natural hair Archives - AliciaDion Beauty, LLC

October Beauty Haul

This month has been a long month for me. There was a lot of challenges and hurdles but I’m happy to say I made it through. School has me so tired and busy. It’s hard making time to pamper myself like I use too. Time management is my new goal but, that’s a discussion for another day. Let’s get into this month’s beauty haul.

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Fenty Beauty! I was so excited when Rihanna graced us with 40 different shades of foundation. I couldn’t wait to go Sephora. I was matched with my perfect shade on the first try. I’m in the color 430. There’s so many videos and blog reviews on this foundation. Of course, I had to share my thoughts on the product. I can honestly say, I love it! It’s very light weight and has a matte finish. In my opinion its medium to full coverage. This foundation is perfect for my oily skin beauties. If you have normal to dry skin like myself moisturize, moisturize and moistirize before applying!

OGX

Renewing Argan Oil Of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil

Who doesn’t love oil. My hair absorbs this oil like a sponge. It gives my roots and ends everything that it needs. I hate that I go through the bottle so fast. When I apply it to my hair it doesn’t feel shiny or oily. Beauties, am I the only person who hates having oily hands after touching your hair? With this oil you don’t have to worry about that happening. Unfortunately, it only comes in this size. It’ll forever be a monthly favorite.

FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA

Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

Another Fenty beauty product! I decided to try her lip gloss because, you can’t go wrong with gloss. Just as expected I loved it. It’s not a gloss that have to purchase again. I own plenty of lip gloss that works just as good as this one. It’s still a great lip gloss and I’ll definitely recommend it.

REVLON

ColorStay Makeup For Combo/Oily Skin

Another foundation. I’ve watched many reviews on this foundation and I finally decided to try it out. Looking for my shade was quite difficult. There were many shades but of course not for my skin tone. I wouldn’t consider my actual skin tone to be cappuccino but that’s the shade that matched my skin. I’ve only worn this foundation a few times and so far so good. I’m excited to continue to play with this foundation.

LOTTA BODY

Wrap Me Foaming Mousse

Lotta Body products smell so good. I swear everything that I buy from this brand is amazing. I like to use this product on my hair when it’s in a particular protective style like it is now. It’s also great for many natural hair styles. It’s very inexpensive.

EQUATE

Pre-Moistened Night-Time Soothing Makeup Remover Towelettes

These makeup remover towelettes get’s the job done. I hate I didn’t find out about them sooner. I typically prefer to buy makeup wipes that aren’t scented but these smell so good. Most importantly the towelettes does not irritate my skin. So far it’s been apart of my daily cleansing routine.

TARTE

Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

I received this mascara in my October Ipsy subscription. This is why I love/hate Ipsy, they send you bomb sample size products; knowing you’re going to purchase the full size. It’s definitely worth it. This mascara gives my lashes the volume that I love. It’s my new favorite. I’ve used it everyday since I received in the mail.

I hope you enjoyed this blog!

What are your beauty favs this month?

Words from the Wise:

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life — think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

— Swami Vivekananda

Thank you so much for reading my blog. Blogs will be posted twice a week. Don’t forget to Like, Comment, & Follow to stay updated with the latest weekly blog post. If you have any topics you would like me to discuss feel free to comment below or Email me at Aliciadionbeauty@gmail.com

Until next time Beauties 💋

Benefits of using Apple Cider Vinegar

Hi Beauties,

Let’s talk about apple cider vinegar. I’m sure a lot of you are already on the ACV wagon. It’s been apart of my beauty regimen for awhile now thanks to youtube and pinterest. I would wash my hair, mix ACV in with my facial mask, use as a toner and clean my fruits, veggies and meat with it. I like to use Organic Apple cider vinegar.

I had no idea using apple cider vinegar could be so beneficial to our body and overall health. ACV is one on those old time remedies that made it’s way to main-term popularity. Vinegar has been used as a healing elixir for over a century. During those days and even today vinegar was used to fight infections and help with illness. It’s more commonly being used today as a cure for weight loss, skin, hair, and more.

Here’s a few benefits of using Apple Cider Vinegar

Beauty/Hygiene

1. Weight-loss: It may help you lose weight.

Adding vinegar with your meal can increase feelings of fullness, which will prevent over eating. There was a study found that show that 200-275 less calories are eaten by people who consume vinegar with their meal for the rest of the day.

2. Facial Toner/Cleanser:

Because of the antibacterial properties of apple cider vinegar, it’s great for cleaning majority of everything, including your face. Vinegar is known to help prevent breakouts. Just like with your scalp, it can help balance your skin’s pH levels. If you dilute some vinegar with water and apply to a cotton swap to use as a toner or on blemishes.

3. Deodorant:

Did you know that a lot of deodorants are harmful to our overall health? The good thing about ACV nothing is toxic, and it will also help fight the odor-causing bacteria without the cancer-causing toxins. Just apply a little vinegar under your arms. When it dries your arm pits will not smell like vinegar.

4. No More Smelly Feet:

Apple Cider vinegar also helps get rid of bad smells. If you’re having a problem with smelly feet, here’s what you can do. Wipe your toes and feet down with a paper towel soaked in vinegar to combat the odor. What makes the vinegar a well known natural remedy? Is it’s ability to balance the pH level of your feet and eliminate odor causing bacteria.

5. Healthy, Clean & Soft Hair:

Apple cider vinegar is a great rinse to add to your weekly hair regimen. Your hair will feel clean, soft and shiny. The acid in ACV is what cleans the dirt build up on your scalp. vinegar also helps balance your pH level on your scalp. Here’s what to do. Grab a water bottle and pour 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar into 4 cups water and add to spray bottle. Shake the bottle and spray the vinegar and water all over your hair and scalp. Rinse the hair after shampooing, then rinse with cold water. If you are having issues with dandruff, spray your hair with equal amounts of water and vinegar twice a week. Place a shower cap or towel around your head and leave wrapped for up to an hour. The finally step is washing your hair the way you normally would.

Food/ Health:

1. It can clean fruits, veggies, and more.

A great way to eliminate and clean traces of salmonella from your fruit and veggies is mixing vinegar and lemon juice. You can also use vinegar to clean surfaces in your house.

2. Baking:

Adding apple cider vinegar to your baked goods such as, cookies, cakes, and other goodies can add fluff / lift. Don’t worry you won’t taste it when it’s done cooking.

3. Sore Throat

Once you begin to feel that scratch in the back of your throat. Don’t worry grab some apple cider vinegar to help prevent the infection. Here’s what to do mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup warm water and gargle every hour or so.

4.Detox Benefits

Apple cider vinegar is a useful tool in your body’s natural daily detox process. ACV is a great immunity drink when battling a cold or allergy symptoms. Vitamins, enzymes and minerals are found in Raw ACV. It’s recommended that raw apple cider vinegar is used for detoxing and cleansing.

5. Energy Boost

When you’re tired and need a boost add a tablespoon or two of apple cider vinegar to a glass of chilled vegetable drink or to a glass of water for a energy boost.

I Hope You Enjoyed This Blog!

Words From the Wise:

“To be creative means to be in love with life. You can be creative only if you love life enough that you want to enhance its beauty, you want to bring a little more music to it, a little more poetry to it, a little more dance to it.”

― Osho

Thank you so much for reading my blog. Blogs will be posted twice a week. Don’t forget to Like, Comment, & Follow to stay updated with the latest weekly blog post. If you have any topics you would like me to discuss feel free to comment below or Email me at Aliciadionbeauty@gmail.com

Until next time Beauties ,

AliciaDion

My Natural Hair Products|April Favorites

Hi Beauties,

I apologize for disappearing for a few weeks. Life got the best of me but I’m back. This week, let’s talk about my favorite natural hair products for the month of April. I am definitely a product junkie. I’m always picking up new natural hair products when I go to the store. I’ve been stuck on four products this month.

While shopping at my local Kroger’s I came across some Taliah Waajid Natural hair products. I’ve used a few products from her brand before and love them. So when I saw the cleanser and Leave in / detangler conditioner, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed. The last product that I fell in love with this month was Eco Style Black Castor and Flax-seed oil Gel. I’ve tried and still use Argon oil and Olive Oil Eco Style Gel. I was super excited to try their new Black Castor Oil and Flax-seed oil gel. Anything with flax-seed and castor oil has to be good right?

1. CLEAN-N-CURLY HYDRATING SHAMPOO™ – 8 OZ.

-Specially formulated with silk protein to condition and soften curly hair
– Eliminates frizz and Protects hair
-Great pH balance to cleanses and replenish moisture

$8.40

My scalp felt very clean and hydrated. For my hair a little goes a long way when using this shampoo. It smells amazing. I’m going to continue to purchase this product.

2. TALIAH WAAJID THE GREAT DETANGLER ™ Sulfate Free, Paraben Free – 8 OZ.

Helps to eliminate tangles on contact. Works to define curl pattern while combating breakage. Rich with moisture and proteins for soft and healthy hair.

$8.40

I used this product as a co-wash instead of a detanlger. This conditioner has great slip. My curls loves this stuff. I’m definitely going to use this conditioner as a leave in and detangler but so far I love what I see. Taliah Waajid never disappoints when it comes down to her natural hair products.

3. TALIAH WAAJID Hairline Help! 2-in-1 2oz

-Repairs damaged and thin layers.
-Smooths and holds down stubborn, curly hair strands.
-No alcohol. No flaking. Flawless styling

$10.00

I own a lot of edge controls but this one will be at the top my list for a while. My edges and bun stay intact all day. It’s worth the 10 bucks I paid for it. It will continue to be a monthly favorite.

4. ECO STYLE BLACK CASTOR OIL & FLAX-SEED OIL GEL 8 oz

Style Black Castor & Flax-seed Gel helps to nourish, repair and grown hair. Wheat Protein strengthens and protects hair. Weightless and will leave your hair with a healthy shine and superior hold.

$2.95

It’s just as great as the other Eco Style Gels. My bun stayed in place for 12 hours.

What are your April Favorites?

Words From the Wise:

“Experience life in all possible ways —

good-bad, bitter-sweet, dark-light,

summer-winter. Experience all the dualities.

Don’t be afraid of experience, because

the more experience you have, the more

mature you become.”

― Osho

Until next time Beauties ,

AliciaDion

Coconut Oil Deep Repair Masque Review

Hi Beauties,

It’s the winter time and my natural hair tend to get very dry during these cold months. I have to make sure I’m constantly keeping my hair moisturized.

I really try to wash my hair with deep conditioner once a week. It’s important to deep condition your hair a couple times a month. Deep conditioning your hair has many benefits, such as promotes moisture, hair loss prevention, elasticity, and adds shine and luster to your natural hair.

While shopping in my local Bealls Outlet. I came across this Coconut Oil Deep repair masque. To be honest the packaging is what drew me to it. Like most things. While reading the back of the packaging, I read how this conditioner particularly caters to Dry or Damaged hair. When I purchase or make a my DIY deep conditioners, I like to choose a deep conditioner that fit my hair needs at that time. Right now my hair is dry and brittle. My hair definitely needs some deep restorion.

Excelsior Coconut Oil Deep Repair Masque 12 oz.

by Excelsior

Reconstructer for Dry or Damaged Hair

I couldn’t wait to use this conditioner. The deep repair masque smells light like coconut oil. The texture is so soft and silky. My hair loves this stuff. My curls were so defined and full of elasticity and moisture. I apply the deep conditioner masque after I have washed and cleaned my hair. I section my hair in 4 sections and rack the deep conditioner in my hair. Cover hair with shower cap. I personally keep the deep conditioner in my hair for a few hours. Depending on the conditioner I’ll keep in over night.

Directions: Apply to clean, wet hair and combine through completely. Leave in for up to 7 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. No heat required. Do not use more than twice a week.

I will definitely be repurchasing this Coconut oil deep repair masque again. I was able to find this deep repair masque on Amazon: Escelsior Coconut Oil Deep Repair Masque

What’s our favorite Deep conditioner?

Post your answers below I would love to hear from you.

Don’t forget to Follow, Like and Comment Below.

“We have a powerful potential in out youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” -Mary McLeod BethuneBio: Mary McLeod Bethune

If you would like to purchase a jar of my DIY Raw African Shea Butter contact me via email Aliciadionbeauty@gmail.com.

Until Next time Beauties

How to Wash & Refresh your Protective style.

Hi Beauties!

Let’s talk about hair. I like to keep my hair in protective styling. Mainly to keep my hands out of my hair. When i’m wearing my braids or other styles, I like to make sure my natural hair underneath the weave is maintained. I have braids in my hair now. It’s important for me to make sure that my hair is moisturized. Keeping your hair moisturized underneath your protective styles can create healthy hair and even help prevent tangles and dry/brittle hair.

I love getting my hair done in different styles but I hate paying for it. Getting braids and other styles can be expensive. With that being said, I like to get my moneys worth. I try to keep my protective styles in my hair, depending on the style for about 2 1/2 months. In order for my styles to last that long I have to refresh them every once in awhile.

Here’s my step by step process on how I wash and refresh my protective styles!

Step 1. Wash my hair: I like to wash my hair once every two weeks. When I wash my hair I focus on my roots, because I don’t want to over manipulate the weave. I use Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Strengthen Grow & Restore Shampoo. This shampoo is made with Shea Butter & Apple Cider Vinegar. Its great for clarifying, nourish & growing your hair. I pour the shampoo on my roots and gentle massage and clean my scalp, then rinse. You can repeat this step as many times as you need too. I don’t wash the weave I let the water run down the hair.

I follow up with conditioner. The conditioner that I use is Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Strengthen Grow & Restore Conditioner. Just like the shampoo it’s great for nourishing, repairing and growing your hair. This conditioner is made with Shea Butter, Peppermint and Keratin. I love this conditioner. It’s so inexpensive, smells so good and makes my hair feel so soft. I gentle massage the conditioner into my scalp, then rinse. Once my hair is clean, I gentle squeeze the water out of the braids. I only do this for certain styles. I then wrap my hair up in a towel for at least an hour.

Step 2. Moisturize: Now that my scalp is clean, it is now time for me to moisturize my hair. I like to use Creme Of Nature Strength & Shine Leave‑In Conditioner. This stuff is heaven in a bottle. This has been a ride or die for me for years. I don’t think i’ll ever stop using this. I spray the leave-in conditioner on my roots and on my natural hair in the braids and gentle massage the leave-in onto my scalp. I spray my hair with this spray a few times a week.

Step 2.1 You can use what ever oil you want to use for this step. Different essential oils have different properties; some are good for dry hair while others help remove excess greasiness. Depending on the nature of your hair and scalp, you should select the essential oils that best suit your needs. I like to use my DIY Oil Mixture. I use about seven different oils in my oil mix. After I use the leave-in, I pour the oil mix all over my scalp. I also pour some into my hands and rub the oil on my natural hair in the braids.

Step 3. Refresh: If you want to further refresh your braids, here’s how. In this final step, I mainly focus on the first few rows of my hair. I use Argon Oil Eco Styling Gel to refresh my braids. I like to use a small finger tip amount of Eco styling gel and grab one braid at a time. I put the Eco styling gel on the root (new growth) of my hair and twist it around. I’m not pulling my hair or wrapping it tightly. I use clips to hold the braids in place. I repeat this step until I finish the first two rows on my hair. Last thing I like to do, is rub Eco styling gel down the braids to help prevent frizz. Once my edges and scalp are refreshed I then grab my satin scarf and tie my hair up.

Sticking to this maintenance regimen allows me to keep my braids for a few more weeks.

The products that I used are items that work for my natural hair. You can use what ever products work best for your hair. All hair types can use this wash and refresh method.

How do you refresh your protective styles?

Comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts!

If you would like to purchase a jar of my DIY Raw African Shea Butter contact me via email Aliciadionbeauty@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for reading my blog. Blogs will be posted every Friday and Sunday. Don’t forget to Like, Comment, & Follow to stay updated with the latest weekly blog post. If you have any topics you would like me to discuss feel free to comment below or Email me at Aliciadionbeauty@gmail.com

Remember: “The Sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it’s here is up to us. Journey wisely.”
― Alexandra Elle

Until next time Beauties

AliciaDion

DIY Raw African Shea Butter

Hi Beauties,

Let’s talk about Raw African Shea Butter. If you’re a naturalista like myself, I’m sure you are familiar with Shea Butter. Many naturals use Shea butter to moisturize and style their hair. It’s also commonly used to help with dry skin and to protect skins natural oils. It’s also great for twist outs, braid outs and Bantu knots and other natural hair styles. Shea butter is one of the most versatile natural beauty ingredient. Shea butter is great for stretch marks, lip balm, body butter, wrinkle remover, just to name a few.

What is Shea Butter?
Shea butter is a skin superfood that comes from the seeds of the fruit of the Shea (Karite) tree and that is naturally rich in vitamins A, E and F. It offers UV protection (it is SPF ~6) and provides the skin with essential fatty acids and the nutrients necessary for collagen production. Shea butter has been used in Africa and other countries for years to improve skin and hair. Source:WellnessMama

I started using Shea butter maybe 4 years ago on my hair and skin. Like most people I suffer from dry skin. I’ve tried so many moisturizers on my skin but nothing worked or lasted. I would often get dry patches on my face, mostly when I would wear makeup. During the summer months I would often have to use 3 moisturizers on my face. While on YouTube I ran across a variety of videos about Shea butter and the benefits to using it. Shea Butter gives my skin the moisture that it needs and keeps my face patch free. Shea butter is also great for all skin types. My family including myself use Shea Butter daily.

Image Source:Popsugar

Benefits to Shea Butter:
* Moisturizing: The concentration of natural vitamins and fatty acids in Shea butter makes it incredibly nourishing and moisturizing for skin. It is often used to remedy dry skin and to help protect the skin’s natural oils.
* Reduces Inflammation: A 2010 study found that due to its cinnamic acid and other natural properties, shea butter was anti-inflammatory. (source) One compound in particular, lupeol cinnamate, was found to reduce skin inflammation and even potentially help avoid skin mutations. This also makes it beneficial for some people with acne.
* Skin Smoothing: Shea butter aids in the skin’s natural collagen production and contains oleic, stearic, palmitic and linolenic acids that protect and nourish the skin to prevent drying. With long term use, many people report skin softening and strengthening as well as wrinkle reduction. Source:WellnessMama.

DIY Shea Butter:
Now that we know what Shea butter is and benefits of using this butter. We can talk about my DIY Shea Butter Mix. I only use Raw, Unrefined, Organic, Grade A Shea butter. My Shea butter is hand whipped using all natural oil essentials. I use seven natural oils inside my shea butter. Each oil brings its own natural element to the Shea butter. Helping to create its soft and moisturizing texture.

If you would like to purchase my DIY Shea Butter contact me at aliciadionbeauty@gmail.com

I purchased my Shea butter and essential oils from my local beauty supply and grocery store. If you would like a detailed video on how I make my DIY Shea Butter let me know below in the comment section.

Don’t forget to Like and Subscribe to stay updated with my Weekly Beauty Discussions.

Until Next time Beauties 💋

Love, Alicia Dion

Remember “Don’t let anybody steal your magic” -Solange

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

Renewing Argan Oil Of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil

Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

ColorStay Makeup For Combo/Oily Skin

LOTTA BODY

Wrap Me Foaming Mousse

EQUATE

Pre-Moistened Night-Time Soothing Makeup Remover Towelettes

Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara

Words from the Wise:

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life — think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

— Swami Vivekananda

Thank you so much for reading my blog. Blogs will be posted twice a week. Don’t forget to Like, Comment, & Follow to stay updated with the latest weekly blog post. If you have any topics you would like me to discuss feel free to comment below or Email me at Aliciadionbeauty@gmail.com

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Hi Beauties,

Here’s a few benefits of using Apple Cider Vinegar

Beauty/Hygiene

1. Weight-loss: It may help you lose weight.

2. Facial Toner/Cleanser:

3. Deodorant:

4. No More Smelly Feet:

5. Healthy, Clean & Soft Hair:

Food/ Health:

1. It can clean fruits, veggies, and more.

2. Baking:

3. Sore Throat

4.Detox Benefits

5. Energy Boost

I Hope You Enjoyed This Blog!

Words From the Wise:

Share This:

Like this:

1. CLEAN-N-CURLY HYDRATING SHAMPOO™ – 8 OZ.

-Specially formulated with silk protein to condition and soften curly hair – Eliminates frizz and Protects hair -Great pH balance to cleanses and replenish moisture

$8.40

2. TALIAH WAAJID THE GREAT DETANGLER ™ Sulfate Free, Paraben Free – 8 OZ.

Helps to eliminate tangles on contact. Works to define curl pattern while combating breakage. Rich with moisture and proteins for soft and healthy hair.

$8.40

3. TALIAH WAAJID Hairline Help! 2-in-1 2oz

-Repairs damaged and thin layers. -Smooths and holds down stubborn, curly hair strands. -No alcohol. No flaking. Flawless styling

$10.00

4. ECO STYLE BLACK CASTOR OIL & FLAX-SEED OIL GEL 8 oz

Style Black Castor & Flax-seed Gel helps to nourish, repair and grown hair. Wheat Protein strengthens and protects hair. Weightless and will leave your hair with a healthy shine and superior hold.

$2.95

What are your April Favorites?

Words From the Wise:

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Like this:

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-Specially formulated with silk protein to condition and soften curly hair
– Eliminates frizz and Protects hair
-Great pH balance to cleanses and replenish moisture

-Repairs damaged and thin layers.
-Smooths and holds down stubborn, curly hair strands.
-No alcohol. No flaking. Flawless styling