Archives for January 2020

Carol’s Daughter’s New Shampoo Just Made Wash Days Delightful

If you’re like me, wash day is not exactly a welcomed occasion.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a freshly cleansed crown like anyone, but the process of washing my hair can be arduous at best. Thanks to the godmother of curls and natural hair, Ms. Lisa Price, those dreaded days are over.

One of her latest Carol’s Daughter products, aptly called Wash Day Delight has been a godsend. The new water-to-foam sulfate-free cleanser is like no other shampoo I’ve ever used. Formulated with micellar technology and blended with aloe to help minimize tangles, the refreshing shampoo gently lifts dirt and buildup without stripping strands of moisture. Plus, it has a delightful scent reminiscent of freshly-cut grass mixed with cool cucumbers.

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Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight Shampoo available here, $10

Carol's Daughter founder Lisa Price during a live demonstration using Wash Day Delight in New York City on January 21, 2020.

Carol’s Daughter live demonstration using Wash Day Delight in New York City on January 21, 2020.

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Me attending the Carol’s Daughter Wash Day Delight launch party in New York City on January 21, 2020.

Clear and completely free of artificial colors, it looks like water, but don’t be fooled—it works. The foam turns into a rich lather that cuts through and coats thick curls while effortlessly deep cleansing the scalp. It also leaves hair feeling clean and lightweight because it isn’t weighed down with unnecessary ingredients that typically cause heaviness. Have you tossed your regular shampoos yet? If not, you will because this innovative formula will transform and upgrade your wash days.

What word or words would you use to describe your wash days? Also, if you want to try the new Wash Day Delight, you can get 20% off your purchase when you use “WashDay20″ at the CarolsDaughter.com checkout! 

IT Cosmetics’ Pillow Lips: Your Perfect Red Lipstick Has Arrived

Almost every woman I know who wears makeup is on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick.

For me, I’ve been on that quest for at least 15 years. I’ve scoured countless makeup counters, swiped on everything from deep brick reds to bright fire-engine reds and everything in between. Whether matte or creamy, finding the elusive shade that complements my skin tone has been a tall order.

Thanks to IT Cosmetics’ new Pillow Lips collection, my search is finally over. Enter True Red. This high-impact, highly-pigmented matte shade with blue undertones goes on smoothly and instantly elevates my look without appearing too garish. Formulated with hyaluronic filling spheres and soothing aloe, it’s the perfect lippie to help minimize those pesky wrinkles creeping up while providing long wear that doesn’t dry out.

Known for its stellar makeup and skincare products, Pillow Lips is the perfect addition to an already killer roster of makeup MVPs. With over 14 enriching shades in both creamy and matte offerings, these lipsticks are a godsend for us brown girls who aren’t afraid to put our lips front and center while bringing attention to our beautiful complexions.

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IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips in True Red (matte) available here, $24.

Have you found your perfect red shade? If so, what brand?

Gift Patrick’s Online Series: An Inspirational Gift for the New Year

Now that the new year is underway, it’s time to kickstart your resolutions and get the inspiration you need to stay the course. Well, look no further than my dear friend Gift Patrick for your dose of positivity to keep you motivated. Gift is the brains and beauty behind a new YouTube and Instagram series called, “A Conversation with Gift Patrick.” Additionally, on the latter platform she provides confidence-boosting words of the day to help spark positivity.

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With her signature contagious smile, warm demeanor and encouraging gestures that come when you least expect them, Gift Patrick is just that — a gift to her family, friends, coworkers, and now, the internet. It’s a gift that keeps giving, thanks to her eponymous Instagram page and YouTube channel, both platforms are a source of positive affirmations.

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Gift Patrick chatting with her guest, Dr. Shirly Madhere, a New York-based plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

On the channel, Gift invites an insightful guest to sit down with her in a comfortable setting. Then, they do what Gift loves best: They have a meaningful conversation. These guests range from esteemed pastors to business gurus, and while the chat travels down the path of each person’s vastly different life journey, it always ends at a point of wisdom. There’s no explicit advice-giving here; it’s an effort to bring listeners in and leave them feeling better—which is just how Gift feels after a heart-to-heart talk with one of her nine siblings.

Even yours truly was a featured guest last year. During our chat, I talked about being a busy working mom and everything that entails.

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If you’re looking for an enlightening conversation, definitely subscribe to her YouTube channel. Trust me, after watching the weekly series you’ll feel empowered, encouraged and uplifted!

Where do you get your daily dose of inspiration and positive affirmations?

Cirque Mechanics’ ’42FT’ Defies Gravity and Unlocks Imaginations

Want to get your kids’ New Year off to a great start? Well, look no further than New Victory’s  42FT – A Menagerie of Mechanical Marvels.

Although the show has been playing for a month, there’s still time to catch it before it ends this weekend.

Chockfull of incredible acts, the 1-hour and 45-minute show is an exhilarating treat for the entire family. From horse-juggling tricks to  high-flying Russian swings, the Cirque Mechanics pull out all the stops to keep children of all ages engaged and entertained. The performance showcases unfathomable strength, precision, balance and of course unmatched timing.

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Photo by Maike Schulz

Founded in 2004, the Cirque Mechanics is a premier American circus troupe that is unique in its approach to storytelling and performance. Wondering where the show got its name? Well, 42 feet has been the standard diameter of a circus ring for 250 years!

While the show is modern, there are elements that hark back to years past. The glittering costumes and overall flair of the show convey a sense of nostalgia that warms the heart and soul.

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A blend of mind-bending acrobatics, innovative gadgetry, eye-catching ensembles, gravity-defying stunts and unbelievable feats, 42FT takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride that only a thrilling circus can. My kids deemed it the best show they’d seen all year.

For tickets and more information, please visit New Victory Theater.

*Disclosure: I was provided a pair of tickets to review the show. All thoughts and opinions are my own.