Meet Cynthia Gwebu, one of SA’s most coveted beauty and lifestyle bloggers. We pick her brain regarding what’s in her beauty bag, from all her favourite products to her extensive routine and multi-purpose make-up staples.

What is your skin type?

Combination and dehydrated.

What is your night and morning skincare routine?
My evening routine is quite extensive, beginning with a pre-cleanse. For this step, I reach for my Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm (R325). There’s something therapeutic about watching all of the day’s make-up dissolve away! I move on to a gentle cleanser and I like to choose something that is gel-based. I love my Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Cleansing Gel (R231.97). To tone, I use Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Toner (R151.27). This range from Eucerin is amazing as it contains lactic acid – super good for managing acne prone skin. After toning comes the fun: layering my serums. This spring, however, my focus is hydration, so I’ve fallen back in love with my Clarins Double Serum (R1 190.38). It’s got anti-ageing properties within the formula, I take this down to my décolletage. Normally, I skip moisturising and move on to my eye treatment and the Clinique Pep Start Eye Cream (R355) is pretty great. In the mornings, my routine is less complicated as I simply gently cleanse with my Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Cleansing Gel, tone with my Eucerin DermoPURIFYER Toner and, treat with my Clarins Double Serum, moisturise with my GlamGlow WaterBurst Hydrated Glow Moisturizer (R660) and then use the Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattifying Face SPF50+ (R242.95) for sun protection.

What is your top tip for skincare?

Don’t sleep with make-up on, but also wash your face, day and night, whether you’ve worn make-up
or not. I have watched this ritual do wonders for my skin. And, drink lots of water!

What is your favourite make-up look and how do you achieve it?

My favourite make-up is whatever gets me out the door fast enough. Right now, I’m loving multi-tasking products. My contour powder and bronzer double up as eyeshadow. I achieve this with my Smashbox Step-by-Step Contour Kit (R690). I also love a foundation and concealer that provide good, buildable coverage. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in Sandalwood (R590) has always been a favourite and the Urban Decay All Nighter Full Coverage Waterproof Concealer in Dark Golden (R400) is a winner!

For the full interview with Cynthia, make sure to get your September issue of Balanced Life.