Out & Curly: New Hair Regimen

Side note: I'm wearing one of my favorite BB creams. A review coming soon! .-_-

I've been wearing my hair out and curly more often the past few months and I love it. Before, I would twist my hair or where my hair in updos. However, I didn't want to hide my hair anymore and I wanted something more easy and breezy. I currently implement a modified curly girl method which was first developed by Lorraine Massey.

I wash my hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner. (Jasons Biotin Shampoo and the Jason Biotin Conditioner or Soo-Ae Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner).

I then apply the Giovanni Leave-In Conditioner to my hair in about four to six sections and then apply the Eco Styler Krystal Styling Gel by smoothing it into my hair without too much scrunching.

Once it dries, I use a little of the Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Anti-Frizz Serum to fluff and soften my hair. I flip my head and this is when I scrunch and this gets my curls extra bouncy!

To maintain my curls throughout the week, I wear a high odango type bun to bed. In the morning I apply a quarter size amount of the Rusk Brilliance Grapefruit & Honey Leave-In Cream Conditioner to my hair especially the ends, fluff a little, and go. I'm all about low manipulation but keeping my hair moisturized.

That's it! It's so simple. I never thought styling my hair could be so easy! .-_-

Another side note: the BB cream I'm wearing has an spf of 75. Woohoo! .-_-

Best Finds of 2011

Photo by supakitmod

Naruko Acne Clay Cleanser: The number one reason I think my acne cleared up. The other products helped but this, I believe, was the main product. Check out my post on clearing up my acne for more information.

BB creams (Blemish Balm): I discovered BB creams early this year and it's the best foundation/tinted moisturizer I've ever used. I have more than one BB cream so I'll be doing a post comparing and contrasting them soon!!

Roc Creams: The Roc brand is light-years ahead of their time. This brand definitely prevents and treats current wrinkles. I look younger now than I did 5 years ago and I've only been using Roc creams since August.

Once Upon a Time: This is my favorite show right now. I can't wait for Sundays so I can watch what happens next on this amazing new ABC drama. 

Soren Kierkegaard: I've been reading Kierkegaard's works since 8th grade but this year I've been re-reading more of his works and I'm so glad I did. I never get tired of discovering his insights all over again.

Giovanni Direct Leave in Conditioner: This has become a staple in my haircare regimen. A little bit goes a long way and because my hair isn't classified as coily and kinky, but just really curly, I can't use heavy creams that are too thick otherwise it will weigh my hair down. This is great because I still have full body but moisturized hair.

Bliss and Adrift: These two movies have been my favorites of this year. I've seen many wonderful movies but these two really moved me.

Japanese Skincare Revolution: This book gave me the tools to really revolutionize the way I think about skincare. Without this book, I wouldn't have known where to begin with treating my acne and preventing wrinkles.

Oatmeal Face Wash: I don't eat oatmeal but I've discovered that it can be used as a face wash, exfoliant, and has excellent moisturizing properties. I use oatmeal soap, an oatmeal body wash, and an oatmeal lotion. The best decision I've every made for my body.

Chobani Yogurt: This greek yogurt is the best yogurt I've ever had. The mango, pomegranate, and strawberry flavors are the best! I'm officially obsessed!

Have a great New Year!

Soo-Ae vs. Komenuka Bijin

  I went to my local Asian market and saw that Soo-Ae came out with a new Shampoo and Treatment set. I was soooo happy especially since I was already using the conditioner on occasion and loved it. Imagine my surprise when I saw this. Not to mention the packaging was phenomenal.

The shampoo and conditioner are very creamy and it gets the job done. I have an oily scalp so with just one rinse I can feel that my scalp and hair are clean. However, I don't get that stripped feeling. I really REALLY love the smell too. After a few days my hair still smells like Soo-Ae. I also like that the ingredients are all natural.

It says, "Soo-Ae Zin Shampoo/Treatment
Korean Traditional Remedy
High chitin manufactured by the patent technology"
Some of the ingredients listed are:
"chitin, black garlic, 17 amino-compound, red ginseng, and keratin. This set claims to promote blood circulation, strengthen the hair, protect the hair from the harmful environment, and prevent hair loss." I wash my hair every 3 to 4 days because I have an oily scalp; sometimes I'll wash it every day depending on how active I am or if it smells bad because I went to a BBQ the day before or something. hahaha Anyway, after using Soo-Ae a couple of times I have to say I am very impressed. My hair hasn't felt better. In fact, it reminds me of how my hair feels after using Komenuka Bijin: light, moisturized, and smells heavenly.

So...is the Soo-Ae Zin Premium Set my new staple product or will Komenuka Bijin remain as my staple hair product? I don't know yet. They both work wonders for me. Though both are all natural, Komenuka Bijin 's main ingredient is rice (also seaweed, ginseng, and collagen) while Soo-Ae's main ingredient is chitin. Komenuka Bijin is a Japanese company while Soo-Ae is a Korean company. Komenuka Bijin promotes hair growth while Soo-Ae prevents hair loss. Soo-Ae isn't that accessible so that's the ONLY downside. I can't purchase it online; only at my Asian market. However, I can purchase Komenuka Bijin online. Honestly, it's a tie because I've never used products that have worked so well with my hair and have achieved such exceptional results. I know this for a fact, I don't have a need to experiment with any other shampoo or conditioner. The search is OVER! For now I will be alternating between Komenuka Bijin and Soo-Ae! .-_-

My Hair Obsession: Komenuka Bijin!!!!

I am NOT a product junkie! I am a firm believer in less is more; living a minimalist life is best in my opinion. I am done searching for a shampoo and conditioner. The Komenuka Bijin Moisturizing Shampoo and Komuneka Bijin Hair Treatment (Conditioner) is phenomenal for my curly hair. Both the shampoo and conditioner detangle my hair and leave it feeling clean and moisturized. What I love about them is that they are paraben free and sulfate free and rely primarily on Rice bran. (Even their skin care products contain Rice bran but for now I'm a Korres skin gal!) There is even Ginseng and Seaweed in the ingredients. The shampoo has the ability to be clarifying depending on how long you keep in your hair. If you do a quick scrub and rinse, it definitely cleanses your hair but it isn't clarifying. However, if you scrub and then leave it on your hair for three minutes you feel the difference. It will remove ALL build up on your hair. I use it on both my scalp and hair and before I apply the conditioner, my hair is clean yet soft.


The conditioner has the ability to function as a deep treatment as well. So, I leave it on for about three to five minutes and once I wash it out my hair is moisturized, supple, and left with a sweet scent that remains for days. It is moderately priced and I believe it's worth every cent! Plus: you do not need a great deal of product to get the job done so it will last a long time. Komenuka Bijin has a sample pack which usually includes this shampoo and conditioner and, of course, their other products. For four dollars, how can you not try it out? :-) Also: if you're a student, make sure to sign up for the student program with Amazon.com because you get amazing deals on textbooks and a year of two-day shipping. Woohoo!!! Check it out and tell me what you think.