One Thing to do with Those Pretty Lips
I spend about 8 minutes applying my lipstick. To make my lip color pop, I color both lips with a lipliner pencil similar in color to my lipstick. At this stage, it already looks like I'm wearing lipstick...and sometimes, I get distracted, I start doing something else, forget to wear my lipstick and go out with penciled-in lips(lol)! Only the make-up savvy girls who see me know my blunder- but who isn't make-up savvy these days?
After filling in with lip-liner, I plump it up with my lipstick, which instantly pops the color. The underlying liner helps prevent your lip lines/cracks from showing through the lipstick. It also helps your lipstick stay on longer.
Right after this, I blend and get rid of the color bleeds.
Some people use a concealer and concealer brush to line their lips to make sure it's well sculpted.
Either way, you end up with great looking lips!
Imagine that after all of this, my lips looking as magnificent as heaven's pearls, I part those marvelous lips- and less pearly, less magnificent, less heavenly things begin to come out of them- lies, derisive words, gossip.
I know gossip, especially, is yum. It's like a platter of grilled, peppered croaker fish with a side of fried plantain and crushed peppered sauce. It's beyond me why it tastes so good and apparently, the worse the situation is for the person we are talking about, the spicier the croaker and the softer the plantain.
Spicy, soft or not, gossip is unpleasant and no longer fashionable. There I said it, it's not trending anymore.
The next time you get an opportunity to gossip, shut it down, blend those pretty lips and talk about something else.
What do you think sparks up gossip? I'd love to know your thoughts!
107th Post Beauty-Hamper Giveaway!
This is our 107th post! If odd numbers aren't worth celebrating, I don't know what is!
So, here we are on this odd numbered post and one winner gets to win a hamper of beauty essentials worth over $150! Male readers, before you go 'Bleh', you can win this for any of the her's in your life! Why should you be left out?
What you should know:
1. The deadline is 29th February, 2016 at 11.59pm (Eastern Time US & Canada)
2. There are 4 ways to enter this giveaway, just follow the instructions in the widget below
3. The Giveaway is available in these locations: Nigeria, US, UK, Canada
4. I'm so entering this competition
5. I'm joking
6. The winner will be contacted and subsequently, the best of mode of delivery will be discussed! Please remember to read the terms and conditions also in the widget below
Best wishes!
Thank you for hanging out here daily on PGI and for your readership! 💋
Congratulations to our winner! (Edited 5th March, 2016)
10 Maid of Honour Duties You Should Know
My first time ever as a Maid of Honour (MoH), I was so way off my MoH game! I was 16, lackadaisical and missed most of the ceremony; I spent the entire church service dozing and the reception with some guy that I was almost dating at the time, paying like zero attention to the bride (my sister). A million apologies, Sis. I really wish someone had sent me a blog post about my duties. Anyway after that, i've been a MoH twice and i've spent all the time trying to make up for that day.
If you have been recently graced with the honor of being a bridesmaid, congratulations! It, seriously, is a prestigious appointment; the bride literally just put you in a position where you could either make the wedding a success or a complete fart! Here are 10 things you should know as an MoH:
1. The wedding is not about you AT ALL
The 5th of April (or whatever date the wedding is) is not about you, not even one bit. It's a day you get to serve your friend. She has put you in charge of her well being for the day and to ensure the day goes as planned. So set your plans and almost-boyfriends aside and make your friend as comfortable as possible!
2. The Vendors are bae
Introduce yourself to the vendors, if they don't know you already and develop a good relationship with them. Once the bride wears her dress, all the vendors go through you. Ensure the only thing on her mind is getting to the altar and enjoying her reception. If the vendors haven't been paid or have a complaint, speak with the bride and resolve.
3. Contain drama...quickly
Disgruntles ex'es, a late bridegroom, a rip in her wedding dress, or even better, Egusi splattered on her dress at the reception, whatever the drama is, make sure it doesn't get out of control. If something goes wrong, fix it. She really doesn't need to know, if it isn't too important . Brides go through enough emotional roller coasters internally and if you can shed off the load that would be great. (Hint: You might want to ditch the heels at some point)
4. Get her a Unicorn!
Whatever makes her happy and cheerful, get it for her. As a MoH, you are responsible for keeping her comfortable and in a constant state of delight.
That night, after the wedding, you will feel like you have no feet and will be thoroughly exhausted but oh, the other feeling that warms your chest after caring for your friend. It's pretty darn good.
5. Keep her on time
At my church, if the couple to be wed don't arrive early, the minister starts without them. Lol! So if you really want your friend married that day with minimal frazzle, get her ready on time. Set deadlines and timelines for her dressing up, factor in the time needed by the MUA(makeup artist) , photographer, hair-stylist etc and be on your way.
6. Delegate duties to other bridesmaids
As a MoH, you are a team-lead. From interacting with the other bridesmaids, you should understand their strengths and utilize those strengths to making the bride as comfy as possible. Don't try and do the tasks all by yourself.
7. Provide spiritual support
I had two MoH's *Grin*. Bless my soul, the amount of spiritual support i received was remarkable. Months before the wedding, it's a great idea to choose a prayer day when the bridal party can pray towards the wedding!
8. Of course, organize a bridal shower
Organize the bridal shower with the other bridesmaids. Crafting a shower that works with her personality would be a great idea too! If she doesn't like penis-y cakes, then skip the penis-y cakes. If she doesn't like quiet, homely parties, then make some noise (in a non-residential venue). Remember to get gifts for her as well! (Gift ideas here!)
9. Eyes on the MUA
I love Makeup artists (MUA) but sometimes they just zap into the thinnest air! Make sure the MUA is available to touch-up the bride's makeup often enough or to right any smears.
10. Strap up your MoH Rambo kit!
Your MoH kit is your Maid-of-honor Rambo kit! Be prepared for contingencies. Weddings are the most probable places for rips, button pops and tears, so you must be prepared: Here's a list of what should be in your MoH kit:
Tissues
Pair of slippers or ballet flats for the bride
Bride's phone
Phone charger
Mints (no chewing gum, she'll regret it later when she gets the photos)
A snack
Safety pin
Mending kit
Hairpins
Tampon/ Sanitary towel (..because nature)
Nail file
Painkillers
Did i miss anything? Any MoH or bridesmaid experiences? Share! Share!
The Thin Line between Fleek and Alien
Makeup! I've never been a makeup person, I'm more of a get-up-and-go-go with lipstick and penciled-in brows. Truly, you can get away with many things once your brows are filled in and your lips are colored or moisturized. Now, foundation, concealer, pink-chewy sponges, all the 900 types of brushes, luxury powder, contour sets...... those are another ball game entirely. However in 2016, I promised myself to try something new. Something excruciatingly, painfully new! Plus Ike, PGI's November girl kind of kicked me out of my comfort zone.
Hence, I began my makeup journey, watched a bunch of YouTube videos, insta-stalked some Makeup Artists (MUAs) and here I am, still learning, painting and mispainting. I won't stop till my good is better and my better, best! Anyway, here are 13 things I've learnt on this Makeup journey:
1. It's a thin line between being on fleek and transforming yourself into an extra-terrestrial look-alike
2. My teeth = lipstick Magnet (here's how to fix that!)
3. The pink, chewy, squishy thing (Beauty blender) is not edible and costs more than a tube of lipstick
4. Sephora is pretty cool
5. Makeup is an investment and with the exchange rate all crazy, must be strategically used to maximize utilization (she must not waste lol)
6. I am beautiful with/or without makeup
7. MUA's, a couple of salutes and new respect! Let's be friends.
8. Apple cider vinegar is the new water! You can use it as a toner, as a weight loss beverage, as a cleaning agent, for your hair, to treat constipation, to solve the Bermuda Triangle mystery.......
9. Sometimes, "moisturize and go", not every time "foundation and cake"
10. My lips get crazy when I wear mascara, they bend into this unnatural shape for some reason (photo 2 below) Does this happen to anyone else?!
11. Making up is actually a great opportunity for "Me-Time". I just turn on my favorite Spotify playlist and sing with my powder brush (which explains photo 1 below). Then I drop the mic....the brush.....the mic-brush 🎤
12. My eye bags need to go (Here's how to get rid of bags, I'm trying ALL of them!)
13. Along with Apple Cider Vinegar, honey and lemon seem to be the solution to the problems of the world
Stuff I haven't tried : False Lashes, contouring, brow waxing, contouring my collar bone (I did not know that was even a thing!)
Do you wear makeup? How's your journey? What discoveries have you made?
PGI's December Girl- Ike
If you thought being a student was fun and you spent it in a perpetually nifty state, looking like you just stepped off a runway, every minute of the day, put your hands up! ..........Now ignoring those people. Lol, kidding.
This month our PGI girl is someone, who does make student life seem a little more glamorous than I would imagine! By contrast, my student make-up life comprised of bad hair days, stress pimple surprises, some eyeliner (usually drawn in a hurry and all squiggly), brow pencil, a little mascara and a dab of Vaseline lip therapy. I'd eye the liner blunder, ignore the pimple, cover up with large geek glasses and burst out the door!
You see why I feel the need to honor all the girls who make the effort to look good to class or work or bed, even? A thousand salutes and loads of respect. It really is something to be admired and celebrated.
A couple of weeks back, I had the pleasure of chatting with the wonderfully stunning Ike Saliu, she's someone whose style I greatly admire. She has a fun and brave sense of style and upholds this all while being a student! In case you missed it, we have the same name! She's the 'Ike' that actually cares about her fashion life as a student; I wish I had her around during my bad-liner days.
She has huge dreams of becoming a TV/media director one day, a day not too far away. She talks about slaying as a student, her favorite make-up vloggers/ lifestyle bloggers and what she misses about Nigeria.
Let's meet her!
Where do you go to school?
York University, Toronto
What are you studying?
Human Resource Management
What's your morning phone app sequence?
First, I reply messages i left hanging after falling asleep; then What’sApp, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr. Pose. Then my Bible app, then Elevate and Lumosity for my regular brain exercises.
Your student life makeup fix?
I draw my brows (they’re essential), apply foundation, set it with powder. If I am having a presentation, I’d put on eyeliner, apply blush and put on a nude lipstick but if I’m not, I'd simply use mascara. I usually go with a natural look for school.
How long does it take you to get ready?
1 hour, 30 minutes, if i have braids on. If I have a weave, 2 hours because i have to style it. It takes me 30-45 minutes to wear my makeup.
Favorite Makeup Vlogger?
I LOVE talking about my favorite YouTube make-up artists. I watch an awful lot of them but my two favorites would be Msrosposh and Sonjdradeluxe.
Recommended makeup remover?
Biore or Global beauty care make up cleansing wipes.
Clothes or Makeup?
I finally know what it feels like when people say they’re in love with two people. *laughs* I love and i’m crazy about both equally! That being said, if I am to pick, I’ll go with what had my heart first, since i was 6 years old; Make up
A makeup mugger is trying to steal your makeup purse, in a dark alley. He gives you a chance to take 3 items from it. What would they be?
Oh, this is a hard one, my Guess by Color Pop Lipstick, my eye liner(i feel naked without my liner) and my brow pencil, i can't go out without brows. Also this pencil can't be gotten in Canada, so respect that and step away, mugger.
Favorite nail polish color
Burgundy!! I also like purples, pinks and blues
What song describes you at 5.30AM?
Future ft Drake , Where Ya At? Tbh it describes me 24/7
Night time habits/routine?
When I get home, the first thing I do is open the pot/fridge/cupboard to search for food or snacks (this is because I am always hungry, no matter the time of the day). *Laughs* I make some tea and change into comfy clothes, wash my face (make up or no make up) , clear the bag I took out (i just love my bags being empty), turn on my laptop to either research, watch a movie or Youtube video or complete an assignment. If I'm home all day, I’ll look for food as usual, wash my face and be on my laptop .
What do you miss about Nigeria?
I miss being driven in a car! *laughs* I miss that i don’t get taxed when I shop. I miss the hawkers (i don’t know why). I miss suya, agbalumo (the best fruit ever), Christmas at home, my mom’s cooking, my parents and friends.
Favorite Blogs
Kummy-kaybee.blogspot.ca, Pages by Ike (I love it so much), E-online, Justjaredjnr, Blvckcosmic.tumblr.
What are you reading these days?
School texts, ugh .
What would rather be reading?
I'd rather be reading the books in my cupboard and Malcom Gladwell books
What are your winter study time must-haves?
Tea. A show or movie during my study break. Snacks. Chewing gum
4 Things Learnt....
1. Empty my bag/clutch when I get home (maybe I'll finally find that tub of lip color I've been looking for).
2. Wash my face every night, whether or not i put on makeup during the day
3. Learnt that Ike likes Future! ....... at 5.30am! Lol. Someone's clearly a morning person.
4. It's possible to look good as a student
Thank you so much, Ike for being PGI's December girl!!! Love you!
PGI loves to honor everyday people who inspire. The great news is, we are all capable of inspiring!
If you would like to be a PGI feature or would like to recommend someone (male or female) who is inspiring in anyway, please contact me here, or send me a DM on Instagram . Remember to mention in less than 4 lines why you think you or this person is inspiring. Brag Away 😎