African Black Soap

I have just recently switched over to using African Black Soap Body Wash. It contains natural ingredients that have been used for centuries to prevent and treat acne as well as other skin conditions. I purchased this for $14 from Whole Body but I did find it on Amazon for $10. Its great for breakouts on the body and has a great scent that both men and women can appreciate. I have only been using it for a few days so I cannot give my full review but I will say I love how it makes my skin look and feel. Its also cheaper than the goats milk bar soap I had previously been using.

Here is a little information quoted from the web site.
"The Nubian Heritage African Black Soap line combines the ancient medicinal properties of black soap with the hydrating properties of Shea Butter to balance problem skin. Our traditional African Black Soap recipe Contains palm ash, plantain peel extract, tamarind extract and papaya enzymes. This powerful combination has traditionally been used to treat eczema, acne, oily skin, psoriasis, and other skin ailments. In the apothecary tradition, Nubian Heritage updates African Black Soap with active botanical extracts and salicylic acid to more effectively treat acne, balance skin tone and improve skin texture. Daily use of the line will result in cleaner, clearer, healthier skin.
Key Ingredients: Shea Butter, Palm Ash, Plantain Peel Extract, Papaya Enzymes, Salicylic Acid
Benefits: effective skin care targets trouble skin without over drying
Usage: oily, combination, acne
Natural Aroma: spicy, woody, unisex"


Also an update on the Egyptian Magic.. I have been using this for over a month now and when I think my skin cant get any better it does! All of my freckles, acne and acne scars have faded!!! I can not say enough about this product. I will warn you if you have an oily T zone like I do you might want to back off on applying it from your nose to your forehead.

The Shea Butter with Argan Oil has also turned into one of my favorites. I just purchased my second jar of the product today! My skin hasnt been this smooth since I was a child and I love the smell.

All about Hair. Q&A

Okay so I get a lot of questions about my hair. Lets start with the most common.

"Where do you get your hair colored?" Betsy Briggs Cathcart, the owner of Studio BBC on Music Row.

"How do you get your hair to curl like that?" I use my Chi instead of a curling iron. I cant get my hair to hold curl from a regular curling iron but when I use my Chi it lasts at least a day if not a couple. Here is the youtube video I used to learn how.


"What shampoo do you use?" Rene Furterer but I also recommend Phyto and Bumble and Bumble. Why spend hundreds of dollars on your hair only to mess it up with $3 shampoo. If you must use the cheaper brands I would go with John Frieda. Unfortunately I don't have any natural recommendations on this because I seem to be allergic to the natural brands I have tried.

"How often should I wash my hair?" I try to make it Three days.

Lemons.. not just for lemonade

Okay so my secret of the day is a very affordable scrub you can make right at home and use everyday!
Just take a fresh (or squeeze bottle) lemon and squeeze a little juice on a cotton pad. Top with a pinch of sugar and scrub your entire face. The lemon will help remove the dead layer of skin and kill any bacteria that may be on your skin and the sugar will help exfoliate. Just rinse! I have also been using lemon juice on pimples for years.

Eye Creams and Balms

At the age of 12 we stop producing moisture under our eyes therefore eye cream is essential in preventing dark circles and crows feet. I have tried quite a few different things but here are a couple of my FAVS!

My first choice and the one I use everyday. Is from Whole Body and its called Skin Organics Premium Eye and Lip Balm. I cant seem to find a picture of this product but it looks like a big tube of lip balm. Its only $11 and doubles as a lip balm. It is infused with Coffee Berry and Hemp oil and has all natural ingredients. It feels great going on and I feel it really helps with my dark circles.





Next is a great product for Dark Circles and its easy to find. Garnier Nutritioniste Eye Roller. This can be find just about anywhere. I usually get mine from CVS because they generally have them on sale. Its a quick fix for a night out. You simply roll it on and you can see the difference within a few minutes



When looking for a good eye cream. Look for products containing coffee and caffeine.

Anti- Aging Butter

OMG.. is all I have to say about this product! I purchased this from Whole Body.

I spend so much time and money on my face that my body gets left out most of the time. I noticed a few days ago my legs were looking more like scales thank skin so I decided it was time to find a good body lotion. I asked the sales person at Whole Body what she recommend and she took me straight to this product. For a large jar its $19 but for a smaller size its only $10. She let me try it in the store and I knew it would save me to buy the bigger jar.

The only two ingredients in this product are: 100% Unrefined Shea Butter from West Africa and Organic Argan Oil.

It has a very silky feel and unlike Unrefined Shea Butter alone this product has a very pleasant scent! To apply you simply scoop a small about onto your palm and then rub it around until it melts, then you can apply it on your skin.

Here is a little helpful information I found on the ingredients.

Shea Butter-

Why is shea butter in such demand? Western countries are just beginning to recognize the considerable health and beauty benefits of shea butter, something Africans have known for thousands of years. Shea butter has been used to help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks. It may also help diminish wrinkles by moisturizing the skin, promoting cell renewal, and increasing circulation. Shea butter also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

Argan Oil-

Argan oil is loaded with essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, which is the precursor of vitamin E. This makes it well-known for its anti-aging, moisturizing and antioxidant properties. It has been scientifically proved that argan oil is able to correct the age related deficiencies in skin that cause dehydration and loss of skin elasticity. It is found to contain 700 mg per kilogram of tocopherols that is twice the amount found in olive oil. It is a natural antioxidant and can stimulate intracellular oxygenation. This helps neutralize the free radicals and protects the soft tissue. The nutrient content of the skin is restored with the help of argan oil tropical application.

Sunless Tanners that really work without making you look like a cheeto

Okay this is a product you can waste your money on over and over again and to add insult to your wallets injury you come out looking like an umpa lumpa. Well I am here to tell you.. I have used it all and if you can find it somewhere like Walgreens or Wal-Mart save your money. I would rather be sheet white than look like a walking orange. Anyway here are a few products I have used and LOVE!

Let me start with the brands I have tried that did not have the best results. Mystic Tan (at home kit), Banana Boat.. or any other brands you would find in a grocery store. Gradual Tanners tend to build up and look terrible around your wrists, knees or any dry areas.



I will start with my favorite which I have used several bottles of over the past few years. Clarins Gelee. This product can be purchased at Sephora, Dillards or any other Clarins retailer. It usually sells for around $28. I find that using it once a week you can typically get 2.5 months out of a bottle. They also sell a set for the same price with a free facial tanner that is out of this world.

So why do I love this product so much?... well for starters it has a great smell which all you sunless tanner girls know is hard to find!! Secondly it goes on smooth and develops into a beautiful dark natural tan without chunking off or building up around your hands



Next is my second favorite and its ALL NATURAL... Lavera!!! This is the only all natural sunless tanner I know of that actually works and wont leave you orange. You can purchase this product at Target for around $20. NOTE: this is not one of those sunless tanners you can put on and be so dark you look like you have been laying on the beach of a week, but it does give you a nice natural tint.







By Model Co. This easy to use spray is great for a night out. It is only temporary so its more cosmetic. It will usually last through 2 showers. You can buy this at Sephora and the Cosmetic Market for $18.







Tan Towels.. I'm sure you have seen these on HSN and out and about but I'm here to tell you they actually work.. now don't be surprised if you go through 6 packs just for one application. These small towelettes are easy to use but wont go a long way when applying. Be sure if you use these you wash your hands really well after because they will stain. They will run you around $2.50 a pack (min. I would get for 1 app would e 4). You can find these in just about any cosmetic store or online. I believe I found these on Amazon in the form of a case for about half the price.





Finally if you want an amazing.. just got back from the Bahamas tan you can go with Jan Tana! This is used by a lot of body builders (don't freak out.. they tan and tan and then apply this about 5 times lol so you wont be freakishly dark). This is also a cheaper option for only around $10 a bottle. You can purchase this online. You literally paint yourself with it but man it comes out looking dark.. no orange at all and for the price its worth a shot.




How to apply sunless tanner!!
*First you want to shower and exfoliate.
*After your shower be sure to dry off completely! You don't want any wet spots.
* Next apply a thin barrier of lotion to the tops of your feet, knees and any other dry spots paying close attention to your nail beds and palms.
* Then apply your tanner starting with your face and working your way down.
* I do NOT recommend wearing latex gloves because it seems to just smear the tanner around and you will have uneven spots.
*Lastly be sure to leave your clothes off for a good 15 min- an hour to avoid it rubbing off.

I know everyone these days are crazy for the mystic tan. My warning to you is read the poster in the booth. It clearly says the FDA has only approved this product when used with nose plugs! Most salons do not even have them available for purchase so if you must mystic be sure to bring your own nose plugs to avoid inhaling the product.