Leandri de Kock, Author at Wedding ETC

In Accessories

5 Things you need in your honeymoon beauty survival kit

November 20, 2020 No Comments

Your honeymoon is supposed to be stress-free, glowing and romantic. Make sure you’re prepped and ready for anything with these 5 beauty essentials.

1. Sunscreen

Rain or shine, sun or snow, sunscreen is one thing you cannot leave at home. From the very beginning of your getaway, from being in a car or on an airplane, you have to make sure your skin is properly protected, especially because the environment might be different to what you know.

A broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, pollution filters and blue light filters will ensure you’re well protected in any season and in any environment. If you’re worried about the coral reefs, reach for a mineral sunscreen (containing zinc oxide instead of oxybenzone), but if you’re heading to the slopes, a chemical one will last longer and won’t make you look chalky.

2. Fragrance

Take something with you other than your wedding day fragrance, as this will ensure you capture a honeymoon scent memory as well. Sometimes it’s nice to try something different, but pick something that still falls within the fragrance family you know and love to avoid disappointment. Even better, pick something that you and your partner can both use, so that a whiff of it years later will instantly transport you back.

3. Hair care

Honeymoon hair means it needs as much of a break, and down time, as you’ll be having. After the stress of wedding planning and the damage your hair might have undergone on the day itself, you’ll want to make sure you’re giving your hair an extra bit of love. Try to make use of as little as possible heat to dry and style your hair, and rather focus on repairing damage and allowing it to have a bit of a breather.

Maybe you need some help to instantly repair your hair and bring it back to its renewed, elastic shape – then the Wella Fusion range is for you! Packed with reparative ingredients to help strengthen hair and prevent further breakage, it works great on all hair types, but especially colour treated and heat damaged hair.

On the other hand, a more natural approach would include the Elements range, which is free of sulphates, parabens and artificial colourants. It’s ideal for those looking for something a little lighter, while still packing a punch when it comes to regenerative and moisturising power.

Get your hands on an Elements or Fusion Festive Pack HERE or visit your nearest Wella Professionals salon.

4. Multi-purpose make-up

When space is sparse you need to only pack what you absolutely need. Go for creamy lipsticks that you can use on your lips and your cheeks, bronzing palettes that can easily translate as eyeshadow, stick foundations than can either be used as concealer or built up to achieve more coverage, and of course, a waterproof mascara to perk up your peepers that’s happy tears, rain and swim safe.

5. A good make-up remover

Nothing is more frustrating than being away from home and not being able to remove your make-up properly. Test and trial a make-up remover, preferably something like a micellar water which is more gentle on the eyes, to be sure all remnants can be removed. A brilliant way to test if a make-up remover is honeymoon-worthy is to try one on the night of your wedding when make-up has been applied heavier than usual.

Picture/s: Unsplash

In Advice

Cool ways to heat up your hair this Spring

September 25, 2020 No Comments

Spring has sprung, so why should your hair still be stuck in winter? From a subtle trim to a dramatic colour change, we’re showing you four ways to up your hair’s cool factor this Spring.

A cut above the rest

It doesn’t take a dramatic change or a major snip to have a transformational hair moment, so before you reach for the scissors, listen up. An easy way to completely change your look without any long term commitment, is by going for some well-placed layers, or better yet, bangs. These options won’t require you to change the overall length of your hair, but will still give you some new-found movement. You could also try changing up the style of cut you’d normally get, like going for a blunt cut rather than feathered, or something leaning more towards asymmetrical. Small changes can make you feel like a brand new person, and isn’t that what spring is all about?

Pin-up girl

This Spring, it’s all about bringing retro back. Opt for slicked back hair with a few pins, slides or barrettes keeping it all together. Alternatively, wash and blow-dry hair into a smooth, voluminous ‘do, making use of some mousse, a blow-dry cream and a big barrel brush. For the curly girls, take it up a notch and really celebrate those curls by grabbing a curling cream or gel, and working it through damp hair to define curls without weighing it down.

Dive right in

Even though it’s not quite warm enough to go for ocean dips yet, we can still achieve beachy waves without needing the actual waves. Surfergirl hair is not only effortless and cool, but saves on unnecessary heat damage and mechanical wear and tear as well. Regardless of your hair texture, beachy waves is all about working with the texture you have and creating a more tousled, natural effect. Work a small amount of sea salt spray through the lengths of your clean, towel-dried hair and comb through to distribute evenly. Scrunch the hair to encourage a tousled effect, or plait hair into a few rough braids and leave to air dry.

Hot or cold

But in this case, why not both?! Science has revolutionised the beauty industry, and it isn’t stopping any time soon. So why not jump on the bandwagon and try out, not one, but two tones for your locks this Spring? Wella’s Opal-Essence range gives you one colour result with both warm and cool light reflections and a milky metallic sheen, thanks to a proprietary artificial intelligence process where unique colour desire is captured. From copper peach to silver mauve, the 5 no-depth permanent shades means the light is less absorbed, producing warm and cool hues depending on the bend of each hair.

For a completely unique colour update, visit your nearest Wella Professionals salon near you: https://linktr.ee/wellaprofessionals_sa

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to wash your hair like a colourist

August 6, 2020 No Comments

Ever wondered why your hair stays cleaner, smoother and glossier after a salon wash? Well, wonder no more. Here’s how you can wash your hair like a pro at home:

Detangle first

Before you wet your hair, it’s essential you detangle hair gently first. Starting at the ends, gently work your way up to the roots so that you don’t have to detangle hair when it’s wet, and therefore more vulnerable. If you have some extra time, apply a few drops of a nourishing oil, like almond, to the ends and distribute with your comb as you work upwards.

How to wash your hair like a colourist — Source: Unsplash

Lather up

Something that’s seemingly easy to do has a right and a wrong way too. Taking your time is key in making sure you’re washing your scalp properly, and being super gentle when creating a lather with your shampoo. Don’t rub hair vigorously, but rather focus on washing your scalp properly and then squeezing the shampoo through the lengths. If it doesn’t foam up right away, add a little more water to your scalp and start massaging again. If it’s absolutely necessary, shampoo for a second time.

Honeymoon hair

Using products specifically designed for colour-treated hair will make a world’s difference in keeping your colour as vibrant as it looked on your wedding day. Look for products that have a low pH level, which will enable better colour retention and softer, smoother strands.

The Invigo Color Brilliance range from Wella is a great option for those wanting to keep their salon colour in tip top shape. With 7 weeks of colour protection and instant vibrancy, you’ll get high-performance results at home, while keeping your wallet happy. Find it HERE.

Rinse, rinse, rinse

The biggest difference between a salon wash and an at-home wash, is also the most simple – the rinse. Women, especially brides with a million things to do, are strapped for time and rush the process of properly rinsing shampoo and conditioner from their hair. By rinsing the product properly and making sure there’s no more residue on your scalp, your roots will stay fresh longer and you won’t need to wash as often.

Never skip conditioner

Hair that’s moisturised will reflect light better, so that you hair looks shinier and healthier. That said, less is definitely more in this case, so go easy on the conditioner. Take a small amount and only apply it to the ends, so that it doesn’t weigh your roots down. Then, take a deep breath and rinse with cold water to lock the cuticles and boost the shine.

Written by: Leandri de Kock

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

4 ways to be kinder to your hair

May 19, 2020 No Comments

There is finally time to whip your hair into shape during lockdown. Making simple changes to your hair care habits and being more conscious about the products we use will help in the journey to achieve vibrant colour, stronger hair and greater shine.

1. Read the labels

Let’s be honest, it’s no easy feat to decipher a product label. Instead, focus on what you don’t want in your product, or what you could be allergic to, and make sure it’s not present. Scan your formula for ingredients such as PPD, PPT and PTD – all colouring agents with similar chemical structures that could cause severe allergic reactions. Try to avoid sulphates and parabens in your hair care products as this could cause irritation and allergic reactions, so rather reach for ‘cleaner’ products – they’re also kinder to the Earth.

2. Choose colour wisely

Healthy hair is associated with glossy, vibrant colour, which can more often than not only be achieved in a salon. When we can’t visit our favourite colourist, we need to make sure we prep our hair as best we can. Something to look forward to though, is the Koleston Perfect ME+ colour from Wella, which is free from harmful colour molecules, yet still able to provide you with brilliant colour and strong hair, thanks to PureBalance Technology. Make a stop at your closest Wella salon after lockdown to get salon ready locks.

3. Treat your tresses

Like you give your skin an extra dose of TLC every now and then, remember to do the same for your hair. On days you plan to wash your hair at night, drench roots to ends in a mixture made of half a cup of honey and a quarter cup of olive oil. Heat the mixture, generously coat your hair and tie in to a bun. Once you are able to visit your nearest Wella salon, give their Element’s care system a try which is free of sulphates, parabens and artificial colourants!

4. Let your hair down

If you generally keep your hair tied up or pinned back, you’ll know the stress it can cause on your scalp. To give your roots a rest, sleep with your hair loose and invest in a silk pillowcase to avoid unnecessary snagging and moisture loss overnight.

To shop Elements online: https://bit.ly/2Ls2XYi

To shop the sale: https://bit.ly/3epZ6s7

To find a Wella salon: http://bit.ly/2lHp3wj

Feature image: Unsplash

In Competitions

WIN: Pepe Jeans Celebrate his & hers fragrances (CLOSED)

January 31, 2020 No Comments

Following last year’s success with Life is Now, their first line in perfumes, Pepe Jeans London has just launched Celebrate, a new line in fragrances for him and her. The perfumes presented in 2019 add a hint of fun and seduction to the brand name’s legendary positive attitude. The bottles’ design maintains the innovative style of the previous collection – a cocktail glass for her, a cocktail shaker for him – while an additional touch of distinction and elegance is achieved via a combination of gilded metallic caps and delicately chiselled prismatic glass bottles. The colours chosen for this occasion feature a sophisticated emerald green bottle for her and an intense petroleum blue for him.

A sophisticated cocktail for her:

The version of Pepe Jeans Celebrate for her is an original cocktail with sweet and savoury notes designed to keep the sense alert at all times. The fragrance begins with a cheerful combination of popcorn, black pepper and chestnut, eventually leading us to an addictive floral bouquet. This initial impact combines with sophisticated white wood base-notes and underlying tones of creamy vanilla to offer a fragrance that is both elegant and seductive.

A sensual touch for him:

The version of Pepe Jeans Celebrate for him exhibits sensual freshness by combining the aromatic potency of juniper and cardamom with subtle notes of gin. The combination concludes with a surprising and seductive extract of cocoa. A touch of elegance is achieved via a final caress of clary sage absolute and a hint of amber woods, delivering a potent, intense fragrance designed to accompany life’s most seductive moments.

We are giving away this exciting new fragrance to a lucky reader!

Prize details: one lucky reader will win his and hers fragrances to the value of R1590.

Winner:

How to enter: Fill in the form below.

Competition ends: March 31, 2020.

Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on April 1 , 2020 at 12pm.

– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners who do not respond to Wedding Etc within 7 days will forfeit the prize

For more on Pepe Jeans visit their website.

Image: Pexels

In Competitions

WIN: One of two Bloom Gin hampers (CLOSED)

January 31, 2020 No Comments

If you are looking to bring a unique blend of style, substance and sass to your life this summer, Bloom Gin is the answer. Recently launched in South Africa, Bloom is passionate about using only natural ingredients, so you won’t find sugar in any of their gins – which makes for the perfect summer drink!

• Style: The Bloom bottle has become a style icon since it launched it in 2009 and is a firm favourite for wedding and upcycling inspo on social media, not to mention featuring centre-stage in some key media internationally.

• Substance: Bloom Gin was created by one of the world’s leading authorities on gin, Master Distiller Joanne Moore, a woman who has won more awards for gin distilling than possibly anyone else on the planet.

• Sass: Bloom is on a mission to help people to Bloom, to live their best lives, to Live Full Bloom.

We are giving two lucky readers the chance to win each wine a Bloom hamper valued at R1 028!

Prize details: two lucky readers will each win a Bloom hamper valued at R1 028.

How to enter: Fill in the form below.

Competition ends: March 31, 2020.

Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on April 2 , 2020 at 12pm.

– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
– Winners who do not respond to Wedding Etc within 7 days will forfeit the prize

For more on Bloom Gin, visit their website.

Image: Pexels

In Competitions

WIN: One-night stay and wine tasting at Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate for 2 worth R3500 (CLOSED)

January 31, 2020 No Comments

For three generations, the Sonnenberg family have been creating Diemersfontein moments on this iconic estate in Wellington. What started as a family retreat is today the home of the world-class Diemersfontein range of wines, countryside hospitality, backed by a story of upliftment and empowerment.

The family’s association and passion for the arts started with the delightful strains of opera singing that would drift up from the cottages housing Italian prisoners during the second world war. Stories of an iconic family, unparalleled terroir, the ‘accidental’ birth of an iconic South African wine, a brand bestowed with illustrious accolades and true transformation in the wine industry will be part of your journey in creating your own Diemersfontein moment.

We are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a one-night stay (bed and breakfast) and wine tasting at Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate for you and your partner, to the value of R3 500!

Prize details: one lucky reader will win a one-night stay (bed and breakfast) and wine tasting at Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate for two

How to enter: Fill in the form below.

Competition ends: March 31, 2020.

Competition Ts & Cs:
– The winners will be announced on April 3, 2020 at 12pm

– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money

– This prize is valid for six months following the announcement of the winner
– Winners who do not respond to Wedding Etc within 7 days will forfeit the prize

– Prize does not include transport

For more on Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, visit their website.

Image: Supplied

In Accessories

Put an ethically sourced, sustainable ring on it

December 22, 2019 No Comments

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but also precious commodities and rare beauties forged from the earth. Rare jewels are often backed by an underbelly of exploration and greed. The burden of ensuring products are ethically sourced should never fall on the consumer, but on the producer instead. In saying this, it is our duty to challenge the transparency of companies.

Ethically sourced wedding rings have an array of underlining principles such as fair trade wages, lab-grown diamonds, recycled materials and conflict-free diamonds/jewels. You don’t necessarily need to be an environmental advocate or human rights lawyer to protest the crimes against the diamond industry. Below you will find a list of producers creating ethically sourced jewellery for the socially conscious bride-to-be.

Taylor & Hart

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Storytellers at heart ? (@taylorandhart) on Jun 18, 2019 at 8:06am PDT

Taylor & Hart was founded by friends, Nikolay and Shane. They believe the love between partners are intangible and sacred, therefore your wedding bands should be made from the most exceptional materials on earth. The company creates beautiful handcrafted rings made from lab-grown diamonds, recycled gold and ethically sourced materials. Nikolay and Shane go beyond the Kimberly Process to ensure their diamonds are conflict-free.

Monique Pean

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by M O N I Q U E P É A N (@moniquepean) on Jan 22, 2019 at 4:01pm PST

This brand boasts unique shapes and structures specifically designed for the bold bride. The classic shape of engagement rings is challenged through Monique Pean’s artistic take on wedding bands. Although the designer has an artistic, non-conventional mindset, the materials and craftsmanship are put in the forefront. The brand truly understands creating pieces of uniqueness, which they reflect in their use of materials. Rare materials such as fossilised walrus ivory and dinosaur bone are utilised and are sustainably sourced and crafted through fair trade initiatives.

John Hardy

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Hardy (@johnhardyjewelry) on May 30, 2019 at 2:02pm PDT

Established in 1975, the island-inspired jewellery brand is directed by Hollie Bonneville Barden and has a well-rounded grasp of serving both the community and environment. John Hardy thrives on the community of Bali and the idea togetherness. The brand empowers the community of the island by providing apprenticeships and life long job security. In doing so, they preserve traditional artisan craftsmanship and culture, with many of the pieces inspired by the island and drawing the traditional aesthetics of the Balinese culture. The company not only preserves the community but the environment as well by committing to sourcing stones, diamonds and metals that are conflict-free and ethically produced in every step of the way.

Barino Neal

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bario Neal (@barioneal) on Aug 16, 2019 at 12:33pm PDT

The brand was launched in 2008 by Anna Bario and Page Neal. The owners visualised a jewellery company whereby no bounds of conformity were attached to their pieces. They believe you are free to marry whomever and however you choose. The jewellery is handcrafted and carefully designed using reclaimed precious metals, fair-mined gold and ethically sourced stones.

Ashley Heather

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ashleyheather?ethical jewelry (@ashleyheatherjewellery) on Oct 3, 2019 at 7:01am PDT

Ashley Heather is a Cape Town-based brand led by designer and maker, Ashley. It’s a remarkable, innovative brand that collects discarded electronic products and recycles them into jewellery. The aesthetics of the handcrafted pieces transcend trends and the contemporary designs are simplistic and minimal. The brand believes in creating pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation in the hopes of persevering quality craftsmanship.

Dear Rae

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dear Rae (@dearrae) on Dec 17, 2019 at 10:30pm PST

Dear Rae is the brain child of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufactures to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetic can be described as classically minimal pieces that you can wear for the rest of your life. Karin’s brand adheres to the Kimberly process as well, and sources local manufactures for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.

By Mia Smith

Feature image: Unsplash

In Beauty

Silky pre-wedding must-haves to help you look your best

December 17, 2019 No Comments

Whilst planning a wedding is incredibly exciting, it can also prove to be extremely stressful – high levels of stress and late nights of restless sleep spent worrying about your to-do-list can wreak havoc on your skin.

Not just a catchy phrase, beauty sleep is a real thing. When it comes to your beauty routine, sleep may be the closest thing there is to a fountain of youth. Your body and skin repairs itself and recovers while you snooze, so to ensure glowing skin, luscious locks and healthy sleep leading up to your big day, we’ve rounded up some pre-wedding must-haves which will also make for perfect gifts for your bridal team.

Silk is a gift from nature and the ideal organic skincare and anti-aging solution! Dermatologists, hair specialists and plastic surgeons all recommend sleeping on 100% silk pillowcases. Silk has very similar properties to human skin in that it contains a natural protein that contributes to skin health by speeding up the metabolism of skin cells, while delaying the aging process and calming the nervous system.

Silk Pillowcases:

Compared to other fabrics, silk has long, smooth fibers that do not rub or irritate the skin. Sleeping on 100% organic silk pillowcases has both skin and hair care benefits:

• naturally hypoallergenic
• prevents facial skin from creasing
• maintains hydration
• keeps your skincare products on your skin, enabling you to make the most of your beauty routine
• eliminates sleep wrinkles
• prevents hair from frizzing and ends splitting
• reduces the loss of natural hair oils and moisture so that hair retains its natural glossy shine
• minimizes damage to thinning of hair
• naturally hypoallergenic
• repels dust-mites

Available in standard (R490), king R589) and travel size (R257).

Sleeping Masks:

Made from 100% pure silk (inside and out) with an adjustable strap, The Silk Lady’s Sleeping Masks (R337) offer two-fold benefits – the luxurious feeling of soft mulberry silk against the skin, and the comfort of darkness as it blocks out light. The soft and smooth surface helps prevent facial skin from creasing during the night and allows your delicate skin to breathe so the face rests comfortably without pressure on your skin. The Satin Silk used will not absorb your valuable night creams, but rather helps to retain the natural moisture in your skin throughout the night, keeping skin hydrated and nourished. Also included, is a pouch filled with organic French lavender to help promote relaxation and deep, restorative sleep. The deluxe, oversized sleeping mask (R425) covers the ears, so you sleep wrapped in your own luxury silk cushion.

Organic Peace Silk Beauty Cocoons:

The Silk Lady’s Organic Peace Silk Beauty Cocoons (R375) is an all-natural way to exfoliate and promote smooth, plump and nourished skin (a great alternative for people who love nature without cruelty). Gentle enough to use every day without damaging the epidermis, the surface structure of the silk cocoons is softly abrasive which helps to remove impurities, dead skin and make-up residue, revealing a silky smooth and radiant complexion. When soaked in warm water, Sericin, a key protein created by Bombyx mori (silkworms) is released which, when used regularly, helps to wipe away wrinkles, effectively eliminate acne scars as well as reduce pigmentation. It also assists in healing injured or chapped skin and eases inflammation.

Visit The Silk Lady for more.

Images: Supplied

In Advice

The Body Issue: Rectangle shape

December 6, 2019 No Comments

One size fits all? No! Not when it comes to your body shape.

Women come in all shapes and sizes and it’s so important to know your body type and shape to dress accordingly and accentuate your best features. To avoid your dress shopping experience being a stressful one, it’s important to know and stick to what works for your body.

It’s also important to remember that very few women fall into only one category as we can have different features from various body types. Why? Because we’re beautifully unique!

In this upcoming series, we’ll be looking at all the different body shapes and some gorgeous weddings gowns that will accentuate YOU perfectly.

Next up, is the rectangle shape.

With a third of women falling into this category, the rectangle body shape is known to be rather athletic due to there being very little definition, with your waist creating a straight body line. Women with rectangular body shapes are normally tall and lean, with the shoulders and hips being quite similar in width. Your goal here will be to CREATE CURVES!

Focusing on gowns that have an A-line silhouette, or ballgowns, will add more volume to the hip area, while fuller sleeves and shoulder detail will balance out the top half. A scoop neck or sweetheart neckline will further help to create curves.

Alternatively, a fitted dress with a padded bodice and sequins or diamanté detail to add dimension, or embellishment around the bust and shoulders, will help to accentuate those areas and bring attention to it.

Necklines are going to play a crucial role when picking your perfect wedding dress. A high neckline like the halter neck or keyhole neckline will help lift your cleavage and create the illusion of more curves, while showing off your collarbone and shoulders. A sheath dress is also a great option as the dress emphasises the waist. It is fitted and nipped at the waistline but with no waist seam.

Here are a variety of great dress styles perfect for a rectangle body shape:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vocelles | The Bridal Shoppe (@vocellesbridal) on Mar 11, 2019 at 6:00pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BRIDE by Aster (@bridebyaster) on Nov 4, 2019 at 9:04am PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BRIDE by Aster (@bridebyaster) on Aug 19, 2019 at 11:31pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Calegra Bridal House (@calegrabridal) on Sep 6, 2019 at 3:13am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anna Georgina (@annageorgina_bridal) on Dec 1, 2019 at 9:01pm PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by V A G A B O N D Bridal (@vagabond_bridal) on Sep 4, 2019 at 8:51am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Catherine’s Bridal Boutique (@catherinesbridalboutique) on Dec 3, 2019 at 3:23pm PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elbeth Gillis (@elbethgillis) on Dec 3, 2019 at 9:04pm PST

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Robyn Roberts Bridal Studio (@robynrobertsbridal) on Sep 21, 2019 at 2:27am PDT

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE WEDDING COLLECTIVE (@theweddingcollectivepta) on Sep 8, 2019 at 10:49pm PDT

By Amy-lee Steenkamp

Feature image: Unsplash