Aging Gracefully | Skincare in Your 30s

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The old saying goes, black doesn't crack, and while that may be true…a good skincare routine is essential in keeping your melanin intact! Before I turned 30, I knew I wanted my skin to be flawless. My goal is to age like fine wine, and it was vital for me to drink my water, rest, and figure out what my skin needed.

Creating a skincare routine in your thirties is essential! It can help you maintain a youthful appearance; your skin loses collagen and elastin as you age, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. 

Here are a few tips for skincare in your thirties:

  • Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your face.

  • Apply a moisturizer to help hydrate your skin.

  • Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.

  • Get regular facials to exfoliate your skin and remove dead cells.

  • Eat a healthy/balanced diet and get plenty of rest.

  • Avoid smoking and excessive sun exposure.

Following these tips can help you maintain and improve your skin! 

My Combination Skincare Routine

Pre-Cleanser: Dermalogica PreCleanse Cleansing Oil The POREfessional Get Unblocked Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil

Makeup Remover: Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover

Cleanser: Toleriane Purifying Foaming Face Wash  and CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser

Toner: Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner and Thayers Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel Facial Toner

Exfoliator: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Serum: Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum

Treatment: 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, Faded Topicals Cream

AM Moisturizer: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane 

Sunscreen: Hello Sunshine Invisible Sunscreen

PM Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost

Lip Mask: ELF Lip Balm and Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask 

Important Notes for Improving Your Skincare

  • Use products that are specifically designed for your skin type.

  • Start using anti-aging products early, even if you don't see any signs of aging yet.

  • Be patient - it takes time to see results from skincare products.

  • Don't forget to take care of the skin on your neck and chest, as it can show signs of aging just as quickly as your face.

  • See a dermatologist if you have any concerns about your skin.

Following these tips, you can keep your skin looking its best in your thirties and beyond.

Skincare Tip: Don’t start using several new products at once. If you have a reaction, you won’t know which product has caused the issue.


Brown Girl Friendly Sunscreen | No White Cast: Get Sun Protection Without the Chalky Residue

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Hey, sis, you need to wear sunscreen! I know, I know, we think that we have melanin and we don’t need to wear sunscreen, but that’s not true. Sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine, but it can be frustrating to deal with a white cast—that chalky residue that some sunscreens leave behind on your skin.

This is especially true for people like us with darker skin tones, as the white cast can leave us looking very ashy.

 
 

Fortunately, there are now a number of sunscreens on the market that are formulated to be non-comedogenic and leave no white cast. These sunscreens typically use physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are less likely to leave a white cast than chemical blockers like oxybenzone and avobenzone. I’ve spent some time over the last few years exploring which ones actually do what they claim and I want to share them with you.

When choosing a sunscreen with no white cast, it's important to look for a product that is:

  • Non-comedogenic: This means that the sunscreen won't clog your pores.

  • Broad-spectrum: This means that the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

  • SPF 30 or higher: This is the minimum SPF that dermatologists recommend for everyday use.

Here are a few of my top picks for sunscreens they will leave no white cast:

*Bonus Body Sunscreen 

If you're looking for a sunscreen that provides effective sun protection without leaving a white cast, one of these products is sure to fit the bill. When I’m wearing makeup I tend to go for an SPF only, and the days that I want to go makeup free; I opt for a moisturizer + SPF combo.

If you try any of these or have others, let me know. I’d love to know what your favorite sunscreen is.


T3Micro Hair Tools: A Review of the Best Products for Natural Hair

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T3Micro is a professional hair tool brand that offers a wide range of high-quality products. Their tools are best known for their innovative design, advanced technology, and exceptional performance. As a black woman with natural 4C hair, it’s essential that I know if these products are worth our coins and if they’ll actually work on our thick, coarse hair. Below are a few of my favorite products.

1. T3 Micro FEATHERWEIGHT STYLEMAX

The T3 Micro Featherweight Stylemax Dryer is a lightweight and powerful hair dryer that is perfect for all hair types. It features a powerful motor that dries hair quickly and evenly, and it has multiple heat and speed settings so you can customize your drying experience. The dryer also comes with a concentrator attachment for precision styling.

2. T3 Micro Lucea 1.5 Flat Iron

The T3 Micro Lucea 1.5 Flat Iron was made for me! It was specially made for those with thick and coarse hair to give a sleek, flat result in one pass. It heats quickly and has 9 heat settings to provide you with the ultimate results. See this flat iron in action here.

3. T3 Micro Switch Kit Curl Trio

The T3 Micro Switch Kit Curl Trio is perfect for creating a variety of curls, and it is great no matter the length of your hair. From tight ringlets to loose waves you can achieve it by switching out the barrel. It features interchangeable barrels in three sizes, and it has five heat settings so you can customize your curls. The curling iron also comes with a heat-resistant glove for added safety. 

4. T3 Micro Airebrush 

The T3 Micro AireBrush is a beast and designed to give you a salon worthy blowout every time. However, you must read the instructions. Your hair should not be soaking wet when using this tool. I like to apply my heat protectant and section my hair while letting it air dry and stretch before going in with the tool. I was so amazed at how well it stretched my natural 4c hair. It does take a little practice, but once you get the hang of it - AMAZING! 


Overall, these tools have been a game changer in helping me achieve the styles I desire. With natural hair, it can be extremely tricky to know what products and tools will be worth the investment. So when I know, I’m happy to share! 

My Natural Hair Journey: Still Going Strong in 2024

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I've been on my natural hair journey for over three years now, and I'm loving it more and more every day. My hair is healthier, stronger, and more beautiful than it's ever been. I’ve learned so much about myself and hair through this process. I’ve also learned a thing or two, and per request, (via my Instagram poll) here we are.

In the beginning, I struggled with transitioning from relaxed to natural hair. I didn't know how to care for my hair properly, and I was constantly frustrated with the results. So, I said forget it, let’s cut it all off. My hair was breaking off, I was under an enormous amount of stress and depression was wreaking havoc in my life.


For the first year, I still didn’t take care of my hair. I really didn’t know what to do. I washed it and detangled it, and constantly kept it wrapped up. Then I moved to protective styles - my go to box braids and wigs.



What have I learned?


One of the most important things I've learned is that you have to learn what your hair likes. I noticed that my hair showed characteristics of being low porosity and I started trying travel sized products before purchasing full sized versions not knowing if I would like them or not. 


I’ve also learned that natural 4c hair can curl, I never thought my hair would turn into beautiful wet looking curls. I love rocking a wash and go when I have time to “do the wash and go” process. 



My Favorite Curly Products:

The doux honey line

Pattern Beauty - Hydration Shampoo, Heavy Conditioner, Jojoba Oil Blend, and Edge Control 

Camille Rose - Almond Jai Twisting Butter; perfect for juicy twists.   

The Doux - Mousse Def Texture Foam, Big Poppa Define Gel, Crazy Sexy Curl Foam, Bee Girl Curl Enhancer 


My Favorite Straight Hair Products:


Olaplex: Hair Perfector, Maintenance Bonder Shampoo, Bond Maintenance Conditioner, Bonding Oil

T3 Micro Hair Tools: T3 FEATHERWEIGHT STYLEMAX, Airbrush One Step, Curl Trio Kit, Lucea Flat Iron




Overall, I'm so grateful for my natural hair journey. It's been a journey of self-discovery and self-love. I've learned so much about myself and my hair, and I'm more confident than ever.


If you're thinking about going natural, I encourage you to try it, especially if you don't wear your hair out anyway, what’s the point in relaxing it. I’m always going to be team, ‘Do what you like’ and what makes you feel like the best version of yourself.