Sutra Magazine 002: Elements

SUTRA

002

EL

E

M

E

N

TS

BUTORS

CONTRI

COCO + CHIS

WA-KO: Wami Aluko ARAMI ESSENTIALS: Ore Runsewe SKINNEEDS: Demilade Osusina Kankemwa S BEJEWELLED BUD: Anjola Fagbemi CONFIDENT & KILLING IT: Tiwalola Ogunlesi POLL THERAPY: Sutra.

SKIN LIBRARY: Abiola Renee

+ YOU SUTRA FAM

CONTENT 006.

016.

027.

044.

Chis + Coco's love letters.

Guide To Being More Eco-Friendly

Kanke Salako

Skin Library

009.

019.

028.

Natural Hair Care

SkinNeedsBlog

Anjola Fagbemi

010.

024.

034.

WA-KO

Hydrating 101: Skin

Confident & Killing It

012.

025.

041.

Arami Essentials

Hydrating 101: Hair

SUTRA.

Hi Sutra Fam,

Welcome to the second edition of the Sutra Digital Magazine (yay!).

We were so overwhelmed with the amount of love we received during

the launch of the first edition, it was unbelievable. It's truly a labor of

love which is why it's so rewarding hearing about your experiences

reading it. It made us even more excited to keep improving and bring

you even better content as well as more collaborators.

Edition 002 consists of 5 different sections; Earth, Water, Space, Fire

+ Air. Each element gives a completly different aura which we hope

your very dynamic self can relate to as well as take something from.

Expect to see content from some of our favorite women who are all on

their own unique and inspiring journeys, a guide on how to be more

eco friendly, skin + hair products shaking up our routine....

Sit back, dig deep and

enjoy edition 002

love always,

chis x coco

natural

foundation

surface

grounded

EARTH

Apple Cider Vinegar Bentonite Clay Charcoal Rice Water Avocado Egg Honey

Natural Haircare Products

..htraE ehT

Everything We Need Comes Right From

WA

CREATINGÂ

Wami Aluko.

Photographer.

Creative Director.

Filmmaker.

AUTHENTICALLY

KO

Prioritise quality not quantity It’s easy to get caught up in the race to constantly put out new content. However, the quality and social impact of what you create is way more significant to me than the amount. Your impact is what will set you apart.

Set an intention for the work you want to put out & stick with it It’s important to do everything with intention. For example, you can regularly ask yourself what thoughts and feelings you want to evoke with your work, making sure that everything you put out aligns with your unique vision at the time.

Create what you want to see, not what you think other people want to see Doing this, you avoid allowing other people’s opinions influence the way you perceive your own work. This allows you to create without boundaries. Again, setting yourself apart.

Remember not to limit yourself by a false sense of ‘authenticity' Though it’s important to stay true to oneself, the thought that you can only create a certain type of content that fits your image or personality for example is limiting. Experiment and don’t be afraid of change. Try things you may not typically do and you may surprise yourself.

Work primarily with people that truly inspire you It is so beneficial to collaborate with artists that deeply inspire you.

This way they can aid or add to your distinct vision.

Natural Skincare Products

Ore Runsewe Gemini Based in Lagos, Nigeria Beauty Secret: Peace of mind will make your skin the best it has ever been.

Aramiessentials.com

s a long-time beauty enthusiast,

Ore Runsewe didn't anticipate the

A

repeated challenges she would

have to face with

accessing trusted beauty essentials in

Nigeria. After moving back home in 2014, she

was forced to very quickly adapt and build on

some of her existing DIY routines which led

her to discover a whole new world of natural,

African beauty solutions.

Once exposed to the natural beauty world in

Africa, Ore was hooked. Coupled with the ease

of accessing raw materials and their

affordability in Nigeria and other parts of

Africa, this trailblazer identified an

entrepreneurial opportunity. Aware that

Africa isn’t commonly featured as a key

destination for finished beauty products, due

largely to issues around acceptable quality

and global export standards, Ore was

determined to create a new movement of

African beauty products becoming real players

in the global market and contribute her quota

to the changing face of manufacturing in

Nigeria by defining her own standards with

uncompromising quality and differentiated

branding. "No it hasn't been easy, but it has

been fulfilling" says the Lagos based

entrepreneur.

Where do you see Arami Essentials in 3 years?

I see it on the shelves of major beauty/wellness stores and in bedrooms/bathrooms worldwide.

I see it becoming a talking point for the re-emergence of beauty products from Africa globally.

What's one thing you want people to take away from the Arami Essentials

experience?

I want people to feel good physically, mentally and spiritually every time they use an

Arami product.

The story behind 3 Arami Essential Products

Glow Oil

our first product so it's my baby. Discovered

shea oil in 2016 and after seeing the effect on

my skin I knew it was a game changer.

Glow Scrub

20+ formulations before we got the right

one. We wanted a scrub that didn't dry out

and become useless after it was half used,

that's why it's oil based and the oil is in

abundance.

Onyx Polish

black soap doesn't have to be ugly or

stain everywhere. We wanted to create

something simple yet effective and this

was the outcome.

YOUR GUIDE TO

BEING MORE

ECO FRIENDLY

Be a more ethical shopper

ask yourself, is one day shipping necessary? try and stay away from plastic-based materials. buy a canvas bag you take with you during shopping trips. It's a much better alterative to wasteful generic plastic & paper bags Ditch disposable plates

your laziness isn't helping the planet love. Buy reusable plates, bowls + cutlery No More Beef

did you know a single burger requires 660 gallons of water? that's 36 showers ! switch to chicken, of all the meats it has the lowest carbon footprints Reusable Bottles

80% of plastic water bottles don't get recycled... plus, it takes 3 times the water in a bottle to produce one

ultra-sensitive

flowing

refreshing

drowning in it's depths

WATER

Founder

Demilade Osusina

SKINNEEDSBLOG

‘You are all together beautiful my darling, you have no flaw in you’ Songs of Solomon 4:7 That’s my advice. That is who you are; beautiful without any flaw.

Skincare is great, I love it. Wellness is incredibly vital; I take it very seriously.

However, nothing comes close to the need for God in everyone of our lives.

Get to know Him, it’ll undoubtedly be the best decision you’ll ever make.

I grew up with what some might refer to as ‘perfect’ skin. The compliments I received because of my skin made me somewhat selfassured, and therefore I became so dependent on my physical looks for selfconfidence.

When I first started to break out towards the end of 2017, it was fine. I was an extensive skincare junkie and knew exactly what products would help alleviate the acne. The products worked for sometime and then they stopped. At some point I would look in the mirror and not recognise myself. I would sit in bed and cry, sometimes feeling petrified of the idea that my skin would be ‘bad’ forever. Honestly it wasn’t a great time. But even in the midst of all that, I found inner peace in my quiet time with God. Not to be explicit, but in a sense, the presence of God became my drug.

I tried everything; facials, dermatologists, improving my (already healthy) diet; Nothing worked other than the presence of God. And that was it.

That was when I realised that only God could make me feel really beautiful; Not my skincare products, or my health and fitness routines. The presence of God consistently soothed my bruised sense of confidence and made me whole. Skinneeds was birthed through this realisation. God cares about your insecurities and imperfections. It's not that God will take away your acne (although I do believe God can do anything), it’s that He will take away the feeling that arises as a consequence of having a ‘ lawed’ appearance.

How Has your relationship with God changed over the years?

SO much! 3 years ago, my relationship with God was close to non-existent. I really only went to church when I felt like or when I felt guilty for staying away for too long.These days, church is my favourite place to be! Most importantly though, the presence of God is where I feel the safest, happiest and most content. I don’t go a day without communicating with God because I feel like I need Him everyday to do everything!

I would say the most drastic change in my personality following my encounter with God is a new found boldness. There’s something about knowing whose I am that makes me so bold, humbly bold!

Why Do You Think It's Important to Use Your Platform to Motivate Other Girls + Women?

Firstly, because I truly believe it’s a huge part of my purpose. I love God and I love women.

I’ve also been passionate about skincare and wellness for as long as I can remember. So I thought, why not use my passions combined to help others? My intention was never really to motivate people; it was to share my knowledge, my weaknesses, my strengths, my good times and my bad times. I’m thankful though that people message me saying lovely things about how I inspire them. I think its really beautiful but I can honestly only point all the glory and credit back to God. As young women, I think its important to build each other up by sharing and listening. I pray that Skinneeds continues to be just that – a platform that shares and listens, for every young woman who has questions, feels lost, or simply wants to be heard.

What's Your Current Skincare Routine?

I use the Aramiessentials onyx polish soap to cleanse my face and then the Cetaphil cleanser as a double cleanse. I don’t tone with cotton pads, I just mix filtered water with some rose water and lavender in a spray bottle and spray it on my face a ter cleansing.

When my face is still damp I use the Sunday riley tidal face cream or the avene hydrant moisturiser. I would typically use either a vitamin C serum or a B5 & Hyalauronic acid serum to moisture but I’m keeping things really simple atm. I finish off with the most important part of any skin routine – sun screen. Mine is from Body Shop and its really good. I use masks sometimes, when I feel like my skin needs it but honestly I try not to be too intrusive with my skin.

What's One Skincare Issue You've Struggled with and How Did You Overcome It? I would say hyperpigmentation or dark spots.

When you understand what hyperpigmentation really is, it’s difficult to complain about it. It’s a natural skin process that occurs to defend our skin against in lammation. In fact, if my pimples didn’t leave dark spots, I’d be worried! Other than topical treatments like vitamin C serums, AHA (glycolic acid), Azealic acid, koji acid, etc.; understanding my skin has really helped to deal with my skin concerns. Knowing why I’m breaking out (dairy, nut allergy, reacting to a product, etc.) is so important when trying to overcome skincare issues. I would really encourage everyone reading to read more about skincare issues and try and really understand your skin.

Find the root of the issue, don’t just deal with the a termath.

Hydrating 101: Skin

Cremamides

helps with water retention on the skin's

surface

Glycerin

Hylaronic Acid

acts like a humectant - attracts and locks

a hydration powerhouse - pulls

in hydration

water in and blankets it over

your complexion

Oil

Coconut Milk

hot oil treatments to prevent dryness and

contains lauric acid, an anticeptic that

breakage

treats dandruff, skin & scalp infections

Honey

seals moisture in hair strands

Hydrating 101: Hair

intergalactic

boundless

cold

cosmic

SPACE

Journey To....

I believe that discovering and evolving into who we really are is a journey and an adventure that lasts a life time. We are constantly trying to fit in on the one hand and also trying to stand out, be our own person on the other hand. What influences us? A whole lot! First, our families and the values and traditions we see and experience playing out around us. Then there are friends who themselves have their own different influences. General members of our immediate and wider community. Strong, well grounded people we can relate with are important to help us stay focused and embrace who we are. Because with so many competing and often conflicting influences, it can get confusing and one can run into the danger of losing oneself. Knowing there is at least someone relatable and trustworthy that one can turn to for guidance, for honest criticism and if necessary, helping to get us back on track, actually helps us to discover our authentic self.

Naturally, we look forward to a smooth ride and hopefully overall it isn’t overly draining. On the other hand, there is definitely something to be gained from being presented with and tackling challenges especially the kinds that help to stretch us and give us a fresh perspective. Every once in a while, there will be a bump, a need to swerve sharply or come to an abrupt stop. There are numerous detours, crossroads, sharp bends and curvy bends, going round in circles, slowing down and then picking up the pace again. It’s challenging and exciting at the same time.

Each phase of our lives comes with different experiences and each one hopefully gets us to discover a different part of who we are. In all of this our personal spirit speaks to us and guides us always. Recognizing that voice and learning to “stick with it “, is important towards ensuring that we are digging deep and truly becoming who we have been created to be.

S a w m e k n a K by

ANJOLA FAGBEMI

skincare

Skin type: Oily Problem areas: pores in my T zone area Main tips: I like to double tone and double moisturize my face

DAYTIME ROUTINE

I start the morning with La Roche-Possay Face Wash. it has a pH of 5.5 which is perfect because I know it’s not altering my skin pH in extreme ways.

After my face wash I like to air dry- or designate a special towel to drying my face. This reduces germs. The main aim is to not add bacteria/microorganisms to your face that wouldn’t normally be there.

I use Thayers Witch Hazel Toner (Rosewater or Cucumber) to tone my face and add a level of moisture to my face. I keep it in a spray bottle and drench my face in this glorious liquid. It's very cooling and refreshing.

I use a Hyaluronic Acid to add a second layer of moisture to my skin. This also helps with toning my face. The Hyaluronic acid is from Japan - and we all know the Japanese are the holy grail of skin care. It’s by a company called Hadablo and this Hyaluronic acid has the highest level of molecules per drop so it really sinks into my skin.

My third level of moisture is done by Snail Mucin from CosRX. I had first experienced it through my skincare angel of a best friend. This product has helped in adding moisture and also overall refined my skin in ways I can’t articulate. It’s the subtle difference that makes this product the perfect cherry on top.

Last step is double moisturizing with the Belif Aqua bomb, and then the CosRX Aloe SunCream.

MEDITATION slow things down and appreciate feeling good over all else

Whatever makes you feel present, mentally clear and emotionally calm, is a form of meditation. This varies per individual and could be anything from practicing breathing exercises, self-care routines or even travelling to immerse oneself in a different environment.

Meditation having to be you sitting in absolute silence is a huge misconception. Listening to unique sounds or just a personal playlist can actually make meditation easier for a lot of people. Music is very powerful and for people like me, it helps me tap into deeper levels of emotion.

"Rather than viewing meditation as an ability to master, it's helpful to accept that some days will be more challenging than others." - Joel Minden, PHD Understand that meditation does not easily happen often for a lot of people. It can be hard to sit in one place and focus on one thing for many. But that's just part of the journey. Although we all look forward to the destination meditation takes us to, the process is one that we must enjoy and appreciate. There is an art in paying close attention to your feelings and thoughts. Once you find a routine that helps you acknowledge that, the practice is much more rewarding.

passionate

dynamic

warm

inspiring

FIRE

baby blue

hot pink

expresso brown

platinum blonde

dark red

burnt orange

CONFIDENT

Name: Tiwalola Ogunlesi

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Currently Reading: The Subtle Art of not Giving a F*ck

Home base: London/ Lagos

How are you practicing self-care this week: I'm prioritising my workload,

only doing things that are most important. Also had a cheeky facial & my

skin feels fab

What's your summer glow-to product: I tried pink eyeliner last week and

theres no going back.

A good tv show you're currently loving: I don't watch TV shows I'm busy

getting that money honey

A song currently on repeat: Before I let go - BeyoncĂŠ (obvs)

In one sentence, why is BeyoncĂŠ so great?: Greatness can't be described

in one sentence

TI GNILLIK DNA

What do you do?

I'm a self-love activist, confidence coach and inspirational speaker. I founded a movement called Confident and Killing It. My mission in life is to create a world where authenticity, self-love and confidence are the norm and not the exception. So far, I've spoken to over 600 young women ages 16-26 through high energy talks and workshops in London, Lagos, NYC and Johannesburg and this is just the beginning!

What do you want girls to take away from their experiences with Confident & Killing it:

London, 2018

Lagos, 2017

I want girls who experience the Confident and Killing It to wake up to their truth so they can be confident, unstoppable and dare to live the life they truly desire

Hot Girl Playlist

Megan Thee Stallion - Realer

Rubi Rose - Big Mouth

Kash Doll - Kitten

Megan Thee Stallion ft. DaBaby - Cash S**t

Spice - So Mi Like It

Saweetie - My Type

Rice Nasty - Pressing Me

Megan Thee Stallion - Hood Rat S**t

motion

gravity-defying

adventure

light

AIR

Freeing Your Mind

By Sutra

Superwoman, Sutra, is a London based

medical doctor, writer, music maker and

founder of Polltherapy.

Polltherapy is an Instagram community

established in November 2018. Through

weekly polls, it provides a safe space for

guided reflection and encourages people to

talk about difficult topics like grief, identify

and overcoming anxiety.

@polltherapy

"It can often seem like there is too much to do, to think

about, to perform, to create. But now more than ever, it

is important to pay attention to what your body needs

and invest your energy wisely for your own mental

wellbeing. Here is a list of 7 ways that you could begin

your own journey on the path to recovery as you say

Talk to Someone: Shout out to all the overthinkers!

goodbye to needless stress, negativity, toxic behaviour

Sometimes it just can’t be helped, but actually talking

and more!"

through your thoughts with people or professionals you

trust is a great way to gain a fresh perspective on your

problems. Which brings us to the next point:

Identify The Issue: Life feels more overwhelming when we

don’t know what we are fighting. Sometimes, the best thing

to do is to sit with yourself and figure out what exactly is

Perspective, Perspective, Perspective: Consider that giving you anxiety. Is it a lack of control? Is it fear of the

the way you see things isn’t always helpful to you, or future? Is it rejection? Always remember, you cannot

the truth. Be kinder to yourself and allow people to overcome something if you cannot name it.

offer a different perspective when you feel stuck.

Be Realistic: What are you able to achieve in the

timeframes you give yourself, and are they realistic? Are

you putting too much pressure on yourself? Take note: you

might be capable of multiple things but you are not a

machine!

Be Intentional With Your Time: Your time is precious so

don’t waste it. When you choose to give something or

someone your attention, give it your all and make the

time for it. Spend less time in spaces you don’t value,

with people you know don’t value you.

Pay Attention To What Gives You Joy: This is a major key Invest in Your Personal Growth: You are your first asset,

because things that give you joy can be a great way to so treat yourself accordingly. Always be learning, attend

destress or refocus. Is it music? Hanging out with your events that broaden your mind, pick up new skills as

friends? Writing in your journal? Watching TED talks? Don’t much as is possible for you. You never know what will

give these things up without a fight, because they help to keep help you later on in your life.

your mind afloat.

Skin Library

ABIOLA RENEE

In the age of millennial's jet setting and living their best lives - different climates, environments and long-winded lights at high altitudes are expected. One’s skin can become dehydrated, tired and can sometimes breakout if not taken care of during your travels. There are some lessons both Yuri and I have learnt on the way that has kept our post- light breakouts at bay and skin feeling nourished and hydrated.

All products mentioned are available at Skin Library www.skinlibrary.co.uk International Shipping available!

THE 3 GOLDEN RULES TO KEEPING YOUR SKIN'S GLOW WHILE CATCHING FLIGHTS 1.

MINIMAL TO NO MAKE-UP ON THE PLANE - I KNOW THAT IT CAN BE A PERSONAL CHOICE, BUT IF POSSIBLE TO REFRAIN FROM WEARING MAKEUP TO ALLOW YOUR SKIN TO BREATHE AS WEARING MAKEUP CAN PROMOTE BREAKOUTS POST-FLIGHT

2. TRY NOT TO TOUCH YOUR FACE - THERE CAN BE BACTERIA ON THE PLANE SO IT IS BEST NOT TO TOUCH YOUR FACE AND ALWAYS HAVE A GOOD ANTI-BACTERIAL GEL AT BAY. THE WATER ON THE PLANE IS ALSO RECYCLED, THEREFORE IT’S NOT THE OPTIMUM ENVIRONMENT TO BE RUBBING MOISTURISER DEEP INTO YOUR SKIN

3. TRY DOING MOST OF YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE PRIOR TO BOARDING THE PLANE THE AIR ON THE PLANE IS USUALLY DESCRIBED AS RECYCLED OR ARTIFICIAL AS ITS AIR CONTAINED WITHIN THE PLANE. THE AIR USUALLY HAS 30% LESS MOISTURE IN COMPARISON TO AIR IN YOUR HOME. MOST OF YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS CONTAIN HUMECTANTS (GLYCERIN, SORBITOL, ALOE VERA ETC.) THAT DRAWS MOISTURE FROM THE ENVIRONMENT TO ADD TO THE TOP LAYER OF YOUR SKIN. GIVEN THAT THE ENVIRONMENT IS VERY DRY ON A PLANE, HUMECTANTS WILL WORK IN REVERSE, PULLING WATER FROM THE MORE HYDRATED PLACE, YOUR SKIN, INTO THE ENVIRONMENT. THIS CAN LEAVE YOUR SKIN FEELING OVERALL DRY AND DEHYDRATED.

THE PRE-FLIGHT MAXIMUM HYDRATION ROUTINEÂ A thorough Double Cleanse - Make sure to remove all oil based impurities such as sebum, make-up with an oil based cleanser, a good gentle cleanser is the A TRUE Pure Balancing Cleansing Oil and a water based low pH cleanser to balance your skins pH to follow up with all water based impurities such as dirt, a fantastic water based cleanser is the COSRX Good Morning Low pH Cleanser.

A great soothing Toner - A gentle non-astringent toner to balance your pH and put the hydration back into your skin. Our Keep Cool Soothing Bamboo Toner contains 85% bamboo water which is great way to pack antioxidants and hydration into your skin.

An Essence - Is lighter than a serum, but is mostly a pre-hydrating step to prep your skin for a serum to follow. Cosrx 96 Snail Mucin Essence.

A hydrating Serum - For a deeper nourishment and hydration.

A heavy Moisturiser - keep that hydration locked and sealed with a great heavy moisturiser, the Keep Cool and Ocean Cream is perfect for flights.

A very nourishing Lip Balm - To keep your lips moisturised and protected during the flight.

SPF - UVA and UVB protection is especially important as you are at higher altitudes thus closer to the sun.

YOUR POST-FLIGHT DO NOT DISTURB/HOLIDAY MODE ROUTINE NOTE: It’s good to stay with your current skincare routine as you do not want to disrupt your skin by trying something new during your travels.

A thorough Double Cleanse - As mentioned in the pre-flight routine cleanse your skin for a fresh start into your routine.

A light Chemical Exfoliant - A good chemical exfoliant will contain AHA or BHA’s such as glycolic acid or citric acid to buff away any dead skin cells and unveil new layers of skin.

A hydrating Toner - As mentioned in the pre-flight routine to retain the moisture in your skin.

An Essence - To prep and add the first layer of hydration into your skin.

A Sleeping Mask - To seal in all the moisture and give you that deeper hydration post flight so all the products can lock in overnight.

A Soothing Mist – A great mist with active ingredients that soothe and relieve any irritations from your flight. Our Keep Cool’s and Soothe 3-in-1 Mist does wonders at keeping your skin calm and hydrated.

The End.