Kickin’ It: Optimum Amla Legend Collection Launch

As an avid fan of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and a hair product collector (some might use the word, “hoarder”) I was more than pleased to attend Optimum’s launch of their new collection - AMLA Legend Rejuvenating Ritual. The launch was hosted by the beautiful Cynthia Bailey of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Johnny Wright, SoftSheen-Carson’s Artistic Style Director and hair stylist to the stars (the man responsible for Michelle Obama’s bangs).

Related: LoveBrownSugar Meets Kandi of RHOA

Held in the most luxurious spa I have ever stepped foot in - AIRE Ancient Baths in Tribeca - there was definitely an heir of opulence with candles lining the stairs and the AMLA Legend Collection beautifully displayed in the glass cabinet in the centre of the room.

Now not only did we get to hear how fabulous Optimum’s AMLA Legend Collection has worked on Cynthia Bailey’s hair, there were also four ladies with four different hair textures who have been using the products and testified to the rejuvenating aspect of the collection. They let us all know the products made their hair feel super soft and gave it a natural sheen without product build up. I did get the chance to feel each of the models' hair to see for myself how soft it was and true to their word, their hair was extremely soft and might I add, glossy!

One thing that stood out for me during the presentation of this new collection was the emphasis on the products being for women of all hair textures (Latinas included!) and I can’t forget the affordable price…each product is under $10! Yes you read correctly, under $10 ladies.

The NEW Optimum Salon Haircare AMLA Legend Rejuvenating Ritual consists of six products all infused with Amla Oil, the super fruit (an Indian gooseberry) enriched with vitamin C, proteins, minerals and anti-oxidants, which nourishes and revitalizes the scalp and hair fiber.

Now, as a naturalista I have no need to buy a relaxing kit, BUT this collection does include a no-mix, no-lye relaxer infused with Amla Oil. There is one strength, it’s good for color-treated hair and it doesn’t have that pungent smell (you know the smell I’m talking about). 

The line consists of:

• The Body Filler Hair Wash Shampoo ($6.99).
• The Body Filler Hair Cream Conditioner ($6.99).
• The Damage Anti-Dote Oil Moisturizer ($6.99).
• The 1001 Oils Cream Night Wrap ($6.99).
• The Billion Hair Potion ($9.99).
• The Amla Legend No-mix, No-lye Cream Relaxer ($9.99).

So naturalistas and relaxed sisters, head on out to the store and relish in Optimum’s AMLA Legend Collection which is available now. 

Click HERE for information about the collection and where to buy!

  -Kaila Baptiste

LoveBrownSugar Meets Kandi at Carol's Daughter

Last night at one of my favorite Uptown escapes – Carol’s Daughter Harlem – I had the pleasure of sitting down with the lovely Kandi Buruss. That’s right, acclaimed singer/songwriter, producer and reality star of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Kandi Buruss, sat down with yours truly for a little girl talk. Super sweet and down to earth, I had a blast chatting it up with the R&B songstress. Fresh off her official album release in Atlanta, the southern belle dished all the details about her favorite beauty products, her personal style and why she decided to ditch the red hair and opt for blond.  

Hint: Rihanna is involved. Take a look!

What do you guys think of her style? Absolutely loved her leather jacket! For more about Kandi's new album and her standing with the Real Housewives, check out my extensive Q&A for UPTOWN.

Fierce or Foolish: Real Housewives Kandi Buruss & Lisa Wu Hartwell

I grabbed this pic of Kandi Buruss and Lisa Wu Hartwell of Real Housewives of Atlanta over at UPTOWN. Kandi hosted her album release party for her new album Kandi Koated last night in ATL. I'm loving Kandi's dress but still undecided about Lisa's fur. Hmm...

What's your verdict for these ladies? Fierce or Foolish? Soundoff below!