5 Products I’m Using (Or Have On My Wish List) for the Best Skin Care | Did I Mention They’re Black-Owned?
Skincare is a buzzword nowadays. And before I even say “As a 38-year-old woman, I’m paying more attention to my skin”, I’d be remiss to point out I’ve been doing that all along!
When I was younger, my mother and I would spend every Sunday or so doing face masks. Our facial routines didn’t include fancy brands like Biossance, Esteé Lauder, or Dermalogica. But, we got the job done with beauty supply store products like Queen Hélene’s mud masks and St. Ives notorious Apricot Scrub. They were staples in our home, along with Dove’s moisturizing bars. Our skin glowed and I was blessed never to have teenage acne.
However, as the years progressed I became more conscious as a consumer and left those beauty brands behind. Now, I read labels, prioritize natural ingredients, and discovered several black-owned skincare brands I love. I want to know exactly what is going onto my body and be able to pronounce it.
Yadain Cultural Solutions
After years of using raw shea butter on my skin, I came across Yadain Cultural Solutions while strolling on Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY.
I was like a kid in a candy store stepping into their oasis of natural butters, soaps, cleansers, and lotions. It was a heavenly experience.
Yadain manufactures raw and organic, hair and skincare products and has been in business since 1997. They started introducing natural alternatives to the Harlem community and expanded their reach to Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware, in 2005.
Editors Top Pick: Their Specialty Whipped Butter: True Berry (Price range: $25) is the most divine! It smells so good and works perfectly for my son and me. We both have sensitive skin.
Itadi
Thus, when it comes to all things face, my trusted source is Itadi! As aforementioned, my mother instilled in me good skin care. So when I became a conscious consumer, I wanted to ensure quality products would be part of my regimen.
I started using Itadi about four years ago. Their products hail from founder, Tabi Bonney’s family’s farms and neighboring farms in Togo, West Africa. He also named the brand after his father, Itadi, to continue the legacy of connecting to Togo. I support this wholeheartedly.
Editor’s Pick: The Bundle ITADI (Price range: $55) stays in rotation in my home. It is comprised of the Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser, Hydrating Face Moisturizer, and Hydrating Mist Face Toner.
My only tip would be to use the exfoliator sparingly so as not to over-scrub your skin. Two to three times a week (every other day) is best, in my personal (not professional) opinion.
54 Thrones & 2 Bea Natural
On those in-between days, I welcome two brands, 54 Thrones and 2 Bea Natural.
Superstar entrepreneur, Christina Funke Tegbe, wowed the Shark Tank panel with her fierce advocacy of Africa’s beauty, decadence, and natural resources. You must see her segment on YouTube!
Tegbe founded 54 Thrones in 2016 from the inspiration of her Nigerian aunties who used shea butter religiously. The brand is named 54 Thrones to represent the fifty-four countries in Africa and she promotes trade, not aid*. In my opinion, this sense of empowerment honors people’s gifts and talents without exploiting them.
This changes the depiction of Africa being a continent solely reliant on aid from the U.S., among other nations, to survive.
Editor’s Pick: Her Turmeric Glow Bar (which sells out quickly and is also available at Sephora and Nordstrom) (Price range: $14) has been a tried and true facial cleanser.
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that does wonders for your skin. It’s gentle yet effective in keeping us blemish-free and protected from skin damage.
2 Bea Natural is an excellent brand I discovered at a fashion show I walked in. I met the owner, Bea, in the bathroom as she strategically placed samples of her products by the sink. I tried several of her creams and the Natura scent was my favorite.
Editor’s Pick: I also bought her Oregano face soap, known for its microbial properties. The ingredients are clean, simple, and straightforward – castile soap, oregano flake, and essential oil (Price range: $15).
My Wish List Item
Now for my wish list – Skin Food Natural Glow Face Bundle!
Editor’s Pick: This 3-bundle product offers a ton of benefits, including acne elimination, hydration, revitalization, and skin toning (Price range: $155).
Singer/songwriter and farmer, Kelis, concocted this luxurious set, which includes anti-wrinkle and anti-aging face cream, turmeric oil, and saffron honey lip balm. The only proof I have these products work is Kelis’ face! Truly, she’s gorgeous.
Plus, I’ve met her in person for those skeptics out there who say I’m blinded by the “filtered” photos of Kelis on Instagram. Her face card does not lie. Plus, she’s knowledgeable about the brand that she handmakes herself! Nuff said.
Caring for my skin is an act of self-love and I take pride in doing my best to treat myself well. My momma taught me that!
*According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), trade-not-aid refers to African Continental Free Trade Agreement in 2021, where they are shifting the narrative that Africa is now “open for business”.
Great information! Skin Food by Bounty and Full Beauty/Kelis is definitely something I’ve been wanting to try.