Hi people, what's been on?

How has your month been going? Mine has been pretty hectic which is one of the reasons I haven't been blogging of recent. I've been looking forward to updating you guys on the gems I've discovered for natural hair and skin care!

Today, I'd love to share with you a little gem that has made my skin very very happy.

First off...this is NOT a sponsored post. I bought all products mentioned with my money...but even if it were, trust that I'll always give you the real deal!

Oya, let's continue....

Makeup free!!!

Since I turned 30, I do my best not to use products that aggravate or dry out my skin. I prefer using products with ingredients that are naturally derived and safe.

My facial skincare routine is an adaptation of the Korean skincare routine with a few minor changes to suit the Nigerian weather.

I,

- cleanse using a pH balanced cleanser and/or micellar cleanser

- tone with rosewater/orange blossom water, 

- apply a water based serum like Korres Black Pine Serum

- apply one or two drops of my facial oil mix

- apply sunscreen such as SunBum mineral Sunscreen SpF 30/50. 

For my body,

I use SheaMoisture African Water Mint and Ginger Detox Lotion or this natural Eden Body Works Citrus Fusion Hair and Body Butter

I do a little bit extra on spa days. 

I did a clay mask using Shea butter cottage Rhassoul Clay mask which I purchased from OrganicLifePlus online store.

Rhassoul clay is more moisturising than Bentonite Clay and slippery too so great as a clay wash for hair. 

I'm mixing it with edible orange blossom water which has astrigent properties to close pores, reduce oiliness and keep skin clear.  

I added cinnamon powder  which is very good for acne. When using cinnamon please use a dash. It's really strong!! It makes my skin tingle a lot so I use it sparingly. 

To shower, I'm currently using this handmade Fruit infused face and body wash made by a new natural skincare brand (coming soon). It contains kojic acid, citric acid pineapple, papaya, orange amongst other ingredients. 

It smells amazing and acts as a mild chemical peel.

I usually use it at night but since it's spa day, I use it in the day time too.

So far, so good, my skin is benefiting from using gentle, naturally derived products.

What's your skin care routine like?

Hi people, what's been on?

So, Saturdays or Sundays are designated as my wash days because that's when I have more free time.

Unlike most naturalistas ....lol....I find wash days relaxing.
I usually wash my hair once or twice a month so I'm always mentally prepared for wash day. 

My wash days are really short (max 45 mins) especially when I cowash my hair with a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo.

Cleansing conditioners don't strip my hair as much as shampoo does so I spend less time trying to infuse moisture back into my hair.

Another time saver for me is using store bought products. 

Going the DIY route for my hair care is time consuming and I reserve my DIY hair potions for when I have a lot of time on my hands to mix the DIY and clean up afterwards!

On days I want my wash day to be really short, I reach out for ready made deep conditioners, protein treatments and other treatments my hair will need.

For this particular wash day, I did a cowash/claywash.

I prepooed, detangled and cleansed my hair using Sheamoisture ABS Purification Masque  ( I love products that multitask).

Then I'll deep conditioned with Ruutos Reconstruct Anti Breakage Mask.

This is a protein based deep conditioner containing hydrolysed keratin, collagen and biotin.

After creating a clean slate, I styled my hair in a wash and go.

I used As I Am Luxe and Long Curl Enhancing Smoothie for the first time.

It's created with Type 3 and Type 4 textures in mind.

My first impression of this product:

It has amazing slip but for some reason my hair felt some kind of way and it didn't really hold my curls in place.

Thankfully, it plays quite well with Ecostyler gel, so I was able to get a decent looking wash and go.

 I sealed the ends with Ruutos LOC Butter. It prevents my ends from getting dry especially since my hair is colored.

I created a video for how I achieve curl definition which works for a lot of type 4 textures (4a, 4b, 4c ....4z).
I shared it here

I use this for my everyday makeup look. 

The brownish color goes over my eyelids to crease, the reddish color goes into my crease to warm up my eyes and the gold goes into inner corners of my eyes and a little on my brow bone.

Eyesome Beauty Glueless Glitter Eyeshadow Quad

I went for a makeup fair in Enugu with the Head Makeup artist for SleekBeauty Studio, Awka. I was really out of my depth in the makeup field. Seriously, I didn't even know where to start!

Fena advised me to get this quad to glam up my eyes for weddings and major events. She sold me on how easy it will be to use and how I didn't even need glitter glue. Just apply and go.

She was right!!!

Fashion Fair Eyeshadow Quad in Amalfi Coast

An eyeshadow quad that I can use to create a smokey look for the evenings.
That green is perfect for eyeliner!

The sort of nude look I tend to favor!

What eyeshadows are you currently using and loving?

Hi guys, what's been on?!

So.....

I try to use natural skin care products especially those that won't irritate my sensitive acne prone skin ...

...but finding natural skincare products I can depend on here in Nigeria has been hard...I kid you not!!!

Anyway, I've been able to try out some natural skin care brands that I was introduced to when I went for the All Natural Conference in Lagos.

Here are some of the products I'm currently using and actually loving right now!!!

I got this rosewater from the food section of a supermarket where I live.
Apparently it's a major ingredients in Indian, North African, Mediterranean and Asian cooking. 

I didn't grow up with any recipes using this to cook but I know what it can do for my skin!!!

This right here is the secret to my clear, happy,  non inflammed skin!!!

I used to think rosewater toner was all hype but after using it, the hype has some merit to it!

While it won't change global economics, it will change your skin and keep it looking fresh and youthful....

...just make sure you're getting 100% all natural rosewater.

If you can't find it in the food section of any Indian or Lebanese owned store, you can order it here ! 

When it comes to shopping for authentic, raw, undiluted, 100% natural products, I trust that online store!

DermaV10 Pure Effect Micellar Cleansing Water.

I'm still using micellar water for makeup removal and decided to try out a new brand instead of my staple product NuAge Micellar Cleansing Water. 

This DermaV10 one was supposed to be for sensitive skin but it burned my face and eyes!!!
 Too concentrated!!!

I had to dilute it with lots of rosewater to be able to use it...
...so purchase with caution. 

Orange Blossom Water

I got this also in the food section where I purchase my rosewater. I'm in love with the floral fragrance and mix it equal parts with my rosewater to use as a toner and also as a humidifier for flights and as makeup setting spray. 

It is awesome!!

They help keep even period zits at bay.

Highly recommend!!!

Cinammon

I use cinnamon in my milk (I don't like the taste of milk...ughhh!!!).
I also use it to make jollof rice, spagetti,  stews, to spice meat and in pancakes!

 I just love the smell of cinnamon!!!

For my skin, cinnamon and honey mask is bae!!!

Really works well for congested skin and when I have a persistent pimple that doesn't want to go away and tempting me to pop it!

It also works as a mild mechanical exfoliatant aka scrub....definitely pop one in your shopping basket!!!

So these are my major skincare products right now and I'm super happy!

What natural skin products have you tried that work for you????

Hi people, what's been on?

This post reminds me of the time someone commented that Nigerians don't use deodorants LOL!!! 

As you know, this blog shares my love for all things natural and the changes I've made in my haircare, skincare, diet and general lifestyle in an attempt to live responsibly.

In the All Natural Conference I attended in May, there were lots of learned speakers. 

They highlighted the dangers of some additives present in our everyday products which increased our risk of cancer, diabetes, skincare allergies and so on.

They made it clear that every compound present on earth is a chemical.

Water is a chemical.

Air is a compound made up of different chemicals.

Coconut oil is a chemical.

.......but some chemicals are safer than others and don't affect our health negatively.

Scientists are working hard around the world to make sure the chemicals used in our daily products are safe for long term use. 

A lot can be said on this issue but I'll be focusing on today's topic which is NATURAL DEODORANTS.

It's really embarrassing to raise your arms high above your head to praise the Lord and see a big wet patch around your armpits ...and also, no one likes smelling like a wet dog!

You see, your arm pits contain sweat glands that secrete sweat to keep you cool but the pesky hitch hikers on your body (natural body bacteria) see the sweat as a delicacy and the rude things convert this to compounds that stink!

Deodorants get rid of bad odour by neutralizing these stinky compounds and kill bacteria without preventing you from sweating. They also impart a pleasant fragrance to your pits so you smell like daisies!!

Anti-antiperspirants on the other hand, block the sweat glands from releasing sweat to the surface of the skin thus starving the rude bacteria giving you a dry feeling and stain free shirts.

The super hero that performs this marvelous feat is Aluminium Chlorohydrate!!!

Well, some scientists have studied this compound and found that some quantity can be absorbed in the skin and actually change receptors of breast cells.

 Now, estrogen a normal female hormone is responsible for big boobs...sorry...growth of breast tissue cells and there's a possibility that alteration by the aluminium compound may increase the risk of cancer. 

The results though are currently inconclusive as they haven't yet established a direct link to breast cancer.

There's

✔cornstarch, nzu, arrowroot, potash alum or baking soda powder deodorants

✔apple cider vinegar

✔milk of  magnesia 

✔lemon juice

✔coconut oil

For the liquids (except coconut oil), you dilute a little with equal parts water and rub under your pits with cotton wool. The powders can be applied alone or mixed into a light paste with water.

The idea is that they inhibit bacteria and thus you don't get stinky. The powders also absorb sweat.

I got to try out the baking soda one and it ACTUALLY WORKS as a deodorant!!!!

No scent at all....not even of daisies....lol.

It works even in the sweltering heat!

As an anti perspirant though, you'll still sweat naturally but it absorbs sweat pretty well especially when combined with any of the other powders. I haven't suffered from wet patches.

Does it stain my clothes? 

Not at all when I used baking powder alone.

However, I love perfumes and I still use them...lol...even with all the chemicals!!!

Baby steps, people....baby steps!!!😇

  I've stumbled on a totally natural derived perfume brand in Lagos during the All Natural Comference in May.

Samples of these perfume oils ( made with an exotic mix of essential oils in carrier oil base) were included in my goodie bag.

I'm in love with 'Wura' and would be switching to that. 

The 'Amariya' scent was too powdery for my taste.

It has very good sillage and you just need a little dab on pressure points.

It's also affordable...15ml cost N2500 and 30ml cost N5000. 

There are other sizes including 1000ml!!!

You can check them on Instagram 

Sensitive, Oily, Acne Prone, thirties parchment.My shade is 520 Suede (W)

Bpbeauty.ng 

They buy directly from the company (so you have no fear of buying a fake product) and ship to Nigeria at an affordable price. They also matched me with my perfect shade. I purchase hard to find products in Nigeria from them.

30ml

Since I've put out a spoiler, I should as well write out what makes this foundation so good!!!!

Seriously, this!!!! I have to apply the product quickly because it dries down so fast! The best part is my face can stay matte for at least 3-4 hrs before the oil peeks through.

 I get to blot just once a day rather than every 30-45 mins. 

This is super!!! It even gets better when I use a vanishing cream underneath.

I'm always horrified when I look in the side mirror of a car when I'm walking on the street and see that my makeup has gathered into my laugh lines or is separating on my oily nose! 

Oh the shame!!!!

It's like I was stripped naked when I'm wearing my worst (albeit comfortable) underwear!

Makeup in my humble opinion should be seen but never noticed!!!

This foundation covers not only my blemishes but my shame too.

Bottom line: 

It stays put even in the hottest summer. (P.S. It's always a hot summer here!)

In fact, just shinkili foundation (like 2-4 pea sized drops), can give me medium coverage. 

For full coverage, I double the amount ...

...and guess what? It never looks like I have a mask on!!! 

My biggest pet peeve with M.A.C. 

I hate the feeling of makeup on my skin. 

All I'd be thinking is "my pores, my pores, my pores" and "pimples, pimples,pimples".

If you've ever suffered from pimples, you'd know it's like a horror movie, just thinking about them makes them appear!

Oya, just see this ingredient list!

 I'm trying to clean up my makeup act but this foundation won't let me be. Luckily, I didn't react to any of the ingredients so I could say it's not bad for sensitive skin.

Abeg, who has N25k (plus shipping ) to be spending on foundation everyday? 

I just closed my eyes and calculated that N25k divided by 10 months is N2500 per month on makeup. Not bad looking at it from that perspective.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, I'd already drafted a contract with the seller that should this product fail to deliver, my money must be refunded.  *ties wrapper*

Thankfully, with this foundation, I didn't have to repurchase my all time favourite compact powder (BlackUp). The BlackUp 2 way compact is good because it's all I'd apply and I'm good to go. However, finding my shade these days have been very difficult. Every time I go to their store in Polo Park Mall, Enugu, it's not available and the studio (Sleek Beauty Studio, Awka) I usually purchase it from stopped stocking due to recession.

Yes. 

It retails for N20k in Essenza store in Ikeja City Mall. 

However, their customer care leaves much to be desired. 😒

Barring the recession mocking price and the ingredient list, this foundation is I repeat 'The best darn foundation I've ever used!!!!'

Yes I would....but I'm still in the market though for more affordable foundations that would give me similar results!

This foundation is the yardstick for testing other foundations.

The closest to it was Revlon Colorstay Foundation which is about N7000 but recently, I went to repurchase the Revlon Colourstay foundation and it seems there's a new formula because I didn't get the matte effect I was used to.

I bought Revlon Photo effects foundation but had to dash it to my sister because I couldn't stand the tiny glitters in it!

I've finally finished the last drop of the bottle....and replaced it with Fenty Beauty Pro Filtr Foundation in 420.

Hi people, what's been on?

So, remember how I said I've jumped on the micellar cleansing water bandwagon?
Well, considering how uncomfortable bandwagons can be...in that its small, tight and everyone wants to jump in one...I've gotten pretty comfortable in this wagon and even went ahead to upholster my little corner with an uber comfortable fushia pink lazyboy!!!!

Okay....I'm letting my imagination get ahead of me...lol....but you get the gist.

Micellar Water is here to stay!

Not understanding what the fuss is about?
Oya, quickly read this!!!

Since, I've decided to dip my toes in micellar water, I thought it'll be a good idea to find one that's cheap at least!
My last one set me back N5000!
I'm not complaining given the stellar results but com'mon, if I'm broke, it'll be one of the first victim of a budget cut!!!

But, GOOD NEWS *insert Winners' Chapel clap*.....
.......this baby is only N880 ....
as in you'll hand over N1000 and they'll give you change!!!


Now, it's cheap....but the most important question is 'Is it good?'

Let's go....

MY SKIN PROFILE
Sensitive, Oily, Acne Prone, thirties parchment

SIZE
200ml

INGREDIENTS

MY REVIEW

First of all, good price.
Secondly, it's
🔻paraben free
🔻 alcohol free
🔻mineral oil free
🔻silicone free
🔻pthalate free
🔻sulfate free
🔻fragrance free

Why bother? 😔
Here's why

Does it do as it says?

As a makeup up remover, like it promised, it is really an effective way to remove makeup, clean, soothe and hydrate your skin.
It removes makeup effectively even water proof mascara without hurting my eyes.
It's so gentle that I even used it to clean out a scrape on my knee with little to no stinging!
It also calmed my skin as well as the Orico one.
My best part is, unlike the Orico one with the orangey fragrance, this one had little to no fragrance.
This is good for when you just want to clean your face and go ...without the bells and whistles.
Also, if fragrances give you a headache, this one won't annoy you!

Anything I disliked?