To start off, I hope everyone has been getting through these past weeks. For me, it has consisted of easing my anxiety and reflecting on what's going on in the world. I've been pretty hesitant on posting these last few days, especially following my last post. However, I did promise I'll be trying my best to post more content around here so it only made sense to me that I try to incorporate ways to support throughout my posts going forward!

Do you guys remember my "favorites" posts? Gosh, it has been forever. Since we're now in June and getting closer to summer, today I decided to narrow down my top 5 staple products for the season and included some black owned brands in the mix. These are products that are my most frequently used so I hope you enjoy!

1. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 

• First up, we have this facial mask. I'll be honest, I was definitely influenced to buy this mask during quarantine by watching Youtube videos during the whole Tik-Tok beauty craze. I've gotta say, I've only used this product a handful of times so far and I'm always impressed by how soft and supple my skin is immediately after I wash it off and going into the next day. As far as for blemishes, I haven't noticed a major difference just yet but for skin texture issues, it's a dream! 

2. Black Girl Sunscreen

• Shoutout to my mom who scored me this product! As a black girl who (yes, my melanin needs protection too) has sensitive skin, sunscreen is one product that I've always tried to incorporate into my beauty and skincare routine. What made me really excited was that I finally have a sunscreen that's made for me and my melanin in mind. Before, I would generally end up with a "white-cast" on my face, which made me steer away from wanting to use sunscreen often, but not anymore! This product dries completely clear all while giving me the perfect glow. It's officially the ONLY sunscreen I'll be using going forward. 

3. Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium

• Now I know this isn't a new product around here but of course this made the list. I had to get my hands on the biggest bottle I could find. 5 oz!!! The vanilla notes are to die for. I encourage everyone to at least get a sample of this perfume next time you're in Sephora, you won't regret it! 

4. Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer 

• These are the only lipglosses I've been using since they were announced. Besides my usual lip balms, gloss is perfect for summer (and all year round). The "glass slipper" clear has been my go-to lately since it enhances my natural lip color. The formula is not nearly as sticky as I remember lip glosses growing up and Rihanna made sure to add some shea butter in the formula for additional moisture.

5. Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleanser

• I have to thank an ex-roommate for putting me on to this in college. I was stubborn and didn't actually try it until I scored a bottle on sale this past Black Friday and fell in love so much that I ended up purchasing another. I've been trying so many different cleansers hoping to find "the one" and I think I'm finally close! This cleanser is gentle, yet effective. It doesn't leave my skin "tight" and balances out my natural oils perfectly. I do wish the ingredients were a bit more on the clean side which is why I say I'm almost close to finding the one, but until then, this is it!

I hope you guys enjoyed this post, a goal that I've set for myself after writing this is realizing I would love to find more black owned products to invest into my lifestyle. If you have some ideas, please do share with me on social media. In regards to the BLM movement, click here for ways to help support for change!