Showing posts with label Beauty. Show all posts

For a long time, I didn’t think much about glycerine.

I used it often in my twenties, and it worked well for my skin, but somewhere along the way, I stopped using it. I think it was during pregnancy—I became sensitive to strong smells and perfumes, so I switched to things like olive oil, which felt safer and gentler at the time.

How Glycerine Found Its Way Back Into My Skincare Routine

Later, when I had my babies and slowly started going back to using body creams and lotions, I still didn’t think to return to glycerine. I was using good lotions, but something was still off. My skin would feel soft after applying, but a few hours later, it would go back to looking or feeling dry—especially on my arms and legs.

Hydrating body creams helped a bit, but I had to use a good amount of product to stay moisturised. That’s when glycerine came back into my life.

How Glycerine Found Its Way Back Into My Skincare Routine

It Started With a Small Bottle

One day I went to the supermarket and saw a small bottle of glycerine and just picked it up — more out of curiosity than anything else. I mixed a small quantity into my body lotion and started using it again.

And let me tell you, the difference was clear.

My skin felt hydrated and softer, and it didn’t have that dry, stretchy look I sometimes get after a few hours. So when that first bottle finished, I bought another one—this time a bigger size—and I mixed it more generously into my lotion. Right now, my mix is almost 80% glycerine, and I’m honestly loving the results.

What Glycerine Does for My Skin

Hydration: My skin stays moisturized for longer, even when I don’t apply a lot of cream.
Softness: My skin feels smooth to the touch—especially on my legs and arms.
Gentle exfoliation: Glycerine somehow helps dead skin cells come off easily. For example, when I use blended tomato as a body mask (yes, tomato—I’ll talk more about that in another post), I notice that my skin peels gently and glows afterwards.
Fades dark spots faster: When skin is dry, it's harder to treat or fade spots. But when it’s well moisturized, the healing is faster and the spots clear out better.

The Sticky Truth (LOL)

Let me not lie—sometimes my skin feels a bit sticky after applying it, especially if I use a lot. It actually reminded me of how it used to feel back in the day when I first started using it. But it’s not a bad kind of sticky—more like that feeling you get after applying something rich and nourishing.

Why I Think I Stopped Using It

At one point, I heard someone say glycerine wasn’t good for your skin as you age. I don’t even remember who said it or where I read it, but I took it seriously and just stopped using it. And you know how sometimes skincare “gurus” don’t mention it much? That kind of made me feel like maybe it wasn’t a good idea to go back to it.

Instead, you see them recommending hydrating lotions, which are great but not always affordable. And honestly? Glycerine does the job. It’s simple, available, and effective. It's okay to have a hydrating lotion, but glycerin is also a very hydrating product.

How I Use Glycerine Now

I mix it into my body lotion—generously.
I apply it on my face before and after using drying products like Sivoderm pommade or Kojie San soap. This helps keep my skin hydrated while the product works.
After washing off those products, I hydrate again with glycerine before applying any creams or oils.

These products (especially Kojie San and Sivoderm) are effective, but they dry out the skin, so glycerine helps balance it all out and protect my moisture barrier.

I feel like I’ve returned to something that always worked for me—and honestly, I’m glad.
Not everything that works has to be trendy. Sometimes, it’s the simple products that have stood the test of time that your skin loves the most.

If you have dry skin or you’re using products that dry you out, try adding a little glycerine into your routine. You don’t need much, but your skin will thank you.

And if it feels a little sticky? Just smile—that’s how you know you've applied enough. 😊

Reclaiming My Glow: Simple Beauty Habits That Helped Me Feel Like Myself Again

There was a time when I barely cared about my appearance. Life had me so drained that even the simplest acts of self-care felt like a chore. I would try to get back into a beauty routine, but lack of time, prioritizing others over myself, and the weight of past traumas always slowed me down. I felt stuck and exhausted, despite not doing much. But deep down, I knew I wanted to look and feel better—I just didn’t know how to stay consistent.

Little by little, I started making small efforts, and this time, I took it seriously. I was tired of neglecting myself, tired of looking in the mirror and not recognizing the woman staring back at me. And so, I committed to simple beauty habits that helped me feel like myself again. Here’s what worked for me:

Reclaiming My Glow: Simple Beauty Habits That Helped Me Feel Like Myself Again

1. Taking Care of My Skin

For the longest time, I ignored my skin. The stress and neglect started to show—blemishes, dullness, and uneven texture became my reality. So, I made an effort to learn about skincare. I researched products that suited my skin type and addressed the concerns I had developed over time.

Understanding the basics of skincare changed everything. I learned how to layer my products properly, the importance of hydration, and how to be patient with results. Slowly but surely, my skin started to clear up, and I loved seeing the glow return. More than just physical changes, this new habit made me feel like I was pouring love back into myself.

2. Taking Care of My Hair

I had been ignoring my hair for years, barely paying attention to how it looked. It didn’t excite me the way it used to when I was younger. But one day, I decided to change that—I started experimenting again.

I cut my hair, dyed it bold colors, and rediscovered the adventurous side of me that had been buried under responsibilities and exhaustion. Keeping my hair short was fun, but now I’m growing it long again, and I love the process. Every time I style it, I remember the confident, vibrant version of myself that I used to be—and I feel her coming back.

3. Losing Weight & Feeling Good

This one was deeply personal. I wanted to look in the mirror and feel happy, proud, and confident. Losing weight wasn’t just about numbers on a scale; it was about feeling good in my skin again.

I laughed when I thought back to the times I used to complain about being fat before I had kids. Looking at old photos, I realized I wasn’t fat at all—I just didn’t appreciate my body then. But now, having lost a considerable amount of weight, I feel healthier, more confident, and mentally stronger. The journey isn’t over, but I love the progress I’ve made.

The Beauty of Small Efforts

These beauty habits weren’t about seeking perfection; they were about reclaiming the version of myself that I loved. The woman who took care of herself, who embraced her glow, who felt good in her own skin.

I share this because I know I’m not the only one who has ever felt lost in her own reflection. If you’re feeling stuck, start small. Find simple beauty habits that make you feel good and take it one step at a time. You deserve to look and feel your best—because when you take care of yourself, you’re not just nurturing your outer beauty, but also your inner strength and confidence.

Does Kojie San Soap Really Work? My Experience with Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots | My Honest Review

Wondering if Kojie San Soap works? I used it for dark spots and uneven skin tone—read my experience, results, and buying tips.

About Kojie-san soap

If you're into skincare or have ever searched for products that promise a more even skin tone, chances are you've come across Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap. This bright orange bar has gained popularity across Africa, Asia, and beyond for its bold claims and budget-friendly price. The main ingredient,

Kojic Acid, is known for its ability to lighten dark spots, fade acne scars, and even out the complexion by reducing melanin production.

Kojie San markets itself as a soap that promotes brighter, smoother, and clearer skin, and it's often recommended for people dealing with hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damage, or uneven skin tone. Naturally, I was curious. I’d heard so many mixed reviews — some people swear by it, while others say it’s too harsh. So, I decided to try it for myself and share my honest thoughts.

My Skin Type & Concerns Before Using Kojie San

Before trying Kojie San, I was dealing with a few frustrating skin issues. My main concerns were:

Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots from old pimples and skin irritation
A generally dull skin tone, likely due to a buildup of dead skin cells

I had tried a few exfoliating soaps and scrubs in the past, but nothing seemed to give me the clear, glowing skin I was hoping for. That’s when I started hearing a lot about Kojie San—especially how its kojic acid content could help brighten the skin, fade dark spots, and improve overall skin texture.

After seeing enough reviews and testimonials online, I figured it was worth trying. So, I bought a pack of three bars and used them consistently to see if they could improve my skin.

Product Description & Buying Experience

I first bought Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap sometime in 2024 from a skincare vendor I discovered on TikTok. I got the three-in-one pack for 11,000 FCFA, and it lasted a good while. When I eventually ran out, I went looking for another bar and found one in a local store for 3,000 FCFA — but unfortunately, it turned out to be fake.

Although I tried to verify it by checking the packaging and color, I wasn’t entirely sure. I realized it was fake as soon as I opened it — the smell was off, the texture was harder, and the color was a lighter orange-yellow compared to the original. I didn’t even bother using it. I threw it away because I couldn’t risk applying a fake product to my skin. I was honestly so annoyed to waste my money like that.

Thankfully, I later repurchased the original version from a different trusted skincare vendor, also found on TikTok. Again, I bought the three-in-one pack for 10,000 FCFA, and it was the authentic Kojie San I remembered.

🔔 Important Tip: There are many fake versions of this soap on the market, so be very vigilant. The original has a soft, mild, pleasant scent and a smooth, soft texture that you can press in slightly with your fingers. Fake ones tend to smell harsh or chemically aggressive and are often much harder or crumbly in texture.

The soap lathers beautifully and is quite rich — a little goes a long way. However, it does finish quickly, so I personally cut each bar into three smaller pieces and use one at a time to make it last longer.

Key Ingredients

The main active ingredient in Kojie San soap is Kojic Acid, which is derived from mushrooms and fermentation processes (like sake brewing). Kojic Acid works by inhibiting melanin production, making it effective in treating:

Hyperpigmentation
Dark spots
Sun damage
Uneven skin tone

It also contains coconut oil, which helps to moisturize the skin and balance out the drying effect that kojic acid can sometimes cause. Some versions include glycerin, fragrance, and mineral oil as well.

How I Use Kojie San Soap

When I first started using Kojie San, I was advised to apply it daily in the evening (or when the sun is down) for five consecutive days, then reduce usage to twice a week. This method worked well, but over time, I realized the importance of listening to your skin and adjusting based on how it responds.

Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

If your skin is very sensitive or you live in a hot climate, use it less frequently
If your skin is more tolerant or you’re dealing with stubborn hyperpigmentation, you might need to use it a bit more often (but never overdo it!)
If your skin is already quite clear, start with once or twice a week and build up only if necessary

My routine:

I wet my skin
Apply the soap and let it sit for 3–5 minutes
Rinse thoroughly using a sponge or my hands

I notice a mild stinging around areas like my neck, which I was told is normal with Kojie San — especially if it’s the original soap. It doesn’t burn harshly but has a slight tingle.

Supporting Products I Used

I paired Kojie San with the Nemalia Cosmetics body lotion and soap, which are non-lightening, hydrating, and very gentle on the skin. This combo worked perfectly for me because while Kojie San helped exfoliate and brighten my skin, Nemalia kept it moisturized and protected. On days I didn’t bathe with Kojie San, I simply used the Nemalia soap.

Results & Experience

After using Kojie San Soap consistently for some time, I started seeing real changes in my skin — and not just the subtle kind.

Dark spots began fading noticeably, even those stubborn ones that had been sitting on my skin for ages.
My joints, especially my knees and elbows, became lighter and gradually started matching the tone of the rest of my body.
I noticed that the first visible results appeared on the softer areas of my body, like my arms and chest, before showing up on tougher parts like knees and elbows.

Now, on days when I don’t want to use the soap all over my body, I simply apply it on the darker areas (knees, elbows, underarms), and it still helps those areas catch up and even out with the rest of my skin tone. That’s one trick I’ve found very helpful.

However, one thing to note is that Kojie San has a drying effect — especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin. That’s why I always follow up with a hydrating body lotion or cream to lock in moisture and prevent flakiness. I also drink plenty of water daily to stay hydrated from within. It really helps with the overall glow and texture of your skin.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

I honestly recommend Kojie San Soap to anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, dark spots, or dull skin — but use it wisely:

✅ Use only in the evening or when the sun is down
✅ Do not use it every day forever — let your skin rest and monitor how it reacts
✅ Always moisturize after use to prevent dryness
✅ Drink water and stay hydrated
✅ Use a gentle sunscreen during the day to protect your skin, especially if you’re exfoliating regularly

If you use it right, it can do wonders for your skin — but consistency and care are key!

Product Links to get it on Amazon

Here are some products I recommend if you’re planning to start using Kojie San:

How I Styled My Short Hair with Relaxer and Gel: A Low-Maintenance Journey

Earlier this year, I made the decision to cut my hair. Life was hectic, especially with school runs for my kids, and I wanted a hairstyle that required minimal effort. I didn’t want to spend time combing, brushing, or even checking the mirror before stepping out of the house. Cutting my hair felt like the perfect solution to reduce stress in my routine.

After the big chop, I experimented with different hair colours, but eventually, I decided to no longer colour my hair. Still, I wanted to add style to my look, so I created curls with my short hair. At first, I doubted that I could achieve this using a regular relaxer, as I’d heard there were relaxers specifically designed for curls. But since I couldn’t find one, I decided to use Dark and Lovely hair relaxer because it doesn’t make hair overly thin after relaxing.

How to make curls on short hair using Dark & Lovely hair relaxer | Beauty

Here’s the step-by-step process I followed to achieve beautiful curls with my short hair:

How to Create Curls on Short Hair Using Relaxer and Gel

Prepare Your Hair and Relaxer
- Start with freshly shaved or very short hair.
- Mix the relaxer with the activator according to the instructions on the packaging. I used the Dark and Lovely relaxer because it’s gentle on hair and doesn’t overly thin it after use.

Apply the Relaxer
- Use your hands to evenly rub the relaxer mixture into your hair. Be sure to cover all areas.
- Comb through the hair gently to monitor the softening process. The goal is to achieve a "half-relaxed" state where the hair is softer but not fully straightened.
Wash Out the Relaxer
- Once the hair feels softer and halfway relaxed, rinse out the relaxer thoroughly with water. Follow up with a neutralizing shampoo to stop the relaxing process and protect your scalp.
Style with Gel
- Pat your hair dry with a towel but leave it slightly damp.
- Apply a generous amount of hair gel to your palms. I used Eco Gel, alternating between the regular gel and the gel for curls.
- Rub the gel onto your hair in circular motions with your hands. This technique helps the hair form natural-looking curls.
Smooth and Shine

Once the curls are formed, smooth the edges or style your hair as desired.
Add a small amount of hair oil for shine and extra hydration.

How to achieve curls with very short hair featuring Dark & Lovely hair relaxer | Beauty

Why I Loved This Hairstyle

This curly short hairstyle was everything I needed at the time. It was incredibly low-maintenance, stylish, and easy to achieve. I didn’t need to spend time combing or brushing, and it gave me the confidence to step out quickly and still feel put together.

Though I’m now in the process of growing my hair back to start plaiting again, I sometimes miss the convenience and simplicity of my short, curly hair. If you’re looking for a quick and stylish way to manage short hair, I highly recommend giving this method a try! You don't need to curl it every day. Some days you can comb it out and then curl it when you want.

Have you ever tried a similar hairstyle, or do you have tips for managing short hair? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!

It's been a moment we talked. Hope you all are doing well.

I just got out of a "functional freeze" and now I feel good writing this post. A functional freeze is similar to a writer's block but it involves the lack of motivation or energy to do many daily tasks in your life. Itt often occurs after a period of intense work or focus to achieve an objective which makes your brain go to rest mood. I didn't understand this until I saw a video on Tiktok talking about it. I'm glad I found that video because it helped me understand what I was experiencing and eventually a solution. That said, let me share with you guys how things have been going lately.

Life Update | Losing more weight & Self grooming

My weight loss so far

A while ago I told you guys about my weight loss journey and since then I've made more progress thanks to more intermittent fasting. I honestly didn't have the strength to workout since I was fasting and I didn't feel like it mentally. I don't know yet how much I weigh now but my body has really improved. I'm proud of myself because the fasting wasn't easy but I did it. I fasted from about 8 pm to midday the next day for a little over a week. During my eating time, I ate normally or just what I needed. I didn't try to eat too much or more than I needed to.

Fitting into clothes is much better though my belly still stands out. But at least I can "suck my belly in" to have a flat tummy. Lol.

We are getting close to looking like the baddie we used to be a few years ago lol. The journey is tough but we thank God.

And with a touch of white hair color I've been able to pull the baddie look for a few weeks now.

Reconnecting with my younger version through self grooming

After months and even years of not taking care of my appearance as I used to, I decided to focus on grooming myself back to my younger self. Lol, it's not been an easy journey and I have been trying different things like getting a low cut and also trying different hair colors too. Although my main reason for cutting my hair was to have an easy and low maintenance hairstyle I also wanted to find my face, the face I know - My younger face. Now that I'm satisfied with the younger look, I feel like growing my hair again. We'll see. It's been fun and exciting so far with all the changes I have made with my hair. And I am glad I let myself go on this adventure to try new things and extreme colors.

The long holiday is over and I'm switching to back-to-school mood which is not easy. The school runs will begin very soon. I'm excited about the free alone time I'll get and at the same time I'm bothered by the early mornings I have to start getting use to.

I hope you are warming up for the school reopening too. Wishing all you parents a wonderful reopening and all the best in Jesus' name, amen.

Have a blessed month of September.

Take care.