Healthy Beauty: Phytophanere and Biosil

True beauty starts from the inside. I took that phrase literally and started to take two dietary supplements that claimed to strengthen hair and nails and to beautify skin. I took the Phytophanere for 4 months (you take two pills a day) along with the Biosil (6 drops a day) and my hair really did change for the better (looser curls after washing, shinier, healthier look and feel). Of course, since I was taking them at the same time, I don't know what exactly to attribute the health of my hair to. So, I will continue on with both of them. Unfortunately, the word cheap doesn't work into this equation. The Phytophanere costs $48 a bottle (120 pills), the Biosil was about $16 but it lasts considerably longer.

Natural Beauty: Carol's Daughter Lisa's Hair Elixir

I bought this product because the ingredients are great for conditioning black hair (olive oil, sage, rosemary) but the scent is way too strong. It smells very minty and I prefer my hair to smell sweet and clean. I'll continue using this because I'm sure it does its job but I'll just use it before I wrap my hair up at night or on days when I have nowhere to go because the smell is so overwhelming.

Blonde Beauty: Dark and Lovely Light Golden Blonde

(A picture of my hair a several days after coloring...the cheek glow is accomplished by Barbie Loves MAC in Pearl Sunshine)

I've done it again. I vowed to stop coloring my hair and successfully went almost a year without coloring, but as summer and warm weather started creeping in, I couldn't help myself. This time I used Dark and Lovely's Light Golden Blonde and I only dyed the top of my head to get a two-tonal look (I like the contrasts between my natural hair color and the honey blonde). After I dyed, I have to admit I was very scared. The color actually came out the same as the color portrayed on the box- and for all you color addicts, you know this is a rare occurence as the color usually comes out darker. After a few days the color muted and I am very pleased with it.

Barbie Beauty: Barbie Loves MAC Beauty Powder

I have to admit, when I first saw this compact I had to have it solely based on the fact that it was adorned with a super cute Barbie logo. But after I tried the product, I was thrilled because it's gorgeous! I use the Pearl Sunshine color and I definitely recommend this shade for women of color or for women who have deep tans (the other shade can look too ashy on our skin). Use it as a highlighter- on you cheekbones, browbones and down the front of your nose. I swipe the Beauty Powder on my check bones after I apply blush and it leaves me with a luminous, healthy glow- Love it!

Glowing Beauty: Caress In-Shower Lotion, Glowing Touch

I had high expectations for this product, but sadly, for me, it didn't deliver. It did leave my skin soft but I think you could use most other lotions in the same manner and get similar results. As far as the glow, I didn't see it. I'll stick with my summer glow-inducing mixture of sugar and olive oil- I slather it on in the shower daily and it does wonders!

Classic Beauty: Pond's Cold Cream

I swear by this product! I started using this a few weeks ago and my skin has never looked so radiant! You may want to heed the advice of your grandmothers when they give you beauty tips. This cream has been around for years and it's still made from the same simple formula. I love the slight medicinal smell, the creamy texture and the sheer simplicity of this cream. I use it in the evening to dissolve my makeup and I wake up with a fresh, clean face in the morning. For less than $5, the cream surely delievers and will beat out the fancy stuff any day!