My 2023 Summer Essentials | Beauty Favorites

How is it Summer already? It feels like we were just enjoying Spring Break, but I love the warm weather and being able to enjoy wearing a little less. This year, I decided to share my summer essentials with you all because I have been reaching for these goodies for a few weeks, and I can’t keep them to myself. 

Bodycare 

Saltair Body Wash and Serum Deodorant

I’m new to the Saltair hype, but the body wash and deodorant have proven to be amazing!  I have the Pink Beach and Santal Bloom scents. Pink Beach reminds of a semi-coconut vanilla fragrance with hints of almond, while Santal Bloom is more of a creamy sandalwood amber. The body wash has a nice lather and doesn’t strip the skin.

While the serum deodorant is currently out of stock (6/26/23) I’m hopeful you’ll be able to get your hands on it soon. Look out for restocks. I have to be extremely careful with what I use under my arms due to a medical condition, and my skin wasn’t irritated. 

Osea Malibu Body Balm

I have never used a product like this and now I don’t think I’ll be able to live without it! Think serum for your body. After a good dry brushing session or exfoliation then hydrating your with this balm, your skin will feel pampered!

Ouai St. Barts Collection

The Ouai St. Barts Collection has recently become a fave/summer essential for me. The body butter has a fantastic scent that makes your skin feel velvety and smooth. Using it alone is good, but with the body wash and scrub, it’s even better with a longer-lasting smell. The body wash is very hydrating and doesn’t leave a residue, and the scrub is unlike any other I've used. It’s very nourishing and makes my skin feel softer than ever.

Makeup

Ami Cole Lip Oil

The Ami Cole Lip Oils have to be the best lip oils I’ve tried, and the colors “Bliss” and “Excellence” are perfect for the summer. These lip oils are nourishing and not overly sticky, with a beautiful tint. Bliss is more of a nude pink brown, while Excellence is a buttery coco brown. Definitely a must-have!

Skincare

D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Bronzing Drops with Peptides

I have seen all the hype on social media, but I wasn’t sure I’d like them.  I didn’t know if it would work for my skin tone, but they are great for a beautiful glowy look. An added bonus, it evens out my skin without being too dark or light! It adds the right amount of shimmer without making me look like a glitter ball or greasy, which is great for my combination skin.

Supergoop GlowScreen or Unseen Sunscreen

The Supergoop Glowscreen and Unseen Sunscreen are great for the summer because they don’t leave a white cast. Glowscreen gives you a nice shimmering glow, and Unseen Sunscreen gives you a great natural finish that works wonderfully under makeup.

Tower 28 S.O.S Daily Rescue Spray

The SOS Daily Rescue Spray can be used in two ways, as a toner or rescue spray when you need it. I wish I had this when I found my skin irritated a few months ago. 

This spray makes my skin feel super refreshed and has worked wonders for me when my skin has been burning and peeling from the heat. It doesn't have a scent that is great for anyone sensitive to smell, and it doesn’t dry out my skin.

Press On Nails

I’m a press-on nail girl, it’s been years since I’ve been to the nail salon, and I’ve learned how to master making my nails last. Kiss and Salon Perfect have some of the best press on nails! They are firm; with the right glue and prep, you can have a full set for under $20.

The 7 Vitues CocoSun Perfume 

Smelling good is a must, but I also must be aware of wearing overpowering scents when I go to work to avoid triggering others’ allergies. This fragrance is a crowd-pleaser and smells like summer! 

Check out my summer fragrance lineup here if you’re looking for more suggestions! 

Wellness

Pill Organizer

As a person that doesn’t enjoy taking her meds, I have to keep something to keep me accountable. I fill my organizer every 2 weeks and keep it in my purse. It’s proven helpful because when I need it, it’s there.

Olly Probiotic + Prebiotic

I deal with a lot of bloating and found that adding a probiotic could be helpful. Since I don’t particularly appreciate taking pills, a gummy seemed to be a great alternative. I’ve been taking these for about 3 months and can tell the difference! 

Stanley Tumblers

I’ve had plenty of cups, tumblers, and water bottles to keep your water cold, but nothing works like the Stanley cups. Even after a day, my ice remains, and my drinks are still cold. There’s a variety of colors to choose from, along with sizes. This cup motivates me to drink more water, which is important in this summer heat. The 40oz is the perfect fit for me. I have a 30 oz too, but I feel I’m refilling it too often.

Tote Bags

Right now, I’m using my Marc Jacobs Tote in Leather, but I’m considering grabbing the cloth one. I enjoy carrying my iPad, phone, journal, makeup bag, and book. 

You can find tote bags anywhere and in all different forms. They fit everything you need for a beach day, and they’re the perfect type of bag to store all of these summer essentials.

What are your must-haves for summer? 

My Top 5 Summer Fragrances ☀️

Y’all know I love a pleasing fragrance, and summer is quickly approaching, so grab a few while you can. I’ll preface this by saying you may see a pattern here. I love gourmand fragrances - ones that smell edible and sweet! 

Sidenote, are you following my fragrance page, if not you should be — @selfcarewnat

Here are my top 5 fragrances that you’ll catch me wearing:

The 7 Virtues -  Coconut Sun

Coconut Sun is one of the newest in my collection, but it’s exactly what I needed. It has a creamy, water-like scent to it. Fresh without coming off too clean but sweet without being overpowering. It’s summer in a bottle!

Fragrance Family: Fresh

Scent Type: Fresh Solar

Key Notes: Coconut, Frangipani, Vanilla

Fragrance Description: This irresistibly delicious perfume is a dreamy holiday in a bottle with enticing notes of coconut water, frangipani, fresh citrus, crisp sea salt, and gourmand vanilla. Infused with sustainably sourced jasmine from Egypt and upcycled rose, it supports the building of a water project in Ethiopia.

Tom Ford - Soleil Blanc 

She’s pricey but worth it; I highly recommend smelling it before you blind buy. When I wear this fragrance, I feel like I’m wearing nothing with a lot of something! It’s powerful but understated. You’ll get a whiff but want more. It’s a head-turner for sure, and it gives “I belong on a yacht somewhere.”

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Warm & Sweet Gourmands

Key Notes: Coco de Mer, Ylang Ylang Comores Islands, Cardamom

Fragrance Description: The Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum is an addictive solar, floral amber, and coco-de-mer-infused perfume. It is alive with seductive cardamom and refreshingly rich ylang-ylang and unapologetically exudes the endless pursuit of sun and luxury.

Ellis Brooklyn - Sun Fruit

Sun Fruit is my girl! When I’m headed out for the day, I put this on to feel pretty and flirty. It’s the perfect sundress fragrance or catch me on the beach. You’ll get all the feels wearing this.

Fragrance Family: Floral

Scent Type: Fruity Floral

Key Notes: Fresh Fig, Handpicked Jasmine, Vanilla Planifolia

Fragrance Description: Inspired by tan lines, ripe fruit, and bare skin, this fragrance is a creamy and unapologetic blend of fresh fig, bergamot, handpicked jasmine, cyclamen, coconut, and vanilla. Addictive and aspirational, it's the kind of scent that inspires vacation daydreams.

Kayali - Pistachio Gelato 33
After seeing so many mixed reviews, I waited to purchase this fragrance, but I know what I like and wish I had pulled the plug sooner. Kayali’s Pistachio Gelato is Sherbert ice cream that’s slowly melting. It’s insanely delicious and has a beautiful dry down. It sits on the skin and leaves a gorgeous lingering scent.

Fragrance Family: Warm & Spicy

Scent Type: Warm & Sweet Gourmands

Key Notes: Pistachio Gelato, Cotton Candy, Whipped Cream

Fragrance Description: YUM PISTACHIO GELATO | 33 EDP INTENSE is a delicious combination of rich, nutty pistachio and hazelnut, blended with rum that wraps you in warmth and sweetness—while delectable and fluffy whipped cream, marshmallow, and cotton candy intertwine to sugary indulgence. A truly yummy fragrance that charms with an unforgettable gourmand scent trail that will have you smelling good enough to eat.

Valentino Born in Roma - Coral Fantasy 

Coral Fantasy was a summer staple last year, and I still love it. It’s a bright, fruity floral! My nose is instantly hit with orange and kiwi and settles into a creamy jasmine note. It’s a must-try!

Fragrance Family: Floral

Scent Type: Fruity Floral

Key Notes: Orange, Jasmine, Rose

Fragrance Description: The coral sky of Rome inspires a floral, fruity perfume twisted by a bright and juicy orange accord, heightened by rose fragrance, and infused with jasmine to create Donna Born in Roma Coral Fantasy Eau de Parfum.

And because you guys are my people, I’m throwing in a bonus fragrance! It’s not as sweet as others, but it reminds me of summer, sipping Pina Coladas poolside!

Bonus:

Mugler Alien Goddess 

Alien Goddess is bold at the first spray, you’re hit with coconut and vanilla, but it quickly settles into a beautiful tropical scent that lingers for hours. 

Fragrance Family: Florals

Scent Type: Warm Florals

Key Notes: Bergamot Essence, Jasmine Grandiflorum, Bourbon Vanilla

Fragrance Description: This warm floral women's scent pairs a divine base of vanilla perfume with jasmine from India overlaid by a burst of fresh Italian bergamot, creating a radiant floral bouquet of notes fit for a goddess.

Hair Update | I've Gone Natural Again...

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a hair update, and rightfully so. I haven’t done much to it, BUT some things have changed. I decided to go natural - again. It’s been almost 2 years since I cut my hair. It was a total impulse decision, but I tend to do this often. If I don’t take care of my hair, it breaks off and starts to fall out. I can’t take the shedding and decide to chop it off.

While I enjoyed my relaxed hair, I just didn’t have the ability to maintain it. I’ve slowly realized that when my mental health is in the dumps, my hair suffers. During my last cut, I decided that if I don’t take care of my hair while it’s relaxed, what’s the point in continuing to relax it? So chop chop!

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My Big Chop August 2021

The first few months were easy, but as my hair grew out, it felt difficult to maintain, and all of the negative feelings came flooding back to me. When the natural hair movement occurred nearly 10 years ago, many people were reluctant to accept it. They felt that natural black hair wasn’t acceptable. It wasn’t seen as kept or beautiful. Could I really go to work with my hair in an Afro? What would they say? I already get the side eye when I change my hair. That created a new type of anxiety I didn’t want to deal with. Now, we have things like The Crown Act to help change the conversation surrounding black women's hair in the workplace.

On top of that, I didn’t feel like my texture was as nice as others. I didn’t have the cute curls. My hair is kinky and coily - often seen as “bad.” It seems as though only a certain type of natural hair is accepted - even within my family. 

Fast forward to now, I feel ready to embrace my natural hair. I want to rock my natural twist, braid outs, and more without feeling like my hair isn’t good enough. I’m constantly teaching my daughters to embrace their natural hair, but I struggle. I want us to love our kinks and coils. We are always taught how difficult our hair is to manage but never how beautiful it is.

It is my belief that if we learn how to care for our hair, we can watch it thrive. My goal is to start checking out a variety of hair care products to see which ones work best for me. I want to learn to style my hair in different ways, and maybe just maybe, I will finally learn how to cornrow. Wish me luck!

If you have any suggestions for products for my 4c hair, please let me know. I’m open to trying things!

Have You Loved On Yourself Lately? Try a Boudoir Photoshoot!

Have you ever asked yourself if you really love you? I haven’t, but in the last year, I’ve taken a deep dive into self-discovery and healing. I’ve experienced so many things in my short life that have led me to this point. As I was casually scrolling on TikTok a few months ago, I saw a lady sharing her story about coming to terms with the fact that she didn’t love herself because if she did, she wouldn’t treat herself the way that she does. That post hit home on so many levels. I started questioning myself, asking myself, “If I really loved myself like I loved everyone else, wouldn’t I treat myself better?”

I am determined to make my mental and physical health a priority.

2023 is all about loving myself correctly! I am learning to step out of my comfort zone and go for it. From a very young age, I struggled with my weight. I was always known as the “big girl.” I was told to cover up and that I couldn’t wear the same clothes as other girls my age. It always made me feel like something was wrong with me and my body.

In 2011, I underwent a major spinal surgery that left me with a scar along my back, and for an extra touch of razzle-dazzle, I got my first set of stretch marks. Talk about a blow to the self-esteem department! I used to search for ways that I could cover up my scar and dreamed of the day that I would be able to hide mine. It wasn’t until I was introduced to this amazing young woman that taught me that there is life after surgery and it’s okay to embrace my scar.

After three babies and going through ups and down with my weight, my body has changed so much. I had to get honest with myself - if I never lose or gain another pound, I need to be happy with what I see in the mirror: stretch marks, rolls, cellulite, the whole package. 

Birthdays are a big deal for me, and this year I struggled with finding my “big” thing or gift after stumbling upon a post from Nikki Morgan Photography announcing her mini boudoir sessions; I instantly knew that it was for me. I have been a fan of her boudoir work for a few years now, but I was so afraid that it wasn’t for me. I worried that I wouldn’t look as good as her other clients. I finally said YOLO, gifted myself a boudoir photo shoot for my birthday, and figured it would also make an excellent gift for our wedding anniversary!

I needed to see myself in a new light. I needed to see the beauty in myself again because I am worth it! My body deserves to be loved in every season.  I decided to step out and go for it to honor me and celebrate my body at this size. To my plus-size girlies that think boudoir photography isn’t for us - it is. Our bodies deserve to take up space!

Nikki was fantastic and truly helped to ease my fears. I can’t imagine doing this with a better person. She allowed me to feel comfortable and confident! This experience changed how I saw myself, and my husband loved how the images turned out. For once, I was able to see myself through his eyes.

Check out more of Nikki’s work below!

What is boudoir photography?

To me, boudoir photography is what you make it. Whether you’re more of a pinup-style girl or want to pull out the lingerie, there is a place for you. The word boudoir derives from a French word that means a woman’s private salon. Boudoir photos are usually taken in a private setting and designed just for women, but depending on the photographer, they may be open to working with couples.

Boudoir photography can get a bad rap for being explicit or too spicy, but I think it’s all about how YOU view yourself and the intention behind the photos. Every woman is beautiful and deserves to feel that way. It’s an empowering experience.

If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone and see how beautiful you truly are, I highly suggest booking a session today!  Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, getting married, or want something just for you – a boudoir session needs to be on the list! 

Friendly reminder - your body is already perfect!