Product Review: “A Magical Beauty Collection” from Disney and Carol’s Daughter
It is so hard for me to find bath products that won’t irritate or dry my daughter’s sensitive skin. At 3 years old she has tried more products than most adults. Luckily for me, Carol’s Daughter, known for it’s authentic hair, fragrance and body products, has launched a collection of hair and body products for children to honor Disney’s first animated Black Princess, Tianna (an added bonus).
Let me start by saying that I absolutely love the positive messages chosen to name each product in the line. The shampoo, “The Beauty Within” and the conditioner, “Inner Shine”, promote self-love and encourages children to find beauty beneath the surface. The bubble bath dote the phrase “Sharing is Caring” and the de-tangler (which I did not try) “Dream Big” supports good behavior and hope. They are messages that children need- especially those of color who will be specifically drawn to the images of a Princess who finally looks like them. Coupled with the fact that Carol’s Daughter was started by a woman of color, this line embodies the positive message of the film- work hard and you will succeed.
But the look, the message, and the names of the products don’t mean anything if the products are not of good quality. And they are. The shampoo and conditioner lather and spread well, a must for my daughter’s naturally curly hair which seems to absorb water and soap at an astronomical rate. In addition, they left her hair soft, moisturized, and smelling good- like almonds, sunflowers, olive and almond oils. The bubble bath contains Aloe Leaf Juice which is subtle enough to leave a trace and gentle enough not to irritate my daughter’s eczema.
The cost is a little steep (8oz bottles for $8-$10) for my liking and we… Continue reading
What We Tell Our Children
My mother used to introduce me as the “athletic one”. My eldest sister was “the pretty one”.
My mother tried everything to make sure that people thought I was prettier. She forced me to wear traditionally girly clothes and did not like that I was so athletic. She wanted me to be a princess, but I just wanted to be me. She would tell me that because I was darker-skinned I needed to “soften my appearance”. Within the Black non-Community, there is a serious color complex- the lighter you are the better- and even as a child I knew this. I was the darker skinned of three girls. I never heard that I was beautiful. What I was told was “You’re pretty for a dark-skinned girl” or “You would be so pretty if you weren’t so dark.” Those comments were enough to make me hate myself- and they did. Years later. I engaged in behavior that I thought would make me prettier- promiscuity and bulimia. Lying and hiding.
I do not like boxes- being put in one. Boxes hide the whole. They force people to only look at a small portion of a person, and that is damaging to the soul. I look at my daughter and want more for her. I want her to be herself with out fear. I don’t want her my birracial child to have to choose one of two races. I don’t want her to be the short one, or the fat one or even the smart one because those tags are so limiting.
What we tell our children is so important. We may not see the results right away, but words have a way of burrowing down deep inside and festering away at one’s self-confidence. There are so many things in this world… Continue reading