THISDAY STYLE MAGAZINE 21ST JUNE 2020

SUNDAY, JUNE 21 , 2020

I H S U G E L E D E E H A S A B O M R

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C N O KE A T ’S G N I A K

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...NOT IN THISDAY STYLE? THEN YOU’RE NOT IN STYLE

CONTENT Being one of the youngest reigning monarchs in Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III) of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, who succeeded his late father, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi (Kusenla II) at the age of 34, is undoubtedly a force to reckon with when it comes to pace setting and august leadership. Ten years since his ascension to the throne, at 44, Oba Elegushi is gradually scribbling his name on the sands of time.

He talks to guest correspondent, AZUKA OGUJIUBA about his life on the throne how he is helping the Lagos State government flatten the curve the Corona virus.

THISDAY STYLE FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR RUTH OSIME

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EDITOR PRINT OLUFUNKE BABS-KUFEJI EDITOR DIGITAL KONYE NWABOGOR

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SENIOR ART DESIGNER MATHIAS ARCHIBONG 07054965500 CONTRIBUTORS RUKY SALAKO ISIOMA USIADE IYANU AYODELE PHOTOGRAPHER TY BELLO DIRECTOR, PRINT PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 08077092196

Fashion

Beauty

• POLKA DOTS NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE • EMBRACE YOUR CURVES

• CAPSULES • COLOURS OF LIFE

• 3 WAYS TO STYLE THE CLASIC WHITE SHIRT 4-5

FASHION CONSCIOUS CHOICES 18

REMEDIES TO LIGHTEN DARK INNER THIGHS 21

WEARING THE NEWS

SKIN MYTHS 18-19

GLOW WITHOUT MAKEUP21

FAT SHAMING! 19

THE PERFECT MAKEUP COLLCETION 22

5 MINS WITH KENIM OBAIGBENA10

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HOW TO DO THE FOX EYE MAKEUP TREND 20

As we all know, this is a time for sober reflections. Life, as we once knew it can never be the same again even after this corona virus pandemic is over. 2020 was meant to be a year of new beginnings. We looked forward to it with more jubilation as thanked God for His blessings for witnessing it. Little did we know what the future had in store for us. Little did we know that God will choose this year to ‘silence us’ and force us to acknowledge His presence and wrath. If they had told us the world will make us prisoners of our own homes, we would have laughed at the face of such a predicament. We would have continue to enjoy our travels and lifestyles without a care in the world. But...this pandemic has put paid to all the little pleasures of life we once took for granted. We are now painfully aware of how transient life is when as little as one touch can send you to an early grave! Where one simple hug can leave you fighting for your life a few weeks after. Where you cannot shake hands like before because it can make you a patient in a hospital. Where you cannot touch anything freely anymore without sanitizing your hands after because you do not know who touched it before you. Even the simplest acts have to be managed with minute details because we fight a virus that though cannot be seen, the ignorance of its dictates can be deadly!

Many people, loved ones, friends and family have been victims of this deadly disease and its presence still looms larger than life as we speak. What is even more heartbreaking is the amount of lives lost at this time, not just this virus, but also to the sting of death through other causes. Many beautiful souls have departed which have shaken us to our bone marrows leaving us bewildered by knocking the winds off our sails. Some were old and others, painfully young. Many tears have been shed this year but it is even more painful during this pandemic because we seem to be reminded more often than before, of the fragility of life.

But - rather than live in constant fear, rather than worry about what is in store for us in these frightening times - we seek solace in He who holds our lives in His hands. We focus on the good memories of our departed ones and pray for them as they rest in God’s bosom. We should channel our energy in being grateful for His grace and mercy for keeping us alive. May the souls of our dearly departed continue to Rest In Peace.

Rather than be a patient, please be patient and stay safe!

FASHION DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

STYLE &

SIGN

HAYET RIDA Wear statement accessories: Regardless of size or figure, you should always highlight your strengths and hide your flaws.

For plus size women, you can wear statement accessories like elaborate necklaces or bangles, cute handbags and snazzy sunglasses which will make you look effortlessly stylish.

POLKA DOTS

Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sun

AY Style 1, 2020

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

STY

NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

Polka dots are like a fashion boomerang; they always come back around. Often associated with ‘50s rockabilly and cultural icons like Rosie the Riveter and Minnie Mouse, the print is BOLAJI AYINDE favoured for its vintage vibes and whimsical look.

The fun print has stood the test of time, enjoying a constant cosy spot in every fashion lovers’ wardrobe.

CHI ADOGU

HAFYMO

Lately it has even gotten a modern makeover, with a new wave of fashion lovers and influencers choosing to showcase spots in their wardrobe.

If you haven’t got a polka piece , you should get one as the trend adds a playful element to your real-life wardrobes.

Wear them small or big on a clean silhouette and make a bold unapologetic statement!

AMA

OLAR

CHIOMA IKOKWU

T R I H S E T I H W C I S S A L C E H T With a Bustier and a Skirt FWhat’s not to love about how the

VALERIE EGUAVON

LATASHA NGWUBE KELLY AUGUSTINE Monochrome dressing: A monochromatic outfit can do wonders with a linear, long, continued line which is universally flattering. Just ensure you pick a colour that complements your skin tone and add a colourful accessory to your outfit to keep the look from getting boring.

Make black your best friend: Fall in love with darker shades and ditch the pastel shades, as best is the most complimenting shade.

Darker hued clothes will add glamour style and, of course, make you appear slimmer.

Asymmetrical stripes: Stripes got a bad name in the past, but these days, brands and designers have figured out how to use the optical illusion for good.

Asymmetrical stripes make curvy women look svelte and taller. Just look for stripes that angle inward towards your waistline, for a flattering silhouette.

TAJE PREST

Shop through any weight changes: Do go shopping and invest in the essential pieces, even if you gain [or lose] a few pounds.

The most important thing is to wear clothes that fit and make you look your very best at every size.

EMBRA CE YOUR

MANGU

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With a statement jacket

There is little that doesn’t go well with a statement jacket, and unsurprisingly, the white button-down is no exception.

Both items are two of our closet’s big guns, and together, they look so fresh and so clean.

Wear shapewear: Invest in a good quality tummy tucker. It will flatten your stomach and elegantly accentuate the curves.

In a world where women have to be slightly curvy or reed-thin to be termed attractive, it can be quite challenging to find fashion tips if you are a voluptuous or an ample bodied woman. Most times, plus size ladies have to think outside the box and be confident enough to dictate their own sense of style regardless of the images society throws at them as ‘acceptable’.

This perception, though more globally embraces, is not right because all bodies are beautiful regardless of size. You just have to know what best suits your figure and you wear it well.

T S O Y STY A W LE

With Light Hues

STORIES BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR

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Fashion rules were made to be broken, and if you’re going to, why not go all out? Pair your white button-down with clean white denim or another soft hue for an allover angelic look. You will be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.

bustier totally switches up the classic white shirt. As for the skirt, one with a lot of volume will do.

White shirts may seem plain and simple but they’re the sort of basics you need in your wardrobe for all seasons. Be it a formal occasion or a casual day-out, a white shirt can transform any kind of outfit. For a lunch date, it will make you look casually cool. During a job interview, it will make you look professional. You can use the same white shirt and style in such creative ways that will make your fashion sense the talk of social media town. And that’s exactly why you need to invest in a good one and make it a permanent part of your wardrobe. Here, fashion blogger, Stella Uzo shows us how to get the most out of this basic piece.

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STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

WEARING THE NEWS

Newspaper-style prints have started taking over our Instagram feeds as some of the biggest fashion bloggers and influencers swap their animal-print midi skirts for clothes and accessories with words typed all over them. From tops to dresses, blazers to trousers, the trendy print is cropping up everywhere this summer as the fashion-forward turn their attention away from the old news of florals and leopard print and onto the more graphic pattern.

BY USIADE ISIOMA

Fuelling our desire for a nostalgic piece of our own.

Here, JULIETTE FOXX has paired her fitted mini newspaper printed dress with an oversized neon colour newsprint blazer giving us a dreamy scenic view.

You can style up your jumpsuit newspaper print with neutral colour strap heels that matches the colour in your outfit for that business casual media meeting. OZINNA

MIMI NWOFOR ticks off the trend in this newsprint butterfly dress teamed with a busy pair of sandal heels. Keeping the outfit beautiful and colourful her style is unique and eye catching.

Is there anything ITUEN BASI can’t pull off?

Delivering once again with a laudable take on the trend, the fashion designer has made several creations for a warm summer evening. Hers and other similar creations by other designers put an eclectic twist from the classic black and white hues we often see.

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Not everyone’s keeping it subtle though. Stylist and fashion influencer VYONNE NWOSU killed the look with a longsleeved newsprint top and leather newsprint skirt giving it that sleek effortless look.

If you’re looking for an evening piece that tackles the print with a graphic, this IQUO UKOH dress is all you need.

The white kicks straight from the ‹60s lend a futuristic finish that we›re totally here for.

We’re taking our cue from CHIC AMA and pairing a newspaper printed top with high waisted leather leggings, statement belt and shoes that pack a punch.

A glam vibe.

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seriously because you’re a woman, and especially because you’re a black woman. But inequality and prejudice are so strange to me. Either way, I have built my career myself. No one handed it to me.

Many doors have been closed. So, I decided to not try and get a seat at other people’s tables. I simply decided to build my own table. It took me 15-16 years to build something stable, especially because of how difficulty the film industry is, but it has been well worth it.

I’m grateful to both my parents, they gave me the basic tools to be able to succeed - which I recognize so many in this country don’t have; they equipped me a sound education, both academically and socially.

They gave me basic necessities, a sound and strategic mind. When it comes to the execution of my career, I did it all myself.

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MINUTES WITH

KENIM OBAIGBENA

Let’s talk about StreamOVG, how does it differ from other streaming platforms?

West African Educatainment is our niche, when you come to StreamOVG, you will leave more informed on a topic. There is a strong lesson to be learned in every piece of content on the platform. We tell stories that matter, stories of importance, stories that have the power to inspire a progressive world.

For Kenim Obaigbena, what started out as a passion has through consistency and discipline, turned into an extremely promising career.

Painting, photography, filmmaking and everything in between. Recently she launched StreamOVG, an educational streaming platform which focuses on West African history, business, politics and culture. In this interview with KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR, she lets us in on her journey here and tells us why she believes streaming is the future.

Tell me a bit about your background in filmmaking and how you got started with StreamOVG? 13 years in film, 15 in media. I started young.

My sisters and I started a magazine when I was 15. I’d always done creative writing as a child. It runs in the family. When I was in high school, I started taking painting seriously, it then evolved into photography and photoshop editing. But I wanted more so I moved into film. I started shooting music videos and short films in college. I went to Tufts University, it’s a very academic school.

My friends would laugh and say, “You’ll never get a job”. It’s funny because my parents always supported me, but my peers didn’t.

Either way, I ignored them, I did internships in Hollywood over the summers. I worked for Chris Robinson and Benny Boom. I also worked at Anonymous Content. I continued to follow my dreams. I took one step at a time.

Eventually, I was working on $100Million sets with top US directors and shooting and producing news coverage and interviews with global leaders for Arise News, in its early days. But I always kept making my own side projects and honing my craft because I’ve always known what I want to do, which is to tell compelling stories through audiovisuals.

When it comes to storytelling, I am my toughest critic and I push myself to do better. I am also very detail oriented. I taught myself everything from the ground up. Screenwriting, editing, shooting, directing, colour grading and now, presenting. I also always seek advice and critiques from those more talented than me in a specific craft. I’m not interested in being the most talented person in a room, but in surrounding myself with the most

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With streaming platforms becoming more popular, what is the vision for yours and where do you feel it fits in the market?

There’s a massive gap of high-quality video content centered around West African history, business and culture.

Post-Covid, a lot of viewers will consume media and entertainment in a different way than they did a few years ago. Was StreamOVG created with that in mind?

Definitely.

STREAM OVG

Where do you think the streaming market is heading? Do you think it will eventually take over network TV? It already has. Around the world, Network TV is dead. I don’t remember the last time I switched on a tv, maybe 2007. But I can tell you the last time I switched one off was for being too loud and annoying. If you pay attention to consumer behavior, you will see that the biggest consumers - gen y, gen z and gen alpha - don’t watch tv with the exception of sports.

I’m a millennial filmmaker and I don’t watch tv, I go to the cinema 2-4 times a year if that.

Streaming/social media is the present, and it has been that way since 2007.

I understand that streaming hasn’t taken off in Nigeria as well as it has around the world, simply because of our issues with data. And this is the only reason cinema and TV can still thrive in Nigeria. But talented people. as soon as our data issue is solved, it’s a wrap.

StreamOVG has been 16 years in the making, ever So, I’d say there’s still a massive opportunity in since I launched my first teen magazine ‘Scoop’ Nigerian tv and cinema for now, but that won’t last. with my two older sisters and started my career in media. It has taken all my experiences from print, How can we access StreamOVG? Is it only fine art, filmmaking, traditional and new media, ecommerce etc, to pull this off. The actual vision of available in Nigeria?

Simply go to www.streamovg.com. It was built for having a streaming service came to me in 2014, I Nigerians

by Nigerians. was well into my filmmaking career at the time, but I had so much more to learn. So, each year I slowly When we log in, what would you recommend we but surely, built up my experiences to be able to dive into first? execute and pull this off.

A New Era: The Post COVID-19 world.

What are some challenges you encountered?

Where do you see StreamOVG in five years?

Sexism, especially in the film industry in Making and commissioning a lot of large-scale Hollywood. Also, in entrepreneurship around the high quality African/black productions. world in general. People not wanting to take you

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

STYLE & DESIGN

Alero Adollo aleroadollo@yahoo.com

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

STYLE & DESIGN

CAPSULES

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

“Be bold, be strong for the Lord thy God is with thee”.....

There is so much pain out there, many faces masking anguish with make up, hearts that are fast bleeding out because of inner wounds, eyes swimming with tears that refuse to stream out. We live with a deep fear of the unknown, even with a close relationship with God, we still hurt and our hopes still limp. Many question this walk with the father because despite faith, fear seems at ease, forlorn and distressed we trudge on carrying life’s excess on frail forms. Be bold, be strong because the Creator has got us we are told, but many don’t feel him in the storm. Many wonder why the world seems to be falling apart under the watch of a merciful God...

We are asked not to fear because God has got us, meanwhile many are dying and many are fast losing hope.

How do we change this crazy chapter in our trajectory without crippling the process? How do we put our doubts to sleep when all we see begs the question of existentialism.

The road is rough, that road that takes us from birth to departure.We are exhausted no doubt, but we must continue to FIGHT, fight to stay alive, fight to fight the fright, we may be jumpy and tired but we cannot give up.

We cannot allow the vicissitudes of life to compress and depress us. We must not allow ourselves to be “cowed” by fear, we must rise up and fight to stay sane.

Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to confront your fears despite the odds, with courage comes boldness and with boldness comes power.

We need a renewal of our connection with the trinity, because we cannot have friends in HIGH places and be grovelling before bullies.

We need to pull back from the precipice and respond in power. As a teenage, I was told that I was going to die at a particular age, I cried out to a then unknown God and he tore the doctor’s report and wrote one of his own, needless to say, his will prevailed.

The rational mind always seeks evidence before it can be persuaded to believe, but our Creator is asking us to do the opposite, trust me first he says and trust my directions even if they are not in sync with your plans.... so we have to relearn all we know and “faith it, till we make it”. Many voices will speak to your rational mind challenging your faith by asking why your God hides through your crisis, but it is your personal conviction and relationship that will steady you through the storms.

We must, like the sons of Issachar understand the signs of the times, earth is not home, but as long as we are here, we might as well fasten our seat belts and enjoy the ride. The giants may tower and we may want to cower, but remember, God has got this, then rest in that knowledge.

Colours of Life with Koko Kalango

HOME AT LAST I read somewhere of an American missionary who had served God faithfully on several assignments abroad and was returning home on the same vessel with a US president. At the port of entry while one man was received with all the pomp and pageantry of the state, there was no one to welcome the other.

Feeling discouraged, the missionary asked God why this was so. The Lord answered that whereas the US President was home, the missionary had not yet arrived home.

Every true Christians lives this life with the hope that one day they will make it home to heaven and there receive the highest commendation from God; “Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of the Lord” (Matthew 25:21) 2020 has been a tough year for a great number of us. Apart from the mental, psychological and social challenges that we have experienced, there is the primary concern of health. While some folks have lost their lives to the COVID19 pandemic, others have died from complications related to the pandemic including not being able to get the needed medical attention for other issues. Then there are the many painful senseless deaths we have had to grapple with recently such as that of George Floyd in the US, and Vera Uwaila in Benin. Thanks to our modern communication platforms, we are all drawn into these tragedies.

Bringing it closer home, this year we have lost 2 inlaws. But as I write, my heart goes out to my brother, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, over the sudden and shocking loss of his wife.

Celebrity photographer, T.Y. Bello, made public the last message she received from Ibidun Ighodalo and it read ‘It’s my 40th next month and I want to help 40 couples to have their babies. … that’s all I want. No party. No surprise, nothing. I just want to make 40 homes happy.”

Ibidun did not know she was writing her epitaph and what a beautiful one it is – as she looked forward to a major milestone in life, she was not thinking of herself but of others. Indeed through the Ibidun Ighodalo Foundation she raised awareness on issues pertaining to infertility and provided grants for couples requiring fertility treatments.

Mrs Ighodalo was open about her own struggles with infertility and chose to make gain of her pain by bringing joy to others in the very area she had received struggled. Ibidun celebrated the gift God gave her in a husband and their two children. What a blessed memory she lives behind.

When I think of Ibidun I think of world class events, I think of someone God took extra time to embellish, I think of a voice for fertility and adoption. She was consistent. A beauty queen that worked so hard, a lovely soul that was so energetic, a caring lady that was so playful.

Before we lost Ibidun, the words Home At Last had come to me for my next article. I had actually written an article with this title over 13 years ago. I think it is relevant today and as I share bits of it, I hope it will bring comfort and hope to all of us who have lost loved ones. It also talks about a woman, another minister’s wife, at her death. Here goes….

One of my favourite people is Ruth Graham and

when she died in 2007, I felt I had lost someone I knew personally because I had followed the life of herself and her world famous evangelist husband, Billy, for so long. I remember once in the early 1990s I was in Manhattan and I found myself in front of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association office. I took advantage of the opportunity to go in, look around, ask questions and buy books. My next close shave with the Grahams was when, in 2001, Billy Graham’s youngest daughter, Ruth Graham McIntyre, came to speak at the Ladies Spring Banquet at my church (Assemblies of God) in Minneapolis. Billy Graham’s autobiography Just As I Am, (1997) also gave me more insight into the life of this family. Understanding the common pitfalls that ministries face, Graham ensured transparency with his finances as well as his relationship with the opposite sex such that he has stood out for his integrity. His ministry (of over 50 years) was scandal free.

While Graham went out to win the world, Ruth stayed back to keep the home front, bringing up their five children and creating an enabling environment for her husband to concentrate on his life’s assignment.

With her help he achieved great things for the Lord; friend and pastor to every US President from Eisenhower to George W. Bush, Graham had been received by most heads of states. He has also been able to reach over 200 million people with the gospel of Jesus Christ either through his crusades, by radio, TV or film. Ruth was the pillar behind Billy Graham. She died at the age of 87.

Ibidun and Ruth were both wives of ministers of the gospel. Through their works they became widely known and deeply loved. But their husbands had to bury them.

Our humanity makes it extremely difficult for us to let go of our loved ones and yet death is something each of us must come to terms with and prepare for.

Painful as the passing of a loved one is, one of the good things it should achieve is getting us all to come to grips with our own mortality. It should cause us to ask ourselves tough questions such as “Am I prepared to meet God? What is the purpose for my life? What testimony would I leave behind when I die?

‘Now David, after he had served God’s purpose in his own generation, died…’ Acts 13:36 It is so important to fulfil God’s purpose for one’s life. This Scripture implies that one can serve different purposes; theirs, that of others and of course that of God. Ibidun has run her race like Ruth did, they have finished their course, and they have arrived home to receive their reward. What about you and I? Koko Kalango is author, Colours of Life devotional and host Colours of Life show. contact@coloursoflife.org, @ koko.kalango COLOURS OF LIFE SHOW Please tune into our coloursoflifetv on YouTube Sundays at 5pm (WAT). Last week our guest was Mrs Bridget Itsueli and we talked about the dynamics of relationship in families and the need for counselling.

Today I will be talking to Gary Maxey, missionary, pastor and author of The Seduction of the Nigerian Church.

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COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

D E E H A S A B O

I H S U G E L E

M R H

C N O E K A T S ’ G N I K A

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COVER

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

Being one of the youngest reigning monarchs in Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi (Kusenla III) of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, who succeeded his late father, Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi (Kusenla II) at the age of 34, is undoubtedly a force to reckon with when it comes to pace setting and august leadership. One of the most eminent, classy and stylish Obas in Lagos State, Ademola at 44, is gradually scribbling his name on the sands of time. April 27th, 2020 would have been exactly 10 years since he ascended the Ikate-Elegushi throne and what a ground-breaking celebration it would have been had ceremony not been halted by the global Covid 19 pandemic and the need to adhere to lockdown and social distancing orders.

In this interview with AZUKA OGUJIUBA, His Royal Majesty talks about his experiences and achievements so far having trapped a decade on the throne, how he is helping the Lagos State government flatten the curve the virus, the lessons for everyone during this pandemic amongst other things.

Your Highness, it’s your 10th year coronation anniversary. How do you feel about not being unable to celebrate this milestone because of the Coronavirus that is threatening the world’s peace?

Thank you. Firstly, I have to give thanks to the Almighty God. 10 years on the throne has been tasking. From the days of little beginnings, the month of April should have been a month of celebration for me because April 10th is my birthday and the 27th of the same month, the date of my coronation. I cannot question God and l have to give all praise to Him for still keeping us alive till this day. When there is life, there is still hope. We can still have the celebration at a later date but for now, staying alive is what is important for everyone.

before COVID-19.

People feel that their survival is more important that staying alive. But we continue to educate them and send messages of hope. It is only when you are alive that you can set goals, do business or achieve what you set out to do. So we continue to preach the message to enlighten them.

all at home for months and not to travel, no one would have believed. Secondly, it’s a big lesson for our leaders, they have to invest in this country and build world-class hospitals and other health facilities. It is time for our elites to support the government too. Now, no one can go abroad for medical so we are all affected. We all need to do something about our healthcare system in Nigeria.

What is your view on how Lagos state has been carrying on with COVID-19 and the support from the banks that are also building isolation centres to support the state?

Firstly, I would like to say a very big thank you to the Lagos state government, led by Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Together with his team, they have done wonderfully well. They have done a fantastic job so far. Lagos state is the most populous state in Nigeria and the State government has taken strict measures during this pandemic, with support from the private sectors and the commitment of our health workers. The government continues to engage all stakeholders to help fight this pandemic. Just some days back, the governor had a zoom meeting with the Council of Obas and Chiefs, where he briefed us on their on-going efforts and also solicited our support in carrying the messages of government to the people.

As a responsible Royal father how have you been able to sensitize those who break the rules during covid-19 lockdown?

The Nigerian issue is a very complex one, even

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During this lockdown, people are not allowed to go to work some have lost their jobs. Are you also involved in sharing palliatives?

Well, I’ve said it before, if you want people to stay at home and obey the lockdown rules, you have to help them. You have to support them.

This is what we try to do. We have done as much as we can to help the people which we were we doing even before the covid-19. My wife also has her NGO that is involved with children and mothers. They also help to distribute palliatives to the people in all the communities. I am also a Patron of many societies and I continue to support their activities at this time.

So what is your general view on COVID-19 and what lessons do you think it must have taught everyone.

I think this time and season has indirectly proven that God still exists. There must be a reason God allowed this to happen at this time.

I pray it doesn’t take to long to end but maybe we can begin to seek the face of God and reduce some of the ills in our society. Some people said the coronavirus is man-made but for me, if God does not want it to happen it won’t happen.

It’s just a lesson for us human that no matter what we do, our trust should rest in God and we should leave everything to Him. If anyone had predicted that something was going to keep us

we are so blessed as God did it. We have three beautiful girls and it has been good things happening since then. As time went on, I saw met someone else I also love, her name is Hadiza and she’s from the North, Kano precisely. I just believe that’s the way God wants it. Well, things have happened and I am grateful that we are here and things are going well and according to God’s plan.

As a Muslim entitled to four wives and also as a King, do you intend to marry more?

Well, as you correctly stated, as a King and as a Muslim, I can marry more than one wife.

As a King what does style mean to you?

I believe in cleanliness whether what you’re wearing is expensive or not. Just look neat and come out nice as a man. Growing up, with the little I had then, I was always neat. I can remember back then when we used to travel to London; it was difficult to buy a jacket for £200! You have to do the conversion in Naira (laughter). But style for me is inbuilt, if you have money and you don’t have style, you may not likely get it. Style for, me is also your attitude. Everything you adorn will portray that.

The Elegushi kingdom which you are living in is a tourist haven, how have you managed the movement of people living next to the beach?

The Elegushi beach is being managed by our Descendant Union. I am not directly involved but I usually engage them in discussion, where we exchange ideas. They share their vision and I also share mine and we all agree on the best way to move the place forward and also make it conducive for those living around that area.

Is that why they call you Oba-Gucci?

No! (Laughter). It’s because of my surname, Elegushi. Some people just decided to shorten it to Gushi. I am not really into Gucci products. I am more at home with Bottega, Hermes and some others. Whenever I go into a store and I see what I like, I go for it.

Firstly, I have to give praise to God for my first wife, Olori Sekinat. We started during our school days at the University, when we had no idea what the future held. I was at LASU, she was in Unilag. She was supportive from the beginning. I remember my dad refused to allow me take a car to school then. He insisted I must face my studies instead. But her own dad gave her a car to Unilag, so she will give me her car to cruise around town with. We dated for three years before getting married. This year, we will be celebrating our 17th year as a couple. She believed in me and stood by me. Hardly will you see ladies marry someone their age still trying to find his way through life, but she did. She could have settled for someone older or who was made at that time, but she chose me believing that one-day things will get better; we got married at the age of 27. She was the one that made me marry at that time.

As a young man with many ladies seeking your attention, one may not be quick to take a decision, Olori encouraged me to take up the responsibility of marriage. I remember at the time when l told my friends of my plan to marry, they asked “Saheed! Do you have N10million naira in your account?” I replied, “When our own parents got married, they didn’t have anything and when they did, things turned around for good, definitely God will see us through”. When I told my dad he asked me, “Do you mean it?

Are you OK? Do you love her?” And I answered in the affirmative and he said OK. We had a big wedding, a carnival like one. Her dad too is a bigwig in Lagos. They had King Sunny Ade on the band and we contracted Wasiu Ayinde. And

You were once Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s PA. How do you see him today as a strong leader in the Yoruba land?

Working with Asiwaju and learning from him is like obtaining Masters in a particular course. The things I learned from him are kindness, good heart and humility; leadership and fighting for the common. Some people will just say anything based on their perception because they don’t know him but for us that are closer to him, we know and understand what he stands for. If it is possible, he can remove his eyes to assist people, that is Asiwaju for you. The only way to know a good leader is to look at the number of new leaders that have emerged under him. While I was working with him then, when we travel to places, maybe London, Asiwaju will spend all of the money with him paying school fees or settling bills of children of his allies, those with him in the trenches. You hardly see him spend money on personal stuff for

A friend tested positive for Covid 19, together with his family. So I know this thing is real. They were isolated at one of the facilities Have you had any close persons affected by and treated. To God be the Glory the virus? and kudos to the health workers, Surprisingly, yes! it is strange that some people they are out now, having tested You have two wives, can you tell us a bit about (Nigerians) don’t believe that COVID-19 is real. negative twice after.

These past few weeks, we’ve heard so many them? controversies, conspiracy theories and all of the 5G theories too. But people must know that covid-19 is real.

A friend tested positive for Covid 19, together with his family. So I know this thing is real.

They were isolated at one of the facilities and treated. To God be the Glory and kudos to the health workers, they are out now, having tested negative twice after.

COVER

Why is White a favourite colour with Obas?

I think it is my choice from birth, the gods always wants me to be in white. I don’t even feel comfortable in other colours.

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

himself. I don’t even want to mention names but he was sponsoring a very long list of people’s children in school at that time l was with him and probably still is. If you work with Asiwaju, you must be a very down to earth person and also a cheerful giver. He is someone that has fought for good governance, fought for democracy and is still fighting for a good and better Nigeria. It is my prayer to Almighty God to grant all his heart desires for this goal. Asiwaju is a father figure to me. I try to see him as frequently as possible but due to covid-19, we haven’t seen in a while and I also advised him to limit the visitors coming to see him at this time.

Do you have long-standing friends that have been there before your Kingship and still remain so till date?

I have so many friends, even the ones we grew up together. I am a man for everybody. My close friends know themselves, if I start mentioning names, it will definitely be a long list. They’ve been supportive of me, they know themselves and they’ve been there for me. If you are a leader, you should have your own advisers too.

People that can look you in the eye and tell you the truth.

What memories do you have of your late father?

A good family man, a man that was ready to help everyone.

Perhaps, we didn’t realize how much he meant to a lot of people until he passed away. But we thank God for his life and the lives he touched.

My mum is still much around. She is 69yrs now. She is from Edo state. I am the first son; she had four of for my Dad. Her maiden name is Evborem but I don’t speak Benin as l am a true Lagosian.

Due to your mother’s linkage, do you have any relationship with the Oba of Benin?

Not really. I am here in Lagos. I am a Lagosian. Though the Igbinedion University, Okada, honoured me last year with an honorary doctorate degree.

What’s your favourite food and can you still eat in a Bukka place?

I love good food. I eat everywhere.

No! It’s one of those things I miss, having to eat among group of people. It is not possible anymore.

People feel that their survival is more important that staying alive. But we continue to educate them and send messages of hope. It is only when you are alive that you can set goals, do business or achieve what you set out to do. So we continue to preach the message to enlighten them.

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STYLE & DESIGN

FASHION CONSIOUS CHOICES

TO MAKE POST COVID

BY FUNKE BABS-KUFEJI

TRANSITIONAL AND TRANSSEASONAL FASHION Invest in clothes that are versatile. Do not give in to trends that will soon be fads, put your money on the classics and become a mindful, and intelligent shopper. Also invest in pieces that can be worn day or night, come rain or shine and can be mixed matched smartly.

DIM ADANNA

UPCYCLE AND RECYCLE Most of our closets are overflowing with garments that we don’t even wear, instead of just tossing them out, learn how to upcycle your old outfits, giving them a fresh new look. You can apply those DIY techniques you’ve been learning about during the lockdown.

Hand-paint your old denim jackets, patch your old jeans with leftover trimmings and glitter up those oldwhite sneakers.

AMA GODSON

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

This year has been a real eye-opener in many ways, especially coming to terms with what actually matters. For over two months, a lot of us lived and continue to live without things and outside amenities and activities that we earlier thought were vital for our existence.

The gyms, restaurants, malls, owanbes; they all became extremely disposable, and people SAY NO TO FAST FASHION went back Take this as an opportunity to correct to their core your flawed shopping habits. The disaster values where that is caused by fashion isn’t a secret living and anymore. Invest in quality over quantity, staying alive buy clothes that will last longer, even if the prices are slightly more than your was the sole regular fast fashion brands. important purpose.

Even after the whole pandemic episode is over, it is important for us to continue to strive in the direction that we started. Now is the time to apply the art of prudence in all aspects of your life, especially when it comes to fashion and consumables.

Making mindful fashion choices post COVID-19 is no longer just an option; it’s the only way forward.

The irony is that a hazardous virus taught us how to live a minimal life, something we couldn’t learn on our own as knowledgeable and enlightened people. If we want to preserve our environment and live a better life, we have to be mindful of our choices fully understanding the repercussions of our actions. Now that we know how fickle life is, and a scare like this has shaken us to our core, here are five small changes that we need to practice when it comes to our fashion choices.

SKIN MYTHS need to drink 8 glasses of water a day.

You know the health benefit of drinking water daily and how it helps radiates the skin; however, water plays only a small role when it comes to the quality of your skin.

Such things as protecting your skin from the sun, taking your makeup off at night and using a good and suitable for your skin skincare regimen is super important to keep your skin looking gorgeous in the long run.

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Myth 2: Sunscreen is only for sunny

days.

No matter the weather, sun rays will still reach the skin, and even on cloudy days we do need to protect out skin from its effects.

But usually we only remember sunscreens when we go to the beach. Nevertheless, even on a cloudy day, the strong sun rays can reach us perfectly through the clouds, so make sure that you protect your always.

BY DONU KOGBARA

BATTLE OF THE BULGE - PART 12 (WEEKS 13 AND 14)

IDENTIFY LOCAL BRANDS The economy has been terribly hit, and as brands are struggling to stay afloat, this is the perfect time to show your allegiance to them. TNL(THINGS NIGERIANS LOVE) DESIGN

Recap and vital statistics: I am 5 feet and 10 inches tall and 60 years old.

I was super-slim till about 10 years ago, then gradually got fat.

I started this weight loss programme on March 16th when I weighed a whopping 120kg and measured 4947-51 (chest-waist-hips) inches.

By the beginning of June, my weight had dropped to 111kg.

I’m not famed for being super-disciplined (or even averagely- or minimally-disciplined, if truth be told!) around food and drink.

But I have good phases when I am able to suppress my gluttonous tendencies; and I’ve done pretty well in the past 14 days. This column did not appear last Sunday, so today’s covers a 2-week period during which I ate very modestly and did not touch alcohol.

Last Monday and Tuesday, for example, the only grub that passed my lips was Gazpacho, a Spanish soup that contains mega-low-calorie ingredients: tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic and cucumber.

On Wednesday, I only had one meal: One lamb chop with salad. On Thursday, I had a small, oil-free portion of okro soup with fresh fish.

And so on.

But can you believe that despite this abstemiousness, I haven’t shed a single ounce for a couple of weeks and am still 111kg?

A lot of fellow dieters have told me that they’ve had similar experiences: Serious food reduction efforts that haven’t been reflected when they’ve stepped on their bathroom scales.

It is SO disheartening to starve yourself for several days and eagerly expect evidence of weight loss that doesn’t materialise.

It feels exactly like hitting a brick wall. It’s like running and sweating for days and discovering that you have actually been standing still.

At this point when one’s hopes are cruelly dashed, many wannabee Twiggys feel betrayed by their bodies, angrily or sadly throw in the towel and start to stuff their faces with egusi, eba, ice cream, etc.

The failure to shed weight despite dumping fattening food items and drinks is very normal and is known, in dieting circles, as reaching a Plateau. Here is what the famous Mayo Clinic has to say about it:

As you lose weight, your metabolism declines, causing you to burn fewer calories than you did at your heavier weight. Your slower metabolism will slow your weight loss, even if you eat the same number of calories that helped you lose weight. When the calories you burn equal the calories you eat, you reach a plateau So how does one overcome this crushing setback?

Mayo Clinic staff (see website for more details) have plenty of good advice to offer. Here’s a summary: Just because your weight loss has stalled, don’t revert to bad habits.

Don’t get discouraged. Being stuck at a weight-loss plateau eventually happens to EVERYONE who tries to lose weight [even if you are being strict about food and exercising regularly].

To lose more weight, you need to either increase your

physical activity or decrease the calories you eat. Using the same approach that worked initially may maintain your weight loss, but it won’t lead to more weight loss.

If you’re committed to losing more weight, try these tips for getting past the plateau: Reassess your habits. Look back at your food and activity records. Make sure you haven’t loosened the rules, letting yourself get by with larger portions or less exercise. Research suggests that off-and-on loosening of rules contributes to plateaus.

Cut more calories. Further cut your daily calories, provided this doesn’t put you below 1,200 calories.

Fewer than 1,200 calories a day may not be enough to keep you from constant hunger, which increases your risk of overeating.

Rev up your workout. Most people should exercise 30 minutes a day, nearly every day of the week. But people trying to lose weight should exercise more often than that or increase the intensity of exercise to burn more calories. Adding exercises such as weightlifting to increase your muscle mass will help you burn more calories.

Pack more activity into your day. Think outside the gym. Increase your general physical activity throughout the day by walking more and using your car less, or try doing more yardwork or vigorous spring cleaning. Any physical activity will help you burn more calories.

Don’t let a weight-loss plateau lead to an avalanche If your efforts to get past a plateau aren’t working, talk to your doctor or a dietitian about other tactics to try. If you can’t further decrease the calories you eat or increase physical activity, you may want to revisit your weight-loss goal. Appreciate the weight you’ve lost.

Maybe the number you’re striving for is unrealistic for you.

Whatever you do, don’t give up and revert to your old habits. Doing so may cause you to regain the weight you’ve lost. Celebrate your success and continue your efforts to maintain your weight loss.

OK so I’m going to take this advice. Will keep you posted on progress.

DONU KOGBARA IS A VANGUARD NEWSPAPER COLUMNIST. Please feel free to share your thoughts about her weight loss journey on donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk

YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

There have been so many myths and misconceptions around skin care, that with the time going by, we hardly know

BY ISIOMA USIADE what the truth is. Let’s look at some common skin myths that you definitely need to know about.

Myth 1: If you want perfect skin, you

Fat SHAMING!

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

STYLE & DESIGN

Myths 3: Your skin will age in the same

way as your parent’s.

Well, yes, genetics play a certain role in a way your skin looks, but your skin care and healthy lifestyle will influence the way your skin looks overtime way more.

Myth 4. The higher the level of SPF, the

better the it protects your skin.

When it comes to the topic of sunscreens, we definitely need to talk about SPF (Sun Protector Factor). It is believed that the

skin begins to get red in just 20 minutes after sun exposure. To prevent this from happening, you need a protective cream with SPF. There are several types of SPF: 15, 30 and 50, which means approximately the following: SPF-15 will protect the skin for 20×15 minutes (i.e. approximately 5 hours). But this does not mean that you need to buy SPF-50. Such logical thinking as – the more the better – does not work here. Dermatologists recommend the ideal middle ground of SPF-30.

Myth 5: Shaving can make hair grow

back thicker You can be surprised, but shaving in itself does not influence hair growth speed or thickness. However, an optical illusion that you might notice is caused by the blunt hair growing from the skin and it can simply appear looking thicker, when it is exactly the same size it always was.

Myth 6: Expensive skin care products are

way better than cheap ones We hear it on a regular basis: the more expensive the product, the better its quality.

Expensive products actually might have more effective and exclusive ingredients,

and less chemicals. But is this always true, and in particular, when it comes to skin care products? Let’s look at one example, such as Retinol. Dermatologists all over the world recommend it as one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients. This substance as a medicine it’s sold in a pharmacy for mere pennies, but it can help even with the most severe problems, such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, burns, skin tuberculosis, etc. So, with this example you can see the bigger the price is not always the better.

Myth 7. The more water you drink, the more your skin moisturizes.

Drinking large amounts of water daily

is very beneficial for the body, as we have already mentioned. But water does not saturate the skin with moisture. To keep your skin hydrated, nourished and moisturised, it’s important to use products with hyaluronic acid, vitamins, glycerin, ceramides, that you can find in traditional moisturizers.

Myth 8: Falling asleep with makeup on

won’t hurt the skin We all can get tired at night and feel like the only thing with can do at that moment is to dive straight into our bed. But keep in mind that your skin is a living organism and the makeup you apply on it often

contains artificial ingredients that can cause irritation, dehydration, clogging of pores and acne. So, it doesn’t matter how tired you might feel at night, always make sure that you take your makeup off and let your skin breath.

Myth 9: Eating sweet and oily foods can cause acne breakouts An interesting fact, that there is absolutely no evidence that some specific foods can cause acne. The truth is that acne can be cause by bacteria in the sebum, and sebum is the oily layer that is secreted by the skin itself.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

BEAUTY

BEAUTY

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

BY USIADE ISIOMA

MODEL FOR BIMPE ONAKOYA

REMEDIES TO LIGHTEN DARK INNER THIGHS

HOW TO DO THE FOX EYE MAKEUP TREND While we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for the classic cat eye trend, a new make up has been taking the beauty world by storm: fox eyes! You may have stumbled upon the fox eye trend while scrolling through your Instagram feed, or perhaps you heard about the viral fox eye challenge on Tik Tok. Whatever your source, we’re sure you’re itching to give it a try for yourself!

Well, you’ve come to the right place, because we’re sharing just how to do the fox eye makeup trend.

STRIP LASHES

NIP + FAB CONCEALER

• Take proper care of your skin, especially in the inner thigh area, by regularly washing and scrubbing it to prevent accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells.

• Use a chemical-free soap and soft sponge to wash your thighs.

• Avoid wearing rough jeans that can irritate the skin when the material rubs against your thighs.

• Wear comfortable clothes made from breathable materials to prevent skin irritation.

• Limit shaving, as regular shaving over a period of time can result in dark inner thighs.

• Fight obesity as it can contribute to skin discoloration on your inner thighs due to friction.

• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to nourish your skin from within.

• Drink enough water daily to prevent dehydration and dry skin.

• Do not forget to apply moisturizer regularly on your thighs.

• Protect your thighs from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen throughout the year.

While we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for the classic cat eye trend, a new make up has been taking the beauty world by storm: fox eyes! You may have stumbled upon the fox eye trend while scrolling through your Instagram feed, or perhaps you heard about the viral fox eye challenge on Tik Tok. Whatever your source, we’re sure you’re itching to give it a try for yourself! Well, you’ve come to the right place, because we’re sharing just how to do the fox eye makeup trend.

Lemon The acidic property of lemon works as a natural bleaching agent for dark skin. The high vitamin C content also encourages new cell growth and is very good for your skin complexion. Lemon contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can treat the skin easily. Take one lemon and rub it on your inner thighs. Allow the juice to dry and wash off the area with cold water.

Turmeric Turmeric is one of the best remedies that can promote bright and glowing skin. Regular application of turmeric paste can treat dark buttocks and inner thighs. In order to make your own skin lightening mask at home, take 2-3 spoons of turmeric and add some yogurt to it. Mix together and spread the paste on the dark areas. Allow it to dry and wash off with water.

Aloe vera Aloe vera has nourishing as well as antioxidant properties that help repair your skin and encourage skin rejuvenation. It can even alleviate hyperpigmentation, fade dark skin patches and restore your skin’s original colour. Scoop out some fresh aloe vera gel and massage your thighs with it. Wash off with water once it is completely dry.

Baking Soda Baking soda can also improve the dark complexion of your inner thighs. It works as an exfoliating agent to remove sundamaged skin cells that have darkened. Mix 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and milk or water to make a paste add a little honey and mix well then apply it on your thighs and rub gently in circular motions for a couple of minutes after which you rinse off with

lukewarm water. Repeat every day.

Almonds The vitamin E in almonds helps brighten your skin tone. You can use both almonds and almond oil to maintain an even tone and keep your skin healthy. Prepare a paste with 1 to 2 tablespoons of coarsely powdered almonds and 1 tablespoon each of milk powder and honey. Apply it on the darkened thighs.

Allow it to dry, then rub off the paste with wet fingers using circular motions. Rinse your skin with cold water.

Do these 2 to 4 times a week. Also, massage your thighs with warm almond oil for about 5 minutes daily before going to bed.

Orange Peels Orange peels contain vitamin C that works as a natural bleaching agent. They also contain exfoliating properties that help get rid of dead or damaged skin cells. Put 1 cup of orange peels in the sun for a few days to dry out, grind the dried peels into a powder, Put 2 teaspoons of the powder in a bowl and add enough rose water to make a thick paste mix in some honey then apply this paste on your inner thighs and wait 15

to 20 minutes. Gently scrub off the paste with your wet hands, then rinse the area with cold water. Repeat 2 or 3 times a week.

Cucumbers The natural bleaching property of cucumbers can help lighten your dark inner thighs.

Gently rub cucumber slices or cucumber juice on your thighs for 10 minutes. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Repeat once or twice daily. Alternatively, mix equal amounts of cucumber juice and lemon juice. Stir in a little turmeric and sandalwood powder. Apply it on your thighs for 20 minutes, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily.

Coconut Oil Coconut oil also helps lighten hyperpigmentation and revitalizes the skin.

Plus, its antioxidant and

IDIA AISIEN

moisturizing properties helps you maintain soft and youngerlooking skin. Mix 3

tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, apply this solution on your inner thighs and massage gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Wait another 5 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. Use this treatment every other day.

Oatmeal To lighten the complexion of your dark thighs, regular exfoliation of dead skin cells is necessary. For exfoliation, oatmeal is one of the best ingredients you can use at home.

Exfoliating also leaves the skin supple and soft. Mix 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with enough tomato juice to make a thick paste.

Apply this paste on the thighs, allow it to sit for 20 minutes and then rub it gently using a little water to scrub off the dead skin. Finally, rinse it off with cold water. Another option is to mix a few drops of lemon juice and a pinch of turmeric in 1 teaspoon of oatmeal powder.

Do these 2 or 3 times a week.

Yogurt Lactic acid in yogurt has mild bleaching properties. Yogurt also has some amount of zinc which helps in healing sunburns. You can apply yogurt on inner thigh for a few minutes and let it stay for around 15 minutes. Rinse of with lukewarm water. You can do this once every day.

Potato juice and honey Potato contains natural skin bleaching properties while honey contains moisturizing properties to keep your skin smooth and supple. Extract some potato juice and add some honey to it. Mix together and apply on the inner thighs and buttocks. Rinse off the area with cold water after some time. Repeat this remedy twice or thrice a day to get white and glowing skin.

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR URBAN DECAY PRIMMER NUDE PALETTE

1. PRIME YOUR EYES As with any eye makeup look, it’s important to start with a primer. Smooth eye primer onto your lids for even, long-lasting application.

2. COLOR YOUR LIDS Like we said, fox eye makeup is all about your liner and lashes, so you’ll want to keep eyeshadow to a minimum. In fact, you can forego it altogether by simply applying a matte concealer to your lids.

KAJAL

MILANI EYESHADOW PRIMER

RIMMEL LONDON CONCEALER

3. LINE YOUR EYES When it comes to fox eye makeup, your eyeliner will be the center of the look. But what makes this look different if it’s just a wing and lots of lash? It’s all about where you place your wing.

Start with a liquid eyeliner, and precisely line along the outside of the inner corner of your eye. Take care to create a thin, clean line. It should look as though you have an outlined “V.” Continue the line along your upper lash line, keeping the line very thin at the beginning and gradually thickening it ever so slightly as you reach the outer corner.

Once you hit the edge of your lash line, wing your eyeliner, but place it lower than you normally would. The bottom line of the flick should connect to your lower lash line, and the top of the flick should connect to your upper lash line. Your wing doesn’t need to be super big but should extend outward and upward to give the eyes a more lifted look.

4. LINE SOME MORE We aren’t quite done with eyeliner, yet! line your waterline for an eye-opening effect.

WATERPROOF MASCARA

20

LIQUID EYE LINER

VOLUMIZING MASCARA

5. COAT YOUR LASHES To finish the look, apply a few coats of mascara, which will give an instant eye-opening formula that curls, volumizes, and elongates lashes.

AYANDA THABETHE

W O L G

P U E K A M T U O H T WI BY

JI -KUFE

BABS FUNKE

SKIN CODE Healthy looking skin is everything. Ensure you are following a thorough skincare routine. Cleanse, tone, and moisturise every day without fail. You can also layer your skin with face serums for added benefits. Exfoliate once a week and apply a face mask twice a week. Also, use an eye cream to maintain youthful-looking skin.

Tip: For gorgeous dewy skin, swap your regular moisturiser with an illuminating one. You could also mix a gold facial elixir or facial oil with your moisturiser for highlighted radiant skin. This hack does the job of a highlighter while treating your skin concerns.

FARSALI ROSE GOLD ELIXIR

ROSY CHEEKS Blushed cheeks are a mark of beautiful clear skin. It is essential to tone skin so that pores on your cheeks are not enlarged. You can swipe a cotton ball dipped in apple cider vinegar on your cheeks to promote clear skin and bring out a natural pink flush on your cheeks.

Tip: Mix two tablespoons beetroot juice with one tablespoon sugar and apply this only to your cheeks while massaging in

circular motions. This BEETROOT JUICE will AND SUGAR help exfoliate your skin and promote blood circulation.

Rinse it off after five minutes with plain water, and you will notice the tint from the beetroot juice has stained your cheeks with natural colour.

LOVELY LASHES Long eyelashes are so desirable, and they make your eyes look extremely alluring.

Not all of us are blessed with long lashes though, and applying mascara does damage your lashes as it is hard to remove.

Tip: For long and defined lashes, use a clean mascara wand to apply castor oil or petroleum jelly to your eyelashes. This will define them with shine and also moisturise them well, encouraging the strands to grow longer and KATE BLANC COSMETIC CASTOR OIL AND MASCARA WAND thicker.

EYEBROW RIGHT Give your brows a break from the tweezing and threading. Let them grow naturally and make sure to exfoliate the area as well.

But keep them neat with a spoolie brush.

Tip: For fuller brows, comb them with castor oil. To create a neat feathery effect, dampen a clear glycerin soap and swipe a spoolie brush to pick up the product. Now comb your brows with this soapy brush to keep them in place just like a SPOOLIE BRUSH & brow gel.

GLYCERIN SOAP PLUMP PUCKER Chapped lips are unacceptable. Make sure to exfoliate your pout at least twice a week and moisturise with a lip balm every day, as much as required.

Tip: For rosy lips, use a tinted lip balm or cut a slice of beetroot and rub it on your lips. You could also make DIY lip plumper to add BURTBEE TINTED LIP BALM volume to your lips.

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THISDAY Style Vol. 22, No. 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

BEAUTY

STYLE & DESIGN

THISDAY Style Vol. 22, 9173 Sunday, June 21, 2020

Powder

Whether your skin is desert-dry or uncontrollably oily, powder is a must if you want makeup to stay on all day. The reasons are obvious for oily skin (to soak up oils and keep makeup in place), but for dry skin, powder keeps your makeup from bunching up in fine lines or sticking to dry patches. If you like to keep a natural radiance, choose a fine powder (pressed or loose) that contains mica or synthetic mica (the ingredient that gives the sparkly quality to highlighters and shimmer eyeshadows) to keep the glow without splotchy glitter all over your face.

Blush

Blush is a staple in many people’s beauty routines - it makes you look alive and like you have a natural flush to your cheeks.

There are so many blush formulas on the market.

Eyeshadow Palette

You can definitely have a makeup collection without eyeshadow, but what would be the fun in that?

Start your collection with a neutral palette that has a mix of mattes and shimmers to make daytime, work-appropriate looks as well as shimmery night looks for happy hours and date nights.

Mascara

Mascara was probably one of the first makeup items you ever purchased. It’s an everchanging product with new formulas dropping constantly, and while some of our old favorites still reign supreme, there are a few newer formulas we love too.

Eyebrow Pencil

Use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any sparse areas of your brows and to shape them exactly how you want. Your eyebrows are a frame for your face, so a solid eyebrow pencil is anessential in any makeup kit.

The

PERFECT MAKEUP Capsule Collection We’re already huge fans of a capsule wardrobe here - a selection of items that mix and match together to create a cohesive look without buying tons of items all the time. And we realized this exact principle could be applied to your makeup collection. So, here we are: a capsule makeup collection that works for pretty much anyone’s needs, whether it’s going into an office every day, wanting some nighttime looks, or if you just wear makeup for special occasions. These products work together beautifully to create whatever look you can imagine neutral, glam, sexy, editorial, dramatic, and beyond.

BY KONYE CHELSEA NWABOGOR Primer

A primer creates a barrier between your skin and any base products, making it less likely those products will clog your pores, lead to breakouts, or slide around your face all day long. A really good moisturizer can be a great primer for someone with very dry skin, but something that prolongs the wear of your makeup while helping your foundation to look even better is the key in our book.

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Eyeliner

Eyeliner has changed a lot from the days we put a rim of black around our eyes. Instead, eyeliner can be used to open up your eyes, to draw a wing (much easier than a liquid liner if you’re a beginner - or just cannot get the hang of it, same here!), or smudge on the lower lash line to add a little smoke.

Lip Balm

A lip balm is a must for anyone - beautylover or not. Dry, crusty lips obviously don’t look great and they don’t feel so good either.

Lipstick

Foundation

A good foundation is exactly what it says: a foundation for your entire makeup routine. A good one isn’t just nice to have; it’s necessary. Makeup is only as good as the base underneath, so take your time trying different formulas and discovering what works best for you. If you’re trying to get your bang for your buck, choose something medium coverage that can be built up to full with an extra layer (and doesn’t get cakey) or sheered out when mixed with a moisturizer. A natural, satin finish is also a great way to go, because you can powder it down to make it matte or wear it with a glowy primer and extra highlighter to get a dewy finish.

Concealer

Finding a concealer that works for you is quite the goose chase in the makeup world. With thousands of formulas out there, there are a lot of products to choose from. So, you’ll also want something versatile, lightweight, and medium coverage. It is important to know what you’ll likely do with your concealer (some formulas that are amazing under the eyes don’t cover blemishes well, and vice versa), but opting for something that is buildable rather than full coverage straight out the gate might make this a little easier.

Having the perfect nude lipstick that goes with every outfit is a must. Although it’s not a necessity, if you love fun lip colours or want your lip colour to be really longwearing, invest in a neutral lip liner.

Lip Gloss

A few years ago, we probably wouldn’t have this on the list, but lip gloss has come back in a huge way. Many are choosing light, glossy formulas over the intense, liquid matte lipsticks of most of the 2010s.

Setting Spray

Keep a setting spray in your arsenal for special events, long hours, and hot days.

A good setting spray will make you makeup last longer while setting it down and getting rid of a powder-y finish.

Brush Set

Having a basic set of makeup brushes will go a long way to creating basically every look you can imagine. Once you have a basic set, you can add as you need - a small stipple brush for cream blush here, a smudger eyeliner brush there. Brushes are certainly an area of your makeup collection that it’s a good idea to invest in.

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