As I approached my thirties, I began to take more seriously that my skin was starting to age. I would say that it began with the grey hair but, then again, school is stressful. I began to notice more and more when my face would get kind of gritty over a few days, and the dryness increased. Who knew that taking care of my skin would become a source of self-care. It is my daily time to slow down and be present. But this is not why you’re here.
This year I have been on a quest to create a skin regimen with products that were produced by black women. Put a pin in that though, we’ll get there. My sorority sister put me on to an apothecary owned by a black woman in Houston called Kissed by A Bee. I looked at the Etsy shop and promised that one day I would purchase something from her.
Well, wouldn’t you know that I went to the HTX Boss Babes Spring event and Kissed by a Bee was one of the vendors! Akilah, the owner, is a 3rd generation herbalist and fellow Taurean and natural. Of course, I made a purchase of the Osun Face Wash, and the man got the Body Butter. Akilah was kind enough to gift me the Charcoal Face Mask to try for review. Here we go!
Osun Face Wash:
This face wash is wonderfully minty. It is water based with Camwood as it’s main ingredients. Camwood is native to Nigeria and used as an anti-inflammatory. It has a lot of antioxidants and is said to improve blood circulation and fights wrinkles. Osun is a cleanser that can be used for the face, body, as well as the hair. For $20 you get 8oz of product. 
I thought the consistency was quite watery, which I wasn’t expecting. This face wash does not foam, but my Lord does it smell amazing, and it makes the face tingle a little as you wash. My face feels most clean when I use it with my spin brush. Overall I like it, especially paired with the charcoal mask.
Charcoal Face Mask:
The Charcoal Face Mask is made with activated charcoal and bentonite clay. Bentonite clay absorbs negative charging toxins, as does activated charcoal. This mask is going to detox the hell out of that face, honey. It also has a smattering of delicious essential oils: lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree. It is meant to detox and can be used on the face, underarms, and privates. For $28 you get 20oz of mask. Do be mindful that if you’re allergic to aspirin, this may not be for you.
Now, if you have ever made a bentonite clay mask, you know that it is intense. A bentonite mask will suck your whole soul away. This mask, for me, was much gentler. The mask itself is very silky and easy to apply. Putting on a thin layer of the product takes about 10-15 minutes to dry and should be rinsed with lukewarm water. The lavender with the eucalyptus and mint is super relaxing, the whole experience was just luxurious. When I have rinsed the mask off my face not only does it feel soft and CLEAN, it feels moisturized. I love doing this mask. BUY IT.
These products are just great. I have used them for a little over a month, and I am really enjoying them. I use the face wash daily and the mask about once a week. The pair are a whole mood for the self-care and the slowing down. When I met Akilah, she was AMAZING. So very warm and fierce. Her products are such good quality. I would totally purchase again. Check her out at https://www.kissedbyabee.com
Love and Light,
~S
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