Skincare 101 - Your makeup is only as good as your skin

A few months ago I was looking at refreshing my makeup collection so I was frequenting beauty bars and makeup counters at various shopping malls. Besides building a solid collection of beauty products I got what I believe to be the best beauty advice from a makeup artist: Your makeup is only as good as your skin.

Many of us have our makeup routine down pat; we know what we need to cover up and we cover it up well. However there are some skin concerns that we can reduce or eliminate by taking better care of our skin. A simple, consistent skin care routine can alleviate skin concerns and improve the health of your skin. 

There are numerous skin care products in the market and at times it can be hard to determine what exactly it is that your skin needs to be clear, radiant and healthy. With five basic steps you can be on your way to beautiful skin and a better foundation on which to apply your makeup.

Included in the steps below are some products that I have tried and tested and found to have worked for me. I have combination skin that can be dry and flaky in the winter months. 

Step 1: Cleanse and exfoliate

Cleanse your face with a cleanser of your choice. Cleansing removes pollutants from the skin and helps unclog pores and prevent skin conditions such as acne. 

Clinique 3-Step: Cleanse

Depending on the strength of your exfoliating scrub and personal preference, you can remove dead skin cells by exfoliating at least once a week.

Clinique Exfoliant Visage

Step 2: Apply skin toner

Toner is said to help pores appear smaller and to further cleanse the skin in preparation for moisturising. As with the cleanser, select a toner that is suitable for your skin type.

Clinique 3-Step: Clarify

Step 3: Apply serums or oils and any other treatments to skin

This is the stage where you address specific skin concerns like dry, flaky skin, fine lines, blemishes etc. For example, if you have dry flaky skin, a serum that provides intense hydration would be suitable.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+

Step 4: Moisturise

Moisturisers help to keep the skin soft, supple and hydrated by locking in the moisture. 

Clinique 3-Step: Moisturise

Step 5: Sun protection

UV radiation can age your skin and cause cancer; that is why it is important to use sun protection/sunscreen. There are moisturises that contain SPF; with such products you can cover steps four and five simultaneously. If your moisturiser does not contain SPF then you need apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.  

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Lotion SPF50+

For a demonstration of the beauty process outlined above, please view the How to Layer Skin Care video by Beauty Heaven.

Author: Char

Images: Clinique.com.au Chanel.com Trilogyproducts.com Chemistwarehouse.com.au 

Blaq Carrie - Hip Hop 'Femcee'

Hip Hop has proved to many as a tough industry to tap into, a male dominated game in which only the toughest survive. However, female rappers have been fast emerging proving to be fearless and capable of not only being contenders to their male counterparts but also outperforming them. Meet Blaq Carrie, a ‘Femcee’ who is not only taking careful steps to fix this ratio slowly & surely, but also proves that as a female artist- you do not need to shake some ass to be recognized. 

Hailing from the city of Harare, in Zimbabwe, Blaq Carrie whose real name is Tsitsi Mafuta fell in love with Hip Hop at the age of 15. She cites artists like JayZ, Lauryn Hill and Nas as her biggest influences at the time.  When asked about how she got into the game, Blaq Carrie says “I  grew up a tom boy and seeing people like Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah, who appeared to be tom boyish as well  made me realise that I could make this work for me too and that is when I decided to start making my own music".

Realising her lyrical and performing talents through participation in local talent shows at a young age, it wasn’t until she moved to Australia in 2004 that she decided to take a step forward towards achieving her dreams. She released a couple of mixtapes and performed in various clubs around Brisbane from 2008 to 2011 in efforts to get her name out. It was a step in the right direction, and despite personal and professional obstacles that she faced during these times, in years to follow she would reap the payoffs. 

In 2012 and 2013 she got her big break when she was selected to participate in the 100 Songs Project, an Independent Music Research Project held in Brisbane. In 2013, she solidified her mark in the Hip Hop community when she won Triple J Unearthed Spring Hip Hop Festival competition and also went on to win the Queensland Music Award for Best Urban Song and the Australian Independent Award in the same event for her breakout single “Let There Be Hope”.   This was followed and complimented by the release of a two-part YouTube video where she talks about the making of the single and breaks down the meaning of the song.

 In 2014, Blaq Carrie released the critically acclaimed EP “Best wishes” which boasts production credits from Hamley and Tristan Hoogland (who has previously worked with Kevin McCall, Jessica Mauboy, & Jason Derulo).The single has garnered some positive feedback and is her most critically acclaimed to date. We met with Blaq Carrie to talk about the success of her single and her upcoming projects.

For those that don’t know much about you and your music, who is Blaq Carrie and how would you describe your sound?

I am a Hip Hop artist. My sound is still a work in progress but i call it the ‘Labour of Love Music’ which gracefully falls under good music.

Having grown up in Zimbabwe, what are some of the struggles that you have faced trying to break into the music industry in foreign country?

I would say right now in my current situation, firstly is trying to connect with people (music lovers/listeners) just for people to get to know your sound and style. Secondly, is trying to staying focused and in my lane. This requires me to find the right people to surround myself with, positive people, who can support me, inspire me and challenge me to push my music career in the right direction.

 What do you think of the future of Hip Hop in Australia?

I personally think right now Hip Hop in Australia is on a verge of a burst (in a good way). There are a lot of good artists here and they are slowly getting much more recognition now.

 Congratulations on winning the Queensland Music Video Award of the year and Best Hip Hop Music Video Award at the Independent music video awards for your song Let There Be Hope. What does this award mean to you?

The making of that video I and Sarah Robinson, my music video director can trade war stories about it….haha. But to answer the question, right now in this very moment I am definitely filled with nothing but gratitude for the support that i got while working on the song and the people that voted for it to win.

 What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on my next EP ‘Til We Meet Again’. People can find and follow my updates on

 www.blaqcarrie.com

Facebook (Blaq Carrie )

https://soundcloud.com/blaqcarrie263

Author: Mini

Photos: Blaq Carrie

#Mini #Char #MiniandChar

Cynthia Moyo - Simply Cyee Style

When I think of effortless chic and elegance, I think of Cynthia Moyo. The creator of Simply Cyee Style (Simply Cyee) is arguably one of the hottest fashion bloggers on social media at the moment. Her self-styled outfits bear testament to her natural stylishness and the promise of a long successful career in the fashion industry. 

In just over a year since its inception, Simply Cyee has taken social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram by storm. With over 12,000 followers on Facebook and a growing following on Instagram, it is clear that women around the world are looking to Cynthia for style inspiration. Cynthia’s talents were recognised when she was voted Blogger of the Year at the 2014 Zimbabwe International Women’s Awards (ZIWA). 

As a fiancée and mother to her active toddler Pearl, Cynthia made a conscious decision to venture into Fashion Blogging & Styling. Being self-employed allows her to do what she loves and by taking Pearl along when she works Cynthia is able to spend time with her daughter.

Cynthia has recently left England for South Africa and is planning on expanding her brand. It is thrilling to note that Cynthia is thinking of expanding to kids’ fashion, perhaps owning a boutique and providing more personalised shopping experiences. Keep an eye out for new developments on the Simply Cyee Facebook page. 

The interview below gives more insight into Simply Cyee Style:

So, who is Cynthia and what is your raison d’etre? 

I am simple woman, a fiancé and mother, who loves my family and probably a major shopaholic too.

What is a typical day in the life of Cynthia?

My day involves nursery runs, errands, shopping for clients, responding to tonnes of emails and messages, time with my child after nursery, household chores etc. I really don’t think my day is different from most except what I call work is shopping…and I love it! 

You are the creator of ‘Simply Cyee’; what is ‘Simply Cyee’ about and what do you hope to achieve with your blog? 

'Simply Cyee' is a platform I created to share my love and passion for fashion with like-minded people. It's meant to be realistic day to day wear. I don't blog stuff I don't wear. It's grown into a place that creates style inspiration on a regular budget and that really is who I am. 

There are many fashion bloggers on various social media platforms - when you first started blogging, were you worried about being seen as “just another blogger”? How do you differentiate yourself from other fashion bloggers? 

I have never really been worried about being labelled as “just another blogger”. Fashion blogging is a personal thing. We all have different takes to the same thing and there is enough support and success for everyone as long as you work hard, improve and stay consistent with your niche. It was also important to understand that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. As long as I do good, I am happy. 

For those who are not aware, you are not just a pretty fashionista, as a Law Graduate you also have the brains to back it up. Why did you make the switch to styling & fashion blogging? 

Law was something I was passionate about as a child. It was a dream I shared with my late father and I’m ever so proud of myself for that achievement but the dreams you have as a child don’t always translate as you grow older. After having my daughter I wanted to find work that would be flexible and allow me to be with her when it suited me. So finding myself self employed and doing what I loved worked out better for me as I can take Pearl with me when I work. I don’t know if I would have been the mother I am working in a highly competitive law firm and I’m glad I took the alternative route.

Congratulations on your ZIWA – what does this award mean to you?

Ahhh the ZIWA, that was just amazing. My first award and to be recognised and appreciated by my fellow Zimbabweans. The thought that people actually voted for me is just super. I was literally breath taken. It truly felt like WE had done it, all the people that supported and voted. It was our achievement. 

In just over a year, you have over 12,000 followers on Facebook, over 7k followers on Instagram and you have featured in TRUELOVE (South Africa) magazine, not to mention your ZIWA 2014 Blogger of the Year Award – did you expect to have such a huge following and this much success in such a short timeframe?

I had very little expectation to be honest when I started blogging. I think I was just hoping not to be judged harshly by the social media public. The more support I got the more I grew confident so I’m grateful to those that have supported me from the beginning and along the way. 

A lot of your outfits are from H&M, Zara, River Island and the occasional Primark – these brands are accessible to the average woman. Are these your favourite brands or do you purposefully showcase these brands on your blog? 

See, my life before blogging was exactly the same as it is with me blogging. I didn’t really change the places where I shopped. I’m just conscious to take pictures now. So yeah those are pretty much my regular and favourite brands. Simple accessible high street stuff. I also love places that cater for me and my daughter under one roof. 

What is/are your favourite brands and why? 

I love ‘Zara’ & ‘River Island’ shoes. They are comfortable and worth the price you pay.

I love ‘Primark’ jeans! African girls need that stretch! Most of my clothes and basics are ‘H&M’ and most of Pearl’s clothes and shoes are ‘H&M’ too so I’d safely say it’s my favourite brand. I’m not too fussy with accessories. I love ‘New Look’ for their variety in jewellery and I love ‘River Island’ bags!

To be fair I love anything that I connect with whatever the brand. I really don’t discriminate when it comes to pretty things. 

I follow Simply Cyee on Facebook and Instagram; and I must say I love how you put an outfit together – do you provide personal styling services or are you focused mainly on blogging? 

I usually do provide personal shopping and personal styling services but I have put that on hold indefinitely as I am sorting out personal things in my life right now. I will probably resume once I’m settled or have a new project providing a similar service. And yes, during my down time I’d like to up my blogging a bit. Find new material and improved quality. 

Do you plan on expanding your brand? If so, how?

Yes I do plan on expanding. There is always room to grow and do better. Perhaps a boutique, online store, more personalised shopping experience, more focus on kids’ fashion now that Pearl is keen on joining me when I’m blogging. I have so many ideas it’s just about reigning in on what direction I’d like to take. All in due time. 

We have to talk about Miss Pearl! What’s it’s like being Pearl’s Mum? How do you balance the demands of your career, running a household and being a Mum to an active toddler? 

Pearl. Lol. She is just so energetic. The girl does not stop, from the time she gets up till she goes to bed, it’s like running a marathon. She is the sweetest, most loving little person and everything i do revolves around her. Everything I do is for her to be happy. Even my style is highly influenced by her. We make such a great team so getting through our day isn’t so hard because we have been doing it together from the start. 

So what’s next for Cyee – as a person and as a brand?

Well…I’m taking a huge step and leaving England for a while. Time for a change and new things with my little family. I’m hoping the brand will grow with me as I take my next steps. We will all have to wait and see.   

Last words?

Last words….Confidence, consistent hard work, self belief, humility and politeness will get you further than you ever dreamt.  

You can get style tips and inspiration by liking Simply Cyee on Facebook and following @MamaKaPearl on Instagram. 

Author: Char

Images: Simply Cyee

Catching up with Former Beauty Queen Lorraine Maphala-Phiri

The modelling industry in Zimbabwe has for many years been subjected to ongoing criticism over the lack of accolade compared to other countries. Even Miss Zimbabwe, the most prestigious pageant in the country, has been struggling to survive over the years. 2013 in particular saw the trust fail to hold the annual event despite the outstanding natural beauties from the home land. Many will agree that once the beauty queen finishes her reign, we rarely get to hear or see them ever again. However as we went through the long list of the former beauty queens there was one woman that stood out, having been a household name in recent years after her win nearly 10 years ago.

This former beauty queen is now mostly known for being one of the hardest working young business women in Zimbabwe today. With a successful hair product line under her belt, Lorraine Maphala-Phiri is now looking into launching a handbag collection and hopes that her work ethic inspires other young women out there to always aim to reach their fullest potentials. We spoke to the former Miss Zimbabwe to find out more about her business ventures, what she is currently working on and what keeps her motivated, and she did give us an insight of what life has been like for her since being crowned Miss Zimbabwe in 2006.

It’s been nearly 10 years since you were crowned Miss Zimbabwe. Your title has since expanded to being a wife, mother, mentor and businesswoman. How easy was it for you to get started in new these ventures and what are some of the challenges that you faced? 

I found it quite easy for me because when I stopped competitive modelling, I had achieved what I wanted to achieve therefore I felt ready for change.

I knew that professional modelling would eventually come an end so I always had a clear picture of what I wanted for my life and I feel blessed that my life turned out exactly as I wished for. I am now a wife, a mom and a business woman and I manage to maintain a good balance.

The only difficulty that I faced during my transition is learning to be responsible for more than just myself. Luckily, I was blessed with a husband who loved me as I was. He was very patient and I found that very helpful.

How do you balance it all?

Balancing motherhood, being a wife and being a working mom is a skill. I’m still trying to be perfect but when you have the kind of help like I do at home, everything else comes into place. I priorities my work so that I can accommodate all the important things in my life like my family. I have the greatest support system at home, my husband is great help as well and that helps make things manageable.

There has been a lot of media interest in your life since you have been in the public eye. How do you manage to keep your life private and how do you handle negative media?

I didn't realize my life will be so publicised when I first started modelling. However, I have since made sure that l focus on what makes me happy and not dwell on negativity.

Now that you are not doing competitive modelling,what are you working on at the moment?  

I launched a hair line, the ‘’Real Hair by Lorraine (RHL)’’ which specializes on 100% human hair.  This includes Cambodian, Indian, Brazilian, Malaysian wigs, weaves and lace wigs.  I’m hoping to expand the brand to offer more products as well.

I have recently launched the Lorraine Maphala Mentoring Program which aims at inspiring young women and motivating them not to give on their dreams.

I’m also working on the launch of my handbag line ‘’LMP’’handbags, it is inspired by powerful and hardworking career women which is why our logo on the bags is a power button, a symbol of POWER. A sample of these bags can be seen on my face book page. 

I also work with my husband in our finance company which provides small business loans. The company also offers assistance to women trying to start their own businesses.

There is definitely a lot going on for you at the moment.  How can your fans living outside Zimbabwe purchase your hair products, LMP Hair.?

I’m currently in the process of designing the website which will have all my merchandise. We do currently we have a lot of clients overseas particularly in Europe who contact us via our Facebook page 'Real Hair by Lorraine'. We are doing our best to get the website up and running as soon as possible to be able to cater for our clients internationally. 

Do you feel pressure in the way you look and present in public as a former Beauty Queen?

When I started out, I did it for the love of modelling.  I didn’t realize how much I would be in the spotlight and the fame that came with it. Thankfully, I never allow myself to be pressured to be what I’m not or what people expect me to be. I have always done what felt right for me and that has helped me live a normal life.

Your presentation is always flawless. Can you share some of your beauty must haves?

Thank you, I drink a lot of water, it’s amazing what water can do for your skin. Every woman should have a good perfume, my favorite at the moment is Givenchy’s Very Ïrresistible.  Lipcolour is a definite must have, I use the Hot Raspberry by Bobbi Brown as I prefer bold colors. A nude lip gloss from MAC is also one of my favorites, it works particularly for professional women that prefer a more natural look.

How do you keep yourself motivated?

Having a clear vision of where I want to be and what I want for myself and my family. I believe in prayer and God’s faithfulness and I know that everything I have achieved has been a result of my prayers therefore I know more will be done as long as I keep working and praying.

Check out more about the LMP hair range and Mentoring Program on Lorraine Maphala-Phiri's Facebook page.

Author: Mini

Images: LMP