HOW TO LIGHTEN THE SKIN WITH 

NATURAL REMEDIES.

Dark and dull skin can be caused by overexposure to the sun, environmental pollution, a medical condition, dry skin, stress, poor lifestyle choices, and prolonged use of chemical-based cosmetic products.

Many people work hard to achieve fair and flawless skin. The market is flooded with skin-lightening creams and lotions. But such products have harmful chemicals that can ultimately damage your skin. Oftentimes the products are expensive, too.

You can save yourself some time and money by using natural remedies that will effectively brighten and lighten your skin complexion.

Here are the top 10 ways to lighten skin naturally.

1. Yogurt

Yogurt, a by-product of milk, has many nutrients that are good for the skin. It also contains lactic acid that has bleaching properties. The following remedies are suitable for all skin types.

• Gently rub plain yogurt onto your skin. Leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this once daily for several weeks to notice a significant change in your complexion.
• Alternatively, mix one tablespoon of fresh yogurt with one-half tablespoon of honey. Apply the mixture on your face and neck. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and then wash it off with water. Do this daily to improve your skin tone and complexion.
• You can also add a little lemon juice and some oatmeal to yogurt to make a thick paste, and apply it as a face mask. This remedy will also help keep your skin supple and moisturized.

2. Oranges

The most important ingredient in skin care is vitamin C, which you can get in abundance from oranges. Plus, oranges have bleaching properties that can lighten your skin tone.

It has been found that regular consumption of fresh orange juice can greatly improve the overall texture of your skin as well as its suppleness. To lighten your skin, oranges can be used in two different ways.

• Combine two tablespoons of orange juice and a pinch of powdered turmeric. Apply this mixture on your face and neck before going to bed. You can also apply it on your hands and legs. Wash it off after 20 to 30 minutes. Do this daily.
• Grind dried orange peels into powder. Mix one tablespoon of the powdered peels with one tablespoon of plain yogurt to make a paste. Apply the paste on your skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse it off with water. This will help lighten spots and other marks on your face. Do this once or twice a week, but no more than that.

3. Gram Flour

Gram flour is one of the best ingredients for people who wish to lighten their skin complexion. It contains various nutrients that help keep your skin very healthy. Using the remedy below every other day will help remove excess oil from your skin while retaining your skin’s natural moisture.

1. Mix some gram flour with a small amount of water or rose water to make a thick paste.
2. Apply it on your face, hands, and legs.
3. Leave it on until the paste dries. Then wash it off with water.

4. Honey

Honey helps bleach skin while also acting as a moisturizing agent. Dry skin is a common factor that contributes to an uneven skin tone. Honey also has antibacterial properties that can help fade age spots and acne scars.

• Apply pure honey to your face, leave it on for a few minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. This simple remedy will help remove dead skin cells, making your skin appear brighter and fresher than before. Do this once daily.
• To make a skin-lightening mask, combine one teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice, one tablespoon of powdered milk, and one-half teaspoon of almond oil. Mix them well and apply it gently on the skin. Leave it on for 10 to15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Do this every other day.

5. Lemons

The acidic property in lemons works as a natural bleaching agent for the skin and the high amount of vitamin C in them encourages new cell growth. Also, lemons have antioxidants that are very good for skin complexion.

• Dip a cotton ball in freshly squeezed lemon juice and apply it directly on your face. You can even rub a cut lemon directly over the affected skin and allow the juice to stick to the skin. Leave it on for at least an hour and then wash your face with water. Do this once daily. This simple remedy will surely lighten your skin complexion and can also prevent the development of scars on your face.
• Mix three teaspoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply this mixture on the skin and leave it on for half an hour. Wash it off with water. Do this once daily.
• Alternatively, mix together one teaspoon each of lemon juice, powdered milk and honey. Apply it on your skin and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off. Do this daily or every other day.

Note: When using these remedies, be sure there are no open wounds on your skin. The acidic nature of lemon juice can cause pain in open wounds. Also, lemon juice may not be suitable for sensitive skin or if you are allergic to lemons.

6. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera can alleviate hyperpigmentation and restore your skin’s original color. Hyperpigmentation is one of the main causes of uneven skin tone.

Also, the cooling effect of aloe vera helps regenerate new cells and rebuild damaged tissue, which is important for healthy skin. This simple remedy using aloe vera gel can lighten dark spots and improve your overall skin complexion.

1. Cut the outer layers of an aloe vera leaf. Squeeze out the thick, jelly-like substance.
2. Apply the gel thoroughly on your skin.
3. Leave it on for about 30 minutes, and then wash it off with water.
4. Do this at least twice daily for two weeks.

If you do not have an aloe vera plant, you can buy aloe vera gel in the market

‘I’m Someone Who’s Dark a Lot of the Time’ – Genevieve Nnaji spills family secrets in new interview

‘I’m Someone Who’s Dark a Lot of the Time’ – Genevieve Nnaji spills family secrets in new interview

In this new interview with Ventures Africa, Genevieve Nnaji bares her mind, dishing secrets and details about her father and career which many of her fans had never read before.

See excerpts below:
On identity:

“I’m one of the masses, and I’m a Nigerian. I’m self employed. [I] continue to run my own businesses here and there…I’ve done something with myself – by God’s Grace – because luckily he gave me a gift and I had the wisdom to discover that gift, and I used it to my advantage.”

On growing up:

“I was a tomboy. I had three brothers right behind me. My sisters were too busy with themselves – you know how elder sisters are. I played football on the street. I got into a fight with a neighbor of mine who was a boy and I beat him up… I was six years old. We were mates and he was fat. He definitely asked for it and he got it. My dad was the kind of person you didn’t want to speak to you because you would actually feel the disappointment that you are at that time. In fact he had a way of – its not even pleading to your conscience – I think it’s a silent threat to your conscience.
I watched a lot of TV as a child, so I think I was pretty much screen trained. Of course there was no Nigerian cinema then, so everything was on TV. I would have my classmates bombard me to write the next one while they were reading.”

On surviving difficult times after her father lost his job twice, moving them from upscale Surulere to Egbeda:

[My mother] traded, she sold stuff, she got her children to sell stuff for her and we had to. We had no choice. We were living in her house. We cried. She did things you needed to do at that time. Your friends are not doing it. Why should you be the one to be doing it? You’re embarrassed about it, but I’m grateful for that because I think if I wasn’t even given that chance to be humble, I probably wouldn’t appreciate what I have today and understand that it doesn’t make me better than the next person. And [I] just know that everyone is equal and everyone is entitled to love and respect.”

On falling in love with Nollywood at the age of 16 after seeing Chris Obi Rapu film Living in Bondage:

“…Nollywood was pretty new and I was watching one of the films back then—I can’t remember the title—and this was me watching another actress, and in my mind I was criticizing how she was performing: ‘No that’s not the reaction she’s supposed to be having to that line.’ I was thinking ‘Oh, I would have done it this way’ or ‘No, I can do this!’ and it’s deep in your gut that you actually know, you actually believe you can. There’s no doubt about it, no questions about it. That was when I realized that I had interest. Did I ever think I would do it as a profession? I don’t think so.”

On her first role in Most Wanted, getting roles and having to deal with her furious father:

“My role was to interview Regina Askia, a former beauty queen turned actress who was a goddess at that time. That was major. I had to pull it off as a pro and I did it, and the producers asked me if I had done it before and I said no. They were amazed at my confidence—probably I had some training in church or something— but I remember I enjoyed doing it.
My dad didn’t find it funny. He wasn’t happy about it, but I kind of reassured him that I would go back, that it wasn’t over. He was mostly concerned about the amount of exposure film was going to bring me, coming from a very conservative, almost prudish home of a Catholic Igbo family.”

On her net worth, she reveals she hates talking about her wealth:

“Even the kind of car I drive right now cannot give me that kind of joy that my first ride gave me. I must have a minimum of my first salary in my wallet — two thousand Naira. I can have more, but that’s the minimum. It was my first salary. It’s dear to my heart. That was my welcome fee into the world of entrepreneurship. It’s just there. I love it. I spent more than that to get the two thousand though on transport fair, cause by the time they tell you to go and come back so many times, you’ve spent way more than that, but that was who I was. I worked for it. I have to get paid for it. I’d probably squander every money that is dashed to me, but the one I would sweat for, I don’t play with.
“I don’t talk money because I want people to focus on work. Money is not good for creative people. I don’t value myself materially. Take everything.”

On her personality and how it inspired her movie, ‘The Road to Yesterday’:

“I’m someone who’s dark a lot of the time. I just wonder a lot. My mind really travels a lot and I think during one of these mind journeys of mine, I was wondering about the thin line between life and death and I was thinking about something my mom had told me, stories in the family and stories from random people about how their loved ones who have passed, have appeared to them, right before they passed or the time they’re passing.”

On influences in the industry, being a role model and more:

“Entertainment is new in this country. It was new when I started. The celebrity lifestyle—obviously, there was no blueprint to how things worked.
I didn’t set out trying to be the next somebody, to be like this person. I just set out to do something that I didn’t understand, but something my heart wanted, something that comes out from within, and I just wanted to be given the chance to let it out and express myself. I am me, but I am also conscious of the fact that am being watched. I have a responsibility not just to myself but to young people.
I didn’t set out to be anybody’s role model but you grow up, you grow into yourself and become aware of how much impact you can have on the lives of other people. I don’t take it for granted and I believe in setting an example. That’s all I’m trying to do. I’m not saying I’m a saint or I’m going to be perfect. But I’ve learned that acknowledging my imperfections and my mistakes has enabled me to become wiser and smarter in the choices I make in my life. For me it’s all about being true to yourself.  When you do that you will never be a ‘wanna be’, you will be who you want to be.”

You can read up the full essay here.

RUMOUR !! Girl calls out Burna Boy for impregnating and abandoning her

RUMOUR !!  Girl calls out Burna Boy for impregnating and abandoning her

An Instagram user Uju Stella is currently accusing singer Burna Boy of getting her pregnant. From the statements made in his comment section, Stella insists she had relationship the singer. She claims that after she told him she was pregnant, he wanted nothing to do with her. And so, she took to calling him out on Instagram.

“Please kindly come and take responsibility for your actions,” she wrote him, adding, “I can’t take the fact that I am expectant and you [aren’t] picking [up] my calls.” 'She also called out to Cynthia Morgan to speak to Burna Boy and urge him to take his responsiblity.

In a different comment, she accuses him of wanting her dead when he allegedly threatened to send assassins after her

So, is she to believed or is this another attention seeking stunt or is she really pregnant for Burna Boy?

See photos of Uju below and let us know what you think

"I saw Elikem as a distraction"-Pokello on why she didn't win the BBA price

"I saw Elikem as a distraction"-Pokello on why she didn't win the BBA price

We find love in the most unlikeliest of places...

Zimbabwean socialite, businesswoman and former Big Brother Africa (BBA) housemate Pokello Nare has revealed she never saw herself marrying Elikem Kumordzie.

According to her, she rather saw Elikem as a distraction during the competition in 2013 since he seemed to prevent her from reaching the ultimate goal, which was winning the $300,000 prize package.

Speaking with Amanda Jissih on E-Talk, Pokello Nare revealed she tried to handle the situation but couldn’t.

“I was losing focus on the grand prize. At first, I thought I would handle it but the more I tried to handle it, the more it got out of hand”, she said.

The love story for the two who were eventually married started back in the BBA house as Elikem chose Pokello over other girls, prepared breakfast for her in bed, and argued at the least occurrence.

After eviction from the Big Brother House, the two visited Ghana and were given a rousing welcome. Prior to that, Elikem had visited Pokello in her home country Zimbabwe.

Elikem openly proposed to Pokello in 2014 during the Ghana Music Awards.

In June 2015, the two got married in a traditional ceremony and are currently blessed with a baby.

Pokello would however not disclose the gender of the baby.

Tyga speaks up after he splits from Kylie Jenner

Tyga speaks up after he splits from Kylie Jenner

Tyga has broken his silence after it emerged he and Kylie Jenner have split for good.

The Rack City rapper and reality star are said to have broken up last week - and that there's no going back this time.

Speaking from New York on Thursday to E! News , the dad-of-one simply said:

"I'm good, you know? Just another day and working hard and trying to get to that next level and achieve big things and evolve."

Meanwhile, a sad-looking Kylie shared a string of Snapchat videos from her mum's house and said she'd be staying there for a few days.

"Do any of you OGs remember my old bedroom? I think I'm gonna be in here for a few days."

While insiders are reportedly staying "tight-lipped" over the reason for the break-up, Tyga is rumoured to have already moved on from Kylie and taken an unnamed model to his Mother's Day lunch with his mum.

Last week Kylie and Tyga both ended up walking the red carpet at the Met Gala - but arrived seperately.

The teenager was said to be furious that the rapper had the nerve to turn up after their break-up because, according to insiders, she feels the only reason he was invited to the bash was because of her.

GETTING A JOB HAS BEEN MADE EASY

Meet Bamido Idowu whose company Bamwase is empowering small and medium scale business owners all over Nigeria.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I  was born and raised in Port Harcourt, to a business man as a father and my mother is a teacher but also dabbles in business, My parents were blessed with 6 children and i am the third child and 2nd daughter. I am a legal practitioner with a law degree from the University of Abuja,

QUESTION2: So how do you combine being a lawyer and a business woman?

  ANSWER: Actually it has not been easy there is a popular saying  that “you can’t serve two masters soon one is going to suffer” so right now i am 100 percent dedicated on building the Bamwase brand though i  still have some outstanding legal obligation to clients 
QUESTION3: Of all the businesses why did you decide to go into the internet business?

  ANSWER: The internet has always been a fascinating place to escape to right from the time i knew the internet existed. The only problem my parents had with me while growing up was The internet problem in a time where the internet was an unknown to most Nigerians, i spent all my time at a cyber cafe which was far from home and i frequently get lost in that world that i lose track of time until the close of day so i kept many late nights which got me into so much trouble at home. So when the time came for me to go into business it was logical it would have something to do with the internet.

QUESTION 4: What prepared you for the world of business?

  ANSWER: When i was 15,I was the president of the Junior Achievement of Nigeria and that prepared me for the challenges of the The business world and ever since then i have been into various business venture. The best teacher in life is experience, so for as long i can remember i have been into various ventures and i have recorded many failures and i grew from those experiences

QUESTION5: where do you see your business in the next ten years?

      ANSWER: In the next ten years Bamwase should be a household name from all over the world making life easier for people and empowering businesses and professionals  all over the world. Visit www,bamwase.com and get empowered!!!

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Bimbo Thomas shows of her huge baby bump (photos)

Bimbo Thomas shows of her huge baby bump (photos)

Nollywood actress, Bimbo Thomas is reportedly pregnant with her first child has proudly shown of her baby bump.

Though, the identity of the father of her unborn child is yet to be confirmed as she has kept every detail concerning the pregnancy under wraps, it is believed that her U.S-based lover is responsible for it.

Earlier when NET NG reached out to her, she refused to comment on the development saying, ‘I don’t want to say anything about that.’

Nikky as she’s fondly called (a moniker she got on the heels of her role in Omo Ghetto) was spotted last at Monalisa Chinda’s traditional wedding.

The University of Lagos Theatre Arts graduate, who currently runs a liquor store on Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos is said to have shelved the public launching of her clothing store in Yaba, Lagos so as to keep prying eyes away from her pregnancy.

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/2016/05/bimbo-thomas-shows-of-her-huge-baby-bump.html#more

Lady shares her pathetic domestic violence story with Toolz

Lady shares her pathetic domestic violence story with Toolz

Toolz shared this story of a woman who was brave enough to leave a marriage where she was suffering physical and emotional abuse.

The OAP wrote:  She said it was ok for me to share her story, but didn't want me to reveal her name. Please if you know of any organizations that can help her get back on her feet, pls pls let me know so I can share with her. Bless

After the cut 

Tiwa Savage makes U-Turn, breaks silence, thanks everyone!

Tiwa Savage makes U-Turn, breaks silence, thanks everyone!

It’s been over a week since Tiwa Savage sat down with ThisDay journalist Azuka Oguijiuba to tell her side of the story about the breakdown of her marriage to Tunji “Tee Billz” Balogun.

The interview came barely 24 hours after Billz went on a social media rant where me made some damning claims about his wife followed by a suicide attempt on the Lekki Ikoyi Link bridge.
Tiwa marked her return to social media a few moments ago in a simple message thanking her fans for their support through her trying time, she also thanked them for their prayers for, “Tunji, herself and Jamil”
Read her message below:

Photos: OAP Freeze celebrates his 40th birthday with friends & industry colleagues

Photos: OAP Freeze celebrates his 40th birthday with friends & industry colleagues

Freeze turned 40-Years-Old yesterday and he celebrated his birthday with friends & colleagues at Rhapsody Restaurant & Bar in Victoria Island. Before the party, Freeze shared a photo with his parents and his birthday cake. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde & her husband, Capt. Matthew Ekeinde, Adebola Williams, Ramsey Noah, Destiny Amaka, Olu Maintain, Shina Peller, DJ Exclusive & more were present at the celebration. See more photos after the cut...

Laide Bakare shares a photo of her $1000 nails & some fans react

Laide Bakare shares a photo of her $1000 nails & some fans react

Actress Laide Bakare shared a picture of herself on Instagram, flaunting the new nails she just fixed. She captioned the photo, 'Feeling my $1000 nails like never b4'. Trolls immediately began to call her out for flaunting her expensive nails, asking her when last she donated anything to charity. Lol. People sef! See the comments after the cut...

Chidinma Ekile stunning new photo as she celebrates her birthday

Chidinma Ekile stunning new photo as she celebrates her birthday

Happy birthday to her!

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/#sthash.dfj3GgDj.dpuf

Meet Dr. Vivian Oputa, allegedly the woman Teebillz fathered his 4th child with

Meet Dr. Vivian Oputa, allegedly the woman Teebillz fathered his 4th child with

The mother of Tunji Balogun, Tiwa Savage's estranged husband, 's 4th child has just been revealed. Her name is Dr. Vivian Oputa, a medical practitioner and specialist in aesthetic medicine, surgery and dermatology.

She is the medical director of DermaCare Medical Ltd. and Clinical Director of the Clover Medical Company Beverly Hills, United States of America (USA).

Together, Tunji and Vivian are reportedly parents to their daughter, Ona. Ona is Tunji's 3rd child before his son with Tiwa, Jamil was born.

Encomium reports that Tiwa got to know about Ona the love child when she was already neck deep in her relationship with Tunji as both prepared for their nuptials which was eventually staged in Lagos in November 2013 and Dubai in April 2014,

Desperation and love mingled to lead on the 35 year old stunner to tie the knots with 37 year old
TeeBillz who is now the father of four children ( two from his alliance with his United Kingdom based lover, one for Dr. Oputa and Jamil with Tiwa).

Encomium.ng learnt that when he began to sing about his affair with Dr. Oputa ( a divorcee in her 50s who also has an older daughter), TeeBillz reportedly claimed that all they had was a fling.

Reportedly again, according to Capital.ng, TeeBillz was sent packing with his few personal effects
from the home of R&B music star, Bankole Wellington a.k.a Banky W.

It would be recalled that Banky W offered TeeBillz refuge soon after he allegedly rescued him from committing suicide on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. TeeBillz, allegedly attempted suicide on the afternoon of the day he accused his wife, Tiwa, of sleeping around with male entertainers, Don Jazzy, Tu Face Idibia and Dr. Sid.

However, in a radical twist to the unfolding saga, Banky W’s mother allegedly called her son and ordered him to eject TeeBillz from his apartment soon after watching his estranged wife, Tiwa Savage’s interview.

We gathered that Banky W’s mother told her son pointblank that he should ask TeeBillz to leave his apartment after the woman watched Tiwa’s teary revelations about her marriage with him in an interview. Tunji vacated the apartment immediately with his paraphernalia flung after him.

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/2016/05/meet-dr-vivian-oputa-allegedly-woman.html#more

Freeze says he regrets his insensitive open letter to Tiwa Savage, writes new one praising her

Freeze says he regrets his insensitive open letter to Tiwa Savage, writes new one praising her

Yesterday Freeze called out Tiwa Savage for granting a premeditated interview that could lead to the end of her estranged husband's world.

According to Freeze,

Who is now going to hire, work with, or have any business dealings with an unstable, adulterous, fraudulent, cocaine sniffer who cannot manage money and has his priorities misplaced? Whether you like it or not, that is what the interview has delineated him to be. 

In furtherance to this, if he was suicidal before, this interview is only going to make him even more suicidal!

Fast forward to this morning, hours later, Freeze has deleted the post, and in its place put up another one after he had a 45 minute phone conversation with Tiwa where she opened his eyes to the struggles she went through.

Read what he just shared:

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/2016/05/freeze-regrets-his-insensitive-open.html#more

Charlyboy blasts Tiwa Savage & TeeBillz: "Mutual respect in non-negotiable in marriage'

Charlyboy blasts Tiwa Savage & TeeBillz: "Mutual respect in non-negotiable in marriage'

Controversial Charlyboy shared his opinion on Tiwa Savage and estranged husband TeeBillz's failed marriage on his Facebook page. 

Continues after the cut.

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/2016/05/charlyboy-blasts-tiwa-savage-teebillz.html#more

A miserable looking Justin Bieber attends dad Jeremy's bizarre engagement party (pics)

A miserable looking Justin Bieber attends dad Jeremy's bizarre engagement party (pics)

Justin Bieber joined his dad Jeremy in Toronto on Saturday for his engagement party. However, the 22-year-old, who only days ago shaved off his blonde dreadlocks, failed to crack a smile in any of the photos taken at what was supposed to be a happy occasion.

The Canadian singer looked downright miserable as he posed for pictures. Not even a tiger brought along for entertainment, not even the presence of Iron Man or a gender swapped Captain America could cheer him up. His mood sha did not dull his dad's high spirits who was beaming with his blushing bride to be, 28-year-old Chelsea Rebelo. See all the pics below.

Bieber senior and his bride Chelsea

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/2016/05/a-miserable-looking-justin-bieber.html#more

Tweet of the day.. featuring Tiwa Savage & Teebillz

Tweet of the day.. featuring Tiwa Savage & Teebillz

The love Tiwa Savage and Teebillz shared when this tweet was made in 2013 exists no more. It's scary how love can fall apart so easily in just 3 years!

- See more at: http://www.lailasblog.com/search?updated-max=2016-05-01T07%3A54%3A00%2B01%3A00&max-results=20#PageNo=3