Tag: skincare (Page 1 of 2)

Eleven2 Skin Care

July 20, 2020 / Megan / 0 Comments

Discovering proudly South African skincare is something I am always on the hunt for. I want to find skincare products that are made with love, passion, and are there to truly make a difference. I want to find products that are created for South African skins, for our weather, and that aren’t just full of chemicals to get absorbed into our skin. And to be fair, I also don’t want to be spending an exorbitant amount on skincare products – especially thanks to Covid forcing us to tighten our belts even more.

I have found some truly wonderful brands on social media, and one such brand is Eleven2 Skin Care. Their products look absolutely divine, and the duo behind this are passionate about luxury skincare that is affordable for all.

Your name: Sharon

Business name: Eleven2 Skin Care

Social media handles: Instagram, Facebook and Website.

What are 3 fun facts about you:
I’m quite an average human.. I love my family, food and animals 🙂

Tell me a bit more about your business:
We are a mother-daughter duo. We are both so passionate about natural skin care and offering a luxury range at an affordable price.

Where did the idea for this come from: Serious health concerns prompted passionate vegan and entrepreneur Sharon Jansen Van Vuuren to take an honest hard look at her diet and what was going into her body, but also what she was applying onto her skin.

Since the skin, the largest organ of our bodies, is porous and absorbs a lot of what we put on it, she knew it was time to eliminate any products which contained harmful toxins and cancer-causing chemicals.

Frustrated at the lack of natural and organic skincare products to choose from, Sharon and her daughter Leigh, took to tirelessly learning and researching the science behind what makes a skincare range function optimally to deliver great results, be totally natural, and use only the highest performing botanicals.

And so Eleven2 skincare range was born. With hand-picked ingredients that are gentle enough so as not to irritate the skin, but with healing properties to ensure your skin feels nourished and cared for. Free from harmful synthetics and artificial fragrances, this artisan skincare range is affordable yet boasts a luxurious feel, and remains 100% committed to producing products that won’t harm our bodies, the environment or our oceans.

Hence all products (except the 10ml lip scrubs) come in recyclable glass containers eliminating plastic pollution and staying true to its cause.

With clean beauty on the rise, Eleven2 has made it easy for conscious consumers to know their choices are ethically sound and haven’t harmed any animals or our beautiful earth.

When Sharon isn’t conjuring up ideas with Leigh or creating business modules, you can find her walking her bull terrier Kenny and his sister, a rescue called Roxy, along the beautiful West Coast beaches of Cape Town.

What does your name mean:
Its a really long story… Eleven2 is the nickname my husband gave me before we were married 10 years ago. the shortened version is that it involves the 11th hole on the golf course. That’s all I’m allowed to say 🙂

Why did you choose to use glass containers:
From a health point of view, glass does not contain harmful endocrine disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates. So, nothing can leach into your product from a glass jar or bottle. Also when glass is recycled it gets turned into more glass, so it can be recycled over and over and never lose its integrity.

What makes your skincare products different:
Even though we are a luxury brand, our range is affordable – we want everyone to be able to benefit from natural and vegan products

What skin types would benefit from your products:
All skin types. We have a few products suited for mature or dry skin and a few products in our range that are suited for oily skins. We are working on an active acne range too.

What is your personal favourite product:
I personally love the Rosehip concentrate, it contains beautiful organic oils

If you could recommend just 3 products for people to start off with, what would they be:
Definitely our Face Wash, Rose Mask and the Moisturizer to start

How can people order from you:
Our website was recently launched, which makes it very easy to shop online.But we are also happy to take orders via DM on Instagram or WhatsApp (073 048 5757)

Quote you live by: Treat others the way you want to be treated

Anything else you want to add: My daughter (and business partner) has been instrumental in launching this range – really, all credit goes to her!

Don’t these sound absolutely gorgeous? I know that I definitely want to give them a go, and am waiting for pay day to place my order. The masks are what caught my eye initially, but as their range has grown and expanded so had my interest!

Thank you so much Sharon for allowing me to chat to you, and for making such a lovely skincare line available for all. I wish you only good things.

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Chick Cosmetics

July 2, 2020 / Megan / 0 Comments

I can’t even tell you when I discovered Chick Cosmetics, but I have been utterly obsessed from the very first product I bought from them. I have tried their makeup, their skincare, their makeup brushes, and even their makeup sponge – and have never been disappointed. In fact their brushes are what I make use of on a daily basis, and I find myself reaching for their products more often than not. Their customer service is out of this world, and I was SO excited to meet Nomfundo in July last year at their Pop-Up Shop in Sandton.

I immediately squealed and totally fan-girled my way up to her. I couldn’t believe that I finally got to meet the creator of my favourite make-up brand in person – and she was so kind to me too. Beautiful inside and out, what more could we really ask for?

I have seen her brand grow from strength to strength, and I couldn’t be happier for Nomfundo and the entire brand. They are constantly on top of trends, and I have seen them popping up more and more across social media and in beauty articles. I am SO honoured to have been given the opportunity to interview them and show you a bit more about them. But be warned – you WILL be hooked and want to own every single product!

Your name: Nomfundo Njibe

Business name: Chick Cosmetics

Social media handles: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Website.

How would you describe Chick Cosmetics: Chick Cosmetics is a beauty brand which makes clean, cruelty-free products to a millennial and generation z target market.

Where did the idea for this business come from: During a short stay abroad, I ended up losing my makeup bag and found myself in a Sephora. I was amazed of how many indie brands are available in other countries. I knew right then I wanted to be a part of this, and the rest is history.

What makes your products different to others: Our objective was not to create a brand exclusively for one segment of the population, but rather to design a product that would appeal to beauty consumers regardless of their background. Diversity and inclusivity have now become the norm among young audiences, which is why we looked to make it part of our brand DNA from the beginning.

What is your personal favourite product: Glow Boost Serum – our vitamin C facial serum.

What have been the most popular items: Glow Boost Serum, Nightwind Eyeshadow Palette, Microfiber Beauty Sponge and Pro-Sculpt brushes, the world’s most beautiful brushes.

How did lockdown affected your business: Lockdown took place during a crucial time in our business which was mid-production. We had to halt everything until it was safe to produce. The positive side is that our online sales increased, and we sold out all our products.

How has Chick Cosmetics evolved since you first started it?
The beauty dynamic has changed a lot since we first launched. We started it off as a color cosmetic brand, we have recently started a skincare range which has received a positive feedback from our beauty community . We believe in taking care of your skin first.

How can people order from you: Chickcosmetics.com and Takealot.

If people are buying from you for the first time, what are the top 3 products you would recommend: I will always recommend Baggage Claim eye patches, Glow Boost Serum and Microfiber Beauty Sponge

Quote you live by: “You are personally responsible for becoming more ethical than the society you grew up in.” Elizabeth Yukowsky

Anything else you want to add: We love you Meggi. Thank you always for your constant support. We pray for your life and healing.

Guys, these products are currently sold out (well done Chick Cosmetics!), but they will restock ASAP as well as launching some very exciting new products. With teasers being put out across their social media, the hype is definitely real. A new face oil, and “another beauty box” are launching soon; and I am always checking their platforms to try find out more. In fact they are one of the few pages that I have turned on notifications for every new post!

If I could, I would own every product they have brought out, and I think that I am slowly slowly working my way there (I still have a way to go, but jeepers I don’t want to miss out on any of their new launches).

Thank you again Nomfundo for your time, your passion, and your kindness. You are one in a million, and I will always be your number one fan.

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Pink Cosmetics

June 8, 2020 / Megan / 1 Comment

I started following Pink Cosmetics way before I even started this blog. I was drawn to their products, and very quickly knew that I had to place an order to try some of their products for myself. I have seen how their name has grown and grown, and I constantly see them being recommended in beauty groups that I am part of – in fact their solid brush cleanser is probably the reason we have more clean brushes in South Africa as it is just so easy to use.

I had never had the opportunity to meet Janet face-to-face as she stays in the Western Cape and I am in Gauteng – that is until Beauty Revolution happened (just before lockdown!). I couldn’t stop myself from skipping up to her and giddily introducing myself. She is someone I admire so much, and I trust her products 100%. They smell beautiful, look beautiful, and make you feel beautiful using them.

Janet & me at her stand at Beauty Revolution

WhatsApp Image 2020-06-08 at 07.51.02 (1)

Nomsa & Janet at Beauty Revolution

Lanie (Lanie Soaps), Andrea (Maria Cosmetics), Janet (Pink Cosmetics) & me (fan-girling)

I have been wanting to interview Janet for the longest time, and am SO excited about being able to feature her today. And if there is one item I can personally recommend, it’s the brush cleaner – did you know you should be washing your brushes and sponges every week to avoid makeup build up and residue of other colours mixing together? Plus bacteria can build up in the brushes and cause acne and skin irritation – yuck!

Your name: Janet Pink

Business name: Pink Cosmetics

Social media handles: Twitter; Facebook; Instagram; Pinterest; YouTube and Website.

Tell me, what is PINK: Pink is products that are beautiful both inside and out. They are vegan and cruelty free, created in small batches by me and my team with no sulphates and parabens and no petrochemicals. Pink is good for your skin and the environment, but they are also pretty and lovely to use. PINK stands for Perfectly Incorporating Natures Knowledge and we use the best from both the plant world and science.

Where did the idea for this business come from: In 2010, while investigating the skincare products used by my family, I was horrified to discover the dangers of so many ingredients lurking in the vanity aisles of countless products. Many skincare items contained controversial preservatives like parabens, strong sulphates, and petrol derivatives (parafinium). I felt like someone needed to contend with the unfulfilled promises and unethical behavior of these countless products on the market. So, armed with passion and purpose, backed by my beauty therapist degree, I began to educate myself and develop my very own formulations & an ethical skincare range. My aim was to create a wholesome and beautiful range of products that were not only vegan and non-toxic, but also safe for use by the whole family.

What makes your products different to others: Our products are not mass produced or imported and relabeled. I literally formulate & manufacture EVERY product myself from scratch. I am staring to outsource my formulas to various labs – as I can’t keep up with the demand anymore. We make small batches to keep ingredients as fresh as possible so they don’t sit on shelves for 2 years. Every product is made with love and passion and a sprinkle of PINK!.

What is your personal favourite product: That’s hard!!! I love and use them all! I would die without my Superskin moisturizer – so that’s the ONE I would chose.

Tell me a bit more about your brush cleaner: I get DM’s every weekend from makeup artists, I am cleaning my brushes and thinking of you- that’s makes me so happy. It’s a quick and very effective way to clean your brushes thoroughly. Each one is poured by hand and made with lots of nourishing and cleansing oils in a magic ratio to clean and condition make up brushes.

What have been the most popular items: Brush cleaners, bathbombs, cherry blossom scrub and our Plump up Hyaluronic serum.

How has lockdown affected your business: We have been incredibly blessed to have been super busy during lockdown. I realized I needed to pivot Pink really quickly and started marketing our hand sanitizers and sourcing other PPE – like masks and shields. I have the most amazing and loyal customers and they all supported Pink incredibly. It also gave me the ability to help and support other small businesses who were struggling. I need a holiday – as it’s been just me working most of the time and struggling with out of stock and closed suppliers.

What have been some of your proudest moments during your PINK journey: Definitely standing in Waterfront Truworths Context store taking a picture with my products on their shelf! Wearing my mask – of course- lol

How can people order from you: Directly from our website.

If you had to recommend just 3 products for people to start with, what would they be: Make up melt- our cleansing balm, a moisturizer suited to their skin type- we have 3, and Pink Clay – our facial scrub and mask in one.

Quote you live by: Be kind

Anything else you want to add: Hard work, passion and dedication can make anything happen. Believe in yourself and your dreams, with all your heart and work towards them everyday! No matter who you are, dream big and forge your own path. Who knows, your dream might change the world for good! Mine did.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity Megan and for being one of my amazing and loyal clients.

Guys, if I can get behind a skincare and beauty brand, this would be it. I have been blessed to try quite a few of their products (they also do sample packs of their facial range so you can see which ones you like the most and the improvement in your skin before you purchase the full-size products). I would definitely say get a trial pack of products, the solid brush cleaner, facial mist, and one of their masks for your first order – from there you will be hooked and will definitely want to increase your range that you own.

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Kiki Beauty

January 28, 2020 / Megan / 0 Comments

Near the end of last year I got sent some products from Kiki Beauty to try out. I had no idea what to expect – their social presence had caught my eye, & I was definitely interested in finding out more about them, but I hadn’t yet tried their actual products.

I was sent their Pink Velvet Hydration Cream/Mask; 2-in-1 Makeup Remover & Toner; Rose Wax Lip Balm; & samples of a few of their products to try. They also included an Emerald Green Eyeliner Precision Pen from Bionic Babe. Well, let me be completely honest with you…

I cannot fault them in the slightest! In fact I have recommended them to many of my friends who have been looking for a new facial range. My skin looks & feels softer & smoother, & removing my makeup is an absolute breeze. I keep the lip balm in my handbag & it lasts for ages whilst hydrating & smoothing my lips.

I have been using them for over 2 months now, & the compliments I have been receiving have definitely proved that these products are working magic on my skin. I love how the cream/mask is so hydrating without feeling thick & oily on my skin; & the makeup remover/toner is easy to use & doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or dry. AND I even managed a winged liner look with their precision pen which is nothing short of a miracle.

I reached out to Holly & asked if I could learn a bit more about the history of Kiki Beauty & Bionic Babe as I had to share this with all of you. Read on for more…

Your name: Holly Thomas

Business name: Kiki Beauty and Bionic Babe

Social media handles: KB: Facebook, Instagram & Website. BB: Facebook, Instagram & Website.

Tell me a bit more about your business: Our business is a family run business which started with my mom, Maryke. She noticed that there was a gap in the South African market for quality, South African made, skincare and make-up preparation products, specifically a primer. I was still finishing my degree in Chemical Engineering when we started to come up with some ideas for products and packaging. We then approached one of the top South African formulators who formulated our ideas for us. We managed to launch 10 brand new products and the rest is history 🙂

How long have you been running for: We officially launched our brand in September 2016.

What makes your products different to other brands: Our skincare products are formulated, designed and manufactured in South Africa. We do our own designs for our packaging and labels. We choose only the best natural ingredients to go into our products, specifically for South African skin.

What is your personal favourite product: That is a tough one ;). I love all our products in a different way. The Face Primer and Rose Dew Setting Spray are my go to products. I can’t go a day without them, even if I am not wearing any make-up. They are so nourishing and gentle and just love the packaging. I also can’t go a day without using our Bionic Babe Palettes. Love the strong pigments and exciting colours.

What have been the most popular products with your clients: The Rose Dew Setting Spray is our most popular product with the Primer following close behind. Our Rose Wax Lip Balm is also very popular!

If someone wants to try your products, what would you recommend they start with: If they are looking for make-up ready products I would recommend our Primer and Rose Setting Spray. If they are looking for skincare our Jelly Cleanser/ Radiance Powder Wash are great products to add radiance to the skin. Our toner is also an affordable product that really smooths and cleans the skin. Otherwise we love to hear from people to recommend specific products for their skin types.

I see you have 3 different ranges – tell me a bit more about them: Our Make-Up Ready Range is all make-up preparation products. This range is designed to nourish the skin while ensuring make-up looks great and lasts as long as possible.
Our Skincare Range has all our skincare products including cleansers, toner/make-up removers and moisturisers/masks.
Our Hand and Bodycare Range is just basic hand and body care products. We are hoping to add to these soon. We have just launched a body protection mist-aerosol sunscreen which is great 🙂
We also have a branch of Kiki that has colour cosmetics, called Bionic Babe. We have tried to create funky packaging and colours for something artistic and different.

Quote you live by:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”– Mark Twain – Really feel like we need to grasp each and every opportunity and make full use of it. Success will follow.

My skin is usually super sensitive & I am always fearful of starting a new product range, but I had no reaction from anything that I have tried. They all smell beautiful too, without being over-fragranced, which is a huge bonus!

Holly is so welcoming & willing to assist you with your specific needs, so you know that you will get recommendations as to what will suit your skin concerns, as well as your makeup needs. Plus their pricing is really reasonable, which makes it even more appealing.

Pop over to their website today & have a squiz through what is on offer. Please let me know what you think of them & what your favourite is!

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Timola

October 4, 2019 / Megan / 0 Comments

Recently I was lucky enough to win a prize from The Refillery which consisted of a bag filled with goodies from Timola. I have been hunting for a skin care range that is natural & organic, gentle on my skin, & is friendly to the environment. When I opened the brown paper bag of goodies, & saw that there was no plastic (!) but only glass bottles & labels stuck straight onto the soaps I was enthralled. I immediately had to test them out. The scent was gentle & natural, & didn’t scare me off with over-the-top fragrances. There was no reaction & my skin felt moisturised & oh so happy!

I hadn’t heard of this amazing skincare brand before, & I feel like I have been missing out. This is when I decided I had to reach out to them & I immediately felt like I was chatting to a friend. This business is filled with kindness, honesty & love.

Your name: Tani

Business name: Timola

Social media handles: Facebook & Instagram & Website

Tell me a bit more about your products: Timola is a sePedi (Northern Sotho) word that means “to soothe”. The word is also used to explain the action of putting out a fire. This is the perfect word to explain the action of the Bulbine extract on the skin.

Timola Skin Care Productas showcases the many exceptional characteristics and daily uses of Bulbine Frutescens. Our Bulbine range of products uses the power of organic Bulbine Frutescens Leaf Juice to restore skin barrier function, reduce sensitisation and improve moisture retention. We use only the finest quality ingredients. None of our products contain chemical irritants.

Oil La La 😍

Africa has a long lived tradition of creating skin and hair care formulations from the natural ingredients provided by its abundant and varied flora. Extracted from the heart of Africa, TIMOLA® Oil products use only natural and 100% pure oils. Timola Oil products are safe and proven to be highly effective as cosmetic products as they do not contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances or artificial colours and are great for even the most sensitive skin types.

Pretty Powderful Stuff 👊🏻

Timola Powder range includes a variety of powders, from superfood to clay, that have been utilised by indigenous people for thousands of years. Our superfood products are extremely dense in vital nutrients, antioxidants, anti-carcinogens, and cell-repairing vitamins & minerals. Our green clay & kaolin clay are valued for their highly absorbent properties and high content in minerals and are particularly beneficial as a therapeutic treatment for a variety of health concerns.

How did the idea for this range come from: A few years ago one of our founding shareholders, a French gentleman with many years experience in the cosmetic industry was looking for an indigenous South African plant with exceptional skin care characteristics. His search lead him to our partners farm now organically certified and carbon neutral. Here he found your skin’s BF and the local knowledge of Bulbine Frutescens that soothe your skin birthed the name TIMOLA: “to soothe”.

What makes your products stand out in comparison to others: We have a saying, “Bulbine Frutescens, Your Skin’s New Best Friend”! And this slogan is all thanks to Conny from the Cosmetics Chef 😄

We take pride in the quality and purity of our products. We strive to provide our customers products that are beneficial to their skin, hair & body and that install a healthy, daily ritual of simple self-care.

We source and select our ingredients directly from producers and small scale farmers through our mutual interest with our partners.

We select our ingredients for their unique qualities and commit to using only the finest natural and organic ingredients. This means that each TIMOLA® product is gentle on your skin & hair as well as healthy to your body.

What skin types do you recommend these for: Our range of products will suit all skin types and is of great benefit to sensitive skin.

What is the benefit of bulbine: Bulbine Frutescens is a unique plant with incredible healing, soothing and moisturising qualities.

Bulbine Frutescens protects dry and sensitive skin and helps increase skin hydration and elasticity; as well as restoring barrier function, reducing sensitisation and improving moisture retention.

Where can people purchase your products from: Our online store.

Our Timola Concept Store in Cape Connection Lifestyle Village, 59 Garsfontein Road, Maroelana.

Wellness Warehouse Lifestyle on Kloof and online.

Faithful To Nature.

Holistic Relieve – Growgreen in Durban.

And of course, The Refillery.

Why do you encourage people to support local: Local is lekker!

I once had a client asking me with all the Moringa products on the market, why must she buy our brand? My answer, because our partner cultivates the organic Bulbine and organic Moringa, it is easy for me to show you were our products come from. If you have a query, and being locally produced, we can trace it very easy.

She was convinced.

Quote you live by: People with a teachable spirit approach each day as an opportunity for another learning experience.

Anything else you want to add: Because we as Timola founders use Timola ourselves, we can confidently say, Timola is your skin’s New BF!

We are at the Beauty Fair at Woodlands Boulevard Shopping Centre Pretoria East this weekend. If you are in the area, let me know and come say hi.

If you have been battling to find a product that suits your skin, & takes care of your sensitive skin whilst making a change, then give Timola a try.

Even my husband, who I have been trying to get to take care of his skin since we met over 8 years ago, has decided that he loves this product & has been using it every day since I brought it home!

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African Secret

April 24, 2019 / Megan / 1 Comment

Aromatherapy, or essential oil therapy, refers to a range of traditional, alternative or complementary therapies that use essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds.

I am always looking for natural products to use on my skin, & when my nails began peeling from the chemotherapy I was on the hunt for a cuticle oil that would moisturise my nails & surrounding skin, & help protect my poor nails from any further damage.

So when I began my deep, dark dive into the interweb for a locally produced product, I was immediately pointed in the direction of African Secret. I reached out, & told her my concerns, as well as what I was looking for. I let her know how super sensitive my skin has become, as well as my medical conditions. She asked if I would give her some time to research my condition & see if there are any essential oils that are recommended for my concern, or even contra-indicated.

Immediately I was impressed as she wasn’t just trying to hard sell me her staple products, but was really listening to my concerns & wanted to help me feel better & not suffer in pain any more! And when the goodies arrived, I was so excited to try them out. No reactions, & as soon as I opened the box that they arrived I could smell all the gorgeous oils. So now, let’s find out a little more about this beautiful business…

Your name: Stacey Jane Smith

Business name: African Secret

Social media handles: Facebook & Instagram

Tell me a bit more about what you do: I am the founder of African Secret. Our products help relieve common ailments and contact dermatitis using natural ingredients. We make a range of aromatherapy blends and our washes are suitable for use from head to toe, are biodegradable and hypo-allergenic.

Why did you decide to start this business: My interest in personal care products began when I was an agent selling products for a popular skincare company – their products were good, but they contained parfum & artificial colour. After the birth of my son, something sparked and it was my mission to research and develop products which incorporated natural ingredients, without adding fragrance and colour (the main cause of contact dermatitis and skin irritation) as sensitive skin and contact dermatitis is increasing at an alarmingly rapid rate.

Have you always had an interest in aromatherapy: My interest in aromatherapy started a few years ago – when I turned to essential oils instead of pharmaceuticals for relief.

What is your most popular product: Our Tea Tree Cream is the go-to product when anyone in your family has an insect bite, rash, flare-up, sunburn, itch, burn, scrape or graze from outdoor activities/sport.

Do you do special blends for specific needs: We are constantly researching and developing new blends, so we encourage our clients to let us know what they would like solutions to.

Where can people order products from: Email africansecretsa@gmail.com or WhatsApp 0824771227 – request our pricelist and place your order.
View our products on our Facebook Shop and inbox us or email your order.

What is the importance of using natural skincare: Natural products do not contain artificial irritants or drugs that could do more harm in the long run.

Why do you encourage people to support local: When people purchase locally-made products instead of commercial products (majority mass-produced outside of SA) they enable us to provide quality products made-with-love, and, they help us do what we love – which is helping and satisfying our customers.

Quote you live by: “Live with intention and purpose. Respect: yourself and others.” – SJS

I absolutely adore all my products from Stacey-Jane, & will definitely be ordering more. The cuticle oil is in my handbag to apply whenever I remember; the body wash has been hidden from husband so he doesn’t finish it all (he loves it & goes through it at a rapid rate!); & the tea tree cream was an absolute lifesaver when the mozzies were out in full force.

Please always be careful when using essential oils – it is not a good idea to simply buy these off the shelf, especially if you have pre-existing conditions such as epilepsy or sensitive skin, or are pregnant. But SJ knows her stuff & you will be completely safe in her hands. She has a sports massage oil which I definitely have my eye on – I have been attempting to gym & my poor muscles are crying in pain! What are you super keen to try?

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Tissue Oil

November 11, 2018 / Megan / 0 Comments

When I was contacted by Rubybox to participate in their survey for Justine Tissue Oil, I was very interested! Rubybox is a great service offered right here in South Africa, where you subscribe & they send you surveys to complete that they feel may relate to you & your needs. You then complete them honestly, & if you fit their brief then they send you samples of a specific product for yourself & your friends to trial. You usually have to complete surveys throughout your time of using them, & sometimes even send through progress shots to prove that these products are making a difference.

Just please don’t sign up to participate & then keep all the products for yourself – that is not cool & completely defeats the object of this campaign!

Available in 60ml for R135, and 200ml for R380.
Justine’s Tissue Oil Original is formulated with botanically-derived oils like Sweet Almond Oil and Vitamin E, which help the oil to penetrate the skin quickly and deeply to ensure faster, never seen before results.

Tissue Oil is rich in antioxidants that contain anti-ageing properties to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles from appearing over time.

In just 2 weeks, 4 out of 5 women* who used Justine’s Tissue Oil saw an improvement in the look of: Scars and stretch marks*, Sun damage**, Skin’s elasticity** and Skin’s firmness**

*Based on a consumer study where 4 out of 5 women saw an improvement in the appearance of scars and stretch marks after 2 weeks.

**Based on a consumer study

When I signed up for this campaign, I had relatively new scars. From past experience I knew that my skin keloids & marks easily, & my older scars are still very visible despite some of them being over 20 years old. I am a scab picker (terrible habit I know!) & have bad acne scarring on my face from my teenage years. I had 3 operations at the beginning of 2018 & really wanted to see if tissue oil was worth all the hype. Would it really make my scarring less visible, as well as my skin softer?

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This slideshow shows the progression from my original scars, to 2 weeks later, & finally after 4 weeks. I applied the oil every morning & evening during this period & I really feel that this is key – you need to maintain the application in order to get the best benefits & see the best results.

The scars I used them on here were from an open lung biopsy, & where my chemo port was inserted. You can see in the images that they are still quite new & red so they could really do with some help! You cannot apply oil to 10 year old scars/marks & expect to see a huge difference – you need to put together your plan of action quite early on & sort them out when they happen. In fact, I think I will always ensure that I have some tissue oil in my cupboard when I go for any type of surgery.

Having used this religiously for the full four weeks, this was my honest review: “Being chronically ill, & having had 4 operations this year alone means that my poor body is COVERED in scars. My skin has also taken a huge beating from this JHB winter & it was looking scaley & gross. Getting this oil was literally the best thing I have ever done. My skin has softened & my scars are not as red & angry. I no longer feel like my skin is pulling in those areas, but is moisturised & fading a little every day. The fragrance is so pleasant & the oil soaks in quickly so it does not stain any clothing. I think every woman should have this as a staple in their cupboard!”

I would really encourage everyone to sign up for Rubybox’s great service, answer the surveys honestly, & spread the word amongst your friends. You can also like them on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter to stay up to date.

Let me know if you have answered any surveys & been sent products to trial. What are your thoughts?

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A Day of Radiance

November 5, 2018 / Megan / 0 Comments

After using a few of Bella Boneca‘s products, I was so impressed & immediately reached out to Megan, who started this whole business. She realised the importance of using natural products, free of parabens & not tested on animals. She researched & put a lot of time into this, before realising that there wasn’t a product that suited exactly what she was looking for & thus Bella Boneca began…

They are created using a range of natural ingredients that is handpicked to ensure that your skin is nourished & pampered. The products are symbiotic, & work together to restore, heal & nourish your skin – leaving you feeling like a whole new person with soft & supple skin.

Last weekend they had a “Pamper Day” alongside Radiance Skin, Beauty & Nails at NHC Honeydew. Guests arrived to an array of sweet & savoury treats, as well as champagne & orange juice. Ladies were milling about, interacting & sampling Bella Boneca’s products that were out on display.

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The ladies were all exclaiming how much they loved the feel of the product, how it didn’t make their sensitive skin react, & how amazing the prices were! From body scrub & wash; to facial serum & moisturiser; to baby products; Bella Boneca has it all. They even have a cuticle oil that is in a convenient roll-top bottle so you aren’t wasting product & it makes the world of difference – as Belina told me, this needs to be applied every time you wash your hands in order to keep your cuticles moisturised & soft as well as preventing them from splitting & bleeding.

The one little girl told me that cream makes her skin hurt & she has to wash it off immediately, but after trying out the “baby range” she had no reaction at all & absolutely loved the smell. Kids are brutally honest so I was super chuffed to hear this out of the mouth of babes for myself!

Megan also runs a great company called Lifestyle on Location, which is a mobile spa that provides treatments in the comfort of your own home or work space – what a great idea for a staff day or just a general pamper party (nudge nudge hint hint to all employers out there!). These fabulous ladies treated all of us to our choice in treatment – either a manicure, pedicure or massage – & everyone who walked out of the room had a huge smile & look of total relaxation. I think I could have spent all day there!

These ladies also helped with recommending particular products that would suit our skin complaints/concerns, & we all walked away with at least one new item to try! Mine included the Rose Water Toner, the Complete Daily Moisturiser & the Refresh Body Wash. I couldn’t wait to get home & jump in the shower to try these out, & after a week’s worth of use I am happy to say that I haven’t had any negative reaction, & absolutely LOVE how they make my skin feel. They do all smell quite “natural” or “planty”, but I really enjoy this & enjoy the fact that I don’t have hundreds of different over-scented products on my skin.

You can place your order for these products online directly off Bella Boneca’s website or why not pop in to Radiance Salon, sample the products for yourself & have a little pamper session for yourself? You truly won’t regret this & your skin will thank you for it!

Thank you to Bella Boneca & Radiance Salon for such a wonderful morning out. I truly loved the whole experience & being able to interact with such outstanding women who are defying the odds & building a brand that they can be extremely proud of!

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Seven Blossoms

September 18, 2018 / Megan / 0 Comments

I am a HUGE Korean Beauty fan, & have been using some of their products for a while now. I LOVE how the products remove my makeup so easily, whilst keeping my skin feeling soft & moisturised. There have been a few different companies that I have ordered from here in South Africa, but meeting the owners of Seven Blossoms made me smile so much & I was so impressed with their level of customer care so I knew that I had to do a feature on them.

Your names: Yasaar & Patrick
Your business name: Seven Blossoms
How did you decide on this name: Seven is a lucky number in Korea, and mine as well! Apart from the link to Asia, blossoms always conjure up an image in mind of soft beauty, that you want to preserve for a long as possible. It just clicked for me.

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Social media handles: Facebook & Instagram
You can email us on se7enblossoms@gmail.com
Tell me more about K-Beauty: Korean beauty has taken the world by storm for a while now. Their products are largely natural, and they have introduced products that are now being used worldwide (serums and essences). They’re cool, they’re different, they smell wonderful etc. And most importantly, they really work, and really are cost effective!
Why/how did you get into this: I’d first stumbled across K-Beauty online, and when I started investigating it I was hooked. Who isn’t intrigued by a Horse Fat sheetmask?? I’m lucky enough that I have family who often travel to Asia, and the first time they came back with samples for me, I was in love! I’ve never looked back, but I couldn’t possibly rely on people to constantly bring in products for me, and ordering online took too long and was quite expensive, so I decided to explore the prospect of importing myself, and the rest just fell into place.

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What are the 10 steps of KBeauty:
1.Remove makeup with an oil cleanser. Make sure it’s properly washed off, and your face is dry, then
2. Water based foaming cleanser
3. Exfoliator
4. Toner
5. Essence
6. Ampoules
7. Sheet mask
8. Eye cream
9. Moisturizer
10. Sun protection

Photo Credit: Hello Gorgeous

You don’t have to do all 10 steps daily, and if you’re just starting out, buy one or 2 products a month to build your collection cost effectively.

What are your favourite products: I have products that I tend to use in combination, rather than by brand. I don’t often wear makeup, so I often skip the oil cleanser, but I love the washoff and sheet masks. The Skinfood egg white pore cleansing foam is my daily wash, and the I absolutely can’t do without the Etude House wonder pore freshener.

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Why do you think KBeauty has just taken off: I’m not quite sure why we were so slow to pick up on K-beauty, because the rest of the world have been into it for ages. The products are amazing, and tangible results can be seen almost immediately, and the products are largely affordable for the most part
How can people get hold of you to place their order: We’re available on all our social media platforms mentioned above, and orders can be placed directly. We courier nationally. Our website should hopefully be up by the end of September
Quote you live by: If you have great skin, who needs makeup

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Any other info you want to add: Be good to your skin, and don’t underestimate the value of sunscreen!
And skincare is not just for women, men need to look after their skin as much as we do. My male clientele is increasing rapidly

You all need to try these products out! Believe me, you won’t be disappointed. Contact Yasaar & Patrick for specific advice for your skin type & concerns – they are so helpful & have a great product knowledge.

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Bella Boneca

August 16, 2018 / Megan / 2 Comments

When you meet someone, the first thing you notice is their face & their skin. After suffering from teenage acne, & also having very pale skin that scars easily I have always put some research into what I am using on my skin. Thanks to FB & Instagram’s algorithms they now suggest different skincare products & houses that they think I may like, & Bella Boneca popped up on both – so this was definitely a sign from the universe that I needed to look into them a bit more & start following them!

But as it happens, life gets hectic & I was in ICU for a week & then unfortunately time just got away from me. I then saw an invite to an event that they are hosting in JHB next month (Beautiful Because Breakfast) & knew that this time I needed to do something about it. Plus the MD’s name is also Megan (as is mine, in case you didn’t know) which did make me chuckle a bit. She very graciously took time out of her busy schedule to answer some of my questions!

Your name: Megan Clunnie
Business name: BellaBoneca
Social media handles: Facebook here, & Instagram here
What do you do: I am the founder and CEO of BellaBoneca and I have recently purchased a company called Lifestyle on location which is a mobile spa and events company. I am also a wife, a ”dog mom to 4 🐶” and a proud auntie and a “running” enthusiast.

Why are you different to other beauty products:
1. Our products don’t contain any ingredients that may be harmful to your body. Our skin is the largest organ and is able to absorb the ingredients used in everyday products. Some of these ingredients may be harmful and its best to try and avoid products that use them.
2. Our products contain oils and vitamins that rejuvenate and restore the skins natural balance resulting in healthy glowing skin.
3. Our products don’t harm the environment-the body wash etc is not a pollutant when it reaches our water system.
4. Our products are vegan friendly and are not tested on animals.

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Where can people buy products from:
You can shop online or at any of our corporate salons operated by Lifestyle on Location.

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Tell me more about your event happening: The event is taking place on the 29th September at Olives and Plates in Sandton. The event is a ‘ time out’ for woman of all ages who would like a little ‘me time’. The name #beautifulbecause for me represents that we are all beautiful because we were created woman and that we need to celebrate that. We often think we will only be beautiful when we have lots 5kgs or if we could get rid of these wrinkles and that is not true. Yes it’s important to take care of our bodies (and our minds) but our true beauty is really from within. The event will have 2 guest speakers, stunning gift bags and great food. Guests will also be treated to hand massage or neck and shoulder massages. It will be a nice relaxed morning.

Why are you passionate about what you do: I love developing beautiful products that work and people get great results from but that don’t harm. It’s giving people a safer option. I love all the interesting and wonderful people I get to meet and I love the creativity that is able to flow when you are an entrepreneur.
Quote you live by: live a life you will remember

Don’t these sound absolutely beautiful?! Let me know your thoughts once you have tried them out for yourself

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