Creative mood

Ok, a new client is begging me to make a soap with rhassoul clay.  I have it, but currently I only include in a Koco Foot Mousse.  But I am just thinking of the possibilities right now,  I want to re batch a soap and include rhassoul with maybe some amber extract, and sandalwood powder and vanilla bean specks.  That would be for face and body, and then I could do another one for hair, maybe even a deep conditioner.  

Ok the mind is working!  Hmm, deep conditioner can include some Argan oil and maybe some Hemp.  Maybe I will try my hand at that tomorrow (its time for a deep conditioning treatment again for myself).  Oh the possibilities!

Foot lotion and Spray

So I am at it again. I am going  to make a foot lotion and spray, to especially be sold at Koco Nails.
I have decided on the scents (peppermint orange and manuka rose) but I have not quite decided on all of the ingredients.  I think I want to to Kukui Nut Oil and maybe some rose hip oil  for healing and moisturizing.  But I go to thinking, well what about comfrey root and chickweed herbs.  Let's not forget the bilberry extract and the maplesugar extract.  I have also got my hands on a special olive oil extract that is suppose to make your skin feel extra silky.  So many decisions and that's just the lotion.

The foot spray will be scented the same but what do I include in them?  Any suggestions?

Magic Eye Potion

Sorry gang, I have been so busy lately I forgot to keep you guys posted.  I finally listed my eye cream on Etsy!  I know, I know its about time.  Can you give a girl a break?  Big things have been happening and some things just get lost in the confusion.  Here is the link with all the details in case you are interested"

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63811355/magic-eye-potion-paraben-free

And in other news, remember when I said I would not do perfumes?  Okay so chalk that up to "I didn't say absolutely not"  Anyone who know me, knows I love smell goods and so I just couldn't resist.  What I will be putting on the market soon is a list of dry oil perfumes.  Dry oil perfumes contain no alcohol and dry almost instantly when sprayed on skin and dark colored cotton.  It is an oil, so do not spray on silk and some polyester blends.  You can however, spray it on your hair because it is an oil.

BTW- we are retailing at Koco Nails in Philadelphia!  I told ya, big things are happening for me.

Black Friday

So I am running a Black Friday sale on Black Friday of course for 15% off my entire shop.  Just use BlackFriday as the coupon code at checkout.  This sale only lasts one day.

On to other news,  I have started testing the reformulated Avocado and Honey Daily Conditioner for damage repair and most definitely the irish moss gave it more slip.  I still have to recheck the pH and make sure its about a 5 maybe a little less.  As for the deep conditioner version, I have not reformulated that yet but will definitely do that after the Thanksgiving holiday. 

I also decided I wanted to do a hydrating hair mask based on roses.  I want rosehip oil in this one as well as powdered roses and some rose water.  I may put a touch of rose clay in it, but I will see.  I haven't decided if I am going to put any other goodies in it but you guys know me by now, once I get in the "lab" anything can happen.

BTW, I have created an oil free conditioner!  I know, oil free, but this was actually created as a "refresher" for people with oily hair.  My tester decided to use it as a leave in and loved the results.  I let someone else buy it as a pre market product and she loved it.  So ladies and gentlemen I think I have an accidental hit on my hands.

Avocado and Honey Deep Conditioner, the first test

Ok guys, so I did my first test run on the deep conditioner that I have been working on and I definitely want to do some changes. 
First, I wanted to just use a thicken aloe as the water base, which is fine but I add so many ingredients that it thins out and I have to re thicken it.  Which leads me to my next issue, when it is the thickens that I want, it is not as smooth as I would like. 
My next big issue, I want the hair to have more slip and for whatever reason, it doesn't.
But the good points: my hair is definitely strong and it did provide some conditioning effects.
So here is what I want to do, add a lot more marshmallow root and Irish moss.  Adjust my pH down some, (the previous batch was about a 6, I want to make it a 5.) And lastly, I will add a conditioning ester as well as my detangling wax.

If the new batch works well, I will start doing product testing and move on to the Rose Water Hydrating Hair Mask.  Yes I did think of something else.  But I will talk about that later.

Hemp Hair and Skin Butter

Just completed a custom blended hair butter for a client who has nut allergies & a sensitive scalp.  I am  really excited about this one. I  took unrefined hemp seed oil & castor oil & infused it w/ a few herbs good for sensitive skin as well as hair growth.  I  then added this infusion to raw shea butter, added rosemary & orange eo's. No wax, no preservatives, & not a drop of nut oils. Maybe market material.

Pomegranate Nite Cream

So I finally finished a test batch of the pomegranate nite cream and just need to test it.  Guess what people this is about as natural as it can get.  I have bunch of extracts in this one including sugar cane, bilberry and orange fruit all known for there AHA content.  I also have rice bran oil, rose hip oil and of course pomegranate oil.  To preserve this dreamy concoction I actually use radish extract.  You read that right, radish extract.  Now if I can get some people to sign up to be product testers.  It seems everyone wants to test hair products but nothing else.  Ce la vie.

Gift packages

So I just spent the last couple of days coming up and researching possibilities for gift packages to offer on my Etsy shop.  I think I went overboard, as I normally do.  I have to many options my head is spinning but I think that it will be great and will probably drive a lot of business my way.

So in honor of this I have designed a silk lotion, that I will include in some of the packages.  I have included a generous amount of silk protein in the formulation and  it leaves your skin so smooth.  I am kinda excited about it.  I think I will also offer it for sale by its self.

So I have also been considering selling solid perfumes.  Not quite sure, because if you are like me I have to smell it before I buy it.  I will however give this item away as part of my gift giving this year.

Still have to get in the lab and design that night time cream, this ADHD of mine is at its finest moment right now.

Sesame Street:Song: I Love My Hair

Pampered Princess Milk Bath

We are currently looking for product testers for our new Pampered Princess Milk Bath.  This milk bath contains whole milk, buttermilk, coconut milk, silk peptides and roses.  This item is limited to 20 testers.

Please visit my facebook page for details and for product tester application.

www.facebook.com/NaturalbyDesignCosmetics

Avocado and Honey Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

So I have been truly thinking about this one.  Running a couple of ideas in my head but I would like to see what you guys think.

So the base will definitely be a kaolin clay, my favorite clay to use.  I will also add my avocado powder.  But this is where I am stuck.  Do I add my honey powder and then a conditioner type base?  If that is the case, adding silk protein becomes a problem too.  Do I had the hydrolyzed version or the powder version. 

If I don't add the conditioner base, do I make this a dry mask and have the customer add water?  Some people want there stuff ready to go.  If I make this a dry mask, I can add the avocado oil for richness.

See why I haven't completed this one yet?  I may have to make 2 different versions for the product testers and ask them which one do they prefer.  See what happens when you think too much?

Chocolate Body Scrub

While in the midst of designing a few products for a dayspa here in Philadelphia, I came up with a scrub that I think you guys will absolutely love.  It is as the title says, a chocolate body scrub with all the yumminess that you would expect from chocolate.  It has raw sugar, raw unprocessed cocoa, unprocessed first pressed cocoa butter and a blend of rich oils including vitamin E.  I swear you will just find yourself sniffing the jar.  As soon as I finish this order plus an eye and night face cream, I will have this bad boy or girl on the market. 

Honey Moisture Spritz Revamped

I must love you guys, I am on vacation and I am still blogging.  It's because I am on vacation that I decided to revamp the Honey Moisture Spritz.  I mean its great as is, but the sun down here can be brutal on the hair, as I am finding out.

So I decided to add an antioxidant blend for sun protection.  I might even see how I can boost the moisture factor for those who leave in the intense heat.  Too bad, I am not here long enough to test anything.  Darn.

Guess I will have to take another vacation to make sure that this new formula is just right. :-)

Peach Coconut Hair Milk

So technically I am on vacation but I need to get this idea out there before I forget it.  Coconut Hair Milk.  Yes I know it has been done before but I haven't done it.  I want of course the coconut oil but unlike other hair milks mine will actually contain coconut milk and possibly a little concentrated coconut cream.  Here is the other twist:  I am researching the benefits of peach extract on the hair.  If everything looks promising I will be adding that to the blend as well.  In addition, this will be gentle enough the young ones.  I want to use my naturally derived preservative for this one.  This is made from a glucose sugar and benzoin,  Cross your fingers.

And in case I didn't mention it I will be working on a few yogurt lotions/ creams.  Yogurt is a natural softening agent so it should work well on dry cracked hands and feet.  Perfect for this nail salon I will be working with.   So I have  a lot do my friends when I get back, but you know I like the hustle and bustle of it all.

Oily hair shampoo update

So I completed part of the shampoo, finally.  I did do a tea infusion with some nice astringent herbs and I added acai extract.  I may add more extract but time will tell.  I will let my product testers have it soon.  In anycase, my new scale should be here when I get back from vacation (yes my dears, vacation) and I will able to better calculate a final amount.  I did add a fragrance and then I changed my mind and decided to use eo's instead.  But sill me not thinking, I added it to the batch with the fragrance.  I am glad I did.  This accident gives the shampoo a unique scent that should conjure up images of clean.  New thought:  Acai Mint.  Would this be a good name for a shampoo?  Give me your thoughts people.

I started part 2 tonighit, which is a mid day refresher.  It has the same herbs and extracts as the shampoo but I making this into a gel.  I am letting it sit now, because I am so tired.  I want .5% of acai and ended up doing 5%.  I will do a quick test in the morning and if everything is ok, I will contact my testers.

Peppermint and Orange Astringent

Ladies and gentlemen with oily skin:  I have made an astringent.  I thought about this one last night and decided to make it today.  See what I can do when the flea market gets rained out? 

This astringent has an orange and peppermint tea infusion boosted by essential oils of orange, peppermint and manuka.  Manuka?  Manuka is like an Australian tea tree without the medicinal smell.  So while you are removing excess oil, you can treat the break outs that you have. 

Oh and I so sorry for not letting you into my thought process for Hydration Mist.  This is an oil free moisturizer and yes its a keeper.  Its good for any skin type but especially those with oily skin.  It contains hyaluronic acid, something our skin loses as we age.  This acid acts like a reservoir holding moisture in  and so when we lose it, we lose our ability to retain moisture.

Okay guys, my next adventure will be a yogurt lotion.  Haven't decided what the base oil will be, maybe something like apricot kernel oil or grapeseed oil, but I definitely know that it will have a yogurt powder.  The yogurt's natural lactic acid should help soften the skin.  I am thinking of making a base and then adding what ever scent later. 

Oily hair shampoo

I have a new request, ok so a couple of new requests.  A customer contacted me about making a shampoo for oily hair.  ?  I am so use to doing stuff for dry hair, I had to take a step and do a little research.  Well the ideas are flowing and I can't quite figure out which one I want to try.

I am considering a tea blend infusion.  Something like lemon balm and peppermint.  I would also need to consider an oil free conditioner.  I mean she didn't ask for it but you guys know me by now.  For her body wash, I would love for her to consider using black soap.  But I will wait until she contacts me on that one.

My other customer needs gluten free items.  Again?  Its a good thing I like doing research!  She would like a color protection shampoo.  For her, I also suggested black soap.  So far it sounds like she is up for it.  Her shampoo will be rich in antioxidants and I am going to include a sunflower extract for an extra touch. 

Ok people its really early in the morning and I need to do a few things before the family gets up.  Thanks for listening.

Mojito anyone?

Ok I have been blasting this info everywhere so my bloggers it is now your turn.  You guys however get the benefit of my brainstorming.  There is a possible collaboration in the works with a local nail salon with drink themed services.  My role in all this is formulate bath/ spa products that can be used by the salon and possible retail to the clients.  I am so excited.  I love challenges.

So remember Sugafoot?  Well the first attempt was a failure and so I purchased a couple of new raw materials to see if I could improve upon the concept.  Well it seems my effort will be doubled right now as I think this will be a perfect compliment to this salon's Mojito pedicure service.  Lemon, lime and some mint.  I also have bay rum essential oil that is a consideration.  Yes there is a rum essential oil and no I am not making that up.

I also want to work on a Champagne line of products.  Granted it won't really bubble, at least if I make a body wash it wont really bubble but bath fizzes/ bombs will.  Cute uhn?

Now here is where the challenge really comes in:  I don't drink.  I mean if any of you kept up with my beer shampoo dilemma, it took me some time to get that just right.  That was only because I wanted the best beer but a novice like me had absolutely no clue of what was good and what was bad.

So I am going to do a little research and let you guys know exactly how this is playing out.

Peace

Hit and Miss

So I got my first feedback from, Nourish Facial Lotion, and it just didnt cut it.  I need to go back as the skin type this lotion was actually intended for everyone.  I need a little more info before I go changing anything.  It might be the oil I used, as it is slightly rich but then again my combo skin thought it was great.

So I know I keep promising stuff and I will do it, its just all of a sudden it got real busy again.  I was featured in an article and now I am riding that wave with a bunch of sales.

Besides that I need to reload for my next flea market on the 21st.  I need to get a life.

The first flea market

Ok, for serious crafters flea markets are of no significance.  But to me, this was very important.  This was my first time stepping from behind the computer and being able to promote myself to people who I didn't know.  I think I did well.  Sales weren't that grand but information was plenty.  I have people who now know my name and want to no more about what I do.  I have a couple who are moving to south FL and wanted to make sure that I shipped there.  Of course I do!

So I am very tired and I learned alot.  But there is no rest for the weary.  This was just a test.  The big crowds are coming late Aug and September.  I might even do October.  Then we will see. 

Apple Beer shampoo

Lavender and Chamoile Kids Soap

Lip Balm

When I started preparing for this flea market I am doing in August, I decided to start marketing my lip balms.  I had been giving lip balms as a free gift when people ordered items but never put it on the market.  I have created my own shea butter lip balm base.  Very creamy texture, no film left on the lips.  I started with just few "flavors"  I will probably add more.  Raspberry Lime, Peach Juice, and Bare Naked.  I want to add an orange flavor using eos and even a rosemary one.  Time is running out and I am getting very lazy.

Another note, with all the hair balms and pomades I make I decided to make one more:  Amla.  I love this Ayurvedic herb and this is something I have yet to see on the market, so I want to be the first.  I have not decided my oil base, but it definitely have a heavy infusion of alma, maybe some coconut oil and some lime eo.  Thinking about maka as well but we will see.

Lavender Lite

so I just had a thought, a new leave in conditioner.  One of my customers said that the Lavender Milk leave in  conditioner was way too heavy for her hair.  Say what?  Then I thought about it, Lavender Milk was originally intended for my dry hair.  So what if your hair isn't that dry, you just want a get up a go condish?  So here come Lavender Lite.  Haven't quite decided what I will put in it yet, but it definitely won't be as heavy as the Lavender Milk.

So I have chatting up a storm lately, made some great new Etsy friends and picked up a lot of information.  Getting ready to do my first flea market in 2 weeks.  Problem is I have been kinda lazy, but this weekend I will get things rolling.  I thought of a new toner that I want to have ready for market by then.  I also need to create labels.  I hate doing labels but I haven't been able to reliably outsource them.  Sucks.

I'm back again

I have been gone for a while, been very busy.  I have several new items on the market and just finished being a wedding.  So here are a couple of vids with the new items





I also have been busy formulating that beer shampoo and the results are coming in:  it is a success.  It gives great body to fine hair.  I want to see if it keeps that lift during the summer heat before I put it on the market, but it looks like it is a go. 

Oh I finally repackaged a couple of my vinegar rinses:



I am still working on a few more items including a few face toners and face lotions, so stay tuned.

Update

Sorry, I have been away for way too long.  Life got kinda hectic, again.  But never fear you know your girl has been hard at work.  I have six, yes six, new foaming facial cleansers on the market.  Not to mention, I am just days away from finally listing my new Creamy Mango Hair Balm w/ green tea extract.  I kept looking for some type of fancy name and one of my testers was like "Mango Hair Balm is enough.  It's a good product, let it speak for itself"  so I am letting it do all the talking for me. 

I also have a new male body bar called Sport, a clay and shea butter soap for the hardworking man.  I am thinking about designing a 3rd one.  I have also come up with an eczema/ psoriasis soap.  I want to begin testing on that real soon.

So here are few vids on the cleansers, sorry about the quality but it will take me some time to get everything just right.

Natural Toners

Hi guys, just thought I would give you quick tip that works great during the summer time.  For those of you who like to use toners after you wash your face check your natural food stores for plant hydrosols.  A hydrosol is the water collected from a plant during steam distillation.  It carries some the plants essential oils without being as harsh as using the oil itself.  The most common hydrosol is rosewater.

You may use the hydrosol as is as a toner, or you may add about 1 tablespoon of glycerin for every 8 oz.  You can even try blending the hydrosols together for different therapeutic effects.  Placing your natural toner in the refrigerator can give a cool refreshing feeling with each use during the summer.

Aloe and Chamomile Foaming Facial

Hi guys, just wanted to give a little visual on a couple of the foaming facials I have been working on.  Sorry that the video is so blurry, but by the time I figured out my new video program I was just like screw it.  I will fix it with the next video, promise.

Body Chiffons

Ok, my mother probably believes I am little treasure trove of naturally made goodies.  I gave a sample of whipped shea butter that I was selling in the fall and winter (to avoid having it arrive melted in the summer heat)  Now she wants more.  So you know me, I started to figure out a way to give her what she wanted (hey she has been sending business my way, what do you expect me to do?) but keep it from melting in the intense VA heat.  My answer: body chiffons.  Concoctions so light and fluffy they cannot be called butters.  I have been playing around with a few idea blends as I like to do the new and different.  So I will use up this butter I brought just to try out as well as an oil (passion flower) and see how that will go.

I am in a wedding July 3rd and I think I have decided to gift the happy couple with one of these new creations.  I mean it will be for her, which means it will be for him as well.
I think I will gift the Asian Silk Set or if I have enough time, make a special wedding scented gift basket.

Got a lot of stuff to do so I guess I better get cracking.

I'm back!

Hi guys!  Did you miss me?  Did you even notice that I was gone?  Hmmph!  I see what type of friends you are.

I am back from vacation.  A much needed vacation.  But even on vacation, I still put in somework.  Shiitake is a hit. 

What is Shiitake, this is my foaming facial cleanser for mature and dry skin.  It includes shiitake and reishi mushroom extracts  and a couple of essential oils. 

BTW, my husband also likes his facial cleanser, Sandalwood.  It has a nice manly scent, but works well to clear the face from adult acne and grime.

I decided to also include an acne foaming facial as well.  I think I will use seaweed in that one but I need to test out a few scent blends as I don't think everyone will appreciate the ocean like smell.

In the lab

Mad lab science time:  Banana Cream Clay Mask and Watermelon Lift Clay Mask.  Yep, I am on  a food kick when it comes to these masks.  But they will be very beneficial.  The Banana Cream will be good for dry skin and the Watermelon Lift should act as a skin tightener or mini face lift.  I plan on making the Carrot Cake batch this weekend (promised 2 people so now I have to do it), I might even decide to sell a face mask sampler for people to try out these little goodies.

I think I have a name for the mango and castor hair dressing- Mango Tropic, yes? no? keep working at it?

Scrapping the Avocado and Honey Hair conditioner (didn't sell well anyway) and turning it into a hair mask.  Don't know when that will happen but I will get it done.

Lord only knows

My next task:  create a facial cleanser and moisturizer for mature skin.  So my mother has been spreading the word around that her daughter makes some pretty good stuff.  Well the word got to the first lady of the church. (just an aside why do they say the first lady, like they expect it to be a second?)  In any case I gave Mrs. M a call today which I should not have done.  I had to work more hours this week and I know I sounded like a blithering idiot because I could not focus enough to tell her what I would like to do.  Besides all I remember from the conversation is that she has dry skin and she like aloe vera.  Guess I will go off of that. 

So I'm like thinking what would be could enough for the woman who sleeps next to the man that talks directly to GOD?   I have some research to do before I can even consider formulating.  And what would I even call it?  You guys know I am terrible with names. 

BTW, I still have to make the labels for Queen Bee, I've just been so busy lately and because of that I have been tired.  So even when I do get a moment, I rather sleep.  Thank God vacation happens in one more week.  Lord knows I need it.

Vanilla Bean Clay Facial

Hi guys, here is a clip about the Vanilla Bean Clay Facial I mentioned in a previous post.  My next facial/ mask will be called Carrot Cake and will be geared towards dry and mature skin.  It too will be a dry mask and will include carrot and walnut oil.  Based on the carrot oil, I expect it to be a little more costly than Vanilla Bean but I am sure it will be worth it.


BTW, the first try at Suga Foot wasn't as scrubbie as I would like.  It's kinda hard to mix in the sugar at the temperature I need to keep the soap liquid.  I will keep trying since I like the idea so much.  That and the fact I promised my husband a foot scrub some time ago.

Daily Face Lift

Here is a tip for younger looking skin, a daily face lift.  Whenever you apply product to your face follow these basic steps:

1.  Place a small amount of product (pea size is great in general, thicker products may require a little less) on your  middle and ring fingers of one hand.  These are weakest of the fingers and will put less stress on the skin.

2.  Distribute the product between both sets of middle and ring fingers.  This helps to extend your product and you will find that you use a lot less of the product.

3.  Apply to your face in an upward circular motion.  The circular motion encourages blood flow to the area while the upward motion helps to keep the skin from sagging. (start with the green arrow)

I learn this technique as a teenager and have been following this simple routine ever since.  I always get compliments on my skin and even after grad school, marriage, work and 2 kids I still maintain a youthful appearance.

The technique does not reverse the aging process but will definitely slow it down!

Lavender Milk

Suga Foot

Ok, yes I am working.  I know I have a problem but I had a brand new idea.  I want to create little feet scrubbers.  I know sounds kind of weird, why don't I make just a plain ol' foot scrub.  Now when have you guys known me to be plain?  I think it would be cute, miniature one time use scrubbers to help soften the feet.  I probably can come up with several different scents like peppermint or tea tree/ manuka for athlete's feet.  The lotion can have matching scents or people can mix and match.  Ok, so I have to start doing some research and get this thing started.  Wish me luck guys.

Happy Mother's Day

To all the mothers out there who read this blog, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.  If you are not a mother than pass this salutation on to the woman in your life who has been your mother, whether it is your mom, grandmom, aunt or neighbor.  Celebrate and enjoy your day ladies.

Berry Juice

Okay, so I have gotten really busy and I have few orders to fill.  I even got an order from Japan.  I am so international.  I am having trouble with USPS and my shipments.  Can someone please tell me, how you can lose a package that is going from Philly to New York?  Messing with my money is like messing with my money. 

I uploaded another video, I am going to get better.  I just haven't figured out all the little techniques that make what I do stand out.  I will get there, believe you and me, I will get there.

Miracle Moisture

Here is a quick clip about the Miracle Moisture Cream.  Enjoy

Restoration, protein treatment

As promised here is the video for my Restoration Hair Repair, protein treatment. This video is a lot better than the last one.  As I do this more often, I will get better.

carrot shampoo bar

Motivation

It's just me and the baby, so you would think I would be busy in the lab.  Not me, I think I like the pressure of it all. I mean who could think in a noisy house with a husband, 3 year old and a baby.  Apparently me.  I can't seem to get myself together and it's actually quiet enough for me to do alot of stuff.  Oh well.  I am planning on uploading a video about my latest listing :Restoration Hair Repair.  So I will fill you in on that one later.  I also need a name for my Castor oil and mango butter hair dressing.  Island Spice?  Mango Spice?  Mango Green Tea?  I don't have a clue at this point.  I would like to get it on the market but no name.  I also need to finish labels for the diaper ointment that I have been promising for weeks to list. 

Did I mention, I never got started on the apple beer shampoo?  I know it sounds funny, but I am nervous about buying beer.  I don't drink so I guess that plays a major part of it.  I have been trying to get my husband to make the purchase but he is so stubborn.  I will do it though, I have made a promise and so now I must.  Time to get moving.

Clay Masks

I really like doing clays masks and facials 2x a week for visibly smoother skin.  I guess that is why I was so focused on making one or two that everyone can enjoy.  BTW, the vanilla bean facial is doing well, a few more tests and it will be ready to go.  In any case, I decided to let you guys in on the secret so that you can make some simple masks at home.  The more complex ones you can purchase from me :)

You will need kaolin or white clay and water.  That's it.  You make a paste out of the clay and rub it on your skin.  Let the paste air dry and then steam it off using your face cloth and really warm water.  The first application may make you skin red at first but the redness will go away rather quickly.

The fancier mix ins include aloe gel, whole milk, yogurt, honey and glycerin.  You may also want to consider pureed cucumber or witch hazel for more oily skin types.

I prefer kaolin clay because all skin types can use it and it is the mildest of all clays.  This makes it easy to tailor it to your needs.  Kaolin clay may be purchased on line or in your local natural food store.

Black Rose Water

I have justed listed the moisture shampoo  on my etsy site.  It's called Black Rose Water for the black soap and all the rose stuff I put in it.  This shampoo is good for children 2 yo and up as well as locs, naturals, waves and all the in betweens.  The shampoo gives a rich lather but will not strip your hair of its natural oils.  My black soap shampoos also last a long time.  In other words, a little goes a long way.

I still have to list my protein treatment.  I was acutally going to list that first but I didn't have the proper containers.  So I will have to wait for my shipment to come in.

Lastly, the Miracle Moisture is flying off the shelves ( sort of speak).  I am running out of ingredients and I still haven't finished making my mom her batch (she is so going to disown me).  If it keeps up like this I may have to buy all the stuff in huge bulk.

Avocado Oil

I use avocado oil for a variety of reasons. It has great nourishing benefits for persons who have dry skin and hair. Avocado oil contains vitamins A, B, C and E, large amounts of vitamin D and potassium, minerals, lecithin and fatty acids. This oil also contains protein great for persons with brittle, dry hair. It is also said to have healing properties. This is a rich hypoallergenic oil where a little goes a long way. Vegan friendly.


Avocado oil can be found in the following products: Indulgence Hair Oil, Asian Silk Body Oil, Indulgence Shampoo Bar, Avocado and Honey Shampoo, Avocado and Honey Conditioner and brand new to the market :  Restoration Hair Repair Protein Treatment.

Oil sheen for hair and body

It's Saturday and I am at again.  I dreamed (yes it occurred to me in my dream) about an oil sheen spray.  When I got up this morning I decided on what would go in it an realized that it would be great for hair and body.  I want it to be rejuvanting for dry skin and hair and I believe that I have come up with a good formulation.  Once again no name and I have to nail down some exact measurements but so far here is what will go in it:
rice bran oil- light oil with some protein and anti oxidant properties

olive squalane- good for damaged skin and hair, great moisturizer on its own

camelina oil- provides a protective coating without being overly heavy, has lots of good fatty acids too

vitamin E- good for hair growth, skin repair, sun protection

pomegranate- I just love the idea of this oil, is a particular fatty acid that is said is excellent for skin repair

carrot seed oil- great for dry and mature skin

I am going to scent this one as the carrot seed oil can have a strong scent that some may not find too pleasant.  I promise any fragrance I use (if I don't come up with an essential oil blend) will be 1% or less.   And great news- no parabens and absolutely no preservatives!

Honey Moisture Spritz

The latest in my mad lab:  a moisture spray.  I had developed one before but it left my hair too sticky and I just put it to the side.  Well today I had new inspiration and yes, I mixed it together today.
When I tried it on my braids it gave my hair a nice light sheen.

So....calling all product testers, I need you guys on this one.  I developed this product to give a light moisture without weighing your hair down.  This one contains water, honey, natural moisturizing factors, glycerin and a touch of cyclomethicone.  I know,  a silicone?  I promise this is a really light cone and only a little bit (about 2%) in the product.

In other news, after a few touch of this and a touch of that the Vanilla Bean mask looks like its going to be a hit.  I need to nail down some exact measurements but so far so good.  I used the cleanser (new thought call it Vanilla Bean Clay Cleanser and Masque) tonight and it worked very well.  I have combination skin and the problem I tend to have with my clay creations is that they dry my skin out when using plain water.  I know I can mix in other things but water is what everyone has access to.  So this time I added shea nut oil along with the glycerin and apricot oil.  So when the water was added it still made a nice paste but it also had a nice moisture element to it.  My skin came out nice and smooth.  I am going to need testers on this one as well.  So email me and I will give the details.

Miracle Moisture

I have just listed my deep moisture cream.  You guys can actually check out my mini Etsy to just it out quickly.

Trust me guys, this is some good stuff.  I have to pat myself on the back for this one.

Etsy shop

Hi guys, here are a few items from my Etsy shop.  Contact me if you have any questions.

Etsy Buy Handmade nbdcosmetics

happygirlhair.com

So I am analyzing who is visiting my Etsy shop and from where.  I am actually listed on a blog called happygirlhair.  I am kinda excited about this.  It is a website devoted to taking care of little African American girls.  So now I really have to get on the ball.  I am have the future of little girls (and their hair) in my hands.  

So what does this mean:  It means that I will have to make the moisture shampoo and the twist and loc creme (the offical name is Miracle curl, twist and loc creme).  The moisture shampoo has already been tested and of course it is black soap based.

I also have a shea butter shampoo, that I threw together.  I don't promote this as much because I am working off of a base, then I add extracts and other little things.  I guess you can call me a purest, I like making all of my own stuff from start to finish.

BTW, round one: rose clay 1, kenda 0.  The first batch is not what I was looking to accomplish.  First of all it actually gave a burning sensation to my skin (I tend to have combination skin).  I can't figure out what that would be as everything in it is supposed to be gentle to the skin.  I think I will have to make it using my lotion method.

Mango and Castor Oil

Exciting news, one of my product testers just emailed me about one of the hair dressings I had been working on.  The castor oil and mango hair blend.  She made mention to me that before she started using the balm she had a bald spot.  Three weeks later (yes 3 weeks later) she is already seeing new growth!  Her hair dresser was very surprised.  Not to mention the tester loved the fact that it did not flake her hair like other products did. 
 Guess I got to get started making a couple more batches of this stuff.  Once again I do not have a proper name for my inventions.

You may me be wondering what I put in this concotion of mine.  I did some research regarding herbs and male pattern baldness.  I also went trolling on You Tube looking for things that others said made there hair grow.  What I came across was a list of herbs and several reports of the benefits of castor oil for growth.  I decided to infuse a few of these herbs into the castor oil (pygeum bark, nettle, saw palmetto) and whip them into some mango butter for stiffness.  I also added a little green tea extract.  Absolutely no wax was used for this as the mango butter is really hard and resists melting on its own.

I have to get a few more items ready for a showcase as well as finish designing a few adverts.

Tucuma Butter

Tucuma butter is an off white moderately hard type of butter cold pressed from the seed of the Tucuma tree of Brazil.  I started using this butter as a substitute for another butter that was harder to find on this side of the ocean.  I am so glad that I made the decision to use this as a substitution.  The scent from this butter takes me back to fresh baked cookies in my grandmother's kitchen. 

This butter contains lots of vitamin A, B and C and  is excellent at softening and protecting the skin and hair from the sun.  This butter is great for conditioning and adding extra shine to hair.  This may be contributed to the fact that this butter also is rich in lauric, mystric and oleic acids, amino acids that beneficial to strong health hair.

You may find tucuma butter in the following products:  Sunshine, conditioning hair butter and Miracle, a curl defining setting cream.

masks

Vanilla Bean.  I am going to make a facial exfoliant based on vanilla beans and clay.  I am kinda excited about it actually.  Can you imagine sloughing off dead skin with something as fragrant as vanilla beans?  Yummy. 

I am also working a rose mask.  That will have rose clay, rose powder and a few different rose essential oils.  I may actually use rosewater to help blend the mix.  I am going to try making the blend two different ways and see which one works better.  Both the vanilla bean and the rose mask are actually intended for normal to dry skin and mature skin.  The rose clay may also be used for sensitive skin as well. 

If this works like I hope, next on the list is the cucumber mask that I have been tossing around for a while.

Rambles and other things

Just finish making the eyecream.  I actually started it in hopes of making a finished by product by April 15th for a showcase.  Not goin happen cap'n.  I forgot about labeling and lets not forget final testing.  In any case, it is a nice smooth consistency that is easily absorbed.  Tha's the first hurdle.  I think I will call it Eye Magic, at least I hope it will be.  I may add another ingredient to the blend to ensure the "magic" but that may add dramatically to the overall costs.

Next on my list, papya and coconut face wash.  I may make a hair mask with this as well.  You know me, overflowing with ideas.  I need to make a black soap body wash with manuka for acned backs and butts (gross).  I may scent this with papya but again I can change my mind at any minute.  I also wanted to make an olive facial wash and maybe compliment it with a light olive oil lotion.  Let me think, water of couse, olive oil maybe some glycerin and olive leaf extract.

Took a look at the Natural Laxer featured on another website and I am starting to to think I may be able to do the same thing.  I wanted to  make wet clay masks for face and hair in general but I am in quandry on how to preserve such mixtures.  You know me, I always figure out something.

Time to get my day started, just finishing feeding the baby and my husband fed my oldest and himself.  I may want to consider getting some food in between me creating all this stuff.

Love

I have decided to be in love with my hair.  Actually, I made this decision a few months back.  Even though I went natural, I was still trying to "train" my hair.  I still found it hard to manage because I had yet to discover what worked for me even though I figured it out for everybody else.  I was still concerned that I would not be accepted at work or that I would get funny looks from my patients.
It didn't matter that my husband encouraged me to stop relaxing my hair.  I didn't notice that I got more hungry looks from him when my "nappy" hair was freshly washed and out in its full glory.  I could have cared less that my 3 year old son would happily touch my hair more and comment with more wonder and amazement than I have ever heard from him.
I just didn't care.
At some point, my hard to manage hair became my only obession.  I began to treat it very gently, like a newborn baby.  I have always been able to grow my hair out but now it was beginning to thrive.  The nicer I was to it, the easier it became for me to tame it.  And suddenly, I didn't want to tame it.  I wanted it wild and free.  I wanted all the kinks and coils to be noticed and I wanted every one to see how proud I was of it.

I am in love with my natural hair.  I will never treat it badly again.  I will treat it with kid gloves and be excited with every minute of it.  I will continue to use natural products and do only things that will allow it to be happy and free.

 If you are happy with your natural hair, let me know.  If not, why not?

Summer time is coming and I just had a new thought:  sunscreen for the hair.  I have already made a couple of batches of color protectant  conditioners for friends but now I think I will consider making a sunscreen for the hair.  I know, why sunscreen?

Well just like the sun can damage your skin when exposed for too long to its glorious rays it can also make the hair dry and brittle and discolored.  Okay new new thought: why not make it for hair and body.  The problem with that is you have to have special clearance from the FDA to promote sunscreen or use the label spf.  But I can say that sunflower extract (which has vitamin F) has been shown to protect hair color.  Like I said thoughts.

So I am really big on using black soap for my hair and I have started testing a few black soap shampoos.  I would like to get them on the market soon but I am still waiting for feedback.  Why black soap?  Well its all natural, contains no sulfates, preservative free and vegan friendly.  In addition it produces a rich lather but will not strip your hair of its natural oils.  This is great for all hair especially dry brittle hair.  So what I do is add a few herbs, essential oils and extracts and voila!  My blends also last a while.  In any case, I saw someone post their version of black soap shampoo on Etsy and I am like no!  I wanted to like corner the market but there is still hope.  The seller who posted has made no sells and she doesn't even specialize in the hair and skincare market.  There is still hope but I cannot be wasting time.  I think I will put my moisture shampoo out first.  This is great for kids as well as adults.  The thin hair shampoo still needs some tweaking even though my mother loves it.

My to do list

I am dead tired from the Easter weekend.  I have orders to fill tonight but I have yet to move beyond the aloe facial wash.  I also need to run numbers for the wrinkle cream I formulated a couple of weeks.  This one includes the date palm I was excited to try.  I also need to get in the "lab" and whip my eye cream.  Just thinking about the week ahead makes me want to bury my head in the sand.  I guess no rest for the weary.

I need to stop by Kinko's to make cards and coupons.  I have been asked to be part of yet another festival and I never do it because I don't have my adverts together.  I guess I didn't think my side hustle would be this noticieable.

I think I will also do the watermelon face wash to go along with all the anti wrinkle set.  I might be able to package as a "facelift" package.

olive oil

Olive oil is an excellent nourishing all purpose oil. The olive oil that I use is pure extra virgin olive oil. Not only is it great for dipping warm ciabatta bread but it is easily absorbed through the skin without leaving a greasy feel. Olive oil attracts external moisture to the skin and forms a breathable layer that retains the moisture while permitting the skin to properly release sweat, shed dead skin and release sebum. It is also known to be good for cell regeneration, to soothe inflamed skin, and naturally high in oleic acid.
Extra virgin olive oil can be found in the following products: Ayurvedic Shampoo Bar, Carrot Shampoo Bar (nettle/ burdock infusion)

I. V. Treatment

Here is another update on one of my mad lab creations. While working on a possible collaboration with a salon, I decided to formulate a vitamin treatment. I wanted it to repair damage hair and as always give it moisture. Preliminary formulary includes a vitamin complex, glycerin and coconut endosperm. In the end it should help promote hair growth, protect hair color and repair dry, brittle hair. While working out the formula a thought dawned on me, why not call it IV (intensive vitamin) and work it out as an additive to other hair and bath products. The list was almost endless: conditioner, shampoos, hair and face masks, body washes and of course a stand alone therapy.
I am such a genius, sometimes I scare myself. My stylist is back, so that means, I have my volunteer pool back. I will still keep my product testers as they will serve for at home use challenges.

FYI: the deep moisture cream is a hit. Everyone loves it. I will use the scented monoi de tahiti, to help provide a natural fragrance but that is the only change I foresee doing.

on my soapbox

If you are not into rants then this post is not for you.
OK, so a lot of curly types have been promoting that their hair doesn't respond to protein. Or I hear the comment protein makes your hair brittle. Or, "my hair becomes crunchy when I have too much protein in my hair."

Stop it. Really, press pause, step on the breaks, just stop it. First and foremost the building blocks of your hair and skin is PROTEIN. What people fail to realize is that everything must be in balance. Protein should always be in conjunction with moisture. Protein makes your hair strong, and able to withstand harsh climates. If your hair is breaking then a protein treatment is your best friend. However you must follow any protein treatment with a moisturizing conditioner. Water= moisture. If it doesn't have water in it then it will not moisturize your hair. Once you have these things in balance you will find your hair is soft and manageable. Read the back of a commercial deep conditioner. They will always contain some type of protein. It it doesn't say protein explicitly than take a look at the oils used in the product. For instance, avocado oil has an abundance of good proteins as well as vitamins.

Hair does better when there is a variety of proteins extracted from a vegetable source. Animal protein is too tough (evident in all the activities our friends participate in) versus vegetable protein like wheat which by its very nature bends and flows easily with the wind.

Do yourself a favor, if you want to stop breakage in its tracks, do a protein treatment.

Natural by Design Cosmetics will have a protein treatment available for market soon.