I let my clothes fall to the floor before stepping into the shower. I reach for the fragrant, solid mixture of cocoa, raw shea butter and coconut oil and rub it against my skin, carefully and methodically lathering my wet, naked body. After a few minutes, I step out of the shower, notice the time and resigned to the fact that I shall be late, knowing that the upcoming routine could be quite time consuming. I quickly dry my skin, brush my teeth and head to my room to begin the process.

Standing bare, I grab the container with the mixture of essential oils and baking soda and, using my index, apply a small amount to each armpit. It’s important that this is done first since I’m cautious of putting foreign ingredients under my arms. Next I reach for the not-so- natural face moisturizer; had I more time I would apply some astringent to my face before the moisturizer but today I chose to skip that step. After the white substance is fully blended into my skin, I swiftly move on to the next step. A block of cocoa butter is removed from the container and rubbed vigorously between my palms in an effort to soften it. In retrospect it would have made sense to place the block over heat so that it’s melted prior to use and thus easier to apply. Nonetheless, I continue to soften the cocoa butter between my palms and apply to my body, carefully making sure each reachable area is covered and ensuring that my skin is silky and evenly toned.

After this 15 minute process is over, the next task is pretty much seamless and quick as I am now ready to don my outfit for the day. I quickly jump into a dress, throw on an appropriate pair of earrings and prepare to head through the door, but not before the final application of moisture to my lips. Finally I am ready. A quick glance in the mirror confirms that the effort was entirely worth every minute.