Category: Best In Beauty

You know those friends who talk and talk (and talk) about That Thing they really want to do, and literally NEVER do it? Well, I must confess I was beginning to teeter rather close to the cusp of being That Friend. I literally have been dreaming about starting my own YouTube channel (my version of “That Thing”) since I can remember (well, since I discovered the glorious platform itself, to be more exact). Whilst having a makeover show (MOOIMAAK) on local tv, where I get to take part in some life-changing & incredible transformations) is a big dream come true, the whippersnapper in me (I just love that word) wanted to spread my content “wings” and fly onto a desktop or mobile device near you!

The truth is, I’ve received so many requests from so many women, who just want to feel better about themselves and need some help, advice or guidance, to get there. And, at the end of the day, nothing gives me more joy than sharing insider tips & tricks with anyone who’s keen to seek out the very best version of themselves.

So, with all that being said – it gives me great joy to send you over to my brand new YouTube channel, where I have officially taken The Leap and posted my very first video (one of a series of five makeup tutorials, brought to you by yours truly and some of my favourite makeup artists in the industry)! The channel will cover more than just makeup, but I figured it’s a good (and relatively easy) place to start.

Happy watching, I hope you enjoy and – most importantly – are brought one step closer to meeting that powerful goddess within! As they say, “give a woman the right lipstick and she can conquer the world.” But of course, one person’s lipstick is another’s smokey eyes;). Simply click on the link below to get a soft glam look on a budget!

Love,

Clare.

I’m not sure about you, but I – for one – have often found the world of beauty & skincare to be a rather overwhelming minefield of rules, tips, product must-haves and recommendations. Even as host and creator of MOOIMAAK (South Africa’s most amazing makeover show, if I have to say so myself;), I have personally struggled to cut through all the marketing, tutorials and influencing, to get right to the bones of it all: what are the products (or, rather, the ingredients) I most need to be investing in and what exactly will they do for my skin?

I can only imagine how daunting a process it must be to get onto the right skincare regime, if you simply don’t have time for hours and hours of research or aren’t surrounded by world-class skincare experts as part of your job.

Seeing as I get asked so often by friends & family for advice on “where to start,” let me give you a quick, and hopefully helpful, summary of the key active ingredients you might need in your at-home skincare regime. This is based on months and years of speaking to top skincare experts around me, doing my own research and, most importantly, seeing the (sometimes unbelievable) effects of these ingredients on our candidates, many of whom appear 10 years younger after 3 months of using the them. I can honestly say…they (freakin’) work!

What are active ingredients? They are biologically active substances, found in cosmetic product formulations, that have been scientifically shown to have a physiological effect on the skin (eg by lightening pigmentation or reversing signs of ageing). If your skincare routine does not include them, you’re missing out – big time.

RETINOL

If you’ve spent any time researching skincare (on any of the leading skincare or anti-aging Youtube blogs or channels), you will no doubt have come across rave reviews and life-changing testimonials about retinol. This derivative of Vitamin A is pretty much seen as the gold-standard anti-ageing ingredient by dermatologists and beauty experts worldwide.

The anti-ageing benefits of retinol are vast, with its ability to repair sun damaged skin, reduce the appearance of pores, treat acne and combat pigmentation. It’s an all-in-one anti-ageing, skin-transforming powerhouse.

Please note: retinols can irritate the skin and need to be introduced “low and slow” (at a low concentration and weekly intervals) under the supervision of your dermatologist or skin care therapist. Use retinol at night and always wear sunscreen during the day. Retinol is not safe during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.

VITAMIN C

Vitamin C definitely deserves a spot second on this list, given its cult status as another anti-ageing hero. Its range of benefits includes preventing ageing, repair damaged skin and, well, making your skin look “lit from within.” It helps the formation of new collagen and defends the skin against free radicals, which cause ageing. Another big reason for this ingredient’s popularity it its ability to improve or lighten hyperpigmentation.

There are many types of Vitamin C on the market, but according to my extremely smart friends at Lamelle, it’s best to look for products that contain L-Ascorbic Acid (the golden standard for Vitamin C) specifically. Introduce Vitamin C slowly, as it might take a while for your skin to adjust to it.

GROWH FACTORS

Growth factors play a key role in maintaining healthy skin structure and function. They aid the building of collagen and elastic fibers which keep skin soft, supple and plump-looking! Many of our MOOIMAAK makeover candidates this season all became mildly obsessed with the iconic and intensely hydrating Lamelle Dermaheal Growth Factor Sheet Mask after trying it. Just click on the link and see for yourself (the customer reviews are pretty glowing;).

HYALURONIC ACID

HA is the much-loved miracle molecule that can hold up to a thousand times its own weight in water, meaning it hydrates and plumps the skin as no other active can. Try adding HA to your routine, in serum form.

ALHPA-HYDROXY ACIDS

Alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic, kojic, mandelic or glycolic acid, work like a bomb to get rid of the pore-clogging dead cells that can sit upon the surface of your skin, dulling your glow and making it harder for all other active ingredients products to actually get in there and work.

SPF

Last but not least, I’ve said it a thousand times and I will keep on saying it: most of the ageing we see on our faces (and necks and bodies) are due to sun damage. Prevention is better than cure, people! Wear your SPF every day, come rain or sun, whether you’re inside or out (UVA light penetrates right through window glass and blue light from your computer or phone causes photo-ageing too ). This is your single biggest weapon when it comes to defying the ageing process! Know it and use it.

(PREFACE | Let me start by saying, I know was supposed to do a celery juice update this week, but – alas – I feel it would be premature, so I’ll be posting on my celery journey within the next few weeks, when I have certainty that the results I seem to be experiencing are legitimate and CJD (“celery juice derived”). In case you’re new to the blog and have no idea what I am on about, click here.)

So, from celery juice to skin, this week I decided to let you guys in on an anti-ageing treatment that has the entire aesthetic industry (and I) rather excited right now. I first considered doing a post on the space-age-sounding Morpheus 8 treatment this last weekend, after hosting a private premiere of MOOIMAAK Season 3, my makeover television show. You know a procedure is (objectively) amazing when your family and closest friends (typically, not ones to be “polite”) ask you to pause the episode they’re watching and please repeat the name of the treatment that has your makeover candidate looking a gob-smacking 15 years younger than she did at the beginning of said episode.

I subsequently noticed the Morpheus 8 being used in almost every episode of Netflix’s latest makeover series, Skin Decision: Before & After featuring well-known Hollywood aesthetician Nurse Jaime and plastic surgeon Dr Sheila Nazarian. I figured if it’s a go-to treatment for Nurse Jaime (who counts the Kardashians, Huda Kattan and Jessica Alba as clients and has the entire spectrum of high-tech beauty treatments at her manicured fingertips), it’s obviously one of the world’s best modalities right now. (As an aside: I have yet to try any of them, mainly because they’re always sold out, but Nurse Jaime’s at-home beauty tools also get rave reviews. Her Beauty Stamp is on my list to try next.)

Instead of pulling research off the web and getting too technical about things, I thought it best to post some before/after images of what the Morpheus 8 is capable of and, of course, speak to someone “on the ground.” Who better than our brilliant MOOIMAAK aesthetician Mazanne (of Laserderm) who, together with her world-class team, is responsible for giving our candidates (and our show, for that matter) a fabulous “face lift” this season?

Mazanne, what makes the Morpheus 8 different to everything else out there? Its cutting-edge technology provides a combination of two powerful anti-ageing technologies (collagen induction through microneedling and tightening/remodelling of skin via radio frequency) in one pulse. Morpheus 8 works on almost any area of the body and is perfect for patients that are not ready or do not want surgery.

What is Morpheus 8 best at? Tightening, remodelling and resurfacing skin.

If you’re between the ages of 24 and 39, you can expect visible skin rejuvenation. For younger clients, we work on a more superficial depth of about 0.25mm, which assists with more effective product absorption.

If you’re between 40 and 55, it will help with resurfacing (getting rid of the old and stimulating the new). We only “thermally treat” 20% of the skin, leaving the remaining 80% untouched, which assists in the healing process and renders the procedure safe for darker skins at risk of hyperpigmentation.

If you are between 56 and 74, it can help with remodelling (“pinching” the fat under the skin to create a tighter appearance). This is similar to the manner in which a hot pan can “shrink.” However, at this age, depending on the amount of excess skin the client has, plastic surgery might be a better option. Every case must be assessed individually.

How many sessions are needed? We like to do a first series of 2 to 4 sessions, 3 to 4 weeks apart. We then give the skin a 90-day “break” to allow for the desired regeneration and the production of new collagen. We then reassess and, typically, repeat the treatment twice a year after that, to help maintain results.

What is the cost involved? It starts from R6000 per session, depending on your concerns and goals.

Is it painful? We use a topical anaesthetic to make the patient more comfortable. It is not exactly relaxing, but it’s nothing unbearable.

How long is the downtime? For two days to two weeks post procedure, the skin is “actively working” to repair the controlled injuries. A bit of redness, bruising and swelling can be expected after your treatment, and small scabs might form in the areas that have been treated.

How does it compare to regular microneedling and/or radio frequency treatments? It’s a matter of walking there vs sprinting there: the one combined treatment will work faster than the other two.

OK, and if one wants to fly there…and arrive with a halo? Then we would combine the Morpheus 8 with our Lumecca photo facial (light-based) treatment: this combination is strikingly effective and we often combine these for our clients wanting to take ten years off, without surgery. The skin will continue to look younger and more brilliant over time with most visible results appearing after one or two weeks.

So, to conclude: what really has me excited about the Morpheus 8 is the remarkable results I’ve seen it have on SNS (“sagging neck skin”): one of the most pesky age giveaways besides our hands and our ears (yes, ear wrinkles are a real thing and, quite frankly, too depressing to get into here.) The bottom line is: no amount of botox, fillers or threads can do what this little hand-held miracle device can do, when it comes to tightening and lifting our delicate neck skin – an area that was for a long time notoriously difficult to treat. To me, that’s a major breakthrough. I have yet to try it out myself, as I’m busy with one helluva detox right now (again, a topic for another day) and staying away from topical anaesthesia, but – you can bet your bottom dollar – once I’m retoxing, after detoxing, the Morpheus 8 and I will schedule a proper date. 

Hope you’re all keeping happy & healthy!

Love, Clare. 

PS | This post was in no way sponsored by Morpheus 8, Laserderm or any other organisation, nor will I receive any referral commissions for this post. 

 

If 2020 has taught us anything (other than confirming what Forrest Gump knew a long time ago, namely that “you never know what you’re gonna get”), it’s that we can’t be too careful with how we spend our money, as the next financial crisis might always be just around the corner. I’m sorry to start on such a downer, but the truth, unlike good make-up, can be ugly.

That being said, however, my personal fascination with budget beauty must-haves is certainly not new. Discovering bargain buys that work is much like wearing a great Zara top with a designer pair of shoes: the aim is to look like a “million dollars”  rather than actually spend it.

I thus thought it wise to ask two of my go-to MUAs (that’s Insta-speak for Make-Up Artists, of course;) for the most affordable products they’re loving right now. (I don’t earn a commission from any of the products mentioned hereunder, nor do the artists I interviewed. You can thus rest assured these tips are as real as Lockdown Level 2 and the need to wear a mask).

Meet Andrea van den Houten, a gorgeous & talented artist who’s worked on various film and television productions as the on-set make-up pro in charge of getting presenters (such as Jeannie D and myself) camera-ready. Andy is also passionate about editorial beauty shoots and, in my humble opinion, she’s One To Watch. 

Check out the visual feast that is her Instagram account by following @andreavdh.makeupartist. There’s nobody that nails a halo smoke or a bushy brow quite like this girl can.

Andrea’s Best Budget Beauty Buys

1. Essence I Love Crazy Volume Mascara (approx R59) | “This product creates INSANE volume and length and is easy to remove.” 
2. Maybelline Brow Drama Sculpting Brow Mascara (approx R119) | According to the pro makeup artist, “if you are looking for a brow gel to brush up your brows which sets them in place and DOES NOT move, this is your friend. Because it is a tinted gel, it also creates fuller looking brows.” 
3. Catrice HD Liquid Coverage Foundation (approx R147) | “This foundation has a beautiful silky matte effect. It’s also conveniently buildable – layer it on to spots or areas requiring concealer or sheer it down with a moisturiser or primer if you’re having a Good Skin Day and only need a light retouch.”
4. NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette in Warm (approx R379.95) | Andy believes that “if you love practicality, this product is for you. It’s a versatile, pocket-sized palette with a wide variety of neutrals to suit all skin tones. Use it to achieve an easy everyday make-up look or a more intense evening beat.” 
5. Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder in Precious Petals (approx R109.95) |”This affordable highlighter will give you a beautiful, natural glow which can be worn day or night for healthy-looking skin,” says Andy. 

To give you guys as many tips as possible (I’m generous like that;), I also asked international make-up artist Monique Du Toit, another regular on the MOOIMAAK set, for her favourite thrifty thrills. Monique specialises in bridal beauty and has her own agency, representing some of Cape Town’s top make-up and hair artists.

See why Monique gets flown across the globe by picky brides on Instagram @moniquedutoitmakeupartist. 

Monique’s Best Budget Beauty Buys

1. Real Techniques Flawless Base Set (approx R399)| “Real Techniques makes the best affordable brushes for everyday make-up applications – you can buy them in sets and they are very affordable,” enthuses Monique. 
2. LA Girl Ultimate Intense Stay Auto Lipliner in Keep It Spicy (approx R90) | “This must-have daily nude has some serious staying power,” according to the pro. 
3. Catrice Sun Lover Glow Bronzing Powder  (approx R99) | “I love an all-in-one product like this bronzer/highlighter, I use it on my cheeks and as an eye shadow,” raves Monique. 
4. Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick (approx R140) | “A wide range of colours to choose from and a comfortable wear that lasts for hours” is what made this product earn a spot in Monique’s top five. 
5. NYX HD Studio Photogenic Translucent Finishing Powder (R189.95) | “This powder is fine and mineral-based, softening wrinkles and giving pores a smooth finish. It’s colourless, so works well on all skin tones,” says Monique.

There you have it, ladies. Ten highly recommended beauty products that won’t break the bank, from two highly recommended professional make-up artists.

Enjoy! 

Love,

Clare. 

Hi guys! So, I know, it’s been a while…over two years to be exact. (Insert see-no-evil monkey / super embarrassed emoji). Turns out consistency, self-discipline and routine are not my strong points. Perhaps my husband was right (this one time;).

What I am relatively good at, though (just ask any of my long-distance friends) is “picking up where I left off” – with just as much, if not more, enthusiasm than before. And, to be fair, what I am worse at than self-discipline and consistency is having too much free time. Having wrapped filming for Season 3 of MOOIMAAK (my South African makeover television series), it turns out my excessively long list of Things I Am Going To Do As Soon As I Have Time, is not all that riveting. I’d much rather be sharing some of my best lifestyle tips, tricks & discoveries with all of you, my lovely followers.

OK, so now that we’ve gotten the small talk out of the way, I want to share with you probably my biggest and best beauty discovery of 2020. Let me introduce (if you have not yet heard of, tried or fallen wildly in love with them) Dermastore.

As the name suggests, Dermastore is an online store, specialising in skincare. Not just any skincare though, a carefully curated selection of the world’s best cosmeceutical product ranges – the types you’ll have seen Hollywood actresses use in their night-time regimes, if you’ve ever watched an episode of Harper’s Bazaar “Go To Bed With Me” on Youtube.

Having been founded by leading dermatologist Dr Ian Webster, the site has an amazing built-in (and free) “prescription” tool. This means that – without having to get out of your PJs or put on a mask – you can fill out an online questionnaire and get given a personalised product regime (whether your main concern is fine lines, deep wrinkles, sun damage, hormonal pigmentation, dehydration or acne), as prescribed by Dr Webster.

The Skin Assessment is fun, free and fast and (even if you don’t buy anything) it’s a great place to start learning about active ingredients (I’ll do a post on this later, but – for now – just know that if your skincare regime does not include active ingredients, you’re wasting your time and money). If you have any questions, a skin care therapist is available during business hours on the “live chat” function for instant answers! I always have a million questions and am pretty high up on the impatience spectrum, so – for me – this is a game-changer.

A few other things that have made me an unapologetic Dermastore addict:

• they deliver nationwide in South Africa within 2-4 or 3-5 days, depending on where you are. They delivered some products to our MOOIMAAK director recently, who lives in Hoekville, with free-roaming cattle as her neighbours;
• with every purchase, you always get a bunch of free samples to try;
• their site is super informative: I often spend time reading up on all things from “pigmentation” to “seasonal tips” as, with so much junky knowledge on the internet, I’m super grateful for Dr Webster’s free (and science-backed) tips.

The world of skincare can be vast and overwhelming. I often find so many women don’t do anything, because they simply don’t know where to start. I, too, am a regular victim of analysis paralysis. With so many product ranges, skin concerns and ingredient types out there, the whole thing can become a migraine-causing minefield. The great news is Dermastore is right at your fingertips and, in 2 to 5 days, the perfect products for you can be right outside your door.

May your best skin ever be on its way!

Stay safe & healthy,

Love, Clare.

Neat Freaks, Obsessive Compulsive Tidiers, Makeup Addicts & Design Lovers, please meet The Beauty Box, makers of the most beautiful, practical makeup & jewellery storage boxes in South Africa.

For years (far too many), I used to store my makeup in the drawers of my vanity table: pretty neatly organised, with little make-shift dividers & allocated sections for all the different products. It was OK. However, since discovering The Beauty Box, all my makeup now lives happily on my vanity counter top & the rest, as they say, is history. Everything has its perfect place (nothing make shift about it), is quick & easy to pack away after the usual Morning Makeup Rush and just looks so pretty & professional.

I was introduced to The Beauty Box by my friend & makeup maestro Renee De Wit of Gorgeous2Go fame, when she painted the faces of our MOOIMAAK makeover candidates last season, neatly storing her (lust-worthy) makeup kit in the “Build A Beauty Box” organizer from The Beauty Box. It really was love at first sight, for me.

What I love about it

• the acrylic is super high quality and the unit is particularly well made;
• although the Build A Beauty Box is generous in size (it’s the biggest organizer they sell), I like the fact that “space is limited” which means all my extra non-daily products can get stored separately, to avoid cluttering up those products I need quick access to – it forces you to edit your collection (and, although I’m not a huge fan of being forced to do ANYthing, when it comes to organizing, I’ll happily allow it:);
• the drawers and dividers have been very thoughtfully designed, allowing for all different sizes & types of products to live together peacefully. The modular drawer dividers are very flexible and a great addition;
• the top section is great for larger bottles, brushes & products that need to stand upright;
• all my daily favourites are on quick & easy display, quick to grab and even quicker to put away;
• anything that makes living a Marie-Kondo-style declutterd life even easier and looks this elegant, gets a well-manicured “thumbs-up” from me.

The lovely ladies at The Beauty Box are offering anyone using the code “clarewiesewentzel” ten per cent off their first order: simply email sales@thebeautybox.co.za to claim this special discount.

Follow The Beauty Box on Facebook here.

Love,

Clare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I often get asked, “what are the quickest or easiest ways that a woman can improver her looks & confidence?”  Unfortunately, the general rule when it comes to outer beauty is, “good things come to those who wait” and most of the seriously high-impact cosmetic treatments (as shown on our makeover series Mooimaak) take time to deliver lasting results.

However, luckily, there are exceptions. Here is a list of my favourite “beauty quick fixes” to make you look younger, fresher & prettier without the wait.

(1) TEETH WHITENING

There are no two ways about it: whiter teeth make for a more beautiful, healthy-looking smile (regardless of how much you score on the Perfect Smile Metre). When I was getting ready for my wedding last year, teeth whitening was on the top of my to-do list (OK, maybe it was second, straight after “kissing carbs goodbye”). My family were so impressed by my pearly whites, they booked their own appointments with my dentist, Dr JJ Serfontein, immediately.

Treatment Philips Zoom In-Chair Whitening System performed by a qualified oral hygienist (including a take-home maintenance kit)

Duration of treatment 90 minutes

Results last 8 to 12 months (depending on smoking, coffee & red wine consumption)

If you live in Cape Town contact the rooms of the fabulous Dr JJ Serfontein to enquire about price & availability on (021) 424 5172

(2) RAISE YOUR BROW GAME

Brow grooming will always be on my go-to beauty recommendation list. I recently wrote an entire blog post about the transformative magic of shaping your eyebrows to instantly flatter & frame your face shape. I could not compile this list without mentioning it again. For more information on treatment duration & results, as well as the name of my favourite brow expert, click here.

THE POWER OF PRETTY HAIR, NAILS & MAKEUP 

You can have as many age-defying, damage-reversing, youth-boosting treatments as you’d like, but there is no denying that the finishing touches of good hair & makeup are just as important (and, luckily, quicker and cheaper to do). And, don’t hate me for saying this, but there is NO excuse, ladies, for chipped, broken or unkept nails. Ever. (I can’t tell you how many times my husband has told me that the first thing he looks at, when meeting a woman, is whether she looks after her nails. I must confess: I do the same.)

(3) QUICK HAIR HACKS

• If you have limp, lifeless hair and don’t have time for an in-salon blow dry, add instant Hollywood glamour by using these va-va voom volumizing tricks & products
• If you have frizz-tastic, untamed hair ask your hair stylist for an in-salon straigtening treatment that is, preferably, formaldehyde-free

(4) NAIL TIPS

• Stay modern by keeping nails short and chic, unless you’re going au naturel with a clear, nude or creamy colour, in which case they can be a bit longer (but please keep Cruelle De Ville far away)
• My favourite dark colours are Black Cherry Berry, Bella’s Vampire & A Touch Of Sass by Gelish (it takes longer to apply in-salon than regular nail polish, but it lasts over a week and does not chip)
• My favourite bright reds are Lobster Roll & Wildfire by Shellac
• My favourite light, neutral colours are Romantique & Negligee by Shellac (also an in-salon gel polish)
• For at-home regular polish, OPI & Essie make the best range of colours (although it only last a few days)
• Keep cuticles well-moisturized by applying a bit of coconut or olive oil every second day
• Don’t mix & match: make sure hands & feet are painted the same colour, please

(5) MAKEUP MUST-HAVES

• Get your hands on the best foundation you can afford (unless you have perfect skin, in which case, count your blessings, sister, and dare to go bare). The best foundations, in my opinion, are made by Armani, Chanel & Sensai
• Never skip mascara – I alternate between Maybelline’s Rocket Volum’ Express Mascara, Lancôme’s Hypnôse Drama & MAC’s Extended Play Gigablack Lash
• Invest in a universally flattering lip colour that is close to your natural shade but adds some colour, fullness & definition – my favourite shades are neutral/soft/pink-ish tones like Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk (I use both the lipliner & lipstick for longer wear), MAC’s Boldly Bare lip pencil and their Kinda Sexy lipstick. For those bolder moments, a kickass red like MAC’s classic Ruby Woo is a good one to have in your kit
• Add a sun-kissed glow with Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder
• Brighten up your cheeks with Bobbi Brown’s Apricot Powder Blush (it’s potent though, so go very lightly)

Phew, OK – so hopefully your application of the above tips & tricks will go somewhat quicker than my compilation of this list (just kidding – sort of;)

Until next time, ladies. As Rihanna says, “shine bright like a diamond.”

Love,

Clare

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whilst filming our television show, MOOIMAAK, I was spoiled rotten with daily makeup  tips from my friend (and the best makeup artist in the business), Renee De Wit from Gorgeous2Go. Seeing as I always ask the poor woman 2 million questions about every single thing she recommends (come to think of it, I’m quite surprised she still recommends things to me at all, seeing as it’s always such a leeeeengthy cross-examination:), you can rest assured that I did my homework before trying all of these out myself and, what’s more, am still a loyal fan of each tip & product mentioned here (even now that production has ended).

MAGICAL LITTLE MAKEUP HACKS

(1) Moisturize & hydrate skin | No amount of makeup can hide dehydrated, dry or lifeless skin. To get that youthful, dewy complexion, make sure, before applying your makeup, that your skin is clean, exfoliated (2-3 times per week is enough), well-moisturized & well-hydrated. Dry skin is super ageing.

(2) Wake up tired skin | Wake tired skin up, by gently massaging your moisturizing & hydrating products into the skin, to stimulate blood flow and really get circulation going.

(3) Prep your pout | Before applying lipstick, brush dead skin cells off your lips by using a toothbrush with a little bit of coconut oil, a touch of honey and some brown sugar mixed into it (an easy at-home lip scrub) to make sure the skin on your lips is smooth so that makeup adheres to it better. Afterwards, if lips feel dry, apply a thin coat of lip balm. I always prefer using something completely natural here, as we swallow so much of what’s on our lips. Products like Lanolips 101 Ointment (a rather pricey cult favourite) or Bee Natural Lip Balm (a more affordable option) are petroleum free and completely natural.

(4) Get your lipstick to stay all day

• First apply a thin coat of lip balm (you don’t want your lips to be too oily, just genthly nourished)
• Then, apply your lipliner to the entire top and bottom lip
• On top of that, apply a slightly moisturizing lipstick (which will stop lips from looking too dry). Renee always says “it’s all about layering” when you want to ensure that product lasts. Make sure the lipliner and lipstick you use are the same shade, unless you’re going for a super technical ombré technique, which is not something I would recommend trying at home:)

• To really set the colour in place, put a thin tissue over your mouth and sprinkle a light dusting of loose powder through the tissue, onto your lips. Renee did this with many of our participants, where the lip colour was the main feature of their particular makeup look

(5) Invest in an eyelash curler | It’s a lot of admin, yes, ladies, I know. We don’t always have time for all of this, but a curled, open lash instantly opens up your eyes and your face. It’s worth it (and, yes, so are you)! I prefer the good old-fashioned ones, that look like mini-torture devices, to the battery-operated heated wands. Get the best of both worlds by heating up an old-fashioned curler (MAC makes a good one) with a blow-dryer, using medium heat. Then, using the heated curler, curl lashes (first at the base and then at the mid-lash lengths) before applying liner and mascara. Your eyes will really pop!

MAGICAL LITTLE MAKEUP PRODUCTS

1. I’m absolutely in love with the Chanel Les Beige Healthy Glow Luminous Colour (Medium Deep) (each skin tone is different though, of course, but this colour works well for fair to medium skin tones). I love its powder-cream texture and the fact that it’s not shimmery, but still somehow dewy and luminous. I use it daily.
2. The Smashbox Contour Kit is insane, for contouring your cheekbones, sculpting your nose and highlighting under your brows and eyes. I bought mine at Woolworths and use it all the time. Believe it or not, whilst it is by no means the last word on contouring, I actually use the clever little diagram inside the palette to guide my highlight & bronzing endeavours.
3. Sensai sells a velvety soft, easy-to-apply brush-tip under-eye concealer that really works to ligten and brighten those pesky under-eye shadows (the bane of my existence). It’s always in my makeup bag for quick touch-ups and cover-ups throughout the day. On those mornings, however, where nothing but Level 10 coverage will do to rescue my dignity, I thank my lucky stars for Benefit Bo-ing Industrial Strength Full Coverage Concealer. If you can, get both of these heavenly products to make sure you always look like Wide-awake Wendy.
4. MAC’s Boldly Bare Lip Pencil (not photographed above). This is a colour we used on my lips all the time. Because I quite enjoy (to put it mildly:) a smokey eye, my lips needed to be toned down but (for television) not invisible. This colour is beautifully soft, nude and neutral (without being too brown or too light that it washes you out) and yet it still defines your mouth and helps to create subtly sexy lips, hence the perfect name for it, “Boldy Bare”. I have yet to meet a professional makeup artist that doesn’t have this lipliner in their kit.
5. Eylure Pro-Lash Individual Lashes is something I got very used to, very quickly, and – without them – my makeup just never looked the same! I have yet to try and apply them myself, and I’m sure it’s not easy but also not impossbile. We stuck to the “short” lashes, as the medium and longer ones look a tad “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”. So try and get a pack containing only the “short” lashes. They are amazing and really add drama and definition, without being obvious. I’m obsessed.

Enjoy, ladies and, as always, feel free to send me feedback or ask any questions by getting in touch.

Love,

Clare.

 

 

 

I am often asked what I’ve learned during the making of MOOIMAAK (our cutting-edge makeover television series). Besides the emotional lessons & insights I’ve gained, I’ve basically been given a free course in “non-surgical cosmetic treatments for dummies” (quite a cool little fringe benefit, I reckon). I’ve been familiar with the, let’s call it, Tier 1 or 2 level of treatments for some time (aimed at relatively young women in their late 20s or early 30s), but – given that many of our participants were in their 50s or 60s – I learned a fair bit about Tier 4 and 5 treatments by working so closely with the fantastic doctors of Skin Renewal and, of course, witnessing the results of their skills…up close & personal.

One of the non-surgical interventions I was particularly interested in was the combination of neck lift treatments performed on candidate Bernice. The neck is a particularly sensitive area for most women over 40 and one of the first areas to give away our age, hence, my number 1 beauty rule of including the “neck & decolletage area” when applying SPF or serums to your face. Failing that, however, or if this approach is “too little too late” and the dreaded turkey neck has already reared its ugly head, fret not for help is at hand. Of course, non-surgical options will never be as dramatic as actual surgery, but the risks are much lower, and, in my opinion, there’s a lot to be said for the kind of gentle improvements that attract comments like, “you look younger, but I can’t put my finger on it.” I think we can all agree that subtlety is sexy.

The talented and gentle Dr Dalize Willemse of Skin Renewal expertly performed both PDO & Silhouette Soft threadlifting on Bernice, successfully lifting our makeover candidate’s sagging jowls and – of course – her spirits.

PDO THREADLIFT

• What is a PDO Threadlifting?
• PDO Threadlifting is basically a non-surgical, scarless face lift. The procedure involves using thin acupuncture, sterile needles to embed dissolvable threads deep underneath the surface of the skin. The threads are placed strategically into the dermis, where it acts as a frame for lifting and tightening loose or sagging skin
• By boosting the skin’s cell regeneration process with threads, one can increase dermal elastin and collagen tissue, which is slowly but surely destroyed by the natural ageing process (yes, ladies, ageing is a b-tch).
• How long does it take?
• Between 15 – 60 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area.
• Is it painful?
• The threads are placed into the subcutaneous dermis (5mm deep), where there is mainly fatty tissue (there are no nerve endings here), so the treatment is relatively pain-free. A topical aneasthetic can also be applied to minimise discomfort.
• Is there down-time?
• No. Some slight bruising and swelling may occur, which can last 2-10 days depending on the amount of threads inserted. Nothing a bit of Armani or Sensai foundation won’t fix, though:)
• What kind of result can one expect?
• The PDO threading treatment gives an instant lifting & firming effect, with optimum results setting in after about 3 months. Due to the dissolvable nature of the threads, they will last between 4-6 months, but the continued collagen synthesis will leave the new skin structure in place.
• Are maintenance treatments necessary?
• An annual top-up treatment is recommended, but your Skin Renewal doctor will advise you on the best treatment plan for you, depending on your objectives.
• For more info, click here.

SILHOUETTE SOFT® NECK LIFT 

• What is a Silhouette Soft Neck Lift?
• Silhouette Soft Lift™ is a minimally-invasive technique used to lift and tighten sagging tissue. It is a non-surgical alternative to a traditional neck lift and is growing in popularity, having been successfully performed over 25,000 times in 55 countries around the world.
• How long does it take?
• Up to an hour.
• Is it painful?
• The patient will be unaware of any pain due to local aneasthesia.
• Is there down-time?
• Patients can return to work the next day, with full treatment recovery taking 2-4 days.
• Who is the ideal patient?
• A person who has already had skin-tightening treatments such as Exilis or Titania Radiofrequency, but need extra support or lift for their skin. This was the case with Bernice.
• What kind of result can one expect?
• After the threads are inserted, the first level of collagen induction is only really visible after 3 months, although an immediate lift is visible directly after the treatment.
• Are maintenance treatments necessary?
• Silhouette Soft threads have a lifespan of 18 – 24months, but we recommend annual check-ups and maintenance treatments to continuously support the skin and continuously fight the natural ageing process.
• For more info, click here

What Bernice Has To Say About Her Neck Lift Experience

“Regarding the PDO Threadlift & Silhouette Soft® Neck Lift, it was the most amazing change! Dr Dalize worked with such a gentle touch, inserting all the different types of threads in various locations to achieve the non-surgical lifting results. The only strange thing was feeling the barbs just under your skin whilst it was being pulled to tighten the sagging skin. After the threading in the neck, there was an immediate improvement. Within a week, I was receiving amazing compliments regarding my neck! This must be  the quickest, least painful neck lift available. It’s done in a jiffy, with maximum results.” Bernice Du Plessis, MOOIMAAK 2017

 

If you’re interested in either the PDO or Silhouette Soft threadlifting to treat the sagging skin on your neck (or your face, for that matter), I can wholeheartedly recommend consulting one of the doctors at Skin Renewal.

For our show, we worked with Dr Dalize (mentioned here), Dr Rulene, Dr Graham & Dr Andre (all of whom are based in Cape Town and utterly fabulous human beings). If you’re based in Johannesburg, Pretoria or Durban, however, contact your nearest branch here.

With love,

Clare.

PS MOOIMAAK airs every Thursday on kykNET at 17h30, with repeats throughout the week. It is also available on SHOWMAX in certain countries (including the US). If you’re a before & after addict, don’t miss it!