Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens are cool and all, but if we were to take a look at a list of my favorite things, you would see none of the above.
Along with some quality herb, the things I hold dearest to my heart are tools that help keep my self-care all the way in alignment, and because you are my good sis, I want to share them with you, too.
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On my never-ending quest to be on fleek, I'm constantly buying and trying new products so you don't have to and this month, we're going to get all the way into the 5 latest beauty and self-care items that I can't stop talking about.
From the miracle product got my hyperpigmentation together expeditiously to the THC-infused Body Balm that leveled up my relaxation game forever, here are a few products you didn't know you needed to add to your self-care shopping list.
Sunday Riley CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil ($40)
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I first read about Sunday Riley's CEO Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Oil when researching and writing an article about Lizzo's skincare routine and decided to add it to my wishlist last Christmas. Although this serum is what I personally could consider expensive AF, you definitely get what you pay for with this product. I have the 0.5 fl. oz oil which costs $40 and has lasted me about three months. A little goes a really long way with this product and although it is guaranteed to have your glow on go, using too much can leave you looking greasy AF.
Nolaskinsentials Hyaluronic H2O Creme
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But because our managing editor, Sheriden Chanel spoke highly of Nolaskinsentials, and I'm always willing to bet on Black-owned businesses, I decided to give the brand a chance. After ordering their Pumpkin Enzyme Mask and Brightening C Serum, I decided to invest in their Hyaluronic H2O Creme and I was blown away. Living with combination skin in a city as dry as Denver can be stressful, especially when it comes to finding a good moisturizer, but within a few weeks of using this product, I've noticed that breakouts are less frequent and my dark spots have improved dramatically.
Rub. Medicinal Cannabis Body Balm by Whoopi & Maya
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A while back, I wrote an article about Whoopi Goldberg's transformative line of products that help with aches, pains, and menstrual cramps, and today, I'm still a loyal customer. While somewhat pricey, I've been using this same container for two whole years! Although birth control has alleviated a lot of pain associated with my cycle, I enjoy using this product on my stomach, back, shoulders, and joints even when I'm not on my period.
Black Girl Sunscreen
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Being a grown-up means implementing an effective SPF into your daily routine and this brand will help you do that without the unflattering caste that most sunscreens leave on brown skin. Your melanin is a national treasure that must be protected at all costs and this jojoba- and avocado oil-infused water-resistant sunscreen is perfect for the job and looks great under makeup.
Bonita Afro Balm by The Doux
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I didn't know I needed this product until last week and now I can't live without it. I had my first encounter with this brand when my cousin purchased the Swag Goo Edge Control on a Target run in Atlanta but I could never find it in Colorado. Thanks to The Doux, Christmas came early and I received a box of their products last month that made me a believer. One scoop of this thick texture cream keeps my chemically damaged curls on drip but it's also light enough to be used a few days in a row.
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Featured image by Pretty Honore for xoNecole.com.
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RELATED
But Shellie, I don’t like them. Sex feels better without them. In an unbelievably ideal world where everyone waited until marriage and then remained with their spouse until death, you could be out here raw-ing it. With that not being even close to the case, though, it’s time to stop trying to skirt around using condoms and, instead, it’s time to figure out which ones can give you maximum pleasure.
Believe it or not, I’ve got a few tips, in the rubber shopping department, that just might help you out.
First Up, Most Women Can Tell When a Condom Is On
GiphyMy guy friends and I tend to have the most random conversations, boy. Take the time when two of them were trying to debate me down about whether or not women can tell if a condom is on. Their vote is that we can’t. Mine was that we absolutely can. And I mean, shouldn’t the one with the vagina (me) have a say, fellas? LOL. Hey, they don’t have to take my word for it because science also states that based on the material that the condom is made out of and how well it fits on a woman’s partner (more on that in a sec), they definitely help her to know if a guy is wearing one or not.
Not only that but data also backs up that a condom can also diminish the sensation that women feel during sex to a certain extent — not to mention that, sometimes, rubbers can affect natural vaginal wetness too.
With condoms having a 98 percent success rate at preventing STI/STDs and unwanted pregnancies (when used correctly, that is), by no means am I even coming close to implying that you shouldn’t use them (especially if you’re not in an exclusive or monogamous relationship [check out “Why I Use The Word 'Monogamous' In Marriage And 'Exclusive' In Dating”] and you and your partner don’t get tested annually).
All I’m saying is if you want to get the most out of your condom use experiences, you shouldn’t just assume that whatever condom the guy has on tap is what will work well for you — and figuring out what will bring you the most (pun intended) pleasure means that you should consider the following points.
Make Sure the Condom Fits Your Partner Well
GiphyWith the average size of a man’s penis being a little over 5” when it’s erect (relax, vaginas are around 4” unless stretched), it really is time to let all of the Magnum dreams go. And what I mean, specifically, by that is, guys bringing those just to fit into some stereotype of “packing” is doing no one any good because if it’s too big for him, it will result in slippage and if it’s too big for you, it could make sex a bit uncomfortable.
And what if it’s too small? Well, that could be semi-painful for him which could cause his performance to struggle. Bottom line here: condoms should have a snug fit and cover the entire penis.
And if you want to purchase some for your own collection — well, if y’all are close enough for him to be inside of you, you shouldn’t feel uncomfortable talking to him about which kind/brand of condoms you should have on tow at your house. By the way, for tips on how to choose the right condoms, check out verywellhealth’s “Condom Size Chart: Finding the Brand and Style That Fits Best.”
Opt for Condoms That Are Free of the Following Things
GiphyWhile reading an article on what many doctors consider to be the best condoms, what stood out most to me was a female doctor who said that women must keep in mind that whatever goes into their vagina, also gets absorbed. This includes ingredients that condoms may be made out of including parabens, fragrances, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), synthetic dyes and flavors, and glycerin (for starters).
And gee, when you’ve got that stuff, not only inside of you, but moving around at a semi-rapid pace (at least some of the time), there’s a pretty good chance that your vagina isn’t gonna be very happy about it.
The remedy? Consider investing in some organic/vegan condoms — ones that are free of all-a-dat. Loveability makes some (here). Smile Makers make some (here). HANX makes some (here). And that’s just a few options to choose from. This point is a very valid one to keep in mind because, sometimes, it’s not the condom that’s pissing us off — it’s what it’s made out of that’s the actual issue.
Pre-Lubricated Condoms Can Improve Your Partner’s Stroke
GiphyIf you’ve never tried pre-lubricated condoms before, you definitely should because they can have your back, on the sexual pleasure tip, on a few different levels. For one thing, these types of condoms can definitely decrease the chances of a rubber breaking which can give you the peace of mind that you seek during the act. Also, condoms that have lube in them can make it easier for your partner to put it on, can make it more comfortable when it’s time for his penis to go inside of you and can reduce the amount of friction that you feel (especially if you’re not naturally wet enough) while you’re having sex.
While we’re on this topic — I don’t know why (so many) people think that they can’t get an STI/STD from oral sex because they absolutely can. So, if you are going to use a condom during fellatio (or a dental dam during cunnilingus), adding some flavored lube to an already flavored condom (like perhaps this brand here or this brand here) can make the experience much more…satisfying.
Polyisoprene or Polyurethane Condoms MAY Reduce Yeast Infections
GiphyOkay, this point is a bit tricky because, technically, condoms can’t give you a yeast infection; in fact, since they prevent sperm and semen from entering into your vagina which can potentially throw off your pH balance, rubbers usually play a role in preventing them.
Still, I wanted to include this due to what I said earlier about all of the “extras” that can sometimes go into making a condom — because those things? They might irritate your vagina which could ultimately lead to a yeast infection. Plus, if on the off chance, you’ve got a latex allergy, condoms that are made from that material could give you a yeast infection too.
The solution to both? Consider going with alternatives like polyisoprene or polyurethane. Although polyisoprene is more expensive than latex condoms, they are super comfortable and latex-free (although you can use them the same way that you would a latex condom, including when it comes to oral and anal sex).
Meanwhile, polyurethane deserves a shout-out because it’s actually stronger than latex and it can even handle oil-based lubricants (which is something that latex is not able to do). Polyurethane is also thinner than latex and polyisoprene which means that sex can end up feeling more intense for you with those.
Textured Condoms Are Bomb If Orgasms Are Your Goal
GiphyUh-huh. I keep trying to tell y’all that if you want your partner to be sensitive about and thoughtful towards how your vulva appears (check out “Did You Know That There Are 10 Different Kinds Of Vaginas? Yep.”), the jokes about uncircumcised men really need to cease; especially since word on the street is the extra skin can actually make sex more intense for them while giving women more orgasms in the process.
And that actually helps to make sense of why textured condoms can cause women to cum more often and consistently as well. Thanks to the tiny ribs and dots on textured rubbers,they have the ability to stimulate the nerves that are inside of your vagina far more and easier than “regular” condoms do. Oh, and if you add someCBD lube to them? LOOK. OUT.
___
I’ll be real with y’all — when it comes to condoms, I think it’s always important that their purpose is protection over pleasure as far as how they are made. Still, with all of the advances in them out here — and now that you have this info as far as what your vagina would prefer — rubbers don’t have to feel like a downer. The right one can have you and your vagina climbing walls — plus, you can have the peace of mind that your health and family planning preferences aren’t being compromised in the process.
Music to your vagina’s ears. 90s R&B, to be exact…I bet. LOL.
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