Sunday 10th of May 2026

Nairobi, Kenya

Tag: Beauty Tips

What Type is your Hair?

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

What are the types of hair? According to NatuallyCurly, your hair type is the key to determining the right products and hairstyles of your hair. This hair typing system focuses on three types of hair: Wavy, Curly, and Coily.Kinky hair types (type 4 hair)
4a hair has a defined curl pattern almost like a “s” shape. Generally speaking it retains moisture fairly well, but as with most curly hair types can still be prone to dryness. Being that this hair type has a naturally defined curl pattern wash n’ go styles may be a great option as it can be easily achieved with the right product and technique. Gentle sulfate free shampoos, conditioners and rich creamy products or butters will be helpful for keeping hair moisturized.

4b hair has a “z” shape pattern and has a more fluffy cottony appearance. Due to the bends and curves in the hair strand it is highly susceptible to dryness and breakage. This hair type shrinks up to 70% so without stretching out the hair it will appear shorter than it actually is. Naturals with this hair type will benefit from protective (buns, twists, braids)  and low manipulation styles (roller sets, ponytail puffs, twist outs) to protect the hair from damage. A lot of moisture, gentle cleansers and frequent deep conditioning will be helpful for naturals with 4b hair.

4c hair looks similar to 4b hair type only it is more tightly coiled. In its raw state (no products added and freshly washed) it does not have a defined curl pattern. Coils have to be defined by either twisting, braiding, or shingling through the strands. Many 4c naturals have shrinkage up to 70% or more. So while your hair may be 10 inches long it may appear like you only have 3 inches of hair if you do not stretch your hair out. It is the most fragile hair type, so if you desire to grow your hair long protective styles like twists, braids, or buns should be your go to style choice. These styles do not require daily manipulation (combing/brushing) giving hair less chances to break off.  You can then wear your hair out for a couple of days in a low manipulation style (puffs, roller sets, twist outs) and then repeat the cycle for a balanced routine.

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Darling Runway Kenya Fashion Show

Posted on by Oscar Alochi

Launch of Darling Runway Kenya, an annual platform about the business of Fashion COUTURE Africa magazine in partnership with Ajuma Ltd will be hosting a one-of-a-kind fashion experience on the 6th and 7th of April at the Two Rivers Mall and Sankara hotel dubbed Darling Runway Kenya.

COUTURE Africa magazine founder, Olive Gachara says that Darling Runway Kenya shall be an annual event specifically focused on the Business of Fashion. It brings together key industry players; 16 showcasing fashion designers, the creative community, and talent such as bloggers, photographers, writers, journalists, and stylists as well as a troop of 75 models and a fleet of Black| make-up artists and hairstylists. Designed to be more than a visually memorable affair.

Darling Runway Kenya draws industry thinkers for a cross-section of intense workshops and conferences open to the public on Friday the 6th of April at the Two Rivers Mall Expo Hall. This will culminate in the ultimate roundtable that will include highly-acclaimed South African designer Thula Sindi, beauty, hair, and fashion professionals and will be moderated by COUTURE Africa’s Managing Editor and award-winning fashion journalist Carol Odero at Sankara Hotel prior to the official event launch at the same location.

Saturday 7th April will see 7 fashion shows take place every hour-on-the-hour at various locations around Two Rivers Mall and event title sponsor, Darling Kenya – East Africa’s Leading Hair Brand – will launch a collection of their latest trends, a compelling live look book created by their top partner hairstylists on the runway. This will be simultaneously done on the same runway models as they showcase the fashion designers. Worth an estimated KES 25 billion, the local hair market is home to 150,000 salons and growing. Darling has a salon partnership program that currently reaches over 20,000 salons across Kenya.

“The Kenyan consumer is becoming more fashion aware and hair is a fundamental part of this awareness. She demands quality hair products and accessories that keep her on the cutting edge of fashion. She has big dreams and is clear that her hair plays a huge role in helping her achieve these dreams. Darling has become the go-to partner for this stylish woman and fuels her passion and aspirations. This means leading the conversation on fashion hence the need to be part of the premier of East Africa’s Home of Fashion,” said Victoria Kieti-Chesire, Head of Marketing, Dry Hair, Godrej Kenya.

To help realize this vision is Ajuma Ltd., founded and run by Kenya’s first supermodel Ajuma Nasenyana. “What made me come on board was my good relationship with COUTURE Africa magazine. They are outstanding when it comes to pushing fashion in Kenya.

We all know models outside of fashion capitals pretty much struggle when it comes to making modeling a lucrative career. Ajuma Ltd. is constantly scouting and doing our absolute best to push potential high fashion models through to international platforms.” Ajuma’s scouting led her to the Kakuma Refugee Camp where she discovered two gems who will come to Nairobi and strut on the Darling Runway Kenya catwalks.

Darling Runway Kenya shall bring the already vibrant Two Rivers Mall to an all-new high, with a Darling Mobile Salon, Black|Up Make-up Booth, COUTURE Africa Magazine custom covers, Pop-Up Stores by the 16 Designers, Mini Casting Sessions by Ajuma Ltd, select backstage access all wrapped up with a Fashion Party. This is an Open Access event with VIP priority parking within the mall and exclusive VIP seating at the runway shows.

Content Courtesy Of Darling Kenya, Couture Africa Magazine, Ajuma Limited & Nairobi Fashion Hub

The Power Of Lipstick

Posted on by Linda Wairegi

Lipsticks come in all types of colour, shades, and sizes.

Different types of lipsticks include moisturizing lipstick, sheer lipstick, matte lipstick, cream lipstick, glossy lipstick and long-lasting lipstick.

The lipstick that your mother used to have in her huge handbag was thick & chunky. She’d whip it out and twist out a muted colour that wouldn’t scream too much. It wouldn’t take her more than a minute to paint it on & throw it back in her bag after placing the lid back on.

Ladies of the night used to apply a bright shade to attract customers & show them that they were ready to open for business. However, lipstick it’s no longer that infamous & there’s a perfect lipstick for every lady. 

The power of lipstick lies in that you don’t need the same precision as a foundation.

Wear the wrong foundation on your face & the whole world knows. Just look at the face and look at the neck. It also takes time putting it on, so you definitely need to wake up a little early than usual and reach out for those makeup brushes.

But with lipstick, you just pull it out of your bag, paint it on your lips and you’re ready for the day.

Before you dash out to the office or head out that date you’ve been excited about. Use lipliner to have a neater look, then apply lipstick on your lips & gently blot it. Nobody wants to look like they’ve been eating their lipstick.

If you want your lipstick to last longer. Exfoliate your lips first with a damp toothbrush. Moisturize your lips with lip balm that isn’t too oily. Blot your lips to remove extra moisture. Use a lip liner to define your lips. Use your favourite lipstick. Blot off excess lipstick with a cloth. Powder your lips with a loose powder similar to the foundation that you use.

Love your bright lips from morning till nighttime.

Comment why you love lipstick below.

Waterproof Mascara

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Are you someone who loves fluttery, voluminous lashes and swears by waterproof mascara? If yes, you know it’s all fun and games till you actually have to remove it at the end of the day because waterproof mascara is notoriously stubborn. It’s a challenge as removing it the wrong way will have a negative impact not just on your lashes but also on the skin around your eyes. Also, what do you do when you run out of makeup remover in the middle of the night? Sleep with traces of it? That’s an enormous NO!
We’ve got a few clever hacks for you to remove waterproof mascara with ease and without causing strain to your precious lashes. Read on to find out how you can incorporate some of these methods to remove your mascara perfectly.

Here is how to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Damaging Your Lashes And Blinding Yourself
his one’s a no-brainer. If you’re methodical and have your life together – you may never run out of your eye makeup remover because you’ll always remember to buy some beforehand. This tip is for the mascara-newbies. So listen up, using an eye makeup remover to get rid of that product at the end of the day is perhaps the most ideal thing to do.

What We Need

  • An eye makeup remover (We recommend trying the Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover or the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover)
  • Cotton pads

Step By Step Process

  1. Take a cotton pad and pour some of your eye makeup remover onto it.
  2. Close your eyelids and rest the cotton pad on the top of your lashes for a few seconds.
  3. Gently wipe the cotton pad downwards, towards your lash tips.
  4. Repeat this process until all traces of the mascara has been removed.
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How Often Do You Wash your Hair ?

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Yeah, the eternal question – how often should you wash your hair? It is pretty simple actually. When you feel that your hair is greasy and unclean, wash it! As simple as that.
Other aspects of hair washing include what you need to wash it with, how often is too often, and how long you can go without washing your hair. It all depends on your hair texture, scalp, and styling method.

Shampooing Your Hair
When you think of washing your hair, you mean shampooing it, right? Yes, using shampoo to clean your hair has become synonymous with washing hair.
It is also the most popular method of cleaning hair – it eliminates dirt, product build-up, sweat, dandruff, and excess oil from the hair. It’s shampoo time when your scalp feels itchy, hair becomes excessively oily, and you notice dirt flakes in your hair.

Shampoos contain various ingredients that help remove debris and oil from the hair. While this process makes your hair cleaner, it can also damage it if used excessively because shampoos may contain harmful chemicals and sulfates. Also, they may strip the hair of the natural oils and make it dry and itchy.
You need to have some oil in your hair to protect it from damage. So, if you feel that you are shampooing your way to dry and damaged hair, reduce the number of times you wash your hair.

How Often To Shampoo Your Hair

  1. Hair Texture
  2. Scalp Type
  3. Styling
  4. Exercise Patterns
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Instagram Shopping Made Easy for Users to Shop and Buy

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Instagram has roll out a pair of new shopping features to make it easier for its 500 million users to shop without leaving the app.
How the new feature works

A “Tap to View Products” icon will appear in the bottom left of posts.

Tapping on that icon will reveal the names of, and prices for, up to five products tagged in the post.

Users can then tap on any featured product tags to then get additional details.

All of this happens within the Instagram app.

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How To Keep Your Lips Beautiful

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Just like the eyes, our lips also enhance the attractiveness of our face. Due to pollution and due to rampant use of harsh cosmetics, lips tend to turn dark and lose their natural beauty over time. And we are forced to depend on cosmetics even more. Its what you can call a chicken and egg story! It goes on forever and the end is never close. But what if you could find a few ways to break that cycle? Doesn’t that sound good?
To regain their natural color and beauty, here are some tips for beautiful lips which will help you regain the soft, luscious and kissable lips look.

Natural beauty tips for lips

Use Lipsticks Sparingly
Lipsticks are basically a mixture of wax, pigments, fragrance, oils and alcohol. And different kinds of wax, oils and pigments are used in combination to get the desired product. Chemicals as much individually are not the best option when it comes to prolonged contact with the body but when being we need to take additional care for the result may not suit us! Use lipsticks only when you need them the most. They contain chemicals, which are not good for your lips. Make sure you use Lipsticks with Shea butter, Vitamin E, jojoba oil etc that moisturize your lips. Go for a tinted lip balm instead of a lipstick for regular use, and brands like Nivea and Maybelline have some real good ones.

Keep Lips Hydrated

Water constitutes about 50% to 60% of our body approximately. It is but obvious then that maintaining the required percentage is but essential or the effects will show on your skin too. Your lips being the least naturally equipped for self preservation, they are the first to show the effects. To retaining the natural color of lips, it is essential to maintain hydration levels by drinking plenty of water throughout the day to retain the natural moisture of your lips, especially during winters when we often tend to drink less water, and dehydration is noticed. Also, add high water-content to your diet like fruits such as cucumber, watermelon, orange, grapefruit and lemon.

Avoid Licking or Biting your Lips + Moisturize
Saliva  tends to further dry out the moisture on your rather than add to them.Dermatologists hence advise us not to lick the lips to keep them wet because in the process you are further drying them out and this can lead to darkening of the lips. Even the habit of biting lips should be avoided as there is the risk of damaging them, instead keep a moisturizing lip balm handy for application as it protects and conditions your lips.
Licking your lips and lip balm is an idiosyncrasy that a lot of people suffer from. This is a reaction to nervousness or stress. This might calm your nerves at that moment but the long term damage it does to your lips is quite harsh. It leaves them dry, chapped and even bleeding at time. The best way to avoid this is to first stop using flavored lip balms and secondly to make a conscious effort to adopt other means of relieving stress.

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Kenyan Natural Hair Beauty Products And Brands

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

A natural product is a chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism—that is, found in nature. In the broadest sense, natural products include any substance produced by life. Natural products can also be prepared by chemical synthesis (both semisynthesis and total synthesis) and have played a central role in the development of the field of organic chemistry by providing challenging synthetic targets. The term natural product has also been extended for commercial purposes to refer to cosmetics, dietary supplements, and foods produced from natural sources without added artificial ingredients.
Below are top 10 Natural Hair and Beauty Products brands in Kenya:

  • Marini Naturals
  •  Luguah Naturals
  • Shea by Asal Rebranded to ( Bu.Ke)
  • Harvest of Sunshine
  • Mugzie’s Naturals
  • Akusi Organics
  • Mosara
  • Ajani Handmade
  • Cinnabar Green
  • Keyara Organics

Marine Naturals
Marini Naturals is first Kenyan  natural hair care Line Marini Naturals 100% organic products include a sulfate-free shampoo, moisturizing spritz, and a potent hair growth oil.One of Marini Naturals’ most popular products however, is a curling butter containing oils from avocado, strawberry and coconut as well as various butters like Shea butter and mango butter.

Luguah Naturals
Luguah Naturals are a natural hair, skin and lip care line, hand-crafted from some of the best oils and butters sourced from Africa. Luguah Naturals was founded by Lulu Kimbio and Mbugua Macharia in October 2016. However, development of the products has been going on from June 2016, to find the right compositions of the natural oils and butters to create the products.What has now grown into a brand that has hair, body and lip care products was born out of neccessity. Lulu was looking for a solution for stretch marks following her pregnancy and the solutions in the market did not work. Someone recommended Shea Butter. Raw Shea butter has a strong smell and is not easy to apply. Lulu sought to improve this.After many trials and formulas, we developed a body butter. The solution worked for Lulu and she wanted to share it with the world.

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Meet Marini Naturals Brand Ambassador 2018

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Marini Naturals is Kenya’s first haircare product line designed for african women of natural and afro-textured hair. Marini was made by a Kenyan woman, for the African woman. Our product range includes a Sulfate-free Shampoo (Kenya & East Africa’s first), Detangling Leave-In Conditioner, Curling Butter, Curling Gel, Moisturizing Spritz, and a Potent Hair Growth Oil. Marini Naturals has grown to be one of the most African preferred brands for natural hair across Kenya and East Africa.

from lift to right : Michelle Ntalami , Fena Gitau , Esther Kazungu , Sherie Gakii , Noora Zein , Sandrine Simonne Umuhoza

Who Is Michelle Ntalami
Michelle Ntalami, is a strategic brand and marketing expert, is the founder of Marini Naturals, Kenya’s first 100% organic, natural hair care line. With her wealth of branding and design knowledge, she has conceptualised and designed the Marini Naturals brand, from its name to its logo, colours, scents, packaging, label design, brand plan and marketing strategy.

I wanted @Marini_Naturals to feel like it belongs to the people, not only the founders. I wanted everyone with natural hair in Africa & globally to relate to the brand by seeing skin tones and hair types that look just like theirs

Who Is Fena Gitau
Fena Gitu, is one of the most sought-after Kenyan femcees down to earth,the acclaimed singer and rapper studied International Relations and Psychology from the United States International University in 2008 10 year later she is the new face of Marini Naturals Brand Ambassador
Having grown up in a musical household, Fena developed her passion for music at a tender age. In 2008, she won the “Fete de la Musique” singing competition at Alliance Francaise Nairobi, marking the beginning of a bright music career.

Hey Hey! It’s the Fenamenal Woman, Fena Gitu ( @Fena_menal ), 8 years dreadlocked and a proud Marini Naturals Brand Ambassador! I love to see my fellow country people shine!

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Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Want to achieve a natural-looking makeup base? If you can’t stand that dreaded cake face and want a foundation that’s perfect for daily wear, it’s time you switch to a different formula. I wanted a change from my liquid foundation, so I tried the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation. If you’re looking for a change too and are eager to know how this foundation works, read on because this review hits all the right spots.

Stay matte with the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation for 16 hours. Its lightweight, medium-to-full coverage formula features a shine-free finish that does not feel heavy. It has been developed with a unique whipped formula that does not clog pores. This will leave your skin looking smooth and flawless. This one’s ideal for all skin types.

Features & Benefits

  1. Enhances the skin’s natural radiance
  2. Beautifully sheer and layers easily
  3. Whipped, mousse-like texture
  4. Ideal for all skin types
  5. Weightless and air-soft feel
  6. Adjustable, natural-looking finish
  7. Matte coverage

Packaging
This foundation comes in a small cylindrical glass pot that makes it ideal to be carried around while traveling.

Ingredients
Cyclopentasiloxane, Cimethicone Squalane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone / Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Polymethylsilsequioxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Silica Dimethyl Silylate Phenoxyethanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Vinyl Dimethicone / Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methylparaben, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, BHT, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben. May Contain: CI77891 / Titanium Dioxide, CI 77499, CI 77492, CI 77491 / Iron Oxides, CI 77163 / Bismuth Oxychloride, Mica.

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Natural Herbs for Anti Aging

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Aging is a natural phenomenon. But no one wants to welcome it early in their lives, right? Did you ever find yourself confused with the oodles of anti aging products in the market? Each product claims to be the best, and you end up not knowing which one to go for.
Whatever it is, one thing is for sure. All those products are flushed with chemicals that would instead make you age more quickly. All the desirable results they show don’t last long. So what can be done? Isn’t there a way to slow down aging?

Well, there are a few. They are the anti-aging herbs which work wonders. And guess what? They have no side effects! The following are the herbs that help you fight early aging and retain that natural glow you had always wanted! There are some exceptional herbs that possess anti-inflammatory properties. These herbs contain antioxidants. They help in improving your complexion by offering the nourishment your skin needs. They also protect your body from any likely cell degeneration caused due to aging.

1. Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that completes the Indian cuisine. But apart from that, it is hailed since thousands of years for its healing and skin care properties. This exceptional herb is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Curcumin in turmeric is responsible for turmeric’s yellow colour and its anti-aging properties. It has been widely used for treating wounds in many parts of India. Turmeric is one of the best anti aging herbs for skin as it has become the preferred choice of skin care experts as well. This herb can reduce various degenerative diseases. It reduces damage caused to skin tissues and prevents early signs of aging.

2. Ginseng
Ginseng is a very popular herb in Asia and America. It is well known for its anti-aging properties. Ginseng can fight high blood pressure and considerably reduce stress. This helps one achieve a glowing and clear skin, and it also promotes a healthy body. It is an Adaptogen that helps enhance your stamina even as you age.

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Secrets for All Skin Types

Posted on by Ann Mumbi

Beautiful skin secrets are some thing that has been passed down from generation to generation. They are most certainly tried and tested but they also have the benefit of being all natural. Here are some effective beauty tips for 3 different skin types along with some face pack recommendations and regular beauty tips for skin care!

Skin types, 1. Oily Skin, 2. Dry Skin, 3. sensitive Skin and Normal Skin

Oily Skin
1. Cut slices of tomato and rub on to skin, it’s great as a toner and also as an astringent.

2. The same you can do to lessen the oiliness and brighten up sallow complexion created due to oiliness by rubbing slices of cold apple on your cheeks and forehead.

3. Egg beaten up with soaked and ground (or parboiled and ground) oats and use it as a pack on to oily skin to remove excess oiliness.

4. Raw milk can be used directly as a cleanser with cotton balls on to oily skin.

5. You can use a mixture of raw milk with freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed into it and apply with cotton ball to cleanse face , but if you do use this mixture , then keep it for 5-10 minutes at least before rinsing with water again since lemon helps reducing excess oiliness. (eeww I can cut lemon slices better than that LOL )

6. Drink fresh fruit juices , especially citrus fruits and apple juices , or even raw papaya juice like half a cup at an interval of two days are good , plus not to mention 8-10 glasses of water minimum to keep skin hydrated and toxin free.

7.Wash face with a oil removing face wash or a face wash or mild soap with tea tree oil and wash at least 3 times a day like morning, at bathing and before going to bed, or morning, evening and before going to bed.

8. Keep tissues with you and fresh freshener when you go out, do not let dirt and grime accumulates on skin.

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