I don't know about you, but one of my goals is to get my skincare game all the way together. I'm trying to be out here with clear skin and looking fully moisturized, okurrr! So, I've been doing some research and African black soap may be the one thing that is missing from my routine.
Clearly I've been living under a rock because black soap has been the GOAT of the skincare game for a long time. It's known to heal breakouts, purify the skin, fade dark spots, and so much more. When it comes to finding the right soap, it can be tricky. Depending on your skin type, you need to be mindful of how frequently you're using it to clean your face. For those who suffer from dry skin, it can be a bit too harsh to use on a daily basis—at first. So, ease yourself into it and figure out whether this is something to add daily or weekly into your routine. I can't lie, I'm a newbie when it comes to black soap; but if we have the gems, you know we're going to share them with you.
With that being said, here are some African black soaps you may want to add to your skincare routine:
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SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bar
Image via Shea Moisture
For the results and definitely the price, SheaMoisture's African black soap is well worth a try. In addition to the black soap, it's also formulated with organic shea butter, oats, and aloe to cleanse, moisturize, and comfort irritated skin, while also making it easy to squeeze into your routine. The soap bar is only $3.99 and may be best for those who have extremely sensitive skin and want to save some coins.
The Purity Cosmetics Black Soap
Image via Purity Cosmetics
The Purity Cosmetics is a local black owned skin and hair retailer that offers two types of black soap — the original black soap bar and the flavored black soap. Both soaps are made with coconut pod powder, plantain peel powder, organic shea butter, palm kernel oil and coconut oil to help tone the skin and improve its texture. The flavored options range from lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, and much more. Btw, both are only $3.99, tell me that's not a steal!
Tropical Naturals Dudu-Osun Black Soap Bar
Image via Tropical Natural
Tropical Naturals Dudu-Osun Black Soap is an OG when it comes to black soap. We know at least one person in the family who has tried this. The soap is great for all skin types and is handmade from pure natural ingredients and herbs from the tropical rainforest. It's made with pure honey shea butter, palm kernel oil, cocoa pod ash, aloe vera, and more. You can find this at most major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and more.
TGIN African Black Soap
Image by TGIN
TGIN's African Black Soap is a new one but definitely worth a try. TGIN is popular for their haircare products, but may be making a mark with skincare too. Their black soap is made with activated charcoal and shea butter that will detoxify and rejuvenate your skin. The natural cleansing bar draws out dirt and impurities trapped deep inside of the pores that cause bumps, breakouts and all of that unwanted acne. The bar only retails for $4.99.
Wonderfully Natural Organic African Black Soap
Image via Wonderfully Natural
This is the most expensive on the list and sells for $14.99, but Wonderfully Natural Organic African Black Soap is another OG in the black soap game. It's made with shea butter and other natural moisturizing ingredients that heal and repair damaged sensitive skin, lock in moisture, and protect skin cells. It also fights acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes.
Bonus: Black Soaps At Your Local African Shops
If you live near a shop that sells African goods, do yourself a favor: Go in and get some black soap. There's nothing like going straight to the source. Most times the mom and pop shops have the goods imported from Africa or soaps handmade with natural ingredients. It may cost more, but it's definitely worth the investment. So if you're someone who tends to value natural ingredients and handmade soaps, definitely hit up the mom and pop shops.
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Featured Image via Shutterstock
- SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bar Soap | Ulta Beauty ›
- African Black Soap| Shea Moisture vs. Dudu-Osun - YouTube ›
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- The BEST African Black Soap | TheMindCatcher - YouTube ›
- 5 Best African Black Soaps (2020 Reviews) - Mom Loves Best ›
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- African Black Soap | Bulk 1lb Raw Organic Soap for ... - Amazon.com ›
Having a community of people who I can share memories with, lean on in times of need, and inspire each other is something I always valued. I took a moment to truly center in on what I desired from the new friends I would make. Then I realized it all would have to start with me. I had to be centered and confident in who I was to attract who I desired to be aligned with. As someone who moved to a new city and established quality friendships, I gathered these six tips that helped me feel grounded and create community in hopes that it will help you, too.
6 tips to start building community and making new friends in a new city:
Sean Anthony Eddy/ Getty Images
Be true to yourself
Do you know who you are? If someone asked you to describe yourself in three words, what words would you use? In order to develop deep friendships, you must be a friend to yourself first. Know what refuels you and what zaps your energy. Self-study your habits and why you do the things you do. All this will be important to keep in mind when looking to create bonds with others. Every day there’s all kinds of people telling you who you should be, how you should act, or what you should wear. At the end of the day, the only opinion about yourself that truly matters is your own. Spend some alone time with yourself indoors or out at an event you like to truly discover who you are in this season of your life.
Pray about it
Before you step out into the world and cross paths with all kinds of people, it’s important to pray about building your community. God outlines what true friendship looks like in numerous Bible verses such as "Iron sharpens iron." - Proverbs 27:17 and “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. If you desire friendships that last, pray about what you seek in friendship. I remember praying for mentally stable, happy, and whole women who moved through life with abundance mindsets. Take a moment to journal about the community you want to build and then pray on it.
Go to fun events to meet people who share your interests
Most metropolitan cities like Washington, D.C., New York City, and Atlanta are known to have strong young professional communities and events where you can connect with others. I highly encourage you to attend events in or near your community to see what the city is like and meet people. It’s likely that the people at the event have the same interests as you, which is a great way to start a conversation. You can start by searching for events on Eventbrite or following Instagram pages that highlight events happening in your city.
Carlos Barquero/ Getty Images
Accept that you won’t be compatible with everyone you meet
While living in your new city, it’s likely you’ll meet a variety of people. Please know that everyone you meet will not bud into lasting friendships, and that’s okay! You are uniquely created and not made for everyone. Then you’ll meet people who are good for only surface-level connections, and then you’ll have your girls who you can get deep with. I think sometimes people can look down on surface-level friendships, but not everyone needs to fully know you. That’s a privilege to have and to accept within yourself. Continue to check in with yourself and be real about who you crave to spend more time with and who is nice to see for a monthly or quarterly catch-up.
Join Facebook groups & GroupMe chats
If you haven’t used Facebook in a couple of years, it’s time to dust your profile off. Facebook Groups is a great place to join online communities for people who just moved to a new city like you. Typically, you have to agree to the group’s guidelines, and then you can join. For example, you can search for groups in the Facebook app by using keywords like women, Black girl, or [the name of your city] foodies. With the GroupMe app, you’ll have to be invited to join an already existing group. While you’re out and about networking, don’t hesitate to ask if they’re in any online groups/communities they recommend you join too.
Be friendly to folks in your neighborhood
When I first moved to my new apartment, I spent the first week walking around the complex and working in the community spaces to get a better feel of it. I was able to meet people in my neighborhood, enjoy small talk, and learn more about what the community has to offer. Step outside of your comfort zone and work in your apartment’s community space or a local coffee shop to connect with others.
Overall, you may feel alone in your new city, but I guarantee you’re not. There are other people experiencing living in a new city too, and all you need to do is find each other. I hope these tips help ease the nervous feelings you have about building a new community and inspire you to make a new friend today!
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