It is winter in South Africa which is hardly ever good news for my skin. I suffer from dry skin and winter is the season when I need to adjust my skincare routine because ashiness is never cute.

So, I was delighted when Ruby Box approached me about reviewing the Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturising Lotion. I was hoping that the lotion would reduce the number of products I use in winter to keep my skin moisturized and would keep my skin moisturized for longer than my then products. Aveeno is known for delivering superior benefits by harnessing the power of natural ingredients. This lotion contains no parabens and no colourants making the product suitable for Hyperallergic and sensitive skin.

I was really impressed with how well my skin retained the moisture. My legs, the driest part of my body, was still moisturized in the evening. My skin felt hydrated and smooth throughout the entire day. I’m impressed with the with how skin he felt over the past 2 weeks, I’m definitely adding Aveeno products to my skin regimen.

Aveeno products can be purchased at leading pharmacies, Dischem, and Clicks stores nationwide. The 200ml daily moisturising lotion retails for R 79.99.

 I started this year knowing that I wanted to find and try out new skincare and hair care products because I believe that when it comes to my skin and hair there is always room for improvement. Most of you know that I really do enjoy using natural products for my skin, however, last year natural products were only used to make my masks which were not the vast majority of my skincare. So, when Suki Suki Naturals approached me about doing a partnership with them, I was excited, to say the least. The company is also a black female owned company by, the founder,  Linda Gieskes which made the partnership evening more worthwhile. What is amazing about Suki Suki Naturals is every product is handmade and 100% natural.

So, for the past month, I replaced my skincare products with Suki Suki Naturals products and the results have been so amazing. I’m not going to lie I did have my reservations about their facial oils because my skin type is: combination (my T-zone is normal to slightly oil, then the rest of face is normal). I was worried that putting an oil on my face daily would cause a breakout. However, it was the complete opposite, the facial oil was quickly absorbed by my skin, to my surprise, which made my skin feel soft and supple. A big bonus for me was my skin didn’t shine, remember there’s a fine line between glow and shine and I wasn’t trying to switch sides. I made use of the Rosehip Brightening Facial Oil.

Talking about glowing, their Acai Gentle Exfoliating Mask is honestly such a miracle worker. The results were instant, after using it for the very first time my skin did not only have a better glow to it, it also improved the texture of my skin. I used the mask as recommended, twice a week. However, there was a time where I did not use as a mask instead, I would mix the exfoliating powder with foaming face wash and wash my face with the mixture. So, I have already spoken about the cleansing and moisturising stage but the stage that I consider most important is the toning stage because this is when you get the most hydration into your skin and balance your pH levels. Suki-Suki Naturals' Hydrating Facial Mist is exactly that, hydrating. Their facial mist is the perfect toner, made of rose water and infused with papaya extract and many more natural amazing ingredients. A few spritzes do honestly go a long way, but the mist smells so delicious that you will without a doubt use more than just a few spritzes.

I will continue to use the products because the results so far have been great. I also love that skin care routine is predominantly made up of natural products.  I would also recommend them if you have sensitive skin since the products are 100% natural there aren’t any chemicals that would irritate your skin. Lastly, you can purchase the products from Suki Suki Naturals website and I have linked the products below. They also offer free door-to-door delivery countrywide for orders over R350.

My Current Hair Products:

So I have currently being obsessed with 2 DIY masks, the Turmeric mask and Activated Charcoal mask. I do each mask once a week, but I alternate between the weeks. Doing each mask in the same week just wasn't feasible, I would get lazy or plans would pop up when I was meant to be doing the mask. You'll also see that the process can get a little messy, pictured below.

Turmeric Mask

Turmeric mask process isn't as messy as the Activated Charcoal mask, but do be aware that turmeric stains garments, so I would recommend that you do it in your pyjamas or black clothing. Okay, the reason why I love this mask is that you receive glowing skin from the first time you use it (it's also known as The Glowing Mask) and it also improves your skin texture, your skin becomes softer. The mask also fights acne, dry skin and it even outs your skin tone. What helps fight the acne is the antiseptics and antibacterial properties which derive from the main component of turmeric, Curcumin.  It aids in the reduction of acne by regulating the production of sebum in the facial skin. Furthermore with these properties, including turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties it also aids in the reduction of pigmentation issues and uneven skin tone. The yoghurt contains lactic acids which dissolve dead skin cells. It is also a gentle exfoliator which helps in achieving a natural glow, preventing breakouts and diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles (and just like wearing eye cream you cannot start too early in combatting those other wrinkles). Last but not least, honey is a natural antibacterial which means it's great for the prevention and treatment of acne. It is full of antioxidants which are great for slowing down the ageing process. Lastly, because it's moisturising it helps create a natural glow as well.

How to make the mask: 
2 tsp of Tumeric
2-3 tsp of Milk or Plain Yoghurt
1 tsp of Honey

You then mix the ingredients until the paste is consistent. I prefer to use yoghurt over milk because the mask is thicker which causes less of a mess.

Application process:

First cleanse your face, then apply the mask. You can use your finger or an old foundation brush (I wouldn't recommend using your current one). Then allow 20-25 minutes for the mask to dry, afterwards rinse off with warm water. While rinsing off the mask you will feel that the turmeric is also a gentle exfoliator. I use my face wash to wash off the rest of the mask.

Okay so after washing the mask off this is where I switch up my routine( the same applies to the charcoal mask). I don't usual tone, so that means I don't use my toner after washing my face. I moisture my face with coconut oil (it's a small amount, your skin can absorb only so much oil). Even if you have oily skin, you can still use coconut oil as a moisturiser, your skin still needs oils even if it's oily. Remember, I only do this once a week.

Activated Charcoal Mask 

I use this mask to target my blackheads and shrink my pores. So, I have tried the peel-off version of this but it's just too painful and it wasn't that effective. So the mask I'm about share is one where you can wash off and it's effective without being painful. So the mask unclogs pores, tightens and reduces large pores, fights acne and prevents and clears blackheads. The activated charcoal draws bacteria, chemicals to the surface of the skin. The second ingredient is Bentonite clay which unclogs and shrinks pores, controls the overproduction of sebum, softens the skin and reduces the appearance of the scars. The clay also has many more benefits. The clay also has healing properties as its extracted from volcanic ash. The reason why the clay can achieve these things is that when it's in contact with a fluid (I use water) its electrical components change giving it the ability to absorb toxins. Very, very important when making the mask do not use metallic crockery and cutlery; ceramic or plastic only!

How to make the mask:

2 tsp of Activated Charcoal
1 tsp of Bentonite Clay
3-4 tsp of Water

Mix the ingredients until the paste is consistent, there should not be any lumps. Please remember do not use anything metallic to make the mask, due to the clay.

Application Process:

I apply the mask with my fingers. Then allow 20-25 minutes for the mask to dry but this depends on how thick your mask maybe, so it could take up to 30 mins (if you want it completely dry).

I don't usually tone, so it means don't use my toner after washing my face. I moisture my face with coconut oil (it's a small amount because your skin can absorb only so much oil). Even if you have oily skin, you can still use coconut oil as the moisturiser, your skin still needs oils even if it's oily. Remember I only do this once a week, so I alternate the masks.

So, on weeks where I don't have time to make ta mask, I just apply Aloe Vera Gel after cleansing my face and then allow it to dry which takes about 15 mins.There after I wash it off and apply coconut oil. Lastly, I've linked the products with stores where I've bought them.