What to Do When You are Thinking about Turning Back to the Perm…

We all have been there – sometime along our natural journey we began to consider turning back to the perm. Whether it’s because of hairstyle boredom, looking for a change or just simply missing those ‘bone straight’ days, no matter what the reason before you make a ‘permanent’ decision take the following intervention steps into consideration.

Recommendation 1: First of all, before you make any drastic decisions I would suggest that you put your hair in a protective style, braids, twists, bun, headwrap etc. and don’t touch it for a few weeks. And remember, you’re not alone. Many naturals go through this ‘phase’ throughout their natural hair journey.

When I look back on my decision to turn back to the perm (three times) after deciding to wear my hair natural, I truly wish someone would have done a ‘Natural Intervention’ for me. The first time I decided to turn back to perming I had made up my mind that I had ‘run out’ of style options – I got tired of wearing the same old two-strand twists (funny – now their my staple) and felt with a perm I had more overall choices.

Recommendation 2: If seemingly lack of style options is one of the reasons why you are thinking about turning back to perming consider this: natural hair can be worn in straw-sets, updos, chignons, pin curls, spiral curls and more, so the styles are really limitless.

Recommendation 3: Run – don’t walk to the nearest computer and click on your favorite natural hair website and browse through the photos for inspiration. Pay special attention to styles worn by people who have the same hair texture as yours, and look for short and long hair styles that will represent each stage of your hair growth, even if your transitioning. Create a hairstyle picture board or journal of possible styles you would like to wear and keep it where you can look at it each day.

The second time I went back to perming I just simply got bored with my natural hair, and felt that perming it would give me a ‘new look’.

Recommendation 4: If you’re seeking a ‘new look’ think about a hair cut or even enhancing your hair color with henna. Accessories are also a way to add some excitement to your hair style. Go on an accessory shopping spree or save your money and make your own.

Recommendation 5: If it’s just a straighter texture you want to achieve, consider the non-chemical options. For some, braiding or banding to stretch their hair may not be enough. Therefore, treat yourself to a professional hairstyle like a sewn-in weave (where your hair is cornrowed underneath), human hair individuals or even a wig. These are also great protective styles that will aid in the overall health of your natural hair.

The last and final time I was drawn back to perming was because of outside influence; people were hinting that they’d like to see me with straight hair and others were telling me how my old straight hairstyles were so cute. Not surprisingly, none of these people were naturals.

Recommendation 6: Surround yourself with like-minded people. Seek out a support group of naturals and read and re-read their journeys. Don’t be afraid to start a discussion on the topic on your favorite site – maybe something like, “Help! The perm is calling my name!” or even, “Tell me why you decided to stay natural.” Having a network of like-minded naturals is very encouraging, and will keep you in a natural state of mind.

Inevitably, not two weeks later after each of my re-perming sessions, I regretted turning back to the perm. Not to mention the time and maintenance, but I would leave the house with my permed style and a second later spot a model-looking natural, sporting a huge ‘Fro’ or swinging twists and immediately I wanted my natural hair back. All those times I re-permed, I really didn’t take the time to think it through.

Recommendation 7: Ask yourself  why? If your answer is similar to any of the reasons above, follow the ‘intervention’ steps – follow all of them if you have to. Make a list of all the reasons why you like being natural, and a separate list of all the reasons why you want to go back to the perm. Which list outweighs the other? Is going back to the perm really worth it?

“My mission is to promote a healthy, holistic approach to beauty by creating handmade hair, body and bath products made from a diverse selection of the highest quality natural ingredients from around the world. I firmly believe that health, beauty and wellness are entwined and so nature supplies us with all of the ingredients we need to create products to enhance your natural beauty. “- Karen Tappin Saunderson – of Karen’s Body Beautiful

Karen Body’s Beautiful Boutique and soon- to-come spa is located in Brooklyn, New York. But no need to worry if you can’t make it to BK, because you can experience her wonderful natural goodies with a few keystrokes by visiting the store website – karensbodybeautiful.com. Her most popular hair products are Hair Milk and Luscious Locks Moisturizing Hair Mask. The most popular scent is Pomegranate Guava.

Karen Tappin Saunderson’s hair story…
At around the age 13 or 14 – as most young girls do, Karen began getting interested in boys. She noticed that the boys were paying more attention to the other girls – the ones with perms – so she wanted one as well, but her mother was not having it. At that time Karen viewed natural hair, like her mother’s signature teenie-weenie-afro, as a style for older people. So although her mother told her she could not get a perm, Karen went behind her parents’ back and put one in herself.

Years later, her soon-to-be husband and Co-Founder of KBB, Damani Saunderson, and his family and friends, influenced Karen to stop perming her hair. Karen noticed that his family and circle of friends all wore their hair natural and it was beautiful. One day when she announced to him that she was going to get her hair “done”, he asked her, “Why?” That “why” although it was just one word, it carried a lot of weight with it. Karen began to ask herself “why” too.

Why do I perm my hair? Why alter my hair at (literally) all costs? What message am I telling the world by covering my natural hair with perm? Karen also felt that she was damaging her hair at all costs. She has since been natural for 10 years. Karen says that she understands that not everyone wants to wear their hair natural, but advises women to seriously ask themselves the question “why?”

“Can you look in the mirror and be happy with yourself 100%?” she asks. “Be true to yourself, do what’s most comfortable for your lifestyle, she added.

Karen’s Boutique …
Deciding at an early age that she wanted to be her own boss, at the age of 17 Karen was the CEO of her own mail order business, selling care packages. Karen’s Delicious Deliveries provided gourmet food gift baskets. Karen began paying attention to the labels of the items that were sold as a part of the baskets. As she read and studied the ingredients, she found that many of them were made with potential harmful chemicals such as carcinogens. She began replacing the items with natural ones, dropped the gourmet food and KBB was born.

In February of 2004, Karen and her husband opened Karen’s Body Beautiful, and after having to get up hours early before the shop opened to make her products in her home and then transport them to the shop on a daily basis, they added a kitchen within the shop. “I decided, why not work at work?” Karen shared.

Karen and her husband are also adding a spa to the back half of the shop that will offer manicures, pedicures, waxing, massages and body treatments, both for men and women. KBB is also planning a completely new look as far as product packaging – “It will be really fly and gorgeous,” Karen assures.

As far as switching to natural products Karen suggests finishing the products you have and as you run out, replacing them with natural ones. “Once you use them you will realize your hair and skin will benefit so much. You will see the difference in your life and your health. You’ll get inherent nutrients for your hair and body just as you do when you eat healthier. To me, it’s a rational decision,” she said.

More info on Karen’s Body Beautiful:
Website - www.karensbodybeautiful.com
Facebook Fan Page - www.facebook.com/pages/Brooklyn-NY/Karens-Body-Beautiful/173856026169?ref=nf
Twitter: twitter.com/karensbeautiful

Premier Nail Treatments, the Truth About Minx & the Next Best Thing! We’ve Got the Skinny on Spring-Summer Trends from Beauty Expert and Owner of the POLISH BAR BROOKLYN, Tricialee Riley!

Face it, nails are important. These days you can walk into a nail salon and find loads of brands and polishes to choose from. Nail brands like OPI and Essie are releasing seasonal collections like designer ready-to-wear. Nails are a major feature on contemporary runways and celebutantes are the messengers that help propel the trends we see. Real women however, with a conscious for style and expense are interested in three things: long-lasting options, glam-on-the-go and what’s next.

Spring is around the corner and your nails is the wild card that can take any look to new heights. Whether it’s a simple mani or an exotic Minx display, nails are a critical extension of a fashion head’s personal style. For our Spring-Summer 2010 nail trend report, we get the scoop from beauty insider, Tricialee Riley. In the industry since the age of 19, Tricialee is a certified beauty junkie and the owner of New York’s lacquered nirvana, The Polish Bar Brooklyn.

MAKE THE INVESTMENT: The Best Base + Top Coats

“Make the investment in brands that specialize in treatment not color”

“Women wonder why they’re nails are chipping within two days. The key to long-lasting manicures is your base and top coats.” Tricialee discourages the use of a cheap base and top coat brands. She urges us to make the investment in nail brands that specialize in treatment, not color. “My personal favorite is a product by treatment company, Nails Alive called, Gooey ($11.50). It’s super thin and has an adhesive base that sticks to the polish.”

Top coats are equally as important. There are many to choose from, but Tricialee happens to live for a local nail brand that manufacturers their products in the heart of Brooklyn. Duri’s Rejuvcote Nail Growth System ($12) is an all-in-one treatment great for a top or a base coat with contents that grow the nail.” Tricialee also loves Zoya’s Armor ($7) and Seche Vite’s Dry Fast Top Coat ($9.99). To extend the life of your mani, grab these brands at your local drug store and don’t leave home without them. If your go-to nail salon doesn’t carry them, bring it with you and urge them to use it!

GET CREMED: Spring-Summer ‘It Colors’

When we asked Tricialee about the choice colors for Spring-Summer she became giddy with girly excitement! “Spring-Summer colors are all about pastels and softer hues. Those harsh neon looks are yesterday.” Tricialee spotlights a nail line that we deemed the “Ultimate Sleep-On Nail Brand.” China Glaze is a brand that everybody overlooks but has been innovating colors for years. China Glaze’s “Something Sweet” could easily be the muse for the “it colors” of Spring 2010. Tricialee shares, “When China Glaze does a color, most major nail companies won’t catch on until seasons later.”  Essie’s new “Art of Spring” collection presents a charming palate of what to expect this season. OPI gets mod introducing an array of unexpected hues in primary colors like, “Jade is the New Black” for their “Hong Kong” collection. Tricialee does promise however that brighter nail colors in fuchsias and corals will remain a mainstay.

Here’s a preview of our fave Spring-Summer Colors:

China Glaze, “Something Sweet”
Essie, “Lilacism”
OPI “Suzi Says Feng Shui”
Ginger + Liz, “Boy Toy”
Zoya, “Lana”
CND, “Plumville”

THE POLITICS OF MINX: When to Wear + Making it Last

“Minx is a luxury service, it’s not for everybody”

We experienced the Minx craze last spring. Beyonce dazzled us with her gilded nails in performances and on red carpets. Dispersed throughout the entertainment and beauty industries, the trend was quickly adopted by other starlets like Rihanna, Solange and Lady Gaga. The Polish Bar Brooklyn (PBB) was one of the first nail salons in the country to offer the Minx service. Tricialee’s manicurists were especially trained by Minx specialists and tested various techniques to make this $55 manicure last. With a life expectancy of the expensive Minx merely lasting a hopeful week, women across the country are asking themselves is it worth it. Clarifying the misconceptions, Tricialee says, “Here’s the thing, Minx is a luxury service, it’s not for everybody.”

Tricialee reveals that the infamous service was tested on Beyonce. “Your average woman is scrambling through files in the office and washing dishes at home. How many dishes do you think Beyonce is washing?” So there it is ladies! If you think the $55 mani should stretch for your buck, your dead wrong.

It’s all about the application and Tricialee says there is hope. “When we first received the product, I sent one of my specialists home and told her, ‘take this home and figure out how to make it last.’” PBB offers four Minx tips:

1. Apply a clear top coat on the edge.
2. Buff nails to line with the product.
3. Use UV gel to seal the top of the product.
4. Think luxury and get the manicure for your special events only.

HIGH-END DESIGNER NAIL BRANDS: Is it Worth It?

High-end designers from YSL to Chanel are cashing in on the nail explosion with polishes that retail for as much as $18. We asked Tricialee about the hype and if it’s worth spending an extra dime on a designer polish. “There is no real difference between a Chanel polish and an Essie polish.” Tricialee explains that these major designer brands recognize the branding and trending perks of releasing seasonal colors. These colors however were already released by brands like China Glaze and Ginger and Liz before Chanel or YSL caught the hint. Tricialee also says, “Most of the popular colors like the Chanel’s “Blue Satin” for example were released as limited editions so people went wild for them.” Be aware of major retailers like American Apparel and Forever 21 who have recently launched nail polish lines. Save your buck and invest in what counts like your top and base coats.

WHAT’S NEXT: UV Gel Polish + Mixing + Nail Shapes

Tricialee reveals that the future of long-lasting wearability is the new UV gel polish. Ladies, if your looking for the ultimate lasting manicure in pop colors, you want the acrylic and polish mix that UV gel nail color offers. Known as “crystal nails” or “calgel nails,” this technique costing about $40 “cures and bakes” the polish on the nail. Tricialee says that the option can last for weeks and can only be removed by an in-salon treatment. According to Tricialee, “Nails will begin to outgrow the polish, but the polish lasts and lasts.”

The next big thing in nail fashion is mixing. Last spring, everyone from Necole Bitchie to Solange experimented with color mixing. It’s punctuating that pop color on the index or pinky fingers while using a muted color on the rest of the nails. In Spring-Summer 2010, we’re taking it to the next level with mixing that features a Minx design, matte color and the additions of materials on single fingers. How about this amazing nail trend spotlighted by Glamour magazine in September? The additions of materials like lace on nails is a fierce way to amplify any textured or print dress this spring. While matted colors alone are now a chipping drab, flip it with a matte and gloss french manicure a la Kim Kardashian! Kim’s black gloss tips on a matte finish was an explosive sighting last fall. Play with this look by using a pastel or a classic coral hue.

Say goodbye to those extreme square or rounded nails. Tricialee encourages a rounded square nail shape. Are long nails back? We see the revival of our mom’s long and rounded nails featured on Rihanna and other celebrity women. Commenting on the budding trend, Tricialee says, “It’s not realistic. It may be great for editorial but not for real women.” Tricialee further states, “Women today are texting and typing more. Professional women look for functional glam on the go. Nail companies are striving to develop products adapting to women’s changing lifestyles.”

The Polish Bar Brooklyn has ongoing specials like the “2-week Manicure” and “Green Gals.” PBB also has a February promotion on Minx designs for $40!

To learn more about The Polish Bar Brooklyn and Tricialee Riley check out polishbarbrooklyn.com. Follow them on Twitter at: twitter.com/polishbar_bklyn.

If you are ever in need of natural hairstyle ideas, or simply a bit of inspiration to help you along your natural hair journey the le coil website – lecoil.tumblr.com is definitely the place to go. le coil features tons of photos and artwork of natural hair, showcasing all types of hairstyles from loose styles like fros and puffs, to twists and locs. Likewise, the styles featured on le coil aren’t your typical ‘everyday’ hairstyles. Browsing through the bold, colorful pages of le coil you will also find the most unique styles on all textures of hair.

“le coil started off very simply as a little natural hair mood board, but has quickly turned into a full blown art/editorial project. Being natural myself, I’d been frequenting a lot of delightful blogs and message boards, but not much in the way of diverse examples of hairstyles,” explains Jamala, le coil’s founder & editor-in-chief.

Jamala, who is also the creator of the blog Miss Modular – wanted to start a natural hair site with, “a similar loose, image-centric format full of inspirational finds” and hence le coil was born. She says she keeps the site running with the help of benevolent contributors and friends. One can measure the popularity of le coil by it’s Facebook page which consists of over 2,480 fans.

“Sometimes it seems like half the battle of being a coilie is feeling like you’re not being represented in the same fun and artful way that other groups are, so from the beginning it was really essential to me that the photos be really bright, stylish and modern. Also, I want to make sure that there’s a strong representation of diversity among black women, whether it be with their hair texture, skin color, body type, profession or personal style. Overall, I’ve tried to maintain a design-forward, editorial approach while still letting things organically fall into place.”

Behind the le coil Photos:

Jamala is also the photographer responsible for most of the beautiful and inspirational photos featured on le coil. “I’ve been natural for about 9 years now, but since I was initially interested in finding cool inspiration from other ladies, I’ve yet to run a photo of myself. Many of my friends have been featured on the site though,” stated Jamala.

I try to maintain a balance of found images and our own original street style photography (photos taken by myself or contributors always have the little black le coil bar at the bottom of it). My own web junkie scouring leads me to a lot of great finds that are sourced everywhere from fellow bloggers to Flickr, to fabulous leads from friends and fans.

As for the submission of personal shots, I post them on a very limited basis. I’m incredibly grateful to those who are generous enough to share their photos, but I’m admittedly very selective to the (sometimes insane) point where I’ve even opted not to post photos that I’ve taken, for whatever reason….usually some sort of camera FAIL.

The Future of le coil:

There are tons of ideas brewing. One of the plans for the near future is to re-design again to help accommodate bigger photo features and add social networking elements. I’d also like to plan some cool events and maybe work on a way to bring le coil to the print world, whether it be in book or magazine form. Honestly, I’ve been bowled over by the enthusiastic response from visitors and I’m endlessly appreciative of all the amazing support. Whatever the future holds, I always plan to focus on the original objective of keeping people inspired.

More Info on Le coil:

Le coil Website – lecoil.tumblr.com
Facebook – facebook.com/lecoil
Twitter – twitter.com/lecoil

1. I have heard a lot about Carol’s Daughter but have never tried it. Is there a must have product from their line that I should try? Carol’s Daughter is a favorite from the backstage of a video shoot to the dorm room halls of college campuses. It’s a favorite because the products are all top of the line in quality plus the products really deliver. You know when you buy a product from their line that you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re new to the line I would suggest trying Healthy Hair Butter by Carol’s Daughter ($10, carolsdaughter.com) as a way to get introduced to the line. It’s creamy blend of essential oils of lavender, rosemary, and ylang-ylang promote general hair health for all hair types. The luxurious butter softens the hair, minimizes breakage, and conditions with nourishing shea butter, almond oil, and cocoa butter. I love the intoxicating smell and how hydrated my hair feels.

2. I have decided to stop flat ironing my hair and wear it curly this year. What are some really good curly hair products? That sounds like a good plan. If you condition your hair and use healthy hair products then by the end of the year your hair should be in amazing shape. And I think it’s wonderful that you are looking for products specifically designed for curly hair. Hair that is curly has special needs and usually needs extra moisture and conditioning. But finding a product that is a good fit for your hair might take some playing around. Before investing a ton of money in one product see if they have small sized versions so you can check to see if it does what you need it to do for your hair. I would start with the kit from Ouidad. The Ouidad Curl Essentials Starter Kit ($25, sephora.com) is a travel-sized quartet of curl-perfecting essentials. You get products that cleanse, condition, fight frizz, and revive your curls perfectly. Curls will be left bouncy and defined

3. I put a lot of heat on my hair and need something to protect it. Do you know of any light hairdress? Having hair treatments that use chemicals and using heat on your hair can cause spilt ends, breakage and dry scalp. So if you use chemicals or heat in your hair you have to find a good hairdress to help protect it. One of my favorites is Mizani Rose H2O Conditioning Hairdress ($17.99, target.com). This conditioning hairdress is enriched with special oil and botanical extracts which aid in revitalizing the hair and scalp. Its rich formula replenishes moisture and adds a soft, silky sheen to dull, dry hair. Rose H20 Hairdress contains a unique blend of ingredients that helps prevent damage while ensuring shiny, healthy looking hair. Plus its aromatic fragrance promotes a sense of well being as its soothing properties help prevent split ends and alleviate dry scalp caused by heat styling and chemical treatments.

4. My hair is bored with my current shampoo/conditioner. I think it no longer responds to it. Are there any amazing shampoo/conditioners for women of color that you can suggest that I try in place of my current products? It’s a good idea to switch up products every so often. I have found that sometimes my hair doesn’t’ get the same effects as it once did from certain products. If you are looking to switch I suggest trying Pantene Pro-V Relaxed & Natural Intensive Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner ($4.99 each, cvs.com).  Made specifically for women of color, they work to help create strong healthy hair that shines. The Pro-Vitamin shampoo is enriched with amino-proteins that penetrate the hair and contains amino-proteins that are naturally found in the hair but are gradually lost. It also is specially designed to protect hair against damage to keep it healthy-looking and fortifies hair with essential oils to keep it strong, soft, manageable and shiny. The conditioner is specially designed to protect hair against damage to keep it healthy-looking. It works hard to fortify hair with essential oils to keep it strong, soft, manageable and shiny. The duo works great for chemically relaxed, pressed or natural hair.

For those of us who have made, are in the process of making, or contemplating the great Exodus from chemical hair straighteners…

I – Thou shalt be thankful for the hair that adorns thy head. Your hair is your ‘crown of glory’ treat it as such.

II – Thou shalt not idolize the hair that adorns another’s head. The hair on your head is unique, it’s what makes you you.

III – Thou shalt not take the hair that adorns thy head in vain. Be aware of the damage that chemicals and heat can cause, some of the damage is irreversible.

IV – Remember to take the necessary time to pamper thy hair. Create a routine, set aside specific days for sealing your ends, massaging, trimming, washing, conditioning and styling your hair. A healthy head of hair will be your reward.

V – Honor thy mother, father and ancestors for the beautiful traits that they have bestowed upon thee, one of which is your natural crown of glory. Wear your natural hair with pride.

VI – Thou shalt not attempt to use a fine-tooth comb to detangle thy hair. Even before using a wide-tooth comb, use your fingers to detangle, and when detangling always start from the ends and work your way up towards your scalp.

VII – Thou shalt not be ashamed to wear your natural hair in public. Wigs, weaves, braid extensions etc. are all wonderful temporary ‘protective’ and ‘transition’ styles, but they don’t compare to the beauty of your natural hair.

VIII – Thou shalt not kill the hair follicles on thy head – with high heat, harsh chemicals or tight styles. Stay away from pore clogging, dry scalp causing petroleum based products; use natural essential oil based ones instead. Be gentle with your hair, seek out professional stylists who have experience in styling your hair type.

IX – Thou shalt not bad mouth thy neighbor’s hair. Be respectful and encouraging to those who have not yet chosen to wear their hair natural. Negative comments will only turn them away from the natural hair community.

X – Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s hair; thou shalt not covet it’s texture, nor it’s curl pattern, nor it’s length etc. Appreciate the hair that you were blessed with. Try different styles and accessories that accentuate your very own personality and style.

Dear Santa:

Hey big guy. I have been really good this year. I recycled my M.A.C products at the counter for a free lipstick. I bought some good for your skin Bare Minerals foundation. I use eco-friendly hair products. So I know I am in the NICE category this year (unlike previous years). We both know I am a complete beauty junkie so lets skip the iTunes gift cards and Monopoly board game and go straight into what I really want beauty stuff. I have made it easy for you these (part of my be good campaign and listed the prices and the sites you can find the products at). You’re the best!

-Nicole

P.S.- You might check out some Burt’s Bees for Men Shaving products.

List:
1. Dermalogica our favorite products to go! ($35, beautybridge.com) Even Santa admits that Dermalogica makes some of the best skincare products on the planet. They are the number one choice of skin care professionals and consumers worldwide. And with a sampling of their products it’s easy to see why. This great travel size kit of Dermalogica’s favorite products is a must have for anybody that wants healthy, vibrant, clean, hydrated skin. The kit includes to-go size bottles of Dermalogica PreCleanse, Daily Microfoliant, Gentle Cream Exfoliant and Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster in a convenient zip up bag.

2. Burt’s Bees Lip Stash Pack Classic ($8.95,Whole Food Nationwide) Santa knows how to stretch his money and this kit is one of the best values you can find. This set includes everything you need to get through the winter without dry chapped lips. It contains one old-fashioned tin and three recycled plastic tubes of natural lip balm. Burt’s Bees lip balm provides lips superior moisture and softening. It is the worlds best lip balm for dry lips. This set will make sure you have more then enough to last you through the long harsh winter.

3. Aroma Cocktails in Blueberry Daiquiri ($34, drugstore.com) If I get this under the tree I am going to throw away my boring smell good candles and put my current diffuser in the bottom drawer. This fun waterbead diffuser will be will be your new favorite home fragrance. It is a personalized fragranced waterbead diffuser set that is based on a hip cocktail. The colorful set contains: glass for ultimate display and use, shaped like a cocktail glass, with base matching the fragrance colour; cocktail shaker bottle containing waterbeads; mini liquor bottle containing refresher solution and stir stick to complete the cocktail theme. The Blueberry Daiquiri fragrance is full of the sweetness of freshly picked blueberries blended with the perfect mix of grapefruit and lime. A wonderfully intoxicating diffuser.

5. Midnight Glamour Hair Accessories Collection by Goody ($6.99, target.com) Santa knows that I love glamour. And there isn’t a faster way this season to get instant glamour then with The Goody Midnight Glamour Hair Accessories Collection. The collection consists of over 30 brand new hair accessories to bring glamour to one and all. You can choose sparkly barrettes and pins, luscious bows, glam rock headbands and enchanting clips. The collection of accessories are super versatile and can be worn day or not depending on your mood. And with prices ranging from $2.19 to $7.99 this gift won’t break Santa’s bank.

6. Black Opal Patent Lips Liquid Lipstick ($6.75, Major Drugstores/ blackopalbeauty.com) This super wearable lip color combines the best of what lipstick offers and the best of what lip-gloss offers. It is a shot of liquid color that wears like a lipstick with the intense shine of a lip-gloss. This color-intensive liquid lip color delivers high-pigment shine with a convenient wand application. So you don’t have to apply a lipstick and then a lip-gloss. You have it all in one. And it is long wearing so unlike a lip gloss you don’t have to keep applying. Plus it goes on easy and isn’t sticky or tacky. A great stocking stuffer!

7. Artic Straight Kit by Profound Beauty ($49, profoundbeauty.com) I have asked Santa for hair products as long as I can remember. As a little girl I wanted ponytail holders with the balls on them in every color. Well I have grown up and though my taste has changed by desire for hair products has not. This year I want the limited edition Arctic Straight Kit by Profound Beauty. This revolutionary kit will tame your style and create sleek, smooth, shiny, straight hair in a few easy steps. Step One: Tame your frizz with HUSH Time-Out Treatment, Step Two: Create the foundation of your straight style with STYLIST Linear Serum and Step Three: What beauty insiders call “flat iron in a can” ATMOSPHERE Arctic Chill. When you use these products in the prescribed sequence will sleek your style, provide humidity protection and speed the time of your blow dry.

8. California Baby Holiday Cheer! Gift Tote Set ($29.99, californiababy.com) Whether this is your first Christmas or your 80th Christmas this holiday set will appeal to you. California Baby’s Holiday Cheer! Gift Tote is the perfect gift for anybody of any age. This set includes California Baby’s limited edition Holiday Cheer! Bubble Bath and the new Holiday Cheer! Spritzer—the perfect portable holiday stress reliever. In addition to these two great products the kit also includes a FREE bath scrub to create wonderfully scented bubbles. The set comes in a clear reusable tote with white drawstrings. The lightly sweet scent contains a blend o orange, lavender and vanilla. It will become your new favorite. Use this for your baby or whenever you want to baby yourself.

9. Carol’s Daughter Love Butter ($18, sephora.com) This blend of honey, cinnamon, brown sugar, and frankincense is blended without water for a butter-like consistency that deeply hydrates even the most parched skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and glowing.

10. Dr. Miracle’s Hot Gro Hair and Scalp Treatment Conditioner ($8.49, drmiracles.com) My Dr. Miracle’s Super Strength Formula is my prescription for ending those slow growth problems. The Super Strength Formula is for folks who need a more intense tingling sensation. The”Feel It” Formula’s tingling sensation supports strong growing hair and healthy scalp and stimulates blood flow to the scalp helping to end slow growth problems.

Makeup Gifts:

Earth Metal Lip & Eye Palette by Bobbi Brown ($60, bobbibrowncosmetics.com) This beautiful palette will be a hit for anyone that loves makeup. Inside the chrome-accented, sleek compact you’ll find a flip-top mirror with six exclusive high-shimmer eye shadows, four exclusive creamy lip colors, a mini Eye Shadow Brush, and mini Lip Brush. Packaged in a gift-ready chrome photographic carton. Colors include Autumn Shimmer Wash, and Earth Metal Metallic for the eyes. For the lips colors include Rose Garden and Barefoot Shimmer. It is a perfect mix of beautifully wearable colors for the lips and eyes.

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner- POP Collection ($10.95, available at fine drug and mass-market stores nationwide) This holiday season light up someone’s ones eyes with this beautiful palette that contains blendable, wearable and long-lasting eye color. This new collection helps wearers customize their own look an enhance natural eye color with high [performance palettes perfectly coordinated to color contour and line eyes. Amazing.

Sonia Kashuk Starry Eyes Palette ($14.99, target.com) Starry Eyes – Six eye shadows are nestled in a shimmering black palette complete with an applicator and mirror. The palette contains three gorgeous matte shades in mink, amethyst and ivory and three dazzling complementary shades that are ideal for taking your look from day to night in a flash. Price: $14.99

Jouer LIP LOVES Mini Lip Gloss Set ($25, Henri Bendel and jouercosmetics.com) This set is packed with some of the most irresistibly sheer shades you have ever seen. But it’s not only the color that makes this a worthy gift. They are also each loaded with Vitamins A, C & E, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Pomegranate Seed Oil that help to moisturize, soothe, nourish, rejuvenate and protect lips. Lips are left smooth and hydrated.

M.A.C Cosmetics 5 Haute High Jinks Warm Mini Pigment/Glitter ($32, maccosmetics.com) A beautiful set of five warm shades of Pigments/Glitter presented in a magical silver cube gift box. A series of circular perforations echoing M.A.C’s holiday dot pattern allow you a glimpse of the sparkling wonders within. The set features Jardin Aires, Rushmetal, Copperized and Museum Bronze Pigments, and Reflects Gold Glitter.

Showgirl Palette by Becca ($60, beccacosmetics.com) An enchanting and bewitching palette that contains a confection of glamorous shades for eye, lips, and cheeks. The gift receiver will sure to be appreciative of the quality that this Becca palette offers. True colors that blend easy make this set a wonderful gift for those ladies that love to look and feel gorgeous. Products include Lip & Cheek Crème in Hollyhock, Nude Lip Gloss in Parisette and Eye Colour Wash in Tulle.

Ramy Beauty Therapy Cream Quad Ornaments ($25, ramy.com) Perfect for your tree or as a stocking stuffer these Cream Quad Ornaments are super cute and super wearable. Each Quad contains four colors that can be used on eyes, cheeks or lips. Create a variety of looks – from subtle to dramatic with each Quad. This shimmery cream dries to a powdery finish that wears beautifully alone or over your favorite makeup. This holiday season, share your favorite Cream Quads in a silver or gold pouch or keep the Quads for yourself and decorate your own tree.

Gifts for Great Hair:

Ceramic Styler by Whirlers ($12.95, hairartproducts.com) If you have someone on your list that spends way to long straightening their hair then grab them one of these. The Ceramic Styler is used with your hair dryer and was specially developed for professional hair styling. It is ergonomically designed for styling comfort and flexibility. When used with hair dryer, heat is distributed quickly and evenly among ceramic plates for creative hair styling. By using far infrared technology, moisture is locked in hair cuticles, leaving hair shiny and full of body. And the 100% Natural Boar Bristles condition hair. .

Oribe Hair Care 24 Gold Pomade ($49.99, oribe.com) Is there someone on your list that loves nothing but the finest live has to offer? Then this is the ideal gift for them. Oribe 24 Gold Pomade is a unique treat that will have anyone’s hair looking its best. This pomade slicks back hair with super-rich gold highlights for instant lustrous glamour. Excellent for use on pleasure craft, in convertibles or anywhere a little 24-karat seduction is needed. Thinking about it this might be one to keep for yourself. I mean don’t you deserve a little luxury.

Matrix Biolage Smooththerapie Duo ($20, matrix.com) This duo makes a fabulous gift and comes in a great box. Comes with both a Smoothing Shampoo and a Smoothing Conditioner. The shampoo cleanses as it smoothes with a customized blend of weightless natural oils, leaving it soft, shiny and easy to manage. The conditioner provides incredibly lightweight smoothing agents to help transform frizz into super-soft, manageable, healthy-looking hair.

Bath-time Gifts:

Yes to Carrots Power Shower Daily Cleansing System for Body ($19.99, yestocarrots.com or drugstore.com) A natural way to make skin glow everyday. This three-step kit comes with a super-thick, granulated scrub, a moisturizing shower gel and a creamy body lotion. All are jam-packed with the antioxidant beta-carotene, as well as Dead Sea-sourced minerals. A wonderful gift for someone who loves to naturally keep his or her skin looking beautiful.

Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate Citron & Mistletoe Body Wash ($16, crabtreeeveyn.com) A yummy gift that will excite the senses. This delightfully creamy body wash in a just-for-the-season scent is the perfect way to spread holiday cheer. The super creamy body wash lathers up nicely and keeps skin moisturized as it cleans. The scent is nice and not overpowering. While this mistletoe might not hang from the door it smells so good you might get kissed.

Lush Jolly Holly Days ($49.95, lushusa.com/shop) The holidays would be more enjoyable if every gift was this easy to give. This already wrapped gift comes jam packed with essential Lush items and is even tied off with a bow. Jolly Holly Days has soaps and scrubs loved by boys and girls so its perfect to give to a couple that is on your list and even comes with a massage bar to share. Uplifting soaps get you in the mood to party and a Too Drunk Emotibomb helps recovery if someone has a few too many ones. This gift helps maximize the fun and minimizes the fallouts.

Philosophy Twas the Night Before ($20, sephora.com) I got my first Philosophy set over 10 years ago. And there hasn’t been a Christmas since that I haven’t been treated or treated myself to an item from their holiday collections. This super sweet set is sure to please even the grumpiest of Scrooges on your list. Twas the night before is a limited edition, Sephora-exclusive that contains a milk-and-cookies-scented duo of delectable, high-foaming, multipurpose cleansers. It makes the perfect gift for someone who appreciates the imagination and wonder that make the holidays so magical.

Gifts for the Body:

Soap & Paper Factory Solid Perfume ($18, soapandpaperfactory.com) This solid perfume makes a wonderful gift. Its practical, the fragrance is pure and it’s green. Doesn’t get much better. Pure jojoba and beeswax blended with our signature fragrances in a purse size, travel size, to go, container. For young and old, for big and small this perfume is perfect for everyone on your list. Best of all there is no parabens, phthalates, or petrochemicals. Comes in scents like Orange Blossom and Green Tea and my favorite Geranium.

Memoire Liquide Reserve Edition Book ($95 STUDIO BEAUTYMIX at Fred Seal, Korres in New York an Bloomingdales and studiomix.com) This is one of those type of collections you have to experience for yourself in order to truly understand how intoxicating it is. The Memorie Liquide collection offers five unique scents that range from floral to spicy, and comes tucked in the most elegant packaging. It will a moment that the person you are giving this gift will remember. These ready-to-wear fragrances from one of the top lines Memoire Liquide will change they way you understand fragrance. Scents include has Encens Liquide, Fleur Liquide, Amour Liquide, Soleil Liquide and Vacances Liquide all presented beautifully. A gift that will be cherished for a long time to come.

Elemis Home Spa for Hands ($56, timetospa.com) Most people are so busy that their hands are the last things they spend time on. Well now you can help the busy people in your life get spa quality treatments for their hands while at home. Elemis Home Spa for Hands helps to rid hands of discolorations and promotes collagen production and increased hydration. It leaves hands silky soft and looking fresher. The kit comes with Pro-Collagen Hand and Nail Cream, Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift, gloves and Gentle Rose Exfoliator. Skin will be left silky-soft to the touch.

Harajuku ($30, ulta.com) These limited-edition girls are the latest editions to the Harajuku Lovers fragrance collection. The unique fragrances, in their adorable doll-decanters will capture the eye and then the heart while the scents please everyone that comes in contact with it. The latest line, the Snow Bunnies, showcase fun cutting-edge winter fashions and come in 5 scents – “Love”, “Lil’ Angel”, “G”, “Music” and “Baby”. Each with a unique smell ranging from crisp to sweet to suit any mood. Plus you get an adorable fashion forward bottle. A cute gift for women of all ages and styles.

Gifts for the Skin:

La Mer The Body Refiner ($110, lamer.com) If you want to see a huge smile when one of your favorite people opens their gift then this is the gift to give. This top of the line product from one of the most respected names in skincare is guaranteed to make to put a smile on anyone’s face. The Body Refiner is a multi-faceted treatment that polishes, hydrates and cushions the skin. It is infused with over a carat and a half of pure diamond powder to help it polish the skin and reveal a soft new surface. This spa-like treatment is embedded within La Mer’s legendary emollients to cushion the skin while protecting its delicate moisture barrier. Skin will look fresher, younger and more hydrated. .

Ole Henriksen 3 Little Wonders ($70, olehenriksen.com) A best of the best selection of products from Ole Henriksen. The set features the award-winning truth serum collagen booster, sheer transformation renewing crème and invigorating night gel-firming treatment. The products can be used together on a daily basis for truly amazing and transformative results as they embrace your skin with protection, comfort and hydration. Every product works to defend against signs of aging by firming, lifting, retexurizing, tightening and evening out skin tone with a light, oil-free formula. Perfect gift for anyone that wants beautifully refreshed skin.

Dr. Brandt Lineless to Go ($55, drbrandtskincare.com) This easy to use and conveniently sized travel set of Dr. Brandt products it the ideal gift for anyone on the go. No need to stop a skin care regiment when you hit the road. In fact the stress of traveling and the changing of climates might mean we need to protect and nourish the skin even more. Lineless to go contains travel size products that are formulated to protect skin from free radicals, preventing fine lines and wrinkles. The set provides skin with the essentials for a radiant, younger, looking skin. Contains: lineless foaming cleanser, eye cream and lines no more.

Jack Black’s It’s The Balm ($19.50, getjackblack.com) A great trio of conditioning lip balms. Great for anyone on your list whether you’re giving it to your brother or your best girl friend. You get three full-size tubes of Jack Black’s famous lip balm that is enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants. Each of the lip balms soothes, protect and hydrate dry irritated lips. They penetrate quickly to provide instant relieve. The trio is made up of a Vanilla & Lavender balm, a Lemon & Chamomile balm and a Natural Mint & Shea Butter balm all in a zipped up pouch ready to be wrapped.

Eco Conscious Gifts:

EOS Lip Balm Smooth Sphere Holiday Gift Bag ($9.99, walgreens.com) This innovative lip balm set will change the way you think of natural and organic beauty products. This limited edition set of all natural, 95% organic smooth sphere lip balms keep lips looking and feeling healthy. The multi-pack set comes with a reusable cosmetic bag and includes one sphere of summer fruit, of honeysuckle honeydew and of sweet mint balms. The balms are all-amazing and really create soft and sweet lips but you will also love the super cool sphere containers. A great gift idea that is eco friendly.

Roy Toy Log Cabin Building Set ($15.00, roytoy.com) This building block set is perfect for any kid on your list. They are made of all-wood pieces, colored with food-approved dyes and meet the Toy Safety Compliance requirements. With so many unsafe toys on the market giving this set to kids that you love this Christmas will bring piece of mind. The building styles and piece counts challenge kids to use their imaginations. Most of these sets are packed in our nostalgic canisters, adding a touch of the past. A great gift that is safe and fun. The price is really reasonable making it easy to buy a set for a couple of kids this year.

Gifts that are Perfect for someone who already has everything:

THYMES Frasier Fir Candle Votive Set ($16, thymes.com) A perfect gift for your friend that has everything. This exquisite candle votive set is intoxicating. Combines color, texture and fragrance perfectly. Each candle comes in a glass Vase Mountain fresh and glowing, Thymes Frasier Fir Votive Candle Set enhances any décor or makes an elegant hostess gift. Creating a tradition to savor and to share. Fragrance: The aromatic snap of crisp Siberian Fir needles, heartening cedar wood and relaxing sandalwood

Miss Oops Critical Care Kit ($18, missoops.com) There isn’t any on my list that couldn’t’ benefit from receiving this as a gift this year. This is a survival kit for every woman’s needs. The Critical Care Kit includes a Miss Oops Pucker Protector that is an incredible exfoliating lip balm that looks like a lip-gloss. The kit also contains Miss Oops’ amazing foot cream and a rescue sponge. They come in an adorable package and make a fun but helpful gift.

LUSTER 1 Hour White ($39.99, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreen’s nationwide) This is a gift that can really change someone’s life. Whiter teeth can improve self-confidence and the color of your teeth affects the way others perceive you. This system is the real deal. It whitens teeth up to 6 Shades in 1 Hour with zero tooth sensitivity. It is a super effective system that puts the perfect tooth whitening experience into the palm of your hand. LUSTER is a dentist-invented system that contains three components that work in conjuncture to revitalize your smile in the comfort of your home. Uses similar technology to Dentist Light Treatments. And no need to worry because its been clinically proven to be safe and effective.

Brow Beauty Bubble by Tweezerman ($20, sephora.com) This is a super cute gift that will get lots of usage from anybody you give it to. The travel-friendly brow-grooming duo makes it easy to keep brows beautiful, conveniently and quickly. The snowflake-kissed tweezers add a touch of winter wonderland to any grooming routine. The set includes miniature slant tweezers, mirror and snap shut case. Wassermann makes the best tweezers on the market perfect for getting the most stubborn hairs. And the small, round mirror is equipped with suction cups on the back, so you can position it perfectly for easy tweezing. A great set.

Gifts for the Beauty Junkie on Your List:

Beautyblender HOT PINK HOLIDAY ($23.95, beautyblender.net) Everyone in the beauty industry loves Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape applicator. It makes makeup application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving make up dazzling and undetectable. This holiday set comes with a sponge, a bottle of Blendercleanser and it’s own organza drawstring carry pouch that is tagged forgiving. The Blendercleaner is a lavender-scented cleanser that’s free of dyes and skin irritants. It’s soothing soy-based, low-suds formula breaks down rapidly, making it earth-friendly and fun to use. A perfect gift for any beauty junkie.

Fine: The Basics of Beauty ($22.99, samfine.com) This DVD is the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Who doesn’t want one of the worlds most famous makeup artist giving them a private lesson on how to apply makeup? This DVD is a follow-up to Sam Fines best-selling book, Fine Beauty. The celebrity makeup artist uses this DVD as a continuation of his commitment to educate women of color on the “fine” art of makeup. He gives step-by-step directions shows you what tools you need, shows you technique and how to select products. Sharing his wealth of experience and expertise, Fine enables viewers to fully understand all that goes into creating a flawless, natural-looking face. This is truly a gift that will be used over and over again.

LipStamp ($24.95, alconeco.com) One of the most unique gifts you can give this season. This amazing product is a great tool for applying lipstick in the perfect shape for anyone’s lips. The kit includes one Lipstamp tool, five playing cards with 10 different lip shapes. All you have to do is pick a Lip Stamp shape, apply lipstick and stamp on perfect lips. Really works and is a great way to try new looks out.

When Kimbell saw the trailer for “Good Hair,” she immediately saw the similarities and was stunned. “I had a feeling of disbelief and disappointment, so overwhelming that all I thought was I am seeing my film with a different title.” To read the entire official press release visit www.facebook.com.

The origins of “My Nappy ROOTS”

In 2002, my daughter (Brighton Lynscot) was invited to participate in the NAACP ACT- SO 5 minute film competition while in high school. She had been wearing these beautiful semi-twist locs at the time, and being in a diverse school she got interesting responses from her assorted group of friends. The Whites and Asians liked it. The African America kids were ready to send Brighton to a therapist. And we thought, “what’s wrong with that picture?”

A week into the project, I was researching in the Los Angeles downtown library – there were no ‘hair’ books readily in the library at that time. I researched Africa, the Middle Passage, the Harlem Renaissance etc. I became more and more engrossed with the history and business story that I had never heard before. I thought, what a great way to address African American history.

Finally, a month later my daughter and I hopped on the train to ATL and went to our first Bronner Brothers show. That was it!

What is “My Nappy ROOTS” about?

MNR is about embracing the natural beauty we all possess. MNR is about understanding a mindset that was placed before us by our ancestors in order to protect us, and today we still find ourselves judging each other based on our hair choices.

The film empowers us with the stories of the innovative entrepreneurs that created the Black hair business; their achievements were created in times of great adversity. Given the current state of affairs, this topic will always be a passionate subject that needs to be treated with a certain reference.

Hence the name, “My Nappy ROOTS: A Journey through Black Hair-itage” the name represents everything it says, especially the hair-itage and film’s journey.

Her personal hair journey

My journey has been one of change. As a creative person, I bore easily. I’m not one to sit in a salon for 6-plus hours and then spend my money. Man, if I’m going to sit for 6 hours, I think someone should be paying me – lol. Plus my hair would look great when I left the salon, but it just would not last.

I always liked low maintenance styles that can be fast and funky. I had been natural for years, before the documentary. I wore an afro for a long while, then I colored it before that got popular; then I did my share of twists, braids, French braids, silky locs, short knotty afros, now locs. I’m at the ‘in between’ stage and feeling a little bored …so the journey continues.

On the subject of today’s rise in natural hair wearers and whether or not natural hair is a passing fad she states, I’d like to think, since people are much more aware of what we are

doing to our bodies it won’t be a passing fad. Just like we’re more aware of the planet, the environment and going green; it’s the same thing. Once you understand the damage you may be causing, it’s a little harder to do something contrary to your beliefs. Also the veil has been lifted, people can see more clearly. Our hair IS beautiful in it’s natural state.

Her advice to those contemplating going natural

Do it! You will be pleasantly surprised; do your research, try natural hair products and watch your healthy hair grow. You may experience an unexpected freedom which allows you to live a more balanced life.

How to find out more about “My Nappy ROOTS: A Journey through Black Hair-itage”

The best way to stay in touch with the film is to join our MNR Facebook fan page. To support MNR, which is an independent film send an E-mail to mynappyrootsfilm@gmail.com with your donation amount, and we will send you a PayPal link. All who donate will receive a free music download from the soundtrack, and supporters will receive film/DVD (indie producer) credit.

The website My Nappy ROOTS The Movement — www.mynappyrootsthemovement.com is in the process of being redesigned into a community, so be sure to check it out, as well as the My Nappy ROOTS YouTube channel and MySpace page.

If you want to create a look that knocks the socks off of your family and friends around the dinner table then look no further then the BareMinerals Jewel Collection ($54, ulta.com) This elegant nine-piece, gem-infused collection gives you everything you need to great an unforgettable look. All in colors that will work perfect for this time of year. Some of the amazing products in the set include Citrine Radiance All-Over Face Color infused with Citron, Smoky Amber Eye color infused with Amber, Cranberry Sorbet 100% Natural Lip-gloss and Wet/Dry Eye Shadow Brush in limited-edition berry. And all of this comes in a beautiful Jewel Collection Vanity Box.

Q: It seems like there are a ton of celebrity-endorsed fragrances on the market right now. Is there any that really are worth the price?

I have tested enough fragrances to say that some people will put their names on anything. I have tried some products with super famous names on the bottle that smell like they belong on a clearance rack in a dollar store. Yes, that bad. But some celebrities have fragrances that can hold their own against popular top of the line fragrances. In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon ($59, avon.com) is one of these fragrances. It is an alluring and sensual fragrance that entices the senses with gardenia blossoms and lush florals, enveloped in amber wood and peach tea leaves. I was pleasantly surprised by the elegance of In Bloom. It is sophisticated but not stuffy. Resse should be proud to have her name on this bottle

Q: Whenever I travel on a plane my hair gets super dry and frizzy. Heading home for the holidays I want to try and avoid this. What should I do?

Frizzy hair and dry skin are the two main beauty concerns of travelers. The dry circulated air and rough fabric of the seat pillow are hard on your hair and skin. Once soft silky hair can turn into a dry frizz ball after a long flight. Beyond bringing a silk pillow case to put on your seat you can pack a travel size bottle of NO FRIZZ Straight Making Styling Cream in your carry on ($14, qvc.com) This velvety cream provides optimum frizz reduction and a touch of conditioning to your hair. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz—humidity and friction. It provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair while reducing surface friction. The result is the most effective, lightweight frizz fighter on the market today. Hair is left sleek and manageable without becoming greasy or heavy.

Q: Being around my family during the holiday season stresses me out. I need a way to calm down in the middle of a family get together. Any quick way to calm your senses?

Leave the house and board a plane to Bora Bora. Okay maybe you shouldn’t do that but it would be nice. The next best thing is Juice Beauty ‘s Hydrating Mist ($22, juicebeauty.com). The mist is a harmonic blend of certified organic, antioxidant-rich white and red grape juices, soothing aloe vera, nutrient-rich rosehip, grapeseed oil and vitamins. The mist works to hydrate and balance skin’s natural moisture, tone and balance. With just a few sprays your skin you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Use throughout the day for an exhilarating refreshment.