2009 was one helluva year for me, in oh so many ways. I enjoyed a blessed 12 months, chock full of change, adventures, travel, and yes — products to review. And as the year has come to a close, I’d like to share my 25 favorite new finds with you — some I’ve reviewed before, some I’m finally reviewing now, all of which you just may want to enhance your lifespace with. And to make things fun and readable, I’m breaking it all into 5 sections. Here we go!

First category: HAIR!

1. Karen’s Body Beautiful. I was lucky enough to review several products from this Brooklyn-based hair and body care line, and I fell in love with just about everything I tried from their line. The soap and body lotion are incredibly moisturizing, but their hair products were what really blew me away. Try the shampoo and conditioner. They treat my hair as gently as it deserves.

2. HPO Simply Curly. I wish this product was around when I was first transitioning. It is everything I’d been looking for. Creamy and light, beautifully fragranced, and made from the ingredients my hair craves. I just can’t get enough!

3. Curls Curl Gel-les’c. I’m not a fan of hair gel in general, but the creator of Curls came up with something so unique and special, she’s got me rethinking my feelings about gel-type products. Gel-les’c is part serum, part gel, all incredible. It converts my frizzy hair into perfect coils, and doesn’t have that crunch factor I hate in so many other gels.

4. Leonor Greyl Huile de Palme. Thank you, Leonor Greyl! Without you, my hair wouldn’t last through the weather transitions I experienced in November and December. Going from the tropical heat of the Dominican Republic back to the snowy chill of Chicago wasn’t easy, but thanks to this detangling, protective oil, my tresses stayed attractive throughout. Love!

5. Drops of Nature Revive Nutritive Sheen Serum. This is one of few products that I currently use, that I know would also be equally loved by my sister, my mom, and my aunties. Argon and amla oil, rosemary, sunflower, and grapeseed oil. Pure and perfect. Leaves my hair looking shiny, smelling lovely, and feeling strong enough to withstand the elements.

COMMENTS

Peajai says:

January 5, 2010, 7:25 pm

I love KBB too! The hair milk is the best.

Lisalis says:

January 5, 2010, 9:22 pm

I can't wait to try some of these. All of them are new to me! Thanks, Bella! I've been mixing up my own hair butter to help combat the ever-present dryness I have with my black-to-bronze dyed curly fro. I mix up shea butter and castor oil. I also CANNOT do without ACE Oil's Milk with Silk Protein. It's my curl-reviving, every day spritz and my post-shampoo leave-in anti-frizz conditioner. I've only found it at the Action Beauty Suply Stores outside DC.

Carol says:

January 5, 2010, 9:34 pm

Well done, good friend.

joijoy says:

January 6, 2010, 5:14 pm

I've been using Miss Jessie's for too long so now is the time to try something new! thanks for these suggestions Bella I'll be trying some of them out soon...

SaveDiva says:

January 6, 2010, 9:13 pm

I was curious if the HPO stuff can be bought anywhere in stores. Also, you mentioned it would be could on transitional hair. I am 8 months transition, but have not done a big chop. I haven't been to the hairdresser due to heavy traffic over the holidays and am sick of wearing hats and scarves to cover up the bush of hair I don't know how to style yet. I can style my natural hair and my relaxed hair. BUT I can't do both. Any suggestions?

Calming says:

January 7, 2010, 8:31 pm

This is a great line up for hair care. xo, CC

UmmAmirah says:

January 8, 2010, 1:50 pm

@ Joijoy I heard Miss Jessies wasn't good at ALL. I'm so in agreement with KBB!! I'm going to the store next weekend. The hair milk works WONDERS for my girls Have you tried Oyin's Burnt sugar palmade or Greg's Juice? Hmmmm great, great, great!!

SaveDiva says:

January 8, 2010, 5:54 pm

Miss Jessies has mineral oil in it. So I definately will not be using any of their products on my hair.

lovelylocks says:

January 9, 2010, 2:40 am

Miss Jessie's Curly Buttercreme is my HG moisturizer for dry hair. Curls Gel-les’c is one of the best gel/serum styling products I have ever used. It really depends on the person and what you want for your hair.

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Jenee Calnick says:

July 27, 2012, 9:54 pm

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