REVIEW: SCHWARZKOPF GLISS HAIR PRODUCTS

Hello hope you are all doing good. So I have been natural for about 2 years now and I totally love it. Well I have been natural for about 8 years but only stated taking care of my hair for the last 2 years. Never in my 2 years have I come across hair products that I really love. When I purchased the gliss Shea cashmere conditioner from nakumatt I was really excited to use the product. I have never experienced hair growth like that because it promises to repair the hair and it did just that and that is why I was able to retain my length. Plus I also purchased the gliss liquid silk express repair conditioner for brittle and dull hair and again I was amazed that it actually worked and made my hair shiner and really soft plus it is a leave in conditioner. Another thing I love about this product is that the first ingredient is aqua which makes it very hydrating on the hair. So next time don't just ignore these products as they cater to all the "deficiency" your hair might be suffering from.

Till next time
Xoxo

REVIEW: GEL POLISH

Hello everyone sorry for being M.I.A for a while I had to sort some stuff out. Hope you all are good. Anyway I had been hearing lots of good stuff about gel polish that I had to try it out for myself. One thing I noticed is that it's quite glossy and I ddnt need a top coat as compared to if I used normal nail polish.
A disadvantage is that it cannot be applied directly on the nail as this can damage your nails if put under the UV lights I used 3 coats of a base coat because I did not have the proper base coat needed and it works just fine. Overall it lasts longer than normal nail polish which is a plus for me as I am constantly touching water. Also one has to be really careful when applying because you do not want to apply on your cuticles as this can cause some discomfort ( I cannot explain the feeling you get in words :-D)
The following are pictures of the process please forgive how my nails look and how I applied the polish because God knows it's hard for me to apply my own nail polish :-D

Till next time
Xoxo

FREE PALESTINE

As you have already guessed from the title that this is neither about fashion nor beauty post. This is a movement that aims to stop the innocent killings of Palestinians by the Israelis. Yes the Palestinians are Muslims but we have to learn to look beyond the religious factor and see that they are also human beings and cannot be judged on the actions of a few as every religion has extremists.This post doesn't say that every Jew is bad it's just a few as I said no one religion should be judged by the actions of a few.
So please if you could go online and get a picture of free palestine and upload it as your profile picture and join the protest and educate as many people as possible and encourage them to join the movement as well.
You can read more at
http://socialistworker.co.uk/art/38514/Protesters+stand+up+for+Palestine+outside+the+Israeli+Embassy

2 WAYS TO WEAR A FITTED MANS SHIRT

Hello everyone hope you are all doing good. So recently I was browsing through my brother's closet and came across his shirts and this gave me an idea. So I quickly put together two outfits using his fitted shirts. One outfit is official while the other is not.
Please do not forget to subscribe. For those who do not want to subscribe via email there is an alternative option.

Till next time
Xoxo

REVIEW: GABRINI LIPSTICK

Hello hope everybody is doing good. So recently I was at foodplus formally known as chandarana but for some strange reason this new name hasn't quite sank in yet because I still call it chandarana. :-D
I decided to go and see what kind of beauty products they have in stock and at what price. My jaw literally dropped at the variety of nailpolish they had and all sorts of different colors but quite frankly I was disappointed at their lipstick "variety"
At first I did not like any shade of lipstick they had until I came across the gabrini brand and I tell you I totally fell inlove with the lipstick number 6. Not only was it so easy to apply but it also suits all skin tones(well according to me). So this lipstick contains vitamin E and is really pigmented on the lips. Though its a safe color as in its not in your face and can be applied with your everyday look. So the following photos are how the lipstick looks like and how it looks like on me.
Don't forget to subscribe and also like my facebook page( https://m.facebook.com/melieachie) One lucky person who will like my facebook page and follow my blog will get a free gabrini lipstick so what are you waiting for get to liking 

:-)

Till next time
Xoxo

BRRRRRRR!!!!

Hello hope you are all doing well. So recently the weather has been really bad and while the west enjoy summer which equals sunshine and alot of beach time while in kenya it has been extremely cold on some days. Is it just me or is the weather kind of unpredictable lately??
So I put two outfits together because when its cold we still have to look fashionable right :-D
So with this cold weather some essentials that you must have are:
Boots
Scarfs
Sweaters

Don't forget to share and subscribe thankyou

Till next time
Xoxo

DIY AVOCADO HAIR MASK

Hello everyone hope you are all well. Avocado is very rich in proteins and vitamins basically its awesome but did you know you can use it on your hair? Yepp it's not only eaten but can be used as a hair mask. Basically it prevents hair loss and encourages hair growth plus it also adds shine to your hair and makes it soft. This recipe has really helped my hair. This can be used once every monthas a deep conditioner because if used all the time it can cause your hair to have a protein overload leading to cutting of hair.  

Things you will need:
1 avocado
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of coconut oil

Directions
Cut up the avocado into pieces and then begin smashing it you can use a spoon or fork. Once smashed proceed to add the coconut and extra virgin olive oil. Apply generously to clean hair then cover with a shower cap leave on for 30 minutes then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

Till next time
Xoxo

BEAUTY HAUL

Hello hope everyone is doing good. So I recently purchased some beauty products from nakumatt yepp nakumatt I have this habit that whenever I go into a supermarket I have to visit the beauty section and I never leave empty handed I guess that is what happens when your spoilt for choice. Plus I spend more than 20 minutes in that section. Everytime I go there, there is always something new I wanna try out.
I purchased a 400ml hoity toity lotion and if you have ever purchased their body spray you know how awesome it smells and I love how the lotion smells exactly like the body spray :-D. Plus it contains glycerin which is very hydrating on the skin and makes the skin really smooth.
The other things I purchased were the shirley may love more perfumed body spray which smell so heavenly I wish I could put it in words. Since I was running out of rose water I just had to purchase another bottle and if you have read my previous post on beauty tips you know its a must have for me I can't live without it :-). Please subscribe to my blogs to be able to participate in my upcoming giveaway thank you. 

Till next time
Xoxo

OOTD: ALL BLACK OUTFIT

Hello I hope everybody is doing great and i hope your Sunday is going well. So today I decided to go to church after a really long time... I know I know its sad but praying at home does count right? Anyway the weather we have been having lately has not been the best its been rainy and cold :( I wish it was the perfect weather which to me is in between cold and hot (warm) and not too hot because the African heat is too much at times.
This is the outfit I wore today to church. Forgive the lack of smiling and if I looked pissed off to you I actually wasn't :D

My outfit

The scarf : Egyptian fair at KICC for Ksh 1200 ($13.71)

The sweater: Toi market Ksh 100 ($1.14)

The black top: Toi market Ksh 250 ($2.86)

The soft jeans: Toi market Ksh 700 ($8.00)

The floral print canvas: Jumia Ksh 999 ($11.41)

Cross body bag: Gifted

This is how I would normally pair up my floral print canvas.

Till next time

xoxo

IMPORTANT UPDATE

Hey hope you are all doing well. As for me I have been stressed with exams which have finally ended  :) words cannot express my happiness at this moment. You all know how stressful exam week is. As you have already guessed this is not a fashion nor a beauty post but it is to inform all those that read my blog that you can finally subscribe to my blogs :D yaayyy!!! So please subscribe to my blogs and help me grow my viewers and subscribers by sharing my posts. To subscribe if you are on a mobile device, at the bottom of the page click view web version then you will see it on your left. You know without you guys I would not people who read my blog so thank you to all those people who read my blog, words cannot describe how thankful I am. This will also enable me to have giveaways for my subscribers which is coming up very soon so for you to stand a chance of winning amazing gifts please subscribe.

Till next time
Xoxo

DRESSING YOUR BODY TYPE

It is very important as a woman to really understand your body. Once you understand your body then you will know exactly what type of clothes suite your body type. When a woman does not understand her body shape she will tend to dress in a manner that does not flatter her body. One thing I have come to realize is that not every fashion trend will suite every body type. Some African women do not know how to dress their body type and this can get very unpleasant to the eye.

Rectangle — slender/slight body frame, similar width for bust, hips and waist. If you have this body type, you can "pinch" your waist and exaggerate curves to avoid looking lanky or boyish. Go for ruffles and frills to add texture and volume (and femininity) to your figure. Steer clear of baggy jeans and track clothes if you don't want to look boyish.

Pear — wider hips and bottom, narrow bust. If you have this body shape all you need to do is to draw attention to the torso and away from the hips and thighs. 

Strawberry — wider bust, top-heavy, narrower hips and waist. If have this body type you have to make sure that you wear clothes that would enhance the right curves and not bring out the flaws in your body as well. 

Apple — rounded tummy and bigger bust, slim hips. If you have this body type, you probably want to emphasize your tight legs and butt, draw attention away from your waist and shoulders/arms (wear long sleeves), and draw attention to your bust and neck (e.g. v-necks).

Hourglass — wider bust and hips, narrower waist. If you have this body type all you have to do is to accentuate this particular figure. If you are one of these lucky few, all you really need is to dress smartly and look for clothes that silhouette your figure rather than hide it.

If you still don't know your body shape click on the link below to calculate it 
http://www.calculator.net/body-type-calculator.html

Till next time
Xoxo

REVIEW: MAYBELLINE EXPERT WEAR TRIO EYESHADOW

So I recently purchased the maybelline newyork eyeshadow in irish green. I have only used it once but I compleyely love how it feels on my eyelids. The eyeshadow itself is silky smooth and easy to apply. Most of the eyeshadows I have used were quite powdery and the particles would sometimes drop on my eyelashes during the application process which I did not like. The maybelline eyeshadow completely stays on your eyelids without any particles getting on your eyelashes.

This is how it looks on the skin.

Till next time

Xoxo

REVIEW: SLEEK TRUE COLOR LIPSTICK

So I recently purchased the sleek true color lipstick and it is called Heartbreaker. I have never really been a lipstick person and being black did not help the situation. I felt like everyone would stare at me and probably gossip like "she thinks she is so hot trying to pull a nikki minaj" or something like but I eventually realized its not about what other people think rather its about what makes me feel good. But for a while was under the impression that black people could not and should not wear bright colored lipsticks as it did not suite their skin tone. Something within me changed when I saw this particular lipstick and I suddenly got the urge to buy it. I was truly amazed by how much i loved it. So I am here to say that Black girls can wear bright colored lipsticks.
The lipstick comes in a matte form and is very easy to apply and it is also very pigmented. I would recommend this lipstick to anybody of any color.
I got the lipstick online from Jumia at about Ksh 800 ($9.13). I know it may be expensive but I guarantee you will not regret it.
This particular lipstick promises that it will be non drying, will keep your lips soft and supple and contains vitamin E which will help to hydrate and protect the lips from free radicals that cause premature ageing.

This is how the lipstick looks on me

This is how the lipstick looks like

The lipstick.

Till next time 

xoxo

BEAUTY TIPS

These days everyone wants to look younger and have that youthful glow,though most people are going about it the wrong way. Nowadays people are obsessed with products which will reduce the signs of aging particularly on the face but unfortunately these expensive products do not work as well as they claim.
Here are some tips that can help you with looking young and radiant:

#1 DO NOT USE HOT WATER TO WASH YOUR FACE AND BODY
The hot water usually dries out your skin and with prolonged use ages you faster as well. I am in no way telling you to bath/ shower with extremely cold water what you should do is wash your face with cold water then wash your body with lukewarm water. You can not just deal with your face only, your body is part of the package as well so you would also not want your body to age faster than your face.

#2 USING ROSE WATER ON YOUR FACE
Rose water has been proven to deeply clean your pores and prevent acne. It can also be used as make up remover. The best time to use rose water on your face is at night during your night time routine. The rose water should be used after washing your face with soap. Prolonged usage of the rose water makes your skin really smooth. The good thing about it is that it is known to be a powerful mood enhancer. The other great thing is that it comes cheap and is not at all bank breaking.

This is the rose water I use.

 This rose water only cost me Ksh 60 ($ 0.68). Basically this was the only brand I found in the store but it has turned out to be really good.

#3 AVOID EXCESSIVE MAKEUP

Excessive make up totally ages you so much and make you look a lot older than you probably are. I suggest if you are gonna put make up avoid putting a lot of foundation as this tends to clog up your pores plus it also makes your face look artificial. Make up was invented to enhance beauty and not to make you look like a clown. You don't need layers and layers of foundation as this also causes you to break out.

#4 USE RAW AFRICAN SHEA BUTTER

Do not use those lotions that tell you that it contains Shea butter because you are not going to get the full benefits of it. 100% Raw Shea butter does not have a sweet fragrance it kind of smells like cocoa. The benefits of 100% raw Shea butter are:

• Helps clear stretch marks
• Helps clear blemishes and black spots
• Moisturizes and softens the skin
• A natural anti-aging agent
• Helps the skin glow naturally 
• Rejuvenates the skin

It is also good for hair (all types of hair). Do not use those lotions that claim to have Shea butter as they are mixed with many other chemicals and will not give you the full benefits.

This is the Shea butter I use.

The best 100% raw Shea butter come from Ghana. I bought this at about Ksh 900 ($ 10.23). This specific tin lasts a really long time. 

#5 DO NOT USE HARSH SOAPS ON YOUR FACE

Using harsh soaps on your face will dry it out a lot and you will not see any improvements. So try and buy really gentle soaps.

These tips really work as my mother who is in her mid 40's does not have a single wrinkle on her and she is the one who introduced me to these tips. Thank you mum I love you.

Till next time 

xoxo

AFRICAN PRINT

Follow my blog with Bloglovin I recently went crazy and bought a whole bunch of African printed material which i am excited about :D Each of the material/fabric is 6 yards long.
In the fashion industry at the moment the African printed material/fabric is creating a storm and even some celebrities such as Beyonce and her sister Solange have been spotted  rocking this new trend. The African print fabric is known for its vibrant colors and its uniqueness which will always make you stand out from the crowd.

These are some of the fabric I purchased.

These materials/fabrics are from the western part of Africa. In Kenya we have our own fabric/material called leso or khanga which is extremely colorful and come in pairs and have beautiful sayings in swahili. The sayings on the leso are quite unique in that finding another two pairs lesos with the same saying on them and finding two of the same print is quite difficult if not impossible.

This is the leso fabric. The meaning of the saying is Take heart God is able.

Till next time 

xoxo



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INTRODUCTION

My name is Melanie Achieng'. I live in a country called Kenya which is on the eastern part of Africa. I began to love fashion when I had just began my freshman year at the university, most Africans if not all hated school uniforms as they were mostly "fugly"; came in such outrageous colors and did nothing to flatter curves. I remember being in Primary school and having to wear a pleated skirt and a white shirt. This did nothing for my curves as I was not a size zero I was more on the curvier side and pleats on a curvy woman makes them look bulkier so of course I hated it as any other normal teenage girl going through puberty would.This blog is going to be about dressing and really understanding your body type as a woman among other exciting things 
Stay tuned...Xoxo