Skin Deep

For as long as I can remember, I've always had an issue with acne. I've tried just about every product from every store. Many seemed to work for the moment. Then, after a month...POOF! Nothing. This exact situation has happened more than I can keep count. Due to my many acne scars and hyper-pigmentation,  I used to be so self-conscious of my skin. I never looked at people when I spoke to them. I never liked to wear harstyles that showed my face. I was in a constant battle with my acne, and it seemed as if I never won. I still struggle with it on a daily basis, but it's nothing like before. It has improved tremendously. I still have those stubborn blemishes that just do not seem to budge.  I still have breakouts, especially during my menstrual cycle. My skin is nowhere near flawless, but it's getting there. My journey to clear skin is not to seem beautiful to anyone else. I want to prove to myself that this long-term battle can be won. I want to settle the score, and prove that I can achieve clear,healthy skin. I grew up believing I and my skin were abnormal. When in fact, all I had to do was pay close attention to what my skin needed. I'm still figuring it out, but I've come a long way. I still have a ways to go.

My Current Regimen:

1. Clean & Clear Advantage Kit 
-Since, I began use of this product around three weeks ago my breakouts have occurred at a lower rate. If so, they are never as serious. I had a whitehead located on the skin between my eyes and it cleared within three days of  using this product. My blemishes have decreased in size, as well. I have not been applying it as corrrectly as I should timewise, so I'm going to keep it in use until I see other reactions that deter me from doing so.

Morning Routine:

• Breakout Erasing Cleanser
• Daily Protecting Moisturizer SPF 15
• Mark Treatment-Salicylic Acid Acne Medication

Night Routine:

• Breakout Erasing Cleanser
• Nightly Mark Clearing Lotion-Salicylic Acid Acne Medication
• Mark Treatment-Salicylic Acid Acne Medication

2. Queen Helene Mud Mask
-It works wonderfully at tightening my pores and making my skin soft. Once a week.

3. Homeade Honey & Ground Cinnamon Exfoliating Mask
-I use 1 1/2 spoonfuls of honey and as much ground cinnamon needed to make a dark pasty-like substance. I don't really go by precise measurements. It leaves my skin feeling really soft and with a smooth,clean texture. Once a week.

4. 100% Raw African Shea Butter
- Beware that this product can be a bit greasy, so you don't need to use much of it. It works well at moisturizing my skin and creating a more even skin tone. Daily.

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This product is one that I plan on ordering today off Amazon. It's Raw African Shea Butter Black Soap from Ghana.

I have had my experiences with faux African Black Soaps that really didn't do much for my skin. I found this particular product from a review given by Jazzi McG . It's not as pretty packaged as other Black Soaps, but it seems to do its job. I've also heard nothing but rave reviews from different friends who use the more authentic Black Soaps. I'm going to give it one more try, and hopefully it's another staple I can add to my regimen. I won't be able to always have the Clean & Clear Advantage Kit at hand in college. Money will be tight. So, I'm trying to make sure I find staple items at reasonable prices. Plus, I'd love to use more natural methods. Although, commercial products aren't terrible. C&C has been working quite well. I just want to explore my options to create the perfect regimen for my skin. I will definitely make sure I come back with a review on the soap.

Au Revoir!

HIM

I don't know how to describe him...he's pretty amazing. Very. I had issues in the past with guys not supporting me and my dreams. This issue never occurs with him. He probably gets more excited than me when I tell him about school. No other guy has ever made me feel the way he does. Since when did I ask guys to come hang out? Since when do I giggle at chessy pet names? Since when do I genuinely laugh at jokes that would seem mediocre to the foreign ear? Since when do I express my feelings without hesitation? This is all so new to me. I have no idea how any of this will turn out with us living 5 hours away from wach other in about three three short weeks. Right now, all that matters is this. The rest will come as it may.

DISCLAIMER:

The background of my blog is courtesy of the amazing artist, Jackie Laryea. Here is the link to her blog post, The Vetruvian Woman, in which she describes the inspiration behind this drawing.  The genuine nature of this piece reminds me of my perception of beauty.  It's a true example of how I view myself. If you are an appreciator of visual art as I am, I advise you check her out!

Guess, Who's Back?!

Hey, blogger world! It's me again. I'm no longer Mocha as I was in my junior high days. It's just Amoni...Yeah, I like that. It kinda has a ring to it. If you stay long enough you'll find that I'm a rather random yet sweet young lady. I consider myself to be one of the nicest people you'll ever come across. I love everything about writing, music, jewelry, natural hair, books, and Law & Order: SVU. In terms of my style and taste, I'm pretty ol' school. Yet, I'm a forward thinker who is always looking for more innovative alernatives. I'm a recent high school graduate. In about 19 days, I'll be attending the lovely Spelman College . Go Jaguars! I'm an English/Creative Writing major. I have a bomb roommate/long-lost sister, and I'm sure you'll see her lovely face frequent the page once school starts. I'm too hype about my upcoming college life. Much has changed since our last encounter. I've experienced my first unsuccessful relationship with a douche bag boyfriend. Now, I find myself in a very happy relationship with the sweetest guy I have yet to meet. I'm learning of different ways to take care of myself, both spiritually and physically. This means not only watching what I put in/on my body, but realizing my happiness. Yes, I'm in a wonderful relationship, but this is not the focal point of my happiness. I'm happy knowing that I'm waking up as a woman of many blessings and opportunities. I'm happy knowing I am loved and carry love within me. I'm happy knowing that I'm me. I'm happy knowing that I have goals for myself that involve positively impacting the world, in hopes that it'll do the same for me.

Anyways, I wanted to start a blog that was geared towards more personal aspects. (Sidenote: The title of my blog is french for "Always Dream.") My personal blog on tumblr turned out to be more focused on my writing projects. So, I decided to create a space for me to just babble and rant about things that have nothing to do with poetry or short stories. Starting with my decision to get yarn braids! I've been thinking about them long enough. It's time for me to just do it like Nike. Ayyyyeeee! ( Okay, I need to stop that. ) So, I've been talking with a really good friend of mine about protective styles for my hair. I had really been thinking about getting a nice wig,which I still want to try out. But for some reason I feel the urgency to just try the yarn braids first. Then, I'll experiment with wig looks as protective styles. I'll be 3 years natural in November. I don't have a picture on my laptop of how I looked after my big chop  in 08.'

 This is the the current length of my afro with a twist-out, no blow-out

Not bad. I just always strive for more. Right now, I feel my hair could be greater in length and more vibrant. I'm still in the process of researching maintenance and styles. I really like the dramatic effect of waist length yarn braids, but I feel those that are just a little past shoulder length will be easier to style.

YagazieEmezi

YagazieEmezi

Zoe Love

Sophie T.

I'm really excited about my upcoming new look. I feel it's going to give me that college edge/rebellious look I want. (hehehe!) I'm giving myself six days to complete my scholarship essay. Then, I'm starting them around next weekend. I'm pretty sure those will take me a few days. Then again, my summer life is not so eventful, so I'm sure it won't be that long.

It's 8 AM, and I need to work more on that essay I previously mentioned. Plus, the lovie is coming over for a dinner date, and I need to make my abode look presentable. I'll chat with you guys later! Au revoir! :)