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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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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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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.

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Best Skincare Practices for Autumn

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021 by Nabila • 0 Comments

Fall Skincare 101

You might have been using the same skincare routine all summer long in order to deal with the effects of hot temperatures and humid air. The changing season means it’s time to switch up your skincare routine to protect your skin from the effects of autumn weather. Cooler temperatures and less outdoor humidity during fall can affect your skin. The following tips can help you adjust your skincare routine as needed.

Choose a Gentle Cleanser

Summer skincare products are often made to prevent oily skin from causing breakouts and other skin problems. However, skin tends to be less oily as outdoor temperatures and humidity become lower. If you’ve been using deep-cleaning foaming or gel cleansers for oily skin, switch to one that is gentler on your skin. Cream-based cleansers or cleansers that don’t contain sulfates are usually gentle enough to use on less oily skin during fall.

Switch to a Stronger Moisturizer

During summer, lighter moisturizers often work well enough to keep skin hydrated, especially for those with oily skin. As the air becomes dryer and less humid in autumn, though, you might need a stronger moisturizer to make sure your skin stays hydrated. Without enough moisturizer, your skin can easily become dry and irritated during fall. Lotion moisturizers rather than gel moisturizers, for example, should provide better hydration in cooler weather. Apply your moisturizer once in the morning and again in the evening or more often if needed.

Increase Hydration

With autumn bringing lower humidity and dryer air, it’s important to make sure you keep your skin hydrated. Applying toner as part of your daily skincare routine in the fall can help increase hydration. When choosing a toner for autumn, look for one that does not contain alcohol, since this can dry out your skin. Apply toner to your skin after you cleanse it, then add moisturizer to maintain hydration throughout the day. Keeping your skin hydrated during fall helps reduce your risk of dry, flaky skin and other skin problems.

Use SPF Products

Don’t put away your skincare products that contain SPF yet. Your skin still needs protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays during autumn just as it did in summer. When you’re going to be outside this season, apply sunscreen and skincare products with SPF, such as lip balm, before heading out the door. Keep in mind that you should apply sunscreen and other SPF products every couple of hours as long as you’re outside. This helps protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, which can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and other kinds of skin damage.

Exfoliate Your Skin

If you cut back on exfoliating during summer due to higher sensitivity in summer, it’s time to add it into your skincare routine again. During autumn, you should exfoliate to remove damaged or dead skin cells and keep your skin looking healthy rather than dull. Exfoliating also helps lower your risk of breakouts by preventing oil from clogging your pores. You should avoid exfoliating too much, though, since this can irritate your skin. If you’ve been exfoliating a couple of times a week in summer, try exfoliating once a week or less often during autumn.

Use a Different Face Mask

If you use a face mask as part of your skincare routine during summer, consider changing the kind you use in autumn. Instead of using gel masks, for example, switch to cream masks to relieve and prevent dryness. Gel masks and other water-based face masks typically work better in summer for those with oily skin. Cream face masks provide plenty of hydration in fall for healthier skin.

Protect Your Lips and Eyes

Your lips and the skin around your eyes might have a harder time adjusting to the change in humidity levels, so it’s important to protect these areas. Use to keep your lips hydrated as the weather gets cooler. You should also use eye creams to boost hydration in these sensitive areas as the air becomes dryer. Apply these lip and eye products on a regular basis during autumn as part of your skincare regimen.

These autumn skincare tips can help your skin look radiant all season long. Making changes to your skincare routine during fall also helps prepare your skin for the upcoming winter months, when the air is even colder and dryer.