OOTN...Going green

Okay we're talking Arty again. Last week Friday  I wore a blouse from the range  I posted about last week. We went to a student fashion show at Hemingways mall then a lounge hang out spot later.

me and my sister Nondwe(makeup by me)

myself, Arty and Nondwe

All the tops and the dress are made by Arty

Arty's lookbook shoot!

Hello hello

Earlier this month my super talented friend Arty Mgudlwa shot a lookbook for his fast growing fashion label. Arty has been dressing Afro Pop sensation Berita for over a year now. The collection is mostly made up of pieces that were conceptualized around Berita's red carpet and stage looks, designed, styled and created by Arty himself. He asked me to do the makeup for the shoot and I gladly did. As a group of five friends with only two as pro's on the task for the shoot (Arty and photographer Sino Majangaza), we did the first official shoot for Arty. Eric directed the photography, Unathi and Ubi modelled and I did the facepaint. The brief was to give the girls a very simple look, nothing too flashy. So I decided on a basic goldish smokey eye and nude lips, later switched up the lips with orange and pink lipsticks. Below are some behind the scenes. Head on over to Arty's blog for the final product.

from left: Unathi(model), Eric(DOP), Arty(fashion designer and stylist), myself(makeup) and Ubi(model)

 side note: not a pro MUA yet. Excuse the picture quality, posting via Blackerry

xx

I ♥ summer tag!

I saw this fun tag on lipgloss kisses and it'd be fun to take part, here goes: 

1. Favourite bronzer for summer?

I don't really need bronzer because my skin is brown bout I use it anyways for the shimmer to give me a nice glow. I love Sleek Face and Body Highlighter in Bronze Baby! love it.

2. You’re relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on?
If not a mango jam jar then definitely a mojito!

3. Favourite summer lip product?
Blistex DCT lip balm. Most people think it's for lip blisters but  I use it because it conditions the lips and protects them from the sun. 

4. Pool or Beach
?Beach. The sea breeze and the sand! 

5. Summer = crazy hair!  What’s your must-have styling product?
Oh boy this is a tough one, I don't even attempt to wear my hair out in summer because it shrinks and looks wet. I get braids done and use Organic Root Stimulator products to keep the scalp healthy and moisturized.

6. Sun bathing or fake tan?
None. for obvious reasons! lol

7. Favourite summer nail polish?
I'm loving gelish nails this summer, white, baby blue and pastel pink. 

8. Any summer traditions?
Not really. It's always a time filled with after work "get togethers" with friends, braais, and days at the beach.

9. Favourite summer scent?

Elizabeth Arden Pretty Eau De Cologne Splash

10. Favourite BBQ/Braai food?
My favourite braai food(s) pork chops, boerewors and a nice and crisp Greek salad.

11. What’s your favourite summer-proof product?
The Body Shop Vitamin C energizing face spritz.

12. Any summer vacation plans this year?
Nope! 

And that's it! I'm tagging you, yes you! :)

xx

black girl problems: receding hairline

We've all seen sobering pictures of Naomi Campbell's receding hairline. Sadly she's not the only woman experiencing the problem. Many jokingly associate it with black professional nurses (don't ask me why, but if you're South African I'm sure you've heard this before). Yes back in the day they used to be mostly affected because they constantly plated/braided their hair. Now with the popularity of hair extensions, weaves and braids, more and more younger people are losing their hair. Here are a few tips that have been proven to prevent traction alopecia (inji bhabha)

1. With any hairstyle you choose, it must not be done too tight, pulling your hair. This includes the styling of dreadlocks as well.
2. Every once in a while give your hair and scalp a break. Say a month or two weave/braid free. 3. Moisturize your scalp often regardless of the style you're wearing. 
4. Minimize any heat on your real hair when wearing a leave out weave. 
5. Never ever relax your hair the same of removing braids or extension. 
6. Wash and condition your hair regular, with or without extensions or braids on. 
7. Last but not least, use castor oil to base your roots. Yes castor oil you find in the medical section in stores. It's brilliant on hair. Keeps the scalp healthy and moist. It kills bacteria, helps prevent dandruff and helps keep your hair growing healthily. 
There's absolutely nothing wrong with wearing extensions, it must just be done right. I know a lot of people who only started noticing growth in the hair after they started wearing extensions. However I must add the obvious, I am not a professional, this is all information I've picked up online, friends and my own personal experiences. I decided to post this after I noticed a lot of people on facebook were shocked that my hair is indeed healthy under all the extensions I always wear. Yes it is short but it's healthy and my hairline is intact thanks to the few tips above.

like  I said, my hair is short but I'm happy with "health status" :)

one of my favourite styles when I don't have any extensions on is the sock-bun. Easy and fail-proof 

I wear extension a lot