Winter brings harsher conditions and a whole new set of challenges for your skin. As the temperature shifts, so should your skincare routine – especially for melanin-rich skin, which requires extra hydration and barrier support in the cold months. We asked a few bare-faced local beauties for tips.

Dry is out, balanced is in

Zithobe Macheli, affectionately known as ‘The Skin Girl, developed a passion for skincare after struggling with acne at a young age.

“I remember spending so much time trying to figure out how to heal my skin- trying different products, consulting dermatologists and doing extensive research by reading medical journals on skin and skincare,” she says.

Since then, Zithobe has grown into a trusted voice within the beauty and skincare space, not only as a content creator but as an industry contributor.

She won the Woman&Home Best Beauty Influencer Award in 2022 and returned as a judge for the 2025 awards, reflecting her continued influence and credibility within the industry. She is also currently part of the CON (Creme of Nature) Squad and has collaborated with top-tier brands such as Garnier, Eucerin, L’Oréal, Nivea and Dermalogica.

When it comes to her skincare philosophy, she emphasises balance and restoration. “It’s essential to me that a product restores what my skin naturally contains – lipids like ceramides or squalene, and ingredients such as collagen and hyaluronic acid.”

See below for her top skincare tips.

The new consumers

Shannon Dougall, founder of local brand SKINfunctional, notes that younger consumers, Gen Z and Millennials, have grown up with unprecedented access to information.

Beauty product ingredient lists are scrutinised on TikTok, routines are debated in online communities, and dermatologists are easily accessible on social media. This generation is informed, discerning and less influenced by traditional advertising and more by influencers who show proven results.

SA’s beauty market grew 7% year-on-year to reach R65 billion in 2024, significantly outpacing GDP growth of just 0.6% over the same period.

Nick Hunt, general manager at RTSC (Retail Therapy Strategic Consulting) says, “What the data confirms is what we are seeing on the ground every day. This category is growing because consumers are demanding more from it, not because of clever marketing but because the products deliver visible results.”

Asiphe Nompozolo (@missmpozie), another popular beauty and lifestyle content creator, shares: “The best skincare advice that has always worked for me is simple: never skip sunscreen. Even in winter, applying sunscreen consistently and following correct usage instructions is essential for protecting and maintaining healthy skin.”

As someone who struggles with dry skin, she says that in the colder months, hydration is the foundation of her routine.

Rather than layering multiple products, Asiphe suggests a simple three-step routine. Cleanse with a hydrating face wash, apply a hydrating serum and follow with sunscreen and a hydrating, sealing moisturiser. “This approach maintains moisture levels without overwhelming the skin, which is especially important during the colder, drier months.”

In her daily skincare routine, Asiphe focuses on using hydrating products from the very first step. “I apply my products while my skin is still slightly damp from cleansing. This helps lock in the moisture more effectively.

And in winter, I switch to richer, more nourishing formulas that support my skin barrier and prevent dryness”

The anti-ageing angle

The narrative is evolving. Today’s consumer is no longer focused on reversing time, but on optimising skin health, resilience and regeneration. Environmental stressors compound the issue. In South Africa, high UV exposure – even in winter – remains one of the leading contributors to premature ageing. Add pollution, stress and lifestyle factors, and the skin’s natural capacity to regenerate is compromised earlier than expected.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves the same care you give to your overall health. From your mid-20s, collagen production declines by about 1% per year. By the time women reach their 40s and 50s, cumulative collagen loss contributes to thinning skin, reduced elasticity, fine lines and slower wound repair.

“Consumers are becoming more informed about the biology of ageing,” says Shannon. “They understand that hydration alone will not restore firmness or elasticity. They are looking for ingredients that stimulate cellular renewal and support structural integrity, which is where growth factors and regenerative molecules enter the conversation.”

@ingletondermatology

Omila Goboka

Joburg-based fashion and beauty influencer @omilagqoboka believes that healthy skin plays a key role in feeling good every day.

She shares her winter routine:

• Hydration and vitamin C are essential contributors to radiant skin. Vitamin C is non-negotiable for achieving brighter, healthier-looking skin. My winter staples include Lelive All Glow’d Up Brighten + Clarify Serum (R319), with vitamin C and turmeric, and a hydrating mist.
• With winter requiring extra care, I incorporate a rich moisturiser while continuing daily sunscreen use. This is essential, even during winter.
• As a mother, I also rely on Epi-max Cream for my children, a product I myself use as a body lotion throughout the year.

@honour.health

Zithobe Macheli

With a passion for skincare ingredient education, she shares her insights on @zithobemacheli to help others achieve healthy, glowing skin. Her top three tips are:

• Prioritise hydration

Often overlooked, hydration is one of the simplest ways to maintain a healthy skin barrier and achieve ‘glass’ skin.

• Keep it simple

Embrace a minimalist routine, focusing only on what your skin truly needs; everything else will follow.

• Exfoliate gently

Over-exfoliation has become common, especially on social media, but it can damage the skin barrier. Since the skin naturally exfoliates through desquamation, exfoliating just once or twice a week is more than enough.

Asiphe Nompozolo

The winter essentials that keep her skin balanced, nourished and glowing:

1. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Supercharged Serum to lock in hydration. R289.90
2. Nip+Fab Illuminate Vitamin C Concentrate Extreme to protect and brighten. R579
3. Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF50 to protect from SA’s harsh sun. R219
4. Nivea Intensive Moisturising Body Cream to care for the rest of your skin too. R99.99

Prices correct at time of print and may change.

Words: Viwe Ndongeni-Ntlebi

Photos: Getty/Gallo images, Shutterstock, supplied.

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Latte and mocha tones 

From red carpets to a casual weekend brunch, latte makeup has been making an appearance everywhere – and for good reason. The richer brown and bronze tones are a great transition into the new season from summer’s dewy, fresh-faced makeup looks. And it is versatile enough to work for every skin tone. “​​Latte makeup is all about giving skin a beautiful, bronzed appearance, similar to the warm, delicious colour of a latte,” explains celebrity makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo.  

@christendominique Espresso, lattes I’m in my element with these looks😌🤌🏼☕️ Ib: @DANIELLE Makeup used @Saie Sun melt cream bronzer in medium bronze @Fenty Beauty Mocha Match stick @Huda Beauty Soft Radiance Bronzer in Tan light @onesize Lip liner in Coin Collector on eye lid @Charlotte Tilbury Eye pencil liner in Classic brown on waterline @Dominique Cosmetics Transition Eyeshadow Palette @Hourglass Cosmetics Eye pencil shade Black @Kylie Cosmetics Mascara @Jaclyn cosmetics Lip liner in Toasty @dominiquecosmetics Liquid lip in Dulce (restocking soon) #espressomakeup #makeuptutorial #makeup #lattemakeup #makeuptransformation #brownlipcombo #espressolip #bronzemakeup #smokeyeyes ♬ original sound – Christen Dominique

Ombre lips 

’90s-inspired lips are having yet another moment, and we are (still) here for it! The two-toned ombre lips are a refresh of the vintage overlined lip look that we cannot (and don’t want to) forget. Create the illusion of fuller lips by using a lipliner and two or three complementary lipstick shades. Neutral browns and pinks work especially well together. “Create them by using a darker lip liner and lighter lipstick on the centre of your lips,” says celebrity makeup artist Letitia Sophia.  

@brallianmakeupug part39/ ombre lip #makeupartist ##makeup #redlipstick #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Chrissy Spratt

Soft eyebrows 

Wave goodbye to structured, bold brows and welcome a more natural shape for your autumn face beat. It’s chic, low maintenance and much quicker to style than ever before.  

To create a softer brow look, simply follow your brows’ natural shape, brush them slightly upwards and keep them in shape with an eyebrow pencil and brow gel. “Super-skinny ’90s brows were very in during the summer, however I predict that natural brows will make a comeback for autumn-winter,” says makeup artist Nikki Wolff.  

@joooize♬ original sound – Joize

Photography: Pexels

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In the beauty world, few topics have garnered as much attention and intrigue as cellulite. That stubborn dimpled skin has led to a long-running search for the holy grail of skincare: creams, lotions, gels and oils that banish it.  

Promising to reduce the appearance of cellulite and tighten the skin, firming products have captured the hopes of many. But do they truly deliver on their claims, or are we merely chasing after a beautiful illusion?  

The science behind cellulite 

Cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissues under the skin, resulting in that familiar dimpled appearance. It also becomes more prevalent as we age, as skin loses its elasticity. Firming products are designed to promote a smoother skin texture.  

They help the top layer of skin to appear tauter and firmer by counteracting the natural loss of collagen that occurs with ageing. So, the quick answer to the main question is still: Don’t expect any miracles.  

The only way to truly get rid of cellulite is on a deeper level, by increasing physical activity so that your body is burning rather than storing fat – or to go the more ‘invasive’ liposuction route.   

What’s inside?  

Weak elastin (what gives the skin its bounce) as well as lower levels of collagen both contribute to drooping skin. However, certain ingredients have proven to aid in promoting the production of collagen and elastin.  

This includes antioxidants like vitamin C and coenzyme Q10 (which helps prevent cell damage), retinol, peptides, glycolic acid, caffeine and botanical ingredients like moringa seed oil and African birch extract.   

The benefits  

Dermatologist-approved firming products – whether in cream, gel or oil form – can certainly support the firmness of your skin. Firstly, they provide intense hydration (look out for hyaluronic acid on labels), improving its appearance and texture. Additionally, the act of massaging the product into the skin can stimulate blood flow and lymph drainage.   

Many formulations also contain nourishing ingredients like vitamins B and E that can have a positive impact on skin barrier function and contribute to a healthier, more radiant-looking skin overall.  

While the transformative claims surrounding cellulite reduction may fall short, the indulgent experience and potential additional skincare benefits make firming products an enjoyable addition and confidence boost to one’s beauty routine.  

Firming foods for thought

Another way to promote skin firmness and smoothness is by incorporating foods into your diet that are proven to help purify, brighten and tighten your skin naturally. These include:   

Bone broth – High in collagen peptides which function as antioxidants and promote skin hydration. 
Almonds – Packed with vitamin E which has a restorative effect on skin cells. 
Beets & berries – Help detoxify the skin through antioxidants, which also have an anti-inflammatory effect. 
Green tea – Contains plenty of antioxidants that fight free radicals, plus EGCG (epigallocatechingallate), which accelerates metabolism and removes toxins. 
Fatty fish – Contains omega-3 fatty acids which are incredibly important for optimal skin and brain health. 
Water – Helps to flush out excess fat cells and toxins.  

Words by: Charndré Emma Kippie

Photography: Pexels

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When American Apparel adorned mannequins in one of their New York stores with full sets of pubic hair almost a decade ago, eyebrows raised and jaws dropped. But amidst the shock, a serious question was asked: Is the bush back? Post-pandemic, we’ve certainly embraced the bush afresh, and have emerged with new hairstyles and habits of every kind.

IN PRAISE OF PUBES

In her long-released health and lifestyle book, The Body Book, Cameron Diaz pens a section called ‘In Praise Of Pubes’, encouraging us to keep our pubic hair in its natural state. Lady Gaga’s also a fan of hair down there, showing off her trimmed bush on the cover of Candy mag long before the bush was truly accepted as cool.

And it’s not just celebs who are pro-pubes. A study from the UK found just over 50% of women don’t groom their pubic hair at all, and, closer to home, only 28 out of the 101 women photographed for Australian art exhibition and coffee-table book 101 Vagina, were near or completely hairless. Do we in fact love hair and only remove it to appease the patriarchy? Why has this been a decade-long debate?

So, was COVID-19 the death of the vajay-jay wax once and for all? Maybe. But while this penchant for au naturel may seem like a pretty trivial topic on the surface, it opens up a bigger conversation about gender stereotypes and society’s ideas on what it means to be feminine and well groomed!

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

The lack of diversity of images in adult media and beyond, as well as anecdotal evidence that most men still prefer women with a clean-shaven or close-trimmed vagina, makes many of us feel like we don’t actually have a choice when it comes to our personal grooming habits. It’s become a serious case of double standards and an endless loop of debate. We say do what you like and set the trends you want to see in the world. The resurgence of the bush will help those women who choose not to remove their pubic hair feel less like a lone wildling for their decision, particularly as people everywhere embrace more of who they are in a bid for authenticity and true choice. Being exposed to people who are saying, ‘Hang on, I don’t want to pour hot wax on my genitals every six weeks, and that’s my choice’ is great. All people should choose what they want for their bodies.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

Choice naturally also means you have absolutely every right to not want any of it at all. We get it, it’s simply not for everyone, and there are no rules, only choices. We tend to get lost even in our need to push back against the societies now wanting control, but we really shouldn’t let it stop us from embracing the individual norms we’ve become comfortable with and simply don’t want to change for a variety of reasons. We know you know the drill, we’re just here with a few tips to remind you of the pesky prep you forget to do!

1. SHAVING
TIP: Make sure your razor is clean, rust-free and sharp.

TIP: Before your shave, soak in hot water or hold a clean, warm face cloth against the shave to soften your skin. This tends to make hair removal easier.

2. WAXING
TIP: Use a mirror if you’re having trouble seeing your application area properly, tiny missed strips are annoying and unnecessarily painful to go back for when your skin has already had a shock. Opt for an ice cube and tweezer if you’ve just missed a few stray hairs.

TIP: Make sure the wax is evenly heated and not too hot, or too cold as it will not properly attach and force you to reapply too many times than is good for your skin.

PRODUCTS:

1. All Woman African Black Soap Body Scrub R149
2. Essence Eyebrow Tweezer R57.95
3. Braun SE3-420 Silk-epil Corded Epilator I Ruby R1115, Takealot
4. Wahl Rechargeable Rose Gold 9 Piece Ladies Trimmer Kit R439, Takealot
5. Hey Gorgeous Spicy Rose Body Scrub Bliss R195
6. NUXE Reve de the Body Scrub R395

All products available at selected Foschini stores and foschiniforbeauty.co.za. Prices correct at time of print

3. SUGARING
TIP: The chemical-free simple syrup means that it only adheres itself to dead skin and hair, often cleaning out the pores. Many holistic wellness clinics offer this more traditional and beneficial alternative.

TIP: Sugaring requires only 8-10 days of growth, unlike the 3-4 week wait required with conventional waxing.

4. DEPILATORY CREAM
TIP: Leave depilatory creams on for the shortest amount of time possible.

TIP: Use an alcohol-free moisturiser afterward.

5. EPILATION
TIP: Always exfoliate before epilating and use the epilator while your legs are still warm.

TIP: Remember not to moisturise after epilating!

Glow on!

To bush or not to bush is only one question. With any hair growth or removal, bright, exfoliated skin and great circulation is key especially as summer hits and many of us bring the sundresses and more revealing outfits out.

PRODUCTS:

1. Be Bare Life Bodywash bar -Peppermint / Lime / Tea Tree R54.95
2. All Woman Shower Body Massage Brush R99
3. Be Bare Life Lotion bar -Vanilla & Citrus R64.95
4. Skin Nutrition Brightening Super Prescription Capsules Price in store

Words by Stefanie Titus

Photography: Pexels, Courtesy Images

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SKIN
With the sweet smell of summer in the air, we’re showing more skin and ditching all those heavy moisturisers. It’s time to embrace lightweight formulas and show off those freckles! That said, sunscreen takes first priority in our routine, especially in summer, so make sure to stock up on a fresh batch if yours is near expiration. With make-up, it’s important to keep in mind that even though it has some level of SPF, it won’t be able to effectively protect you on its own. You need to apply a layer of sunscreen that is thick enough to properly protect your skin, and with make-up, you’re definitely not applying as much. For this reason, consider the SPF in your powder or foundation as supplementary to your sunscreen. And because it can be tricky to reapply sunscreen when you already have a full face of make-up on, use a powder with SPF to touch up during the day to add a light veil of protection.

HAIR
There’s nothing that screams ‘summer’ more than salty hair. You might be thinking that saltwater can do no harm – after all, a dip in the ocean helps heal skin, curb inflammation and does a fair amount for your soul as well. But saltwater actually dries your hair out because it is osmotic, meaning it absorbs water from skin and hair. Sure, it’s fine to embrace it once in a while, but be sure to take care of your hair after a dip to ensure that the salt water doesn’t cause long-term damage. Hydrated locks are smoother, frizz-free and maintain their colour and shine for longer, so treat your summer tresses with these moisture-locking, reparative products.

BODY
We take such good care of our face when it comes to protecting it from the sun, but tend to leave our limbs to fend for themselves. It’s difficult to completely shield our body from the sun, lest you permanently walk around with a beach umbrella, so make sure that you apply enough sunscreen to exposed areas every single day. Oils and heavier lotions are most suited for the beach because you want the best protection without having to worry about oil coming off on clothing. Plus, it gives that beautiful beachy sheen as well! Transparent, melt-into-skin formulas will also do, but work best for everyday wear as they won’t make you feel grimy, leave a cast or make your clothes stick to your skin.
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1.The Fan Brush
This multi-use brush is actually more of a face brush and works wonders at applying highlighter to the high points of the face, but it is also a handy tool for sweeping away eyeshadow mishaps under the eyes.
Smashbox Fan Brush R355

2.The Mini Dome Brush
This small dome-shaped brush is used to blur lines and create a smoky effect, so once you have lined your lids with a pencil eyeliner, go in with this brush to smudge the edges. It can also be used to create extra definition in the crease area. Because it’s small in size, you can darken the crease more precisely.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Contour Brush R315

3.The Eyeliner
An extra-fine-tipped brush perfect for applying a precise even liner to the eyes.
GOSH Lip/Eyeliner Brush 029 R96

4.The Camouflager
Disguise those dark circles with a brush designed to be used with a ‘wet’ product. This brush applies concealer precisely, allowing for good coverage where you need it most. Use the pointed tip to camouflage spots and the flat side for larger areas, such as broken veins around the nose and under-eye area.
Clinique Concealer Brush R290

5.The Blender Brush
When it comes to achieving a polished application of eyeshadow, always have a blender brush in your kit. Once you’ve layered on some pigment with an applicator brush, this dome-shaped hero will help create a seamless finish.
GOSH Eyeshadow Blender Brush 019 R147

6.The Angled Brush
The angled edge of this brush is perfect for getting a precise ‘tick’ at the outer corner of your eye. A handy tip to keep in mind is to first dab the brush on the back of your hand to clean off any excess product and then go in as close to the lash line as possible, creating a clean line.
Urban Decay Angled Eyeliner Brush R315

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Manscaping
Whether you prefer waxing, laser or just a good shave, there’s a bevy of options available to get you as smooth as you desire. Think hot-towel shaving services to achieve a silky mug while indulging in an old-school manner of getting rid of facial hair. Shaving at home is, of course, the quickest method of hair removal, but there’s always room to improve your shaving technique. Ensure fewer cuts or ingrown hairs by exfoliating with a gritty scrub and warm water beforehand. This will get rid of dry flakes and built-up product on the skin, while loosing ingrown hairs stuck below the skin’s surface, ensuring a more even texture for the razor to glide over.

If body hair is your concern, waxing is the way to go. It’s slightly more painful, but nothing you can’t handle, we’re sure. Don’t even bother trying it yourself, because you will chicken out – seek a professional instead. You can have literally any part of your body waxed, and beauty therapists have seen just about everything, so don’t stress it.

Facials
If you still think that facials are a ‘girls only’ activity filled with sweet-smelling lotions and cucumber slices on your eyes, it’s time to catch a wake-up. Face it, men suffer from the same skincare problems women do. Acne, hyper-pigmentation, scarring or conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis are all highly treatable with the help of, yes, facials. Chemical peels (including those with acids such as glycolic and salicylic) help to treat acne and uneven or dull skin texture by dramatically speeding up cell renewal, while LED light therapy helps to speed up healing. Micro needling helps to reduce hyperpigmentation, scarring and wrinkles, and various topical treatments tackle anything from extreme dryness to the effects of a lifetime of sun damage. From gentle rejuvenation to complete cellular renewal, expect to see real results, cucumbers optional.

Hands & Feet
One of the first things women may notice on a man are their hands, and in summer, toes definitely get a sneak peek too. The state of your nails and cuticles says a lot about you, so don’t make the mistake of neglecting them. You don’t have to take the entire day off to tend to your digits, but work in a few extra moments each day to push back your cuticles and trim your nails if necessary (hands and feet). While you’re at it, massage a cuticle oil or thick moisturiser into the nail bed to boost blood flow and promote healthy growth. Getting a professional mani-pedi is nothing to be ashamed of either. Nail technicians can cut away cuticles and hangnails more precisely, without causing any infection or irritation, as well as trim and file nails to perfection. 

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Anyone who’s heard of hair removal associates it with being uncomfortable, painful, and not always as successful as expected. Thankfully, new technology now allows for a gentler, close to painless and, most importantly, effective treatment that will permanently rid you of unwanted hair. Although the course of treatment is pricey, it’s a good investment that will leave your skin smooth without irritating razor burns and bumps.

How it works
Traditional laser treatments used IPL (intense pulse light) which is, in fact, not a laser at all. It uses a spectrum, or ‘scattergun’ effect, of high-intensity pulses of visible light to target the hair, but doesn’t completely destroy the follicle. Instead, hair thins out or becomes lighter. More treatments will deliver the desired hair-free results.
The Soprano IN-Motion technology, uses an 810 nm (wavelength) diode laser that only targets the hair’s melanin and follicle with very low energy pulses. This results in the cells within the follicle being gradually heated and, eventually, destroyed. Having never previously experienced laser treatment, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the treatment was not only quick and comfortable, but didn’t leave my sensitive skin with any signs of redness or irritation.

Is it safe?
Absolutely. Approved by the FDA in 2005, it is used worldwide as a safe and beneficial permanent hair removal solution.

Who is it for?
With traditional laser treatments, those with darker skin tones stood the risk of pigmentation. Not anymore. This treatment works on all skin types and tones with the biggest precaution being trying to avoid sun exposure during your course of treatments and to stay away from waxing and plucking between treatments too.

How many treatments will I need?
Depending on your hair colour and texture, you’ll typically need eight to 12 treatments. The darker and coarser the hair, the better, as the hair’s melanin is more, and that’s what the laser targets. Barring stray dormant hairs that may have been hiding during your hair cycle (and can be removed with a touch-up treatment) your hair will not grow back once the follicle has been damaged and destroyed.

Try it out
The Laser Beautique has various clinics in Joburg and Cape Town, with prices ranging from R410 for a single nasal hair session to R1 050 for shoulders and R2 920 for full back. They also offer budget packages that include up to eight sessions. Or, you can customise a package according to your needs.
Visit thelaserbeautique.co.za or email info@thelaserbeautique.co.za.

For more grooming tips, page through your April issue of Man.

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A New Brow Game
Famous for incredibly precise, perfectly filled-in, twin-like features, the Instagram brow has dialled down on the fill and upped the ante on the full. Now it’s all about how natural and full your brows can be, and how you can fake it without overdoing it. If you’re blessed with naturally lush eyebrows – you win. If not, you can still get the look by simply adding a few goodies to your shopping cart and ditching the tweezers. Before you apply any sort of product, brush your brows out with a spoolie or old toothbrush so that you can clearly see where a little bit of a fill is needed. For a softer effect, opt for a powder instead of a pencil or wax. This way, you’ll be able to fill in sparse areas without creating harsh lines in a dark colour. Focus on the densest part of the brow, the part closest to the bridge of the nose, and lengthen the ends slightly. The biggest mistake you can make is to fill them in too much – a hint of skin underneath and in-between the brows gives the illusion that the fullness is real, otherwiseyou’ll end up with a solid brow. Alternatively, use a pencil with an ultra-thin tip in a shade lighter than your brows and mimic hairs with light upward strokes. Next up, brush them upwards using a clear brow gel to set your style and keep the hair in place.

Pucker Up
Kylie Jenner’s lip kits might be as popular as the day they were launched, but the idea of ultra-matte, kiss-proof (and apparently make-up remover proof), overdrawn lips has somewhat simmered down. Not to say that it’s no longer a beautiful statement lip – when the occasion is right – but once again the trend is now leaning towards something more natural, or conversely, bold and crazy. Think ombre stained lips, metallic sheens, bold colours and the long-awaited comeback of lip gloss. Luckily for us, Instagram now approves of pretty much anything, so no matter how natural or how crazy you want to go, you’re bound to gain some likes.

Monochrome Magic
Instagram reminded us that the ‘no make-up make-up’ look is a thing, and we’re thankful. There’s just nothing more beautiful than celebrating the skin you’re in and, frankly, simply taking good care of your skin rather than covering up any imperfections. However, you can still rock this look with the addition of some colour. After all, you’re meant to have fun with it. Make-up artists have shown us the ropes on how to use the same product, either a lipstick, blusher or liquid tint, on your eyes, lips and cheeks, so pick a warm, rosy colour in a creamy or matt formula. It’s sure to warm up your face, give it life and express some of that monochromatic power.

For more social media beauty trends, page through April issue of ClubX.

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ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
What is it?
Commonly used as an absorbent in cases of poisoning or drug overdoses, the fine and odourless powder has become a cosmetic wonder. The main purpose of activated charcoal, produced by exposing sources such as wood or coconut shells to heat much greater than what forms normal charcoal, is to prevent toxins in the body from being absorbed into the stomach. The charcoal binds with the toxins and your body then discards this waste. What makes it so powerful is the activation process. According to Medical News Today, this process ‘strips the charcoal of previously absorbed molecules and frees up bonding sites again’. It is also filled with microscopic pores that create a network of holes in the substance just waiting to absorb all the nasties. When applied to the skin, it sucks up impurities from pores, reduces inflammation, and exfoliates and sooths irritated skin. It also helps to balance out oily skin, as it absorbs excess sebum (apply a hydrating treatment after!).
If you have very dry skin and also suffer from acne or imperfections, it might be best to take it in capsule form, which purifies the body from within, removing sources that cause inflammation and dehydration.

Best for…
A good detox, internally and externally. It works on all skin types, but could dry out sensitive or dehydrated skin.

The perks
• Draws microparticles such as bacteria and chemicals to the skin’s surface.
• Eliminates bacterial and fungal elements in the mouth; freshens breath when used in a toothpaste or mouthwash.
• When ingested, it treats diarrhoea, gas, inflammation and symptoms of a hangover.

Try it out
Kiss Hydro Gel Mask Pore Minimising & Purifying Charcoal Powder R121.00

SMECTITE CLAYS
What is it?
Another group of clays with absorbent properties, expanding when wet. With a fine texture and large surface area, these clays form thin layers with loosely bound ions, able to trap organic matter in-between. This group includes french green clay, red clay and rhassoul.

Best for…
Normal and oily skin types.

The perks
• Astringent effect, able to temporarily diminish the appearance of pores.
• Absorbing and cleans the skin.

RHASSOUL CLAYS
What is it?
A mineral-rich clay that is negatively charged and works as a magnet to attract positively charged toxins in your skin.

Best for…
All skin types, but especially suitable for sensitive skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

The perks
• Works as great on hair as it does on skin, effectively removing build-up, dandruff and excess oil. It has a soap-like molecular structure and mild abrasive texture, which is perfect for cleaning and exfoliating.
• It also soothes and calms irritated and inflamed skin, to soften cracked and textured patches without being too rough, and extracts stubborn sebum from deep within pores in order to prevent future blackheads and closed comedones from forming.

For more beauty and skincare tips, page through the March issue of Fitlife.

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