We often regard happiness as a fleeting, inconsistent feeling to be pursued. I don’t think so — and quite frankly, neither should you.
The conversation began simply enough. A friend asked if I was happy, and I answered without hesitation: “Yes.” He, however, couldn’t say the same. He spoke of happiness as an elusive thing, a fleeting prize you chase on an endless horizon. To him, the act of striving for it felt gratifying, but he believed it was a state no one could truly sustain. It was a perspective rooted in the belief that happiness is an external reward, something you must perpetually earn rather than simply be in.
After hearing his thoughts, I realised my own definition had evolved. I no longer see happiness as a destination, but as a frequency — a default state of being that you can consciously return to, even after moments of sadness or difficulty. It’s the inner landscape you have cultivated, so rich and well-tended that it always draws you back to peace.
In recent times, I’ve found myself consistently returning to this sense of calm and contentment, which allows me to confidently affirm that I am truly in a state of happiness. It’s a quiet knowing that transcends circumstance. I’ve come to understand that creating it is an intentional act, a deliberate curation of my inner and outer worlds.
In this month’s Elevate & Illuminate edit, I’ve put together a collection of things that help me sustain this frequency of happiness. Beyond the precious, soft kisses of a loved one or a stolen moment of silence in my bedroom, these are the anchors giving me happiness. Perhaps, as you look through them, you might find a tool or two to help you cultivate your own.
Beauty, Refined: Body butters, sensual scents, and caring for your feet
Body butters that melt seamlessly into your skin
As a woman with dry skin, I’ve found that body butters are my secret weapon for deep, lasting hydration. Trust me, I’ve tried everything, and most lotions just don’t cut it. A good body butter, however, is a game-changer. The magic happens the moment it touches your skin; a rich, concentrated formula that melts on contact, feeling luxurious and instantly soothing. It provides an intense boost of moisture that not only relieves dryness but also leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and supple for hours.
I’ve made them a cornerstone of my skincare routine, and I highly recommend them to anyone struggling with similar skin concerns.
Now, let me share some of my favourite body butters that truly deliver on this promise of velvety-smooth, deeply nourished skin:
Ivory Butter in “Rose & Vanilla”
₦9,030
Arami Essentials
This whipped shea butter is an absolute dream to use. It’s incredibly lightweight, so it melts into the skin effortlessly without any greasy residue. The scent is divine — a delicate and comforting blend of rose and vanilla that’s so good, you almost want to put it on toast! The fragranced nature of this butter is also a fantastic way to start building scent layers. It’s a perfect foundation for your favourite floral and neo-gourmand perfumes.
Body Buh’er in “Vanilla”
₦9,200
Acen Beauty
I’m totally hooked on this. It’s a warm, authentic vanilla that’s so comforting and delicious, you’ll find yourself sniffing your arms all day. What I love most, though, is how long it lasts. It locks in moisture from the moment I put it on until I’m ready to wind down for the night. My skin stays hydrated, soft, and smells amazing from dawn until dusk. It’s a simple product, but the long-lasting effect makes a huge difference in my routine.
Give your feet some love
Our feet do so much for us every single day, yet they’re often the most neglected part of our bodies. They’re carrying us through everything, and a simple routine can make a world of difference. I’ve found a perfect duo that has completely transformed my tired, rough feet. I’m talking about a great exfoliating foot scrub to slough away rough, dead skin and a luxurious foot cream for deep moisture and protection. This combination is a total game-changer, leaving my feet feeling refreshed, pampered, and ready to take on the world.
Ultra Exfoliating Foot Lotion
₦11,650
Dr Scholls
After a long day, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of applying this foot lotion. It instantly refreshes and revitalises tired feet, providing a much-needed sense of relief. What’s even better is that it can exfoliate your skin without needing to be washed off. The lotion’s unique formula goes to work, leaving the skin feeling incredibly soft, supple, and noticeably brighter. It’s perfect for transforming feet from weary and dull to pampered and renewed.
SA Renewing Foot Cream
₦4,800
CeraVe
What makes this so effective is its formula. It combines salicylic acid to gently exfoliate rough, dead skin and three ceramides to help restore and protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This dual-action approach not only smooths the surface but also improves the long-term health of the skin. It absorbs quickly and feels lightweight, which I appreciate because it doesn’t leave a greasy residue. It’s an essential product for keeping my feet feeling soft, healthy, and well-maintained.
Makeup that’s really you
Our faces express so much of who we are every single day, yet eyebrows and cheeks are often rushed through in our makeup routines. When I went to makeup school, eyebrows were the first thing I fell in love with. They frame our entire face, and can completely transform our look with just a few strategic strokes. I’ve found the perfect brow and blush tools that have completely revolutionised my daily routine. I’m talking about a precision brow pencil that creates natural-looking hair-like strokes to fill and define, paired with a beautifully blendable blush that adds that perfect flush of colour to bring life back to your complexion. This combination is a total game-changer, leaving my face looking polished, vibrant, and ready to express my best self to the world.
Browgasm Refeel
₦11,000
Didi Beauty
This refillable brow pencil is a total game-changer. Its unique, ultra-precise tip effortlessly fills in sparse areas, giving you defined, natural-looking brows that last all day — no touch-ups needed. The one-shade-fits-all formula adapts to every skin tone, providing an instant confidence boost. This innovative tool comes from Didi Beauty, a brand with a strong focus on sustainability. It stays sharp and in place, even through sweat, ensuring your brows always look impeccably shaped and full.
Cheeks Suede Powder Blush in ``RIRI``
₦34,000
Fenty Beauty
They say there’s no such thing as blush blindness, and honestly, I’m living proof of that! I’m absolutely obsessed with how the right blush can completely change your entire vibe in seconds. One sweep of this across your cheeks, and you look awake, healthy, and more importantly, happy. This shade has become my absolute go-to because it gives me that perfect warm glow with just the right amount of shimmer.
Sensual scents that invigorate
My favourite thing about myself is that I always smell fantastic. It’s a quality I take immense pride in curating. To me, smelling good is a form of self-expression and a way to enhance every moment. It’s not just about wearing a single fragrance, but about building a carefully selected wardrobe of scents for different occasions, seasons, and moods. It’s important for me to feel perfectly attuned to my surroundings. These are the perfumes that bring me happiness this month.
One Essence Intense
₦126,000
Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein perfumes will always hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of my father. This month, I’ve been particularly drawn to One Essence Intense. It’s a beautifully balanced fragrance that I find both fresh and sensual, which is a difficult combination to master. The crisp notes of bergamot and green tea provide a clean, invigorating opening, while the warm, enveloping base of sandalwood and musk adds a layer of depth and intimacy. The scent’s green and citrus profile is what makes me love it so much. It instantly brings to mind the now-discontinued Issey Miyake “A Scent,” a fragrance I’ve always cherished for its clear, green quality.
Alien Hypersense
₦271,000
Mugler
This scent absolutely captivated me the moment I discovered it in Milan. What I love most is how the fragrance manages to be so intoxicating and heady without ever being cloying. The prominent jasmine sambac note is utterly seductive and powerful. Yet, it is beautifully balanced by a bright top note of pear. This keeps it from becoming too heavy. This creates a deeply mesmerising and alluring scent that feels both sophisticated and bold. It’s a perfume that commands attention and leaves a lasting, unforgettable impression.
Style, Elevated: playful, fun dresses and bags
Playful dresses with utterly flattering silhouettes
I love dresses that combine a playful spirit with an utterly flattering silhouette. These are the pieces I’m obsessed with right now. They flow freely and move beautifully, all while furiously flattering the figure.
They strike the perfect balance between comfort and style, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice a gorgeous silhouette for a dress that’s fun and easy to wear.
Dayar Mini Dress
₦214,920
Oríré
This dress is the definition of “business in the front, party in the back.” The back is what truly makes this dress, and the ruffles are my absolute favourite detail. They create a fun, unexpected element that turns a simple silhouette into something playful and unique. It’s a dress that captures a sense of effortless style, perfect for when I want to feel both chic and fun.
Mermaid Dress in “Purple”
₦40,000
Bawsty
I absolutely adore this dress, not just for its breathtaking colour, but because it’s a Bawsty creation. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this brand. Their pieces are effortlessly chic, easy to wear, and always gorgeous — and this particular mermaid dress is no exception. The stunning, iridescent purple makes a powerful statement and is incredibly flattering. I adore its ability to accentuate curves in a meaningful way that celebrates a fuller figure. It perfectly encapsulates everything I love about Bawsty.
Bags for women who want to have fun
When we talk about fun in the sun, our focus often goes straight to skin protection, but true glamour and well-being demand that we don’t forget our eyes. Just like our skin, our eyes are susceptible to sun damage, and prolonged exposure can lead to discomfort and long-term issues. Plus, let’s be honest, nothing elevates a travel look quite like a fabulous pair of sunglasses! They’re not just a fashion statement; they’re an essential layer of protection, ensuring your eyes stay comfortable and healthy, allowing you to truly soak in every beautiful view your journey offers.
Ribbon Bag in “Green”
₦30,000
Qreenade
The playful design immediately caught my eye, especially the delightful contrast between the elegant pearl handle and the vibrant green crochet. It’s super cute, absolutely fun, and striking all at once. The unique combination of textures and colours makes it a truly special accessory.
Artemis Bag
₦65,000
21 Wool Street
I’m completely captivated by this piece. They aptly named this silver stunner after the moon goddess, and the piece truly lives up to its name. It’s a bag that can add a dose of pizzazz to any outfit. Its bold, striking design makes it the perfect accessory for women who aren’t afraid to make a statement.
Mindful Living: as within, as without
Enriching your mind, enrich your life
Having a healthy mindset is incredibly important to me. I’ve always believed that our minds are the foundation of everything we do, and without a solid foundation, it’s impossible to build the life we truly want. I think everyone should make it a priority to invest in their mental well-being, whether that means practising gratitude, mindfulness, reading books, or simply taking time for self-reflection. When we get our minds to a meaningful place, we’re better equipped to handle challenges, pursue our goals, and create a life that’s not just successful, but also genuinely fulfilling.
These are two of my favourite tools:
Gratitude Journal
₦15,500
Nayyliving
I find this to be a powerful tool for reinforcing my core belief in the importance of gratitude. For me, gratitude is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s a fundamental practice that shapes my entire outlook. I’ve always made a conscious effort to avoid complaining, knowing it drains energy and rarely leads to anything productive. This journal beautifully complements that philosophy by providing a structured way to focus on the positive aspects of my life. It helps me to intentionally shift my perspective and acknowledge the good, which in turn strengthens my commitment to living a life free from negativity.
Outsmarting Reality
$12.46
Nero Knowledge
My journey with Nero Knowledge’s teachings began last year when I stumbled upon his YouTube channel, and I have been a dedicated follower ever since. This Amazon bestseller has been nothing short of life-changing for me. I appreciate how it cuts through new-age fluff, offering practical, actionable advice for creating real, lasting change in your life. By helping me understand my role as a conscious creator of my own reality, it has empowered me to stand firm in my power. This book isn’t just a read; it’s a guide that has provided me with a robust framework for navigating life with intention and confidence. I hold it in the highest regard and recommend it as often as possible.
The Season’s Affirmations
With everyone ramping up for the second half of the year, it’s a perfect time to focus on not just your goals, but your mental well-being. That’s why I created these affirmations — to offer a sense of balance and encouragement. It’s lovely to get your mind right and stay conscious of your inner peace, especially when new experiences and challenges unfold.
These affirmations are designed to be your steadfast companions, guiding you to find joy and a deep connection to yourself as you work towards your ambitions:
1.
I am intentional with my time and energy, focusing on what truly matters.
2.
I am resilient in the face of challenges, using them as opportunities to learn and grow.
3.
I am confident in my abilities and trust the path I am on.
4.
I am balanced, allowing myself time to rest and recharge as I work toward my goals.
5.
I am open to new opportunities and the success they will bring.
6.
I am grateful for every step of my journey, no matter how small.
7.
I am focused and driven, but I am also patient and kind to myself.
8.
I am in control of my inner peace, choosing it over stress and worry.
9.
I am the conscious creator of my reality, and I am shaping it with positive thoughts and actions.
10.
I am worthy of achieving my dreams, and I am taking powerful steps to make them a reality.
Happiness is what you make of it
It’s easy to see happiness as a byproduct of a perfect life, but in reality, it’s a deeply intentional practice. We live in a world filled with reasons to feel discouraged — from daily frustrations and unexpected setbacks to the constant pressure to keep up. The path of least resistance is often one of complaint and negativity, allowing external circumstances to dictate our internal state.
However, the true power lies in the reflective, conscious choice to push against that current. It’s about cultivating an inner world where we deliberately seek out and appreciate the many reasons for loving our life, even when things are difficult. It’s not about denying reality, but choosing to focus on moments of peace, small wins, and everyday gratitude that quietly sustain us. This conscious effort to look inward and find happiness is what allows us to create a meaningful and resilient existence.
I wish you a month full of happiness that you have chosen and curated for yourself.
Love always,
P.S – Special thanks to Beauty Hut Africa for the Ivory Butter in “Rose & Vanilla” by Arami Essentials.
