I'm A 34GG & Here's My Review Of 4 Size-Inclusive Bras
For as long as I can remember, my breasts have been a burden. My bra journey started when I was in the 3rd grade, and my mom made it clear that I could no longer substitute an undershirt for a much-needed training bra.
When I was 13, I got my first real bra measurement at Victoria's Secret and was told that I wore a 34DD. This bra size followed me throughout my dramatic weight fluctuation in high school and college where I learned that I had now officially joined the big titty committee at a whopping 34DDD cup size.
My shirts were not flattering, and I grew increasingly insecure about how my breasts wiggled and jiggled about underneath my shirt. When I was 23, I visited a small bra boutique in Baton Rouge that informed me that my ill-fitting shirts and frequent spillage could likely be accredited to me being incorrectly measured. I learned that you should be fitted for a bra every 6 months, and that I had been long overdue. 10 minutes later, after doing some handiwork with a tape measure, this woman told me with a straight face that I was a 34GG.
Girl, you lying.
I know my breasts are big, but what happened to E and F? How had my breast size jumped so dramatically without me recognizing it, and how TF was I going to buy normal bras? This woman who had just blown my mind completely then strolled out with an array of bras and sizes that I automatically assumed were not my size. But, after I began trying on the different colors and styles, I realized that I had been very wrong about how bras were supposed to fit.
No more spillage, my straps didn't fall, and my shirts fit normally again for the first time in years.
If you're a part of the big titty committee and feel like you've been struggling with your bras, it could very well be your fit that's causing the problem. After you find the best fit, it's up to you to figure out what style bra feels best on your breasts.
I searched and searched until I discovered the fit that's right for me, and currently, that's a 34G with thick straps, minimal cleavage, underwire, and little-to-no padding. I have a large cup and a small band, so it's pretty much impossible for me to find the right size in stores.
Luckily, Amazon has a large selection of bras of all sizes, even mine. Here's a quick review of a few styles that I tried from brands that worked well for me:
Freya Women's Chelsea Bloom Underwire Balcony Plunge Bra, $28.95
Taylor Honore/xoNecole
Freya is one of my favorite bra brands of all time. The first style I tried by them was called "Siren" and I immediately fell in love. Their bras offer a minimizing effect, but can come off a little pointy. If you're insecure about having pointy boobs, this isn't the bra for you.
Pros:
Super comfortable, it's very easy to fall asleep in this bra. Love the material, and the fact that the straps are fully adjustable. I also love that the straps have 3 prongs in the back.
Cons:
I accidentally ordered in the UK size, so mine was a little too big. Just make sure you order in the correct size, other than that, it's perfect.
Would you recommend?
Yes! But make sure you order the right size!
Buy this bra here.
Do you have large breasts? What are some of your favorite holy grail bras? Give us your recommendations in the comments down below!
Featured image by Taylor Honore/Instagram
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
This New Scalp Care Line Is Exactly What Your Wash Days Need
This post is in partnership with SheaMoisture.
When it comes to healthy hair care, there are a few things that will help you achieve healthy strands: a healthy hair care regime, hydration, consistent treatments, and scalp care. While scalp care is one of the most neglected practices, it is also one of the most important. Why? Because it helps promote healthy hair growth, clear hair follicles, and remove build-up.
When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Keyshia Cole Talks About Making Peace With Her Past And Mother's Death While Filming Biopic: 'I Was Able To Tell My Mom Goodbye'
Singer Keyshia Cole has found solace in her past by revisiting pivotal moments that occurred in her life in the Lifetime biopic Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story.
In the film, the 41-year-old, who makes her acting debut by portraying an older version of herself, highlights various struggles she has gone through in Oakland, California, before becoming a Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum-selling artist. For context, Cole was placed in foster care by her biological mother, Frankie Lons, at two years old because the late star was battling a drug and alcohol addiction.
Leon and Yvonne Cole, close family friends, ultimately adopted the "Heaven Sent" vocalist and legally changed her last name to Cole. Despite the hardships, Cole reconnected with her mother and siblings numerous times, many of which were captured in the reality television show Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is.
In recent years, the duo appeared to have repaired their relationship when Lons sadly passed away in July 2021 at 61 from an accidental fentanyl overdose. Shortly after losing Lons, Cole's adopted father, Leon, tragically died after suffering COVID-19 complications.
During a recent interview with People magazine, Cole opened up about her healing journey and how it was reliving those moments on set with actress Debbi Morgan, who plays the role of Lons.
Keyshia On Her Healing Journey And Her Mother's Past Addictions
In the June discussion, the "Let It Go" songstress revealed that working on Lifetime's Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story helped her make peace with the unresolved issues she experienced in her life.
"This is like my way of making peace with a lot of things. I was able to relive those moments and make peace with it all. That was my goal," she said.
Further into the interview, Cole added that although she was reluctant to share the good and bad parts of Lons' story in the project, she decided to include it because she wanted everyone to know a more human side of her mother.
"Part of me was like, 'I don't want to show her in that way.' But she had fans as well and I thought it would be kind of selfish at this point," she stated. "And there's a lot of great things about my mom that they have never [been] seen. She was always joking or always going crazy, one or the other."
When asked how it was shooting the film with Morgan following Lons' death, Cole explained that she could always feel her mother's presence around, which gave her the closure she needed.
"A lot of the moments felt like she was there. I felt I was able to tell my mom goodbye because I didn't get to tell my mom goodbye. In an eerie way, I was able to speak with my mom. Maybe she could hear it," she said.
Keyshia On How She's Coping Following The Loss Of Her Mother And Adopted Father
As the subject shifted to how Cole is coping with losing her biological mother and adopted father, the "Love" singer disclosed that prayer and her children have made the experience a bit easier.
Cole shares Daniel Gibson Jr.,13, with ex-husband Daniel Gibson and a 3-year-old son Tobias Khale with ex Niko Khale. The "Shoulda Let You Go" vocalist revealed that being an active parent and her daily duties as a mother played a huge role in her journey.
"I'm good. I just pray and I'm so thankful to have my kids because they are my light," she stated. "Just being near them and being able to take them to school, pick them up, be a regular parent, that is a lot of my healing, being able to give my children something that I didn't really experience."
Keyshia Cole: This Is My Story is now streaming on the Lifetime app.
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Feature image by Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy