Now, I know that darker skinned women do blush, although I have no idea what color shows up on our cheeks when we do. This brings me to my real question. If dark skin is so much darker than other skin shades, why do darker skin women tend to use the same blush shades of red and pinks that lighter skin women do on their cheeks?

Is it any wonder we get comments on how ridiculous we look when we do so?

-Priscilla Bamfo
-Photocredit: Ajak Deng for Arise Magazine

According to organizers, “Face of Selara is a beauty pageant aimed at finding an intelligent, confident, creative and well spoken young lady to represent Selara Faces Beauty and Style Company; as well as a charity event to raise funds for orphanages.”

The event is scheduled to hold on November, 20th, 2010 at the ThisDay dome in Abuja with anticipated guests of  roughly two thousand.

If you think you have what it takes, visit http://www.selarafaces.com for more details and to apply.

~Courtesy photo: Ex-Face of Selara Meg Kaka

In the USA, tattoos were typically found among the lower socio-economic class and society’s “deviants.” The “deviant” stigma has since changed as entertainers, doctors, lawyers and people from all walks of life spot one. There is even a highly successful show in the USA called LA Ink which really shows a diverse range of reasons why people get tattoos. In Nigeria, the fear of the unknown as well as the stereotype of “deviants” has stuck.

Also, while many factors exist that cause concern about tattoos, the key objection is that of the morality of wearing a tattoo. There is a negative stigma associated with those who wear tattoos as the public, at large, view it as a morally wrong thing to do. In addition, some argue that there is a tendency for Nigerians to do “their usual copy, copy” of the West. The slow but steady growth of tattoos is an example of this copy copy syndrome. “For Christsakes, why would anyone get a tattoo on their body?!” Also, specific to animals, tattooing  is historically and technically a form of branding that was used by early pastoral farmers to identify and keep stock of their livestock. So, why would Nigerians adopt these trend that was used on animals?

The negativity associated with tattoos notwithstanding, the tattoo syndrome is slowly but surely gaining acceptance and adoration in Nigeria. Indeed a cursory glance into the history of tattoos, especially in Africa,  reveal that it has been used overtime for different purposes including medicinal, decorative, spiritual and to show bravery especially for warriors. Indeed tattooing in Africa is said to have it origins in Egyptian civilization.

Generally speaking, there are two main types of tattoos: temporary and permanent tattoos. Within Nigeria, the temporary tattoo is the most patronized as it affords its wearers the flexibility of wearing different types depending on the occasion.

In terms of design, there are several options for wearers. The decorative tattoo option provides designs that include flowers, the name of a religious leader, name of a spouse and/or child, and in some instances the name of the wearer of the tattoo. Symbolic tattoos include tattoos denoting religion, affection or meaning something else solely known to the wearer. Animal tattoo designs are also in high demand: butterflies, scorpions, reptiles, crocodiles, to name a few.

In addition, while tattoos are obviously worn in diverse yet hidden parts of the body, recent bold statement tattoos are worn to be shown off. It is not unusual to see tattoo wearers in Nigeria, these days, spot tattoos above the breasts, towards the end of the spines, upper arms and ankles.

Whatever your reason for spotting a tattoo and whichever type you choose to wear, it is a trend which seems determined to stay. Be aware, however, that when the trend fades, depending on the tattoo you get, you will have to live with the permanence of your Nigerian tattoo ink.

Courtesy photos: Ace Adegoke at his 2009 Icecapade event/Saucekid/E-Mag
Article: Uduak Oduok & Peace C.A. Ogbuagu

Like fashion shopping events held across countries like the USA and England, Nigerians are slowly but surely creating similar events with concentrations on fashion capital hubs like Lagos and Abuja. One recently held event is FUSION: Fashion and Beauty. The event was a convergence of beautiful fashionistas who came, saw and shopped!

The event held on two floors featured vendors such as D’Zyn Couture, Reedas,Jezreel Designs, Kazelos, Iyannu and Iced Tees. Fashionistas shopped, had their makeup done and walked away with goodie bags. What more can a girl ask for? *Sigh*





Photocredit: LB Fotofactory

Nigerian owned Blush Beauty headed by CEO Pero Fadina prepares to launch Blush Beauty Boutique in Nigeria in 2010, to take a stab at changing this reality for many Nigerian women. Blush Beauty boutique will stock the world’s coveted beauty brands including brands like Moroccanoil, Tigi(manufacturers of BedHead, Catwalk, Rockaholic and S- Factor), Butter by Keba, NuNATT(hair care),Lippman Collection(nail polish), Bubalina, Naked Beauty (cosmetics), Aromatherapy Associates (Face and Body Care) and Philosophy (Face and Body care).

Independent of stocking these foreign luxury brands, Blush Beauty will also offers its own cosmetic brand: cream powder, dual Powder, loose Powder, Lip Pencil, Mascara, Lip gloss, long wear eyeliner and lip paint pot.

In anticipation of its 2010 launch, Blush Beauty kicks off its “Dare to Blush” Beauty Pop up Boutique this weekend. The event will be held Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 2:00pm – 6:00pm at Piccolo Mondo, 19b Idejo Street off Adeola Odeku Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event is exclusive. If interested in attending send an RSVP request to daretoblush@blushnigeria.com.

Find the event description below:

Free beauty products worth over N25,000 for one lucky guest
Come and experience fabulous beauty and hair products at our ‘Dare to Blush’ pop-up beauty boutique on Sat 5 Dec 2009!

Free makeovers, hair consultations and trials will be offered so you can look fab for your night out afterwards. Canapes and cocktails will also be provided.”