.:: CybeleSays ::.

When I say CAROL’S DAUGHTER Monoi Repairing Hair Mask ($29/7oz) is good, I mean it’s gooooood! Since coming off of this system, I’ve been a tad backed up with trying out hair products and I was really curious about these new Monoi hair products they recently put out. The collection was created for those who have problems with hair breakage, which is common with African-American hair. From what I’ve gathered, Monoi oil is made from soaking the petals of Tahitian gardenias in a semi-wax of coconut oil and it’s used as a hair softener among French Polynesians.

Now I’m not sure how far down a list an ingredient can be if it is to be the focus of a product (Monoi is the 9 ingredient in) but maybe you don’t need a lot of the ingredient to benefit?  I guess we’ll just have to take their word for it. Also in it is pro-vitamin B5, sunflower seed extract and Shea Butter so I think no matter what your hair type is, it will benefit from this. I’m so glad I gave this one a spin because it really made my hair feel so silky and soft. Also available, Monoi Repairing Shampoo ($18/8.4oz) and Monoi Repairing Conditioner ($20/8.4oz) @ carolsdaughter.com.

Disclosure: A sample of this item was provided for review purposes.

The CAROL’S DAUGHTER line just keeps expanding and expanding! We love when an indy does well. This season they have put out a couple of bargain sets, my favorite being this Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Trio ($30 @ carolsdaughter.com). The draw-tab bag houses a Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cleansing Gel (8oz), Sugar-Dipped Vanilla Body Cream (2oz) and a Sugar-dipped Vanilla All Over Sheen (4oz). I’m usually not one for the bakery style scents but this one is pretty light, so I’m glad that I won’t walk around smelling like a fresh donut. I like to eat those, not smell like ‘em!

Disclosure: A sample of this set was provided to Cybelesays.com for review purposes.

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Another favorite products to test out besides mascaras has to be hair masks. I can instantly tell if one works on my strands or not. Skin care products? Not so cut and dry results, most of the time. We have liked a few of CAROL’S DAUGHTER products since this line came on the scene a few years ago and they are totally ready for their time in the sun, when it comes to creating a cult favorite. This Khoret Amen Hair Smoothie Intense Conditioning Treatment ($19/8oz @ sephora.com) is, as Carol herself says, made with peace and love. And I can tell, or at least my hair can tell. It’s made with sunflower seed oil (for overall strand strength), Rapa Seed Oil (to help detangle) and olive fruit oil (helps seal in moisture) and Shea Butter, which we all know about. It’s a hair mask so it has to be left on the hair for 5 to 15 minutes. And to get even better results, put a plastic cap on and cover your head with this baby. Your hair will thank you.

In continuing our coverage of great Shea Butter products, I am really surprised at the number of ones that have the word Shea in the name of the product and then the ingredient is waaaaay down on the list. It seems like it was almost an after thought, “Oh we need to put some actual Shea Butter in there since it has it in the name.” Anyway, here are some more recommendations with the ingredient right at the top of the ingredient list.

• CAROL’S DAUGHTER Unscented Shea Body Butter ($20/8oz @ carolsdaughter.com)
• FREDERIC FEKKAI Shea Butter Hair Mask ($22.50/5oz, $32/9oz @ sephora.com)
• JERGENS Shea Butter Cream ($6.29/7.5oz @ drugstore.com)
• BATH BY BETTIJO 100% Pure Whipped Shea Butter ($16.50/2oz @ bathbybettijo.com)

We have talked a lot about CAROL’S DAUGHTER products on this site. Why? Quality. For those who choose not to have a scent in their lotion, you will adore the new Unscented Shea Body Lotion ($20/8oz), which is full of Shea butter (15%), Cranberry Oil and Olive Oil. Cranberry Oil has the perfect balance of the good omega oils: 3, 6 and 9, not found in any other oil. If you are a fan of their Ocean scent, the Ocean Body Cleansing Gel ($13.50/8oz) is so gentle with aloe vera to create a non-drying lather. To scent or not to scent … it’s your choice. Both @ sephora.com ~Lisa

If you are finding yourself a little bit bored with black, you are hardly alone. Black is still hip but don’t you want to sport the new "it" shade this season? It's vibrant, powerful and both fun and fabulous to wear. Purple was sizzling on the runways and seems to be dominating cosmetics especially for the eyes so wear wines, eggplants, violets, lilacs; any shade of purple on your lids and don't forget how wonderful it is to wear on your cheeks and lips. Here are our picks. ~Randi

1. KISS ME MASCARA in Dark Purple ($25 @ kissmemascara.com)
2. CAROL’S DAUGHTER Natural Sexy Shine Lip Gloss new Purple Reign ($13.50 @ sephora.com
3. SEPHORA Maniac Mat Long-Wearing Matte Lipstick in Mat 04 ($12 @ sephora.com)
4. PRESCRIPTIVES Single Colorscope Eye Color in Heather ($14 @ prescriptives.com)
5. LAURA MERCIER Eye Colour Matte in Black Plum ($20 @ nordstrom.com)
6. NARS Cream Eyeshadow in Swing ($21 @ narscosmetics.com)
7. JAPONESQUE Touch-Up Tube, Purple ($19 @ aveyou.com)
8. BOURJOIS Kohl & Contour Eyeliner Pencil in Violet Artiste ($11.50 @ sephora.com)
9. SONIA KASHUK Eye Definer in Purple Passion ($5.99 @ Target stores)
10. DUWOP Violet Eyes ($32 @ sephora.com)

Every once in a while I come across a product that I can’t stop smelling! This is the case with these two next body moisturizers. Not only are the scents long lasting but they do a bang up job of softening skin. 

A total hit in the QVC channel, SURGEON’S SKIN SECRET Beeswax Moisturizing Cream ($13.99/8oz @ jamarklabs.com) has a lavender scent (smells slightly honey-ish to me) and is one thick and rich skin moisturizer.

East Indian sandalwood, almond, vanilla and a dash of lemon are what you’ll smell when you open CAROL’S DAUGHTER Sandalwood & Vanilla Shea Soufflé ($12/4oz @ carolsdaughter.com).

CAROL’S DAUGHTER is one of the fastest growing “indie” beauty brands and has gained quite a cult following with their bath products. Now they are expanding into the color cosmetic category with the launch of Candy Paint, a new collection of natural high-shine lip glosses loaded with natural ingredients and a tint of color. And with each purchase of the Paint, they will donate a portion of its profits to the Lupus Foundation of America. It’s available in 12 yummy colors, but I’d have to go with Park Avenue Bling (sheer pink shimmer) as my favorite. The best part is the infusion of Shea butter, aloe vera and grape seed oil, which protect and hydrate your lips, total lip therapy. They feel super soft and smooth as glass. And the trace of peppermint is a energizing bonus. $13.50 @ sephora.com ~Lisa