Without Passion Man Is A Mere Latent Force And Possibility, Like The Flint Which Awaits The Shock Of The Iron Before It Can Give Forth Its Spark - Henri Frederic Amiel

How much intensity can you put towards life if there is no passion behind it?

If you asked me ten years ago what I wanted to do with my life; I wouldn't be able to express my passion with much conviction. Yes there were things I loved to do, yes I had interests, but I could never see those things as my passion or calling. These days we are looking for instant gratification anywhere we can get it. We want our food cooked in less than 30 minutes, we want to lose weight as fast as possible, and we want an answer to our existence immediately; which often leads to us settling for less than we deserve because we just don't want to "be". 

Taking the time to let the universe organically steer you towards your passion would mean you would have to let go of "titles". Often we live, date, marry and die by our title. Saying you're an aspiring actress, student, writer, or model sounds better than "I'm still figuring it out" to most people. So we live in a state of keeping up appearances, and seeking instant gratification instead of staying true to ourselves. 

 

One day I woke up and decided I was tired of faking myself out. I had to ask myself if being a Psychiatrist [I was a psych major] was a passion of mine, or if I succumbed to my own fear that I wouldn't amount to anything if I hadn't figured out my life by a certain age. Who determines the age threshold for having it all figured out anyway? - That fateful day I decided I wanted to do something with my life that ignited a fire from within, versus a job that gave "great pay and good benefits". I didn't care if it didn't have a fancy title, didn't care if it didn't pay 6 figures and most importantly, I didn't care what others thought. It was on that day that I understood that passion is the driving force for longevity. 

Passion will ensure that your path towards living your dream remains illuminated even in times of adversity and self-doubt. 

The next few weeks I will dedicate a series of posts geared towards finding and claiming your passion. Get your notebooks and pens ready and lets all take this journey together. - Before we begin however, there are a few things you must let go of in order to dig deep inside yourself and be ok with what you discover. 

You will first need to let go of your attachment to time. Worrying about when you have your epiphany will only cause anxiety and may force you to act out of desperation if you feel "time is running out". Instead, believe that the time you spend during this introspective period is an important part of personal growth and you will be rewarded with a solid mind and indispensable tools like patience, diligence and perseverance.

Be passionate about what makes you happy, not the amount of zeros on your check stub. For this you will need to let go of thinking a certain dollar amount will buy you happiness. What this means is that you should pursue your passion based on how fulfilling it is, not based on the salary or perks. Do not block your blessings by placing unnecessary restrictions on what you will or will not do. The power of passion coupled with positive thoughts and most importantly action, will cause a paradigm shift in your life. This means that if you're intentions are true and your mind is focused, the universe will supply you with everything you need in abundance. Walk in faith, and trust the most high on this one.

Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Let go of your ego. So your friends are all college graduates, your brother is in grad school, and your boyfriend just passed the bar. Your ego may want you to keep up. Your ego doesn't want to be left behind. Your ego wants bragging rights too. Understand that those are their paths and yours may be uniquely different. Never follow someone else's blueprint as each person has their own purpose in life. Allow yourself to detach from the opinions of others while you take the journey through self exploration. 


I found these beautiful images on weheartit - I picked them for the post to show just how beautiful different paths can be. Each path is uniquely different yet beautiful in it's own right like you and me.

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In The Kitchen: Chicken Tagilatelle with Mushroom & Brown Butter Sauce + Giveaway Winner Announced!

The winner of the Wasijiru Giveaway is: Empress! She says;

I wear my confidence like the soul of my ancestors. I am strong, confident, and full of pride in who I am as a woman, mother, fiance, and daughter, and friend.

Empress, please email me at nikole@themoptopmaven.com with your full name and address to claim your prize! Thank you to everyone who entered, as well as our sponsor Wasijiru! 
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Step away from your computer screen if you happen to be on a hard core diet. This recipe contains butter, more butter and honest to goodness heavy cream in large doses. - I made this dish for my mom and sister and it was gone before the sauce had time to cool off. This is a very simple dish to make that yields an authentic rich, creamy and intensely flavorful sauce. The key to brown butter sauce is making sure the butter is cooked long enough so that the moisture evaporates leaving a mass of flavor and richness that even the most finicky of eaters would appreciate. 

I found the recipe for this dish on some random Australian website. The directions were pretty vague so I winged it as I went along taking notes in case the recipe was a hit. Aside from it being a definite hit, this recipe is perfect for a quick, substantial weeknight meal. Prepping the ingredients to plating the dish took about 30-40 minutes. Not bad when you consider the yummy payoff! 

Chicken Tagilatelle w/Mushroom & Brown Butter Sauce [Adapted Loosely From Black Olive]

Ingredients: 

1 Large Portobello [or 2 regular] Mushroom/s [thinly sliced]

2 Large Chicken Breasts [chopped/uncooked]

1 Medium Brown Onion

1 Cup Dry White Wine 

1 box Tagliatelle pasta

1 Pint Heavy Cream

2 Large Garlic Cloves [crushed]

3 Teaspoons Fresh Thyme [finely chopped]

3 Teaspoons Fresh Basil [finely chopped]

3 Tablespoons Butter

1 Bunch of Italian Parsley [roughly chopped]

Directions: 

• Place a large pot of salted water on to boil.
• Chop onions and saute' them in a pan with the butter on medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and chicken, and cook until brown; this may take up to 10 minutes
• Add wine, then bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the mushrooms, then season to taste with salt, ground black pepper, and fresh herbs. Cook until the liquid is reduced in half; this may take about 5-10 minutes. 
• Once the reduction is made, add cream as well as parsley and cook on medium-high heat until the mixture reduces in half again and resembles a thick, creamy sauce; this may take anywhere from 10-15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place the pasta into the boiling water and stir until it floats freely. Cook for approximately seven minutes, or until al dente, then drain.
• Add the drained pasta and stir through until coated evenly

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Are You Feeling "Natural Weaves"? + How To Make Your Hair Extensions Last Longer!

Is it just me or are you loving the naturally curly look on these ladies? Rocking styles like the ones above can really help preserve your extensions by protecting them from heat damage. Rock a kinky texture like Solange, or do a Braid Out and wear a flirty look like Beyonce, or a twist out for mermaid-like locks similar to Teyana Taylor. 


I found an amazing vendor [Real Hair Exclusive] last year that sells hair that looks exactly like Afro American hair in it's naturally curly state. This would be a great install to achieve the looks shown above. Here's a picture of the hair!

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It's that time of year when many of us tuck our hair away and opt for protective styles like sew-in weaves for the winter. While they can be a great change of pace from your normal styling routine, they are also quite an investment as well. Proper styling tools, products and techniques can help stretch the life of your extensions from months to a few years. 


Styling Extensions
Heat should be used on low-settings. I actually recommend investing in Caruso Steam Rollers, as they are better for the hair versus thermal styling. 


Here are additional methods of styling that will help cut down on the use of thermal tools and stretch the life of your extensions:

• For spiral curls: Set hair on flexi rods and sit under the dryer for about an hour
• For waves: Braid hair while wet, and take down the braids once the hair is fully dry
  
• For natural looking spirals: Twist hair while wet, and take down the twists once the hair is fully dry

Shampooing & Conditioning Extensions:

• Finger comb the hair prior to adding shampoo
• Use a shampoo formulated for chemically treated hair [as they tend to be on the mild side] 
• Always use lukewarm-warm water for your extensions
• Use about a dime size-quarter size amount of shampoo for the hair, and be sure to work from the weft down, using gentle strokes. This will eliminate tangles and matting. 
• Rinse out shampoo using cool water and continue to rinse until the water is clear and there are no longer any bubbles present
• Lightly towel dry the hair using an old t-shirt or microfiber towel [I prefer an old Hane's tee]
• Apply a dime-quarter size amount of conditioner to the hair and allow to sit for about 10-15 minutes
• Rinse out conditioner using cool water and continue to rinse until the water is clear and there are no longer any bubbles present
• Lightly towel dry the hair using an old t-shirt or microfiber towel
• Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to add moisture back into the hair and protect it from UV rays, mechanical damage, dry air and thermal styling

Detangling Extensions:  

• Always detangle from the bottom up with one hand gripping the area near the weft. This helps reduce shedding and breakage. 
• Remember to use a wide tooth comb [not a brush] when detangling. Wide tooth combs create the least amount of tension, snagging and tugging. 
• Braid the hair in four sections and allow the hair to air dry. If you want to use a blow dryer, I recommend using a medium heat setting with a diffuser

Nighttime Care: 

• If you're wearing straight hair, cross-wrap your hair and sleep using a satin bonnet. This will prevent dents and waves in the hair.
• If you're wearing curly hair; braid or twist your hair in four sections and sleep using a satin bonnet. This will help prevent tangles and matting while you sleep. 
• Also remember to never sleep with wet hair!

Keeping Extensions Moisturized: 

• Moisturize curly hair about once every other day with a diluted conditioner. This will help hydrate the hair and retain the sheen and softness.
• If you're wearing your hair straight, you can add sheen to the hair with pure Coconut or Jojoba oil.

Product Recommendations: 
I exclusively used Goldwell Kerasilk products on my extensions throughout the years with wonderful results.

[photo source 1, 2, 3]

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The Transitioning Checklist: How To Transition With Minimal Breakage

If you are considering going natural yet the looming thought of uncontrollable breakage is keeping you from taking the plunge, check out some of these tips. While it isn't necessary to use all of the products I recommend, it is necessary to follow the basic rules of minimal manipulation, little to no heat, as well as maintaining a healthy moisture and protein balance. 

Common causes of breakage during transitioning: 
Lack of moisture
Lack of protein 
Too much manipulation 
Improper detangling methods
High stress hairstyles [like ponytails or tight braids]
Too much protein
Too much moisture

Following this checklist will help avoid some of these common issues: 
My hair styles don't last long
My hair breaks while combing
I'm having a hard time blending the two textures

And will also help answer these questions:

What styles should I wear while transitioning?
Can I use heat while transitioning? 
How often should I use a protein treatment?  
What products should I use? 

Shampoo: I recommend shampooing hair once weekly preferably with a sulfate-free poo to keep the drying effects to a minimum. Remember that your scalp needs to be clean and free of debris for optimum hair growth. Also remember that some moisturizing and styling products tend to cause product build-up which in turns locks moisture out. Shampooing hair regularly helps keep your strands and scalp in the clear.

Deep Condition: Deep condition once weekly with heat. I recommend 30 minute sessions. This is very important as chemically processed hair tends to be a little on the porous side meaning that the amount of moisture your hair is able to retain is on the low side.  Weekly deep conditioning treatments helps to fortify your hair at the follicle as well as provide a much needed moisture boost.

Rinse: Rinsing all of the product out of your hair is just as important as cleansing your tresses. Excess residue left on your hair can not only cause product build-up, but it can also leave your finished style stiff and dull [due to the product coating the strands]. 
>>Do you have hard water? An ACV rinse is highly recommended to keep your hair free of mineral build-up as well [which also leads to dull, lackluster, moisture deficient hair].

Follow-up Condition: This is otherwise known as applying a leave-in conditioner to your hair. This is important as chemically processed and transitioning hair needs an abundance of moisture and nutrients to remain at optimal health levels.

>>It doesn't stop there, using a leave-in conditioner also helps make managing your new growth much easier as it leaves both textures pliable and soft.

Lock in Moisture: Lock in moisture with your favorite oil [see my list for product recommendations]. This will help your hair stay hydrated longer while imparting a nice sheen to your hair. 

Low Manipulation Style: Extremely important!The goal is to transition using styles that require little to no manipulation on a day-to-day basis. I would steer clear of ponytails and any other style that places an extended amount of stress on your hair. Remember that the line of demarcation [the point where your newgrowth and relaxed hair meets] is extremely fragile and susceptible to breakage. 
>>Opt for styles like roller sets, braid outs, twist outs, and flexi sets, as they require little manipulation to maintain the styles and they blend the two textures seamlessly. 


Skip the Heat: I would advise steering clear of heat until at least 6 months into your transition. Heat can weaken the protein bonds causing breakage near the line of demarcation and other areas the hair is too weak to withstand additional protein degeneration. 
>>If you want the sleek look of a thermal style, try a roller set instead. It is possible to get your new-growth silky and straight with the assistance of rollers or flexi-rods [you can see my flexi rod video here].

Other Key Points

Product Application: How you apply your product makes a big difference in the managebility of your hair, how long your hair holds a style, and how your hair looks and feels. Are you applying tons of products in hopes to tame your new-growth? If so you may actually be doing more harm than good. Not only does excess product weigh down your hair, but the film the product leaves behind can also make the hair appear dull, greasy and lackluster. 

Instead, try to practice the dime-size rule:
Serums: A dime size amount for your entire head
Stylers [like custards, creams and puddings]: A dime size portion per section you are twisting, braiding or rolling]
Leave-In Conditioner: A dime size amount per 3 inch section 

>>Are you having a hard time styling your hair due extremely thick new-growth? Spritz the new-growth thoroughly with your favorite moisturizer and cover with a plastic cap for about 15-20 minutes. This allows your hair to soak up all of the moisturizing properties making your hair easier to manage and will take some of the fuss out of styling.

Nighttime styling: Avoid cotton pillowcases like the plague. They can be extremely damaging to your hair, especially transitioning hair. The friction from the pillowcase can cause splits, tears and breakage. Use a satin pillowcase or bonnet for protection against cotton. 


Trimming: Trimming is an essential part of every hair care regimen and can help save your hair from additional damage. If you're ends are damaged, a trim should be in order immediately. Neglecting to trim can actually do more harm than good as split ends travel up the hair shaft until the strand eventually breaks. - Trimming schedules during your transition should be on an as needed basis. 


Protein Treatment: Protein treatments will help significantly curb [and in some cases eliminate] breakage whilst transitioning. Protein treatments help to fortify the hair which helps it withstand mechanical manipulation from styling and detangling as well as fill in the gaps along the hair shaft which will vary depending on the needs of your hair; however many transitioners operate on a 6 week protein treatment schedule. 


Detangling: Proper detangling methods can possibly eliminate issues with matting, ease styling efforts as well as make hair easier to handle while finger combing and moisturizing. I recommend a thorough detangling once a week during wash day [check out this detangling/shampoo tutorial], and finger combing if needed throughout the week.

[photo source]

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Model Behavior: Nail Your Makeup Application Like The Pro's

Ever wondered how to get fuller lashes? More coverage out of your concealer minus the cake? Or the perfect pout? Read on for the deets!

Concealer Tips:

• Apply a dab of concealer to the back of your hand to warm it up before applying it to your face. This will help the concealer blend in much better with your skin. 
• Don't forget to add a bit of concealer around the bridge of the nose, the outer corners of your eyes as well as the sides of your mouth, as the skin is thinner in these areas which causes them to appear darker
• Build up the coverage. Concealer looks most natural when applied in thin layers versus heavy applications.
• Use lightweight concealers around the delicate eye area instead of thick cakey concealer as cake concealers tend to enhance fine lines and wrinkles.  
• Use medium-heavy density concealers to cover dark blemishes and other imperfections
• Need to hide dark recessed circles? Use a concealer that is lighter than the shade of your foundation
• Need to hide dark puffy bags? Use a shade darker than your foundation 
• Have spider veins? Use a yellow-based concealer
• Sweep on a light layer of translucent powder with a medium size fluffy brush to set the concealer, leaving a flawless finish.   

Tools of the trade:

Loose Powder at Sephora
Face Concealer by M·A·C

Lipstick Tips:

• Moisturize or prime your lips before applying liner. This helps prevent feathering and also ensures your lip color will go on evenly.
• Want more of a professional look? Use a stiff lipstick brush to apply lip-color
• Always line your lips for more of a polished look. You can match the liner to your lip color, or opt for a flesh tone liner which lends a soft, natural look. 
• For rich long lasting color; apply lipstick, lightly blot with tissue then reapply lip color. 
• To give the illusion of fuller lips, dab a bit of clear gloss on the middle of your bottom lip 

Tools of the trade:

Lip Gloss by M·A·C
Lip Products by Claudia Stevens

Mascara Tips:

• Use a mascara primer to coat and separate lashes
• For thicker, fuller lashes; mix your mascara. Apply one coat of lengthening mascara, then apply one coat of thickening mascara.
• To make eyes appear brighter and wider, reach for an eyelash curler! You can curl your lashes before or after applying mascara [tip: warm the eyelash curler with a burst of warm air from your blow-dryer before using].  
• Apply mascara in three easy steps: 

1. Wiggle the wand near the base of your lashes [this darkens the area near the lash-line giving the illusion of thicker, plumper lashes]
2. Pull the wand up the lashes still wiggling the wand as you make your way up [this helps keep the lashes separated]
3. With your eyes closed, apply mascara to the top of your lashes near the base of the lash-line in the same wiggling motion, bringing the wand to the tip of the lashes

Tools of the trade:

Mascara by Ulta
Beauty Tools at Bloomingdale's

[photo source]

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Ingredient Spotlight: Lets Talk Curl Definers!

I have a love-hate relationship with "curl definers". During the beginning of my hair journey, I had a slight obsession with obtaining the perfect ringlets. I couldn't resist; the pictures of the smiling happy women with glistening silky curls coupled with the phrase "curl enhancer" [which I so desperately sought] lead me to believe that I too could have that kind of hair if I bought the product. Wrong. A few hundred dollars and a couple shed tears later, I started to accept and embrace my loose, wavy, sometimes slightly curly, curl pattern [as unorthodox as it is]. A word to my newbies out there; curl defining creams are meant to define and enhance a curl pattern that is already present. It isn't going to turn highly textured hair into silky perfect coils, nor will it dramatically change the texture. What it will do is help with curl formation which will in turn enhance [and in some instances retain] your natural curl pattern until the next use.

What puts the "definition" in your curl defining creams? 

Polymers/Co Polymers/Cross-Polymers: Most [not all] commercially manufactured products geared towards enhancing curls, kinks and coils contain polymers. Polymers help to eliminate frizz and unite curls. Products containing polymers may also promise "long-lasting hold"; this is made possible as the polymers create a film-like substance over the hair keeping strands together thus protecting the curl pattern while locking out humidity. 

Wheat Protein: Wheat protein helps strengthen the hair whilst adding body and shine. Wheat protein also helps with curl formation and curl retention. 

Precautions: 

Polymers: Because polymers are "film forming" by design, clarifying shampoo sessions are recommended to remove water resistant, moisture-blocking buildup

Wheat Protein: Some protein-sensitive curlies may experience dryness after regular use of styling products containing Wheat protein.

Natural Curl Enhancers:

Aloe Vera Gel 

Agave Nectar

Tip: Mix 1 cup of shea butter, 5 tablespoons of glycerin and 1/2 cup of Aloe Vera gel with an electric mixer [with whisk attachment] for a natural curl enhancer that's easy on your wallet! This mix keeps well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Want to up the ante? Add a few drops of your most nourishing oils! 

Looking for some pudding, custard or cream recommendations? Here are my faves!

Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding

water, parafinium liquidum, glycerin, triethanolamine, fragrance, carbomer, PEG-12 dimethicone, dipropylene glycol, silk amino acids, aloe barbadensis leaf extract [Aloe Vera Extract], avocado oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil, macademia seed oil, oleth05, ethylhexyl methoxycinnanate, disodium EDTA, DMDM hydantion, ext. violet 2  

Bee Mine Bee Hold Curly Butter

100% Shea Butter, 100% Aloe Vera Gel, Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Glycerin, Rosemary Leaf and Chamomile Extract, Silk Powder and Perfume 

Komaza Care Coconut Curl Pudding

Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Oil Dipalmitoylethyldimonium Chloride (A derivitive of Palm Oil) aloe vera, acrylates, alkyl acrylates[polymers], Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 20, Cinnamon Cassia. 

[photo source]

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In The Kitchen: Quite Possibly The Best Darn Chewy Snickerdoodles Ever!

Growing up, I was never tempted to try Snickerdoodles. They lacked chocolate, nuts and some sort of gooey element that would have made them much more appealing than the boring mass of flour and sugar they appeared to be. In my adult years, I was introduced to Snickerdoodles and I fell in love. It's something about the marriage of a crisp yet chewy cookie that gets me every time. 

This Snickerdoodle recipe is absolutely amazing! The flavor is clean and filled with cinnamon-sugar goodness you are sure to love. I am a fan of recipes that are simple to make and don't require a ton of complex, hard to find ingredients. - If you do attempt this recipe, please remember to chill the dough as well as the baking sheet. This will prevent spreading and will yield perfectly round cookies. 

Snickerdoodle Recipe - Yields 4 Dozen [Adapted From RecipeZaar] : 

2¾ cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1½ cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Mix butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar and eggs thoroughly in a large bowl.
• Combine flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl.  
• Blend dry ingredients into butter mixture.
• Chill dough, and chill an un-greased cookie sheet for about 10-15 minutes in the fridge.
• Meanwhile, mix 3 tablespoons sugar, and 3 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl.
• Scoop 1 inch globs of dough into the sugar/ cinnamon mixture.
• Coat by gently rolling balls of dough in the sugar mixture.
• Place on chilled un-greased cookie sheet, and bake 10 minutes.
• Remove from pan immediately.   

** Cool dough and pan in between batches**

   

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Karen's Body Beautiful Review

I definitely need a stamp on my late pass because I honestly don't know how I slept on Karen's Body Beautiful (www.karensbodybeautiful.com). - I received a beautiful package chock-full of products courtesy of Karen's Body Beautiful and I couldn't wait to dive in and give them a test drive!

I'm still playing with the Butter Love [want to give a thorough review] and will give the shampoo bar a whirl next week so stay tuned for those reviews as well! 

The addition of Sweet Ambrosia made my hair fluffy & soft

Shiny hair after shampooing & conditioning

Here are the results: 

Karen's Body Beautiful Shampoo

Ingredients: Purified Water, Saponified Coconut & Safflower Oils, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Vera,
Echinacea, Nettle & Horsetail Extracts, Panthenol, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils & Vitamin E

Price: $12.00

Product Claims: Designed for dry, color or chemically treated hair, Karen's Ultimate Conditioning Shampoo cleans and moisturizes your tresses without stripping them. Perfect for dry, thirsty hair.

Review 
This was one of my favorite products of the bunch. I absolutely loved this shampoo because it moisturized my hair quite nicely. Because this product was formulated without the use of surfactants and foam enhancers, the lather isn't like that of a commercial shampoo, however it still cleans nonetheless. If you use this product, you may think due to the consistency and low-lather that you will need to use more however that definitely isn't the case. A dime-size amount of this product is perfect for an entire head. 

Best used as:  A weekly moisturizing shampoo. This is perfect for those with sensitive scalp issues that need a sulfate free alternative, those that are transitioning and are in need of a sulfate free poo, and even those that want to take a more natural approach to haircare! 


Would I purchase? Yes, this product definitely rivals a few of my staple shampoos minus the surfactants and un-necessary ingredients.

Karen's Body Beautiful Conditioner

Ingredients: Purifed Water, Grapeseed Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Jojoba Oil, Vegetable Wax, Aloe Vera, Peppermint, Yucca, Horsetail, Nettle and Melissa Extracts, Panthenol, Essential and/or Fragrance Oils & Natural Enzymes

Price: $16 8oz

Product Claims: The Deep Conditioner provides protection to thirsty, brittle prone hair with panthenol that seals the hair follicle. Best used on thick curly, coily, kinky textures.

Review 
Initially I was a little leery about trying this conditioner due to the consistency of it [thinner, lighter consistency]. However after applying it, my hair felt extremely soft and very pliable. Those that detangle with the aid of a conditioner would love this product as it detangles strands very well and has lots of slip. This conditioner seals the cuticles taming frizz while imparting noticeable shine! - I applied this to my hair, covered and left on for about 30 minutes without heat.

Would I Purchase? Yes, this product is well worth it's weight in gold. However I will more than likely reserve it for bi-weekly or monthly conditioning treats. I normally do this when I love a product but need to use it sparingly due to the price.

Karen's Body Beautiful Sweet Ambrosia [Formally known as Hair Milk]

Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, Vegetable Wax, Panthenol, Arnica, Calendula, Echinacea, Nettle & Horsetail Extracts, Vegetable Glycerin, Wheat Germ Oil, Essential and/or Fragrance Oil, Natural Enzymes & Vitamin E

Price: $16 8oz

Product Claims: You're only a few dabs away from lush radiant and soft hair. Karen's Sweet Ambrosia moisturizes the detangles, defrizzes and defines your curls. 

Review

Day 1: This creamy hair-milk like product has the consistency of a lotion or conditioner minus the greasy feel. Starting off well already. I added this to sections of my hair like I would a leave-in conditioner; being careful not to use too much until I get a handle on how the product works with my hair, so far so good. My hair absorbed the Sweet Ambrosia leaving my strands ultra soft and very manageable. - I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a great, natural leave in, or even a product to help with the detangling process.

Day 2: Today would come the true test. I used Eco Styler Gel for my twist out and as many of you know, you need something very moisturizing underneath to prevent the stiff, crispy look. I un-twisted my hair the next morning and it was shiny, extremely soft and free of product residue! Throughout the day, my hair maintained it's soft texture even in 50 degree weather [that's pretty cold for a Los Angeleno].

Day3: I tried this on my 3 day old braid out to see how it worked as a moisturizer and I loved it. I decided to re-twist my hair for more definition so I used this as a moisturizer/re-twisting styler and it worked well. It is light enough for daily use and doesn't leave a tacky, sticky residue behind which is perfect. 

Would I purchase? Most definitely, I would add this to the rotation of moisturizers and leave-in's. 

Best Used As:  Leave-In Conditioner - Moisturizer 

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This product was sent to me for review by Karen's Body Beautiful. In order to maintain the integrity of MTM, all samples sent by PR are for consideration only. This allows me to share with you products that work well for me and are worth spreading the word about. If you would like to read my entire policy regarding product reviews, please read the Editorial Policy by clicking {here}.

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Reader Question: HELP! How Do I Find Out My Skin Type?

"I read your post yesterday about not using Olive Oil on skin that has acne flareups and I think this is me. I used Olive Oil and I broke out all over my face and I'm afraid I don't know what my skin-type is. Please help! thx"

This is a very common issue for those that oil cleanse. I want to stress this to everyone reading this post, it is imperative that you choose the right oil for your skin type. Using an oil that is too heavy for your skin could lead to additional breakouts as well as blackheads. While using an oil that is too light can have the same results as well. This is one of the most common mistakes people make when attempting the oil cleansing method.

In this post, we will cover the different skin types as well as the oils that are best suited for your type. Please note that the recommended oils listed are for your secondary oils only. The main oil should be Castor Oil as this acts as your cleansing oil.If you have any additional questions, please leave them in the comments so that I can address them. Read on for the deets:

How do I know if I have oily skin?

• Your skin is blemish prone [acne - whiteheads - blackheads]
• Your skin is shiny due to excessive oil production
• You have enlarged pores on your cheeks and chin area

How do I know If I have Normal skin?

• You experience little to no breakouts
• Your face is hydrated and smooth
• Your pores are not visible
• You have an even, bright complexion

How do I know if I have sensitive skin?

• You experience burning or peeling with lots of products
• Your skin is very thin or delicate
• Your skin is prone to allergic reactions
• Your cheeks "flush" easily

How do I know if I have dry skin?

• Your skin appears ashy or dull [especially in women of color]
• You have wrinkles around the eye or mouth area
• Your pores are barely visible
• Your cheeks are flaky at times
• Your skin feels tight
  

How do I know if I have combination skin?

• You have large pores on your cheeks or chin
• You have acne on your cheeks, nose, forehead and chin [known as your T-zone]
• Your T-zone produces more oil than the rest of your face
• Your cheeks are drier than the rest of your skin

Now that you've picked your skin-type, it's time to choose the proper oils for your skin-type:

Combination Skin:

• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Hazelnut Oil

Sensitive Skin:

• Grapeseed Oil
• Borage Seed
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Rosehip Oil
• Apricot Kernal Oil

Oily Skin:

• Hazelnut Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Jojoba
• Apricot Kernal Oil

Dry Skin:

• Jojoba Oil
• Avocado Oil
• Olive Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Borage Seed
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Kukui Oil

Normal Skin:

• Jojoba Oil
• Grapeseed Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Kukui Oil 

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Shopping For Foundation? Here Are A Few Must-Read Tips + Tricks You Should Know!!

One of the hardest parts of makeup shopping for me used to be choosing the right foundation. Picking the wrong foundation can lead to all types of catastrophic mishaps like "cake-face" or the dreaded two-toned look [when your face is a different color than your neck]. When browsing the isles for foundation it is important to keep in mind your skin type as well as the type of coverage and finish desired.- Once you have picked the specific coverage and finish to suit your needs, the next step is testing the foundation to find a suitable match for your skin tone.

These tips will help you enhance in your inner beauty and take the fuss [and the guess work] out of choosing foundation.

Choosing The Right Foundation For Your Skin-Type

Pressed Powder by Iman
Face Makeup at Nordstrom

For oily skin:

• Pressed powder foundation: If you are looking for a matte finish with light-medium coverage, pressed powder may be your best bet! Pressed powder controls shine while leaving the skin with a matte finish.
• Oil-Free Liquid Foundation: An oil free liquid foundation will usually be labeled as "oil-free", or have water listed as the first ingredient. You can choose oil-free formulas in a matte or dewy finish.
• Mineral Makeup: Mineral makeup is ideal for oily skin types as it is non-comedogenic [won't clog pores]and it's formulated to absorb excess oil. As it a result it mattifies areas prone to shine while producing a natural, flawless finish.
  

Face Moisturizers by Bobbi Brown
Cream Foundation by Bobbi Brown

For dry skin:

• Cream Foundation: Cream Foundation's are ideal for drier skin-types as they tend to be more moisturizing and lends a dewy finish to the skin. If at all possible, avoid powder foundation if you have dry skin. Powder foundations can dry out the skin, leaving a dull/dry finish.
• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin. This is perfect for achieving that "no-makeup" look.

Loose Powder at Sephora
Cream Foundation by Iman

Normal Skin:

• Tinted Moisturizer: Tinted moisturizers offers a slight hint of color while hydrating the skin. This is perfect for achieving that "no-makeup" look.
• Mineral Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage while absorbing excess oil and hydrating the skin.
  
• Liquid Foundation: Offers light-medium coverage in a variety of finishes [matte - dewy - satin] while evening out skin tone and hydrating the skin.
  
• Cream Foundation: Is ideal for those looking for heavy coverage, or for those with uneven skin to
  

Cream Foundation by Iman
Liquid Foundation by Bobbi Brown

Combination Skin: If you have combination skin you should choose a foundation that is both moisturizing and formulated to control excess oil.

• Cream-Powder Foundation: Best suited for heavy coverage, cream to powder foundation controls shine in the T-zone and leaves your skin with a dewy finish. If you decide to use Cream-Powder foundation, go easy on the application to avoid the "cake-like" finish.
  
• Liquid-Powder Foundation: This type of makeup is ideal for those looking for light-medium coverage. Liquid Powder dries to a satin-like finish [a mix of dewy + matte].

Pressed Powder by Jane Iredale
Liquid Foundation at Nordstrom

Sensitive/Rosacea:

If you have sensitive skin, it's best to reach for foundations that are loaded with moisturizing ingredients, oil, paraben and fragrance free, as well as allergy tested.

• Two brands great for sensitive skin are: Cover FX & Jane Iredale

Choosing The Right Color For Your Skin:

1. Test three colors: First reach for the foundation shade you think best matches your color. Then reach for a shade lighter than that shade, and a shade darker than that shade.
2. Shopping at a drugstore for your foundation? Take three bottles [one closest to your skin tone, lighter, then darker] next to the entrance of the store [so that you can catch the natural light] and hold each color up to your jawline.
3. Always bring a mirror: When shopping at a department store for foundation, I always use natural light for the most accurate observation. Take your mirror and step outside when reviewing shades as department store lighting can skew the true color of foundation.
4. Test foundation on your chin or jaw line: The foundation that is no longer visible [or, the color that is closest to the color of your neck] should be your color of choice.
   
5. How does it look when dry? Some foundations change color as they dry due to oxidation. Those with darker skin tones may notice the foundation may get darker as it dries and those with lighter skin tones may notice more "orange-tones" on your face. 

Now that you have picked the perfect shade, it's time to apply your makeup like a pro! Want to apply your makeup with a flawless finish? Click {here} for my post + tutorial!

[photo source]

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