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Black Refuses to Crack Recs

Purple Star emoji 17 items
I plan on aging like Angela Bassett so.
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Face care

 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
It's been the first product to really help my hyperpigmentation and textured skin. Also has lightened dark spots on my body in record time. Remember: this is for your nighttime face routine.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
Second step in my daytime routine! Has really helped with texture and hyperpigmentation.
1.0 oz Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% Serum for Oily Skin - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
At my big age of 37, I still deal with acne, specifically hormonal acne along my jawline, cheeks and chin. Once I learned how to properly use this (at night after toning), my face is clearer and hormonal acne isn't as intense. Granted, taking my prop...
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, Exfoliating Serum for Acne - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
3rd step in my routine! This really helped clear dark spots from old acne scars. Also helped with uneven tone and gives just a "oomph" to my skin, giving plump and clear.
Alpha Arbutin 2% + Hyaluronic Acid for Hyperpigmentation - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
I started using Retinol a few years ago and started with this bottle. Gentle yet powerful. One of my fav products to date!
Retinol 0.5% in Squalane, Intermediate Retinol Serum - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
I specifically use this during my cycle to combat acne and texture. Been a lifesaver!
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% High-Strength Exfoliating Serum for Uneven Texture - The Ordinary | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
This was the perfect find for easy re-application on the go! No white cast, moisturizing and adds a sheen of glow. I do have combo/oily skin but my face has not broken out due to this product.
Ultra Sheer Non-Greasy SPF 60 Face Sunscreen Stick - Neutrogena | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
I was super nervous to try this as snail+my face didn’t sound appealing at all. But after some research, I gave it a try and BAYBEEEEE. Who is she? How'd she get in here? I use this in balance with Retinol so I don't shock my skin. The plumpness and ...
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence - COSRX | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
Marshall's has the gems. I purchased this a while back as a compliment to my toner and it's been lovely. It's both light and thick, not heavy and noncomedogenic. It's the penultimate layer before sunscreen. Great addition to the routine.
Farmstay Black Snail & Peptide 9 Perfect Emulsion
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
Tbh, this was the first sunscreen I ever used consistently. The care and intention put into this brand made me feel, "oh, you see me. Thank you." I have oily/combo skin and have never experienced a breakout from BGS. I love the glow of this product b...
Make It Hybrid Broad Spectrum SPF 50 - Black Girl Sunscreen | Ulta Beauty
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
I just started using this as a key find at Marshall's. So far, it's really nice! The texture is thicker than most toners or essences, feeling like a hug to the face. Too early to see how this will elevate my routine but no breakouts or skin issues, s...
DumiDang Red Bean Essence Toner 200mL
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
I finally have both heavyhitters! I use the thicker cream at night to seal in my skincare and protect my skin barrier. Real glazed donut tease. Excited to see how well it works in the winter months. Definitely recommend!
Advanced Snail 92 All in one Cream

Body care

 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
30+ girlies/theybies know a good Retinol routine will have you getting carded randomly. I consider this the first layer in the skincare routine. It starts in the shower.
Olay Renewing Body Wash for Women, Nighttime, Retinol, 20 fl oz
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
Again, big age with acne. Oily/combo skin extends beyond my face so this helps combat body acne as well as strips sweat and odor at the source.
Dove Acne Clear Body Wash for Women with 1% Salicylic Acid for Acne Prone Skin, 18.5 oz
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
I just discovered this and I love it so far. I've dealt with Endometriosis since age 13 and oftentimes need something that goes beyond a simple wash. This one offers body-safe ingredients with prebiotics that support PH imbalances due to Endo. Been g...
VH Essentials Tea Tree Daily Feminine Wash, 6 OZ
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
Listen. LISTEN. My skin is softer, my plants are flourishing, my face is clearer and my bank account is overflowing. That's how much these African net sponges have changed my life.
4-Piece African Exfoliating Net Sponge Set
 
Joi Donaldson profile picture
I have one spot of eczema on my chest that has only appeared as an adult. It pops up out of nowhere, gets red, itchy and irritated then leaves dark marks and scars once healed. I researched for months for something to help with the scarring and came ...
Faded Brightening + Clearing Serum (Unscented)