Skincare is the PITS

Just kidding! I still love to pamper and take good care of my skin. However, a lot of the time when people think about skincare they think only about their face.

Your skin is your largest organ, and take care of all of it! Not only the part that people look at most! In college I was teased because I noticed how dry my friend's elbows were. Who bothers with elbows, they'd remark, as I sheepishly admit to lotioning up my own. Several years ago and even to this day my friend tells me "touch my elbows!" as she has proudly stopped forsaking them and lotions them up. They no longer are the scaly sandpapered ends I used to once know. She is as proud as I am that she started to care and has seen a difference.

However, today's skincare is not about elbows, but about PITS--my armpit journey. Your armpits have sensitive skin and needs to be cared for as well. That's why I have been experimenting with all different kinds of natural deodorants over the last few years.

YEARS. I am not kidding you. These things take YEARS to understand, and sometimes it's a journey that never quite ends. The body is continually changing--so why aren't you adjusting to it?

My pits, for many many years, were a hated and hidden thing. In high school I took ballet several times a week and shaved the morning of. Even then I would get five o'clock shadow and hated the poppyseed look of my armpits.

This all started to change in 2013 when I discovered laser hair removal. Granted, laser hair removal is another skin journey I am still going through now, another day, another post.

Laser hair removal changed my life. No longer did I see those poppyseed hairs come out like aggressively by the end of the day. It took several years (and several different clinics) to get to where I wanted to go. Now I never worry about hiding my pits, shaving them only when I think I kind of remember I should probably maybe shave them...that sort of deal. It's a crazy amount of money I have invested, but I show off my pits proudly. In getting to show off my pits I wanted to get away from the crazy strong chemicals in my body and decided to get off antiperspirant.

In college I wore the clinical strength they sell at Target, via Dove, Secret, or whatever. Secret would put hard gooey pitstains in my t-shirts (I would only wear t-shirts because they consistently hid my armpits and I never had to feel self conscious on if I shaved that day or not. Secret was out. Then there was Dove clinical strength and why did I put myself through that? I have no idea. Then Degree, or Teen Spirit, or Lady Speed Stick. My mom never wore deodorant and I blame my Caucasian genes for making me sweat and stink. My last antiperspirant was a rare scent from Axe in the men's section. It was called Island, was a white tube, and well, smelled like coconuts with a hint of musk. I was in love with this slightly mannish scent--I still have a stick in my closet. But I knew it wasn't good for me and it was time to move beyond these pore plugging chemicals.

Just as my armpit hair was thinning from laser hair removal (2015, I believe), my sister was going through her hippie stage of quitting antiperspirant as well. TJ Maxx surprisingly has a lot of choices to offer in the department of natural deodorants and I found myself collecting different scents, companies and brands for both her and I to try. Mostly for me to try and then when I didn't like it, give to her to finish using.

Schmidt's was the first thing I tried. It was lavender and came in a pot. First thing, I hate touching the stuff, especially since you have to warm it up to spread with your hands? Gross. Also, I could feel the product even after I washed my hands. Gross because I need to put my contacts in and do not want armpit residue to go into my eyes. Secondly, I was allergic. My pits are too sensitive for Schmidt's, as are my sister's. Trust me, I tried three different scents (so badly wanted the Rose Vanilla to work out) and each time I ended up with pink patches that hurt. My sister did to and we promptly got rid of all varieties of Schmidt's in the house.

To counteract this reaction I would go full skincare crisis on my pits. Cleanse them with a gentle face cleanser, put on light toner, like a watery one made from job's tears. Moisturize them with the same stuff I put on my face, applied a sleeping mask to my pits as well. If you treat all your skin like your face in crisis mode, it does well.

Tried Alaffia's charcoal deodorant, which I liked so much I started rationing it between other deodorants, like small samples off I bought of Esty (clay based, but too small and annoying to use), Stinkbug Organics (loved the smell, but misplaced it somewhere in my traveling bags), gave my sister the Herban Cowgirl I've been eying but didn't end up using myself. Tried Green Goo's Apricot for a while but it left me feeling a little sticky so I only apply it before bed or when my armpits are having a reaction.

My tried, tested, and several sticks of go-to natural deodorant has to be Native. Damnit! I got sucked in through a Facebook ad for their Pumpkin Spice seasonal scent, and love love loved it. Then I invested in their fall scent pack and then again in a spring scent. I have two sticks left and currently using two other scents in tandem, so I really shouldn't. It's a great purchase though and I usually wait until they have a discount code. A three-pack of seasonal scents goes for $30, which is $10 a piece, and even less if you get a coupon code. Yes, I know it's expensive, but I really like it. Sometimes it gets chunky, but it's a softer consistency that gets sticky if too warm. Glides on easily, smells great, and THERE ARE SO MANY SCENTS that I love and want to try each time! Once in a blue moon I'll get a pink irritated armpit, but it's been pretty good for the three sticks I have completely finished, the two I am in between, and the still in my closet.

Pumpkin Spice Latte BASIC AND FIRST LOVE
Fig and HONEY LOVE
Lilac and White Tea COMFORTING LOVE
Lychee and Goji Berry SWEET but I like it!!
Gardenia and Orchid SOFT FLORAL LOVE
I have two remaining unused scents: Orange & Honeysuckle and Lemon Zest & Pomegranate (least appealing scent that came in the sets, but I wanted the other two G&O/O&H so bad it was worth it. I am loving ALL THESE SMELLS.

I actually wanted the seasonal Fall 2017 box of Pear & Lavender, Honeycrisp Apple & Cinnamon, and Almond & Vanilla, but didn't get it because I already had too many sticks to go through. I haven't looked in a while and their Spring 2019 scents are just amazing. The next box is Spring 2019's Vanilla & Rose, Aloe & Eucalyptus, and Yuzu & Orange Blossom. I WANT THEM ALLLLLLL. Maybe when it goes on sale? I was into Native as Facebook sucked me into it a long time ago. That was before they were sold by places like Target or Walmart. I remembering entering their Instagram giveaway and there were only three other people that hashtagged them. What a long time ago that was.

I also have a stick of A La Maison Honeysuckle in my closet...my sister has the Sea Salt one that I got her and she loved it so much she told me if I see it again I should get it for her...and I did! Thank you TJ Maxx for being an excellent supplier of quality products at a discount.

Though Native is as expensive as I go at ~$10 a stick, I am seriously considering several other more expensive brands. Myro is eco-friendly in that it's a reusable plastic outside with replaceable pods. At $10 and they give you the case for free.... I really can't complain. Their marketing seems great. I like the very Coachella vibe names of their scents. I would probably get Big Dipper or Pillow Talk.

Then there is the expensive $22 Takesumi charcoal deodorant that I saw at Detox Market (where I actually wanted to check out Piper Wai for $17 and Meow Meow Tweet $14). Also now finding out about and considering $22 Corpus's Cedar Flora which is currently out of stock. Glad to have a brick and mortar store to check out the natural deodorants at Detox Market. Did not care for the consistency of Meow Meow Tweet, even though I like the eco-friendly cardboard applicator and packaging. Found Piper Wai to have too much of a baking soda smell which scared me off, and instead I found Takesumi which is pretty neat with some ok smells. I actually really like the sensitive version of Agent Nateur's Holi(Stick), but at $28 I can't seem to justify it.

After a bit of researching for this post, I am also intrigued by Type-A $10, which seems more like a soft consistency deodorant, activated by sweat.

The thing about natural deodorants is.... you're going to sweat, and you're going to smell. It's just a matter of how long and if reapplication is needed. It's not a one stop fix, there is no one stop fix. However, get used to and learn to love your own body odor, as it's yours and going to be with you forever. I noticed that I actually sweat more on my back now after laser hair removal in my armpits, but it's only my pits that have that curdled milk, sour vinegar sort of smell. It is distinct and it is your own. Get used to it and try not to sweat in your coats that you don't want to send out to the dry cleaners.

Even after all the afterwork sniffing and body odor smelling, I wouldn't stop my natural deodorant journey, not even a single step. Not once have I even thought of going back to regular antiperspirant. Not. Once.

Going natural feels better for me, doesn't stain my clothes or leave pit stains that are chemically bounded to the material, and just is BETTER.

Take care of the skin in your armpits--it is just as sensitive as the skin on your face.

Happy Chinese New Year!

I know it's still the Lunar New Year and not only Chinese people celebrate it, but CNY is the only other New Years I know.

Going on:

Trying not to stockpile and am finally making a dent in the Peach and Lily haul from too many years ago. Really needed to use all the stuff up then--not now.

Using Lotus Essence, which has a nice Han bang smell to it, but I am not sure how I feel. Bought a could of DECIM The Ordinary's products (rosehip oil, retinoid, moisturizer). Sad to hear their ex-CEO passed away, though his erratic behavior towards the end of his CEO reign was an indicator.

My favorites, again:

1. Cleanser: sum37 MRCS (but currently alternating use with tosowoong enzyme powder wash, which makes my face smell like fresh laundry)
2. Toner: Missha Clear Toner. 
3. First Essence: SK-II, finished the dupes and using the lovely heavy red glass bottle of this just in time for the new year!
4. Serums, ampoules, etc etc: Actually haven't found THE ONE yet. Using a second essence, something Lotus (here I found it). Reminder: it's very Hanbang smelling and feeling.
5. Face Masks: Rather just sleep than deal with these right now. I have so many to use because they're going to expire though :/
6. Moisturizer: Just finished Joseon Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream and MAYCOOP day cream. Using Dr.G Gowoonsesang Derma Hydromoist Water Gel Cream by Dr.G Gowoonsesang (silly name found on Amazon where the listing is being sold at $88+$5 shipping. WHO IS BUYING THAT SHIT? I got mine for $5 on clearance because I have to use it up by August, NBD.)
7. Sunscreen: BAE Biore Watery Essence 50 spf pa plus plus plus plus works, I guess. Just been using a Japanese one where I get more bang for my buck.

Honest suggestions:

• Drink water, lots of it.
• Sleep, regularly, always.
• Sunscreen, every single day, rain or shine.
• If you can eat clean, do it! Whole30 makes my skin so, so, so good.

Extras:

• Wash your face every morning and evening.
• Moisturize as much of your skin as you possibly can.

Whoops! It's Mid-October

So my hiatus was only supposed to be for a short period, but I forgot after getting out of this habit. Ghana has changed a lot in me, and where I used to stockpile and haul lots of products at once, I realize that I live in such gross abundance and should only buy what I need when I need it. Instead of buying things I don't need at all and let them sit in the closet.

Less of a consumerism mindset and more of use what I have and be over grateful for it.

I am also grateful that I live in a such a place of such abundance and accessibility. What would I do without Amazon? I have no idea, but I hate them at the same time for killing smaller markets in a world where everyone is just trying to make it.

In using what I have and not buying more, I realize I have been a part of this skincare game for many years now (over three, has it really been that long?!) and I know what I like. I really hated the Secret Key dupe for first essence treatment and would not buy that stuff again in a million years. Finally finished that bottle at the beginning of this month and it felt like ages before I went through it (I would use excess as well, but it still lasted FOREVER).

I know what I like and it's this:

1. Cleanser: sum37 MRCS, which is currently out of stock everywhere it seems. I have one stashed away, but am hesitant to start it now, so maybe I'll try the Neogen Green Tea stick to see how it compares. I am not a fan of oil cleansing.
2. Toner: Missha Clear Toner. Every time I am using a bottle of this, I just feel like my skin is so much more ready and willing to soak in other products. Love the wateriness of it, too. Currently I am using a Peach and Lily sample sale of Bitgoa Hue Essence Toner. It is actually lovely and great, but at that price I just kind of miss my $16 Missha Clear Toner bottle. It's more fragranced than I like, but it does work nicely (albeit seems like it's for older ladies and smells like it too). I recommend it, but I think there are cheaper products that work just as well.
3. First Essence: SK-II, which really, I've tried the Missha dupe, which is my favorite dupe of it, but there can't be a dupe when it sells for $150 a bottle (ok, that was duty free pricing, I think Sephora in the States has it for over $200). It feels like I am splashing my face in dollar bills when I use it, but I am always so pleased with the results.
4. Serums, ampoules, etc etc: Actually haven't found THE ONE yet. I've tried face oils, and The Ordinary (which just went through a mass of drama, I mean, the ex-CEO is clearly on some sort of drugs) isn't really as high quality as other products I've used and it's just ok. Never found a vitamin C serum that made me excited to use up the whole bottle. Definitely wasted two amber bottles as they spoiled before I remembered to use it more consistently. On my third bottle of Caudalie serum, but at that price, I just rather invest in my SK-II instead of extra serums that seem to peter out after a while. There hasn't been any wow's in this department.
5. Face Masks: Too Much Fun In the Sun by Leaders is my ABSOLUTE FAV and I got it by accident when it was on sale at a random TJ Maxx in a neighborhood I hardly visit. Great find, I really like them the most. Second would be Lovemore's Pearl Barley and Milk smoothing masks. To be honest, I guess I have a propensity towards smoothing masks; they seem to help my skin and make it feel much better.
6. Moisturizer: Though Mizon Snail line has earned it's place as I have bought it again and again and again (just love the scentlessness of it as well as the way it gets absorbed so quickly). But the true winner here is the chewy and sticky Joseon Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream. At 50 ml it goes so quickly, but the texture, the absorption, and even the light, sweet fragrance to it makes all my nerves at ease. It makes my face feel chok chok in the harshest of winters (which Mizon AIO Snail and Black Snail both fail to do).
7. Sunscreen: BAE Biore Watery Essence 50 spf pa plus plus plus plus. As a person of ghostly paleness, sunscreen is my life. Sometimes I don't feel fully protected by BAE Biore because it's chemical and not mineral, but I always go back for that light citrusy scent of sun protection. It goes on so smooth, I forget what my skin feels like underneath. It is BAE for a reason, great product, great results, great price (when you can find it for ~$6) and really, my most repurchased product in all of skincare.

When it comes to everything else that I've tried, whether it be exfoliating toners followed by AHA/BHA serums or clay masks for detoxing, or sleeping masks for the harsher winter months, none of them really wow me into keeping them, and often they sit in the medicine cabinet open and half used, forgotten because they didn't really bring anything to the table. Some products I just use to try to finish using, and got "creative" by putting it elsewhere (I've got the smoothest legs and tummy skin, I swear, I wipe my hands on my tummy after application way more frequently than I like to admit).

This is to say, that though my Skincare Journey is not over, it is slowing down. I am reusing products that are tested tried and true (oh dear lord I have over $300 of SK-II in my closet that is waiting on the queue to be used because other products are expiring first). My posts will be less about what is in my routine, but more on products I've been trying to use up so I can maintain the usage of my favorite products that are listed above. 

Ghanian Hiatus - June/July/August

Due to the fact that I have been abroad and there are so many factors that change this skincare routine, and everything is a possible element of change, we will be on Hiatus until the first week of September when all that traveling is done and there's been a month of settling.

The food, the water that you aren't supposed to use to brush your teeth, the change in diet, the change in sleep, the change in daily life, your skin wears it all.

Skincare Routine Monthly Check-in: May 1, 2018

Currently in PANIC mode as my COMPLETE forehead has broken out into small tiny clumps of acne. It is terrible, it is horrendous, and I have no idea what brought it on. I was thinking it was something new I introduced, but then my whole face would be reacting, not just my forehead. Then I thought it would be from the boyfriend kissing my forehead too much, but nah, I have a minimalist, but still cleanse, tone, moisturize there at his place. So I don't know, stress? I am stressing out even more, this is a poor way of staying within the stress pimple cycle.

1. Oil Cleanser: None! Got Kose Speedy in the mail, but more for my sister who actually wears make-up. Tried it twice. It's ok, I guess?
2. Water-based Cleanser:  Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel cleanser, finished up Lagom's Gellup Gel to Water Cleanser, seeing if I want to try another one that's in my closet. Maybe from the Club Clio close-out.
3. Hydrating Toner:  Mizon's AHA/BHA toner, not really digging it at all. Miss Missha's Clear Toner instead.
4. Active: Mizon's 8% Peeling Gel AHA/BHA, hardly used it this month, just didn't have time to squeeze it in. Have been doing it nightly since PANIC mode started two days ago.
5. First Essence -  Secret Key's Starting Treatment Essence smells like nail polish remover to me. Not really seeing any results, but rather, feel like I'm patting in nail polish remover smell each even. Miss my SK-II. Have the special year of the dog edition I should start soon.
6. Serum: The Ordinary's Squalane doesn't sink in the same. Just feels greasy. Maybe I'll try rosehip next, but I don't care for squalane as much as I used to with the other brand.
7. Eye Creams: Algenist white in the evening, sometimes. The lines under my eyes feel like permanence and I try to not smile as hard as I usually do, out of fear that I'll make them stronger, deeper, permanent. 
8. Moisturizer: AM: Shangpree's Bitgoa Hue Rich Cream, it's ok. Unremarkable, would not purchase again. PM: Body Merry's Retinol Surge Moisturizer which I got on a lightning deal via Amazon. It makes my face tingle more then the 8% AHA/BHA that I occasionally use.
9. Sleeping Pack: Not really these days.
10. Sunscreen: Peripera Oil Capture Peach Sun Finisher with SPF 50/PA+++, is still hanging out, haven't used it in a while. Lately been using and trying to use up the Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sun Screen, never really got used to the Neogen sunscreen. Sure, it applies ok, but it just wasn't for me with that citronella smell. Used it a lot on vacation. STILL LOVE BAE BIORE and have been using that in the morning.

We're transitioning straight from winter into summer. Where is my spring, gosh darnit! I want my spring.

ODE TO BAE BIORE

Honest to GOD, life, and all things good. BAE Biore is really BAE for a reason. No, not a reason, but many reasons.

Every single time I use another sunscreen, or try something new, it is not the same as the love I feel for Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen.

The smell is lovely, a light citrus.
It goes on easy, and dries even lovelier.
It makes my skin feel so, so, so smooth and soft, I can't even deal with how I was this was also a moisturizer.

My face feels so fine that I can't stop touching it. It feels as photoshop looks.

YOU ARE MY BAE, because, even with the way that I like SK-II, that price tag just isn't half as affordable are you.

BAE BIORE, stay with me forever. I miss the 2015 formula, but I will just have to deal. This 2015 light blue tube is the best thing that's happened to me in this entire skincare journey.

Skincare Routine Monthly Check-in: April 4, 2018

I'm off the Whole 30 and gained back five pounds and my face feels bloated and chunky, JOY. Here's an updated list of products, there are a fair amount of new ones since a couple of products just happened to run out at the same time.

1. Oil Cleanser: None!
2. Water-based Cleanser:  I realize that I really do like my Cosrx Low Ph Good Morning Gel cleanser.over Lagom's Gellup Gel to Water Cleanser, and hardly use the Lagom Cleanser even though I have an extra tube in the closet from the Peach and Lily Sample sale.
3. Hydrating Toner:  Mizon's AHA/BHA toner, I feel meh about this, similar to how I felt with Park and Son's Beauty Water as a toner
4. Active: Mizon's 8% Peeling Gel AHA/BHA, sometimes I get that tingle, most time I forget this step because I am tired and just want to go to bed and not wait for anything to dry.
5. First Essence - The little SK-II bottle I got in a set from Sephora ran out, and I wanted to cry. My little 3 oz, $76 dollared glass bottle. I keep it in the cabinet next to the current dupe I'm using that I just don't like enough at all.  Secret Key's Starting Treatment Essence is/was supposed to be a really good dupe. So when the price dropped on Amazon, I took it and held it captive in my closet. This was before my break-through with using SK-II and I wasn't settled on SK-II.
6. Serum: The Ordinary's Squalane! The dropper drips WAY TOO EASY and I get product everywhere. I miss the other dropper, which was more consistent and contained. 
7. Eye Creams: Algenist white in the evening. I slop the stuff on, don't mind it, but don't know if it does much.
8. Moisturizer: A Peach and Lily Sample Sale find: Shangpree's Bitgoa Hue Rich Cream, which I think I got for $20? It retails for $85, and right now I cannot understand why. It's pretty thick, goes on well, reminds me a bit of a cream geared towards an older generation.
9. Sleeping Pack: Often find myself trying to use up my old Missha Snail Sleeping pack. It's just a sealant of a moisturizer, too heavily fragranced, I think.
10. Sunscreen: Peripera Oil Capture Peach Sun Finisher with SPF 50/PA+++, and I opened my Amazon bought Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sun Screen, which smells like Citronella candle and makes me think if I bought another bad product off Amazon. It only cost me $15, which is like half price from Sephora (but that's normal), but this smell? I don't know how I feel about that.... 

THREE NEW PRODUCTS! Will my face go crazy?!

The Secret Key SK-II dupe... well, it's not doing well with me. Not that the product has made me break out or anything, it just.... isn't SK-II. Also, it smells like nail polish remover and then it makes me think... did I buy a bad product or an imitation product off of Amazon? I haven't had any negative experiences yet. However, this nail polish remover smell is TERRIBLE. Honestly, even if it did work (which I'm skeptical) I am not into the smell.

Then there's The Ordinary's Squalane, and well, the dropper is a problem, it feels greasier than the last one...takes a little longer to "soak in" and I guess I just miss my Peach and Lily Sample Sale find.

Shangpree's Bitgoa Hue Rich Cream is cream.... for older people. It's this murky peach that reminds me of a grandma's hosiery or cold cream. It's nothing special, and doesn't make my skin feel like anything more than what it's supposed to. Biore BAE has more of an affect on me than anything.

And don't get me started on the citronella candle sunscreen again. This is not bug repellent, so I don't get what's going on....Wonder how much longer I can tolerate this smell. I almost miss the greasiness of the Peripera Oil Capture Peach Sun Finisher better.