And I think pretty much every person that ever encountered it would agree…but the question is, what can we do to fix it? There’s endless products out there, and they have varying degrees of success…but the key may just be getting to the root of the problem.

(No pun intended.)

I consulted Mahisha Dellinger. She’s a curly-haired expert and creator of the CURLS organic hair collection. She has some fabulous frizz fighting tips we can all take advantage of. Mahisha points out that those of us with curly hair are actually more frizz-prone – it goes down to our hair molecules, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fight it!

Vinegar???

Yes! A distilled white vinegar rinse is a great in the shower frizz fighting technique all hair types can add to their regime to banish frizz.

Here’s what to do:

1. Rinse hair with warm water to remove product, but don’t shampoo. Then apply vinegar directly to hair and scalp. I like to use a bottle with spout top for easy distribution. Gently massage. Rinse. Condition as usual. Not only is vinegar great at reducing frizz by sealing the cuticle by restoring it to its natural ph balance, but it also removes build up and adds sheen, leaving your hair super-soft.

Don’t do this too often though – once a week should be perfect – more than that can dry your hair out!

Sxc.hu

A Bit of Honey

We all love sweetening with honey, and so does our hair. Honey, when mixed with a little conditioner (for fine hair) or applied directly to your hair, after shampooing and before conditioning, for medium to densely textured hair; will have great smoothing/defrizzing effects!

Mahisha’s At-Home Recipe
1 can of pure coconut milk

1 ripe avocado

2 tablespoons of pure honey

2 tablespoons of olive oil

Gather all your goodies together and put in blender. Mix at high speed until a smoothie consistency. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can warm up your hair smoothie in the microwave before next application…just enough do de-chill. Then, apply to your hair!

Instructions:

Section hair into 4 segments.

Generously apply evenly to hair, from root to ends concentrating on ends…as they are the most prone to frizz.

Smooth hair into a protective style (e.g. braided ponytail, or bun).

I’m trying this at home, and it’s working fabulously – I can’t wait to see the results you get! Thanks so much to Mahisha Dellinger for the great DIY frizz-fighting prowess!

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Fabulous Frizz-Fighters

Be careful not to put your conditioner on your scalp though, that will over-grease it. Stick to the bottom two thirds of your hair.

Sxc.hu

We consulted curly-hair specialist Wafaya Abdallah, and she had some great advice on making this work for us.

“Once you leave the conditioner in your hair, flip your head forward and scrunch,” Wafaya said.

This does two things, you squeeze the excess water out and set the curls. Never use a towel on your curly hair, it will create frizz. Drip dry is better. Then put your head upright and make sure your curls are in place. Then completely let your curls dry on their own.

Some curls take a little time to dry, some take a lot longer. Once they are dry (and usually crispy feeling) flip your head forward, place your your fingers at the scalp and shake your curls free. You can also scrunch the ends. This allows the hair to feel softer and the curls to look more natural. Here’s the beauty, at night, pile your hair in a loose pony on top of your head.

Obviously, when you wake up, you can take it down!

It may look funny for a moment, but the hair settles in place – and lets you wear your hair curly for a second day, without a wash. Always a good thing!

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Get Fiesty With Your Curls

If you have some of these reactions to benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, then you might be interested in a homeopathic option.  Nelsons Pure & Clear Acne Gel uses natural plant ingredients to target and treat pimples.  The Nelsons brand was started in 1860 in London and has been recognized in Europe for providing reliable homeopathic medicines.  Nelsons Pure & Clear Acne Gel uses ingredients like tea tree oil, sulfur, and hypericum to naturally treat blemishes.

I have to say that one of the biggest problems for me when I use a product with benzoyl peroxide in it is the fact that it bleaches fabrics!  I don’t usually wear white pajamas and use white sheets, so I have definitely ruined some fabrics from putting a spot of acne treatment on my face before going to bed.  The Nelsons natural treatment will keep all of your sheets and clothes free of bleach spots!

Nelsons Pure & Clear Acne Gel is available at Whole Foods Markets for $6.95.  You can find out more about Nelsons homeopathic products at Nelsons Pure and Clear.

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Nelson’s Homeopathic Solution for Acne

The phrase “creme da vovó” actually means “grandmother’s cream” in Brazilian culture.  Katia Ribeiro chose this name for her “heaven in a bottle” because of the traditional recipe for the cream that has been in development for over 40 years by Ribeiro’s family.  The secret recipe uses special proteins, vitamins, and minerals that naturally heal the skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  I think “grandmother’s cream” is also appropriate because the cream is said to regenerate skin cells to decrease signs of aging and give users a more youthful appearance.

The most interesting ingredient in Creme da Vovó is a protein that is extracted from an egg shell membrane.  That sounds like a pretty complicated process!  But don’t worry…the cream doesn’t smell like eggs.  It has a very light and natural scent and a thick consistency that makes skin feel softer right away.

Vo2 Skincare is offering Splendicity readers a $26 discount off of the Creme da Vovó, which will make Creme da Vovó anti-aging moisturizer only $99 for 50mL.  Enter code splendicity09 when checking out at the Vo2 Skincare Online Store to receive the discount.

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Vo2 Skincare Creme Da Vovo Discount

I recently corresponded with supermodel Sunny Griffin about her natural botanical skincare line Astara and she offered to send me samples of her products so that I could find out for myself how they look, feel, smell…and work!  I am usually wary about switching skincare lines because I have such a regimented routine that has been working well for me, but these products made from raw botanical ingredients and nourishing oils and extracts sounded quite interesting.

For the last week I have been using the Astara products on my face and body and I have been extremely happy with my experience.  I am probably even switching to some of the Astara products permanently instead of those in my regular routine!  I love the pleasant natural smells that are more like grass, seaweed, and fruit than perfume.  The products have an intriguing and innovative mixture of organic plant ingredients like aloe, seaweed, green tea, tree barks, and tropical fruit extracts.

Sunny Griffin uses concepts of Green living for her line with the use of chemical-free processes and ingredients from nutrients that occur naturally in the earth.  She believes in the purity and nourishing powers of raw plants that contain live biocultures and proteins, so none of the plant ingredients used in Astara products are ever brought above 105 degrees.  I love the idea of keeping your skin healthy and pure by using real live plant nutrients instead of chemicals!

Astara Skincare Antioxidant Light Moisturizer

My absolute favorite product in the samples that Sunny chose for me to use on my combination skin is the Antioxidant Light Moisturizer.  Described as “a perfect slip under makeup,” this super soft whipped eco-friendly moisturizer smells of freshly cut herbs and is perfect for applying after exfoliating in the morning.  It has a great non-greasy feel that leaves your face feeling soft and clean.  It really is the perfect moisturizing base and I think I am addicted to it.

Astara Blue Flame Purifying Toning Mist

The other product that I will not be able to go without is the Toning Mist from the Blue Flame collection.  This toning spray is designed specifically to help balance oily skin and fight bacteria that can cause blemishes.  I spritz it on whenever my face is feeling a little tired and I need a little burst of freshness.  It smells like a hint of lavender and has the most refreshing feeling on your skin…it feels like  I’ve just walked out of a spa!

You can find out more about Astara skincare products online at Astara Skincare.  Watch the video about Sunny Griffin explaining her inspirations and ingredients and then order yourself some free samples!

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Reviewing the Astara Skincare Line

Aurora is a natural organic perfume that is handmade and sealed within a 1 gram size bottle that is sealed with wax. Here’s an excerpt from a review that is up with the perfume:

Divina at the Fragrance Bouquet Blog states: “What beautiful, twinkling magic has been weaved in this amazing, heart-moving fragrance? Because it is surely magic, or at the very least the magic of art and love, that make this fragrance evolve so stunningly on the skin, going through countless transformations that seduce the senses one after the other…”

It’s also available in a solid with a base of beeswax and jojoba oil.

Visit Illuminated Perfume’s shopat Etsy for more beautiful botanical perfumes.

Image credit: Illuminated Perfumeat Etsy.com

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Etsy Weekend – Aurora Botanical Perfume

I love the time I spend in the garden. I love the air out on the patio, the smell of grass, soil, my herb garden, and soon I’ll smell the sharp-bite of my tomato plants. Whether I’m working with the plants or sitting in my chair, I can feel myself relax with each and every breath.

Nu Green Eau de Toilette has a definite green smell. Grass. It smells like grass. It smells a little bit like camping. If you are stuck in an office all day, dreaming of getting out into the great outdoors, then this is the fragrance for you.

Fragrance Notes: Mint, Grass, Indian Botanical Musk, Medicinal Tarragon, Cedar Wood.

Bonte’s Bloom Eau de Toilette is a new favorite of my daughter. In fact, I can’t find the whole bag of samples, because I think she hid them from me. Darn teenager.

Fragrance Notes: Sunflowers, Flower Grass, Moroccan Blue Chamomile, Citrus Leaves, Sage Leaves, White Orris Butter

Chaman’s Party Eau de Toilette is described as “a romp in an Amazonian tree-house with the fragrant tendrils of a camp fire rising through the leaves.”

Fragrance Notes: Vetiver, Basil, Wood Of Life, Clove Flowers

Honore’s Trip Eau de Toilette has the freshness of citrus  but it’s spiced with the addition of pepper. I love the addition of pepper to a scent, but it’s not for everybody. If you want to sample these fragrances before deciding which one is right for you, samples are available.

Fragrance Notes: Tangerine, Oranges, Yellow and Green Lemons, Pepper, Pimento, Resins

Sexy Angelic Eau de Toilette is made to mimic the smell of “Calisson,” which is a local candy produced in the Aix-en-Provence in the South of France.

Fragrance Notes: Almond, Hemlock, Angelica Seeds, Calisson Accord

Image credit: Lucky Scent.com

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100% Organic – Honoré des Prés

Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Collection (Sephora)

Take your pick or get her one of everything! Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom Collection has everything she needs to feel fresh, invigorated and smelling great! All products are 100% vegan and not tested on animals. Choose from the solid perfume, body lotion, body butter, body wash and soy candle. Prices range from $9 to $22 each

Tarte Be Good to your Mother Earth (Sephora)

Get her this cute reusable tote bag that folds for easy storage and three lip glosses! The Tarte Be Good to your Mother (Earth) Tote Set ($35) comes with lip sheers in the following shades: Reduce (sheer peach sheen), Reuse (sheer poppy pink) and Recycle (sheer light pinky beige). Cute and earth friendly, too!

Bare Escentuals Siren of the Sea (Sephora)

This seven piece Siren of the Sea collection from Bare Escentuals is all she’ll need this summer to look fabulous.  Included in this collection are the following:

- bareMinerals High Shine Sand Dune (gilded sand, high shine)
- bareMinerals Mermaid Eyecolor (dark blue-green velvet)
- bareMinerals Hydrating Coral Blush (coral dusk)
- bareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil (brightening finish)
- bareMinerals 100% Natural LipGloss in Chiffon (nude sand)
- Double-Ended Hydrate & Brighten Duo Brush with Custom Bamboo Handle

It even comes with a cute straw clutch perfect to store it all in for a weekend getaway or she can use it whilst at a poolside shinding. Just $49 at Sephora stores and online.

Mom’s deserve the very  best! After all, they put up with us for 9 months and ultimately survived the teen angst and other ‘end of the world’ crises.  Maybe you should get her a medal while you’re at it, too!

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Natural & Organic Gifts for Mom

Acai Berry and Magnolia – to protect and brighten
Vanilla and Sandalwood – to nourish and comfort
Honey Suckle and White Patchouli – to relax and soothe
Blackberry and Tonka Bean – to revitalize and renew
Grapefruit, Lime and Mint – to purify and invigorate

The Acai Berry and Magnolia Hydrating Body Lotion ($12) and Illuminating Body Polish ($18).  The two main ingredients, acai berry and magnolia combine to help protect and brighten your skin.. The lotion is fortified with shea butter, vitamins C and E along with 34 essential minerals.  The Body Polish gently exfoliates as it cleanses to reveal smooth and luminous skin.

Right now you can get THREE Naturally Victoria’s Secret products for the price of two! Just use code: naturally when you check out. This is a great way to try out all these fun goodies and save too!

(Image: Victoria’s Secret)

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Naturally Victoria’s Secret

The natural glycerin  soap is mild. This would be the perfect soap for a child who has to be coaxed into the tub. Kids can be so funny that way, you have to pratically force them to get in and then they never want to get back out.

Natural Glycerin Soap with Pig
$6.00

Other cute tub animals in soap include a baseball/softball duck, a graduation duck, and a soccer duck. This holiday weekend, Bath & Body Works has 50% off selected merchandise.

Image credit. Bath & Body Works.com

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Cute Piggy Soap From Bath & Body