Multi-Colur Nail Art Ideas

The new season is all about color and style, so grab on to your favorite new season nail polishes and give your nails a total glam-over with the help of the following multi-color nail art ideas!
The vast array of nail polish hues and nail art designs created by talented nail artists and nail enthusiasts enable women to sport endless nail art designs that can be adapted to the season, to one's personality and style. Dare to play up with your nail art and give the following multi-color nail art ideas a try as they are in perfect sync with the summer 2014 nail color trends. It is just amazing what you can achieve with a little bit of nail polish, the right tools, a bit of skill and patience as sophistication is the buzzword that dominates the nail art scene this season. No more plain and boring nails, but interesting color mixes and intricate patterns which draw instant attention, so dare to have fun and experiment with the following multi-colored nail art designs created by talented nail art blogger from Cocotte-Nail.

• PRETTY PATELS

The summer season has brought to the surface an array of fabulous pastel hues which will make the delice of your look whether you're talking about fashion, makeup or nail art designs. Pretty pastels are universally flattering hues that pack a 'je ne sais quoi' which install a feeling of happiness and relaxation, so dare to create various nail art effects such as half-moon nail art designs, frosted tips, French manicures, heart effects and more using soft yellow, baby blue, white and soft pink tones. 

A great way to make sure your nails get noticed is to opt for high impact, color clashing hues, so whether you choose to go for a uniform but different nail polish hue on each nail or a stylish color mix, your nails are bound to steal the spotlight. A high contrasting manicure can be achieved by mixing vibrant neon hues or darks with brights, so mix and match your favorite nail polish hues to obtain a cool and trendy manicure every time. To ensure a flawless result every time apply glitter on the transition line between color clashing nail polishes or apply rhinestones or other 3D add-ons to give your nails an even higher impact.

•  HIGH IMPACT COLOUR MIXES

50+ Trending Fashion Styles Of 2014. IT JUST CAN'T GET ANY BETTER!

50+ Trending fashion styles of 2014. IT JUST CAN'T GET ANY BETTER!
Pink, purple, navy, blue, mint, black, red, silver, green and many other colors are available in this amazing collection.

How To Color-Coordinate Your Wardrobe With Your Bag Without Overmatching

Does your bag need to match perfectly with your shoes? Do you need to make sure there is one color element present in the bag or shoes to match the color of your outfit?
One day you’d hear fashion pundits decrying the overmatched look on some celebrity. The next you’d hear them singing praises about it because “the look came together very well” on some model.
The key to doing the mix-match look well is to do it with moderation. The bottom line? Your comfort level.
I believe that the head-to-toe one-color look works best with the right cut when it comes to clothes, and with neutral shades. It is more or less widely accepted to wear an all-black ensemble (black dress, black shoes, black bag), but unless you are in mourning, it’s good to put a little color on your face—perhaps some light-pink blush on your cheeks, or if you’re bold enough, bright red lips.
It is also common to see an all-white ensemble (white shirt, white trousers, white loafers and white bag)—I have seen this look on “ladies who lunch,” and they work it quite flawlessly. All white gives off that breezy, laid-back feel, which is also why this look is most at home on the beach.
Over a week or so ago, Jennifer Lopez was seen with her new boyfriend in Miami carrying off a very casual, all-nude (take note, she was not nude) look—from her nude tank top and jeans, to her nude pochette and her nude-toned Valentino studded sandals. It worked.

When it comes to brights,  the one-color look can be more difficult to pull off. An all-red ensemble may be too harsh, especially when matched with an all-red bag and a pair of all-red shoes—unless you are about to ring in Chinese New Year and want to make sure you get to catch all the luck.
And you might not want to do this all-red look if you’re attending a Chinese banquet—believe me, it would not be good to blend in with the red tablecloth on the banquet table! And it certainly might look strange if you wear an all-green outfit and match it with a same-color, different-shade bag and shoes unless you are willing to be mistaken for an elf or, worse, a leprechaun.
Again, there is no real rule out there against this, as it all boils down to how comfortable you are with what you wear—although I’m sure you wouldn’t want to be the object of ridicule by those who see you.
Now, if you are not too sure about your look, it’s time to learn the art of proper bag and shoe matching. When it comes to a solid-colored bright ensemble, a bag and a pair of shoes in either black or nude shade are safest, as those colors work to break down a bright color’s “strength.”
If you are willing to experiment, you don’t even have to match your bag color with your shoe color. Check out the color wheel (you can search for this on the Internet easily) to find complementary shades to the color of your outfit/bag/shoes, and work from there.
If you like to web-crawl, check out style blogs to see how bloggers integrate different colors of bags and shoes with their clothes. And if you feel emboldened after also poring over fashion magazines, try carrying printed bags—and why not, wear printed shoes, too! It may get confusing to color-coordinate or to color-complement/contrast, but never forget to enjoy the process of matchmaking.

How To Wear Waist Beads

The biggest misconception I constantly hear about wearing waist beads is that you have to be a size 0 with a flat stomach. Which is the farthest from the truth. Women of all ages and sizes wear waist beads! I have Grandmothers and women who have 52” size waists buying my waist beads. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have a flat stomach, because they are for YOU to wear.
Traditionally worn under clothes by African women, waist beads have several different meanings. Ranging from rites of passage, to enticing your husband to healing and rejuvenation. The art of adorning ones self has been practiced since the beginning of time. In Egypt, waist beads were called “girdles”. All the women wore them and it was a uniform for pre-pubescent girls with out any sexual connotation. But usually servants or dancers wore them and are shown in wall relief’s wearing them and nothing else!
In West Africa, waist beads have several names.; Jel-Jelli, Jigeda, Giri-Giri, Djalay Djalay or Yomba. They’re always worn under clothes. In Ghana women knew that waist beads helped form their body into a particular shape and adult women wear beads to sexually stimulate the male. In other parts of West Africa, women would wear waist beads with bells on them, and when they walked it would make a jingling noise. Dipping them in oil scented the beads.
When you add stones, waist beads take on healing qualities. Depending on ailment or what needs to be enhanced (i.e. love, physic powers, balancing), various semi-precious stones can be included in the design of your waist beads.


It’s only now in modern times, that waist beads are becoming more visible. Pants are getting lower and lower, and women are showing more skin than ever. So why not adorn this blank canvas with beautiful beads. But if showing your stomach in not for you, it’s still all good. You can take glee in knowing that you are wearing something special and beautiful. I always tell women when you buy fancy lingerie; you wear them under your clothes for you or who you would like to see them. Waist beads are exactly the same!

How to measure yourself:

Measure yourself on bare skin, where you would like your beads to fall. Make sure the measuring tape is snug, but not tight and not to loose. Please don’t suck it in!! If you’ve never worn waist beads before, measure right below your belly button. If you have a tummy, measure underneath it. Measure lower if you would like your beads to fall lower. If you would like your beads to be worn over clothes, measure as above but over clothes. Please do not use manufacturer clothing size as a gauge for your waist size. Each brand varies in sizes.
LABELS: BEADS, FASHION TIPS

Ankara Print Swimsuit Collection. A Must Have This Summer...

Germany based designers Adwoa Ode-Dombrowe & Rosemary Dede from Malaika designs recently unveils their latest collection.  Our favorite piece is without question the 2 pieces Bikini even though it might look horrible on me .  African print swimsuits are really hot this summer .  Check out the full collection below and  tell what you think about it .

Photography by DZ' media
For photography bookings call
+2347064810089

10 Ways To Solve Common Wardrobe Disasters

You're out at a major event, wearing your low cut dress. While you know the dress doesn't fit you perfectly, you're sure a shoulder strap won't fall down and expose a breast. But it does and now you have to know how to survive a public wardrobe malfunction.
We’ve all had those mornings. Your jacket zipper is stuck. Your heel gets caught in a sidewalk grate. And, whoopsie, your favorite button-down seems to be gaping a bit more than usual.

No doubt about it…wardrobe malfunctions are total downers. But before throwing in the towel, try these handy dandy tricks! Simply channel your inner MacGyver and reach for a few everyday office tools.
1.) Need to repair a piece of clothing on-site without an emergency sewing kit? Grab a stapler to fix broken zippers or loose sleeves – just staple from the inside out.
2.) If a zipper is stuck, rub the tip of a graphite pencil over the area to loosen it up.
3.) Need to erase a stain before a big meeting? Ask around for a stain-removing pen. Alternatively, dry-erase board cleaner works just as well – but test a small area first if your clothing is isn’t white.
4.) If a button-down shirt or wrap dress is gaping more than anticipated, a loop of strong packing tape to hold the fabric together should do the trick.
5.) For scuffed shoes or holes in a pair of tights, a dark marker will provide a temporary fix.
6.) Lint can quickly be removed from an outfit with a packing list envelope (like the kind FedEx makes, and available at any office supply store). Just take off the adhesive backing and slip the envelope on like a glove.
7.) Trickier problems, like a broken heel, may require more creativity, but you’re not out of options. Duct tape works wonders for holding a shoe together, and a marker can help blend everything in.
8.) Plan ahead for things like a ripped seam, a stain on your blouse, or an ice-cold office by having a spare neutral-colored cardigan at your desk. Just keep it on a hanger or slung over your chair in case disaster strikes.
9.) If you lose your earring back, just snap off the eraser from a pencil and stick it behind the earring for a temporary fix.
10.) Mend a broken strap, whether it's from your shoe or bra, by looping a paper clip through both ends to keep things together. Just avoid sudden drastic movements until you get home.

Perfect Red Lipstick Application For a Dark-skinned Woman...

For many years, Black women believed they could not wear red lipstick. Red lips can be alluring, timelessly sexy and fashion forward and bring attention to pearly white teeth.
However when you have a darker skin complexion, wearing the right shade is key. Be encouraged; there’s a shade of red for everyone! The problem lies in finding a shade that will compliment your skin tone.
To find the right one, experiment with different shades to find yours. The wonderful thing about red lipstick is that there are several shades of red to compliment all skin tones.
There are several tips to try to make sure your red lipstick is fitting. Try:

1. Dab a little cream concealer on your lips before applying to keep it from smearing.
2. Line your lips with a lip liner that is one shade darker than your natural lip color or a closely colored lip pencil before applying the lipstick.
3. Mix red lipstick with a little brown lip pencil to give it depth and richness.
4. Blot your lips on a tissue and
5. For a precise look, use a lip brush to carefully apply your red lipstick to your lips. If you want more of a stained look, use a fingertip to apply.
6. There is no color red that Black women have to stick to as reds have been worn and applied to many different shades of brown. Some women look better in a darker, richer blue-toned red, while someone else may look better in a vibrant, orange toned red or a deep, warm-based red-wine, fire engine red, or fuchsia red. If you’re not ready for a red lipstick or are the kind of woman who prefers a glossy lip, try a red lip gloss. A gloss will provide you with various shades of reds and plenty of shine.
7. Because red lipstick is already bright, keep eye makeup simple and not over the top as it can make you look tacky and clownish.
8. Remember to check your teeth to make sure you have no red lipstick on them!

Scarlet lips are a focal trend this season, but why are so many of us still so reluctant to embrace this striking look?
LABELS: BEAUTY TIPS, LIPS

5 Bad Beauty Moves! Dont Dare Try!!

There can be a fine line between good and bad. Take makeup, for example. The right foundation can transform your face into an image of poreless perfection and the wrong one can morph it into a masky mess. Here are the most common self-inflicted grooming catastrophes and how to avoid them.

• Bad Beauty Move #1: Wearing Foundation on Flaky Skin

Not unlike paint, foundation needs a smooth surface. Otherwise it looks cracked, dry, dull and—worse—obvious, which is the exact opposite of what you want your foundation to do for you. Foundation should absorb into the skin, disappearing into it. To even out the surface of your skin, gently scrub it to remove dead cells and flakes. Finish by applying a moisturizing lotion or, if you have extremely dry skin, suki oil. Avoid zinc-based makeup and powders, since they have a mattifying effect that draws even more moisture out of the skin.

• Bad Beauty Move #2: Not Blending Your Makeup

This issue applies to everything you put on your face, whether it's foundation, blush, eye shadow or eyeliner. No one looks good with hard lines on their skin, eyes or lips. My motto has always been blend, blend, blend. Use brushes or fingers to gently massage color into the skin everywhere you put it. Don’t forget your jawline, chin and other areas of your face that may be slightly hidden when you look in the mirror.

• Bad Beauty Move #3: Using Concealer That’s Too Light

If you want to draw attention to something, you shine a light on it, right? The same goes for the way-too-light undereye concealer that’s supposed to be softening those dark circles but is making them even more obvious. That’s how you get raccoon eyes. Setting it with powder makes it even worse. To avoid an ashy, grayish effect, opt for a pink-toned concealer to brighten or a peach-toned one to cancel out the bluish hue of undereye circles. Most important, choose a creamy, easy-to-blend cover-up that’s an exact match to your skin tone.

• Bad Beauty Move #4: Applying Too Much Luminizer

Who doesn’t love the look of glowing, dewy skin? But next time you reach for that shimmery highlighter, think twice. It is definitely not for everyone. If you have oily or problematic skin, luminizer can highlight acne and make you look greasier. Stick to just one or two areas, such as the top of your cheekbones or bridge of your nose, and use your fingers for more control. Remember, less is more. There’s a huge difference between looking radiant and just plain shiny.

• Bad Beauty Move #5: Clipping Your Cuticles

That little bit of tougher skin is there for a reason: to protect the root of your nail from bacteria and other infections. To keep cuticles looking neat and clean, push them back with an orange stick, says Essie Weingarten, founder of nail brand Essie. Be sure to use cuticle oil every day. You’ll never get hangnails, and your nails will always look like you just walked out of a salon.
LABELS: BEAUTY TIPS, MAKE-UP

New Ways To Stop Lipstick From Darkening Lips

Long-term use of lipsticks — especially lower-quality lip colors — can permanently darken lips over time, due to the harsh chemicals in the cosmetics. But there are some things you can do yourself to help lighten dark lips and remove some of the staining that the makeup can cause.
Stop using the products. If you continue using the lipsticks that caused the problem in the first place, you’ll only make the darkening worse.

1. Try lime and honey. A mixture of lime juice, honey, and glycerine, applied regularly, could help lighten dark lips. You’ll need to apply it every day for several weeks before you see any positive effects.
2. Consider almonds, butter, and milk. After you wash your lips, apply almond milk, almond oil, or cream made from milk, and let it stay on your lips for at least one hour. Continue using this treatment daily for several weeks to lighten your lips.
3. Experiment with other natural ingredients. Some experts suggest beetroot, pomegranate, or coriander juice to lighten lips. To make coriander juice, grind up some coriander leaves in a blender.
4. Moisturize your lips. Keeping your lips moisturized can help make them appear lighter. You can try natural lip softeners like clarified butter or over-the-counter products like Vaseline to help condition your lips and lighten them. Apply either of these to your lips at night and as needed during the day to help moisturize and protect them.
5. Use lemons. Lemon juice is well known for its skin-lightening abilities. You can make a paste of equal parts lemon juice, graham flour, yogurt, and honey, and rub it onto your lips. Leave the paste on your lips for a half hour, then wash it off.
6. Keep your lips covered. Use sunscreen to protect your lips — the sun can increase the amount of pigment in your lips, making them even darker.
7. Limit your exposure to other potential skin darkeners. Cigarettes, coffee, and tea do more than stain teeth — they can also darken lips. Give your lips a break from these potential stainers.
8. Consult a doctor. If these home remedies don’t solve the problem, make an appointment with your dermatologist or doctor. He or she can prescribe an intensive lightening cream or another treatment to help lighten your dark lips and bring them back to a more natural color.

LABELS: LIPS

8 Amazing Make-up Colours You Should Start Looking For Before The Year Runs Out!

• TANGERINE LIPSTICK AND NAIL POLISH

Pantone named an orange-red called "Tangerine Tango" its shade of the year for 2014, and we're loving this bright, citrusy color for makeup, too. Although the orange eyeliner we saw on the runways looked cool, the shade looks best (and is a lot easier to pull off) on lips (try M.A.C Lipstick in Morange) or nails (try Essie Nail Polish in Vermillionaire).

• GLOSSY BROWN SHADOW

Brown eye shadow is a makeup-bag staple, but now makeup artists are amping it up with a touch of shine. Lightly swipe a rich moisturizer, such as Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant over copper shadow. Or just try a shade that's already got a hint of gloss, like Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Burnished or Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eye Shadow in Cyber Copper.

• PETAL PINK AND APRICOT BLUSHES

Sure, you've worn pink blush for years, but this year you'll want to wear it differently: Layer it over apricot to approximate the way your skin actually looks when it's flushed. You can use a cream or powder formula—the real trick is to apply the peach first, followed by pink, on the apples of your cheeks. "It gives you a healthy color," 

• PEARLY WHITE EYE SHADOW

Why is white so right, right now? It brightens your eyes so they look larger. "I love the idea of working with makeup that adds a touch of iridescence and luminosity," says makeup artist Peter Philips, who used the shade at Chanel's spring show. Use it on the lids, the inner corners of the eye, and if you're feeling adventurous, the cheekbones for a subtle highlight. 

• SILVERY GRAY EYE SHADOW

Last year we couldn't get enough of rusted metals—and while we're still feeling metallics, our tastes have shifted. On the lids, silvery gray looks sophisticated and more understated than full-on gold. Try Elizabeth Arden Color Intrigue Eyeshadow in Silver Smoke or M.A.C Eye Shadow in Silver Ring.

• PEACHY PINK LIP GLOSS

This year's take on the nude lip is a pink-y peach shade that flatters all skin tones. Tap peach gloss over the center of soft pink lips for a glow, says McGrath, or try one of our favorite shades, Nars Lip Gloss in Super Orgasm.

• CREAMY BROWN LINER

For a whole new twist on the smoky eye, just add chocolate. Chocolate brown liner, that is. Rim the inside of your lower lash line with your favorite black pencil, then draw a smudgy chocolate brown line along your upper and lower lash lines (we likeEstée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Eye Pencil in Coffee and Smashbox Cream Eyeliner in Putty) for this look, which was seen on runways including Balmain's.

• VIOLET NAILS

We're tickled pink over the shades of purple that popped up on nails at Dior, Derek Lam, and Prabal Gurung. Violet looks best on short, well-groomed nails. We loveEssie Nail Polish in Splash of Grenadine and Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Purple Passion.

wow! Best Way To Tie Nigerian Gele Using Aso-Oke.

In Western Africa, Nigeria to be precise, the "gele" is an accessory worn with a traditional Nigerian outfit. It is usually worn by females with a traditional attire, for special occasions like weddings, naming ceremonies, burials, church services, and religious celebrations.

The gele can be tied with different textures of cloth material, but it is usually tired with an aso-oke.
The aso-oke is a hand woven material , it  is popular amongst the western part of Nigeria and varies in colors and texture.
The aso-oke is usually found in fashion stores in Nigeria and in other parts of West Africa.
For foreigners who do not live in this country, there are websites that sell them online,
I have never used any of them, hence I can not vouch for their authenticity, below is a url of one of
such websites :  http://www.africastyles.com/Accessory/aso-oke2.shtml.
For all those culturally diverse and broadminded females out there, this is a great skill to learn! So hop on and let's go on a fashion journey through a diverse culture.

• Step 1 Spreading out the "gele"

The first step is to spread out the aso-oke, and tie on the head firmly, like you would tie a typical head scarf.

The aso-oke can vary in texture and length. As a beginner,it is advised to use a "gele" with medium length and texture, to prevent things from getting too complicated.


To stand out in the crowd, use a multicolored aso-oke, if you are comfortable with just looking nice and not making a statement with your "gele", then a plain colored aso-oke will do just fine.

• Step 2 Tying the base of the "gele"

 For a "gele" to come out looking good, it needs to have a very strong base.
To ensure this, place the aso-oke firmly on your head and tie the back of the scarf ( the two ends),into a knot, like you would tie a typical headscarf.
Make sure it is tight enough, but be cautious not to make it too tight, because you can get a headache if it is too tight.

• Step 3 Securing the base and rolling the tips.

Once the scarf has been placed on the head and the knot firmly tied, take the material hanging from

the left side of the head scarf and start rolling it from the back of the head/scarf all the way to the front,


repeat step for the material hanging from the right hand side.

• Step 4 Tucking in the"ends" of the "gele".

After rolling both ends of the "gele", gently tuck them in at opposite sides to secure them from getting loose.
Try to do this applying as little pressure as possible, you do not want to make it too tight.


Good job! A few more steps and you will create an ideal "gele"!

• Step 5 The Final Step

After the ends have been tucked in, adjust the front and the back of the "gele", by ensuring both sides sit well on the head. Only make adjustments where necessary.

After this is completed,congratulations! You have just tied your first Nigerian "gele".
Kudos for a job well done!
Wear the "gele" with a traditional beads to make it stand out and look cultural, below is a url containing pictures of Nigerian traditional beads;
http://www.africadirect.com/productsdesc.php?ID=42258
Please bear in mind that I am not endorsing these website as I have not used their services yet.

If you cannot afford to purchase new beads, a nice beaded necklace or a very simple silver necklace and earrings will do just fine.

3 Predominant Causes Of Acne In Teenagers.

Acne is a skin condition that affects more than ninety percent of all teens, so it's no wonder that there are so many products on the market promising to zap zits! While a few pimples here and there aren't anything to fret over, teenagers with severe acne breakouts can suffer immensely. They are often made fun of by their peers and they feel ostracized and embarrassed. Acne can really take a toll on a teenager's self-esteem. While there are a plethora of myths regarding the causes of acne, there are actually three principal causes: hormones, heredity, and plugged oil ducts. There are also several behaviors that can make existing acne worse and can cause even more breakouts.
As the expression goes, teenagers have raging hormones. In fact, these hormones are called androgens, and they increase for boys and girls during puberty.
Androgen hormones cause oil ducts on the face, back, neck, and upper chest to start producing oil, and sometimes there is too much oil, and the result is acne. The sad reality is that these hormone levels vary from one teenager to another, and some unlikely kids just have to wait it out until their hormones stabilize. Girls often have hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, and many girls will break out during their "time of the month" even if they do not regularly get many pimples.
Heredity affects us in so many ways - our looks, our smarts, our flaws and imperfections. Acne is no exception. While it is not a sure thing that a person will have acne if their parents had it, the likelihood of getting acne is much higher for individuals in that situation, or even individuals with just one parent that suffered with acne. If parents who had severe acne as teenagers notice the problem developing for their child, they should use their foresight to their teenager's advantage and seek dermatological assistance early on.
There's nothing that can be done to stop hormonal changes during puberty, and there's definitely nothing that can be done to change someone's hereditary misfortune, but there are ways to combat the plugged oil ducts that trigger acne breakouts. There are several over the counter acne treatments that can reduce oiliness. Products on the market that contain Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Sulfur, or Resorcinol are all helpful at fighting acne and minimizing plugged oil ducts. For severe acne conditions, a dermatologist can prescribe a stronger medication. Prescription medications used to treat acne contain such ingredients as Adapalene, Azelaic Acid, Clindamycin, Isotretinoin, and Erythromycin.
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not brought on by the types of foods you eat. Myths say that chocolate, greasy foods and sodas trigger breakouts, but there is no evidence to support such claims and many experts have discredited this myth through careful studies. It is also untrue that acne is the result of poor hygiene. Even teenagers who diligently wash their faces twice a day can get acne due to hereditary and hormonal changes. Individuals who are experiencing an acne breakout should be sure not to aggravate their condition by popping or pinching their pimples. They should also avoid over-washing and over-treating their condition. Girls should make sure to remove their makeup every night before going to bed, and all teenagers should be sure to sleep on a clean pillow and pillowcase. Also, always wash your face after exercising or engaging in sporting activities because sweat can lead to increased breakouts.

Top Beauty Products For Your Black Skin.

Many products for the treatment and maintenance of black skin originated in Africa through tribal knowledge passed down through medicine men, shamans and priests. During the dynasties of Egypt, products such as cosmetics, creams and makeup were used by men and women on a daily basis. These products in different forms still exist, and many share common ingredients.

• Shea Butter

Shea butter is a balm that originates from the karate nut tree, found in West and Central Africa. When applied in a circular motion, the balm seeps into the pores and provides the skin extra protection, lending a lasting sheen to the skin. Shea butter provides solutions for black skin with eczema, extreme dryness, blackheads, acne or unbalanced skin tone.

• Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a cream-colored substance extracted from cacao seeds, also called cocoa beans. Cocoa butter's many uses include chocolate, cosmetics, soap and tanning oils, but its main use pertaining to black skin care is for moisturizing the skin to help keep it soft and vibrant looking. When cocoa butter is applied to the skin, it melts instantly and absorbs. Cocoa butter can help skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. Cocoa butter is highly effective when used in dry climates, because it retains moisture that may be lacking in a dry environment.

• Black Soap

Black soap is made from plants and barks found in West Africa, such as the plantain, palm-tree leaves, shea-tree bark and cocoa pods. When applied, the soap penetrates the pores of the skin, specializing in fighting rashes, removing dead skin and unclogging pores. Black soap is effective against eczema, acne, dark spots, razor bumps and eliminating blemishes.

• Aloe Extract

Most African-American men suffer from shaving bumps as a result of the hair curling back into the skin. This can cause skin irritation if not treated correctly. Aloe extract is a liquid extract from the aloe plant that contains the compound vitamin E, which is good for skin health. When applied after shaving, aloe extract penetrates the skin, preventing ingrown hairs from curling up into the skin. Aloe extract is also effective against razor cuts to the skin. Many African-American men buy aloe-based shaving products or buy an aloe plant and use the extract directly from the plant on their skin.

4(Four) Easy-To-Remember Tips To Having A Better Skin

How about improving your skin with these easy-to-remember tips? Sleeping in your makeup or skimping on sunscreen can have more effects on your skin than you think. Stay looking young by…

• MOISTURIZE AFTER SHOWERING

We all know a warm shower strips skin of oils. Face creams and body lotions are excellent substitutes, as long as you apply them correctly. Keep body lotion right in the shower. Seeing it will remind you to apply it when your skin is damp, within ten minutes of turning off the water. Choose a body lotion with a flip top because pump bottles allow water in, and that can lead to bacteria.

• TAKE OFF YOUR MAKEUP AT NIGHT

You’ve known since middle school that makeup can mix with skin oils and dirt to cause zits. Cosmetics can also trap in skin-damaging free radicals that float in the air (think: bus exhaust)! So, try washing your face as soon as you get home. At the very least, remove your mascara. Try keeping face wipes on the bedside table. Tear open, swab, slumber.

• CLEAN UP AFTER THE GYM

If your gym doesn’t have a shower or you’re still to shy to use them, wear moisture-wicking clothes (Nike and Lululemon make them) and pack salicylic acid Stridex pads in your gym bag. Swipe the face, back, and chest after class, and change into a clean, dry T-shirt. Back home, hop into the shower as soon as possible.

• CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP BRUSHES

You should clean your brushes once a week, but most don’t. Instead, wash your tools monthly with a liquid hand soap or baby shampoo and lukewarm water, then rinse well, squeeze out the excess water, reshape, and allow the brushes to dry thoroughly by balancing them over the sink. Weekly, spritz them with antibacterial spray and dry with a tissue.

• STICK WITH THE PROGRAM

Waiting for a new skin treatment to show results can be a test of patience. A good anti-aging cream can take six weeks, so don’t give up. That goes for skin lighteners and acne products, too. But if nothing has changed by week six, the product will never work for you. Time to move on. GET THE REST HERE!

BAD BAD Skin Habits That Can Wreck Your Health

I have heard the same-old skin care tips one more time: wear sunscreen, have a derm check your moles once a year, exfoliate twice a week, I am going to scream… As beauty veterans, I am even familiar with the more obscure tips, like patting your moisturizer into your skin instead of rubbing it, or applying urine on your face to fight acne. Bad Skin Habits not only mess up your skin, but some can even wreck your health.

1. Drinking your water instead of eating it. You’ve heard the eight glasses a day rule a trillion times, we know. But it turns out your body doesn’t retain a lot of that water, since it goes right through you during your frequent bathroom breaks. Cells can more easily absorb the water in food since it comes along with other nutrients that the body needs to absorb. As a general rule, start eating more fruits and vegetables, which have higher percentages of water than processed foods and meat.

2. Not using oil on your face. But essential oils are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so they’re very good at killing bacteria that’s causing the breakouts. Introducing oil to the skin can have the opposite effect and actually slow oil production, making you less shiny. And contrary to popular belief, face oils can even improve acne.
3. Using too much cortisone. It’s easy to forget that cortisone is a type of steroid, and continual long-term use can lead to tachyphylaxis. Overusing cortisone cream also causes collagen to break down, which leads to thinning of the skin and — worst-case scenario — stretch marks.