Favorite Brands For Your Hair, Skin, & Spirit!
Favorite Hair Care - Monat
When my gal pal from church first gave me samples of Monat, they were mostly from the "volume system." Unfortunately, volume is the last thing I need. I have thick, naturally curly hair (that I have come a long way in embracing). As most curly-haired girls will agree, I just need to combat frizz and do so without getting those dreaded "crunchy" curls. I am so glad my "market mentor" asked for feedback and provided me new samples of the "hydration system." I have been using the system for about 2 months and I have been very pleased with my hair. It feels lighter and has more defined curls without crunch!
Here is a run down of my Monat routine:In the shower -
Renew Shampoo
Replenish Masque
As soon as I get out of the shower -
Rejuveniqe Oil
Restore Leave In Conditioner
Moxie Magnifying Mousse
It might seem like a lot, but to me soft and easy to manage curls are worth it. You will notice I don't use a conditioner in the shower, instead I use the masque. The masques are only supposed to be used a couple times a week, which is about how often I wash my hair so it works out. The Rejuveniqe Oil is truly fantastic. I use it on my scalp to help with dryness and it also works great to smooth down curls after they've been slept on. I use the Rejuveniqe Oil almost daily at this point. They say you can use the Rejuveniqe Oil as part of your skin care routine, but I have not ventured there yet - mostly because I have a skin care line that I love (more on that later).
Personal MLM Disclaimer:
I would be remiss if I didn't briefly mention that when it comes to Multi Level Marketing (MLM) companies my advice is to always proceed with caution! I worked for an MLM for years and found that only the folks at the very top (either in the corporate offices or the first partners to join the company) make any real money. If you do decide to join, please treat it as seriously as a brick and mortar business (ie. consider all the expenses you're being asked to incur and know when to cut your losses). As for MLM products, the same advice applies. Be leery of any product you can't just outright buy without having to sign up for some kind of subscription. If the product is really great, they will let you purchase it one time so you can make the decision to subscribe or not yourself. All that being said, I am a proud supporter of my friends in a handful of MLMs - go get 'em ladies!
Favorite Skin Care - IT Cosmetics
I first started using the CC+ Airbrush Perfecting Powder because it was just time for a new cover. I liked the Garnier BB liquid foundation, but I wanted something even lighter (I hate to feel anything on my face). The IT Cosmetic's CC+ Powder does exactly what it says it will do: it illuminates, it protects with SPF, it blurs imperfections, and it can build to whatever coverage you want easily.
My absolute favorite IT Cosmetics product (so far) is their Confidence in a Cream. I started using it because I was noticing some fine lines and wanted to take some anti-aging measures. I have been using it a few months and not only have some lines disappeared altogether while other lines are getting better every day - but my skin has been transformed! This cream has moisturized the dry parts of my face, balanced out the shiny areas, and I swear it's even helped with my break outs. Do yourself a favor and check out https://www.itcosmetics.com/home. (Pro Tip: apply skincare with a foundation brush!)
Favorite Non-Profit - IF:Gathering
Top – Old Navy | Leggings – Lu La Roe | Bag – Kate Spade
If:Gathering might not exactly be a brand, but I love them all the same. I have loved If:Gathering ever since I first attended their event three years ago. From there I jumped into their daily bible studies through If:Equip and even hosted monthly If:Tables for a while. I just attended this year's gathering last weekend and had to share my thoughts.
Our focus this year was 2 Timothy 1:6-7, "For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control." We asked what threatens the flame of God? What does it mean to truly persevere? What do we do when our "self-control" - or "sound mind" in some translations - fails us?
I don't have all the answers but I do know this: doubt is the opposite of faith and it threatens my flame every day. Not having a "sound mind" is not a sin, but rather a weight. I bear the weight of those chains, but those chains do not define me. I persevere because in the moments I feel the most unqualified I go to Jesus and say, "I know I cannot do this without you, please help me." I have found that every time I ask, Jesus meets me in my trials. If:Gathering took a stand for mental health this year and I so appreciate it. If you are struggling, know that you are not alone and that all you have to do is ask for help. I encourage you to check out all the resources available at https://www.ifgathering.com/.
XO - Olivia
Update - I still love If:Gathering, I just attended for my 5th year in a row. I still use IT cosmetics powder foundation. I still feel the same way about MLMs. For skin, I’ve switched to ELF cosmetics daily moisturizer and for hair I’ve switched to Aussie’s Miracle Curls line. I’ve determined my hair seems to get use to a certain regimen after a while so I have to switch it up every year or so.