Desert Island Beauty Musts

My dream vacation spot is just off the coast of Madagascar, the Seychelles Island. I can’t even imagine what enchanting rituals local ladies are privy to, and I not so secretly loathe that I can’t just click my heels three times for an instant island experience.  But, if ever stranded on a deserted island (or just vacationing on one), I’d hope to have these hair and body products to keep me company:

Found only in the tropical forests of Central America, the oil extracted from the Ojon tree is responsible for preserving the splendid shags of the Tawira, also known as “the people of beautiful hair.” Ojon’s Restorative Hair Treatment can work the same magic on your mane, and can even multitask as a body moisturizer ($55 ojon.com). Just scoop and warm the treatment into the palm of your hands, and let the restoration begin. Pre-shampooing isn’t even necessary and, for more intense repair, leave the treatment in overnight, and simply rinse after you rise.

Min Soultion2 is a unisex, moisturizing solution to the challenges of skin irritation that go hand in hand with hair removal ($20 minnewyork.com). Min Solutions2 distributes a healthy dose of liquid asprin and spearmint through a rollerball applicator to reduce swelling and prevent ingrown hairs.  Since it tightens pores and erases bacteria, I’ve even dabbed it on emerging blemishes to stop them in their tracks.

Sending harsh plastic headbands and stretched and snapped elastic ponytails holders into antiquity, Knotheads are the new age solution to an age-old problem. These bendable wires, covered in fashionable fabric effectively hold hair back, pull it up or even coerce it into daring updos with little work ($10 knotheads.com). Knotheads weave through hair (of any texture or length) to create endless styling possibilities; plus, they come in a variety of lengths and colors to suit every style. Offering a myriad of styling options, each pack comes with a style guide demonstrating the Knothead know-how.

Miss Jessie’s tagline “The Best Darn Curl Creme Period” explains it all. Miss Jessie’s Stretch Silkening Creme is a strengthening, conditioning hair lotion that coerces angelic curls from even the unruliest of textured hair ($22 at missjessies.com). The shea, almond and olive fruit oil base creates soft curls, and the breezy scent is just as divine as it’s performance, ‘nuff said.

Dr. Miracle’s Healing Leave-In Treatment and Conditioner truly performs miracles for my often dry and flaky scalp ($8 drmiracles.com). The treatment works by conditioning and stimulating blood flow to the scalp with ingredients such as moisturizing jojoba oil, cooling menthol and stimulating clove oil. I suggest Dr. Miracle’s entire line for its famous “feel it” formula, if you need immediate relief from an itchy scalp. It works exceptionally well if you wear braids, locks, or twists.

Beachside or citywide your hair and skin can always use a little lovin’. Take these products along with you wherever the wind takes you and you’re sure to look and feel your best.

Beauty in color is our monthly beauty column aimed at reviewing products, highlighting color trends, and focusing on the hair care and skin care needs of women of color. Please contact Daria V. Wright if you have story ideas or product suggestions.