Organic Hair & Skin Care: Koils By Nature
I’ve been working on creating a dope all-natural and organic DIY leave-in for us to use on our hair during these warmer temps. One that gives moisture and great definition without sacrificing volume. I’ve been making it Aloe based since it works so well, as a sealant of moisture, on every hair type. While I figure it out, though, I want you guys to check out this organic brand I bumped into a few weeks ago: Koils By Nature. I was in search of Aloe-based leave-ins already on the market so I could read the reviews and see how people were responding. I was finding the usual “I hate it” “I love it” “too expensive” responses but found this one brand that had 100% positive reviews across the board. And this was on everything from their main site, to blogs, to YouTube. Rare! Their slogan also read, “Where Beauty And Nature Come Together” and I saw tons of amazing all-natural and organic ingredients in every single product. You guys already know that’s all it takes for me. Sold.
I ordered the Moisturizing Shealoe Leave-In Conditioner:
The ingredients include everything from distilled water (first ingredient…giving it a nice, easy to slip on consistency), calendula, burdock root, aloe and shea. I know you’re gonna see that it’s $22 and give me the sideeye but a little goes a long way! I’ve used it twice and have barely made a dent in the 12 oz bottle.
Here were my results:
Shine. Definition. Volume. The healthy hair trifecta. This leave-in may be my new staple.
I also ordered the Nourishing Hair & Body Butter in the Marvelous Mango scent for $13. The scent is heavy. Like candy shop heavy! But once it goes on your skin/hair, it becomes subtle. I’m also in LOVE with butters you can use on both your hair and skin…that says a lot! My hair and skin responded really really well to this mixture. Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Aloe, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil and Kokum Butter. Hair and skin gold! The Mango, which is a light butter on its own, made everything feel soft and non-greasy. It’s also available in almond, lavender, watermelon, citrus and unscented.
I also ordered the Herbal Soothing Curl Defining Gel with Eucalyptus and Lavender, which is an incredible combo for our hair. So stimulating for growth and scalp health! I wanted to get a well-rounded idea of their brand by ordering a little bit of every type of product we’d be looking for. I haven’t used this one yet but i’ll keep you guys posted! In all honesty, the eucalyptus scent is SO strong. I opened it and felt like my hair was going to smell like Vicks Vapor Rub. But I saw the reviews saying, just like the mango butter, the scent faded once applied. And the pics on instagram, of people’s results, sold me. Tons of healthy volume and definition! Definitely look them up on YouTube/IG/Blogs.
This line gets my total support. These mixtures are so dope! My hair and skin have been on 10 all week. Not the cheapest brand and not available in stores yet, but definitely worth putting to the test considering these incredible results.
Have any of you tried Koils By Nature? Thoughts?
Q:Hey Fran, so I've noticed a lot of products with Shea in them. From your prospective between cantu Shea products and Shea moisture which one is better? What is the difference?
Anonymous
Hey :) In my opinion, Shea Moisture is better because it contains Shea Butter as well as many other amazing all-natural nutrient rich ingredients. Cantu Shea contains Shea Butter (a very small amount) as well as a ton of synthetic chemicals, that do absolutely nothing for you, on top of it. The difference? Health. What are the synthetics contributing to your hair health and growth?
Q:hey fran hey! so i know you use camille rose algae deep conditioning mask/aloe whipped butter gel. have you used any other products from her line like the 'almond jai twisting butter'? also, i see beemine has some decent products just pricey.. are there any other products you use from this line besides the curly butter such as the deep treatment/etc? btw, have you found any other natural lines? i'm eager to try luvnaturals. but anyway, love you fran! blessings to you my beautiful queen. <3
Anonymous
Hey :) Let me just start off by congratulating Camille Rose for launching in Target next month! MAJOR moves for the health and beauty world <3 It’s gonna be so beautiful seeing a vegan line in the natural hair aisle :) My top 3 favorite products from her line are the Algae Deep Treatment, The Moisture Butter and The Aloe Whipped Butter Gel. Absolute perfection! You’ll have moisture retention (which is key to growth and health) for days. Bee Mine Products are also amazing! I use their Curly Butter, as seen in this Protective Styling Video, as well as their Deep Conditioner. They also have a protein-free version for those of you with any sensitivities.
As far as other healthy hair favs, I love Luvnaturals, Shea Moisture, Qhemet Biologics, Oyin Handmade and Belle Butters. Hope that helps <3
Love you way more!
Q:Hola Fran, can ALL of the Shea Moisture products be ordered online somewhere?
Healthy Beauty | My Top 5 Hair Butters
I should probably title this post, “My Top 5 Hair Butters…of 2012” because lord knows I have a new rotation every few weeks years. I’ve actually narrowed it down this time, though, and I think i’m going to stick to these all-natural gems (Unless someone comes out with another dope healthy brand. I’m weak.). This doesn’t mean I use all of these at once. When a jar is done, I order one of these 5. I like keeping my hair challenged with different nutrients/products every few months so it doesn’t get dull. What sells me on a product? The ingredients, scent and how many days I can go without having to re-apply it. With that being said, here are the 5 all-natural butters i’m currently in lust with:
Ingredients: shea butter, raw pressed mango butter, avocado butter, apricot kernel oil, neem oil, sunflower oil, fragrance, optiphen (preservative)
Price: 4 oz -$13 | 16 oz - $26
I rave about this butter all the time, so this isn’t new for most of you. Aside from the incredible ingredients, the biggest plus for this product is the scent. When I sit down next to someone on the train, they ALWAYS turn (not exaggerating) and tell me I smell so good. It’s this light mixture of ginger, amber and vanilla. I also love that I can apply it to both my skin and hair. Being able to do that let’s me know i’ve picked a dope and clean product <3 I buy this for these colder months, since it’s rich and thick. It gives me some serious moisture on my skin and hair for days and a little goes a long way.
Curlaide Moisture Butter - Camille Rose Naturals
Ingredients: Rice milk, distilled water, aloe vera, btms, shea butter, olive oil, coconut, sesame oil, avocado, macadamia, castor, jojoba, vitamin c + e, marshmellow root, rice oil, green algae, amla, optiphen, natural fragrance and LOVE!
Price: 8 oz - $16
If you’re looking for a butter that has a little bit of hold, for more defined twists/braids or slicked back styles/updos, this is the one. I remember being a little confused when I first tried it because most butters give me tons of moisture but no curl definition; which is fine since I use butters for protective styles and not for wash & gos. This one is special, though. You can use it for both styles. I can’t think of another butter that does that! A definite must-have in the textured hair beauty arsenal.The creamy and vegan ingredients also allow for days and days of moisture without having to reapply. Major plus!
Bee Hold Curly Butter - Bee Mine
Ingredients: Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, Essential Oil Blend, Vegetable Glycerin, Rosemary Leaf & Chamomile Extract, Silk Powder, Paraben & Formaldehyde Free Preservative
Price:16 oz - $23
This is my go-to butter all year round. If you like the deep moisture butters give without your hair being too weighed down (especially for those with fine natural hair) this one is perfect for you. It’s light and creamy without sacrificing long-lasting moisture. The perfect product. And the coconut scent is yum! I used it in this video to show how I twist my hair.
Whipped Butter Creme - Belle Amour Blends
Ingredients: Aloe butter, Avocado butter, Mango butter, Shea butter, Coconut oil, Grapeseed oil, Jamaican Black Castor oil, Macadamia Nut oil, Olive oil, Sweet Almond oil, Argan oil, Black Currant oil, various essential and fragrance oils*
Price:4 oz - $6
You guys know I have to big up my favorite indie brands, too! Not only because she’s a sweet kid who focuses on health but because I know a lot of you college kids are side-eyeing me for the prices of the other butters…lol. Here’s an affordable, all-natural, extremely moisturizing skin AND hair jar of butter. With 10+ different scents to choose from, too. She can even customize the scent for you or swap out ingredients you may not be fond of. Love her <3
And last…but not least
How about making your own hair and skin butter from scratch? That’s always my favorite healthy option :)
Watch here to learn how quick, easy and affordable it is.
So there you have it, my end of the year beauty round-up for butters. I made sure to include something for every hair type, desired style and price range. And ALL healthy! I hope this list helps <3
Do you use any of these already?
Indie Spotlight: Belle Amour Blends
We all have our tried and true DIY recipes or store-bought brands, but I love love love small and independent gems selling awesome all-natural beauty products online. Belle Amour Blends contacted me about reviewing her Whipped Butter Creme, which is loaded with Aloe! She knew, from watching my hair vids, that Aloe was my fav for sealing my hair, so she thought it would be a perfect match. (Watch hair vid here)
Ingredients: Aloe Butter, Avocado Butter, Mango Butter, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Olive Oil, Argan Oil, Black Currant Oil and this list with an explanation of each ingredient and why it was used.
Pretty on point, huh?
Her site won me over as soon as I saw “No mineral oil, no parabens, no chemicals, no sulfates.”
Sold!
I was due to wash my hair when I got the package, so I used it immediately. I was also able to use it on my skin and it didn’t feel like it was sitting on top of it. Same with my hair. Extremely healthy, healing and penetrating ingredients. The cool part is she is more than willing to cater to your hair and skin needs by swapping any oils or fragrances you may have issues with.
You can grab a 4 oz jar for only $6! And a little goes a long way. I only had the sample jar and was able to use it on my hair for a few weeks.
Visit Belle Amour Blends here. And find the Whipped Butter Creme here. Show her small business some love if you’re looking for a new butter to try! <3
What do you guys think? And what other indie sites are you currently in love with?
Black Friday Sale: Shea Moisture
I was wondering why Shea Moisture wasn’t promoting any sales. CVS is, though!
CVS.com is offering 25% off Shea Moisture products & an additional 25% if you spend $25+. Plus free shipping! Code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout.
Healthy Natural Beauty: Black Friday Sales
There are tons of online sales going on right now. I sorted through all of the beauty ones I could find and compiled this list of my favorite healthy brands and their discount offers. Enjoy!
BELLE BUTTERS
These butters are all natural and truly the best quality i’ve ever found. Super healing and like velvet to the touch. I love that you can use them for both your hair AND skin. That’s always a good sign! My favorite is the Unyevu Butter which you guys have heard me rave about! The smell, alone, is heaven on earth.
Site: Belle Butters
Discount: 20% off $25+ with code BBBF
BEE MINE
My all-natural and organic beauty fav! This Curly Butter is heaven on earth! This is what I used in my Twisting 101 video. I swear by this coconut goodness! Gives you health, shine and promotes growth with all of the clean and awesome ingredients.
Site: Bee Mine Products
Discount: 25% off using code BLKFRI23
AUBREY ORGANICS
If you’ve been following me for awhile, you already know this line is my holy grail of conditioners! The White Camellia conditioner is used on a weekly basis (the smell is incredible) and the GPB is my protein boost once a month (or as needed). An amazing all-natural line I sincerely swear by.
Site: Aubrey Organics
Discount: 25% off plus free shipping on orders of $25+
BEIJA-FLOR NATURALS
I first posted about Beija-Flor Naturals here. Hair and skin butters loaded with amazing herbs and oils. My mom swore by their Creme Brulee while she was transitioning.
Site: Beija-Flor Naturals
Discount: 20% off using code BEIJA2012 + a free gift with a purchase of $65+
CAMILLE ROSE NATURALS
I swear by her Whipped Aloe Vera Gel, Moisture Butter and Algae Deep Treatment. Absolute staples in my beauty arsenal! All-natural, vegan and organic ingredients.
Site: Camille Rose Naturals
Discount: 30% off using code CRN
OYIN HANDMADE
This line is another all-natural fav! I love their Burnt Sugar Pomade to seal my ends during these harsh winter colds. It has this vanilla-sugar scent that I just want to eat. Every product is made as it is ordered…for guaranteed freshness. Isn’t that amazing?
Site: Oyin Handmade
Discount: 20% off + free shipping if you spend $60+ using code THISBLACKFRIDAY
EDEN BODYWORKS
I was given a bottle of the Peppermint Tea Tree Conditioner at an event I attended. I didn’t know much about the line except for the crazy fact it was created by a 13 year old! Apparently she was as obsessed as my butt about the crazy ingredients in these product lines and decided to make her own. Beyond dope. I tried the conditioner and loved it! Gives your scalp that stimulating tingle and freshness while leaving your hair buttery soft and easy to finger-detangle.
Site: Eden Bodyworks
Discount: 50% off using code CYBER12 (Only valid on Monday 11/26)
KAREN’S BODY BEAUTIFUL
This Luscious Locks Hair Mask is one of my favorite deep treatments on the market! It’s a bit pricey, $25 for an 8 oz jar, so it’s one of my rare indulgences. Made with herbs and organic oils, your results will be worth every penny. Love this line! So rich and full of health. Don’t get me started on the fact you can choose any scent you want for any of her products! Her egyptian musk scent is heaven on earth.
Site: Karen’s Body Beautiful
Discount: 30% off using code KBBLOVE
So I walked into a Duane Reade just to grab some lip balm. And somehow…sigh…does this happen to anyone else? Ugh! lol
Natural beauty, nutrition & fitness. All with a bohemian twist!
