“Beat the heat” may have started off as a chant in the NBA finals, but it’s clear those three words are going to become more of a personal mantra as we face some of the hottest days on record. I am no fan of those unattractively hot and muggy days when it feels like my sweat is sweating. In fact, my favorite days are when the temps are in the 70 to 75 degree range accompanied by a slight breeze. And if I’m anywhere near the ocean or a pool, the day could easily turn into a pure love fest.

But judging by recent forecasts, Mother Nature hasn’t given any #@*&s about my- or anyone else’s love fest. But alas, I’m nixing my original plan of holing up inside with central air conditioning until September and have instead decided to embrace the balmy weather and make the best of it.

Here are the summer essentials that will help keep me cool, calm and collected:

Kandi recently sported this braid bun to the Bravo TV upfronts.

1. Braided bun

Getting my hair braided (after not donning braids for almost 10 years) is one of the best decisions I made all year. A braided bun keeps hair off of my neck and face and minimizes my morning prep time. And it’s a chic style that works for both the boardroom and the beach!

Greetings, friends!

If you’re one of those people who is looking for the newest product or for some product recommendations, then you’re in luck. I’ve tried a few new products lately for everything from my dry hair to my ladybits and thought I would share. Let’s get down to business:

Source: http://www.nicholasbrooklyn.com

Shea Moisture’s Honey and Black Seed After Shave Regenerative Lotion

What does Shea Moisture have that isn’t amazing??? And while you might have most of the hair products, you shouldn’t pass up on the things they have in their women’s skin line. While perusing a beauty supply store to stock up on hair goods, I ran across this cream that is supposed to work wonders for irritated skin after you’ve shaved. As someone whose run into this problem while trying to remove hair from my girlfriend down there, I thought I wouldn’t have anything to lose (but about $8 or $9). But man oh man, has this stuff been a Godsend! Not only does it smell delicious, but it helps the hair (wherever you apply it), grow back softer, and grow black slower at that. One of the best products I’ve picked up in a while…You can find their products at Target, Walgreens, or at your nearby ratchet beauty supply *smiles*

Source: mmproducts.com

Sofn’Free’s Milk Protein & Olive Oil Leave-In Treatment and Argan & Olive Oil Spray

Finding the right leave-in conditioner is tricky. Some leave you with a weird residue, some don’t even really condition like they say they will, but Sofn’Free’s leave-in spray used to make my afro feel like butter in the morning. And that’s after it felt like a brillo pad at night. Do a twist out, and if you’re not looking to throw a big cream or pudding in for moisture, this leave-in spray will go a long way. Your hair soaks it up really well (well, mine did at least), and the smell is delightful. The company’s argan and olive oil spray also provides a lot of shine without coming off greasy, and that works great for all kinds of hair, especially relaxed locks that are dull and need some kick.

Source: shopme.com

Arm & Hammer’s Ultra Max Invisible Solid Deodorant (in Powder Fresh!)

I’m sure we’re all out here searching for the right deodorant, and if you do the absolute most on a daily basis like moi, you’re bound to work up a sweat. When that happens, you need a deodorant that will work heavy duty, won’t go on too thick, but won’t be too thin. Arm & Hammer’s Invisible Solid deodorant is another miracle-worker. It has saved my white T-shirts, and keeps me very fresh and clean. A lot of these other deodorants (the Suaves and the Secrets of the world) are too busy trying to make you smell like a bed of roses when your a** just needs to smell clean. You will swear by it soon enough. Find it at your local drugstore/pharmacy (Walgreens, Wal Mart, Target, etc).

Source: en.paperblog.com

DeMert Nail Enamel Dryer Manicurist’s Finishing Spray

As an avid nail painter who likes to avoid spending money on things I can do myself (sorry nearby nail salon), the faster I can get my nails done the better. While cold water can work after a while, and even cooking spray, this finishing spray by DeMert really does work wonders. It not only dries your manicure, but it makes your hands look like professional did them! Which is nice since I know you struggled to paint that right hand, girl. It’s only a few bucks and can be found at your local beauty supply. So if you’re trying to avoid the big smudge or those weird imprints from going to bed too early with your new nails, you might want to pick up a can.

Source: beautycoliseum.com

Jamaican Black Castor Oil

I had heard some people online raving about this product, so when my beautician told me I should use it for my two-strand twists, I was expecting big results. Granted, you’re not going to wake up with a whole new head of long hair, but if you put a small amount on your edges and in places where hair has broken off, the growth you will see in a short amount of time is pretty awesome. Not only that, but it also moisturizes your hair well. However, I must admit that the smell and the consistency (it’s thick) aren’t anything to write home about, but the results are. Check it out, and be sure to mix it with other things so it doesn’t go on so thick…Try for your local beauty supply (not Sally’s) if you’re looking for it, and you can also buy the oil online.

What products are must-haves for you?

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