Beauty Archives | Page 5 of 11

In Accessories

Lashes for days and how to care for them

April 30, 2020 No Comments

False lashes can make the world of a difference to your make-up look, but not many people know how to take care of them. Here are a few tips and tricks to help get the best wear from your lashes and make them last longer.

Trim them

Not all eye shapes are the same size and you may find your strip lash doesn’t fit. This is completely normal to slightly trim the strip with a pair of scissors. Besides looking more natural, they will also be way more comfortable on the eye.

Skip the mascara

With lashes that great, you don’t need to apply a coat of mascara. We’re not saying you can’t, but it will definitely help your lashes last longer without the added layers of mascara to remove once you’re done using them.

Use tweezers

A pair of tweezers are always handy to help you apply your falsies. It will help to accurately place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible without messing up the rest of your makeup.

Never sleep with them

Always, and we repeat, always, remove your lashes before going to bed. Similarly to removing your makeup, fake lashes are no different so take them off with the rest of your face before bed. It also helps to clean your lashes from any lash glue or other makeup that may have gotten on it during your wear before putting them back in the box.

Apply after eye shadow

It is better to apply your false lashes at the end of your make-up look to avoid getting any fallout eye shadow onto them. This will ensure your lashes looking fresh and new once your make-up look is complete.

Practice makes perfect

The only way to become better at applying your falsies, is to do it on a regular basis. You’ll find the more often you use it, the quicker you’ll be, and since they’re reusable, as long as you take good care of them you wouldn’t need to buy some for months!

We love:

Pinky Goat Lashes from R149.00 (Clicks)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-1Uv4rlEA1/

Huda Beauty Lashes from R335.00 (Huda Beauty Website)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PyfauAse6/

Eylure Lashes from R85.00 (Dischem)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-w5Ffdj-ZW/

Ardell Lashes (Clicks)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B87Si5eFwyk/

By Yashna Balwanth

Image: Unsplash

In Beauty

Beginner’s guide to cruelty-free makeup

April 22, 2020 No Comments

As time goes on, people are becoming much more aware of the products they use and its impact on the world. The call for more ethical practices in the fashion and beauty industry is one that is quickly gaining momentum.

If you’re on a journey of lessening your harmful impact on the world, an easy way to start is with the makeup products you use.

What is cruelty-free makeup?

Cruelty-free makeup brands don’t test on animals at any stage of their development. They also don’t contract other parties to test on their behalf and, in most cases, don’t sell their products in countries that require animal testing. If a brand is sold in China, for example, its most likely not cruelty-free because of the country’s policies.

Cruelty-free products are tested through a variety of alternative methods like using human and animal cell cultures that have been grown in laboratories, human tissue that has been donated to science, or through computer modelling.

You can easily spot if a makeup brand is cruelty free. The makeup components will typically have a logo of a bunny printed on it somewhere close to the ingredients list.

If the brand is vegan, that means there are no animal products included in the items either. A brand can thus be cruelty-free but not vegan. If you’re vegan, look out for non-vegan ingredients like lanolin, beeswax, glycerin, elastin and squalene to find out its status.

Where can I find it?

In South Africa, there are a number of popular brands that are also cruelty-free, like Wet n Wild, Urban Decay, NYX, Catrice, Smashbox, Essence, LA Girl, Oh so Heavenly and Physicians Formula.

Brands that still employ animal testing or employ third parties to test on animals include Maybelline, Benefit, Clinique, MAC and L’Oreal.

Feature image: Pexels

In Beauty

How the Japanese kimono made its way to the West

April 14, 2020 No Comments

Originally, “kimono” was the Japanese word for clothing. These days, it refers more specifically to traditional Japanese clothing. Typically in the olden days, color combinations represented either seasonal colours or the political class to which one belonged, according to web-Japan.com.

Traditional kimonos have beautiful floral designs and are made of silk.

In modern times, the Japanese rarely wear kimonos except on special cultural occasions like weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies, or festivals.

As the world turned into a global village over the years, different cultures and fashions were influenced by each other, taking inspiration from the beautiful designs of foreign nations.

It’s not advisable for Westerners to wear traditional Japanese bridal kimonos on their weddings without specific reasons, however taking design inspiration and adapting it to your own style is a great way of celebrating wonderful cultures and learning about customs around the world.

Take a look at these incredible gowns inspired by kimonos, mixing East and West in a splendid way:

Image: Pixabay

In Advice

Clash of the scents: A gentleman’s guide to fragrances

April 7, 2020 No Comments

Mixing cologne, body spray, deodorant and aftershave can become a messy affair. Here is our gentlemen’s guide to understanding these different products and how to use them:

Cologne is the strongest form of fragrance and generally lasts the longest. It’s ideal for nights out, a special date, or more formal functions. Dunhill Icon is an example of a cologne we love. This bold fragrance is perfect for a classy night out!

Body sprays are the second strongest. These nifty, portable sprays are great for daytime or after gym wear. Sprays last a few hours and can be easily re-applied to keep you smelling fresh.

Aftershave and deodorant serve dual functions. These products don’t just smell good, they also serve a purpose. We suggest using neutral-smelling aftershaves and deodorants to avoid scents clashing and becoming muddied, while still benefitting from their practical usage.

Aftershave contains soothing and anti-bacterial agents. It prevents irritations, itching, burning and rashes, all while hydrating your skin too. It usually contains a type of astringent, an ingredient that seals up pores to prevent bacteria infecting the skin after shaving.

Deodorant, the most subdued of all scents, is mostly functional. It’s important to note that not all deodorants are antiperspirants. Antiperspirants close or block the pores under your pits, working against your natural odour, while a deodorant masks the smell of sweat while still allowing skin to breathe. Antiperspirants not only reduce sweating, but also regulate your skin’s pH level, preventing stinky pits.

To strike a perfect balance, we suggest choosing one fragrance (cologne or body spray) according to the occasion and combining it with a neutral aftershave and deodorant.

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Bridal makeup tutorials to inspire your look

April 6, 2020 No Comments

While you’re at home observing safe social distancing, you’ve probably got a lot of time on your hands. Why not learn some tips and tricks for your future big day from some professionals?

Since you probably won’t have access to a makeup artist anytime soon, let some of Youtube’s best beauty guru’s guide you on how to perfect your bridal makeup. Whether you’ll be having your makeup done professionally or doing it yourself come wedding day, these videos are great for inspiration and advice.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Accessories

Chic updo bridal hairstyles

April 2, 2020 No Comments

Classic and chic, there is nothing more elegant than an updo hairstyle. If you want to show off your neck and décolletage area, an updo will perfectly frame your face.

Here are some looks we are loving:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5TPSsWHs7Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-VGtqTHz3T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ZxXTPBzMv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-aM8TnpMD5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-baGxwAsyG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-ZFCGeI-Uo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8UA4DjHaob/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-X-nSFpt0l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Accessories

Celestial-inspired bridal hair accessories

April 2, 2020 No Comments

If you’re a lover of the moon and stars, why not incorporate them into your big day? Hair accessories are chic, modern and add a fun touch to your bridal look.

Celestial-inspired jewellery has been trending for quite a while now, and we love how hairstylists incorporate the look in unique ways. Whether it’s a crown or some interestingly-placed clips, this trend will have you over the moon.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gnXP0nW2b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1sqCMZBLD7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B97av98Buvh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4jiUaxHG2l/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PPY4WBpJC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Jr16xhYOL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8uGwFRB764/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B49otvQBnKR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4_8T45BV1w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B88qUQxAhnL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Give yourself a pamper session at home

April 2, 2020 No Comments

It’s a stressful time for the world right now. As the days progress, we become more and more uncertain of what’s happening. In times like these, it’s even more important to take care of yourself.

Having a pamper day may seem unimportant and unnecessary, but doing small things for yourself can help improve your mood and mindset. To relax and unwind, here’s how you can spoil yourself from the comfort of your own home.

Get rid of electronic distractions:

The constant ping of your cellphone will detract from your “treat yo’self” day, so best switch it off for now. By switching off your phone, you also allow your mind to switch off. The news can be quite heavy nowadays, and the constant barrage of bad news in particular can unknowingly add anxiety to your day. Give your mind a little holiday.

Make sure to let your people know that you’ll be switching your phone off for the day so that no one is worried about your lack of replies. If necessary, set up an ‘out of office’ automation so that your work contacts know you cannot be reached.

Set the scene:

Sometimes the right vibe is all you need. Before getting to the good stuff, the quickest way to brighten. mood is by cleaning the room you plan on relaxing in. The act of cleaning in itself relaxes some, but the key part of this is the result. With a clean, organised space, your mind will feel more at ease and less distracted.

Now that the chores are done, let’s have some fun! Throw on your favourite album or playlist, get into your comfiest sweats and maybe even light some candles.

A luxurious bubble bath:

Baths are truly magical. If you’re lucky enough to have a bath, make sure to dedicate an hour of your time to soak in it. Pour in some bubble bath or a bath bomb for extra luxury, and settle down with a good book or magazine. Throw in some rose petals for an extra special touch.

No bubble bath or bath bomb? Make your own! Mix a cup of liquid body wash, 1/4 cup pure vegetable glycerin, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract and essential oils of your choice to get the bubbles going.

Homemade facemask:

If you were too distracted panic buying toilet paper to buy face masks, don’t worry. There are so many easy and natural masks you can quickly whip up at home.

Typical homemade face mask ingredients include greek yoghurt, banana, honey, olive oil and avocados as bases, which you probably already have at home anyway. Customise with other ingredients like coffee, cinnamon, pumpkin or aloe vera or sugar to create masks for whatever finish you desire.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Accessories

Abstract nail art ideas for your big day

March 31, 2020 No Comments

Your hand will be on display throughout your big day as you show off your ring. You better make sure your nails are looking good!

If you want to make a bold statement, why not adorn your fingers with some abstract nail art? Using the colours or the general theme of your wedding, you can create fun and memorable nails that will add extra personality to you overall look. Here are a few unique ideas to inspire you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3PSgp-g4hP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OfCsLgwnP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-OM7PPn1sN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NT33hDumc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-M6GHXHGmh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-IQrN5BgPs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-GgxI7D21z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-FgMmMBxmg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AyPTYIfrX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9254vGjx5B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Does your personality match your perfume?

March 27, 2020 No Comments

If eyes are the window to your soul, then perfume is the gateway to your psyche. Wearing perfume is like making your own non-verbal statement. Your scent follows you, speaks of and to you.

Whether you prefer the boldness of musk or light floral notes, your choice in fragrance will leave a lingering impression on everyone you come in contact with so make sure it’s the right one. Before you spray away, consider which best suits your personality…

Nature Lovers: Floral

Earthy and sweet, floral scents are for the nature lovers. Floral scents are also distinctly soft and feminine. It’s for the woman deeply in touch with her femininity, who wants her sweetness shared with the world. The wearer of this scent immediately brightens a room with their warmth and sunny disposition. Jasmine, lily, and gardenia are popular ingredients for this perfume type.

Self Assured: Musk

A musky scent is hard to ignore, just like its wearer. Earthy, woody, animalistic, and intoxicating, this scent gives you everything and more. A musk-wearer is self-assured, the type that doesn’t need to shout to be seen. Naturally, this bold and confident scent can be polarising, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

Feminine and Flirty: Fruity

Fruity scents can go two ways. Citrus scents are sharp, clean, and energically fresh. It’s feminine without being too flirty, ideal for a woman with sass. Those who prefer the more tropical side tend to be more fun and full of life. Scents reminiscent of watermelon, berries or passionfruit are heartwarmingly optimistic, like a day spent on the beach. If you wear this scent, you’re most likely the life of the party.

Uncomplicated: Fresh

Understated but not underwhelming, this perfume scent is like a breathe of fresh air. Wearers of this scent appreciate simplicity and follow an uncomplicated way of life. If you’re into the minimalist aesthetic, this scent is for you.

Well-grounded: Woody

Typically the most popular unisex fragrance type, woody scents are earthy and grounded. With ingredients like sandalwood, cedar and patchouli, this fragrance type is easyngoing and clear just like its wearer. Those that spritz this scent are typically solid and dependable, but definitely not boring.

Mysterious: Spicy/oriental

This warm scent is dark and curiously inviting. Those who don a spicy scent are bold, mysterious and sensual yet playful. Almost hedonistic in nature, this smell speaks to an uncompromising personality who enjoys the pleasures of life. It’s perfect for a spontaneous wearer that likes to keep people guessing.

If you’re looking for a new fragrance that is as multifacted as you, look no further. Like the Quatre ring that combines four different motifs with an array of colours and dazzling harmony, the Boucheron fragrances will reveal surprising facets and daring sharpness, reflecting elegance and style. A frenzy of precious raw materials unveil their scent uniquely in every occasion and for each skin.

Boucheron Quatre fragrances are exclusively available in Dis-Chem Pharmacies.

Feature image: supplied