Genevieve Nnaji speaks on her beauty secret

Can you reveal 3 beauty products that you can't do without and why?
Genevieve "I can't do without makeup remover. I've discovered the monent you don't properly wash and clean your face, especially before going to bed, you end up with filth penetrating your pores and the result is spots and acne. I use N0 7 White Makep -up remover and it works fine for me. I also like face washes and I couldn't live without 'Shiseido range'. I've been using it for years now and I've found it works for me. The third product I couldn't do without is the Shiseido toner. It's good because it clears away all the last residue of your cleanser. Its called Softener and is very gentle on your skin.

What's your best beauty advise?
Genevieve "Something I would recommend for any woman is whenever you have the opportunity, let your skin breath. We need oxygen and air on the naked skin. Maybe it's because I have a career in acting, I appear on TV, in films and in adverts so we tend to wear makeup quite often. I find that when I don't need to wear makeup, I let my skin breath. I cleanse, tone, moisturise, and let my skin breath. If you are going to the gym or going to the market, you don't need to wear make-up. The skin in it's natural state eals itself and gets the opportunity to rejuvenate itself.

What other things do you do to keep looking good?
Genevieve "Getting enough sleep is very good, although having said that, I don't think I personally get as much sleep as I should. Apart from sleep, also visit the gym. I used to go every day but I'm trying to cut it down to every other day. I think you need toned, lean muscles and that's what exercise does. My basic routine is running on the threadmill for about 40minutes, then the exercise bike for about 20minutes and then I do a bit of weights to help tone the arms and thighs. I also play squash and tennis occasionally.

Lipstick or lipgloss?
Genevieve "I have very small lips, when you have tiny lips you end up with the colour everywhere but on your lips where you want it. I think lipgloss suits me better. I love Victoria Secrets glosses. The one I tend to use is nude, and it has a tinge of pink.

What kinds of things do you like doing to your hair?
Genevieve "It's weavon, weavon, weavon I'm afraid. I like curly weaveon. I do braids but I can say probably every four years. I actually like natural hair. My hair is moderately long. The last time I wore my natural hair somebody actually walked up to me and asked me if I were broke! I'm serious. I just said OK, that's the last time I go au naturel. (Laughs).

What do you do to relax?
Genevieve "I find it difficult to sit still for long. Other than a manicure and pedicure, I don't do anything. I don't really like massages. Apart from the fact that I don't enjoy someone touching me like that, by the time I've spent ten minutes there I would just feel that I could be doing something else with my time. I have such little patience. I don't mind watching films when I have time and I like watching TV series.

What's your favourite colour?
Genevieve "Earlier in my career when I was receiving so much attention, I thought that if I wore more black I would be less conspicuous, it didn't work. (laughs). Anyway, I still do a lot of black, I think it suits my complexion. I don't really like bright colours because they make me look 'clown like'. But Ive started mixing my blacks with colour.

How would you describe your style?
Genevieve "I like simple things, I treasure comfort. What I feel comfortable in, makes me feel confident. What I wear usually depend on the occasion".

What's your fashion fetish?
Genevieve "I have to say bags and jewellery. I just love bags. I think it's because I'm really a get-up-and-go kind of person. I'm very much into putting on a pair of jean, a top and I'm ready to go. That's the tomboy part of me coming out. (laughs). I like that look and the only thing that can make you look 'dressed' is a really good bag. I love the artistry of bags. I love the artwork and craftsmanship that goes into making a really good bag. I don't really go for trends, I prefer classic looks and bags that can last forever and never go out of style.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?
Genevieve "I always say never say never. Realistically this is what I do for a living. This is what puts money in my pocket and food on my table and you do have to do what you have to do. So I have to make sure I look good. Who knows in 20 years how I feel? The truth is that our industry relies a lot on the way you look, that's why I'm doing everything I can not to resort to the knife in the future. That's why I go to the gym to get the fat out and look toned and leaned

She shared her beauty secrets with Desola Bakare of Encomium magazine

Beautiful Black Locks: The Keys to Great Black Hair

Bobs and crops are bold and beautiful but if you want longer, healthier hair we’ve got some tips for you.

Cut the damage. If your ends are fried and tried, scraggly and haggard, disappearing and raggedy let them go. They may add to the length but long doesn’t always mean pretty. Visit your stylist and tell her to cut until it’s even and healthy.

Increase circulation. You can do this in two ways.

1) Get up off of the couch and get your heart pumping. Exercise, it just keeps coming back doesn’t it.

2) Give yourself a daily scalp massage using your fingertips.

You are what you eat. What goes in helps what comes out. Foods rich in vitamins A, B, C and E are essential for growing healthy hair and iron and zinc are proven to help your hair grow its fastest.

Keep it clean, especially if you use a lot of products. Remember, the days of petroleum and mineral oil based hair grease and conditioners have retired. Product build-up can clog follicles and prevent your hair from growing. Be sure to shampoo often (talk to your stylist about how often is often enough for you) and give your hairbrushes and combs a weekly cleansing too so that you’re not re-brushing in old dirt and oil.

Be kind. Long hair is old hair. Swap abrasive products for gentler ones formulated for your hair type. Add a deep treatment or hair mask to your regimen and try to stay away from heat-styling appliances.

Get regular trims. You want your hair to stay undamaged and split-end free. Otherwise you’ll end up back where you started

Black Women and Hair Growth

A lot of us struggle with hair growth, breakage, and all around treatment. Hair is sometimes a burden, and almost always a job to maintain. This problem in the African American hair community may finally have some answers...or at least suggestions we can try.

From researching black hair growth all around the web, I have found some tips to help, and they also adjust your diet a bit.


Ways To Grow Black Hair

1. Eat Leafy Greens.

These veggies have some vitamins that can help: vitamin A, C, Calcium and Fiber. Our usual Sunday dinner greens can help with hair growth if you eat them more than once a week. Try adding collard greens, spinach, lettuce and kale to your weekly diet.


2. Eat More Protein.

Eating such foods as fish, nuts, beans and meat provide you with the necessary protein that can help hair growth. If you're not much of a cooker, try protein shakes.


3. Take Vitamins.

Amino Acids, Vitamin B, and Omega 3 and 6 are some necessary vitamins you can add to your diet that help hair growth. If you're not one for taking pills, try adding foods that contain these vitamins.


4. Watch What You Drink.

Water, water and more water. You can't go wrong with lots of water! Not only does water help your body, it helps your hair growth by transporting necessary nutrients to your scalp. Cut back or cut out the alcohol, sugary drinks and acids.


5. Use Natural Hair Care Products.

If the box or bottle boasts something you know is edible, it's probably good for your hair! Try things with olive oil or carrot oil. Try products such as those from the Beauty 4 Ashes hair care line. (discoverb4a.com)

taking the stage

I am soooo going to watch this...