If you follow me on Twitter (which you totally should!), you’ll know that every Sunday, without fail, I’m off to get my hair done. I love taking the time out every week to get my hair did - whether it’s a trim (or chop!), deep condition, styling, or a simple wash and set - I love being able to relax and give my hair the TLC it deserves. A few weeks back I came home to a lovely package courtesy of the folks at CLEAR hair care. Not only did they give me the scoop on their newest product, the CLEAR Ultra Shea Deep Nourishing Treatment Mask, but there was even a personalized message from Oscar James!
Oscar is one of the LEADING hair stylists and has worked with Vanessa William, Tyra Banks, and is the man behind Nicki Minaj’s new, more grown-up do. It being Sunday and all, I decided today was the perfect day to let Oscar himself spill the tea on CLEAR’s new mask.
It’s no secret that I live and die by the brand’s Nourishing Scalp & Hair Oil, so I’m itching to try out the mask!
I’m making it my mission to finish all of my products before I run out and buy something new. After cleaning up my room (a bit) I realized that I SOOOO many beauty products that I haven’t even touched. So, here is the first batch of products I’ve been loving lately…
A new to me brand, Kinara means “on the edge” in Hindi and is all about bringing spa services home. The Kinara Weightless Infusion is a serum/gel combo that contains peptides, powerful antioxidants, and skin lightening agents that creates an oil-free primer. I apply this underneath my moisturizer top prep the skin.
Speaking of moisturizer, I’ve been using Patyka Ultra Riche Radiant Face Cream that has Rose Hip Oil which improves cell regeneration and increases collagen production. It sinks into my skin, doesn’t have an overwhelming scent, and doesn’t leave me feeling greasy. The last skincare product is Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Eye cream. I’ve already spoken about Rosa Arctica face cream that I was using (and finished to the core!) but this eye cream revitalizes the appearance of skin in the eye area over time, smoothing crow’s feet and lifting the eye contour area. I don’t have any concerns in the eye department now but, hey, it doesn’t hurt to start early!
Moving on to the hair department, I’ve eased out of using too many products now that my hair is short BUT I haven’t completely abandoned ship. I’ve been relying on oils to tame frizz, keep my hair shiny, and easy to style. My number one love has been Kerastase Elixir Ultime Moringa Immortel. A lightweight oil for damaged hair, this has a lovely scent (as all of the Elixir Ultime oils from Kerastase do) and is rich in Vitamin A and C. When I’m not using Kerastase I go to my trusty friend, CLEAR Ultra Shea Nourishing Scalp & Hair Oil. I’ve waxed poetic about this before but it’s non-greasy and lovely. I’ve been applying this to my scalp versus my hair itself just because I’ve been having dry scalp lately and no one wants to see dandruff flakes flying about. Ew.
Lastly, I recently received a sample of Garnier Fructis’ Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment. A wee bit heavier than the previous two oils (but not to the point where my hair is lying flat and gross), a little bit goes a long way to tame frizz. I love it best when applied to wet hair then blow dried.
Disclosures: a few product samples were given for editorial consideration.
Lately, my hair has been acting up but I seem to have found a regimen that is working. While I like to switch up my styling products here and there, the basics remain the same.
Dr. Miracle’s Tingling 2 in 1 Dandruff Shampoo & Conditioner: a while ago D. Miracle’s completely rebranded with new packaging and a new milder, citrusy product aroma. The 2 in 1 dandruff shampoo and conditioner is blended with Vitamins A & D, Aloe Vera and Peppermint Oil to treat and soothe the scalp as it fights dandruff.
Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Dry to Moisturized Conditioner: this conditioner is thick and moisturizes like no other. After using the conditioner, my hair detangles easily and is always left soft.
Motions Deep Conditioning Masque: I was introduced to Motions’ new Naturally You! collection earlier this year and I haven’t looked back. Infused with shea butter, and coconut and avocado oils, I use the deep conditioning masque immediately the conditioner (under heat) so each strand is hydrated.
Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy™ Ultra Shea Nourishing Scalp and Hair Oil: one long as hell name, yes. Clear is a brand new line focused on reinvigorating your scalp, not just the hair. Without proper scalp care, your hair is susceptible to breakage and damage and as someone facing both of those I couldn’t wait to try out the line. The Ultra Shea range is made specifically for African American women with relaxed AND natural hair. It contains a blend of shea butter and natural oils, including vitamin E, sunflower, coconut, almond, soybean, argan, and palm, to soothe scalp. Super light and non-greasy, I love applying this one to two times a week for a bit of nourishment.
All of these products are available at mass drugstores near you.
