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BLUSHING BEAUTY: New makeup from NABILA K

Posted on March 31, 2023 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“On the secretly blushing cheek is reflected the glow of the heart.” –Kierkegaard

Glamour from the ’70s and ’80s is making a comeback in a big way (social media is absolutely filled with pages dedicated to beauty, glamour, and fashion of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s). People are nostalgic for the pre-internet days of Studio 54 nightlife, glitzy outfits, disco, and statement makeup. Think back to the uber fun, candy-colored photographs that made up all the glossy fashion magazines in the ’70s: from bright pink cheeks on all Guy Bourdin’s models to Lisa Taylor captured by Chris von Wangenheim, “maquillage de poupée” (doll makeup) is having a resurgence.

Rosy cheeks, however, never went out of style. Women have always when out of proper blush, pinched their cheeks, scrimped and saved for a pot of rouge, or even—quite a long time ago—used crushed berries to achieve a flirty, seductive look. Well, look no further for the perfect, clean blusher you can feel good about using. Nabila K has got you covered (literally) for all your high-fashion makeup needs and desires.

At First Blush

With shades ranging from dusty rose and golden sand to hot pink, Nabila K’s new line of blush covers every hue imaginable for every skin tone and mood. Deliciously light and shimmery or matte, Nabila K’s blush goes on effortlessly and, when applied to the apples of the cheeks or cheekbones, will turn any makeup look up a notch.

For a party where you want to look extra done and glitzy, try Nabila K’s “Pumped Up” to accentuate your cheekbones, channel Melanie Griffith in “Body Double,” or even a Peter Sato painting. When you have nostalgia for the mall and maybe even some ’80s pop music, this product will bring back memories. You’ll instantly feel like Debbie Harry. For a harlequin or doll look, apply a circle of blush to the center of your cheeks.
All you need to complete your look for date night is Nabila K’s “Bottoms Up” blush (that and a cocktail!).
“Hot and Spicy” is the perfect sandy, nearly terracotta bronze for a touch of highlight, shine, and a healthy, sun-kissed glow. An essential product for any seductress.
“Ruffles” is the go-to cosmetic for all our girly girls out there! For that à la mode look where you use a bit of blush on your nose (as if Jack Frost has been nipping at it), this is perfect. It’s subtle enough to use liberally and has just enough pop to really stand out.
“Ladybug” is the cute, lightweight blush every woman needs to feel her best and most feminine.
“Playful” is the ideal cosmetic for those fun-loving, flirtatious girlies out there looking to have a good time, and if you blush, it’s no big deal—no one will notice.
To achieve an effortlessly sexy look, try Nabila K’s triple-milled fine powder blush in “Sultry.” With pigments that last all evening, your sensuality will, too.
“Excessive” can be used as a bronzer and blush that will brighten your features and add a special glow to your overall appearance. Perfect for women with olive, tawny complexions!
“Echo” is the blush you’ll want for every day, at the office, or simply running around town. With a matte finish, you’ll feel glamorous all day long.
Feeling lucky? “Lucky 13,” with its frosted shine, is the deepest hue of all blushes and will make you feel as if kissed by a rose.

(Nabila K Blushes pictured above include: “Excessive,” “Pumped Up,” “Ruffles,” and “Lucky 13.”)

For more information on all the products mentioned in this blog, check out Nabila K’s website and the links listed below:

https://nabilak.com/product/ladybug/

https://nabilak.com/product/playful/

https://nabilak.com/product/pumped-up/

https://nabilak.com/product/sultry/

https://nabilak.com/product/excessive/

https://nabilak.com/product/bottoms-up/

https://nabilak.com/product/hot-and-spicy/

https://nabilak.com/product/lucky-13/

https://nabilak.com/product/echo/

https://nabilak.com/product/ruffles/

For more beauty tips and inspiration, read the blog.

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Safely Spice Up Your Look Using Healthier Methods

Posted on August 20, 2022August 20, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“At the dressing table, every woman has a chance to be an artist, and art, as Aristotle said, ‘completes what nature left unfinished.’” –Sophia Loren

We all need a little appearance pick-me-up now and then; it’s simply a part of life and good grooming, but we also want to avoid a lot of fuss, cost, and harmful chemicals. Here are some ideas for livening your lovely locks, treating your nails and toes so they look sensational in sandals—and bare on the beach and poolside—this summer, along with some makeup and skincare tips to try any time you need a little self-care.

Hair

If you’re thinking about dying your hair, try to visit a salon that uses natural and organic products or purchase your own healthy hair color from your local drug store beauty aisle. There are lots of dyes to choose from that are loaded with silky conditioners and other supplements to actually help improve your hair, such as biotin, etc.
Use a natural hair mask after shampooing to restore natural shine and body.

If you’re starting to turn grey and want to go au naturel, there are lots of ways to enhance a silver mane so that it looks chic and stylish. Try a special shampoo to really make your natural highlights pop.

If you’re worried about touch-ups and want to keep your tresses colored, there are all sorts of hair powders you can use that don’t permanently dye your hair but are effective at covering that inch or two near the roots in between salon visits.
Henna is a plant-based dye that is very popular. If you’re in the mood for a sexy red rinse, give it a try. Henna is also wonderful for decorating the skin with beautiful patterns; try it this summer if you’re looking for a bit of fun embellishment.
To style your hair without using heat, try curlers or simply pin your mane overnight for soft, natural-looking waves.

Nails

If you’re looking for a good manicure or longer fingernails, you have several options, but the best for your nail health is to:

Use dietary supplements, such as Biotin, to naturally promote nail growth.
Try press-on nails rather than acrylic. These just pop on and off with glue so there’s no harsh grinding away of the natural fingernail. Do not force nails off; soak them thoroughly in Acetone until the false nail easily detaches on its own.
Nail hardeners (applied exactly like a clear varnish) really work wonders if used regularly. Also, remember not to leave false fingernails on for longer than a week; moisture always inevitably gets underneath and can trap bacteria.
Try new non-toxic nail polishes that lack harmful chemicals.

Eyelashes

We all want long, lustrous eyelashes; that’s why mascara is a must-have beauty product! If you want to make sure your lashes are extra long and glamorous, try using your own strip of fake ones (or you can apply them individually). This is a much better choice than opting for long-lasting eyelash extensions, as these can sometimes be irritating and leave you with puffy, red eyelids. If you must have extensions, make sure you visit a trusted salon with a skilled technician who will make sure they’re applied properly (also, if you have very sensitive eyes and skin, this is probably not for you).

Makeup/Skincare

What do most women do when they want a little cosmetic treat? They usually go buy a new tube of lipstick. A new color can create a whole new look and attitude. The best way to go about trying on and purchasing any makeup is to make sure it’s free of harmful chemicals, parabens, and phthalates. This is what we call “clean” beauty. Try Nabila K’s new line of all natural beauty products! There’s everything you need for fresh, beautiful, and daring makeup transformations (including eye shadows, eyelashes, eyeliner, lipstick, lip gloss, and lip liner).

And the same goes for skincare! Nabila K has everything you need for clean, healthy, radiant skin. Whether you need a good beauty mask for a glowing new you, a gentle cleanser to wash away impurities, or a luxurious cream to restore soft, supple skin, Nabila K’s got you covered.

For more information, visit Nabilak.com

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Deodorant: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Posted on July 30, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“Success is a great deodorant. It takes away all your past smells.” –Elizabeth Taylor

What to Know About your Deodorant

Sometimes we all like a natural smell; it’s how we attract one another. Everyone has their own unique blend of pheromones but with summer here in full swing, we want to feel fresh… even in the heat. There are natural alternatives to your outdated deodorant: one shouldn’t use antiperspirants because they keep us from sweating, and that’s unnatural and simply not healthy. We also don’t want to use a deodorant with aluminum as an ingredient. An aluminum-free option is your best bet.

Whether you use roll-on, aerosol, or cream underarm deodorant, you should know what’s in it (and, well, aerosol is not good, either). The key is to purchase a reliable, natural, probiotic deodorant and, if you don’t have that option, avoid applying too much. If it’s natural, you can feel okay about applying more as needed. It is healthy to sweat, after all! We just don’t want to have a musty odor, or to ruin our clothes; that’s why underarm deodorant is an essential must-have, especially during hot summer months.

We don’t want to stop sweating; we just want to feel dry enough to be comfortable and to smell fresh. Sweat really only smells foul due to bacteria on the skin. Instead of simply using deodorant as a quick cover-up, there are other measures you can take to smell sweet, such as chewing on mint leaves, cloves, dill, anise, or even a couple of sprigs of parsley. We are what we eat, after all.

Natural fabrics, such as cotton and silk, also help to reduce sweating and it’s always a good idea to change your clothes immediately after a workout or rigorous activity; don’t walk around in that damp, sweaty tee shirt!

Cologne, natural fragrances to use…

Feminine wash and spray: if you practice sensible hygiene, you really shouldn’t need a scented feminine deodorant and most certainly not a douche. These can be irritating and can upset your body’s natural pH balance. Opt for non-scented anti-bacterial soap and hot water, instead.
Did you know that lemons eliminate odor? When used on the skin, they really help to get rid of any lingering smells. People who, say, live on the beach and work around fish products all day use lemons all the time to stay smelling clean.
Wash your sweat-prone areas with baking soda or use apple cider vinegar diluted with water. This is also a good idea for your laundry.
Essential oils are a wonderful alternative to standard deodorant because they’re organic and even contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. Lavender, peppermint and rosemary are all refreshing, natural scents that will leave your skin smelling great. Some people even opt to make their own deodorant using only clean ingredients.
Tea tree oil is wonderful for keeping fingernails and toenails healthy and free of odor.
Bergamot is also a popular option as it’s antiseptic as well as antimicrobial and smells incredibly fragrant (with prominent citrus notes).
Witch hazel is a beauty must-have. Not only is it wonderful for toning the most sensitive skin, it’s also a natural deodorizer and can be applied directly to your sweatiest areas for relief.
For clean beauty and skincare products that will leave you smelling fresh and lovely, try Nabila K’s all natural vegetable-based glycerin soaps and roll-on perfumes (made with essential oils and botanicals).

To learn more, visit the site and check out the links below:

https://nabilak.com/product/full-bloom-set-10/

https://nabilak.com/product/full-bloom-set-9/

https://nabilak.com/product/nabila-k-roll-on-with-essential-oils/

For further reading on natural deodorant alternatives, consult the links used in the writing of this blog:

https://www.almanac.com/natural-ways-tame-body-odors#:~:text=Try%20fennel%2C%20dill%2C%20caraway%2C,couple%20of%20fresh%20mint%20leaves.&text=Sweating%20is%20natural%20and%20healthy,with%20bacteria%20on%20the%20skin.

https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/5-essential-oils-to-eliminate-body-odour/

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Marvelous Makeup: Styling Tips and Inspiring

Posted on April 13, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

The only reason a woman should ever look down is to show off her eyeshadow.

What’s Your Makeup Personality?

(Try the Party Girl eyeshadow palette with Plum Berry lipstick to achieve a ‘70s disco look.)

Nabila K’s brand-new eyeshadows are something to behold (and it’s not just in the eye of the beholder). So, what palette is right for you? Are you into clean, minimalist beauty, a look that can take you from day to night, an easy, no-frills face, or something exotic? You may want to correspond shadows with your eye color, but there really are no rules. That’s the wonderful thing about makeup! Also, Nabila K only creates clean beauty products; that means no chemicals and no parabens ever. It’s actually good for your skin, can be worn all day, will not irritate even the most sensitive eyes and skin and can be applied to dry or damp eyelids! With luscious, pigmented colors that last, these shadows will wear all day, and, if you feel like mixing it up, go ahead: apply as much as you like. It’s makeup you can feel good about using! And, trust us: you’ll feel absolutely beautiful.

Below are our new eyeshadow palettes: are you a party girl, someone who always sees the silver lining, or the head-strong type?

Cult Fave: With frosted pearl, sheer copper, and smoky berry shades of shadow, you can take your look from demure to sexy…all in one painter’s palette! Treat your face like a masterpiece.
Effortless: Be simply sexy with these three eyeshadow pads that include an array of warm neutrals and pearlescent shades. They’ll take you from light to dark so you can create a smoky eye using burnt umber, as opposed to the classic charcoal. Be uniquely effortless! Pair a dark eye with our “Plateaux” lipstick for a show-stopping look!
Head Strong: With taupe, plum, and peach, you can hold your head high!
Marzipan is sticky sweet and too good to resist! Ivory, umber, and eggplant have you covered to be the belle of the ball.
Moroccan Sand: not three but five palettes! This dreamy combination of white and dark shades, complete with metallics and umbers, can create a million looks with just one eyeshadow kit.

(Be the life of the party with Party-Girl eyeshadows and Vixen lipstick.)

Party Girl: Pale pink, violet, and burgundy all combine to make you feel like dancing all night.
Silver Linings: For the ultimate shimmery or smoky eye! Try the white, silver, and charcoal and go from mod to punk and back again!

Shadow and Gloss

(Cocoa Puff lip gloss can be paired with the Moroccan Sand eyeshadow palette to achieve a golden glow.)

“Sometimes you just have to put on lip gloss and pretend to be psyched.” –Mindy Kaling

Mix and match! There are so many choices; you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store! Go ahead and go wild; try a glossy lip with your eyeshadow.

Try the gold and copper tones of eyeshadow from the “Moroccan Sand” and “Effortless” palettes with “Cocoa Puff” or “Go Bare” glosses for a golden goddess look (inspiration courtesy of Veruschka).

Nabila K’s new lip gloss line includes several shades that can be layered or worn on their own for a sexy shine:

Fringe
Go Bare
Madrid
Nearly Naked
Pinky
Sanskrit
Swinger
Vespa

Luscious Lips and Exquisite Eyes

“The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy.”

–Yves Saint Laurent

(Play up your eyes with silver eye shadow and

keep a muted lip with Go Bare lip gloss.)

(Photography by Guy Bourdin and Bert Stern)

Try the Brazilian lipstick (golden nude) with a silver or white shadow for something clean and fresh.
Red lips are classic and go with every eye makeup trend.
Try Bella (pink) with Party-Girl eyes for an all-out fun ’80s look.
Vixen, Plateaux, Plum Berry, or Ohh-La-La lipsticks with dark eyeshadow are great for an intense, mysterious, and fully glam look.
Shrimp, Velvet Crush, or French Kiss lipsticks are ideal for a lighter, fleshier tone that will pop but are appropriate for daytime. Mix and match with either a dark shadow or be day-ready with a warm, neutral eye. If you want to do a warm, subtle eye all day but spice things up in the evening, change your lipstick to something more vibrant and red (Vixen) or something a bit darker (Plateaux).
Dark, smoky eyes are always a showstopper with a pale lip. This is a good idea if you want to focus on one area. You can really play up your eyes or lips or…you can do both!

Play around and find out what you like. Mix colors (Marilyn Monroe used about three different shades of lipstick to achieve the perfect color). (Try Nabila K’s Swinger lip gloss with Ohh-La-La lipstick for a spin on a classic red lip.)

For information on all products by Nabila K Cosmetics mentioned in this blog, visit the website and product description pages below:

www.nabilak.com/product-category-/makeup/lipsticks/

www.nabilak.com/product-category/makeup/lip-glosses/

www.nabilak.com/product-category/makeup/eyeshadow/

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Want Glowing Skin? Apply Honey And Other Natural Ingredients Daily

Posted on February 26, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

Creating a Natural Glow for Your Skin with Nabila Khashoggi

Does your current facial cleanser leave your face looking red and irritated? Are you frustrated and searching for something that makes your skin glow without leaving residue behind? Nabila K has the perfect solution for you with our Manuka Honey Face Balm. Our product contains a powerhouse of ingredients that gives your face a natural glow without the harshness found in most other facial cleansers.

The Special Ingredients of Manuka Honey Face Balm

When it comes to the products you put on your face, natural ingredients are always better than artificial ones. At Nabila K, the process started with sourcing pure Manuka honey for our skincare products. Other natural ingredients in Manuka Honey Face Balm include:

Argan oil
Cupuacu seed
Olive squalene
Organic jojoba seed oil
Panthenol
Potassium sorbate, which acts as a natural preservative
Rice bran wax
Shea butter
Turmeric root extract
Vitamin A acetate
Vitamin C Ester
Vitamin E
Vitamin E acetate

Combined, these ingredients promote skin elasticity and help to hide fine lines and wrinkles that age your face prematurely. Your face feels soft and supple every day, and it will not be long before others start asking if you are aging in reverse.

Women in New Zealand have relied on honey-based facial cleansers for centuries to receive the same benefits you are getting now. Cleaning your face with Manuka Honey Face Balm is especially important during the colder winter months because it replenishes the moisture you lose to cold, dry air.

How to Use Our Honey-Based Face Palm to Moisturize Your Skin or Remove Makeup

You can safely use the Manuka product on your face, neck, and upper chest every day. Just place the fingers of your dominant hand into the jar to scoop out a teaspoon-sized portion of the balm. You should then apply it immediately to your face and the decolletage area after cleaning your body. Continue rubbing the balm until you no longer see any traces of it when looking in the mirror.

To use Manuka Honey Face Balm to remove makeup at the end of the day, massage the balm onto your wet skin and pat it dry with a towel. Be sure to rinse your face when finished.

Thanks to the honey and other natural ingredients, our face balm will not strip your skin of its natural oils. Your skin needs these oils to retain moisture and avoid becoming dry and flaky, especially during the winter months. You will also be happy to know that this honey-based facial cleanser does not clog pores and will not contribute to any breakouts of acne.

The face balm feels warm and sticky when you first put it on, which is perfectly normal. These sensations will quickly fade as you rub the balm onto your face, neck, and upper chest. We recommend doing a patch test before using the product for the first time to make sure you do not have sensitive skin and can tolerate all ingredients. All but those with the most sensitive skin do perfectly fine with the product.

Ethically Sourced and Appropriate for All Skin Types

At Nabila K, we care just as much about sourcing our ingredients ethically as we do about offering our customers unique, high-quality beauty products to meet their everyday needs. You have our word that we collect honey for our face balm in a responsible, environmentally friendly way.

Our newest skin cleanser product is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, sulfate, and phthalates. Whether you have dark, light, oily, or normal skin, you can expect glowing skin every day with the natural ingredients in our honey-based face balm. We use no artificial colors when preparing the balm mixture, so you can expect your jar of facial cleanser to be close to the color of honey. You will feel the product working at your deepest skin layers to moisturize, hydrate, and refresh within seconds of applying it. Please note that this product is for adult and external use only.

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4 Ways To Use Honey For Beauty

Posted on February 20, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

Ways Honey Can Up Your Beauty Game

Wanting to look your best is only natural but wanting to look your best without harsh chemicals or harmful ingredients is straight-up smart. That’s where honey comes in. Did you know it’s one of the oldest beauty treatments known to humankind? And that it is still used today in many parts of the world to soften skin, increase elasticity, reduce blemishes and fine lines, and create an effortless healthy glow?

True story. Honey is absolutely loaded with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, stripping impurities away from your body while leaving your natural oils in place. It’s a win-win … win. If you want in on the honey secret, here are just a few ways it can up your beauty game.

Make Makeup Go Bye-Bye

While there’s nothing wrong with wearing makeup during the day, especially non-comedogenic products that use minerals and other natural ingredients, you should take it off as soon as possible using a gentle remover.

Luckily, honey can do that. Mix it with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut), wipe it across the eyes, and smooth it around the face. Rub gently, then rinse with warm water. Voilà!

2. Care for Your Complexion

Your skin is precious. Not only is it your body’s largest organ, protecting you from tip to toes, but it also must work hard to block the many carcinogens and toxins pumped out all around you each and every day. It deserves your backing, and honey does the trick.

Here are a few ways you can care for your complexion with simple honey:

Hydrate like a boss: Honey brings its moisturization game to every match, and nowhere is this truer than in our Manuka Honey Whip Face Cream. Using the magic of Manuka honey, made only in New Zealand and Australia by bees that pollinate the manuka tree, you can care for your skin in style. The whip is light, fast-absorbing, and free of harsh chemicals. The additions of aloe vera and shea butter make it even more hydrating, giving your skin a smooth, dewy glow.

Balance pH and fight acne: Feel imbalanced? If you experience regular acne, blemishes, or irritation, your skin is crying out for ingredients it’s not getting from your regular skincare routine. Manuka Honey Renewal will take care of that. A deep hydration face oil, it balances pH and delivers a dose of vitamin F, firming and hydrating, clearing your complexion and balancing pH for long-term clear skin.

Exfoliate and shine: No matter how healthy your skin is, it won’t look its best with a buildup of dead skin cells sitting on top of it. Gentle weekly exfoliation will take care of that problem in a hurry, but you have to find the right products. Some exfoliants are too rough, stripping and washing away your skin’s oils. This can leave your face even more prone to acne and irritation. Manuka Honey Face Polish takes care of that, with muscovado sugar and milk thistle in addition to pure New Zealand Manuka honey. Now you can scrub and rehydrate at the same time.

Increase skin elasticity: Feeling a little saggy lately? That’s normal with age, but it doesn’t mean you have to let it go unchecked. Honey naturally firms skin, and research shows it also increases your body’s own collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Add in some hyaluronic acid peptide, and our Manuka honey serum is a shoo-in for daily de-wrinkler status.

Restore skin’s natural oils: Your body produces its own oil, called sebum, that keeps skin fairly well-protected and balanced. However, that balance gets disrupted when you use cleansers, wear makeup, and simply walk outdoors, getting exposed to soot, smog, and other chemicals. Manuka honey face balm helps to fight that. With shea and cupuacu butters, it restores natural oil levels without clogging pores.

For the ultimate beauty results, combine the above five products into a daily routine. Before you know it, you’ll have the skin of your dreams. If you need an extra boost in between, simply mix a tablespoon of honey with a little bit of water, spread it on your face, and leave until it dries, then wash away for an extra daily glow.

3. Beautify Your Behind

As we age, the delicate derrière dermis starts to lose its smoothness and glow, darkening and becoming rough. If you’ve got that chicken-skin feel, you can combat it with honey!

Take a tablespoon between your fingers, wet with a little water, and gently massage it between and on the undersides of your cheeks. You’ll notice greater elasticity, firmer skin, and overall lightening, getting closer to the color and tone of the rest of your body. Perform this ritual for 15 minutes once a week and watch the results blossom.

4. Hype Your Hair

Lovely locks can also benefit from honey. It is a natural humectant and emollient, meaning it both moisturizes and smooths in one heady swoop. All on its own, honey makes a fantastic hair mask. Simply mix it with enough water to make it pliable, then smooth it through your strands, massaging gently into the scalp and pulling it all the way to the end. Leave in while you do some chores or stand under the shower’s steam for 20 minutes, then wash it away. You can follow up with your normal shampoo and conditioning routine.

Whatever you do, make sure to use Earth-friendly and skin-loving ingredients like our Manuka honey products. If you go the plain honey route, look for “raw” on the label since pasteurized and processed honey doesn’t bring the same benefits.

Now that you know the secret to natural beauty, what’s stopping you?

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Try 6 Self-Care Tips For Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 7, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

6 Self-Care Tips Perfect for This Valentine’s Day

Whether you plan to go out for a night on the town or want to stay in this Valentine’s Day, you deserve to have a day of self-care and love. At Nabila K, we have lifestyle and beauty products that we believe can help you look and feel your best. Here are six self-care tips to help you relax and spend some much-needed time on your own self-care routine.

1. Light Up a Scent You Love

Surrounding yourself with scents that you love will immediately put you into a better headspace. In fact, scents can stimulate your mood and even trigger nostalgic memories.

If that sounds good to you, we have scents like cedarwood, Heart de Provence, Ocean Tempest, and Jasmine & Honey that help you relax while enjoying a beautiful scent all around you. Whether you’re prepping for a date night or just want to light candles while you soak in the bathtub, these are excellent options.

2. Take Time on Your Skin Before You Head Out

If you’re putting on makeup and feel like your skin looks dull, it might be time to look into getting your healthy glow back. Using activated charcoal helps detoxify and illuminate your skin, while rice and evening primrose or rose and aloe will help cleanse, soothe, and balance it.

The Nabila K Luxury Kit #1 has all these helpful extracts as well as a gentle brown sugar scrub you can use to scrub away dead, dry skin.

3. Journal Your Feelings

Getting your feelings down on paper can help you feel better when you’ve had a bad day or even help you manifest your hopes and dreams. Carry a small notebook with you to jot down ideas, or use a larger notebook to write down how you feel while you’re bathing or relaxing at home.

4. Nourish Your Skin Overnight

Once you’re home from a date or when you settle in for the evening, you may want to consider nourishing your skin with a restorative night cream. The “I Am Here” night cream has aloe, rose, and sage to moisturize your skin, provide it with maximum hydration, and rejuvenate it overnight.

5. Choose Colors That Make You Happy

Valentine’s Day makes many people feel they have to look their absolute best. If you are concerned about your makeup or skincare, remember that you just need to wear what makes you feel beautiful. Choose that daring red lipstick or go with a soft nude. Whatever you choose should make you feel confident and happy.

6. Get Organized

Finally, get organized. If you’ll be leaving home and want to make sure you have makeup with you, keep a little lip gloss or lipstick with you in your purse. Don’t forget a debit or credit card, and set everything you need by the door. Good organization reduces your stress level and makes sure you’re prepared for your night out.

These are six self-care tips to help you feel confident, secure, and comfortable this Valentine’s Day. Whether you stay home and relax, head out with friends, or go on a date, these six self-care tips will help you on your way to a wonderful evening.

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GIFTS FROM THE SEA

Posted on January 8, 2022 by Nabila • 0 Comments

“To me the sea is a continual miracle.” –Walt Whitman

There’s nothing more beautiful, mysterious, or healing than the sea: we rely on it for food, salt, its ever-expanding discoveries. We immediately conjure romantic images of long walks on the beach, of Poseidon wielding his mighty triton, and of Homer describing the sea as “wine-dark” in “The Odyssey.” The sea is filled with secrets and is one of Mother Nature’s finest, most vast creations. Why else would Nabila K Cosmetics have fragrances (candles and diffusers) and apparel devoted to the ocean and its breathtaking storms?

Ocean Tempest (candles and diffusers) combines sweet floral, musky scents (with rose, honeysuckle, and amber) and, most of all, hints of divine driftwood and irresistible salty marine air. You’ll be transported to a sandy shore, aboard a yacht with the ocean breeze blowing through your hair, basking in the sun, and bathing in the sea.

(Grace Kelly in Jamaica by Howell Conant, 1955)

“I have heard the mermaids singing, each to each. I do not think that they will sing to me. I have seen them riding seaward on the waves combing the white hair of the waves blown back when the wind blows the water white and black. We have lingered in the chambers of the sea by sea-girls wreathed with seaweed red and brown till human voices wake us, and we drown.” -T.S. Eliot

One of the best things one can do for themselves (and it’s a brand new year) is a little self-care, detox from all the Holiday festivities and last year’s troubles. Give yourself a “seatox”! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it. The ocean has so much to offer for the sake of beauty and health. Go ahead, run a bath (filled with salts: the more, the better), light an Ocean Tempest candle, and add these elements into the mix as well:

Salt: Sit and soak in a salt-filled tub until your fingertips prune and feel yourself heal. Your muscles will relax and any small cuts or abrasions will vanish. There’s no better medicine than salt from the Dead Sea. Don’t forget to lather up with Nabila K Cosmetics’ “White Horses” glycerin soap. There’s nothing quite as free or poetic as wild, untamed horses running along the beach.
Seaweed (or kelp) has become a culinary treat for its health benefits. Did you know that it offers a significant amount of iodine and is important for a well-balanced diet? What are you waiting for…? Have a seaweed salad!
Algae is fantastic for skin care. Used as a facial mask, it tones, evens, and hydrates your most sensitive skin. Did you know that it’s even been proven to minimize the appearance of cellulite?
Green caviar or “sea grapes” are really not caviar at all but seaweed! These pearls are wonderful for the skin because they hydrate like none other.
Mud: a mud bath at the Dead Sea is one of the best things you can do for your skin. Because it is filled with minerals (the richest on Earth), it is healing, soothing, and revitalizing. You can find masks and complete body scrubs made from Dead Sea mud online and take a trip without ever leaving the comfort of your home!

For more information on all-natural ocean-inspired products from Nabila K Cosmetics (including the Ocean Tempest candles, diffusers, a luxurious cashmere, and modal-blend scarf, Dead Sea bath salts, and the White Horses glycerin soap), visit Nabilak.com.

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Ingredients To Avoid In Skincare

Posted on October 4, 2021October 4, 2021 by Nabila • 0 Comments

12 Cosmetic Ingredients You Should Avoid

If you’re like most cosmetics and skincare consumers, you appreciate products crafted using naturally derived ingredients. In addition, you search for products created by companies with no animal testing policies and an overall eco-friendly narrative. However, it is sometimes tough to wade through the hype concerning what’s healthy and what isn’t. So we’ve compiled a reference list that we’re calling The Dirty Dozen. This list includes the 12 ingredients used in cosmetics most likely to produce toxic reactions. At Nabila K, we only use products that don’t contain any of these ingredients.

Top Toxic Ingredients in Skincare Products

1. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene)

Primarily used as preservatives in cosmetics such as lipsticks and moisturizing creams and lotions as well as certain types of food, BHA and BHT are both known to cause contact dermatitis. BHA has been listed as a possible carcinogen, and studies performed on lab mice and rats show that high doses cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.

2. Coal Tar Dyes (p-phenylenediamine and colors listed as “CI” followed by a five-digit number)

Coal tar dyes provide artificial coloring for a variety of cosmetic products. Lab tests performed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute indicate that coal tar dyes may cause tumors. They also may be contaminated with heavy metals and aluminum compounds.

Top Toxic Ingredients in Bath and Body Products

3. DEA-Related Ingredients

DEA is used in cosmetics such as soaps, lotions, shampoos, and conditions to create structure and texture, such as making products sudsy or creamy. Along with causing skin and eye irritation, DEA and its compounds have been shown to cause precancerous conditions in the skin as well as cause liver cancer.

4. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)

Primarily used in nail color products as a solvent in dyes, DBP is also used in many fragrance products. However, consumers won’t see it listed as an ingredient on the labels of these products because fragrance ingredients are considered trade secrets, and as such, they don’t require disclosure. DBP is absorbed through the skin and has been shown to interfere with hormone function and lead to developmental defects. The European Union classifies DBPs as toxic to aquatic organisms.

5. Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Utilized in a wide range of cosmetic products, formaldehyde-releasing agents cause off-gassing that is then inhaled, to the possible detriment of the health of those in the vicinity. Formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Top Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics

6. Parabens

As the most widely used preservative in cosmetics, it’s been estimated that as much as 90% of grooming products contain parabens. Although most products only contain very low levels, parabens are also used in fragrances, and like DBPs, they aren’t listed on labels because fragrance ingredients are considered trade secrets. It is very easy for parabens to penetrate the skin, and evidence indicates that they may interfere with hormonal functioning.

7. Parfum (aka fragrance)

Fragrance or perfume is used in nearly all cosmetics and involves thousands of different chemicals. Many of the commonly found ingredients are known to cause allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis, sneezing, itchy eyes, and an itchy and/or runny nose. In some people, various fragrance ingredients can trigger migraines. In some cases, even products that are supposed to be fragrance-free may contain some scent-masking ingredients.

8. PEG Compounds

Commonly used in cosmetics as texturizers, solvents, thickeners, and softeners, PEG compounds have been found to cause irritation, especially when applied directly to broken or damaged skin. These compounds also increase the general permeability of the skin’s upper layers, making it easier for tissues to absorb harmful ingredients.

Top Toxic Ingredients in Hair Care

9. Petrolatum

Otherwise known as petroleum jelly, petrolatum is typically added to products such as moisturizers and hair conditioners. Petroleum can become contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which have been known to cause cancer. Petroleum is classifieds as a carcinogen by the European Union.

10. Siloxanes

Silicone-based compounds have a range of cosmetic uses. For instance, they’re used in hair care products to smooth and soften, in moisturizers to help the skin tissues retain water, and in deodorants to help the product glide onto the skin easily. However, Canadian research reveals that these compounds may be toxic to aquatic life and that they have the potential to interfere with the functioning of human hormones.

Toxic Ingredients in Bathing Products

11. Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Used to create foaming and bubbling in soaps, body washes, shampoos, and facial cleansers, these compounds contain known the human carcinogen ethylene oxide. Ethylene oxide has the potential to harm the nervous system and irritate the eyes and skin.

12. Triclosan

Used primarily in hand sanitizers, deodorants, and skin cleansers as an antibacterial agent and preservative, triclosan has been associated with hormonal dysfunction in humans and has been found to be very toxic to marine life. There is also evidence that the extensive use of triclosan in cosmetics contributes to the increase in antibiotic-resistant organisms.

So, what can you do if you want a non-toxic product? Simply do some research, read the labels, and then curate companies whose products you trust. We have always made it our goal to only produce products we’d be happy recommending to our own family and friends. You deserve the same treatment, and it is time we all demanded it from our manufacturers.

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Find Go-To Skincare Products

Posted on September 12, 2021September 12, 2021 by Nabila • 0 Comments

Five Products I Always Repurchase

Skin is amazing. It is the only organ on the outside of the body. Every day it is exposed to everything the world can throw at it. Some of the things my skin has had to endure over the years have included weather, chemicals, dirt, and internal issues like illnesses. It’s no wonder my skin hasn’t always looked its best. I have had to rely on skincare products to help me keep it healthy, but that is sometimes easier said than done.

Finding and maintaining a good skincare regimen is something we all struggle with. I certainly have. That’s why I always repurchase the products that consistently work for me once I find them. My go-to staples of skincare help me lay a foundation for skin health all year long, no matter what situations I subject my skin to. Here are five products I always repurchase because I know they’ll help me keep my skin clean, bright, and healthy.

Glycerin Soaps

Everyone buys soap, but the specific type of soap I buy makes all the difference for my skin. Most regular soaps only serve to dry my skin, especially during cooler months. Even in the summer, my skin can use all the added moisture and soothing action it can get. For that, I always turn to glycerin soap. Glycerin soap has many benefits, such as:

Soothing Inflamed Skin
Healing Cracks and Rough Areas
Healing Wounds, Such as Those Caused by Acne
Providing Antibacterial Protection

I always recommend glycerin soap due to the versatility it offers as well. It can treat many different skin types from dry to oily. When my skin condition changes with the seasons, my favorite glycerin soaps still keep nourishing and protecting it. Even with sensitive skin, I am never disappointed by a glycerin-based soap.

Moisturizers

Moisturizers are not the only products I like. I actually rely on them. A good moisturizer is the foundation of any successful skincare routine. The tough part was finding moisturizers that work for me. Most experts agree that a moisturizer is only as good as the skin type to which it is applied. For example, experts at the Mayo Clinic say dry skin responds best to an oil-based moisturizer. Water-based moisturizer is better at moisturizing normal skin.

Another feature of moisturizer that caused me to experiment with it a lot is it is everywhere. It is built into so many different beauty products that choosing one is impossible. For example, I love using day cream with moisturizing properties, but I also regularly purchase moisturizing night cream. I finally realized using multiple moisturizing products consistently was the key. In fact, I now pack my skincare routine with them.

Facial Cleansers

I absolutely must have a facial cleanser in my skincare arsenal at all times. Like day and night creams, facial cleanser is a moisturizing product, but a well-formulated cleanser also

provides many other benefits. The best cleansers help maintain my skin by:

Removing Pollutants and Dirt
Hydrating My Skin
Removing Dead Skin Cells
Giving My Skin a Revitalized Glow

The trick is not every facial cleanser is the same. I always look for all-natural facial cleansers. They must contain the ingredients I need, such as collagen to restore my skin cells. My top facial cleansers also contain healing and protective vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E and vitamin A. I also gravitate toward facial cleansers with soothing, light scents that can relax me on stressful days.

Facial Masks

I am constantly purchasing facial masks because applying them is soothing and relaxing at the time, and their long-term benefits are excellent. A regular face mask regimen can treat anything from fine lines to acne, according to the Cleveland Clinic and other experts. However, I discovered that choosing the right types of masks was essential for my skincare success. I learned to avoid masks that contain any of the following:

Parabens.
Excessive Dyes.
Harsh Chemicals.
Allergens.

All-natural masks are always the most soothing, and they offer the best long-term results. Activated charcoal masks are great for skin detoxification. I have also found organic matcha masks work wonders for my skin. They even reduce eye puffiness and under-eye circles.

Lip Balms

I have discovered one of the biggest secrets to skincare success is remembering to care for all of my skin. It is fine to use hand lotion or face masks consistently, but neglecting other areas can lead to irreversible damage. One of the areas that tend to get neglected the most is the mouth. There is nothing more mismatched than a glowing complexion paired with dry, cracked, damaged lips. That is why I never go anywhere without lip balm in my purse.

Organic herbal lip balm is one of my go-to choices. Lip balm with a beeswax base is smooth, soothing, and locks in moisture. I always look for organic lip balms that contain other ingredients known for their healing properties as well, such as Shea butter.

Fortifying My Favorite Skincare Products

Purchasing the products above and using them all the time has helped me obtain and maintain healthy skin. However, I also go out of my way to set my favorite products up for success by protecting my skin from the sun. In fact, I seek out products like lip balm that has sunscreen in them. That way I can never forget to apply sunscreen, even on the busiest day. And, of course, the best way to boost your beauty product bottom line is to live a healthy lifestyle.