SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System

I've already discussed my love for SheaMoisture's Superfruit Complex Bath and Body Collection here. Well, my little sister and natural hair crush/guru recently tried SheaMoisture’s Superfruit Complex 10-in-1 Renewal System for hair.  Her review is below:

This week I decided to switch up my normal “wash day” routine by using the SheaMoisture Superfruit Complex 10 - in - 1 Renewal System.  According to the brand’s website, this system is formulated with marula oil and biotin in order to hydrate, nourish, soften, and smooth hair, as well as protect it from heat, make it more manageable and enhance shine.  

The line features the following four products:

●     Hair & Scalp Serum:  “dual action serum nourishes scalp...add vibrancy to dull, lackluster hair...revitalize damaged hair…”

●     Shampoo: “”helps to perfect and renew vibrancy to dull, lackluster hair.  Sulfate-free cleansing.”

●     Conditioner: “Detangles while providing anti-aging benefits...softness and shine.”

●     Hair Masque: “When used once weekly, counteracts signs of aging by nourishing the scalp with our Superfruit Complex and infusing hair with ultra-moisturizing Marula Oil and Biotin”

First off, I was a little thrown by the anti-aging claims made for this product line but after a little research I guess anti-aging for hair is actually a thing...who would have known?!?!

For me the Hair & Scalp Serum was THEE absolute best part of this line.  I applied it to my scalp in sections, working it down my hair and adding a little more as I got to my ends.  I then covered my hair with a plastic cap and a bonnet to let my body heat help the serum work into my hair and scalp.  After about an hour I was ready to shampoo.  When I removed the cap from my head, my hair was visibly shinier and super soft to the touch! 

As I rinsed the serum out in the shower my hair remained soft and manageable and I was even able to detangle without conditioner (but of course with a wide tooth comb and under running water).  The ease of detangling was major for me since my hair is really curly and gets super tangled.

After rinsing the serum and detangling my hair I shampooed and conditioned.  The shampoo surprisingly maintained the moisturized feel to my hair.  This was a plus being that I’m not a big fan of shampoos because they often leave my hair feeling stripped (which is frustrating when you spend hours pre-pooing).  The conditioner was just okay for me...nothing special from other conditioners I’ve used.  Some people recommend using some of the Shea Moisture conditioners as leave-ins so maybe I’ll try that with this one and see how I like it.

Finally, I used the masque along with my Huetiful hair steamer.  After coating my hair with the masque and sitting under the steamer for 20 minutes I rinsed my hair with semi-cold water.  All in all, after using all of the products in this line my twist out was VERY well moisturized and my hair was super shiny.  Even my naked curls (with no product on them) felt healthy and moisturized.  I would definitely buy the 10-in-1 Renewal System serum and hair masque from this line.

I was invited to try this line of products by SheaMoisture.  If you would like to try them for yourself, the system can be purchased exclusively at Ulta Beauty or at Sheamoisture.com.

Obsessed with Wet N Wild Mega Last Lip Color

Every makeup maven’s obsession for lipstick, powder and paint probably started with Wet N Wild.  It certainly was the first makeup that I ever owned... I can fondly remember this particular shade of red lipstick that every girl in my middle school and high school wore that just had to be Wet N Wild, cause it was the exact same shade that my older sister used to bring us from her job at a local store. 

Yes, before I discovered the plethora of beauty and makeup brands available to every discerning Beauty Junkie, I was stuck on Wet N Wild for all my makeup needs. The affordability of the brand was also a major selling point for a girl, like me, on a modest budget. 

Over the years, I have admittedly strayed from my teen-hood favorite, but recently I have been drawn back to the brand.  

One of my current obsessions is Wet N Wild’s Mega Last Lip Color.  I was always a gloss girl until I stumbled upon these lipsticks a few years ago, now they are my absolute favorite lip colors.  My collection of these ultra-pigmented, semi-matte, crème lipsticks seems to grow almost every time I visit the drugstore.

Colors with Flash (l to r): Cherry Bomb, Stoplight Red, Vamp it Up, Bare it All, Cherry Picking, Purty Persimmon, Sugar Plum Fairy, Mocha-licious, Ravin' Raisin

Colors without Flash (l to r): Cherry Bomb, Stoplight Red, Vamp it Up, Bare it All, Cherry Picking, Purty Persimmon, Sugar Plum Fairy, Mocha-licious, Ravin' Raisin

These lip colors are long-wearing, four hours according to the brand, and moisturizing, thanks to Hyaluronic Microspheres and ingredients like natural marine plant extracts, Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamins A & E.

The color goes on smooth with no feathering or bleeding.  I rarely ever wear lip liner and still there is no feathering or bleeding.

With over 20 colors, the selection is quite varied.  In my opinion, these lip colors make great dupes for your more expensive favorites.

Wet N Wild has made some excellent upgrades to the quality of their products, but one major thing that has not changed is its affordability, making it easy for me to indulge in this old favorite of mine.  The Mega Last Lip Colors retail for $2.99, but at my local drug and grocery stores they sell for $1.99.

Kiki

REN Rediscover Radiance Kit

As summer winds down, I am getting my skin in glowing order with the REN Rediscover Radiance Kit.  

By the end of summer, our skin has been battered by sun, chlorine, sweat, and other elements, leaving behind parched, blotchy, lackluster skin.  

Fall is a perfect time to unveil a brighter complexion.  The Rediscover Radiance Kit does just that with a combination of four products, enriched with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, to revive and brighten a dull complexion, clear pores, and smooth the skin.

The centerpiece of the kit is a full size ($55 value) Glycol Lactic Renewal Mask (1.7 oz.).  This mask works wonders on acne-prone, sun-damaged skin.  Whenever I use it, I get an instant glow.

The mask combines four potent fruit acids—lactic, glycolic, tartaric, and citric—and papain enzyme for a gentle, yet effective exfoliation.  

Since it is very mild, I like to use this mask twice a week for a healthy, natural glow.  I always find that after using it, my skin is visibly brighter and makeup just glides onto my skin.

I also love the inclusion of the muslin cloth that you use to take the mask off.  I have been using it with all my facial masks lately.

Also included in the kit:

• The Micro Polish Cleanser (0.5 oz.) – This is a pretty decent exfoliating cleanser and a great        prep for the Glycol Lactic Renewal Mask.  The microbeads go to work immediately, rinsing away dirt, oil and impurities and leave my skin refreshed.

• The Radiance Perfection Serum (0.34 oz.) – A lightweight serum that helps brighten your complexion.  The brand touts that “regular use will help reduce the appearance of sun damaged skin and hyperpigmentation, and help to boost hydration.”   In the time that I used it, my skin was noticeably brighter and hydrated.  I also noticed some fading of old acne scars.  I am not too keen on the smell, but it is a great brightening serum.

• Two sample packets of the Resurfacing AHA Concentrate (0.7 oz) – This is the only negative to this kit for me, as I loved the concentrate more than the serum.  The Resurfacing AHA Concentrate is the only product besides the Glycol Lactic Renewal Mask that I would continue to purchase regularly.  It did phenomenal things for my skin with just the two applications provided.  My skin was clearer, brighter, and more refreshed.  I used this at night and then rinsed it off during the day, as it does feel a bit tacky when you apply it.  I can definitely say that I will buy the full size at some point.

The REN Rediscover Radiance Kit ($58) is a great way to kick-off your fall skincare regimen and a wonderful skin “pick me up” at any time of the year.  

NEST Fragrances Midnight Fleur

Lately I have been drawn to unique, uncommon fragrances…fragrances that are not obviously sweet or floral…the more exotic and sensual, the better.  That is why I am completely enamored with Midnight Fleur by Nest Fragrances.

Midnight Fleur blends the heady fragrance of night-blooming jasmine, vanilla orchid, and patchouli.  The provocative fragrance also includes exotic wood and black amber for a bold, luxurious, scent that once woke my husband from a deep sleep to remark, ‘you smell good.’

I love to wear this fragrance at night…it is such a warm, dark and incredibly sexy scent.

The art lover in me is captivated by the design of the bottle and it sits so pretty on my fragrance tray. 

The flask shaped bottle is adorned with the beautiful botanical artwork of 18th Century British artist Mrs. Mary Delany, who created 1,700 of these "Paper Mosaics" from the age of 71 to 88.  According to the brand website, “NEST Fragrances creator Laura Slatkin collaborated with master perfumers to translate these works of art into fragrances that capture the essence of each of the botanicals that adorn the products' striking packaging.”

I am anxious to try each one of these luxurious, elegant fragrances!

Midnight Fleur (1.7 oz.) retails for a very affordable $65 and is available at nestfragrances.com, Sephora.com, and other fine retailers.

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Bath and Body Collection

Ever since I returned from the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, I have been obsessively using some of the bath and body products I picked up at Shea Moisture’s A Better Way to Beautiful pop-up shop, held during the festival.  While most of the products I purchased were old favorites, I also snagged a few items from the Superfruit Complex Collection that were completely new to me.  After only a few uses, I can honestly say that I am hooked on this collection!

According to Shea Moisture, the Superfruit collection aids in contouring, firming and smoothing the skin with a blend of certified organic Shea Butter and Mango Butter to moisturize and rejuvenate skin, as well as Green Coffee Bean Extract to help nourish, contour and smooth dimpled, uneven skin.

The antioxidant-rich Superfruit complex includes Raspberry Ketone, Goji, Acai and Guava, all of which promote healthy, youthful skin. 

The collection has a wonderful, lightweight fragrance that is simply divine, like being transported to a tropical island.

I purchased the Bubble Bath and Body Wash; Hand and Body Scrub; and the Bath, Body and Massage Oil.  There is also a Body Lotion and Bar Soap in the collection.

The Bubble Bath and Body Wash has a great lather and is very moisturizing.  I pour a few capfuls under running water for a luxuriously fragrant bath, then use it as a body wash.  I love the lingering fragrance that clings to my skin.

I follow my bath with the Bath,Body and Massage Oil, which is so lightweight it quickly disappears into your skin, leaving no greasy residue, so I can immediately slip into my nightgown or pajamas.

I use the generously sized Hand and Body Scrub twice a week.  The fine grains of sugar in the scrub are very gentle to the skin, yet powerfully exfoliating.  I love that the scrub is not drowned in oil, so it is much less messy than some of my other scrubs…my husband can actually take a shower after me without slipping and sliding.

I really love this collection and it will definitely be added to my list of Shea Moisture favorites.

I have been a fan of Shea Moisture for several years because of their unique fragrance combinations and their dedication to all-natural, organic ingredients and. I also love that the brand leaves out parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, synthetics, petrolatum and other harmful ingredients.

The Superfruit Complex Collection prices range from $4.99 for the bar soap to $9.99 for all other products in the collection and can be found at sheamoisture.com, Target, CVS, Walmart, Ulta stores (Currently Shea Moisture products are Buy 1 Get 1 50% Off), and other mass retailers.

Shea Moisture also recently launched a Superfruit Complex Collection for hair, which includes a hair serum, hair mask, shampoo and conditioner.  The collection is currently available exclusively at Ulta stores.

Kiki

Lupita Nyong'o for Lancôme

Lupita Nyong'o makes her Lancôme debut looking as stunning as ever...

Wedding Day Beauty

Me at my 2006 wedding.

Summer’s here!  The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and love is in the air!  It is the perfect time for weddings.  June has consistently been the number one month to get married in, followed by September (the month I was married) and October.  So, in light of the unofficial start of wedding season, here are some beauty and skincare tips to get you from the vows to the last dance looking as beautiful as ever.

Doing my sister's hair and makeup for her 2011 wedding.

Enlist a glam squad for your big day – you will probably be a barrel of nerves that day, so making sure you look fabulous should be one less thing you have to worry about.  For my September 2006 nuptials, I got a professional manicure and pedicure and also had my hairstylist and makeup artist on hand.  It kept me free to relax and enjoy the process of getting ready to become a Mrs.

If you don’t want to shell out funds for a professional, enlist friends and family members who are handy with a curling iron and powder brush.  It really is calming to have someone pamper you on one of the most important days of your life.

Don’t alter your look too much – I wouldn’t recommend a drastic haircut or color, or trying out any crazy makeup shades on your wedding day.  A hair and makeup disaster is the last thing you need on your wedding day. 

Don’t go to heavy with the lipstick, powder, and paint – Let your natural beauty shine through, just make some enhancements.  Don’t hide behind a mask of heavy foundation, lashes, eyebrows, etc.  Trust me, he wants to see the woman he fell in love with meeting him at the altar, not a Japanese Kabuki performer.

Do a trial run with makeup and hair – The ceremony is not the only thing that should get a rehearsal.  Trying out a few wedding looks before the wedding will help you decide exactly how you want to look on your big day.  

Hit the spa, just don’t get a facial or chemical peel right before your nuptials – Facials can bring all the toxins in the skin to the surface, which may cause breakouts and chemical peels can cause redness and peeling.  You don’t want uninvited skin issues RSVP-ing to your day.  Not a good look for a bride.  Just say no to any facial treatments, but indulge in relaxing massages and non-invasive body treatments to your heart’s content.  My husband and I hit the spa together before our wedding day and walked away more calm than we had been in weeks, maybe months! 

Long wear makeup and a touch up kit are a must – Your wedding day can be long and exhausting. With all the kissing, hugging, crying, smiling, etc. that you will do that day, having makeup that can go the distance is very necessary.

Choose makeup that is long wear, waterproof, etc. and include a primer and setting spray or powder in your wedding day arsenal.  Also, be sure to keep your beauty essentials (blotting papers, powder,

 mascara, lip color, fragrance, etc.) close at hand for quick touch ups as necessary.

Speaking of long wear, make sure to choose a hairstyle that can keep up with your long, busy day, as well.  No droopy curls or unfurling topknots by the last dance.  Hold spray will be your bestie on your big day.

Have a signature fragrance – This is a completely frivolous one, but one I believe every bride should have – a wedding day fragrance that reminds them of their big day every time they spray it.  After nearly eight years of marriage, every time I spray my own wedding day fragrance, it reminds me of my ceremony and honeymoon…and the love of my life, of course.

Kiki