Life of I

Last year, I made THIS post about my skincare regimen and some tips for healthy, glowing skin. So much has changed since that post, and for the better! Let me tell you how my skin is getting down for #Summer2017!


Okay, so I follow a simpler version of the K-beauty method of skincare. They have a 10 step method that my lazy but will never have the energy to use. I have condensed their method into 4 steps that work for me.

1. Cleanser

Every great skincare treatment starts off with a cleanser, one of the biggest causes of acne is dirt buildup. I use the Corsx Low-PH Good Morning Cleanser and it is bomb. It's a gel based cleanser formulated to remove oil and makeup, while keeping the PH of your skin at 5. Why does that matter you ask? Because an out of wack PH can be responsible for anything from zits to wrinkles!

To cleanse my skin, I use a konjac sponge instead of a face cloth or my fingers. It has bamboo carbon and charcoal in it and helps exfoliate as I cleanse, I love it.

2. Water Based Cleanser

I know what you're thinking, "Cleansing AGAIN?" but it is a very necessary step. You will not get all the dirt and impurities out on your first try, I promise you. This step calls for a water based cleanser, and for me, I use Micellar Water. Micellar water contains micelle molecules, which come together to capture dirt. This assures that your skin is absolutely clean. I use Garnier, but if you have some money to spare, Bioderma makes a great micellar water.

3. Exfoliator

Exfoliators help remove dead skin cells so that acne has no place to grow. It also keeps your skin soft and radiant. Scrub exfoliators have been proven to be wayyyyyyy to hash for my skin to handle, so I use Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It is the most expensive product on my list, but it is oh so worth it. If you haven't heard of BHA, you definitely need to do some research.

4. Moisturizer/SPF

Last but not least, of course you need a good moisturizer. I don't think I have to explain that, do I? I use CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion, both the AM and PM versions, because you definitely have to mae sure you use sunscreen. I know people of color are told we don't need it, but we do.


Honorable Mentions

Sheet Masks
Sheet masks should definitely be a part of your regime, but they are not something you have to do everyday. They are skin treatments that maximize moisture and add collagen to your skin. I use both the Tony Moly sets, and the Dermal Korea

Toner
Toners are basically a 3rd layer of cleansing, except they also balance the PH of your skin and shrink your pores. Most people would say this is an essential step, but for some it can seem overkill, which is why I have it down here. I personally stick to my good old Dicknson's as my toner, but there are millions of options around.


Happy.......skinning? Wait, that sounds horrible. Have fun on your journey and let me know what your favorite products are down below!

Aaaaaaaaaannnnnnndddddd we're back! And this time its with a new voxbox! Im going to skip the intro and get right into the good stuff.

Hello everyone! I would apologize for the hiatus, but by this point you're already used to my erratic-ness, yet you still love me! Anyway, I'm here to tell you what I do to keep my skin in peak condition.

1. Water

I know this is a no-brainer, but water is essential to keeping your skin healthy and glowing. The recommended daily intake is 32oz, and while I don't always reach that goal, I try to get as close as possible. I carry a 32oz Nalgene bottle at all times, and I know if I've drank all the contents twice, then I've reached my goal.

2. Clean eating (kinda?)

I've tried the all homegrown, organic, no corn syrup/sat fat/carb diet, and honestly, I don't have the self control for it. I love everything I shouldn't way too much. But one thing I did notice is how much my skin improved during that time period. So I've compromised and tried to eat the healthiest versions of my favorite foods (wheat instead of white, skim instead if whole, ect) as well as eating more fruits and veggies.

3. A regimen/product that works for me

No matter how many apples you eat or fiji water you drink, you might still have some issues, and that where a regimen comes in. My skin has improved greatly, but I have some major problem areas (between my brows, chin) and that's where my favorite skin product ever comes in. Dicknson's Witch Hazel is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Every morning/night, I wash my face (I use Dr. Bronners Castille Soap), then apply the witch hazel using a cotton pad, but I've seen people use a spray bottle. Them I apply some coconut oil and bam, clear skin!

And that's how I keep my skin beautiful and smooth! Now all I have to do is find a product for these dark circles under my eyes :(.

Hey guys! I know I've been away for a while, but I've had a TON of offline drama to deal with, which seems to be the norm every time I try to start posting regularly. But anyway, guess what I got? A NEW VOXBOX!!!!!!!! *Cue dance party* I haven't got a new box in a bit, so I'm really excited about this one. And luckily for me(and you), it's chock full of nice little goodies. So let's get into this unboxing, shall we?

SweetSpot Labs Wipettes, in Vanilla Blossom, Neroli Mandarin, and Grapefruit Verbena. These are wipes specially created for that special place on a woman's body. Is it weird that Im excited to try these out? I personally just use baby wipes, and I'm really happy that there is something created specifically for us, not to mention it's made with 98% natural ingredients. My mom always taught us to use wipes every time, regardless of what you were doing, so I kinda get scared that my toilet is gonna cough up all those non-flush-able wipes, so I'm hoping I like this product. The ingredient lists seem fine, so I'm not too worried, but I was taught to never use scented products down there, so I'm hoping there aren't any PH issues with these wipes.

The above picture is a snapshot of my hair products, and the sad part is there are so much more. I'm what's know as a product junkie, or a PJ. When I first decided to go natural, I had no one to go to for advice but the internet, so there began my never-ending quest for the perfect product. Mind you, I still haven't found it. But what I have found, is a regimen that keeps my hair moisturized and healthy, even if I interchange products sometimes. My regimen is pretty standard, and it goes something like this:

• I wash my hair once a week (usually on Sundays), co-washing on wed, or as needed.
• For 3 weeks out of the month, I use a  regular, natural, non sulfate shampoo, and a moisturizing deep conditioner. But for the last week, I use a clarifying shampoo to remove any buildup that the (lighter) sulfate free shampoo was unable to catch. It's like a reset button for my hair. I then use a strengthening protein conditioner, to keep my hair healthy and to combat any breakage.
• After my wash and condition, I usually put a heavy, butter based product in my hair(using the L.O.C method), twist it up, and go to sleep, After that, I don't need to add anything heavy to my hair for the week, so daily I stick to moisturizing sprays and milks.

Price: $6.99
Where to Buy: Shaws, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Stop and Shop, Online
Ingredients: Active ingredient: Aluminum Chlorohydrate (20.2%). Inactive ingredients: butane, hydrofluorocarbon 152A, cyclopentasiloxane, isobutane, PPG-14 butyl ether, fragrance, helianthus annuus seed oil, disteardimonium hectorite, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, propane, BHT, octyldodecanol, propylene carbonate, dimethiconol, tocopheryl acetate
Essential Info: Dove Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant goes on instantly dry and delivers 48 hour odor and wetness protection with Dove’s unique ¼ moisturizers for softer, smoother underarms. Enjoy the delightful scent of cucumber and green tea. 

Price: $16.00
Ingredients: Distilled Water Botanically Infused with Chamomile, Calendula, Nettle & Sage, Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Vegetable Glycerine, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Olive Oil, Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Agave Nectar, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Pro Vitamin B5, Murumuru Butter, Flaxseed Gel, Pracaxi Oil, Cocoa Butter, Marula Oil, Olive Squalane, Natural, Fragrant Oil Blends, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, an extra scoop of soulistic flava & LOVE!
Essential Info: Known as some of the "world's best ingredients for Afro-ethnic hair" (one scoop and you'll know why), this rich self-prophesizing hair cream nourishes deep within the strand with hydrating murumuru butter, moisture-boosting marula oil and strand smoothing pracaxi oil. Especially loved by Dry, Coarse Afro, Coily Hair in need of Maximum Nourishment! Marula-Muru Moisture Guru is lighly scented with a yummy banana and cocoa fragrance!
For more info visit: http://www.soultanicals.com/

As you guys may or may not know, I am an African American woman with natural hair. Being natural means that I no longer put chemicals like relaxers or texturizers in my hair. When I first went natural, I learned about how harmful certain products such as silicones were to my hair, and that I should do everything in my power to avoid them. And that began my journey for the perfect natural hair products. I still haven't found them yet, but it is so fun to try new things and see how my hair responds to them! And now to my review!

I first came across the Soultanicals brand while looking on a natural hair blog for tips on retaining moisture. People were offering recommendations and there was so much praise for this product that I just had to try it. So I went to the website and took the plunge!

The first thing I noticed when I received the product was the smell. It smells amazing! My mother said it smelled of cake to her, but the first thing I thought of when I sniffed this was Oatmeal Creme Pies. You guys remember those?