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My 2025 End of Year Review- A Dash of Iruoma

by with One Comment BloggingDiaryLifestyleReviews
iruoma-in-a-little-black-dress

Helloooooo and happy happy new year! Can you believe 2025 is over? Is it just me, but did it not feel like the fastest year of my life despite being slow on most days? 

I apologise for not giving you consistent blog posts and video content, but this past year has tested my multitasking capacities. I am relieved to say that I couldn’t juggle as many balls as I thought.  Nonetheless, I wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to share something with you, even if that means a new year post! So grab a cup of tea or wine and let’s catch up!

PS- I am attempting my version of “wrapped” by highlighting top events or things I enjoyed in 2025.

How’s “being” going?

For the first time in a while, someone used my words against me. I was mindlessly scrolling on WhatsApp when a pop-up notification stopped me in my tracks.  Iruoma, how’s “being” and not “doing” going?

It took a minute for me to realise what was being asked. 

When the year 2025 started, I boldly wrote on my blog how I intended to live this year. It’s my “desire to enjoy the moments”. Funny enough, I started the year with an answered prayer for my career and then a blatant rejection of another career progression in the same month. There were many instances where, in the same breath, I got a yes and a no. All that to say, thank God for keeping things running smoothly even when my eyes can’t see. 

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2025 Wrapped- Weddings

I attended three out of four weddings I planned to. Any time I get to witness a wedding ceremony, especially when I know the brides, it is a mixture of awe and excitement. Awe because weddings are a lot of mental gymnastics and financial commitment (notice I did not say marriage). Excitement because it’s an opportunity to look gorgeous and catch up with people I haven’t seen in a while. These weddings were remarkable for me because I had a good time and so much fun! 

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2025 Wrapped-Top Music

My babe says my music taste is erratic, but I would still give my recommendations for the people who have a similar taste. Thankfully, Spotify did us a favour with their Wrapped, so I would just share from that.

I listened to 97 genres, but my top 5 were:

  1. Contemporary Gospel
  2. Afro R & B
  3. Yacht Rock
  4. Christian
  5. Pop

My listening age is 25, as I was into music from the 2010s. I found that hilarious!

I listened to 451 songs, and my number 1 was Game Changer by Ada Ehi. That was my anthem from April to August because those months tested me!

The others in my top 5 were ;

  • Enough by Elias Dummer
  • ZA by Anendelessocean
  • He will Be by CityAlight
  • Your Love by Moses Bliss and Chandler Moore
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spread-of-mashed-potatoes-and-fries
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2025 Wrapped- Places Visited

One thing I desired last year was to visit new places. There’s just something about leaving your daily routine to experience a different culture or place. In 2025, I visited three places: Ghana, Enugu and Abuja. 

Ghana was a second time, but I loved that I could experience it as an adult. I stayed in Accra, which felt like a second version of Lagos but way mellow. My favorite things about these travels were trying new meals and coming out of my comfort zone to experience other people’s culture. 

Enugu, the coal city in Nigeria, is barely a two-hour drive from my state of origin in Anambra, but I had never visited it till last year. This state is beautiful. Their network of roads is massive and neat. The disadvantage of being in Lagos for too long is that you become myopic about the beauty of other states. I wish the insecurity in Nigeria weren’t this bad because we have so many beautiful places in the country, and I have barely scratched the surface. 

Abuja was another place I enjoyed this year. I went there for my sister’s call to the bar. Let’s just say my first culture shock was the Uber fare. What do you mean for a journey of 30 minutes, I only get to pay 2,500 naira?

It is also a beautiful city, and my uncle tried to take us everywhere possible in the days we had.  Alas, we only have 24 hours in a day, and there’s only so many activities you can cram into one day. Hopefully, I will visit again soon!

iruoma-in-ghana

2025 Wrapped-Top Podcasts

I had 4 recurring podcasts on my list this year, but my top podcast was The Gospel In Lagos. This is also a shameless plug for my church, City Church. If you are looking for a gospel-centred church in Lagos, check us out.

I also listened to a lot of Divine Intervention podcasts for medical concepts and kinda liked clinical medicine again- emphasis on kinda because I still have a love-hate relationship with it. 

My other favorites were With The Perrys by Jackie Hill and Preston Perry and Female by Design by Francine Winslow.

2025 Wrapped- Books I read in 2025

I read 4 non-medical books and finished 2. I’m not proud of that, but I promise you I tried. They were; 

  • The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran & Micheal Lennington
  • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  • Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • Neither Bomb Nor Bullet by Andrew Boyd

The last two are my completed reads. My favorite story in Dream Count was Kadiatou’s- an immigrant who battled the horror of sexual assault. I would leave the rest of the details for you to uncover. 

Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi’s story is inspiring. I have read accounts of men persecuted for the gospel of Christ, but none have been as relatable as this Nigerian who lives in Nigeria and is at the forefront of the persecution in the north.

He speaks about his transformation from a young soldier to a bishop. His wife, Gloria, his family and his remarkable generosity towards orphans. All I can say is get your copy of this book!

For 12 Week Year, I love that it provides practical insights into planning your days and being audacious. I haven’t given up on completing it yet, but self-help books took a backseat this past year. Perhaps I would pick it up again in 2026. Maybe not. The same goes for the second book on my list. Getting my hands on it this year was exhilarating. The author literally doesn’t care about your feelings as he means business with his words of advice. 

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Image source; Release International

2025 Wrapped- My Top skincare

Did you really think I would wrap up this post without mentioning skincare? Never! Let’s start with face care. Truthfully, this past year, my finances faced crises, and I couldn’t afford to splurge on skincare as I normally would. Thankfully, my skin behaved itself, and we managed to pull through.

nivea-sungel-spf-review

My top face care fighters were:

  • Facefacts Blemish Clarifying Foam Cleanser and
  • Facefacts Hydrating Gentle Cleanser: These face washes were what my face needed for good oil control while not stripping the natural oils.
  • Tiam vit B 3 serum- I had forgotten how good this serum is! Check out my full review here
  • Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF 50 PA +++; This sunscreen will always be a fave! I recommend this sunscreen to anyone who likes a skin-like finish and doesn’t like overwhelming skincare products.

For body care, my top fighters were:

  • Dove body washes! Any dove wash that smells good always wins my heart
  • Re CHARGE Orange and ginger Body wash plus foam bath
  • Dove Advanced Care Invisible + Cucumber and Cactus Water Antiperspirant
  • Nivea Nourishing Cocoa lotion

The past year has been filled with answered prayers- yes, no, not now.

I pivoted in ways I never thought I would and found out I really have no strength of my own- just God’s, and I am not mad about it.

iruoma-in-her-birthday-outfit

I wish you a wonderful year ahead, amigos.
Cheers to 2026!

READ MORE: 2024 Recap- How You Practice More Being and Less Doing

See Abuja Through My Lens: From Call To Bar to Magic Land Amusement Park

by with No Comment BloggingDiaryLifestyle
magic-land-with-iruoma-and-her-siblings

I was born in Lagos and grew up there for most of my life. Typically, the first question I get asked when I share that fact is how many other places I have been to in Nigeria. I get that disappointing glare when I recount my state of origin Anambra, Ekiti, Ogun and Oyo. This year, I really wanted to visit Abuja.

When my sister’s call to bar preparation started, it was the perfect opportunity to tag along. I had lots of questions.

What would it look like?

What is Abuja best known for?

How can I have fun in Abuja?

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Thankfully, I got to experience some of these for myself, and because you’re my fave, I would share them with you!

First, the domestic flight. This was my first time flying domestically. For someone who has had the privilege of international flights, I could not understand the “madness” I experienced before boarding. From the rude customer service agents to the sheer lack of organization, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was so bad I almost missed my flight. Thankfully, I made it just in time to hear my name called for boarding and left Lagos for the owners.

The main reason for visiting Abuja was to attend my sister’s call to the Nigerian bar. Watching my sister study like her life depended on it in law school was a whole experience. I have never seen her read like that-ever! Now, being on the other side of enjoying that hard work was a dream come true and a huge sigh of relief.

Attending the event at the Body of Benchers Complex was another work of favour by God. I got a special guest invite and didn’t have to struggle for a good seat, thanks to a kind soul we met at our hotel. See, I totally believe in God’s favour, and that was no coincidence. Fast forward to D-Day. The event was short, and the new wigs (as they are called) took their oath. It was a beautiful sight to behold, especially among proud parents and relatives.

We had a mini reception at Abuja Continental by evening, courtesy of some amazing uncles and aunties. It was a buffet, and the instruction was eat till you drop. I took that assignment seriously, and by 10 pm, my stomach could take no more.

With the call to bar done, it was time to explore.

At the top of our list was Magicland amusement park. I had heard so much about this place, and the videos and pictures looked promising. Magic Land is located at Wuye, Abuja and is the perfect place for an outing with every family member, from old to young.

The entry fee was 1500 naira.. Note that they only take cash and convert it to tickets. Thankfully, there are POS stands outside and even within the park in case you need cash. There are also snack stands and a restaurant if you fancy.

The rides range from 1500 to 3000 naira, which are pretty affordable. If you want an all-inclusive package, you pay 18000 naira, which covers your entry fee and access to all the rides.

My siblings and I tried the car race, pendulum and rollercoaster. That pendulum ride was crazy! I would not advise anyone to try it. But guess what? I had seen a TikTok review where the lady advised us not to, and I still went ahead. It was SCARY! My eyes were closed for most of the ride.

We walked around, took some pictures and had an amazing time in general. They also have an arcade, but it looked like Rufus and Bees, Lagos, and I was over it. Another fun spot in Abuja to try is Galaxxy Pizza. It has a calm cafe vibe, and their pizza is top-notch! Their milkshake was also creamy and thick, and definitely good value for money.

Speaking of good food spots, my aunt took us to Akara Cafe. What do we say about people who stay in a niche and are good at it? These guys have hacked the code because how are you making millions from akara (bean cake)? We saw people coming from the gym, or heading to work, trooping in to have an amazing breakfast. The scenery was chill, and I would recommend this place for a beautiful start to your morning in Abuja on a visit. I had their maxi platter and was full till evening.

We also had a stop at the Transcorp Hilton hotel. I have heard about this hotel, but getting to experience it was bliss. My siblings and I enjoyed the piano night and the sonorous voice of the singer while we explored the ground floor and the activities area. The only questions ringing in my head were:

“What are Abuja people doing for a living? How do people pay for this hotel?”

One regret I have is not going to the Kilishi market, a friend suggested. That would have been a good experience to have. It is located at the Area 1 shopping complex, if you want to check it out. I was bummed I took a short time interval to explore the city, but all in all I’m grateful that i got to experience this and look forward to another time at Abuja.

Have you been to Abuja? Do you plan on visiting soon?
Share your thoughts with me in the comments

Top Moisturizers For Oily Skin- Part 1

by with No Comment Reviews
a youtube thumbnail of the top five moisturizers for every oily skin

As an oily and acne-prone babe, finding the best moisturizer can be a hassle, which is why including an article for top moisturizers for oily skin was on my “to-write” list!

Many people think oily skin doesn’t need moisture, but skipping moisturizer can actually lead to even more oil production. Are you tired of moisturizers that leave your skin feeling greasy or cause breakouts?

In this video, I’m breaking down the five best moisturisers for oily skin that provide hydration without feeling overwhelming. Whether you have acne-prone skin, combination skin, or want a fresh, matte finish, I’ve tested and reviewed some of the most popular and dermatologist-recommended options just for you!

What’s in this video?

  • In-depth reviews of five top-rated moisturizers for oily skin
  • Texture, absorption, and finish breakdown
  • Honest pros & cons for each product.

PS- Part two is also up on the blog, so check it out for more options.

Have you tried any of these moisturizers? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! I’d love to hear what works for your skin type—and if I missed any of your faves, drop them below.

Please subscribe and leave a thumbs up if you enjoyed this video.

Top 5 Moisturizers For Oily Skin- Part 2

by with One Comment Reviews
top moisturizers for oily skin

Are you struggling with oily skin and can’t find the right moisturizer?

In this video, I share 5 of the best moisturizers for oily skin (part 2) — breaking down the pros and cons of each so you know exactly which one will work for your skin type. From lightweight gels to hydrating creams, these moisturizers are non-greasy, oil-free, and perfect for anyone battling shine, breakouts, or clogged pores.

Products mentioned:

1. Purito Panthenol Cream – soothing and barrier-strengthening

2. Neutrogena Grapefruit Moisturizer – fresh and oil-controlling

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – lightweight hydration with hyaluronic acid

4. Isntree Green Tea Emulsion – antioxidant-rich and calming

5. AC Oil Free Gel –not overwhelming and breakout-friendly

Whether you have acne-prone skin, combo skin, or want a moisturizer that won’t make you greasy by noon, these picks will help keep your skin balanced and healthy.

PS- Catch up on part one here!

All You Need To  Know About the Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen debate ft my current sunscreens

by with No Comment Beauty

Nothing makes me happier than my friends sharing their skincare wins with me. Okay cake and icecream tops the list but you get my point. 

Recently I casually mentioned “mineral sunscreen” when my friend showed me a recent buy and she called my attention to not knowing what it meant. 

That’s the inspiration behind today’s post! The mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate is still common and it’s good to know what they are so it informs your decision making. 

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen 

There are two main types of sunscreens- minberal/ physical and chemical/organic. Before I explain more, there are some things your sunscreen needs to have.

☀️What you need in a sunscreen 

  1. SPF 30 and above 
  2. Shows broad-spectrum protection (PA +++) as that shows it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
  3. Water-resistant 

Now let’s get into the real thing, shall we?

Mineral susncreens 

These sunscreens work by reflecting the UV rays away from your face. They act like a physical shield. 

Check my take on the mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate and which is better for you. 

☀️Ingredients 

Mineral sunscreens contain physical filters like:

Titanium dioxide & Zinc oxide.

One example is the Gavia sunblock I reviewed here (ADD LINK).

My current mineral sunscreen is the Nivea****

Picture of Me and the sunscreen 

☀️Pros of Mineral sunscreen 

  • Thjeyre a safer optin for sensitive skin since theyre not absorbed anc are less likely to cause irritation.
  • Naturally offers a broad spectrum protection 
  • Non-comedogenic meaning it’s less likely to clog your pores (aka won’t cause break outs)

NB~ definition of broad spectrum*

☀️Cons of Minerak Sunscreen

  • Easily rubbed off from sweating hence needs to be reapplied more often.
  • The risk of a white cast is higher 
  • Takes more effort to rub in as it is usually  thicker than chemical sunscreen 

NB~ Whatvis a white cast?

Picture of Nivea texture 

Chemical sunscreens 

This sunscreen act by forming a thin film that absorbs UV rays before penetrating the skin. 

☀️Ingredients 

Chemical sunscreens usually contain:

Oxybenzone, octisalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, etc

Ps~ I don’t bother “cramming” the ingredients but I like to be familiar with them so I know my mineral vs chemical sunscreen at glance.

Picture of me with bondi sands 

UP NEXT – Skincare Tips I Wish I knew when I started 

☀️Pros of chemical sunscreen 

  • Easier to spread due to a thinner consistency.
  • Usually won’t leave a white cast

☀️Cos of chemical sunscreen 

  • Needs to be applied 15-20 minutes before sun exposure as it’s effect is not immediate.
  • More likely to irritate the skin due to iys ingredients 
  • Requires more frequent application.
  • More likely to clog the pores so could causes frequent breakouts.
  • Could sting the eyes

Picture of bondi sands texture 

“So Iruoma, which is better?”, you might ask. 

The one you would actually wear according to byrdie. Mineral sunscreens are better off due to being less irritating but, don’t let the mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate rob you off trying whichever type you want and actually using it. 

What sunscreen do you use currently? Is it a mineral or chemical sunscreen? Let me know in the comments.

Please share with someone else!

Stay connected

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My simple skincare routine for hyperpigmentation ft RD8 lab Moisturiser, Junederm Serum, and Olaedonaturals Cleanser.

by with No Comment BeautyReviews

Is black soap worth trying

by with No Comment BeautyReviews

Keyword- black soap, African black soap.

Title generator- https://seopressor.com/blog-title-generator/result/ OR Sharethrough

Outline-

Introduction: What is a black soap, dispelling myths, and how you should be informed

Africqn black soap is shrouded in mystery and not for bad reason/

Body: benefits of black soap, my experience, who can use a black soap, who shouldn’t, where to get (R&R with my code, Shea moisture, Raw ng**)

Conclusion

Pictures and tips- R&R, Embed IG video of my black soap experience, Follow me on Ig and TikTok for kroe skin and beauty tips

Resources-

https://kokobeautyessentials.com/blogs/kkbe-blog/avoid-dry-skin-when-using-african-black-soap

https://www.byrdie.com/top-skin-care-benefits-of-african-black-soap-2442908

What to Know Before Using African Black Soap

https://www.peetbrospalmfree.com/blogs/news/african-black-soap-skin-care-benefits-for-every-part-of-your-body

https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/african-black-soap-benefits

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/african-black-soap-benefits#:~:text=1.,good%20substitute%20for%20modern%20soaps.

New Year: Here is How You Practice More Being And Less Doing In 2025

by with No Comment DiaryLifestyle
iruoma-on-a-blue-dress
Wrapping the year in style

 

It took several typing and deletions to come up with this sentence. How long has it been on the blog? I have missed writing every week and sharing some life updates, so the new year seemed a perfect opportunity to start.

This article is probably my shortest blog post, but I did not want “perfection”  or keeping a certain standard to prevent me from getting this out today.

First, Happy New Year! Nothing has humbled me more than the past year. I have always been a planner. Think of the girl with journals and yearly planners—that’s me. Last year, I utilized Notion for the fancy annual templates. To be fair, I ticked off some things and even accomplished goals I never thought of. But my point is that most of the time, not everything goes as planned, but God is always in perfect control, vision board or not. 

New Year’s resolutions don’t always have to be new goals. They could be continuations of goals set before that were not completed. Resolve to keep going. Every new week is a fresh start; every day is another opportunity to make small decisions that add to that big goal.

This year, I intend on being. I want to explore and enjoy the beauty of living. I am no longer micromanaging my time, experiences or life. 

I pray you have a fantastic year ahead, filled with joy in the chaos, peace in the storm, love, hope, and peace. Don’t be afraid to start in sight of everyone (this is my sub), and don’t fear rejection. Fear not starting at all.

Cheers to a beautiful chapter- happy new year, friend!

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