The "Mane" Ingredient...

In my quest for longer, stronger hair, I've come across a product that has some great reviews on Amazon and a ton of natural hair boards...




Eqyss Mega-tek Rebuilder Hoof, Mane & Tail

It's actually an equine coat builder, but over the years, some ladies (and gentlemen) have experimented and found that it grows their hair longer, stronger, and thicker.  It's packed with Keratin and Protein, which are both awesome for  for dry and weak strands.  According to the company, regular use will increase the strength of your hair by up to 30%.  A great bonus?  Applying a bit to the cuticles acts as a strengthener for your nails as well!

I've been wearing my hair natural lately (in its curly state, with a bit of jojoba and curl gel to tame it).   I use this, diluted with a bit of black castor oil, sprayed onto the scalp as a leave-in conditioner.  I use this method 3 times a week.  I also use it as a deep conditioner (including on the ends) once a week.  I usually mix it with a more moisturizing deep conditioner (my usual: Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Replenisher) for my weekly masks.  I've definitely noticed a TON of new growth in the month I've been using it.  I've also seen my hair become softer, and thicker, especially at the temple area and hairline. 

So far, I'm having a pretty good time with this stuff.  My only complaint is the smell (the artificial coconut/tropical smell is not the best).  It reminds me of my pup's shampoo, but it's not overpowering when used sparingly as a leave-in, or just rinsed out.  I have also noticed that I need a little bit more moisture on my ends, and use a different conditioner for that purpose.  Some people can OD on the protein, and I think in one of those people if i used it more often and didn't do a little extra for my ends. Overall, I will definitely keep this around...I'm pretty happy with the results so far!

Apply it Right: Makeup brushes you MUST have

Stippling Brush

These are absolutely amazing for applying foundations or BB creams.  I prefer them to foundation brushes or your hands.  They are dense enough to hold a good amount of product and the stiffness of the brush lets you buff the makeup onto the skin beautifully.

Concealer Brush

I can honestly say I personally prefer to apply my concealer with my fingertips a majority of the time.  I feel the heat from my hands allows it to "melt" better into my skin.  That being said, I still have a concealer brush in my "go-to" brush kit.  I occasionally use it for the undereye area, and if I'm having a particularly good skin day, the brush allows me to allow a lot less product and in a more pinpointed way.

Fluffy Brush

Everyone that powders NEEDS this brush.  I have oily areas on my face, and I cannot wear makeup without setting it with some Powder.  I have a full sized fluffy for application,  and a travel fluffy for touch ups of mattifying powder throughout the day.

Lip Brush

This, like the concealer brush, doesn't always get used, but I like to keep one in my stash.  If I'm wearing a super dark shade, i like the precision that this brush gives me. 

Eyeliner Brush

If you wear gel liner or use shadows as liner as much as I do, this is a necessity for you.  It makes the task of creating various types of liner shapes (cat eye, thin line, thick line, etc) really easy.  I'd invest in a good, full sized brush, as some of the smaller ones that may come with the gel liner aren't that great, and can be difficult to work with.

Slanted Blush Brush

These are my favorite type of brushes for blush.  The angled bristles allow for more control in application, and a more natural finish.  Its also the best for contouring and highlighting.

Eyeshadow Brushes

Now, there are a couple types of eyeshadow brushes that ever eyeshadow fan needs to have.  A stiff bristled brush (have multiples!) that allows for precise application in the crease and at the browbone.  A fluffy brush (Again, I like to have multiples) for blending shadows together.