Top pamper products

 Favorite pamper products

Lately, I have been into taking care of me. Before the pandemic started, I’d started getting into a habit of taking long baths, I was reading again…even journaling. Then we went into lockdown and I think I might have fallen into a funk. Everything was on lockdown and we weren’t going anywhere, not even to work. I started to think…what’s the point? I am loathe to admit that this went on for a while. I just could not shake the feeling of not caring.

Recently though, something changed. I began to see that not taking the time for me was hurting more than it was helping and I struggled to find myself again. The first step towards that was some pampering. I wanted to feel…alive. I know…dramatic but it’s the only way I can describe the feeling I was looking for. I wanted to feel like me again, so I started to make the necessary changes.

1^st up…pamper sessions. This may not apply to everyone, but after a good skincare and bath routine, I tend to feel awake and more in tune with my feelings. Perhaps more in control I dare say. Now in order for these sessions to do some good, I need a few things.

Face mask:

The mask depends on what I feel my skin needs in the moment. Usually I’m in the middle of a breakout when I’m stressed, so I tend to gravitate towards clearing or detoxifying masks. After, I use an overnight hydrating mask to restore the balance and leave me plump

Eye patch:

These I tend to use about once a week when I feel that my under eyes are looking dark or tired…which is a lot with a toddler and working from home.

Body scrub:

These I love no matter what. I use them in the shower on a daily basis and in the tub especially right before I shave. I love how they leave my skin feeling and looking soft and smooth.

Hair Mask:

I do go about twice a month for a salon deep condition, but in-between those times, I do have to maintain this mane on my own. I have a few that I go with and they always leave my hair feeling and looking moisturized for days

Heated face cloth: 

I found this while watching a YouTuber talk about her bath times. This is a fabulous addition to any pamper routine. I got a three pack on Amazon and it always has me feeling like I’m at a spa.

Bath Bomb:

Both fun and functional, I like to splurge on these from Lush. They are always so big and give off a nice fragrance to the bath. I tend to like the ones that have oils in them as I have DRY skin and I do find that they help with that. I also like the colors they give the bath. I’ve tried other ones but none of them really compare…at least so far.

Body butter/Body oil: 

My most recent addition is has been body butters and bath oils. I’m not sure why, as I find them so hydrating and soothing. I picked up the body butter from kiehls and it has been a game changers. The scent is subtle and the moisture last like nobody’s business. My biggest gripe with lotion and other body butters is that I’ll put it on at night and then wake up to dry skin…again! It was so frustrating that a lot of times I would just forgo the lotion or use Vaseline and stain my sheets. This body butter topped with body oil is *chefs kiss* and hallelujah…when I wake up my skin is still silky smooth.

*I do try other products but these are what I'm using at the moment and love. 

What pamper products do you find yourself reaching for?

 

Hey everyone!

I just posted a new video on my channel where I show you one of my daytime skincare routines.

https://youtu.be/Hb4MIH5x2PA

I just uploaded a video on a skincare haul I did at Sephora and Ulta. Pop on over and see what I picked up recently for my birthday. Click the picture above or follow the link below.

https://youtu.be/STGW10hbP-4

Empties video

 I talk about my most recent empties and a few thoughts I had on them. Pop on over and check out the video.

https://youtu.be/WIPrXxYJHUE

Ahhhhh 2020...

 

This year...I had the most grand plans. I was going to take trips, I was going to go hard in my businesses, I was going to be more creative...quite frankly I was going to do it all. This was going to be the year I got my life together and just went for it. I think that was everyone's plan, am I right? I feel that collectively this year we had all made this plan to get out lives on the right track or at least try.

And then the waves hit.

One thing after another just kept coming and it was all we could do to keep our heads above water, to not drown under what feels like an onslaught of situations and problems and concerns. Magnified by feeling helpless and trapped.

Ok, was the dramatic enough for you?

But honestly, things feel heavy right now and it's okay to not be okay. It okay to be upset that plans have changed or been cancelled. To be sad that trips are restricted and school is not what you thought it would be. It is good to mourn these things and experiences that we had long for with a passion that can not be turned off.  All of this is okay.

I will keep trudging along with the plans that do work, go to the places that I can get to. My daughter starts preschool in September and I long for what it was supposed to be like, the utter normalcy of it, only to be replaced by something different and strange. I'll get through this, mostly because I have no choice. I'm on this ride and there is no getting off. But also because my daughter is none the wiser of what "should have been". She has no idea what 1st days of schools are supposed to be and I'm going to keep it that way.

We are still going to travel, just safer than before. More aware of what we come in contact with and who. I want my daughter to see the world, more than I ever got to, which is still a lot. I want to see all these places through her eyes, seeing wonders for the first time. I'm not going to let much stop me in my tracks.

How are you going to handle the new "norm"? What plans did you have to put on hold? Did you have any plans for 2020? 

Leave a comment so we can talk

Self-Care is not a trend

Honestly, self-care is not fluffy - it's something we should take seriously.
-Kris Carr

I realize that self-care has become a bit of a catch phrase these days, tossed about as if were a football, careless and offhandedly. As if it were of no importance to people’s day to day lives or that it makes little impact in how you view the world, or how the world views you. There are some who will try to use this against you, as if you are selfish for needing some time for you.

I say poke those people in the eye and get a latte.

On all levels of seriousness, in today’s age, where everything is go and you are constantly hooked into some social network where other’s pictures make you question what you have been doing in your life, it’s nice to unplug and relax. Listen to the voices in your head (depending on what they say of course) and take care of your needs. Sitting at my desk, I came up with a list of things that I find to help me on my course of self-care. Some are obvious, while others may seem out of place for others. The purpose, is not to compare, but to come away with ideas on how to reset the nerves and relax.

Self-Care ideas

• à      Face Mask
• à      Manicure or a pedicure (both)
• o   You can give yourself one if the budget is tight. The point is to take the time and recharge
• à      Hair mask or a face mask (again…both are nice)
• à      Foot mask
• à      YouTube binge
• à      Planning session
• à      Small organization project
• à      Walk
• à      Window shop
• o   You could take a walk and do this or go online and fill the cart. Just don’t purchase
• à      Hot shower/Bath
• à      Cheat meal
• à      Nap
• à      A good boo
• à      Writing
• à      Cleaning
• à      Small errands (this lets you clean up the to-do list and take time for you)
• à      Coffee Break
• à      Wine Break

SSo...what are some idea you have for self-care? Let me know in the comments.

Beauty Finds

I have a confession:

I am not the biggest foundation wearer. *gasp*

It's true...it really is.

It's usually too heavy and it makes my skin feel stiff and unnatural. When I do wear it, my t-zone is so oily that it tends to slide off and then I leave foundation all over the place. Trust me, it’s a mess. But I like the look of it when I do wear, how it makes my skin look flawless and a little more refined…smooth…pretty. Due to this fact, I’ve been on the lookout for a replacement. Something that I could wear everyday and not feel as if I’m in a mask. The closet I've found is the mousse foundation from Cover Girl. But to be honest, its not an everyday thing for me and I wanted more.

While in Macy’s the other day, I came across the MAC counter and this little tube of BB cream:

Go here to check it out: http://goo.gl/m19PhV

I decided to give it a whirl. It went on smooth and had a nice finish to it that I felt was close to wearing a hard core foundation. It didn’t feel as stiff as most foundations that I've tried and set to a nice finish. I still though, found it to be a bit heavy, but not as bad. I could see myself wearing this on a day to day basis though, which makes it worth the $30 that I spent on it.

I found the brush at Ulta and it helps in giving that nice smooth finish that one finds with foundation.

On a side note…how does one keep it from rubbing off on everything?



Check it out: http://goo.gl/ulDdSc

I have seen this eye cream all over YouTube for months now, but haven't had the chance to try it out. The other day, while in Ulta, I saw they had installed a benefit store. Perfect time to try this stuff out. They didn’t have a full jar, but the Benefit clerk was nice enough to give ma small sample to try out. According to her, it’s potent, so this little jar may last me a while. Now, I don’t have dark circles or fine lines yet…but I really don’t want them anytime either. So, I’m going to give this a try. I was using the Oil of Olay roller ball, but I ran out and wanted to try something new. So…we shall see how this goes.

Favorite Blog of the month

Ok, so it’s not really a blog, but a youtube channel that I have been stalking for the past few weeks.

At first, I was like… “Ill just watch a video…or two.”

Then it became two or more videos…then I had to watch more, in one sitting.

Finally I just gave in an subscribed. Cuz I realized I was being crazy.

So the channel I’m talking about is Nitraa B. I love this girl. I love her hair, her makeup tips, just everything about her. She seems to have a very diva attitude, which is a good thing. I think all women should be diva’s in their lives, with no apologies. She fits that to a T.

Here’s the link if you wanna check her out: http://www.youtube.com/user/nitraab

You will not be disappointed

Creme of Nature review

A few months ago, while out with my mother, we stopped in a Sally’s. I was looking for some Crème of Nature products. I’d seen a review of some of their products from MSVaughnTV and wanted to try them for myself.  

Side note: Finding the shampoo in stores is a pain…seriously. How does the store carry the conditioner and not the shampoo! 

Anywho, I found this product and wanted to try it:

 

Not the full bottle, but the little packet. Since going natural, I find it hard to keep my hair moist and soft and I am desperate for anything that tells me it will do it. So, I took it home….aaaaannnnnnnddddd promptly forgot about it.

 Till Thanksgiving. 

I came home to my parents’ house with extremely dry hair from having been on the plane nearly 5 hours total,  a long business trip and having been reduced to using hotel shampoo and conditioner and wanted to try it out so I packed it and brought it along. I washed my hair with the shampoo and put this on after, with just a shower cap. The pack says to use a dryer, but I don’t have one so I just used the heat from my head and hair.

 THIS STUFF IS AMAZING.

 I usually find that after a regular wash and rinse conditioner and even a leave-in, my hair is rough by the next morning and I’m using something extra to just bring it back to life.

 

Not with this…oh no…

The next morning my hair was soft to the touch, as if I’d just stepped out of the shower. It had a nice spring to it and did not feel dry or brittle. Now, I have to add that I did use their leave-in product with the conditioner but still…even when I was combing it through and putting it in my hair; I noticed a difference in texture immediately. This stuff is gold…I’m in love. I think I just love the whole product line, but this stuff has sold me on it for good.

 

*this is not sponsored. Just giving my opinion*

Birchbox

I recently started subscribing to Birchbox and this is my first box, which came in November. I was on vacation with my family in NC so it’s a bit late, but here it is. Love the samples so far, though I have not tried any just yet. They just look so pretty

A list of all the samples that came in this box

Don’t mind the splenda…

Natural Hair

Today I was in Home Depot with my mother when the cashier looked at me and said: “I like your hair.” Then she proceeded to ask me how long I’ve been natural and tell me a bit about her natural hair story and how long she’s been natural.
 

As I left the store, I thought to myself: Why is it such a phenomenon for black women to be natural? Why does it always surprise women that I do not put chemicals in my hair and haven’t since 2010?

 Does anyone else ask this to themselves when you are questioned about your hair?

 I’m not sure why it stops me in my tracks or has me thinking about it later, but it does. I wonder how my hair is perceived in the community, how outsiders see my hair and their perception of what my attitude must be to have hair this big and this “unkempt”. I know my father’s view, based on a time when the afro represented black power and rage at the ‘man’ and rebellion and anger and everything else that came with it. I…I think I see some it in my attitude as well, when I’m picking out the curls, when I style it, when I walk by the window of a store and think “Damn…my hair looks good.” I feel it when people want to touch it like I’m some kind of animal at the zoo, see what it feels like, how it springs back when they slam their hand into it as if I can’t feel anything. I sense it beneath the edges of control when people make assumptions of who I am at first glance of my hair, how I get a wide berth while at the same time getting the side glance to make sure that I don’t take something.

But I digress…that is not what this post is about.

 I want to know why it is such a big deal that I am natural. Yes…it’s a lot of work, sometimes more than I want to really invest, but I do it nonetheless.

 Is it really that odd to see a black woman with naturally curly kinky hair?

Skin care routine

 

My skin care routine is pretty simple. My skin as I have aged, has gotten sensitive to changes in products and I tend to break out if it’s too drastic. For the longest time, I had oily skin. I didn’t really break out a lot since I kept my skin clean, but I did break out and I never changed my routine. About six month ago, I went into Ulta looking for the face brightener that Clinique sells. They didn’t have it, but the salesperson steered me towards a different question. She asked me a few questions and to my surprise, my skin was COMBINATION. Who knew? So, based on this new information I bought some new things to better care for my skin.

First step is this facial wash that I found. The clerk recommended that I use just a bit of water, work it into my face, then one I rubbed it around a bit, and then lather up. She was saying that if you lather up first, you tend to wash away about 50 of the facial wash. A little does go a long way

I use this astringent when my face is feeling kind dirty or I’m in the middle of a breakout.

After I rinse off, I use this facial lightener. I have a few scars on my face from chicken pox and acne breakouts that I just couldn’t keep my fingers away from. I also have a darkening of the skin that is common in women of color and this helps even things out. I let this sit in for about 5 min…enough time to pick out an outfit. I sometimes use an under eye roller from Oil of Olay, but lately I have just been using the skin brightener. I think I may go back to the under eye treatment though. Winters here in CO are tough on the skin.

I finish with Oil of Olay moisturizer. I used to use a gel one from H2O, but they stopped carrying it a long time ago. Oil of Olay has done me well so I stay with them. I may have to use something a bit heavier though this winter…actually every winter. My skin dries out like a paper bag in the cold and I do not find flaky skin sexy.

After all this, I’m ready to go. About once a month, I will use a nice clay mask to draw out impurities and the occasional facial scrub.

Tell me ladies…what do you use to keep you skin radiant and healthy?

Hair products

Some of you may not know, but I am natural. A long time ago, I used to relax my hair and I did it for a while. When I made the move to CO, I knew that it was time for a change, that I did not want the maintenance in this dry climate, so I took the plunge. No big chop, but instead just let the hair grow out with no chemicals and no heat. Throughout the process, I read up and experimented with different products to achieve the results that I wanted. It’s been a fun struggle since My hair type is what they call 4c…very curly or what some would say nappy. I just say hard to comb and move on. In my travels, I have come across a a few products that I like. They are all by Crème of Nature, which I must say is hard to find in CO.

I love, love, Love this stuff. It’s a spray leave in conditioner and it leaves my hair silky, moisturized and smooth. It used to come in a smaller bottle that was red. I also like to use this when I’m styling my hair and it’s dry.

this is the shampoo. The smell on this is amazing. Once the warm water hits it…ahhh. It has a detangling element to it that I love and helps with my comb out. still a bit of a struggle, but better than not using it.


this is the conditioner, different than the leave-in that I talked about earlier. Again, makes the hair soft and smooth and hydrated.

This product is something I have seen other women rave about on YouTube and Facebook and I wanted to try it out. I will have to let you know how I like it.

Desert island

I was watching naked and afraid on T.V. the other day and it got me thinking about survival and what I would do. I was also watching The Walking Dead, but that is completely different.

If I were to ever be stranded on a desert island, there are just a few beauty items that I would need to hold me over. Not sure how long I would last with them, but it would be a better day with them.

Chapstick. It’s a desert island…there is sun…lips get chapped.

 

Lotion. I’m a woman of color and I do not do ashy. At any time. No matter what.

 

Sunscreen. I have a very low tolerance for UV rays, breaking out at the first hint of them and so sunscreen is a must. I’ll toss out the chapstick in place of this.

Toothbrush and toothpaste…no explanation needed on this one

I have to say my list is short and uncomplicated.

So let me put this out there for all you lovely readers…What would your list be and why?