allure 10012021

January 10, 2021
Put Your
Best Foot
Forward
Beauty
Looks to
revamp you
This New
Year
Toyosi
Etim-Effiong
Finding Best Self

6
7
IN THIS ISSUE
email: allurefortheworld@vanguardngr.com
HAPPINESS
4 Cover: Toyosi Etim-Effiong;
Finding Best Self
6 Sexmatics: New Year
Lockdown: Mutual Sex In Marriage
CELEBRATION
3
7
Fashion : Put Your Best Foot Forward
Beauty : Beauty Looks to revamp you
This New Year
10 JANUARY 2021
8 Instagram Moments
WELCOME...
While the year 2020 may not have
been the best for many, we can’t
keep lamenting over it again and
again. With all that happened and is
still happening, we just must shrug it
off and forge ahead.
The year is still very young; the
earlier we took stock and moved
forward, the better.
Having a fresh start means taking
off by putting your best foot forward.
This could mean different things to
different people. In all, putting ones
best foot forward will involve hard work, putting in great effort,
and dedication to whatever we set our hearts to do this year.
Putting your best foot forward would involve going the extra
mile, burning the midnight oil, trying your hardest and putting
the work to see you accomplish every dream that you have
imagined for yourself. Although it may not literarily mean
wearing the best shoes, like Josphine Agbonkhese listed on pg
3, it could be the take off point to show the effort made in
leaving a good and lasting impression.
Toyosi Etim-Effiong, Digital Media Strategist, sure
demonstrated this English phrase when she dared to become
an author by publishing her first book, Now you know me
better.
She bares it all to Yemisi Suleiman on page 4-5.
How about having a fresh start with your beauty looks this
year? See what our reporter, Linda Orajekwe, put together not
just to help you have a fresh beauty beginning, but to help you
present yourself in the best possible light.
Have a fresh start and remember
to put your best foot forward.
Have a great week.
J . E
Jemi Ekunkunbor
lookposh2017@gmail.com
08052201126
Quotes
“The most beautiful
makeup of a woman is
passion. But cosmetics
are easier to buy.”
- Yves Saint-Laurent
“And, in the end
The love you take
is equal to the love
you make.”
- Paul McCartney
“A man who wants to
lead the orchestra
must turn his back on
the crowd”
- Max Lucado
8
EDITOR
JEMI EKUNKUNBOR
ASST. EDITOR
YEMISI SULEIMAN
REPORTER
Josephine Agbonkhese
COPY EDITOR
DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST
PHOTO
OSCAR OCHIOGU
(08034746487)
TEAM
CONTRIBUTORS
LINDA ORAJEKWE
ADESUWA
EWOIGBOKHAN
BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA
LAYOUT / DESIGN
OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE
HEAD OF PRODUCTION
CHARLES KAMMA
HEAD MARKETING
JANET NAJOMOH
(08037156911)
Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd
Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos.

FASHION
Put Your
Best Foot
Forward
By - Josephine Agbonkhese
Whether you are headed to work, lunch, a party or wherever, a
stylish footwear will elevate your look and bring a unique touch
to every outfit. Luckily, there is a myriad of show-stopping
designs to choose from among the top 2021 shoe trends.
No one can have enough shoes; so what are you waiting for?
Let the world be your runway as you put your best foot forward
with these trending shoes for women in 2021.
Aquazzura
Embellished
Satin Pump
Gianvito
Rossi
Jimmy
Choo
Christian
Louboutin
Altilege
MERCY EKE
Tom
Ford
Suede
Pumps
Sophia
Webster
Chiara
Platform
Jimmy Choo
Satin Sandals
Alexandre
Vauthier
January 10, 2021 / 3

INTERVIEW
Toyosi Etim-Effiong:
Finding Best Self
Words By - Yemisi Suleiman
Digital Media Strategist and latest author in town, Toyosi Etim-Effiong, is definitely having the
best time of her life. Married to actor and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong, and blessed with a
beautiful daughter, her debut book Now You Know Me Better, chronicles experiences in life that
shaped her into the woman she is proud of today.
Not new to the media space, Toyosi’s professional career started off in the banking industry where she
worked as an Internal Auditor for Guaranty Trust Bank, before she made the career move to the Media and
Entertainment Industry. Starting off in multiple capacities including being a presenter, producer, writer
and reporter at Sahara TV New York , she has since worked across different media platforms in the country
holding her own as content creator.
In this encounter, Toyosi shares with us, her journey to publishing amongst other issues.
What is the inspiration behind your debut book,
Now You Know Me Better?
Now you know me better is a recollection of
experiences that have led up to this moment where
I’m confident of the woman I’m becoming. There are
occurences growing up which I was ashamed of, even
when I wasn’t responsible for them. But talking about
them over the years opened my mind to the fact that
those experiences shaped me.
I also shared about my experience being married
to a budding celebrity; the women, the loneliness, the
invasion of privacy and so much more. You should read
it! I was inspired to write the full version of these stories
after I saw people’s reactions to the snippets I shared
on Instagram. It also helped that there wasn’t much
going on during the lockdown; so, I was able to start
and finish writing the book during that period.
Did you work with other professionals on your path
to publication?
Yes I did. I had initially thought it was just going to
be an e-book that people could download and enjoy.
I wasn’t really taking it serious. I had even designed a
cover with weird polkadots on canvas but I was praying
one morning and the Holy Spirit said very clearly
to me that everything I did had to have the mark of
excellence on it. That was when I knew that this was
serious to Him. So, I got professionals on board to help
with the editing and cover design and miraculously, a
publisher came on board and took over publishing and
distribution.
Tell us a bit about the books and authors that have
inspired you?
One of my all-time favourites is The Alchemist by
Paulo Coelho. The favourite line that stood out for me is
“When you really want something to happen, the whole
universe will conspire so that your wish comes true”.
I think that is so powerful. I also admire Chimamanda
and all she has accomplished through her writing. The
end of Half of A Yellow Sun still haunts when I think of
it. I’m currently in a personal development phase so I’m
reading a lot of personal development books. Favourite
so far are Hello Tomorrow by Dr Cindy Trimm, Secrets
of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker and Firebrand
Forerunner by Debola Deji-Kurunmi
At what point in life did you discover you had a flair
for writing?
Writing for me has always been a hobby. In fact,
taking it all the way back, English Language and
Literature were two of my favourite subjects growing
up. I started off writing about my experiences on my
blog in 2010. I had the not-so-anonymous blog for
years, then I became a contributor on Bellanaija where
I would write about mind shifts, personal development
and some of my experiences as well. I wrote a couple
of articles for Genevieve Magazine and Glam Africa,
and with the advent of social media, I’ve written tons of
stories on Instagram.
Of all your experiences that you have written about,
which one has the strongest effect on your life?
The dichotomy of my childhood. I am the woman I
am now because of the dual experiences I had growing
up and I won’t trade that for anything.
What challenges did you face writing this book?
I have an almost 2-year old who needed my
attention from time to time when she’s not running
around the house. So, I had to tailor my writing
schedule to her schedule. Thankfully, I have a good
support system in my husband and our staff at home,
so it wasn’t super-hectic. I had to stay up late though
to meet my deadlines and incorporate feedback from
the editor. The other major challenge was in my mind
where I was thinking thoughts like, “Who sent you?”,
“Will anybody read?”, “Does anybody care about what
I’m writing now?” etc.
You are a wife, mother and career woman, what is
your secret to coping with work and family?
Having the most amazing support system; and the
head of that support system is God. I went through a
major depressive phase this year after Pastor Ibidun
passed on. I called her mama. It was only God who
pulled me out because I just saw myself sinking deeper
and deeper into depression. God just continued to show
up. So, He’s the major reason why I can cope with the
life that I have.
I’m also more disciplined with my schedule. I’m
the queen of getting important things done when
they should be done. I protect my time and channel
my energy in the right things because, I’ve learned
that energy is finite. If you waste it on something
unproductive, you can never get that time and energy
back. So, being disciplined with my schedule helps.
When you are not working or writing what do you
do? How do you relax?
I’m either playing with my daughter, reading or
listening to a book, catching up with friends or watching
Netflix.
What inspires you in life generally?
I’m inspired by my potential, what I know has been
deposited in me. I heard Cindy Trimm say something
like a lot of people are going to be surprised when they
meet who they should have been. So on the last day,
God will be like, you were supposed to be e.g Secretary
General of UN but you stopped at being a manager at
a multinational thinking that was it! That thought that I
should be so much more than I currently am, inspires
me to reach for the highest version of myself.
4 / January 10, 2021

INTERVIEW
Do you have an idea or the vision of what the
highest version of yourself is?
It’s being fully transformed to a state where my
actions, reactions, character, speech, mind, everything
about me is exactly like Christ’s regardless of what
popular culture dictates.
What is fashion like for you? how would you
describe your dress sense ?
I’m really laid back when it comes to making fashion
choices. I love chic but comfortable pieces that I can
eat well and breathe in. Fashion is not my forté but I
like to look good.
Where did you grow up and what was growing up
like for you?
Without giving much of Now You Know Me Better
away, growing up for me was fun and confusing
at the same time. I had to balance growing up on
Bode Thomas and going to school in Victoria Island
with spending weekends at Amukoko, close to
Ajegunle with my grandma and cousins. So it felt
like during the week, I was living a certain life and
during the weekends, another. I am a product of both
backgrounds. Read the full story in my book.
Did that in anyway inform your choice of career as
a teenager?
To be honest, I think the career decision was made
for me by my family. If I were to choose, I would most
likely have dived right into the arts and media space;
but I found myself studying Economics and even going
on to get a Master’s degree in Economic Development
and Policy Analysis. It was after I had worked in a bank
for three years after the MSc, that I decided to finally
pursue my dream career in Media.
What is the next step for Toyosi?
I am going to enjoy being a first-time, newlypublished
author for a while, go on book tours, continue
with my podcast, As Toyo, Says and in a few months,
I’ll go back to producing content for TV and digital.
Do you have a New Year Resolution? If you do,
what is it and why?
My New Year’s resolution is to work on existing
relationships. I have a number of friendships that are
still very surface that I’d like to deepen. For this year,
I’m being intentional about certain friendships and
relationships.
What are your expectations for the year 2021?
I’m expecting increase, growth and all things
working together for my good. No matter what the year
brings, good, not-so-good, up or down, everything must
work in my favour this year! I’m no longer leaving things
to chance. I’m creating my world with my words.
I’m inspired by
my potential,
what I know has
been deposited
in me.
January 10, 2021 / 5

with Adesuwa 07011289316 | adesuwaewoigbokhan@hotmail.com
New Year Lockdown:
Mutual Sex In Marriage
w
hile many have bid farewell to a
challenging and tumultuous 2020,
lockdown seems to be looming in
many parts of the country due to the
coronavirus pandemic that is once
again, rearing it’s ugly head. Not withstanding, it is
very important to make sure our love lives do not go
to rut by adopting some of the tips below to spice the
other room, and bring in 2021 in style.
Copulation in wedlock should not be for one
particular spouse; instead, both should settle for
reciprocally satisfying sex that they need and feel
contentment and intimacy from. This could be a
regular fun activity to engage in especially, as both
desired, though this could take some adjusting to.
God made lovemaking to be a wonderful
experience for both the man and the woman. Your
husband is not a sex bull. God wants both man and
woman to pleasure each other in real sexual
intimacy. Imposition is not fancy or sexy, both should
give sexually.
Men should step up their game and appreciate
their women- this means being patient when she is
feeling plainly tired, sick or not in the mood [assuming
these are temporary limitations].
Women if you don’t want to copulate during your
menstrual period, be extra flirty, explore and communicate
more. This will help in connecting emotionally, spiritually
and physically so that by the time you are done, you and
your man will be ready for some fun.
If you care to have a sound romantic sex life, be great
friends with your spouse, have time for each
other. Show love to one another, communicate,
be dedicated and have fun with each other. The
sexual intimacy and sexual freedom will not be
sizzling if the relationship is not healthy.
It is not easy to achieve sexual mutuality in
marriage if both partners are carrying loads of
feelings, and contradictory beliefs into bed with
them. This could be childhood sexual abuse,
promiscuity, pornography etc. These kinds of
unsettled matters, usually come into the
bedroom as hindrance to growing the kind of
intimacy couples desire to experience with one
another.
Take advantage of excellent communication
to handle your differences. For an environment
where sexual information is so pervasive, one
would have thought we would all have
knowledge of what is expected of us but
unfortunately, that seems not to be the case.
Usually, men and women approach sex
differently. Men’s angle is through the sexual
door; a whole different direction from women
who want to be emotionally close to their man
before they can comfortably enter into sexual
intimacy. If this is absent, it will be difficult for her
to indulge wholeheartedly in the physical side.
So know this difference and work on it.
Sex in marriage should be mutual; if it is
one- sided, couple will never achieve intimacy as
it could produce resentment, should they be
willing to move towards mutuality in sex. You
being a good lover does not have anything to do
with what you need, but your ability to see sex
from your partner’s view point, work to
understand and meet those needs. You will see
fireworks if both partners view copulation as an
opportunity to serve and fill each other’s needs.
Genuinely engage in your sexual desires.
You will, eventually, find the balance suitable
between self interest and generous self-giving.
In the process, reclaim the matrimonial bed as a
good gift rather than a burdensome obligation
especially, as total lockdown is loading.
ACCESSORIES EVERY
BEDROOM NEEDS
A bedroom is not a bedroom without a bed, and not much of a bedroom without
at least, a few pieces of essential furniture particularly a dresser and at least
one nightstand. But even with all of the essentials in place, your bedroom
might still be lacking that special something. That’s because, for the most part,
it’s the accessories that transform a functional but plain room into a cosy and
attractive space that feels welcoming after a long day.
Here are some of the accessories that every bedroom needs.
to stay cosy when curled up in your reading chair with your favourite
magazine.
Toss Pillows: Here’s another opportunity to add shots of colour, pattern,
and texture to your bedroom décor. Add a few toss pillows to your bed and
instantly, your room will look better.
Impact Lightening : You should have several sources of light in your
bedroom; bedside lamp, a floor lamp, and perhaps, ceiling lighting. If your
bedroom lack these lights,you’re missing a great chance to boost your
bedroom’s appeal.
Large Artwork: Give your bedroom some style with something large
and striking on the wall over your bed. When considering your options, don’t
limit yourself to framed paintings or prints. Other choices include quilts,
ornate mirrors, architectural trim, wall decals, framed maps, enlarged
photos, or tapestries.
Houseplants
Every bedroom needs a houseplant or two. They help purify the air, add a
touch of living colour, and give a serene feel to the space.
Throw Blanket
Every bedroom should have a colourful throw blanket to add a spark of colourful
contrast. Keep it folded across the foot of your bed to warm your feet on chilly
nights. Wrap it around your shoulders when you sit up in bed to watch TV, or use it
6
/ January 10, 2021

Crystal
Eyeliner
This is a 2021 look you want to
try for special occasions. To
stand out on those red carpet
events like a movie premiere,
weddings, product launch and
special family gathering, style
your eye right by opting for
crystals to line your eyes rather
than eye shadow. Not only
does this give the same effect
with the eye shadow, which is
bringing attention to your
eyes, it also makes the crowd
perceive you as stylish
especially if the crystal goes
well with your look. A perfect accessory in a
time like this where mask is a compulsory
part of fashion and style.
Softly
Smoked
Wing
Revamping your look in 2021
might require you to try what is
rarely done; and if there is
one look that can do that, it is
the smoked winged eyeliner
but applied softly.
This look will give enough
attention to your eye,
especially with your mask on.
To achieve this, draw your
wing and take it up to create
a V with a graphic liner,
then softly, smudge the
inside of the lines to
create a hazy inner
shadow.
By - Linda Orajekwe
While COVID-19 took over our 2020, if
there’s one part of our style we will not
let 2021 take over fully, it’s our beauty
looks. We all hoped COVID-19 will go
with 2020, but the pandemic seems to
think differently as it has led itself into
2021 throwing us back into our masked
looks. So, once again, we focus on the
face, giving it extra beauty time.
Here are four beauty looks curated to
help you revamp your beauty looks and
put your best face forward, even with
your mask on!
BEAUTY
Beauty Looks
to revamp you
This New Year
Nude
Neutrals
While the natural look is one look
people opt for, using neutrals to do
just that will help you stand out
beautifully in 2021. This look can be
achieved with your subtle makeup
routine that includes a nude
eyeshadow, nude lipstick and pencils
that are very close to your lashes to
complement the natural vibe.
Laminated
Look
With this look, everything
gets the chance to pop; from
your shiny shadows to your
glistening highlighter,
bronzer and your glossy lips(
which can be seen when the
mask is off). Too much of
everything is bad but
everything in moderation
can be perfection!
January 10, 2021 / 7

INSTAGRAM
MOMENTS
With Yemisi Suleiman
In case you missed, these were the most Interesting pictures and stories
on Instagram last week as posted by your favourite celebrities.
Anita Joseph marks birthday in style
Actress Anita Joseph was a year older last week, and to
celebrate the day, the curvy actress took to her handle to
sensitize her followers with dazzling pictures, as she gives
appreciation to God for the gift of life.
“This adorable day, a very special day, an angel was born.
On this special day, I just want to thank you God for the
priceless gift of life that you have given me, and for the
wonderful people you have put in my Life. I have had
moments where I wondered why God loves me so much
chai, to give me another year of bliss filled with love. I have
assurance and trust God for the many more years of bliss
ahead. I kneel on your throne and I am shouting at the rooftop
saying, thank you, Jesus.
I’m most loved by God. Happy special birthday to me.” She
wrote.
Nengi Living
the dream
Ex Big Brother Naija
housemate, Rebecca
Nengi Hampson, simply
known as Nengi is no
doubt living the life
months after the close of
the reality show.
Nengi who was
recently appointed
Senior Special Assistant
to Bayelsa State
Government, stated this
much, as she marked her
birthday early last week,
with this beautiful photo
on her instagram page.
“On this day 23
years ago, Mama Flora
gave birth to a Queen.
Living the dream.” she
wrote.
Rudeboy on the reality of Covid 19
For those who still doubt the existence of the
Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID19) in Nigeria, Paul Okoye
(now known as Rude Boy) of the defunct P-Square group,
who tested positive for the killer virus recently, has a
word for them. “ATTENTION!!! Covid is REAL!!! I know,
as typical Nigerians or Africans, it is very hard to believe.
Some will say, “experience is the best teacher” oh well, the
experience and the teacher have visited me and they’ve
been dealing with me for more than 10days now. Shit is
not funny, worst sickness ever!!!
You all better be careful out there, if you like believe me,
if you like don’t believe me, you can as well wait for your
own experience by playing ignorance. Goodluck. God help
us all.” The singer warned on his instagram handle.
A few days later and obviously feeling better and healed
of the virus, Rudeboy posted a better photo of himself on
his page while informing his fans of his negative status.
“Happy new year all. 2021 please don’t overhype it
ohhhh abeg, just take it easy as it comes. Na over hype
spoil 2020. I’m better, stronger, tested negative after
11days.”
New Year tidings for
Dbanj and Wife
The New Year came with good tidings for
musician, Dapo Oyebanjo aka Dbaj and his
wife Lineo, who celebrated the birth of their
newborn baby girl. Holding the newborn in
his arms, the singer took to his instagram
page on New Year’s Day January 1 to share
the good news to his fans.
“As I Hold My Daughter, My Own
babylet in my Arms On This Day, all the
proof in God I need is in Her Eyes, you
are a gift from the heavens and my God
indeed honoured His word in Psalms
65:11. And to my Beautiful Wife Lineo,
I watched how you changed by the
day and I marveled at your strength.
I couldn’t imagine the stress you had
to go through carrying another human
in a body. But you taught me what real
strength is as you endured every kick
and chang, just to give us our baby
girl, while still taking care of all of us.
You are wonderful love and a Rare
Gem. I’m grateful I get to wake up to
you. You have proven yet again, that
you are unmistakably one of the best
gifts God has ever blessed me with.
I love you. Happy New Year. 2021 is
full of GRACE. Zane your Little sister
is here.”
Friends and fans have since taken to
social media to drop their congratulatory
messages for the couple who lost their
first-child a few years ago. However, in
September 2019, he welcomed the birth
of his son Zane and now, another baby
girl.