The Benefits of Oil Cleansing

I'd heard about oil cleansing for the skin some time ago, and even tried it once or twice but wasn't impressed, at the time (I think I had the wrong oil-ratio). I decided to do more research about it and try it again using this new information, and I must say, my skin has already improved significantly.

First, let's talk about what oil cleansing is and its benefits. Oil cleansing is just what it sounds like: cleansing your face with oil(s) instead of using a typical cleanser. Why would you want to do that? There are many reasons why our skin can benefit from oil-cleansing. It dissolves oil (oil dissolves oil); it naturally keeps your skin supple and moisturized; easily removes make up; much more cost-efficient than buying facial products/cleansers; it's a cleanser, make up remover, and moisturizer all in one; will help to even out your skin tone; and it's 100% natural. Even those with oily skin (ESPECIALLY those with oily skin) can benefit from this. I have oily skin and have only been consistently trying this for 1 week, but I will report back in 2-3 weeks from now with an update. However, I have already seen a difference in the amount of oil my skin produces, which has been less than the usual on a daily basis. Which means less face blotting and dusting powder on my face throughout the day.

My Warby Parker Experience

While on Instagram a few months ago, I saw someone post about Warby Parker glasses and the frames were CUTE! Being that I hadn't had eyeglasses in a LONG time initially due to the expense and then laziness in finding frames I liked once I could afford my prescription (Lol My eyes are BADDD - LASIK may be in my future) - I was super excited to hear that Warby Parker had frames for only $95 that were funky/cute/retro, that which included my expensive-behind Rx.

October Natural Hair Giveaway!

Hi, Lovelies!! I'm excited to be giving away another great product I've discovered. Which product, you ask? It's Cantu Shea Butter's NEW Coconut Milk Shine and Hold Mist for Natural Hair!!  I've tried it and loved it and am happy to share with one of my lucky readers.

Don't mind my chipped nail, gonna fix that after this post. Lol

Before I get into the rules, let me share some of the benefits and my experience with the product.
- This Coconut Milk Shine and Hold Mist adds moisture and shine to your hair. It rehydrates and refreshes curls and can be used on wet or dry hair (I used it on my dry hair last night prior to retwisting for a twist out).
- This product contains no mineral oil, sulfates, parabens, silicone, pthalates, gluten, paraffin, propylene glycol, PABA or DEA.
- Formulated without harsh chemicals or harsh ingredients.

After retwisting my hair with this Coconut Milk spritzed on each section, these were my results.

OK, so here are the rules:

1. You must follow this blog.

2. You must "Like" my Facebook page "AllThingsKeetaRay".

3. On the Facebook fan page that you "Liked", under my post for this giveaway, entitled "October Natural Hair Giveaway", post your email address in the comments section.

That's it! This contest will end on Saturday, Oct. 27th at 8am, and the winner will be randomly selected and  notified via email by 12Noon.

**Note: This contest is only open to those in the U.S. No International shipping at this time.

GOOD LUCK!!

Your Help is Needed...

Hi, Everyone.

This is a special post for a young woman many of us came to know in the natural hair community, Dawnyele Partee. Many of you may have been informed that she passed away on October 19th. She was able to deliver her baby boy. She was a wife, mother, and friend to many. Although I have never had the honor of being able to meet her in person, she had such positive energy and I learned a ton from her via her YouTube videos and posts, and was able to have a few conversations with her online via Facebook. My heart goes out to her family and friends and I am praying for them everyday.

I received an email from Pam of Koils by Nature requesting help for Dawnyele's family. Below you will find a link to registries and a way to donate to her family directly, and I had to share this. Please pass this information on, as well.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Dawnyele

Skincare | Helpful Tips for the Winter Season

As the weather gets colder and we start using indoor heating systems, we may start to notice our skin getting itchy and dry. Heating systems provide very dry air which can lead to dryness, and, in some cases, even cracked skin. Yikes!

Below are some simple steps that can help to relieve dry and itchy skin and leave you with more moisturized and glowing skin:

1.       Limit baths and showers to only 5-6 minutes and only once a day. Make sure the water is not too hot. I know this may be difficult for some, but long periods under hot water will wreak havoc on our skin. It’s worth the sacrifice.

2.       Use a MILD soap or cleanser for your skin instead of a deodorant soap. Gentle body cleansers that work pretty well for me that you may want to try: Dove Beauty Bar (like Unscented or the Nourishing Care Shea Butter Body Bar) or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash.

3.       MOISTURIZE! I cannot say this enough. Do this within the first few minutes of getting out of the bath or shower when skin is still damp to lock in moisture. PAT skin dry and then apply a light oil or body cream all over. Some of my faves: The Body Shop body butter; Vaseline Intensive Care Body Oil Gel; or my homemade whipped shea butter (60% raw shea butter, 20% coconut oil, 10% jojoba oil; 10% castor oil).

4.       Consider a humidifier to add moisture into the air in your home. This will make the air less dry and alleviate some dry skin issues.

5.       Protect your skin from the cold air when outside – where gloves, scarves, etc.

Last, but not least, another tip is to EXFOLIATE. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and allows products like moisturizers to penetrate the skin better, allowing you to get the most benefit from the product. It is best to exfoliate 1-2xs per week. You can do this using a body brush on dry skin, using an exfoliating glove while in the shower or bath, or you can use a body scrub. There are tons of exfoliating products out there from places like your local CVS or Walgreens, to supermarkets, to department stores. Or, you can make your own with ingredients from your kitchen (olive oil and brown sugar mixture is a great one!) Don’t overdo it – once or twice a week is perfect. You will notice a difference in the texture and overall health of your skin.

Natural Hair | FREE Big Chop TODAY!

Hey Hey Hey!! I know it's last minute but I need to share with you all a free event happening today from 3pm - 8pm in the DMV area at N Natural Hair Studio! 

If you or anyone that you know is considering going natural and fully embracing their natural texture, come out to N Natural Hair Studio and get a FREE shampoo, conditioning treatment & big chop! 

WHEN: Thursday, October 18, 2012

3PM - 8PM

WHERE: N Natural Hair Studio

11207B Lockwood Dr.

Silver Spring, MD

To RSVP for the event, visit the N Natural Hair Studio Facebook page [HERE]. Also, be sure to head over to their Youtube Channel and check out footage from their last Big Chop Event [HERE].

(Information above provided by CurlyNuGrowth)

God Blessed Me with Another Year :)

This past weekend, and the week prior, I got to spend my birthday with my closest friends and people I love. It was a great time and I'm so thankful. I just wanted to share some pics with you all :)

The weekend before my actual birthday (my birthday was on the 13th) I was surprised with a dinner by my friends Briney and Alex, and the bf. I had a really nice time, love them so much!!

Britney, me, and Alex

A little cut, color, and a twist out!

I've been saying for awhile that I need a change. Yesterday, I finally did it. I got layers cut in my hair (still keeping the length in the back) and some color (highlights) at the top. Now - before anyone asks, I am sad to say that I don't remember the name of the color I have :( I think it was by Soft Sheen Carson and I had my sister put the color in (she's a licensed Cosmetologist). She also cut the layers in my hair. Later this year, I MIGHT get my hair straightened and you'll be able to better see it then. I do like that my hair lays better with the cut and it just looks and feels healthier.