Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones That Won’t Leave White Streaks

Published on by Lee5 Comments

Although melanin does give darker skin tones some sunprotection, it’s not enough to prevent skin cancer. Not to mention,“With cumulative sun exposure you can see increased fine lines, decreased elasticity, and discoloration, which means, yes, you should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even if you have a darker skin tone. The trouble is, so many leave a white cast. Here, Lee found (and tested) the best sunscreens for darker skin tones that were made with melanin in mind. And while you’re hunting, don’t forget the lip SPF!

Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector

Farmacy $46.40

A blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide forms (with an antioxidant boost from echinacea) a shield on the skin that not only blocks the sun’s damaging rays, but also visible light from digital devices (which accelerate aging, too). Prefer mineral based sunscreens or physical blockers that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, because they’re more protective against exacerbation of discoloration and dark spots.

Umbra Sheer Physical Defense

Drunk Elephant $34.00

Zinc oxide is the sunscreen gold standard. It blocks a broader range of the sun’s light than titanium dioxide and may be more stable. But zinc’s difficult to formulate into a wearable sunscreen, especially for darker skin, because it’s very whitening. This formula gets it right. It disappears on the skin, even on dark complexions. Mineral sunscreens are particularly helpful for dark skin because they deflect heat which worsens hyperpigmentation.

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

IT COSMETICS $39.50

This all-in-one cream is powered by mineral sunscreens and is my current go-to. There are shades to match every skin tone, it acts as a concealer, and is oil-free with a matte finish.

Award-winning color correcting cream that works beautifully as your full-coverage foundation, hydrating anti-aging serum and SPF 50+ physical sunscreen. Infused with hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamins, this skin-loving full-coverage foundation reduces the appearance of acne scarring, wrinkles, redness on skin, dark circles under eyes and large pores—all while giving you a luminous, supple, flawless-looking complexion.

Complete Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Olay $13.99

For dry skin I usually recommend using sunscreens that are hydrating and most facial moisturizers with sunscreen can achieve this. This formula has a mix of chemical sunscreens and zinc oxide. This gentle, lightweight lotion is fragrance-free and features zinc oxide, a gentle mineral sunscreen. It also includes vitamin E and aloe to help maintain healthy-looking skin. Unlike many facial moisturizers with sunscreen, complete all day facial moisturizer with SPF is non-greasy and lightweight. Its oil-free formula leaves skin with a healthy glow which is also perfect for sensitive skin.

SPF 50 Defense Refresh Setting Mist

Supergoop! $30.00

Lee emphasizes that sunscreen must be reapplied throughout the day (specifically every two hours) to maintain protection. Sounds okay for a day at the beach, but what about a day at the office? Spritz this spray right on top of your makeup—it’ll refresh your look and protect your skin.

Mineral Liplux SPF 30

Coola $18.00

Lips need sun care, too. Moisturize and protect them with this Coola mineral sunscreen lip balm. Organic beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil give this balm its creamy base while titanium dioxide and zinc do sun-blocking work. COOLA Mineral Liplux with SPF 30 adds a hint of natural color while protecting, nourishing and conditioning your lips. Organic Cupuacu Butter and Mongongo Oil offers incredible creaminess that promotes a special softness and smoothness to boost your lip’s natural moisture and help improve the appearance of aging and thinning skin.

Ultra Sheer SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen

Black Girl Sunscreen $18.99

A sunscreen made for women of color. The formula goes on completely clear and gives the skin a pretty glow. Because it hydrates without being greasy or tacky, it’s an effective base for makeup.

Being Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free means you won’t have about toxics disrupting your hormones, and your sunscreen being environmentally friendly. Avocado moisturizes, reduces signs of aging, and treats sunburns. Containing vitamin E and antioxidants is what makes avocado one of the hottest trends in the natural skin care industry. Not only using avocado oil, but eating avocado on a weekly basis can be very beneficial and necessary for your skin. Jojoba soothes and moisturizes the skin leaving it flawless while preventing acne. Hydrating your skin is crucial to skin health and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. Cacao provides powerful anti-oxidants and evens out the complexion of your skin for a smooth, consistent skin tone. Carrot Juice contains vitamin C which enables it to promote healing and even boost the level of melanin in the skin. Carrot juice has been known to even out acne breakouts too. Sun Flower Oil prevents skin irritation from sunburn and other skin irritants. This nutrient-rich oil provides inflammation relief as well.

Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn

Supergoop! $14.00

Your hands need sun protection, too. While its powered by chemical screens, there’s no oxybenzone. And it has argan oil to moisturize but still absorbs quickly.

Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Murad $70.00

The eye area is particularly sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays because the skin is thinner and dryer. This eye cream protects with SPF and antioxidant Vitamin C. Treatment ingredients include retinol to increase cell turnover and avocado oil for moisture. Shorea stenoptera butter and avocado oil work together to condition and hydrate for smoother skin.

Caffeine reduces puffiness, retinol supports natural renewal to help restore skin’s youthfulness, and light diffusers soften appearance of fine lines and dark circles. Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 / PA +++ is recommended as a Step 3 moisturizer to protect the eye area in any Murad Environmental Shield regimen. It hydrates, smoothes, and shields skin from UV damage to reduce eye area aging as part of Dr. Murad’s inclusive health system of care.

ARE YOU A SUNSCREEN USER? WHAT BRAND IS YOUR FAVORITE SUNSCREEN TO USE ON THE DAILY? Comment down below!

How to Spruce up Your Work From Home Space

Published on by Lee3 Comments

There was a time in life that I dreamed about “working from home.” Except for the home I imagined was more so a café in Paris where I would write articles while eating multiple croissants. I did not, however, imagine sitting at the dining table unable to leave for anywhere other than the grocery store.

Working from home loses its charm very quickly. I spend all day at home only to reward myself post-work with … more home. While some don’t have a job at the moment, I am grateful that my manager still calls. Blogging and Instagram have really been my main income during this pandemic which allows me to stay home, but I still struggle with the monotony. Keep reading for the seven things I ordered online to make my daily experience more enjoyable.

High-Quality Candles

I have been thinking a lot about the bell system we had in high school recently. The beginning and end of a day signified by the alarming roar of bells. I wanted to signal the beginning and end of my workdays in a less jarring manner, so I have been lighting a candle by my laptop each morning and blowing it out when I am done. The scent helps me relax and transports me somewhere other than the suburbs. Right now, I am alternating between NEST’s Moroccan Amber and Maison Louis Marie’s No. 4. The sweet smell of luxury.

An Intricate Skincare Routine

One perk to isolation is that you can sit in a face mask while replying to emails. There is no one around to laugh at your ZitSticka pimple patches ($29). You can spend 2 hours on your morning skincare routine because you no longer have to waste time commuting. Each morning, I have been cleansing my skin with Sunday Riley’s Ceramic Slip ($35), exfoliating with Glossier Solution exfoliating skin perfector ($24) and following it up with an oil. If I am breaking out, I lean towards U.F.O. ($80) but if not I grab C.E.O. Glow ($40) and my skin instantly feels suppler. There are days I like to sit outside when working and I will put on Sunscreen to protect myself from the sun’s harsh rays. When I am not being lazy, I whip together my turmeric face mask which consists of yogurt, turmeric, lemon and honey for a nice homemade glow.

A Selection of Teas

To avoid gaining the “quarantine 15,” I have been sipping on a wide array of tea throughout the day. This prevents me from mindlessly snacking as a result of boredom. You can make a game out of it too. A sip every time someone on your Instagram feed tags 10 people in a push-up challenge. Another sip when you see someone not social distancing properly. I like switching between green, turmeric and honey chamomile tea but there are so many options out there.

Matching Loungewear Sets

Stay away from me if you are someone that dresses up to work from home. I have been following a strict elastic waistband dress code. Pajamas all day ­≠ sloppy and primitive. With so many sets out there to choose from it is easier than ever to look nice enough for the Zoom meeting screenshot that will inevitably make its way onto Instagram.

At-Home Workout Equipment

I never thought I would be able to work out from home. I miss going to the gym and working out until 9pm. But, I was lucky enough to find online classes that I enjoy and wouldn’t mind continuing it after Covid-19. Francia Raisa – have been live-streaming workouts on IG for FREE. Most of the classes do not require any equipment, which is perfect if you do not have a home gym.

Books

The silver lining in all of this is that we finally have time to do all the things we talked about wanting to do (from the safety of our own homes, of course). I used to complain that there was never enough time in a day to read. So if I do not come out of isolation a well-read genius, I want to be held accountable. If you have a library card, use OverDrive to view your local library’s e-book collection. If you do not, you can download the Libby app to get one. Audible also has a 30-day free trial that grants you access to their vast audiobook collection. Personally, nothing can replace the smell and feel of a physical book for me, and for that reason, I travel to the Dollar store or any supermarket that I know for certain sells books.

Succulents

Having something to take care of feels good when everything else seems outside of your control. You are not alone for you have your plants. They are rooting for you and your health (pun intended). Succulents like aloe vera and the “corn plant” can help purify the air, add fresh oxygen to your space and overall brighten the room. For $35 a month you can get a monthly subscription to The Sill — a modern plant destination for the modern plant lover. Their “Plants for Beginners” box sends you a different hand-potted plant in an earthenware planter each month that is easy to take care of.

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GISOU HONEY INFUSED HAIR OIL + HAIR PERFUME REVIEW

Published on by Lee1 Comment

We’ve probably all come across Gisou scrolling through Instagram at some point. The luxurious hair care brand founded by famous Influencer Negin Mirsalehi kept intriguing me since the beginning. The beautiful glass bottles, the fact that it contains honey,… I kept trying to resist because of the high price tag, but the brand kept calling my name. I finally caved and purchased my first bottle of honey infused hair oil. I was so pleasantly surprised by the scent of the hair oil that I later on also purchased the honey-infused hair perfume. It’s almost been 4 months since I first purchased from Gisou, so I’ve been putting these products to the test!

SHOP GISOU

There’s no denying the fact that the packaging of Gisou products is to die for. It is so simple, yet so elegant and feminine at the same time. The cardboard box has a soft shade of pink with gold lettering. The glass bottles look so luxurious, chic and are a beautiful addition to any makeup vanity.

HONEY INFUSED HAIR PERFUME

The key ingredient in the hair perfume is, of course, honey. And I can honestly say I do notice a hint of honey in this delicious smelling hair perfume. The scent is very floral and feminine and in my opinion, also very unique. I’ve never smelled anything like the Gisou products before.

Recently, braids have become my go-to hairstyle again. So, I haven’t been applying many products to my hair but I do use Gisou Honey Infused Hair Perfume Pocket ($44) hair perfume to add a bit of moisture back into my sculpt which has a divine floral scent. Also, I use this product on my clothes and body. The scent lingers on for about 4-5 hours before it starts to fade away ever so slightly, which I think is pretty average for a ” hair ” perfume. It’s also nice to note that the hair perfume is formulated without silicones and of course, is cruelty-free.

HONEY INFUSED HAIR OIL

The honey-infused hair oil ( $46 ) claims to deeply condition, strengthen, and nourish your hair thanks to the key ingredient, honey. Speaking of ingredients, the hair oil does contain silicones which are important to note especially if you have curly hair. Silicone-based products in curly hair may produce build-up since the ingredient doesn’t dissolve in water. I for one, have very kinky curly thick hair and I don’t mind silicone in my hair products, as long as it’s not too overpowering. If you take a closer look at the ingredient list, you’ll also notice that honey is actually at the bottom of that list. I guess the hair oil would’ve become too sticky if they added too much honey. The hair oil also contains sweet almond oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E.

The smell of the hair oil is, just like the hair perfume, floral and feminine. It is the same scent as the hair perfume, just more subtle. The consistency of the oil is of course quite oily but you can also clearly feel the silicones. I use about 1-2 drops on my wet, tangled hair and this adds just the right amount of moisture. The hair oil doesn’t make my hair feel greasy as long as I don’t apply too much. It smooths out my hair and makes it feel soft once it’s dry. Sometimes, when my hair is extra dry on the second day, I just apply a little drop to the ends of my hair and it gets rid of any frizziness. This goes to show how versatile this product is. You could use it as an overnight treatment, before styling, after styling, add it to your hair mask,… Just make sure to never over-apply this product, since it can tend to get greasy if you do (trust me: been there, done that!). This is also the second bottle I’ve purchased this year, which says a lot. Anytime, I am trying a new brand and a new product, I go for the travel size, which lasts me about 6 months. But, my second time around I purchased the bigger bottle.

My final thoughts? I enjoy using both products and they have become a staple in my haircare routine. But the big question remains, are these products worth the hefty price tag? The Honey Infused Hair Perfume 100% is! The scent is divine and it’s not more expensive than an average perfume bottle. So worth it! The Honey Infused Hair Oil, on the other hand, depends on your budget honestly. I’m sure you can find alternatives that do the same thing to your hair for a fraction of the price. But, another selling point for me? The Gisou products are made in The Netherlands with honey from the Mirsalehi bee garden and are not tested on animals. The bottom line, I’m a huge fan of both products and I will continue to repurchase them once I run out.

Have you tried out any Gisou products? What are your thoughts? Is it worth the money?

7 Satin Hair Bonnets That Protect Your Hair

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Since, of January 2020, I have been wearing satin hair bonnets to bed. Whether it’s to maintain freshly done braids, preserve my wrap or protect my ends, it’s become a nonnegotiable part of my beauty and sleep routine. Not only do hair bonnets help to lock in moisture, but they also prevent the friction that occurs when your hair rubs against your pillow. Bonnets rank high on the list of black girl beauty essentials and have recently become more popular as other communities have caught on to the benefits of protecting your ends from drying, cotton pillowcases. Here, I gathered a list of the best hair bonnets, from the chic option you can totally wear outdoors to the extra-long bonnet designed for extra-long lengths.

Glow by Daye Satin Bonnet

Anyone who sleeps with a bonnet or scarf knows the struggle of waking up to find it next to you on the pillow. That’s where the Glow by Day Satin Bonnet comes in. The band is adjustable, so you can customize it to your head size and it’s double layered and reversible, which practically makes it two bonnets in one.

Silke London Hair Wrap

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Ideal for shorter or flatter hair (it’s perfect post-silk press), the Silke London Silk Hair Wrap is available in chic, colorblocked options with knots in the front. It’s a bonnet that doesn’t look like a bonnet and is made of pure mulberry silk to ensure your strands stay hydrated all night long.

Evolve Satin Wide Edge Bonnet

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The Evolve Satin Wide Edge Bonnet is a beauty supply store staple that keeps edges smooth while also protecting your hair. This is an ideal option for anyone who wants to wake up selfie-ready or likes their edges to stay laid throughout the night.

Red by Kiss Silky Satin Braid Bonnet

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Long braided styles can render your everyday bonnet obsolete, which is why we always recommend keeping a satin braid bonnet around, just in case. This option from Red by Kiss holds your braids all night and is made of a breathable fabric.

Grace Eleyae Slap Cap

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Grace Eleyae Slaps (slap stands for “satin-lined cap”) have long been a staple on the natural hair scene. The beanie-like bonnets are innocuous enough to be worn outside and soft enough to be worn to bed. They’re also available in nearly every color imaginable so feel free to pick up a few to match your mood or your PJs.

MARLENA Isoken Enofe

This bonnet is as much a fashion statement as it is functional—and the x-large size makes it a great option for anyone with extra thick or long hair. It also comes in kids sizes too

ADAMA Luxy Satin Bonnet, Black & Gold

ADAMA Luxy Satin Bonnet is double sided satin for Nighttime Hair Protection with a comfortable Elastic Headband with Shiny Metallic Finish. The x-large size accommodate large volumes of hair without matting it down and comes in a Black and Gold style.

The adjustable, super-comfortable bonnet is a classic favorite! No matter how thick your hair, this bonnet gives you room to rest and relax without breakage. The perfect way to keep your curls (or any hair texture!) intact and in shape.

DO YOU WEAR A BONNET/HEAD WRAP TO BED? COMMENT BELOW!