I just received a beautiful package from the wonderful Ayo at Soultanicals!

She went out of her way and even provided samples for review that I didn't even ask for! L.O.V.E. that.  (For those who want to transition to selling their DIY stuff: take note!  That's the type of stuff which creates loyalty.)

As I always do, before I post a full review of each product I like to give my first impressions.  So here goes!

CONGRATS TO Chermeka FOR WINNING A SPECIAL GIFT FROM SINCERELY NATURALE APOTHECARY

It's time for another incredible giveaway!  Sincere-Ly Naturale Apothecary has graced us with the opportunity to provide one lucky winner with a very, very special gift from their line of premium, holistic products!

Sincere-Ly Naturale Apothecary is a business which grew from a need to have products with truly natural ingredients, devoid of harsh additives.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Demetra Mensah- B. for winning the Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner giveaway! Woo!

Giveaway time!  Show your hair some love with Darcy's Botanicals! We have been graced with the opportunity to offer Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner.

Their Pumpkin Seed condish contains Pumpkin Seed oil which is said to be one of the best sources for fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants.  Also part of this great mix is Coconut oil and Camellia oil (one of my favorites) which is also thought to help strengthen and protect the hair.

Yall know how I am, right? If something is great, whether its DIY or not, I'll certainly make sure to let you know.  This is one of those products.  Darcy's Botanicals care about the ingredients they use just as much as you do when you're whipping up your mixes.  

Being a DIYer, my standards are super high when it comes to trying out new products on my hair.  So, I cannot stay silent when I take a chance on a store-bought product which really impresses me and works well with my naturally coily hair.  

I've been using Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Conditioning Shampoo over the course of a few months and it is one of the better off-the-shelf (non-homemade) shampoos I have used.  

I want to send out a congratulations to Jesse M who won a FREE 32oz jar of the best coconut oil eva!  Jesse won a jar of the Gold Label Virgin Coconut oil by Tropical Traditions in our Oct 2012 giveaway!

After using Tropical Traditions brand of Virgin Coconut Oil I finally understand why so many people praise it so highly. As I told you in my preliminary review, no straight liquid oil I've used thus far has made my skin as soft as when I use this brand of coconut Oil.  

As you guys know, I make most of my own stuff: lotions, shea butter whips, hair conditioners/leave in conditioners, deep conditioning treatments, etc.

So although I do use certain off-the-shelf products, I'm always looking for ways of making my own concoctions and not getting bogged down in that whole product junkie world like I used to be.

My attitude is that if something doesn't work, I don't give a damn how expensive it is, I ain't using it anymore.

I took a little of this Tropical Traditions Coconut oil and put some on my super dry hands and was shocked. They were smoother and softer than with other brands of coconut oil.  

I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment when I create something that works well on my hair without all the parabens, mineral oil and other crap.  So, I almost hate it when a commercial product works incredibly well on my natural hair.

Right now, I am so hatin' on Lustrasilk Curl Max  Curl Activator Moisturizer

One place to Buy it: Walgreens
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/lustrasilk-curl-max-curl-activator-moisturizer-oil/ID=prod6103490-product

My curls have taken a liking to this stuff just from a couple of test applications.  I'm talking about the one with the super soft, brownish gel like consistency, not the "Extra Light" white creamy one.