1. Magnetic cat-eye nails 

Totally luxe, these nails are like glitter with a glow-up. The “cat-eye” effect uses tiny metallic particles that shift under a magnet, creating a multidimensional shimmer that catches the light from every angle. It’s the perfect mix of glam and futuristic, giving your hands a subtle wow-factor without going over the top.  

2. Brown is the new black 

Warm, rich and versatile – brown has graduated from your wardrobe straight onto your nails this autumn. From deep chocolate and creamy mocha to coffee and hazelnut shades, you’ll nail every look with tones from this versatile colour.  

@yodeebs feel like a new person 🤎 @rhode skin @Hailey Bieber #nails #nailinspo #fallnails #autumnnails #brownnails #rhode #rhodeskin #haileybieber #fyp ♬ Life Is Worth Living – Justin Bieber

3. Micro French nails 

Nothing says soft girl energy like a clean micro-French mani. This barely-there tip right at the edge of your nail is a polished, modern twist on the classic manicure, and it never goes out of style. It’s giving effortless and understated.  

@brionyannmorffew A micro french manicure is hands down one of my favourite manicure styles. Its so effortlessly beautiful 🫶🏻🎀💗 #m#microfrenchf#frenchmanicureg#gelmanicureb#biosculpturegelg#gelnailsl#luxurymanicurstl#luxuryhandcare ♬ summer wine – 🎀

4. Earthy olive 

If autumn had an official colour, olive green would totally take the crown. This muted, earthy shade is a contemporary take on classic neutrals. Go matte for a velvety, soft-touch finish or throw on a glossy topcoat for a little extra luxe shine. It elevates even a basic look because it’s the IT colour of the season 

@avrnailswatches Olive green nail polish🫒🍸 @Lights Lacquer Extra Dirty #nails #nailinspo #greennails #dirtymartini #diynails ♬ original sound – Ian Asher

Words: Aneliswa Kunene 

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Let’s talk about our teeth. They help us chew food, speak clearly, pronounce different sounds and, last but not least, they’re at the centre of every great smile. Taking care of them is super important. If you want to maintain the function of your teeth, your overall health and the beauty of your smile, there are some key habits to add to your daily routine. And it’s pretty simple. From regular dentist checkups to good hygiene habits, here’s the lowdown on the best care for your teeth so you can flash that winning smile. 

Brush up 

A good oral-care routine starts with mastering the basics — and brushing sits at the top of the list. According to the South African Dental Association, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. This removes plaque — which can build up and harden into calculus and lead to gingivitis (gum disease) — and clears away food particles that can eat away at your teeth and cause cavities. 

On the flip side, brushing your teeth for too long can also be harmful as it wears down the outer enamel layer that protects your teeth. When enamel thins, it exposes the dentin beneath — a layer with tiny holes that connect to nerves. When these nerve endings are irritated, you might feel all sorts of pain. 

The way you brush is equally important. Doing a poor job of it is almost as bad as not brushing your teeth at all. Move the toothbrush in gentle, circular motions along the gum line, top and bottom. Then brush the roof of your mouth to remove any lingering bacteria. And don’t forget your tongue – plaque can build up there, too, which contributes to bad breath and other oral-health problems. 

Lastly, upgrade to a good-quality toothbrush so the process of plaque removal is more effective. If you have sensitive gums, opt for a brush with softer bristles, which is gentler and less likely to damage enamel. An electric toothbrush is also a solid choice as it guides technique and is designed for optimal plaque control. 

Straighten ’em out 

These six methods can straighten crooked teeth. 

Traditional Braces: The classic option. It most commonly consists of metal brackets, wires and elastic bands working together to gradually move teeth into a better position. 

Retainer: After orthodontic treatment with braces, this device helps maintain teeth alignment. 

Invisalign: Clear and removable, these aligners are custom-made to gently move teeth over time into the desired position. They are virtually invisible and easy to clean. 

Veneer: A thin porcelain moulding bonded to the front of a tooth to improve shape, symmetry and overall appearance. 

Dental Bonding: A tooth-coloured resin is applied and shaped to correct misalignment or gaps. 

Crown and Bridge: Porcelain or metal is placed over teeth for improved function and appearance  

White & bright 

Professional In-Office Whitening: 

A dental professional uses safety-tested, powerful active ingredients and tools to whiten your teeth. 

At-Home Whitening Kits:

Custom trays provided by your dentist that you can take home and wear overnight for gradual whitening. 

Over-the-Counter Products: 

Whitening strips, toothpaste, pens and rinses that can help remove surface stains, though they are less potent than a professional treatment. 

Natural and DIY Methods:

These are ideal if you want to avoid chemicals. While baking soda and activated charcoal are great, oil pulling is the one that should be on your radar. This technique involves swishing edible oil (coconut, sunflower or sesame oil in your mouth for about 20 minutes before or after brushing, then spitting it out to help remove dirt, bacteria and debris. 

Dentists vs dental hygienists 

Both are registered dental professionals but their roles differ. A dental or oral hygienist specialises in cleaning, scaling and polishing teeth, while a dentist diagnoses dental issues and prescribes the appropriate treatment. Not everyone needs to see a hygienist every six months, but some people require deep cleaning to manage gum disease or prepare for treatments like dental implants. 

Best bits and bobs 

Always floss 

Brushing twice a day isn’t enough to remove debris, especially in hard-to-reach places between teeth and under the gum line. Flossing at least once daily, before brushing, removes trapped food particles and plaque for a deeper clean — which prevents gum inflammation and lowers the risk of cavities between teeth. 

End with mouthwash 

Mouthwash shouldn’t replace brushing or flossing, but it should be part of your daily routine. It helps reduce acid in the mouth (more on this below), cleans areas in and around the gums and has antibacterial properties that reduce plaque and freshen breath. 

Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks 

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat every now and then? While often irresistible, sugar turns into acid in the mouth, which then erodes tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Acidic foods and drinks, including fruit, tea and coffee, can also wear down enamel. Water is the best beverage for overall and oral health. (Note that adding lemon increases the acidity.) Dentists recommend drinking water after every meal to wash away residue from sticky and/or acidic foods and drinks. 

Consume fresh produce 

Fresh, crunchy foods like apples, carrots and granola are great for stimulating saliva, which helps scrub away food particles and clear debris and bacteria between brushes. Leafy greens, veggies and many fruits contain essential nutrients, like vitamins C and A, which support healthy cell growth in the mouth, strengthen gums and teeth and boost immunity against oral infections 

Schedule regular checkups 

Even the most dutiful brushers and flossers need to see a dentist at least once a year. This can reduce the risk of tooth decay as a dentist can spot potential weak spots and issues early, offering treatment solutions. During a routine checkup, a dental hygienist will do a thorough cleaning and your dentist will conduct an examination, which might include taking X-rays of your mouth. 

If you notice any dental problems or experience pain, address it promptly by seeing a dentist. Warning signs include red, inflamed gums (tender gums could lead to infection or tooth loss), heightened sensitivity to temperatures or sweets, or pain — including toothache, jaw pain or gum pain. Early intervention prevents more complex treatments later, maintains overall oral health and protects your smile. 

Words: Leila Petersen
Photography: Shutterstock

Also read: Lipstick shades that make your teeth look whiter

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“Cats are experts at hiding pain,” says Dr Tarryn Dent, Business Unit Director: Companion Animals for global animal health company, Zoetis South Africa. “Early action is key to prevention and better outcomes,” she adds. 

6 common health conditions in cats that are surprisingly easy to miss 

Dr Dent says various health conditions affect cats, but some of the most common ones include: 

1.Dental disease

Problems with your cat’s teeth and gums can lead to pain, infections and inflammation in other parts of their body, so it should not be ignored.   

2.Parasites

These may include worms, ticks or mites amongst others. 

3.Chronic kidney disease

 Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats, with studies showing prevalence increasing significantly with age. 

4.Respiratoryinfections 

 Like humans, cats can catch respiratory infections that may cause sneezing, nasal discharge or coughing. 

5.Obesity/metabolic risk

 Obesity puts your cat at risk of serious conditions like diabetes, metabolic disease, and joint problems. 

 6.Arthritis

 Even young cats can develop osteoarthritis, leading to pain and affecting your cat’s quality of life. 

What to look out for 

Bad breath or red gums: This can be an early sign of dental disease. 

Over-grooming: It may be a sign of parasites or skin irritation. 

Litter box habits: Changes in how often your cat uses the litter tray or how much urine it passes could indicate an underlying condition. 

Activity: If your cat isn’t as active as usual, is jumping less, or seems stiff, this could be an early sign of arthritis. 

Under-grooming: Could be the result of pain. 

Eating and drinking habits: Notice if your cat is eating or drinking less or more than usual. 

Weight: Gaining weight or losing weight could be a red flag. 

 It’s important that cat owners are proactive about their pets’ health. This includes getting regular check-ups at the veterinarian and learning what your cat’s “normal” looks like.  

 What to do to prevent these conditions 

Dr Dent recommends most cats go for a check-up annually, although kittens, senior cats, and those with chronic health conditions may need to go more often. 

At routine veterinary appointments, your cat will receive a thorough physical exam. This includes checking for lumps, assessing any signs of pain, and listening to their lungs and heart. Your veterinarian may also provide guidance on nutrition and screen for parasites. Since prevention is always better than cure, they can recommend effective parasite prevention strategies to keep your cat healthy and comfortable.  

The annual exam is also when your cat’s routine vaccinations are administered. Vaccinations aren’t only for kittens – cats need to have boosters throughout their lives. Rabies vaccination is required by law, but your veterinarian will advise you around which other vaccines your cat should receive. 

Get to know your cat 

During the appointment, your veterinarian will likely ask about any changes in your cat’s behaviour, such as litter tray habits or grooming routines. This is valuable information only you can provide, and it offers important clues that help the veterinarian assess your cat’s overall health. 

  “Understanding your cat’s unique ‘normal’ is very important,” says Dr Dent. “If you know your cat well, you can start to pick up subtle changes. They may be small, but these changes are often early indicators of disease.” 

  “If you know your cat well, even if the cat seems ‘normal’ to someone else, you will know that something isn’t right,” says Dr Dent.  

Words: Mantis Communication

Photography: Freepik

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If you think yoga is all about mindfulness, relaxation, finding inner peace through disciplined movements, and connecting to your spirituality, then you’d be correct. Yoga unifies the body, mind and soul, helping us function as a harmonious whole being and connecting the individual soul with the divine. 

(Of course, this is a simplified view and understanding of this majestic ancient Indian practice). So, it is much more of a mental workout than a physical one. However, if you are looking for exercise that is a little more physically challenging, then hot yoga is for you! 

What is hot yoga? 

When I first heard of hot yoga I thought, “So we’re doing yoga in a sauna?” Turns out, I wasn’t completely wrong. Practised in a room typically heated to between 24°C and 40°C, replicating the climate conditions common in India hot yoga uses heat to intensify your workout. As you do the movements, the concentrated heat increases blood circulation, accelerates bodily detoxification and encourages discipline. As it stands now, there are 10 different types of hot yoga. 

Types of hot yoga you could try: 

Hot yoga will be strenuous for any beginner, and intensity levels are subjective depending on your tolerance for heat. So, choose the right type for you! 

Bikram hot yoga: 

Bikram Choudhury, though now a controversial figure, is recognised for developing hot yoga in the 1970s, drawing inspiration from the high temperatures of his native India and the associated health benefits of practising yoga in a warm environment. Combining yoga with a heated room of about 40°C and at around 40% humidity, Bikram Hot Yoga features 26 yoga poses and two breathing exercises in a session of 90 minutes. 

Modo (Moksha) Yoga: 

Founded in 2004 by yoga teachers Ted Grand and Jessica Robertson, Modo Yoga is practised in a heated room of 37-39°C, with classes lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Inspired by the principles of Bikram Yoga, Modo Yoga follows its own sequence of postures designed to tone and strengthen the body, calm the mind and improve flexibility. 

CorePower Yoga: 

This is one of the most vigorous and disciplined styles under the hot yoga umbrella. Designed to help you access your inner strength, it combines fast-paced movements and various yoga styles to build endurance, strength and flexibility. Practised in low heat (24°C) or high heat (43°C), CorePower also emphasises mindful breathing, which can enhance lung capacity and respiratory health. 

The Barkan method: 

Created by Jimmy Barkan, this style of hot yoga (typically done at 40˚C) places a deeper focus on achieving balance in body, mind and spirit. Through a dynamic series of poses that benefit the heart, liver, kidneys and intestines, it’s a transformative practice that cultivates both inner and outer strength.

Hot yoga studios in SA 

Cape Town: 

One Flow Yoga, Green Point  

Yoga Loft, Gardens 

Soul space, Kommetjie 

YogaSpirit, Constantia  

Hot Yoga, Stellenbosch 

Johannesburg: 

HotPod Yoga, Melrose  

Yoga Experience (Bikram Yoga), Sandton 

Indie Hot Yoga, Lonehill 

Durban: 

GuruCat, Umhlanga 

Benefits 

Alongside the well-known life-improving benefits of yoga, turning up the heat challenges your mental endurance and focus, while giving your cardiovascular system a circulation workout, boosting and encouraging sweating. In addition, yoga supports flexibility, balance and strength, helps reduce stress and cortisol levels in some people and can leave you feeling lighter and more energised. The heated environment also creates a “cocoon-like” space in which to tune out distractions, helping you connect more deeply with yourself and the practice. 

Some tips: 

Bring any pain or intense discomfort to the attention of your yoga teacher. Even though the warmth of your body is meant to help your endurance, among other benefits, you will be working out in a purposefully intense environment which brings its own strains. 

• Keep hydrated! You will become a glorified waterfall during these sessions, so drink water before your hot yoga session, during and after! Dehydration can be your worst nightmare.
• Wear suitable clothes, listen to your body and enjoy the experience! 

Don’t do hot yoga if: 

• You have skin conditions that can be aggravated by heat.
• You are pregnant.

Words: Thuveshnie Govender
Photography: Shutterstock, Pexels

Also read: Start this at-home pilates plan today!

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The moment you said ‘I do’ was just the beginning. When you get married, you’re not just committing to each other but also committing to being role models for your children. How you love, communicate and manage conflict as a couple will not only impact your relationship, but influence their expectations, their self-worth and the partners they choose later in life. It’s a significant responsibility, and an opportunity to equip them with a healthy understanding of love, respect and relationships.  

Rethink your behaviour  

They say being a role model is the most powerful form of educating. A research article about preparing children for a future healthy marriage, published by Utah State University, stated that people “tend to model the behaviours they learned in their formative relationships in the future”.   

As parents, we need to consider our children in all that we do, because they learn their core values and principles from us, absorbing lessons from how we behave, how we communicate and how we treat the people closest to us. How do you treat your partner in front of your kids? Are you affectionate in front them? Or do you think they don’t need to see all of that?  

Those little eyes and ears are always watching, listening and internalising the dynamics of your marriage. They are soaking up every compliment, every loving glance and every compromise that you make. That’s why it’s so important to set a good example, and to pause, reflect and rethink the actions we demonstrate daily.  

Beware: Fight fair  

Arguments are inevitable, and you’re bound to disagree with your spouse once or even thrice a day. But are you fighting in a healthy way? Good conflict management means not raising your voice, adjusting your tone and not uttering any curse words or insults.  

Consider how you argue, because you are modelling how conflict plays out. It will affect your kids in the long run and they will grow up thinking that’s the way it should be done.  

Conflicts should be addressed in a constructive and respectful manner so that children learn that disagreements can be resolved without resorting to aggression, manipulation or violence.  

Healthy conflict resolution teaches them that a disagreement can be an opportunity for growth and understanding, rather than a threat to the relationship. As your children navigate their own relationships, they’ll be better equipped to handle disagreements and conflict, and work towards finding solutions that strengthen bonds rather than breaking them.  

Time for teamwork 

From washing dishes and making the bed to doing laundry together, teamwork in a marriage turns even the most mundane tasks into something more meaningful.  

By working together, you are also showing your kids that marriage is a partnership built on collaboration, cooperation, mutual support and trust — and they learn the importance of working together towards a common goal.  

This teamwork approach teaches kids that a relationship is a partnership, not a dictatorship. They see that relationships require effort and compromise.  

As they grow, they’ll be more likely to seek out partners who share similar values and are willing to work together with them to build a strong, healthy relationship.  

Healthy communication  

Communication is the key — as cliched as that sounds, it’s true. When Mom and Dad communicate openly and honestly, they can navigate life’s challenges together, strengthen their bond and create a deeper connection that lasts for a lifetime.  

This is also a bonus for the kids because it teaches them the importance of expressing feelings, needs and thoughts in a healthy way.  

It also teaches them about active listening, which fosters empathy and compassion. They begin to understand that communication is a two-way street, requiring both parties to be heard and understood.  

This skillset will serve them well in their future relationships, enabling them to navigate complex conversations and build deeper connections with their partners.  

Staying together for the kids? 

You shouldn’t. We’ve heard this one too many times, where parents think that no matter how terrible their marriage or spouse is, it’s better to just stay in the partnership for the sake of raising their kids together. 

The sad reality is that they are doing more harm than good. Studies show that children who grow up within an unhealthy marriage are more likely to attract and select toxic partners for themselves in the future.  

Breaking the cycle 

If you’re in an unhealthy marriage, it’s not too late to break the cycle. Seeking help, such as couples therapy, can be a step towards creating a more positive environment for your kids. And even if you can’t save your marriage, you can save your children so that they don’t have to heal from having you as their parent later on.  

This might involve co-parenting in a way that prioritises your kids’ needs. By doing so, you can help your kids develop healthier relationship patterns and avoid the toxic behaviours they may have witnessed.  

Raise the bar  

Mom and Dad, you have the power to raise the relationship standards of your kids. By modelling positive behaviour, teaching effective communication and promoting mutual respect, you can give them a strong foundation for life with their future partner. 

 Encourage your child to prioritise their own needs, set healthy boundaries and seek out people — and partners — who respect and value them. By doing so, you’ll give them the tools they need to build strong and happy relationships that will serve them well throughout their life. Remember, it all starts with you, so make sure you do your best. Bonus tip: learn your partner’s love language — it makes marriage a little easier. 

5 unhealthy love styles  

Here’s how to spot them in your spouse:  

1. The avoider – dodges conflict or difficult conversations, which often leads to unresolved issues and a strained relationship.  

2. The pleaser – prioritises the needs of others over their own, often sacrificing their own well-being and happiness to avoid rejection or conflict.  

3. The vacillator – constantly swings between different positions or opinions, often due to indecisiveness or a fear of commitment.  

4. The controller – tries to dominate, manipulate or micromanage others, often through guilt, anger or insecurity, to fulfil their own needs.  

5. The victim – perceives themself as powerless or helpless, often blaming others or circumstances for their problems, and seeking sympathy or attention.  

Words: Emma Mbuthuma
Photography: Gallo/Getty images

Also read: How to argue well in relationships

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In an era where we’re more we put on our skin, the clean beauty movement is on the rise – and it’s no surprise why. With growing awareness about the potential harm of harsh chemicals and artificial ingredients (to both humans and the planet), many of us are seeking out safer, more sustainable options for our beauty routines. With all the chatter, it’s easy to get caught up in the myths and misconceptions that can be just as confusing as they are convincing. From questions of safety to the effectiveness of clean products, we’re tackling the biggest clean beauty myths that might be standing between you and your best skin – and setting the record straight on what’s really worth buying in to. 

Myth #1: Nature knows best 

The idea that natural ingredients are inherently better than synthetic ones is misconceived. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s automatically good for your skin — in fact, it can be an allergen or irritant. Most synthetic beauty ingredients are carefully crafted to be highly effective and gentle on the skin, more stable and less irritating. Some of the most effective skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and peptides, can be synthesized in a lab. The key here is to focus on what is actually effective, rather than just assuming natural is always better. 

Myth #2: Clean means gentle 

Now, the term ‘clean’ has become a buzzword in the beauty industry, but it’s often misinterpreted to mean ‘gentle’. However, they are not always gentle formulas. Clean beauty products might avoid certain ingredients that are perceived as harsh, but that does not mean they’re automatically gentle on every skin. Formulas that contain natural acids, essential oils and citrus extracts, for example, can be irritating and cause redness and sensitivity. In reality, skin type and concerns vary widely from person to person, and what works for one individual might not work for another because some clean products can still strip certain skin types, while others are perfectly fine. Always look beyond the label and focus on the actual ingredients and their concentrations. 

Myth #3: Clean beauty is only for certain skin types 

Clean beauty is often misunderstood as being only for sensitive skin. The truth is, clean beauty is for everyone. Whether you have acne-prone skin, oily or combination skin, dry or ageing skin, there are clean beauty products out there that can work for you. Just do the research and you’ll find your perfect match. 

Myth #4: Clean beauty products can’t last without preservatives 

A common misconception. Many clean brands use natural preservatives that are just as effective as chemical ones. From essential oils to plant- based extracts, there are plenty of options that can help extend the shelf life of clean beauty products without compromising safety or efficacy. 

Myth #5: Clean means sustainable, eco-friendly and ethical 

While it’s true that some natural and clean beauty brands prioritise sustainability, it’s not a hard-and-fast rule that all such products are more eco-friendly. In reality, sustainability is a complex issue that depends on many factors, including packaging, sourcing and production processes. Some natural ingredients might be sourced unsustainably, while certain synthetic ingredients can be produced in an eco-friendly way. So, if you’re all about making sustainable choices when purchasing beauty products then you need to consider the entire life cycle of the product — from sourcing to packaging to disposal. Note, too, that not all clean products are ‘organic’ (which is something that can be properly certified). 

Myth #6: It is safer for you 

‘Preservative-free, ‘toxin-free’ and ‘chemical-free’ sound reassuring, but they’re often used as marketing gimmicks. The truth is that everything in the world is made up of chemicals. Removing certain ingredients doesn’t automatically make a product safer or more effective. In fact, preservative-free products are more prone to contamination, which can lead to skin issues or even infections. Similarly, ‘toxin-free’ is a term that is often used loosely, as it doesn’t account for the fact that many natural ingredients can be toxic in certain concentrations. Again, it’s more important to look at the actual ingredients and their concentrations. Bear in mind that the term ‘clean beauty’ itself has no official definition, leaving it open to interpretation. 

 

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Words: Emma Mbuthuma
Photography: Pexels, Unsplash, Gallo/Getty images

Also read:

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