Since attending Aveda Institute to receive my license as a Esthetician, I've become more interested in caring for my skin. I've always washed and moisturized my face in the morning and at night, but I never paid attention to the ingredients in certain products. I didn't know that two products that I was using were working against each other or If I actually was using the correct products for my skin type. 

My facial skin type is most normal but can also be Normal to Dry or Normal to oil, which also depends on things like the seasons changing or my diet just to give a couple examples. I am not to prone to have acne breakouts. I seldom get breakouts but when I do the causes are usually due to my menstrual, stress, or change in seasons or products. 

I use Aveda All Sensitive Creme Cleanser  and Moisturizer to cleanse my face in the morning. I use the same products in the evening unless I am removing makeup. Before I apply my cleanser I will use Garnier's Clean +Soothing Makeup Removing Cleansing Towlettes ( cleanses and refreshes the skin) and then apply my moisturizer. Every so often I will include Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant after the cleanser and before the moisturizer. This exfoliant comes in liquid form and can be applied with cotton balls, cosmetic wedges, or 4x4 cotton cloths. 

On my oily days I cleanse with face with Garnier's Micellar Cleansing Water or Garnier's Clean + Purifying Oil-free Cleansing Towlettes ( removes excess oil, cleanses & refreshes ). I then apply Garnier's Shine Control Cleansing Gel followed by Garnier's Pore Purifying 2-in-1 Clay mask or if I seen a few blackheads I will apply Garnier's Blackhead Eliminating Scrub ( unclogs pores & clears complexion ). Since using these products within my daily skin care routine, I have less blackheads appearing and I am in more control of my face when It is oily. My makeup applies easy and smooth and without makeup my face is always glowing. My complexion has cleared up a lot including darker spots from irritation and popping blackheads in the past. One of my favorite products I use ever so often as well as a treat to my face is the charcoal face mask, Dark Angels, by Lush. 

It is important to to know your skin type and which activities in your daily life affect it. I am open to answer  any questions or give suggestions. Follow my beauty IG page ( @_beautybynaee ) for more skincare tips, or to book me if your local ( in Charlotte,NC or surrounding areas ) for a consultation and/or facial. Let's get started on your journey to healthier skin. Did i just plug myself ? YES! I did that. LOL 

Pictured below are the products mentioned above:

 

                I feel like I've lost my connection doing a lot of things that I really used to enjoy doing . I believe its because I was so lost and always about the person I was in a relationship with. I feel like I put the things that I wanted to do and dreams on hold because I wanted to make sure I was supporting my significant other with their endeavors. Once the relationship was over I begin to actually realize that I had to build myself back up and get back to being me. I can't believe it was so easy for me to get lost in my relationship the way that I did. Just my opinion, but it seems like females are always constantly trying to prove that they are worth it. You have to know how to cook, clean, give your man bomb ass sex, support his dreams, always be on your toes and be a crying shoulder when he comes home wanting to vent to you about his day. That's not even everything expected of you and how dare you not have all of your shit together! 

When the shoe was on the other foot and I needed him to provide me with the same, he fell short. I realized I was with someone who was about themselves and only worried about shit that concerned them. I began to feel neglected in the relationship but continued to stay and tried to work on it because I also didn't want to be a quitter. I wanted to know that I attempted to do everything I could before I just said fuck all of this. Of course, the selfishness and the verbal abuse was too much for me and once priorities start getting all fucked up, I knew it was time to let go. 

Welp, BIH YOU GUESSED IT ! *lol* That relationship has been dead, its a year later and I'm glad to say I've learned so much about myself in this time. I've grown so much and I have definitely realized how much more my worth is. I've reconnected with good friends, start rebranding myself and I began to act on all the business plans I had. A lot of new opportunities have been brought to be and I feel so blessed.  It is very important to take care and love yourself before you try to take care of and love someone else. Whether you have a relationship or friendship with someone make sure you take the time out to still #loveyourself. What are some things you have went through that made you realize your worth? What are some hobbies that interest you that you can do alone, have 'me' time, and clear your mind?