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:

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.

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:

• Kojie San Skin Lightening Soap – Original 3-in-1 Pack

• Hydrating Body Lotion (e.g. CeraVe, Nivea, Bio oil, Dove)

• Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)

• Gentle Daily Soap to Alternate With Kojie San

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.

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. 

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.

It's been a few weeks since I cut my hair (by myself 😂). 

The main reason I did it was because I was tired of maintaining my long hair. I wanted something easy to manage and cheaper too. The hairstyles I desired to do on my long hair were kind of costly and I wasn't ready to spend that much. Also I don't seem to have the time to actually go get the hair done. 

Other reasons why I cut my hair was because I look younger in low cut. I have put on some weight these past years which makes me look older. 

In my last weekly recap post, I mentioned that I bought some products for my short hair. I had braids on my hair and I simply cut each braided hair after undoing it. This made my hair unevenly cut. I thought the relaxer was going to fix the problem but it didn't really help. 

I colored my hair brown the first time (I actually bought an oxblood color but it turned out brown 😂, I don't know why) and later red ( I changed the brand of hair color).

Before coloring my hair the second time I went to a barber to cut my hair to the same level. Then I came back and used the relaxer I bought (which didn't relax my hair well - I really wish I took dark and lovely), before coloring it red. 

It was very red when I just did it but now it's not as red as before because the color washes off when I shampoo my hair. 

I love my short red hair and it's serving it's purpose. I wake up in the morning without worrying about combing my hair or putting it in a bun and I go to bed without worrying about it entangling the next day 😊.

I may not leave it as short as this all the time and I intend to explore various short hair styles. 

My curiosity made me discover that it's an exfoliating acid that works against hyperpigmentation. It solves hyperpigmentation without bleaching the skin. Meaning it gets rid of dark spots and makes the skin brighter therefore revealing an even skin tone. This sparked my interest because I have dark spots on my skin and I've been looking for a solution which will not bleach my skin. 

 

I believe that the soap Kojie San I bought is original because it has all the characteristics of the original as described by skincare dealers on TikTok. 

 

I have used the soap Kojie San for three weeks now and though I've noticed changes, I can't give a proper review right now. I want to give it time to work and really observe the changes. 

I bought it online from a skincare vendor I saw on TikTok. Of course, I checked her profile and found elements that made me trust her enough to buy from her. Please always check your online vendor and make sure that you can see elements that prove they are genuine. 

I bought the pack of three and each soap in the pack is 100g. 

Have you heard about Kojie San soap or its other products? Are you using it? Please share your thoughts and experience. 

You may already know that I cut my hair few weeks ago. After I made the decision, I went to the supermarket to buy the products I needed to style my hair after cutting it. I also wanted a product for my face - a cleanser or something like that, I wasn't sure at the time. There was an unplanned purchase I'm happy I took. 

A hair relaxer which I regret taking. I wanted my usual Dark and Lovely but I had second thoughts because I wanted curly relaxed short hair. So I wanted a relaxer that will give me the curly effect. I didn't find any relaxer on the counter that clearly stated that so I wanted to take Dark and Lovely. A marketing hostess came to me to sell soap she was marketing (which I bought) and I asked if there was any relaxer that gives curls. She told me to take the one I took and I wasn't satisfied with the results after using it. I wish I took Dark and Lovely.  

I also took hair color and the Eco style professional styling gel - curl and wave. I still have the Olive Eco style gel but I got the curl and wave because I wanted curly relaxed short hair. But that move was useless because the relaxer didn't make my hair curly after I relaxed it. 

Evoluderm anti imperfection cleanser, Byphase masque a l'argile, Net skin soap(which the hostess sold to me). I got the mask because they mentioned on it that it works for anti-aging and I have a few wrinkles to smoothen out on my face. 

I also got a bathing soap for the kids and a body lotion as well. 

My unplanned purchases were the face mask and the net skin bathing soap. 

That's it for my beauty products haul. 

Thanks for reading and please share your thoughts in the comments if you have any. 

🌟 Taking care of your nose and ear piercings is essential to ensure they are clean ,free of odour and stay infection-free after the piercing wound is healed. 

1. Begin by taking off your jewelry gently. This step is important to allow easy access for cleaning and prevent any tugging or discomfort.

2. Use alcohol and cotton pads to clean both your piercings and the jewelry or earrings. Alcohol helps to disinfect and kill any germs that may be present. Dab the cotton pad in alcohol and gently wipe around the piercing and on the jewelry.

3. Remove all solid and liquid dirt from the area. Make sure to clean thoroughly to remove any debris or residue that may have accumulated. Repeat the cleaning process several times until all the dirt or any unpleasant smell is completely removed.

4. After cleaning and disinfecting, put your jewelry back on carefully. Ensure that the piercing is clean and dry before reinserting the jewelry to prevent any risk of infection.

5. To maintain cleanliness and prevent bacteria buildup, apply alcohol to the area while wearing your earrings at least once a week. This routine helps to keep your piercings sanitized and reduces the chances of infections.

By following these simple steps regularly, you can keep your nose and ear piercings clean, healthy, and looking great. Remember, proper care and hygiene are key to the longevity and well-being of your piercings. Enjoy flaunting your stylish jewelry with confidence and comfort! 💎✨🌸

It's Saturday, and since I had more time this morning, I decided to do my facial. Then I remembered that though I had reviewed the Sivoderm pomade, I hadn't done a separate post showing you guys how I use it step by step. That's what I'm doing in this post, and I also show you the products I use alongside the pomade. 

I start by cleaning my face well. Sometimes I wash my face with soap, then I use my Sivoderm face lotion to wipe it. And other times, I just wipe my face with the lotion when my face is not very dirty or oily. The aim is to get my face as clean as possible so that the product works better. 

Next, I oil my face well with an essential oil. You can use coconut oil, olive oil or any other essential oil. I used the lemon essential oil from Nemalia cosmetics. I do this to avoid burns and dryness during the process.

Then I apply my sivoderm pommade generously on my face and neck. Remember to always include your neck in the process, even in the previous stages of washing and oiling. Avoid rubbing the pommade around your eye area. That part of your face is fragile and can easily be burnt by the product. The pommade has a hot menthol feel on the skin. I let the Sivoderm pomade stay on my face until it stops feeling hot. During this time, I made breakfast for my kids (pancakes), and by the time I was done with their breakfast, it had stopped feeling hot so it was time to wipe it off. 

To clean it up I use cotton pads and my sivoderm lotion. You can use alcool instead if you have it. If you don't have any of them use tissue paper to wipe it off then wash your face with soap and water. It's important to clean your face properly to get all the pommade out. 

After cleaning my face, I use a scrub to exfoliate my skin. I have two scrubs I use, but this Saturday I decided to use Calliderm Gommage Corporel. On other days, I use Sivoderm scrub; it all depends on my mood and which one I think is necessary for my skin at the moment. Any scrub you have or need is fine, even if it's a homemade scrub. 

After scrubbing I wash my face and if there's any other treatment I want to use or add I do it at this stage. I didn't do that today but on some other days I use honey or sea salt or a face mask or a medicated/treating soap. 

Then I oil my face with my essential oil and that's it. You can use your face oils or treatment products at this point just make sure you use products that moisturize or that will lock in moisture so that your face doesn't get dry. Sivoderm pommade can have a drying effect on your face. 

Lastly I stay hydrated all day by drinking water and taking in healthy fluids.

And that is my skincare routine. 

I have a YouTube Channel where I share my lifestyle routines of self-care and slow hustle. Please check out my videos and do subscribe so you don't miss anything!

One thing about me is I can go out for my normal daily errands with these hairstyles without a problem. I love looking good at all times but for some reason I may have to step out with my old braids or cornrows to do a few errands. It's not easy to balance looking good all the time and daily responsibilities especially as a mom. Well that's my experience. It may be easier for other moms. 

How do you cope with looking good at all times my lovelies? 

In this post I'm sharing more skincare products I use and what I use them for. 

Sivoderm is a brand renowned for its range of skincare products that prioritize skin health without the use of bleaching agents. As someone who has used several Sivoderm products, I can attest to their effectiveness in treating various skin concerns while maintaining the natural complexion. 

The Sivoderm pommade has been a staple in my skincare arsenal for treating acne, itches, fungi and other skin blemishes, particularly on my face. Upon application, it offers a warming sensation that gradually cools as it works to address skin issues. I found that removing the pommade once the initial warmth subsides is essential, followed by thorough cleansing and moisturizing. For a more detailed review, check out my dedicated post on the Sivoderm pommade.

Similarly, the Sivoderm powder has proven effective in combating acne, black heads, fungi, itches and heat rashes. While it also imparts a gentle warmth upon application, it is less intense compared to the pommade. I have seamlessly integrated it into my makeup routine, using it to set my foundation while benefiting from its skin-nurturing properties.

When it comes to exfoliating and revitalizing my skin, the Sivoderm exfoliating cream has been my go-to choice. While it can be utilized on the entire body, I primarily focus on using it for facial exfoliation, as I have alternative products for the rest of my body. Its ability to eliminate dead cells and cleanse the skin has significantly contributed to my skincare regimen.

My experience with the Sivoderm lotion has revealed its effectiveness in addressing acne, albeit with a cautionary note. When used undiluted or in excessive amounts, it may induce a drying and burning sensation. Hence, I always dilute it with a few drops of water before application and follow up with thorough moisturization.

Lastly, the Sivoderm collagen body lotion has left a positive impression with its delightful fragrance, skin-softening properties, and quick absorption. Its ease of application and hydrating effects make it a valuable addition to my skincare routine.

My exploration of Sivoderm products has underscored their efficacy in addressing various skin concerns while preserving the natural beauty of the skin. While each product offers distinct benefits, they collectively exemplify Sivoderm's commitment to promoting healthy, nourished skin without resorting to skin bleaching. I encourage others to consider these products as part of their skincare journey, while always being mindful of individual skin sensitivities and needs.