Archives for February 2019

Review: It Cosmetics Gives Women ‘Confidence’ with New Skincare Products

February 27, 2019

They say confidence is the best accessory (oh and a smile), but without confidence, your smile surely wouldn’t shine as bright.

That’s why confidence was the running theme at It Cosmetic’s mid-winter soiree last night. The leading beauty and cosmetics brand took attendees on a splendid journey celebrating confidence and showcasing new products from their “Confidence In a…” line.

Upon entering the lavish and incredibly inventive event held on the city’s west side, editors, bloggers and influencers were asked to check their insecurities at the door. In turn, guests’ “insecurities” like fine lines, dark circles, dry skin and other perceived beauty shortcomings were transformed into literal cases of confidence.

After receiving our self-assurance boost at check-in, we were whisked into the main event where we were given boarding passes and passports to leave behind all insecurities and embrace our inner confidence.

Throughout the venue, there were stations spotlighting the new offerings including, Confidence in a Foundation, Confidence in a Gel Lotion, Confidence in a Cream Rosy Tone and Confidence in a Neck Cream. Additionally, there were several swoon-worthy photo stations that served as pretty backdrops to complement the product launches.

From billowy cotton-candy to pink lemonade-infused signature cocktails, the event was teeming with special touches and creative details throughout.

Here’s the scoop on all the four new products:

Confidence in a Foundation: This lightweight, full-coverage foundation is similar to my favorite, CC Cream by the brand, but provides a flawless finish that stays put and hydrated for up to 24-hours. Plus, it’s matte, which works wonders for those who suffer from oily skin. Available in 48 alluring shades, you’re bound to find the perfect match. Available here, $32

Confidence in a Gel Lotion: Oil-free, this moisturizer is a lifesaver for those with dry, sensitive skin. The water-like gel makes absorption easy and virtually weightless. Thanks to cactus flower extract and ceramides, it seeps into pores creating a smooth, filter-like finish. For dry, sallow skin, this is the answer to your skincare woes. Available here, $36

Confidence in a Cream Rosy Tone: I’ve been using Confidence in a Cream for a couple years and couldn’t be happier with my supple, radiant results. When I learned about the new Rosy Tone offering, I was a bit skeptical. As a brown-skinned woman, I feared that the pinky-peach hued cream wouldn’t complement my dark skin. Luckily, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Somehow the Creamsicle-smelling moisturizer masterfully provides maximum hydration with a hint of pink that gives an enviable flushed glow. You won’t regret giving this Rosy Tone a spin in your beauty rotation. Available here, $48

Confidence in a Neck Cream: Nothing ages a woman more than her neck. Ok, I’m not sure if that’s scientifically proven, but most people would agree. Enter Confidence in a Neck Cream. This firming moisturizer is formulated with ingredients like seaweed extract to provide elasticity and tautness that blur wrinkles and keep your neck smooth and tight. Ditch your stash of turtlenecks and opt for v-necks so you can flaunt your décolleté confidently. Available here, $52

What brings out your confidence?

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Review: Amazing Beauty Hair Extensions

February 18, 2019

Last year was hard. The unexpected loss of my beloved cousin and several other relatives who passed, 2018 was a depressing year. The trauma and stress of losing loved ones took a toll on me mentally and physically. The most noticeable setback was on my head, front and center: my hair. I suffered extreme shedding and multiple seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups, which also cause temporary hair loss. To say my hair was under attack would be an understatement.

Enter: Amazing Beauty Hair, 100 percent natural hair extensions. I’ve never worn clip-ins. In fact, last year was the first time I ever wore extensions of any sort (I donned two cornrow braids). That might be hard to believe, but prior to last year, I always had thick and healthy medium-length hair. But thanks to the unwelcome stress, my cherished strands took a major hit.

Thanks to Amazing Beauty Hair Extensions, I was able to restore the fullness that I’d had most of my life. The afro texture (12 inch) was spot-on with my 4c kinky-coily hair. Being an extensions amateur, I was afraid that they wouldn’t match my hair and I wouldn’t know how to properly install the all-natural human hair clip-ins. To my surprise, it was so easy that my 9-year-old daughter could do it!

It’s as simple as sticking a few bobby pins in your hair and voila! Each box comes with varying widths to customize your style. Instantly, my lackluster twist-out was transformed into a thick mane of luscious curls. I couldn’t believe how effortless it was for a hair extensions novice like me. Plus, it restored my confidence. As a woman, having hair issues can wreak havoc on our self-esteem, which I experienced firsthand.

Amazing Beauty Hair Afro Kinky Coily (12 inch) clip-in extensions available here, $85.

While I’ve taken the proper steps to manage my stress levels and seek treatment for my scalp problems, Amazing Beauty Hair clip-ins keep me looking and feeling good in the meantime. And they look so natural that no one notices when I’m wearing them—not even my husband! They blend in so well that it subtly adds oomph.

Now that I’ve discovered how simple they are to install, I’ll use them whenever I want to switch things up or add length. Whether you’re a clip-in newbie or master, these extensions are a must for upgrading your look.

Have you ever used clip-in extensions? If so, what do you love the most about them?

Category: Beauty | 1 Comment

Why The Mane Choice’s Tropical Moringa Is a Top Pick for Curly Hair

February 8, 2019

When it comes to hair care, The Mane Choice is one of my main choices (pun intended). Finding brands that work for me and my daughter’s hair can be challenging, but The Mane Choice is one that I can count on to satisfy our individual hair care needs.

I’ve tried several of the black-owned brand’s collections and have been thoroughly impressed — Tropical Moringa, one of their latest, is no exception. The delightfully-scented line includes a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask. The fragrance is so inviting that it mentally transports you to an exotic Caribbean island where coconut piña coladas and pineapple smoothies are on deck.

Infused with biotin, sweet oil, honey and moringa seed oil, each of the products brings out the best in both of our unique hair patterns. As someone who suffers from dandruff and occasional seborrheic dermatitis flare-ups, the shampoo effortlessly removes stubborn flakes, leaving my curls fresh and scalp clean. Also, since my hair sheds a lot during the winter months, the refreshing lather locks in moisture to prevent breakage. For my daughter who doesn’t have dandruff or breakage issues, the shampoo leaves her hair strong and smelling good without drying it out.

It’s no secret that we natural girls love a good conditioner, and this one doesn’t disappoint. It’s thick and rich, which I love because it saturates my coarse, kinky-coily hair providing it with ultimate hydration. Thanks to the sweet oil and honey, it provides an enviable gloss that’s hard to achieve with other products. For my daughter, who has finer, looser curls, it isn’t too heavy and doesn’t make her hair feel dense or weighted down. Instead, it restores moisture and defines her natural texture by enhancing her springy ringlets.

While I haven’t tried the other products from the line, since they’re packed with the same restorative and strengthening ingredients, I’m sure they’ll deliver the same supreme results.

Have you ever used any products from The Mane Choice? If so, what are some of your favorites?