A Gathered Lady Review of SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie

Hello, ladies! Trying something different today, so I have a product review for you. A few days ago, I picked up a jar of SheaMoisture Organic Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie from Duane Reade. It was a total impulse buy, but the product itself has a pretty big following in the natural hair community. I was interested in seeing how it performed for natural girls like me, but I'll also opine (based on my many years with a relaxer) if this natural hair staple could work for women with relaxed or naturally straight hair, with some tips on how to use it, if you're interested.

How much is this stuff? The curl enhancing smoothie was $10.99 at Duane Reade and I've seen prices range between $10-$12 for 12 oz. That's a little pricey for a product you can find in a drug store, although still very reasonable for an all natural, organic conditioner. Also, a little goes a long way with this stuff. I did my entire head twice and my jar still looks full. That's unheard of for me (I have a ton of hair... pictures below). Factoring that in, I have to say that the value you get for this product is very good. Price: 4.5/5

What does it smell like? A little like heaven, maybe? Really, this may be the best smelling hair product I've ever used -- and with no artificial fragrances! The coconut and hibiscus scents are in perfect balance and the result is a delightful, but natural smelling product that will leave your hair smelling amazing. You should be aware that the fragrance will not dissipate after you style your hair. The first time I used it, I applied it to my dry hair to moisturize it before putting my hair in a bun. That entire day, every time I turned my head, I caught a whiff of coconut and hibiscus. Because the smell is light and natural, I see this as a plus, but I know some ladies don't like the fragrance of their hair product to linger, so fair warning. It isn't nearly as strong the second day or if you use it underneath another product.

What's in it? You can find a complete list of the ingredients here, but the quality of the ingredient list is what initially convinced me to buy this product. It has shea butter, coconut oil, avocado oil, aloe leaf juice, silk protein, neem oil, vitamin E... the list of good stuff goes on and on and on. I also like what isn't in the curl enhancing smoothie. No parabens, phthalates, paraffin, gluten, propylene glycol or mineral oil. I wanted to love this product before I even got it into my hair. Ingredients: 5/5

Left, you can see my braids, which dried completely before I took them down, on the right. Look at that shine!Does it work? For me, it depends. This product is amazing as a moisturizer and leave-in. It makes my hair so soft and minimizes frizz. But, because my hair is so long and curly, I can't use the curl enhancing smoothie alone as my styling product. The creamy consistency doesn't provide enough hold for my hair. In the photos, you'll see the results of a braid out I did with the smoothie as my leave-in and Eco Styler as my styling product. What you don't see was my unsuccessful attempt at a twist out yesterday without the Eco Styler. My hair was still soft and manageable, but completely uncontrolled. Performance: 4/5

So... would you repurchase? Absolutely. Moisture and protection from the elements are at the top of my list when it comes to hair needs, so a product that provides both with no synthetic ingredients and without leaving a sticky or heavy residue is a total must-have for me. Combine that with the way this stuff smells, and I believe I have a new go-to leave-in. Women with looser curls or less hair may be able to use it as a styling product. My best educated guess would be that this product may work for relaxed ladies as a way of adding moisture and protecting your ends. If you decide to try it, I'd recommend applying it from midshaft to end (to avoid weighing down your hair), concentrating on the tips of your hair. Don't use too much! Women with fine or straight hair may find the curl enhancing smoothie too heavy to leave in. However, you may still want to give it a try as a regular conditioner or maybe even a deep conditioner. I know that ingredient list would tempt me! Shea Moisture also has some lighter products with the same scent and similar ingredients, although I haven't tried any of them. Yet. My overall rating for the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie is a 4.5 out of 5. I love this stuff, ladies, and I think it's definitely worth a try to see if it'll work for you.

Update: Second day hair after a very long, very late night in the newsroom. I just threw it up in a scarf last night. I will definitely be rocking this another day.

 Have experience with the SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie? Share it with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. If you have a hair or beauty product you'd like to see review, submit a request by emailing thegatheredlady@gmail.com.

Poise in a Pinch: Best Beauty Products & Secrets for Cheap

As an emerging personal stylist, I get asked all the time where I shop. I also get asked about my beauty products just as often. This is where it's at! Beauty products are the finishing touch to your overall look, that extra sparkle that makes people stop and stare. So obviously it serves you well to keep them a secret. Right? Well, I've been contemplating sharing my trade secrets with others for a few weeks. And it occurred to me that the only people who should know what's inside Bree's beauty bag are our loyal and lovely readers of The Gathered Lady! As you know I'm all about PINP'in (Poise in a Pinch), so these beauty finds will yield fabulous results without busting the bank!

HAIR

1. It's a 10 Leave-In Conditioner Plus Keratin
   • Approx. $15-$20 for 4oz bottle.  CVS, Online, Beauty Supply Stores. ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT.
   • This product is a MIRACLE worker. I have curly 3c/4a hair and I would always have to chop off an inch or two when I straightened it due to split ends and pixie knots from drying and wear and tear. After implementing this spray, as well as the next product, I have not had to trim my ends again. It's a phenomenal product. My hair detangled so much easier with this product, and it smells good. 
   • This product also works wonders on straight hair. My old roomie initially put me on to this product and she has long bone straight hair. She reported the same findings, that her hair was much stronger and had better ends and more damage-resistant to constant flat iron use.
2. Moroccan Argon Oil
   • Approx. $6-$10. CVS, Target, Online.
   • Another MIRACLE worker. This light oil makes me hair smooth and shiny and it retains water better because of the moisture locking properties. I use the Organix Moroccan Argon Oil type.
3. Silkology
   • $9-$20 depending on size. Online Silkology.com or Sleekhair.com. Independent distributors.
   • When I straighten my hair I SWEAR by this line of shampoo and conditioners. It can only be purchased online or from a distributor, but I ordered mine from Sleekhair.com. The Silk-It line makes your hair uber satiny and sleek. Here's the proof: Picture on the left is how my hair always came out when I straightened it by myself. Picture on the right is my hair after silkology. I straightened both times by myself with my non-professional flat iron and mediocre hair styling skills!!(L) Before silkology, (C& R) After Silkology,

 SKIN

1. Hot Water
   • Free! Everywhere!
   • Yes, you read that correctly. This is one of my favorite secrets. I read this in a self-help book written by a man. He said after years of working with models, it's an industry secret. Don't wash your face with anything but hot water. Seriously, it doesn't matter how much make-up I have on, this works. I will remove waterproof eye make-up with olive oil on a cotton ball, but that's it. I even wash the oil residue off with more hot water and a face cloth. I haven't used soap on my face since Feb 2013 and I've had no more pimples. Period. Amazeballs.
2. Cortisone Cream
   • $1-$4, drugstores, dollar stores
   • This can be bought at any drug store or dollar store for a few bucks. It works wonders on any possible zit or bump. It helps lock moisture in your skin and reduces swelling and redness for any pimples. Caution: don't use everyday or multiple times per day as your skin will get used to it and it will lose it's effectiveness. I use it 3xs per week at night after washing my face before bed.
3. Baby Oil
   • $1-$3, drugstores, dollar store
   • This is great for removing waterproof eye make-up or face stains. But this old school product is best for making your legs have celebrity status shine. I apply some down my calves right before I step out the door. It makes a total difference in pictures. Bonus use if you're prone to visible cellulite or stretch marks,etc. The light reflects away from scars and helps create flawless looking skin.

 MAKE-UP

1. ELF Brushes
   • $1-$3 Target, Big Lots
   • This line is made specifically to save money. I love it!
   • I use the powder brush to apply foundation. It creates a more even & buffed appearance in your foundation coverage, rather than a traditional paint-brush shaped foundation applicator.
   • The stipple brush is amazing for adding highlights to your cheeks and contour lines of the face. I swirl it in my gold shimmer dust, then swipe across my cheeks and Tzone. It captures the perfect wispy amounts.
2. Wet & Wild Matte Lipsticks
   • $1.99 at CVS, Walgreens, various stores
   • This line of lipsticks is potent and full of beautiful colors. The lipstick applies smoothly and richly. It lasts on your lips for hours (more than 4). I always get compliments on these shades. My favorite shades are "Bare It All", "Sugar Plum Fairy", "Purty Persimmon", "Wine Room", and "Mauve Outta Here"
3. Gold Shimmer Dust
   • $5-$10, various drugstores and make-up outlets
   • This adds highlights to your face, making you camera ready. It also gives you a healthy glow that makes people think you drink gallons of water!
   • I swipe it on the high angles of my cheeks and across my T-zone.
4. Careprost (Generic Latisse)
   • $30-$40, online
   • I saved the best for last. Latisse works! BUT it's almost $100 a pop. Boo! Luckily, there's a generic version called Careprost.
   • I coughed up the $100 for Latisse last winter as a bday present, and sure enough my lashes grew waaaaayyyyyyyyyy longer and fuller than any length they had been my entire life. But once I caught wind of Careprost, I hopped the PINP train and I'm totally satisfied and have maintained my Latisse length.
   • Be sure to order enough applicators. Try Amazon as they are only $3-$5.(L) before Careprost (Latisse); (R) After Careprost (Latisse)

Do you have any PINP beauty secrets? Have you tried any of these products and had great results? Share your pics and products with us, and if we like it, we'll share! Connect with us at Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter @ Thegatheredlady.

A Gathered Hostess Guide: Summer Cocktail Trends for 2013

Happy Friday fashionistas! I'm sure since all of you are so fabulous, you're planning on going out tonight, right? Well, this post is for those special times in a gathered lady's life when she brings the party home by hosting it. Now, don't get me wrong -- many of you are natural born entertainers. But I'm sure, like me, you need help and inspiration to take your gathered gatherings to the next level. As a southern woman, it all starts with what you serve - an amazing cocktail is the start to a spectacular evening. Let's get inspired by some awesome cocktail ideas for those times when it's your time to shine.  

I am no mixologist and have no genius in this area, so ya'll can go right ahead and thank Chef Bobby Flay for sharing... 

Cookouts and Grilling 

Cookouts, Barbeques, and Grilling are pretty much all the same in terms of what cocktails to serve. It's hot, and you'll be outdoor for most of the party, so you want to make sure that you serve something refreshing that pairs well with grilled food. Light, fresh tastes, nothing bitter or overly savory. Frozen drinks shine in these situations. Also, if the drink you serve isn't overly garnished and is simple, with simple ingredients, you'll easily be able to churn out a bunch and then go enjoy your own event! 

Option 1: Frozen Mojito

A classic frozen is more than a classic... it's epic. This one's a no-brainer.

Total Time: 15 min

Yield: 2 servings 

Ingredients
1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled together until sugar melts)
2 limes, juiced
12 fresh mint leaves, plus mint sprigs for garnish
4 ounces white rum
2 cups crushed ice
Directions
Combine simple syrup, lime juice and mint leaves in a blender and blend until combined. Add the rum and crushed ice and blend until frothy. Pour into 2 rocks glasses and garnish with mint sprigs.

Option 2: Tropical Sangria

Although this tropical sangria is a slightly more complicated twist on another classic. That twist kills! Lemongrass simple syrup? Yes please! 

Total Time: 3 hr 15 min (Prep 10 min, Inactive 3hr, Cook 5 min)

Yield: 4 to 6 servings 

Ingredients
Tropical Sangria:
1 bottle sauvignon blanc
1 cup light rum
1/2 cup passion fruit nectar
1/2 cup Lemongrass Simple Syrup, or to taste, recipe follows
1 fresh lemon, halved and thinly sliced
1 fresh orange, halved and thinly sliced
1 bunch fresh mint leaves
1 fresh passion fruit, seeds removed, optional
Directions
Combine the sauvignon blanc, rum, nectar, Lemongrass Simple Syrup, lemons, oranges, mint and passion fruit if desired in a pitcher. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
Lemongrass Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 stalk lemongrass, cut into thirds
Combine 1 cup water and the sugar in a small saucepan. Hit the stalks with the back of a knife to lightly bruise and help release the flavor. Add the stalks to the pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from the heat, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 48 hours to let the flavor develop. Strain before using. Yield: 1 cup.

Option 3: Ginger Slushy with Vodka 

What I like about this option is that the virgin version of this drink would also be a fresh summer drink to serve (Having kids at your grill party? No problem.)

Total Time: 2 hr 10 min (Prep 5 min, Inactive 2hr, Cook 5 min)

Yield: 4 servings 

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
4-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 cup fresh lime juice
Zest of 2 limes
3 tablespoons ginger liqueur, such as Domaine de Canton
1/2 cup cold vodka
Crushed ice

Directions
Bring the sugar, 1 cup water and ginger to a boil in a medium saucepan and cook until the sugar has melted. Transfer to a glass bowl or measuring cup, cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.

Put the juice, zest, 1/4 cup ginger simple syrup, ginger liqueur and vodka in a blender and blend until combined. Taste for sweetness, adding more simple syrup if needed. Add a few cups of ice and blend until slushy, adding more ice as needed. Serve in a pitcher.

You didn't think we'd leave you in the lurch without something to wear, now did ya?

Dinner Party 

Ah, the dinner party. I love having these! Whether Sunday dinner with family, a couples night, or a gathering of friends, your cocktail choice needs to inspire conversations, whether by being a conversation starter or loosening tongues. Since it's indoors, and shortly to be followed a multi-course meal, the flavors and liquors used can be heavier and/or more varied based on the tastes of your guests. You may also want to consider what pairs well with hors d'oeuvres and or your cheese plate. 

Option 1: Blackberry-Bourbon Iced Tea

Spiked iced tea will get your party started off right. It's a great mix of the summer, an unintimidating yet substantial start to a fun evening. 

Yield: 4-6 servings 

Ingredients
3 cups fresh blackberries
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint, plus mint sprigs for garnish
6 good-quality black tea bags
Good-quality bourbon, to taste 
Directions
Combine the blackberries, sugar and chopped mint in a large bowl and mash with a potato masher or wooden spoon; let sit while making the tea.

While the blackberries are macerating, bring 1 1/2 quarts cold water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from the heat, add the tea bags and let steep for about 3 minutes. Remove the tea bags and pour the tea over the blackberry mixture. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.

Pour the mixture through a strainer into a pitcher, pressing on the solids. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours. (You can also pour the mixture into a bowl set over an ice bath to cool it faster.)

Serve the blackberry tea over ice in tall glasses and float a shot of bourbon on top of each. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs (like a mint julep).

Option 2: Pimm's Cup

This is my favorite cocktail. Done right, it will amaze you with it's refreshing sparkle and ability to absorb the flavors of it's garnish (usually cucumber and fruit). 

Total Time: 5 min

Yield: 1 servings 

Ingredients
1 1/2 ounces Pimms No. 1
3 ounces cold lemonade
2 cups cucumber juice
Cucumber spear, for garnish
Apple slice, for garnish
2 ounces cold club soda
Directions
Combine the Pimms, lemonade, and cucumber juice in highball glass. Garnish with the cucumber and apple and with just a splash of club soda.

And of course you shall look fabulous in summer colors... 

Girl's Night In! 

Is there anything more fun than girl's night in, I mean really. It's a chance to hang out uninterrupted with your besties, shrieking with laughter or rage or both, and drinking is a huge part of that. As the hostess, this is your night to shine and show your friends what a gathered lady you are (a healthy sense of competition lives in us all). You can do that by showing them the best hospitality, and it starts with a less-complicated-than-it-looks menu! Spread these cocktails out, and then put on your best "it was nothing" face and prepare to be barraged with compliments and recipe requests. 

Option 1: Watermelon Plata Tequila Cocktail

I took one look at this cocktail and KNEW it was perfect for a girls night in during the summer. Tasty watermelon, blueberries, and tequila. Oh yeah! 

Total Time: 1 hr 15 min (Prep 15 min, Inactive 1 hr)

Yield: 4 servings 

Ingredients
6 cups seedless watermelon chunks
1/4 cup simple syrup*
2 limes, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
1/2 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
1 cup plata (silver) tequila
Crushed ice
Directions
Puree the watermelon in a food processor until smooth. Strain the juice into a bowl pressing on the pulp, then discard the solids.

Put the simple syrup, lime chunks, berries and mint in a pitcher and muddle until the berries are slightly crushed. Add the tequila and watermelon juice and stir to combine. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour. Serve over crushed ice, garnished with mint sprigs.

*Put a 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Whisk in the sugar and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool.

Option 2: Pineapple Chile Margarita 

Cool, sweet, and... spicy? Just like all your friends. #winning

Total Time: 5 min

Yield: 1 serving

Ingredients
1 cup fresh pineapple juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh pineapple
1 Fresno chile, chopped
3 ounces tequila (recommended: Hornitos Reposada)
Ice cubes
Pineapple, for garnish
Directions
Combine the pineapple juice, pineapple, chile and tequila in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve over ice in a tall glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve.

Keep the drinks sophisticated and the attire casual for this party, ladies. 

Romantic Evening for Two 

Sometimes the entire party is for two and the theme is simple romance. In this case, pop in the right music, stare into another eyes, and get completely carried away. While drinking these cocktails of course.

Option 1: Sgroppino

This sophisticated Italian cocktail mixes Prosecco and lemon vodka to perfection. It's great for the beginning or end of a meal because of its palate-cleansing effect. Good to know in case you decide to let dinner wait while you get it on you skip to dessert.

Total Time: 10 min

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients
1 bottle prosecco, very cold
4 ounces lemon flavored vodka, very cold
3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Lemon sorbet
Mint sprigs, for garnish
Directions
Whisk the prosecco, vodka and mint in a pitcher.

Place a small scoop of sorbet in each chilled champagne flute and top with the prosecco mixture. Garnish with mint sprigs.

Option 2: Raspberry Basil Limoncello Cocktail

Li-mon-cel-loooo... Have ya'll seen that gelato commercial with the super sensual mouths pronouncing Italian words. I can't lie: I hate that commerical. Because it makes me squirm. Because of how much I secretly love that commercial. You are guaranteed to feel the same way about this cocktail. 

Total Time: 45 min (Prep 15 min, Inactive 30 min)

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients
1 pint fresh raspberries, plus more for garnish
12 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, plus sprigs for garnish
1 lemon, cut into sixths, plus wheels for garnish
1/4 cup simple syrup, chilled (more if you prefer the cocktail a little sweeter)
2 ounces Limoncello
4 ounces citron vodka
Crushed ice
Sparkling rose wine, chilled
Directions
Combine the raspberries, basil, lemons and simple syrup in a small pitcher and muddle until the raspberries are mashed. Add the Limoncello and vodka. Let chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Put crushed ice into rocks glasses and add some of the raspberry mixture. Fill to the top with sparkling wine. Garnish with lemon and raspberries and basil sprigs if desired.
 

As for what to wear... well we don't need to tell you what to wear for romance, now do we? What matters more is what lies beneath. (Besides, we all know that no clothes is the most effective way to get the point across!)

So what say you, ladies? Try these recipes and share by email or facebook. We'd love to hear from you!

How to Look Good While Travelling

Looking good in the airport is hard. Well, actually, it isn’t as hard as it seems, but it definitely seems hard. And with the last minute rushing to get ready that usually takes place the morning of a flight, being stylish can quickly get demoted on any gathered lady’s list of priorities. Here’s how to re-prioritize your fly, and ensure that you’re ready for whatever foolishness the TSA throws at you.

Select an outfit while packing. This little trick has made dressing for the airport a breeze for me. It also makes packing easier. Basically, I decide what I'm going to wear while I'm packing, just as if I was packing an extra outfit. Laying out all of my clothes at the same time makes it easier for me to see which (if any) jacket I need, and if I can save some room in my luggage by wearing a pair of shoes that works with other outfits that I packed. The same is true for accessories and jeans, if you bring them. Think of your outfit as a stylish extension of your luggage. Another benefit is that you will save time getting ready the morning of your flight. And you won't be wearing sweatpants.

Dress for comfort. Please don’t show up to the airport in strappy stilettos. Uncomfortable clothes and shoes will induce regret almost immediately. And when that regret comes, it’ll be too late to do anything about it. Look for a comfortable maxi dress or a pair of jeans (not too tight!) that you can pair with a comfortable pair of shoes that won't give you trouble if you need to run to catch a plane!

Keep the TSA screening in mind. Some accessories just aren’t worth the hassle they cause in the security line. I never wear a belt to the airport, and as much as I love my cowboy boots, they are too difficult to get off and on to be bothered with. Slip-ons, clogs, mules or any shoe that can be easily removed are the best footwear for the airport. For accessories, forego an armful of bangles, quickly retrieving them from the bin after you've been body-scanned is nearly impossible.

Layer, layer, layer. Even if it is warm both where you are and where you’re going, you still need to layer up. Your halter may be adorable, but you’ll be regretting the choice midflight in the icebox responsible for getting you to your destination. If you layer, you can always take off your jacket or hoodie if, for instance, the A/C in the cabin is broken. Jackets also make great blankets and pillows on long flights. Yay, versatility!

Casual hair and makeup. No need to drive yourself crazy trying to flat iron your hair at 5 a.m. Tie your hair up the night before, and if your old ‘do survives the night, rock it again. If not, try a side-ponytail (easier to sleep on) or a high bun. As for makeup, I’m strictly a mascara and lipgloss girl on travel days. Anything else is too much effort. When you reach your destination, duck into an airport restroom to freshen up a bit.

Happy Birthday Queen Aftan!

Today we want to honor and celebrate our very own Gathered Lady staff member Aftan! The staff and readers appreciate everything that you do and the wonderful fashion you contribute! May your birthday be everything special and truly fabulous just like you! Here's a little something to bring some birthday cheer and to remind you let loose on your birthday, but not too loose! XOXO