Hyperpigmentation, Big Pores, And Other "Flaws" To Accept This Year

Big pores among other broad facial features.

In high school, a school comprised of mostly black students, I was constantly picked apart, savagely crucified as if my very existence were a running gamut for the cruelest jokes. If it wasn't the gap between my teeth, it was my facial structure, my broad nose, giant lips, and ugly glasses. Plus, I admit my style was downright horrible.

Are You My Family: Finding Kinship in the Africa Section of the Art Museum, pencil on Strathmore Smooth Bristol (animal free) Paper, 9" x 12," 2018.

Growing up, one of my biggest problems was hyperpigmentation-- the reason I couldn't wear open toed sandals or dresses that exposed elbows and knee caps. I wasn't one brown color. My skin ranges from medium brown to Ebony. I often wore hip hugging pants that slid downward, exposing the darker flesh of my back and mapped out stretch mark coordinates. Menacing peers would be quick to tell me, "hey! Pull that up! Nobody wants to see that!" Meanwhile, the girl ahead of me is exposing the same amount of flesh-- save for the flaws. She was smooth and even toned, no blemishes.
During this rough time, my depression continued gradually climbing. I experimented with over-the-counter bleaching creams to lighten up "my problems," not knowing what these harmful chemicals were creating within my cellular structure (likely damaging my whole teen life inside as well as out). I cannot be positive on my eventual realization that other people's problems with my body had nothing to do with me.
It happened along a painful, many years passing road.
Months ago, I was especially pleased to discover that an Afropunk highlighted artist featured "imperfect" models. Their hyperpigmentation, freckles, and stretch marks were documented as quite beautiful captures that we rarely see put on pedestals. I wish I could find out that artist, having not saved the information, but those photographs reenergized my self love.

The First Time I Saw Myself Was in the Africa Section of the Art Museum, pencil on Strathmore Smooth Bristol (animal free) Paper, 9" x 12," 2018.

Isn't it also funny that a person can Google search "big pore love" and a thousand articles for "How to Minimize Your Large Pores" come up?
I was never a huge fan of foundation. Sure, I played around with it in those dreadful teenage days whilst paying close attention to application instructions from Seventeen and Teen Vogue. I had better luck with a few free makeovers at the mall. Still, it was bad enough finding my shade for the shade that I started growing fond of. I began asking myself, "what exactly am I trying to cover up?" I like the shade. I no longer cared about callous people saying, "you're too dark for this" or "you're too dark for that." I had the defining Penelope moment, loving my face as it is. I wear eye shadow every now and then. Blush sometimes. I love lip glosses and lip sticks. But by gosh, I love washing my face, blotting on moisturizer, and coconut oil, leaving the home just like that-- giant pores, pimples, hyperpigmentation, and all.

As January draws to a close, my confidence continues to build as I drift further away from societal beauty testaments.

Vegan Beauty Travel Essentials

A few beauty products stowed away.

Before I headed out for a special three day trip to Chicago in guise of self pampering (food, art, and sight seeing), a few solid deals squeezed themselves into the beauty portion of my carry on bag. Alongside usual components ($3.99 mini bottles of Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner reused often) and Desert Essence 100% Jojoba Oil ($6.99), these other vegan skin treasures (at great value) were much needed and appreciated.

I'm thankful for the conveniently located Marshall's, Whole Foods Market, and Ulta Beauty spread around downtown Philly. Discounted prices and sales come and go. It's imperative to be on the lookout for awesome steals. Marshall's always has a bunch of cruelty free vegan products in all their departments (hair, body, and facial skin care) and often I find a new brand to love through this inspection.

For the airport, however, some items were over the three ounce rule, but managed to pass through security.

Thank heaven.

A Few Vegan Beauty Essentials:

Pacifica's Purify Coconut Water Cleansing Wipes, $6 (was on sale 2/$6 at Whole Foods Market)-- I love the pleasant smell of coconut as soft, bubbled foam cloths glide onto face in circular motion, gently removing dirt and oil.

Valentina's Naturals Hydraboost Toning Mist With White Tea & Hibiscus Extracts, $22 ($4.99 at Marshall's)-- A light toner spray and mild touch down to give skin a dewy, refreshed appearance, especially a savior for those with dry skin.

Pacifica's Dreamy Youth  Day and Night Face Cream, $16.00 (was on sale $9.99 at Whole Foods Market)-- My morning moisturizer leaves a pleasant, non-greasy vibrancy, leaving face and throat even and smooth.

Sukin's Super Greens Facial Recovery Serum, $18.95 ($7.99 at Marshall's)-- I use this at night to have beautiful skin by morning. Just a small bit goes a long way.

Aura Cacia Rejuvenating Moroccan Argan Oil, $6.99 at Whole Foods Market-- Perfect for skin and hair, this versatile beauty weapon  gives dry strands life, bringing healthy moisture and shiny gloss.

Schmidt's Lavender + Sage Deodorant, $8.99 ($3.99 at Marshall's)-- Lovely fragrance that isn't artificial, stays on long, and absorbs wetness even when you're at your most active. I walked all over the city and didn't break armpit sweat once.

Olivia's Oil Pulling Mouthwash, $10 ($4.99 at Marshall's)-- Swish and swish for 5-10 minutes to get rid of toxins inside the mouth. Requires patience, but listening to five minute songs and looking at your goofy mirror reflection helps pass the time.

Pacifica's Devocean Deeply Devoted Natural Lipstick in Firebird

Flossing at work with a chic "new" vintage style dress and popping vegan lipstick color.

Happy National Lipstick Day!
To celebrate the coveted day, Pacifica is offering a special buy one, get one free promo! The cruelty free, all natural lipstick brand is definitely has plentiful must haves for your purse, especially since lipsticks and glosses are a reasonable $10 each. Hurry hurry! Sale ends tomorrow at 11:59 PST time.
I came to the museum, feeling glam and beautiful in a rare showing of boldness that seemed to have everyone talking. I only intended to make a fashion statement, but I suppose when a balm and tinted gloss lady arrives with a zesty red lip, someone is going to talk about the switch up.

I tested out Pacifica Devocean Deeply Devoted Natural Lipstick (love their gold and white ode to Art Noveau package design goes with the overall sleek, slender stick). This is in Firebird, a warm, rich inviting red color of tulips.

The lipstick is matte and smooth. I put balm on first before putting this on and it didn't against the extra lip protection. The color is absolutely great on my skin tone. To think, I was so hesitant...

My pleasantly sophisticated Firebird survived lunch breaks (I reapplied of course), a book shop fair, and an opening reception at Traction Company. I also really loved how the color matched so well with this embossed collared dress (a $5 steal at Buffalo Exchange) as well. All in all, great product for sure! For the buy one, get one free, I purchased the Power of Love Lipstick in Nudie Red and the Plushious Mineral Lipstick in Velvet Kiss. Stay tuned for reviews on those sassy hues.

Aya's Natural Treasures Organic Whipped Shea Butter & Vegan Lip Butter

Natural beauty products purchased from the Vegan Pop Up Philly Birthday Bash in June.

Based in Edison, New Jersey, Aya's Natural Treasures is a beauty line that uses "ethically harvested ingredients." Pleasing and nourishing from head to toe, Aya's offers massage oils, body lotions and body butters, lip balms, and more. Sulfates, parabens, and petroleum are nowhere in sight among wonderfully scented gems like Strawberry Lemonade, Lavender Kiss, and Exotic (a blend of mango, papaya, pineapple and pomegranate).

Aya and her line of treasures. 

I bought the Organic Whipped Shea Butter ($15) in Nag Champa. Nag Champa is an Indian originated fragrance that joins plumeria and sandalwood together. The smell is light, not overpowering. This thick, luscious butter quickly and smoothly absorbs into skin and leaves behind glistening shine and that pleasing fragrance. Why bother with perfume when Nag Champa is both?

When room temperature is too hot, the butter does melt. Still, it retains moisturizing properties.

The Superior Lips Vegan Lip Butter ($5) is unscented and slickly glides on with a touch of moist conditioning. However, acts more like a balm than a butter.

Thank You Hurraw!

This is the first order from Hurraw's direct website. In the past, American Apparel sold them upfront.

Everyone in the world knows that Hurraw is my favorite lip balm-- more specifically the amazing Black Cherry Tinted flavor. Keeping lips soft, pliant, and moist, this perfect pout lip treat didn't make the Best Vegan Beauty Bets list for nothing. In fact, Hurraw's beautiful, sweet smelling, intense red colored balm is likely always going to be found on my list, staying a consistent aide to someone whose makeup routine is purely minimal.

The joys of balm.

Hurraw sent me the loveliest package:

As a treat-- which was completely unexpected-- I received a fetching new flavor (with a different package design) as a special bonus.

And they used the receipt to write the sweetest note. I see the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Thanks Hurraw for welcoming me to the family. I loved this brand for years now.

Product Review: Shea Moisture's Argan Oil & Raw Shea Hand & Body Scrub W/ Frankincense & Myrrh Extract

Winter season is here and a dry body needs moisture.

I was excited to see that all Shea Moisture products are currently on sale Buy One Get One Free at Walgreen's! I picked up my usual glamour gal products-- more shampoo, body oils, and facial scrub. Then I spied Argan Oil & Raw Shea Hand & Body Scrub-- clearanced at $5.79 (actually free when my total rang up). I tried it out this morning and here's what happened:

Smells like heaven.

I liked the smooth consistency between my fingers, but when applying scrub to skin it flew away like a sprinkling of dust. Some particles stuck, rather dryly. It takes more product than what you want to get a full hand and body application. I skipped the loofah because there was fear that the loofah would take away the scrub that stayed on.

In circular motion, I massaged residue on my skin, rinsed it away in the shower, and followed up with Shea Moisture's Green Tea Body Wash.

This is my towel dried skin before applying body oil and lotion.

Soft, supple. But still, I had a complete mess to clean in the bathroom. There was more sugar on the floor than my skin. I will use it again because it worked wonders on my feet heels! I will not show my feet photos because my feet are ummm.... well not likable feet.

Best Vegan Beauty Bets of the Year

Some of the best products purchased this year.

I love reading Essence Magazine, especially the natural hair care section and the beauty products guide catered to sisters of color. However, it's hard to fully commend products that are not cruelty free, contain parabens, mineral oil, and other kinds of vegan gal no nos.
I have compiled a list of my favorite treats for face, skin, and hair. I wish every great thing I have is good for everyone, but each of us has different reactions due to skin and hair type. Perhaps maybe certain company joys such as Shea Moisture and Sukin have a specific line for you.

Face:

Hurraw has a way with the lips.

Facial Soap: Shea Moisture's African Black Soap left my skin clearer. Using it with their Facial Scrub is a plus.
Toner: evanhealy's Rose Petal Facial Tonic HydroSoul replenishes and keeps the skin breathably hydrated. The smell is lovely, making one feel as though they're spraying spring bloom on their face. It's such a rewarding experience tucked in a bottle, like a spa treatment. Plus on its eloquent glass is the quote, "may all beings everywhere be happy and free." Yes. I agree.
Moisturizer: Sukin's Facial Moisturiser performs its job above satisfactory. It makes my face so plaint and smooth that I find it hard not to touch my softened, youthful cheeks. I don't think my face has ever been this moist. Chocolate cake should be jealous.
Makeup Remover: Organic Coconut Oil wipes eye makeup right off and prepares skin for gentle cleansing with a very soft finish. Alba Botanical's 3-in-1 Clean Hawaiian Clean Towelettes also provide a quick solution when too tired to run water.
lips: Everyone knows I have a huge vegan balm obsession. It's a huge tie between Hurraw's pretty red tinted black cherry balm and sweet smelling chai tea lip balm and Le Couvent Des Minimes Lip Balm in Orange Blossom. All three keep my full lipped pout in moist glory and light glossiness. Le Couvent Des Minimes is both a moisturizer and lip treatment that smells enticing. However, it's Hurraw's chai tea that tells a story of the best winter beverage next to hot chocolate.  
homemade tip: A tiny bit of coconut oil or olive oil rubbed between the hands and applied to the face in a circular motion provides dewiness. Remember a little. Too much will make skin greasier than a potato chip coated in cheap Vaseline.

Body:

Well moisturized skin is especially important for winter dryness.

Body Wash: Shea Moisture's Olive & Green Tea Body Wash W/ Avocado gives a gentle, ultimate cleansing experience. Two kinds of honeysuckle, shea butter, and other pleasing ingredients help to keep skin soft and beautiful.
Moisturizer: Shea Moisture's Coconut & Hibiscus Line. I use the Bath, Body, & Massage Oil w/ Gluten Free Vitamin E, the Dry Oil Mist w/ Songyi Mushroom Extract, and Body Butter w/ Gluten-Free Vitamin E. Talk about a sun kissed, glowing delight for the body. My skin feels loved and cherished by products that apply and blend as though natural essentials were just meant to sink right in.
homemade tip: 1/4 cup olive oil + 2 tablespoon raw sugar + 1 teaspoon lemon juice is a great exfoliating treat. Get rid of those pesky dry skin cells and polish your body to a whole new radiance. Best used on dry skin before showering.

Hair:

Taliah Waajid's Curly Cream has been a rewarding find.

Shampoo: Kinky Curly's Come Clean removes scalp buildup and leaves behind a lovely fragrance.
Conditioner: Shea Moisture's Raw Shea Butter Conditioner has been a godsend, keeping hair easily manageable, soft, and a pleasure to afro pick out. I use it both for conditioning and in a little squirt bottle mixed with water as a daily leave in conditioner.
Cream: Taliah Waajid's Curly Curl Cream gives the best twists ever. After washing and conditioning, I add in the cream, twist two strands together, and put on a satin nightcap. In the morning, perfect sheen and well defined spirals.
Oils: Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, and Africare's 100% Glycerin keep hair in tip top shape. Each give my thick hair a certain kind of lustrous sheen- an important beneficial trait to carry in the arena of keeping high maintenance natural hair strong and healthy.
homemade tip: for an ultra deep conditioning treatment, soak the hair in a huge amount of coconut oil (like to an almost dripping consistency), cover overnight with a conditioning cap, and wash it out in the morning before shampoo and conditioner.

Pacifica Mineral Naturals Smolder Eye Liner Shadow

Pacifica keeps on bringing out great product!

Congratulations to Jolyn! She has won the Pacifica Natural Minerals Color Lip Tint Trio! Yippee!!! Thanks for entering. There shall be another contest soon peeps.
Now let's chat another beauty treat from one of my favorite brands. For last week's installation performance, I picked up Pacifica Smolder Eye Lining Gel in Tahitian Pearl-- a beautiful green shadow. Speckles of glittery gold sparkle in this intense hued shaded gem. Soft, one coat application glides onto lids with effortless maneuverability. Impressive color that reminds me of the old M.A.C. days. Except here it's cruelty free and 100% vegan.
Pacifica creates the perfect beauty finds to stuff into any BFF's holiday stocking this year. 

The emerald tint is a dynamic complement to both brown skin and deep chocolate iris.

Used Elf's Defining Eye Brush to sweep against lids. I used one coat for the daytime look, but for nighttime smoky appearance enhance it with an extra coat over entire lid.

Some eyes shadows don't come across behind glasses well, but this is a definite keeper! Although I cannot say that I'm surprised. Love this brand!

Let The Lips Have It: My Favorite Vegan Balms

Cruelty free beauty.

I have tried various lip balms over the years. Some were good. Some were awful. Now two years, seven months later, as a vegan, brands like Chapstick and Carol's Daughter are no longer it for me. I have cherished not only making Homemade Vegan Lip Glosses, but finding companies that create wonderful products designed to keep lips soft and hydrated without cruel additives. Few are below $5 and pricier ones are well worth the extra bucks.
Just remember that nothing beats a good animal free (no beeswax!) moisturizer for the pout.
Here are a few of my top picks.

Vanilla Chai Lip Balm is a delicious fix without all the Starbucks calories and sugar count. Plus at $4.99, it lasts longer than a one sitting cup.

Soothing Touch 70% Organic Vanilla Chai Lip Balm, $4.99. Smells so amazing that friends can smell it centimeters away and mistake it for perfume. Keeps lips soft with light sheen. Find this caffeine free fix at most health food stores or online at Soothing Touch.

Pacifica is lip heaven for those who desire balm and a light color.

Pacifica Coconut Kiss Creamy Lip Butter in Lava, $8.99. For those who love a red lip that is muted. I love wearing this to major events like art receptions. The more one applies the bolder it can be. Find these at most Whole Foods Stores or online at Pacifica Naturals. Also highly recommend Pacifica's Enlightened Gloss Nourishing Mineral Lip Shine in Ravish (sheer pomegranate with subtle gold), $12.00- a personal favorite- not a balm, but it's a necessity!

Thumbs up to Out Of Africa!

Out Of Africa Tropical Vanilla Lip Balm With SPF 15, $4.99. This is a must for summer! Has a yummy scent, keeps lips uber hydrated, AND offers protection from the sun. Be wary of the little pieces of balm that cling to lips. Find at most drug stores and online at Out Of Africa.

Checking out the Limeade.

Crazy Rumors in Limeade, $3.49. Another sweet treat addiction. Perfect flavor for wickedly hot summer. This was in my freebie bag from the Philadelphia Vegfest and I must say it's a nice one. Glides onto lips slick without goopiness. However, this lip licking flavor doesn't last long. Find it at specialty health food stores and online at Crazy Rumors.

Honorable mention:
Booda Butter, $3.99. Called "vegan bliss for your lips" for a reason. Keeps kissably moist lips saturated. A light sheen. Not too glossy. Find it at most health food stores and online at Booda Butter.

The Most Most Awesome Vegantastic Wednesday

The sign should say "Welcome To a Great Afternoon & Pleasant Evening!"

On days when eyes open from a blissful dream and body lays serene as air conditioner blows cool air and a little beautiful cat paws for breakfast or a treat to calm her furry belly's hunger, a certain magic sparks with promise. Okay- this happens everyday for me, but it was even stronger today.
Today, I received my first assignment as an intern to Dayton City Paper- a very intelligent independently ran paper that I read faithfully every week for the intelligent articles, reviews, and coming attractions to our little city. My upcoming story is to cover the August African American Cultural Festival! Yippee! It's quite exciting and I'm looking forward to this amazing opportunity to put writing to another use.
Days of Our Lives was great this afternoon (sorry, I had to say it!) and the news of Earthfare's free ice cream celebration made me feel like celebrating even further! It's almost an hour bus trip, my favorite kind of adventure (and yes, soooo excited I missed my stop too).
Here I share So Delicious treats and some amazing new discoveries found in Centerville- a place I must go more often.

Yay! I made it & beat the summer heat!

Hmmmm. I may have to get this Herbal Skin Crack...

Hail Merry's (never heard of them! Why???) line of raw treats were on sale 2 for $6!

I had to try the Chocolate Raw Almond Butter Miracle Tart.

Miraculous alright....

And here's my free vegan ice cream sundae- So Delicious Chocolate Coconut Milk topped with Soy Whip & cherries. My thighs are definitely going to Guilty Vegan Jail today. Pilates (combative superheroine against all caloric evils) for the win!A big thank you to Earthfare for providing the nourishing chocoholic ice cream & sweet toppings! So very, very cordial of them!

Speaking of So Delicious- I found their Greek style yogurts! FINALLY!!!

After Earthfare, I walked over to Marshalls. Curse thee who placed these beautiful flats in the wrong section! Me wanted them, but feet are just a wee too big. If only toes weren't so necessary- I'd cut them off for these. Hahaha!

Hats off to those going to SDCC (San Diego Comic Con). Until that day I get to head over to California for geekery enjoyment, I shall simply squee at all things Marvel, DC, & Independent Comics designed into real life situations such as these X-Men headphones! 

Chyeah! Homemade Zombies. Better than making cookies, I bet!

OMG! $6 Pig Pancake Pan. Too cute right?

And tree pencils! Ugh! Marshalls has everything!

These beauty products were the biggest steals of the day easily! Juice Organics (one of my favorite brands) Pomwash Facial Cleanser with pineapple and papaya enzymes plus pomegranate, organic white grape, peach, and aloe juices sound like a miraculously delicious treat for my face! Sukin, an Australian vegan company first caught my attention from Paint It Black, a vegan beauty blogger from Australia. (See her post on Sukin's lip balm here). This hair conditioner has a boat load of great oils like avocado, sesame, wheat germ, jojoba, rose hip, etc and it's formulated for dry hair!

Juice Organics Pomwash was 40% off the $10 price & the Sukin hair conditioner was 50% a great bargain especially considering how much it costs to ship this bad boy! (or bad girl!) Can't wait to use both of these and review them!

Marshalls also sells some great vegan snacks such as Brad's Raw Kale! OMG! At $3.49 each, there are various flavors- Baked, Nacho, Naked, and...... Vampire Killer? Heehee. Must be garlic-y? :D

The wonderful day ended at Bed, Bath, & Beyond with the cutest trash can ever seen. 

And what did I come home to- Emily of New Moon: The Complete Series based on L. M. Montgomery's trilogy on a passionate, spirited orphaned writer! Some prefer Anne of Green Gables (which I too adore)- but Emily- well, she's my personal favorite. Marathon time indeed.