We moved to Africa!!!

 It has been a long time since I have written on my blog. Therefore I have to update you on my last endeavors. I am still working on the skincare and haircare beauty products, the website is now launched finally @ www.alm-cosmetics.com . Hélas! It was delayed because of the pandemic and put on hold the whole world but as I say when life gives you lemon you must make lemonade. You can shop for my products 100% made in Africa. 

Moreover, my little family decided to take a break from the USA and move to Tanzania. have you heard about Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam? Well I think you see the picture! I am in "aww" every day living here. The landscape is just breathtaking. 

The good thing about taking a break is that it allows me to be free. We work from home and my son enrolled in online schooling. We could not feel more blessed in a very tough time. I feel for people that had no other choices but to be on full lockdown. We left right before the American elections 2020 and never looked back.

We found peace of mind here. Locals are welcoming and we try to contribute as much as possible in the economy of country.

To be continued...

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

"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.

https://youtu.be/4GvVqB0_OAE

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

 www.alm-cosmetics.com 

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

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...

Don't hate the player...Hate the game for loving it way too much!

Hey guys,
I am back on the blog to share with you my new creative venture.
I am taking a risk because I never been involved in a business like this before. It is the first time and it is truly an unknown territory.
It gives me life to create this new art project that is a little different than the usual. It is not related to beauty or grooming at all. Nevertheless it is made to make you feel good in a different way.

As you know I am driven by passion and as my mother would say "the more you love your decisions the less you need others to agree or love them, just remain authentic to your ideas and the rest will follow." Well I hope that you guys, as my faithful readers will support and enjoy it too.


I have been lately spending a lot of time with my friends in the cozy setting of their homes or mine.
At our gatherings we have made it a habit to play games.
So it gave me the idea of creating a game of my own, to entertain my guests.
Playing for the sole purpose to get conversation going at the start of my parties or when people meet for the first time.
However I wanted to appeal to couples as well, for a more intimate setting, who are trying to get closer and discover about each other.
So I created "LE ICEBRKR" for mastering the art of  intimately “Breaking the ice”.

For a child, "PLAY" is the way for exploring and learning, developing new skills, and connecting with others. Through "PLAY" children practice talking, singing, writing, reading and developing skills that serve as a foundation for the future.
I think the enemy of the mind is boredom, therefore Human Beings have a tendency to always look for new adventures, new sensation, new stimulation starting at a young age.

"PLAY" allows the thrill to stay alive. A feeling of excitement. It is the vital activity that, children turned into adults, use to learn about and interact with their world to gain the mental, physical and social skills necessary to succeed in their adult lives.” 

A good game pushes anyone to engage in conversation, practicing the skills of listening, introspecting, owning opinions and uses our creative minds. "PLAY" develops social skills like taking turns and using eye contact, body language and gestures.
It brings people together and helps us getting to know each other.
I believe that “PLAY” is associated with intense thought activity, adrenaline and rapid intellectual growth.
Moreover, it is easy to carry anywhere you want this 4-inch acrylic "ICE CUBE" with 160 questions.

'So people play and keep on playing at given days anywhere you go".

More than just a friendly question game, "LE ICEBRKR" will help you start a new tradition around friends, family and intimate gatherings. The questions are designed to encourage conversations between everybody. It’s perfect for places like hotel lobbies, bar tables, cigar lounges or reunions, holiday gatherings, family picnics and any special events with sample questions like:


-Describe the role of a woman and a man in a relationship
-Have you ever been stalked
-Never have I ever...
-Do you have an idea of what your purpose on earth is
-Name your favorite love song, play it or sing it
-What is the most embarrassing thing you have done while intoxicated 
-What are your main core values  
-Name your biggest pet peeves
-Worse piece of advises you have received 
-What are your guilty pleasures 
-What do you splurge on
-Have you ever secretly lust on your close friend’s partner 
-How do you keep the bedroom time playful
-If you could be anywhere now, where would you be
-Which is better: asking for permission or asking for forgiveness
-What is the hardest lesson you had to learn in life
-Who would you want to have as a famous guest for dinner
-How would you wish to die 
-Is there anything you consider absolutely unforgivable 



“Play is the highest form of research.” — Albert Einstein



Here is a sneak peek of my classic yet artistic, sleek, chic and minimalist adult game, designed by Thy MissaMoody, soon available online for purchase (25$).

All I want for my birthday is a perfect skin with VI peel precision plus

Hey guys I am back on the blog, after my time in Los Angeles for the All star week end, mainly to speak about beauty... yes it has been a while since I wrote an article on products that inspire me and will surely inspire you too. Not long ago I was offered a session at a skincare specialist. Her name is Alvina Martirosian. Yes she is from Armenia. She is an international medical skincare specialist.
Her precision and knowledge is extreme. She has over 15 years of experience in the field of facial rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction. You can find Alvina's location in NY and NJ. Make sure you book an appointment in advance, she is very popular! 
Call 212-472-8872 or 201-960-9857 "LENOX HILL LASER ESTHETIC"( 210 East 68th st Street, #1F, NY, NY 10065 ).

I felt in good hands as soon as I stepped in her office.
Since I am turning 40 years old in 3 weeks, I wanted to try a procedure called VI peel precision plus.

VI peel is a medium-strength peel that can effectively reach a deeper layer of the skin than superficial peels.  When your new skin is reborn after about 7 days, you will see a marked improvement to your skin texture. You will look more radiant and less dull in just one application. But scars, wrinkles or pigmentation problems will require a series of treatment.
Precision Plus is a powerful booster and pad system developed specifically to treat stubborn melasma, pigmentation, and acne scarring. This booster is added to the VI Peel, creating the ultimate treatment choice for more dramatic results.

VI peel gained its popularity when many famous celebrities were reportedly using it. VI peel differentiates itself from other medium peel as a painless peel that is suitable for all skin tones, and requires no preconditioning.

The reason why I chose the VI Precision Peel, which is 25% stronger than the regular VI peel is simply because Alvina looked at my skin and gave me her diagnostic. My main concern was open pores, sun damage and high pigmentation.

Alvina applied eight layers of the VI Precision peel on my face, neck and chest. There wasn’t any pain at all.
Not even a slight tingling. It was unbelievably painless.
She then wiped my face, neck and chest with a post-peel towelette containing retinoic acid and vitamin C et voilà all done!
The smell was totally bearable, nothing to complain about.
Alvina made sure to give me all post peeling instructions from day one to day seven.
 
Day 1

Mandatory to keep the peel on for 4 hours.

washing off the acid with VI derm cleanser for all skin types with cold water.

Dry the skin softly and wait 10 minutes to use both sides the post peel (lime green color) towelette. Use it on face, neck and chest. Let it dry.

After 15 minutes use on the same exact areas another towelette, both sides (but this time the dark green color one). Let it dry.

30 minutes before bed, put all over the face, neck and chest a very thick layer of the « VI Derm anti-itch cream post peel protectant » with active ingredient 1% hydrocortisone.

THE VI PEEL KIT
The treatment came with a take-home kit containing:

Cleanser
VI peel towelette (2x lime green and 2x dark green)
Post Peel Protectant Hydrocortisone
SPF50 Sun Protection
Day-by-Day instructions

ONE HOUR BEFORE BEDTIME
An hour before bedtime, I used the hydrocortisone cream, applied the thick layer over my face, neck and chest.

Tomorrow we will repeat the same step by step....A demain! 

I am back to tell you about day 2 and 3: 

Day 2 

I slept quite well though I remember feeling a little itch on my face during the night. I tolerated the itch well and did not need to use more of any post-peel protectant anti-itch cream 1% hydrocortisone.
By morning, the itch had stopped.
I was able to go about with my day and face the public. At this stage, it was alright to put on makeup on but I didn’t. I made sure to apply the post peel protectant cream and the sun block from day 2 onwards.
But so far no peeling just my skin feeling tight.
At night, there was a little peeling around my nose and mouth.
I proceed doing the same routine as yesterday. I wiped my face vigorously with the post-peel towelettes both sides an hour before bedtime. It was just fine!
I also purchased during the day a healing ointment called Aquafor* for dry, cracked and irritated skin. I applied it all over my face and neck. It felt amazing

Day 3

I woke up with sensitive dry lips, even though they were untouched by VI Precision peel.
I did not know, VI peel can seep or leak to areas where the acid was not applied. So expect peeling in areas that were spared.

Other than my lips, No major changes, I am not a snake yet! No full peeling yet. Just a shiny dry layer over my face, neck and chest. It is the layer that is going to peel anytime soon. I decided to see stay home all day since it is the week end.
Alvina and I spoke on the phone (I was wondering if I could wear makeup on day 4, tomorrow! Since I am supposed to be out and about meeting some people).

So far at 6 pm my forehead is starting peeling, my face is feeling warm, I feel a burning sensation  I have applied more Aquafor* and anti-itch 1% hydrocortisone cream. Hopefully I won’t be peeling everywhere.
So I can go out and not be grounded, at least for the next couple of days.

Tonight I will wash my face as usual, like day 1 and 2 but extremely gentle. To avoid
as water softens the skin, skin to roll away, earlier than it should. It can be very painful, extreme stinging when post peel protectant is applied later. So guys my advice, be patient!

 Day 4 and 5
I went out to meet friends, I had a hat on, applied my sunscreen all over my face, neck and chest. 
Let me tell you it was not a nice sight! 
My friends were acting as if it was nothing but truly it was horrible to watch. I scared my own self lol. 
When I came back, I washed the makeup off gently, pad my face dry, and got into my bed, I slept pretty widely, tossing and turning. Dreaming about many different things.
Uncomfortable! I kept waking up but did not scratch my face. The level of itch was not too bad.

The morning of day 5, my lips were cracked, i could barely open them, especially the corners. I felt totally restricted. My face is now patchy, dead skin was hanging off multiple parts of my face. I feel dry everywhere. My skin texture is uneven. I think I will not recover by day seven. I look and feel ugly at this point but it is worth it. I can see the areas that have already peeled, my pores and skin look so smooth and clean. I am so tempted to speed up the process but I will not.

Day 6

I am starting looking pretty normal, my forehead  and hairline is still hanging to the dead skin but so far so good. My old skin is coming off. My neck and chest are just now peeling. It is apparently the way it goes, always 2 to 3 days later later than the face. I spotted also some pimples but I know that it is the Layers of cream I have been applying since day one that has caused the reaction. However these are little pimples nothing major. It will be gone in no time. My skin right is dehydrated and flaky but i can see that as soon its normal PH level will return. I will be very happy of the result.
 I can't wait for day seven to see if my face has completely peeled. Then we can assess the results. I am tempted to go for a microdermabrasion on day nine for more instant glow, since I am supposed to see Alvina who is going to introduce me to her new laser hair removal machine and Sculpture "the new smarter way to sculpt my body, redefine my shape with no surgery, no downtime, just results". 
Let's see if it is true! but before that I will give you my final feedback on the results of the VI PEEL PRECISION PLUS.
In a week or two I will let you know if I had a collagen boost, if my pores became smaller and if my skin pigmentation has faded.
So three weeks has gone since my peeling and let me tell you! the caterpillar turned into a butterfly, my skin is glowing. I have added another treatment #lasergenesis for a tighter skin. The result is impeccable. I absolutely recommend it.