Here's my current Flat Twist Out routine using BAN (Be All Natural) hair products. BAN is an all natural, organic brand #MadeInGrenada on the sister isle of Carriacou by Janille James. I have been using these products for over a year now and they've helped the strength and moisture of my hair tremendously.

Detangle your natural Kinky/Curly hair in under 5 minutes? Sounds crazy, but now you can #OwnWashDay with the New DevaCurl Wash Day Wonder Pre-Cleanse Slip Detangler.
I utilize finger detangling in my routine as much as possible to prevent unnecessary breakage, and this detangler has sped up my total washday time ten-fold! Quite simply a #WashDayWonder! The smallest amount goes a long way, so every ounce of this product is worth the money.

It has been a very long mental battle deciding whether or not to loc my hair. The next best thing would be to try my hand at some faux locs - aka fake dreadlocs - to give me that look and feel of the real thing. I have been wanting to try faux locs for so long but with every technique I tried, I failed. I tried the box braid and wrapping method, but after 4 hours and only 3 locs done... nahh sis that wasn't happening. I have a life!

I wasn't really a big fan of the cornrows and crochet-look as none of those methods looked natural to me. Any protective style I personally install has to give me that "straight from scalp" kinda look or it's not for me.

As I promised, I'm back to making videos on my channel after over 2 years and it feels so freeing get creating again. In the last 2-3 years, I have had a fair share of horrible and rewarding experiences, but it's life and I've definitely learned how to roll with the punches... or quite frankly the K.O 's.

Check out my latest video for a quick recap of the last few years. Plus, stay tuned and subscribed to this channel for more videos coming soon.

Wow! It's really been a minute since I've gotten on this space. However, there's something very liberating and freeing about wanting to write and create content again. I'm so excited to get started!

Doesn't it really make you think of the two, though? This nail set I created off the fly and I have to say I'm totally in love with it. I've received so many compliments about this look too.

Today's #MondayMani is dedicated to this Ankara design inspired set. They are press-on nails that I painted and created myself.
Earlier this year my mother created this beautiful maxi skirt for me, using African Ankara print fabric. I was very idle and wanted to try something new and haven't seen before in nail art, so attempted this design. This didn't turn out exactly how I wanted, (I'm quite the perfectionist) but I am impressed with the results.

Actor Robert Christopher Riley From "Hit The Floor" at The Dream Reach Inspire Event (Feb. 2016)

It's a very interesting design whether it looks like my skirt or not. I received many compliments, some surprised that the local nail salon could pull off such a design, but I was quick to take the credit of course. ;)

Today I'm sharing one of my poems I wrote back in High School. It was a challenge to write about something from our spring break. However with my complicated self, I decided to take it a further. It may be clear what the initial meaning is all about, but I wrote this piece with a few meanings and personifications in mind.


What do feel from reading this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Wanderlust. Is the irresistibly strong desire to travel or wander. I often have many dreams of me going to a far distant land, eating local foods and delicacies, appreciating everything it has to offer, and much more. 

I honestly think my "Resting Bitch Face" is ruining my life. Seriously people is that even possible? I'm starting to realize that the face ma momma gave me just might be scaring people off. Just look at me - I've been snatching people's souls since birth man!

URGH! Honestly, I've just had enough. Do you ever just have that feeling you just want to let something go? Like you're carrying around some kind of dead weight that should have disappeared a long time ago? Well, that's how I currently feel about my natural hair.

As I prepare to see Beyonce for my fifth time tonight at the Formation World Tour stop in NYC, I decided to share my favorite live Beyonce moments. This woman sure knows how to do a live performance. She is untouched and in a category all of her own. Honestly, the only person she can outdo is herself, and I ain't mad at her. Enjoy!

So you're one of the lucky ones getting to witness Queen Bey at her first stadium Formation World Tour. Whether it's your first or tenth time seeing her, here are some tips and advice to prepare you for one of the greatest show of the year.

I show up to my job today sweating and out of breath because I just turned a 15-minute walk into 6. Yeah, I was running late and on "Empty". I skipped breakfast because that would have obviously added extra minutes of time that I didn't have to get to work (never do that by the way, it's totally not healthy). Every minute, on the minute until my lunch break, all I could think about was sinking my teeth into a juicy, succulent, greasy cheeseburger. My stomach already felt like it was consuming itself so I didn't mind shelling out the coins for a Smashburger.

This chunk of beef was waaay overpriced for me today, but it was oh so worth it. Smashburger is honestly a good contender to the infamous  "Shake Shack" burgers, but the SB fries are something that needs to be worked on. Those fried shoelaces do not appeal to anyone (harsh I know. Its constructive criticism).

Nevertheless in case you have the sudden urge to chow down on something indulging and guilty, don't pass on a "classic smash" or the bacon at SB one day. It was definitely a lifesavor.

As a woman of color, it can be hard to find a face that you can relate to in the beauty industry. We are consistently underrated and unrecognized for our work, creativity and diversity. However, we have come a long way, with many women of color trailblazing through the Youtube world. They proudly flex their melanin, so we can do it too. They are the big sisters you never knew you needed when you're trying to find the right shade of foundation.
Are you a beginner without the slightest idea of how to choose a lipstick for your skin tone? Someone can help you with that. Or trying to figure out how to pull off the most beat face in life? These sisters can definitely help you with that.
Today I'm sharing my top 5 favorite beauty vloggers of color, and why you'll love them too.

ItsMyRayeRaye

Raye Boyce (@ItsMyRayeRaye) is by far Queen of the lippies. This girl does her thing when it comes to lipsticks and glosses and really knows how to find them on the low, low. Raye even has her own lip color called "StingRaye" by Colourpop cosmetics, so she is the real deal y'all. Not only does she slay with her makeup looks, but she has the most chill personality ever, I honestly feel like she's my bestie.



Shana Moore

Shana Moore (@ThePaintedLipsProject) is certainly another queen in the palace of lippies because she has really come through for the dark skin girlies. Shana's "The Painted Lips Project" aims to help black girls feel more beautiful "and see a positive representation of herself in the mainstream beauty industry." Shana and many other bloggers and vloggers everywhere are encoraged to swatch lipsticks from various brands to show "that every girl can go to any makeup brand, confidently knowing that they offer something made for her too." Just search the #ThePaintedLipsProject on Youtube, Instagram, Twitter and many others medias to finds girls contributing towards the movement. When I'm ready to go shopping for makeup, I myself always do a quick search through the hashtag to find something new.



Patricia Bright

I honestly feel like Patricia Bright (@ThePatriciaBright) is my long lost older sister. In every video, she makes me feel like she's talking directly at me. As a dark skin girl, I have always struggled to be comfortable in my own skin. Patricia has been able to inspire girls to break through that wall by uncovering her own flaws and proving that they don't define you, via the world of make-up.
Her personality is so bubbly and carefree, so it's such a joy when I get notified about a new video.



ItsBritxoxoxo

Brittney (@ItsBritxoxoxo) is a "beast" when it comes to brows and a good highlight. Last year I participated in an E.L.F. makeup Instagram competition and her look was featured on their page. I decided to check her out and lord behold, her makeup game was on point. Because of Brittney, I honestly don't know what life was like before doing my brows.

Deepica Mutyala

Deepica Mutyala (@Deepicam) is definitely one of favorite makeup gurus here on Youtube. She is a wealth of information on all things makeup and beauty, and a great role model doing it big out here for the brown girls. She is wildly popular for her color correcting tutorials, making dark under eye circles a thing of the past, and has been featured everywhere such as the Today Show and Dr. Oz. I have learned so much about color correcting for my deep skin tone and I urge you all to check her out. Life qill never be the same once you know how to color correct. TRUST ME ON THIS!

Illustration by Coily and Cute

As you know, taking care of natural hair is pretty much a full-time job. But it doesn't always have to feel so laboring. Here I'll be sharing my night time routine for natural hair, and the current products I'm using.
My routine is pretty simple. Actually, it may not differ too much with how I regularly moisturize my hair. It all depends on the style and hair needs at the time.

Water and/or Water Based Moisturizer 

I love to start moisturizing my hair with water, especially when my hair is really dry. I add warm water to a spray bottle and separate my hair into 4 sections. I lightly spray my hair and use my fingers to lightly detangle. Then I further separate each section into 2 so I can better moisturize thoroughly.

I apply a small amount of a water based, leave in moisturizer. My favorite is SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-In Conditioner I work it through each section with my hands in a downwards, roots-to-tips to avoid tangling.

Oil Me Down!

Next, I'll grab my handy dandy raw and unrefined Coconut Oil jar from Trader Joes and I get to work. In each section, I apply a very small amount of oil. Again paying attention to the ends. If needed at this point, I'll pass a wide tooth comb through a few times.

I often have trouble with dry scalp, so I always make sure to treat it during my nighttime routine.
I will often use coconut oil and rub that through my scalp. However, my favorite oil to use is the Carols Daughter Mimosa Hair Honey. The smell is AMAZING, the texture is great, and it's super moisturizing. A little bit goes a very long way.

Twist and Wrap It Up!

Finally for styling, I always flat twist my hair in the 8 sections. Or I'll part my hair in 4-6 chunky sections and flat twist; 2 framing the face, with the rest going straight back. For me, this is a recipe for a BOMB twist/braid out. Then wrap your hair with a silk scarf.

I'll usually follow these steps about 2-3 times a week. Especially if my hair has been in a twist out or in single mini twists (minus the detangling). Otherwise, if it's in a style (flat twists, Bantu knots, cornrows, etc.) then I'll make sure to lightly spray my hair with water and then in much smaller amounts, work the conditioner in. If the ends are out I'll concentrate on those, or spread the product in my hands and apply the product in a patting motion.

This is my method that is pretty simple, but as we always say this may not work for everyone. You could give this method and products a try, or add to your own routine. Let me know how it goes!

What's your nighttime routine?

VOXBOX TIME! I was lucky to get chosen for Influensters latest Voxbox campaign to review a few items from the CoverGirl #QueenCollection.