We have officially ended Summer 2021. I am ready to usher in Autumn with boots, autumn themed gym wear with all the coats and jackets. There are a few things that I have been loving this summer and I wanted to share those things with you. I have pretty much spent this past summer shopping for more lifestyle products including items from Black Owned Businesses to beauty and skincare products. As some of you know, I believe that health encompasses more than your physical and mental health, it also includes how you look after your skin, your hair and overall well-being. Here is a comprehensive list of my 2021 summer favourites. Make sure to bookmark this post for summer inspiration as well as products to boost your health in the summer months.
Black Owned Businesses
Over the summer I stumbled on a lot of amazing Black Owned businesses that I cannot get enough of it. Kai Collective, Rendoll Lagos and Waridi Brand are three clothing brands that I love. I’m determined to get my hands on all of their items.
The dress that I am wearing here is from Kai Collective and I want everything in this Gaia print. For jewellery, I’m loving Kionii, the necklaces were created for those who were born in the Diaspora to represent who they are and where they come from. You’ll get a lot of compliments wearing their pieces.
Recently, I was introduced to Daniel Piyepriye and Teflar Global through a couple of friends and I have been hooked on them since. I haven’t been able to grab anything as of right now but hopefully I can this year.
If you are looking for Black Owned footwear brands, then definitely check out Tejahnofficial. I love their heels!
Skincare Products For Summer
When it comes to skincare for the summer, I need a really good sunscreen that will protect me and not make my face look ashy. My favourite sunscreen is Black Girl Sunscreen (which is a Black Owned Business). I’ve used it in different climates. It is great when I don’t wear makeup when I’m visiting Nigeria and places that are higher in temperature.
I have been an avid user of the Garnier Hydra Bomb sheet masks. Don’t knock down drugstore brands. I have been using their pomegranate sheet masks at least once a week this year and my face feels very smooth and hydrated after 20 minutes.
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides was recommended to me by an aesthetician to help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. My skin has become more radiant, less prone to breakouts and has been a saving grace for the texture of my skin. For keeping my skin moisturised and bright, I have been loving TheGlowceryShop Clean Greens Superfood Serum Oil (which is a Black Owned business) and Corsrx Oil Free Ultra Moisturising Lotion.
Body care and Fragrances
I have extremely sensitive skin so I’m very particular with the body care products and fragrances that I use on my body. To help keep my skin smooth and soft, I like to use Nivea Goodbye Stress Lavender Body Wash. There is something about lavender that I find very soothing on my skin. Also, it feels like it washes all the stress from my body off. Sometimes I may switch to African Black Soap for a time period if I experience sudden reactions or hives.
My skin has never felt better with these two products. For body creams, I stick to whipped shea butter and they keep me well-moisturised. I alternate between OliveSheaCoco Signature Blend, Amari Shea Face and Body Butter, and Organically Shea (all Black Owned businesses). The one from Organically Shea does not have a scent. It’s easier to mix with the other two as Amari has a coffee scent and OliveSheaCoco has a citrusy scent. Both smell really good together.
For pefurmes and body fragrances, I am still discovering which scents suit me best. However, I have enjoyed using Alien by Mugler, as it has been one of my favourite fragrances for years and it never gets old. It has woody fragrance that is perfect to wear both during the day and in the evenings. I recently bought Good Girl by Caroline Herrera last week. It has this sultry and mysterious scent that can drive you crazy.
Health and Fitness Products
When it comes to my health, I only take certain vitamins and supplements to ensure that I am getting the recommended amount through my diet.
This summer, I have been enjoying take my Pescience collagen peptides and fish oils. I haven’t eaten a lot of fish this summer. Luckily, taking fish oils have ensured that I am regularly getting in a sufficient amount of omega 3s daily.
I take collagen to provide my skin, hair and nails more protein to help with their growth and their health. My hair and my nails are the healthiest they have ever been. I find that my nails are much stronger and are not prone to breakage. My hair is longer, softer and rarely tangles as much. For vitamins, I always take Actilife Multivit (multivitamin) every morning with my breakfast as an insurance policy to help fill in the gaps where my diet is not able to reach.
As for fitness, I haven’t bought a lot of gym wear this year. My top favourite fitness apparel lines is Alphalete Athletics. I like the fit and detailing of their shorts and sports bras. They are expanding their colours ways and matching it with the seasons. I get the opportunity to explore wearing new colours to the gym. One of the best things about their fitwear is that the logo is not ostentatious and huge which I find very off-putting.
Haircare Products
When it comes to my hair, I only trust Equibotanics Marula Oil Leave-In Conditioner (Black Owned). I use it for daily moisturising after my training sessions. When I add a leave-in conditioner during wash day. It doesn’t leave any residue which is perfect for my following training day.
My favourite products to keep my scalp clean and hair conditioned is my Afrocenchix Swish (sulphate-free shampoo) and my ORS Olive Oil Replenshing Conditioner. They are my go-tos for wash day. To ensure that my scalp and hair are always hydrated and moisturised, I use my Afrocenchix Sheen spray and Soothe Scalp Oil (Black Owned). I like to use Vtessia Cosmetics Ultra Repair Hair Oil (Black Owned) daily on my edges. My trouble spots to help those areas grow and become healthier. I like that most of these products are full of essential, natural oils which means that my hair is getting care both inside and outside!
So there you have it! All of my summer 2021 favourites from Black Owned brands to skincare to haircare to fitness and bodycare products that I have been loving and hiding away. I have really spent this year exploring more things outside of the health and fitness industry which has been therapeutic. I’m discovering a lot of new things about myself. I highly recommend that you do the same. If you have any extra products in these areas or others that I should check out, drop them in the comments below and I’ll check them out. Remember you can shop more of my looks featured on my blog, instagram and Pinterest on my Shop LTK account.
Until next time,
Folakemi
Thank you for sharing!
You’re always welcome! Thank you for reading 😊