Editorials. Duckie Thot. Yaya Deng. Akual-chels Ring. Deel Ojulu. Laud Magazine. Images by Thom Ke

Editorials. Duckie Thot. Yaya Deng. Akual-chels Ring. Deel Ojulu. Laud Magazine. Images by Thom Ke
"ELLE" Editorials. Duckie Thot. Yaya Deng. Akual-chels Ring. Deel Ojulu. Laud Magazine. by Thom Kerr

Friday, November 22, 2019

Why Creating A Natural Line Of Cosmetics


Well, where do I start?

By being a make up artist, a groomer but also a mother, I have been always interested in clean beauty. 
Products that combine health, wellness and green together. I care for the planet we live in but also the body and skin I am In. 
I was always looking for premium women, men skincare and haircare products, even more so when I started losing my hair because of under-active thyroid and hormone imbalance. 
However I couldn't find a brand that met my needs. I wanted products that were not only the best on the market, but also ones that used natural ingredients.

As I was born in Africa, I always was yearning for the most raw, natural, soothing, rare, healing and handmade products. The same herbal mixtures that my mother and grand-mother used on my siblings and I growing up.
However living in the USA, far from the motherland. It became very challenging to find these elixirs. 
Moreover, it was nearly impossible to find a brand my husband and son could relate to as men, something for the every day teens and men. After years of searching, I decided to take the matter into my own hands and create ALM Cosmetics to bring to the industry a range of African oils mixed with herbal products like CBD, that have been valued for generations for their benefits to the whole body. 
"ALM Cosmetics" is specializing in making natural hair, skin and body care products from oils coming from the motherland, the Caribbeans and the USA. 

It all started in New York. I simply had passion to make the purest and most naturally effective body care products for our growing family and friends. It was not long before we noticed that our products generated interest. 
Our journey continues today as we keep expanding our line of natural handmade products and semi-natural mixed with alcohol free fragrance oils.

At "ALM Cosmetics" we give you the choice to purchase 100% Natural, Organic, Fragrance-Free products or if you prefer them to be scented, we have a variety of fragranced oils that we use for what I call our semi-natural skincare line.
These oils are ordered from a manufacturer, distributor, importer and exporter of the highest quality fragrance oils found in the USA. Est 1971.

Our products are not massed produced, they are mostly made the old fashioned, traditional, hand-processed way. It is our way to preserve the natural « Essence » of our products while respecting the ancient secrets, paying homage to the ancestors that passed on the recipes and tribal sacred knowledge.

Combining Beauty and Wellness is our philosophy.
Essential and Natural oils will revive your hair texture.
You will be amazed to see how raw, natural ingredients can renergize your hair and scalp.
ALM Cosmetics is all about simple and affordable skincare and hair care.

We invite you to use our line of products for a healthier and thicker hair but also a brighter, smoother, more beautiful skin.

Our products are proudly made in the USA but most definitely rooted in Africa.

So check out the launch of our whole Skincare and Haircare line for Men and Women, in February 2020. 
www.alm-cosmetics.com



















Last but not least! As the founder of ALM Cosmetics, I have decided to collaborate with "Personalities" of the diaspora that mean a lot to me. I believe we are always stronger together, so that's why it was mandatory to work with illustrator/Artist Nicholle Kobi for our first collaboration. Together we have created a limited edition collection, called "NOIRE by NKM".


“We are two women, two artists united by our love for our diverse cultural heritage and our determination to empowering self-expression through beauty and art.”

To celebrate the movement "Black is beautiful," it was important to design a unique Beauty Box including a perfume oil, a scented body butter and a room freshener.

NOIRE FRAGRANCE

A unique fruity-floral Perfume Oil. Noire is a hair and body oil. An everlasting ”Essence de Parfum” gentle and warm.
The signature ”roll on bottle” is created with a black cap.
The composition is inspired by Nicholle Kobi’s radiant and feminine yet humble personality.
ALM cosmetics has chosen a scent with enveloping notes of Jasmine, accents of Rose, a blend of grapefruit, blueberry, lily, musk, and cedar notes.
The goal was to embody Sophistication, Grace and Love... that “Je ne sais quoi”!

NOIRE BODY BUTTER

A Natural Raw Blend Of Geranium, Jamaican Black Castor, Hemp Seeds, Coconut, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Grapeseed Oils, Shea Butter and rare African Oils. In addition a bit of fragrance to perfume your skin. The best is to apply after shower when your skin is towel dried.

NOIRE FRESHENER 

An All-in-One Air Freshener (room, car, bedding). It contains Natural ingredients (Baking soda and essential oils) mixed with "Noire" fragrance to quickly freshen any room with a Floral-fresh scent. It Comes in a spritz air freshener bottle. Free of Artificial Colors and Parabens. All ingredients are naturally derived.
It can be used directly on fabrics like chairs, linen, bedding and drapes with no stain or alteration to the fabric. 

Holidays season is here, it is a great gift set to purchase for your loved ones.
It is a limited edition so you have to hurry before it gets "sold out". Also you can check out Nicholle's Art on her website below. Go and Support!

www.nichollekobi.com













Thursday, November 21, 2019

"ALM-Cosmetics" meets Cannabis

Did you know that in the family of « Cannabis » there are 3 species?
Three variety of plants? Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis. 
Cannabis plants also have genders.
A female plant, a male plant and sometimes a hermaphrodite.

The Hemp is the male plant.
The characteristic between male and female is the chemical composition contained within each plant.
Both can produce high amounts of CBD, the non-intoxicating cannabis compound. 

The intoxicating molecule is called THC. It is produced at very different levels.
The male usually contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
The Female contains up to 30% THC.

Male plants don’t contain any THC therefore can’t give any sort of high or psychoactive effect. 
But offer other kinds of cannabinoids which are capable of offering a myriad of medicinal properties for the consumer’s wellness. 

I personally always search for what they call Full Spectrum CBD.
Full spectrum CBD means the entire cannabis male plant is being used to provide a concentrated nutritious oil, which includes many molecules like the CBD, CBN, CBC and more. It is important to use at all time high concentrations of full spectrum cannabinoids where the calming benefits of CBD are amplified by all the other amazing cannabinoids and nutrient-dense terpenes in the plant. 

You can use my products by applying them to your skin, hair and scalp to enjoy the medicinal properties that this plant has to offer.

I use CBD and Hemp Seed Oil that can help reduce fine lines as well as prevent signs of aging from developing. 
The linoleic acids and oleic acids found in the hemp seed oil play a role in skin health and anti-aging, so they're important nutrients to add to your skincare, haircare and diet routine.
Hemp Seed Oil has been available in health food stores and skin care abundantly.”
It is derived from the seeds of the plants only.
It contains no cannabinoids, not CBD, THC, CBN and CBC. 
On the contrary, the basis of CBD products are made from flowers and leaves of the male plant, where all those beneficial cannabinoids mentioned prior, live. 
Imagine combining both CBD and Hemp Seed Oil in one product, Powerful!

The male plant is a total remedy for the mind, body and soul.
We are not yet aware of how amazing Cannabis (Hemp) is. It is the medicine from the earth without any of the mind-altering effects of THC. However it contains other crucial compounds. 
CBN and CBC are other cannabinoids just like CBD. CBN has shown promise as sleep aid and CBC as a remedy for acne.
Obviously it needs more research to be responsibly introduced to the beauty industry. Slowly but surely! 

The future of cosmetic cannabis is bright. We are just starting, testing and understanding the three cannabis plants and genders (male, female and hermaphrodite) and its many beneficial properties.

The secret behind my homemade, handmade, natural "ALM cosmetics" line is the rare African oils mixed with CBD oil and Hemp Seed Oil which is non comedogenic, meaning NO pores clogging.
It contains anti-inflammatory gamma linoleic acid (GLA) as well as omega -3 -6 and -9. Hemp seed oil has fatty acid better than fish and flaxseed oils. Among many benefits, these EFAs give more elastic skin and shiny, stronger hair. Since hemp seeds are a good source of polyunsaturated. Studies have shown gamma linoleum acid (GLA) has benefits in inflammatory diseases. People with eczema may improve blood levels of essential fatty acids. Thanks to the hemp seed oil, they can be relieved from dry skin and itchiness.
The whole cannabis male plant (seeds, leaves, flowers) is a source of concentrated oils making it a powerful holistic health tool.




Our website will be launched on 2/1/2020, we thank you for your support.

 www.alm-cosmetics.com 



Thursday, August 15, 2019

Going Against Aging Of The Face

Now Ladies and Gents, this is the subject that everyone feels concerned about!
Am I not right? Liquid facelift aka Fillers and Botox are now being used globally by regular consumers. Simply because the secret to youth is fascinating for anyone. There is no limitation to ages, races or gender.

Since I have reached the club of the '40s and over, I have been using a more holistic approach to beauty. In my opinion, women can now unlock their full potential, look and feel the best they can, both inside and out.

As a professional makeup artist, skincare enthusiast and nutrition fanatic. I have developed a taste for trying natural products and accessories that supposedly help to slow down the process of aging.

In Eastern medicine, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure."

So whether it is food supplements, skincare routines, treatments, light therapies, facials, massages, you name it, I am on it!
It is all about preventing instead of healing.

In this article (part 1), I am introducing you to what I believe has helped my skin tremendously. I have found devices that help to stay young forever or at least try! lol...
In addition to that, I have  thrown away all my expensive moisturizers, face scrubs, eye creams, and serums to finally create homemade and handmade cosmetics.

(In part 2) I will also show you the supplement I use preventing me from fatigue, hormonal unbalance, weight gain, etc... My superlife "STC 30." (It sounds already pretty powerful doesn't it?)

(In part 3) I will finally showcase some of the cosmetics made in my kitchen and speak more about them. 

Now let's get to it! (Part 1) 

The key to organic, pure and natural beauty starts with good tools for good home therapy. 
Have you heard about the benefits of "Facial Cupping?"
It is a form of alternative anti-aging medicine, like accupuncture, in which a local suction is made on the skin (think about a vaccum). The negative pressure due to the suction loosens muscles, encourage blood circulation which is the secret for a glowy skin, rejuvenates and treats facial wrinkles and water retention.

You can find books teaching you all the basics on the art of cupping or simply book an appointment at your favorite esthetician. It is so therapeutic to me while getting an instant facelift. I usually do it once a week.
It helps prevent acne and dryness. Improves blood circulation which helps nourish skin cells by keeping them hydrated and vital. Blood delivers oxygen and nutrients to cells. Cupping detoxifies facial skin by stimulating lymphatic drainage, improves skin texture by making it toned and smooth. It provides also a deep cleansing effect by stimulating sebaceous and sweat glands.

What are you waiting for? Get yourself a set and learn how to use it the right way. 
Personally, the way I go by it is by applying on clean skin my cocktail of vitamin E and natural oils blend, then I keep constantly moving the cups on my face for 15 to 20 minutes then go to bed for a good night sleep. Remember there is a method to this therapy to avoid bruising etc....It is always best to use 2 cups in symmetrical motion all over your face, neck and surrounding areas like your decolleté.
Relax and enjoy until next time for (Part 2)

Check out this interview:
https://youtu.be/2tYW3fT8S9M


























Thursday, March 21, 2019

Bye Bye Anxiety

Hey guys!!

I am back after a long abscence! I have missed you guys!!
Doing so many things and started new ventures. 2018 was the year to plant and grow, 2019 is now the time to blossom.
I will update you in details very soon on what is cooking in my kitchen :)

My sister came to visit me for three months and brought me from Europe a great remedy for my anxiety. Yes! like a lot of people, when life gets hectic, my heart starts pumping faster so I am always on a hunt for some go to "stress buster".

Well my search is over! My sister introduced me to the Bach Flowers. Finally a flower remedy that works. A natural way to restore emotional wellness.
Whenever I feel worried, preoccupied, tired or even sad. Yes Bach flowers help with grieving! can you imagine? It is the way to get back on track.

The bach flower remedies are all vegan (plant based obviously) composed of flower blossoms mixed with spring water, bathed by the sun and preserved with a little bit of alcohol.

The remedies were formulated in the 1930's by Dr Bach, who understood that emotional well-being is crucial to general health.
He created 38 flowers remedies, each combination target a certain emotion to rebalance the mind, body and soul.

It is possible to create your own custom blend based on your own emotional needs, so don't hesitate to make your own cocktail.

My favorite is Bach Star of Bethlehem, it neutralizes the effects of shock from my daily life, a great homeopathic "anti-depressant" to stress less, helping me to remain in control and master the art of stillness.

Such a simple option to use to soothe my pain, obstacles and sorrows, I sometimes face.
Few drops in a glass of water et voila!!

It is not FDA evaluated yet but largely used in Europe, all your family can use Bach remedies at any time of the day. It contains 27% of alcohol.

Go check out the whole line of Bach products and find your remedy.

Peace, Love and Light my sisters and brothers. A bientot!










*images subject to copyright, taken from google images...