Fellas, we know that you don’t want to fuss in the bathroom for longer than five minutes. We understand. We really do. However, you can’t be that debonair gent with face full of pimples. Check out this simple regimen for great skin using products from the curlBOX Man edition!

1. Cleanse

What: Removes oil, dirt and sweat from the skin.

Why: Cleansing is the simplest step, but also the most important. With the day to day hustle of, dirt and sweat tend to make nice little homes in our pores. Men’s skin tends to oilier than that of female skin, so cleansing twice a day is must (day and evening).

How:  Gently massage with fingertips. Towels can be too abrasive.

Try this: Shea Moisture Shave Facial Wash & Scrub

2. Exfoliate

What: Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells. Shaving is also a form of exfoliation.

Why: Reveals new, fresh layers of skin. Softens and smoothes skin. Helps rid of scars and blemishes.

How: Use cleansers or products that include ground almonds/walnuts, sea salt, sugar, sand. Baking soda is an inexpensive and effective form of exfoliation.

3. Tone

What: Toners put water back into the skin to help maintain a healthy balance.

Why: Toners to rid the face of dirt that some cleansers may leave behind. Toners are also great to use after shaving to soothe the skin and prevent breakouts. Astringents are alcohol based toners that normally include acne fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid.

How: Use a round cotton pad to swipe your face after cleansing, exfoliating or shaving.

Try this: Shea Moisture Bump Preventer

4. Moisturize

What: Creams or lotions that seal in and bind water to the skin.

Why: Moisturizers act as a protective barrier against damaging elements (extreme temperatures, wind, chemical contact) and nourish the skin.

How: You should always pick a moisturizer that is specific to your skin type (dry, normal, oily, sensitive).

Try This:  Shea Moisture Shave Butter Cream (Use this cream while shaving for a closest shave you’ll experience.)

Do all four steps nightly and simply cleanse and moisturize in the morning for best results.

Note: These products are available in the curlBOX Man edition. Buy it here. 

Chrisette Michele is not to be categorized, but we’re sure she doesn’t mind comparisons of iconic hair status like that of Janelle Monae, Solange and Tracee Ellis Ross. The doe-eyed songstress debuted her fourth project, Better, on June 11^th and reveals to curlBOX that behind her enviable curls and one-of-a-kind voice is a woman who pushed passed her insecurities and fought to love herself. Read the rest of her interview here.

What is it about curlBOX that you love?

Chrisette Michele: I remember being younger and wishing that magazines like Seventeen and Cosmopolitan had pictures of girls like me. With the influx of social media, and that being the way to see ourselves, it’s really refreshing to see my face on curlBOX. Not my literal face but other girls like me with my hair.

Your current cut is a cool, androgynous box cut. What was your inspiration?

CM: Androgyny is something that I think is a really cool, fun challenge. Women like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Jones were able to pull it off and still be feminine. Grace Jones was really the inspiration. I saw this same haircut a lot in London and places like Philadelphia and Chicago and D.C.

Because #teamnatural can be so serious at times, is there any apprehension to wear your hair straight again?

CM: I don’t think about it. I don’t think that learning or changing your hair should be criticized. It’s a form of self-expression and a way to take care of yourself. It’s not up for discussion. I had to learn that the hard way. When I cut my hair, my heart was broken by people’s responses. But it was also mended by me wanting to love myself.

Wow, you hid that well.

CM: The truth of the matter is when I shaved my head, I lost all of my self-esteem. I was really excited when I did it, but the response was so overwhelming that I kind of just felt ugly, at first. That lasted for a little while. I did photo shoots and things to try to make myself feel better, but I didn’t. I had gotten so upset and so broken that I stopped doing interviews – television, media, anything where people could actually see me. I even requested that people don’t take photographs. I just didn’t want to be seen. During that time, I wasn’t doing drugs or drinking alcohol to repress my pain, I just ate a lot. And then I met someone in the studio and he offered me something green, and it wasn’t drugs and it wasn’t alcohol. It was a green juice. That was last January. I loved the juice so much that I went on a 60 day juice cleanse and it cleansed my insides, literally, but it also cleansed me spiritually. I became a vegetarian and then shortly after, a vegan. That was my journey to Better. I had a 30 pound weight loss.

That’s so crazy. We remember everyone really loving those photos you released when you first cut your hair. You never really know what’s happening on the other side.

CM: I was so uncomfortable. So uncomfortable. I remember this rapper got on Hot 97 and he said something about my hair not being “nice enough.” I was so devastated because so many people heard it. I just kind of closed my door and told everyone to leave me alone. It took me so long to come out with this fourth album because I didn’t know that I could be healed the way that I am now. That was just God’s way of opening up the door to show me that He can heal the brokenhearted.

Tell us more about your new album, Better.

CM: I’ve decided to embrace love, which has taken me a really long time to do. I met with a songwriter and he kind of opened my eyes. He said, ‘Everyone can relate to a bad time, but the truth of the matter is…what you put out there with your words becomes your world.’ Once I started singing songs that you’ll hear on Better, that’s when my world turned around. I fell in love again. It’s an album about hope. It’s about having the expectation that love is out there for you in every way.

What other looks can we expect to see soon?

CM: I’m having so much fun styling myself. I just go into my closet and bring things to the photo shoot. It feels really good. I love to mix highs and lows, so you may see me with a Forever 21 tank top, Hudson jeans and a pair of shoes from Prada. Just pulling it all together. What’s really great now is the street style shooting. I’m experimenting a lot with color. I love the feminine physique, so most of my clothes are tailored. Oh, and patterns, prints and fabrics – I’m having so much fun playing with it all.

Who are you influenced by online?

CM: I’m really obsessed with Youtube. I’m almost embarrassed about it. There’s one girl that I really love, Nitra B. She does her online makeup tutorials and she’s so adorable and so cute. She has this little Southern accent. There’s another girl, Lover 4 Fashion. Her outfit of the day pics are ridiculous. Then, in the natural world, there is a girl named Alicia James Music. Her hair is bra strap length and every time you watch her videos you’re just like….I’m going to take my prenatal vitamins. That’s how I became comfortable with my style and being natural – my Youtube favs. My hair crush is Ahsiek1118. I want her hair! Her hair is black but I want mine to be bronze with gold tips.

What’s one thing you want your fans to know? 

CM: I want them to know that for the first time in my career, I feel like I’m in charge. Not because someone else was in charge before, but because no one was in charge before. I’ve decided that it’s okay to take the reins and go in whatever direction you decide to go in. Whatever you want to say. Whatever you want to look like. It’s okay if you want to feed the hungry and save the whales. Whatever your cause is, it’s okay. I’ve decided to embrace mine.

Better is in stores NOW!

Solange just gets it. The songstress-turned-model showed off her enviable style at the art bar installation by Mickalene Thomas presented by Absolut Art Bureau at Art Basel in Basel, Switzerland. Get a load of this face. Ethereal. Natural. Flawless. Here are a few tips and products to help you recreate this look at home.

LIPS: Stila High Shine Lip Color in Diane will deliver a nude, sparkling gloss that makes lips look full and pouty.

CHEEKS: The natural cheek flush says it all. Cargo blushes are packed with moisture and give an ethereal, dewy glow to the cheeks. The blush contains both aloe vera and vitamin E, which attributes to its soft texture. Grab a Cargo blush in Rome. Not only does the rich color pop, but it’s very generous in its packaging.

SUPER GLOW: For a natural glow, opt for Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer. Its iridescent sparkle adds just a touch of glam to your face. Apply to your forehead, cheeks and jaw line to draw a flattering light to those areas.

A few tips to going nude:

1. Even your skin tone. Even if you have gorgeous skin, you’ll need to ensure that all of your varying tones meld into one. Find a foundation that doesn’t look chalky, but like second skin.
2. Blend like your life depends on it. The result of a nude look is a natural appearance, which requires some serious time blending a number of mochas, caramels and mahoganys into your skin.
3. Stick with similar skin tones. Naturally, to achieve a look that simply highlights your best features, find an array of browns and shimmery sepia tones.

If he’s an octave higher than you, are you terrified or turned on? Do tell.   

You can also join in on the conversation on Instagram @curlBOX.

If Myleik likes it, we love it. While the boss lady has been tiptoeing all over the States and beyond, she’s picked up a few new favs. Check ‘em out.

1.  “Avalanche” by Quadron

This is just an absolutely AMAZING album.  It’s worth buying.  It’s worth a listen.  I just love her voice and the great production.  And there’s a track with Kendrick Lamar – “Better Off” … AMAZE!

2.  iBooks App

I know I’m SO late to the party with this.  I’ve always known that you could buy books and read them on the iPad but I stopped toting my Pad around nearly a year ago.  While I was on vacation, this woman I met told me about this MUST READ book and I kept wondering how I was going to read it right away.  Ummmm … iBooks! I downloaded to the iPhone immediately.  I thought reading books on my phone would drive me nuts.  It does NOT!  Now I can have my books with me all of the time and read them whenever because I ALWAYS have my phone.  Joy!

3.  J Crew 3″ Chino Short

Let’s face it … I’m not that tall.  I typically wear shorter shorts to elongate my legs. *lol*  I love these shorts at J. Crew.  They’re around $45, they fit well, wash well and go with just about anything.  Feeling like a tank with shorts? Done.  Want to dress it up with a button down?  Done.  I love them.

4.  Kimchi Blue Lace Triangle Bralette

If you have small enough boobies (like I do) then these cute little bras are so stinking cute under sheer tops (think white linen or a black net top).  They are a cute and simple way to add a little sexy something to an outfit.

Are any of Myleik’s favorites on your list? 

Some like it dirty.

It’s no secret that day three or four hair is absolutely magical. Something comes over your curls and they just seem to spiral perfectly. Though we know that old hair styles better, there’s a theory that “dirty” natural hair also grows faster, which is absolutely a case by case situation. For some, a dirty scalp leads to inflammation, which can lead to thinning and baldness. However, other curlies swear by a once a month wash or less frequent shampooing.

What works for you? 

Like shoes, you can never really have too many pairs of sunglasses. Boxy, slender, wide-eyed, rectangular. There’s a pair for every personality. Check out these pretty peepers from Nastygal.com.

Would you wear these?

To maintain healthy hair, following a clean diet of lean proteins and fruits and vegetables is a must, but you can also incorporate some amazing supplements that pamper your mane from the inside out.

1. Dr. Venessa’s Formulas – Anti-Aging 3 Collagen, Drvenessa.com

Deets: Collagen is the support structure for our skin and it gives hair a healthier appearance. It also helps with hair thinning and hair loss.

2. Acai powder, Vitaminshoppe.com

Deets: This Amazon superfood is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet. Rich in antioxidants, healthy omega fats and amino acids, acai helps maintain luscious locks and boost shine.

3. Knox Gelatin, Walmart

Deets: If your hair has endured any kind of trauma, protein is exactly what you need to re-build and restore.  Knox Gelatin is an easy and inexpensive way to get a quick shot of protein. Add it to your favorite smoothie.

4. Liquid vitamin B, Vitacost.com

Deets: We’ve always linked B vitamins to energy, but did you know that B5 directly affects the metabolism of the scalp? The result is hair growth.

Are we the sexier texture? The fact that men walk up on unsuspecting curlies on the street to get a mere graze of their curls may prove so.

But what is it exactly that’s so sexy about natural hair? “You’re not afraid to be yourself,” proclaimed one of our guy friends. Not that weaved or straight-haired hotties don’t turn heads, but there is something sensual about embracing your God-given hair. There’s no veil, just you.

Weigh in. Are naturals sexier? 

Joining her Mirror concept salon in Harlem, Lisa Price, creator of Carol’s Daughter, has opened a gorgeous new spot in Atlanta. Price partnered with Robin Groover, creator of Atlanta’s ever-popular Too Groovy natural hair salon, to create a chic atmosphere for education and styling.

Housed in Atlanta’s Lenox Mall, Mirror seeks to revolutionize natural hair care. Each client is treated to an in-depth consultation, which determines your hair needs and characteristics including texture, length, dryness, damage and personality. Expertly trained stylists teach you about your hair’s porosity and density, explaining how these two things affect your styling process. Awesome, huh? The consultation includes: scalp analysis, density evaluation, porosity test, elasticity test, healthy haircare plan and signature style, cut and color blueprint.

During the washing and conditioning process, there’s a perfectly placed mirror just above the styling station to allow clients to view which products and techniques the stylist is using. It completely takes the mystery out of that “salon finish.” Coil and loc care, blowouts, straight hair care, spiral sets and traditional curly styling round out the services.

Price was on hand to discuss her absolute favs, which currently include the Monoi Oil Sacred Strengthening Serum (we LOVE this product!), Lisa’s Hair Elixir Restoring Hair Oil and Lisa’s Hair Elixir Fortifying Scalp Spray.

Check out our photos of the new spot.

What do you think?