I know it’s been a hot minute since I last published a beauty post. This has been sitting in my drafts since I was done using these products. I miss this skincare routine for hyperpigmentation, as it is simple and effective. As someone who is acne-prone, and has struggled with dark spots and uneven skin tone, I know how frustrating it can be to find effective products that work.
PS: My current routine is different for full disclosure, but that doesn’t invalidate this routine or my experience.
In December, thanks to the help of my community, I won some skincare products described as the holy grail of Nigerian skincare products for hyperpigmentation, and you can imagine my excitement!
My favourite thing about these products is that Nigerian brands made them, and that shows the progress our indigenous beauty industry is making!
Did this combination of products leave a noticeable difference in my skin? Let’s talk about them.
Introduction to Hyperpigmentation
First things first, let’s talk about what hyperpigmentation is.
Hyperpigmentation occurs when there is an excess production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its colour. This can be caused by things like sun damage (especially), hormonal changes, acne scars, and inflammation. The result is dark spots or patches on the skin that can be difficult to get rid of.
My Routine For Hyperpigmentation
Now, onto my skincare routine. Here’s what I do:
Step 1: Cleanse with Olaedonaturls Gentle Cleanser
The first step in any skincare routine is to cleanse the skin to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. I’ve been using this gentle cleanser for over two months (due to alternating with other cleansers), and its after-effect on my skin always impresses me. It’s non-foaming and doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. I love how gentle enough it is to use twice daily, plus it leaves my skin feeling clean and soft.
Cleansing leaves a perfect canvas for the next step.
Step 2: Treat with Junederm discolouration correcting serum
This is the step where I focus on treating my hyperpigmentation. The Junederm discolouration-correcting serum is a potent blend of ingredients that work together to reduce the appearance of dark spots and even skin tone. According to their website, it contains brighteners like:
“5% niacinamide, 2% tranexamic acid, potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD), 2% alpha arbutin and oligopeptide-68, “all of which are known to brighten the skin and fade hyperpigmentation.
When I started with this serum, I used it 2-3 times at night before working my way daily. When I tell you that the significant improvement I noticed was no small deal, I mean it! I also noticed a remarkable appearance of my skin.
A friend of mine even commented on how my skin was looking radiant one evening after I had used this serum consistently for over three weeks, and I was so glad!
This was during my final exam preparation, and my skin was “glowing” despite the stress.
Step 3: Moisturize with Rd8 labs Hydra boost Moisturizer
After treating my skin with the serum, I follow up with a moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated and plump. According to its founder’s interview, the hydra boost Moisturizer is a lightweight, non-greasy formula specially formulated for humid climates.
The burst of coolness that you get when this moisturizer touches your skin is phenomenal! I love that it absorbs quickly into the skin, and it is lightweight enough for hot weather and all skin types, especially oily skin.
Last but not least is my favourite step- sunscreen!
This is a step that many people overlook, but it’s crucial for preventing further hyperpigmentation and protecting the skin from harmful UV rays. My friend once said that half of our skincare is avoiding the sun, and she’s right!
If you’re not applying sunscreen, that’s counterintuitive to treating hyperpigmentation. Worse still, the ingredients in these products could make your skin sun sensitive and worsen your condition, so sunscreen is non-negotiable.
I always use SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, even on cloudy/ rainy days.
If you’re not sure where to start with sunscreens, here’s a helpful post on sunscreen as a beginner.
I must tell you that I had other things in my routine that helped my hyperpigmentation treatment, such as exfoliating and the use of anti-oxidants But if you want just four simple steps that pretty much contain the vital ingredients for hyperpigmentation, these would be my recommendation.
Overall, I’ve found that this simple skincare routine has made a huge difference in the appearance of my hyperpigmentation. Of course, everyone’s skin is different, so what works for me may not work for you. But if you’re struggling with dark spots and uneven skin tone, I recommend trying these products!
FAQs
What ingredients should I look out for to treat hyperpigmentation?
Several skincare ingredients can help fade hyperpigmentation, such as:
Vitamin C: The most common form is ascorbic acid can help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.
Hydroquinone: This topical skin-lightening agent works by inhibiting the production of melanin (this should be prescribed by a dermatologist, in my opinion, as it’s potent and can be dangerous).
Retinoids: These vitamin A derivatives help reduce hyperpigmentation by increasing cell turnover and exfoliating the skin.
Kojic acid: This is a natural skin-lightening agent that works by inhibiting the production of melanin.
Niacinamide: This form of Vitamin B3 can help reduce hyperpigmentation by preventing the process by which melanin pigments are transferred to the skin cells.
Azelaic acid: This ingredient can help fade hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin and reducing inflammation.
What causes hyperpigmentayion?
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors, including sun exposure, hormonal changes, and acne.
How can I treat hyperpigmentation?
My recommendations are to identify the underlying cause of hyperpigmentation and address it, in addition to using topical skincare products. Additionally, it is always recommended to consult with a dermatologist or aesthetician for personalized skincare recommendations.
Please note that fading hyperpigmentation is a journey (as skincare generally is!) and may involve different products targeting the different hyperpigmentation processes. Nonetheless, it’s a productive journey and not impossible.
I’m clearing out the cobwebs here because it’s been a hot minute! It was for a good reason, as your girl is finally done with school! Did I hear screams? You better scream for joy on my behalf, lol!
I had this long written in my head, and it’s been four weeks since my last paper as a medical student in medical school. The last exam paper I had was on 20th April 2023. My exam lasted ten days, from 11th April to 20th April 2023.
Sharing the news with you was also nerve-wracking because I wasn’t sure where to start. That’s one of the reasons this would be a three-part series. This is the first. The second would be my gratitude list, and the third would be my graduation story.
When I say those were the most stressful days of my life so far, I’m not even joking. What made it stressful was that I had been preparing weeks ahead with more hours assigned to studying compared to other things I enjoyed, like movies, hanging out with friends and sleeping- oh, my precious sleep!
While the world is quick to move on to the next accomplishment, I’m learning to step back and take a moment to absorb the significance of a dream come true. I’ve been stuck “planning” the next thing to do and not realizing the significance of my latest experience.
Our last day of “normalcy” before the pandemic in 2020
Someone I know mentioned how “life” was starting and the ton of exams and stress after finishing medical school. I agree, but one thing I won’t do is let this accomplishment dwindle because of the work to come. Let it come. Others have done it, and everything good will come just in time.
Honestly, it hasn’t felt like things have been in time. For starters, this degree of 6 years took almost 9. I hate when people try to do suffering contest with their responses;
“Oh, just 9? I spent 11 years in medical school.” That is a ridiculous response to give someone confiding in you, but that’s beyond the point of this post.
While the world is quick to move on to the next accomplishment, I’m learning to take a step back and take a moment to absorb the significance of a dream come true.
God worked it out, and while I’m done reeling from the stress emotionally and physically, I just had to give a breakdown of everything!
In 2014 I filled out the JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) form and eagerly put in medicine and surgery. My matriculation was on 23rd January 2015, and a few weeks after, I resumed college.
Would you believe that every year since I resumed in 2015 was marked by at least one academic or non-academic strike?
By 2016, I had moved to the College of Medicine, where I was supposed to spend five years. My time as a medical student was filled with volunteering, serving as the welfare secretary of my association and Yearbook class, attending and planning outreaches, taking a break to enjoy non-medical stuff, and I even fell in love with and started content creation in school!
Meanwhile, studying medicine was not rosy. I was aware of that fact but bruh! The humbling experience was seeing scores I had never dreamed of being a reality for me😂 Fast forward to my first clinical year in 2018. Typically, it takes about two years to be done with clinical, and I was excited at the near end.
Then COVID happened in 2020, and things went from bad to worse.
Symposium Day
It’s a different ball game going through the days, minutes and seconds of those years with uncertainties, questions from family and loved ones, doubts, ugly tears, fear and faith. I share a bit of the struggle on my last birthday post here.
On the 11th of April, 2023, my finals started, and 17 days later, I saw all my results!
Final results day!
I’m glad to be over with this phase. It still feels like a dream, and while I know there’s so much work to be done, especially as a graduate and with adult-ing, I’m grateful to God that it’s another chapter in my life!
The second part of this series is my open letter to those on my gratitude list. These are people who made my journey easier and my load lighter.
Here’s a look, and you might see your name there!
Please share what you would love to see on the blog as well!
Glad you’re here for part 2 of my medical student journey to the MBBS series!
You should check out Part 1 here for more context if you just saw this post.
Aside from documenting how this phase of my life is finally over, the main goal of this post is to thank people who were there when it mattered a lot to me!
If you viewed my WhatsApp status during my exams, you’ve probably seen me thank everyone for the food, money, prayers, and so much more on my status. This list must feature on the blog because when something leaves a mark on my heart, I believe it stays there.
Shall we begin?
First would be to God, who gave me peace beyond understanding. The peace I had and joy despite fears couldn’t have been given by anyone else but Him.
Then, of course, my parents! To my mummy (best in discernment and prayers) and daddy (cash supplier and motivator)- these guys are the real owners of my degree!
From 2020 and how things became disordered with school, my parents quickly reminded me of God’s faithfulness when I felt stagnant. I could write (and perhaps would someday) a book on them, and despite our differences in personality and some ideologies, I won’t trade them for anything ❤️
My sisters
Next would be my siblings – Chizzy, Uzo, Chekwube, Nedebem and Mezuo. These made me know who cheerleaders were before I understood the meaning. The constant calls, gifts, prayers, celebrating small moments and encouragement coloured my dark days, and I love life with you!
To my partner, friend and the man that I love- Bel! Being in the same class as the one you’re dating can be challenging, and this period was a lot for us. Yet studying with you and seeing some of our discussions come out as questions always made me glad! Those long hours of wanting to check up on each other, but constrained by our books, are now in the past, and it still feels like a dream! Cheers to more wins and dreams come true. Thanks for being part of this journey, babe.
My church, Crown Reformed Assembly! I joined this church in 2019 after a terrible church hurt, and it’s been home. To my Pastors P.Eyinna and P. Arimoro, Mama Bear, Mummy Toun, Sis Alaba, Nosa, Debby, Sis Lizzy, Praise and everyone else! The prayers, love and hugs have meant the world to me, and I look forward to more.
Freedom Court and CMDA also deserve mention, as the support given during my exams was immense! The Freedom Court meal tickets, stationery, and CMDA food made your girl feel super loved!
Now there’s a friend that sticks closer than a brother, and one that comes to mind easily is Matthew! The way this guy showed up for me, especially during the never-ending final year, needs to be studied. Thank you for the banters, prayers, rebuke, and food and for sharing your babe, Tobi, with me!
Sophia, my babe and sister girl! My friend would send voice notes and sweet emails to cheer me up. Her excitement for this induction never ceases to amaze me. I don’t have to “act” strong with Sophia; that is everything to me!
One special mention of my friend, Layo! I got to share my final year room with Layo, which was an experience. When you say someone is determined, think of Layo. My landlord (as I often call her) is an early riser, influencing my reading habit for good. She would ask me questions randomly and remind me to cover certain topics.
I remember the Monday before we started exams, Layo made us review a topic I had been avoiding. Guess what showed up in that paper? The same topic we revised! I had no plans of reading that topic, so imagine my joy when I saw it. There are so many instances of how we prepared and were ordered by God in these exams, but this post would become a book if I go on, lol!
Another person that has absolute support and cheerleader is my gee, Kola! This young man has been a friend and one of the best people in my corner. From the moment our school calendar got ruined, he was always there to listen and cheer me on. For your gifts and timely words, thank you!
My study group deserves an honourable mention too! We called ourselves “E choke,” and some days were like that. One thing I loved about my guys is how we never ceased celebrating our little wins after each end-of-posting exam. Ige, John, Jemiseye, Darley, Tochukwu, Gerald, Henry, Jessica and Busayo! I always looked forward to our meetings and bullying you guys. Imagine my joy when we all saw our results- all aces, no misses!
I left out three people in the study group mention because we became a tight-knit reading group and friends- Success Academy medics, aka Asambodo (Igbo for “well acclaimed”).
Oma, Feyi and Chris! I can’t put the finger on how we ended up reading together, but these guys are my highlight for final year med school. Oma would always cheer us when we were tired and ask questions in between readings to wake us up. The most relaxed and confident go to Feyi! She never missed a beat to remind us that we could and would clear our finals!
To the only guy in our midst- Chris! If you needed someone who appeared not to care but cared a great deal for his own, then you’ve found Chris. We frustrated him with our constant time wasting, but his consistency with reminding us of reading times, giving us timely information, coming up with mnemonics and being a good sport was the best!
We made memories, and I look forward to the next phase more, God willing!
“Asambodo” doctors
I wrap up this first gratitude section with a shout-out to my block 2 & 4 girls! For context, block 2 is where I stayed in the hostel. We were 5 in block two, who were close, and 3 in block 4. Layo, Oma, Awi, Ajayi, Chisom, Tosin and Feyi.
You’re already familiar with Layo, Oma and Feyi.
Awi was an efficient, organized and thoughtful planner. Chisom came with information, and this girl’s brain is a magnet! There was Ajayi, who would calmly remind us of times when we lost focus, and Tosin would give her cute sighs when the information was overwhelming. While we were not as consistent with the hostel group meetings, it was always a good time to come together while preparing for our practical exam.
These ladies gave me good memories, and I’m glad to have spent time with them in that phase of our lives.
NB; exam brethren is a tradition in my medical school where a kind gesture is shown to the students in the form of food, money, prayers and encouragement. It reduces the burden of exams.
To Dr. Kunmi, who kicked off exam brethren for me. It was so unexpected, and I would say the sweetest gesture! To Dr. Idio, who’s been a present elder and cheerleader!
To Raphael, my sweet boy! For always being willing to share your space for my convenience and the meals! To Dami, AMSUL’s welfare sec with the kind gesture!
Chibuezeeee! The amount of cheering and food this guy sent my way was humbling. Thank you so much!
To Dr. Mimi for her prayer for peace. I panicked a week before my exams, and she came to mind. That’s how this woman spoke God’s truth to my heart.
My sweet Pharmacists Uche, Vitamin Kay and Denrele!
One trait they both share in common? Being supportive. Uche sent the most thoughtful messages unprovoked to cheer me on. How do you do that consistently to someone you haven’t seen in a while?
What about Denrele and reminding me of my grit in secondary school? That guy believed in me more than I did at a point in this ridiculously long journey.
There’s also my baby girl, Kanyi, aka Vitamin Kay. Thank you for all the calls, messages, gifts and cheering.
To my Spectrum mama (set 2018); Dr. Chiamaka, Dr. Ejiro, Dr. Salamah and Dr. Tumi!
Chimax gave me a “blank cheque” for my exam, brethren, and it was so kind! I remember looking at her text and being speechless with joy.
Ejiro’s advice, food and cheers were like a soothing balm! They were always timely.
Sallieeeee! Salamah’s gift box was too adorable, but the gift for me was her home. This woman and Tomi ensured Chris, Oma, Feyi, Bel, and I had access to their place when there was no power supply in the hostels and we needed to read or charge our devices. She (or Tomi) never complained despite how inconveniencing it would have been! I’m pretty hospitable, but this gesture was far too kind, and I can’t forget it.
Tumi has a way with words and is so helpful! Your sweet gesture was heartwarming, and I’m honoured!
Also, to Dr. Festus, who has been cheering in my corner! Thank you so much for the kind gesture, for real.
To Dr. Godwin, my Gynix Africa boss, Dr. Oyor, Dr. Hassan, Dr. Tiolu, his gracious wife Kene, and Dr. Bailey- the kind gesture and food cannot be easily forgotten! Thank you so much.
To my first ever “school mama,” Dr. Ayoyi, who always pushed me beyond limitations and the frequent cheering! To Dr. Benedicta, who would always check up on her babies despite the distance. Thank you, mama! Also, Dr. Tegzi: Thank you for being a support and checking in frequently, especially during the breaks!
I pray that you always get help when you need it, and just as you put a smile on my lips, you will have endless moments of joy!
To my CLAXIX faves (set 2019): Dr. Seki, my sugar mummy of Lagos, with the study materials, advice, exam brethren and cheering. Dr. Bibi, whose hugs and banters I have missed! Dr. Mariam, with the sweet voice and coming through for me! Dr. Susu’s kindness and cheerleading for me. Dr. Yemyem with links to materials, kind words, advice and listening to my rants. You, ladies, didn’t spare a moment to be kind to me, and I’m so grateful!
Then Dr. Ileri was always receptive and cheered me from my welfare secretary days. Those cinnamon rolls were awesome, by the way!
To my Tetris babies (set 2021); Ada Beke, Goodness, Oluchi, Jennifer, Tumininu, Iremide, Gracie, Lara, Sanmi, Nazom, Foluso, David, Halita, Noel, and Nonso. Thank you for the meals, prayers and kind words! I look forward to celebrating with you guys soon.
To my set ’22 and ’23 babies: Amanda Dukor, Chioma, Shekinah, Doreen, Nonye, Chiamaka and Adaobi. For all the hugs, the meals, prayers and the success messages- thank you, babies!
To my friends from secondary school: Khadi, Ayo, Nicole, Hope, KKC, Tayo and Segun. The constant messages to check up on me and cheers whenever I ranted on my WhatsApp status about feeling behind with the “delays.” Thank you so much!
To my Festac family from secondary school: Mope, Moni, Mojola, Pascal, Uche, Tonna, Desire, Eden and Favour. Thank you for the jokes and meals shared. For the days of discussions and planning our meetups, we could forget about the things that didn’t seem to be working so as to be in the present. Those moments are always cherished, and I look forward to more!
Finally, to myself! I kept on this journey despite the moments of breaking down and losses. I fought for this, and thankfully, God upheld me!
While I tried my best to include all the names I could remember because it takes a village to raise one person, and that’s my story! Thank you, guys, for being part of my MBBS story and for cheering me along the way.
The third part of this series will be after my graduation by God’s grace, so subscribe below and stay tuned to the blog for more!
Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion is a mild body milk that is purposely made for skin maintenance for all skin types. It absorbs deeply and moisturizes the skin.
This body lotion is highly rich in plant extracts and contains SPF 15, which helps protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also evens out the skin tone.
This body cream is composed of skin-beneficial properties and does not feel sticky on the skin after application. It is mild and fast-hydrating when applied to the skin.
Nivea is a German skincare manufacturer that has been making quality products for over 100 years. For a brand that has been around for so long, it has gained worldwide recognition, allowing consumers to purchase its products all around the world.
Nivea products are not made for skin whitening, so even if the inscription on the container says “it lightens,” do not expect that, because it will not do anything of that sort for you! This manufacturer’s products are mainly for moisturizing, hydrating, and brightening the skin.
I personally used this lotion alongside my dark-skinned roommate. We got one each and used the bottle for two months. During this period, I didn’t see any lightening effect on my skin, not even a slight one. I noticed that it kept my skin moist, and hydrated, and smoothed rough parts of the skin.
This body lotion does not whiten the skin through bleaching, so this body lotion is perfect to keep your skin radiant, glowing, and spot-free. Although if you use an exfoliating product or serum with this cream, it will help maintain your complexion and give it an even-toned appearance.
Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion will help to repair the skin and restore the skin’s damaged barrier in my experience. It clears skin rashes and does not contain skin-whitening ingredients.
Pump out a little portion of the cream and rub it gently on your skin till it absorbs fully into the body.
Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of this body product, shall we?
Nivea Even & Radiant Body Lotion Pros
It blends and unifies the skin.
It is rich in vitamins (especially vitamin C).
It helps maintain the skin tone.
It moisturizes the skin.
It keeps the skin healthy.
It will even out your skin tone.
It hydrates the skin.
It repairs skin damage.
It keeps the skin spotless and clean.
Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion Con
It can be challenging to get the original.
What type of skin can use Nivea Even & Radiant Body Lotion?
It can be used for both oily and dry skin.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much is Nivea Even & Radiant Body Lotion?
The body lotion costs NGN 2000 and upwards in Nigeria.
Does Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion Bleach?
No, it does not bleach the skin.
Does Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion contain hydroquinone?
No, hydroquinone is not present in this lotion.
Does Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion contain mercury?
No, mercury is not present in this lotion.
Can The Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion Be Used On The Face?
While some people do so, it’s not recommended as it may cause you to break out since the facial skin is more sensitive and thinner than the body’s skin.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a body lotion that protects and keeps the skin moisturized, then the Nivea Even and Radiant Body Lotion can be the one for you!
Sofia Abdulz is a seasoned professional with over 7 years of experience in the fields of writing, SEO analysis, and web design. He has a proven track record of success, having worked on both personal projects and top websites in Nigeria.
His personal project, EverythingPrice, showcases his passion for skincare products. He is dedicated to expanding his knowledge as a content writer through writing, reading, and researching in his free time.
When I thought of what to share this December, it was a no-brainer to share a walk through the year.
My first-ever end-of-year post on the blog gave me nostalgia while re-reading and I got to experience 2021 again. It’s one reason I love writing. It feels as if I’m taking a picture of moments, but with much more as I take your imagination along.
Anyways, while people may not be as hyped about a new year, I think it’s worth celebrating.
I titled this “life lately” because most of my posts have been on skincare which is no surprise as I focused more on the beauty aspect of A Dash of Iruoma.
Life lately has been interesting. This year I felt more like an adult, pitched shamelessly, learned how to be vulnerable with loved ones, made lots of mistakes, wrestled with God, loved more, and allowed myself to be loved.
Let’s go through the months together, shall we?
It’s so easy to covet people’s wins. You can compare yours and want something better but pause to enjoy your own.
January
January started with me attending a dear friend’s wedding. I went with my sister and boy did she feed us well, lol!
The sad thing about being a med student is the school doesn’t really go on breaks so I had to resume the next day. Imagine carrying your luggage alongside your slaying dress at a wedding😂 That was me! I came home a few days later to celebrate my mum’s birthday. She’s my biggest cheerleader in the family, and I pray I get to do more for her in 2023!
There was also a lot of planning for my final year class traditional dinner. It was beautiful and turned out to be a highlight. Crazy how we’re spending 1 year remembering it still in the same class thanks to strike actions.
I also launched the monthly freebie for my newsletter community which was monthly wallpapers. That was the start of my consistency with it.
Me at my friend’s wedding in January
A collage of 2022 Wallpapers- a gift I started in January for my Newsletter community.
I have so much to share in 2023 so don’t be left behind- join us!
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February
At this point, school work was getting a lot as the rotation I was in, had classes every single day! Their efficiency is top-notch but a girl needed to just rest.
We also had our YBC photoshoot and trust me and my YBC partner and me to match outfits.😂
My girl, VitaminKay, an illustrator and fashion stylist graduated from pharmacy school. She was the last person close to me in a junior class from another department leaving and while I was sad to no longer keep seeing her, it was a beautiful day!
February won’t be complete without my Valentine’s date with my baby. The thoughtfulness that went into it wasn’t surprising because he’s the best at being intentional, but it still blew me away!
At Vitamin Kay’s induction party
PS: there’s a lot about final year class events because I'm currently in final year with events that bring us together and give us memories.
March
This month, I started Dermatology posting which was interesting. I still don’t think I’ll specialize there because it’s only skincare I love, and this field is more than that- oops! Still a no for me.
Did I mention that by this time, everyone else was about 2 weeks into the strike action that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had started? I was still having clinical activities, and we were so close to the end of rotation exams.
Or so I thought.
This month was also my sister’s birthday. Thankfully it was the weekend and I was home with our family friends who turned up making it a good one for Chizzy.
In Dermatology posting (the first time)
April
Prior to this time, I had been off IG. It was supposed to be the “off-time” before my final examinations started plus I was burned out.
Anyways, I decided to try TikTok. Since the stress of creating on IG was sucking the joy of my creating, why not try a more relaxed place?
I started on April 1st and became the dancing and pointing skincare girlie😂
It was also the month of our final year class symposium. Seeing all of us (me and my classmates) looking so good and not like the stress we were going through gave me goosebumps in a good way.
It was so beautiful. Burnt orange and navy blue are a good combination, I’ll give Chris( one of the vice presidents) that!
A few days later, the school sent students home due to the strike. This was the third time in a row and let’s just say it was the worst feeling ever.
Before leaving, my friends and I had a mini girls’ night out to enjoy because we weren’t sure how long it would take to see each other again.
We were right, it would be 6 months before we saw again.
Me and Layo at our symposiumMe and my favorite babyMy favorite study partners from L to R: are Feyi, Chris, and Oma.
May
This was the staying-at-home pro-max month. I barely left the house during the strike actually.
This was also the month I struggled with dermatitis around my jaw and between my nasal folds. It was a scary experience because I just woke up one day with flaking around my jaw and nose. Thankfully, I traced it to a skincare product that was fake.
Anyways, my face got better and the dermatitis improved with more skincare, and I even dabbled into makeup this month.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate that fact. If you ever saw Iruoma, and doing her makeup in the same sentence, I would have said you were dreaming, but guess who can do more than draw her eyebrows now? Meeeee!
JUNE
In June, I became more consistent with the blog in terms of sharing weekly posts. That was when monthly skincare empties began because I wanted to share more skincare product reviews.
It was also my first adult picnic hosted by my friend at Ndubuisi Kanu park. If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to chill with loved ones and friends in Lagos, you should see my review about this park.
In June, there were tons of celebrations: friends’ birthdays, my partner’s birthday, and my parents’ wedding anniversary. It was a good way to take my mind off the feeling of stagnancy.
My friends and I at Ndubuisi Kanu Park
JULY
That thing people say about birthday blues is real! To make matters worse, it was the third birthday in a row I spent at home stuck because of the academic strike. Now it’s one thing to not define your life by events and circumstances, but there’s only so much you can take.
Thankfully, I had the best people around me. From my family to my partner and friends.
I can say that this birthday was an enjoyable one, and seeing God’s hands in the little details was the reassurance I needed for that season.
My sweet sister!
AUGUST
It was my brother’s graduation from secondary (high) school. What’s funny is that I have been in university the whole duration of my baby brother’s secondary school!
It was also my baby brother’s birthday month, and just like that, he’s a teenager.
I had my first collaboration on the blog with my friend, Uloma, who is a natural hair enthusiast and make-up artist.
SEPTEMBER
This month, I finally returned to Instagram. I’m probably being dramatic by saying I returned, but I was exhausted, as I mentioned earlier. It’s not a do-or-die affair, but I love creating, and by this time, I felt Tiktok had been helpful in reminding me of why I started creating in the first place: To share with no pressure. Now that I wanted to focus more on skincare, it felt easier.
I also learned to define consistency for me and the importance of community.
It was also this month I had a mini-reunion with my family and friends. We went to the same high school and lived close to one another. That day is still so memorable because of our laughter and discussions. We’re getting older with different worldviews, but I love our bond!
The first episode of skincare chats was launched this month! I remember toying with the idea, and your feedback was so encouraging! My siblings also went back to school for the new term, and I was reminded of where I was as a student.
It was also preparation time for my friend’s wedding, as I was the chief bridesmaid. This month ended with me breaking my glasses (yet again), and it wasn’t even up to a month of getting emotional damage!
Said goodbye to my siblings in secondary school.
OCTOBER
This month started with my friend’s wedding! It is one thing to be in the background when things are just dreams and another thing to be part of the dream come true. That feels fulfilling.
I was stressed leading up to the day because of the logistics of my getting there and after the event. Much to my relief, everything turned out great, and it was a beautiful experience!
Me and Bola at her wedding!
Another friend of mine hosted us for her birthday, and meeting the girls again was lovely.
L to R: Mebi, Ore, Feyi (the celebrant), and me!
By the end of this month, I got my second PR package from a Nigerian skincare brand called Soapy Suds. I reviewed all the products I got in this post here. It was a good feeling because I felt seen in my craft.
Did I mention that the federal government and ASUU finally called off their 8-month-long strike?
Once again, my life had to readjust to being a student after months of not reading my books.
NOVEMBER
It was hard readjusting to school. The first week was tough as I had “forgotten” how to be a student. By the next week, it was a bit better, and the regular medical student taunts during ward rounds and clinical activities made me a student by force.
I love this picture so much despite not blending my sunscreen well
Asides from adjusting, trying to figure out content posting schedules was hard too. Ideally creating content ahead of time helped me stay consistent, but in between school’s unpredictable schedule and just needing time to read and even sleep, it was tough.
I got around 2-3 times a week posting on IG and Titkok. My priority was sending my weekly newsletters and churning out new blog posts.
This month, I had my first international PR collaboration from TikTok with JUNOCO- a skincare brand committed to normalizing and celebrating skin with flaws.
Afterwards, it was a slow countdown to my third rotation exams. Count how many times I was asked if this was the final exam! That’s the thing with med school. There are lots of exams!
November was bittersweet. For my health, school, and content creation. Even my walk with God. I thought the prior months had some tough days, but November was something else.
JUNOCO’s Cleansing Powder as shot by my other sister!
DECEMBER
On the exam day, my girls and I wore the same color ❤️ Post-exam joy!
December was an exciting month. I felt like I was living two lives with grief and joy. Someday, I’ll talk about the grief aspect when I’m ready.
I finished my 3rd clinical rotation exam this month, and now it’s a countdown to the last lap! This month, I hosted my first giveaway in collaboration with Paxo Beauty on Instagram.
Giveaway Giveaway
Another highlight was getting a collaboration from TikTok again, which was my first paid deal! I went from being clueless to putting myself out there with creating and even learning how to pitch and negotiate. There’s still a lot of work to be done in this regard, but going from point zero to 10 is growth, and you can’t imagine how good it felt!
The week leading up to Christmas was stressful and rewarding. I attended my first content creator meet, and it was a highlight! My friends got engaged, and another hosted her birthday party on Christmas Eve.
I got home on Christmas day, and aside from the chores, I enjoyed being with my family! In between, I attended a games night with some of my friends, and it was great to see adults acting like kids with no care in the world, even if it was for a few hours.
My first content creator meet-up!Me and Bae!Me and Sophia at her Birthday party.
That’s it, my friends! I wish I could fit every memory and moment from 2022 into this post.
I hope you had a good year. Not just good based on “good” things happening to you, but good because you’re alive with hope and things to be thankful for no matter how little.
It’s been a while since we’ve had any personal diary posts and while attending this content creator meet-up, I made up my mind to enjoy the moments and share them with you too.
A few weeks ago, Doreen, a Faith, and Lifestyle content creator and YouTuber spoke about wanting to host a meet-up where content creators could meet physically.
Prior to that, after my hiatus from Instagram, I had been praying about meeting more content creators.
Here’s the thing with creating content online. The internet is a funny place and it’s easy to look over boundaries or think you’re friends with people when honestly you only know what they show. Yet again, the internet has potential for good and I have been a first-hand witness to this.
Take for instance the skincare community. I describe it as the gift that keeps giving. People who I have never met in my entire life literally support my work because we bond over the mutual struggle for creating and skincare.
Back to this event! When Doreen shared her idea of hosting this female-only meet-up on her Instagram stories, I whispered a thank you to God because it was one prayer I didn’t even know how it would be answered.
Thankfully 17th of December,2022 came, and the first edition of Created to Create, an initiative of The Purposeful Creatrs Collective happened!
Here are some of the highlights from the day:
The Venue
The event was held at Eridan space, The Philippi Centre, Ikeja Lagos. I loved the space that was used and the backdrop design! On the chairs, we had a card and snacks which I found really thoughtful of the planning committee!
When we started
The event started late due to us waiting for some of the speakers. Lagos traffic in December isn’t even funny. We started almost two hours later than the assigned time, but I wasn’t mad because I had looked forward to the day. The snacks came in handy during the waiting period too!
Once most of the speakers had arrived, we started with an opening prayer. I was in a room with women who create content and have a reverence for God. Sign me up!
After that, we had 2 pretty MCs who alternated. There was also the ice breaker session where we played the popular 2 truths and a lie. Mine were:
“I’m the first kid,
I love Indomie noodles and,
I love skincare”.
What do you think the lie is? Share with me in the comments!
1st session by Ifeoma Nwobu
The second highlight of this content creator event was by Ifeoma Nwobu, a 23-year-old former model who is currently the co-founder of Sendstack. Africa, a logistics company. She talked about transforming your mindset to unlock room for exponential growth.
Asides from her charisma and fashion sense, she held me captivated by her points. The best part for me was the funnel analogy. This simply means we actually envision before we “do”. She also talked about how we belittle ourselves and the dreams we have forgetting that God who has given them is more than able to help.
After her session and questions, there was a giveaway where the lucky winner won a set of press-on nails from Yodowv.
2nd Session by independent Bella and dodo
After the first session, we had the host, Doreen, and Isabella a top-notch fashion blogger and YouTuber come up to give their experience in content creation. Seeing Bella in real time was awesome! She’s one of those Nigerian creatives whose consistency shows and I love it!
They talked about how their Christian faith determines their worldview even down to the type of deals they take and the integrity of their content. This summed up their panel discussion which was titled “Creating excellently without compromise”.
My favorite parts were Dodo talking about taking a break from IG and coming back with a renewed perspective, as well as Bella talking about how she used maximized her old phone because she started with what she had.
After this, we went behind to get our finger foods and drinks before the next session began. There was also a moment when we had to introduce ourselves to the other ladies in the room and network. We got some information about ourselves and our social handles to keep up with each other.
Our speakers from L to R are: Ifeoma Nwobu, Laura Kanayo, Isabella, Ijeoma Deborah, Esther Adebayo, and Doreen. Image source from TPC
3rd Session by Laura Kanayo, Ijeoma Deborah, and Temi Adebayo
The final session was titled “Jesus, Art, and Business”. It was for business owners and there were tons of questions. In all fairness, as a content creator, I believe you’re a business owner. You are either selling your services or products.
Laura Kanayo is a minimalist makeup artist with one of the best skin-like finishes. Ijeoma Deborah has two businesses- a journal shop and beauty (specifically haircare). Esther Adebayo runs her Ready to Wear brand in addition to her 9-5 job.
They talked about doing things differently, asking for help, and discovering your value so you’re not undercharged.
After these sessions, we wrote a letter on the ready-made cards given to us and exchanged them with others.
There was also another giveaway sponsored by Temi Adebayo Co and the lucky winner won a dress.
Doreen was called forward to give the closing remark and my baby girl burst into tears halfway. It was heartfelt as she mentioned how the idea came to her and how God supplied all that was needed and even more to make it a success!
I was just there smiling because God answered my prayer in a way that was far better than what I could conceive.
After her speech, we took pictures and cut the cake. Oh, that red velvet was so yummy! I had to dedicate a sentence to its flavor- lol!
We were done by past 6 pm and while we ordered our rides, I snuck in some time for pictures.
Created to Create is one content creator meet I hope happens again because every creator and business owner needs community. Nothing beats one with the same values you have and people who encourage you to dream big!
If you’re in Nigeria and looking for a good community of content creators, check TPC so you can be updated about future events and opportunities.
I’m curious to see your answers on the two truths and a lie in the comments! See you there.
In 2022, one of my goals for A Dash of Iruoma was to try outmore 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.
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?
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 mein the comments.
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 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!
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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)
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Size
It’s a 40ml-sized serum. Most serums I’ve used are about 30ml so this is interesting.
Texture, smell, and color
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
According to TIAM’s website, the benefits of this serum include :
Brightening
Fading skin discoloration
Improving hyperpigmentation
The star ingredients are 10% Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and 2% Alpha Arbutin. The ingredient list is as follows:
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
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.
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.
