it definitely tamed my mane in front, which is what I was looking for). However, I am skeptical to use this all over, as it felt a bit waxy and sticky and was actually kind of difficult to remove from my hands. Let's just say I'm not looking forward to the task of having to wash it from my hair. After I test to see how easily (or not) it washes out of my hair, I think that it will be perfect to use on London's 4a/b daughter, to seal the ends of 2 strand twists and to smooth her edges as well as Peyton's (who has transitioning 4b/c hair). 

PS- 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: 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: Arrojo Gentle Conditioner

Arrojo Gentle Conditioner (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Sulfate and sodium-chloride free. Adds luster, shine, and moisture, with natural and organic ingredients. Lightly scented with fresh verbena. Adds moisture and shine.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Honey/Mel/Miel, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Agave Americana Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Oil, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Extract, Amodimethicone, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Curcurbita Pepo (Pumpkin), Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Fragrance/Parfum, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Trideceth-12, d-Limonene, Linalool.

sulfate free, organic, protein free, glycerin free

My Take: This conditioner was thick and rich and made my hair so silky soft. It provided the perfect slip for detangling and restored the moisture that a day in the sun and pool had sapped. It has a very gentle scent, sort of like chamomile or green tea. I love that it is sulfate free and I will definitely be using this light and gentle conditioner through out the summer. (I think I may just throw it in my bag to carry to the pool and use as protection for my hair through the day!) I love that it is organic and safe to use on my girls too!

PS-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. 

CGC: Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream

Amika Obliphica Curl Defining Cream (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Sea Buckthorn Berry (Obliphica) Curl Defining Cream with omega 7 + vitamin c tames, separates and smooths for curly, medium to course hair. Free of parabens, silicone and artificial colors. Safe for color treated hair. The Curl Defining Cream especially formulated for curly hair, provides conditioning and smooth separation without weighing hair down.  


Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Cetearyl alcohol, Stearic acid, Cetyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Hippophae rhamnoides (Obliphica) oil, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Polyquaterniu-7, Cetrimonium chloride, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Panthenol, Sunset yellow

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, animal friendly

My Take:  The fragrance is divine, the cream is nice and thick, and my curls looked great! Because of how thick and rich the cream is, I recommend using it on clean hair while it is still wet or damp. It offers frizz protection, curl definition, and wonderful shine. It is definitely one of my new favorite, go to products!

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: Burt's Bees gud Orange Petalooza Natural Softening Conditioner

gud Orange Petalooza Natural Softening Conditioner (photo via naturallycurly.com)

Product Description:  Condition hair naturally with moisturizing botanicals and a delicious scent of blood orange and hyacinth. 

Ingredients: Water, cetearyl alcohol, fragrance, ceteareth-20, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, hibiscus sabdariffa flower*, mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf extract*, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract*, thymus vulgaris (thyme) leaf extract*, urtica dioica (nettle) leaf extract*, glycerin, behentrimonium methosulfate, stearalkonium chloride, potassium sorbate, citric acid, alcohol denat. *Organic.

silicone free, sulfate free, paraben free, protein free

My Take: The smell is utterly delightful! The conditioner is smooth and creamy and you kind of feel good using it because it's Burt's Bees, you know? It provided enough slip to detangle my hair while wet, but it was really the smell that won me over. As a conditioner it performed well, but it wasn't particularly outstanding.

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: 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.