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10 Nail Tips For Healthy and Beautiful Nails

Having clean, strong, healthy looking nails isn’t a herculean task. Maintaining such nails is something that involves a moderate amount of time and consistency. A regular nail care routine is something everyone should opt for because the result is just awesome and this routine doesn’t always have to revolve round a manicure, there are bad nail habits that needs to be unlearned and good habits that should be adopted

Here are some tips for healthy and beautiful nails.

1. Avoid biting your fingernails

When your nails come in contact with your mouth, there are so many things that can go wrong. Things like germs getting into your mouth which can lead to an infection. It also damages your cuticle and causes your nail to be brittle.

2. Moisturise your nails

Moisturise, moisturise, moisture. Your nails need to be moisturised just as your skin does. We engage in a lot of activities that dries up our nails and cuticles so it’ll be nice to opt for a hand moisturizer or a hand cream.

3. Trim your nails regularly

Trimming your nails with a nail cutter or scissors every few weeks makes your nails less prone to breakage and helps keep them in great shape.

4. Use a right emery board

Avoid using an emery board that’s too rough textured or grainy. Use one that doesn’t hurt your nails and smoothens the edges of your nails.

5. Be mindful of your cuticles

Biting off your cuticles or poking them with sharp objects is really harmful since they’re very delicate. Moisturising your cuticles makes it less prone redness and even infection. I really recommend leaving your cuticles alone.

6. Apply a base coat for protection

A base coat provides a protective layer between the nails and nail polish. It enhances the colour of your nail polish especially If it’s applied thickly. It also prevents your nails from getting stained or discoloured.

7. Reduce the use of acetone

I know acetone takes off your nail polish in almost a split second, very effective but did you know that acetone can be really harsh on your nails, as it dries up your nails and makes it prone to breakage? It’ll be best to opt for other nail polish removers.

8. Make less use of gel and acrylics

Gel and acrylic nails are indisputably beautiful but they can be really hard on your nails and in turn cause damage on your natural nail bed. When getting acrylic nails, a lot of filing has to be done to your nails, this makes your nails rough, thinner and weaker. The chemical components of these gel and acrylic products are harmful enough to cause dents in your nails and harm the skin around your nails.

9. Wear gloves for protection when necessary

We engage in a lot of household chores that gets our hands messy and this makes germs and dirt easily accessible to our nails. Even detergents and other cleaning agents can be quite harmful to our nails as the chemicals aren’t so mild and can dry up the nails. Putting on gloves while going on with your chores prevents dirt and chemicals from coming in contact with your nails.

10. Keep your nails clean

Practicing good hygiene is a good way to have healthy nails. Clean your nails regularly and also the nail tools after each use. Cleaning your nails makes it less prone to dirt and bacteria from breeding in there.

Feel free to share your nail tips in the comment section and if you have any nail related problem, please visit a dermatologist~

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7 DIY SKINCARE INGREDIENTS YOU SHOULD BE MINDFUL OF

DIY skincare tips has become a trend since almost everyone thinks using home available ingredients or natural ingredients yields faster results than manufactured products. For the fact that some ingredients are contained in the manufactured products doesn’t make it any more effective and just because an item is natural doesn’t mean it’s all good when it comes to your skin.

Homemade concoction aren’t as good as the manufactured, tested products though some can be beneficial to your skin to an extent but it’s best to minimize the use. Since they don’t have preservatives in them, it’s easy for microbes to have access to them thereby causing a skin breakout. Here are some ingredients you should be mindful of if you’re considering a DIY skincare.

1• Eggs

People use eggs to tighten and redefine their skin pores and also to make their skin glow. The protein in egg whites can increase your skin elasticity and skin tone but did you know egg whites contain salmonella, a bacteria that’s a key factor of food poisoning. Skin infections caused by salmonella are rare but you wouldn’t want to risk it.

2• Baking soda

Using baking soda for acne treatment or exfoliation can be pretty much harmful to your skin. Baking soda is an alkaline substance that has a pH of 9. Using an alkaline substance of that much concentration can cause a skin irritation and even inflame the skin.

3• Lemon

You should stick to using lemons for juices or teas, anywhere close to your skin is a no-no. Lemons are natural lightening agents with a pH of 2, that’s very acidic. This acidic property, can cause it to burn your skin, and make the skin protective barrier to wear off. If it’s used on a skin surface exposed to the sun, it makes your skin discoloured, blistered and even leads to hyperpigmentation.

4• Toothpaste

When you use a toothpaste for acne treatment, it can reduce the inflammation temporarily but you should avoid using it and settle for better products. Some toothpastes contain hydrogen peroxide and baking soda which cause irritation and discolouration of the skin.

5• Cinnamon

Cinnamon is best for making pastries and though it has some antibacterial benefits but it isn’t so good for your skin. It causes a burning sensation, redness and some other kinds of irritation.

6• Apple cider vinegar

If you use ACV as a cleanser or toner and it works for you, it’s best if you dilute it to reduce it’s acidic concentration. Honestly, try to stay clear from ACV. It causes burns and skin irritation and with long term usage, it will eventually corrode your skin due to it’s acidic property.

7• Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is can be good for hair treatment as it hydrates the hair and a nice remedy for dry split ends. When it comes to the face, that’s a bad choice. It clogs your skin pores, making room for bacterial growth and can result to face full of acne.

If you want to go for a DIY skincare, you should try doing your homework first maybe ask a dermatologist about it and be cautious of the ingredients you’re going to use~

Posted on by VeeEmina · 2 Comments

Beach Outfit Ideas

There’s nothing more exhilarating than a beach day, the sunshine, ocean waves and the tress gives that fuzzy feeling. There are so many fun things to do on a beach. You could choose to have a nap under an umbrella, swim, maybe try surfboarding or just relax having a cocktail drink.

Everyone has a different style of beach outfit but as we all know, comfort is the basic thing. Now, there are several beautiful beach wears, from classic styles to trend setters beach styles. Whatever you go with, don’t forget to wear SPF for protection against UV rays.

• Swimwear

You can opt for a classic one-piece or a bikini depending on which one you can wear with confidence. Swimsuits are so versatile that you can wear them with other clothing and accessories. They come in several patterns and colours.

•Romper

A romper is also called a play suit. It’s definitely a beach must-have as it complements your body shape by flatenning out your silhouette. A floral print romper is a good beach outfit.

• Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are good cover-up clothing, ideal for relaxation. So easy to throw on and they’re also flattering and comfortable to wear.

• Denim shorts

Denim shorts are so durable and stylish. Your beach outfit collection isn’t complete without a pair. They are so comfy and versatile that they can be worn with swim suits, button-down shirts and other beach outfits.

• Button-down Shirt

An oversized white linen button-down shirt is a total yay! It gives such a chic look. It’s also light and easy to wear. You can pair it with denim shorts, hat and cute pair of strappy sandals and you’re good to go.

• Palazzo pants

You can’t go wrong with a pair of this. It’s one of my favorite beach outfit. Palazzo pants are so loose-fitting thereby making you feel so relaxed. They come in so many fun colours and patterns.

• Sarong

A sarong is a cute breezy cover-up wear that goes so well with swimwears. You can opt for an any-which-way sarong that can be used as a dress, skirt or even a headscarf. It keeps you cool and covered and it comes in a variety of designs and textiles.

• Hat

A beach hat is definitely a must have. It keeps the sun away from your eyes and skin. Wide-brimmed hats and straw sun hats are the best for beach days. Hats with neutral shades like brown, cream or white are simply fabulous.

Don’t forget to go out with a pair of sunglasses. It protects your eyes from the sun and completes your beach look.

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How To Achieve a ‘no makeup’ Makeup Look

A ‘no makeup’ makeup look is a natural glam look that focuses on the application of minimum makeup products. Summer sparks the go-to of natural glam. You don’t want to be under the sun with a heavy makeup just for it to melt over your face. A no makeup’ makeup look is a subtle look for casual events and generally for any occasion. This trend is totally here to stay and it’s quite easy to pull off.

I’ve rounded up some pretty cool tips to get your ‘no makeup’ makeup look banging!

• Skincare

I’m sure most people agree to the fact that having a glowing natural skin is an essential step for flawless look. A good skincare routine will definitely boost your facial appearance and get your makeup look on fleek.

• Use a good primer

It’s best to go for a primer that suits your skin type. For instance, a hydrating primer is suitable for a dry skin. You can also go for a pore-filling primer, it smoothens your skin pores thereby creating a smooth base. An illuminating primer is also a good choice.

• A light coverage foundation

Using a full coverage foundation will give you an unnatural look but a light coverage illuminates your skin and gives it a nice finish. I personally recommend the L’Oreal Paris Infallible Fresh wear 24hr foundation. It has a hydrating formula to get moisture locked in your skin and it’s also waterproof so basically no worries.

• Conceal

Use a lightweight concealer for covering blemishes, redness, dark circles on your face. You can apply this with your finger tips or a concealer brush/sponge.

• Highlight

A highlighter gives a glow lustre finish, some sort of sun-kissed look. It’s perfect for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look.

• Brush up your brows

This enhances your look, you could use an eyebrow gel or an eye pencil to gently fill out your eyebrows. Use a good eyelash curler and then apply a mascara. This is optional though.

• Go for the lips

You can add a soft colour of lip tint, maybe a nude shade. A lip balm, lip gloss can also do.

•Set that look!

A good translucent setting powder will absorb oil from your face. A dewy setting spray is also ideal. It creates a radiant look and keeps your skin grease free.

Share your experience of going for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look in the comment section~

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How To Find Your Signature Scent

A signature scent is a fragrance that says a whole lot about you. It transcends on your personality, personal style and your mood. A fragrance lingers on your clothes and the surrounding and if you keep wearing a particular fragrance over time, people will have thoughts of you whenever they smell it anywhere. The brain remembers the scent since it has a deep connection with our sense of smell. Crazy right?

Everyone’s taste in fragrance is different. Because of how scent is so personal to us, the concept of having a signature scent is ideal. Getting your signature scent may be a bit tricky but I’ll walk you down some guides on how to find the perfect scent.

1. Try smelling the perfume samples

The more perfume you smell, the more drawn you will be to each fragrance. Give yourself time to experience the whole fragrance and know if you enjoy the scent. Start from lighter scents to muskier scents.

2. Understand the fragrance profile

A fragrance profile is a breakdown or classification of how perfume smells. There are 8 olfactic families in the fragrance profile that can help you select your signature scent.

  • Oriental: This is a heavy fragrance that has a spicy hint in it’s content. It’s perfect to use in colder months and evenings
  • Woody: It’s a warm fragrance that has a musky base. It tends to be more masculine in nature
  • Leather: This is denoted with a dry smoky scent
  • Fougère: It’s composed of blends of different aromas. From sweet to spicy scents.
  • Floral: Mmmm flowers! It’s ideal for day time and summer period.
  • Citrus: Scents of juice, zest of fruits like orange, lemon, mandarin, grapefruit.
  • Chypre: A contrast between woody scents and other fresher scents.
  • Aromatic: Crisp scent of fresh green herbs like sage, rosemary, lavender.

3. Decide on what you want your scent to say about you

I’m pretty sure you want to walk in a room and stand out from the crowd. A signature scent is a luxury of self expression, it says a lot about your personality. Before choosing a specific fragrance, think of what you want it to say about you- friendliness, sensuality, coolness, playfulness.

4. Consider the concentration of the fragrance

There are different versions of fragrance that ranges from the shortest to the longest duration it stays on our skin and fabric. They include:

  • Eau fraiche: This is the least version of fragrance that lasts for at least an hour. It has the lowest fragrance concentration.
  • Eau de cologne: This has a fragrance concentration of about 2-4% of perfume oil in an alcohol content and water. It lasts for 2 hours
  • Eau de toilette: Fragrance concentration of 5-15%. It has a high alcohol content and lasts for about 4 hours.
  • Eau de parfum: It has a fragrance concentration of 15-20% of pure perfume oil and lasts for about 4-9 hours.
  • Perfume(parfum): This is the strongest version of fragrance and the most expensive. It has a concentration of 20-30% and usually lasts for an entire day.

5. Avoid following fragrance trend

We sometimes find ourselves getting perfumes because our friends or celebrities are wearing it. You probably want to smell like Rihanna but the truth is that you wouldn’t exactly smell like her. It’s best if you go for a scent you enjoy and feel the goodness of it.

Let me know of the perfumes you really cherish in the comment section~

Posted on by VeeEmina · 4 Comments

Hair Do’s and Don’ts

We all want a beautiful and healthy looking hair but maintaining such hair requires you to apply some essential rules to keep having that flourishing natural hair. I’ll walk you through some Do’s and Don’ts that’ll definitely have a good effect on your hair.

The Do’s

1. DO apply a gentle shampoo once a week for a deep clean and try to apply the shampoo evenly throughout your hair.

2. DO exfoliate your scalp. I know we can’t get enough of exfoliating- body, face and your scalp deserves exfoliation. This helps to keep your scalp healthy and clean.

3. DO use a leave-in conditioner. This restores hydration and boosts your hair health. You can also use home-hacks like aloe vera, eggs, henna as conditioning agents.

4. DO a regular oil massage. Using natural oils like castor, coconut, almond oil for a head massage is a nice way to treat your hair and scalp. It stimulates blood circulation to the roots of your hair thereby bringing about nutrients for your hair growth.

5. DO get your hair tips trimmed. You might be scared of cutting your hair but trust me it’s totally worth it. Trimming your hair about every 4-5 months will keep your hair growing long and strong.

The Don’ts

1. DON’T over heat your hair. I know appliances like hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons are used on our hair on a regular basis but you have to try as much as possible to minimize the use of such products for a brittle-free hair.

2. DON’T tie your hair too tight. Tying your hair in a tight ponytail or bun during bedtime is a bad idea because your hair needs to breathe and nighttime is the perfect time for that. If your hair is regularly tied tightly, it will start pulling out.

3. DON’T comb too hard. Combing your hair too hard will lead to a hair breakage. You’re literally yanking hair straight from the roots and this can be quite messy.

4. DON’T wash your hair everyday. Doing this strips out natural oils from your hair and makes it prone to frizziness.

5. DON’T swim with your hair uncovered. Chlorine (found in swimming pools) and Iodine (found in salty seas) removes the scalp natural oil (sebum) out from your hair and causes other damages. If you can’t afford to cover your hair, try applying a leave-in conditioner or coconut oil to protect your hair.

Let me know of the Do’s you want to try out in the comment section.

Posted on by VeeEmina · 6 Comments

Best Tips For Shaving

I know sometimes some of us have to deal with itchiness, redness and other kinds of irritation after shaving and it can be so uncomfortable. Because of this reason, some people have invested in waxing and laser hair removal which is totally cool if you can handle it. People still opt for shaving sticks because it’s most suitable for them.

Using razor can bring up shaving irritation like shaving rash which shows up as redness, itching, hot sensation e.t.c and shaving bump which is caused by ingrown hairs. Here are some tips for a better shaving experience.

1• Exfoliate

Exfoliating your skin before shaving reduces the chances of rashes. An exfoliant removes dead skin cells and helps prevent ingrown hairs.

2• Use a clean sharp razor

A sharp razor makes a good shave as it deals with all textures of hair. Men’s razor is actually preferred for shaving as it’s designed to cut coarse hair. After shaving, don’t leave your razor in the shower because moisture makes the blade blunt and could it could lead to corrosion.

3• Use a shaving gel

Shaving gels acts as a lubricant between your skin and the blade. If a shaving gel is unavailable, your hair conditioner is a perfect product to use in place of it. Moisturizing with natural oils like olive, coconut, almond oil can be as effective as shaving gels as they’re both hydrating agents.

4• Proceed with short strokes

Going on with short strokes in the direction of which your hair grows will help avoid getting cuts. No matter how much of a pro you are, you need to be cautious.

5• Rinse razor after each stroke

Trimming your pubic hair before shaving avoids getting your razor clogged up with hair and a clogged razor is totally ineffective. After rinsing your razor, ensure it’s properly dried before you continue to use it.

6• Shave at the end of your bath

This allows your hair follicles to get softened and reduces the risk of having an irritation.

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How To Rock Fashion Accessories

Accessories play a huge role in highlighting your outfit. It enhances the effect of clothes you put on. Imagine putting on that pair of pearl earrings with a strapless black silk dress. Simply elegance! Accessories are like the finishing touches to your outfit.

Below are some tips that’ll help you rock your accessories with style

• Choose proportion of accessories according to your body type

If you’re tall or have a big body frame, you can go for bold size accessories to complement your outfit. If you’re petite, choose a smaller scale of accessories to avoid distraction from your outfit.

• Put on bold accessories with neutral clothing

If you have neutral colour clothes like black, white, brown beige e.t.c you have a chance to play with a lot of colourful accessories to boost your outfit. For instance, putting on a pair of bright red shoes with a beige dress.

• Using accessories of different colours

I know there’s an unwritten rule that states that your handbag must be the same colour as your shoes. If your hand bag is of a bright colour, it’s okay to pair it with shoes of a much contrasting light tone. Same thing goes for matching all other accessories of various colours.

• Choosing the right jewelry

Bracelets, rings, bangles, anklets e.t.c complement your outfit greatly. Chunky rings isn’t for everyone though. These days everyone wants to stack up rings on their fingers, it isn’t a bad idea but the size of the rings is what matters. Chunky rings don’t look so good on short fingers. If you have short fingers, it’s best you go for thin rings.

• Be creative with your choice of accessories

Think outside the box when picking out accessories. Anything you wear on your body can be used as an accessory. A keychain, spiky necklace, sunglasses, piercings, hair pins, stockings and so much more can be used to accessorize an outfit.

Posted on by VeeEmina · 8 Comments

Fashion Without Skincare Isn’t Fashionable

Trust me, slaying an outfit with a bad skin is a total nay! Skincare and fashion go hand in glove. Our skincare and makeup are as important as our choice of clothing. If you know fashion, you should understand skincare.

Skin care covers a range of practices that helps rejuvenate the skin as it enhances the skin’s appearance and alleviate skin conditions. A skincare routine help your skin look healthier and the routine is effective if the products you use are genuine. If you use a low quality product, there wouldn’t be a sign of improvement on your skin.

Below are some good skin care rules that help your skin look amazing.

• Cleansing

This is an important step in any good skincare routine. It’s necessary you find a good cleanser that suits your skin type so it doesn’t cause a skin irritation.

• Toning

Toners help in tuning up your complexion. It should be done after cleansing. Applying toners with a clean hand is the most efficient, a cotton face pad can also do. Toning removes dead skin cells that clog pores and boosts hydration.

• Vitamin C serum

This helps reduce hyper pigmentation, dullness of the skin. It acts against dark spots as it’s a brightening agent that gives your skin a youthful glow.

• Moisturizing

It’s really essential you moisturize. I really can’t stand a dry flaky skin. Moisturizers keep your skin hydrated and gives your skin a soft feeling. The texture of a moisturizer depends on your skin type.

  • Oily Skin – Gel moisturizer
  • Normal skin – Lotion moisturizer
  • Dry skin – Cream (oil based) moisturizer
  • Sensitive skin – balm moisturizer

• Sunscreen

I know a lot of people that don’t wear sunscreen. They just complain about the intensity of the sun and move on. That’s crazy! The sun is a major reason why people’s skin will age prematurely. It’s really important you apply sunscreen before heading outdoors. It protects your skin from harmful UV rays, minimizes the risk of sunburns, skin cancer and premature signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles.

Posted on by VeeEmina · 12 Comments

5 Fashion Mistakes You Should Avoid

  A fashion mistake also known as a fashion faux pas is a havoc one creates when trying on an outfit. It comprises of choosing the wrong outfit, overaccessorizing, ignoring care and cleaning instructions, unbalanced proportion of clothing and much more.

There’s a good thing about a fashion mistake though. It helps you learn effective tips on how to dress properly and gain confidence by looking good

Below are 5 fashion mistakes that should be totally avoided

1. Putting on small clothing

Small clothing could be a fashion trend at a particular period but you certainly don’t have to hop on it. Ask yourself if you feel confident in it and if you don’t that’s a sure no.

2. Oversized clothes

Oversized clothing is a big statement in street fashion apparently. If it’s worn out of proportion, for instance a baggy jumper and a large flared denim jean it’s surely a fashion faux pas.

3. Unironed clothes/Stains on clothing

Trust me, we all want people to think the best of us. You wouldn’t want to go out looking grubby. Clothes should be laundered and ironed properly if required before they can be worn. It creates a good sensation and attracts positive vibes.

4. Overaccessorizing

This is a big form of sartorial sin. Putting on quite a number of accessories like earrings, bracelets, rings e.t.c on an outfit makes it look very unattractive and generally distracts people from your personal style.

5. Uncomfortable shoes

Wearing uncomfortable shoes cause a lot of pain and in general discomfort. You definitely wouldn’t want to be wobbling down the road while putting on a pair of ill-fitted shoes.