Honey Noire

Kinky Curly Curling Custard Review

2009-03-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

Kinky Curly is an all natural curl enhancing gel that is great for enhancing your natural curl, and not only does it enhance your curl it can stay that way for almost a week. I have tried this product for almost 2 months and I love it BUT it has it's draw backs. It does not add moisture to my hair and can leave it feeling crackly, lol. It does not work well with other leave in conditioners, and if you put the wrong products on after the application of kinky curly it may cause white clumps to form. On a lighter note it is still a great products and I have found that using qhetmet biologics olive and honey hydrating balm a before using The Knot Today Leave In Conditioner will help with the moisture problem. I will continue to use Kinky Curly because its a great all natural product, and its benefits out ways its short comings.

Avalon Organics: Rosemary Conditioner

2009-02-15T15:50:00.000-08:00

I love the rosemary conditioner with wheat protein and babassu oil from Avalon Organics. It is great with detangling and adding moisture to my hair. Rosemary helps encourage healthy circulation and improve scalp conditions. Wheat protein helps strengthen the hair strands giving your hair a fuller, healthier look and feel. It is a volumizing conditioner, though i can't tell if it adds volume to my hair because it is already so thick, but you may see more volume depending on your hair type. I use this conditioner to co-wash my hair and detangle with it still in my hair using my denman brush. I was actually afraid of my denman but with this conditioner it was like heaven detangling my hair. Its also only $8.95 at whole foods oddly enough bed bath and beyond.

Update

2009-02-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, I haven't been blogging for a while but school is hard. Anyways I finished the carrot juice for acne system, and it did nothing absolutely nada, on to something else I guess. But I have been trying coconut oil on my hair and it makes it so soft. I have even tried kinky curly, so reviews and more are on the way.

Olive Oil Skin Protection

2009-02-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

Olive oil is one of the most versatile oils that we can use, it is great for food, hair, nails and skin. Olive oil is high in antioxidants, vitamin E and protects against aging and free radicals. Organic extra Virgin olive oil is best because it is not as processed. During the winter olive oil can be added to your bath to sooth the skin or after a shower apply a bit of extra virgin olive oil directly to the skin, I prefer to use it on my whole body because in the winter I am prone to flaky itchy skin. It also works great as a deep conditioner on the hair I mix it with a tsp of honey, one egg yoke, and 3 tsp of milk and 1/2 cup of olive oil will make the hair very soft.

Is Her Natural Curl Better Than Mine?

2009-01-29T21:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, as a black women with natural hair I take a sense of pride in having natural hair especially when it's in my curly wurly afro. I feel very unique, even though I am aware that other black women have natural hair. Anyways, I was in class today and sitting next to me was another young lady with beautiful natural hair also in an afro, so i observed ok examined, ok more like stared. Anyway I sat there thinking is her curl better than mine. I was just wondering if other naturals do this to, observing their sisters in envy, then trying to find reasons of why your hair is better.

Chanel Iman Speaks on Diversity on The Runway

2009-01-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

Chanel Iman's interview in Page Six Magazine: “It’s not just black girls. It’s ethnic girls in general: Brazilian girls, Hispanic. You really don’t see a lot of Asians either. A lot of designers think that if every girl on the runway looks exactly alike, then people will come to the shows and buy the clothes because they won’t be focusing on the models….It’s not even just runway either… us ethnic girls should be getting a lot of the covers too! I would love to be on half of the campaigns these [white] girls are booking, all looking exactly alike. It’s not right. It’s not fair.”

I agree with Chanel for the most part, there is not a lot diversity on the runway it's rare to see Black or Asian faces on the runway and hardly any Indian women. I love diversity, though I also how designers want there clothes to be the focus and not the model. BUT, it could all just be an excuse for not wanted to feature more ethnic models. I think that ethnic models have to work twice as hard to get the same amount of work as their Caucasian counter parts.

On I side note I love her hair in this photo I don't think shes a natural but she can fake the fro!

Who's your Hair Idol?

2009-01-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

This is one of mine. Model and actress, Sharaka Ledard

Inauguration 2009 Day To Night

2009-01-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

Look at these two The President and The First lady and proud, stylish pair. The president kept it simple and Michelle worn Jason Wu, an up and coming designer. She looked lovely though I would have preferred more color for her beautiful skin tone.

Carrot Juice and Lemon for Blemishes: 15 Day Challenge

2009-01-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

Day 0: So I heard that carrot juice is not only good for your body and eyes, but great for your skin if applied topically. Carrot juice is a valuable source of Vitamin A, antioxidants, phytochemicals, more vitamins and minerals which help nourish, protect, and moisturize the skin. Nutrition from carrots helps skin renewal and offers protection from sun damage. Carrot juice tones, revitalizes, the skin, and even treats premature wrinkling. I went out and bought a bottle of 100% carrot juice with added lemon juice, no water added and put a small amount in a small spray bottle.

1. I washed my face with the soap of my choice
2.Dried face
3. Spray on the carrot juice
4. Sit for 15
5. Rinse with lukewarm
6. At this point you can choose to use a toner but its not necessary because carrot juice is a natural toner
7. Then moisturize

I will have pictures up soon for day one and the 15th day .

Blake Lively on The Cover of Vogue

2009-01-19T13:50:00.000-08:00

February's cover of vogue features Blake Lively doing an old Hollywood look that is stunning. I really love this dress, its half the reason I picked up this issue. I need to find out you made this dress. It is so simple yet exciting. This look is Glamour at its best. The hair, the lips, the bracelet and the dress.

The Basics of Enduring Fashion Classics

2009-01-19T08:55:00.000-08:00

• White Tees
• Cashmere Cardigans
• Trench Coat
• Trousers
• Shift Dress
• Tuxedo
• Little Black Dress
• Pencil Skirt

These pieces are in fashion icons closets, and they are the foundations of a great multi changeable wardrobe.

Bobbi Brown Eye Palette

2009-01-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Makeup artist extraordinaire Bobbi Brown has a new limited edition eye palette. It has 35 beautiful bright eye-shadows that will retail for 70.00 it’s a small price to pay for such quality. It’s a great palette for that woman who loves to play with color.

Try Not to Be Nappy Crazy

2009-01-19T08:40:00.000-08:00

Yes, I said it! Try not to be nappy crazy, what I mean by this is to not attack women who perm their hair or don’t hold the say chemical free rules you do. I am guilt of this, not so much doing it but thinking it. As I said before I went to the hair salon last week for a hair cut which I love, there was a woman with a beautiful short afro. As I admired her hair she sat down and her hair stylist proceeded to place perm in her hair I wanted to cry. It’s not my hair so why do I care but I just wanted to ask her why; was it to difficult having natural hair or was she looking for a change. Whatever the case it was none of my business to sit there and judge her secretly for what she was doing. I personally do not care if a woman chooses to perm her hair or not, I guess I was just judging because she had already made a step towards being chemically free. Though each of us holds our own beliefs and they should all be respected.

Giovanni’s Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub

2009-01-19T08:33:00.000-08:00

I recently bought Giovanni’s Hot Chocolate Sugar Scrub, which I absolutely love. This delightful sugar scrub smells exactly like chocolate so much so you almost want to eat it. The formula is very thick, while the smell is not over powering. The granules of sugar are quite large but in no way harsh, and my skin glowed; and I was left with a light scent. The scrub warms up as you rub it in; it is also a vegan product. I got mine at Ricky’s for about 15 bucks, but you can find it cheaper online at www.newlifesystems.com

Tomato Facials

2009-01-17T23:41:00.000-08:00

On my quest to get rid of this horrible breakout I am having I have been researching. I came across tomato facials, which I thought would be messy and cold but it wasn’t that bad. These tasty fruits are packed with vitamins and minerals which can help heal the skin. This is best for oily skin, acne prone skin, and combination oily skin. Tomatoes remove excess oils from the skin while leaving the skin oh so soft.
1. Grab the tomatoes of your choice and put in the blender
2. Add one egg white for texture.
3. Cut a lemon in half, using only one half squeezes into the blender.
4. When your paste is done remove it and if you would like add some plain oatmeal to turn it into a blemish fighting facial scrub.
5. Leave on for 10 minutes the rinse with lukewarm water

The Wellington Hair Spa

2009-01-16T18:07:00.000-08:00

Today I went to get a hair cut, even though it was 15 degrees outside a woman needs her hair done. My co-worker had recommended I visit The Wellington Hair Spa, being that I have natural hair I was afraid to visit any other salon that my usual, but I gave it a shot. The trip was well worth it, now my hair is in the kinky curly range and the owner Patrick mentioned to me in the consultation that he would have to straighten my hair to have it cut which I was a bit afraid of because I thought my hair would be fried. I gave it a shot despite this, and let me just say my hair looks fabulous. When I say this man can cut hair, HE CAN CUT HAIR! My is layered to perfection, and those dead ends i could not see when my hair was curly are completely gone. The salon is small but humble and cozy on such a cold day. The staff is wonderfully attentive, giving you a robe to change into, offering drinks, and making sure that the tools they use on your hair are clean. It was great, if you are an African American women looking to support more black businesses, or you just need a great hair cut, YOU NEED TO visit The Wellington Hair Spa. I now will never have anyone else cut, or even touch my hair but these hair care professionals. This was truly the best hair cut of my life, and in this recession the prices did not kill my wallet.

The Wellington Hair Spa is located in NYC at 119 W. 23rd St. Studio 501, NY, Ny, 10011. (212) 206 - 7962 On the Web: http://www.wellingtonhairspa.net

Steam Facials

2009-01-16T18:06:00.001-08:00

So, I am suffering from a very bad winter breakout, and I am going crazy trying to stop it I decided to try the old steam facial. Steam Facials are very relaxing; and a great way to cleanse the skin. Lavender, thyme, lemon, peppermint, chamomile, and even honey can be added to give moisture to the skin. Steam facials even can help with acne.

1. Bring water to a rolling boil, remember we want to steam not burn the skin.

2. Place water into a bowl that you can place your head over easily, you also have the option of adding lavender, or chamomile at this point.

3. Place a towel over head, and sit for 5 – 7 minutes

4. Next use a toner to clean off the dirt from the pores.

5. Apply a light moisturizer to keep the skin soft.

Is your Shampoo drying out your hair?

2009-01-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

A reason why your shampoo may be drying out your hair is due to a chemical known as Sodium lauryl sulfate; which is found in many everyday household items like detergent, toothpaste, and shampoo because it thickens the solutions and adds lather. So why should you avoid using shampoo’s with sodium lauryl sulfate? It dissolves the oils in your hair and skin which can lead to hair breakage, this drying affect is even worse in coarse African American hair.
SLS also causes the hair to be more sensitive to the effects of the environment. Dry hair is not so bad, but what about your health? SLS is also absorbed into the body through your skin. Once it has been absorbed, one of the main effects of sodium lauryl sulfate is mimicking the activity of the female sex hormone Oestrogen. SLS is responsible for a variety of health problems like dropping male fertility to increasing female cancers such as breast cancer. To avoid SLS try using natural and organic products or just reading the labels closely, and for more info visit natural-health-information-centre.com.

Returning to The Root of it all: Relaxed to Natural

2009-01-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

As an African American women, I feel we need to return to the root of the matter when it comes to our hair. As children we are told that the hair on our heads is not good hair. This saying sticks to us and as we go through life we try to make our bad hair good hair. We explore our options, the stove top press and curl, and the kiddy perm. Ahhhh that relaxing drug keeps us hooked with all its lye’s. But the breakage and the damage don’t lye. The transition begins when you are ready to embrace that beautiful thick hair. But how do you start, well hair are few easy ways to begin your journey.

Braids with your natural hair or extensions, this will hide new growth.
Pressing the new growth and only the new growth! This will not remove you from your comfort zone just yet.
Roller sets, curls will hide growing roots with volume.
Weave that is sewed in, not glued will allow the hair to grow underneath untouched.
The Big Chop, it’s not as scary as it sounds. When I went natural 7 years ago I used this method and then just braided my hair until it reached my chin.

Why you Shouldn't Stay up til 3 am

2009-01-15T00:19:00.000-08:00

You smell food and no one is cooking.

Those whopper commercials are slowly killing your diet will power.

You hear noises and your imagination goes wild.

You consider baking cookies because its the only form of chocolate in your house.

You start thinking of ways to hurt your ex and his new gf.

The guilt from not donating to the feed the children commercials is getting to you.

You end up watch adult swim because your to lazy to find the remote.

OPI South Beach Collection Spring/Summer 09

2009-01-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

I am a huge fan of OPI, though this Spring/Summer Collection is not that exciting for me. The shades are toned down more than 2008’s India collection. I am interested to see Bronzed to Perfection, and OPI on Collins Ave in person. I will swatch these for you when, I receive the collection.

Got The Winter Blues?

2009-01-14T10:03:00.000-08:00

Blue Dress Coat: Forever2 $44.80

This classic coat will keep you warm, and will accentuate a smaller waist or create one.

This shape is best for hour glass, or women with a smaller lower half.

Hair Knowledge

2009-01-13T18:40:00.000-08:00

Hair is made up of a strong sulfur rich protein known as keratin. Hair grows out of the head from the follicles on the scalp; inside of the follicle is the papilla, the hair’s life line. The papilla supplies the hair strand with oxygen, blood, and nutrients; from the papilla the hair strand is developed in the cuticle layer, the cortex, and the medulla. The outer layer is the cuticle, if you have curly or kinky hair there are less cuticle layers which means your hair is easily damaged by chemicals, heat and styling. The cortex provides the pigment to the hair strand and is inside the cuticle layer. The medulla runs along the length of the hair shaft, and is made of up of small cells.

The City: Olivia Palermo’s Nails

2009-01-13T10:11:00.000-08:00

I was watching The City last night and while I really don’t like it that much I can’t help myself. I came across Olivia Palermo’s beautiful purple nails. Purple nails are still a do, black not so much…overkill. But it was gorgeous, did I mention I am a nail polish addict! So, I picked some purples from my favorite brands.

1. OPI: Louvre Me Louvre Me Not $ 4.73 {transdesign.com}
2. ZOYA Nail Polish in Hope $ 6.00 {zoya.com}
3. ZOYA Nail Polish in Pru $ 6.00

The Power of Bronzer

2009-01-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

Bronzer can add warmth to the skin when applied correctly, and when applied incorrectly you may look like your face was dipped in chocolate. In the winter months bronzer it’s a must for adding life to my dulled complexion. Bronzer is great for achieving dewy, glowing skin and appears to even out skin tone. Start with a clean canvas, oil and bronzer don’t mix! African American women should apply blush before bronzer, we already have color to our skin, and if your blush is very pink the bronzer can make it more neutral. I use Cargo’s Siena blush which is a pinky coral, and Cargo’s bronzer in dark. If you have deep skin I would recommend using a cream blush that has a hint of gold shimmer to it. To achieve a sun-kissed look, apply bronzer with a fluffy brush concentrating on the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and forehead.

Bronzer Color Wheel: Skin Tone

Olive: If your skin tends to have more pink use a sheer coral, or a peachy shade.

Tan: Shades of true Pink and sheer Cherry work best.

Dark: Bronze and light Oranges will look most natural.

Deep: Berry, Crimson, Plum and Gold create a natural flush.

Frieda Pinto: How to Get This Look

2009-01-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

Isn’t she stunning, and her look is so natural, glowing and healthy.

Start by prepping the skin with sun-block, I recommend Clinique’s Super City Block Face Protector SPF 40. It an SPF, contains antioxidants, and can be used as a makeup primer.

Skin: To get her dewy look, use a liquid foundation that is exactly your shade.

Eyes: Eye lid, Mac eye shadow in soft brown is the perfect soft golden peachy brown (matte)
Crease Color: If you like a bit of shine to your eye shadow smog by urban decay is a great color. If you’re a matte girl Brown Down by Mac is nice matte brown. After playing on crease use a crease brush to blend out the brown down to create Frieda’s beautiful neutral eyes.

Brow Highlight: Use a concealer that is a shade lighter than your natural skin tone.

To finish use brown eyeliner, curl your lashes, and apply 2 coats of non clumping mascara.

Cheeks: Use a nice pink blush that works well with your skin tone, applying only to the apples of the cheeks. MAC blushcream in Ladyblush is a cool pink, and because it’s a cream it will look more natural.

Product Review: Qhemet Biologics

2009-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Qhemet Biologics products have some of the best products for African American Hair. African American hair is more fragile than Caucasian hair, and lacks moisture. Most products only give temporary moisture to African American hair. Qhemet Biologics produces all natural products that are like food for your hair. I highly recommend their:

- Alma Olive Heavy Cream: This moisturizer makes thick, coarse, and curly hair so soft to the touch. It’s a thick and has a light scent to it, and it great for twist outs and braid outs. It evens adds a slight shine to African American hair types in the 4 range. I do use two other products from Qhemet, but I will save those reviews when I have had more time using the products. Take a look at the complete list of Qhemets products at qhemetbiologics.com

What is my Hair Type?

2009-01-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Type 1 - Straight Hair, Simple right

Type 2 - Wavy Hair

2A: Hair is loose, with a natural “S” wave to it
2B: Hair is medium textured
2C: Hair is thick, coarse and tends to frizz

2 Type hair over all is easily transitioned from curly to straight ( The Model shown is a 2B)

Type 3 - Curly Hair

3A: Hair has a looser curl pattern, big yet loose spiral curls
3B: Hair has a tighter curl pattern, bouncy ringlets
3C: Hair is tightly curled and slightly kinky, corkscrews

3 Type hair has well defined curly and is springy

Type 4 - Kinky Curly, Coily
4A: Hair has an “S” pattern, coiled
4B: Hair is wiry with a “Z” pattern
4C: Hair is wiry with a “Z” pattern, easily brushed into out to achieve an afro
4 Type hair appears to be tough, but it is quite fragile so 4 ladies no pulling of the hair.

Facial Masks by Skin Type

2009-01-11T20:44:00.000-08:00

Oily Skin: If you have oily skin you should invest in a clay or mud mask. You can also use 2 egg whites, 2 spoons of oats and 1 tsp lemon juice for a cheap home made alternative. Mix well and leave for 15 mins.

Dry Skin: A mask made of 1 mashed avocado and 3 drops of olive oil will hydrate the skin. Leave on for 15 mins.

Combination Skin: For combination skin experimentation is the key. 2 spoons of plain yogurt, 2 tsp of honey, and mashed grapes.

Hyper Pigmented: Depending on the main skin type ( oily, dry, combination) that's the mask that should be picked, adding an agent for even tone should also be used such as soy bean oil.

Skin Care for Women of Color

2009-01-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Skin Care for Women of Color

First, let’s start with skin type, skin types are broken down into categories.

Oily Skin: Is classically prone to break outs, whiteheads, blackheads, shine in the T-zone and large pores.

Dry Skin: Is prone to feeling, itchy or tight especially after washing, it can even flake or have rough patches. Women with this skin type tend to be lucky when it comes avoiding acne.

Combination Skin: Is a lovely mix between the two (ha no). The skin is typically dry in the cheeks, but oily or pimple prone in the T – zone.

Hyper pigmented Skin: This type of skin in women of color usually means some of your features are darker than others, in most African American women the outer sides of the face are darker than the inside.

What is Honey Noire?

2009-01-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

Honey Noire means black honey. What is black honey? Black honey is the beauty of every women, all hues. Honey represents life, it has multiple uses. The world's most unforgettable women are those who make their own rules, and don't follow society's idea of who they should be. This blog is dedicated to every woman, but with focus on black hair care needs, fashion, health, and beauty.