Month: May 2022

How to Hide Dark Spots on Face Naturally

KiKi Carr

Being a person who has oily and acne prone skin, I know how frustrating it can be to be left with acne scars. Pimples are easy to get rid of, it’s the acne scars that take forever to go away. The good news is camouflaging hyperpigmentation is quite easy.

The best way to cover up dark spots is by stippling a full coverage foundation into the skin. Before applying the foundation it is important to prep the skin. In order to prep the skin apply a makeup primer to the entire face. Next color corrector the darkest spots with an orange color corrector. Follow that up with a flesh tone concealer and lastly stipple a full coverage matte foundation into the skin using a kabuki brush.

Hyperpigmentation on black skin tends to make things look much worse than they actually are. Having a good skincare routine will treat and prevent blemishes. Skin care and makeup goes hand and hand. These days makeup has just as much technology and skincare ingredients than skin care itself!

BecauseI have problematic skin I love makeup that has amazing skincare ingredients. I mean no one wants to use products that will cause more problems. Today’s makeup has been vetted by Dermatologist, is long lasting, moisturizing, hydrating, has SPF and more.

Prep and Prime

Primer creates a barrier between your skin and the makeup. It’s basically a surface for the makeup to sit on and stick to. That way it won’t slip and smudge. The Bobbi Brown face base doubles as a moisturizer and makeup primer. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Shea Butter, and Vitamins B, C, and E. These ingredients help condition and prep skin for a fresh, healthy-looking glow.

Color Correct

Using an orange color corrector on dark spots will neutralize the discoloration. Neutralizing the hyperpigmentation first will decrease the amount of foundation and concealer needed to camouflage the spots. The Live Tinted color corrector is vegan and packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Vitamins C and Vitamin E.

cover dark spots with makeup black women

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Conceal

Concealer can be worn on top of the foundation or under the foundation. Concealer will cover dark spots easily. Concealers are formulated to be hide blemishes. The Lancome Teint Idole is infused with rose extract, glycerin, moringa seed and water lilly extract.

Foundation

A full coverage matte foundation is the best makeup to cover dark spots. Foundations are designed to blur and create an even skin tone. The CHANEL foundations corrects and illuminates the complexion. This product does not make any skin care claims but it is the foundation I find myself reaching for every time I am going for a flawless complexion.

Makeup helps you feel great, dark spots or not. I am all for covering up dark spots with makeup WHILE you are working on your skin. I know what it is to feel as though you are hiding behind the makeup and it doesn’t feel good. The trick to faking it until making it is you actually have to make it lol. Here are 6 tips to get rid of dark spots.

Covering hyperpigmentation with makeup is easy to do with the right tools and techniques. The most important things to have is a full coverage foundation and a firm brush.

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BOBBI BROWN

Oil-free. Antioxidant. Rich. Non greasy. Hydrates. Softens. Cushions.

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LANCOME

Weightless. Full Coverage. Matte. Sweat resistant. Doesn’t clog pores.

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CHANEL

Soft matte finish. Full coverage. Buildable. Lightweight. Last up to 24 hours.

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LIVE TINTED

Balances out dark spots. Demi-matte. Easy to use. Vegan.

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REAL TECHNIQUES

Domed shape. Soft. Buffs and blends. Can be used with liquids and creams.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Natural Hyperpigmentation Treatments

KiKi Carr

When we hear “all natural” we automatically assume safe. I hate to state the obvious but natural does not always mean safe just as chemical does not always mean unsafe.

Chemical exfoliates are all natural hyperpigmentation and dark spot treatments. Mandelic acid is derived from almonds, Glycolic acid sugarcane, Lactic acid milk and enzymes are derived from fruits.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

But I’m not gonna sit up here and act like I don’t know what you mean when you say “natural skincare”. You mean products that are not toxic, artificial, synthetic or contain harmful ingredients. I think we all expect our skin care to be safe for use, natural claims or not.

These days it is easy to find skin care that is cruelty free, vegan, natural or organic. Glow Recipe and Herbivore are examples of clean skin care brands. AVO Cosmetics is another all natural skincare brand.

AVO Cosmetics is homemade skin care for black skin and was developed by a black woman, me! The Clear Skin Kit is ideal for oily skin, acne, hyperpigmentation, and textured skin. The Rapid Dark Spot Corrector helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and promotes an even complexion.

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Physical Exfoliators

If you want to completely avoid ingredients all together you can use a physical exfoliate. Keep in mind with physical exfoliates you control the pressure and it is important to handle facial skin with care.

Although scrubs contain ingredients they are also considered a physical exfoliate.

Province Apothecary Daily Dry Brush

Hangsun Rotating Cleansing Brush

Evridwear Exfoliating Nylon Gloves

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Chemical Exfoliates

Chemical exfoliates come in two forms, enzymes and acids. Both are incorporated in soaps, lotions, serums, masks, toners, and more.

  • Enzymes
    • Dissolve dead skin only.
  • AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
    • Resurfaces all skin.

No matter if physical or chemical, exfoliation is an amazing and all natural way to achieve clear skin and an even skin tone. It is also the fastest way to remove dark spots.

Glow Recipe Guava Vitamin Dark Spot C Serum

Teami Matcha Green Tea Facial Scrub

Herbivore AHA Prism Exfoliating Serum

Hyperpigmentation Ingredients

Oily skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation. Oily skin often causes acne and acne leave blemishes. Removing acne scars takes time but it can be done. Here is a list of ingredients that fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

  • Vitamin C
  • Pineapple
  • Licorice Root
  • Kojic Acid
  • Mandelic Acid
  • Azelaic Acid
  • Black Soap

Although Glycolic and Lactic acid aren’t fading ingredients they are awesome treatments for hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid is extremely universal! It helps correct many different skin conditions. Lactic acid resurfaces the outermost layer of skin which removes acne scars as oppose to fade them.

All natural treatments for dark spots can be physical or chemical. It is important to remember NOT to over exfoliate. Over exfoliation will lead to skin irritation and possibly more scarring. Exfoliation should be limited to 1 to 2 times a week, up to 3 times for oily skin and acne prone.

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Glow Recipe

Vitamin hyperpigmentation extract.

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Herbivore

Natural glow serum.

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Truskin

Organic dark spot serum.

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Hangsun

Facial wet brush.

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Province Apothecary

Facial dry brush.

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Evridwear

Exfoliating glove.

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Teami

Organic exfoliating face scrub.

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Mario Badescu

Botanical exfoliating face scrub.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Father’s Day Gift Ideas on Amazon

KiKi Carr

Rather you are shopping for dad or another special man in your life Amazon has you covered. This gift guide has awesome ideas for him. Men LOVE grilling. And gadgets! Amazon has some cool thing a ma jigs that will have him all fired up!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

mens clothing on amazon

Artist Unknown

Father’s Day T-shirt. Lightweight. Classic Fit. Double-Needle Sleeve and Bottom Hem.

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Toupons

Mens Travel Duffel Bag. Weekender & Overnight Bag.

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fathers day gifts on amazon

Grillart

19-Piece Stainless-Steel Barbecue Grilling Accessories with Aluminum Storage Case.

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Burt’s Bees

6 Classic Products – Cuticle Cream, Hand Salve, Lip Balm, Res-Q Ointment, Hand Repair Cream & Foot Cream.

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BOBO Bird

Personalized Engraved Wooden Watch. Stylish. Stainless Steel Combined Quartz.

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what to get dad for fathers day

Xikezan

Beard Grooming Kit. Beard Conditioner, Oil, Balm, Brush, and More.

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Maison Lambert

Marble Shaving Set. Stand. Razor. Badger Shaving Brush. Marble Shaving Bowl.

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Nerdwax

Toiletry Bag For Men. Water-Resistant Shaving Bag. Portable. Large Capacity.

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gifts for him on amazon

Wolfbox

Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera. 1296P Full HD Smart Rearview Mirror & GPS.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Skin Care Routine for Black Oily Skin

KiKi Carr

There is so much advice when it comes to treating oily skin, acne prone and dark spots its overwhelming. A lot of remedies either does not work for black skin or make things worse. Topical treatments are the easiest and fastest way to care for oily and acne prone skin at home.

A home regimen is essential for healthy and beautiful looking skin. Facials help but they only treat skin once a month. A solid skin care routine is the only way to get and keep clear skin. Here are 10 steps to control oily and acne prone skin at home. These products are some of the best products for black skincare and they can be found at Target.

skincare routine for black skin

STEP 1 – Cleanse

Always start your skin care routine with a gentle cleanser. Cleansers are designed to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. No need to be aggressive during the very first step.

STEP 2 – Tone

Tone with an AHA to prep for extractions. The AHA will help to dissolve and loosen any acne causing blockages that are clogging up your pores. This step is necessary to do before popping pimples.

STEP 3 – Steam

Steam adds moisture to the skin with droplets of water as well as soften the skin and expand pores. Softening the skin allows for dead skin to be easily removed.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

STEP 4 – Exfoliate

Undoubtedly the most important step for clear beautiful skin. Exfoliation removes dead skin leaving the skin clearer, brighter, and increases product penetration.

STEP 5 – Extract

Extract any painful pustules to relieve pressure. DO NOT USE YOUR NAILS! Use Q-Tips and press firmly around the impacted pore. If the pimple does not pop it needs more time.

STEP 6 – Mask

Mask with an antibacterial mask to fight bacteria. All natural clay has antibacterial properties. This step will prevent the spread of bacteria after extractions.

best facial products for oily black skin

STEP 7 – Tone

Tone with a soothing toner. The previous steps were stingy and painful. From this point on we are calming, soothing, and pampering the skin.

STEP 8 – Serum

Apply serum for hyperpigmentation. Acne is easy to treat, it’s the acne scars that take forever to go away. Vitamin C is the most natural and common way to fade dark spots.

STEP 9 – Moisturizer

Massage skin with a hydrating moisturizer. Massage soothes and calms. Take this time to baby your skin, it’s been through a lot.

STEP 10 – Seal

Seal in all previous steps with a facial oil or Vaseline. Locking in moisture helps skin heal faster.

Getting rid of dark spots and acne at home is not hard. But it does takes time and consistency. The most important thing to remember is to baby your skin. Don’t go too hard too fast. Alternate days of using active ingredients if irritation occurs.

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Cerave Hydrating Cleanser

Hydrating cleanser. Rebuilds skin barrier.

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Mario Badescu Glycolic Toner

Dissolves acne. Promotes even skin tone.

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Vanity Planet Facial Steamer

Softens skin for extractions. Allows for deep pore cleansing.

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Bliss Micro Magic Scrub

Amazing exfoliator. Gently removes dead skin. Leaves skin soft and smooth.

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Q Tips

Cotton! Sterile. absorptive. Green beauty.

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Aztec Bentonite Clay

All natural clay. Antiseptic. Controls oil. Fights blemishes.

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Thayers Witch Hazel

Tightens pores. Fights oil. Anti-oxidant. All natural healing remedy.

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Pacifica C Love Vitamin Serum

100% vegan. Fades dark spots. Highly moisturizing.

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Cerave

Best drug store moisturizer for oily skin and acne prone.

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Vaseline

Skin protectant. Excellent for locking in all of the essential skin care steps!

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Best Eyebrow Products for Oily Skin

KiKi Carr

Eyebrow makeup is arguably the most important step. Facial expressions are defined by the brow shape. Too high of an arch makes you look surprised, too close together makes you look angry. Too dark, too thin or thick can make you look outdated. Take it from a makeup artist, brow shaping is definitely the one step you don’t want to mess up.

The only thing worse than a bad brow shape is walking about with a smudged brow. As an oily skin person I have used brow products that smear. Anastasia Beverly Hill makes the best brow products for oily skin. I have used the pomade, brow gel and brow pencils. All of which perform amazing and last throughout day.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Brow Pencil

The Brow Wiz and Brow Definer are both fantastic eyebrow pencils. If you want a sharp crisp precise brow or your brow is sparse go with the Brow Wiz. The Brow Definer is perfect for depositing color into a full brow. Both pencils are long lasting and stay in place. The colors show up on dark skin, and best of all, these brow pencils last FOREVER! They don’t need replacing often.

Brow Gel

Brow gel applicators can be a bit messy. There is always too much product on the spoolie! Not with the Dipbrow gel. The applicator has just enough product on it when you take it out of the tube. What I love most is the Anastasia brow products always gives a natural looking finish.

The Anastasia brow products have a matte finish, are long lasting and smudge proof. They are undoubtably some of the best brow products for oily skin.

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Brow Wiz

Ultra-fine. Perfect for sparse brows. Smudge-proof.

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Brow Definer

Triangular tip. Ideal for filling in fuller brows quickly.

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Dipbrow Gel

Water-proof. Long lasting. Natural finish.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator

Exfoliation for Black Skin, Let’s Talk About It

KiKi Carr

Exfoliation is the ONLY step in any skin care routine that keeps the skin looking youthful, bright and CLEAR! There is no other step in a skin care routine that can or WILL provide the benefits of exfoliation.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

What is Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin. Dead skin often gets stuck to our skin because of sweat and oil. Exfoliation helps to remove dead skin, facilitate new cell growth, aids in the prevention of clogged pores, increases skin respiration and enhances nerve stimulation.

Types of Exfoliation

There are two types of exfoliation, chemical and physical. However, there are multiple kinds of exfoliators.

Chemical

  • Acids
    • AHA
    • BHA
  • Enzymes

Chemical exfoliates are everywhere! They are in soaps, moisturizers, serums, masks, omg I can go on and on but you get the point. A chemical exfoliate dissolves dead skin. Acids are more aggressive than enzymes. Acids resurface all skin while enzymes only target dead skin.

Physical

  • Scrubs
  • Brushes
    • Wet or dry

Benefits of Exfoliation

The most common benefits of exfoliation are:

  • Faster product penetration
  • Deep pore cleansing
  • Removes dead skin
  • Smoothes and softens
  • Increases moisture retention
  • Evens skin tone

Can I Exfoliate with Acne?

Not only can you add exfoliation to your skincare routine, but you actually should! Exfoliating oily acne prone skin helps treat and prevent break outs. Regular exfoliation will brighten your complexion, keep the pores from becoming clogged, increase product penetration and treat hyperpigmentation.

Exfoliation is essential for clear skin. Exfoliating too often will compromise the skin barrier. Over exfoliation will result in complications such as redness, water loss, and other irritating skin conditions.

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About the Author, KiKi Carr

  • Cosmetic Formulations Chemist
  • Licensed Aesthetician
  • Makeup Artist
  • Educator