The Lady Olive

If there is one thing in life I love, well, it’s got to be my beauty products.  As you’ve probably guessed, I fall into the “more is more” category when it comes to grooming and as a result, have a massive stockpile of products, many of which need to be chucked.  Several weeks ago, in my attempt to get organized, I divvied up my two shelves devoted to said products into hair (top shelf) and skin (bottom shelf).  You laugh, but this is a huge step for me. Now my hairsprays (yes, plural), no longer roam like the stray cat you’ve been secretly feeding for three months. WHERE ARE YOU!?

 

I managed to toss the items that never worked for me and some that I had maintained for 4 plus years, only to go out and buy some new goodies!  Here is what I got and what I think so far!

 

Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturing Shampoo & Conditioner:

 

I have been using sulfate free shampoo and conditioner for a while. I swear this and the fact that I wash my hair 3 times a week is the only reason it’s in semi-decent shape since I color and heat style it regularly.  I have a natural wave to my hair and love beachy waves.  I bought Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Shampoo and Conditioner at Ulta on a whim and honestly, at first I really didn’t like it.  Now, after a several uses, I think my hair has adjusted to it.  My hair is waving without excess frizz and is full of volume.  It’s not particularly soft, but that’s not what texturizing is about.  If you’re looking for textured, tousled, carefree waves, give this duo a shot!

 

Boots No 7 Protect and Perfect Serum:

I started using the old school Oil of Olay beauty fluid (the pink kind!) back in high school and have never been one to skimp on skin care.  Serums are great, but I can’t use a heavy serum for day that will leave me greasy by noon.  The Boots No 7 Protect and Perfect Serum was recommended to me by BeautyLingual for its anti-aging properties and matte finish.  This product absorbs so quickly leaves your skin feeling silky smooth.  Your makeup will glide on and STAY put, all day long.  Another great Ulta find!

Nivea Skin Firming Cellulite Gel-Cream:

No one likes that word, but most of us have it: cellulite. YUCK!  I have had cellulite in varying degrees since I was 15.  Diet and exercise certainly helps, but there’s not much you can do to change your genetic predisposition.  Things could be worse.  If you’re looking for a little extra help in the tummy, thigh and “legular”, regions, I definitely recommend this product.  You have to use it every day, twice a day, but it works.  No, you’re not going to look like a Victoria’s Secret model, unless you already do, in which case you don’t need this product, but with regular use over the course of a couple of weeks, you will notice a change.  The only kicker is that it only works as long as you keep using it.  How about that for supply and demand? The cool gel absorbs really quickly with no weird tingly feeling or side effects.

 

Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter with Frankincense and Myrrh:

You know that moment when you’ve checked every item off your grocery list, then you wander off to the beauty section and suddenly you’re elbow deep in lotions and potions? Well when you go home with an item you love, it’s worth it!  I bought this at the recommendation of the Whole Foods beauty consultant.  This Nubian Heritage lotion is very thick and creamy.  My skin drinks it up and feels so hydrated after I use it.  What’s even better is the scent.  A combination of sweet shea butter mixed with what smells to me like sandalwood is so lovely, and not overpowering.  The scent lingers but you have to sniff your arm to smell it. Nubian Heritage got their start as street vendors in Harlem and boast fair-trade and organic ingredients!

 

Last but certainly not least…

 

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray:

Stop what you’re doing and grab a bottle of this magical spray!  What’s the point of wearing makeup if it’s going to end up in a melted pool under your cheeks by 2 pm? This stuff is amazing. People will literally ask you how in the world your makeup still looks good at wedding reception when you’re four vodka sodas deep and have been cardio electric sliding.  It’s miraculous stuff.

There you have it! These are the beauty items I’m loving lately.  Have you made any new discoveries on the beauty front? Let me know in the comments!