#Koil: Whiskey

[krokatron]

Happy holidays Jack!

You stand to be one of the best, if not the best artist I've ever had the pleasure to commission. For anybody looking for a communicative, pleasant and extremely detail orientated artist to work with, Jack's the one.

This level of attention to character detail— not just in features but in capturing the Vibe— is phenomenal. Everything from Whiskey's expression, the beautifully detailed uranium jewellery and the flare of the radioactive glow with her breath is absolutely perfect.

Thank you so much for your hard work; the time and dedication you put into your art really shows. The time lapse is absolutely mind blowing too— you've knocked the ball out of the park and I can't wait to continue following your art ✨️

It's the raddest gal in all the land! The illustrious and dangerous Whiskey!

If you haven't seen/read/heard of @koilarist's wonderful Fallout OC, I would recommend it :) I was so honored and delighted to animate their character, commissioned by another amazing artist, @krokaxe

I'm so happy I got to work with you and I'm so thrilled with how this came out! Happy holidays to both of y'all!

[standupandsayow]

The Hair Chronicles: My 2016 Holy Grail

I haven’t done a Holy Grail post in about two years (read my last one here), and there have been quite a few changes since then. Some products that I swore by simply don’t work on my hair anymore (formula/consistency changes), some items were discontinued, and in other cases I just cut things out of my routine altogether. So, let’s get started.

SHAMPOO

ORIGINAL MOXIE Get Clean! No-Foam Shampoo (order here) - don’t have a picture because I’m fresh out. 

Surprise, surprise, I have a favorite! I’ve been using this for three years now, and at this point, if I keep buying it, it must be great. Meets my criteria (sulfate free and detangling capabilities). Because I shampoo almost every 2 weeks now, the price doesn’t bother me because it’s going to last anyway. Oh, and if you haven’t noticed, just about all natural-hair shampoos are $10 and up. 

RINSE-OUT CONDITIONER

I don’t have a favorite rinse-out conditioner. I rarely use rinse-out conditioner anymore. I don’t even co-wash. I just go straight to deep conditioning.

DEEP CONDITIONER

BEKURA Cacao Bark Conditioning Hair Mask - order here

KOILS BY NATURE Ultra-Moisturizing CocoAloe Deep Conditioner - order here

(not pictured) ORIGINAL MOXIE Intense Quench Deep Conditioner - this has remained a constant favorite. You can order here.

PROTEIN TREATMENT

BEKURA Vanilla Whiskey Reparing Hair Soak (pictured above - order here) - This wasn’t even a category in the last Holy Grail posts I’ve done, but it’s been in rotation since I first tried it. I do a protein treatment once a month, or just before I get a protective style and after I take said style down. Read my Bekura (formerly B.A.S.K.) review here.

LEAVE-IN CONDITIONER

OYIN HANDMADE Hair Dew - I’ve been in love with Oyin Handmade for four years now. Available at Target, Whole Foods, Sally’s, and some Bed, Bath and Beyond stores. Check out my review here.

KOILS BY NATURE Moisturizing Shealoe Leave-In Conditioner - available online. check out my review here.

STYLER

CURLUXE NATURALS Twist and Define Cream (order here)

SHEAMOISTURE SACHA INCHI OIL Curl Defining Smoothie (available online, at Ulta, and spotted in some Target locations. Read my review here)

I use the Twist and Define Cream all the time. All. The. Time. (though I’ve had to put the breaks on it until they start production again, even if I do have 3 jars in the arsenal) The SheaMoisture smoothie was a surprise hit for me. Unfortunately, the Beija-Flor Creme Brulee’s consistency changed to a lighter format, and it doesn’t work as well as before, so I haven’t been using it, and sadly the Oyin Handmade Boing! had to go. I’m not sure if the formula has changed or I’ve gotten one too many bad batches, but after purchasing twice and noticing lots of flaking both times, I’m thinking it just isn’t the same anymore and I had to say goodbye.

OILS/SEALANT

As you already know I’ve started making my own shea butter mixes, so that has been my primary sealant. My other alternatives are the Original Moxie Hair Bling and Carol’s Daughter Hair Balm during the cold months. The Soultanicals Afrodite Shine Almighty Gloss Boss was a summer favorite, but it has since been discontinued, so maybe I’ll try and make my own.

What’s on your holy grail? Have you tried any of these?