Getting Kinky: Product Review - Motions Smoothing Conditioner

It's been a long time since I've had a product review and honestly it's because I simply don't venture to new products as much as when I first went natural. I tend to stick with what I know my hair seems to like, plus I get to save money for important things....like shoes, a girl has got to have her priorities, ya know? :]

I'm actually bringing you this review due to a couple of factors:

1. I received the Motions Smoothing Conditioner as a free gift during the Curly Nikki meetup I attended (more on that below!).

2. I conveniently ran out of my other conditioner and have been too lazy/busy/forgetful to pick up some more.

3. I honestly like the product!

A couple of weekends ago Curly Nikki finally made it out to Chicago for a natural hair meetup at Japonais sponsored by Motions Hair Care. As you would expect people came all out for this event! There was literally a line out the door, down the building, and around the corner. There were signature drinks, delicious appetizers, bumpin' tunes, and fluffy, kinky, gorgeous natural hair in every corner of the building.

 

Curly Nikki was front and center, along with celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen (who is famous for creating Rihanna's infamous bob hair style), and both did a short talk about natural hair and the Motions Naturally You hair line products. What I really enjoyed about the meetup was how both Nikki and Ursula intermingled with the crowd and didn't run off and hide in some private back room. This was great because it gave me the opportunity to meet Nikki face-to-face, thank her for my Naturally Glam Hair Idol feature, and even snap a pic together!

All in all a really cool experience!

Now on to this product review! As I said, I honestly like this product and I've been a fan of the brand as I frequently used their products when I had relaxed hair. You'll also remember I did a little post about the release of this new natural hair care line when interviewing one of their Naturally Fabulous Girls, Erica Smith. So it seems only fitting that I try the new line and let you all know what I think! This review is only for their Smoothing Conditioner as I haven't had a chance to try the Deep Conditioning Masque just yet. So finally on to that review!

Before Washing: Popping open the bottle you're hit with a nice floral perfumed scent that is custom to all Motion's products. The product has a thick and creamy texture which is always a good start to a conditioner. One qualm is that there seems to be a lot of added chemicals in the ingredients, which is fine, however I typically go for conditioners that have the majority, if not all, natural ingredients. My rule of thumb is if I can easily read all your ingredients without stumbling over large chemical names (I'm looking at you Isostearamidopropyl Dimethylamine) then you're alright in my book.

During the Wash: As mentioned it has a nice thick and creamy texture and I noticed I didn't have to use as much as my other conditioner, probably about a dollar coin amount. It felt heavy in my hair, but not in a bad way, more like I was getting extra extra moisture. It isn't very slippery so I probably wouldn't advise using it as a de-tangling conditioner.

After Washing: Once I rinsed the conditioner out I could definitely feel a little more smoothness to my curls, it felt nice to run my fingers through. I didn't add any other products and let my hair air dry, and I have to say I'm very impressed on how it made my hair feel once completely dry. It was very soft and luscious, had a little bit of extra shine and my curls were super defined! All of this without adding any other sort of styling product on top.

Overall I think this is a great product! My hair seems to have really taken to it and I can seem myself continuing to use the conditioner and even branching out to try their other products in the natural hair care line. Obviously this isn't going to work for everyone's hair so let me know if you've tried the product and if you got similar or completely different results.

Whew! This was a long post, thanks for sticking through and reading it all! Hope everyone had a great Halloween Weekend!

Erica Smith is Naturally Fabulous!

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a fantastic weekend! Back in February, Motions Haircare went on a search for fabulous & fierce girls with natural style to help them introduce their newest line of natural hair care products, Motions Naturally You! 3 girls were chosen as Naturally Fabulous and one just so happens to be Chicago's own, Erica Smith!

As one of the selected Motions Nautrally Fabulous girls, Erica was flown to New York and participated in a photo shoot for an advertorial that you can find in the July issue of Essence magazine!

I had the opportunity to chat with Erica about her experience winning the contest, the trip to NYC, shooting the photo spread, and becoming a big part of the natural hair movement.

Enjoy the interview below and be sure to grab a copy of the July issue of Essence to see the full advertorial. Also, you can check out more of Erica and her experience via her YouTube channel, HonestlyErica and her Facebook page.

First off, Congratulations on winning and way to represent Chicago! How does it feel to say you're one of Motions Naturally Fabulous girls?

Wonderful! Honestly, this is so amazing and I still can’t believe it. Being one of the Motions Naturally Fabulous girls has been a great experience and opportunity.

What went through your mind when you first found out you'd won?

Well I was at work when I heard the news, so it took all my will power to not act ridiculous in my cubicle. But I do remember going into my boss’ office and dancing like a crazy person. After I closed the door that is.

Did you ever think you'd get to work with and represent such a well-known brand like Motions?

No and it is a dream come true. Just to have a company like Motions that’s available every where I shop for hair like mine is awesome. But to also be able to help introduce the Motions Naturally You product line to the world is an incredible experience and such an honor.  

What's your favorite product from their new natural hair line?

The Motions Hydrate My Curls Pudding is definitely my favorite product from the line. I like to wear my hair in two strand twists and it really keeps my twists shiny and moisturized.

So let's talk about this photo shoot! That must've been so exciting, what did you think when you realized you'd be in an advertorial spread in Essence Magazine?

Being able to participate in a real professional photo shoot with Motions and Essence was unreal. It was like a dream. The other Naturally Fabulous girls and I were just so amazed that all of it was happening. Then on top of that to be in a magazine like Essence for the world to see is just incredible.

Via

How was your experience on set? Were you nervous? Excited? Totally cool & confident?

To be honest I was extremely nervous. This was my very first real photo shoot and I of course was a bit anxious. But it was also one of the coolest things I have ever experienced.  There were so many people and I think we took hundreds of pictures. I would definitely do it again!

What did you think when you first saw the final photos?

The photos are just beautiful. All 3 of us look amazing. Our hair and makeup came out wonderful. I am such a simple girl so it is a shock to see myself all made up.  But they really are just beautiful pictures.

How long have you been natural? Did you have a relaxer before? If so, what made you want to change to natural hair?

I have been natural for 4 years. The main reason I wanted to give up my years of relaxing was because I have always wanted big beautiful hair. The bonuses that came with being natural is that my hair is the longest and healthiest it has ever been. But I have worked really hard to be gentle and take excellent care of my hair. I don't see myself ever relaxing again.

You've essentially become a spokesperson and role model for all women with natural hair, how does that make you feel?

I feel like one of my goals has been accomplished. I have a natural hair YouTube channel and that was my intention when I started making videos. That is exactly what I am setting out to do. I want to help people especially women feel good about their true selves. This includes hair, career and just their lives in general. It feels great and I hope to continue.

What has been your favorite part of this experience?

I have gotten so much support and love from my family, friends and followers. It just feels so good for people to support me and be proud of what I am doing.

Any advice you can give to those thinking of going natural, transitioning, or newly natural?

My advice for anyone with or wanting natural hair is be patient and enjoy the experience. Its easy to get swept up in someone else's hair and journey and you miss enjoying your own hair at its different stages and lengths.  Learn what your hair likes and experiment with different styles and products.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Thank you so much for featuring me on your blog. I can be found on YouTube my channel is called HonestlyErica. Thank you again!

 A big Thank you to Erica for chatting with me! Be sure to pick up an copy of this month's Essence and check out Motions Naturally You and let me know what you think of the new product line! Happy Monday!

'Till Next Time...