LIFE IS LEMON BEAU!

When Life Gives You Lemons, Celebrate and Look Beautiful

Though infamous, lemons are probably one of the best gifts the school called life might ever throw your way. Freshly squeezed lemon juice has been a well kept beauty secrets for centuries. People in ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt fully maximized the benefits of this fruit and we’ve all heard tales of how stunning they were.
Here’s why the people of old had lemon juice in their beauty stash and why you should too.
FACE
Cleanser: Lemons contain citric and plant acids which are effective in the treatment of acne and other skin blemishes. They act as a cleanser to rid the skin of dirt and excess oils that clog our pores. The acids are similar to what is contained in on-the-spot acne treatments so they reduce the size of pimples by drying them up. There are many different ways in which you can use a mix of lemon juice and other natural products to create cleansing products at home. Sugar, honey, eggs, milk and other foods can all be mixed with lemon juice in varying proportions for effective but pocket friendly skincare treatment. I recently created a recipe for a nourishing face mask that includes lemon juice and I’m loving what it’s doing to my skin.
Toner: Apart from cleansing, lemon juice serves double face duty by also acting as a toner. It helps to tighten pores back to their original size, keeping the face taut to prevent premature aging. It is also naturally brightens and rejuvenates the skin if used a few times a week. Additionally, lemon juice is known to fade acne spots and scars to give a more even skin tone over time. Diluting the juice with a bit of tap water, you will have one of the best toners available on the market. Don’t forget your moisturizer though as the acids in lemon juice are very drying and may sting the face slightly. Your moisturizer will restore balance to your face and soothe your skin.
BODY
If you have dark elbows, knees or dark patches on any other areas of your body, applying some freshly squeezed lemon juice to the area will serve to fade the dark patches away over time.
Pouring a cup of lemon juice in your bath water and soaking up once a week is a relaxing way to treat yourself and get glowing skin at the same time. You shouldn’t leave your hands and feet out of all the pampering though. When they feel tired, achy or cracked, pour some warm water into a bucket, a cup of milk and a cup of lemon juice. Soak for about 30mins whilst listening to some calming music. This is a natural way to distress and it will leave your hands and feet looking smother and softer.
HAIR
For your hair, there are many hair care remedies that involve the use of lemon juice. It can be used whilst making a deep conditioner along with eggs, olive oil, mayonnaise and all that good hair stuff. The juice is also known to be used in the treatment of dandruff and itchy scalps.
FOOD AND DRINK
Lemon juice has been lauded by nutritionists and scientists all over the world for its detoxifying abilities. A drink of lemon juice, cayenne pepper, maple syrup and water helps to rid the liver of harmful toxins and gives your insides a good cleanse. I went on a lemon juice detoxification for 10days and believe me when I tell you that my skin, hair and nails never looked better. The internal cleansing also made me drop a few kilos. Win, Win, Win, Win!
The benefits of lemon juice don’t stop here; they extend to your kitchen. It is a very popular flavoring that gives a zing to beef and fish dishes. Add some lemon juice when marinating steak or squeeze on fish before popping it into the oven and you’ll notice how it brings out the yummy flavors in your food.
So next time life gets a little cheeky and hands you lemons on a platter, don’t just make lemonade, you know what to do.

ROCK THOSE LASHES

Luscious & Gorgeous! Rock Those Lashes Like They’re All Yours

Posted on Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 at 11:18 AM By Penshy

It has come to my notice that no matter how many coats of mascara we apply we can never quite get our natural lashes to look the way we want. We always want that full and long fringe that keeps our eyes looking glamorous and gorgeous at the same time. Since there’s no growth serum for lashes yet, we’ve turned to the next best thing…false eyelashes. Now I know we’ve all seen those women that apply their lashes so thick and out of place that we wonder if they were part of the cast of jersylicious, so, here are a few tips on how to apply your lashes to stun anybody the easy way.

FINDING EYELASHES THAT WORK FOR YOU
There are many types of lashes ranging in length and color. The most common types are;
I. False eyelashes with the hairs in parallel
II. False eyelashes with crossed eyelash hairs and
III. The False eyelashes with sequin

You may not want the fact that you have on false lashes to be noticed, so it’s best to get the lash with hair similar to your natural eyelash hair color and structure.

First thing you need to do is, while looking in the mirror, curl your lashes with the eyelash curler; this sets the foundation and structure for your lashes, and then apply a coat of mascara.

Take a strip of the eyelash, whichever eye you would like to start with and bend inwards for a couple of minutes; this preps the false eyelash for application by curving it to the shape of your eyelid.

Then, you place the false eyelash against your eyelid to confirm the size suits the length of your eyelid. If you are a first timer, I’d suggest that you cut the lash into three sections for easier placement one after the other.

Apply a light coat of eyelash adhesive to the band of the eyelash i.e. the part holding the eyelash hairs together; you can apply this directly from the tube or you could put a small amount on a Q-tip and rub along the band of the eyelash.

Next, blow the adhesive with some air, this helps it get semi-dry or sticky which is the best texture for applying the lashes.

Take the tweezers and hold the lash from the direction of the eyelash hairs and place closest to your eyelash roots from the top (above your eyelashes, not below).

Take a Q-tip or your tweezers and use this to press the eyelash closer to the root of your natural eyelash until its looks natural enough for your taste. Take a fresh Q-tip and clean any residue from the adhesive on your eyelid to prevent the skin on your upper eyelid from sticking together.
When the lash has been successfully placed, wait a few minutes for the adhesive to get dry then use the eyelash curler to press both the fake and real lash together for more security and a more realistic look. It also helps to use a clean mascara brush, if available, to brush the natural eyelash hair into the false ones.

Apply your mascara, a coat or two to the upper and lower lash, some eyeliner, eye shadow and you’re foolproof viva glam!

HOW TO TAKE THEM OFF
A lot of people I know don’t like to sleep with their eyelashes on or leave them on for too long after their intended purpose, so, here’s a quick tip on how to take them off.
Hold the lash from the outer corner of your eye and pull off sideways. If you experience some difficulty in taking them off, add a little oil to the band from the top of your eyelid and wait a few minutes. The oil softens/ weakens the adhesive making much easier to peel off.
Ensure you take off the dried adhesive from the lash band and soak in warm water for cleaning and maintenance. This way, it wont be difficult for you to use it again.
Be sure to clean the adhesive and any other make up you might have used on the eyelid with an eye makeup remover.

I hope you’ve gained a thing or two. Now go get your lash on!

LIPSTICK MAGIC!

The Art Of Lipstick Wearing

Posted on Tuesday, August 7th, 2012 at 11:34 AM By Yewande Sobamowo

Yes, wearing lipstick is an art. One that has existed for about 5000 years and originated from the Mesopotamians. In those early days, women stained their lips with crushed precious stones, crushed insects and fish scales. These days, cosmetic brands have blessed we women folk with lip color that is easy to use, vibrant and relatively affordable (save your precious stones for your neck, wrist and fingers).

Proper lipstick selection and application techniques can be a bit of a chore. As a result, I find that some people avoid wearing lipsticks all together and stick to glosses or tinted lip balms. As an ardent fan of lipsticks, here are nine simple steps to achieving  glam lips.

1) Buy lipstick shades that suit your complexion: It is very easy to get carried away with lipsticks that are currently on trend, but what works for other ladies might not necessarily work for you. Skin undertones generally fall into the cool, neutral or warm categories. Women with cool undertones are much better suited to pale lipstick shades, neutral undertones are lucky to be suited to most lipstick shades and lipsticks of deeper shades compliment women with warm undertones. Please use these rules only as a general guide. I have some barbie pink lipsticks in my collection which suit me and I have seen women with pale skin rock deep red lipsticks very nicely.  So the best way to determine if a shade suits you is to try it out.  Before buying a lipstick, be sure to ask for a tester.

2) Exfoliate: It is essential that you get rid of dead, flaking skin on the surface of your lips. This gives you a smooth surface to work with and improves your lipstick’s appearance. You can buy a store made lip scrub or make one at home using sugar, honey and some olive oil. Another good way to exfoliate your lips is to brush them gently with a toothbrush.

3) Moisturize: The next step in achieving beautiful and long lasting lip color is moisturizing. Dry lips ruin lipstick application so use any good lip balm of your choice and let it sink in for about ten minutes. You should also wear some lip balm before you go to bed for general lip care.

4) Line lips: Lip liner is a staple in my makeup drawer because it prevents lipsticks from bleeding and extends its wear. Pair your lipstick with a lipliner shade that is similar to its color. Line the border of your lips with short and light strokes. Be careful to use a steady hand so as not to go outside the border. If you do, clean up with a q-tip dipped in makeup remover and not your fingers

5) Fill in lips:  After lining the border of your lips, it is optional to fill them in by applying the lip pencil all over your lips. I choose to fill in my lips with my lip pencil because it acts as a nice and smooth base for me to apply my lipstick. It also helps keep your lipstick in place for longer.

6) Apply lipstick: Make sure to stay within the border of your lip liner during application. I apply my lipstick from the tube but many makeup artists suggest using a lip brush for precision. Don’t forget to cover a bit of your inner lip, as leaving a gap can be quite unflattering when you smile. Apply as many coats as you are comfortable with, one after the other, giving each coat a few seconds to settle into the lip.

7) Gloss: If you are a lip gloss lover, use one that is a similar color to your lipstick. I hardly ever use lip glosses though, as I prefer the matte look to the shiny look when it comes to lipstick. I also find that lip glosses significantly reduce the amount of time that my lipstick stays on.

8) Clean excess color: Put your index finger in your mouth and gently close your lips around it before pulling it out. This gets rid of excess lipstick color, preventing those embarrassing teeth stains

9) Conceal: Apply concealer around the border of your mouth, to clean and brighten up the area. This makes your lipstick look flawless.

Lose any inhibitions you have with wearing lipsticks. Rock your lipsticks following these easy ste

INTRODUCING MAKE UP!

For the Love of Bristles: Introducing Makeup Brusholog

If you spend lots of money buying the finest and most expensive makeup and you don’t have the right tools, then I’m afraid you won’t be getting the best use out of your money. With the right tools, you are well on your way to achieving flawless and professional looking makeup.

However, there are dozens of makeup brushes out there and it can be quite a chore knowing which ones are the best and what they do. Hopefully at the end of this article class, you should be able to pass any Brushology exam with flying colours. For clarity, I will be broadly categorizing makeup brushes into: Face, Eyes and Lips.

FACE

Foundation Brush: Most foundation brushes are flat, with a pointed end. This helps you apply your foundation smoothly and evenly. The pointed end helps you get to hard-to-reach corners of your face like around the nose and under your eyes. In more recent times, people have moved away from traditional foundation brushes to buffing/stippling brushes for applying their foundation. These brushes are densely packed with a flat rounded top which gives your foundation an airbrushed finish because you are able to work the product into your skin.

Recommendations: MAC 190, Sigma F60, The Body Shop Foundation Brush, ELF Studio Powder Brush(powder brush but works best as a stippling brush)

Powder Brush: The little puffs that come in most powder compacts have a way of transferring too much product to the face, making one look cakey. A fluffy powder brush, preferably made of natural fibre, will help you apply powder sparingly to specific parts of your face like your t-zone and your chin.

Recommendations:  Sigma F30, Blush Beauty Powder Brush

Blush Brush: It is possible to use your powder brush to apply your blush if it is made for both purposes like MAC’s 129 brush. However for a more precise application, you need a blush brush. Most blush brushes are small and dome-shaped, allowing you to apply product directly on the apples of your cheeks.

Recommendations: House of Tara Blush Brush, Real Techniques Blush Brush, ELF Studio Blush Brush

Concealer Brush: These brushes are shaped like foundation brushes but are much smaller. Their size and shape makes it easier to dab concealer to under eye circles, around the nose and on blemishes. I personally prefer to apply concealer on blemishes and dark circles with my fingers because the warmth of my fingers helps blend the product into my skin. Synthetic brushes are best for liquid makeup like concealer because they don’t pick up too much product.

Recommendations: Sigma F70, Bobbi Brown Touch Up

Contour Brush: This brush is not essential, but if you like to contour your face to make it appear slimmer and more chiseled then you would require one. Most contour brushes are angled to fit perfectly in your cheekbones.

Recommendations: MAC 109, MAC 168 (can be used for both blush and contour), Sigma F40

Kabuki Brush: Another brush that isn’t totally essential but has its advantages. A Kabuki is a powder brush with bristles that are more densely packed to help you achieve more coverage with your powder without appearing cakey. They are usually made with natural fibre and are very handy to carry around.

Recommendations: ELF Kabuki Face Brush, Too Faced Kabuki Brush, EcoTools Retractable Kabuki Brush

EYES: 

I always chuck those eyeshadow applicators that come in eyeshadow palettes as I don’t think they are ideal for applying eyeshadow.

Flat Shader Brush: This brush is usually stiff and square shaped so it picks up color well. It is handy for applying eyeshadow to the lid of your eye. Used in patting motions, it allows even distribution of product on the lid with very minimal fall out.

Recommendations: MAC 239, ELF Eyeshadow Brush, House of Tara Eyeshadow Brush

Blending Brush: This soft, tapered brush is used to apply a transition color in the crease to soften the look of your eyeshadow. To create a smokey eye, a stiff blending brush helps to precisely apply and blend darker shadows in the crease.

Recommendations: Sigma E35, MAC 217&224, ELF Blending Eye Brush

Pencil Brush: Not entirely necessary unless you like to apply eyeshadow in your inner tear duct area or want to create a more defined crease. You can also use it to apply eyeshadow to your lower lash line.

Recommendations: Real Techniques Detailer Brush, MAC 219

Angled Brow Brush: If you use a brow powder or eyeshadow to fill in your eyebrows then you will need a good brow brush that is angled and thin for precise application.

Recommendations:  Sigma E75, MAC 208, Twelve from Kent Angled Brow Brush

Eyeliner Brush: Ideal for applying gel eyeliners. The best ones are usually angled for easier application.

Recommendations: ELF Angled Eyeliner Brush, Sigma E10

LIPS

Lip brushes are not very popular because honestly, it is much easier to apply your lipstick straight from the tube. However, if you want to get a precisely defined lip especially with bright colored lipsticks, then you would need a small one with firm bristles and a tapered head.

Recommendations: MAC 318 Retractable Lip Brush, BM Pro Retractable Lip Brush, House of Tara Lip Brush

This Brushology class would not be complete without mentioning anything about brush care. It is essential to keep your brushes clean to prevent build up and transfer of bacteria to the skin which causes acne. Wash them every two weeks with baby shampoo to keep them fresh and lasting longer.

Photo credit: yeahtips.com| cosmeticbrushes.en.ecplaza.net
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Yewande is a recent graduate of Warwick Business School in the UK. She is passionate about all things beauty related and shares avant-garde tips and tricks amongst other things on www.shelovesthefinerthings.com. Connect with her on twitter: @Yewizzy

AFRICAN QUEENS

Hair Notes: African Girl with Long Hair

Posted on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 at 11:29 AM By BellaNaija.com

Who says that an African girl cannot have a long hair? I mean an African girl, born and bred in the continent without any trace of Asian or Caucasian parentage, with hair that has grown beyond her shoulders. Don’t be surprised! Long hair is not only the preserve of the “Non-Africans”. Yes we know that their hair texture is usually straight and it’s thought to grow longer, while the African hair texture has this corkscrew shape that grows in rings. One fact about all hair types is that it grows. Understanding the chemistry of hair growth and grooming it is the key factor in achieving a long hair both for people of all races.

Hair grows at approximately 1.25centimeters or 0.5inches per month; this is about 15centimeters or 6inches per year. The speed of hair growth sometimes slows down to about 0.25centimeters or 0.1inch per month and this happens about 3 times in a year. So averagely, the hair achieves a length of 12centimeters or 4.7inches in 12months. The length between the top of the head to the shoulder is approximately 25centimeters or 9.75inches. So at the rate of 12centimeters or 4.7inches per year, it will take the hair approximately 2years and 14days to achieve a shoulder length. In 2years and 6months, the hair has grown beyond the shoulders and stands at the length of 30centimeters or 11.7inches. This hair growth calculation applies to any type of hair.

For the African hair type that grows in corkscrew rings, it kind of stands when it is achieving length unlike the Asian or Caucasian hair type which is straight and wavy and falls when it is growing. So at the same length, you will see the African hair appearing full in an Afro style while the Asian or Caucasian hair looks long and falls down the shoulder. At this stage it becomes a question of choice for the African woman. Does she want her hair natural and African, or does she want it natural and Asian/Caucasian?

Sadly looking at what is trending amongst African women, it can be noticed that the preference for Asian/Caucasian hair type/style is higher when we look at it from the perspective of the number of women who use hair extensions frequently and those who wear the natural afro hairstyle. But one underlying yearning for some of these women is the wish that the hairpiece they are fixing is their natural hair. So the task at hand is to show those women who prefer the Asian/Caucasian hairstyle, how to achieve it with their own natural hair.

Given that in 21/2 years the hair can grow beyond the shoulder, what we have to look at is
(a) How to strengthen the hair to make it look and feel like the Asian/ Caucasian
(b) How to groom the hair to ensure that it is strong and healthy until the desired length is achieved

In strengthening the hair, the process of hair relaxing is used. Relaxing loosens the hair’s natural curl pattern located inside the hair cortex, and once this curl pattern has been loosened, the hair becomes straight and the new structure cannot be reversed because the structure of the hair molecule has been reshaped. Reshaping the original molecular structure of any element weakens it, but if properly treated, that element can be made stronger in its new shape. Given that relaxing runs the risk of making the hair to be brittle and weak, hence tending to breakage, this problem can easily be avoided if the application is performed by an experienced and certified hair stylist. After relaxing, it must be ensured that all relaxer residues are washed off the hair. Use a neutralizing shampoo preferably one that has a colour indicator (try the Natures Gentle Touch Silky Neutralizing Shampoo) will make it easier to notice if there are still relaxer residues on the hair. After relaxing, the hair should undergo a deep conditioning treatment immediately to restore some of the natural essential oils that have been stripped off by the harsh chemicals in the relaxer.

Note: Once a hair has been strengthened through relaxing, it is irreversible unless in a situation where the hair did not relax. Only relax new growth which is at least 1inch. So wait for at least 8 weeks before the next relax. When relaxer is applied to an already strengthened hair, it erodes the hair leaving it very brittle and prone to breaking. Always make sure that relaxer application is performed by a certified hair stylist.

In between the next relaxer application, deep condition the hair weekly to strengthen, detangle and prevent split ends. Some deep conditioning treatments contain a blend of herbal ingredients that add extra benefit to the hair. For example, the Natures Gentle Touch Deep Conditioning Cholesterol Treatment has a blend of Vegetable proteins, Shea butter and Vitamin E that heal damaged scalp and foster hair growth. Deep conditioning treatments also replenish moisture in the hair if done regularly and equally prevent the hair from becoming damaged when heat is applied during styling. The elasticity of the hair is also improved with regular deep conditioning treatments.

With the process of strengthening the hair noted, the next task is to maintain the growth to ensure that it stays healthy and strong, and reach the desired length. A simple routine that involves timely cleaning, conditioning, moisturizing and periodic trimming is all that is needed. One of the major factors that can affect the health of the hair is dirt. Dirt attacks the hair strands making it brittle and vulnerable to breakage. Also accumulated dirt can lead to different scalp conditions that militate against hair growth. A recommended care routine for the African hair should follow thus:

- Shampoo every week or every 10 days. On any other day, rinse to remove sweat and salt. A moisturizing shampoo is preferable for the African hair because it adds moisture to the hair strands. When shampooing, do it gently to avoid breaking the hair. Just massage the scalp with the fingertips and gently wash off without pulling the hair.
- Moisturise daily mostly after the first bath. Before going the bed in the evening, wet the hair or spray with water and apply Castor oil or Shea Butter Cream to lock away moisture. This process is like watering a flower garden, the flowers blossom when they receive the right nutrients necessary for their growth. For ideal products to use, try the Natures Gentle Touch Daily Oil Moisturiser and Castor Oil Conditioning Cream.

- Conditioning makes the hair strong and healthy. Deep Condition every week or try a hot oil treatment in place of it.

- Trim when necessary. Whenever the hair starts looking thin and unhealthy at the ends, go for a trim. Split-ends will cause more damage to the hair so it’s better to trim it off. Split-ends are like dead skin layers. If they are not exfoliated, they block the skin pores making it difficult for the skin to receive nutrients.

- Go on a healthy diet that will ensure that the hair grows normally.

African Girl with Long Hair!

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Share Your Hair Testimonial (Good or Bad) via the comments box below and WIN from Natures Gentles Touch
You can win one of our 5 Free Hair Therapy Vouchers from NGT.
The most inspiring testimonial will receive the vouchers!

The voucher gives the bearer access to undertake a free treatment in any of the following services at the Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute in Lagos.

- Hair Breakage Treatment
- Dandruff Treatment
- Hair Relaxer
- Weak & Damaged Hair Treatment

*Note that the NGT Institute is in Lagos, therefore this prize is only redeemable in Lagos
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Natures Gentle Touch is a natural hair care brand that provides solutions to different hair and scalp problems such as hair breakage, dandruff and hair loss. It is the owner of Natures Gentle Touch Hair institute, the largest conservatoire of beauty and style education is Sub-Saharan Africa.

NATURE GENTLE PRODUCT

Premium Hair Care Brand, “Natures Gentle Touch” Announced as the Official Hair Care Partner for the Miss Eko 2012 Pageant

Preparations towards the successful hosting of the first edition of the Miss Eko 2012 has recorded a huge boost as the organizers have successfully enlisted the support of one of Africa’s leading hair care brands, Natures Gentle Touch as a project partner.

This was announced in a press release by the CEO of X-Media Entertainment, Ochola Joselyne, who are the project managers for Miss Eko 2012. She informed that the endorsement from Natures Gentle Touch is a major catalyst that will ensure the success of the project. With the wealth of experience that Natures Gentle Touch has both in beauty products development and its application as well as her representation by renowned pageant winners like Oluchi Orlandi and Agbani Darego, their presence as a sponsor of Miss Eko 2012 is a huge inspiration to the participants.

Speaking on the partnership, Ukachi Obiuzor, the executive director of Recare Limited, owners of Natures Gentle Touch, informed that as a brand dedicated to providing hair and scalp care needs for Africans, Natures Gentle Touch is always disposed towards providing assistance that will impact positively on the overall beauty and self confidence of the woman.

She disclosed that as a pre-event preparatory plan, the brand will take the contestants through a healthy hair care program where they will gain knowledge and understanding about the nature of their hair and how to take care of it. Equally some of the contestants who might be undergoing challenges with a particular hair and scalp problem will be taken through a corrective treatment and will have her hair in great shape before the main event.

The Natures Gentle Touch Hair Institute is also lending her assistance to the project. The beauty and style conservatoire established by the brand to train aspiring hair stylists will deploy her resources to provide professional hair styling for the contestants during the pageant.

Miss Eko 2012 is a beauty pageant integrated as part of the 18th National Sports Festival which will hold in Lagos in December.

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