Health

POMO BAN

There are speculations that the Federal Government is planning to ban the sale and consumption of cow skin popularly known as Pomo in Nigeria. According to some sources, the move is to enable livestock farmers to make more profit by turning the “Pomo” into leather products. It was gathered that the Federal Government’s proposed Pomo-ban was motivated by a call made by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr.Akinwunmi Adesina for a stronger check on the consumption and sale of cow skin during the 3^rd joint anniversary of the Animal Science Association of Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Animal Science which held at the University of Ibadan. Dr.Adesina’s call was in turn informed by economic reasons; it is his opinion that farmers would make better profits by turning the hides and skins into leather, instead of simply consuming everything. In his words, “I am confident that the satisfactory production levels achieved in the poultry and swine segments will soon stretch to reach other commodities such as beef, diary, micro livestock and animal by-products such as leather, bones, hides and skins.” This new line of thinking is a positive indication that Nigerian leaders are beginning to think beyond oil revenue as source of revamping and sustaining the economy of the nation. In fact, the agricultural sector promises to be a very viable sector even for the generation of employment for the millions of the unemployed masses of the Nigerian public. Unfortunately however, the news of the proposed ban is not going down well with the Nigerian masseswho see the proposed ban as an infringement on their basic human rights to choose what they want to eat. Several negative and disparaging comments have been made on social media networks protesting the proposed ban. One of such comments reads, “Pomo never hurt anyone. Pomo never embezzled. Pomo never abducted schoolgirls. Pomo never ran for president. Why should Pomo be banned?” Another commentator wonders whether government would send law enforcement agents to every food joint or every kitchen to arrest those consuming Pomo.

Anyway, perhaps government could do with a few suggestions here. Every good intention of government does not have to be implemented by wielding the big stick and antagonising the poor masses. Whatever government wants to do with cow skin she can still do by simply buying up the skins from the livestock farmers, and allow the economic law of demand and supply to settle the matter. Let those who want to buy for consumption go ahead and buy, while those who want to buy for tanning and leather work can also go ahead and buy. At the end of the day everybody is happy. The price of Pomo could shoot up to the rooftops, but there would be more money and more employment for more people. And nobody should complain for paying some more money to enjoy a favorite delicacy.

Besides economic factors, there could be other considerations for discouraging the consumption of Pomo, such as health factors.Cow skin contains large deposits of concentrated fat, high in cholesterol.  In addition, during the process of burning to remove the hair, carbon soot is also introduced into the skin.  It is actually not a healthy meal irrespective of the fact that Nigerians love it. In other countries around the world, cow skin is generally classified as not fit for human consumption. It is used profitably for the production of high quality leather bags, shoes, belts, etc. which Nigerians also love and spend fortunes to import from other countries. So, instead of simply consuming, why don’t we also produce and export to other nations of the world?For once, let us stop thinking like consumers and begin to think like producers.

HEALTH

  BEETROOT: A MAGIC CURE TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

It is no longer news that most sicknesses and diseases that we suffer from are caused by what we eat. And most times, even the worst diseases are caused by what we don’t eat. Our standard junk and processed foods are crippling our health and slowly killing us.  It will shock you to know that cancer is responsible for 577,000 deaths everyday with close to 1.7 million new cases just this year, according to the American Cancer Society. Also, hundreds of thousands of deaths are caused by heart attacks yearly. All these diseases can easily be prevented simply by eating the right foods.  Although a lot of people don’t really know what type of food to eat to prevent diseases, it is important for us to know the type of food we should eat, and the ones we should avoid, because in the long run, what we eat determine our health condition.

There is a relationship between the nutrients in foods we consume and their direct influence upon health, wellness and prevention of illness. It is intriguing how Beetroots can help treat one of the dangerous diseases that many people suffer from and which has claimed millions of lives in the past years. Beetroots are colourful root vegetables that contain powerful nutrients that help protect against heart disease, birth defects and particular cancers. The benefits of beetroots are so many. Because of its naturally sweet taste most people would like the beets. Our circulatory system, to start with, will greatly benefit from the consumption of this natural food. Doctors have found that a glass of beetroot juice everyday eliminates high blood pressure; this is a godsend for people with hypertension and those looking to avoid cardiovascular dilemmas, and also breakdown cancer causing tumours.

After ingesting beets or beet juice, nitrate from the beets is thought to be extracted from the blood by the salivary gland, accumulate in saliva, and then reduce to nitrate oxide to have a direct blood pressure lowering effect. A publication from the American Heart Association, established that consuming 500 millilitres of beetroot juice resulted in a measurable reduction in hypertension in just an hour. Beetroot cleanses the body of cancer toxins by means of natural elimination. Aside all these, it also promotes healthy hair growth and radiant skin. It is interesting how this vegetable can miraculously perform magic.  Vitamin C is generally known as a potent fighter against the common cold (flu); it also guards against nasty diseases like scurvy (a disease that is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C). Scurvy shows its self physically through spongy gums, spots on the skin, and even bleeding from the mucous membranes. Some of the effects that scurvy displays are the feeling of depression and even physical immobility. In all of this, beetroots have proven to be an essential source that is rich in Vitamin C. By consuming this vegetable you will sure be protecting yourself from such diseases.

Beets are one of the richest sources of folic acid, something that is important for normal tissue growth. It can protect against high blood pressure and Alzheimer. Folic acid is also crucial to the development of a baby’s spinal cord during the first three months of pregnancy and can help prevent spinal cord defects. Therefore, expectant mummy should endeavour to consume as much raw beets as possible. In the 16^th century, it was discovered that beets was given as a blood builder to people who were short of blood. At the time, both the doctors and patients may not have known why it was so efficacious, but health experts now know that its high iron content can help to treat anaemia and fatigue. To maintain an active disease free body and stay healthy, it is advised that one should drink plenty of beet juice. The beet juice contains many nutrimental substances, which is important to the development of a healthy body and immune system. It also works as a blood purifier, and it aids in the restoration of the red blood cells. Very few foods found in the natural world are as beneficial as beets in this regard. Beets are a wonderful addition to any dietary need. With high volume of nutrients, delicious taste, and multitude of uses, anyone can jump right in to beets without missing a bit. Though many people drink the juice believing in the health benefit that it has earned, it will interest you to know that beetroots increases blood flow to the brain.  The greatest health benefit is derived from raw beet juice. It has been discovered that even the leaves of raw beets are useful and beneficial to one’s health. The green, leafy portion of the beet is edible. It is most commonly served boiled or steamed, in which case it has a taste and texture similar to spinach. The leaves are known to have been made in to a number of salads for a change of pace meal. Beetroot can be peeled, steamed, and then eaten warm with butter as a delicacy. There is something called Beets Therapy. Doctors are said to have used it to get rid of tumours and to help people with blood diseases and leukaemia. So, after knowing all these benefits, it is therefore time to introduce beets roots into your diet. You have got nothing to lose. In fact, they will even help you in several ways, so enjoy a couple of this special vegetable and spread the word.

Stylish ways that belts can compliment your outfit

Belts are not everyone’s friend in the fashion world. Wearing any kind of belt can be challenging especially when you are shy about drawing attention to your waistline. Not very long ago, belts served only one purpose, which is to hold your trousers or pants up. But today, belts have become an essential accessory that beefs up even the most casual outfit. Belts come in different shapes, colors and sizes, so you can find one to suit your purpose and personal taste. They have potential to add a whole dimension to your wardrobe. Adding a belt is a great way to add style and class to an outfit. Belt can flatter the figure and enhance your shape without creating bulge. To wear a belt with a dress or a top, one must first consider the body type, outfit colours, where to position the belt and the style of the tops. Belts add fittings to your outfits and also add many more options to your existing wardrobe. Belts have excellent ways to add dimension and style to your old pieces and a great way to create gorgeous and different looks. Although many women are unaware of how to pair a belt with different outfit, belts can be fun and useful in the fashion sense. Here are simple guides for wearing belts with an outfit:

I.                    Generally, when wearing a belt, you have to consider your body size. If you have a long body size, then you are better with a wide belt. Wearing a wide belt with short body size virtually shortens the whole body. So, know the right size to use your belt correctly.

II.                  You can also try patterns when wearing a belt. When wearing an outfit without much pattern or colour variation, a pattern belt can really draw the eye. And choose your belt colours wisely. You can either contrast your belt or blend it into your outfit. If you are a little belt insecure, try wrapping a belt round your mid section over a dress and team it with a blazer. In this case, the belt add a different dimension to the outfit peeking out from underneath.

III.                You can be creative by adding a belt for a new look with an old cloth. You can use any old scarf lying around that is never worn by simply turning it into a belt; wear the old scarf round your waist several times or cut it into lengths and tie it off in a knot or bow. Men’s tie can also be turned into belts that work with any outfit and come in several styles and patterns.

IV.                Belts come in either skinny or thick. When wearing a skinny belt, you have to emphasize your waist in a dress. The skinny dress can be fancy with rhinestones or gems on it that it will match the dress. However, when you wear a thick belt, you can drape it to emphasize the dress. You can also wear a sweater or shirt over leggings. A thick belt can rest on your hips for a stylish flair.

V.                  When wearing a jean, wear a regular belt with it. Tuck your shirt or sweater in to emphasize your waist line. Don’t cinch the belt too tightly or it can have reverse effect if you are not careful.

VI.                Always create a contrast when an outfit is one colour tone. A belt of a contrasting colour to one colour outfit makes an interesting and eye catching addition. Adding a high contrast belt to a light coloured dress or skirts adds interesting dimension.

Adding a belt to an outfit can be an incredible way to add style and class to what you are wearing. Wearing the wrong belt can bring unfavorable results; meanwhile, wearing the right belt can take an outfit to the next level. Get that belt to create more diversity in your wardrobe and express creativity at the same time. The fashion style is completely up to you. A belt can add to fashion, no matter what color you are wearing. Choose dark colours.  Avoid a wide belt with patterned dresses. Stick with the skinny belt, which will help dull down bright colours and patterns, making them easier on the eyes. You should determine the size of the belt that you need for your outfit. If you are wearing two separate pieces, or jeans, go with a smaller belt.  Bright colours can add width instead of sliming your figure. For skinny belts, a bright colour can work with a neutral or dull-coloured dress. You should avoid using a bright-coloured belt with a bright-coloured dress since this creates too much colour and not enough contrast. If you want to accentuate your waist, wearing a thicker waist strapping belt looks cool and shows off your curves. It is advisable to look for belts made from more flexible materials.

                                 

BEAUTY

8 Beauty secrets to make you look younger

Over the years people have resulted to using different kinds of beauty cream, soap, make up etc. to help them look beautiful and younger. There is hardly anyone I know of who wants to look old. In fact, it’s no longer a secret that almost every one of us wants to look forever young. However, time is relentless and we tend to get older every year. Though when it comes to looking younger, there is no need to go under the knife for surgery. All you need to do is to inculcate some few tricks in your routine. Here are some tips and techniques that, if followed religiously, can make you look younger than your age and also much more beautiful. For example, if you keep fit, exercise on a regular basis and watch what you eat, your body will feel as well as look quite young. So explore these beauty secrets and look younger than your age.

Love:  this obviously is the best and most important moves to achieving a better result. This should also be the number one trick to looking younger. You should be able to love yourself enough to take care of yourself, in other words, love and appreciate your body. It is said that love can make you feel as well as look years younger than your real age. Fall in love with yourself and experience the youthful glow that your body needs to rejuvenate.  Above all, the secrets of looking good and younger start with self-love.

Focus on your eyes: the first point of attraction is the eyes. This is because when people look at you, the eyes are the first thing they see. When you want to make an impact, they’re what people notice first. False lashes, black liner, shimmery shadow, and good brows will take you far, even if you don’t wear lipstick and haven’t washed your hair in days.

Apply facial product that tones:  a lot of the skin damage we experience most times is as a result of the way we handle our skin. This means when we handle our skin right we tend to get a better result of beautiful and glowing skin. So it’s time to stop rubbing your eyes and start treating that faces of yours like the precious object that it is.

Drink enough water: one of the secrets to looking younger and beautiful is to drink plenty of water. The issue of drinking water cannot be over emphasized.  When drinking water, make sure that you consume at least 8 glasses of water a day. This will help your body stay hydrated and flush it free of toxins as well. At the same time, it will make the skin on your face glow and shine.

Getting enough sleep: another import secrets of beauty that we all know is getting adequate amount of sleep a day. When your body does not get enough sleep you tend to look tired and exhausted and this reflects on your skin. Getting regular sleep of 7-8 hours daily will help you rest well for your body to be able to recuperate because too much exhaustion can make one look older. So when you get enough sleep, it helps you feel younger as well as extremely refreshed.

Eat lots and lots of fruits and vegetables:  as we all know, fruits and vegetables are important to our body.  Fruits such as water melon, apples, oranges, grapes, paw paw, Tomatoes etc, and vegetables like Spinach, waterleaf, ugwu leaf, cabbage, carrots etc. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits increases the immune system and prevents diseases.  It is important that one should increase its consumption of food items that are rich in protein which is found in vegetables. Avoid processed foods as well as those food items that have too much sugar in them. Junk foods are not advisable. If you are overweight, try to lose those extra weights, by sticking to a healthy diet and indulging in exercise.

Wrong colours of lipstick can age you instantly: another trick to looking younger is to stay clear of brown lipstick colours. Avoid dry lipstick as they tend to settle into your lip lines. Instead, try creamier lipsticks or glosses. Glosses are especially youthful and make your lips appear fuller. Also pay attention to your lipstick colour. Always avoid too bright and odd colours such as bright red and brown shades and stick to neutrals such as pink and peach.

Always apply a sun screen lotion: when you go out in the day, to protect your skin from harmful ultra violet (UV) rays, make sure that you are using a sunscreen. Beauty products without the sunscreen protection destroy the skin thereby causing it to burn especially on the face. This is the reason why many a times you see people with sun burn on their face. This is as a result of lack of sunscreen on the lotion they are using.

 By; Rifkatu Yusuf

HEALTH

How to Firm up Your Sex Muscles

It can be embarrassing to discuss issues related to sexual intercourse, but many women experience looseness of the sex organ, particularly after having several children. Your medical practitioner won't be surprised to hear that you've got these concerns. Are you embarrassed to have sex because you feel too loose? Perhaps, your partner has complained about your lack of grip in the right place. Medical assistance is always helpful. Talk with your partner about your worries, although it may be embarrassing or hard to do. These unexpected changes are part of a person's life and it's normal to accommodate them over a person's life span or a long-term relationship.

Child bearing expands the muscles of the pelvis (i.e. the same muscles that are used in holding the flow of urine). It so happens that the same muscles are very important in successful sexual intercourse. This means that a woman who’s ‘leaking’ urine for instance, needs to tone, tighten or firm up her pelvic muscles. This is the reason why Kegel exercises are recommended. They will do two things for you; first, Kegel exercises will strengthen pelvic floor muscles, the muscles that stretch during childbirth, thus helping improve sexual pleasure (more intense orgasms) by making the muscles stronger and more elastic. Secondly, they can improve bladder tone so that you don't leak urine. They won't actually make your passage smaller, but they can make the opening tighter.

How to do Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises are easy to do and can be done anywhere, anytime.

1. Sitting or lying down, contract the muscles you would use to hold your urine (think potty training). You’ll feel your pelvic muscles squeeze. If your stomach or buttocks muscles contract at the same time, it means you’re contracting the wrong muscles. Keep practicing until you get it right.

2. When you've discovered which muscle it is that is actually used, squeeze for 3 seconds and then relax for another 3 seconds.

3. Repeat this exercise 10 to 15 times each session, 3 times a day. You can also do your kegel exercises each time you visit the ladies to take a pee, holding your urine for a few seconds at a time, and letting it go again, increasing the length of time you hold it, as the days go by.

Kegel exercises are most effective when done regularly.

If you do Kegel exercises enthusiastically and regularly, and notice no change at all, ask your health care provider about other methods to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. There is nothing to be ashamed about — this is a common experience for women. 

By Chizzy Okoye

ACCESSORIES

WALLET: A MUST HAVE ACCESSORY FOR BOTH MEN AND WOMEN.

A wallet is a small flat folding case, usually made of leather or plastic, which holds paper money and credit cards and is usually carried in a pocket or purse. Wallets have been in use for a long time, especially by women. In today’s world, it has become an accessory any man or woman must have. Men and women need fashionable and stylish wallets to create a classy impression. Wallets can be used to keep basic items in an organized manner.  Wallets also can impact a person’s first impression. So, apart from being well dressed you can also need to have a classy wallet to show off your high status and create a good impression.

THINGS TO ALWAYS CARRY IN YOUR WALLETS

1.      EMERGENCY CASH : In this century, we know that transactions by credit or debit cards have become the order of the day even in Nigeria, but it is still important to hold cash as you never can tell when you will be in need of cash. You might go on a lavish shopping and max out all your cards. Being stuck in this scenario is the last thing anyone wants. Also, you don't want to use your credit card or debit card to make small purchases like gums and sweets.

2.       ATM CARD: This is another important item one must have in a wallet. You never can tell; you might go for shopping and run out of cash when you still have something important you want to buy. With your ATM in your wallet, you can quickly get cash from a nearby machine.

3.      COMPLIMENTARY CARDS: Meeting is an opportunity to give out business cards, so make it a habit to carry your business cards in your wallet. Maximize every “chance” meeting. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you. Family, friends, or social events could produce unexpected encounter with people. For instance, you are going to a birthday party for your friend’s kid, you never know who you will meet. Also, you can advertise your skill or services with a complimentary card.

4.      NATIONAL ID CARD OR DRIVERS LICENSE: You may be embarrassed at your goofy driver’s license photo, but that card and National Id card are very important. They serve as easy ways for identifying yourself in case you run into trouble. Also, information on them could be used to trace a victim’s relative incase of accident or crime.

5.      A PEN OR A PENCIL: It is important to have a small wallet pen just in case you need to jot something down. You might think your phone can do that, but you might have a low battery. You might just want to write a number down before you store them after returning from a night outing.

6.      THE PHONE NUMBER OF SOMEONE WHO CAN BAIL YOU WHEN IN TROUBLE: You most likely have already memorized the phone numbers of close friends or relatives, but imagine for a second that you are accidentally drunk and are arrested. Do you think you can remember your phone number in that situation? It will even be more difficult remembering another person’s own.  So, it is better to have it written down on a card or piece of paper in your wallet.

7.      AN EXTRA SIM CARD: A spare SIM card is important in your wallet. Who knows, you might misplace your phone or lose your phone; with extra SIM card you can easily get a new phone at a nearby shop to make contacts.

THINGS NOT TO EVER CARRY IN YOUR WALLETS

1. Don't keep anything in your wallet that has expired. This includes old credit cards or membership cards. Just because they've expired doesn't mean thieves will not try to use them. Remember most of them have at least your name on them, and probably your address and other personal information. The more information you can keep out of the hands of others, the better.

2. Don’t carry your spare key in your wallet. A lost wallet containing your home address (likely found on your driver's license or other items) and a spare key is an invitation for burglars. Instead, keep your spare keys with a trusted relative or friend. If you’re ever locked out, it may take a little bit longer to retrieve your backup key, but that’s a relatively minor inconvenience.

3. Most importantly, don’t over stuff your wallet. That overstuffed wallet of yours can’t be comfortable to sit on. It’s probably even too clunky to lug around in a purse, too.

Think about your wallet as a must have accessory. For your next gifts to a lovely one, you can give a wallet as a surprise gift. This wallet being a daily used item will remind them of you whenever they use it.

BY:  FATIMA DAMISA

TOURISM

TOURISM DESTINATIONS IN NIGERIA YET TO BE DISCOVERED AND POPULARISED

There are places in Nigeria which are not known for people to visit, yet they have great potentials for tourists. Let’s take a look at these places; you will be marveled.

ABBA CAVE IN AKURE

Abba cave is located in Akure; its kind is so beautiful and rare. It strikes you with an unbeatable awe and with every look you cast in its direction, it pulls you massive sheets of weathered granite off a big rock and forms a cavity at its base. If you look closer at this Abba cave you marvel in adoration. People call it Abba rock because it takes the form of a traditional hut.

Such caves as this are and many more amazing rock formations are scattered all over the hill tops of Akure. Over the years, the northern outskirts of Akure town have attracted special attention due to the presence of these caves and unique rock formations.

Abba cave is unusual and special because of its mode of formation and character of poise. For some years now, it is known to have been a favourite praying spot for some members of celestial church. The interior and the external surroundings of the cave are often littered with congealed candle wax and wooden crosses.

ZUMA ROCK: THE DOME WITH A HUMAN FACE

This is a mighty rock which stands bold in Zuma, along Kaduna road. It bears a face that looks straight at the setting sun and it is never distracted. Since centuries past, its gaze has remained unchanged; a gaze that threatens to swallow its admirer, one that looks back at you in the eye if you look it in the eye. With a slightly open mouth, it proudly declares its royal location. The most amazing part is that, it appears as if the rock has swallowed the Abuja- Kaduna express way as it stands to a height of about 700m.

RIVER OGUN

An intriguing myth connects the formation of River Ogun with a quarrel between a couple (Ogun and her husband Okere of Saki). The story has it that Ogun devised a means to save her husband’s spiritually potent dress from rain without touching it as the dress was not to be beaten by rain nor be touched by a woman. Without inquiring how his dress was saved from rain, Okere (Ogun’s husband) picked a quarrel with his wife which led to a fight. In the course of the fight Ogun’s pot of magical herbs fell and broke at Oyo-Igboho. The content of the pot flowed out to become River Ogun. Whichever way and by whatever means  Ogun River was formed, today it flows through a Park and drains into the Atlantic Ocean. It breaks into pools during the dry season to form what is called Ibuya Pools in the Park. The Pool is believed to have healing powers on Fridays. 

BY: Fatima Damisa

FASHION

HENNA BALL& AWARD NIGHT 2014 

RED CARPET MOMENTS

BEAUTY

Common beauty mistakes that make your face look older

Eyeliner and mascara make your eyes pop, foundation covers up fine lines and blemishes, blush gives our cheeks a youthful glow and concealers cover up dark spots and under-eye dark cycles. Depending on how we use these products and at what age we use them, our good intentions can easily go awry. Product application and certain colours that might look great on a twenty year old might not be as flattering on a forty year old lady. Rather than enhance one’s beauty, they actually enhance wrinkles and thinning skin. If an aging appearance worries you, avoid these beauty mistakes that instantly make you look older than your real age.  Not everyone might need this piece of advice. If you are young and without wrinkle, or if you just want to have fun with makeup, rather than worry about whether it brings out your crow’s feet, be as experimental as you would like. But if you want to mask the pesky signs of aging, it might just be right to re-evaluate your makeup and beauty routine.

Not exfoliating: The older you get the longer it takes for dead skin cells to slough off. But giving you a youthful glow is as simple as using at- home glycolic peel once or twice a week. This will make any anti-aging product you are using penetrate even better.

Applying thick foundation: When it comes to foundation, less is more. One thing you should know is that heavy makeup is a one way ticket to looking older than you actually are. Choose a sheer foundation, and after you apply it, press a damp makeup sponge into areas where you have wrinkles to soak up excess. While the less- is more maxims may seem counterintuitive, the more skin you can see, the better, as long as it is well hydrated. Fresh skin looks much more youthful than an obviously covered complexion.

When you wear the wrong lip stick: Metallic lipstick finishes may look pretty on the runway, but they don’t work after 40. A better choice is to go for a lip stick formula with sheen, not a heavy shimmer, or a sheer gloss which has the added effect of making the lip appear fuller.

Not using sunscreen: You may forget to floss occasionally, but don’t ever get caught forgetting to apply sunscreen. Here’s why, nearly all wrinkles and fine lines are due to sun. Covering your face with a broad- spectrum formula will take a few extra seconds every morning, but can keep years off your face. Just do it and you will be thankful.  

                                               

Applying eyeliner and mascara on lower lids and lashes: Lining the lower lids with dark pencil and coating the lower lashes with dark mascara can bring out under-eye circles once you are past a certain age. Plus, eyes can look smaller overall as a result. But don’t throw out this product just yet. Outline your upper lids with a thin, dark line that gets thicker toward the outer corner, curl your eyelashes; curling your lashes is the easiest thing you can do to make your eyes look bigger (and therefore younger), and then run the mascara wand over the upper lashes a few times.

Know how to apply blush on the apples of the cheeks: The general and most common method for applying blush is to smile.  Find the apples of your cheeks, and then run the blush brush over them. But as sagging skin becomes more prominent on the face, a better method is to find where cheekbones peak and apply blush there instead, sweeping the brush up and back. Skip the drama queen shades, too. Colours like wine and cinnamon will only make you look gaunt if you are thing and clownish if you are not, a neutral rose colour flatters all skin tones and really brightens things up.