8 Current All-Natural Beauty Trends You Can Give The DIY Treatment To
A few days ago, while hanging out with one of my favorite people, she said to me, "Ooo, I love your eyeshadow." Here's what's cool about what she said—I didn't have any on. I can't even remember the last time I've worn eyeshadow. When I told her that and she said, "Your eyelids have a natural golden glow to them", I know I was grinning from ear to ear because that means all of the water, witch hazel (which I'll get into in just a sec), and sweet almond oil is truly paying off. How cool. How very cool.
That got me to thinking about a few all-natural beauty trends that I will be incorporating throughout 2019 and beyond. Whether you like a bare face like I do, you prefer to switch up between a naked face and a full face of make-up, or you want to know some ways to care for your skin underneath your glam face, there are gonna be at least 3-4 things on here that you will totally fall in love with. I'm willing to bet my annual lipstick and lip gloss budget on it (and that's really saying something)!
1.Bakuchiol
I already know that some of you read that word and was like, "What the heck is that?!" It's kind of a long story, but the short of it is bakuchiol is a meroterpene (chemical compound) that mimics retinol (a Vitamin A based drug that treats fine lines and slows down the appearance of aging). Thanks to it being plant-based, it's a whole lot gentler with fewer side effects than retinol has.
Although it's not guaranteed that bakuchiol will work super-effectively for everyone, if you have super-sensitive skin (especially), it's worth giving a shot. As far as where to buy it, Sephora carries products with bakuchiol in them. However, it's not the cheapest stuff on the planet, so you might want to opt to cop some Whish cosmetics with bakuchiol in it on eBay.
2.Grey Hair
A few years back, teenagers were dyeing their hair grey and silver on purpose. This year, natural grey is totally what's in. So, if you've been noticing a couple of grey hairs popping up and you're tempted to color them, consider letting them shine through instead. You can do this by purchasing shampoos and conditioners that are specifically-designed for grey tresses, wearing neutral-colored clothing more often and rockin' a really dope haircut. Something that is modern and super striking.
By the way, there's an actual scripture that celebrates grey hair—"The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." (Proverbs 16:31—NKJV) See, you've even got the good book's stamp of approval to let your natural glory shine through. Let it.
3.Oil as Mascara
Although I personally don't wear a ton of make-up, something that I don't go without is mascara. I try and stay on top of the fact that if I don't get a fresh tube every 2-3 months, not only does it become a breeding ground for bacteria, it also can inhibit the growth of my eyelashes over time.
An alternative? Using oil on my lashes instead. Castor and olive oil work really well. So does petroleum jelly, Vitamin E and Shea Butter. They all have less chemicals in them and can help all of our lashes to grow as they also help to make them appear longer and fuller every time we use them. (FYI—with all of these options, less is more. Otherwise, you could get oil in your eyes.)
4.Witch Hazel
Jaiz Anuar / Shutterstock.com
Something else that is a current beauty trend liquid exfoliants. Something that's a natural form of one is witch hazel. When it comes to achieving beautiful skin, there aren't too many things that are more effective and affordable than witch hazel.
It's an awesome toner, helps to speed the healing process of breakouts, contains tannins that slow down the aging process, and even aids in treating the inflammation and flare-ups associate with psoriasis and eczema. It's also great for getting rid of any cold sores that you might have along your lip line too.
5.DIY Stain
There's nothing like a bit of color to make your skin look youthful and glowing. Something that can give your cheeks, lips, and even eyelids (if you want) a pop of pink or bronze is DIY stain. It's not as hard to make as you might think either.
If you want a pink color, mix two teaspoons of rose mica powder with kaolin clay and a half-teaspoon of shea butter. If you'd prefer a sun-kissed look, go with some 2 ½ teaspoons of cocoa powder, three-fourths of a teaspoon of rose mica powder and 2 ½ teaspoons of shea butter. Mix everything together and apply. You'll achieve beautiful results sans any of the chemicals that are in commercialized stains.
(Plus, if you store your DIY stains in ounce tins, their shelf-life will be 12-14 months!)
6.Thick Eyebrows
I'm totally digging the fact that the kind of eyebrows that look like they are on their last leg are a thing of the past (at least for now). These days, the thicker and more natural your brows appear to be, the better! If you need to grow your eyebrows out, one way to do that is to apply some Jamaican Black Castor Oil on them at night. And, if you want to keep them tame during the day, some clear eyebrow gel will do that for you.
There are some eyebrow gels that you can purchase at cosmetic counters, but how about you save yourself some money and gas by putting a pea-size amount of Aloe Vera gel on an eyebrow brush and gently brushing your brows in the direction that they naturally grow? The gel will keep them in place while nourishing them all day long.
7.CBD Oil
I'm pretty sure you don't feel like a science class right now, so I'll be brief in the breakdown of what CBD oil is. It stands for Cannabidiol and its one of the 104 chemical compounds that's found in cannabis. While Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for marijuana making us feel high, CBD is not. It still has some great benefits thought and is usually added to a carrier oil like coconut, avocado, grapeseed or hemp seed oil.
Why is CBD oil currently all the rage? Aside from reducing pain, relieving anxiety, and even combating certain symptoms that are cancer-related, it's also the kind of oil that slows down the over-production of sebum in skin while healing a lot of the inflammation that's associated with pimples.
Now here's the bad news. You can only use this oil in the states where medical marijuana is legal. But since that's currently 32 states (with more on the way, I'm sure), chances are, you're living someplace where you can get your fill.
8.Fades with Designs
Getty Images
When I read about this particular all-natural trend, I couldn't help but reminisce back to the days when I rocked a fade. There really is nothing like getting a fresh cut, going to bed, waking up and needing to do nothing to your hair but run a brush through it. It cuts down the morning routine by at least 15 minutes!
So, if you've been thinking about undergoing the Big Chop in a very major way, there's no time like 2019 to do it. Take it to the next level by getting some bold artistic designs into it too. You won't just by fly as all get out—you'll be super on-trend too!
Featured image by Getty Images.
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Different puzzle pieces are creating bigger pictures these days. 2024 will mark a milestone on a few different levels, including the release of my third book next June (yay!).
I am also a Professional Certified Coach. My main mission for attaining that particular goal is to use my formal credentials to help people navigate through the sometimes tumultuous waters, both on and offline, when it comes to information about marriage, sex and relationships that is oftentimes misinformation (because "coach" is a word that gets thrown around a lot, oftentimes quite poorly).
I am also still super devoted to helping to bring life into this world as a doula, marriage life coaching will always be my first love (next to writing, of course), a platform that advocates for good Black men is currently in the works and my keystrokes continue to be devoted to HEALTHY over HAPPY in the areas of holistic intimacy, spiritual evolution, purpose manifestation and self-love...because maturity teaches that it's impossible to be happy all of the time when it comes to reaching goals yet healthy is a choice that can be made on a daily basis (amen?).
If you have any PERSONAL QUESTIONS (please do not contact me with any story pitches; that is an *editorial* need), feel free to reach out at missnosipho@gmail.com. A sistah will certainly do what she can. ;)
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:
Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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Featured image by Courtney Hale/Getty Images