Chris Rock is BULLSH*T, "Good Hair" is Trash.

The shameful Chris Rock

Okay,

So I HAVE to start my first post off with the truth about Chris Rock's degrading MOCKumentary. I was super excited about the movie initially-- thinking that it would talk about the known issue of "Good Hair"-- where the term came from, slavery, etc. Then I figured it'd touch on perms (which in did), but then also talk about the natural hair movement that has been going strong since India Arie's "I Am Not My Hair" (around 2005). But NO it did not, it was Shameful, just downright shameful. That movie deals with the self-hate black men have for themselves and their women more than anything else.... Black women are comfortable with themselves-- natural, perm, or extensions. I think most of us are just over it.... but its the black men that have the issue. Men like Chris Rock... ergo movies like "Good Hair" that in NO WAY deal with the actually issue and history behind "Good Hair". I am no longer a Chris Rock fan by any stretch of the imagination. Chris Rock, like some blacks before him, has sold out, embarrassed, an degraded his people just for some quick bucks.... if I was the queen, I'd have to "Off with his head". But forget my word... I ran into some great comments about the movie from a conversation I peeped in a website:

Here's the link to the conversation HERE. But I'll place a few major points below...

(I love Duke's opinion... why can't we have more men like this???)

DUKE:

I saw the movie with the moms and wifey and though I think you're funny Chris- the movie was biased and lacked any real historical content- where was the slavery? and the origination of "good hair"?

Where were the India Arie's, Tracee Ellis Ross's, Solanges, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hills and all those type women, the HUGE amount of black women that are natural and have been natural forever... it was sort of disrespectful towards women like my mom who have been "natural" since I can remember and all the women in my life who went natural during the whole "India Arie- I am Not my Hair" movement- as it has been dubbed. (and not to mention all the white women who have worn wigs and weaves since the beginning of time, calling out the black actresses when white actresses wear weaves and wigs more was also a point that you left out).

My man, you slacked heavily, and I gotta admit that I don't like the fact that now any white person who sees this movie is going to leave wrongfully thinking that all our black queens have perms and that if their hair is long its a weave- thats bullsh*t bruh... you could have done better. Most people in our movie theater left really disappointed. If you did somehow get good reviews its from white people- who eat up stereotypical ish like this.

I still can't get over how your really didn't go into the REAL meaning and history of "good hair"... anyway, I'll give you a C- for effort. But like everyone has been saying- you need to do a PART II ASAP.

LEA:

Most of the black women I know have naturally long hair, while my white friends wear more weaves and wigs than the black ones... especially since white women invented wigs and weaves... even the founding fathers wore wigs. Miley Cyrus, Heidi Klum, Britney Spears, Megan Fox, Paris Hilton, every playboy model, etc etc they all wear them... I was listening to my local radio station today and the white hosts were quoting these "facts" - "most black women have perms" :if a black woman has long hair its fake"... it was sickening to listen to.

You really NEED to do a part II of this silly one-sided documentary and cover the historical context of good hair and how it stems from slavery... then you should end it with the fact that many many (I would say atleast half) black women these days are "natural" and no longer use 1950s lye perms (lol at you for having that in the movie- who uses lye perms anymore???)). I know I may sound more knowledgeable than the average nonblack woman, but thats the good thing about having a diverse group of friends- you aren't as ignorant. So Chris, I suggest you widening your group of friends... so you won't be as ignorant- because your movie is doing more bad than good.

THINE:

Did you even see the movie or are you pulling stuff out the air? Where are you getting your information that supports your assertion that half of black women are natural? The movie clearly states that black women make up about 6.5 percent of the population, but they buy up to 40 percent of all hair care products. I don't think that half of this ... Read More

DUKE:

I think she's pulling it from what she sees... just like me. The majority of the women in my life are natural- and its beautiful. And to be honest when you go to the top schools in the country you see the same thing.. I went to MIT, my best friend went to Princeton he's now at HBS (harvard business school)... and about 3 years ago we both noticed how all the women on our campus were going natural.(it was sort of weird at first, but then we got used to it... i remember it like it was yesterday- every girl even the girls with the "mixed curly hair" cut off their perms) And even out in the "real world" i see just as many natural women as i see with perms/relaxers... I say all that to say that I think people of color with higher education and people of color who are more progressive thinking have many friends that are natural.

And as far as Chris's statistics... c'mon now, i know you're smarter than that- you know statistics are not always right.. sometimes people have stats and they only base them off a sampling of 40 people. So his 95% of black women etc etc... is probably just based off some random sampling of women he surveyed (most likely from hoodish type areas).

And as far as the "natural hair care products"- my wife uses the same stuff as her friends with perms use. All because your hair is natural doesn't mean you have to use some kind of "special product"- you can if you like but it's not necessary.

I do get Chris's point though- if we're buying most of the products we need to make sure that we're selling it- keep it in the community (my wife hates going into those asian owned beauty stores b/c they always have bad attitudes).

JESSICA L. THOMAS: I agree with you, brotha...

THINE: Chris indicated that he made the movie to address his daughter's perception of why she didn't have "good hair" not a question/concern of if black women wear natural hair. If we are honest we all know that in "our" communities natural hair isn't considered to be "good hair" unless it is a certain texture. So the movie would have been better if he ... Read More

DUKE: well maybe your in the wrong community... because in my community natural hair is good hair. its funny because my sister used to talk of the good hair back when we were younger, my mom gave her perms and all that.

then she went natural about 2.5 yrs ago and she actually has the "good hair" that she and so many other women have always wanted. its ironic because black women's natural hair is the "good hair".

then they use those products to make their hair even curlier... i hope im not saying this wrong, but i think she and my wife uses a product by "miss jessie"? it brings out their natural curls and make them really soft (and no its not a perm)... some people (men and women) use the texturizers which are light and only partially straighten the hair.

black women naturally have "good hair", just find the products to make it curlier i guess.

DUKE: And should Chris place blame on people? no.

But should Christ answer the real question of "good hair" and its origination? yes.

I don't like when people present half-truths... If you're going to do a "documentary" make it a real one. Make it meaningful- present the question, the problem, the background, and the solution.

It was a cowardness move on his behalf (his production, writers, etc) to not discuss the historical content that is very relevant. See African-American history.. which is just American history is not taught in school.. there's maybe one chapter in most grade school history books. Our people need to be educated... they need to know why, they need to be challenged: "why do i think this type of hair is good hair" "where did this phrase good hair come from" "how can i change my thinking so that i don continue to perpetuate something that is hindering my race".

What's that quote- you can't move forward without knowing where you've been and where you're going... I probably am saying it all wrong, but its a famous quote by some famous African-American person... my point is-- history is important. And that's what "our" community lacks- we forget our history, we let "outsiders" trick us into thinking that if we discuss it then we're placing blame, they guilt us into thinking that it is not important... but it is. We must learn from it. We must realize where certain behaviors and mindsets derived from, we must ask ourselves why we think this way... and that is what Chris Rock did not present.

That is why his "documentary" was entertaining and perhaps helpful from an economic view point, but was vacuous in really helping "our" people to understand the true nature of the "problem" and what "we" can do to fix it.

_________________

Pretty intense stuff, huh? What do you all think? I'm going to post more of Duke's conversation in the next post...

Product Review: Organic Root Stimulator's Olive Oil Deep Penetrating Conditioner

Organic Root Stimulator (ORS) Olive Oil Deep Penetrating Conditioner.

This stuff, this stuff right here? Yeah, this stuff right here is Great, lol. It smells absolutely delectable and makes your hair feel like silk. This a very important conditioner to put in your hair after a relaxer or shampoo. And this a good conditioner to use if you just want to condition your hair only.

The ORS replenishing paks are relatively inexpensive costing between .79-1.59 depending on where you go (usually .99 cents or $1.49). If you just want to try it out or are going out of town then just get a pak, otherwise it's smarter to buy the big bottle.

Essence Pastel Ombré Topcoat

I have a confession, this post was suppose to go up yesterday (Monday) so I'm sorry that it didn't. However when I swatched this particular polish,

 I was so cross that I just couldn't think of anything positive to write. It would have be a horrid post to read, so I decided to enjoy my evening watching Game of Thrones, sleep on it and come back to it today. I can't promise it'll be any nicer, but it will contain less swear words.

Essence Pastel Ombre Topcoat and Flashy Pumpkin

I went out and bought Essence's Ombré Topcoat at the weekend for 2 reasons

1. I saw a press release on it (ages ago) and immediately added it to my to buy list.

2. I then saw the lovely Dahlia Nails review it and I was even more sure that I needed it.

Their blue ombré mani was beautiful, what I have to show you today is not.

Firstly I used 2 coats of Flashy Pumpkin. I love this Essence polish, it's pigmented, smooth to apply and fast drying (I reviewed it here with other Essence colours last year). For £1.79 you can't ask for anything more from a polish. The Ombré Topcoat directions suggests you need to use a dark colour as the effect is more noticeable, so I thought this orange would be perfect.

Essence Flashy Pumpkin Colour & Go

I added one coat to all my nails and this is where the problems began. I found that these tiny little black stands appeared on my nail (bits of brush I think) which needed removing and then disrupted the topcoat. I also found the bristles of the brush were too hard and so left streaky marks when I applied the topcoat.

It has a very thick consistency and dries quickly so if you have large nails (like I do) and need to go back on any areas, it's already dried and then smudges.

Because of the thickness of the polish and the fast drying time, it's hard to cover all areas properly on each additional coat, so by the time you do 4 coats, it's impossible to get a good finish.

I added some Glossy Glam topcoat to the finished mani, which usually covers all manner of polish sins, but it couldn't fix this. This was doomed and nothing could save it. My index finger has 4 coats and then each additional finger has 1 less coat.

Essence Pastel Ombre Topcoat over Flashy Pumpkin

I think I can probably utilise this as a sheer white polish (I don't have one) and ignore its intended purpose. I certainly won't be using it again as a ombré topcoat and if it doesn't work out as a sheer white topcoat it's headed for the bin.

The idea is great, but the product isn't, so good try Essence but not good enough.

Should you wish you buy this it's available from Wilkinson Stores for £2.

What do you think of this product? Do you like wearing ombré manis and would you have used this?

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Swatches & Review

PR Sample

Happy Friday everyone. I am loving having time off, still one week of Easter holidays to go. I went shopping earlier and got some new spring clothes, my fave of which was this Floral Waterfall jacket from Dorothy Perkins.

As promised in yesterdays Barry M summer product preview (read here), I have swatches and a review of the new Sunset nail paints.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection

Info about this collection from Barry M;

Barry M’s new Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint and Topcoat deliver the look and resilience of pro salon gel nails without a UV lamp or the expense! All you need is a Sunset colour and the Sunset Topcoat – no need for a basecoat as the special formulation bonds to the nail like a gel in daylight but can still be removed with a regular remover.

Sounds amazing right? It's a simple 2 part 'at home' gel manicure with promises up to 10 days of wear.

A lot of people have been asking all sorts of questions about the 'daylight curing'.

Q. What does cure with daylight mean?
A. It means that the polish (similar to gel polish) will get harder when it is exposed to UV light (UV is part of the spectrum of light that is emitted from the sun, so it is around us all the time, we just can't see it). The more the polish is exposed to daylight, the harder it will get and the longer it should last. This will occur through you wearing the polish and does not mean you need to hold you hands up to the light.

Q. Will still harden if it's not sunny?
A. Yes because there is still a huge amount of UV light hitting the earth's surface from the sun, hence it being daytime so the polish will still cure.

Q. Do I need to put my nails under a light/lamp?
A. No, these polishes use natural daylight to cure, so unless you live in the darkest, pitch black cave, the light coming in through your window will be sufficient enough to help the polish harden.

If any one had any other questions, a quick Google should help you.

Right, back to the polishes. The Sunset collection consists of 7 colours and a matching topcoat. It says there is no need to wear a basecoat, although for staining purposes you may want to (but beware that this may affect lasting time). The topcoat only promises to work with this range of nail paints and no others from the Barry M line. Thats a shame, especially for people like me with a LOT of other Barry M colours.

Like the Spring Speedy Quick Dry polishes (review here). these nail paints have the new large, rounded brush. This makes application a dream, especially for people with large nails.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection Topcoat

Drying time for all polishes was fast, each layer (applied thinly) dried quickly, the formula was buttery smooth and the finish before topcoat was plump and full. You couldn't ask for any more from a nail polish.

First up I have Can't Get You Out Of My Red which is a classic pillar box red. This is more of a jelly consistency (think Blood Orange Gelly) and builds perfectly in 2 coats and I added the Sunset Topcoat to finish.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Can'y Get You Out Of My Red

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Can'y Get You Out Of My Red

You Drive Me Navy is a gorgeous bold Navy creme. It looks fab with 1 coat and if you have small nails thats all you may need. However I added a second coat to smooth any patches and then the Sunset Topcoat to finish.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - You Drive Me Navy

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - You Drive Me Navy

Do It Like A Nude is a creamy goddess of a polish. It's very sheer compared to the others and required 3 coats (and topcoat) but it looked amazing on. I know that those people with strict uniform rules at work will be all over this one, in fact it was sold out in both my local superdrug stores so I imagine they all ready are!

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Do It Like A Nude

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Do It Like A Nude

Peach For The Stars is a bright peach creme that leans pink. It is so beautifully bright that it almost borders on neon. I had so much trouble trying to get a colour accurate picture of this that I had to wait until it was super sunny outside and snap one then. I used 2 coats and topcoat.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Peach For The Stars

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Peach For The Stars

The Way You Make Me Teal is a bright teal creme. I needed 2 coats for full coverage and then added the Sunset topcoat to finish.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - The Way You Make Me Teal

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - The Way You Make Me Teal

I've Been Pinkin' is a super bright Bubblegum pink, which like Peach For The Stars, borders on neon in bright light. I used 2 coats plus topcoat for full coverage.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - I've Been Pinkin'

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - I've Been Pinkin'

Fuchsia Generation is a deep raspberry creme. I loved this colour in the bottle but was not that keen on it when on. I don't know if it was my skin tone, the fact it's was darker than the rest or because I had spent 4 hours swatching (I had to re-swatch 3) by the time I got round to it. Either way, the polish itself can't be faulted. The formula was amazing and again, those with smaller nails could get away with 1 but I needed 2 coats.

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Fuchsia Generation

Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing Nail Paint Collection - Fuchsia Generation

Sunset Topcoat - I used this topcoat (2 thin layers) over each of the colours above and I have to say it's amazing. It dries quickly, looks like a gel topcoat and feels like a gel topcoat. It's a gorgeous product from Barry M and makes this collection a real stroke of genius.

So, as far as first impressions go, I am very impressed Barry M, very impressed. I will update you when the manicure starts to chip and then again after 10 days.

Tips for application:

• No basecoat,
• Thin coats of colour
• Allow coat to dry before applying any others
• 2 thin coats of topcoat
• Seal all free edges

I know some people were not blown away by the colours, however the idea with this collection was not to showcase some amazing new shades, it was to release some classic favourites in this new long wear system. I know that these will do well and I have no doubt Barry M have already planned new colours in this range. If it lives up to the '10 day' wear promise, I can see this being some of their best selling nail paints.

You can buy these NOW from BarryM.com (international shipping) and Superdrug for £4.99 each. Boots will start selling these from 15th April.

So what do you think? Will you be buying these? I'd love to know what you think.

Tartan scarf.

I have brown hair, whiff! Haha! It was the funniest thing when I was checking photos and only with this outfit and these photos I had these brown hair. Hilarious, gotta say! I don't think they suit me 

though.

I have a photo shooting tomorrow, finally! Really excited about that, so many new stuff to show. One of them you can see today, this scarf is the coolest ever, still love tartan. Practically the whole outfit you can shop in TOBI. 

Jacket- New Yorker, bag- OASAP (here), watch- KOMONO (here), shirt, jeans, scarf- TOBI (here)

Love,

Kat

Barry M - Summer 2015 Product Preview

Happy Thursday all, it's my boyfriends birthday today but I think I received the best present. Barry M sent me their new Sunset nail paint collection,

 it arrived in a gorgeous shimmery gold box and I almost cancelled all our plans so I could get swathing.

Barry M Sunset Nail Paint Collection

Barry M Sunset Nail Paint Collection

Instead I went to lunch, was social and made sure he had a great time. So tonight instead of the swtaches (which will be up tomorrow) I have a preview of all the new Barry M Summer 2015 beauty releases that will be coming our way soon.

Products released on the 8th April 2015 in Superdrug, 15th April in Boots

1. Sunset Nail Paint Collection and Topcoat, £4.99 each. Buy them here.
2. Radiant Rod Highlighter Pencil, £3.99. Buy it here.
3. Afterglow & Deepglow Bronzer, £5.69 each. Buy them here

Barry M Sunset Nail Paint Collection Summer 2015

Barry M Radiant Rod Highlighter Pencil Summer 2015

Barry M Afterglow & Deepglow Bronzer Summer 2015

Products being released on the 6th May in Superdrug, 13th May in Boots

1. Eye Shine Palette, £6.49
2. Matte Me Up Lip Crayons, £4.99 each
3. Make Me Blush Cream & Powder, £3.99 each
4. Flawless Concealer, £4.49 each
5. Speedy Summer Nail Paints, £3.99 each
6. Gelly Hi-Shine Summer Shade, £3.99
7. Lip Boss Lip Gloss, £4.49 each
8. Brow WOW Brow Pencil, £3.99 each

Barry M Eye Shine Palette Summer 2015

Barry M Matte Me Up Lip Crayons Summer 2015

Barry M Make Me Blush Cream & Powder Sticks Summer 2015

Barry M Flawless Concealer Summer 2015

Barry M Speedy Nail Paint Summer Collection, Gelly Hi-Shine Summer Shade Sugar Plum Summer 2015

Barry M Lip Boss Lip Gloss Summer 2015

Barry M Brow Wow Eyebrow Pencil Summer 2015

You can buy all Barry M products from BarryM.com, Superdrug and Boots. 

So what do you think you'll buy? I can not wait to get some of the Make Me Blush and Lip Boss range. No doubt I'll get others, I love Barry M products and here and 10 reasons why you should too.

Happy Shopping!

Liebster Award

I was so amazed and honored to be nominated for a Liebster Award by the lovely Kelley of The City and Us. To be honest I had never heard of this award

 (which is for discovering new blog) but I love that someone out there thought my blog good enough for it.

Here are the rules

The 11 questions I have been nominated to answer are;

1. What’s something new you’ve recently learned?

Recently I learned that Fanny Cradock was a real person - who knew? (Thanks Pointless)

2. Do you have a fun party trick (I’m looking for a new one)?

No, I'm so boring at parties and socially awkward that I usually end up embarrassing myself.

3. If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be and what would you serve/order?

I would invite David Attenborough and serve Mexican food. He has had such an amazing life and has been one of my fave people in the world since I was little. I am a huge DA fan.

4. What’s your favorite take-out food?

It has to be Chinese food, I am addicted in a bad way. Luckily my fave local takeaway is closed on a Tuesday which seems to be the day I come home from work, give up on the week and crave their Shredded Chilli Chicken. However I do tend to have a Chinese at least once a month.

5. Are you a planner or do you wing it?

I am a planner, however I tend to plan long term rather than short term. This is especially true of my blog, I make a page per month with my post ideas on and then work from there. A lot of the times my posts are things I think up that week, depending what comes out etc.

6. What’s the last book you read?

I have just finished reading 'Thud' by Terry Pratchett. I felt bad that I had had this book for ages and hadn't read it before he died. I love the Discworld series, especially the Witches. It's a terrible shame that there will be no more of these books produced by him.

7. You just found out you have an unexpected morning to yourself. How do you spend it?

In bed or catching up with some Animal Crossing. I wish I could say I would do something productive with it, but I wouldn't.

8. Where would you go if money and time weren't an obstacle, and who would you take with you?

Las Vegas and I would take my BF with me. I love it there so much, I have been twice before and would love to go back with an unlimited supply of cash. I am not a big gambler, in fact I only liked to play on the 'Hot Hot Penny' machines and would occasionally spend a little on the Roulette tables downtown in the El Cortez as it was $1 minimum.

9. What’s the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Save 10% of every pay packet, these wise words were said by my Nana (great grandma) and I promptly ignored them. I wish now that I had listened, however it's never to late.

10. What’s something your parents taught you as a kid that has been invaluable as an adult?

Treat others as you would wish to be treated. Obvious but something that I wish more people in the word valued.

11. What’s your favorite way to spend a long weekend?

Watching Pride & Prejudice (the series) while blogging, baking, dinner with friends and lie-ins. I tend to be pretty low key on long weekends, I am a true introvert and like to spend lots of time on my own. I find it far more relaxing than filling my time with plans as I never usually want to do any of them.

11 Facts About Me

1. Pink is my favourite colour.

2. I have 2 cats called Coco and Flicker.

3. I drink a huge amount of tea (decaf).

4. I love costume dramas and Austin adaptations are among my faves.

5. I own over 1000 nail polishes because ... nail blogger!

6. I went to boarding school and loved it.

7. I wish it had been Hogwarts.

8. I am the eldest of 5 children.

9. I get all gooey inside when I think of Christmas time.

10. I have been engaged for 9 years but have no plans to get married.

11. Outlander and Poldark are currently my favourite TV shows.

The nomination's bit is very difficult for me as the blogs that get nominated should have under 200 followers (rules do vary), however I have just nominated some blogs (mostly nail) I follow who I think are wonderful and need only accept this as a token of my love for their blog. If they don't fancy doing this, it's perfectly understandable because I know a lot of people are not keen on the 'chain letter' style that it takes. After all it's an award given to bloggers by bloggers and I am just letting them know I love their work!

Dahlia Nails, The Naily Mail, Flails And Nails, Spangley Nails, Hair Nails etc, Nail Lacquer UK, Polish Is The New Black, My Mint Nails, Anny Polish and Paint, Sherbert London, Nemo's Nails, Pardon My Nails, Fundamentally Flawless.

Yes I know there's 13 nominations but I adore them all and couldn't leave any out.

If any chose to do this style post in recognition of their award, here are the 11 questions for you to answer. I look forward to reading your answers.

1. What are your favourite sweets?

2. What is your favourite high street store?

3. What is your favourite beauty product ever?

4. Who is your inspiration?

5. What is your favourite blog and why?

6. What is your favourite book?

7. What is your favourite thing about yourself?

8. Favourite female and male celebrity?

9. Top three television programmes?

10. If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have 3 items what would they be?

11. What is your biggest fear?

Thanks again for the nomination Kelley, it's nice to know that people read my blog.