March is a time for reflection, celebration, and power. This first Elevate & Illuminate edition is a love letter to living fully — balancing strength, ambition, and ease with intentional, enriching picks.
To me, March holds a special significance — it’s International Women’s Month, The Guardian Woman Festival’s month, and my birth month. For many of us, it is a time for reflection, celebration, and stepping fully into our power.
This first edition of Elevate & Illuminate is born from my love of living — fully, authentically, and on my own terms. It’s an ode to the art of balance — strength and softness, confidence and ease, ambition and restoration. I’ve spent an incredible amount of time researching, testing, and curating with intention, so I can bring you the very best — top picks across fashion, beauty, and mindful living to elevate your everyday moments, and illuminate the overlooked, making time spent in your world richer, more vibrant, and deeply enjoyable.
Immerse yourself in my handpicked favourites for a deeply meaningful March:
Beauty, Refined: radiant reds, glowing skin, and sensual scents
For power and presence, choose red
Red is more than a colour — it’s a force. It stimulates energy, boosts confidence, and commands attention. Leaders wear it, seductresses swear by it, and I embrace it unapologetically. It dares, dominates, and most importantly, demands to be seen.
Command every room you walk into with:
Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in “Pioneer”
₦14,600
Maybelline
Who am I without a bold matte red liquid lipstick? “Pioneer” by Maybelline isn’t just a shade — it’s a statement. Bold yet timeless, this rich, cool-toned red exudes confidence, strength, and the audacity of those who lead with conviction.
In My Skin Liquid Blush in “Ruby”
₦8,500
Nuban Beauty
As a devoted blush enthusiast, I swear by “Ruby” — a stunning berry hue that flatters all skin tones. It blends seamlessly, delivering a natural, luminous flush that radiates warmth and purpose.
Nourish your skin’s radiance and embody your power
Radiance is an undeniable mark of vitality, confidence, and self-assurance. True glow isn’t just about highlighter or hydration; it’s the unmistakable aura of well-nurtured skin. These essentials go beyond surface beauty, working to replenish, protect, and enhance, so your skin mirrors the power within.
Embrace effortlessly luminous, healthy skin with:
Plumping Hydrating Complex Serum
₦17,500
Junederm
When it comes to healthy, radiant skin, we often overlook the vital role of hydration and a strong skin barrier. This hydrating serum, packed with peptides, niacinamide, and amino acids, provides a nourishing blend that revitalises tired, lacklustre, skin — and this is why it tops my list. It leaves my skin feeling supple, hydrated, and most of all, healthy.
F-Hydra Moisturizer
₦36,190
Bolden
If you’re committed to hydration and protecting your skin barrier as I am, Bolden’s F-Hydra Moisturizer is simply a must-have. This power-packed moisturiser is the very definition of “a little goes a long way.” One pea-sized dollop floods the skin with hydration, keeping it balanced, resilient, and beautifully healthy throughout the day.
The evocative power of fragrance
Scents hold an undeniable power — they awaken memories, set the tone, and shape our experiences. A spritz of perfume can be a personal signature, a silent introduction, or a lingering whisper of presence. The right home fragrance doesn’t just fill a space; it envelops it in warmth, sophistication, or serenity.
Leave an undeniable trail of power with these unforgettable scents:
Khamrah
₦43,750
Lattafa
An embodiment of power and splendour, this fragrance wraps me in warmth from the very first spritz. The bold spice of the cinnamon and nutmeg top notes command attention, while the heart notes of dates, praline, and mahogany birth its deep sweetness. Vanilla, tonka bean, myrrh, amberwood, and akigalawood come together in an intoxicating allure. When I wear this fragrance, I am powerful, sensual, and unforgettable.
Scandal Absolu
$130
Jean Paul Gaultier
Draped in gold and made for the bold, Scandal Absolu by Jean Paul Gaultier is everything I love in a fragrance — fearless, sensual, and utterly unapologetic. It opens with the juicy temptation of black fig, lush and impossible to resist. At its heart, tuberose takes centre stage, wrapping me in its velvety, heady embrace. Finally, the scent melts into a sumptuous base of sandalwood — rich, warm, and completely unforgettable. Decadent, daring, and dripping with opulence, this is a fragrance for those who don’t just make an entrance—they own the room.
Style, Elevated: where structure meets effortless allure
The perfect power garments
Power dressing isn’t just about what you wear — it’s how you take up space. I love how structured silhouettes, bold accessories, and commanding colours come together to create a look that speaks before I even say a word. It’s confidence, authority, and presence — woven into every detail.
These are my favourite pieces built for undeniable impact:
Aya Striped Fringe Robe Dress
$647
Kílẹ̀ńtàr
The Aya Striped Fringe Robe Dress by Kílẹ̀ńtàr speaks to everything I love in fashion — a structured silhouette, colour, and impeccable detailing. It’s the perfect piece for a woman like me, who delights in playfulness but never compromises on power.
Rosa Dress
£170
Rendoll
I find power in my sensuality, and the Rosa Dress by Rendoll captures that perfectly. With its bold colour and delicate breast cut-out detailing, it’s flirty, fun, and effortlessly seductive — a dress that makes me feel confident, radiant, and completely unforgettable.
Adorning with intention
Jewellery is my favourite kind of magic — there’s something about the right piece that makes me feel regal, luxurious, and completely in my element. Adorning myself with jewellery isn’t just about accessorising; it’s about embodying strength and grace in the subtlest yet most powerful way.
These are the pieces that are speaking to me:
Maji Wavy ring & Mdudu ring
₦28,000 & ₦45,000
Unrefyned
These rings by Unrefyned are statement pieces that feel like armour — bold, daring, and impossible to ignore. “Mdudu”, with its scarab-like design, carries deep spiritual significance, reminding me of transformation and protection. Locally made and crafted from bronze , they not only embody striking elegance and personal power but also reflect a commitment to sustainability. As someone who adores rings that make a statement, these pieces resonate with me, with their meaningful design and eco-conscious craftsmanship.
Aziza Earrings
₦30,500
Curio Class
Delicate yet powerful, the Aziza Earrings by Curio Class embody a perfect harmony of strength and grace. Their gold and pearl design, reminiscent of flower petals, carries an effortless elegance — ethereal yet grounded. I love how they frame the face with a touch of refinement, making a statement that is soft yet striking, subtle yet undeniably captivating.
Footwear for the bright and ambitious
Step into your power — literally. The right pair of shoes is more than just an accessory; it’s a declaration. Every step is a statement, every stride a testament to confidence, poise, and presence.
These pieces aren’t just footwear — they’re the foundation of an unstoppable walk:
Toy pump in goatskin in “Burgundy”
€1,125
LOEWE
The Toy Pump in Goatskin by LOEWE is nothing short of a masterpiece. I adore LOEWE — their shoes are the perfect fusion of artistry and power, intricate yet undeniably bold. This pair is no exception, balancing sculptural beauty with statement-making confidence. An absolute love, love, love for me!
Sling backs in “Pink”
₦42,000
Gbemisoke Shoes
Pink is one of my favourite colours, and this shade brings just the right amount of vibrancy and confidence, making it the ultimate power piece. Versatile yet striking, they can elevate any look — whether casual, business casual, or refined elegance — while adding a perfect pop of colour.
Mindful Living: mastering the art of balance 🕯️
The power of grounding
In a world that glorifies the hustle, true luxury lies in knowing when to pause. Grounding isn’t about slowing down — it’s about moving with intention, honouring the rhythms of both rest and ambition. Success isn’t just measured by achievements, but by how well you sustain yourself along the way. Create space for stillness, lean into replenishing rituals, and return to the centre of your power.
Here are my counterparts on the journey to embrace stillness:
“Mandarin Mimosa” scented candle
₦50,000
LOHN
A spark of joy captured in wax, “Mandarin Mimosa” is a fragrance that awakens the senses and stirs the spirit. Its bright, effervescent notes fuel my creativity, illuminating my solar plexus and sacral chakra with warmth and inspiration. Rest isn’t always about stillness—sometimes, it’s found in movement that feels like self-love. Dancing as this candle flickers, wrapped in its radiant scent, is a ritual of restoration that is both invigorating and complete.
Stone Glow Mineral Bath Salts in ``Orris & Ylang Ylang``
₦35,000
Modern Classics
After a long day on my feet, nothing feels more rewarding than a warm soak infused with Orris & Ylang Ylang Mineral Bath Salts. Caring for my feet is a ritual I cherish, and this blend offers the perfect way to unwind — soothing away tension while inviting deep relaxation. It’s a small yet luxurious treat that encourages me to pause, recharge, and fully embrace rest.
Under-the-Radar Finds
Restoring Body Butter
₦8,000
24.8 skin by Aisha
Divinely scented and exquisitely gentle, 24.8 Skin by Aisha’s Restoring Body Butter is a masterful blend of nourishment and fragrance. Though I rarely gravitate toward fruity notes, the rose-hip and goji berry infusion is utterly captivating. Its elegant scent lingers beautifully, wrapping the skin in a veil of softness for hours.
NK Lip Gel in ``Rosehip``
₦2,900
Hair&BeautyCorp
I’m obsessed with this budget-friendly lip gloss—it shines like no other! The moment it glides on, my lips feel unbelievably soft and lush, with a glossy finish that looks almost glass-like. Packed with vitamin E, it keeps them moisturised all day, so they never feel sticky—just smooth, plump, and radiant.
The Season’s Affirmations
Affirmations are my way of recalibrating my mind — of rewriting the script that shapes my reality. I believe that life mirrors the mind, that as within, so without. Too often, we tangle ourselves in the effects of life’s circumstances without addressing their true source: the mind.
We try to change outcomes without shifting the beliefs that create them. But real transformation begins at the root. By using affirmations, I anchor new truths into my subconscious, reshaping my inner world so that my outer world must follow. These are my March affirmations:
1.
I am bold, unwavering, and magnetic — like sleek leather, I move with confidence and grace.
2.
My presence is striking, my energy undeniable — like power red, I command attention effortlessly.
3.
I balance strength with softness, resilience with refinement — like crisp cotton, I embody effortless elegance.
4.
I radiate wealth, wisdom, and warmth — like luminous gold, I shine with purpose and power.
5.
I embrace the depth of my essence — like deep aubergine, I am rich in passion, poise, and presence.
6.
I am polished yet unshakeable — like fine metals, I reflect resilience, sophistication, and strength.
7.
Fearless yet refined, I take up space with intention, grace, and undeniable force.
8.
I walk with purpose, speak with conviction, and exude elegance in every movement.
9.
Like the perfect balance of texture and tone, I am a masterpiece of strength and beauty.
10.
I am the embodiment of power and poise — unapologetic, unstoppable, and unforgettable.
This March, let us find power as individuals and as one
Power isn’t just in what we wear, how we adorn ourselves, or the scents we leave in our wake — it’s in how we show up for ourselves, in the choices we make, and in the way we move through life with intention.
This edition of Elevate & Illuminate is a testament to that — to embracing beauty, style, and balance as acts of power. As we step into this special month, may we do so boldly, beautifully, and on our terms.
Welcome to our Power Issue.
Love always,
P.S – Special thanks to Beauty Hut Africa for sending over these beauty must-haves: the Plumping Hydrating Complex Serum by Junederm, F-Hydra Moisturizer by Bolden, Khamrah by Lattafa, and Super Stay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Pioneer by Maybelline.
