Most Recent Product Haul + Mini Hair Set Back *Update*

It's been a longggg time since I purchased products for my hair. For the past few months I was just living off of the surplus of products I had. I didn't see the need to purchase anything new until my staples ran out i.e. S-curl No Drip Activator. Everything else you see in the photo is new to me (except for Aphogee). I'm just curious to see how my hair reacts to them :)

I've used the Aphogee 2 min reconstructor in the past and I remember it being so-so on my hair. I never wrote a review neither did I write about it in my hair journal so I'm going to try it out again (just for my records). Lately I've been learning about ceramides and how they are good for the hair, lo and behold, they are in the Aphogee 2 min reconstructor ingredients - Nice! Most importantly, I would also like to compare it to Joico K-PAK Deep Penetrating Reconstructor and observe the differences as I mentioned I would here.

This Elasta QP Soy Oyl Ultra Hydration deep conditioner caught my eye. I've NEVER seen this product before so I immediately I picked it up. I'm anxious to try it out. Based on the ingredients it looks like a moisture/ultra light protein conditioner...I guess we'll see.

I recently tried out the Mane n Tail Detangler so expect a review on that shortly and last but not least, Wild Growth Oil. I'm excited to try this oil. I hear nothing but good stuff about it from my Hairlista ladies. Although I've found my staple oils, I'm willing to try this one out for recommendation purposes.

On to the depressing News...

I've become a victim of excessive split ends due to dull hair scissors. It's sad but true. I've had these Eclipse Hair Sheers from Sally Beauty Supply since fall 2008. I've only used them for dusting my ends, nothing else! However, I consistently noticed the re-occurrence of split ends. I'm there thinking to myself "I'm doing everything right so why on earth am I repeatedly seeing split ends? This makes NO sense!"

So I started doing research and I came across several articles stating that dull scissors will only encourage the hair to split further since the dull blades leave the ends open effectively creating a new split where it just removed one. Horrible cycle huh? There I am dusting my ends only to realize that I'm making the problem worse! SMH. I even explained my situation to the people over at Sally Beauty Supply and they mentioned that my particular scissors do not stay sharp for long and should be sharpened at least once a year, if not more, depending on how often you use them.

Now my main mission is to invest in high quality scissors (if you own a pair fill me in on where you got them from and how well they've work for you) or get mine sharpened every 3-6 months. I'll figure something out *sigh*. Learn from this experience folks, assess & evaluate the scissors you are using. I wouldn't want you to become a victim either :(

With that being said, I had my stylist trim the split ends off. I'm starting fresh - again. I believe I'm hovering around Bra Strap Length. It's all good. With the Castor Oil Challenge taking right now until summer, I should bounce back.

Man, when stuff like this happens I quickly remember that this Hair Journey is definitely a marathon not a sprint *wink*.

Happy Hair Growing☺

♥ Sunshyne

I GOT A PINK CHI CAMO!!

I got a Pink CHI Camo Flat Iron yesterday from my hunny!! I wanted this Flat Iron from timmmeeee but I never had to guts or desire to dish out the cash LOL - honestly. My old flat iron is now died to me! I've heard so many good things about this flat iron. I absolutely love it!!!

Isn't the Camo case cute?







♥ Sunshyne

Product Haul: Hair Accessories

It's that time again!!

Is it just me? For some reason, my pile of hair accessories is slowly decreasing, like honestly, where did my stuff go?? Ugh...

So I made my way over to Ardene (Similar to Clair's) and I caught a Buy 5/$10 sale, here's what I picked up:

4 Stretchy headbands, mix of Blacks/whites/grays

4 All black headbands, 2 with bows at the side (cute!)

Set of scrunchies with small brown claw clips for my buns

2 Claw clips with faux Burberry-like Print (Love them!)

2 sets of Gold, Bronze, Silver and Black Bobby Pins. Love the Glitter. Never had anything like this before (usually it's basic black)

1 Stretchy headband with brown satin material through the gold rings, and a braided gold headband

The PILE!!

♥ Sunshyne

Product Haul: Got My Nu-Gro!!

I got my Nu-Gro Products in the mail this week. I got the Ultimate Deep Conditioner Hair-GRO Kit along with the Moisturizing Conditioner & Hair-Gro Butter.

I can't wait to try these products out. Be on the look out for products review shortly!!!

♥ Sunshyne

Product Haul: Oils, Vitamins & Shea Butter! *Long & Pic Heavy*

One of my main goals for the last quarter of 2009 was to purchase some Multi-Vitamins and Fish Oils to implement into my day-to-day lifestyle, not for my hair, but for my overall health.

I didn't want a single, "one a day" style multi-vitamin tablet. I wanted something that would protect & nourish me throughout the whole day and something that's specific to my gender and age.

I paid a visit to Planet Organics Grocery Store (Toronto ladies, Hwy 7 & Bayview, Richmond Hill) and picked up a bottle of Progressive Women Multi-Vitamins for $29.

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This vitamin is specific for adult women and it's loaded with great stuff, here's a little rundown of what it contains:

1. Free Radical Defence - a unique combination of antioxidants including beta carotene, vitamin E, coenzyme Q-10, selenium, zinc, glutathione, and green tea extract help to protect us from ongoing exposure to free radicals.
2. Cardiovascular Protection - hawthorn berries, ginkgo biloba extract, coenzyme Q10, niacin and vitamin E promote and protect proper heart and cardiovascular function.
3. Enhanced Digestion - betaine hydrochloride and the plant based enzymes protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase assist in the digestion and utilization of both the nutrients contained in this formula as well as in the food we consume.
4. Balanced PH - highly alkaline green food concentrates such as spirulina, chlorella, alfalfa, kelp, green tea and broccoli extracts have been added to help balance and restore a healthy ph level.

I will start taking the Multi-Vitamins this week and keep you all updated. In addition to the vitamins, I wanted more EFA's in my diet, although I eat an adequate amount of fish, I needed something more. I picked up some Udo's Oil 3,6,9 Blend.

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For those that don't know, essential fats serve many functions in the human body. If taken in the right amounts/ratios & sources, EFA's can help establish and maintain good health. The benefits of EFA's are as follows:

• Increase energy, performance, and stamina.
  
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Lower most risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
• Improve brain function: mood, intelligence , behavior, and vision.
  
• Aid in weight reduction. EFAs help keep mood and energy up and suppress appetite, thereby aiding in weight loss.
• Regulate organs and glands.
• Speed recovery and healing. EFAs are necessary for cell growth and division. They form all cell membranes and regulate vital cell activity;
• Support healthy child development.
• Improve digestion.
• Decrease infection. EFAs have anti-fungal, anti-yeast, and anti-microbial properties, helping to protect against infections.
• Keep bones strong. EFAs aid in the transport of minerals that keep bones and teeth strong, helping to prevent osteoporosis;
• Protect genetic material.
• Ease PMS.
• Produce beautiful skin, hair, and nails. Some of the first signs of EFA deficiency are dry, flaky skin, dull hair, and brittle nails.

There you have it! EFA's (Essential Fatty Acids) are so essential. I purchased the Oil blend for $14.99. I will start taking it this week and provide you all with updates in a few weeks.

Moving on...

I stocked up on some Coconut oil for my Deep conditioners and Pre-poo Treatments. I bought 2 because one is specifically for my hair (Omega Nutrition Organic Coconut Oil), one is for my skin (Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil).

While at the Beauty Supply Store this weekend, I picked up some 100% Natural African Shea Butter for $7. I've always been curious about it but I never had the guts to purchase it since I don't know the best method or place to use it. So far I must say, I love the way it feels, it's EXTREMELY soft and moisturizing on my skin. Here are some pics I took:


















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If you have any creamy delicious Shea butter recipes for your hair or skin, please feel free to share them!!

♥ Sunshyne

Product Haul: Phyto Organics Theratin & Humectin, Herbal Essences Long Term Conditioner & Leave-In

So, I got my Phyto Organics Line!!! YAY..but not the leave-in unfortunately.

I replenished my Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Conditioner and decided to get the leave-in conditioner for co-wash days only. My co-washes take place on Saturdays so I'll try it out then.

I can't wait to try the Theratin & Humectin. They both smell yummy - kind of like coconut and pineapple.

Stay tuned for reviews!


♥ Sunshyne

Oils Haul: Got My Coconut, Grapeseed & Avocado Oil

I went to Planet Organic food store and found some Avocado oil (finally), Organic virgin coconut oil, and grapeseed oil.

I can't wait to add these oils into my regimen. I'm thinking about adding them to my protein conditioners and using EVOO (Extra virgin olive oil) and Honey strictly for my moisture deep conditioners - we'll see.

Side note, I'm so glad I found non-deodorized virgin coconut oil close to home and for a reasonable price ($11). It's so rare!



♥ Sunshyne

Mini Product Haul at Trade Secrets

Recently I went to Trade Secrets and purchased some "salon quality" products. I love the Abba Color Protect line (no I'm not color treated but it's specifically designed for chemically treated hair) and I've been eyeing the Joico k-pak deep penetrating reconstructor for some time now since I've heard nothing but great reviews about it.

I have used both products and I must say I enjoy them both. I'm still in my testing phase so I can't really give a full review at the moment. Expect one soon!

In case your wondering, "why did Sunshyne pick up these products?" Well to answer your question, #1 I wanted to rotate my shampoo's on a weekly basis so that my hair doesn't get immune to my CON red label. #2 I got the Joico DPR so that I can incorporate more protein into my regimen. Protein is slowly becoming my friend :-)

♥ Sunshyne

L'Oreal Beauty Tubes Mascara Program!

I'm part of the L'Oreal Beauty Tubes Mascara Program. The wonderful people over at Matchstick, a word of mouth marketing company, were kind enough to send me some samples. So ladies, expect some reviews in the next little while.

Here are some photos just to show you what I got!





































♥ Sunshyne

I went HoneyFig for the first time!

Today I went to HoneyFig for the first time. I've been meaning to go for the longest time. For all you Toronto Ladies, it's located on Yonge St. south of Sheppard in North York.

As soon as I walked in I felt calm, relaxed and at peace. Candles were burning, ambient music was playing, I was in a very tranquil atmosphere. I saw so many products lines many women on hair boards talk about that I've never seen in person i.e. Salerm 21, Lacio Lacio, Miss Key 10 en 1, Jane Carter Solutions, Mixed Chicks, Ultra Black Hair, Curls etc.

I felt like I could stay there all day!! BUT I had to leave. I should have taken photos of the store but I forgot my camera at home..next time! I just picked up some moisturizers (the Whipped Cream has an amazing vanilla frosting scent, its sooooo yummy) that I could use on freshly flat ironed hair for the holidays, here are a couple pics:

(note: the moisturizer on my finger is Ultra Black Hair Lotion)

♥ Sunshyne

Mini Cosmetic Haul: Make-up

Just came back from Walmart and I got some goodies! I really want to step my make-up game up. This is a good start, for now.

1. N.Y.C. Automatic Eye Pencil (Black)
2. N.Y.C. Liquid Lip Shine (Cherrywood)
3. RIMMEL London Glam'eyes Mascara (Black)
4. Hard & Healthy French Tip Pen Kit
5. Cover Girl Dazzling Metallics (Eye Enhancers)
6. Mini-Travel Brush Set (Small enough to go in my purse!)


I was so excited with the Nail French Tip Kit, that I tried it as soon as I got home. My nails dried soo fast. Love that! However, it was hard to figure out how to work the pen. Here's a couple pics (I did this free hand without realizing that there were white strips in the box):

♥ Sunshyne

Mini Cosmetic Haul: Nail Polish & Lip Gloss

So I went to Walgreens and picked up some nail polish. It was on sale buy one ($1.99), get one free. I couldn't pass that up. The Brand is called "Sinful Colors". Plus, I went to Victoria Secret and picked up two new lip glosses. I got 2 for $12. I love gloss/shine on my lips, I'm not a fan of lip stick or matte colors.

What Im Rockin' Right Now: Pretty In Pink

♥ Sunshyne

Hair Product Haul

I did a little replenishing of a couple products that I needed. I purchased 3 bottles of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil. You're probably asking, "why so much?", well 1 is for my cooking ( I just love that wonderful Coconut aroma in my kitchen) , 1 is for my hair, 1 for my older sis back in TDOT. I am in LOVE with EVCO. PLUS, its wayyyyyyyyyy cheaper out here in North Carolina. I just had to take advantage of the pricing. I also got some Castor Oil to thicken up my hair some more and promote growth. I will be adding this to my DC. Got some more AtOne Botanical Reconstructor (awesome slip!!) and some hair accessories (scrunchies, stretchy headbands). I'm done for now - not.


♥ Sunshyne