Fun Places To Visit In Lagos- The Ndubuisi Kanu Park Experience With friends

Living in Lagos is stressful and any opportunity to take a break is welcome! I visited the Ndubuisi Kanu Park at Ikeja about two weeks ago with friends and I’m ready to tell you all you need to know to have a fun time. 

Unfortunately, we picked a very rainy day and by the time we arrived, the chairs were wet and it was hard getting a good spot to keep our mat and duvet initially. One thing about this park was we still had fun despite the rain so it depends on who you go with and what activities you plan.

Iruoma at the playground in the ndubuisi kanu park

About Ndubuisi Kanu Park

The park was founded by the Lagos state government as an initiative to develop a healthier and eco-friendly state. It was commissioned by the former governor Babatunde Fashola in 2014 and named after Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, a former military governor.

All you need to know about Ndubuisi Kanu Park

Parking space

There’s a small parking space in front and the parking fee is 200 naira.

Entry fee

Gate entry is free but you pay a charge of 10,000 naira once you’re more than 10 people. 

Food and drinks

You can also bring in your food and snacks at no extra cost although there were two places where food was available within the park. They weren’t open on the day I visited but my friend mentioned that she had met open at her last visit this year.

A platter of snacks at the picnic in the ndubuisi kanu park

RELATED: AFFORDABLE RESTAURANTS IN LAGOS- A REVIEW OF GYPSY’S RESTAURANT

Sitting area

The Ndubuisi Kanu park has a huge gazebo and a few smaller ones around the park. The downside of the smaller ones is they only have two seats.

Child-friendly

The NKP is child-friendly as they have a playground so this is a good family hangout spot in Lagos. The security man killed my joy when he told us that we couldn’t swing just because we are adults. Not fair.

Image from 20somethingstepstravel blog
Iruoma and 2 friends on the swing at the ndubuisi kanu park

Mini Zoo

There is a mini zoo at the end of the park which makes for a viewing pleasure. My only criticism is that it was more of a bird zoo as we saw 2 ducks, a peacock, and 2 guinea fowls. The peacock was a sight to see so that made up for the disappointment.

Games

There is a basketball court within the park, but it was locked on the day we came.

PROS

  1. Great hangout spot at no cost (except if you’re more than 10).
  2. Child friendly for a family hangout.
  3. Awesome spot for a picnic in Lagos.
  4. Great picture place for photoshoots.

CONS

  1. Not a good idea for a rainy day.

I enjoyed my visit to this park and I recommend doing so with friends so you can have fun. I’m thinking of going again because I didn’t get to take all the pictures I had in my head.

Have you been to this park? Tell me all about it in the comments

Stay connected:

TIKTOK ~ BLOGLOVIN’ ~PINTEREST

June 2022 Monthly Empty Ft Face Facts Hydrating Cream Review

Hey beauty,

Can you believe it’s another time for monthly empties? I literally just shared May’s skincare empties so you can imagine how I feel. For June, I had just one skincare empty and that is the face facts hydrating day cream. The reason I do so is to take stock of the products that are exhausted and make sure you know if it’s worth it or not. 

I may not exhaust products every month, but I would share the months I do so. 

How do I feel about it? Keep reading for all the details.

A Pinterest Pin image showing the face facts hydrating day cream review

DESCRIPTION

Face Facts is a beauty brand that prides itself in affordable and effective skincare. I was attracted to that slogan because the myth about beauty products having to be expensive to be effective needs to be debunked

This hydrating day cream with soothing aloe vera comes in a 50 ml portable white jar which would be travel-friendly.

It comes in a cute paper package with an image of a dew drop and aloe vera that screams moisture. 

Face facts hydrating day cream recycle me note
An image of the eco-friendly face facts hydrating day cream on a rattan mat

I like the “please recycle me” note on the flaps of the package. It means the jar is eco-friendly and can be reused. I also love that the pack comes with directions because that means they don’t assume that everyone knows what to do and that is thoughtful. My only criticism would be I wish that it came with a product spoon so you don’t have to put your finger in to scoop.

Now to the product itself. It’s white in color and has a heavy cream texture. It also has a light soapy fragrance that I found nice.

Some notable ingredients are glycerin and aloe vera which are known to be moisturizing agents, but it also contains liquid paraffin which may not be beneficial for oily skin types.

Creamy texture snap shot of the face facts hydrating day cream
A texture snap shot of the face facts hydrating day cream in the jar

EXPERIENCE

I used this cream for almost 4 weeks because only a little went a long way. I found it thick, although it was deeply moisturizing. The texture on my face felt heavy as my facial skin likes lightweight products so that took some days of application to get used to. 

READ ALSO: MONTHLY EMPTIES FOR THE MONTH OF MAY FT THE ORDINARY AND MORE. 

Let me confess, it says day cream, but there were nights I used it and I don’t think it paired well with my night routine because I had to wait for that heavy feeling to fade off. I’ll probably try their night cream just to compare the experiences. 

The face facts hydrating day cream has no actives so it does not clear hyperpigmentation or exfoliation, rather it simply moisturizes the skin.

Get your free skincare guide and monthly wallpapers when you join the newsletter.

[mc4wp_form id=”265″]

WHO CAN USE

I believe dry skin would enjoy this product more because of its texture and ingredients. I put my sister on it because she has dry skin and her skin has been enjoying it so far. 

If you’re also on a budget, then this product is a good option.

VERDICT

Worth your buy if you have dry skin, are on a budget, or on the lookout for vegan products.

WHERE TO SHOP

I got it on Paxo beauty, for 1100 naira, which is barely $3. 

paxo beauty face facts hydrating day cream
Product as seen on PAXO Beauty.

What beauty product did you just exhaust? Please share with me in the comments.

See you soon with another monthly review.

Monthly favorites featuring new skincare products

Monthly Favorites for June 2022- a look at the past month and some of my favorite things

Happy new month guys! 

I’ve been thinking about sharing a monthly favorites post because I haven’t shared anything personal on the blog in a while. It wasn’t intentional as I’ve been sharing my skincare love mostly, plus life has been happening in ways I didn’t imagine. 

First is the current ASUU strike. If you’re not Nigerian, you may be wondering what that means. It just means that students in Federal universities haven’t been attending school because our lecturers are being owed their salaries. For me, that means extra time in school and plans stuck in limbo. Secondly, I’ve been sharing more personal stuff with the newsletter fam so join up if you haven’t. I promise it’s worth it! 

[mc4wp_form id=”265″]

Now you’re caught up let me share some of my monthly favorites from June. I look forward to sharing more monthly favorites. Perhaps it could spur you to take note of the seemingly mundane things that bring you joy despite a current situation. Here are 5 of June’s Favourites for me;

Celebrations

June is my second favorite month of the year (after my birth month of course). I had a lot of celebrations this month. From my friends’ birthdays to father’s day, my partner’s birthday, and my parents’ wedding anniversary. It felt great to be part of those special days and I look forward to more, God willing. 

Faith

Every Woman A Theologian by Phylicia Masonheimer is a great resource for women (and men) on the Christian faith and in her newsletter for the last week of June, she shared a 31-day prayer challenge for July from Judie Berndt where we will be encouraged to pray Scripture. I hope to go through the whole month so join me too. 

Skincare haul

I restocked on some skincare products I had been saving for and shared a mini unboxing on TikTok. The best thing I’m enjoying so far is the Beauty of Joseon essence water and I’m loving my skin’s reaction to it. Make sure to stick around for my honest review of all the products. If you’re subscribed, you’ll get it straight to your inbox too.

Monthly favorites showing new skincare products: Tiam cleanser, simple replenishing moisturizer, and other products from adashofiruoma.com
New Skincare “babies” featuring Tiam Cleanser, CosRx Acne Patch, Tretinoin gel, Face facts facial cream, Face facts hyaluronic serum, Simple replenishing moisturiser and Beauty of Joseon Essence water.

READ ALSO: A REVIEW OF THE COSRX ACNE PATCH AND RESULTS

Watched

I’m a big movie person so June was no different. 2 particular ones stood out for me- Hustle and Gangubai Kathiawadi. Hustle was very motivational and it just reminded me that little actions are what add up to the spotlight everyone sees. Plus it was super hilarious!  I love Bollywood (yes, all that running, singing mushy love songs, and being goofy make my eyes roll but I will still watch, lol). Gangubai was so emotional and showed me that life isn’t black and white sometimes, and everyone has a story. It’s worth watching!

Gangubai and Hustle movies from Netflix were my enjoyed movies from June 2022
2 movies I enjoyed seeing in June.

Listened

I believe that by now, you know I love podcasts so here are some of the ones I enjoyed last month:

  1. Thirty minutes with the PerrysDealing with Anger
  2. The Blogging millionaireEmail list growth hacks which I recommend to anyone who has a newsletter.
  3. Gospel in Life by Timothy Keller: Are you the one? 
My 3 top favorite episodes from June
3 podcast episodes I enjoyed listening to in June.

I won’t lie to you that June was all smiles and roses, but looking back at some of the mundane moments I‘m thankful for June nonetheless. Was June fine generally for you or could it have been better?

Share with me in the comments.

The Best Online Skincare Stores In Nigeria Worth Trying

A range of unnamed skincare products with a pair of slippers and beads.
Photo by pmv chamara on Unsplash

The next question people usually have after deciding to “up” their skincare game is, “Where can I buy quality products from?” Skincare stores in Nigeria are becoming popular and for a good reason. We are becoming more aware of healthy skin care practices and knowing where to buy skincare products in Nigeria is important.

I’ve gotten some requests as to where I buy my skincare products from or some recommendations, so this post is long overdue. Before sharing some of the stores I recommend, here are 3 things you need to watch out for before making your decision about any skincare store.

Referrals

If a store keeps getting referrals from different people and not just your friends, then the store is likely to be legit.

Reviews

If you also know people who have bought from them and can attest to the quality of products purchased, then the skincare store is one to check.

A Good History

Check the track record of the store. How long have they been posting? Have they been consistent over time? This gives you an idea of their credibility.

Credible SkinCare Stores In Nigeria

Ps- This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are mine and based on personal experiences and of those close to me.

1. Paxo Beauty

Paxo Beauty is a hub for the most affordable drugstore skincare brands like Beauty formula, Face facts, etc. I have gotten some products from there for as little as #800 (Sheet masks). I love them because they’re accessible, organized, and have good customer service. 

2. Beauty by Daz

I recently tried Beauty by Daz from a recommendation on TikTok. That app can be a goldmine as there are some good resources there. Their prices are also good and I’m on my second purchase from them with no hassles.

https://www.beautybydaz.com/product/beauty-of-joseon-ginseng-essence-water-mini-deluxe-40ml/
Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water As Seen On Beauty By Daz

READ ALSO- 10 RELATABLE THINGS EVERY SKINCARE ENTHUSIAST CAN RELATE TO

3. Allure beauty

I have not purchased from this store, but I got some recommendations from people who have tried them in my Tioktk community. I also like that they have hair products in addition to skincare and makeup. Think of them as a one-stop beauty store. Their prices are also reasonable from what I checked and they have a variety of options.

4. Buy better

This store is the OG of affordable products and almost everyone knows them. It was my first introduction to affordable online skincare stores in Nigeria by my friend. I love their customer service, plus they also have tons of good reviews. My only issue is that most products are usually out of stock online so except you don’t mind going to their physical store, that can be annoying.

My TikTok Video Showing Some Skincare Stores In Nigeria

5. Shop with Teeka

This is the store creating some buzz lately. My sister got from them recently and they were timely. Their products are also within a good range and lots of reviews have shown their credibility. The educational content they give on their social media pages is a huge plus as well. 

6. Miwa Beauty Store

This is another Tiktok find! I was pleasantly surprised at the range of products that were in stock. I haven’t bought from them yet, but I have checked their socials and website and they have a good track record.

7. Hdskin

If you’re looking for a K-beauty hub then this is the store for you! They have a wide range of products for K-beauty lovers and also share educational tips and how-tos.

8. 24 essentials

This store is run by a certified cosmetic scientist and doctor. I have purchased from the store and can attest to the quality products that are always available. I also love that the owner gives skincare consultations and is willing to answer questions and concerns.

There are tons of other skincare stores, but these are some of the best I have come across so far. I’ll update the list as I get more experience.

Have you bought from any of these stores before? Let me know in the comments

Dove-caring-bath-liquid-soap-review

Monthly Empties: Review of Skincare Empties for the Month of May Ft The Ordinary and More.

Hey, beauty!

I’m trying not to cringe at this new greeting phrase but bear with me. This “figuring out” phase has me by the neck. Today is all about reviewing some skincare empties, and I’ll like to call them #ADIempties where I’ll review some of the products I use up every month! 

I finally exhausted some products in the month of May and I’ve been itching to share my thoughts so you know if it’s worth your coins or not.

Ready? Let’s go!

The Dove Caring Bath Shea Butter With Warm Vanilla Liquid soap.

I’m slowly transitioning to learning more about body care and the dove caring bath was my conscious start. I loved that Dove has a wide range of variety when it comes to their bath lotions, and this shea butter with warm vanilla left my skin happy.

Description

It’s a 500ml recyclable portable bottle that has a pop-off cap that makes it easy to apply the product.

Experience

The lingering smell is remarkable. It has this vanilla luxury smell that just made me happy. It had a balance of moisture after use and my skin didn’t feel dry after showering. It also lathers well and your bathroom will be left with its beautiful smell.

Who can use

 I believe everyone can use this product as it’s moisturizing. I also think it’s perfect for any season.

Verdict

Worth your buy! 

Where To Shop

I got mine from a local supermarket for #1900 but you can check on Amazon, Konga, and any good skincare store.

As seen on Amazon.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + Hyaluronic acid Moisturiser 

Another one of my skincare empties to be featured is this moisturizer from The Ordinary. I got this product on a whim because I had seen it on Tiktok and wanted to try it on oily skin.

Description

It comes in 2 sizes- 30ml and 100ml. I got the 30ml and regretted using it for a while because I could have just gotten the bigger size.

Prior to my use, I had only seen the Ordinary serums so seeing the grey-colored tube was intriguing to me, lol. It also has a tube cap which makes it easy to apply. It also has no fragrance.

Experience

It comes as a white-colored cream and it felt like I was applying a lotion to my face. The thick texture took me a while to get used to but I loved the cool effect after application. It also gave this glowy, not greasy, finish and didn’t feel heavy on my face.

Who can use

I’m oily skin and it didn’t break me out. It is also good for dry skin as it contains great ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and other humectants that increase the hydration of your skin.

Verdict

Worth your buy if you don’t mind a heavily textured moisturizer. I also think I would enjoy it more during a dry season.

Where To Shop

I got mine for Jumia and can’t recall the cost, but I’m steering clear of buying skincare products from them till I get trusted vendors. Check Teeka or Buy better if you’re in Nigeria.

R&R Luxury Lip Butter

It’s safe to say that R&R Luxury has won me over and I wrote a more detailed review about all the products that I have used from this brand

The lip butter made me believe in quality lip balms again after I spent money on a fake lip balm prior. Thankfully, this didn’t fail to do a good job. 

Description

Consistent with their branding, the lip balm comes in a paper pack aesthetic black and white mini tube. It also is rolled up for application like most lip balms.

 

Lip butter by R & R Luxury

Experience

One thing I loved about this balm was the long-lasting wear. Seeing that it’s made with beeswax just gave more points to them because that ingredient seals in moisture. I also liked that there was peppermint so it left this cool feeling upon application. It is not tacky and can be used to prep the lips before lipstick or just as part of your skincare.

Who can use

Everyone! Except if you are allergic to peppermint oil.

Verdict

Worth your buy and is a perfect gift for skincare enthusiasts.

Where To Shop

You get 10% off with my code ADI10 when you shop on their site.

Gavia Sunblock SPF 60

Finally, one of my skincare empties is the Gavia sunblock. I have reviewed this sunscreen in detail so definitely check it out for all the facts.

Gavia Sunblock Review

Verdict

Worth your buy if you’re oily skin and looking for a mineral sunscreen on a budget

Where To Shop

I got this from a supermarket. Sadly there are fakes, so be on the lookout. 

I look forward to sharing the empties for June, God willing. Meanwhile, is there any product you’ll like me to review? Let me know in the comments.

See you soon!

READ ALSO- AN HONEST REVIEW OF THE ORDINARY LACTIC ACID SERUM

10 Relatable Things Every SKincare Enthusiast Can Agree To

From checking Beyonce’s internet for product reviews to knowing about ingredients to use for your skin, you might just be a skincare enthusiast in the making. You don’t believe me? 

Here are 10 things you can relate to as a skincare enthusiast.

1. You use sunscreen every day and know the right way to use it

Do your eyes light up when others speak “sunscreen-ese”? You are ready to talk about what SPF means and how to figure out which one your friends should use

2. You know what double cleansing means 

At first, you probably were like, “What in skincare problem is wrong with these people?” Then after seeing skincare influencers or reading more-it made sense.

PS- Here’s a look at one method of double cleansing 

3. You know Your Skin Type

This is now a no-brainer. Gone are those days you didn’t know what your skin type was or even what it meant. Now you can relate to words like T-zone, oily and acne-prone, or dry and sensitive with a good understanding. No one can stop you now on your quest to have healthy skin, skincare bestie!

4. You actually read skincare ingredients

I don’t expect you to read all the ingredients, but if you know to watch out for great ingredients like niacinamide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, zinc oxide (for sunscreens) and the list goes on. Look at you, skincare enthusiast! 

5. You read reviews first before making a purchase.

Gone are the days when you went on a splurge to buy the most raved-about product. Now you do your research, ask questions or even watch videos before buying the product. I see you and I’m proud of you!

6. You have attempted reapplying sunscreen or you reapply 

I personally don’t reapply sunscreen because the thought of using my fingers during the day to reapply still hasn’t clicked for me. I look forward to getting those sunscreen sticks for easy application. Nonetheless, I have to commend my skincare enthusiasts who do so religiously. Y’all are the MVPs.

Neutrogena Sunscreen Stick On Amazon

7. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)  are a walk in the park for you

AHAs and BHAs don’t faze you? You can list these chemical exfoliators and their uses without flinching? Who’s this skincare enthusiast please! I’ll like to speak with you to drop some gems of wisdom.

8. Even when you’re broke you’ve mapped out the products you must try

Do you still add to the cart despite your account balance being on red? Welcome, my dear. You are a skincare enthusiast. That can be the only explanation for spending all your money on skincare products and preparing to restock even when you’re broke. 

9. Acting Like You’re in a commercial anytime you’re applying a product

Do you act like you’re in a commercial once it’s time to apply your skincare products? Please tell me I’m not alone in this. 

10. You’re always ready to share your thoughts about the products you use

You take note of the smell, texture, and feeling any product leaves you with after use, and you can’t wait to share your review.

I believe there’s something else you may be able to relate to as a skincare lover.

Bonus- You know the affordable skincare stores to get your products

Finally, your friends can ask you about the affordable stores to get your skincare products from because you always deliver. That right there, is a skincare enthusiast premium, lol.

I hope you see that deep down, you’re actually a skincare enthusiast, and it’s not reserved for a select few. The goal is healthy skin over perfect and I won’t rest till all my ADI skincare enthusiasts are educated about effective and affordable skincare practices. 

Did you relate to any of these points? Let me know which in the comments!

READ ALSO- EVERYTHING YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FACE SERUMS

[gs_pinterest id=4]

How To Know Your Skin Type

Have you ever bought a raving product and it does nothing for your skin? Or worse still, your skin seems worse off than before you got it? That could have been because it was not formulated for your skin type.

Anytime a friend asks me to recommend a product or how to start their skincare routine, the first question I ask is; “What is your skin type?”

Knowing your skin type is like knowing your shoe size. Knowing your correct shoe size makes walking easy and fits right. Also, knowing your skin type helps you target products that work for your skin.

Let’s break down skin type so by the end of this post, you’re ready to tackle your skin needs with a renewed perspective.

Intro To Skin Type

Skin type relates to how much sebum your skin is producing. You may produce more or less than another person.

There have been debates on the number of skin types we have. Please note that all are normal and there’s no abnormal skin. Over time, your skin type may be affected by the weather, hormones, diet, and other factors. Don’t be alarmed. Just keep caring for your skin and be observant of the changes. The main skin types most dermatologists and estheticians agree on are:

  • Normal
  • Oily
  • Dry
  • Combination

There’s a subtype called sensitive skin because people have argued that one can be oily skin and sensitive or dry skin and sensitive.

“By the time you’re done with this post, you’ll be ready to tackle your skin needs with a renewed perspective.”

How To Figure out Your Skin type

You can know your skin type when you visit a dermatologist or by any of the following ways:

Doing the Bare face Test

Step 1– Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of dirt.

Step 2– You can clean your face with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.

Step 3– Wait for 30 minutes to 1 hour to observe how your skin reacts.

Results

  • If your face appears to have no redness, oily areas, or dry patches – Normal skin. 
  • If your skin feels tight and looks flaky – Dry skin. 
  • If your face looks and feels oily-Oily skin.
  • If you notice that your T-zone (the nose and forehead area) appears shiny while the rest of your face looks dry-Combination skin. 

Taking Quizzes

As you may have guessed, the first method is limited because it’s not really an objective way of determining your type of skin. I always advise doing about 2 quizzes from reputable skincare brands or blogs so you can answer a variety of questions and be sure. Check out these links below:

One source for a skin type quiz
7 Questions To Identify Your Skin Type

Now that you have figured out your skin type, let’s look at them a little further.

OILY SKIN

Smiling middle aged African woman with frangipani flower in hair looking at camera with a big laugh.

Image from Unsplash

How To Spot It

  1. Your T-zone (Forehead, nose, and chin) is shiny due to the overproduction of sebum.
  2. You may notice a lot of excess oil on your face and neck.
  3. You deal with frequent blackheads and pimples.
  4. You have large pores.

How To Care For It

According to Fenton, those with oily skin need products that will do more than cleansing like helping prevent acne. So products with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinol are recommended. Also, choose products that are lightweight or gel-based when it comes to moisturizers.

What To Avoid

Avoid products that contain pore-clogging (comedogenic) ingredients like petroleum jelly, capric acid, cocoa butter, and sodium laureth sulfate. Watch out for natural oils like coconut, olive, and avocado oil.

NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin is tricky to define. Day, a dermatologist, says that if “normal” is made into a category, then it means “the skin type that can tolerate most products without overreacting.” Another dermatologist, Baumann agrees that while there is no medical definition of normal skin, it could refer to “a skin that is healthy and well hydrated.”

How to SPOT IT

  1. You have fine pores.
  2. You’re not sensitive to chemicals.
  3. Less frequent breakouts and they disappear quickly.

how to care for it

All you need to do is maintain a good skincare routine and be observant of your skin.

What to avoid

You’re free to experiment and test various products as very few products can irritate your skin.

COMBINATION SKIN

It means you’re oily in some areas and dry in others

How to spot it

  1. Your skin breaks out often in your T-zone (forehead, nose, chin)
  2. Your cheeks appear drier and your jawline as well.
  3. Large pores on your T-zone

How To Care For It

  1. Use a gentle foaming cleanser.
  2. Use products with hyaluronic acid.
  3. Opt for glycolic acid first as an exfoliator before working your way up to salicylic acid.

What to avoid

Avoid ingredients that include alcohol, preservatives, and fragrances. These ingredients can make your T-zone oilier and dry areas drier.

DRY SKIN

Dry Skin type- Closeup Shot Of Young Black Female With Closed Eyes Touching Her Face after a skincare routine and smiling.
Image From Unsplash.

Dry skin is different from dehydrated skin. The latter is caused by lack of water and is a skin condition, not a skin type. It’s usually due to environmental factors or not taking enough water.

How to spot it

  1. Very tight pores
  2. A skin texture that appears rough.
  3. Skin feels tight especially after cleansing

how to care for it

  1. Stick to gentle cleansers that don’t foam.
  2. Look out for ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.

What to avoid

  1. Alcohol and sulfate-based products as they strip your skin of its natural oils.
  2. Use hot water for a bath as it takes moisture from the skin.

Benefits of Knowing Your Skin Type

The benefits of knowing your skin type are numerous. Some are:

  1. Be confident even when your skin seems to be acting up at any point in time.
  2. Making informed decisions when it comes to buying products and not being swept by every tide of a new skincare product.

What’s your skin type? Was this helpful?

Let me know in the comments.

READ ALSO- HOW TO USE A SHEET MASK CORRECTLY

https://www.pinterest.com/adashofiruoma/

How To Use A Sheet Mask Correctly.

What if there was a way to spice up your skincare routine once in a while? A sheet mask is the budget-friendly selfie-worthy way of doing so!

Using a sheet mask is quite simple and I can’t wait for you to learn more about it.

What are Sheet Masks?

Sheet masks are thin pieces of cotton (or other materials) soaked in essences that contain active antioxidants and ingredients. They could come in cotton sheets, microfibers, or hydrogels which are the new ones.

These beauties have been defined as the gateway into Korean beauty and skincare. They give this feeling of an inexpensive mini facial and instant glow to your face. In less than half an hour, your face gets hydrated and supple.

When Do I Use Sheet Masks In My Routine?

These masks are usually used after toning. Some people prefer to use it at night, but whichever time of the day works for you is fine. Check this post on what a simple routine should look like. The steps to apply look like this:

  1. Cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser.
  2. Apply a toner.
  3. Take the sheet mask from the pack and wear it in any direction, front or back, except otherwise stated.
  4. Apply on your face to fit the holes made.
  5. Let it stay for 15-20 minutes. No more because it can reverse its function and reabsorb all that goodness.
  6. Don’t throw the extra essence away, apply it to your knees, hands, neck, and anywhere else you want.
  7. No need to rinse off and pat into the face gently.
  8. Discard the sheet mask as it’s not reusable.
  9. Apply your moisturizer to seal in all the goodness.
  10. Apply your SPF if this is during the day.

Image by Charlotte Cho of Soko Glam

How Often Should I Use A Sheet Mask?

In the ideal world, you can incorporate a sheet mask into your daily skincare routine. But hello budget-friendly skincare. I recommend you use it as often as your budget allows. I can afford once a week or sometimes in 2 weeks and that’s where I’m at currently.

If yours is once in 2 weeks or 2 times a week, that’s fine too. Also, a sheet mask can be functioning or hydrating. Functioning means it’s targeted at a specific concern e.g brightening, anti-wrinkle, etc. While hydrating is especially for gaining moisture, so you want to look out for those specifics based on what you need when shopping.

Where You can Shop

I got mine from Jumia at #4000 for 6 packs. You can get it with my link here*.

*An affiliate link to support the blog

Some good brands that specialize in sheet masks are @tojuwa and @bluepoppyofficial.

Morning Glory from Blue Poppy Official

Benefits

  • It enhances absorption of ingredients: Sheet masks are of a thinner consistency and have a smaller molecular structure and since they’re in contact with the skin for longer, it increases absorption.
  • Easy to use in comparison to face masks: You don’t need brushes or any other tools. Just tear open a pack.
  • Useful for all skin types and concerns:  There’s a sheet mask for every skincare concern you can think of. This means sheet masks can be useful for any skin type and issue.

Disadvantages

  1. While sheet masks are relatively cheaper, they tend to be expensive over time in comparison to serums that contain some of the anti-oxidant ingredients and you don’t have to dispose of them.
  2. They usually come in one size. As they are often cut the same, the holes for the eyes or mouth may not align exactly with your face.
  3. Could take time– a sheet mask takes 15-20 minutes to be properly used and if you’re in a hurry, you won’t be able to use this in your routine.

Have you used a sheet mask before?

READ MORE- How To Craft A Skincare Routine Perfect For You

I Tried The Ordinary Lactic Acid And My Skin Never Looked Better

Review of the ordinary lactic acid serum
Photo by Olena Sergienko on Unsplash

The Ordinary brand was one of my top products to try last year as I had read positive reviews. Due to my dark spots, I decided to try The Ordinary lactic acid.

What Is Lactic Acid?

The term lactic acid appears in a variety of contexts. It is commonly associated with strenuous exercise since it builds up in your muscles. It is also found in certain foods like beets, milk, etc.

The beauty world classifies lactic acid as part of the family of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which work topically to exfoliate old dead skin cells. 

The Benefits of Lactic Acid

Lactic acid can significantly improve the appearance of skin when used over time.

As well as treating fine lines and wrinkles and discoloration of the skin (age spots, hyperpigmentation), lactic acid can help reduce pores and brighten the skin.

Lactic acid is gentle and effective on the skin. Among those with sensitive skin, it is generally tolerable, which is not the same for all AHAs (glycolic acid, for example).

In addition to keeping pores clear, the exfoliation from lactic acid removes dead skin cells and excess oil, preventing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads from forming thus reducing acne.

NB-

  • A dermatologist should be consulted before using lactic acid if you have skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
  • It’s especially wise to avoid combining lactic acid with products containing retinol. 
Pin this image.

Packaging

The Ordinary Lactic acid comes in a 30ml transparent bottle with a dropper, like most Ordinary products. It has a gel-like consistency and unique scent which isn’t overpowering but worth mentioning.

Always confirm that it is original by buying from confirmed online stores. Apparently, there is a lot of fakes out there. My favorite stores are @theskincareco_ and @tojuwa on Instagram.

The Ordinary Lactic acid serum also comes in 2 variants- The 5% and 10% strengths. If you’re a newbie and acids aren’t already part of your usual routine or perhaps your skin is particularly sensitive, start with the 5% version, and with time, you can incorporate the 10%.

My Experience

I applied twice in the first week at night. I also alternated the days I applied with my salicylic acid cleanser. Afterward, I progressed to 3-4 times a week and the results were phenomenal.

My mum kept remarking on how my face skin tone evened out. it was also not harsh on my skin as I didn’t experience redness or tingling.

It lasted me about 4-5 weeks.

My Instagram review of The Ordinary Lactic Acid Face Serum

RATING

A 5 out of 5 for me and definitely something I would repurchase.

Have you tried any products from The Ordinary? What was your experience like?

READ ALSO- A REVIEW OF THE KLAIRS SUPPLE FACIAL TONER.

Happy “Blog-Versary”: 1 Year Of Sharing on The Internet.

Guys, time flies for real! How is it one year already?

It’s already been a year since this little blog of mine came into being, and I can’t tell you how happy I am to be celebrating a blog-versary!.

On March 5th, 2021, I shared with my Instagram and WhatsApp community that, I had just launched adashofiruoma into the world with my first post.

As scary as it was to share this side of me with more people and online at that, it has been nothing short of interesting. I remember going through the options for a name in Dec 2020 and feeling so clueless despite knowing I wanted to share something with more people. It just feels good to watch this grow.

Although this has been the busiest year of my medical school life, I’m glad that I can keep showing up and some of you have been the best cheerleaders!

It’s been one heck of a year meeting new people, mostly online, evolving in terms of growth, and getting encouraging comments and responses to my newsletter. Do subscribe for blog updates and free monthly resources.

[mc4wp_form id=”265″]

Thank you for reading and sharing my posts. I look forward to more years of blogging by God’s grace and I hope you stick with me.

All my love,

Iruoma

INSTAGRAM || PINTEREST