Vegan Beauty Travel Essentials

A few beauty products stowed away.

Before I headed out for a special three day trip to Chicago in guise of self pampering (food, art, and sight seeing), a few solid deals squeezed themselves into the beauty portion of my carry on bag. Alongside usual components ($3.99 mini bottles of Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner reused often) and Desert Essence 100% Jojoba Oil ($6.99), these other vegan skin treasures (at great value) were much needed and appreciated.

I'm thankful for the conveniently located Marshall's, Whole Foods Market, and Ulta Beauty spread around downtown Philly. Discounted prices and sales come and go. It's imperative to be on the lookout for awesome steals. Marshall's always has a bunch of cruelty free vegan products in all their departments (hair, body, and facial skin care) and often I find a new brand to love through this inspection.

For the airport, however, some items were over the three ounce rule, but managed to pass through security.

Thank heaven.

A Few Vegan Beauty Essentials:

Pacifica's Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes, $6 (was on sale 2/$6 at Whole Foods Market)-- I love the pleasant smell of coconut as soft, bubbled foam cloths glide onto face in circular motion, gently removing dirt and oil.

Valentina's Naturals Hydraboost Toning Mist With White Tea & Hibiscus Extracts, $22 ($4.99 at Marshall's)-- A light toner spray and mild touch down to give skin a dewy, refreshed appearance, especially a savior for those with dry skin.

Pacifica's Dreamy Youth  Day and Night Face Cream, $16.00 (was on sale $9.99 at Whole Foods Market)-- My morning moisturizer leaves a pleasant, non-greasy vibrancy, leaving face and throat even and smooth.

Sukin's Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum, $18.95 ($7.99 at Marshall's)-- I use this at night to have beautiful skin by morning. Just a small bit goes a long way.

Aura Cacia Rejuvenating Moroccan Argan Oil, $6.99 at Whole Foods Market-- Perfect for skin and hair, this versatile beauty weapon  gives dry strands life, bringing healthy moisture and shiny gloss.

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Deodorant, $8.99 ($3.99 at Marshall's)-- Lovely fragrance that isn't artificial, stays on long, and absorbs wetness even when you're at your most active. I walked all over the city and didn't break armpit sweat once.

Olivia's Oil Pulling Mouthwash, $10 ($4.99 at Marshall's)-- Swish and swish for 5-10 minutes to get rid of toxins inside the mouth. Requires patience, but listening to five minute songs and looking at your goofy mirror reflection helps pass the time.

Aya's Natural Treasures Organic Whipped Shea Butter & Vegan Lip Butter

Natural beauty products purchased from the Vegan Pop Up Philly Birthday Bash in June.

Based in Edison, New Jersey, Aya's Natural Treasures is a beauty line that uses "ethically harvested ingredients." Pleasing and nourishing from head to toe, Aya's offers massage oils, body lotions and body butters, lip balms, and more. Sulfates, parabens, and petroleum are nowhere in sight among wonderfully scented gems like Strawberry Lemonade, Lavender Kiss, and Exotic (a blend of mango, papaya, pineapple and pomegranate).

Aya and her line of treasures. 

I bought the Organic Whipped Shea Butter ($15) in Nag Champa. Nag Champa is an Indian originated fragrance that joins plumeria and sandalwood together. The smell is light, not overpowering. This thick, luscious butter quickly and smoothly absorbs into skin and leaves behind glistening shine and that pleasing fragrance. Why bother with perfume when Nag Champa is both?

When room temperature is too hot, the butter does melt. Still, it retains moisturizing properties.

The Superior Lips Vegan Lip Butter ($5) is unscented and slickly glides on with a touch of moist conditioning. However, acts more like a balm than a butter.

Thank You Hurraw!

This is the first order from Hurraw's direct website. In the past, American Apparel sold them upfront.

Everyone in the world knows that Hurraw is my favorite lip balm-- more specifically the amazing Black Cherry Tinted flavor. Keeping lips soft, pliant, and moist, this perfect pout lip treat didn't make the Best Vegan Beauty Bets list for nothing. In fact, Hurraw's beautiful, sweet smelling, intense red colored balm is likely always going to be found on my list, staying a consistent aide to someone whose makeup routine is purely minimal.

The joys of balm.

Hurraw sent me the loveliest package:

As a treat-- which was completely unexpected-- I received a fetching new flavor (with a different package design) as a special bonus.

And they used the receipt to write the sweetest note. I see the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Thanks Hurraw for welcoming me to the family. I loved this brand for years now.

Vegan Mofo Day #15: In My Leisure Suite

For my 15th Vegan Mofo post, I focus on my two memorable stays in Johannesburg. When I originally booked my reservations over summer, I hadn't included my Tuesday arrival. Instead of booking another room (which hiked to $96 a night aka 1352 ZAR), I found a wonderful hostel called Once in Joburg for 179 ZAR ($12.55) a night. Conveniently, near Protea Marriott® Johannesburg Parktonian All-Suite-- my main staying location-- I fell in love with Once in Joburg's charming place devoted to nice fellow travelers and the like. I enjoyed the company as well as my lodgings-- the bathroom especially.

Prior to the four minute journey to Protea, I had a delicious complimentary breakfast of guacamole on a plain bagel, a green apple, and apple juice.

After a delicious small breakfast and hugs goodbye to some of the Once in Joburg staff, I walked down to Protea, checked into my suite on the 14th floor, and relaxed in what singer Feist would call a "Leisure Suite."

The mysterious 13th Floor is at the top of twenty four floors. In one elevator the number is visible. The other elevators showcase a superstitious "x." Hmmmmm.......

A peep inside my closet. Funnily enough, they are arranged from Philly Aids Thrift finds (lacy Free People Dress and multi-patterned dress both for $6) to an eBay cat print dress ($39.99) and an AdinkraExpo's Etsy Shop custom floor length gown ($115).

Bathroom luxuries: Yes to Carrots Facial Cloths, Nubian Heritage Body Butter in Mango, raw Trader Joe's Coconut Oil, and homemade Shea Butter Balm Lotion and homemade Sugar & Coconut Oil Scrub (three items hidden under clothes of my suitcase in case you're wondering how did two 8oz. jars get on through the airport).

Bear resting comfortably in Parkatonian Suite's comfortable king sized bed. Sadly, he was un-tucked every single day.

One of my awesome friends sent me a care package prior to journey-- a care package of beautiful jewelry. I was absolutely flabbergasted to uncover these treasures wrapped in tissue paper. From wooden beaded necklaces to hand painted pierced earrings, everyday was a difficult choice.

More of the elegant baubles.

Bracelets and headwraps.

Donning floor length gown for the first day of the conference. Thank you Ama! Originally this dress was intended for the 115th Annual Student Exhibition. It wasn't finished in time. In the closet for months, I decided maybe Johannesburg would be the best place to wear this stunning form-fitting beauty!

Pre-walking excursion: I wore this amazing, soft fabric, authentic Basquiat t-shirt, a shocking $4 Philly Aids Thrift find.

Presentation Day outfit.

Although nervous, this colorful, stylishly designed look exuded confidence.

State of the art gym equipment that I didn't utilize. Almost a little apologetic about not packing workout clothes.....

Nighttime view from the gym.

Good sunshine-y morning from my balcony. Warm weather a divine pleasantry almost every day of my short visit.

Skyscrapers.

Beautiful gold stitched bedroom curtains.

Perks of South Africa on the top coffee table.

Modest blue carpeted living room with flat screen television (to watch my soapies) and blue multi-patterned couch matching chair.

Lovely private balcony.

Small kitchenette area with a full tea bar and fridge.

Inside my fridge: poppy seeded vegetable samoosas (samosas to us), locally made Pressed 100% Pink Lady Apple Juice,  and an orange peel and vanilla chocolate bar. These were from Woolworth's, a ritzy grocery store containing fine quality foods and beverages.

A closer inspection at the certified grown in Africa chocolate bar. I loved the package pattern-- those curves and lines reminiscent of many clothes worn by locals. It was all so outrageously fashionable. I found solidarity in a place that I so desire to return-- magical yet profoundly human.

Best Vegan Beauty Bets of the Year

Some of the best products purchased this year.

I love reading Essence Magazine, especially the natural hair care section and the beauty products guide catered to sisters of color. However, it's hard to fully commend products that are not cruelty free, contain parabens, mineral oil, and other kinds of vegan gal no nos.
I have compiled a list of my favorite treats for face, skin, and hair. I wish every great thing I have is good for everyone, but each of us has different reactions due to skin and hair type. Perhaps maybe certain company joys such as Shea Moisture and Sukin have a specific line for you.

Face:

Hurraw has a way with the lips.

Facial Soap: Shea Moisture's African Black Soap left my skin clearer. Using it with their Facial Scrub is a plus.
Toner: evanhealy's Rose Petal Facial Tonic HydroSoul replenishes and keeps the skin breathably hydrated. The smell is lovely, making one feel as though they're spraying spring bloom on their face. It's such a rewarding experience tucked in a bottle, like a spa treatment. Plus on its eloquent glass is the quote, "may all beings everywhere be happy and free." Yes. I agree.
Moisturizer: Sukin's Facial Moisturiser performs its job above satisfactory. It makes my face so plaint and smooth that I find it hard not to touch my softened, youthful cheeks. I don't think my face has ever been this moist. Chocolate cake should be jealous.
Makeup Remover: Organic Coconut Oil wipes eye makeup right off and prepares skin for gentle cleansing with a very soft finish. Alba Botanical's 3-in-1 Clean Hawaiian Clean Towelettes also provide a quick solution when too tired to run water.
lips: Everyone knows I have a huge vegan balm obsession. It's a huge tie between Hurraw's pretty red tinted black cherry balm and sweet smelling chai tea lip balm and Le Couvent Des Minimes Lip Balm in Orange Blossom. All three keep my full lipped pout in moist glory and light glossiness. Le Couvent Des Minimes is both a moisturizer and lip treatment that smells enticing. However, it's Hurraw's chai tea that tells a story of the best winter beverage next to hot chocolate.  
homemade tip: A tiny bit of coconut oil or olive oil rubbed between the hands and applied to the face in a circular motion provides dewiness. Remember a little. Too much will make skin greasier than a potato chip coated in cheap Vaseline.

Body:

Well moisturized skin is especially important for winter dryness.

Body Wash: Shea Moisture's Olive & Green Tea Body Wash W/ Avocado gives a gentle, ultimate cleansing experience. Two kinds of honeysuckle, shea butter, and other pleasing ingredients help to keep skin soft and beautiful.
Moisturizer: Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Line. I use the Bath, Body, & Massage Oil w/ Gluten Free Vitamin E, the Dry Oil Mist w/ Songyi Mushroom Extract, and Body Butter w/ Gluten-Free Vitamin E. Talk about a sun kissed, glowing delight for the body. My skin feels loved and cherished by products that apply and blend as though natural essentials were just meant to sink right in.
homemade tip: 1/4 cup olive oil + 2 tablespoon raw sugar + 1 teaspoon lemon juice is a great exfoliating treat. Get rid of those pesky dry skin cells and polish your body to a whole new radiance. Best used on dry skin before showering.

Hair:

Taliah Waajid's Curly Cream has been a rewarding find.

Shampoo: Kinky Curly's Come Clean removes scalp buildup and leaves behind a lovely fragrance.
Conditioner: Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Conditioner has been a godsend, keeping hair easily manageable, soft, and a pleasure to afro pick out. I use it both for conditioning and in a little squirt bottle mixed with water as a daily leave in conditioner.
Cream: Taliah Waajid's Curly Curl Cream gives the best twists ever. After washing and conditioning, I add in the cream, twist two strands together, and put on a satin nightcap. In the morning, perfect sheen and well defined spirals.
Oils: Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, and Africare's 100% Glycerin keep hair in tip top shape. Each give my thick hair a certain kind of lustrous sheen- an important beneficial trait to carry in the arena of keeping high maintenance natural hair strong and healthy.
homemade tip: for an ultra deep conditioning treatment, soak the hair in a huge amount of coconut oil (like to an almost dripping consistency), cover overnight with a conditioning cap, and wash it out in the morning before shampoo and conditioner.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Supporting Urban Owned Business

More now than ever it is imperative to support our fellow creative sistahs and brothers. The times illustrate it.

Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday everyone! Have you all seen Selma yet?!
I admit. I am very angry about the Academy Award nominations and the shutting out of Ava DuVernay's masterpiece. It is a brilliant film. Gritty, sharp, haunting. David Oyelowo well embodies the well esteemed non-violent civil rights leader. FYI:  If no one hasn't seen DuVernay's recently released gem "Middle Of Nowhere," you can find it online or at a Walmart. Very disconcerting that a beautiful, profound film, winner of several awards including The Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award and Best Dramatic Directing Film at Sundance Film Festival has a late DVD release. It is barely found in a physical store location. Boo.
Another great quote that inspires this day is Martin Luther King Jr.'s "what are you doing for others?"
Well, what are you?
One of the most important allegiances is supporting urban businesses, businesses that cater to personal identity, the freedom of expression. To live at a time of repetitiveness further pushes need to stand out, be different, be brave. More and more, I'm realizing value of adding diverse uniqueness to my wardrobe, which in turn reflects art and culture. Past meets ancestry in a profoundly fashionable statement. Something long repressed due to loving popular media to point of unnecessary excess. I still frolic thrift stores, still love retro tees, and vintage dresses, but adding hinted pieces marries two worlds together.
Today I highlight Arimas Jewelry Box and Eva's Head-Wraps, amazing feminine ran cyber shops showcasing fine, fabulous wears. Style conscious sweetie pie divas check out how purchases from just these two define heart and mind.

Saraya (21.5" x  62") is $22 & Ezing (23" x  72") is $25 at Eva's Head Wraps.

Turban-ing things up with green and brown Saraya turban! Harry Potter dress was a Christmas gift and grey ruffled blouse a Goodwill find.

Bold patterned Ezing fabric with its pop pizzazz orange and blue perfectly suits an old $8  red "Scooby Doo" Junk Food t-shirt. Undid coiled twists and massaged argan oil through the strands, giving kinky curls shiny definition. Team Natural Hair Forever.

Red Wooden Afro Pick Comb Studs, $18. Heart rings, $4.99. Custom destination ring, $10 (Ohio lady forever). Eye catching accessory pieces from Arimas Jewelry Box. Check out this first feature here. 

Arimas Jewelry Box Africa "Queen" Earrings

Lo and behold majesty of ancestral heritage.

The prettiest earrings arrived yesterday. Naturally, I felt compelled to share queen worthy brilliance. I say queen because they're regal in appearance and symbolism. Brass Africa continent cut shaped beauties were like a dream come true. Not too small or large, but dominant enough to make a bold statement. This is perfect for any woman looking to define strength without words. Plus if your origins are from other parts of the world, be it a specific state or region, Samira is willing to create it out of her brass material with gold backing. Or purchase sophisticated designer pieces for a friend. Artisan one of a kind goods hold a certain power and esteem that a regular jewelry store rarely delivers.
Samira's gorgeous Arima's Jewelry Box is now bookmarked. Unique customer service inspires me as an artistic creator. Fantastic personal touches showcases care to buyer.
First of all, delivery arrived faster than anticipated.

Ornate black design on soft gold paper.

Inside paper- a "made with love" sticker atop glittery gold jewelry box with chic ribbon and a special coupon.

$10 off next $50 purchase if shared on social media. Unseen- another extra little coupon for free shipping. With categories in head, neck, ears, fingers, and beyond, I'm bound to find something fetching. <3

Her and hers earrings. Africa is mine. Black afro picks are for Ma. She'll have a real hoot knowing that these weren't from Claire's Boutique or some upscale department store. These were crafted from artisan heart.

These are mine. Fine detail. Although a little red glitter coats one. It's still rather sharp.

Self portrait with Africa earring? Oh yes. Future drawing ideas galore! Sorry Vermeer.

It's truly an earring I've always wanted to own. Perfection.

Happiness served. Thank you Samira. You're amazing.