Blog Posts by M.J - Fierce Beauty and Fashion

Shining Star from Uncle Funky's Daughter

Caring for my natural hair is a learning journey. Finding out what products work and which ones don't take a whole lot of trial and error. While I'm pretty sure I have my leave in conditioner nailed down, I'm still on the hunt for hair oil that will seal in my curly hair's moisture. Sealing is important because if I don't my hair is dry, by the end of the day. Dry hair spells damage and breakage, which doesn't help me and my goal of growing this hair out.

For the past two months I've been reviewing Shining Star ($16) from Uncle Funky's Daughter, a brand that specializes in creating the products our natural hair needs. I heard of them around the natural hair blogosphere and when they reached out to me to review this styling product I was kinda psyched. At the time I just finished cutting off the rest of my relaxed ends and I was in need of a great oil product that wasn't too heavy for my fine hair but kept my hair moisturized. Made with natural Jojoba and Soybean oil,

I don't know what happened but when I turn 30, my skin started rebelling for real! I find myself breaking out in specific spots all the time despite the fact that I'm very diligent in removing my makeup every night and washing my face every morning. I'm slightly OCD when it comes to removing my makeup every night or even if I'm thinking of taking a nap (and know I'm not going anywhere later!). That's why I always make sure I have a cleanser or wipes on hand. When the people at ProActiv reached out to me about testing out their Concealer Plus and Makeup Cleansing Wipes, they couldn't have better timing!

Proactiv Concealer Plus

Concealer Plus

The right side of my jawline and forehead are notorious for breaking out and leaving great little black marks behind. I was using my regular concealer to cover it up but I would rather them go away all together. The Concealer Plus from Proactiv is meant to do both with power sulfur ingredients to treat those spots you want gone while concealing them at

After watching Oprah's life class entitled "Stepping Out of The Box" I was really inspired to talk about how this show applies to blogging in a video I made on Fierce. Even if you aren't a blogger I think you can apply the same principles to any area in your life such as your career, your hobby, or making a serious life change.

After being so busy (and stressed!) to even put on foundation in the morning, I am very happy to get back into my beauty routine. Taking the time to pamper yourself, even for a few minutes before your day starts does wonders for your mood!

Smashbox Photo Hydrating Primer

The folks over at Smashbox reached out to me to review their famous Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer ($42) and Photo Op Eye Shadow Trios ($28). You ladies already know I can never resist a good eyeshadow but I never really used foundation primer. I used one brand awhile back when getting products for my wedding but that's really about it. I've heard nothing but good things about this primer so I was really anxious to try it out. Made with a Hydraplex, a potent desert plant, this primer not only helps create a smooth canvas for your makeup by filling in lines and pores but hydrate your skin as well. I tell you that this primer did not disappoint! It's very lightweight, goes on really smooth, and leaves my skin soft and

Avon Voices Global Launch Event
After eleven months, three rounds, and 2.5 million votes the ten finalists will be competing one last time. It had to have been one amazing ride since submitting their first entries and now they will perform tonight at the Hard Rock Café in New York City. Celebrity judges like Natasha Bedingfield and Fergie will be picking the winners.

If you've been following the contest with me so far, you already know it's going to be a very tough decision and the finalists must be super nervous! Two winners will be chosen based on a combination of the votes they received and their live performance. To help feed our need to know what goes on behind the scenes, Avon Voices is inviting all you ladies to ask all those burning questions. All you have to do to ask your favorite celebrity judge, finalist, or Andrea Jung herself is to tweet your questions using the hashtag #avon125 along with judge's or finalists name. The best part? Your questions will be answered live during the The Avon

One big thing that this journey to natural hair taught me was to be extra aware of not only the products I'm using but how my hair reacts. It also helps me keep my product junkie tendencies in check too, making me think twice about buying something as well as stay with what works. When my hair was relaxed I could try any and everything but my natural curls are very particular and the wrong product could spell a really bad hair day. I loved the body products from SheaMoisture and I really wanted to give their hair product line a try. After surfing the web and reading that so many natural haired girls are not only using it but raving about it, I took the plunge!

SheaMoisture Shampoo

Moisture Retention Shampoo ($9.99 at Walgreens)

I thought I wouldn't find a shampoo that could outperform my Carol's Daughter staple, especially for a cheaper price but I was proven wrong! This thick, moisture rich, and sulfate free shampoo is formulated for dry and damaged hair, which fits my hair to a T. It

It's almost Halloween and to keep the spirit of this fun holiday going, we're taking a look at some of the spooky inspired skin care items from Bath and Body Works. I've been a long time fan of their products (Pearberry! Holla!) So when I had the opportunity to review their Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap and their Sanitizing Hand Gel I was pretty excited!

So let's get to it!

Bath and Body Works Halloween

Anti-Bacterial Gentle Foaming Hand Soap in Green Apple Candy ($5.50)

Can I just say that I am in love with the funky skeleton on the bottle? It is so cute! I swapped out the antibacterial soap I have by my kitchen sink for this one and it's a great way to bring a little Halloween swag into the room. One night my power went out and I discovered that it also glows in the dark! How fun is that? As for the cleanser itself, it's very light and foamy and gets my hands nice and clean. The scent is a mixture of watermelon and cantaloupe which always reminds me of sour apple BlowPops. It's

Pumpkin Facial at The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach

I mentioned in my OOTD post earlier this week on Fierce, I had the chance to revisit the Eau Spa at the Ritz Carlton West Palm Beach this past Saturday to. The Eau Spa is the first spas I ever reviewed and I was happy to be back! This time I was treated to their season treat - The Pumpkin Perfecting Facial. It's part of the hotel's Pumpkin Palooza program going on just in time for Halloween. "Pumpkin is a super-ingredient for the skin and a powerful anti-oxidant," said Spa Director Kristin Carpenter, "it is high in zinc, beta carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin A so not only does it help fight the free radicals that are believed to cause aging but it is also acts as a natural cleanser that exfoliates, soothes and softens your skin. Plus, it smells good enough to eat!" Nancy, who gave me my facial for the day explained to me that the acid in Pumpkin that forms once it goes passed its prime is what's used for glycolic peels (Learn something new every day!)


Eau Spa SwingsI arrived