A Dash of Iruoma

Category: Beauty

A (Detailed) Review Of The Beauty Of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
Meeting the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

The first time I came across the Beauty of Joseon ginseng essence water was on Titktok. A Nigerian skincare influencer was using it in her morning routine while her husband did the voiceover. Asides from the fact that it was cute, the way he described it as looking like iced tea caught my attention and it was hilarious.

I made a mental note to try the essence water someday and being a k-beauty product was another plus. Fast forward to June. I saw this product while restocking my skincare products and decided to try it.

The Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) is an astounding k-beauty brand and they’re well known for their Dynasty cream and infusion of hanbang (traditional and herbal) beauty methods. Was their essence water a hit or miss? Let’s find out!
```
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link, at no cost to you.This supports me and keeps my blog running.
```
Texture & Appearance

The beauty of Joseon ginseng essence water comes in a transparent slender plastic bottle which is very simple. It has a consistency that is between a serum and toner- lighter than a serum, but a little thicker than a toner.

It is fragrance-free and the ginseng smell s very subtle. According to Soko glam, it is acidic with a pH of 5.84.

One thing about this essence is that it was formulated without artificial colors, alcohol, and artificial fragrances so sensitive skin can enjoy it as well. It also comes in 2 sizes- 40 ml and 150 ml. I got the 40 ml and now I’m pained it’s exhausted already.

The bottle has a pinhole applicator which makes pouring the content easy to do.
```
PS- An essence is the “love child” of a toner and serum like beautywithin put it. It usually has a watery consistency and is lightweight. It’s best for extra hydration.
```
Ingredients and claims

This essence water contains mostly cultivated ginseng root water (80%) and niacinamide (2%).

When researching for this post, I found out that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in Korea (MFDS) fined BOJ over the claims of their ginseng quality. They use cultivated ginseng which is less expensive and subsequently has fewer benefits.

Does that mean it has no benefits? Nope! This info is to make you see all the aspects of the product so you know what you’re getting.

Other than that controversy, the BOJ essence water packs up a lot of great ingredients that make it worth anyone’s shot!

Here are some of them and their functions:
1. Ginseng– is anti-inflammatory, and stimulates collagen production which improves the appearance of wrinkles.
2. Niacinamide- this is one of my favorite ingredients. It helps the skin barrier, improves skin texture, and is great for oil control.
3. Glycerin- helps in moisturizing.
4. Hyaluronic acid– for hydrating
5. Adenosine- anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle properties. It also makes the skin look plump.
6. Licorice– this helps reduce redness and soothes the skin.
That’s how packed this product is! The rest of the ingredients as seen on Soko glam are:

Panax ginseng root water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, Propandeiol, Niacinamide, 1,2-Heaxanediol, water, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glyceryl glucoside, Panthenol, Xanthan gum, Allantoin, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Panax ginseng callus culture extract, Dextrin, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) extract, Disodium EDTA, Glucose, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Lactobacillus/ Panax Ginseng root ferment filtrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium hyaluronate

My experience

A video showing how I use the BOJ essence water *I do not own the rights to the audio used here*

This product was a game changer in my routine and it was love at first touch! I applied it immediately after my cleanser and before applying serum in my morning routine.

I love that it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel tacky or heavy. Anytime I would apply it, it would give instant plumpness and hydration to my skin. I loved the smell because it felt like I was having a mini spa session. It also helped with an instant glow and was soothing to use. The instant glow of skin after use was something I always looked forward to!

Like I always say, consistency is another skincare ingredient. While this product gives an instant hydration and plumpness due to its ingredients, the best benefits are gotten with a consistent use.

How to use
- After cleansing your face,
- Apply a few drops to your palms and gently pat them on your face.
- I usually would use my serum after this, but feel free to continue the rest of your routine after.
READ ALSO- Your Best 5- Minute Daily Skin Routine

Shop

I got mine from Beautybydaz for #3500 but it’s currently out of stock. You can check any of these beauty stores I’ve reviewed if you live in Nigeria or shop on amazon.

Shop On Amazon

Who needs it

One thing I love about this essence water is that it is suitable for all skin types. It’s particularly good if you want to target inflammation, help with your skin barrier, and have deeper hydration.

Pros
1. Lightweight
2. Easy to apply
3. Travel friendly
4. Can make your routine minimal
5. Can be used all year round due to its texture
Cons
1. Not suitable for those sensitive to ginseng extract
Verdict

The Beauty of Joseon essence water is definitely worth your buy despite the controversies about the quality of their ginseng root. I would give it a 10 /10 because it was that good for my skin and is suitable for all skin types. I would repurchase.

Have you tried this product before? Would you like to try it?
Let me know in the comments.

Stay connectedTIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN’ // PINTEREST // NEWSLETTER
August 25, 2022
I Tried The Cerave Foaming Cleanser On Oily Skin- My Honest Review.
Save this on Pinterest so more people can see

As someone with oily acne-prone skin, getting a gentle yet effective cleanser is always on the top of my list. The Cerave foaming cleanser was the second cleanser I tried from Cerave after their smoothing cleanser and it was part of my July skincare empties. Considering the reviews I read about it, it didn’t leave me disappointed one bit!

I wanted a separate post to really break it all down for you so here goes:
```
*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through a link, at no cost to you.This supports me and keeps my blog running.
```
Meeting The Cerave Foaming Cleanser

This cleanser, just like most of Cerave’s products comes in a simple and practical bottle. It has 2 variants- the 236ml and 473ml sizes. Mine was 236 ml. The bottle has a dispenser which makes it easy to use. It doesn’t have the most aesthetic appearance but it’s the classic representation of don’t judge a book by its cover.

Ps- A cleanser is usually the first step in your skincare routine

Texture

It has a gel-like consistency and texture that lathers well but doesn’t dry your skin. The gel texture has a balanced feel as it is neither too thick nor too watery.

Ingredients & Claims

In order to get the most updated ingredients Cerave recommends you refer to the ingredient list on the product itself, but I got a list from their site for an overview.

Aqua / Water / Eau, Cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, PEG-150 Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate, Niacinamide, PEG-6 Caprylic/ Capric glycerides, Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate, Propylene glycol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Carbomer, Methylparaben, Sodium chloride, Sodium lauroyl, Lactylate, Cholesterol, Disodium EDTA, Propylparaben, Citric acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, Phytosphingosine, Xanthan gum.

Like most of their products, this cleanser is alcohol, fragrance, and essential oil free. In other words, it’s great for sensitive skin.

According to Cerave; the cerave foaming facial cleanser contains hyaluronic acid (a great humectant), niacinamide(anti-inflammatory, soothing), and ceramides which help maintain the skin’s barrier and seal in moisture. It also removes excess sebum and deeply cleanses the skin without compromising your skin barrier.

It also contains surfactants which are the ingredients that enable water and oil to mix so dirt on the skin can be washed off easily.

I also found out that sodium cocoyl glycinate and coco-betaine cause the lather of this product and in effect don’t dry out the skin. These highlighted ingredients, according to a dermatologist, distinguishes it from most cleansers.

My experience

I couldn’t get used to the gentle feel of the cleanser on my face. It was my sole cleanser for over 5 weeks and I liked how it didn’t have a squeaky feeling after use.

I used both day and night as well and I loved how refreshed my face always felt after cleaning.

Shop

Shop On Amazon

Who needs it

If you have normal to oily skin then this cleanser is a good choice. It also works well for sensitive skin. Dry-skinned beauties can give it a shot as Ebun a lifestyle blogger did and you just might love it too!

Pros
1. You only need a dime-sized amount
2. Lasts for a long time and is affordable
3. Easily available as most beauty stores stock it
4. Protects the skin barrier due to its ingredients
5. Doesn’t strip the skin as it is hydrating
6. Can be used both in the morning and at night as it is gentle enough
READ ALSO- Your Best 5-minute daily routine

Cons

It’s hard to find any cons for this product because it is worth the hype. Other than that:
1. If you’re sensitive to niacinamide, then it may not be a great fit.
2. It’s also not travel-friendly because of its size, but it can be worked around.
Verdict

It’s safe to say you know where I stand with this cleanser. My skin loved it and I think it’s worth trying. I’ll give it a 9/10!

Have you tried this product? Let me know in the comments.

Stay connected

TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN’ // PINTEREST // NEWSLETTER
August 16, 2022
3 Skincare Empties For The Month Of July ft their reviews
Hey, beauty!

Why do good skincare products have to finish? You don’t know the sadness in my heart as I look at these skincare products I just exhausted with the current inflation. Anyhoo, let’s get into the skincare empties for July!

PS- Skincare empties is a series of short reviews of products that I exhaust during a particular month. I share my experience with a product and give a verdict based on that.
```
*This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission when you purchase from my links at no cost to you! Thank you for supporting the blog.*
```
Nivea nourishing cocoa body lotion 48h deep moisture care

The Nivea cocoa body lotion is my first conscious lotion buy. I mentioned how I’m slowly transitioning to learning more about body care in the review for May’s empties, so this is an attempt to continue.

Description

The Nivea cocoa butter body lotion comes in a blue and brown 400ml bottle. It has a sealed blue lined cap with a hole that dispenses easily once you squeeze. This ensures the product is safe once the cap is sealed and that would be good for travel.

Experience

The cocoa smell is refreshing! It doesn’t overwhelm you, but it lingers on your skin. The lotion is white in color and I like that it doesn’t have a heavy texture. Despite the immediate moisturizing effect after a shower, it takes time to sink into my skin after a bath. Other than that, it has an easy application.

Who can use

The bottle specifically says for dry skin. My body skin is not dry, but I enjoyed using this product nonetheless.

Verdict

Worth your buy if you’re on the look for a big body lotion that is moisturizing and can be layered with fragrances.

Shop

Shop On Amazon

The Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum

Good molecules is one brand I love! They have a decent range of products that are gentle on the skin and target skincare concerns like hyperpigmentation. I wanted to try out their serum to see if it lives up to the hype.

Description

It’s a 30ml regular-sized serum bottle that comes with a dropper. I love the packaging!

It has a tropical fragrance that smells fruity. The texture is thicker than an average serum, white in color and has a sticky feeling.

Texture shot of the discoloration correcting serum

Experience

I used this day and night for the first week and decided that wasn’t wise for two reasons. First is that it’s just 30 mls. The next reason is because of the texture which I felt paired better with a PM routine.

I found this serum impressive as it evened out my skin tone after bout of acne left some dark spots. Going forward, if I repurchase I plan to be more conscious of the before and after so I can share better with you. One thing I also noticed is that, I had to use this product consistently.

@adashofiruoma
I’m targeting hyperpigmentation with this discolouration serum from @Good Molecules #goodmoleculesdiscoloration #skincarebyadi #unboxingskincare #adashofiruoma #skincareunboxing #aestheticunboxing #faceserum @adashofiruoma
♬ BORN FOR THIS – Foxxi

Who can use

If you are looking for a gentle product that helps with discoloration, then she’s your girl. You have to be consistent though to see results.

Verdict

It is worth your buy! Hopefully, I repurchase because I didn’t use this product well in terms of recording my progress.

Shop

Shop With Teeka

OR

Shop On Amazon

CERAVE FOAMING CLEANSER

Someone has to give it up for Cerave’s range of good products! Cerave has about seven cleansers for various concerns and skin types. While that is inclusive and very thoughtful of a brand, it could get confusing. The foaming cleanser is the second cleanser I’m trying from them and it didn’t leave me disappointed.

Description

It comes in a practical 236ml pump bottle with a dispenser that makes it easy to use the product. It has no particular smell as it’s fragrant-free. The consistency is gel-like and it is transparent.

Experience

This foaming cleanser felt so gentle on my skin and there was no “squeaky clean” feel which shows that it doesn’t strip my facial oils. It’s also gentle enough to be used both in the morning and at night.

Who can use

It does say for normal and oily skin, but don’t knock it off till you try.

RELATED- HOW TO KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE.

Verdict

Worth your buy!

Shop

I got mine from JUMIA, but I’ve been wary of beauty vendors from them lately because of a fake product I got there.

You can get it from BuyBetter or Amazon.

https://buybetter.ng/shop/specific-concern/acne/cerave-foaming-cleanser-daily-face-body-hand-wash-for-normal-to-oily-skin-cleanser-with-niacinamide-236-ml/

Shop On Amazon

Hope these reviews were helpful. Have you tried any of these products? Share with me in the comments.

Follow the blog and let’s stay connected:

TIKTOK // BLOGLOVIN’ // PINTEREST // NEWSLETTER
July 28, 2022
6 Skincare Tips I Wish I Had Known Earlier That You Need To Know Now
Hey, beauty!

Let’s talk about skincare tips and tricks I wish I had known earlier so you don’t make the same mistakes I made.

I started taking skincare seriously in the last quarter of 2020. I remember precisely because that was the first time I bought sunscreen, lol. Even then, I was still on vibes. All I knew was that I had to wash my face and apply a moisturizer and end everything with sunscreen.

What woke me up was when I had Miliaria (a fancy name for heat rashes, but imagine it with blisters) and lots of active acne when I returned to Lagos from my Christmas trip in 2021. I went from vibes, to actually learning what skincare entailed.

Anyways, for the past year, I’ve been learning a lot more and practicing with what my budget can afford. Here are some skincare tips I wish I had known when I started out:

Invest in an acne patch instead of popping your pimples.

You would think I should have known not to pop my zit then, but my hands were almost always on my face. Even after contemplating touching that pimple or not, I always caved in. Finding and using the Cosrx pimple patch was the best thing I’ve done for my active acne and one skin care tip I wish I had known. If you can’t pop your zit, you reduce the chances of injuring yourself and leaving an acne scar, thus reducing hyperpigmentation. You can see it’s worth trying!

Cos Rx Acne Patch

Use a moisturizing lip balm

My lip care was next to none when I started out. I have always had chapped lips and I was that girl who didn’t care. When I attempted to care, I bought those flavored chapsticks, but quickly realized they hardly moisturized my lips. I would keep reapplying despite seeing no change.

That was until I found this video by Torera George who explained why most market lip balms don’t moisturize the lips. One I have enjoyed using is the R&R luxury lip butter.

The R&R luxury lip butter– Get 10% off with my code ADI10

Clean your hands before you wash your face

Yes, beauty! This is applicable if you just want to cleanse your face. If you’re having your bath, you’ve most likely already washed your hands. If you start with cleansing your face, wash your hands before doing so. You may be wondering “Doesn’t the cleanser technically wash my hands too?”

Not quite according to Dr. Lily Talakoub, a certified dermatologist. You’re still taking the bacteria from your hands unto your face and it could be responsible for breaking you out. I forget to do so sometimes, but it’s a habit I’m becoming more aware of.

Apply Sunscreen Everyday

Not only did I wish I was applying sunscreen earlier, but also applying it the right way. Remember when I told you I started the sunscreen application in late 2020? Let me give you the full gist.

I applied my SPF every other day because I had just bought an expensive 40 ml SPF and didn’t want it exhausted so soon. When I did apply it, I would use a pea-sized amount and didn’t also put it on my neck. I’m smiling as I type this because Iruoma then didn’t know better.

Two finger-breadth method of applying spf

Now I know better and that’s the point of sharing information. The right way is to use 2-finger-breadths and apply all over your face, neck, ears, and even hands- basically all the sun-exposed areas that are prone to photoaging.

PS- Photoaging means the premature aging of the skin which is caused by repeated ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun and even artificial UV sources like tanning beds. This sign usually appears on the sun-exposed areas of your body like your neck, back of hands and upper chest in women, and face.

Treat your neck the same way you treat your face.

Anotehr skincare tip is to not treat your neck as an after thought in your routine. You know that moment you still have some moisturizer left on your hands after applying it to your face and then you remember your neck? That was me. I’ve learned to treat my neck like my face by giving it the same attention. Also applying your products upwards is the best way to go when on the neck.

Change your bedding often and clean your phone screen.

There were days when I was consistent with my skincare routine but still noticed active breakouts despite it not being my time of the month. Guess what the culprit was? My pillowcase!

After learning to change my bedding often, another big culprit was my phone screen. Our phone screen has been likened to being dirtier than a toilet seat. I don’t mean to gross you out, but it’s that deep.

If you’re literally on your phone almost all day, you take it to the toilet, pick up calls, etc, there’s every chance that the finding is true. Should we all toss our phones away because we want good skin? Of course not! Regularly clean the screen with a paper towel or tissue. I have read that you can use spirit, but I haven’t tried it yet. Don’t be bothered if it’s not every day you can do it, but try to be conscious about it.

This list is not exhaustive, but they’re majorly what I wish someone told me when I started out with skincare.

What’s your favorite skincare tip? Tell me in the comments.

Don’t forget to follow the blog and let’s stay connected so you don’t miss any new posts!

TIKTOK ~BLOGLOVIN’ ~ PINTEREST

READ ALSO:
- YOUR BEST 5-MINUTE DAILY SKIN CARE ROUTINE
- IMPORTANT STEPS TO CRAFT A SKIN CARE ROUTINE PERFECT FOR YOU
July 14, 2022
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 7, 2022
The Best Online Skincare Stores In Nigeria Worth Trying

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.

@adashofiruoma
Reply to @mediatrix_dash check these out too @miwabeautystore @Buybetter Nigeria @Teeka4 #skincareproductsinnigeria #skinproductsthatwork #affordableskincareinnigeria #affordableskincareproducts #adashofiruoma #skincarebyadi @adashofiruoma
♬ original sound – Beauty Doctor/ UGC

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

June 23, 2022
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.

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.

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

June 14, 2022
10 Relatable Things Every SKincare Enthusiast Can Agree To

Image Source- Ridofranz on Unsplash

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]

June 9, 2022
How To Know Your Skin Type
Save this image to Pinterest for later.

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:

Find Out Your Skin Type!

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

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

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/
May 2, 2022
How To Use A Sheet Mask Correctly.
Pin this image.

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.

With Mask

Immediately after mask

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.
@adashofiruoma
Gorgeous! #sheetmask #skincareenthusiast #skincarebyadi #koreansheetmasks #skincareproductsmusthave #beautyinfluencer #beautytips101 #skincaretips101
♬ original sound – JELLY CLARCKSON

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
April 20, 2022