June 11, 2019

June is National Papaya Month Celebrate with Nubian Heritage

June is National Papaya Month… Nubian Heritage presents the Coconut & Papaya Collection. Enriched with natural and certified organic ingredients, these products will exfoliate, nourish, and renew skin for a smooth, healthy feel and glow… just in time for the “official” start of summer.

bath bombs

Papaya, traditionally used for generations as an ingredient in homemade skincare concoctions for its rejuvenating properties, helps to keep skin soft and glowing. And coconut oil, revered since ancient times for its skin protecting and moisturizing benefits, contains healthy fats to keep skin smooth and soft to the touch.

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Collection is designed for all skin types and includes the following products:

  • Body Wash (SRP: $10.79)
  • Body Lotion (SRP: $10.79)
  • Bar Soap (SRP: $4.99)
  • 24-Hour Deodorant (SRP: $8.99)
  • Hand Cream (SRP: $9.99)
  • Hand & Body Scrub (SRP: $12.99)
  • Bath Bombs (SRP: $14.99)
  • Infused Shea Butter (SRP: $12.99)
  • Hand Soap (SRP: $6.49)

As with all Nubian Heritage products, the Coconut & Papaya products are cruelty-free, and do not contain parabens, sulfates, phthalates, paraffin, mineral oil, petroleum, DEA, synthetic fragrance or artificial coloring.

Nubian Heritage Coconut & Papaya Collection is available at Vitamin Shoppe stores and online at VitaminShoppe.com. For more information visit NubianHeritage.com.

 

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June 11, 2019

FOR YOUR BEST BROWS EVER, STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE

FOR YOUR BEST BROWS EVER – Tips from Umbreen Sheikh, Founder + CEO, Wink Brow Bar

www.winkbrowbar.com

best brows ever

Throughout the decades, brow looks come and go. Full, bushy brows evoke 80s-era Brooke Shields. Super skinny brows scream late 90s. Recently, the perfectly painted “Insta Brow” has been having a major moment.

For 2019, a more easy-going, lower-maintenance, natural brow is trending. To achieve this look, we tapped brow guru Umbreen Sheikh for her best tips. As a licensed cosmetologist and Founder + CEO of Wink Brow Bar, Umbreen is a bonafide brow savant. Here’s how she – and her teams at Wink’s multiple locations in New York City, Brooklyn and London – are helping clients live their best brow lives.

Umbreen Sheikh’s Top 6 Brow Tricks 

  1. Assume the position

While you might think you need to park yourself thisclose to the mirror to precision-groom your brows, that isn’t actually the case. “Standing too close can throw-off your brow proportions, and make you lose perspective on the overall shape,” says Umbreen. “For best results, stand at least one foot away.”

  1. Break out the brush

Short on time? At the very least, give your brows a thorough brushing. Stroke up and over, and then anchor your arches with a dab of brow gel or clear mascara. (More on brow gel shade-selection below.) FYI, the Wink tool of choice has an angled side and a spoolie on one end, so consider investing in a brow brush of similar quality. You’ll be using it every day, so it will pay for itself in no time.

  1. Select your ideal shade

Picking the perfect, slam-dunk shade of gel, pencil or powder is crucial, so this is where you need to spend real quality time. As a general rule, you’ll want to match your hair roots, which are typically one shade lighter than your brows. “Most women want their brows to add definition to their face, and not ‘read’ as harsh or aggressive,” says Umbreen. “Matching your brows to your roots does that.” With one exception, Umbreen cautions. “If you’re blonde, go a shade darker than your roots. Otherwise, you’ll look washed-out.” NOTE: If you opt for professional brow tinting, which lasts for up to four weeks and is among Wink’s most popular services, you can skip this shade-selection tip altogether. How easy is that?

  1. Get a little nosey

One of the very best things about next-level brow grooming, whether you master it yourself or pop by Wink for professional assistance, is that it allows you to visually alter the shape of your nose. Thinner, wider – whatever nose look you’re after, beautiful brows can help you get there. If you’re opting for thinner, Umbreen recommends drawing an imaginary vertical line from the tip of your nose to the beginning of your brow, and then focusing your shade-filling right there at the start. To make your nose appear wider, do the opposite and focus your shade-filling at the end of your brow, not the beginning.

  1. Pencil (or powder) it in

Whichever shade format you choose, the absolute key to success is to follow the basic shape of your existing brow. Go easy, and only add color between hairs, as needed. “The idea is to shade, not ‘draw’ your brows on from scratch,” says Umbreen. “The goal is a soft, subtle look that lends definition. Straight, hard lines are to be avoided at all costs.”

 Between brow appointments, “cheat” with concealer

  1. Pressed for time? If you can’t make it into Wink or carve-out 15 minutes to do a thorough DIY bathroom brow-grooming sesh, Umbreen recommends adding a dab of concealer on the most unruly hairs. “Whatever you do, resist the temptation to just yank them out,” she says. “Brows add so much structure and personality to your face that you really want to take your time, and groom properly. Or better yet, head to Wink, and let us help.”

Peace and “Embrowerment” to all! 

 

ABOUT UMBREEN SHEIKH, FOUNDER + CEO

 The #BossLady of Brows, London-born / New York-based Umbreen Sheikh is on a mission to embrower every woman she comes in contact with.

A second-generation cosmetologist, Umbreen learned the ancient technique of threading from her mother, who owned several London salons. In transferring this centuries-old knowledge to her curious, capable daughter, little did Umbreen’s mother know that she was setting the stage for a brow-centric beauty empire.

Of course there were plot twists along the way, namely Umbreen’s decision to attend University at King’s College London and obtain a degree in Biomedical Sciences. But it was a post-University move to Manhattan that would eventually bring Umbreen, full-circle, right back to brows.

After marrying in 2003 and relocating to New York with her seasoned financier husband, Umbreen spent time in the publishing world, as the PR Director for a niche magazine. Simultaneously, she was starting a family of her own. By 2011, she had two children. And once her tots were securely tucked away in school for most of their day, Umbreen knew it was time to get cracking on her career.

But what to do?

Like all visionary entrepreneurs, Umbreen started with what’s known in the biz world as a  Need-Gap Analysis. What product or service was she – and busy, demanding, like-minded women just like her  – missing?

It wasn’t long before Umbreen landed on next-level organic threading as the ultimate unmet beauty need. By 2014, she’d developed the concept for Wink Brow Bar. And ever since, she’s been in full-on growth mode – adding locations, services and products at breakneck speed. Seguing from luxury threading studio to immersive beauty brand, today’s Wink is covering all the bases.

In addition to caring for her family and running her business, Umbreen is heavily involved in philanthropic endeavors. As a committee member of Developments In Literacy, she has helped educate 27,000 Pakistani girls. She is also a Lotus Circle Advisor for The Asia Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to advancing the rights and opportunities for women throughout Asia.

Umbreen resides with her family in New York City.

Peace and “Embrowerment” to all! 

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June 10, 2019

Cannabis Beauty & Top 10 Marijuana Dispensaries in LA

hemp

With the recent boom of cannabis-infused beauty & health products, we have had lots to post, research and review. Do these products work? Do they live up to the elevated hype? We have posted about reasons people are using Hemp oil and where to shop for cannabis beauty products. You may have read some articles about cannabis infused edibles and novel ways of using marijuana.

NOTE: Marijuana is the term for dried flowers and leaves of the Cannabis plant.

We have not shared news on the facts or our thoughts of the legalization of marijuana itself. With so many Americans lending their support of marijuana legalization and regulation we thought we would, however, share this info that recently passed our desks.

Note: recommended reading for 21+ years and older

Top 10 Marijuana Dispensaries in LA

The most frequently used illegal drug in the United States, marijuana has been legalized for leisure and medical use in California. The city of angels, Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States, is home of favorite music and entertainment, culture and marijuana. The city has a rich heritage of cannabis that found in a lot of dispensary present around the city, and the community has a massive acceptance of the plant.

 

Forms of Cannabis

It is possible to use marijuana in several ways. Cannabis often smoked as dry, or a mixture of flowers, seeds, leaves, and stems. It may be used in a pipe or bong as a cigarette called joint, or as a blunt.

 

Dried Marijuana

Flower, bud, leaf, or weed is what it is commonly known.  This form is the most popular and usually smoked for the Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which gives users the feeling of being “high.” Weed traditionally sold in grams, and the cost often depends on the strain. To enhance the effects of the weed, occasionally it is sprayed with the other psychoactive drugs.

It is a bit lumpy in structure, and it usually looks like a greenish mixture of herbs and both in its unburnt and smoky state, it remains to have its pungent and identifiable odor. The weed’s smell can make you wise about whether you are being offered to smoke weed or recognize a marijuana user in your company.

 

Hash

A preparation of marijuana made by extracting the resin of the Cannabis plant. The process uses ice water or compression while the tar-like byproduct dried into blocks. Hash may be smoked in a bong or pipe and is usually warmed and rolled along with the tobacco.

There are various types of hash; their appearance can also vary, and their color range through different shades of black, brown to a dark yellowish color. Like a piece of fudge, its texture sometimes becomes supple and moist, while there are also times that it is hard and dry.

 

Tinctures

Green or Golden dragon is what it is also known; these are alcohol-based extracts of cannabis material, which is mixed usually with other herbs that are thought to imply therapeutic effects. Consumers who are looking for smokeless methods of consumption, tinctures are the best option for both their recreational and medical needs. Research proved that when stored in a dark and cold place, tinctures will last for many more years.

 

Edibles

These form of cannabis are food products like candies, cookies, and snacks or drinks infused with marijuana. Edibles are becoming a great alternative to consuming the drug. The most common among these foods is the brownie. The State law today requires clear labeling of contents and THC per serving should no more than 10 milligrams. Overdosing from marijuana edibles has a high possibility, and adverse effects like hallucinations and panic attacks may occur.

 

Top Dispensaries in Los Angeles

 

MedMen

Located in West Hollywood, Downtown, Beverly Hills, MedMen is the self-proclaimed “Apple Store of cannabis” dedicated to various high-end offerings and cannabis information along with excellent and controversial options.

 

The Kind Center

Just a short walk from all the most prominent venues and attractions in West Hollywood, this Hollywood dispensary is located at 1994 N Cahuenga Blvd and is a premier cannabis dispensary for a reason. It has a variety of products, and it becomes a local favorite for users who want the most of their time.

 

The Farmacy Westwood

A boutique located at Westwood for recreational use cannabis consumers that offer various products and gives 10% discount to medical users off their first buy.

 

Rose Buds

Located near the Pasadena City College, this is a go-to shop for recreational users in legal age, where high-quality marijuana is present having friendly customer service and a comfortable shopping experience accessible anywhere in Los Angeles.

 

Greenwolf LA

Probably one of the best shops on the eastern side, the area almost looks like the Whole Foods of dispensaries. The place located at Los Feliz Boulevard, the company’s purpose is to change the people’s way of thinking about medical and recreational cannabis. Seeds that can be homegrown are also available here.

 

The Pottery

A new dispensary store located at Mid City, Los Angeles that gives delightful ambiance with minimalist decorations. Their purpose is enriching many people’s lives while encouraging creativity, good health, and a traditional lifestyle with cannabis inclusion.

 

California Caregiver Alliance

Snuggled in a strip mall the second floor located at Silver Lake, this store has been around over a decade and can get packed with a lot of consumers at times. Reasonable selection of weeds, vapes, edibles, and other products are available here while giving customers a welcome treat as their daily specials.

 

OG Top Shop

A vast array of edibles are available in this dispensary located at Southern LA. It is a place for sweets lovers, stocked with everything from gummies, sour belts, brownies, candies that makes every consumer wants to come back to the area.

 

WHTC

A California Medical Marijuana dispensary located at Studio City that helps user buy what is best for them. They deal daily with medical patients, and their mission is to go beyond marijuana medicine and provide well-being support to patients.

 

City Compassionate Caregivers

They offer recreational and medical dispensary located in Downtown, Los Angeles. They provide a large selection of premium cannabis products, and for more than 20 years they’ve been cultivations top greens from LA.

 

There are plenty of local dispensaries available in LA selling different forms of marijuana for recreational and medical use. Are you planning to become a consumer soon?

Learn relevant state laws before entering, and remember to be a responsible user.

(image art.com)

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June 10, 2019

Summer Skin Prep: Your Go-To Guide

Summer is upon us, and it’s time to start prepping your skin for warmer climes and sunny days. If you’re keen to enjoy a radiant, healthy glow this summer, and you want to protect and nourish your skin, here are some simple steps to take today.

Hydration

Summer is synonymous with hot, dry days, and this means that you need to increase hydration. When it’s hot outside, you sweat more, and this means that you lose fluid. Increase the amount of water you drink, especially if you’ve been lying out in the sun while on vacation, or you’ve been working up a sweat during a workout. You need to ensure that you replace any fluids you’ve lost to prevent dehydration. It’s a good idea to make sure you have a refillable water bottle on you at all times and to drink throughout the day.

drinking water

Buying skincare product

Many of us change our skincare regime in line with the weather. When it’s chilly outside, and there’s a frost on the ground, we tend to invest in heavier, thicker moisturizers to nourish and shield the skin from the elements. In the summer, when it’s warmer, you may find that you feel more comfortable with lighter products like serums, facial oils, and lotions. It’s always beneficial to shop for products that match your skin type. If you have naturally oily skin, for example, you won’t need to moisturize as frequently as somebody who has dry skin. If you have sensitive skin, try and avoid products that are perfumed. If you don’t know what skin type you are, or you’re looking for recommendations for new products, take a look at sites like skinmadeclear.com or see a skincare specialist. Once you know your skin type, you can look for products that target specific issues or that provide benefits that appeal to you, for example, eye creams to eliminate dark circles. In hotter climes, you may also find that you prefer lighter cosmetic products, for example, BB and CC creams rather than full-coverage foundation.

good skin health

Skin-friendly foods

There are many foods that you can add to your diet to boost your skin health, as well as your general wellbeing. Examples include oily fish, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, peppers, broccoli, avocados, and tomatoes. Try and incorporate plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit in your diet, and make sure you cover every food group. People tend to have a negative perception of fats, but fats are essential for good health, and they offer important benefits for your skin and hair. Sources of good fats include avocados, salmon, sunflower seeds, and walnuts. For more information about skin-friendly foods, take a look at this article https://www.webmd.com/beauty/ss/slideshow-skin-foods.

skin friendly foods

Exfoliation

Exfoliating is an effective means of promoting skin cell renewal and getting rid of dead surface skin cells. Ideally, you should exfoliate once a week. You can use your normal shower cream with exfoliating gloves, or buy exfoliant shower gel. Once you’ve exfoliated and moisturized, you should find that your skin feels soft and smooth, and it should have a radiant glow.

face mask

Safe tanning

Many of us like to soak up the sun and enjoy a golden glow during the summer. While the feel of the sun of your skin can be wonderful, it’s crucial to ensure you tan safely. Wear sunscreen to prevent burning, and sit in the shade between 12pm and 3pm when the sun’s UV rays are at their most powerful. If you burn easily, use a high factor. The safest way to tan is to use self-tan products, which will give your skin a boost and make you feel more confident without putting your health at risk. There’s a vast range of products available, and many produce very natural-looking results. If you are using self-tan, exfoliate 24 hours before, and apply a small amount of moisturizer to your knees, feet, elbows, and hands. This will help to prevent tan sticking to these areas and becoming patchy. Use a mitt to apply your tan, and avoid showering for 12 hours. There are several top-rated brands and products, so it’s worth reading reviews and trying samples. You might find that you need to try a few different tans before you find one that is perfect for your skin tone and type.

beach scene

Summer is here, and it’s time to show off your skin with confidence. If you’re eager to make the most of the summer, and you want your skin to look amazing, take these tips on board. Stay hydrated, invest in skincare products that are suitable for your skin type, exfoliate once a week, protect your skin from the sun, and add some skin-friendly foods to your diet.

(Images: pexels.com  pixabay.com kaboompics.com)

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June 9, 2019

Skin Tips To Slow The Signs Of Aging

We all get old, it’s a fact of life, and many of us will allow ourselves to grow old gracefully or go down the cosmetic route to prolong aging for as long as possible. Neither way is the wrong way, but if you’re looking for tips on how to slow the signs of aging in general, read on.

skin care

Wear SPF Every Day

A sunscreen with a good level of SPF in it is essential to wear every day, regardless of whether the sun is shining or behind the clouds. UV rays can penetrate through them, and your skin is at real risk if it’s not protected properly. It’s easy enough though to get SPF onto your body as it’s now in many facial moisturizers, serums and body lotions. So there’s really no excuse for skipping on the sunscreen! Using more skincare products can also help, here are some of the best vitamin c serum reviews.

Get Your Teeth Whitened

Whitening your teeth can provide you with a more youthful appearance than coffee-stained and yellowed teeth. You can whiten your teeth at home, but also you’ve also got the option of getting it professionally done with a dentist. The at-home option is obviously cheaper, but it’s good to treat yourself every now and then. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is going to help stretch out your youth for longer as a healthy smile can contribute a lot towards it.

Reduce Alcohol And Smoking Intake

Alcohol and smoking are neither good for you or your body. Although many people drink and/or smoke and it’s a habit that’s hard to cut out completely. Alcohol and smoking both have a impact on your skin as they’re both effectively poison for your body. Reducing the amount you intake is going to help a lot, and eventually, you might want to consider giving it up completely. Going cold turkey isn’t going to always work but reducing it is a good starting point to a healthier you.

Eat Healthily And Do Plenty Of Exercises

It’s pretty obvious, but it’s two tips that really help with slowing down the signs of aging. Not exercising means that your body isn’t performing as well as it should be, and that could cause wrinkles to appear as well as other skin problems. It’s also about what food you’re putting into your body too. Junk food isn’t going to do anything for your skin, so you want to be eating plenty of fruit and vegetables to boost your overall health.

Consider Alternative Beauty Treatments

And if all else fails, there are alternative beauty treatments on the market that can help slow down the signs of aging. Laser treatments are certainly very popular for tightening skin or getting rid of skin issues. Light chemical peels or microdermabrasion might be useful also. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you are doing it for you and that you aren’t going to regret going through with anything you have doubts about. This is in particular for treatments that are surgical or invasive.

Hopefully, with these skin tips, you can help reduce the signs of aging for your skin!

 

 

(Image source: pexels.com)

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June 7, 2019

From the Red Lipstick to the Little Black Dress-Timeless Fashion Trends

Fashion changes people and people change fashion. But one thing will never change for sure- the passion for fashion.

Every season high-fashion presents new and fresh ideas that produce seasonal trends for the fashionistas to follow. And with the blink of an eye, your favorite shirt is not IN anymore. Well, fashion designers never sleep and they keep the world spinning around.

Yes, fashion is capricious, except when it’s not. Some iconic trends and styles are above the changes of fashion. They are so lovable that they have become timeless. Yes, you’ll never see a celebrity wearing a black dress and red a lipstick on fashion failure lists.

And along with the little black dress and the red lipstick, there are styles and items that will never be OUT. Let’s give them the appreciation they deserve.

 

legs and heels image

The Perfect Pair of Black Heels

Every woman knows how simple black heels can save the day. They will make any outfit special. If you need them to make you look sexy, or elegant, or professional, boom, they can do it. No wonder they are keeping their established status.

After several tries, you will find your perfect fit. However, they should be of a very basic style and most importantly very comfortable.  Depending on your personal style you can choose your preferred height.

Pantsuit or the Tuxedo

Sexy, powerful, elegant! In need of showing their equality to men, women tried to pull off the manly look and they succeeded. A pantsuit fits every woman perfectly as it depicts her power.

Paired with your strong character and your favorite shirt, the tuxedo look will help you appear sharp and sexy. A white and black pair of pantsuit is a good addition to every woman’s wardrobe as they can be worn in numerous combinations. Also, it will look great over your bare chest and with your favorite lipstick!

Skinny Jeans

Jeans are probably the most appreciated product of fashion. Man and women equally are choosing jeans as their number one daily wear. Not only the blue jeans but denim-wear in general never gets out of style.

Jeans are the magical piece of clothing as they are able to change the way you look in a matter of seconds. Moreover, they are accepted as proper wear for any occasion. Pair your jeans with high-heels and blazer or sinkers and t-shirt and you’ll achieve a trendy and chic look that never goes out of style.

Custom-tailored Elegant Dress

Every woman should possess a garment that is custom-made for her. An elegant evening dress is a common choice when women decide to buy a designer’s piece.

The creation of a dress from scratch gives the opportunity to suggest ideas, choose fabrics and pick the perfect color. The process of making is fun and seeing the finished creation on the dress form is exciting.

A unique design couture dress is highly appreciated in the world of fashion.

Blazer

From season to season blazers are always present in the street style and on the runways. Sometimes it is the length that may change with the season’s trends. Longer or shorter a nice blazer is so versatile and convenient that every woman adores it.

For the past ten years blazers have changed their elegant status to more of a casual outfit piece. It goes well paired with jeans, a skirt, pants or short dresses. It adds greatly on a minimal outfit and it has the power to switch any combination to elegant or chic.

Last year’s trends introduced a new blazer style – buttoned long blazer over bare skin. It’s a brave and dramatic dress alternative. Black and white blazers are wardrobe essential.

 

Lady in black

The Little Black Dress

The pretty little black dress, the definition of women elegance and refined style! LBD is a must-have for every woman. Depending on the personal preference and style you can choose from many different designs of LBD that are out there. Long and short, classic and chick one or maybe several black dresses for your wardrobe and you have an outfit for every occasion.

The perfect black dress is the one that suits you best and feels good wearing it. You can choose to pair it with accessories and colorful shoes and every time you wear it it’s like the first time. Your little black dress + red lipstick and there it is – the evergreen femme fatale look!

The Classic button-up White Shirt

This beautiful piece of clothing isn’t going anywhere either. It is an essential part of many people everyday wear and a timeless classic. You can pull any look with the help of your perfect white shirt.

Probably the most used item in your closet, your white shirt is something you would want to invest on. Thick cotton material and slightly translucent would be a great choice. Oversized or slim fitted white shirts can be paired with jeans, skirts, worn under a sweater for a cool layered look, over a tight dress or with your sharp pantsuit.

Your boyfriend’s white shirt will look great on you when you like to pull a cool outfit and also when you wear it with nothing underneath.

Minimalist Style

Most of the clothing items mentioned above in the text can be a part of the neat and minimalistic style. The minimalist style is closely linked to elegance and beauty. The whole black or white or black and white combinations are the basics. When you go for the minimalistic outfit you can always add an interesting twist. Pick sharp cutouts or unusual necklines. Also, you can add only one powerful piece – a beautiful cashmere scarf or elegant accessory and look amazingly good.  Adding an elegant piece of statement jewelry is also a great option for those looking to embrace a minimalist look that will make their outfit sing. Katie Waltman Jewelry has lots of great options for those wanting to take their look up a
notch.

NATURAL LOOK

Natural Look

New fashion trends often bring aggressive and unnatural looks in the definition of beauty; from perfect Barbie-doll style to aggressive makeup and hairstyles. Those trends are always acceptable especially with celebrities but the natural I-woke-up-like-this style will always be the definition of real women’s beauty.

Embracing your unique appearance and personal style is always IN. When it comes to make-up the minimal and natural style is what makes a woman beautiful. Lightweight foundation, a good lipstick, mascara, and natural beauty products are all you need!

 

 

Images:

“Copyright: Unsplash/author:Amanda Vick/  License: CC0 Public Domain”

“Copyright: Unsplash/author:Vicky Cheng/  License: CC0 Public Domain

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June 7, 2019

4 ways for a petite girl to dress taller

We might be in the era of cosmetic surgery, but we have yet to unearth any sort of procedure that can alter one’s height. Nor, do we seem to be getting close.

For the petite female, this always presents problems. It means that you need to take a few more considerations into account when putting together your wardrobe, which is where today’s guide comes into play.

We will now look at some of the best fashion tips to make you look a little taller the next time you venture out of the house

Be shrewd with your shoe choice

The obvious solution here is to turn to high-heels, right? Well, while this might certainly make you taller, it does so in quite an obvious way. Not only that, but we all know about the perils of walking in these shoes – they are certainly not designed for everyday events.

ankle boots

As such, be a little more subtle with your heel choice, with these ankle boots by Dune being one suggestion. They have a heel, but it’s by no means obvious, and this means that you can add a little height without looking OTT.

Cropped, fitted denim can be your best friend

It might not have been your go-to choice up until now, but try and buy into the wonders of cropped, fitted denim.

The fact that this is high-waisted immediately makes your legs look longer than they are. Then, with a glimmer of your ankles also on view, it’s a double-win when it comes to making you look taller than you really are.

Or, if you really can’t get to grips with this look, at least try and turn to a high-waisted trouser. This then ticks the first principle that we spoke about – and allows you to give the illusion of those long legs again.

Be aware – layering is difficult

Over the years, we have seen a lot of advice when it comes to layering. For some body types, it can work like an absolute charm but for the petite women, it just doesn’t.

Why is this the case? The problem with layering is that it adds a lot of fabric onto your body and when worn by a particularly short person, it can quickly seem like they are drowning in all of this fabric.

Instead, keep things simple in this regard, and try to wear just single pieces.

The wow-factor: a long coat

If your budget only allows one garment, we would press for this to be a long coat. This is something that will instantly make you look taller, for the simple reason that it contributes to that long silhouette.

In terms of further advice when it comes to your coat, try and stick to relatively simple ones. In other words, features like big pockets are just going to detract away from the silhouette image that we have just spoken about – and ultimately lessen the elusive height-effect that you are looking for.

(Image: dunelondon.com)

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June 7, 2019

Follow These 3 Rules To Prevent Dry Skin

Dry skin is something that most people deal with from time to time, but for some, it’s a constant problem. Most people that suffer with dry skin all of the time eventually come to accept that they just have dry skin. While it’s true that some people are more prone to dryness than others, you shouldn’t just admit defeat because there is always something that you can do about it. There are some great products out there that will help to relieve the symptoms of dry skin but if you really want to tackle it for good, defense is the best form of attack. There are certain things that you can do to stop your skin from drying out in the first place so you don’t need to rely on lots of different products to tackle the symptoms. These are the most important rules that you need to follow if you want to prevent dry skin.

 

beautiful woman dangle earrings

 

Hot showers might be nice, but they aren’t doing your skin any favours. When you take an extremely hot shower, you strip a lot of the natural oils from your skin and that causes it to dry out a lot. You’ll always wash some of those oils off when you shower, which is important to stop you from getting greasy skin, but if the temperature is too high then you’ll be washing out too much. If you regularly take hot showers, you should consider turning the temperature down and just having warm ones instead. Showering too much can be a problem as well so if you shower more than once a day, that could be causing you to have dry skin as well.

Avoid Alcohol And Water Rich Products

Skin products that contain a lot of water and alcohol aren’t great for dry skin. They tend to sit on top of the skin and even though they may make the skin appear less dry for a while, they don’t get to the root cause of the issue and they can make it worse in the long run. You need to use ranges like Bellus skin care products which contain active ingredients to penetrate the skin deeply and deal with the long term causes of dry skin. Constantly using products that sit on top of the layer of dry skin will only make the problem worse.

Avoid Sun Damage

It’s always important to protect yourself against the sun because long term sun damage can increase the likelihood of getting skin cancer and cause you to age faster. But a lot of people also don’t realize that it can dry your skin out in the short term. If you want to get a tan, it’s important that you’re doing it safely and using the right protection at all times. You need to take regular breaks as well, even if you’re wearing sunscreen.

If you follow these 3 rules, you should notice a big difference in no time at all and dry skin won’t be a problem for you anymore.

 

(Image: Pixabay.com)

 

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June 5, 2019

Mayvenn Changes the Way You Buy and Install Hair

Mayvenn Changes the Way You Buy and Install Hair by Becoming 1st All-Inclusive Service

mayvenn install

Mayvenn Install pays for your next hair appointment by offering customers the hair of their choice and a service for the price of one (hair, shampoo, condition, braid down, sew-in and style)

Mayvenn is more than a hair company. It’s a movement. Mayvenn Install is the latest development in the company’s dedication to helping hairstylists develop entrepreneurial talents and grow their own businesses, while making beauty accessible and affordable for all.

With the launch of Mayvenn Install, this program allows customers to buy hair directly from the company online. Then, Mayvenn matches customers with a local stylist within their network who will install the hair for free – all for the cost of the hair itself. It is essentially hair + service (shampoo, condition, braid down, sew-in, and style) for the price of one.

After checkout (purchase 3 or more bundles – closures or frontals included), Mayvenn emails a pre-paid voucher to use during the appointment. When a stylist scans it, they get paid instantly.

To bring this program to life, Mayvenn raised $36 million in funding led by Andreessen Horowitz and Essence Ventures. Other investments came from Serena Williams, Steve Stoute, Andre Iguodala, Jimmy Irvine, Cross Culture Ventures, Trinity Ventures, Impact America, and Core VC.

“Now with Mayvenn Install, customers will be able to buy hair and the installation service for probably 40% less than what they normally would have paid,” says Diishan Imira, CEO and co-founder of Mayvenn. “This not only expands the consumer’s access to high quality, affordable hair, but we are also focusing on helping black entrepreneurs. I am on a mission to empower hairstylists and put the money back into their pockets.”

Currently, there are over 25,000 Mayvenn Certified Stylists in over 250 cities across the USA. On average, Mayvenn Install saves customers between $200-$250 for services and products combined. To date, Mayvenn has paid over $20 million in commission to hairstylists across the country. As a result, some stylists receive an average of 20-40 new clients a month through the Mayvenn Install Matching Program.

Offering quality-guaranteed virgin hair, Mayvenn currently sells bundles, closures, frontals, wigs, clip-ins, and tape-ins. Each product is crafted with the highest industry standards and comes in a variety of textures and colors. The brand also offers free 30-days returns on hair that’s been unaltered, and 30-day exchanges on all hair – even if it’s been worn, cut, or colored.

“We needed a disruptor in the hair extension industry. A way for men and women to easily have access to quality extensions and exceptional service without the unreasonable price tag. With Mayvenn Install, this is now a reality.”

 

 

To Book Your Next Mayvenn Install, please visit  https://shop.mayvenn.com

About Mayvenn:

Founded by Oakland native Diishan Imira in 2013, Mayvenn has become the industry’s largest black-owned hair company.  From the way we shop to empowering the communities we care about, Mayvenn aims to improve the process of getting your hair done, making quality products affordable for all. We recognize the innate magic that women of color possess – when properly supported, their reach and creativity is unparalleled.  To date, Mayvenn has made over $75 million in revenue.

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June 5, 2019

Preparing For a Big Event? Getting Married? It’s Time to Beautify Yourself!

pretty woman with flowers

Do you have a special occasion coming up that you want to look your very best for? Maybe you’re getting married, being a bridesmaid for a friend or just attending a family wedding where you haven’t seen everyone in ages? Perhaps you have a ceremony or prom coming up, or some kind of party where you just want to feel confident and enjoy the day even with cameras and eyes on you. If so, starting early can give you plenty of time to make improvements to your appearance and get yourself to where you want to be. Here are some ideas for going about it!

Lose some weight and/ or tone up

One of the ways you can make the most drastic change to your appearance is by losing weight (if you need to) and/ or toning up. When there’s a big event on the horizon and you know there will be lots of photos taken and all eyes will be on you, you of course want to feel your very best and losing weight is something that many people choose to do. Eating healthily and exercise is of course the best way to do it, but there are other more drastic options if you need them. If you’re severely overweight and nothing you’ve done in the past has had a long lasting effect then you might be a candidate for weight loss surgery. While this is extreme and there are risks, these are often worth it as opposed to staying overweight which carries more extreme risks. Something you could try before resorting to surgical measures is a very low calorie diet, also known as VLCDs. Lots of companies provide these, they’re made up of meal replacement packs which provide you with all of the nutrition you need in a small amount of calories. Those that stick to the plan can expect to lose around a stone a month. So even if your special occasion is relatively close, you could still transform yourself in time. Of course, with any diet it’s important to follow up correctly- return to your old eating habits and you’ll gain it all back. See it as a way to kick start your new healthy lifestyle.

Create a skin and hair care regime

Taking care of your skin and hair is so important, poor lifestyle such as, diet, pollution, hydration and lack of care can leave it feeling dry or damaged. If you have the budget, go for a facial and have them diagnose your skin type, once they have it all freshened up they can recommend products that will work for you. Go to the salon and have your hair cut and coloured by a professional, and again ask for recommendations for products. Oil treatments, deep conditioning masks and protective styles can all help to keep your hair at its best.

Have a procedure done

There has been a rise in ‘lunch hour procedures’ meaning you can make adjustments to your appearance in a short space of time with very little recovery time. Botox treatments, non surgical nose jobs and lip fillers are all examples of this. It’s important to do your research, these things might be easy to have done these days but they’re still serious. A professional and experienced company will give you the result you want without risking your health. If you have something that’s always bothered you, such as thin lips or forehead lines, you don’t have to live with them! Have the procedure done a number of months before the event so you can check that you like it. That way if you need it dissolving or topping up you can have that done in plenty of time so you look the way you want for your big event.

Find the right outfit

Finding something to wear is one of the most important steps, get it right and your outfit will contribute towards your confidence levels. If you’re planning on losing weight first then you’ll want to reach your goals first, then you can go shopping with your new physique. It might even enable you to go for clothes that you’d have previously overlooked. If you know what your body shape is, and what types of pieces suit it then it can make shopping much easier and give you an idea of what to look for.

Have your nails and eyelashes done

You can have your nails and eyelashes done up to a week before the big day and they’ll still look good, so when you’re preparing for the event. These are great finishing touches that can make you feel ultra girly and feminine and finish off the look. If you find the right salon, you could have them both done in the same visit, saving you running back and forth.

Consider a spray tan

If you’re naturally very pale then you’ll know it can be a struggle- while of course all skin tones are beautiful, pale skin is notorious for showing up flaws. If you have stretch marks, varicose veins or other marks, you can often find that tanning will help to improve the look of them. Avoid dangerous tanning beds, spray tans can look fantastic and give you a healthy glow. Lots of people report feeling slimmer when they’re tanned and all in all it can give you a great confidence boost. If you’ve bought an outfit that shows a lot of skin and are feeling a little insecure then this can give you some added confidence. Have this done close to the event itself, spray tans don’t last for a long time and can go patchy after a while so the timing needs to be right.

(Image from pexels.com )

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