If you're a product junkie like me (trust me, I'm getting better), then you might want to consider making room for one more product or two.
As a natural hair girlie, I have tried many lines that claim to soften your hair, help it grow, or do all the above, and while some of them have worked, others, not so much. Recently, I had the pleasure of trying the new collection from Flawless by Gabrielle Union, a line that she teamed up with celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims for, and I have to say, I enjoyed the experience.
The line primarily uses Brazilian bacuri butter, which, according to the site, softens hair, increases its ability to absorb moisture, adds natural shine, and promotes overall hair health. I'm all about finding products that will help with the health of my hair, especially after experiencing dryness, excessive shedding, and hair loss from dying my hair blond.
I tried five products in total: the 3 Minute Restoring Conditioner, Styling Glaze, 5 Butter Miracle Leave-In Conditioner, Elongating Custard, and Repairing Edge Control.
After taking down my braids, I shampooed my hair and followed it with the 3 Minute Restoring Conditioner. I was instantly entranced by the scent, which reminded me of being on a tropical beach.
3 Minute Restoring Conditioner
Freshly washed hair.
After three minutes, I rinsed the conditioner out, and my hair felt soft and revitalized. Next, I detangled and sectioned my hair and applied the 5 Butter Miracle Leave-In Conditioner. The five butters used in the conditioner are shea, cupuacu, murumuru, bacuri, and mango.
5 Butter Miracle Leave-In Conditioner
How my hair looked after applying the leave-in conditioner.
I followed that up with the Elongating Custard, which is supposed to define curls and minimize frizz without crunch or flaking. Both the leave-in and the custard had the same scent as the conditioner, and I was in heaven. It has a light scent that hits you when you turn your head or even walk, and the best part is that it lasts for days.
Elongating Custard
How my hair looked after applying the elongating custard.
I used the Repairing Edge Control to lay my edges down, and I love that it's infused with biotin and creatine to help grow and strengthen the hair.
Repairing Edge Control and Styling Glaze
The finished look.
A few weeks later, I tried the Styling Glaze to give my curls a little more definition, and I liked it. However, I will have to try it for a slick-back look such as a ponytail as that's what this product was intended for.
Overall, I think Flawless is a good line. What stands out for me is the ingredients used in the products, such as the many butters, rice oil complex, and lilac leaf extract, which all promote healthy hair. And, of course, I can't forget about the inviting, beachy scent.
I'm still relearning my hair after having to cut a lot of it off because of color damage (blond isn't worth it, y'all), so I still have a little frizz where the blond is, which is no fault of the Flawless line. However, I can see myself continuing to use some of the products, especially the conditioner.
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From Rihanna pairing her caviar with chicken nuggets (I wonder if our Fenty queen shares with RZA and Riot Rose or if this is just for mama) to Bethenny Frankel educating us on caviar with her series "Caviar University," there’s just no escaping it.
And let’s not forget the elite king himself, DeAndre Brown, indulging in fried chicken and caviar! From videos with caviar-topped burgers, potato latkes, deviled eggs, and pasta dishes—folks are topping everything with caviar. Yet, I had not come across any Black-owned caviar brands until I discovered Caviar Dream.
My Introduction Into Caviar
I started off eating caviar in undergrad on top of sushi, exploring with a variety of roe and tobiko but as an adult, I knew I was ready to try something a little more refined. The first time I fell in love with caviar was in grad school at a southern Italian restaurant in Flatiron.
I tried an appetizer that featured caviar on bruschetta, served with thick garlic bread and burrata cheese, and from that moment, I was hooked. That has become my favorite way to enjoy caviar next to this filet mignon crostini appetizer that I served recently at a dinner party.
Everything You Need To Know About Caviar Dream
Caviar Dream
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
Caviar Dream is the first nationally distributed Black- and woman-owned caviar business, redefining how people experience caviar. Founded by Kendra Anderson, a Chicago-based chef and sommelier, the company’s mission is to make caviar more accessible and inclusive, breaking down barriers and demystifying this delicacy.
What Caviar I Tried
Caviar Dream Kaluga Hybrid ($105-$420 depending on the ounce)
How I Experienced The Caviar:
For this review, I opted for a more traditional approach by pairing Caviar Dream's Kaluga Hybrid with crème fraîche, blinis, and my favorite Black-owned champagne, Le KOOL Champagne by Robert Kool Bell.
My Caviar Dream spread
Courtesy of Yasmine Jameelah
My Honest Review:
I do not say this lightly - this was by far the best caviar I’ve ever had in my life. It was buttery, had no aftertaste, and truly felt as luxurious as it looked.
Prior to this, my favorite caviar was Imperial Caviar. I’ve tried many brands, from well-known to affordable, while recreating my favorite decadent appetizers at home or enjoying caviar bumps at parties with my friends and they were my favorite until now.
Caviar Dream boasts that chefs are obsessed with this versatile hybrid, which tastes more expensive than it actually is—and they were right. This buttery caviar would pair well with any recipe, especially if you’re looking to impress someone or even treat yourself.
As a Black woman, a business owner, and someone who understands that an extension of financial wellness is circulating our dollars, I recognize the importance of incorporating Black-owned businesses throughout every aspect of my life. From my skincare to my favorite sustainable wine, my bank, and even indulgent experiences like caviar, it matters.
As we celebrate culinary innovation and expand our palates, let’s also take the extra step to support Black-owned businesses while doing it. So the next time you’re tempted by the allure of caviar, order from Caviar Dream—it just might become your new favorite.
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Feature image by Peter Dazeley/ Getty Images