Annette Akye

March 20, 2012

PICTORIAL: Every day Simple Eyebrows

March 20, 2012

Product Rave: Sleek Blush by 3 in Flame

March 13, 2012

Pictorial: Pink Beauty

January 28, 2012

Product Rave: African Black Soap

Hi Divas,

Sometime late last year, I was going through a rough period with my skin. My skin was uneven with dark spots from occasional breakouts, so bad I began wearing foundation almost every time I had to go out. Not that I have the worst of skin but it’s not the best too. I usually have oily combination skin, large and raised pores and then again acne breakouts here and there. It was not always bad there were times that my skin was good but then it would get worse. So I just decided to get online, YouTube, and look at what people were using to treat their acne and clear spots. But then again I wanted a natural remedy as the chemical ones although professed to be good were also costly. Then I came across this God given natural miracle. It’s always been readily available but I have never paid much attention to it and am sure you have not either. Wanna bet? Ok. So it’s the African Black Soap aka “Alata Samina” or popularly known as Dudu Osun by the Nigerians. This is the “Holy Grail” of all soaps and no, I am not kidding.

LOL the irony is that the soap is actually brown not black lol!

So if you don’t know what this is, it’s a soap made from all natural ingredients like shea butter, cocoa pod, honey, plantain skin, palm kernel oil, just to name a few. It is all natural. It is an extremely versatile soap with anti-bacterial properties so it is very good for controlling mild acne, clearing spots and brightening the skin. It is also used for treatment of heat rashes, eczema, etc. It is very good for people with hypersensitive skin since it is made using all natural ingredients unless you are allergic to any of them.

Well I started by using the Nigerian version, Dudu Osun, which is widely available in most afro-Caribbean shops and within two weeks of usage I began to notice a difference in my skin. My skin seemed smoother and had a healthy look, it was literally glowing. No! I am not joking. My friends have been commenting on how nice my face is looking, glowing and they can’t actually put their fingers on it, lol. So I thought to myself that I could get hold of the locally made Ghanaian one so I did. I have been using it since and I have stopped using my Garnier products. They are just sitting in my bathroom for décor sake, lol. The funny thing is that my beloved had always been using this soap but I just thought he was being stingy, lol; pls don’t tell him, lol and I just realized why he has lovely blemish free skin.

PROS

· All natural soap made with organic products
· Very cheap as a little bit lathers much and lasts long
· Can be used as a makeup remover as well as a clarifying shampoo which leaves the hair soft and moisturized
· Tightens and reduces pores and fine lines hence reduces the appearance of wrinkles- no need for Botox, lol
· Reduces the appearance of spots and brightens skin
· Helps keep mild acne at bay

CON

· It can dry out the face a bit but it’s nothing shea butter can’t solve

HOW TO USE

A little bit goes a long way as it lathers well. So wash your face with warm water, then gently lather the soap and apply the lather unto your face not the soap itself, wait for 5 minutes, wash it off and apply your moisturizer immediately preferably shea butter. Remember to see results you need to use it at least for 6 months, you would just be patient.

That’s it divas, I hope you give it a try and you won’t regret it. Have you been using this soap already? Share your experience.

P.S. I learnt the Nigerian version is more potent hence might be a bit harsh if you have super sensitive skin.

January 22, 2012

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!

Happy new year divas, lol I know its been almost 20 days into the new year but its better late than never right? Well as we have ushered in the new year, its traditional to have some new year resolutions right? Arghhhhh the thought of making new year resolutions make me cringe inwardly just because I get to reflect on the previous years’ resolution only to have realized somewhat only two out of the loooooooong list. Ah! Failed resolutions, smh. So this year I have decided to make them short, fun and realistic. My resolutions are somewhat goals I would like to achieve this new year. It is also about change of attitude, behavior, etc.

· First on my list is to take my Christian life more seriously. Lol last year, I could count the number of times I did go to church bad yeah. So this year I’d like to go to church more often, read my bible and pray daily.
· Live a healthy lifestyle, lol don’t we all? Well what do I mean by that? Reduce my food content, eat more healthy foods and cut down on junk. Exercise regularly by walking more and jogging for 30 mins, 3 times per week.
· Be more disciplined, God be my helper; in that I have personally identified that I am sometimes sluggish in doing things and always putting off things to the last minute hence I do not get to the top as I am capable of. I need to renew my mind and be more serious about pursuing my dreams.

So in view of these major goals, there are a few objectives as well.

· Sleep early and avoid late night eating
· Use more natural products for my hair and skin
· Smile more often (sounds weird right? but yeah as in be more nice, lol)
· Try new things to fill my time esp hobbies like photography, baking and cooking new things
· Blog more often even tho Ghanaians don’t like to read lol

Yeah so that’s it. Simple and short right? All summed up lol. Anyways so far so good, well not on all goals but am trying bit by bit and I hope come the end of this year, I’d be proud that I was able to achieve my goals. So help me God. So what are your new year resolutions care to share?