Category: natural skin care

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Natural Hair Online Support Groups

The Lupie Chick

Through a simple online search you will come across natural hair community sites, forums, personal blogs and natural hair albums within Fotki and Flickr. You can find natural hair groups on Yahoo! and MySpace as well as Twitter, and Facebook. By doing a search on these sites for ‘natural hair’ or entering in specific names of some of your favorites, you can even have natural hair support via cell phone.

One of my favorite Facebook profiles is Tassanee ‘Happynappyt’ Walden. When you log on to her profile and see the natural hair information, which includes pictures, product reviews, hair challenges and links to other natural hair sites, you will feel like you stepped into a natural hair community site. Through the Internet you will find sites that are solely dedicated to natural hair, as well as inclusive sites that cater to all who are in search of healthy hair advice.


Nappturality.com: (www.nappturality.com) is dedicated to natural hair and women who wear it with pride. Any and every topic concerning natural hair can be found on the site. It not only features the best online photo albums and discussions about natural hair, but also discussions on education, employment, health, spirituality etc. I love Nappturality and I’ve pretty much learned everything I know from the site.

Motowngirl: (motowngirl.com) – is a wonderful site. The site description says it’s a “one stop shop” for natural hair information, and that’s nothing but the truth. Some of the many features are natural hair facts, product recipes, and do it yourself hairstyles. Motowngirl also features extensive product reviews with pictures, ingredients, and ratings.

Going Natural.com: (going-natural.com) – features blogs, hairstyles, natural hair journeys, natural products, articles, and recipes. There is also a downloadable preview of its creator’s – Mireille Liong-A-Kong aka Masoesa book Going Natural. Natural Hair Digest: (naturalhairdigest.com) is also dedicated to natural hair. The site is another great source for natural hair topics featuring hairstyles, links, articles, product recipes and natural body care information as well.

Natural Hair Care Guide: (naturalhaircareguide.com) – features great information on how to maintain natural hair and provides articles on transitioning, styling, product ingredients and more. Be sure to join to get your downloadable e-book, Five Secrets to Long Natural Hair. The Coil Review: (thecoilreview.com/en/index.php) – this beautiful site features, natural hair tips, photos, product reviews/recipes, and hair care articles.

The following sites are what I would categorize as inclusive sites that cater to those with natural, texturized, pressed, and permed hair. Some of my favorites are;

Hairlista: (hairlista.ning.com) – a wonderful site that is a guide to healthy hair care, skin and beauty. It features blogs, product recipes, photos and tons of hair challenges such as healthy ends, conditioning, and protective styles.

Black Hair Media: (blackhairmedia.com) – features hair discussion topics and styles, along with information on health and wellness and DIY hair/skin care recipes. It also features a Natural Corner and Hair Care Forum with topics on natural hair care. Long Hair Care Forum – (longhaircareforum.com/forums) – growing healthy beautiful long hair – features blogs, product reviews, as well as fitness, fashion skin care and more.

There are also numerous natural hair blogs on the Internet that feature personal natural hair journeys, product reviews and how-to videos. Among my favorites are; Natural-belle: (hairspiration.blogspot.com) – this belle posts the most beautiful inspirational pictures featuring natural hairstyles. Texture Playground: (textureplayground.com/blog) – tons of product reviews and great advice on natural hair maintenance and styling.

Newly Natural: (newlynatural.com/blog) – great product reviews and style tutorials. Kcurly the blog’s creator has the most beautiful finger coils hands down, with step by step instructions. Black Girl With Long Hair: (blackgirllonghair.blogspot.com) – beautiful photos, interviews and great natural hair advice. Curly Nikki: (curlynikki.com) – tons of henna information, product reviews, natural hair interviews and it’s creator has the most beautiful curly twist-out.

YouTube is another source for natural hair information. You will find step-by-step videos on hairstyles, DIY product recipes and more. Glamazini: (youtube.com/glamazini) – great natural hair tips, product reviews and more, but beware – she will definitely have you laughing out loud. Kinky Hair Blog: (youtube.com/user/KinkyHairBlog) – tons of wonderful easy-to-do hairstyle tutorials, product reviews, tips and more.

Family Going Natural: (youtube.com/user/familygoingnatural) – beautiful family of natural hair featuring hairstyles and tips. Kinkycoils: (youtube.com/user/Kinkycoils) – over 30 videos featuring transitioning, hair routines, and styles.

These sites are a great help for those who are either thinking about transitioning, in the transitioning process or who are already a part of the natural journey. Afrobella: (afrobella.com) is another favorite that features beauty, natural hair care, skin care, makeup advice, and more. Also check out Kinnks: (kinnks.com/directory) – a worldwide online directory of natural hair links.

What are your favorites?

almond oil, au naturale, avocado oil, body butter, castor oil, coconut oil, contest, give-a-way, hair butter, hair receipes, miss sixx, natural skin care, olive oil

Au Naturale GIVE- A- WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Lupie Chick


I’m hosting my first

Au Naturale Give-A-Way

The rules are simple:
1. You must be a follower of Au Naturale by Miss Sixx

2. Answer the poll question on the the left side of the page ” What is your favorite oil”.

3. You must leave a comment including your e-mail address

US residents only!!

The winner will be picked randomly on August 4th, 2009 & I’ll post the winner on August 5th, 2009.

There will only be one winner but don’t fret I’ll be doing more give-a-ways soon.

Alright, now for the good part, the prize.

(1) bottle of your favorite oil, along with an orginial Au Naturale receipe ( named after the winner) to include a body butter or hair butter ( your choice) using your favorite oil.

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Do You Know The Difference.. Natural vs. Organic Products

The Lupie Chick

Even the most savvy and ingredient-conscious buyers can run into a bit of confusion when trying to shop natural. In addition, the whole “go green” movement has made it even harder for us ladies to distinguish what is labeled natural, and what actually is natural.

The first step to becoming a natural shopper is in distinguishing the difference between natural and organic products.

Here’s an excerpt from Twirlit.com that briefly breaks down some important differences:

Natural products, be it skin care, makeup or products for the body, are usually made with ingredients derived from fruit, sugars, and vitamins. When a product says it has glycolic acid, that comes from sugar cane. Products that say they have vitamin B, C, or E, that’s usually considered natural. Also, products that say they have lemon or green apple extracts, they are also natural.

Organic products have to not just say they are organic on the label, but must be certified organic by the USDA or Ecocert (Canadian/UK organization). This certification means those products meet the organic standards of those organization. If you do not see that label, chances are those products are not organic. By having that label, it means there are no pesticides or chemicals such as paraben-free and petroleum-free.

::Note::

If a product is labeled “natural” or “100% natural” that doesn’t mean it is so! The product just may contain some natural ingredient(s), since the regulations for labeling “natural” are pretty loose. (Although there’s definitely nothing wrong with most natural products that are correctly labeled so.) “Organic” on the other hand, if marked with the sufficient and certified label, is about as pure as it gets!

So when scouting for you’re beauty products next time, make sure to look at the ingredients or ask a sales associate if you are unsure of a product’s contents. If going natural (in every aspect) is your goal, it never hurts to do your homework!

Wanna read the full Twirlit.com article? Follow the link:
Natural vs. Organic Beauty

antioxidants, au naturale, beauty, facial, hair, hair receipes, homemade skin care, ingredients, make your own skin care, mouisturizer, natural, natural skin care, organic, vegatable glycerin, water

Vegatable Glycerin

The Lupie Chick

What is it Vegetable Glycerin?

This is a versatile all natural product with an extended shelf life. It is a carbohydrate made from vegetable oil, often palm or coconut oil. It is water-soluble as well as hypoallergenic. Not only is it safe for use in cosmetics but ingestible as well.

Vegetable Glycerine is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid with an incredibly sweet taste having the consistency of thick syrup. It is used as an agent in cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoos, soaps, herbal remedies, pharmaceuticals, and other household items. Because it is soluble in both, water and alcohol, its versatility is a major benefactor in its purported growth and popularity within the manufacturing sector. It is invaluable as a natural source ingredient with emollient like properties which can soften and soothe the skin and it assists the outer epidermis in retaining moisture. This helps to explain why it is one of the most popular cosmetic additives used today.

Glowing Skin Benefits

Vegetable Glycerin will help your skin by aiding with moisture retention that is so vital to skins health. We damage our skin with nature’s elements, make up, and water everyday. We use cleaners that contain drying agents and synthetics. We dry skin to the point of being visually flaking, peeling and look dull.

The anti-aging properties of vegetable glycerin helps keep that healthy additional moisture locked into the skin. The result is soft, smooth, silky skin that is radiant and younger looking.
Whether it is young, hormonal skin changes or mature skin the advantage of using this all-natural product will be obvious almost immediately.

Battling Acne

The skin being clean and properly moisturized prevents acne. There are commonly adverse effects such as redness or irritation with the common chemicals used in skin products. Vegetable glycerin is hypoallergenic and ideal for all skin types. There is a visible difference in skin when using these acne cleansers and moisturizers.

Preventing Acne

The antibacterial properties will keep pores clean from clogging debris that causes acne without the inflammation that can occur from using unnatural products.
Healing Acne:The same antibacterial properties in Vegetable glycerin will aid in the healing of acne after it has surfaced without undesirable or harmful effects.

There are very few products on the market today are not only as affordable but also as adaptable to your skin type as Vegetable glycerin. This acne and anti-aging solution is the answer to many dilemmas over what products are safe and effective for all skin types and ages.


Most glycerin recipes that I come across are

3 parts aloe vera gel
1 part vegetable glycerin

combine the two and mix well, use as a hair moisturizer. I have also used this as a facial moisturizer, it works you do need to refrigerate the concoction though ( its the aloe vera) there are also other variations such as a

natural hair spritzer

8 ounces distilled water

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel

1-2 drops of vegetable glycerine

1-2 drops essential oil

15 drops grapefruit seed extract

hair, miss naturrale, miss sixx, natural, natural skin care, sensitive, threading, waxing

Threading vs. Waxing

The Lupie Chick

Threading eyebrows is becoming the method of choice for many over waxing. Threading uses a string to remove hair, whereas a wax-based resin is placed on the skin and then taken off to rid hair with waxing. Threading has become so popular that threading kiosk are popping up in area shopping malls. In Maryland, I’ve seen threading stations in Owings Mills Mall, Columbia Mall, St. Charles Town Center, and many malls and hair shops in Washington, DC. I’ve watched several people get there eye brows threaded and it seem painful. I’m still on the fence as to try it- a tear still trickle done my face from waxing, and I’ve been waxing 10+ years. Below are the cons and pros of threading and waxing.

Hardly Touches the Skin Less contact with the skin. Threading has little to no contact with the skin. Waxing, however tugs at skin when the hair is removed, and can really irritate sensitive skin making it turn pink to extremely red.

Stop seeing red. The skin mostly gets red because of the wax tugging at the skin, not the actual removal of the hair. If you do get pink from threading, it usually goes away within the hour.

Delicate skin. The skin around the eyes is thin, and can get easily irritated from waxing even if it doesn’t bother other body zones. Threading eyebrows is a true life saver for hair removal in the eye area.

Burn-free method. Most waxes are used warm, but can be heated up too much and burn the skin resulting in extreme pain and scabby skin. There’s no chance of getting scorched with threading.

Threading Eyebrows, Product Free Hair Removal

No Chemicals. Threading solely uses a string to remove the hair, unlike waxing that contains resins and preservatives. Artificial fragrances and ingredients are a foe to many with sensitive skin.

No one’s allergic to string (that I know of). Sometimes having an allergic reaction is mistaken as sensitivity. Waxes are often based on a certain ingredient like: lavender, tea tree, chocolate, acai berry and the list goes on and on. With threading eyebrows there’s no need to worry.
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Properties of Common Herbs and Essential Oils in Skin Care

The Lupie Chick

Have you ever wanted to make your own beauty products or use items that you have in your medicinie cabinet? Well help is here… Below is a partical listing of common herbs and essential oils in skin care. As with any new skin care or hair product, a patch test is recommended.

Almond and Almond Oil – A great vegetable oil for dry skin. Commonly used as a carrier oil to blend with other essentials oils. Easily absorbed into the skin and is an excellent emollient with nourishing properties. Safety Precautions: People with nut allergies should avoid almonds and almond oil.

Jojoba –.Jojoba oil makes a great scalp cleanser and hair conditioner. Additionally, because of its absorption properties it is commonly used in skin care propducts as a cleaning agent, makeup remover and moisturizer… It has a great effect on fighting wrinkles, as well as having an anti-bacterial effect on the skin. Jojoba oil can be used as base carrier oil into which other essential oils can be diluted before applying it to the skin. Safety Precautions: No reports of toxicity

Aloe Vera – Aloe is used externally for skin irritation, burns, sunburn, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis. Aloe Vera has good astringent qualities. When used with other ingredients it soothes the skin and stimulates cell regeneration. The oil is combined in massage therapy for its healing and rejuvenating properties. Safety Precautions: When used topically, some individuals may have an allergic reaction and a skin patch test (behind the ear or on the forearm) is advised before use.

Anise – Cooled down tea made from anise can be sponged on the face to help lighten the complexion. Safety Precautions: On the whole, anise is a safe herb to use but due to its trans-anethole estrogen-like action, it may be best avoided during pregnancy or when suffering from endometriosis or any estrogen dependant cancers.

Avocado – Moisturizes, reduces appearance of age spots, heals sun damage and scars. Additionally, avocado regenerates and rejuvenates the skin. Avocado increases collagen in the skin and therefore is an anti-aging ingredient in skin care. Avocado oil has superior moisturizing qualities.

Carrot – A superb skin-nourishing essential oil, carrot seed helps balance both oily and dry complexions, heals damaged skin, and helps aged skin by reducing age spots and wrinkles. Safety Precautions: Carrot seeds and carrot seed oil should not be used excessively during pregnancy.

Chamomile – Tones all types of complexions. The anti-inflammatory effect of this essential oil applied topically improves skin regeneration, and a cold compress does wonders for puffy eyes. Chamomile is used in facial steams to reduce puffiness and cleanse the pores of the skin. Safety Precautions: Handling fresh chamomile plants may cause dermatitis in some individuals. It should not to be used when using anti-coagulant drugs. Please note that the essential oil is said to stimulate the uterus and should be used with care in pregnancy. Allergic reactions may occur for those that are allergic to daisies.

Green Tea – has an antioxidant effect that helps to keep wrinkles at bay. External use: Green tea is often included in anti-aging skin care products for the antioxidant properties contained in the herb. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant, a potent anti-inflammatory agent thereby reducing inflammation in the skin, and having a inhibitory action on collagens – an enzymatic action in the skin where the collagen is broken down, resulting in more firm and elastic skin. In hair care, it can be used with great success to improve the gloss and shine of the hair. Safety Precautions: When pregnant or nursing only limited amounts of green tea should be used, and it can also interfere with MAO inhibitors and blood thinning medication. It should not be consumed together with other medication, as it may interfere with the absorption of such medicine.

Geranium – Wonderful oil for mature and troubled skin and brings a radiant glow and promotes circulation. Safety Precautions: Geranium essential oil is well tolerated by most individuals, but since it helps in balancing the hormonal system, care must be taken during pregnancy.

Ginseng – Ginseng is used in cosmetics for its rejuvenating properties. The vast amount of properties gives Ginseng an almost unlimited use in cosmetics. Its activity makes it useful in nourishing creams, in treating wrinkled and aged skin and in all cosmetic products used to retard the onset of age. Ginseng may be used in products for weak hair and lotions for preventing hair loss as it stimulates growth and gives strength. Safety Precautions: May worsen the side effects of stimulants such as coffee, and should best be avoided when consuming alcohol. Not normally used by pregnant women and is not indicated for use by young children, people suffering from depression, high blood pressure, anxiety or any acute inflammatory disease. Excess may cause headaches, restlessness, high blood pressure, and nausea.

Honey – Refines pores; tightens skin; moisturizes; retards wrinkles; anti-blemish

Jasmine – On the skin, it is used with great effect to treat dry, stressed and sensitive skins and also helps to increase elasticity. Safety Precautions: Although well tolerated, this heavy scented essential oil should be used sparingly, and specially so during pregnancy.

Lanolin – Moisturizer; softener; emollient

Lavender – Lavender skin care products are ideal for oily and combination skin. It has antiseptic and stimulant properties. Lavender is useful in treating skin conditions such as abscesses, acne, allergies, athlete’s foot, boils, bruises, burns, dandruff, dermatitis, earache, eczema, inflammations, insect bites and stings, insect repellant, lice, psoriasis, ringworm, scabies, sores, spots, all skin types, sunburn and wounds. Safety Precautions: Although the essential oil is well tolerated by all skin types, it must be, like all essential oils, used with care – remember essential oils are powerful and very concentrated.

Mud – (including clay, fuller’s earth) reduced large pores; absorb excess grease in oily skin; improves circulation. Safety Precautions: No Toxicity Reported

Nuts – (almonds, cashews, pecans): Scrub to refine pores, combat wrinkles, blackheads and dryness

Oats – Excellent emollient properties. Oats have a softening effect on sensitive skin. It helps to reduce the irritation caused on the skin by harsh climatic conditions or on skin with this kind of problem. It plays an important role in the treatment of older skin as well as problem skin. Safety Precautions: No Toxicity Reported

Patchouli – It can be used for inflamed and itching skin. The oil promotes cell rejuvenation, tightening of loose skin and heals wounds and sores, while sorting out rough, cracked skin. Safety Precautions: The essential oil of patchouli is well tolerated, but its heavy fragrance indicates use in low dosage.

Rose – Astringent and luxurious, rose oils and rose waters are welcome additions to almost any skin care formulation has an astringent effect on oily skin, reducing puffiness, edema and has a slight tightening effect. The oil most effective for moisturizing and hydrating the skin while having a general stimulant and antiseptic action which is good for all skin types, but especially so for dry, mature and irritated skin. It is used to repair broken capillaries, inflammation, as well as skin redness and is useful in eczema Safety Precautions: None noted.

Rosemary – Antioxidant properties, and secondly has a remarkable stimulating effect on the skin. Traditionally used for hair and scalp stimulation, as well as anti-aging products. Safety Precautions: Rosemary essential oil has a highly stimulating action and may not be suitable for people with epilepsy or high blood pressure. The essential oil should also not be used during pregnancy.

Seaweed – very good cellulite reducing capabilities All seaweeds are rich in compounds that are of specific use in the cosmetic industry

Yogurt – Cleanser; bleach; for normal and oily skin