BEAUTY PRODUCTS REVIEW - CLINIQUE AND MAC

Friday, October 18, 2013

Hi lovelies....hope your week was great. As promised in my "living healthy" article, the post on beauty products is finally here. 

During my teenage years, I had much acne on my face and I thought it was as result of puberty. But mine became really bad that I tried a thousand and one products from shirley, dusting powder, dudu osun (black soap) etc. Whenevr I heard that something worked for someone else, I immediately want to try it out. Little did I know that I was worsening the situation. Finally I decided to just leave the face and use only facial cleanser after washing my face daily. Gradually, the acne started clearing but not everything. After few years, I was introduced to Clearasil which made the acne go completely and so I stuck to Clearasil products. The thing about facial products is, what worked for Susan or Kemi may not work for you cos your skin type is not the same. We (ladies) are quick to run to a product cos it had an effect on a friend and we want same effect without checking if we have same skin type. In the end we end up causing our face more harm than good. Jumping from one product to another is not advisable so find one that is your skin type and stick to it.

My Clearasil products finished and I could't get another one because the products had not yet come into Nigeria, a dear friend bought them for me when he traveled to the states cos I was so uncomfortable about my face. So when they finished, I decided to try something new. My mum was using Olay then so I joined the band wagon and Olay it became for me. I stuck on Olay products (they're really good) - facial cleanser, facial scrub, bar soap/shower gel, oil of olay lotion. I left Nigeria to UK and still continued with my Olay products but after about 6 months I started noticing some changes on my face. The water was a bit coarse (unlike Naija water and in Naija you can add dettol to your bathing water) and kinda affected me. I just stopped using any product and resorted to Vaseline. I used vaseline for almost a year till I discovered Clinique. So the products I use on my body and face are:

Clinique 3-step skin care: This is the love of my life right now, it's almost two years and counting and I'm still in love with Clinique. First thing I did was to use the "trial pack" - advisable so that you know which one matched your skin type. Don't just buy any product, go to the store and speak to the specialists; they'll know what to give you depending on whether you have a dry, combination, oily, sensitive or normal skin type. I did that and after 20 days trial, I fell in love.  Clinique uses numbers to differentiate the skin types - 1, 2, 3 and 4; I use skin type 2 (dry combination) as recommended by the specialist because my face is dry but my T-zone (forehead down to the nose) so it's a mix of dry and oil. Please make sure you use the right skin type and start with the trial pack and if it suits your skin, then you can buy the bigger set.

Clinique even better eyes: I used to have a dark circle under my eyes; I used to blame it on the fact that I wore glasses all through secondary school till I stumbled unto a picture when I was about 3 years old and saw that circle was there. I was using concealer on it but I didn't like the way it looked so I sought for another option. I wanted it to go but I had some sort of doubt that it may not go since it had been there since I was a little child. I started applying this product morning and night since June and I can see positive results. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of before and after but if I find anyone, I'll post if on instagram/facebook/twitter.

Clinique superdefense spf 25 cream: This was my sunscreen when I went back to Nigeria for christmas. I didn't really come out much under the sun to give a better review of its effectiveness but I'm sure it works pretty well.

Garnier Products:

For facial scrub, I like a scrub that I can feel the tiny stones doing the magic on my face so instead of Clinique I went for the Garnier Sugar Extract Scrub. This product is so lovely that you notice the effect almost immediately, your skin feels smoother and refreshed. And instead of Vaseline, I started using the Garnier hydrating lotion on my body - it's a god product to use cos your body stays moisturized all day unlike some body lotion you use and still notice that your skin is dry.

MAKE UP PRODUCTS

Hhmmm...I never really knew anything about make up until a friend trained with "House of Tara" and decided to use me to practice. So I learnt that when you have too much on the eyes, the lips should be subtle and when the lips are fierce and hot, the eyes should be calm. I was a Mary-Kay addict from 2004 till 2013 (loll...die hard customer). The lady who I normally buy my Mary-Kay foundation from travelled outside UK for a long time so I had to look for an alternative. Funny thing is I had tried MAC before and just decided it wasn't for me; I bought the studio fix but used it only once and gave it out. The only MAC product I ever used was the concealer for my eyes until May 2013. Thank God for the MAC Matchmaster Foundation and the Natural Mineralizer. When I see most MAC faces, they look caked, moulded or seriously layered up so I specifically told the make-up artist who tested the product on me that I want a subtle look, she kept trying until I settled for No 7.5 of the matchmaster foundation.

Foundation: The foundation is really good, light and doesn't make you sweat. I don't carry make up in my bag for touch-ups and all cos once I apply this in the morning with the mineralizer, my face remains intact till I get back home and wash it off. Most times, the my T-zone could get oily and I'll just apply the mineralizer but this happens occasionally.

Matte Lipstick: My friend laughed at me so much the first day I bought this lipstick cos I was a learner in the lipstick business so I decided to go for a colour I can wear for all occasions - work, church, dinner, casual outing and finally settled with this lipstick. I also use the SLEEK pink pout polish when I want a subtle look on my lips.

Eye-shadow: I love it...simply amazing especially if you can  blend your colours very well. I've actually had the eye-shadow longer than any of my MAC products. 

Mascara and eyeliner: I use any eye liner but for Mascara, I prefer Maybelline or the Rimmel-WOW-factor which I'm currently using. I've also used a Clinique mascara that once came with my pack but since I'm not much of a fan of long lashes, these products are okay for me and I love the results. The first time I fixed lashes, it felt like someone dropped a lid on my eyes and my eyes kept fluttering (loll still a learner) but I don't think I'll try it again - maybe on my wedding day.

WOW, this article is longer than I expected. Sorry you had to read this much but I tried to cover every product I use.  

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DRESS TO BE ADDRESSED - CLASSY NOT TRASHY

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Hey sweeties......................

Good news! LynnVille was invited for an interview with a gospel entertainment TV. It was all about inspirational blogging, what motivates/inspires/drives me, fashion, how I started blogging; of all different things to do, why choose blogging and the future for LynnVille? The interview is yet to go LIVE and when it does, you'll be the first to know.

There's a story which has been trending on some blogs today about "indecent dressing being the main cause of rape". TRUE OR FALSE? My opinion is 75% True. Some ladies go with the rule "If you have it, then flaunt it". While flaunting it, you draw unnecessary attention to yourself and when the attention comes, you start pleading for help. It is true that some men are he-goats, dogs and just beasts in human form who cannot contain and control their insatiable quest for sexual pleasures. Nevertheless, there is always an action before a reaction and in my opinion I think if ladies revealed less of their body, the haughty eyes of wicked and unreasonable men will not find them. It is not a new story that men are moved by sight; especially the ones who have willed their sense of reasoning to the lil' man between their thighs. If ladies know this fact and still dress trashy, they're either seeking wrong attention (obviously begging to be noticed), being stupid or purposely asking to be raped. The other 25% rape cases are innocent people and on this note, some men's p***** should just be cut off or forever remain inactive because they are just heartless and wicked. 

Ladies, please dress classy and not trashy. Dress like a woman of substance, honour and virtue. Your body is the temple of God, you're a treasured vessel bought with a price. Remember, gold is not found on the surface of the soil...one has to dig deeper before gold 

can be found - you are that gold. If gold was to be found on every surface of the earth, then it wouldn't be so valuable. Likewise, your body should not just be revealed in the open for the world to behold, it reduces your value and your self-worth. Showing off your goodies will only attract the wrong kind of men ad you definitely don't want to get caught in their web. They'll call you hot and sexy, you smile and giggle thinking you got them sprung; but by the end of the night they treat you like trash cos that's how you presented yourself to them #trashy. Men know EXACTLY how to treat a woman with class, so sweet sis...trash the trashy clothes and become a woman of honour and dignity. The price tag you place on a product determines how many people can afford it. What price tag have you placed on yourself and your body? What is your worth? Do you know your value? Are you just for any random man or for "The Man"? #foodforthought. Read my article on "A woman's worth" HERE

Back to the interview: It was a great experience, first time being on set with cameras talking about what I love to do. And....this is what I wore for the interview. Don't worry, I wore a black panty-hose cos I had to sit down, see the last picture (I can't be revealing my goodies abeg, saving it for "The Man" *winks*). Also with this London cold, you won't survive it with your thighs, legs exposed. The pictures were taken when I got home so I can quickly run upstairs afterwards.

Outfit details: Peplum dress-Miss Selfridge; Blazers-Forever 21; Bracelet-Forever 21; Shoe-Birthday Gift 2012; Earring-Newlook.

So do you agree/disagree that indecent dressing is the main cause of rape. Share your thoughts.

Have a beautiful week ahead...XX

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DRESS TO KILL BUT DON'T KILL YOUR BANK ACCOUNT (PART 2)

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

If you haven't read the Part 1 of this article, plsss read it HERE before you proceed. A lot of people have the mindset of “dressing to kill” and this drives them to do crazy things just to fit into a particular class and in the end kill their bank account. The question is always HOW can this be done? In the Part 1 of this article, I gave 7 tips on how to look like a million dollars without spending a million dollars and promised to give more tips on what kinda clothes best suit your body shape; what accessories to match your outfit; colour combination, how to pair your clothes, and finally your composure/poise/charisma. After all is said and done; if you cannot compose yourself, your fashion sense would be incomplete. 

So I'll be showing you how I wore one yellow blazers with two different outfits and how I paired them for different occasions (Church and work). I also wore the leopard skin skirt twice - to church and work. Let's get started.

 

I wore this to church, the colour combination had two flashy colours so I had to tone it down with black bag and black shoe. Since I had a statement necklace, I used a very smal earing. You don't want to be too loud or too flashy. 

Outfit details: Blazers & Bag-Zara (£40/birthday present at previous job), Skirt-Select.com (£8), Shoe-Bershka (£20), Singlet top-Primark (£2.50), Statement necklace-Miss Selfridge (Can't remember how much),  Belt-Newlook (£8)

Bear in mind that all these items were bought at different times. After going through fashion blogs, before your eyes start coveting the items; go back to part 1 of this article and read tips No 3 - Shop According To The Size of Your Wallet. You look great even if you're wearing a £1 dress, it all depends on how you pair your clothes.

This second outfit was to work so I didn't really bother with any accessory; I already posted some of the pictures on Instagram so I'll post just two here. The idea behind pairing these items was just to add little colour to the black and white so I used the blazer to make the outfit less dull and then a pink bag with pink belt. Again, black shoes will always keep it simple and tone down the colour.  Pls ignore the poor picture quality*covers face*

Outfit details: Blazers & Bag-Prada(£40/£...google it), Shoe-Bershka (£20), Top & Trouser -Primark (£4/£12), Belt-Forever 21 (£3)

This is the same leopard skin skirt in the first pix collage and I wore it to work. This time I used a simple necklace, combined with a little touch of red. 

Outfit details: Shirt-H&M (£25), Bag-Celine (£...google it), Skirt/Shoe-Select.com (£8/£15), Necklace-Forever 21 (£8)

From these outfits, you can see that all it takes is knowing what fits, what colour combinations to pair and how to accessorize. When shopping, pick clothes you're comfortable; the leopard skin skirt is "body-con" and was bought early last year so even when I lost a few pounds of weight it still fit. 

For accessories, don't be too loud - if you're wearing a statement necklace it is advisable to use a small earring and vice versa. Most times you accessorize based on the occasion you're going for, sometimes simplicity is required and other times you can bring out the gaga in you. The three outfits were to work and church so I decided to keep it simple.

Price - life is in stages and phases, buy what you can afford at your level. Don't compare yourself with anyone; you can re-rock your outfits like I did but pair them differently. If you love what you're wearing and it fits well, step out of your house confidently and walk like a queen. If you still don't understand, please read tip No 4 (Prioritize - Buy What You Need NOT What You Want) in Part 1 of this article.

When buying items, I give priority to bags, shoes - then accessories before the clothes. You can wear any simple outfit but your bags, shoes & accessories distinguishes you. Some people don't really care about bags/shoes; just do what suits you. It all depends on what you want, what you feel comfortable doing and what you're happy with.  

Now you're ready to dress to kill

I'll love to read your thoughts....

XX

Lynn

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JENNIFER OKOLO of "HOUSE OF SILK" Presents: From Epic to Chic - The African Fashion Revolution

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Jennifer Adighije-Okolo of Couture Line House of Silk is not a new name to the Nigerian and African Fashion Industry, deriving from a fabric retail company. House of Silk has featured in events such as Lagos Fashion and Design Week where the couture line was the 1st runner-up for this year’s young talent designer of the year. The well-known quarterly fashion lifestyle event Fusion, Runway Abuja 3, and Arise Fashion week has seen the brand flourish from strength to strength.

Because the line derived from a fabric house, their exquisite designs are created from a variety of fabrics and textures; incorporating African prints ensuring the design doesn't lose its ethnic origin but encompasses fashion influences from around the world, with a store in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. House of Silk is a well sought after label catching the eyes of various stockists, celebrities and public figures; maintaining their reputation of delivering exquisite bespoke pieces.

Bringing the collection across the shores, she is hosting a personal shopping experience called “From Epic to Chic”. For 2 days at the London Marriott Hotel in Maida Vale, you’ll be able to shop the exclusive collection while nibbling on light refreshments and drinks provided by the host herself, plus they will be a free gift for every purchasing customer.

To get your exclusive pieces from the Jennifer Okolo–African Fashion Revolution come to:

Venue: The Marriot Hotel, Plaza Parade, Maida Vale, London NW6 5RP (Mezzaine Floor)

Date: Saturday 27^th July to Sunday 28^th July 2013

Time: 12pm – 7pm

 These are some of Jennifer's eclectic designs

Spread the news to friends and family, if you live in London...you'll definitely wanna be at the Marriot Hotel, London NW6 5RP on 27th and 28th July. The online store will be going live of the 1^st July. All collections can be purchased at www.jenniferokolo.com 

Follow Jennifer on twitter and instagram for pictures and updates on her new collections Twitter: @houseofsilkjen

Instagram: JenniferOkolo

Email: jenny.234@live.com

Visit their facebook page www.facebook.com/JenniferOkolo 

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Tutorial for Amazing Styles with Box Braids

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Hi dearies,

how've you guys been? It's been a great week so far, taking a chill pill and enjoying life to the full. So I decided to braid my hair after a long exile on weaves; I took a bold step and gave it a try. It's almost 3 years now; I can't stand the pain and definitely can't take the looooong time it takes to complete it. Not to mention, having about 3 people pulling your hair from all angles, but all of that could not stand in my way this time. I definitely needed a change from weaves; it was really nice to feel the cool wind on my scalp. Instead of the normal packing up or letting the braids fall, I decided to  be a lil bit creative with the way I styled it. Some of you have seen the pictures I posted on instagram, twitter and facebook and I am pleased to say the tutorial video  is finally here. Thanks to those who said they were interested in learning the styles cos I didn't know I could put in this kinda hardwork couplde with my regular 9 - 5 job and other activities. This is my first ever YouTube video, I put it all together for you. I hope you like it and will subscribe to my channel cos I'm thinking of other creative things to do on the channel. Thanks also to all you beautiful people who follow LynnVille, thanks for the support, you guys keep me on my toes and when I remember you I always want to do better. My love for you made me complete this video (lol)...so tired and needed rest after work yesterday but I felt guilty cos I have been promising this video and still had not done it. 

PS: The video is not so clear cos I was so tired while filming it, apologies...the next will be better. Still a work in progress :)

XX
Lynn

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