Mooi Hair & Beauty Salon for luxury treatments in Tamboerskloof.

Party season prep

November 16th, 2011 | 0 comments

Our tips that’ll take you from head to toe to mooi are:

Hair
L’Oreal has reformulated their repair range. Now called Absolute Repair Cellular, this product has impressed us as it includes lactic acid - found in milk, think Cleopatra - as it’s able to create saline bonds between the keratin chains - this is what hair is made of. Although the shampoo (R170) and rinse out condition (195) is brilliant, the other products in the range, helps to strengthen hair making it feel smooth and soft. The masque (R225) must be used if your hair is in a need of serious treatment. You’ll leave it in for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse. The cleansing balm’s (R225) gentle formula helps support the natural recreation of saline bonds between exposed keratin chains to detangle, rejuvenate, and replenish damaged hair. What an absolute treat!

If your hair doens’t need repair, but you want to nourish, smooth and illuminate it, L’Oreal’s Mythic Oil (R280) is a must for use at home. It’s very lightweight so it can even be used on very fine hair. You can use it either before blowdrying to smooth hair while providing intense shine or spray on afterwards to calm fly-aways.

La Brasiliana hair straightening treatments are still 50% off. If you want to spend less time during Summer blowdrying, then best you get a La Brasiliana done. We’ll quote you the cost as it’s dependant on the length and volume of your hair.

Body
Although we’re indoors 5 days a week, we manage to have beautiful tans. How? We love Koebana spray tan. It gives your skin a natural glow banishing milky white flesh. We can do it for you in-salon (R300) or you can DIY with the aerosol can (R210) at home. Just remember you need to wait 8 hours after you’ve spray tanned before you bath or shower. The spray tan doesn’t have a fragrance and won’t leave you feeling sticky.

We have first hand experience that exercising has an all round positive effect on how we look and feel. It’s been proven that 30mins of exercise a couple of times a week will help to prevent hormonal skin breakouts. In our opinion the biggest advantage of exercise though is that it helps banish any bad mood.

Cellulite is a problem for 99% of us. We use RégimA’s Curve Control (R380) to get rid of the orange peel look so that our thighs and arms are smooth when we venture to the pool or beach. To increase the efficacy wrap yourself in clingwrap after applying curve control and stay like this for an hour. It sounds crazy, but it works.

If you need a new dress, but can’t find what you need in the stores, visit A dress and rent one. Jules and Ava also offer a personal styling service to get you out of the rut you’ve been stuck in.

Skin
If you’re desperate for a facial, but don’t have an hour or more, consider doing a Dermalogica microZone 20 minute facial. We’ll focus on one concern you have. Best of all, you don’t have to remove your eye make-up and your hair won’t be messed up. We have 3 options you can choose from. And it’s guaranteed to not only make you feel better about your skin, but we promise it’ll still be extremely relaxing.

And if the year end stress is giving you an unexpected breakout, RégimA’s Acne Attack Peel & Heal will calm it down. We love it. Alternatively, if you don’t have time for a facial, come in and buy 5 doses (R100) of Dermalogica’s daily resurfacer. It contains a healthy dose of salisylic acid which takes the heat out of a throbbing zit.

Nails
If you think nail varnish looks fabulous, but never wear it because it doesn’t last on your hands, then we have an option for you that’ll give you colour on your nails for up to 21 days. What is it? Gelish (R250). It’s gel nail varnish. We use LED light to cure the specially formulated varnish which means you leave the salon with 100% dry varnish. We only have limited colours at this stage - french, girly pink, purplish pink, strong red and dark plum. Gorgeous!

Eyes
Wearing eyelash extensions will ensure you look beautiful regardless of how hot and sweaty the Summer weather leaves you. Clients who have eyelash extensions done are always amazed at what big difference it makes.

Choosing an eyecream

August 16th, 2011 | 0 comments

There are numerous eyecreams available and choosing the right one depends on what you want to address or combat. Eyecream should be applied lightly using your ring finger only.

A day eyecream: Dermalogica’s total eye care with SPF15. This is an advanced alpha hydroxy eye treatment cream to hep protect and repair the delicate eye area while reducing the appearance of dark circles and lines (R 540, 15ml)

Use day and night: RégimA’s Revital-Eyz is deeply penetrating and nourishing. It repairs and diminishes fine lines (R315, 15ml).

Your skin is dry or prematurely-aging: Dermalogica’s ultra-rich intensive eye repair cream contains skin-replenishing phytonutrients, antioxidant vitamins and soothing botanicals to help diminish dry lines and repair damage around the delicate eye area (R550, 15ml).

You’re over 40 or your skin shows signs of prematurely-aging: Dermalogica’s multivitamin power firm combats visible lines with a powerful firming complex of skin-rebuilding antioxidant vitamins and protective silicones and red seaweed extract (R 565, 15ml).

A night eyecream: Reverse multiple signs of aging such as fine lines, loss of firmness, pigmentation & puffiness (R 585, 15ml). Can only be used at night. For day time, use multivitamin power firm reviewed above.

The area under your eye’s are bothering you: RégimA’s New Expression 3 in 1 targets puffiness and dark circles while it helps relax the muscles to combat expression lines (R 380, 20ml). Should not be used on your eye lid.

Mareli Botha, 28, CA (SA) working at Brait SA, living in Gardens

August 16th, 2011 | 0 comments

Mareli, right, with her family
Before I die, I’d like to…
travels to lots of places and eat amazing dishes!

What’s the one thing you’ll never understand?
How some people eat whatever they want and just stay skinny!

What are you really good at?
Baking cupcakes! Doing stuff that I like doing instead of stuff that I’m supposed to be doing.

What celebrity crushes did you have as a teenager?
I was in love with Brad Pitt after seeing Meet Joe Black.

Families are sacred because…
they are the people who really understand you and ‘get’ where you are coming from. When times are really tough, they are the people who you want to be around and not say anything – and they will understand.

What’s your idea of the perfect meal?
As long as the dessert is chocolate I don’t really mind the food. A celebration with friends at a big table that looks pretty where people are laughing and drinking wine and doesn’t want to leave.

What makes you proudly South African?
Come and see my house! I have proteas everywhere!

What makes you laugh?
Akward situations, cute things little kids say, my friends.

Guiltiest pleasure?
Lindt orange chocolate or the orange chocolate macaroon from Cassis.

I feel most beautiful when…
I’m wearing clothes I love.

The best decision I’ve ever made….
was to move to Cape Town!

The super human power I’d most like to have?
I would love to be able to fly at super-human speed to visit friends and family that lives far away for a quick dinner!

My proudest moment was…
when I passed a subject that was a big struggle, took a couple of tries and lots of tears and prayers from my mom.

I most admire…
my parents.

What did you want to be when you were little?
A professor in Maths (I was a real little nerd!)

What’s your motto?
If at first you don’t succeed – try again.

What would you do with R1000 in spare cash?
(Can I say spoil myself at Mooi?) Add it to my Le Creuset pot fund.

What’s the craziest fashion trend you’ve ever followed?
Those lumo socks that we wore at school. You would wear two different colour socks on each foot and then roll them so that it would be a pink sock with a yellow top on the one foot and then a yellow sock with a pink top on the other. Hideous!

What is your simplest pleasure?
Drinking bubbly with my girlfriends. Cooking a meal when I’ve had a bad day. Baking.

Life would be simpler if…
we didn’t have crackberries and iphones or even cellphones.

What surprises you most about your adult life?
I always thought ‘One day when I’m grown up’… but I still feel like that!

What’s your favourite smell?
The smell of rain in the bush.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?
Mr Moore – he was very strict but thought us to always strive to be better at the things you do, but to be happy with yourself.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
Things are not always as they seem…

If you could change careers now without any consequences what would you switch to?
I would open a restaurant or a coffee shop where I can sell pretty things, bake the whole day and brighten up people’s days!

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
You inspire me.

Which treatment do you enjoy most at the salon?
I enjoy anything! I always feel so good when I leave there! If I have to pick – a manicure! When I catch a glimpse of my nails looking pretty I can’t help but smile!

Philippa Green, jewellery designer, young at heart

June 28th, 2011 | 1 comment

I am…
Philippa

What makes you laugh?
Most people and things around me, my dog!

Guiltiest pleasure?
I don’t have any. I don’t feel guilty for pleasure. I love sex, chocolates, ice-cream, getting drunk, mmm… behaving badly!

My favourite possession?
My dog

I feel most beautiful when…
I had my hair cut at MOOI!

Something that nobody knows about me is…
I’m an open book not too much is hidden.

The best decision I’ve ever made…
was to move to my new shop/workshop at 76 church street.

The super human power I’d most like to have is
I would like to be able to swim in the ocean like a super mermaid who can’t be eaten by sharks.

My bumper sticker would say…
be nice to animals

My proudest moment was…
opening my new shop at 76 church street.

I most admire…
my business partner Ida-Elsje.

What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be an archeologist.

What’s your motto?
Be nice to animals

What would you do with R1000 in spare cash?
Buy comfortable new boots.

What’s the craziest fashion trend you’ve ever followed?
I bought an all-in-one white red and black leather biker outfit!

What is your simplest pleasure?
Walking with my dog on the beach or the mountain

Life would be simpler if…
people weren’t so insecure, greedy and selfish!!

What surprises you most about your adult life?
How much of a child I still am and always will be!

What quality do you like least about yourself?
I talk too loudly and too much.

What’s the one thing about your younger self that you’d like to reclaim?
I cant remember.

What’s your favourite smell?
The mountain after the rain.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?
Mmmm… did I have one. I don’t think I loved any of them too much!

Before I die, I’d like to…
see the polar bears, panda bears, gorillas and all the other animals that won’t exist soon!

More time or more money?
More time

If I had a crystal ball…
I don’t really want to see into the future. I think it’s a bit bleak, I’m happy living in the moment!

What’s your favourite place in the world?
Cape Town

What’s the one thing you’ll never understand?
Why people are cruel to animals

Families are sacred because…
they are unconditional. Well, most of them, not all!

What’s your idea of the perfect meal?
Vegetables!!

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
Be patient and understanding as we are all coming from somewhere with stuff.

What makes you proudly South African?
I think we live in one of the most beautiful creative cities in the world, we have a giant Table Mountain in our back yard.

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
You’re the best friend anyone I ever had!

Catherine Visagie, 29, Illustrator, Cape Town

May 4th, 2011 | 0 comments

Catherine & Deon Visagie
What makes you laugh?
My husband, Deon, and ‘Big Band Theory’

Guiltiest pleasure?
Anything drenched in vinegar or chillies… yes, I know it’s kind of wierd.

My favourite possession?
Mmmm…. My engagement ring and my new Wacom Cintiq drawing tablet.

I feel most beautiful when….
I’ve just had my hair done… preferably curled for a night out.

Something that nobody knows about me is…
My secret fantasy is to be a cabaret singer (which is insane because I cant sing).

The best decision I’ve ever made…
Going back to Stellenbosch University to do my Mphil in Illustration. I would never have met my husband if I hadn’t moved there.

The super human power I’d most like to have…
The ability to eat like a teenage boy without picking up weight.

My bumper sticker would say…
Back off Barbie

The area of life that I short-change is…
admin & eyebrows.

My proudest moment was…
When I got engaged and completed my studies in the same week.

I most admire…
dedicated, talented artists and thin people.

What did you want to be when you were little?
A famous artist

What’s your motto?
What’s meant to be will be (a tad bit of a cliché).

What would you do with R1000 in spare cash?
At the moment I’d use it to buy my husband a birthday present.

When did you feel most beautiful?
On my honeymoon

What is your simplest pleasure?
Coffee or a nice hot bath in winter.

Life would be simpler if…
there was no such thing as admin.

What surprises you most about your adult life?
That adults aren’t as smart as I thought when I was a kid.

What quality do you like least about yourself?
I worry about everything.

What’s the one thing about your younger self that you’d like to reclaim?
Perfect skin and the belief that anything is possible.

What’s your favourite smell? Oh, do I have to pick one? Coffee, vanilla, rose, lemongrass, clean bed linen, my husbands aftershave… not all at once though.

Who was your favourite teacher and why? Mrs Hewitson in sub b, who encouraged me to pursue art… and Miss Jacobs in high school, who was such a passionately romantic woman – she gave us amazing, insightful lessons on love and life even though she was a Maths teacher.

Before I die, I’d like to…
travel as much as possible

More time or more money?
More time

What’s your favourite place in the world?
That’s not an easy one… Possibly Sedgefield.

What’s the one thing you’ll never understand?
Why we all have to die at some stage.

What are you really good at?
Eating, and I like to think illustration.

What celebrity crushes did you have as a teenager?
Johnny Depp (From ‘Benny & Joon’, long before he became Cpt Jack Sparrow)

Families are sacred because…
Because the special people in one’s live are irreplaceable.

What’s your idea of the perfect meal?
One that goes on and on and on with good company.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
To be respectful towards others.
If you could change careers now without any consequences what would you switch to?
I would probably go and do a third art degree… I know that sounds insane.

What makes you proudly South African?
My love for the disparate and beautiful climatic regions that make up our country and the equally beautiful, vibrant people that inhabit them.

Who inspires you? My illustration lecturer from University, Paddy Bouma. She is an artist and author of children’s books, a lecturer, a farmer, a wife and mother and has travelled widely in pursuit of art and adventure.

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
You’re my favourite.

Which treatment do you enjoy most at the salon?
Pedicure

Dermalogica UltraCalming

March 4th, 2011 | 0 comments

The key ingredients in UltraCalming targets neurosensitive skin by reducing painful sensations while it restores tissue integrity and soothes to restore the skin’s normal sensitivity level for immediate and long-lasting effects. It works synergistically to help reduce redness and irritation.

UltraCalming Cleanser
Gel/cream soothes while gently lifting irritating debris. 500ml, R 555, 250ml, R 370

UltrCalming Relief Masque
Use this soothing remedy anytime for quick relief or irritation and flare-ups. 75ml, R 495

UltraCalming Mist
Hydrating mist desentizes while easing redness and stinging. 177ml, R 420

UltraCalming Serum Concentrate
The calming antidote for skin sensitivity that restores skin’s barrier to increase tolerance against assault. 50ml, R 680

Barrier Repair
Velvety moisturizer melts into skin to shield against skin stress. 30ml, R 450

Linda Labuschagne, Mom of the Mooi nooie, Stellenbosch

March 4th, 2011 | 0 comments

At Andret and Sean's wedding on Christmas Day
What makes you laugh?
Children

Guiltiest pleasure?
Eating a Canderel chocolate while driving home at night.

My favourite possession is…
my opal ring and broach.

I feel most beautiful when…
I’ve had a pedicure.

The best decision I’ve ever made…
was to relocate from Port Elizabeth to Stellenbosch.

My proudest moment was…
finishing my first Two Oceans Half Marathon.

I most admire…
André, my husband, for his patience.

What did you want to be when you were little?
A fashion designer.

What would you do with a R 1000 in spare cash?
Botox

What’s the craziest fashion trend you’ve ever followed?
Hippie era

What is your simplest pleasure?
A run along Table Mountain road.

Life would be simpler if…
menopause didn’t exist.

What surprises you most about your adult life?
The wisdom that comes with it.

What quality do you like least about yourself?
My lack of will power.

What’s the one thing about your younger self that you’d like to reclaim?
Being able to multi-task effortlessly.

What’s your favourite smell?
Rain on dry soil on a very hot day.

More time or more money?
Time please.

What’s your favourite place in the world?
A look-out point over the Fish River Canyon.

What are you really good at?
Making life easier for people in my every day life.

What celebrity crushes did you have as a teenager?
Paul McCartney of the Beatles.

Families are sacred because…
blood is thicker than water and with them you can always just be yourself.

What’s your idea of the perfect meal?
Luke warm chocolate fudge cake with ice cream.

If you could change careers now without any consequences what would you switch to?
Social worker.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
To be impatient is the reflection of self love.

Who inspires you?
Karen, Andret and nature.

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
That they can rely on me.

Which treatment do you enjoy most at the salon?
I can’t choose, I even enjoy the waxing!

Tangle teezer

February 24th, 2011 | 0 comments

THE NATURAL SCIENCE

Your hair is powerful: when nurtured it gives you self-confidence and triples your sex appeal. Beautiful and healthy hair is usually the first thing people notice about you, but abuse it with harsh brushing and your hair pays the price.

The damage trying to tear tangles and knots out of your hair with an unsuitable brush cannot be underestimated. Vigorous brushing will ‘rough’ up and damage the hair’s cuticle wrecking your hair’s chances of looking healthy and shiny. The cuticle or the outermost layer of the hair is a hard layer of over-lapping protective scale like cells (think of them as tiles on a roof) and are the front line when it comes to protecting your hair’s internal structure from damage which is imperative for bouncy, sexy and touchable hair. As well as brushing, cuticle sabotage can be caused by over-use of heated appliances, chemicals and hair accessories such as clips leading to split ends and a lack lustre and frizzy appearance.

Understanding we would be in hair limbo without styling tools and fabulous colour, Tangle Teezer reduces the risk of damaging the cuticle, making all the difference between fatigued and fabulous looking hair. Look after your cuticle and it will protect your hair.

Damaged cuticle

The cuticle layers are raised and rough. The hair appears dull and is exposed to damage.

Healthy cuticle

The cuticle layers lie flat providing maximum protection. The hair is strong, healthy and shines.

THE HAIR SCIENCE BEHIND TANGLE TEEZER

Tangle Teezer is the first of a new generation of detangling hairbrushes! Upon picking up Tangle Teezer you will notice the teeth aren’t like that of an ordinary brush which is where the hair genius comes in. The unique configuration of specifically designed teeth flex just the right amount to detangle and help smooth the hair’s cuticle which in turn protects the inner cortex from damage.

Using the Tangle Teezer will ensure your hair will appear more lustrous by minimising cuticle damage which in turn will help colour last and reduce the risk of fading. The hair shaft is also better prepared for the onslaught of damaging heat from styling tools. That’s why we like to call it first aid for hair.

HAIR NECESSITIES

• Tangle Teezer is excellent for detangling both wet and dry hair.

• Don’t be tentative! Fantastic, painless detangling is achieved by using a firmer pressure. Remember: it’s like no other brush.

• It’s a workout for your hair. Tangle Teezer gives a blissful, relaxing head massage even for the most sensitive scalps.

• Unlike conventional brushes and combs where you have to try and ease tangles out starting from the ends of the hair and working up towards the roots, Tangle Teezer can be used from roots to ends and mid-length to ends. Tangle Teezer is perfect for those on-the-go with busy lifestyles and fidgety children! Mums have also discovered that Tangle Teezer is a brush sent from hair heaven when it comes to detangling their little darlings’ hair that loves to knot. Hair is calmed in minutes where out go the tears and in come the smiles!

• Detangle hair by using brush strokes from the underneath of the hair with the teeth pointing upwards. Alternatively, brush from the top of the hair pointing the teeth downwards. For those with long hair, turn your head upside down and start detangling from the nape of your neck down to the roots. Ideal for taking conditioner evenly through the hair when wet. Tangle Teezer ensures a light and even distribution of product which adds up to weightless blow-drying. For professional results and to ensure maximum root lift from blow-drying apply conditioner from mid-length to the ends – not from the roots. Tangle Teezer will distribute a fine film of conditioner at the roots which ensures no product overload that leads to flat hair.

HAIR REHAB

• Tangle Teezer is a must-have for hair extension wearers. Tangle Teezer will simply glide though the hair from roots to end, passing painlessly over the bonds without pulling. For those with hair extensions you will find less hair is pulled out and your style will last longer and look better. After three months your hair extensions will continue to look like new rather than pieces of twisted and frayed rope!

• Gives superb results for the daily and on-going maintenance of wigs, wefts, weaves and clip in hair pieces. Tangle Teezer leaves them looking and feeling just like new.

• Excellent results are achieved on even the tightest curls and afro hair.

• Daily brushing refreshes hair for a sleek style and helps to smooth the cuticle for increased shine. While on the go, Tangle Teezer is the ultimate styling tool to give your hair a professional finish all day long.

• To funk up short styles, apply your styling product to the hair and use Tangle Teezer to shape and mould. Great for guys too!

• Tangle Teezer minimises hair breakage, so over a period of time you will notice your hair feels thicker and looks healthier. A results driven brush, the minute you start using Tangle Teezer the sooner you are on the road to beautiful hair. It sounds crazy, but it’s true!

TLC FOR YOUR TANGLE TEEZER

Like your hair, the more you look after your Tangle Teezer the better it will perform. Here I give my TLC tips for looking after your detangler:

• Always place your Tangle Teezer with the pointing teeth up. This way you minimise damage to the teeth.

• Rinse your Tangle Teezer with warm water after using any kind of product.

• Dry at room temperature. Do not be tempted to speed dry by putting on a radiator or drying the teeth with your hairdryer.

• Clean using a toothbrush by lightly brushing through the teeth with soapy water once a week. Rinse thoroughly.

Tangle teezer

Retails for R 220

Rozanne, ageless, housewife, mother and friend, Oranjezicht

November 30th, 2010 | 0 comments

Rozanne's family (she took the pic)
What makes you laugh?
Witty comments.

Guiltiest pleasure?
Eating a whole slab of Lindt chocolates.

My favourite possession?
My wedding ring.

I feel most beautiful when…
I am surrounded by my family.

Something that nobody knows about me…
no secrets!

The best decision I have ever made is…
to marry my husband.

The super human power I’d most like to have…
is to be like superman and stop all the crime and disasters as they happen!

My bumper sticker would say…
life is what you make it.

The area of life that I short change…
is probably not enough exercise.

My proudest moment was…
receiving and finishing my masters degree.

I most admire…
selfless, serving people.

What did you want to be when you were little?
An architect.

What’s your motto?
Live everyday to its fullest.

What would you do with R1000.00 in spare cash?
Spend it on a spa day!

What’s the craziest fashion trend you’ve ever followed?
Perming my hair back in the early eighties…ugly,ugly!

When did you feel most beautiful?
On my wedding day.

What is your simplest pleasure?
Reading a book.

Life would be simpler if…
we had no electricity. Its so quiet and peaceful without it.

What surprises you most about your adult life?
That I still feel the same inside as when I was a student, its just my outside that’s not keeping up!

What quality do you like least about yourself?
No patience.

What’s the one thing about your younger self that you’d like to reclaim?
Innocence.

What’s your favourite smell?
Jasmine.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?
My grade 7 english teacher gave me a love for reading.

More time or more money?
Either one will do!

If I had a crystal ball…
I’d want to see all the obstacles and disasters my family might face in the future so I can try and prevent them.

What’s your favourite place in the world?
Brugge, a beautiful little town in Belguim.

What’s the one thing you’ll never understand?
Why grownups hurt children.

What are you really good at?
Reading a book and totally escaping! Would have liked to have said cooking but I can improve in this area.

What’s you’re idea of a perfect meal?
Roast chicken, rice, gravy and pumpkin fritters made by anyone else but me!

What is the greatest lesson you have learned in life?
Life waits for no one, make your own memories and start living everyday to its fullest.

If you could change careers now without any consequences what would you switch to?
I used to be a lecturer before becoming a full-time parent and ideally I’d like to have kept on lecturing part-time.

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
That I’m kind and soft-hearted.

Which treatment do you enjoy most at the salon?
A massage from Elri, of course!

Anna, 29, Decor Editor for Elle Decoration, Vredehoek

October 27th, 2010 | 0 comments

What makes you laugh?
My cat and other silly animals.

Guiltiest pleasure?
Flambe

My favourite possession?
Paul Smith shoes and my bakkie.

I feel most beautiful when…
Andret has cut my hair

Something that nobody knows about me is…
Stays that way.

The best decision I’ve ever made…
was moving to Cape Town.

What did you want to be when you were little?
A fashion designer

What’s your motto?
Strive to perfection

What would you do with R1000 in spare cash?
Paint my bathroom

What’s the craziest fashion trend you’ve ever followed?
The undercut in 1994

What is your simplest pleasure?
Tea

Life would be simpler if…
I didn’t care.

What surprises you most about your adult life?
It flies

More time or more money?
Both

What’s your favourite place in the world?
Barcelona

What’s the one thing you’ll never understand?
Pronouncing of and off.

What celebrity crushes did you have as a teenager?
Andre Agassi

Families are sacred because…
without them you are lost.

What’s your idea of the perfect meal?
Anything that ends with a Flambe.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
To persevere.

What makes you proudly South African?
Afrikaans

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
That they love me

Which treatment do you enjoy most at the salon?
Hair cut

Tamara Davidson, 29, fulltime mom, part-time beauty blogger and freelance journalist, Fresnaye

September 17th, 2010 | 1 comment

If I had a crystal ball…
life would present fewer surprises.

The super human power I’d most like to have…
The ability to teleport – no more traffic jams, queues or exorbitant airfare.

What’s the craziest fashion trend you’ve ever followed?
Jelly shoes with lumo roll-down sausage socks. I was in nursery school at the time, but the fashion police wouldn’t care. Bad clothes can happen to young people too!

When did you feel most beautiful?
I feel most beautiful after a day spent lying at the beach – wavy and salty hair, sandy feet, no makeup. Natural. I love makeup, and cake it on most days, but ironically I feel most attractive on the few occasions when I have none on. Strange.

Something that nobody knows about me is…
I seriously contemplated getting a tattoo for the longest time. Something small, meaningful and exquisite.

The best decision I’ve ever made…
Not getting the above-mentioned tattoo!

I am…
blonde

What makes you laugh?
With a toddler around, most things my child does seems funny, but generally I laugh quite easily.

Guiltiest pleasure?
A daily dose of Lindt’s orange dark chocolate

My favourite possession?
Each piece of jewellery has a special story. It’s too hard to choose!

I feel most beautiful when…
I smell beautiful and my hair looks good.

My bumper sticker would say…
If mom says no, ask dad.

The area of life that I short-change is…
myself.

My proudest moment was…
the first time I saw my name in published print.

I most admire…
single parents.

What did you want to be when you were little?
Hands down, a fairy princess!

What’s your motto?
Live and let live.

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
That my child is lucky to have me as a mom. Nothing can top that.

What is your simplest pleasure?
A beautiful view – no matter where in the world.

Life would be simpler if…
we didn’t have cellphones or laptops. Remember those days? Bliss.

What surprises you most about your adult life?
The weight of responsibility.

Who was your favourite teacher and why?
My mom. She taught me everything I know.

What quality do you like least about yourself?
The less busy I am, the more I tend to procrastinate – I thrive on deadlines and a busy schedule!

What’s the one thing about your younger self that you’d like to reclaim?
My unwavering sense of adventure and the ability to trust.

What’s your favourite smell?
Fendi Palazzo – it will forever remind me of my wedding day; the fresh sea air in Plett first thing in the morning – it smells like holiday.

Before I die, I’d like to…
travel more.

More time or more money?
Money

What’s the one thing you’ll never understand?
Mandarin

What are you really good at?
Reading – I’m confident in the fact that I can read faster than anyone I know.

What celebrity crushes did you have as a teenager?
Brad Pitt and David Beckham – nothing’s changed!

Families are sacred because…
without them you’re alone in this world.

What’s your idea of the perfect meal?
Great company, a relaxed atmosphere and good conversation – the food isn’t the most important factor for me.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
The things that you find the most frustrating in others is often a major flaw of your own.

What makes you proudly South African?
The beauty of our country. Just look around – from the sea to the savannah and everything in between, this land is serious soul food.

Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by different people daily. This morning it was the bravery of our nanny, Wendy, who has chosen to leave an abusive relationship after years of marriage and start her life from scratch – with two children in tow. Her strength is astounding.

Marcii Goosen, 32, Designer, Artist & Curator in Cape Town & beyond.

August 4th, 2010 | 0 comments


What surprises you most about your adult life?
How quickly a year goes by.

I feel most beautiful when…
I’m truly happy & mostly when I’m dancing with my best friends.

Something that nobody knows about me is…
I have this very strange relationship with my work, which is that it’s like a conversation between me and it. It just develops and develops, just as I’m ready to take the conversation further with myself, some other individual pops up.

The best decision I’ve ever made…
not one day should ever be the same.

What is your simplest pleasure?
Going to bed.

The super human power I’d most like to have…
to fly of course.

My proudest moment was…
when I discovered my talent.

What makes you laugh?
Bad logos, fast food, disposable culture

Guiltiest pleasure?
Afternoon nap

Before I die, I’d like to…
fall in love.

My favourite possession?
“The ocean”

I most admire…
passion & confidence, & the innate understanding of what it means to have vision.

What did you want to be when you were little?
Astronaut

What’s your motto?
Work smarter not harder. Always listen to your gut.

What would you do with R1000 in spare cash?
Buy all sorts of flowers.

What quality do you like least about yourself?
Over-analysing things

What’s the one thing about your younger self that you’d like to reclaim?
My untamed imagination and having no fear.

What celebrity crushes did you have as a teenager?
River Phoenix, I cried when he died.

Families are sacred because…
they love you regardless.

What is the greatest lesson you’ve learnt in life?
“It will all come out in the wash.”

If you could change careers now without any consequences what would you switch to?
NASA

What makes you proudly South African?
Boeremusiek

What’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to you?
When I am happy I sometimes shine…

Which treatment do you enjoy most at the salon?
Elri’s back, neck & shoulder massage

Timing is everything

August 3rd, 2010 | 0 comments

There’s no immediate need to toss a product that seems off - sometimes you can simply stir it or shake it up. In other cases, it’s best to discard it and open a new tube or bottle.

Beading: if moisture beads are clinging to your cream eye shadow or blush, lipstick, or concealing cream, it’s been exposed to heat. If your favourite lipstick, concealer, blush or eye shadow looks and goes on fine, then keep it. But if you bought the make-up years before and it has been exposed to heat, it could contain bacteria and should rather be thrown away.

Separation: a layer of oil or some other liquid is visible on your nail polish, foundation, scrub, lotion or sunscreen because you’ve had it for such a long time. Scrubs and nail polishes with beads can be shaken or mixed back together. Throw our foundations, lotions and sunscreens that have separated; they have lost their efficacy and could cause irritation.

Change in colour: a liquid, serum, perfume, cream or gel has taken on a new shade and the cause varies considerable. A cream may turn yellow because the fragrance in it is sensitive to light or an added colour fades, which doesn’t necessarily mean the products has gone bad. But when it comes to products with active ingredients (anti-aging or anti-acne), discoloration means that those ingredients won’t work anymore. Vitamin C will turn brown and retinols will turn darker yellow.

As much as you love all your favourite products, it’s best not to stockpile them as they all have a limited shelf life. Here’s when to say when.

ANTI-AGING OR ACNE TREATMENTS: 3 months to a year.
BODY LOTION: 2 to 3 years, particularly if in a pump container.
SHAMPOO, CONDITIONER AND SHOWER GEL: about 3 years.
SUNSCREEN: check the package for the expiry date.
MASCARA AND LIQUID EYELINER: 3 to 4 months.
LIPSTICK AND LIP GLOSS: 2 to 3 years.
FOUNDATION: about 2 years.
PERFUME: about 2 years.
NAIL POLISH: about a year.

Quick guide to Bafana Bafana

June 10th, 2010 | 0 comments

Aaron Mokoena (no.4) is our captain and plays defender. He was called up at the age of seventeen to join the National Team Squad. He currently plays for Portsmouth. He is the country’s most capped player with 101 caps to his name.

We all know of Matthew Booth (no.14) and wife, Sonia (a former Miss SA first princess), due to LG’s campaign featuring them. Matthew was born in Fish Hoek and has a home in the Peninsula. He’s a defender currently playing for Mamelodi Sundowns. He made his debut for South Africa in 1999. Due to his height, he is considered one of the most important players when meeting opponents with tall players. He’s the oldest player in the squad at 33.

Siyabonga “Bhele” Nomvethe (no.18) is our highest goal scorer with 16 goals and the one to watch together with Katlego Mphela (no.9) who has scored 15.

Our first game is at 16:00 on 11 June. The next match is in Pretoria against Uruguay at 20:30 on 16 June and thereafter we’re playing France in Bloem at 16:00 on 22 June.

Hydrating during Winter

June 10th, 2010 | 0 comments

Dehydrated skin looks older and ages faster. We suggest you do the following to get your skin’s hydration levels up:

  1. Drink water. It’s easy and really good for your whole body.

  2. If you’re a smoker, consider kicking this habit.

  3. There are many products that will hydrate your skin to help retain a youthful appearance.
    3.1 Dermalogica has 5 products that might be right for you:
    ~ Soothing protection spray (R 460, 250ml): if you’re going to be traveling by airplane this spray will create a protective shield against environmental assaults while providing critical hydration needed while stuck in the cabin.
    ~ Skin hydrating masque (R 480, 75ml): this oil-free gel masque restores suppleness and moisture to stressed skin while minimizing the appearance of fine lines.
    ~ Skin hydrating booster (R 710, 30ml): if you’re heating up your bedroom then you need this super-saturated hydrating fluid for the driest of skin conditions that intensely moisturizes thirsty skin as it smooths and minimizes fine lines.
    ~ Climate Control (R104, 4,5g): runners you have to get this wonder product! Climate control is a therapeutic balm formulated with exclusive Anti – Ozonate Complex to provide a barrier against climatic assaults. Glide it over your face and neck before you go for you run to ensure your healthy habit doesn’t age you unnecessarily. It will also heal acutely damaged skin and works wonders on skin that is raw and peeling due to friction.
    ~ Antioxidant hydramist (R485, 150ml): over 40? This refreshing antioxidant shield has flash firming properties to improve your skin’s texture as it reduces fine lines associated with dryness, while fighting damaging free radicals and intensely hydrates your dehydrated skin.
    3.2 RégimA is keeping it simple with their Hydration concentrate (R265, 60ml). This dehydration buster with a special Micro-Molecular formulation is able to penetrate and moisturize deeply without leaving the skin feeling oily.

  4. Continue to wear sunscreen to keep this good habit in place.

Road closures during WC 2010

May 26th, 2010 | 0 comments

Cape Town’s traffic will be affected on match days during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ due to a number of necessary road closures.

The eight World Cup games to be held at the Cape Town Stadium on 11, 14, 18, 21, 24, 29 June and 3 and 6 July necessitate the closure of a number of roads to accommodate fans. The City asks the public to be aware of these and to plan their routes and travel times accordingly.

Routes affected within the Central Business District (CBD)
Four hours before kick-off there will be no general access to Hertzog Boulevard between Civic Avenue and Heerengracht, along Hans Strijdom Avenue, and along Adderley Street between Strand Street and Hertzog Boulevard. Premises in this area will be provided with the necessary access via alternative routes and opening the left lane of affected roads as required. The intersections of Hans Strijdom, at Long and Loop Streets will remain open to crossing traffic at all times, but may close for short periods before and after matches to give priority to the Match Day shuttle.

CBD connections to Green Point, Sea Point, Fresnaye and Atlantic Seaboard
Western Boulevard will be closed in both directions, from Buitengragt in the central business district (CBD), to the Beach Road intersection at Three Anchor Bay. However, motorists will be able to exit the V&A Waterfront using Portswood Road, turning left into Western Boulevard, and then making a left turn only into Buitengracht.

Somerset Road will be closed from Buitengragt to Ebenezer Road in both directions between Ebenezer Road and York Road from four hours before the match to four hours after the final whistle. From Ebenezer Road to York Road, the CBD-bound carriageway will be closed. However, two-way traffic will be accommodated on the Sea Point-bound carriageway. This route is intended for local access only, and should be avoided by non-residents.

Road closures will mostly affect traffic leaving the CBD during the evening peak period. People travelling to the Bantry Bay, Clifton and Camps Bay areas along the Atlantic Seaboard are advised to use Kloof Nek Road when leaving the city centre. During match day closures, public transport will be redirected onto High Level Road. It is therefore recommended that, due to the expected congestion on High Level Road, Kloof Nek Road be used by general traffic.

On match days, it is expected that traffic volumes on High Level and Kloof Nek Roads as well as at the Buitengragt intersections will be very heavy. Thus, wherever possible, it is recommended that commuters adjust their routes and travel times to avoid these routes during road closures.

Switch to public transport
Public transport services have been extended as part of the City’s transport plan for the event. All fans and commuters travelling to the CBD are strongly encouraged to use the extended services, non-motorised transport and car pooling. The World Cup period is an ideal opportunity to try out extended public transport services. Trains and certain train stations will have additional security measures in place for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

Frizz-free days are here

April 19th, 2010 | 0 comments

La-Brasiliana Keratin Treatment with Collagen is a revolutionary process that transforms the hair. The treatment is keratin based. Keratin is the primary protein of the hair, skin and nails. This natural substance gives hair the ability to return to its original healthy, skiny, smooth state while the collagen improves the elasticity of the hair.

The treatment can be used on all hair types – coloured, highlighted and bleached. The application process takes anywhere from an hour to 4 hours depending on the length and thickness of the hair. Results are visible immediately after the treatment is completed.

Managing your after a treatment is effortless as the amount of time required to style your hair is dramatically decreased. Humidity, rain or perspiration will no longer affect your hairstyle giving you frizz-free days.

The results last between two and four months as the treatment dissipates gradually as hair is shampooed. You’ll observe a continuous improvement of your hair as you repeat the process.

We’ll gladly quote you re cost on your next visit to the hair salon.

Natural curly hair
After the treatment

Going gray

March 26th, 2010 | 1 comment

The first silvery strands usually pop up around age 30 for men and age 35 for women, but graying can begin as early as high school for some and as late as the 50s for others.

When our bodies are functioning well, cells in our hair follicles called melanocytes generate pigments – the chief one being melanin. When the melanocytes stop producing these pigments, we sprout a transparent hair, which appears as an unsightly gray due to the color of the dead cells that comprise the strand.
Why does this happen? The most common reason is heredity; premature gray hair is yet another thing we can blame on our parents. But there are also several medical conditions characterized by graying of the hair. A B-12 deficiency, a thyroid imbalance, and anemia can all cause premature gray hair. And if you needed yet another reason to quit smoking, there is new evidence that smokers are four times more likely to go gray at a young age.

Being nosy

March 26th, 2010 | 0 comments

Blackheads always seem more prevalent on the nose than on any other part of the face. If you look closely you’ll notice that the pores on your nose are bigger than those on the rest of your face. This obviously makes them more visible, but also more susceptible to clogging. As soon as a pore oxygenates it becomes black. To prevent pores from clogging, give special attention to your nose when cleansing and exfoliating. It’ll make a remarkable difference.

Cleaning your skin

February 24th, 2010 | 0 comments

Dermalogica created the Double Cleanse, the two-part cleansing routine that begins with PreCleanse and finishes with the prescribed Dermalogica cleanser. PreCleanse removes oil-based debris without leaving behind any greasy residue and can be used as a make-up remover that will even remove waterproof mascara and long-wearing lipstick in a flash. Now that your skin is clean of make-up and the day’s gunk, it’s time to cleanse your skin with the prescribed Dermalogica Cleanser.

RegimA suggests you wash your face for at least one minute to purify it completely. One should to do so again after any strenuous sporting activities to remove excess salt and oil to help prevent pore blockage.

Care should always be taken around the delicate eye area when cleansing.

Hair loss

February 24th, 2010 | 1 comment

Seasonal hair loss is real. Hair loss is a natural and a needed phenomenon of our body. Hair has to fall out, so that there is place for new healthy hair to grow. It is completely normal for 50-100 hairs to detach from the scalp daily.

Reasons for seasonal hair loss:

  • Being mammals we naturally shed hair, especially in winter, when a lack of sunlight can lead to hair falling out in clumps.
  • Men buck this trend a little though, losing more hair in summer than winter owing to the fact that their scalps sweat more.
  • Harsh weather conditions in general cause hair loss. Extreme summers and winters can both result in excessively dry hair. Split ends, dandruff, constant tying up of hair are a few reasons your hair condition could change with the seasons, causing hair loss.
  • Lastly, there is nothing whatsoever to be gained from stressing about hair loss. Stress is the worst cause of all and hair loss from stress only becomes apparent two or three months after the fact.

Best way to shampoo

November 12th, 2009 | 0 comments

The message is: don’t use too much shampoo when you’re using a professional product! As a general rule use less than you think. Ads with lots of foam covered heads mean we try to achieve this when we shampoo our hair. Don’t! The first shampoo should not foam at all as the “soap” is being used getting rid of grease and grime. With the second shampoo, you should see a little lather as this means that all the grease and grime is now gone and the amount of shampoo was just right.

So, when applying shampoo to your hair always:

Put a blob onto one of your hands first and then spread it between them. Dab your shampoo covered hands over your head, applying small amounts all over the place and, as less is left on your hands, work more firmly to remove the remainder. Repeat.

Do a really long, thorough rinse before you condition.

A shampoo should always be followed by a conditioner as a shampoo is negatively charged and a conditioner is positively charged, therefore one will balance or neutralize the other helping to restore the natural barrier (acid mantel) and protect the hair.

Before applying conditioner, toweldry the hair thoroughly. Apply a blob of conditioner to one of your hands, and then rub them together to ensure even distribution of the product. Then work your hands along the length of the hair to the ends, avoiding applying too much to the scalp. The reason for this is because if too much is applied your hair will become floppy.

SPF explained

November 12th, 2009 | 1 comment

The sun-protection-factor rating system, which was introduced in 1978, is mainly a measure of the time it takes your skin to burn – and that depends on how fair or dark your skin is. If, say, your unprotected skin turns pink after 10 minutes of sun exposure, then it would take 15 times as long, or 150 minutes, when you’re wearing an SPF15. The SPF number also indicates what percentage of UV rays the product blocks. An SPF2 blocks 50 percent of rays, and SPF15 blocks 93 percent and and SPF30 97 percent. Any SPF above 30 give you only marginally more protection, which is why doctors often say that SPF30 is as high as anyone needs to go.

How to protect yourself

Since applying the right sunscreen is your first priority, use the following checklist to see if a product measures up
Broad-spectrum protection: Products with these words on their labels will filter out most UVA and UVB rays.
Physical blocks: Sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect the widest range of UVA and UVB rays. Physical blocks work like a mirror, reflecting UV rays back into the environment. And these days you don’t need to sport a white nose to wear a physical block – the zinc and titanium particles are now micronised, which means they’re so fine they’re invisible, but still strong enough to form a curtain-like barrier. Apply physical blocks after moisturizing.
Chemical blocks: Synthetic sunscreens contain benzophones, cinnamates, Parsol 1789 and salicylates that absorb UV light instead of reflecting it. Dermatologists agree that suncreens should ideally contain physical and chemical blocks. If your skin is sensitive, however, look for sunscreens with only physical blocks to avoid skin reactions. Apply chemical blocks before moisturizing.
Water- and sweat-resistant: These products will maintain their SPF for up to 40 minutes in water, and will stand up to humidity and perspiration.

Apply it right

You are the biggest block to a sunscreen’s effectiveness. Here are tips to avoid damage.
Coat your entire face and body before going outside. You don’t want to get to the beach, spend half an hour setting up your towel and umbrella, and then sit down to put on sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens take 20 to 30 minutes to seep into the skin to protect you properly. And remember to apply sunscreen to your feet if you intend to tan your bum.
Use it liberally. Studies have shown that using only half the necessary amount of sunscreen can turn what you think is a coating of SPF30 into no more than and SPF2. The proper amounts for complete coverage: a full shot glass on you body, one teaspoon for your face, and another teaspoon on your neck.
Reapply it often. Depending on what you’re doing, apply between every two to four hours.

Maintaining your tresses

October 23rd, 2009 | 0 comments

Regular trims are essential if you want to keep your hair in top condition. Include a salon treatment to leave your tresses manageable, healthy and sumptuous, or get into a regime of weekly home treatments to restore and repair damage.

When in the sun, protect hair with a hat, and try to keep heated styling to a minimum by leaving the hair to dry naturally whenever possible.

Summer 2009 trends

October 23rd, 2009 | 0 comments

Natural tones and shades are hot this summer, so it’s important to stick to colours that suit your skin tone to lift your features.

We’re also seeing a real mix of curls and bobs — more grown out and less precisely cut than before. Short cuts, undercuts and choppy layers are also popular, as are geometric, head-hugging shapes, with feminine volume up top.

The bob remains a fashion staple: soft and feminine with curved shapes, sweeping fringes, and tapered sides flowing onto the face.

Fringes of all types, from sweeping to asymmetrical or blunt, mean that there’s something for everyone.

Messy updos are great for keeping the hair out of your face and can be achieved by simply sweeping the strands back and securing with bands.