The Soapy Suds- One Amazing Nigerian Skincare Brand to Watch Out For.

In 2022, one of my goals for A Dash of Iruoma was to try out more reputable Nigerian skincare brands. I realized that skincare in Nigeria is erroneously associated with skin bleaching. While that is a story for another day, it was my delight to see that some Nigerian skincare brands are doing a good job!

One Nigerian skincare brand to watch out for has to be Soapy Suds.

About Soapy Suds

When I returned to IG from my unplanned hiatus in September, I started following more skincare creators and brands. This was helpful as I familiarized myself with the type of content that our audience resonated with and even what brands would like.

That was when I came across Soapy Suds

Soapy Suds is a Nigerian skincare brand that creates simple and effective skincare products for healthy skin and a radiant and more even complexion. 

I loved how engaging their Instagram stories were plus they engaged with my content in the sweetest way. One day, I pitched to them after a conversation with my sister. 

It was the best news when they agreed to send a pr package and thankfully it was around the launch of new products from their brand. While I’ve reviewed some of them on IG and TikTok, they deserve a spot on the blog for you!

Products from Soapy Suds

My pr package came with 6 products and a thoughtful gift of chocolates! 

The best part was how Ayo (the founder) ensured I got my package despite delays from the dispatch rider. She called intermittently just to be sure it arrived in good condition. That takes a lot of effort and it was so kind of her. Let’s get into the products, shall we?

Soapy Suds AHA/BHA FOAMING Cleanser

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soapy-suds-exfoliating-cleanser

An exfoliating cleanser is a multipurpose cleanser. This means it cleanses the face and also has ingredients like alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxyl acids (AHA) that help clear off dead skin (exfoliate). 

This sort of cleanser shouldn’t be used daily as over-exfoliating can irritate the skin and damage the skin barrier. 

Back to the cleanser. It comes in a 120 ml white opaque plastic bottle with a pump head. It has a transparent cover with a brown and black paper design showing the ingredients like mandelic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. There are also instructions on how to use it.

It has a mousse-like texture and didn’t sting my face upon application.  Please note that I’ve also been alternating between it and a gentle cleanser since it’s exfoliating. 

Is this worth your buy?

Yes if you’re after a gentle exfoliant in your routine. 

The only con is you would need another cleanser because you can’t use this every day, but it makes for a good exfoliant so it’s a win-win depending on how you look at it. 

INGREDIENTS as seen on the website: 

Aqua (Distilled Water),  Vegetable Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Decyl Glucoside, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Pro Vitamin B5, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Salicylic Acid, Polyquaternium 7, Sodium Citrate, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (Preservative).

Soapy Suds Milk “N” Honey Bar Soap

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milk-n-honey-bar-soap-by-soappy-suds

The next product in this package is the bar soap. It comes wrapped in a pale white wrapper and the classic brown tag. It’s shaped like a square with a chipped end and I love that the chipped corner has some holes like a honeycomb. 

I had been using body washes and hadn’t used bar soap in ages so this was an interesting switch. The mild fragrance and after-effects on my skin were ones I looked forward to. Since it was two bars, I gave my sister one, and in her words: ‘The soap was beautiful on my skin, Iruoma!”

I would say that the convenience of liquid washes is better for me, especially in school where we have a public bathroom and I don’t particularly appreciate having to open soap dishes. That makes me hope they make a liquid wash with a formula this gentle!

Is it worth your buy?

Yes! If you prefer body bar soaps.

My review of the last body wash I used

The Soapy Suds Hydrating Essence Toner

Every product in this package was a star, but this essence toner was the boss! The reviews about this water gel were all over my IG feed and it was the product I even requested for PR when asked what I would like.

This toner did not disappoint! You know that I would never mince words about my experience with a product so trust me when I say this toner is a blessing!

While toners are not necessary for your skincare to be complete, having one that gives extra hydration is a win-win for your skin.

INGREDIENTS as seen on the website: 

Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Sodium Lactate, Propanediol, Pro Vitamin B5, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) extract, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate & Propylene Glycol (Preservative), FD&C pink.

It contains glycerin which is super hydrating and it was packaged in a transparent 100ml plastic with a beautiful functional nozzle that guarantees no spillage.

It is suitable for all skin types and really helped me with my skin barrier.

Is it worth your buy?

Absolutely absolutely absolutely (how many times would I type that word? Lol) YES!

The Soapy Suds Balm-To-Milk Cleansing Balm

The Balm-to-milk cleansing balm was one of the new products to launch in October and I was thrilled to be among the influencers to try it first.

My regular makeup remover has been micellar water as I had been skeptical about trying cleansing oils or balms because of my skin type. The interesting fact is that oils actually do a better job at breaking the grime or dirt off your face so they’re excellent to be used by both oily or dry skin as a first cleanse. 

Anyways, the first day I used it on my face, I became a believer in cleansing balms!

It has a rich creamy balm texture and all you need to do is rub it on dry palms and massage it onto your face for about 60 seconds.

Like the name, it emulsifies into a milky liquid on the face once water touches it and it doesn’t leave my face feeling greasy which was one of my concerns about using it.

This cleansing balm also left my face feeling non-stripped and I looked forward to my double cleansing at night to use it.

My favorite thing about it is the packaging. It’s a cute 60g jar with the classic white packaging of the brand and comes with a scop so you don’t dip your hand in the product.

Very thoughtful!

INGREDIENTS as seen on site: 

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Squalane, Emulsifying wax, Cetearyl Alcohol, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Polysorbate 80, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) fruit oil,  Tocopherol.

PS -Micellar water is a multipurpose skin care product made using ingredients for cleansing like glycerin and purified water. It can be used as a first cleanse or to remove your makeup.

SOAPY SUDS Body Oil

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The Soapy Suds body oil was a breath of fresh air for me. I love using body oils and body butter so it’s no surprise I enjoyed my use of this product. The best part about this product is the fragrance and after-feel.

Most people do not like using oils on their skin, especially in humid areas, but this oil was formulated in a way that leaves your skin feeling supple, not clogged or greasy. 

I mentioned the fragrance earlier on, but it deserves another mention. This body oil has the scent of vanilla mixed with tropical fruits or what i would say was candy-like. I enjoyed layering it with body lotion and my perfume.

My package had the 100ml variant but there’s a 250ml size of this goodness in a bottle.

It’s meant for body use only and it’s suitable for both morning and evening use.

INGREDIENTS as seen on the website: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Undecylenyol Phenylalanine, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, C12-C15 Alkyl Benzoate, Fragrance, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil, Tocopherol.

Is it worth your buy?

Absolutely yes! I believe it’s a good addition to your body skincare routine, especially during this period of harmattan.

Soapy Suds AHA Body serum

This is my least explored product in the package and I honestly need to do better. The AHA serum is an exfoliating serum for the body. If you’re familiar with how we use physical exfoliants on the skin like body scrubs and glove sponges? That’s the function of this serum but think of it as a more gentle approach to the skin.

I used this a couple of times in school and haven’t used my glove sponge for exfoliating because after use my skin feels smoother. Afterward, I layer it with body lotion and body oil.

INGREDIENTS as seen on the website:  Aqua (Distilled Water),  Vegetable Glycerin,  Lactic  Acid,  Glycolic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Kojic Acid, Alpha Arbutin,  Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Extract, Allantoin,  Sodium Hydroxide (PH adjuster) Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (Preservative), Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, FD&C Orange.

As we advance this new year, I intend to use it consistently so as to give a more robust review of my experience with it. Despite my inconsistency, I’ve had a pleasant experience!

NB- The body serum is meant to be used at night and due to its ingredients. It’s best used 3 times a week for the first 3 weeks of use as recommended on the website.

Is it worth your buy?

I would say yes especially if you want to try something different for your body care routine.


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Save image on Pinterest

Soapy Suds is definitely one Nigerian skincare brand to look out for, and I hope they keep up the good work of not just making effective skincare, but educating Nigerians on healthy skincare habits.

Check their IG page below for more details:

Have you tried any products from Soapy Suds? Would you like to try them? What’s your favorite Nigerian skincare brand currently? Please share with me in the comments.


READ ALSO: My Body Care Routine Ft Body skincare products

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My Just Journal Review- The Best Daily Planner To Help You Stay Organized In 2024

Hey, beauty!

Happy New Year once again. I shared some highlights from 2023. One of them was planning most of the year using my Just Journal planner.

I love the concept of stewarding time and looking forward to resting. Maximizing productivity is not as complex as it sounds when you have the best daily planner to help.

As much as digital tools for productivity have a special place in my heart, I will always be the paper and biro babe. If you’re searching for ways to elevate your productivity in 2024, welcome! You’re at the right place.

Just Journal is a Nigerian stationery brand that prides itself in building a community of stationery lovers who are creating their dream lives and loving every step of the way!

If you’re searching for ways to elevate your productivity in 2024, welcome! You’re in the right place

Let’s begin, shall we?

A Peek Into Just Journal Planners

My first ever planner was the “Make every day count” planner. It’s a monthly planner for 3 months. The features are similar to other planners in the collection, but there are differences in design and appearance.

The layout:

  • Prompts for daily to-dos
  • Weekly goals and review
  • Monthly goals and review

Cover:

  • Hardcover.

Content:

  • A portion for your name.
  • A personal message from the brand owner.
  • A quick review of the previous year. 
  • A slot for goals for the year.
  • A vision board.
  • What would you like to learn?
  • A slot for affirmations. 
  • Weekly and monthly finances.
  • Ideas/brain dump, 
  • Reading plans, 
  • Gifting list 
  • Letter of thanksgiving


Are planners worth it?

While I’m biased toward saying planners are worth it, evidence trumps my bias. I found some reasons why investing in a paper planner compared to a digital one is worth your try in 2024:

Planners keep you healthy and reduce stress 

Research has proven that planning and organizing have notable good health benefits like improved sleep and mood, less anxiety, and even reduced stress.

Writing down your daily to-do lists improves your engagement with your task. 

Writing ticks a spot in your mind that makes you feel like your work has started.  

Planners help you stay motivated. 

There is something about using a daily planner that keeps you looking forward to accomplishing a task. Please tell me I’m not the only one who looks forward to crossing off things I’ve done for the day as a reward!

Planners  keep you accountable 

Most planners, like the one from Just Journal, provide reminders for healthy habits. If one of your goals is to exercise regularly, read more books, or gift loved ones, there are reminders and allotted spaces in the planners. 

This builds habits and holds you accountable. 

Some Things To Note Before Buying a Daily Planner

Before purchasing the best daily planner for you, there are a few things I want you to have in mind.

The world of planners can be overwhelming as there are different styles and designs. If you’re like me, and aesthetics plays a significant role in your decision, you need something pretty AND functional.

Let’s look at them together: 

Know your preference 

Do you like pretty stuff, or you don’t mind plain covers?

Would you prefer a big-sized planner or something portable for your bag?

Will you leave your planner at your desk, or prefer to take it out with you?

This gives you an idea of the type of planner that would suit you.

How busy do you get? 

Do you have a set daily routine or structure? 

This is important because some planners are undated and have a flexible layout compared to dated planners, which may not be suitable for someone with a more relaxed routine.

I don’t do well with hourly timelines in my planners, as my routine varies depending on the clinical rotation I find myself in. 

The planners I’ve used from Just Journal are un-dated, and I don’t have to worry about any hour with a missed activity. 

Different planners or one?

When considering getting a planner, one helpful thing is deciding if you want different planners for different priorities. For example, if you’re an entrepreneur and need a planner to help with your goals for your business, one that comes to mind is the Just Journal Ladypreneur planner. One planner is sufficient if you prefer to combine personal and work activities! 

Blank space or one with prompts 

Some people prefer having blank planners which they fill up with their ideas, while others prefer planners with prompts.

I love both, and one reason I’ve enjoyed my planners is that they had spaces for ideas and prompts that guided my thoughts.

What’s your budget?

This is the most crucial factor for me! 

How much can you comfortably spend on a planner?

Seeing as this would be a recurrent purchase, it’s worth considering. There are times you would want to splurge and invest because, honestly, everything has become expensive. 

Nonetheless, go for something you would enjoy for your comfortable price. 

Do not be rigid with planners. Try different planners for fun and see what works for you!
It could be a different design or a smaller pad. It could be putting sticky notes or using highlighters. Whatever floats your boat!

My Experience with Just Journal Daily Planners

Now that you’re acquainted with daily planners, let me share my experience and why I believe they offer the best daily planner you can get for 2024.

I started using a planner from this brand in 2020. That was the year the world went through it, and I needed something to hold on to.

Scrolling through IG one day, I found a post on the available planners by Just Journal and went with it. The first thing that caught my attention about this brand was its aesthetics.

I was so pleased that I repurchased more!

Thus began my journey with the best daily planner. Before that time, I had jotters where I scribbled ideas and to-do lists. It wasn’t sufficient for me, and I would get bored looking at blank pages and trying to figure out what to write.

Getting the first planner was love at first sight!

I loved that it had a quote on the cover that reminded me to “Make Everyday Count”.

The other one I got last year was titled “My Big Goals & Plans for 2021” and afterwards, “Fearless”.

It was pretty easy to use because of the prompts, and I loved the feeling of reviewing my day, week, and month as best as I could. 

You know how you look back at a period and wonder what you have achieved? 

Looking back at my 2020 planner while preparing this post, my eyes rested on the goal of creating my blog. Time has flown by, but seeing that there was a time when this dream was merely an idea that I wrote down was just beautiful.

That’s the thing with planners. They become time capsules that tell the story of how your ideas came to pass. Even if all your ideas/ plans don’t come to pass, the mere fact that you dared to dream is remarkable. 

Pros

The planners from Just Journal are:

  • Portable.
  • It lasts for three months.
  • Help you break down big goals into smaller chunks like daily and weekly tasks to arrive at your destination.
  • Designed with pages that track expenses, habits, and things to be thankful for.
  • Different designs with a hardcover that lasts.

Con

I wish the duration of a planner were more than 3 months. It’s always heartbreaking when I get to the end. Other than that, I have no complaints!

FAQs

  • How do I use the daily planner from Just Journal? 

It’s pretty simple as the planners have prompts on each page, so you only need to follow the prompts.

  • What is the difference between a daily planner and a journal?

A journal documents your day or experience, while a planner is used for to-do lists and tasks. 

Some people can use a planner to journal in bullet points because journaling is an account, and the same goes for using a journal to plan your to-do lists.

I prefer separating them for ease, but that is totally up to you!

  • How do I stay consistent with daily planning?

First, don’t beat yourself up for missing days. It happens. Secondly, planning doesn’t have to look the same every day. 

One way to stay consistent is by having your planner where you can easily reach. My desk is close to my bed in school, and I always sit there to write at home. That way, I can see my planner and go through any pending tasks.

Another helpful thing is to prayerfully write your plans ahead of the next day, depending on your schedule. 


Would you like to try it?

Share with me in the comments, and share this post with someone who loves planners!

This post was initially written on December 13, 2022, and updated on January 16th, 2024.

November skincare empties ft Dove, TIAM, and Face facts

Hey, beauty!

First of all, happy new month. I mean can you believe it’s December already? Technically, it’s been over a week but who’s counting?

Welcome back here! The last time I wrote a skincare empties post, I was knee-deep in the school’s resumption and that phase was so stressful. It is still stressful, but not as bad as then.

Thankfully, I’m in the final rotation of my final year of med school and I can’t wait for the 3 months to be over.

Let’s get back here before I digress. November’s skincare empties are 6 skincare products. I have shared reviews of most of them on the blog. They have been linked as well for your ease and trust me to not gatekeep any details.

Shall we?

This post contains affiliate links which means I may get a commission if you make a purchase via the links at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Dove Nourishing Secrets Glowing Ritual Body Lotion

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What is it?

The Dove replenishing glow ritual body lotion is a body moisturizer. I got this skincare product for the sake of experimenting with more body lotions in my body care routine.

PS- Read about my body care routine and the helpful hack I use for my body lotion.

My Experience

This body lotion was very lightweight and I enjoyed that about it. It also had a subtle fragrance to it that wasn’t overwhelming. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was how long I had to wait for it to seep into my skin before going in with a body butter or body oil. 

Other than that, it left my skin feeling hydrated and soft!

Price

It ranges from 2100-3000 naira depending on the store you get it from. I got mine from a supermarket close to home. 

Shop

Verdict

I would repurchase this body lotion if I wasn’t so eager to try out new body care products. For now, my experiment continues as there are so many body lotions I want to try on my list.

Bondi sands Broad Spectrum SPF 50

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What is it?

A rich sunscreen lotion with broad spectrum coverage and 150ml in size. I had a love-hate relationship with this sunscreen and shared all my thoughts in this detailed post.

My Experience

My favorite thing about this sunscreen is how it moisturized my skin too. The ingredients point to that, but getting the experience is top-notch. It also didn’t leave a white cast which makes sense as it’s a chemical sunscreen. The only issue I had with it was how greasy my skin was after use, so I believe dry skin types would enjoy this. Nonetheless, don’t knock it off till you try it out.

NB- Check out the difference between mineral and chemical susncreens and which is best for you! 

Price

I got this for 7,650 naira from an online store in Nigeria. 

Shop

You can check @beautybydaz or @shopwithteeka in Nigeria. 

OR

Verdict

I would rate this a 7/10 because of how it was for my skin type. It also left no white cast for me but my face appeared too greasy.  

Face Facts Collagen and Q10 Replenishing Day cream

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What is it?

The Face fact collagen day cream is a moisturizer designed for the day. I’m still in the camp that doesn’t feel you should stress with day cream and night creams except you have the budget for it, or if you want something specific to your skin concerns. 

My Experience

The creamy texture was overwhelming for my oily skin the first time I applied it so I reduced the quantity subsequently. 

Other than that, I wouldn’t say it did anything else except moisturize my skin. At a point, I used this moisturizer at night and noticed it was not as rich as the night one, which makes sense as it is suited for daytime.

Price

1800 on Paxo beauty (their official distributor in Nigeria)

Shop

Get 10% off with IRUOMA10 from here.

OR

Via their Face Facts website if you’re outside Nigeria.

Verdict

It did its job, but it is not a skincare product I would repurchase just yet. If you’re on a budget, then it is a good one to try, but that means you would have to get the night cream as well.

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Face Facts Collagen and Q10 Replenishing Night cream

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What is it?

The face facts collagen night cream has to be one of those skincare products that you have little expectation of and they surprise you.

This came together with the day cream and 

My Experience

This night cream has to be one of the best moisturizers I have applied at night. It comes close to the hyaluronic acid cream for me. The rich texture just seals in the moisture from my toner, leaving my face feeling plump and hydrated. 

I used it during the day once to compare and it felt heavy under my sunscreen so I stuck to only using it at night.

Price

1800 on Paxobeauty (their official distributor in Nigeria). Get 10% off with IRUOMA10 from here.

Shop

You can get from paxobeauty as stated above or via their Face Facts website if you’re outside Nigeria.

Verdict

This is a moisturizer I would definitely buy, but currently, I prefer sticking to one moisturizer for morning and night for my skin type. If you love to use a day and night cream, then this would be a great try!

TIAM Vita B3 Source Serum

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What is it?

The Tiam Vita B3 serum is one with lots of fans! In my last post, I shared my experience in detail with this serum from the benefits of niacinamide to my expectations and use of it.

Price

Between 7000-10,000 naira depending on the shop. I got mine for 6950 naira on @beautybydaz 

Shop

Shop on Amazon 

Verdict

I loved the way my skin texture was with this product and while it doesn’t fade hyperpigmentation as fast as I would love, it’s worth restocking.

TIAM Cleanser

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What is it?

This cleanser has to be among my most raved and loved products this 2022. It is such a fave that I got my mum, sister, and a close friend hooked, and they all love it! You guys can see my influencing career is not even joking.

MY EXPERIENCE

Price

I got mine for about 4,650 naira online, but it ranges from 4900-6000 naira depending on the store.

Shop 

It is currently in stock where I got mine. Check here.

Verdict

This cleanser is a fave and I honestly don’t have anything more to add that isn’t already in this review.

Have you tried any of these skincare products? 

Which would you like to try? 

Please share with me in the comments


HELPFUL POST: October Skincare Empties

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All You Need to Know: The Tiam Vita B3 Source Review

Hey, beauty!

This Tiam Vita B3 source review is one I have been putting off for so long.

There’s this trend on TikTok for skin care products where you tell a long-awaited product “You better fix my life you little shit”. I made one for this k-beauty fave and while it didn’t fix my life, it’s worth checking out!

Before I do so, let’s talk about the main ingredient in this serum- Niacinamide.

Benefits of Niacinamide  

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Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is a versatile water-soluble vitamin that is raved about in skincare, and for good causes. Its benefits include:

  • Visibly minimizing enlarged pores and improving uneven skin tone as it helps combat cellular damage as an anti-oxidant.
  • Reducing the effect of environmental damage on the skin barrier.
  • It’s also compatible with almost all skincare ingredients so it can pair well with your skincare products that contain retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, etc.
  • It helps the skin’s capacity for producing ceramides which strengthen the skin barrier and keeps it moisturized.
  • The best part for me is how this ingredient does well for all skin types.
  • It has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can help with acne-prone skin.

I read that if Niacinamide is used in high concentrations, it can cause redness because it converts to Niacin so keep that in mind as well.

Now I hope you see why it’s such a loved ingredient in the skincare community. Let’s get into the TIAM Vita B3 source review then!

Packaging

The Tiam Vita B3 source comes in a yellow glass serum bottle with black and white markings on it. It’s so aesthetically pleasing but I was scared it would break. It’s also heavy.

the-tiam-vita-b3-pack

Size

It’s a 40ml-sized serum. Most serums I’ve used are about 30ml so this is interesting.

Texture, smell, and color

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It has a slightly viscous consistency with no fragrance and is transparent. It also leaves a sticky feeling after use that I feel indifferent about.

Claims/ Ingredients

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According to TIAM’s website, the benefits of this serum include :

  1. Brightening
  2. Fading skin discoloration
  3. Improving hyperpigmentation

The star ingredients are 10% Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and 2% Alpha Arbutin. The ingredient list is as follows:

Water, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3; 10%), Butylene Glycol, Arbutin(2%), Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Lindera Erythrocarpa Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Geranium Thunbergii Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Methylpropanediol, Laurylpyridinium Chloride, Chlorphenesin, 1,2-Hexanediol

My experience

ingredients-on-tiam-bottle

I bought this product for 2 reasons.

The first was to improve my skin texture and the second was to see if it lived up to its claims for hyperpigmentation. 

The first few days after using this serum, I noticed I was breaking out and it was my pre-period hormonal acne as blogger Cassie Daves mentioned it may cause purging for some people. That fizzled after a few days.

Afterward, between 3-4 weeks of using it, I kept getting compliments at home about how my skin looked healthy and radiant. I would say that it really helped with my texture and improved my pore appearance. 

I also noticed it reduced my acne flare-outs during the period of use.

One thing this serum didn’t do for me was improve my hyperpigmentation compared to my experience with the Good Molecules discoloration-correcting serum. You can read my review really quickly here.

I have read reviews of people who shared how it helped with theirs, but it didn’t fulfill that for me.

Overall, it’s a good product to add to your routine, especially for its antioxidant benefits. If you are after something for hyperpigmentation, it’s best to get other fighters to use in conjunction with this serum.

How I used it

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I used the Tiam vita b3 source only in the evenings the first week I got it, then continued to both day and night, after my toner.

READ ALSO: 7-STEP MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE FT TIAM VITA B3 SERUM

Pros

  • Very aesthetic which makes me want to reach out for it.
  • Lasts for a while because of its consistency
  • Improves the skin’s overall appearance

Cons

  • Comes in a glass bottle that can break.
  • Not transparent so you can’t see how much is left.

Where to buy

tiam-b3-review

I got mine from @beautybydaz on Instagram for 6,950 naira. You can check any of these stores in Nigeria or shop on Amazon below:

Verdict

The Tiam Vita b3 source is worth getting if you need an anti-oxidant like Niacinamide in your routine. Also, skincare can be personal and who knows if it would be helpful for your hyperpigmentation?

I would definitely be repurchasing for the anti-oxidant benefits.

Have you tried this serum before? 

Is it something you would love to try?

Please share with me in the comments


Read these next:

An affordable and gentle k-beauty cleanser- Review of the TIAM low pH snail and azulene cleanser

Reviewing the Face Facts Hyaluronic Acid Serum- Worth your buy?

A Simple Guide to Face serums

CONNECT HERE: TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN // PINTEREST //  TWITTER

Candid Skincare Chats With Iruoma Ft 2 besties; Chizelum Osonwa and Monisola Keshiro

Hey, beauty!

How is this month “flying”?  I don’t mind at all, but it’s fascinating to me. Anyhoo, today’s post is on the skincare chats series I started in September. It’s supposed to be monthly, but school started last month and I couldn’t post this earlier. 

Skincare chats is a series that highlights conversations around skincare experiences and beauty with skincare enthusiasts.

This time I interviewed 2 sweet girls who are special to me- my younger sister and my school daughter. They’re also both friends and we’ve been family friends for years! Watching their love for skincare spurred this post and interviewing them was just hilarious!

A selfie of Chizelum and Moni

Let’s get into it, shall we?

Please introduce yourself, ladies.

Chizelum: Hi I’m Chizelum Osonwa.

Moni: Hey my name is Monisola Keshiro.

A video version of our skincare chat

Moni, let’s start with you. How did you get started with skincare?

Moni: I started with “organic” skincare and never admit this to anyone.  In 2019, my friend who had really good skin and made black soap made one for me, and that was how my skin started looking worse. So I started my research and that’s how proper skincare began for me.

Chizelum: Okurrr! 

How did you get started with skincare, Chizelum?

Chizelum: Err, it was from my older sister Iruoma. I would say that I had no particular issue with my skin until I decided to get organic skincare after seeing my mum’s skin. 

Unfortunately, I used one that had expired months ago which destroyed my skin barrier. That’s how my journey to healthy skin started. 

The skin barrier refers to the outermost layer of the skin which acts as a protective shield from irritation and environmental stressors.

“Organic” has a bad rep for real, lol. Moni what got you hooked on skincare?

Moni: It would be from seeing results.  I love how people get to see the result of skincare and give compliments. It can be really encouraging. I got a lot of good compliments and my skin began to look healthy and that was what got me hooked.

It’s not hard to see why! What about you Chizelum?

Chizzy: Honestly I would say the same as Moni. Also, getting encouragement from my sister got me hooked.

Moni: Can I also add something?

Sure, please!

Moni: Another thing that has got me hooked is the confidence I feel in my natural skin.

I agree babes! The confidence in healthy skin cannot be overstated. Let’s get into skin types. Do you guys know your skin type?

Chizzy: Yeah, I’m dry skin

Moni: I’m a combination skin

READ ALSO: 2 EASY WAYS TO KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE

Awesome! What does your current routine look like?

Chizzy: My cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and SPF in the morning. I also alternate my Lactic acid serum.

What about you Moni?

Moni Keshiro at a restaurant
Moni Keshiro

Moni: My routine is simple as well. I cleanse, moisturize and use SPF during the day. Then at night I just exfoliate and moisturize. My exfoliating is usually at night.

~Mini break because these girls were killing me with laughter~

What 3 beauty products can’t you do without?

Moni: I would say ingredients and products. My fave is niacinamide. That guy is the key! Vitamin C is the second and finally sunscreen. Can’t do without them.

Chizzy: I can’t do without my cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF. Basically the basics!

Love that for you guys. Moni you mentioned a time you had a terrible experience with “organic skincare”.  Please share your terrible experience with skincare.

Moni: The first one would be how it destroyed my skin barrier and made me break out badly. The second terrible experience was how a product didn’t meet my expectations. I heard so much about this product and let’s just say I was the opposite of the reviews. 

That hurts! Chizzy what about you?

Chizelum Osonwa at a restaurant
Chizelum Osonwa

Chizzy: Mine would be Cerave replenishing SA cleanser. It started out working well for me and then after a few weeks, my face went haywire. That was the end for me.

It sucks! Before we go to our last question. How are you guys feeling by the way?

Moni: Like a superstar, dear. I feel like I have to sound intelligent.

Chizzy: Yeah there’s that, and having fun doing this!

Here for it! What’s your advice to skincare newbies?

Moni: 3 things. Don’t follow trends/ what your friend is doing. Know your skin type, and start with the fundamentals. You can then build from there.

Look at you giving skincare advice now, boo! That’s growth. Chizzy what about you?

Chizzy: My answer is the same, to be honest. Know your skin type and start with the basics. Also, check for reviews before buying a product, so you don’t waste money. Lastly, please RESEARCH!

Moni: I have one more thing to add. Please always do a patch test.

Chizzy: Yes! Especially if you have sensitive skin like me. 

Moni: I’m guilty of not doing this often, but it would save you from skin reactions.

Chizzy: Exactly!

This is probably my own toxic skincare trait. I barely patch test. You can see I’m learning from you both too. Any last remarks?

Moni: Follow Iruoma!  Why are you not following her blog and IG, or Twitter

Chizzy: C’mon!  What are you doing? Don’t let us ask again!

Awwww! Thank you, babies.

This was the most random and sweetest shout-out and it was captured in the video above.

A selfie of Moni Keshiro featured on skincare chats

Get To Know Moni

Moni is currently a penultimate engineering student and loves music and skincare. When she’s not being a student, you would find her hanging out with friends.

Find her on Twitter.

Skincare chats featuring Chizelum Osonwa

Get To Know Chizelum

Chizzy is a law student who loves meeting new people and traveling. The most important for her is God. She is a new skincare junkie, and loves her family, food, and “schmoney“.

Find her on Instagram

If you enjoyed this, please leave a comment.

Have a lovely weekend and see you soon!

CONNECT HERE:TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN // PINTEREST //  TWITTER

Sharing My October Monthly Skincare Empties and Reviews

Hey, beauty!

October is almost over and as usual, the monthly skincare empties and reviews are ready for you. My school has finally resumed, and while I’m excited to move back into the routines, there is a lot to be done and daily doses of “God abeg” (God, please). 

There are 3 skincare products I have used up this past month and their detailed reviews are linked for your ease. Enjoy and please leave a comment as well.

Dr Rashel VC Vitamin C and Niacinamide Brightening Essence Toner

Dr Rashel VC Vitamin C and Niacinamide Brightening Essence Toner bottle

What is it?

An essence toner containing hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. This toner hydrates the skin and leaves it feeling supple. It claims to be suitable for all skin types and I shared a detailed review of my experience and thoughts here.

Price

It ranges from 3000-4000 naira (~$5)

Shop

Beautybycheychi, Jumia

Verdict

I would definitely repurchase this, but I’m planning on trying the other variants from Dr Rashel (Aloe vera and Hyaluronic acid toners).

HELPFUL POST~ August Skincare Empties

St Ives Soothing Body Wash Oats meal & Shea butter

St Ives soothing body wash oatmeal and shea butter review

What is it?

A silky smooth body wash that leaves the body feeling moisturized and clean. The smell is a great bonus and my full review is here.

Price

I got this for almost 1000 naira (~$2)  at a supermarket as it was the smaller size.

Shop

Verdict

I had a pleasant experience with this body wash and you would see why in the review. The only reason I’m not repurchasing immediately is that I want to try more body washes from St Ives.

Face Facts Hyaluronic Face Cream

Face facts Hyaluronic face cream review by blogger Iruoma

What is it?

A moisturizer whose star ingredient is hyaluronic acid. Its lightweight texture is an oily girl’s dream. Full review and my experience here.

Price

1800 naira on Paxobeauty (their official distributor in Nigeria).

Shop

Get it on Paxobeauty (Use Iruoma10 for 10% off)

Verdict

By the time you read this, I have exhausted 2 tubes, and the only reason I didn’t buy another was because of the moisturizer I was gifted. 

Have you tried any of these skincare products? 

Which would you like to try? Please share with me in the comments

CONNECT HERE: TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN // PINTEREST //  TWITTER

The Dr Rashel VC Vitamin C and Niacinamide Brightening Essence Toner: A Detailed Review

If you’re looking for a toner that doesn’t break the bank and would last a long time, the dr rashel vc vitamin c & niacinamide essence toner is a great choice!

What caught my attention was the price for the size and I decided to try it. It’s part of my October monthly skincare empties after 4-5 months of use!

Is this toner worth it? Keep reading to find out.

Description

The dr rashel vit C& Niacinamide toner comes in a 500ml transparent plastic bottle. The name and ingredients come in black and orange markings which makes the bottle stand out. 

It has a flip cap cover with a pinhole to dispense the product. I love that it has a plastic cover between the bottle and the cap to prevent spillage when the bottle moves. Really thoughtful. 

For the product itself, its texture is slightly more viscous than the regular toner, and I guess that’s why it’s called an essence toner.

Claim/Ingredients

Back view of the Dr Rashel VC Vitamin C and Niacinamide Brightening Essence Toner

According to their website:

The essence water is “enriched with vitamins which provide nutrients and creates a bright, clear skin.” It also claims to “exfoliate, hydrate the skin and is a perfect base for makeup”

Ingredients as seen on site: 

Aqua, glycerin, propylene glycol, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, carbomer, triethanolamine, methylparaben, hydroxyethylcellulose, caprylhydroxamic acid, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, peg-40 hydrogenate castor oil, fragrance, ci 19140, ci 45380

My experience

Texture of the dr rashel vc vitamin c and niacinamide brightening essence toner

This toner is so hydrating! The difference you get when applying on dry skin is really remarkable. 

It is also not heavy on my skin, non-sticky, and just seeps into my face. 

I didn’t get any brightening effect from the claims and I can’t ascertain its exfoliating claims from my experience. My skin’s overall look has improved since incorporating it into my routine, although I’ve also used it in conjunction with other products targeted to my skin concerns so I can’t attribute my skin’s texture to it alone. 

Overall, applying the dr rashel vc vitamin c and niacinamide brightening essence toner is easy. It instantly hydrates the skin and is easily absorbed into the skin leaving a supple and plump face.

HELPFUL POST >>> Your Best 5-Minute Daily Skincare Routine

How I used it

  • Immediately after cleansing, I put a few drops on my palm and apply them to my face 
  • I pat it in and let it air dry before continuing my routine.

Pros

  • Comes in a big bottle that lasts for a long time.
  • Cost-effective~ I got this for 3500 Naira ($5).
  • Really hydrating and makes the skin plump.
  • Great for all skin types.

Cons

  • Not travel friendly 

Where to shop

I got mine from Jumia but I always recommend getting it from a verified store there. It’s also currently retailing for 4000-5000 naira.

Another awesome beauty store to check out is @beautybycheychi.

Verdict

I would definitely repurchase because it’s huge and cost-effective. Please note that if you want a toner with extra properties beyond hydrating, then this toner may not be for you. 

Have you tried this toner? What is your current toner
Would you like to try it? Please share with me in the comments

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An Affordable Gentle Moisturizer For All Skin types- My Review of The Face Facts Hyaluronic Face Cream

Hey Beauty! 

Have you ever used a skincare/beauty product that you wondered why it took you this long to find it? That’s how I felt about the Face facts Hyaluronic face cream.

On my Instagram and Tiktok, I have shared some reasons to try products from Face facts. Not only are they gentle for sensitive skin, but they are also very pocket-friendly. 

I exhausted my second tube this month and as usual, this post will contain my review of it. Enjoy!

Description

Texture of Face facts hyaluronic face cream

The face facts hyaluronic face cream is one of the products in their hyaluronic set which targets adequate moisture for the skin. This face cream comes in a 50ml white and blue tube. The packaging is dark blue and has a characteristic image of water which I suppose alludes to the moisture.

It has a creamy lotion texture. It’s not too thick, but it’s not as light as a lotion. 

Claims/ Ingredients

Blogger Iruoma holding the face facts hyaluronic face cream

According to their website:

“Our face cream is a match for thirsty skin, and deeply hydrates the skin for that healthy glow. The hero active is Hyaluronic acid, which will help smooth, plump & deliver hyperhydration, and Glycerin for that added moisturization.”

Ingredients include:

Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Steareth-20, Ceteareth-6, DMDM Hydantoin, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Parfum, Polyacrylamide, Sodium Hyaluronate.

My experience

beauty blogger iruoma holding the face facts hyaluronic face cream

The first thing that got me about this moisturizer is how lightweight it is, despite it being a cream. The hydrating day cream from Face facts wasn’t the best for my oily skin, so this was a huge relief.
It has a slight green tea fragrance that I love and is not overpowering. This moisturizer also doesn’t feel sticky and it absorbs easily into my skin.

I love that it was gentle on my skin and didn’t cause me to break out during my use. This cream claims to be hyperhydrating. From my experience, I would say it’s not “hyperhydrating”. It just gives that needed moisturization, but that is it.

HELPFUL POST>>> Comparing 2 Simple Moisturisers- which is better for your skin type?

How I use it

  • After washing my face with a cleanser, I use a toner and serum before applying this moisturizer.
  • Sunscreen comes after it.

Pros

  • Comes in a travel-friendly size
  • Has a caution nite and ingredient list on the tube itself
  • Very pocket-friendly (1800 naira)
  • Can be used by all skin types as it is gentle 

NB- It may be too light for dry skin or you may need to apply it twice (double layer)

Cons

This product has no cons for me. I just wish it came in a bigger size.

Where to shop

Face facts Hyaluronic face cream review by blogger Iruoma

Paxobeauty in Nigeria (Use Iruoma10 for 10% off)

Verdict

I have repurchased this product because I really enjoyed it. It’s the affordable and effective moisturizer you need in your routine. 

Have you tried this moisturiser before?

What moisturiser are you currently loving?

Share with me in the comments!

CONNECT HERE: TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN // PINTEREST //  TWITTER

Elevating Your Body Care Routine- My Review of the St Ives Soothing Body Wash Oatmeal & Shea butter

Welcome back here, beauty!

Using a body wash is one easy way to step up your body care routine. I used up the St Ives soothing body wash Oatmeal and Shea butter this month and really enjoyed it. This short post contains my review of it, so keep reading for the details!

Description

It has 2 sizes and mine was 473 ml. The bigger size is over 600ml. St Ives has a wide range of variants so I’m keeping an eye out to try another from their brand. The plastic bottle is transparent which lets your gauge how much product is still left. I love the brown and cream color of the tag on the bottle representing the star ingredients.

It had a characteristic cream color with a fragrance that wasn’t overpowering. I loved that the fragrance lingered during my bath.  The texture is slightly runny.

Claims/ Ingredients 

Ingredient-list-of-st-ives-oatmeal-and-shea-butter-body-wash

According to their site, the St Ives soothing body wash oatmeal and shea butter is “made with 100% natural oatmeal and shea butter extracts”. They also claim that “it soothes the mind, body, and soul while cleansing the skin with a sudsy sumptuous lather” which leaves the skin feeling smooth.

The star ingredients are oatmeal and shea butter. Oatmeal is known to cleanse and moisturize the skin, while shea butter works as an emollient that improves the smoothness of the skin. These two already give you an idea that this body wash is one to try!

Other ingredients listed include:

Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Glycol Stearate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Citric Acid, PPG-9, Propylene Glycol, Stearamide AMP, Methylisothiazolinone, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Red 33 (CI 17200), Yellow 5 (CI 19140).

My experience 

Flip-cover-of-the-st-ives-oatmeal-and-shea--butter-body-wash

The fragrance is easily one of my favorite things about this body wash. I also love the ease of dispensing the product unto my sponge, by just flipping the cap open. It lathers beautifully as it claims, and a little goes a long way.

True to its claims, this body wash felt moisturizing and didn’t strip my skin. I would notice how smooth my skin felt after a shower and I love that it doesn’t leave that “slimy” feel some bath washes do, despite it being very moisturizing. 

Another thing I enjoyed about the st Ives soothing body wash oatmeal and shea butter was that it always left my space with the fragrance. Although the smell doesn’t linger on my skin for long, it’s just soothing to enjoy it during the shower.

How I used it 

  • Apply a sufficient amount on my wet sponge and let it lather before using it on my skin.
  • Rinse off and repeat the step if need be.
Iruoma-holding-the-St-Ives-soothing-body-wash-oatmeal-and-shea-butter

Pros 

  • It’s a big bottle that lasts.
  • It’s gentle on the skin and leaves it moisturized.
  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • Leaves the skin feeling supple and not stripped or tight.
  • Can be used daily.

Cons

  • The fragrance doesn’t linger after a bath.
  • It doesn’t lather if it’s not on a sponge/ loofah.
  • Not travel-friendly because it’s huge.

Where to shop

I got mine at a supermarket close to home.

Amazon 

Beauty by Cheychi on Instagram

Verdict 

This product is a yes for me! The only reason I am not repurchasing currently is that I want to try the other variants from St Ives. My score for it would be a 4.5/5 because it’s affordable, easy to use, and leaves my skin feeling moisturized.

Have you tried this body wash before?

What is your current body wash?

Share with me in the comments 

CONNECT HERE: TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN // PINTEREST //  TWITTER

My Easy 7-Step Morning Skin Care Routine For A Healthy Skin

Hey, beauty! 

Welcome back here. 

Please tell me I’m not the only one whose routine changes based on my mood. My morning skin care routine keeps changing depending on the season, my budget, the products available, and even my mood.

I’ve been itching to share more of my routines at different stages so that gives you an idea of how to figure yours out (if you don’t already have one). Remember the reason I do this is to share my journey and inspire you to love your skin better!

This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a commission if you purchase through them. It helps keep the blog running, so thank you for your support!

My Current Morning Skin Care Routine Steps 

1. Cleanse

Frudia-microcleansing-foam-cleanser-in-morning-routine

The first step of any morning skin care routine is to cleanse. 

These days, I’ve seen routines where people can skip cleansing and use a toner after rinsing their face with just water. 

I’m not comfortable with that yet, because I live in Nigeria where it is hot and humid mostly. Another reason for me is, I like to clean off the residue from the last night’s skincare routine. Perhaps I would try skipping a cleanser someday in the future. Yet my recommendation, especially if you’re just starting out with caring for your skin, is to have a cleanser in your morning skin care routine. 

My current cleansers are Frudia’s Citrus Microcleansing cleanser and Tiam’s Snail & Azulene low-pH cleanser which I have reviewed in the post below.

I prefer to use Frudia in the morning because it feels like a deep cleanser. Sometimes I use Tiam’s because it’s way more gentle.

Blogger-iruoma-cleansing-her-face-with-frudia-microcleansing-foam-cleanser

How I use

  1. Wash my hands with my body soap- always try to start with clean hands.
  2. Wet my face- please avoid using hot water on your skin.
  3. I use a dime-sized amount of product.
  4. Rub the product in my palms.
  5. Massage my face for about 60 seconds (this is hard to remember if I’m rushing, but some days I stick to it- it’s a great hack to get the most out of your cleanser).
  6. Air-dry or use a paper towel to dry.

Recommended Cleansers

  1. Tiam snail and azulene low pH cleanser
  2. CosRx Low pH cleanser
  3. Simple refreshing cleanser
  4. Simple moisturizing cleanser*
  5. Olaedo naturals gentle facial cleanser

*Iruoma10 gets you 10% off

2. Tone

Dr-Rashel-Vit-C-&-Niacinamide-Toner

My next step is to tone. A toner helps remove any leftover dirt after cleansing and balances the pH of your skin. It is one of the “negotiables” regarding skincare, but it can be a great addition. 

Toners have evolved to have extra properties like hydrating or exfoliating which add some extra touch to your morning skincare routine (and evening routine too). 

My current toner is Dr. Rashel Vit. C and Niacinamide essence toner. This toner is the affordable skincare lover’s dream. It’s a huge (500ml) product and does a good job of hydrating. I would say it hasn’t done much for me in terms of the ingredients used, but overall it’s a great product. 

dr- rashel-vit-c-&-niacinamide-essence-texture-shot-by-Iruoma
How awesome is this shot? I love it!

How I use

  1. Apply a generous amount of toner to the palms (or cotton pad).
  2. Apply the toner to my damp face ( This hack is the best for products with hyaluronic acid, but I love doing it for any toner)
  3. Massage or dab the product on the face.
  4. Let it air dry.

RELATED POST

Recommended Toners

  1. Beauty of Joseon ginseng essence water
  2. Simple Soothing facial toner* (10% off with Iruoma10 )
  3. Dr. Rashel Hyaluronic acid essence toner
  4. Tiam Vita B3 mist toner
  5. Dear Klairs supple preparation toner

3. Treat

Tiam-vita-b3-source-in-blogger-iruoma-morning-skin-care-routine

Usually, my next step would be to moisturize after my toner, but I’ve been trying the Tiam Vita B3 source serum. It is my current serum for both the morning skin care routine and evening routine and I’ll be reviewing it soon. 

This is where I shamelessly plug my newsletter so you can see a review when it’s up on the blog! Subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss out on updates, alright? See you there!

[mc4wp_form id=”265″]

Nigerian-beauty-blogger-Iruoma-applying-the-vita-b3-source-niacinamide-serum-with-a-dropper

How I use

  1. After my face is dry from the toner I use 2-3 drops of the serum
  2. Massage it into my skin- face, neck, and ears.

Recommended Serums

  1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
  2. Dr. Rashel Youth Revitalising Hyaluronic Acid serum
  3. The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
  4. Tiam Vita B3 source 10% Niacinamide and 2% Alpha Arbutin

4. Eye cream

Face-facts-collagen-eye-cream

I started using an eye cream because of my eye bags from school. Eye creams are debatable in the skincare community. Okikiola Asher, @skinpriest on Instagram talked about its importance recently. Some people say eye creams are overrated moisturizers, while some swear it makes a difference.

I haven’t used my eye cream consistently enough to give a fair verdict, but I would be the girl who still applies it, overrated or not!  The skin around my eyes feels hydrated due to my eye cream habit, so let’s see if I can keep up this time.

My sister commends the eye cream she uses and after 1 use, my mum decided to get one.
One thing to note is that eye creams (like every other skincare product) come in different grades due to the quality of ingredients/ actives used. The result you get from one product could vary significantly from another brand.

My current eye cream is the Facefacts Collagen with q10 Eye cream. I use this product both day and night.

How I use

Iruoma-osonwa-applying-eye-cream-with-ring-finger
  1. Apply a pea-sized amount on the back of my hand.
  2. Apply on my eyelids and inner corners of my eyes and below.
  3. Use your ring finger or pinky finger to dab. Do not tug at your eyes as it is a thinner skin area than the rest of your face.

Recommended Eye creams

*Use Iruoma10 to get 10% off your order

5. Moisturize

Facefacts-collagen-with-q10-day-cream

A moisturizer helps seal in the moisture from your skin care products and reduces the level of transepidermal water loss. In simpler terms, it keeps your skin hydrated, plump, and able to withstand environmental stress.

I’m currently using the Face facts Collagen with q10 day cream. This looks so much like their hyaluronic cream but I would still share my thought on it.

How I use

Blogger-Iruoma-holding-the-face-facts-collagen-day-cream
  1. Apply the product on the back of the hand
  2. Spread evenly across the face
  3. Massage it to spread evenly on the face, neck, and ears.

Recommended Moisturisers

  1. Nivea Perfect and Radiant Eventone Light Moisturiser
  2. Face facts Hyaluronic Face cream*
  3. Simple hydrating light moisturizer
  4. Simple replenishing rich moisturizer
  5. CosRx Advanced snail mucin repair cream
  6. Neurtogena hydro boost

* Iruoma10 for 10% off

6. Sunscreen 

Sunscreen is the last non-negotiable step of any ideal morning skincare routine. Trust me, if your routine only has a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, you are good to go!

Those are the essentials as skincare blogger Amanda explains in her basic skincare routine for beginners.

Sunscreen protects you from sun damage to your skin. My only problem with sunscreens is the cost. You can barely find sunscreens that leave no white cast and are not pocket-jarring for the size.

My current sunscreen is the Bondi sands daily moisturizing SPF 50. I talked about it in my last blog post and the review is there as well.

https://adashofiruoma.com/bondi-sands-spf-50-review-does-it-live-up-to-its-claims%ef%bf%bc/

How I use

blogger-iruoma-showing-2-finger-breadth-method-of-sunscreen-application
  1. Dispense product from the tube using the 2-finger breadth method
  2. Apply to face, neck, and ears
  3. If I’m headed out and my decolletage, shoulders, arms, and hands are exposed, I apply SPF there as well.

Décolletage means the “low-neck line of a woman’s dress” and has been adopted as a word for the area under your neck or the chest.

Recommended Sunscreens

  1. Bondi sands SPF 50
  2. Biore UV
  3. Nivea sun gel
  4. Gavia Sunblock
  5. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

7. Lip balm

It’s easy to neglect your lips, but please don’t!  Lip care does not need to be fancy or expensive to keep your lips moisturized and not looking chapped.

I use a foolproof DIY lip balm recipe from Torera George and the watermelon variant of Nivea lip balm.

How I use

Iruoma-in-a-pink-robe-applying-nivea-lip-balm
  1. Apply DIY lip balm with the index finger 
  2. Follow with Nivea’s lip balm- mine has a colored tint that I love!
  3. I could use lip gloss if I’m headed out.

Recommended Lip balms

  1. Nivea Watermelon Shine Lip balm
  2. Vaseline Rosy Lips Lip Therapy
  3. Carmex Moisturising Lip balm

Summary

A morning skin care routine can be simple with just a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. If you’re like me and need some extras, then my routine would be helpful!

  • Cleanser
  • Toner
  • Serum
  • Eye cream
  • Moisturiser
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm/gloss

FAQs

1. Can I repeat the same step for my nighttime skincare routine?

Yes, you can! The only thing missing would be sunscreen because it’s nighttime.

2. Can I use a towel to dry my face after cleansing?

Yes, you can. 

The thing to note is that this towel should be solely for your face and cleaned regularly to avoid it causing breakouts.

I recommend that you use paper towels which you can dispose of and is more gentle on the face. 

Personally, I prefer to air dry or use a paper towel.

3. Do I need different products for the morning and evening?

My biased answer is Yes and no.  If you have just one cleanser and moisturizer, those suffice until you can afford another. 

You can also have a different cleanser and moisturizer for your nighttime skincare routine. There are also some products that are best used at night like retinol, or during the day like vitamin C. 

I hope you found this helpful, friend! 

What are the steps in your morning skincare routine?

Share with me in the comments

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