YES. PLAIN & SIMPLES. YES

Up until my late teens I was of the belief that people with darker skin don't get sunburned. Alas, we can blame a lot of things for this mis-education. I vividly remember how me and other kids with darker skin tones were skipped when it was time to lather up the sunscreen at school. (...in Germany. I think  noteworthy to say that growing up in mainland Europe was just different.  the level of knowledge and understanding of darker skin had simply not made its way onto continental Europe)

Now much older and much wiser, sunscreen has become an ESSENTIAL when it comes to my skincare routine. Long gone are the days where I only applied sunscreen whilst on the beach on holiday. Sunscreen is an everyday essential, its part of moisturising, its common sense...

Unfortunately like a lot of things beauty, a lot of products have not been developed being mindful of darker skin tones. During my younger years it seemed next to impossible finding one that wouldn't leave white cast. But now beauty & skincare brands have taken note and updated their formulas to accommodate those with darker skin tones. As ever, I'm trying skincare products so you don't have to! Here are my favourite dark skin friendly SPFs i can't live without with. 

More Dark-Skin Friendly Sunscreens

What are your favourite sunscreen options? 

• 00:35
• Beauty

I'm Black, Can I get Sunburn? Let me explain...

YES. PLAIN & SIMPLES. YES

Up until my late teens I was of the belief that people with darker skin don't get sunburned. Alas, we can blame a lot of things for this mis-education. I vividly remember how me and other kids with darker skin tones were skipped when it was time to lather up the sunscreen at school. (...in Germany. I think  noteworthy to say that growing up in mainland Europe was just different.  the level of knowledge and understanding of darker skin had simply not made its way onto continental Europe)

Now much older and much wiser, sunscreen has become an ESSENTIAL when it comes to my skincare routine. Long gone are the days where I only applied sunscreen whilst on the beach on holiday. Sunscreen is an everyday essential, its part of moisturising, its common sense...

Unfortunately like a lot of things beauty, a lot of products have not been developed being mindful of darker skin tones. During my younger years it seemed next to impossible finding one that wouldn't leave white cast. But now beauty & skincare brands have taken note and updated their formulas to accommodate those with darker skin tones. As ever, I'm trying skincare products so you don't have to! Here are my favourite dark skin friendly SPFs i can't live without with. 

More Dark-Skin Friendly Sunscreens

What are your favourite sunscreen options? 

Read more

 

Possible the most ultimate form of self care at home for me is indulging in my Gua Sha Routine. 

Gliding a jade massage stone across my face to sculpt my facial features have never been more relaxing. In this blog post will show you my favourite Gua Sha moves and the Tools I absolutely swear by. 

But first...What is Gua Sha? 

"Gua means 'scrape' and Sha means 'petechiae' (tiny, flat red, purple spots) in Chinese," this ancient traditional Chinese technique might be one of the more affordable facial treatments that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Gua sha is a method that promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to eliminate puffiness caused by interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is fluid trapped under your skin that needs to be released to your lymph system.  

But what can this small Jade Stone do for me? What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

Tightens Skin 
Helps produce collagen
Mimimizes the appearance of fine lines
Minimizes puffiness & bloating
Decreases inflammation
Sculpts facial features by targeting facial muscles
Temporarily tightens skin
Brightens complexion due to blood flow
Minimizes frown lines 
Eases migraines and headaches

Next to the more aesthetic benefits, Gua Sha is my favourite facial massage technique because of the effects it has on my mind. Not only does it help in puffiness it also eases any tension in my face by helping to relax my facial muscles.  I used it as a big part of my mindfulness journey. A quick 5 Minute Gua Sha Routine did wonders for my wellbeing, especially during the last few months during lockdown. 

When it comes to tools, these are the jade stones I absolutely swear by. My go to brand is definitely 

The Hayo'u Method. 

A selection of my favourite tools 

How to use Gua Sha

First things first, let's get aquatinted with the areas of the face where Gua Sha is the most useful.

Now onto the actual routine(s) here are my go to routines. Essentially it all depends on what you are looking for. I tend to start by using the cold stone to remove any tension and let the cooling effect relax my face. 

I also make a bi spectacle of easing tension towards the upper part of my face and around my eyes. I tend to frown a lot and carry a lot of tension between by brows. I don't think there's a better feeling than experiencing how your forehead starts relaxing. Anyway enough talking, the routines are below. 

Are you a fan of Gua Sha? Let me know in the comment box! 

• 18:19
• Beauty

The ultimate Gua Sha Routine and the Best Tools To Use

 

Possible the most ultimate form of self care at home for me is indulging in my Gua Sha Routine. 

Gliding a jade massage stone across my face to sculpt my facial features have never been more relaxing. In this blog post will show you my favourite Gua Sha moves and the Tools I absolutely swear by. 

But first...What is Gua Sha? 

"Gua means 'scrape' and Sha means 'petechiae' (tiny, flat red, purple spots) in Chinese," this ancient traditional Chinese technique might be one of the more affordable facial treatments that you can do from the comfort of your own home. Gua sha is a method that promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to eliminate puffiness caused by interstitial fluid. Interstitial fluid is fluid trapped under your skin that needs to be released to your lymph system.  

But what can this small Jade Stone do for me? What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

Tightens Skin 
Helps produce collagen
Mimimizes the appearance of fine lines
Minimizes puffiness & bloating
Decreases inflammation
Sculpts facial features by targeting facial muscles
Temporarily tightens skin
Brightens complexion due to blood flow
Minimizes frown lines 
Eases migraines and headaches

Next to the more aesthetic benefits, Gua Sha is my favourite facial massage technique because of the effects it has on my mind. Not only does it help in puffiness it also eases any tension in my face by helping to relax my facial muscles.  I used it as a big part of my mindfulness journey. A quick 5 Minute Gua Sha Routine did wonders for my wellbeing, especially during the last few months during lockdown. 

When it comes to tools, these are the jade stones I absolutely swear by. My go to brand is definitely 

The Hayo'u Method. 

A selection of my favourite tools 

How to use Gua Sha

First things first, let's get aquatinted with the areas of the face where Gua Sha is the most useful.

Now onto the actual routine(s) here are my go to routines. Essentially it all depends on what you are looking for. I tend to start by using the cold stone to remove any tension and let the cooling effect relax my face. 

I also make a bi spectacle of easing tension towards the upper part of my face and around my eyes. I tend to frown a lot and carry a lot of tension between by brows. I don't think there's a better feeling than experiencing how your forehead starts relaxing. Anyway enough talking, the routines are below. 

Are you a fan of Gua Sha? Let me know in the comment box! 

Read more

• 09:30
• Lifestyle

How To Get Happy & Stay Positive

Read more