BEAUTY TIPS: TOP FASHION TIPS FOR NIGERIAN WOMEN by MARY DAVIS’

MAKEUP: Nigerian women are quite lucky in the makeup department because many shades and styles compliment a darker complexion. One problem area for all women is selecting a foundation that truly matches your skin tone. This is a very important step that should not be approached haphazardly. If you are struggling, why not ask a professional for advice? You can find many professional beauty therapists online through free classified sites or local beauty parlors. Another possible option is to check out some beauty tutorials like this one that will guide you to a perfect foundation blend. Because let's face it, it doesn't matter how beautiful you are if you can't hit the right beauty keys. Once your base foundation is sorted, the world really is your oyster. If you want to go for a more natural look then a chocolate eye shadow and a sweep of clear lip-gloss will do the trick. If you want to brighten your complexion and focus attention on your eyes, use a metallic bronze or gold eye shadow for illumination. If it's Friday night and feeling particularly daring, opt for an electric shade like metallic pink for a dazzling contrast with your dark skin and eyes, you'll be queen of the night!

CLOTHING: The most flattering dresses can still make you look tired and washed out if they are not matched to your skin tone, so it is important to consider this when making new purchases. If you are feeling bold, pinks, yellows and oranges, whether in pastel or neon shades, will provide a beautiful contrast with your dark skin and help to brighten your complexion. At the same time, Nigerian women can definitely pull off darker colors like reds, blacks and navy blues for a more demure and subtle look.
Remember that as a general rule, cool and icy shades will wash out dark skin, so avoid greys and cool blues and greens. If you are looking to add a bit of glamour to your look with metallic colors, opt for gold or bronze instead of silver. The best way to check that your clothes compliment your skin tone is to take a step back and look in the mirror. If you look tired, sullen or unhealthy, you will probably want to rethink your color choices.

HAIR: The general rule for Nigerian women is to keep hair natural in color, avoiding bright blonde and shocking red shades that will clash with your skin tone and look unnatural. If you have a cooler skin tone, you could however lean towards ash shades; while warmer skin tones can often pull off auburn tones. Though you should not be discouraged from experimenting with color, learning to dress in sync with your skin tone will make your clothes more flattering and your skin more vibrant.

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