For my face:
Nothing has worked as effectively as St. Ives Apricot scrub. I use the one for gentle skin and it keeps my face nice and exfoliated. Not only does my face practically glow after using this product but I also love how clean my face feels afterwards.
For moisturization I use this or I use Oil of Olay's original moisturizer. And yes, I admit it, in the winter time I used Oil of Olay's "touch of sun". Even though I am brown my face still gets pretty pale. Touch of sun keeps a nice sun glow on my face without overdoing it. That's my secret...shhh....
For my skin:
No matter how many lotions I've tried I always end up back to this one. I love the smell and it really helps to keep my dry skin nice and soft. No ashiness over here.
And of course I can't forget the good old fashioned Vaseline my mom and grandmother used to make me use. I usually apply this to my feet in order to keep them soft. In the winter time I buy the baby-scented Vaseline and use it all over my body. It works like a charm for those with dry skin. Just don't put on two much. I've ruined plenty of good outfits by merely slapping on the Vaseline, lol.
Bath and Body Works Mentha Body Vitamin Body Wash
This stuff makes me want to live in the shower! At first I wasn't going to get it because my sister thought it would smell like "old ladies" since it has peppermint in it. (And I assume she means like Ben-Gay or something). However, not only does this body wash make your skin tingle (literally) but it has a nice, clean peppermint scent to it. No oldies here...
I couldn't find a large picture but Suave has a new line of body washes called "Exhale". I use "juicy tangerine" and "lime verbena" pictured below when I don't want to spend the $12 on the Mentha Body Wash.
As I'm sure you all know by now, there is nothing healthier for your skin than good water. Most of the time I'm able to get in 2 liters of water a day. It always annoyed me how they seldom have water at Islamic events. Now I just get used to bringing a water bottle with me- esp. during iftar! So if you are one of those people who does not drink water, I am telling you, if you want to have nice skin and a good digestive system you need to drink water- no way around it.
For my lips:
Yep, good old-fashioned Carmex does the trick every time. Years ago there was a rumor circulating that Carmex was addictive. NOT TRUE. However, I love the stuff and my lips stay nice and moist. I keep one on the night stand and one in my purse at all times. And it's cheap too!
I love wearing lipstick. However, since I'm trying to keep it on the humble as a Muslimah and since I haven't quite weaned myself off of having some color on my lips I've taken to using lip gloss. This one is from Bath and Body Works. I use others if I find one I like.
Perfume:
I know as Muslimahs we're not supposed to go outside with perfume on. Rather than douse myself with perfume, when I am not using Nivea, I buy scented lotions from Bath and Body works and use those. Since I have on long sleeves and long dresses, no one can smell the scent unless they're hugging me or really close to me. I like having some sort of scent on and I guess this is my way to do it.
And of course, I buy oils from the that lone brother who sells them in the masjid. (Go to any predominately African-American masjid and there is at least one brother selling them). Here's a little trick I can let you married sisters in on. Buy a nice, soft scented body oil (nothing heavy or musky) and put a little between your breasts, between the thighs (yes, I said it), a little on the wrists and on the ankles. Your husband will love it and he won't have to kiss your neck and taste perfume, LOL.
So there you have it, some of the products I swear by.
10 comments:
nice tips, thanks! love this blog!!!
-naeemah
Sister;
I found your blog by chance few days ago. and i'm goingo through some of it.
i have to say it's amazing all the work you have done, in reviewing all the sites, and all your other tips. Jazzaki Allah :)
i want wondering in regards to your oils and their use, which ones do you suggest? i always feel lost with the kinds and varities! which ones are softer, and which ones are stronger?
thank you sister
Salam Ulikom
mais
Dear anon,
As salaam alaikum. I think the type of oil for a person varies according to their body chemistry just like perfrume. There's also the issue of the name. Some people have different names for the same type of scent. So I'll give you the names of some oils whose names don't change. I like: Egyptian musk (I know I told you to avoid musk but this doesn't have a heavy smell like most musks). I also like Blue Nile. (It smells like soap). Night Queen is another good one. Otherwise I'd look for the oils that are like perfume. For instance, I have a Tommy Girl one which smells light without the heavy musk scent that some oils carry. Another one I absolutely love is called "Sex on the beach". A crazy name I know, but it smells very soft and feminine. I'd also look for floral scents.
Stay clear of Sandalwood, Patcholli (sp?), Frankensense, or any other musks like that. They're just too heavy and smell like firewood.
Good luck!
Thanks for the tip on Carmex... I bought it yesterday and I really like it so far! :o)
Kima
I am a product junkie, i have a deep love of bath products currently im loving LUSH....amazing scents in all products.
Carmex is top of my list, i cannot live without it, thanks to it i no longer have chapped lips.
I adore perfume, im a bit of a perfume snob so i dont do "oils" or knock of fragrances it has to be the real deal. *dont i sound horrid* I always spray perfume on my body (not clothes) after a shower/bath for my own pleasure and by the time i get dressed and put abaya/hijab the smell is not detectable until i get home and take hijab off. Just a tip to all the perfume loving sisters out there- you can still enjoy perfume.
I adore sexy, feminine, deep fragrances my current favourite is hot couture by givency and coco chanel.
on the perfume issue...yes, it's true that when u wear light perfume it is not easliy detected unless your standing really close to someone...but what about passing men in the mall, or standing next to men in the checkout aisles at the grocery store?
naemah- perfume is only detectable if you spray it on your clothes, if u spray perfume on your pulse points like your supposed to, and then get dressed and ontop of that put your hijab outfit on then by the time thats all done, the perfume is not detectable what the hadith is refering to is women putting on perfume before they leave the house. So women can still enjoy perfume in their homes without acting like a maniac and trying to wash it all off before they leave which always make me cuckle... cos there really is no need.
ASA-- I too am a product junkie. But a NATURAL product junkie. I and a TRUE OYIN honey.(check it out www.oyinhandmade.com) It's addictive too.
I'm going to buy some ANITA Grant before the year is up. Check out my website for more natural products to JUNKIE up with.
OH...and i'm a carmax lover too. I have an obsessive compulsive thing when it comes to my lips.
ma salaama
Ummie A
As salaamu alaikum Sr,
Where do you live? We have a lot in common really. I'm in Minneapolis, MN. What's your e-mail so we can get up with each other sometimes.
Product junkie????that's not the word for me. I need some kind of therapy now.
Oh, The Abricvot scrube is my favorite too! But I use the liquid one, more gentle. Works so well for skin with problems!!
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