Whipped Butter Sugar Scrub (for skin)

Hey Maicurlies,

I am back with a highly anticipated skin DIY! 

I did a poll on my YouTube Channel (click on the link if you haven’t already) to see what I should share next and my DIY Whipped Sugar Scrub got the most votes, so here we go!

Sugar scrubs can be used on the body and face to remove dead skin cells while promoting new glowing skin. It can help reduce bumps, blemishes, fade scars, reduce dark spots, clean up pores and promote healthier skin overall. Before delving into the details please not that I highly recommend only using brown sugar versus refined white sugar because the granules of brown sugar are less coarse and harsh on the skin, thus will not tear or cause damage. When using the scrub on your face, I suggest applying it no more than 1 – 2 times a week (daily use would be excessive). When it comes to your body, alternative days (works for me) however, I once again suggest daily use would be excessive. 

Ingredients:

• 3 oz Mango Butter
• 0.6 oz Almond Oil
• 0.2 oz Lemon Juice
• 3.6 oz Brown (Cane) Sugar*
• 3 oz Raw African Black Soap
• 12 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

*I suggest using equal amounts Sugar to Butter and Oil, this way it won’t be too runny or hard on the skin. 

Ingredient alternatives:

Mango butter can be replaced with another soft butter however, I highly recommend only using a soft butter that is not overly greasy. Almond oil and Peppermint Essential Oi (EO)l can be replaced with any carrier oil or EO of choice. (EO can be omitted altogether and should be in case you are pregnant)!

Ingredient benefits:

Mango butter is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties. It contains vitamins A, C and E and is known to help ease skin conditions such as acne and eczema. The butter is effective in moisturizing dry skin and is said to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. 

Almond Oil contains vitamin E and helps promote smooth, soft and supple skin. It is effective in keeping dry skin moisturized and known to help ease itchiness, reduces redness, relieves inflammation and can help skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Brown (Cane) Sugar works at exfoliating the skin by removing dead skin cells, clearing out the skin’s pores, removing dirt as well as excess oils. It contains glycolic acid, which, is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is known to help maintain healthy skin. Due to its exfoliating properties it can reduce the appearance of scars and dark areas (e.g. dark underarms, elbows and knees). 

Raw African Black Soap contains anti-fungal, antibacterial and cleansing properties for the skin. It can help reduce the overproduction of oils (and in this mix will help maintain a level of oil and butter). It is moisturizing for the skin while soothing, it reduces irritations, blemishes and fine scars. 

Peppermint Essential Oil Peppermint Oil has a soothing and cooling effect on the skin that leaves it feeling tingly and fresh. Its anti-bacterial and inflammatory properties is known to help fight acne and skin irritations. It is also known to help with blood circulation in the skin.(*Never use undiluted EO on the skin as it can lead to burning and itchiness).  

Mixing Instructions & Use:

You want to place the butter, oil and lemon juice in a bowl and mix with a whisk for a few minutes until everything is well combined. light and fluffy. Fold in the sugar first before using the whisk in order to avoid sugar granules from being flung around the kitchen (it can get a little messy). The final step is to add in the Raw African Black Soap which, you need to grate first in order for it to be well mixed and distributed evenly in the scrub. Essential oil can be added as the last step (if used) and then the mix can be transferred into a disinfected airtight container.

When it comes to applying the scrub, please ensure that you have anti-slip stickers in your shower in order to avoid potentially falling (it can get really slippery). You want to start off with damp skin (for both your face and body) and gently using your fingertips rub the scrub onto your skin in circular motions (be gentle). You can rinse your body with a body wash post scrub (if you feel like you have too much butter/oil present and a face wash for your face). Please ensure that you use a dry and clean spoon to scoop out the scrub (don’t use wet fingers otherwise you are inviting bacteria growth) and make sure to close the lid. Once used always store the scrub in the fridge to help ensure it remains fresh for as long as possible.

So, that’s it! If you use this mix, please do let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions on what you would like me to share, let me know!

Maicurls

Avocurl Daily Moisturizer: Twist out (Brand Ambassador)

Hey Maicurlies,

Today I am super excited to share some news along with a tutorial! 

I was recently contacted by a natural product company called Avocurl. The owner (a gorgeous and extremely lovely natural herself) asked if I would be interested to join her Brand Ambassador program. I of course did my research on the company and their products before happily saying YES! I will have a product review video and post later this week but just a heads up, I was more than pleased to say yes because of the product itself (the ingredients in the products and the back story behind them). 

So without further ado let’s get on with the tutorial shall we:

I started on freshly co-washed hair and used: 

• Avocurl Daily Moisturizer (as a leave-in)
• DIY Coffee Bean Infused Almond Oil (to seal)
• DIY Flaxseed Gel (for hold and definition) 

I applied the products as follows: Moisturizer, Oil and Gel. I let my hair dry and set overnight before taking down my twists with a little oil on my fingertips. I separated my very very very defined curls, fluffed a little and Le Fin! 

As the days went on, my hair got bigger and better (always happens with me and my fine hair strands). The photo below is day 3. 

Like I said, I was sent two products so my new tutorial will be using the Conditioning butter to do a wash and go followed by a product review of both. 

I want to quickly rethank Jasmine for sending me her lovely products, I look forward to working together with Avocurl! 

(Disclaimer: all thoughts and experiences expressed are my own honest review). 

If you happen to buy any of Avocurl please let me know what you think of the products (and don’t forget to use the code to get your discount!) 

Thanks

Maicurls

Birthday Look and What I did

Hey Maicurlies,

So this is going to be a quick post. It actually was my Birthday a week ago (the 7th) so I wanted to share a few details about what I did, what I did with my hair and all the goodies I got! My loved ones spoilt me rotten 😀

So this is what I did with my hair:

 Surprise surprise….a Twist Out! It turned out quite well so I was happy.

I used my leave-in conditioner (my updated mix which I need to post here soon), almond oil and a little whipped butter. I put my hair in 6 twists the night before, covered with a satin scarf and left them in until I was getting ready for the “celebrations”. I took down the twists, separated with a little almond oil on my fingers and fluffed.

So for my “celebration” I went out with my family to this AMAZING Mongolian Restaurant. The food was awesome! The menu included a soup as starter, your main course and dessert. For mains you get to select what you want which could be a mix of: chicken, beef, lamb, shrimp and then a selection of vegetables: carrots, paprika, onions, green beans, tomatoes, spring onions as well as the sauces of which there were about 6 to pick from. You give your bowl to the chef who cooks it in an open kitchen and did I mention you could go for seconds, thirds, etc as many as your stomach can hold! The meats and seafood is kept cold/frozen so that it remains fresh and like I said you could go for only chicken, a combo of chicken and meat and if you are really crazy a mix of both meats and seafood together! Yes I rolled out of there full and happy. Oh and my choice of drink was white wine.

After dinner I went out with my friends for a few drinks…a good number of drinks which were Lychee Martinis! I LOVE this cocktail! My curlfriend got me hooked on them so I had to drag my friends to the best spot for cocktails of course. We ended up in our local spot and was surpirsed with a lovely birthday cake. 

Now what did I get in terms of presents? I really got spoilt rotten! 

Ok so these are my goodies! My sister and I like to give each other random gifts that we call “silly gifts”. So I got the softest bathrobe/house robe  with matching shoes (It is sooooo soft I want to wear it all day everyday!), a square bean bag seat (silly gift), a cutting board (my sister said so I can prep food for her lol), plant ties (for my soon to be green garden), wireless speakers, red nail polish, iPod Shuffle, Galaxy S4, Tupperware (silly gift), boots (a girl can never have too many boots), kitchen trolley (so I can put all my DIY goodies and other ingredients!), money and I forgot to take a picture of 2 tops I also got.  😀 Can someone say spoilt! 

It was a great Birthday 🙂 however, now I can no longer tick the box of 25 – 30…not so excited about that but hey! 

Have a lovely day Maicurlies! 

Maicurls

DIY Infused Oil “Mini-Series”

HELLLOOO Maicurlies,

I hope all is well!

I have been BUSY making DIY mixes, recording videos (editing), taking photos and have come up with an Infused Oil “series”! Do I hear you say: HOW EXCITING! (Yes, it is!)

                                                                                      Infused Oils

If you are wondering why would you want to make an infused oil? I say why not?!

In all seriousness, infused oils give you the option of incorporating your favorite ingredients to your favorite carrier oil – adding more punch, nourishment and benefits for your hair and/or skin.

Uses of infused oils for the hair

Infused oils can be used in a number of different ways such as: Pre-poo’s, hot oil treatments, scalp massages, Deep Conditioners, leave-in conditioners, whipped butters, sealing…ANYTHING! Their benefits depend on the ingredients used for infusion and the carrier oil you use. With each of my infusions I  will list the benefits of each and how I personally use them.

Infused oil for skin

You can incorporate infused oils into a DIY Body butters, sugar scrubs or even directly onto your skin to trap in moisture after a shower.

So which Oils have I made (are in the making?)

• Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil
• Hibiscus Infused Almond Oil
• Amla Infused Grapeseed Oil
• Coffee Infused Almond Oil
• Neem Infused Coconut Oil

Heads up – Rose Infused Grapeseed Oil will be first!

I hope you enjoy this “mini series”.

Do you make your own infused oil? If so what do you make and how? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Scalp Scrub

Good Morning Maicurlies,

I wanted to share another DIY mix with you. I am sure you are wondering when does she stop mixing?! NEVER 😀

In all serenity I LOVE mixing my products. I have had both the bad and good store bought products and I can not lie not ALL of my DIY mixes have been a success however at least I can blame myself for that. I prefer tailoring products and adding ingredients I know are good for me, work for me and will not harm me or my body.

Anyways back to the topic which is a scalp scrub.

               photo credit: lovelihood via photopin cc

There are a number of different reasons why you might want to use a scrub and different ways in which you can make one. The skin on our scalp is no different to the skin on the rest of our body. It can become dry, flaky, overloaded with product, irritated, itchy and so on. Scrubs can help to:

• Remove dead cells
• Relieve an itchy or irritated scalp
• Relieve flaking/dandruff
• Help to remove build up on the scalp
• Clear up clogged pores
• Relieve scalp acne, scalp pimples and white heads
• Provide moisture and oils to a dry scalp

My particular scalp includes ingredients that helps to exfoliate, remove buildup, moisturize, conditions my roots and scalp as well as relax and increase blood flow to my scalp. I have a video on YouTube of my DIY Scalp Scrub.

                          My DIY Scalp Scrub

Ingredients:

• 8 Teaspoons of Raw Sugarcane (brown) Sugar*
• 10 Tablespoons of Pure Honey
• 2 teaspoons of Amla Powder (optional)
• 2.5 teaspoons of Almond Oil
• 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)

*I blend the brown sugar before making the scrub just for a few pulses because I have a sensitive scalp and do not want to scratch it with rough sugar granules. Even if you do not have a sensitive scalp I suggest first lightly blending the sugar because the scrub will not only be gentler on your scalp but also on your roots!

Ingredient Explanation:

– Sugarcane (brown) Sugar – Acts as the exfoliant to help remove dead skin and buildup (you can use regular white sugar if you can not find brown sugar).

– Honey – Used to moisturize the scalp and roots due to its humectant properties. It also has natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to help heal up scalp irritations a little quicker. (You can use molasses if you are allergic to honey.) 

– Amla – Helps to condition dry scalps and roots, restores the p.H balance and also works as a good anti-fungal and antibacterial agent. (This is an optional ingredient.) 

– Almond Oil – Helps to restore any lost natural oils produced by the scalp. (You can use any oil – I  suggest using any light oil of choice)

– Peppermint Essential Oil (EO) – Helps to simulate blood flow to the scalp which helps to promote hair growth due to the increase in oxygen from the blood flow. It also has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and is an excellent soothing EO. (You can use any EO of choice)
NOTE: Essential oils are potent therefor need to be diluted and if you are pregnant I would refrain from using any EO

Mixing

I first blend the 8 teaspoons of sugar just a few pulses and put it in a bowl. I add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix everything really well and then transfer it into a container.

I would recommend using a scrub no more than once every 2 weeks. The longer you leave the scrub standing the more the sugar will dissolve so you might need to remake this recipe before you use it up (depending on how much you use when you scrub).

TIP: This scrub can of course also be used for your body.  If you feel like you will not be able to use all of it for your scalp before the sugars dissolves use it for your body! 

Do you use a scrub for your scalp if so what do you use? If you try my recipe please let me know if you enjoyed it or not I would love to hear from you.

Thanks

Maicurls

DIY Mixed Sealing Oil Video Uploaded

Gooooood Evening Maicurlies,

First of all I hope everyone is having a lovely day!

So yet another video has been recorded, edited and loaded on YouTube! I made a roughly 5 minute video explaining the Oils I mix together to Seal after I have Moisturized my hair. This is the last part of my Daily Routine “Series” as I am going to start making my Styling Videos. I am excited and nervous about that…but let’s leave that for another post! 

So as I mentioned above my Sealing Oil is used AFTER I have Moisturized my hair. If my hair is already Moisturized (not feeling dry) then I might add a little oil IF I am trying to retouch a style but generally I do not like applying oil if I haven’t used a moisturizer first. This is because the Oil is used to as a “trap”. If my hair were dry and frizzy and I applied Oil to it, it would be as if I am trying to trap in that dryness which is basically counter productive (in my opinion.)

Anyways… I have a link to my Sealing Oil Mix here and also have a quick link to my YouTube Video here. 

I would love to hear what you use!

Thanks

aMaicurls