As a black person, finding sun protection that doesn’t leave my skin looking ashy and dry has always been a challenge.

Zinc Oxide is one of the main ingredients in the strongest sun creams.

While it is excellent for protecting the skin from harmful rays, it can cause a bright blueish white cast on the face of even the lightest of black people.

This unfortunate side effect leaves brown and black skin looking dull, dry, and chalky.

In my journey to find the perfect sunscreen for my variety of skin needs, I tested a myriad of different brands and types to suit all occasions and levels of protection.

Being dark-skinned made my challenges unique.

Some products coated my skin like a bad foundation, while others were gems that changed my perspective of sunscreen forever!

Here, I list and compare my best finds that worked flawlessly with my brown skin tone.

The workplace is an environment that comes with a variety of different situations that are vastly different from what one encounters in regular society. There are nuances that come with dealing with co-workers, bosses, clients, and even friends and family that can make keeping a zen work environment seem nearly impossible.

This problem is multiplied tenfold when the issue of race and culture is added to the mix. In the modern workplace, it is common to encounter individuals from all backgrounds and walks of life. In many cases, this is a beautiful opportunity to learn and grow with the likes of individuals you may not have encountered in daily life.

On the other hand, there are times that these differences in culture can lead to a host of issues that make it hard for black women to have a comfortable experience in the workplace. These uncomfortable situations are called microaggressions, and dealing with them can take a significant toll on self-esteem and progress within the workplace.

The beauty of black skin comes in its diverse and radiant nature. Black women come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and backgrounds from all walks of this earth. Our skin tones are often the talk of society in both positive and negative ways. While the culture surrounding shades of black skin has been politicized and almost demonized, it is time to highlight and celebrate the beauty in all of our lovely tones and how they are so similar and so different in many ways.

As people become more and more aware of the toxins and chemicals in traditional skincare, there has been a movement to green products and ingredients. People monitor the creation of their product as well as its contents to ensure it only holds the least damaging, and most wholesome parts. While this has proved to be helpful and much better than traditional methods, there are still some enthusiasts who seek total control over their products through the use of natural remedies.

For those of us who suffer from sensitive skin and systems, natural skincare creation is a way we can protect our bodies and customize our experience with skincare. Below are a couple of our favorite natural skin recipes from beloved bloggers!

Motherhood is one of those universal cornerstones of societies big and small. Pregnancy can bring a variety of trans-formative and life-altering experiences that shape mothers from all different cultures and backgrounds. The rites of motherhood can vary in different places, but expectant mothers throughout the world all share a desire for help and communal support.

While the majority of women find comfort within their networks and known doctors, others choose to find support within those who study and become experts in this field. For these people, their search extends to alternative services. Some cultures have a name for these professionals. Depending on where you go, they are called midwives or nurses, and they are widely known as essential figures in the child birthing process. A lesser-known figure in this world is a doula, and they are growing in popularity and influence in the western world of motherhood.

Oil has been used as a moisturizing and sealing agent for skin and hair for centuries. In earlier times, ancient Egyptians often used castor oil on their hair to soothe itchy scalps, seal in moisture, and add shine and health back to the hair. Oil has a special place in the beauty cabinet of black women and always has.

Most people in our culture remember the days of mama oiling their scalp, or using Jamaican black castor oil for daily maintenance. For many of us, it has become such an essential part of our everyday routines that we do not even realize there are a multitude of ways to use it! One of the most common yet least discussed ways to use oil in your hair care regimen is through hot oil treatments.

Dating culture in the western world has evolved with the political climates and moral notions of the times we have endured. Things that were considered standard practice in relationships are now considered taboo, and vice versa.

With the softening of gender roles and expectations, many traditional dating practices have become obsolete and looked at as pomp and circumstance instead of grand gestures of love and appreciation. One of the most basic, but highly significant of those things is the age-old question of who pays for dinner?

Allspice berries, scotch bonnet peppers, brown sugar… Jerk seasoning has long been a staple in the pantries of Jamaican families and culture. The versatile blend of spices is perfect for all meat and seafood, grilled veggies, and can be added to any dish to give it a little kick and bold new flavor. The beauty of jerk seasoning is in its versatility and shelf life. A batch of jerk seasoning or paste can last years, and with a few delicious recipes, you could create your own in no time! Below are a few recipes for jerk seasonings and paste that are sure to impress even the most vocal of dinner table critics.

Sometimes, a girls night does not need to include leaving the house to be a perfect time. A night on the town can be energy draining, time-consuming, and suck the fun out of bonding with your girlfriends in a positive way.

Are crowded dancefloors, loud music, and expensive drinks not your scene? Check out the girls night in ideas below for get-togethers sure to make lasting memories!

There is not a culture on earth that has not incorporated plants and herbs into health rituals, recipes, and fixes at some point in their history. Each nation has different names for these things. Aryuveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, or even down-home remedies are all comprised of the same stuff: Plants. In today’s age, many have become aware of the importance of plant-based remedies in their journey to natural health and vitality.

People are finding themselves turning to healthier forms of healing than the pharmaceuticals and drugs that doctors traditionally prescribe. In addition to being attentive about eating choices, activity levels, and overall well being, people are also using plants and herbs are as medicine to treat small ailments and encourage good health. From those plants and herbs are things called essential oils, which are excellent extracts to supplement a healthy lifestyle and ensure that the body maintains optimal vitality.