Smooth ‘N Shine Straight and Curl Collections: Celebrity Stylist Larry Sims

Smooth ‘N Shine has evolved and expanded with 18 new products featuring a reformulation of their fan favorites, Straightening Hair Polisher and Edge Smooth Pomade, and more. Backed by Celebrity Stylist, Larry Sims the Straight and Curl collections are formulated with all hair types in mind – straight, wavy, curly and coily.

Designed to treat your tresses with whatever style you’re feeling – rock your natural curls, or go for a sleek polished look.

The Curl Line is created to empower women to embrace their natural curls. Featuring Camellia Oil and Shea Butter, this line will ensure your curls, coils, zig-zags and every texture in between are moisturized to perfection! From detangling to curl-defining, this line has your curls covered. Formulated with fine botanical oils including:

  • Camellia Oil – This virgin oil is known for its benefits of being highly restorative, quick-penetrating and aiding in moisturizing hair
  • Shea Butter – With no added chemicals, this butter soothes sensitive skin and scalp with its natural moisturizing properties

Available at Drugstores nationwide & Amazon in late-February/March; $5.99 each

The Straight Line is designed for women who want straight and sleek styles without damaging their hair. Featuring ultra-hydrating Black Seed and Coconut Oils, these products will condition and nourish hair while leaving less hair breakage. Formulated with fine botanical oils including:

  • Black Seed Oil – Known for strengthening hair, this oil works to promote hair growth and help in regrowing certain thinning areas on your scalp
  • Coconut Oil – stimulates hair growth while adding luster, shine, and softness

Available at Drugstores nationwide & Amazon in late-February/March; $3.49 each

How to Calm Crazy Waves and Unruly Curls International Curl Expert Shares Tips from Maya Smith

For those with naturally wavy, curly hair of all coils and textures it may seem like an endless battle to find ways to tame the mane. Some may turn to relaxers, weekly blowouts or extensions. Others just want to master their natural hair in whatever mood it seems to be in. To help girls get a handle on their curls we connected with Maya Smith, founder of The Doux salon and product line of the same name both specializing in making the absolute most of the natural hair you’re born with. When it comes to healthy sculptured, cool looking curls of all types, Maya’s two decades of experience with curls worldwide makes her a true expert. Here she offers tips on how to calm crazy waves and unruly curls.

#1: My naturally wavy hair is flat at the top and then waves start in the middle with tighter curls at the back. HELP!

Genetics determine curl pattern and density. It’s totally normal, in fact, quite common for several different textures to exist on the same head of hair. These inconsistencies can cause the hair to look uneven and are most apparent once the hair has dried. I created The Doux’s Mousse Def, to help define waves and curls in the less curly areas, and to combat frizz in the areas that are tightly coiled. To balance the look of curly and wavy hair, we recommend using a combo of a mousse on the straighter areas, and then a balm like The Doux’s Bonita Afro Balm Texture Cream for added stretch and control in the tighter areas. The goal here is to keep hair shiny, touchable, and soft. If shrinkage or frizzing remains an issue, don’t underestimate the power of a great haircut. Awesome products combined with a professionally-shaped set of layers is my signature Rx for accentuating curls that vary in texture.

#2: I have curly hair and let it dry naturally. The second it rains, I get frizzy at the roots. I find myself revolving my hairstyle around the weather report. HELP!

Thirsty hair will try to “drink up” moisture in the air if it’s not adequately hydrated.

The key to eliminating frizz due to humidity exposure is to make sure that the hair is thoroughly conditioned before styling products are applied. This exact problem is what inspired me to create a solution in the form of a Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner, followed by The Light Shine Mist helps to hydrate and stabilize the cuticle, making it less prone to reversion. For added control at the roots, we apply a small amount of Bonita Afro Balm, which is our secret weapon for keeping curly hair from swelling in harsh weather conditions. These products can be found at select Target stores nationwide and at TheDoux.com.

 #3: I often wear my curly hair slicked back into a tight low bun or ponytail. Will this damage my hair? 

Style in moderation. Traction alopecia is a major epidemic among women with textured hair. This is typically the result of too much tension being applied to the scalp for an extended period of time and usually occurs due to hair styling such as braids, extensions, and tight ponytails. To avoid irreversible thinning of the hair, it’s important to avoid hairstyles that place constant pressure on hair, particularly in the temple and nape areas. Ponytails and “slicked” styles should be taken down at night, and tight accessories, such as headbands or scrunchies should be worn less frequently. 

#4: I wear my naturally kinky hair twisted and braided. How long could I leave this style in and how best to shampoo my hair while in this style?

I recommend shampooing once per week for hair with fine-to-medium density. I urge clients with high-density or extremely long hair, not to exceed more than 10 days without cleansing the hair and scalp. This helps eliminate bacterial growth that causes itching, flaking, and dandruff on the scalp. We use The Doux’s Sucka Free Moisturizing Shampoo to remove product build-up and dead skill cells, and Fresh Rinse Moisturizing Conditioner to soften, hydrate, and balance the hair’s pH. We’ve incorporated Shea Butter and Sea Silk to smooth the hair shaft and aid in moisture retention.

#5: What are some ingredients to avoid that many products for curly hair contain? Why is this damaging? 

Petroleum-based “grease,” as well as products that contain mineral oil may be old-school favorites but are often the cause of dry hair. Heavy products that aren’t water soluble can coat the hair shaft, disrupting the hair’s natural ability to retain moisture. This dryness may go nearly undetected because the hair is covered in product, however, the underlying dehydration causes hair to be brittle and stubborn. We recommend cream-based products that shampoo out easily, and allow the hair to “breathe.”


About Maya Smith:

Maya Smith is an International Master Stylist and Founder of The Doux Salon and haircare line now available in Target. With over two decades of styling experience, Maya dedicated two decades to cracking the code on curl care, maintenance, and expert styling. When it comes to caring for one’s natural hair and styling it, according to NaturallyCurly, Maya is among the best there is.

While still in high school, Maya got her hair cutting license and graduated from beauty school. Soon after graduating high school, Maya began following her passion and worked as an assistant for celebrity stylist Tracy Johnson. She learned from Johnson and progressed as a hair stylist for celebrities and entertainers. Years later the military wife would relocate to Germany, where Maya opened up her first salon The HoneyComb, a mecca for textured hair care for women from all over Europe, The UK, and as far as Africa. Maya’s unique system of textured hair styling sparked the development of The DOUX® haircare products, first launched overseas, and distributed throughout Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands.

Currently, Maya leads a carefully selected team of stylists at The DOUX® Salon in Macon, Georgia and celebrated the arrival of The DOUX® in select Target stores nationwide. Maya Smith, wife, mom of 5 and savvy businesswoman is an example not just for women of color but for all women who believe their gifts can impact the world, striving for entrepreneurial endeavors with grace, ease, and hustle.

New 90’s Inspired Indie Hair Care Line From Goes National

Maya Smith, Black-Female Creative Director, Stylist, Inventor, Innovator, Natural Hair Advocate and Mom of 5, takes her indie hair care line, The Doux® to mass market with brilliant 90’s hip-hop inspired packaging that cannot be ignored. After two decades researching and mastering natural curls; Maya delivers a brand that shows naturally curly hair who’s boss. Check out her story and this awesome new brand getting blogger buzz and blowing up online.

THE AWESOME STORY BEHIND THE DOUX:

There’s something NEW for girls with natural curls of all types and textures. The Doux® (pronounced The Do) is a “new school” modern hair care system with an “old school edge.” With packaging that is bold and bright and product titles inspired by 90’s hip-hop and pop culture, The Doux is a bold new line that took two decades to perfect for those seeking a way to smoothing curly, kinky, and wavy hair into both, curly or straight styles.

Created by Maya Smith, a 25-year celebrity stylist, and International Curl Master, The Doux was first launched in Europe in 2011 in response to her passion for helping people master the hair they were born with. STRAIGHT, NATURAL, CURLY, or RELAXED, according to The Doux, if you grew it, it’s ALL GOOD. “I was living in Germany at the time, had my own salon there and my specialty was helping clients to transition to a relaxer-free lifestyle. I’m obsessed with people maximizing the potential of the hair they were born with. Mastering curls is my passion and purpose,” explains Smith.

The people felt her passion through her products. The Doux blew up overseas so much so that it caught the attention of media in the USA such as Black Enterprise and Essence Magazine. “Once we started getting press in the states the demand for The Doux was incredible. I had to return to the states and see this vision through,” Maya Smith explains. In 2014, Maya opened The DOUX Salon™ in Macon Georgia’s historic Downtown district and started selling her professional grade products at her salons and online.

Fast-forward three years and a lot of work and dedication, The Doux arrived in select Target stores nationwide in the winter of 2017 to 2018; no easy feat for an indie brand. “We are so excited to bring The Doux to the masses. It’s 20 years in the making. We listened to 20 years of feedback from actual clients from Minneapolis to Morocco. We listened to what people wanted, a salon grade, a high quality product that delivered on its promises. Helping people to manage and maintain their natural hair and celebrate their own bold, unique style is what the last 25 years of my professional life has been about,” Maya Smith shares.

The Doux also redesigned its packaging, with the intention to disrupt the category. Maya did all the of the package design herself bold with bright colors, which is the opposite of the more subdued look you see on the shelves currently. “I’m a fan of 90’s rap so I wanted to incorporate lyrics and titles in the packaging,” adds Smith. With titles such as Bonita Afro Balm, Mousse Def, Sucka Free, Fresh Rinse, and The Light, The Doux will most definitely catch the eyes of Millennials and Gen X’ers alike.

The Doux is now available at select Target stores and online at TheDoux.com

Shampoo and Conditioner 

*SUCKA FREE™ Moisturizing Shampoo, *FRESH RINSE™ Conditioner

Sulphate & Paraben-free Shampoo and Conditioning Duo with Shea Butter & Sea Silk. A gentle cleansing system for thick, dry, or color-treated hair. Ultra-hydrating conditioner has an amazing slip for easy detangling. Sea silk smooths the cuticle, leaving hair frizz-free and full of body. MSRP: $12.99 each.

Stylers:

*BONITA AFRO BALM™ Shine Enhancing Texture Cream Delivers shine and manageability for pixies, Afro’s, tapered cuts, and twist/braid/coil sets. Certified organic botanicals, alcohol & paraben free. MSRP: $15.99.

*MOUSSE DEF™ Texture Foam Non-flaking mousse gives definition to curly styles without stiffness, cloudiness, or crunch. Soy proteins and natural humectants make this humidity-resistant styling aid ideal for thermal styling as well. MSRP: $14.99

*THE LIGHT™ Shine Mist Preserves color and protects hair from heat styling. Reduces drying time and delivers weightless shine to finished looks. Adds natural luster to natural styles. Infused with Black Cacao, Passion Fruit, and Palm Oil. MSRP: $14.99.

The Doux is now available at select Target stores and online at TheDoux.com

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Breast Cancer Awareness Fall Must-Haves

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  To celebrate efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation I hosted a Lifestyle Segment with ABC 33/40 on Monday, October 30, 2017.  The television appearance featured beauty and wellness tips to help women that are undergoing cancer treatment.

A few of the suggestions discussed on-air included the use of hair turbans, scarfs, mineral makeup, and water-based nail polish.  Companies such as STILA Cosmetics provided makeup from the Living Beauty Collection and Dana’s Bakery shipped Pink Cotton Candy Macaroons that encouraged proceeds to be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

This particular segment was dear to my heart because my mother is a Lymphatic Cancer survivor.  Special thank you to Talk of Alabama for allowing me to share cancer related beauty tips with a local audience!

Hair:

Turban

Scarf

Face:

Alima Pure

Deborah Lippmann

STILA Cosmetics

Wellness:

Pill Box Organizer

Take a look at the segment clip here: Talk of Alabama 10/30/2017 Kim West

Makeup, Skincare, and Beauty Pop-Up Shop Recap: Erika Liles and Gizelle Bryant

EveryHue Beauty hosted a Makeup, Skincare & Beauty Pop-Up Shop in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday, October 27, 2017.  Presenters for the event included Dr. Corey Hartman of Skin Wellness Center, Chic Hair, Angela King Brows and Posh Luxury.

EveryHue Beauty founders Erika Liles and BRAVO TV star Gizelle Bryant of the Real Housewives of Potomac greeted guests.

The beauty event featured makeup, wellness stations and product sampling.  While attending, I received brow tips from Angela King Brows.  She reshaped my brows and suggested products to help them grow from waxing.

EveryHue Beauty Consultants matched the tinted moisturizer to event participants.  I discovered that my hue was #4 and very impressed with the moisturizer coverage.

After visiting all of the beauty stations, I decided to purchase the Glow Perfect Moisturizer and received a Hue Blending Sponge.

A few facts about EveryHue Tinted Moisturizer:

  • Weightless
  • Buildable formula with a satin finish.
  • Broad Spectrum SPF 25.
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Aloe

5 Simple Tips to Maintain Healthy, Glowing Skin this Fall/Winter

With chilly temps on the way the battle for healthy, glowing skin officially begins. To beat winter beauty woes like dryness and a lack luster complexion, your skincare routine will require some extra TLC and loads of hydration.

1.SHORTEN YOUR SHOWER

A hot, steamy shower can leave your mind peaceful but your body parched. Instead of stripping away natural oils limit it to five minutes, and suds up with a body wash; then, seal with an oil infused lotion. Try The Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Oil+Lotion and Body Wash set ($14.99 each; Target.com). Infused with soy and multivitamins to restore and hydrate skin by protecting against moisture loss.

2.EXFOLIATE ONCE A WEEK

Proper exfoliation prevents the skin from developing a dull appearance – Especially during the colder seasons. Using an exfoliator once a week can provide an instantly rejuvenated skin tone. Try the Dear by Renée® Gentle Facial Scrub ($49.95, DearByRenee.com) This gentle gel-based scrub contains Jojoba microbeads which sweeps away dead skin cells, refines surface texture and helps decongest skin.

3.SHINE ON

Bring a little magic to your complexion by dabbing a shimmery cream highlighter onto the cheekbones, inner corners of your eyes, and brow bones. To draw out the warmer tones in darker skin, opt for a gold shade. If you’re fair, pink tones will impart a natural glow. Try Arbonne Starlight Glow Palette ($75, Arbonne.com) which contains an array of warm to cool powder pigments or Arbonne Sheer Glow Highlight Stick ($50, Arbonne.com) a multi-purpose highlight stick containing a Pearl shade to highlight and Bronze to give an effortless glow.

4.KEEP UP YOUR DAILY SPF HABITS

It might be tempting to stash your sunscreen away until next summer, but it’s necessary to wear year-round if you want your complexion to look its best. Slather on the SPF 365 days a year for skin that’s healthy enough to glow naturally! Try Arbonne RE9 Advanced Restorative Cream SPF 20 Sunscreen ($66, Arbonne.com) The concentrated formula protects against UVA/UVB rays and contains collagen-supporting ingredients!

5.DON’T FEAR THE MASK

Hydration masks are a key to giving your skin the nutrients it craves in order to reveal an enviable glow! Try Dear by Renée® Pomegranate Hydrating Mask ($49.95, DearByRenee.com) the unique gel-based formulation leaves skin super moisturized and glowing with Aloe Vera Leaf and Mushroom Extracts to nourish and soften skin.

 

Fall Back in Love with Your Hair with Cuvée Beauty

When the seasons start to change so does our desire to give ourselves a fresh new look and Cuvée Beauty has a few products that will keep your hair looking fresh and magnificent every day this Fall!
To help with the upkeep of freshly dyed hair, Cuvée Beauty’s Shampoo was created for daily use and is free of sulfates and parabens making it safe for color treated hair. This luxurious cleanser gently lathers to fortify and revitalize hair while creating shine. It is also infused with nutrients and protective anti-oxidants that will leave hair feeling clean and refreshed while delivering a shiny, vibrant finish.

Get it now at CuveeBeauty.com for $38

While using the shampoo, make sure to pair it with Cuvée Beauty’s Conditioner, a concentrated daily restorative treatment infused with a formula that leaves hair feeling soft, but also creating an impressive shine. The conditioner’s ingredients will help repair overworked strands and increase manageability while adding weightless hydration. Along with being able to protect color and chemically treated hair, this conditioner will renew and protect against daily wear and tear.

Get it now at CuveeBeauty.com for $38

If you’re heading somewhere this Fall, Cuvée Beauty has you covered with their limited edition, Everyday Essence Travel Kit. These kits are filled with three deluxe travel size products that will give any girl on the go the full Cuvée Beauty experience! Using the foundational steps for hair care, this kit includes Shampoo, Conditioner, and the Protective Treatment, which are all sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty free! All of these products contain the Cuvée Complex, that incorporates luxurious ingredients like champagne, white truffle, and platinum, to create a one of a kind formula that repairs and strengthens for lush and shiny hair. These travel kits also provide new tips and tricks to help give you amazing results no matter where in the world your travels take you!

Get it now at CuveeBeauty.com for $30

The Ultimate Holiday 2017 Gift Guide For Every Personality

Coming up with gift ideas for everyone on your list can be tough – to make the process a little less stressful, I compiled the ultimate gift guide filled with new Holiday 2017 launches. See below for botanical based and celebrity adorned gift sets for every personality type in your life!

Whether you need something big for your best friends, meaningful for your mom, lavish for yourself, or heartwarming for that special someone, I’m here to help!

FOR THE BEAUTY LOVER

Flawless Brows & Lashes Limited Edition Set$100 at Nordstrom.com

Skin Research Labs, the leader in effective beauty enhancing treatments and adorned by Hilary Duff, Kelly Ripa, Huda Kattan and more! Brings the ultimate holiday kit this season with the launch of their limited edition Flawless Brows & Lashes Set. The luxurious cosmetic bag contains a 2mL neuLASH®, 6mL neuBROW, and the brand new neuBROW brow defining pen!

Blossoming Beauty Gift Set, $48 at arbonne.com

Let your beauty shine with a new Sparkling Body Powder with a built-in brush and a prismatic Lilac Lip Gloss to show your inner sparkle on the outside too. Super cute pouch that can double as a pencil case included!

Starlight Glow Palette, $75 at arbonne.com

These shades were plucked from the sky to deliver a celestial glow! These multi-use powders can be used to highlight, blush, bronze, or contour with an array of warm to cool pigments to sculpt and shape a starlit glow. Featuring three brand-new shades and guest starring our fan favorite Anniversary Bronzer.

Rosé All Day to Night Lip Set, $70 at arbonne.com

A trio of dual-ended lip colors in blushing nudes, pinks and mauves that keep you rocking that rosé all day and night. This lip bouquet features Arbonne’s new favorite matte lip cream on one end, and a shiny lip gloss on the other. Wear alone or mix-and-match for a full bloom effect!

Spiced Vanilla Chai Candle, $40 at arbonne.com

This artisan-crafted, hand-poured candle made with a coconut wax blend combines sweet cinnamon, baked vanilla, and spicy chai aromas. Slow and clean burning, the scent will have you reminiscing about your favorite holiday moments.

Olive Blossom & Eucalyptus Gift Set, $58 at arbonne.com

Give the gift of fabulous and luxurious personal care with this shea butter, olive and coconut oil infused gift set.  The set includes a softly scented cleansing body polish that exfoliates and whipped body butter that moisturizes with natural essential oils and fragrant blossoms, topped with a cool eucalyptus touch.

FOR MEN

 

RE9 Advanced® for Men Grooming Kit, $75 at arbonne.com

The perfect set for a clean and confident man, complete with our brand new Charcoal Soap Bar that invigorates with spicy notes of turmeric and bergamot, as well as a full size of the best-selling RE9 Advanced® for Men Shave Cream and After-Shave Soothing Lotion. The set is conveniently packaged with a dopp kit that makes traveling and grooming on-the-go a breeze.

 

FOR THE SKINCARE EXPERT

 

Youth Soothing Crème ($74.95, DearbyRenee.comInfused with the skin healing, Arnica Extract, which is known to soothe and calm skin disorders like eczema this soothing crème contains several active components that target chronic itchy, red or problematic skin leaving a radiant and hydrated complexion.

Skin Renewal Serum ($79.95, DearbyRenee.comoffers rejuvenating benefits of five bio-sourced epidermal growth factors from BioPlacenta. This premium rejuvenating serum reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

FOR THE NATURAL HAIR GURU

Heavenly Halo Herbal Hair Tonic and Soy Milk Deep Hydration Collection, available at Target.com is a hydration savior for thirsty hair. Experience the benefits of highly concentrated hydrating ingredients such as Burdock Root Oil, Palmarosa Oil Umutanga Oil and Yucca Root that help to promote hair growth, soothe a dry scalp and strengthen the hair strands. The key ingredients saturate the hair with intensive moisture, locking it in for ultimate and deep, long lasting hydration. Includes six products: Shampoo, Conditioner, Pre-poo, Softening Milk, Serum Oil Mist & Mask.

  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Pre-poo, which gently melts tangles to minimize breakage, decreases moisture loss during cleansing and protects hair from cleansing manipulation. $14.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Shampoo, which thoroughly cleanses without stripping, restores hydration in dehydrated hair and reduces breakage. Hair is left soft and tangle-free. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Conditioner, which helps to reduce breakage, restores natural luster and shine and replenishes moisture without buildup. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Mask, which penetrates the strands to restore lasting moisture, visibly calm frizz and improve elasticity, minimizes shedding and breakage and leaves hair feeling soft, supple and tangle-free. $19.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Softening Milk, which deeply penetrates to restore dry thirsty hair. Assists with styling, restores natural luster and shine and improves texture and manageability. $15.99
  • Herbal Hair Tonic & Soy Milk Deep Hydration Serum Oil Mist, which imparts lightweight shine to finished styles and aids in nourishing, soothing and supporting scalp health. Lightweight and non-greasy, it seals in moisture and enhances texture while reducing frizz. $14.99

 

Perfect Skin Challenge with Christine Chin

It’s time to kick-off the official start of summer with a few skincare tips from Christine Chin, esthetician to the celebrities and supermodels like Hilary Swank, Gisele Bundchen and Ellen Pompeo. Dubbed “Mean Christine” in the world of skincare for her extremely thorough work and brutal honesty, Christine is an incredible wealth of knowledge and has unparalleled attention to detail. To achieve beautiful and blemish free skin, follow these top three tips from Christine and take on the challenge of having perfect skin all summer long!

  1. Make sure you’re washing your face up to your hairline, especially if you’re not washing your hair daily. Hair products like dry shampoo or silicone-based anti-frizz products can clog pores along your hairline.

  1. Change your pillowcase regularly (at least 1-2 times a week). Your face is essentially resting on a bed of hair product and sweat and other bacteria overnight. If you’re low on pillowcases, take an unused tee shirt and put it over the pillow.

  1. Toner HAS to be a part of your skincare routine. It removes any residue or grime that your cleanser misses and is essential for those with oily or acne prone skin.

Sephora Grand Opening in Riverchase Galleria

Sephora cosmetics store will be opening on Friday, May 5, 2017 in the Riverchase Galleria.  If you don’t know about Sephora, they offer an array of beauty products such as fragrance, makeup, nail polish, and hair care.  

The grand opening will be located inside of JCPenney from 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  More details about the event are below:

“Join us on May 5th as we launch the newest addition to our store!  We will have entertainment, door prizes and LOTS of fun for our Grand Opening!  With over 40 years of experience in the cosmetic industry and the company’s rapid expansions inside JCPenney since 2006, Sephora continues to be a leader in the beauty industry by providing unbiased, personalized service in a fun, interactive, client-inspired environment!”