This past week, South Africa's favourite health and wellness brand, Faithful To Nature took us through a beauty journey for their Clean Beauty Week. Built around the celebration of ethical, sustainable and clean beauty products, Faithful To Nature presented a curated collection of products as well as tips and insights on how to enhance your skincare regime. One of the highlights of the week, was an awesome live featuring Sibongile Mafu, Robyn Smithand Atlantic Dermatology as they explored the ingredients that make up the perfect morning, evening and weekly skincare routines. 



The notion of clean beauty has been around for some time, but it has undoubtedly now become somewhat of a revolution, thanks to the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop et al. But what exactly is clean beauty? And is it the same as green beauty? And where does it fit in with the likes of natural, all-natural, plant-based, vegan and organic skincare and cosmetics? It’s not surprising that even the conscious beauty consumer may find the choices a little confusing. 


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The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Kajal Maharaj, actress, model, entrepreneur and co-founder of Beauty & MUA squad SA.


Imbewu The Seed actress Kajal Maharaj who plays Shria



"When you buy from a small business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay mortgage and a student pay for college."

I'm sure you've come across this quote somewhere, and I can't think of it being more relevant than it is right now. Where's the local is lekker spirit?

In South Africa supporting local is even more important because these businesses give our economy a much needed push and employ locals so that they have more cash money to support themselves and their families.

This year I wanted to prioritise supporting small to medium businesses.

The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to professional model Julia Peterson.

South African model Julia Peterson



1. Who is your female role model/woman who inspired you and that you look up to?

My mom is the most selfless woman I’ve ever met in my life. She’s my biggest critic and most definitely my biggest supporter. She’s always pushing me to go beyond my limits. The older I get the more I realize she’s my best friend who will always have my back.

2. Do you find that there is a lot of girl on girl hate in the modelling industry?

I haven’t really experienced girl on girl hate in the modelling industry. The friendships I’ve made with some of the girls started when I first joined the industry at 16 years old. It’s more of a sisterhood where we celebrate each other and develop more meaningful relationships outside the industry . This modelling world can be tough so it’s great that we can all relate and support and encourage one another.

3. What does beauty mean to you?

Beauty to me is how you make other people feel about themselves. It’s about uplifting and empowering another woman instead of tearing each other down. There are so many beautiful people in this world but what stands out for me is character, humility and having a heart full of gold.

South African model Julia Peterson


4. Do you identify as a feminist? Why or why not?

I’m passionate about women empowerment. Supporting and uplifting women to be their best selves. This world is cruel enough. Just as our faces differ so do our challenges, so I feel it’s important that we stand with one another and authentically and fiercely love one another. Imagine if we did that, what a beautiful world we would live in.

5. Tell us about your journey into modelling?

Growing up I was insecure about being tall and skinny. I was very shy so my mom enrolled me into modelling classes at 16. After successfully completing the courses I was chosen to be a professional model with Models International and since then doors have opened and I understand now how my insecurities back then and my uniqueness propelled me into my God-Given destiny today. It’s being a beautiful journey so far.

6. What was your favourite campaign that you've shot so far?

My favorite campaign would definitely be the Playtex Perfect Fit Campaign because it uses it’s platform to empower women and they celebrate the beauty of all women no matter what shape and size they are. Being apart of the journey with them so far has been so liberating and empowering.

South African model Julia Peterson during Playtex campaign


7. What advice do you have for girls that want to get into the modelling industry?

My advice is to stay true to who you are and what you stand for. The modelling industry can make or break you so it’s important to know who you are and stand for something, because if you stand for nothing you will fall for anything. A lot of girls look at other people on social media and want to compete and copy, but my advice is to stay in your lane. God has an amazing purpose and plan that only you can fulfill.

8. Tell us about your Miss SA journey - what do you wish you knew then?

Being a finalist for Miss South Africa is one of my favorite achievements. It opened so many doors and I’ve made beautiful friendships during the journey. I wish I wasn’t so hard on myself and I had more faith in me. As much as the experience was amazing and life changing it was also challenging. I wish my mindset was stronger and I loved myself more fiercely during the competition. It’s natural for us women to compare ourselves to other women. I understand now that I’m enough and I will always be enough.

Miss SA finalist Julia Peterson, Durban South Africa


9. What's next for you?

2020 is a selfish year for me. I’m focusing on self-love, self-care, getting to know who ‘Julia’ is and doing things that empower me as a woman. I strongly believe that if I pour into myself more, will I be able to pour into others more abundantly. 2020 I will still be pushing in the modelling industry, focusing on empowering young girls  through workshops and discover new adventures to embark on .

10. Tell us a bit more about yourself.

I’m a fun, loving, warm down to earth person. I love laughing and having fun. Don’t let the heels and makeup fool you, I enjoy the outdoors. Hiking and cycling are my favorite ways to keep fit. I enjoy watching Bollywood movies (I always wanted to be a Bollywood actress ðŸ˜‚) I also love traveling and meeting new people.

12. If you could give your 13 year old self one piece of advice, what would it be?

My advice to my 13 year old self: Your uniqueness is beautiful. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are amazing just the way you are. Embrace it!

Girl Boss interview with South African model Julia Peterson


12. Lastly, where can we find you? 





August's theme of Women Empowerment is in full swing! Every Friday this month you can expect an interview with another #girlboss and get to know what keeps these Queens motivated to do the mostest! This week we chat to Sheena Deepnarain, a South African actress and blogger, living in Johannesburg. 

Head & Shoulders is one of those OG brands that take me back to childhood, and this time they've come up with a new premium and feminine range, Head & Shoulders Supreme infused with Argan oil. Without compromising their anti-dandruff technology, Supreme is more conditioning and nourishing than ever thanks to the added Argan oil and micro hair nourishers.

Introducing the sensational South African artist, Seth Pimentel, also known as African Ginger, and his highly anticipated solo digital exhibition, "The Pride Comes Before the Fall," hosted by USURPA. Pimentel is renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend painting, drawing, and digital illustration, pushing the boundaries of modern portraiture.



August's theme of Women Empowerment is in full swing! Every Friday this month you can expect an interview with another #girlboss and get to know what keeps these Queens motivated to do the mostest! I'm kicking off this series today with an interview with Michelle Meilhon, a South African blogger living and working abroad in the Netherlands as an au pair. She's actually a close friend of mine who I met exactly a year during a blogging event! 






Here are some great winter specials offered at prominent, independent hotels and top establishments of Cape Country Routes around the country.



Time for another #girlboss interview! Get to know what keeps these Queens motivated to do the mostest! This week we chat to Danielle Jayne Dass, a fashion designer with her own fashion label, blogger and recent mom of 2!




As part of Africa Day 2023, Hilton is celebrating the continent's vibrant cultures through a series of unique collaborations with African artists. By celebrating culture and embracing diversity, these local art partnerships are in support of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose ESG strategy, aimed at creating a positive impact across the communities Hilton operates in around the world.

Hilton’s hotels across the Africa & Indian Ocean region are supporting their local communities and spotlighting local cultures by partnering with artists to create installations, showcase their work, as well as provide them with an opportunity to sell their art pieces. Various hotels are hosting art exhibitions – as well as art fairs, with each piece telling a story ranging from African mythology and creativity, to making use of sustainable sourcing and recyclable materials.  


The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Valencia Bogdanovic, a qualified cosmologist and content creator/blogger behind Style Your Confidence Now.



High quality skin care products are something we shouldn't have to compromise on. While I'm all about that saving money life, I'm also someone that believes in investments and investing in good skincare products is super beneficial in the long run. 

While I personally use just a few essential skincare products, I like to incorporate one or two other more intensive products into my routine from time to time depending on my skin's needs. For 3 weeks I incorporated the Environ Focus Care Hydrating Oil Capsules and Environ Focus Care Youth+ Revival Masque into my routine.

environ focus care hydrating oil capsules and revival masque




With Halloween coming up I figured it's the perfect time to do something scary - LIKE GETTING BLOOD INJECTED IN YOUR FACE, ALL IN THE NAME OF BEAUTY. Well, kind of.

I decided to try out the Vampire Facial. The vampire facial is a PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) treatment that uses your own blood to promote the healthy activity and regeneration of your skin cells. I first heard of it a couple years ago when Kim Kardashian posted a bloody selfie in IG (Eeeep!)
In actually fact, as you will see in the video, it isn't bloody at all. The red blood cells aren't used. 


PROCESS (VIDEO)


STEP 1: YOUR BLOOD IS DRAWN AND YOUR FACE IS NUMBED USING NUMBING CREAM.

STEP 2: THE BLOOD IS RUN THROUGH A CENTRIFUGE TO ISOLATE THE PLATELETS.

STEP 3: MICRONEEDING OR MICROABRASION WITH THE PRPs (i.e blood) TAKES PLACE ON YOUR SKIN

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW!


AFTERCARE

Right after the treatment your skin might be a bit red with a sunburn texture (i.e cancel any plans you have for the rest of the day!). You have to apply sunblock and should not wear makeup directly after. Make sure to continue applying sunblock even after, although you should be wearing sunblock anyway. After a day or 2 your skin may be very dry and start to peel off (which is what I experienced). Then, after around 3 days you should see results - beautiful, glowy skin!

Disclaimer: My treatment was complimentary but all opinions expressed are my own.

In the South of France over 20 years ago, Panier des Sens, a brand of natural resources was born.

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Under the shade of cypress trees and mimosas, the founder Jerome
Lambruschini, combined his love for the region and typical south of France lifestyle to create a committed brand of natural cosmetics.
Inspired by the natural resources of France and old Mediterranean know-how, the company creates perfumes, soaps, luxurious creams and oils as well as candles and home fragrances – all of which magnify the beauty of Provence.

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Over the years Panier des Sens has developed its product with master soap makers from Marseille and master parfumers from Grasse utilising their artisanal skills and unique know-how.

The natural and vegan formulas are designed and conceived in Provence, always encouraging short circuits and local partnerships. These natural and organic products have rich textures and delicate fragrances all carefully formulated and constantly reworked offering a minimum of 95% ingredients of natural origin.

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Panier des Sens is always working towards a greener future working with farmers who cultivate using sustainable farming methods and using eco-design packaging that is 100% recycled and recyclable.
Preserving the natural heritage and protecting and managing the nature of the French region. Members of the 1% for the Planet association, an international movement engaged in an economy that is more respectful of people and the planet.

All their solid soaps are members of the RSPO (Roundtable on sustainable Palm Oil) meeting the associations very precise corporate social responsibility and sustainable development requirements, and is traceable throughout the supply chain.

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Breathe a new life into your home with Panier des Sens!
Panier des Sens asserts its olfactory expertise by a NEW HOME FRAGRANCE COLLECTION: scented candles, reed diffusers, room sprays and universal refills.

This brand new collection represents well-being and art de vivre, key words for a range which embodies pure sensory emotions. The
collection features three major olfactory families from the world of perfumery, in a range of varieties with floral, fruity or woody scents.
An exceptional olfactory journey around eco designed, natural, safe and sensorial products that respect the environment and the health of our users.

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“A perfectly balanced collection, Panier des Sens are the Masters of Fine- fragrance development, each scent deliciously unique and appealing to all sensibilities and tastes thus creating a harmonious feeling of luxury and well- being in the home. The collection rings true to the brands pillars of sustainable living, the refills are multi-use and the containers beautiful enough to use over and over again”, says one director of The 51 Group, Nitsa Comninos-Rose.

Experience the magic of Christmas in Provence with the Panier des Sens CHRISTMAS COLLECTION. Decorate a place setting or hang on your tree, these delightful little gifts are a great surprise for your guests and are enriched with active ingredients from Provence. An affordable gift that combines the joy of giving with the pleasure of decorating your tree.

“Instilling the spirit of Christmas, the collection evokes feelings of nostalgia and the comforts of home and nature. The scents envelop you like a warm hug and the packaging is beautifully designed as only Panier des Sens can do. Affordable yet indulgent, perfect gifts to yourself or a loved one!”

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Limited edition Christmas scented candles light up year-end celebrations with a 100% cotton wick, 55 hour burn time, reusable glass containers and fragrances developed in Grasse.

Sweet Madeleine: freshly baked madeleine cake, bursting with the aromas of almond, citrus and vanilla-caramel take you on a mouth-watering trip down memory lane.

Enchanted Forest: Under a starry sky, step inside and let the magic of
Christmas whisk you away over the hills to the enchanted forest. Woody amber notes with a hint of smoke conjure a mysterious and mystical atmosphere.

Gingerbread: Indulge in the heart-warming aroma of gingerbread. An
explosion of spices and vanilla notes create a festive a cosy atmosphere.

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Using centuries of artisanal know-how and traditional methods, combining sophisticated formulations that not only benefit the skin but highly developed and evolved fragrances and essential oils that nurture the mind. Utilising sustainable farming methods, and presenting itself in beautifully curated eco-packaging, Panier des Sens is brand that looks to the past while caring for our future.



Hey you. Yes you, the one procrastinating and reading this blog post - you should be studying!






I was nominated for the unique blogger award by the amazing indirasinnerbeauty.com (Gurrl you da best!). She's on this blog so much I don't think she even needs an introduction!
It's that time of year again - time to go on 10 mall trips and STILL not find good enough Christmas gifts for everyone! Christmas shopping can be so frustrating, I for one know the struggle.

That's why I'm hoping to make Christmas shopping a little easier for you and give you some gift inspo so that you can go to the mall with a plan and know exactly what to get everyone! This should save you from the multiple mall trips that end up being a waste of time and energy. You'll find something for everyone (and then some!). Hope this helps!




Nimue’s challenge and promise is simple. Take up the 12 Week Challenge and if you can’t ditch your foundation in week 13, we will give you your money back.


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