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    In Beauty

    How to make your fragrance last longer

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    There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a new perfume, only to find the scent will last a whole of five seconds before it fades into the wind. We give you a few simple ways to help make your fragrance last longer and stronger, especially for your big day.

    A clean slate

    Timing is everything, so spraying on your perfume after a hot shower and a layer of moisturiser is the best way to lock in that scent. After a shower, your pores are clean and skin is moist, making it more susceptible to hold onto the fragrance.

    Layered levels

    To achieve the maximum scent profile of your favourite perfume, try layering the same scent with its matching body wash and body cream. The products work in harmony to last as long as possible and also reach areas you wouldn’t normally spray your perfume on. For that added punch, lightly mist your hair at the nape of your neck with the scent as well.

    Pulse points

    These points on our bodies are where blood flows closest to the surface, i.e. behind the ears, along your neck, your inner wrists and behind the elbows and knees. It is always preferred to target these areas with the scent as the skin is thinnest here and they emit natural heat from your body. This heat helps the perfume scent to evolve as the day progresses and works with your natural body scent.

    Dab, don’t rub

    When spraying perfume onto your skin, always dab instead of rubbing it into your skin, or better yet, just leave it. While the pulse points release heat, rubbing those points together (like your wrists) has the potential to break the perfume’s molecular structure.

    The perfect distance

    As obvious as it sounds to spray more perfume if you want a stronger scent pay-off, try to not overspray your perfume in one particular area. However, in that same breath, don’t spray into the air and completely miss it landing where it should. The ideal should be the perfume bottle at an angle, half an arm’s length away from your body so that it can settle evenly onto your skin.

    Store away from light & heat

    Lastly, always keep your perfumes away from direct sunlight and intense heat or humidity. The light and heat break down the perfume itself which causes it to fade faster than usual. One would hate to spend thousands of rands on a beautiful perfume that won’t even last you the month if it’s already broken down.

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Celebs

    Most expensive celebrity engagement rings

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    Celebrities, they’re just like us. Or are they? While some of us (A.K.A, the plebeians) spend months and years saving up for an engagement ring, the lucky minority are able to drop millions on a single piece of jewellery. Oh, to be rich and famous.

    While some of these relationships have since ended, diamonds truly are forever and will live on for the years to come. These famous brides have rocked diamonds worth more than most of us will ever earn in our lifetime.

    Blake Lively – $2 million (over R29 million)

    One of Hollywood’s favourite couples makes it onto the list with Lively’s 12-carat, $2 million engagement ring. The ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz and features an oval-cut stone in a diamond-accented, rose-gold setting.

     

    “My most treasured possession is my engagement ring made by my dear friend Lorraine Schwartz, because of the love and meaning it symbolises,” Lively said in an interview. “No, I didn’t have any hand in its design – I married a gentleman.”

    Anna Kournikova – $2.5 million (over R37 million)

    When Enrique Iglesias popped the big question to tennis star Anna Kournikova back in 2009, he did so with an expensive 11-carat sparkler that set him back $2.5 million. The pair, who met in 2001 on set of Iglesias’s Escape music video, are notoriously private about their relationship.

    Despite getting engaged a decade ago, the couple are in no rush to the altar. Both do not believe that marriage will make a big change in their relationship. In 2018, they welcomed twins Nicholas and Lucy.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BaCrYYAgqnx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jacqueline Kennedy O’Nassis – $2.59 million (over R38 million)

    Forever the style icon, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is mostly remembered for being one of America’s favourite First Ladies. However, it is her second engagement ring that truly went down in history.

    Five years after JFK’s assassination, Jacqueline found love again with mogul Aristotle Onassis. The Greek shipping magnate proposed to the former First Lady with a 40-carat Marquise-cut Lesotho III diamond ring from Harry Winston. The ring was so valuable that Onassis only wore it twice before leaving it in a bank vault for safe-keeping.

    After her passing in 1996, the ring was auctioned off and fetched a price of $2.59 million.

     

    Grace Kelly – $4-million (over R49 million)

    When Grace Kelly became royalty, she needed a stunning diamond ring to prove it. Prince Rainer III of Monaco proposed to the iconic actress with a stunning 10.4-carat, emerald-cut diamond flanked by two baguettes set in platinum. It is estimated to have cost $4-million (R49.36 million).

    She wore the Cartier ring in her final film High Society, which iconised it as one of the most famous engagement rings in history. At their royal wedding, she paired the sparkler with a delicate eternity band set with rubies and diamonds for the colours of Monaco.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/7MM6_5ow6z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jennifer Lopez – between $1 million and $4.5 million (over R66 million)

    Her love don’t cost a thing but an expensive ring won’t hurt. J-Lo has had not one, not two, but three engagement rings over the value of $1 million.

    The first notable one, a 6.1-carat pink diamond solitaire Harry Winston ring, came from her third fiancé Ben Affleck and is estimated to have cost between $1.2 and $2.5 million. Following the end of this relationship, she became engaged to Marc Anthony, who proposed with a 8.5-carat blue diamond Harry Winston engagement ring estimated to have cost $4 million.

    Most recently, baseball superstar Alex Rodrigues asked for Jennifer’s hand in marriage with an enormous 16-carat diamond ring. Ajay Anand, CEO of Rare Carat, has estimated to cost around $4.5 million. However, other jewellers give a wide range, stating the ring costs somewhere between $1 million and $4.5 million.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Buzz2LMg92D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Kim Kardashian – $4 million (over R59 million)

    Love them or hate them, there is no arguing that Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West will go down in history as one of the most iconic celebrity couples. West proposed to the social media star with a 15-carat cushion-cut diamond engagement ring that is estimated to have cost a casual $4 million. Seriously.

    Never one to be outdone, in 2016 Kanye gifted Kim with a 20-carat emerald cut diamond ring for her to wear on her other hand. The second ring was reportedly stolen during an armed robbery in Paris.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxfhkovgsTa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Beyonce – $5 million (over R74 million)

    Only the best for Queen B. While we know little about this notoriously private couple’s wedding, we can say that Jay-Z presented Beyonce with a 24-carat flawless emerald-cut diamond ring with a split band. The Lorraine Schwartz-designed ring is estimated to be worth a whopping $5 million.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/7ycIolvw2-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Elizabeth Taylor – $8.8 million (over R130 million)

    While she has been presented with many engagement rings in her time, Elizabeth Taylor’s most iconic one comes from Richard Burton. So iconic, in fact, that it was named after her. Burton gifted her with the ring when they remarried for the second time in 1975. Originally named the Krupp diamond, the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond is a generous 33.19 carats.

    Following her death in 2011, her ring was auctioned off for $8.8m. At the time, it was the highest per-carat price ever for any colourless diamond.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzqZgILhz0H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Mariah Carey – $10 million (over R148 million)

    Though their engagement was incredibly short lived, Mariah Carey and James Packer will go down in history for owning the most expensive celebrity engagement ring. The iconic singer’s engagement ring, gifted to her by Australian businessman James Packer, was 35-carats and has an estimated value of $10 million. Yes, you read that right.

    However, the wedding was not to be. The couple split a few months after getting engaged and Carey sold the ring for $2.1 million.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BM7-8b_Bsh_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Instagram / Elizabeth Taylor

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    In Advice

    Groomsmen gift ideas

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    This might not be something men think about a lot, but the fact is, your groomsmen give just as much time, energy and money towards your wedding as any loyal bridesmaid. The least you can do is say thank you, and show them that you really appreciate them sharing your journey to the altar with you. Depending on your budget, you can go big or small.

    Of course, men are notoriously difficult to give gifts to. Here are some cool ideas to help you out:

    Personalized beer case
    We love this wooden case, and carving their name on it adds a personal touch.

     

    Braai kit
    You can’t go wrong with this one. Always handy!

     

    Travel mug
    For all the campers, travellers and always-on-the-go dudes.

     

    Bluetooth speaker
    With a small speaker that’s easy to carry, your boys will always be the life of the party.

     

    Liqueuer
    Not only is liqueur super classy, it actually tastes better than you think!

     

     

     

     

    Picture: Unsplash

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    In Engagements

    Bride helps brother propose at her wedding

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    Proposing or announcing big news at someone else’s wedding is mostly frowned upon. Then again, it really does depend on the couple getting married, as some take delight in having others celebrate their own special life events on their big day.

    A Texan man proposed to his girlfriend at his sister’s wedding, and the bride was in on the whole thing.

    Sierra Mcginty-Rush spent months planning the moment with her brother Solomon McGinty II. At the customary bouquet throwing during the reception, Sierra pretended to get ready to throw the flowers over her head, then turned around and gave her flowers to her brother’s girlfriend, Baylee Gillmore, instead of throwing her bouquet into the crowd.

    And there Solomon was, waiting on one knee with a ring to pop the big question. The woman in question looks stunned, then a few words are exchanged and she happily says yes. They even got their cousin in on it to film the whole thing. Watch how it unfolded:

    In a Facebook post, Sierra wrote: ‘Doing it at MY reception that MY coins paid for was MY idea. If you know me and my brothers relationship then you would understand why I was more excited then they were! I was nervous and trying not to cry,’ she added. ‘Sharing Saturday with him just gave us more memories,’ she said.

    Picture: Daily Mail

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    In Advice

    The latest wedding trend: Touch-up stations

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    It might sound unnecessary, or even a little vain but we’re not here to judge. All we know is, touch-up stations are becoming a thing! A touch up beauty station is a great idea for a bridal party that wants to have all the fun but still be photo ready at a moment’s notice.

    Touch-up stations are literally just that: stations set up at your wedding venue for any necessary make-up touch-ups.

    Depending on the wedding venue, it can be set up in the bathrooms or a neutral space. There are a few options you can consider:

    You can easily (and cheaply) just create a private corner by a mirror for everyone who wants to bring their necessities and leave it there for the day.

    You can also dedicate a whole pop-up stand or mobile home and supply all the items yourself.

     

    There are even companies who rent out mobile beauty bars and can send you stylists who are ready for the quick touch-up or the emergency sewing kit.


     
    Here are some essentials your station should include:

    – Tissues
    – Cotton wool
    – Ear buds
    – Make-up remover
    – Lip balm (get one that uses finger application for hygiene reasons)
    – Mascara
    – Hair comb (add a cleaning product for guests to clean it after use)
    – Hairspray
    – Anti-perspirant
    – Tampons/sanitary pads
    – Needles and thread
    – Hand lotion

     

    Picture: Pexels

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    In Announcements

    South African KFC proposal goes viral

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    Some might devise an elaborate plan to pop the big question, but this man proved that you shouldn’t be chicken to do a humble proposal. His decision to propose in a local fast food restaurant has turned into a social media storm as people across the country come together to give them a wedding beyond their wildest dreams.

    A video of a man proposing in a Vaal KFC outlet was posted to Twitter yesterday afternoon, and quickly caught the attention of social media users. Fast food giant KFC South Africa saw the video of the couple becoming engaged and posted it to their official Twitter. In their tweet, KFC SA appealed to their followers to help identify the couple in the hopes of doing something special for them.

    The couple has since been identified and two Twitter users are meeting with them today to discuss wedding planning. The grooms name is Mr. Kansi, and his financial situation is tough at the moment so he would like to have a small wedding to celebrate their nuptials.

    The video quickly went viral, causing #KFCproposal to trend on Twitter. South Africans are now rallying behind the couple to make their dream wedding come true.

    Takealot has offered a R5000 voucher to the couple to purchase anything on their online store. Vodacom, Total South Africa, Cricket South Africa and Pick ‘n Pay also joined in the hunt to find the newly engaged couple.

    People are offering to support in any way they can, from donating money to supplying cars, outfits, accessories, invites and drinks. Austin Malema has offered to be their photographer free of charge, and Amanda Black is keen to sing at the reception.

    This wedding is sure to be finger lickin’ good.

    Image: Twitter /  KFC South Africa

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    In Advice

    Engagement parties: Yay or nay?

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    Getting engaged is a big deal. We get it. When your loved one pops the question, or says yes, all you want to do is shout it out to the world. Adventure awaits. But how practical are engagement parties really?

    The upside:

    FUN

    There’s really not much to explain here. It’s a good time. You get to celebrate this special time in your life with people you care about!

    Sharing stories

    It’s natural that everyone will want to know how it happened, who asked whom and how. Was it a grand gesture or a private moment? It’s all pretty exciting. So instead of having to answer a bunch of questions over and over, it’s a great opportunity to tell your love story while everyone is gathered.

    Show off the bling

    The real reason most ladies want to throw a party! If your partner gave you a customary ring, you are bound to be super proud of it. Everyone will want to see it up close, and you will want to show it off. Sometimes, it’s okay to brag.

    The downside:

    The money issue

    Sigh. Why is everything so darn expensive? Unless you’re a celebrity, it will probably hurt your wallet. You’re already spending money on the wedding, the honeymoon, the ring and dress… An engagement party seems like an unnecessary expense.

    It can be stressful

    Planning a wedding is already pretty stressful. There is a lot to do and there are many people involved, all wanting to weigh in on how it should go. You have a ton of things on your mind. Planning one more event might add to the stress and only make you anxious.

    Finding the time

    We know it is supposed to be about the couple, but the reality is, everyone’s busy. Supposing you and your fiancee can find an open date, all your guests might not be available. They are already putting time aside to attend the wedding itself, and it might be hard to find another date and time that suits everybody.

    Yay or nay?

    In conclusion, of course, it’s a personal choice so it’s up to you as a couple. However, we think it would be wise to rather put the time, money and energy towards the big day. You’ll see everyone there anyway, and those who really care will call or drop by to say congrats and share in your happiness.

    Picture: Pexels

     

     

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    In Accessories

    Engagement ring trends for 2020

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    A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This saying still rings true today. Diamonds will never go out of style, but trends do. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing an engagement ring. We’ve gathered advice from jewellery experts to help you ring in your engagement in style.

    Here’s what will trend in 2020.

    Coloured stones:

    Modern brides have been leaning towards coloured stones and birthstones as of late. “I think today’s bride is more concerned with being unique, and while she still wants a three stone ring, she is looking for something that is one of a kind. Women today want to stand out!” Kendra Pariseault Jewelry told StyleCaster.

    Coloured stones are an easy way to make a statement and express your personal style. Niel Lane says that morganite stones, the pink to orange-pink variety of the beryl mineral, have especially grow in popularity this year.

    Take this trend further by using a birthstone for a personal touch to an engagement ring. Just be careful to speak to an expert beforehand, as not all birthstones are made equal. Some are not durable enough for every day wear.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvwwqlB-_0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Unique shapes:

    Square cut and pear shaped is so played out. For a unique take, brides have been loving star-shaped and floral-shaped engagement rings. We’ve seen Elizabeth Olsen, Katy Perry, and Irina Shayk all step out with floral-shaped rings in the past year.

    This ring can be quite busy so the key is to keep the band simple. While typically centered with a coloured stone, you can simplify this style by going with a traditional diamond.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNeYu5lsZq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Throwback designs:

    The more traditional bride will be glad to hear that vintage and art-deco inspired rings are also back in style. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making.

    Art-deco is all about clean lines and geometric angles. We love how this hexagonal-shaped engagement ring still feels feminine with the array of smaller diamonds on the perimeter of the main stone. This halo effect is another big engagement ring trend, as it makes the main stone appear much larger. Two birds with one stone.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dALFJlfDD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rose gold:

    Rose gold has been in for years and is going nowhere. The popularity of this tone stems from the fact that it is universally flattering. It is a bold statement yet romantic and feminine at the same time.

    “Brides will be looking more at alternative metals to white gold and platinum next year. The appeal of rose gold comes from its pale pink colour that not only pairs well with trending yellow gold fashion pieces but also looks great with every skin tone, ” said Alicia Davis, VP of Merchandising at Shane Co.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gfj9Kh7Kx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Three-stone rings:

    We can thank Meghan Markle for this one. The Duchess of Sussex’s three stone engagement ring sparked the trend a few years ago and it is only rising in popularity.

    “We’ve seen a lot of couples eyeing three-stone engagement rings lately,” Lauren Addison of Lauren Addison Jewelry told StyleCaster. “The two side stones add extra sparkle to a simpler engagement ring style.”

    The three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future, giving a beautiful symbolism. The centre diamond is typically hugged by two smaller, equally sized diamonds. For something different, use colourful stones and unique cuts.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ajAg8jb-I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Stacking rings:

    Sometimes, more is more. While not a new concept, jewellery stacking has taken the industry by storm. Brides have been loving stackable rings as of late.

    Commonly, the engagement ring and wedding band are designed to pair up. Some brides are taking this a step further and adding more rings to the pile. Eternity rings or embellished bands add an extra style element and bling for glitz lovers. Pairing rings of different styles, like a vintage engagement ring with more contemporary cut embellished bands, is a playful way to create a dynamic and unique finish.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dutVbpBoZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Pexels

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    Boks-inspired proposal fail

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    The Rugby World Cup fever overtook us all these past few weeks. One South African in particular was feeling the spirit, and made a big promise. A single Facebook post gripped the nation for days to find out how this fairytale would end.

    Last week, Brian Royalson Mdunge took to Facebook and posted on the group #ImStaying to announce that he would propose if the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

    As we know by now, the Boks won the sports competition, bringing pride to the South African nation. This also meant that Brian had to hold up his end of the bargain.

    Following the win, many waited in anticipation to hear the happy news of another engaged couple. However, no news came. For days, we were left with no updates, leading to the trending of #FindBrian.

    “BRIAN!!!!!!!!! HALLOOOOO!!!!!! THE NATION IS WAITING IN ANTICIPATION!!!!! You had 24 hours to man up,” one comment read.

    Brian has just broken his silence, although unfortunately it was not with good news.

    “Hello Mzansi sorry to keep you waiting so long, but the lady rejected my proposal in front of my friends she said she’s not ready. I’m too embarrassed,” Brian wrote in his post.

    Group members have rallied to support Brian through this tough time, sending him many words of encouragement.

    “I’m so sad to read this news, ” reads one comment. “But she did not altogether say No. So hang in there, should your spirit tell you she’s worth waiting for. Amen. You stay blessed. Mwaj”

    “Sorry Brian … She’s not ready now, if her unreadiness has to do with you, work on that… If not, give her time… She rejected the proposal, Not you! All the best bro..” another advised.

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    How love languages work

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    Relationships are hard. They require give and take. At the end of the day, being in a relationship means making yourself and your partner feel love and happiness. However, love comes in many forms.

    This is where love languages come in. A love language, coined by author and relationship counsellor Gary Chapman, is a way in which someone expresses their love and appreciation towards themselves and others.

    In his book, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, Chapman explains that each person has a primary love language, but can express love in many of them. It can depend on our personality types, and we can also learn our love languages from experiences.

    “My conclusion after thirty years of marriage counselling is that there are basically five emotional love languages—five ways that people speak and understand emotional love,” Chapman explains in this book. “The important thing is to speak the love language of your spouse.”

    While Chapman focuses on romantic love, this concept also refers to familial and friendship love.

    The five core love languages are:

    – Words of affirmation – using words to encourage, appreciate and express love. For example, “You look incredible today”, or “Thank you for cooking dinner tonight, it was great.”

    – Gifts – physical gift-giving and tokens of appreciation. Examples include buying someone flowers or leaving love notes for them to read.

    – Acts of Service – providing an act of kindness for someone that you know they would appreciate. Examples include making them a cup of coffee or cooking a meal.

    – Quality time – spending time with your spouse, even if it’s not doing anything specific. This includes taking them out on dates, or having a heart-to-heart talk.

    – Physical touch – hand holding, kissing, hugs and all other forms of physical touch.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4b9GAdgqvj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Decades after the book was published, Chapman’s words still ring true. Many relationship experts today argue that the building blocks of a healthy relationship lie in understanding your partner’s love language.

    Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, relationship counsellor Gurpreet Singh said that, “There are two people in the relationship, their expectations are different, their needs are different, their way of communication is different. Everything about them is different. There are similarities of course, but opposites attract quite a lot. When you’re attracted to someone that’s different to you, it is almost necessary you will run into things about the person that grate on you.”

    Your partner’s love language signals how they see love and how they would like to receive it. Once you know how you partner wants to be loved, you can start incorporating those actions into your daily life.

    To identify your partner’s love language, you should take note of the small things they do. You can also simply ask them what makes them feel loved and cherished.

    When you can identify and understand your partner’s love language, you can begin to see the ways they represent their love everyday. Their actions, which might have meant little to you before, now become significant. For example, your partner’s love language may be physical touch and they are therefore incredibly affectionate towards you, something you might have once thought of as a sign of insecurity. When you can identify that their physical affection is their main sign of love, you can begin to appreciate those small moments for what they are. You can also be a bit more physical with your affection to show that you acknowledge how they want to be loved. Of course, your partner should do the same.

    Another important thing not to forget is to practice self-love. When you can love yourself and identify the ways in which you show love, you are in a much greater position to love others.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ecgE6Hx3S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

     

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