This is a short list of must-have items you probably don't know you need. They are gifts that keep on giving! I've fielded numerous questions relating to all the products I mention below, so this post is long overdue.
Q: What do you use to retwist and style your locs?
Fruit Of The Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel for Sunburn
Ok clearly it's not July for us here in North America, so I can imagine you'd like to know why the hell I'm recommending a remedy for sunburn. I promise it's not a cruel joke.
This alcohol-free gel *is* good for relieving sunburn, and calming the sting of mild burns and irritations. It's also exceptionally great for retwisting and styling #locs #naturalhair. I usually mix it with a few drops of hair oil before retwisting my locs, and I find that with normal maintenance and care my style can hold for 3-4 weeks at a time. . . Not that you should go that long with a style, do what works for you.
If you're looking for a rock solid hold that sounds like you're knocking on someone's car window when ever you touch your head, which usually means dry hair due to the presence of alcohol, this is not for you. I've never had an issue with this product flaking either. So if you're looking for a good restyling product, try this.
Q: What other healthy stuff do you use a magic bullet for besides drinking your vegetables?
Magic Bullet 12-Piece High-Speed Blender Mixer System
You've probably seen at least one Nutribullet commercial by now. I'm all about the convenience and efficiency of a liquified serving of veggies and fruit. Even if you aren't into exercise, incorporating Nutribullet recipes into your diet by replacing one or two meals a day can get you on the right track to healthier living. You can even try out the
Hamilton Beach Personal Blender
,
a more affordable, less powerful option. But what I really love about the
Nutribullet are the endless possibilities. Feel free to browse through my
Instagram for smoothie recipes. Here is another idea for your Nutribullet:
A wet seasoning mix that you can store in the fridge for about 6 months. Try blending these fresh ingredients: garlic, onion, basil, thyme, mint, scallion, a fresh spicy pepper like scotch bonnet (optional, ground black pepper or cayenne powder may be used instead), basil, parsley or cilantro, oregano, a couple Tbsps of water to keep mixture moist, finely ground sea salt (to taste - you can always mix in more at the end, a pinch of clove (optional). This is easy to whip up when we run out of our Bajan Seasoning at home and need something to tie us over. Feel free to add other favorite herbs like rosemary, fennel, turmeric, dried chilies to experiment. Try to use as many fresh herbs as possible.
The benefit of making your own seasoning is that you know and control what goes in it. This seasoning is great on meats, fish, in soups and sauces.
Q: How do you get your makeup to look on point but still look natural?
Like this?
Maybelline The Nudes New York Eyeshadow Palette
A significant part of
my au naturale makeup is due to this palette. If you follow me on
Instagram you already know how I feel about this palette. It really is EVERYTHING! I've been using
The Nudes for over 6 months now and I have absolutely zero criticisms of this palette.
- This palette is suitable for all skin tones. ALL. And is great on dark skin from cocoa to coffee bean and beyond.
- Mattes and shimmer for day to night, or subtle to glam.
- Great for travel. Literally the only palette you need when travelling.
- If you're creative, resourceful, and really into packing light, you can highlight and/or contour with select shadows in this palette. I really can't rave enough about it.
Q: What are you using on your face?
Dermatouch Natural Skin Care Skin Perfecting System:
This is my #1 Black Friday recommendation. Why? Because it's effective, it actually rotates, it does the same thing as the hundred dollar spin brush systems, DOESN'T COST $100, and it works! I use this
spin brush religiously to exfoliate my face, and alternate between the soft and firm brush heads depending on what my skin needs.
Frankly, every skin type can benefit from exfoliation. As a matter of fact, the brush pictured is the men's brush, which is basically the brush ... in black. Fellas, exfoliation is essential to diminishing ingrown hairs, keeping your skin smooth and your facial hair situation looking and feeling good. #beardgang membership stays intact.
If you've been looking for a spin brush to test before you splurge on an expensive brand, simply can't afford to splurge (no shame there), or if you are doubtful whether an exfoliating brush will work for you, this is a good place to start.
My Bonus Recommendation? My
oil cleansing recipe to improve skin found
here. This oil cleanse recipe works well in conjunction with regular exfoliation with the Dermatouch, to help fade blemishes.
Have you tried any of these products? Leave a comment and share your experience.
