Pretty sun-kissed cheeks, nude lips, lashes – feminine, volumised lashes and dewy finish to your powder/ foundation

Tip: Achieve that dewy finish by blending your foundation in with your fingers, smooth with a brush and blot off excess with a slight tissue dab on the nose, for a natural reflective finish.

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SHF Credits: House of Tara, Nars, LFDW, Persnickety

, Jewel By Lisa

Its been 3 years and I’m still professing love and passion for semi permanent individual eyelash extensions. it only took one fateful day to get them done and bang! I’m not only an addict but also an advocate of Professional semi permanent eyelash extensions.Its like this ladies, think of those times you’ve left home after applying your make-up and you realise you forget to apply your mascara, or even worse, when you wake to find smudges of mascara all over the pillow! Oops!! Semi permanent individual eyelash extensions saves you the need for using mascara at all. It is a beauty treatment for every occasion ranging from grand events to everyday wear.

Semi permanent eyelash extensions, one of the best inventions in the beauty world originated in Korea.  This latest cutting edge beauty enhancement has rapidly swept across Asia, USA, and Europe to Africa. I solemnly testify that we are in a new age of hot eyelash craze. Many celebrities opt for this new eyelash enhancement for natural, fuller and healthier eyelash which inevitably draws attention to the eyes. Based on the number of ladies that use them, these extensions must clearly provide a bang for the buck if you ask me.

The advantages of this type of eyelash extensions are:

Firstly, it thickens the eyelash, it lengthens the natural eyelash to any desired length, it opens up the eyes and gives a sensual and alluring  look, it eliminates the need for applying mascara everyday. You simply wear them as if they were yours; which means you can wash your face without it being stiff and hard like the flare knotted ones. Semi-permanent eyelash extensions look natural and add that extra drama to your face

BEFORE.

The method:

using a state-of-the-art application technique, when applied (only by certified professionals) can last up to 2-3 months with regular infills of every 2-3 weeks;kind of like when you get nail infills done. The extensions are single strands of synthetic that are curved to replicate a natural eyelash and applied to each of the individuals own natural eyelash, bonded by strand by strand. These individual eyelash extensions come in different lengths, thickness, and colours (usually comes in shape B,C,D,J,W,V and Y) and are made of synthetic polyester. About 60 to 110 eyelashes are applied individually to the natural eyelash bonded only with a medical grade adhesive leaving a 0.5mm space between the eyelash and skin and the glue actually never touches the skin. The length of how long the eyelash extension stays differs from person to person,the kind of maintenance the individual gives them as well the glue used and if its professionally done.

However, having stated all these wonderful pros about semi permanent eyelash extensions, i’ll also like to stress the importance of getting your semi permanent individual eyelash extensions professionally done  by a certified specialist recognised beauty governing body. This is very important ladies! the worst that can happen is hair glue used as eyelash extension glue which in turn guaranteed will give you Aleopicia,or your eyelids get irritated and you suffer a burning sensation for 2 weeks or more…. Entirely up to you.  If its worth doing, then its worth doing properly.

LASH-ON offers professional services(home services inclusive)

Contact Details:

Olawunmi Damiro

www.lash-on.com (Lagos/abuja Mobile eyelash/ eyebrow specialist)

+234 809869915

+2347066137337

www.twitter.com/Lashspa

www.facebook.com/lashOnspa

SHF will be voting Kene Rapu as Face of Sleek 2011. You should vote for her too.

Simply Text Vote (space) 1177 to 33382

You can vote as many times as you want!

Log on to Sleek Nigeria for more details.

Belinda Brown

An endearing love of Stella pomade (a rich heady mix of Lavender, Jasmine and Vanilla) her mum gave her to wear in her childhood years led her on the path to finding a signature fragrance for herself, and a chance meeting with Roja Dove (Perfumier extraordinaire) resulted in Blessings perfume; a perfect combination of her love of fragrance and religion embedded in the top notes of Bergamot, Lemon and Mandarin and hearted  in  Rose de Mai and Jasmine de Grasse, evoking happy memories of her childhood in Nigeria.

Belinda Brown takes us back into her firsts…

My First…………………….

……………………………..bottle of perfume I created is ‘Blessings’ and it was inspired by Stella cream and the Alabaster story in the Bible.

……………………………..impression of the perfume industry  is that most perfumes are made for marketing purposes . Producers care more about the big names and the mass market, and not necessarily what goes into their product. I went against this norm and really made sure that Blessings is full of the real oils supplying ultimate luxury.

Roja Dove

……………………………..meeting with Roja Dove(renowned perfumer and owner of Roja Dove perfumes)  was through a mutual friend, and it has been an amazing friendship and partnership.

………………………….day in the factory was the hardest part. It was difficult smelling all the oils and finding one that I loved. This process took months and I found myself smelling thousands of oils and having to
narrow it down to just a handful.

…………………………lesson in perfume making was how to master the relative volatility of each perfume oil such as Bergamot, which is my best Top Note. I also learnt a lot about the location of various plants, and how to blend different oils together to receive what you want. Nature is beautiful.

………………………….bottle of ‘Blessings’ perfume was designed  by me and I took the sample to a separate glass company  in Europe. I spoke to them about my idea and inspiration and it took maybe about ten to fifteen minutes for them to truly capture what I wanted. The packaging was also incredibly important in the process of creating an exclusive perfume, so I collaborated with a Graphic Designer before I took it to the manufacturers.

.………………………order of ‘Blessings’ perfume was  for  Harrods and it  sold out completely in May/June and my customers were very kind to wait for about seven weeks to get the next batch. God  bless my clients! However, we now have a lot available in the Urban Retreat in Harrods (on the fifth floor) and it is also available for purchase online at www.blessings-perfume.com and also at Temple Muse which is a store in Lagos. Arik Airlines will start to sell Blessings in Duty Free at the start of November 2011. There are also a number of distributers in the UK, for instance SYZ Distributors.

…………………………time of wearing perfume to bed was absolutely divine. I love the smell and the feeling of being clean especially when I go to bed as it is one of those simple pleasures of life; to be lying under a duvet smelling nice and having the kids come and give me a goodnight kiss and tell me how lovely I smelt. I would recommend for other women to try this!

…………………………thought of launching in Nigeria was to bring my ideas back to the main place where they originated from. I ąm still a home babe, and most of my favorite memories happened in Nigeria, as it is where I grew up. I am so proud to be Nigerian, so coming to launch my perfume in Nigeria has always been one of my dreams. Thank God I did it.

………………………..sight of ‘Blessings’ at the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie stand  in  Harrods was magical. I remember when  I walked in and I saw my perfume bottle standing at the Roja Dove Haute Parfumerie stand at the Urban Retreat in Harrods, I was completely blown away and speechless. I remember standing beside my beautiful creation and seeing two gentlemen looking in amazement at the same thing I was looking at, and reading the silver writing “Blessings By Belinda Brown.” It really hit me on how far I had come when they soon disappeared to request for a couple of bottles of my product. Dont get me wrong ­ I managed to sell a lot on the day of the launch, but watching complete strangers, with no real idea of who I was, having a desire for Blessings and needing a bottle of it, was a different experience entirely. Another thing that leaves me absolutely amazed, even to this day, is when I got a phone call from Harrods, informing me that they were sold out and needed me to place in more orders to the manufactures to get more bottles made as soon as possible for the clients on the waiting list. It was one of those moments when I ran to my husband telling him, wondering if I was dreaming or not, or even if I misheard and completely invented this phone call. Luckily, a few moments later, I got a confirmation email from Harrods, and I knew this was really happening.
(Watch out for my new fantastic product, its already creating a buzz in the
English media!)

 …………………………..love is my family. Their love and support is priceless. I couldn’t have done it without them.

SHF credits Fragrantica.Com and Blessings Perfume.Com

Her must haves from the Body Shop range are -

Moringa body butter, Shea butter body scrub, Vitamin C Serum and Intensive Moisture Facial Wash, Scrub, Cream and SPF.

I love these products because they protect and rejuvenate my skin, protect it from aggressive weather elements. The Vitamin C Serum in particular, works like magic for me because I have long hours on set during the day and even longer nights managing a night club. It wakes my skin up instantly and transforms my tired skin by giving it a healthy bright glow so I ensure I always have one in my purse. Shhhhhh!!!! That’s my secret!

For make up, I opt for Mac foundation and Mineralized Powder …I love the matte look – nothing too heavy even if the weather gets too hot.  Ruby woo lipstick from Mac – can’t go wrong with this, I love my red lips! It’s my signature look.

SHF credits MacCosmetics and BodyShop

SHF is always keen on promoting creatives in the industry and especially those who find commercial ways to showcase their talents and now we have our eyes placed firmly on Becks Buki.  Becks Buki is an exceptionally talented hair and make-up artist and has over 10 years experience working in the hair and make-up industry. She has worked for a range of reputable clients like- Levi’s, MTV Trax, Arise, River Island, Arise, Black Hair and Beauty and Swarovski.

On Saturday 26th March 2011, Becks Buki launched the ‘Becks Buki Workshop’.  SHF caught up with her to learn more about this project-

SHF- What is the ‘ Becks Buki Workshop’ (BBW) and what do you offer a prospective client?

Becks Buki- The BBW is simply a tutorial where I teach my make-up skills, to anyone wanting to learn mostly about the technique of applying make-up. The workshop varies from a basic to a more intensive level.  It’s designed to enhance your make-up techniques and give you a better understanding of what make-up can create.

SHF- How long does each BBW workshop last?

Becks Buki- I have just started this project, and there is no fixed time period as yet.  The first seminar was for 4 hours and the next workshop will be a day long.

SHF- What was the concept behind this business venture and what inspired you to start it?

Becks Buki- It was sort of accidental, a particular client had requested I start a workshop for her and her friends. In addition, demand for a one on one make-up tutorial continued to  grow strongly amongst my existing clients, so it seemed like the right moment to start BBW.  The business side for me was quite easy, I had a vision of what I wanted in terms of venue, setup, price and standard and I went for it.  You always need to start with a vision.

SHF- What obstacles have you had to face setting up your workshop?

Becks Buki- Everything was a challenge- finding a venue, model, timing, videographer, stationary and  finances. But it all came together in the end.

SHF- Is each workshop held in a particular location, or in different spots all over London?

Becks Buki- I plan on using different locations.

SHF- What would you like your customers to take from the Becks Buki workshop experience?

Becks Buki- I would like them to see make-up as an art form.  Make-up has the ability to restore, disguise, enhance and recreate.  It’s not rocket science, and with great tools and techniques you can create a flawless finish.

SHF- What are your future plans to continue to build your brand?

Becks Buki- I have a few things I’m working on- a plus-size fashion rage ( clothing ), a make-up line, and an existing brush line.  I also plan on returning to school to learn Prosthetics Make-up, my dream has always been to work on films, ‘Planet of the Apes’ time make-up.

SHF- Who do you admire most in the business for their creative and business savvy?

Becks Buki- The queen, Oprah Winfery and my idol, Pat McGrath.

SHF- What advice would you give creatives who are looking for ways to build a business around their creative talents?

Becks Buki- Firstly your skill is what you have to have, so enhance it and enjoy the process. When you are truly at one with your skill, having invested in the knowledge of it, then you can investigate avenues in which you can make a revenue from it.

Pictures courtesy of www.becksbuki.com

For more information on BBW, please email bakinsanya@hotmail.co.uk

For more  information on Becks Buki, please go to www.becksbuki.com

We bet everyone told you that there is no losing weight without eating less and handed you a long list of “foods to avoid”. No wonder you ended up believing that eating and slimming belonged to two different worlds. This in fact is far from the truth because certain foods can actually promote weight loss. And we are not talking of any miracle herbs. These are common foods that have been found to be helpful in weight loss when eaten judiciously as a part of an overall balanced diet.

Nuts

Nuts are one of the most high calorie foods around. Yet, nutritionists confirm that diet plans that include a small helping of nuts are generally more successful than the ones that don’t.

How it works: Nuts work by giving you a good dose of protein and fiber that stabilizes blood sugar. Almonds and walnuts are particularly good as they contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which triggers fat breakdown. Moreover, they are a tasty ready-to-eat snack that you can enjoy instead of cookies and fried savories. However, do limit your daily intake to a fistful (15 to 20 nuts) a day.

Eggs

Eggs are remarkably good when it comes to taste, nutrition, and overall satisfaction compared to calories consumed. Having an egg for breakfast has been found to be great for people trying to lose weight.

How it works: Eggs are full of proteins that take time to digest. This curbs hunger and helps people eat less during the course of the day. An average egg has just about 75 calories. Have it boiled to avoid any additional calories and you have a tasty and nutritious breakfast or have it as your in-between meal (brunch, linner).

Yogurt

Some dieters make the mistake of completely eliminating dairy from diet. However, dieters who eat two to three serves of low-fat yogurt a day have been seen to lose more weight.

How it works: Yogurt is full of calcium, and researchers believe that calcium may be important for burning fat. Calcium supplements do not have a similar effect, so yogurt maybe having some other factors as well that we are currently not aware of. Low calcium diets trigger the release of calcitriol, a hormone that promotes fat storage.

Fish

Fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids that are great for your heart. These same good fatty acids can also help your weight loss efforts.

How it works: Omega-3 fatty acids increase insulin sensitivity which helps increase muscle mass. More muscle mass means a greater ability to burn fat. Better insulin sensitivity also helps reduce tummy fat. Also try to eat a variety of fish since different species contain different levels of mercury. Mix it up!

Oranges and Tomatoes

Oranges and berries such as strawberry can help your body burn more fat. Tomatoes can be helpful for reducing fat in more ways than one.

How it works: Citrus fruits such as oranges and berries contain Vitamin C, which is essential for the formation of carnitine, a chemical needed for burning fat. Deficiency of Vitamin C can be detrimental to burning fat as the required carnitine won’t be available. Tomatoes are also great for weight loss as they reinforce the effect of cholecystokinin (CCK), a gut enzyme that keeps you from overeating by making you feel more full.

Black coffee

Researchers have shown that coffee, if consumed without sugar and milk can help promote weight loss.

How it works: Caffeine is thought to have a metabolism-boosting effect which results in more calories burnt. However, overconsumption of coffee to lose weight is unwise because it can have other adverse health effects. Two cups of black coffee a day should be good to help you reach your weight loss goals sooner.

Whole grain pasta

Diets that include several servings of whole grains produce the best result over the long term. Whole grain pasta can be a satisfying addition to your weight loss diet.

How it works: Cooked pasta has a high water content, which means a small serving can create a feeling of fullness. Secondly, the carbohydrate in pasta helps release serotonin in your brain, which creates a feeling of satisfaction. In addition, pasta goes well with veggies like broccoli, zucchini tomatoes and mushrooms. A large helping of veggies and a small cup of pasta (see your meal plan for size) makes a delicious and filling low calorie meal, if you do not top it with creamy sauces and cheese.

Potatoes

When it comes to weight loss, the verdict has generally been against potatoes. Recent research shows that baked or boiled potatoes are not the same as fried ones and can be the part of a weight loss diet.

How it works: Boiled or baked potatoes absorb a lot of water and swell up in the intestine forming a good volume of resistant starch. “Resistant starch” is starch that does not undergo digestion and acts as dietary fiber in the large intestine. A small helping of potatoes may actually be helpful to your weight loss plan by augmenting the fiber in your food.

Psst..Ladies, sweet potato also helps in curbing those nasty PMS symptoms. Still, eat this in moderation

wOw Pilates

Singer, performer and presenter – Lindiwe Suttle is the new face of Winter Beauty at Woolworth’s, a position previously held by super model Alek Wek. Woolworth is home to international beauty brands like Lancome, Sisley, Benefit and Elizabeth Arden – they currently have an offers on their beauty product range of R500 and above.

Lindiwe has a background in fashion which includes working with DKNY and Kenneth Cole as a buyer, styled Beyonce and Ciara. Recently, she collaborated with jewellery designers  Ida Elsje and Philippa Green; and emerging designers Lara Klawikowski and Lameez Claasen to shoot a fashion film for her new single Man Made Moon.

This is a fashion film to tribute the South African designers featured in the stills shoot. Style icon, performance artist, songwriter and singer, Lindiwe Suttle premiered a snippet of her debut single “Man Made Moon” produced by Hamburg producer Benni Dernhoff, along with an accompanying behind the scenes video of the photo shoot shot by photographer Andrew Brauteseth. The behind the scenes video was directed by young talent fashion videographer Roice Nel. True to form, Lindiwe’s behind the scenes video is packed with over-the-top costumes, quirky dance moves and her deep soulful voice sets the mood for the song.

“I wanted to release a fashion video along with a teaser of the single to pay tribute to the work of the creative team,” says Lindiwe. Andrew Brauteseth was the stills photographer and art director, and worked closely with Lindiwe to conceptualize the shoot. “Andrew shot me for the international Frazer Parfum campaign and I wanted to work with him again because I love how he directs and choreographs each frame, he understands the small stories with in the whole story,” explains Lindiwe.

Andrew explains his vision for the shoot. “The original idea of the shoot was inspired by movement and dance. I wanted to blend both hard and soft movements and choreograph the stills in a way that showed the song’s themes in a dramatic and unique way. The single “Man Made Moon” also has a lot of references to outer space, being out of touch and a sense of alienation on an emotional level. So the styling, hair and the strong pieces of clothing from the designers adds to these layers of meaning. On the cover image, Lindi has a very powerful pose, but you also get this sense that she has landed from outer-space, some place totally off the radar.” Hair was designed by the innovator Kevin Epstein and makeup was done by Shanaaz Alexander, who has been Lindiwe’s makeup artist since the start of her music career in South Africa.

SHF credits Lindiwe Suttle, CapeTown Girl

Millen Magese’s Beauty Basics

I don’t really have bad skin and I thank God for that but I don’t want to take advantage of it so I do a full La prairie facial once a month to cleanse my skin. I can not control how much dust my skin  collects when I go out, so if I cant use water then I use water comfort one -step cleanser from Clarins. I use Clarins toning lotions twice a day and then also exfoliate at least twice a week with Clarins one step Gentle Exfoliating  Cleanser with orange extract.

I love doing my own make up! However I don’t wear a lot of make up because most of the time, my job as a model requires heavy make up for shoots, special events and parties. So I protect my skin by giving it “off days”.

When it comes to foundation, I am a big fan of brands like Iman, BlackUp , Kryolan and a bit of Bobbi Brown because they are great for black women of all tones ( from yellow to pink tones). I have yellow under tones so this works for me. For Mineralizers and blushers, I tend to use MAC products.
My fave foundation is Kryolan D13 mixed with a bit of  Bobbi Brown skin foundation SPF 15-Warm almond 6.5. It’s hard to find BlackUp products but  when I do, I use N 6. Its perfect for me!

Lancome is my favorite mascara so far. An alternate cheaper brand I also use when I don’t want to spend so much money, is Maybelline! Recently I was introduced to another special type by BlackUp by the famous makeup artist in Lagos, Bimpe Ogunmakin. I absolutely love it because it’s easy to use especially for women who have very curly lashes.

What I’m most interested in when choosing lipstick is how much moisture and lip protection I can get from it. This season, I am in love with Clinique superbalm moisturizing gloss/gloss baume hydrant or the Mango flavour & beauty rush lip gloss from Victoria’s Secret. If i want a bit of colour then i usually go for golden gloss 808A 15 or golden gloss R0EAA37 from YSL.  My favourite matte red type is MAC Ruby woo AB 0 – I never used to wear red lipstick until I found this! I also love a very natural look. For nude colours, I go for the MAC matte satin spirit A90 and mix it with a bit of colour to minimize my lips. Another fave is Dior addict!

I  cant live without Vaseline , cucumber slices,  pineapple juice, water, La praire eye cream, beauty flash from Clarins and vitamin C-energizing face spritz from Body shop, vitamin CSPF 15DAILY MOISTURIZER from body shop and clarins night cream.

Tips

• The less make up you wear the better,

• tone your skin at least twice a week

• drink a lot of water and pineapple juice

• stay away from direct sun rays as much as you can. Its hard to do this in Africa but we can use sun protection creams from Nivea or Bodyshop

• a silk satin pillow case  is great on the skin! Invest in some.

SHF credits Zimbio, Maybelline, Kryolan, IMAN, BlackUp, Clinique, BeautySecrets, MAC,

Do you realise that one of the most common causes of hair breaking is washing hair the wrong way? Our hair is at its most delicate state when wet and therefore any excessive tugging or pulling of the hair at that point can cause breakage.

Step by step guide to washing your hair the right way:

• Comb out your hair carefully to remove all the clumped up bits. This will prevent your hair from tangling, therefore making it easy to wash.

• Wet your hair thoroughly either with warm or cold water. Warm water helps to open up the cuticles of the hair and removes the oil and dirt quicker. So I would suggest warm water.

• Pour the required amount of shampoo in the palm of your hand, rub hands together and then apply to your SCALP. Shampoo should NOT be applied to the end of the hair as this can cause your hair to dry up and also cause split ends.

• Gently massage your hair. Open both palms as though grabbing a ball and place them on your head, having your two thumbs at the back at all times, creating an open and close rythm.

• Rinse your hair thoroughly and repeat no 3 & 4. It’s always best to shampoo your hair a second time to ensure oil and dirt is removed. Remember to rinse off shampoo thoroughly.

• Towel dry your hair not pulling the hair, but rather, patting and squeezing excess water off the hair. Add a reasonable amount of conditioner to the SCALP and comb through to the ends of the hair. Leave in for 3-5 mins, this will help soften your hair. Take note that adding too much conditioner to your hair can cause it to thin out, so be careful and follow the instructions on the label.

• Rinse hair thoroughly, making sure that conditioner is removed. You can now rinse your hair with cold water which would help close up the cuticles and give a shine to your hair.

• Towel dry, remember not to tug your hair.

It is always best to wash your hair weekly or at best every forth night. These 7 steps will help promote healthy and shining hair.

SHF photo credit Getty Images