Great Linkage: Battle of the Oils

I just read a post on my sister's blog. She gave great details on Extra Virgin Olive Oil vs. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Honestly, I must admit that I am a EVOO faithful user. You can probably gauge that from my blog. I think that I have used Coconut Oil only once and that was when my sister was staying with me during a break and she had some. But, after I read that article I think I may head out to the local health store and pick up a bottle of Coconut Oil. It really is a shame that I don't own any. I must admit that I still think EVOO will continue to hold my heart.

Check out the link {HERE} to find out the pros and cons of EVOO and Coconut Oil. Its a great article.

My Fab Five

I mentioned before that I am not a major product junkie. Of course, I do have some products on my wish list like the Oyin Handmade line and different types of oils. But, for the most part I stick to my main products. So, I started thinking about what are my Fab Five products that I would need no matter what. Meaning, if someone said you are going to an island and can only bring 5 products these are the ones I would bring.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil: So, this is my main oil. I adore the weight of EVOO, the smell, and its many benefits. Also, my hair and skin loves this stuff so, this product has many functions. It is one of the few products that I use everyday no matter what.

2. Shea Butter: I adore shea butter! Usually, I mix my shea butter with EVOO in the microwave and let it set. I use this mixture to seal my ends and lay down my hair edges. I love this product because it is a great sealant.

3. Suave Naturals in Tropical Cocounut: I own a few conditioners but, this conditioner has earned it spot as my FAVE (HE Hello Hydration used to be my fave). It contains no cones, which is good. I am not against cones but, I do try to limit the amount of cones I apply to my hair. This conditioner is lightweight. Also, this is one of the few conditioners I will co-wash with, deep condition with, and use as a leave in. When, I apply this conditioner as a leave-in it does not weigh the hair down or leave a film behind. I know I love this stuff because I buy it like I buy tissue. If I am in the store, I will pick up a bottle of because I use it that much. And did I mention the price is so nice?!? It usually ranges from 0.94 to 1.09.

4. Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deep Moisture Shampoo: This is my only shampoo and I love it! Why change a good thing??? I do have an interest in trying out other shampoos but, this is my main shampoo. This shampoo contains great ingredients--sulfate free. And its easily accessible. I usually buy mine from Target and I heard that they now sell it at Walmart. The price is usually about $7-$8 but, I feel this is a very good price considering what a great product it is and its many benefits. I do like the Giovanni line as a whole but, this is my FAVE product from their line.

5. Water (H20) : Ok, I know that technically water is not a product but, it is essential to me. I was trying to think of a 5th product and I was having such a difficult time. Then, it came to me...water! Of course, we use water to wash our hair but, it also aids me in my numerous hairstyles. I constantly keep water in my spray bottle. I may mix it with conditioner, or a leave in, or oils, or just use it in its pure state. No matter how I use it, it is a crucial part of my natural hair care regimen. Also, it is the only product that I can consume and it will benefit my entire body:-)

So, do you have a Fab Five???

Natural Skin Care: Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is my skin today. I did not apply any foundation. I simply applied EVOO to moisturize it in this cold weather.

My sister, Auset, has taken an interest to completely natural skincare. I must admit that this sparked my interest also. She said that she went to Moptop Maven's blog and read all her posts her on her skin care so that she may implement them. I do plan on checking out her skin care posts and updating my skin care regimen.

For the time being however, I decided to tell you all a part of my skincare regimen that I have been using for months that I simply adore. I use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as a moisturizer for my face. It works wonders!

I know some people do not think putting oil on the skin is a good thing. They think that by adding oil to the skin that it will lead to more break outs. However, I have not suffered from breakouts since using this method.

My skin type is combination in the warmer weather and it is dry in the colder weather. After washing my face with simple IVORY soap and drying it. I apply about a nickel size amount of EVOO to my face in the warmer months (I double the dosage in the colder months).

Here are the benefits of EVOO on the skin:
1. Moisturizes the skin--no matter the weather
2. Gives the skin a nice glow that is not oily looking
3. Does not have an overpowering scent
4. Eliminated the dry white spots that I used to have around my eyebrows and cheek area.

In the past, I used St. Ives Collagen Elastin Moisturizer but, ever since I started using EVOO I have very rarely picked up the St. Ives.

Today, I applied the EVOO to my skin and I decided to forego the foundation today. This oil really keeps my skin moisturized in the cold weather. Usually, when I come into the building after being out in the cold air and wind my skin will feel like cracking but, it feels so supple today.

Tried Something New: Honey Deep Conditioner

So, last week I told yall that I purchased some honey. My sister, Auset, did a couple of posts on the benefits of honey so, I really wanted to try it on my hair. I did not know exactly how I was going to use the honey when I bought it but, I knew that I was going to use it in some method. Therefore, I went back to my sister's blog and then started checking out her posts on honey. I was delighted to find that she did a post that linked me to CurlyNikki's site. On CurlyNikki she provided a recipe for a honey deep conditioner. It sounded pretty simple to make so, I implemented it. All the recipe calls for is EVOO, honey, and optional conditioner.

Check out the recipe HERE.

Changes I made:
Now the recipe only called for 1 tablespoon for each ingredient. But, I increased the amount to 1/8 of a cup. I just don't think a tablespoon is enough for my thick mane. Also, the recipe said that you may add your fave conditioner (optional). So, I added my HE Hello Hydration. Another change I made was I did not put a hot towel over my hair once it was applied. I added a plastic shower cap and then wrapped my towel over the cap. I kept the mixture in for about 35 minutes. It was suggested to leave in for about 30 minutes but, I started chopping some vegetables and the time flew away.

My experience:
1. First off, I put the mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Maybe this was too long because that oil was so HOT! I tested it with my finger (which I suggest you do, if you plan on trying this) and it felt like it was going to burn my finger off. So, I kept checking back periodically and it stayed hot. So, not to waste time, I just added a little bit more conditioner to the mixture so, that it may cool it off some. This worked.
2. I applied the mixture section by section in my hair. Then, I distributed the remaining amount over my entire head.
3. After I took off the plastic cap my hair looked shinier and supple. (Sorry, I forgot to take pictures. Next time I will).
4. Also, after I mixed the EVOO and honey I had to take a taste. I mean I love EVOO and honey so, I was curious:-) It was good. I suggest you not taste it after the conditioner is added.
5. The smell of this mixture was simply divine. I mean, honey and coconut is a great combination. The sweet smell was in the air and my hair.
6. I will definitely be using this deep conditioner again.