Your 8-Piece Beauty Gift Is Waiting

Shop at Clarins.co.za and get your hands on a stunning 8-piece Clarins Beauty Gift! Simply purchase any 2 products – one being a moisturiser, serum or foundation – and you'll receive your 8-piece gift set! Please note that this offer is exclusively online and not available in store. Visit Clarins.co.za to shop now.

The 8-piece Clarins Beauty Gift includes a stunning Grecian cosmetic purse with four must-have beauty treats, plus your choice of a three-step, trial-sized skincare trio.

Take your pick from the following skincare trios: 

• My Clarins (ages 18+)
• Multi-Active (ages 30+)
• Extra Firming (ages 40+)
• Super Restorative (ages 50+)
• Nutri-Lumiere (ages 60+)
• Bright Plus (all ages)

What are you waiting for? Click here to shop and create your gift now. 

OR Choose A Gift For Him

If you're looking to share the love, then why not opt for the ClarinsMens 8-piece gift set for that special gentleman in your life? This ClarinsMens gift set includes a men's bag and seven mini skincare treats that he is bound to enjoy!

Terms & Conditions

• Offer available from 17 to 31 March 2021.
• This offer is available exclusively online at www.clarins.co.za, not in store. 
• Limited supply of each skincare routine.
• 1 collection per customer while stocks last.
• Choice subject to availability.
• Excludes special offers.
• *Yours with the purchase of any 2 Clarins products, one being a moisturiser, serum or foundation.
• **Product images are not representative of actual size.

Be Rewarded When You Shop Online

Other than all the stunning beauty and skincare products, there are many perks to shopping online at Clarins:

• You get FREE delivery for orders of R750 or more.
• You get to pick THREE FREE SAMPLES when you check out.
• Access to exclusive offers when you visit Clarins.co.za.
• Get FREE perks if you’re a Rewards Member.
• Collect points each time you shop online at Clarins.co.za (R10 = 1 point). Collect 500 points to receive a R100 Clarins gift voucher.

For More Information

For more information about this offer or Clarins products, visit www.clarins.co.za.

Don't forget to follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

DIY Moisturising Vegan Face Mask

Heading into winter, your skin is likely to feel dry. Give yourself a moisture boost with this simple recipe made from ingredients you'll likely have hiding out in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 Tb oats
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Method: 

1. In a bowl, mash the banana.
2. Mix in the lemon juice and oats.
3. Cleanse your face and apply a generous amount of mixture.
4. Allow the mask to sit for 10-15 minutes.
5. Wash off the mask.

*Recipe sourced from Vegancuts.

Glow Sugar Scrub

Combat dry itchy skin with this lovely body scrub. Not only is it easy to make, but if will leave your skin feeling wonderfully soft and smooth.

Ingredients: 

• 1 C sugar
• 3 Tb olive oil
• A few drops of your favourite essential oil

Method:

1. Place the sugar in a bowl and add the olive oil, one spoon at a time. Mix after each addition until you reach a sandy consistency.
2. Add the essential oil and place in a jar for storage.
3. Use while showering after rinsing off any soap.

*Recipe sourced from Simple Veganista.

Whipped Body Butter 

Now that your skin is super soft and supple after using the body scrub, lock in moisture with a homemade vegan whipped body butter.

Ingredients: 

• 3/4 C cocoa butter (available at Takealot.com)
• 1/4 C coconut oil

Method: 

1. Melt the cocoa butter and coconut oil in a bowl set over simmering water.
2. Allow the mixture to set in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
3. Once the mixture is solid but not too hard, whip it up using an electric mixer, for about 5 minutes.
4. When the mixture is fluffy, spoon it into a clean container.
5. The mixture will last for about three months, store in a cool, dark place.

*Recipe sourced from Little Green Dot.

Coconut Foot Lotion

Pamper yourself with a relaxing foot treatment after a long day at the office. Treat yourself to a long foot soak and scrub before applying this cooling coconut foot lotion.

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 C shea butter
• 1/4 C coconut oil
• 1/4 C sweet almond oil
• 2 - 3 drops tea tree oil
• 2 - 3 drops peppermint essential oil

Method: 

1. Melt the shea butter and coconut oil in a bowl over simmering water.
2. Add the almond and essential oils and mix.
3. Store in a clean jar and massage into feet after a foot soak.

*Recipe sourced from Faithful to Nature.

DIY Vegan Hair Mask

Is your hair dry, full of static and impossible to control now that the colder seasons have arrived? Treat your hair to this nourishing mask to give it some much needed TLC.

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 banana
• 50 ml coconut milk
• 2 Tb coconut oil
• 1 Tb olive oil

Method: 

1. Blend all the ingredients together until you have a smooth paste.
2. Apply the mixture throughout your hair, taking care to work it all the way to the ends.
3. Leave the mask in for 15 - 20 minutes.
4. Wash your hair out with a mild shampoo, ensuring that it is thoroughly rinsed.
5. Condition your hair as per usual.

*Recipe sourced from My Life Well Loved.

Homemade Vapor Rub

With sniffle season in full force, you may want a jar of vapor rub handy. Using just a few ingredients, you can make your own natural vapor rub at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tb coconut oil
• 2 Tb shea butter
• 10 - 12 drops eucalyptus oil
• 10 - 12 drops peppermint oil
• 4 drops rosemary oil
• 4 drops cinnamon oil

Method: 

1. Gently melt coconut oil and shea butter in a bowl over simmering water.
2. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Add the essential oils.
3. Pour into a clean jar with a tight fitting lid.
4. Allow the mixture to solidify and cool completely before using.
5. Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

*Recipe sourced from Simple Green Smoothies.

Do you have any recipes for vegan beauty products? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Who Are They?

Camelot Spa defines the ultimate spa experience as “The creation of a haven to rest, relax and revitalise”. The aim at Camelot Spas nationwide is to create a holistic wellness experience.

What Do They Offer?

They offers holistic wellness, spa and beauty treatments.

Where Are They Located?

Countrywide.

Safety Precautions In Place

All treatment surfaces and fixtures within the premises are regularly disinfected, alcohol-based sanitisers are available to clients and spa facilities are currently closed. Contact with clients is minimised outside of sessions, and clients will be greeted with a questionnaire regarding their health and travel habits.

Do They Deliver?

No.

For More Information

For more information, feel free to visit their website.

Details: +27 11 880 3850 | Facebook | Twitter

If you are a local business and want extra exposure during this time, please click on the link and complete the form.

We are requesting readers to please support and share this business listing by clicking on the share buttons below.

Oh So Heavenly

Oh So Heavenly gift packs, featuring body wash, body lotion and a loofah, has long been a go-to for those seeking a last minute gift. But this year, why not go all out and spoil your loved one with the Oh So Heavenly Glam Goddess Glam Tote Bag? For just *R300, you can spoil that someone special with a gorgeous honey-hued tote bag packed with goodies from the OSH Glam Goddess range. If you want to be even more indulgent, then add in the OSH Glam Goddess Glamourous Cracker, featuring body lotion, shimmer lotion and hand cream for an extra *R59.99. And because both of these products are marked with the Clicks purple sticker, you'll even be able to pick up a little extra treat for yourself.

Both of these products are available exclusively at Clicks stores.

LenKa

LenKa offers a range of skincare products, made from high quality ingredients, that is gentle and nourishing for your skin. These products contain no animal products or by-products and aren't tested on animals. LenKa products are made with natural ingredients, in small hand-made batches to ensure you receive top quality products. This Christmas, spoil yourself or a loved one with one of LenKa's Self-Care Kits. Available in Sensitive (*R850), Anti-Ageing (*R850), Acne/Oil (*R850) and a Travel Kit (*R120), these must-have beauty products will leave your skin soft, nourished and healthy. Currently at a discounted price, these kits would make even Santa swoon.

LenKa products are available at their online store.

The Good Stuff

The Good Stuff offers a range of cruelty-free beauty products that are mostly vegan. With a wide array of body washes, soaps, foam baths, body care, face care and hair care products on offer, The Good Stuff should be a go-to for gift giving for all occasions. Some of our favourite gift sets include the Nourish & Flourish Cracking Stuff gift set for *R49.95. With shea butter and vanilla orchid flavoured Crème Foam Bath, Body Wash and Body Lotion, this is a festive steal. The Rock 'n Rooibos Three Treats set, for *R48.95, is another of our favourites and includes Rooibos & Moroccan Argan Oil Body Wash, Body Scrub and Body Lotion, to leave skin soft and pampered.

The Good Stuff gift sets are available at Dis-chem stores.

SoyLites 

SoyLites candles are more than just a regular old candle. These candles burn at low temperatures, turning the wax into a moisturiser. Endorsed by both Beauty Without Cruelty and the Vegan Society, this makes the ultimate gift for anyone in need of a pamper. Spoil your loved one or yourself with the SoyLites Luxury Body Pamper Hamper. This hamper is packed with a 220ml body candle, 50ml Ladybird BodyBalm, bath salts, foam bath and natural glycerin soap, all for just *R500. If you're on a budget, opt for the Travel-Lite Gift Pack with Harmony, Rejuvenation and Clarity candles at R200.

SoyLites Candles are available at their online store.

Vegan Soap ZA

For the ultimate festive season splurge, treat yourself, your friends or family to a lovely gift set from Vegan Soap Za. This company crafts products that are vegan, cruelty-free and natural, free of artificial colours, fragrances and harsh chemicals. Containing active ingredients, these products were designed to work on all skin types and for all ages. The Renewed Youth Complete Kit, at *R850, makes for the perfect spoil this festive season. Complete with the Renewed Pre-Mist, Serum and Face Mousse, this three-step skin regime will make you feel brand-new. And to boot, this gift comes pre-packed in a beautiful wooden box.

Vegan Soap Za is available at their online store.

Sorbet

Sorbet has long been a favourite among beauty enthusiasts, with their various spa outlets, makeup products, nail products and beauty products. And now vegans can also get their share of this iconic brand, with the new Sorbet Tranquil Range. Free of sulphates, parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil and MIT, the Tranquil Range is one of the first naturally enhanced ranges from Sorbet, that's kind to the earth and to your skin. To try their new range, give the gift of the Sorbet Tranquil Gift Set, for *R189. This stunning gift set includes body wash, hand and nail cream, enriched with green tea and bamboo to help you relax and unwind before the January rush.

The Sorbet Tranquil range can be found at Sorbet stores or Clicks outlets.

Woolworths Beauty 

Woolworths' own beauty brand, WBeauty, offers a wide range of 100% vegan and cruelty-free beauty products, such as their Simply Floral beauty range. The Simply Floral Pamper Gift Set, at *R350, makes for a much loved gift. This set contains 300ml Foam Bath, 200ml Shower Gel, 50ml Body Souffle and a 25ml Mini Hand & Nail Cream. These gentle products are enriched with vitamin E to leave skin feeling soft and pampered. Pair the floral scents of rose or magnolia with the classical elegance of WBeauty's Fleur Edt for just *R379.

The WBeauty range is available at Woolworths stores.

Iwori 

The festive season can be rough on delicate skin. The scorching heat, dehydration and overindulgence can be a nightmare for those with delicate skin. That's where Iwori comes in. This beauty brand is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, made in Africa and only uses sustainably sourced organic African oils and extracts. These products are also free from silicone, phthalates, sulfates, parabens and all other nasties. To give your skin a deep cleanse and nourish after the festive cheer is over, the Iwori Well Travelled Luxury Backpack Gift Set is the ultimate go-to. For *R325, you'll find body wash, face wash, a face mask and a grey puff.

Iwori products and gift sets are available at Clicks.

We at Joburg.co.za wish our readers a merry Christmas and happy holidays. 

Pink Milk Natural Luxury

The Pink Milk Bath brand started out as nothing more than a small batch production company based in Pretoria. Selling her handcrafted, local bath and body products at markets, beauty fares and on the shelves of retail stores, Mapule Shilubane has grown her brand since 2010. All of Pink Milk's products are made from African ingredients, including rose, lavender, elderflower and mint, which leave your skin feeling super soft and cared for. Produced with an ample amount of African wisdom about healing damaged skin and bringing out your inner glow, Mapule's beauty products are simply heavenly.

Pink Milk recently set up their flagship store at Morningside Shopping Centre, bringing their customers all the best in luxury bath goodies. Now, they have set their sights on Bedfordview! Opening a pop-up store at the popular Bedford Centre, Pink Milk Bath will launch their new summer range this October.

View this post on Instagram

Anticipation...

A post shared by Pink Milk Natural Luxury (@pinkmilkbath) on Aug 22, 2019 at 12:13am PDT

Bubbles, Milkshakes and Bath Tea

Bath time gets a whole lot more fun and innovative when Pink Milk Bath are around. Gone are the days of lackluster bubbles and boring bath bombs, because the Milky Bar Soap is here. Start your bath time routine with this luxurious bar which perfumes you with rosy, woody, herbaceous, floral, fruity and spicy notes. You can use it in the shower or bath, and it's great for mani-pedis.

Next, move on to Pink Milk Bath's Sugar Polish. This creamy scrub helps exfoliate the skin without abrasion. Use it once a week to leave your skin feeling rejuvenated and moisturised. It's perfect for getting your dry skin in top condition for the coming summer months.

Now, for the most exciting bath goodie from Pink Milk Bath - their colourful Milkshake Topping Bath Confetti! Sprinkle over your bubble bath for a relaxing scent and a little extra sparkle. Just like a strawberry milkshake topped with rainbow vermicelli, this unicorn-inspired bath will brighten any bad day!

Pink Milk Bath's bestsellers are their Milk on Ice and Bath Tea. Both handcrafted to give you the most relaxing bath time experience, these two products are a must-have for your bathroom shelf. Hand-mixed and left to mature for three weeks, The Milk on Ice salt soak ensures a perfect relaxing bath blend. Use it in a hot bath as a full body soak or for that perfect pedicure. Need something a little extra to help you unwind? Bath Tea is a milk bath infused with cardamom, elderflower, lavender, chamomile and a special blend of the finest oils and botanicals. Treat yourself to your favourite cuppa while soaking up all this natural goodness.

For more information

Check out the new Pink Milk Bath pop-up store at Bedford Centre. It is located on the second floor level opposite CNA. You can also follow them on Instagram or Facebook for updates, specials and their new summer range products.

Details: Bedford Centre, Cnr Smith and Van der Linde Rd, Bedfordview, Johannesburg | [email protected]

What Is It?

To kick start October on a good note Fat Cats Athletic Club is bringing their very exciting running event coming up this October to make sure that everyone is fully in. They are about to set the streets of Joburg alight with the spirit of health and fitness. So, join in as the Fat Cats 10km, is set to make the streets of Jozi vibrate on the 13th of October. Trust us when we say you do not want to miss out!

When Is It?

Sunday, 13 October 2019 at 07:00.

Where Is It?

Mall of Africa, Lone Creek Cresent and Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City, 1686 Johannesburg.

How Much Is It?

To enter please visit their website.

For More Information

Visit this Facebook page or this website for more information.

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

With the changing of the seasons, it's time to start preparing your body for viral season with some simple preventative steps. These tips may help prevent sickness, but they will also help reduce the symptoms and duration of a cold and flu.

• Take your vitamins
• Sleep well
• Stay hydrated
• Wash your hands frequently
• Get moderate exercise

To Flu Shot Or Not

There are many debates around whether or not we should get a vaccine against flu. While it may not be fully effective, it can still reduce the recovery time and prevent complications. The shot may prove to be ineffective for some, while being life-saving for others. To find out more about the flu shot, read our Great Winter Debate article.

I'm Sick, What Now?

Stay Hydrated

Once you get a cold or flu, your body loses a lot of fluids. To replenish that fluid, drink plenty of liquids. This can be tea, water or juice. This will ease your blocked nose and fever.

Rest 

Your body is fighting a war to keep you safe and healthy. Help things out by resting. It may be difficult to sleep comfortably when you can't breathe, but resting doesn't necessarily mean sleeping. Use the flu as an excuse to lay on the couch and binge watch the latest series. Or take a leisurely bath. Keep any exercise moderate and easy going.

Hot Toddy

Hot toddies are loaded with flu fighting ingredients like ginger, lemon and honey. Not only will the vitamins and minerals in these ingredients help you fight the flu, but the warm liquid will make you feel better straight away. Buy a sachet of Hot Toddy or Med-Lemon or make your own at home. Try this recipe by Joybilee Farm.

Vapour Rub

Vapour rub can help relieve head colds, congestion and a cough. Simply rub it on the your chest to relieve a cough, and on your nostrils and chest to relieve congestion. You can also put some in hot water or a humidifier to help ease congestion for hours.

Baby Bum Cream 

When you're blowing your nose every few minutes, your nostrils are bound to get chapped, red and painful. Ease these sensitive areas with a spot of baby bum cream. This will soothe the dry and damaged skin and protect it from the moisture of your dripping nose. Just be sure to rub it in properly so you don't have a cream mustache.

Humidify 

A humidifier can help soothe colds and flu by moistening the air. Add some essential oil or vapour rub for added benefits. Don't have a humidifier? Then simply fill a big bowl or basin with warm water, essential oils or vapour rub. Then lay your head over the water, covered with a towel. The steam will soothe congestion and make it a whole lot easier to breathe.

Soup

It can be difficult to swallow when you're airways are slowly closing up. But a yummy, healthy and comforting solution is a warm bowl of soup. This will keep you full, hydrated and may even help relieve the pressure in your nose and throat. Don't feel like cooking? No worries. We sussed out the best Soup Of The Day at Top Restaurants.

Salt Water

Having a sore and swollen throat can be painful and annoying. By gargling with warm salted water, you can soothe your aching throat. Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt with a glass of warm water, stir to dissolve the salt. This mixture will also aid in loosening mucus.

Over the Counter Meds

Most of us do have a stock pile of over-the-counter-meds, so this does count as a home remedy. There are a few pills that will make you feel better in a jiffy. Panado can help with pain and fever, a decongestant for a sinus congestion, antihistamine for a runny nose and cough syrup to treat your wheezing. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about medications that can relieve your cold and flu symptoms.

*Always consult your physician before taking any medication. Should your symptoms worsen or last longer than a week, visit a doctor.

Woolworths has been a favourite among shoppers for many years. This is because of their good quality and delicious food, fashionable clothing and simply gorgeous homeware and décor. But there is something else worth stopping at this prestigious retailer for, their beauty products and cosmetics. Along with selling other brands, Woolworths has their own beauty range, WBeauty. This brand offers high quality make-up, nail polish, fragrances, soap and lotion, among others.

WBeauty has long been on Beauty Without Cruelty's Humane Guide of cruelty free products, one of the many reasons we are so fond of this brand. They are listed as VEG and PB on the Humane Guide, meaning some of their products do contain ingredients derived from animals. But they have been hard at work to change that. All of their WBeauty range products are now 100% vegan! This means that they will no longer be using ingredients like beeswax, musk, ambergris, carmine, lanolin, collagen, keratin and royal jelly in their products.

This is great news for vegans who have struggled to find basic toiletries that are both vegan and cruelty free. It is also great news for animals and their advocates. But it's even better news for those who use these products everyday. This is because vegan beauty products are much better for skin health, especially for those suffering with sensitive skin or allergies.

“Vegan beauty is a fantastic option if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Vegan makeup, skin and body care products are less likely to cause acne, rashes or inflammation. And of course, the major benefit is better-looking skin because the ingredients are either plant based or synthetic which hydrate the skin, help with uneven skin tones and encourage a more youthful appearance. The products are high-quality, last longer while being kinder to the environment." says Deshi Moodley, manager of Woolworths Beauty Quality, Innovation and Sourcing.

Products that will now be vegan include skincare, cosmetics, bath and body, fragrances, nail care, cosmetic bags and beauty accessories. Now, instead of going out of the way or shopping online (and probably getting the wrong shade), we can just pop into our local Woolies for all our make-up, perfume, face care and nail care needs. We especially love the WBeauty Nail Varnish Remover Wipes, as vegan and cruelty-free nail polish remover has been almost impossible to find (and the lemon juice and vinegar trick doesn't work). Other great finds include the highly affordable foundations, various perfumes and the men's range, which is also tricky to find elsewhere.

To find more vegan beauty products, read our Vegan Beauty Essentials or Vegan Beauty Luxuries guide. For more vegan products for men, read our Vegan Toiletries and Products for Men guide. To find more products that don't test on animals, check out Beauty Without Cruelty's Humane Guide.

For more information, contact Woolworths on 021 407 9111, email [email protected] or visit their website.

Alternatively, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Intagram, Pinterest or YouTube to stay up to date on the latest news and happenings.

Oh So Heavenly has always been close to our hearts. They remain the go-to gift for the ladies in our lives whenever an event like Mother's Day, Valentine's Day and Christmas approach. But there is so much more to this amazing beauty brand. They are endorsed by Beauty Without Cruelty, meaning they don't test any of their products or the ingredients in the products on animals. They instead choose to test their products on "very fussy people". Some of their ranges are also vegan, meaning they do not contain ingredients derived from animals. All of this comes in a product that works effectively, with competitive prices to boot. Here are some of the products they have on offer:

Skin Care

The skin care range includes body wash, body lotion, body butter, soap bars and bath products. What's great about this range is that it includes options fitted to your needs. Dry skin? Try the Classic Care Moisture Burst body wash and lotion, which will make your skin silky soft in a jiffy. Trouble falling asleep? Try the Over The Moon Aromatherapy Blend before bed to relax your mind and body for a good night's sleep. Feeling stressed? Then try the Bye Bye Stress options with lavender for a bit of R&R at home. We love the Coconut Cream and Macadamia Oil body wash with ribbons of coconut and macadamia that smells magnificent. Finish this off with the same body lotion and skin feels like it's made from luxurious velvet.

 

Hair Care

Oh So Heavenly has a hair care range for dry and damaged, colour treated, frizzy, flat and curly hair. They offer shampoos, conditioners, treatment masks, elixir oil and detailing spray. They also offer hair fragrances, to leave your hair smelling as good as it looks. We love the Keratin and Argan Oil Repair 'n Care option because it smells so good. And it pairs perfectly with the Coconut and Macadamia body care.

Face Care

This beauty brand recently released a new range of face care. These are available in anti-ageing with Argan oil, even tone with pomegranate and goji berry, normal with milk proteins and oil control with aloe vera and grapeseed extract. They also have some lip care options available in various options but we are suckers for the Vanilla Bliss Lip Balm.

 

Hand and Foot Care

Oh So Heavenly also offers care for hands and feet. These include hand creams, washes, wipes and cleansers. What we love about their hand care range is that it moisturises dry hands without making them sticky or greasy. In fact, even their body lotion can be used on hands. Their foot care range comes in foot butter, pedicure treatments, soaks and wax. And we just love how they leave feet smelling like a coconut breeze rather than mature Parmesan cheese.

Fragrance

Unfortunately, there aren't all too many deodorants and antiperspirants on the market that are both cruelty-free and effective. But, this one is. They have many fragrances to choose from, whether you want to smell floral or prefer sweet fragrances. And their anti-perspirant comes in giant sized bottles, so you needn't be worried about running out too soon.

 

Kiddies and Moms

They offer a wide variety of choices for children. From when mom has stretch marks while pregnant, all the way to mom struggling to get the little ones in the bath. Thankfully their range for children includes a 3-in-1 Body Wash, Shampoo and Conditioner, which will make bubble time a little easier on mom. And then mom can treat herself to something special, whether it be Time To Unwind, Revive and Revitalize or Bounce Back.

Home Care

Now offering home fragrances, the Oh So Heavenly French Vanilla 5-in-1 room spray leaves homes smelling like a bakery with no messy baking required. In fact, they have an entire vanilla range called Decadent Vanilla, offering candles, mists and diffusers. These products also come in other flavours for those of you not as enthused with vanilla as us.

 

These and other Oh So Heavenly products are available exclusively at Clicks.

Images sourced from Oh So Heavenly's Facebook page.

The Obvious

These items are the obvious ones that we shouldn't leave the house without: house keys, car keys, wallet, driver's license, bank card and office access card (on working days).

Feminine Hygiene

We don't need to say much about this one. We are all well aware that Lady P arrives and ends on her own terms. Stay prepared with a few tampons or pads, panty liners and some hygiene bags.

Plasters

Paper cut? Ripped hangnail? These can be painful and difficult to keep clean. So, keep a few plasters in your possession. Pro tip: plasters fit perfectly in a card or cash sleeve in your wallet or purse.

Medication

We never know what will happen and when. So, stay on top of things with a few helper pills. We recommend getting a pill box and stocking it up with Panado (headaches and fever), Imodium (diarrhoea), Adco-cyclizine (nausea) and Hyospasmol (tummy and period cramps).
* Always consult a medical practitioner before starting any medications.

Contraceptives

Those who are sexually active, or are hoping to be, should always stay prepared. Especially in a world riddled with HIV, unplanned pregnancy and other STDs. Be wise, condomise.

Self Defense

Unfortunately, we live in a world where women are often targeted, with the intent to harm. Besides taking a few self defense classes, it is essential to keep some items on your person in case the worst should happen. We suggest a small canister of pepper spray and a small torch available in key chain sizes at Cape Union Mart as well as a taser available at any Tactical Outfitter Store. Remember that anything can be used as a weapon such as high heels, scissors, tweezers and even keys.

Cash

The world has switched to apps and cards for most financial transactions. But every now and then, you find yourself in need of some cash, whether it be for a parking ticket, a car guard in Braams or to catch a taxi. Aim for a few coins and various small notes.

Powerbank

We can't live without our phones. What if we take a wrong turn and get lost or the car breaks down and you don't know if that's smoke or steam coming out the bonnet? Be smart, and keep a power bank for in case your battery runs low in an emergency.

Tissues

Colds and flu season, hay fever and allergies can make tissues an essential. Keep a pack handy so you don't need to ruin perfectly good sleeves or dash to the bathroom in a hurry.

Breath Fresheners

Bad breath can affect us all. But in case that guy/girl you've been eyeing pops round, be sure to keep some gum or mints in your bag.

Hand Sanitiser

Let's face it, sometimes being around people can be quite gross. They sneeze, cough, pick at wounds and then touch you. Keep yourself safe with a handy bottle of hand sanitiser. We love the Oh So Heavenly Hula Hands with coconut.

Lip Care

Dry lips - urgh. They are uncomfortable and can lead to painful cracks. Keep your lips moisturised with some lip balm or petroleum jelly to keep them soft and luscious. Get some tinted lip balm to keep that colourful pout.

Sun Block

While this may not always be an essential, having this in your purse could potentially save you from a very uncomfortable sunburn later on.

Sunglasses

Protecting your eyes from the harsh sun rays is essential in eye health. So, keep you shades around for whenever you may be in the sun. Get a pair that covers your eyes and surrounds, it may even prevent fine lines and wrinkles.

Nail Care

We've all been there. Our nail just broke or chipped and we need to fix it ASAP before it catches on something and rips right off. We desperately beg all the ladies nearby for something, anything to help save us from impending doom. Save yourself the trouble and always keep a nail clipper or nail file in your purse. They're small enough to carry around without hassle.

Hand Cream

This is something most of us already have in our bags. And why wouldn't we? Having dry hands can be quite uncomfortable, especially in the colder months. Oh So Heavenly's Crème Oil Collection of hand creams are a favourite for us, especially in Coconut Cream and Macadamia Oil.

Brush and Hair Tie

A little comb or brush tucked away in your bag can be a life saver, especially on windy days. Remember the hair tie and perhaps a few clips, you never know when you'll have a hairstyle emergency.

Make-Up

Last, but not least, is make-up. This is a very personal item for your purse as it changes for everyone. We might be content with just our lip balm, but others need eyebrow pencils, lipstick, lip gloss and mascara. Remember to keep a compact mirror too.

The Process

The process of blood donation is a simple one. Start by finding one of their many donor centres or blood drives around Joburg. Before you go, make sure you have a full meal. Once you get there, you will be required to fill in some paperwork. SANBS requires you to give basic information such as age, gender, name and contact details. You will also be required to give some medical history such as diseases like diabetes and the medication you are on. A medical professional will then assess you. This person will ask about what medication you are on and why you are on them. They will also take your blood pressure by strapping a device to your upper arm, tightening the device and measuring how long it takes for your blood pressure to loosen the device. The nurse will also measure your iron levels. This is done with a small prick to the finger. Some of your blood is then dropped into a substance and if the blood sinks, you have normal to high levels of iron. If the blood floats your levels of iron may be to low to donate blood.

Donating Blood

If your blood pressure and iron levels are in the correct range, you will be seated to donate blood. The seats are a cross between regular hospital beds and lazy boys with an arm rest on either the left or the right side. It is important to choose a seat based on which arm you want blood drawn from. Some people have one particular arm with a viable vein, for others any arm will be acceptable. The staff are extremely well trained and will be able to find which arm this is if you are unsure. They are able to find a viable vein quickly and without any discomfort. When you are ready to donate, a strap will be placed on your arm to ensure some blood pressure. Your skin will then be cleaned with antiseptic. Then a new, clean needle will be used to puncture your skin and vein. The blood will then collect in a blood bag and a few vials. You just need to sit there and relax until enough blood has been drawn, this will take about 10 minutes. The vials will be used for testing and the bag will be donated. The needle will be removed and the wound will be dressed.

 

Aftercare

Remember that you may feel dizzy, have bruising where the blood was taken or have nerve or tendon damage, which is highly uncommon. So it is important for you to apply some after care. The donor centre has comfortable seats for you to relax in. They also provide some cookies and juice. This is needed to bring up your blood sugar so that you do not feel dizzy. It is also necessary to increase your fluid intake for the rest of the day, don't do any strenuous exercise or lifting and to avoid smoking. You can help replace your lost blood by eating food rich in iron such as meat, tofu, leafy greens, legumes, peanuts and whole wheat products. Food rich in vitamin C will aid your body in absorbing iron, these are tomatoes, bell peppers and citrus. Avoid eating dairy products, coffee and tea after your donation as these hinder iron absorption in your body.

What next ?

Your blood will be taken to a lab for testing. The blood needs to be free of diseases like HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B and C. The blood is then separated into three components; plasma, platelets and red blood cells. Very little blood is used whole, as it was donated. If it is the first donation or if you haven't donated in a while, the red blood cells won't be used and the plasma will be kept until the next donation. All the components of the blood only get used once your blood has tested negative of diseases after three donations. The plasma is used to help people who are losing a lot of blood or who cannot clot blood themselves. Platelets are used to help blood clots and red blood cells are used to help people with anemia and blood loss.

 

Should you donate blood?

There are a few people that can't donate blood, unfortunately. People under the age of 16, over the age of 65 and who weigh less than 50kg can't donate blood. Nor should anyone who is at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. If you feel slightly sick with a cold or flu then then you need to wait until you're better, at least seven days, before donating. You also have to wait four weeks before donating if you have been to a malaria area and three years if you have been treated for malaria. If you have gotten pierced or tattooed, you need to wait six months before donating, three to six months after giving birth and six months after major surgery. People with low iron levels need to wait until their iron levels are back to normal before donating.

Other donations

If you don't want to donate your blood, you can donate just one part of your blood; either plasma or platelets. A machine will separate the part of the blood you choose to donate from the rest of the blood and return the unused portion of the blood back to your body. SANBS also offers a autologous donation service, where you can have blood drawn and saved for you, for later. This is helpful for planned surgeries. If you would like to do more than just donate blood, you can register to become a bone marrow donor to potentially save the life of someone with a serious blood disease. Or you can opt to become an organ donor so that in the event of your death, any viable organs can be donated to help save someone else.

 

Find more information about donating blood at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
For more information about bone marrow and becoming a donor, contact The Sunflower Fund.
Contact the Organ Donor Foundation to find out more about being an organ donor.

The Process

The process of blood donation is a simple one. Start by finding one of their many donor centres or blood drives around Joburg. Before you go, make sure you have a full meal. Once you get there, you will be required to fill in some paperwork. SANBS requires you to give basic information such as age, gender, name and contact details. You will also be required to give some medical history such as diseases like diabetes and the medication you are on. A medical professional will then assess you. This person will ask about what medication you are on and why you are on them. They will also take your blood pressure by strapping a device to your upper arm, tightening the device and measuring how long it takes for your blood pressure to loosen the device. The nurse will also measure your iron levels. This is done with a small prick to the finger. Some of your blood is then dropped into a substance and if the blood sinks, you have normal to high levels of iron. If the blood floats your levels of iron may be to low to donate blood.

Donating Blood

If your blood pressure and iron levels are in the correct range, you will be seated to donate blood. The seats are a cross between regular hospital beds and lazy boys with an arm rest on either the left or the right side. It is important to choose a seat based on which arm you want blood drawn from. Some people have one particular arm with a viable vein, for others any arm will be acceptable. The staff are extremely well trained and will be able to find which arm this is if you are unsure. They are able to find a viable vein quickly and without any discomfort. When you are ready to donate, a strap will be placed on your arm to ensure some blood pressure. Your skin will then be cleaned with antiseptic. Then a new, clean needle will be used to puncture your skin and vein. The blood will then collect in a blood bag and a few vials. You just need to sit there and relax until enough blood has been drawn, this will take about 10 minutes. The vials will be used for testing and the bag will be donated. The needle will be removed and the wound will be dressed.

Aftercare

It is important to remember that you may feel dizzy, have bruising where the blood was taken or have nerve or tendon damage, which is highly uncommon. So it is important for you to apply some after care. The donor centre has comfortable seats for you to relax in. They also provide some cookies and juice. This is important to bring up your blood sugar so that you do not feel dizzy. It is also important to increase your fluid intake for the rest of the day, don't do any strenuous exercise or lifting and to avoid smoking. You can help replace your lost blood by eating food rich in iron such as meat, tofu, leafy greens, legumes, peanuts and whole wheat products. Food rich in vitamin C will aid your body in absorbing iron, these are tomatoes, bell peppers and citrus. Avoid eating dairy products, coffee and tea after your donation as these foods hinders iron absorption in your body.

What next ?

Your blood will be taken to a lab for testing. The blood needs to be free of diseases like HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B and C. The blood is then separated into three components; plasma, platelets and red blood cells. Very little blood is used whole, as it was donated. If it is the first donation or if you haven't donated in a while, the red blood cells won't be used and the plasma will be kept until the next donation. All the components of the blood only get used once your blood has tested negative of diseases after three donations. The plasma is used to help people who are losing a lot of blood or who cannot clot themselves. Platelets are used to help blood clots and red blood cells are used to help people with anemia and blood loss.

Should you donate blood?

There are a few people that can't donate blood, unfortunately. People under the age of 16, over the age of 65 and who weigh less than 50kg can't donate blood. Nor should anyone who is at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. If you feel slightly sick with a cold or flu then then you need to wait until you're better, at least seven days, before donating. You also have to wait four weeks before donating if you have been to a malaria area and three years if you have been treated for malaria. If you have gotten pierced or tattooed you need to wait six months before donating, three to six months after giving birth and six months after major surgery. People with low iron levels need to wait until their iron levels are back to normal before donating.

Other donations

If you don't want to donate your blood, you can donate just one part of your blood; either plasma and platelets. A machine will separate the part of the blood you choose to donate from the rest of the blood and return the rest of the blood to your body. SANBS also offers a autologous donation service, where you can have blood drawn and saved for you for later. This is helpful for planned surgeries. If you would like to do more than just donate blood, you can register to become a bone marrow donor to potentially save the life of someone with a serious blood disease. Or you can opt to become an organ donor so that in the event of your death, any viable organs can be donated to help save someone else.

Find more information about donating blood at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
For more information about bone marrow and becoming a donor, contact The Sunflower Fund.
Contact the Organ Donor Foundation to find out more about being an organ donor.

Woolworths

Woolworths has wide range of cosmetics and personal hygiene products that are all vegan and vegetarian. Their house brand, WBeauty is 100% vegan and certified by Beauty Without Cruelty. As with most stores, they mostly cater to woman. However, they do have one of the widest vegan ranges for men. We love their cologne range, available in all types from musky to earthy.

The Good Stuff

While The Good Stuff seems to be aimed for women, they do have a few products that can be unisex. We love their Hello Hydration body wash which is flavoured with sea minerals and citrus burst. This wash smells like... a guy. The bamboo and white tea face care range is also a good choice for the boys who like to give their face a bit of extra love. You can also try the lime and coconut or the jojoba oil shampoos and conditioners for hair care that doesn't smell like a bakery or florist. You can find The Good Stuff at Dischem and Pick n Pay outlets.

Faithful to Nature

This is one of our favourite online stores. They sell a wide range of food, health, beauty and baby products. And everything on their website is labelled as vegan, vegetarian, eco-friendly, natural or organic. They even list whether or not the products contain palm oil! Their men's range has a wide variety of products with everything from charcoal soap to roll-on. But what we love the most is the Pure Beginnings toothpaste, which is BwC certified. You can also grab your bamboo toothbrush while you're here.

 

The Body Shop

The Body Shop has a huge selection of hygiene and care products that are especially made for men. They have deodorant, face cream, beard care products and even gift packs. Many of these are vegetarian but The Body Shop does have a range of vegan products, too. Our favourite has to be the Guarana and Coffee Energising Moisturiser. This product has The Body Shop's guarantee that it is tested on men and not on animals.

Bonafide Beards

We love beards. Whether it's the prickly stubble, the bushy lumberjack beard or the fully grown Santa beard. We are beard crazy, so beards are certainly worth a little extra love and attention. We're talking beard oil, beard butter, beard wash, beard balm, beard wax, beard cleansing bars - all things beard. All the beard TLC you could ever dream of is available at the Bonafide Beards online store or at their various stockists. They love beards just as much as we do.

Wellness Warehouse

We all love Wellness Warehouse. It's the one place we can get all those hard-to-find vegan and health food products. But they also have some amazing beauty products with a nice array of men's products. This is a good place to browse for all your grooming needs as they have everything from toothpaste to body wash.

 

For more vegan and cruelty free products, check out the BWC Humane Guide.

*Remember to always check the labels of your products to verify that they are vegan.

 

Woolworths

Woolworths has wide range of cosmetics and personal hygiene products that are vegan and vegetarian. Their house brand is also certified by Beauty Without Cruelty. As with most stores, they mostly cater to woman. However, they do have one of the widest vegan range for men. We love their cologne range, available in all types from musky to earthy.

The Good Stuff

While The Good Stuff seems to be aimed for women, they do have a few products that can be unisex. We love their Hello Hydration body wash which is flavoured with sea minerals and citrus burst. This wash smells like... a guy. The bamboo and white tea face care range is also a good choice for the boys who like to give their face a bit of extra love. You can also try the lime and coconut or the jojoba oil shampoos and conditioners for hair care that doesn't smell like a bakery or florist. You can find The Good Stuff at Dischem and Pick n Pay outlets.

Faithful to Nature

This is one of our favourite online stores. They sell a wide range of food, health, beauty and baby products. And everything on their website is labelled as vegan, vegetarian, eco-friendly, natural or organic. They even list whether or not the products contain palm oil! Their men's range has a wide variety of products with everything from charcoal soap to roll-on. But what we love the most is the Pure Beginnings toothpaste, which is BwC certified. You can also grab your bamboo toothbrush while you're here.

The Body Shop

The Body Shop has a huge selection of hygiene and care products that are especially made for men. They have deodorant, face cream, beard care products and even gift packs. Many of these are vegetarian but The Body Shop does have a range of vegan products, too. Our favourite has to be the Guarana and Coffee Energising Moisturiser. This product has The Body Shop's guarantee that it is tested on men and not on animals.

Bonafide Beards

We love beards. Whether it's the prickly stubble, the bushy lumberjack beard or the fully grown Santa beard. We are beard crazy, so beards are certainly worth a little extra love and attention. We're talking beard oil, beard butter, beard wash, beard balm, beard wax, beard cleansing bars - all things beard. All the beard TLC you could ever dream of is available on the Bonafide Beards online store or at their various stockists. They love beards just as much as we do.

Wellness Warehouse

We all love Wellness Warehouse. It's the one place we can get all those hard-to-find vegan and health food products. But they also have some amazing beauty products with a nice array of men's products. This is a good place to browse for all your grooming needs as they have everything from toothpaste to body wash.

For more vegan and cruelty free products, check out the BWC Humane Guide.

*Remember to always check the labels of your products to verify that they are vegan.

 

How do I know when it is time to visit an optometrist?
One should visit your optometrist annually, as there are many ocular conditions that can be present and would not necessarily cause visual problems initially (such as glaucoma, which is a condition due to raised intra-ocular pressure that could be completely painless but only causes visual problems once it is already too late and damage to the optic nerve has already occurred). Having said that, any condition which causes blurry vision, pain, double vision, redness, discharge, headaches, eye strain, difficulty changing focus, tearing, pupil abnormalities, bright flashes of light (an ocular emergency which could indicate a retinal detachment) or other ocular discomfort should be investigated.

How often should I visit my optometrist?
Annually or as above. If you are diabetic, you need a dilated fundus exam every six months. This is very important as small changes like bleeding occur in the retina (nerve layer at the back of the eye) and could permanently affect vision. Also, changes seen in the retina often mirror events happening elsewhere, such as kidney damage and peripheral neuropathy.

When is the best time to start taking children to an optometrist and how often should they visit?
The American Optometric Association as well as the British College of Optometrists recommends that if there is no noticeable visual defect, a child should be taken for their first visual exam at the age of six months. Then at three years of age, then at six years (just before entering formal schooling) and then annually thereafter. Be aware that not all optometrists are trained, comfortable or skilled in seeing young children or babies, so make sure to check before you schedule an appointment. If there is a visual problem or you notice something untoward, it is imperative to seek professional help immediately.

How do I go about finding a good and qualified optometrist that I can trust?
Word of mouth is usually the best option. Cheaper isn’t always better! Watch out for misleading advertising like “two for one deals”, as there are often other hidden costs. Look at the person’s qualifications. You can contact the South African Optometric Association for information (although not ALL optometrists are a member of the SAOA). It is important to develop a good relationship with your eye care practitioner. If you are not on medical aid, there are other options. Most practitioners are willing to help, so discuss your concerns, ask questions.

What can I expect during my eye test?
Fun! Visual exams are generally painless and easy. The optometrists will discuss your general and ocular health and associated medical history with you. They will ask about the reason for the visit and what your visual requirements are, measure your visual acuity, do a refraction to determine your prescription and refractive error. They will also check your eye health by measuring the intra-ocular pressure, checking the internal and external health of your eyes, possibly also take photographs of the inside of your eye, check eye movements and other visual skills and then make recommendations as to what the best solution would be to meet your visual needs.

What do I need to know when I go for an eye test? 
Please don’t take your shoes or clothes off during your visual examination! We are here to examine your eyes only. We get really close during the visual examination when we’re doing ophthalmoscopy. This is normal. Please don’t think we are trying to get to know you better. Please do not bring your children in when they are sick! Make sure to bring your old spectacles with for all consultations. Be honest! We are not here to judge you. It is important to tell us your full medical history. Know what medications you’re on and what conditions they are for.

What are the most common eye ailments?
Refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), Hyperopia (far-sightedness), Astigmatism (irregular shape of the cornea) and presbyopia (difficulty reading as we age due to hardening of the lens) are the most common ailments. Obviously, eye infections like pink eye are also pretty common (especially in children) and dry eye is often found in older patients.

What symptoms of eye problems should I be looking out for?
Any blurry vision, eye strain or visual discomfort needs to be investigated. If you see bright flashes of light (almost like a camera flash going off) and dark floaters it is an ocular emergency and you need to see an eye care practitioner urgently. The same goes for any sudden loss of vision or double vision.

What are the most common ways people damage their eyesight?
Well, the most common ways depend a lot on what people are doing and what time of year it is. New Year almost always leads to vision loss due to injury from fireworks. They are ridiculously dangerous! The amount of ocular injury on Valentines Day due to champagne corks is always common. But by far, the most common damage to eyesight is from trauma due to either accidents like vehicle accidents or from violence and fighting. People also weld without proper protection and get “arc eyes”. Or they get injured in the workplace due to grinding accidents. Scratches to the eye from fingers or mascara brushes can also be a problem. Pellet or BB guns cause damage to vision in children. You cannot damage your eyesight by reading in dim illumination (it might cause eye strain though).

What is meant by 20/20 vision? Is this perfect vision? 
Visual resolution, which is generally written as 20/20 or 6/6 (metric), means you can resolve a letter or figure which subtends 5 minutes of arc at 6 metres (or is 0.87cm in height). That is considered to be relatively good eyesight but there is much more to vision than that. Having 20/20 (6/6) vision does not necessarily mean you have perfect vision. 20/20 vision only indicates the sharpness or clarity of vision at a distance. Other important vision skills include peripheral awareness or side vision, eye coordination, good ocular movements, depth perception, focusing ability and colour vision. These all contribute to your overall visual ability.

How will I know if I need glasses?
Your optometrist will investigate your visual functioning and make a recommendation but should you experience blurry vision at distance, near or both, have difficulty maintaining clear vision at any time, get headaches or eyestrain (especially with computer or electronic screen use), please see an optometrist.

What is the better choice between glasses and contact lenses?
It depends on what you need to do. For example, contact lenses are great for sport or leisure activities and when cosmesis and convenience is an issue. But they would be impractical for a child/baby or for someone who works in a very dusty environment or under other non-sterile conditions. Also some people cannot tolerate contact lenses, have very dry eyes or cannot handle them properly in terms of being able to place them in their eyes or remove them. Spectacles are usually less expensive than contact lenses and most people can wear them. They can be purpose specific (for example for driving or computer work) or they can be multi-task type lenses that can be used for more than one activity. Fashion conscious people also often like the look that spectacles give.

What should I know when I am purchasing sunglasses?
Avoid “side of the road” sunglasses as they are often of inferior quality, do not offer proper UV protection, have poor optical quality lenses and can cause eyestrain and not provide adequate protection. Always make sure there is a good quality UV filter and that the lenses are free of distortions. Make sure to buy sunglasses from a reputable source to ensure good UV protection. The frame should fit you well and provide good coverage of your eyes. Stickers on sunglasses can be misleading as bad quality ones just put random UV stickers on them. In the electromagnetic spectrum UV light has a range of 100-400nm. The atmosphere and eyes cut out most levels of UVC. UVA and UVB reach us through the atmosphere. Sunglass lenses should block out all UV. So they often have a sticker that says UV400 which means they block out all UV up to 400nm. Even clear plastic lenses will cut out some UV but not all whereas glass allows more UV through.

Is there anything I can do to protect and preserve my eyesight?
Yes! Have annual check ups with your optometrist to ensure you do not have any underlying condition, make sure you wear sunglasses when outdoors with a good UV protection factor, always wear protective goggles when welding or grinding and get a good blue control filter on your spectacles if you spend a lot of time looking at electronic screens.
Is there anything I can eat or any exercise I can do to preserve/ improve my eyesight?
It is said eating carrots is good for eyesight and to an extent this is true, as it contains elements that help our eyes when adapting for vision in low light conditions. Carrots contain beta-carotene, which is a component of Vitamin A, which is necessary to change from light (photopic) to dark (scotopic) viewing conditions. But they won’t improve eyesight due to any refractive error. All foods or supplements that contain anti-oxidants (Vit A, C, E, Magnesium and Selenium) have a protective effect for the retina. Eye exercises are beneficial if there is a problem like convergence insufficiency, accommodative inflexibility or weakness of eye muscles. Eye exercises cannot help for refractive errors like being short-sighted, far-sighted, presbyopic or astigmatic. Sometimes they can help for a squint but it depends on the deviation and cause

For more information about Joubert Tilly Optometrists, click here.

Perfume

A while ago, a college was writing an article about perfume and asked all the girls what their suggestions were. Many of us responded with something along the lines of "well, my mother uses...". Seems we inherit our beauty styles and beauty preferences from our moms. We watched them put on styled dresses, high heels, makeup and spray her wrists with perfume before heading out. This became our perception of what being a true lady is. Even now, we know that beauty and grace all starts with our mother's favourite scent. But where do we get vegan versions of that perfume? Whether you're in the market for fruity, woody, floral or spicy perfume, you'll be sure to find it in the WBeauty range available at Woolworths.

Body Butter

Body butter is definitely a must have luxury item. We love Vegan Healing Soap's Whipped Body butter made with avocados and Shea for an incandescence glow. It is available in various flavours like lemongrass, rose and our favourite - vanilla and coffee. You can find Vegan Healing Soap at various markets. Check out their Facebook page to find out the whens and wheres.

Makeup

Ladies, we all love makeup. Whether you're adding that extra touch to your look with a quick brush of mascara or are going all out with winged lids, popping lips and shimmered contours. But finding a good makeup brand can be quite difficult. Especially if you are looking for something vegan AND affordable. This is where The Body Shop comes in. They have a wide range of vegan products which includes everything from Fresh Nude Foundation to Shade Adjusting Drops. These and more are available at The Body Shop.

Hair Dye

Whether you are boldly going grey or just want a new colour, hair dye is one of those products that grants us chameloen powers. When turning vegan and cruelty free, hair dye is usually one of the first things that needs to go. Even with hundreds of hair dye brands on the market, there are little to no options that are cruelty-free. But then there was Love My Hair. Love My Hair is available in two options - chemical hair dye and herbal hair dye. The chemical hair perfect for feisty grey coverage, whereas the herbal dye is better used for those of us who change our hair with the seasons. Love My Hair can be purchased at their online store or from Faithful To Nature.

Foot Balm

We have your hair, body, face and scent sorted. All that is left is your feet. Many suffer from painful, cracked heels and musty smells, to out it lightly. When the rest of your body is wrapped in deluxe beauty, your feet need to be, too. To get those heels in pristine condition, try Oh So Heavenly's Heel and Foot Balm. This foot range also includes butter, scrub, soak, repair cream, shoe spray and overnight foot treatment. Oh So Heavenly is available exclusively from Clicks.

If essentials are more your thing, check out our Best Vegan Beauty Essentials article.

For more information about vegan and cruelty free products, visit Beauty Without Cruelty’s Humane Guide.

*Always read the labels first to make sure the products are vegan and certified by Beauty Without Cruelty*

Epilators have been around for a relatively long time, but have only just started gaining popularity within the past few years. Epilation uses an electronic device to rip the hair out from the root. There is also no need to go to a salon or clinic, as with threading and laser hair removal, because it has an at-home application.

There are several benefits to epilation, as opposed to other hair removal methods. Epilation pulls the entire hair out, including the root, and, therefore, lasts longer than shaving and hair removal creams — up to six weeks. Epilators are reusable devices. They do not need to be replaced every other month like disposable razors. They also don't require the use of any other products such as creams or gels, making it a highly affordable and environmentally friendly option. It is almost mess free, as it only requires to be rinsed or brushed out for cleaning.

This process of hair removal also has a few disadvantages. Because it is similar to waxing and tweezing in that it pulls the hair out, it can cause a fair amount of pain until your body can get used to the new sensation. The ripping out of hair can cause swelling, redness and bumpy skin. However, the process gets less and less painful over time and the swelling, redness and bumps dissipate within a few hours.

Because you, our readers, are important to us, we have gone through trial and error to find the best ways to make epilation more comfortable, reduce swelling and minimise the chances of the dreaded in-grown hair. Here is what we have come up with:

• Choose a wet and dry epilator. This way you have some options for your daily routine. Wet applications are best used for a more relaxed epilation when you have the time to be thorough. Having a long, relaxing bath is the perfect setting for epilation as the hairs will just wash away with the water. Dry applications are better suited for a quick fix. Trust us, you will miss a few spots, especially during your first few tries. But it's nothing a quick zap can't fix.
• Make sure your hair is the right length. Your hair needs to be just a few millimetres in length. If your hair is too short, the epilator won't be able to grab the hairs. And if your hair is too long, you risk the hair breaking off, which will increase the chances of in-grown hairs. Make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions on the leaflet for the length required for that device.
• Clean up. To get the best out of the application, take a bath or shower before you begin. This will remove any dead skin cells or other particles that could prevent the epilator from gripping the hair. It will also wash away any natural oils on your hair, which will better the grip. The heat from the water will also soften your skin and pores, allowing the hair to come out easier and more comfortably. Plus, who doesn't feel great after a long soak in the bubbles or singing that solo under the spray?
• Do it at night. Hair being ripped out will no doubt cause redness and swelling whether it is one eyebrow hair being tweezed out or a full blown body wax. By epilating at night, you give the swelling and redness a chance to go down, so you can slay the next day.
• Exfoliate! Exfoliate gently after epilating. This reduces the risk of in-grown hairs and it will make your skin super soft and moisturised. Try mixing two parts used ground coffee beans with one part coconut oil and a few drops of your favourite essential oil (I'm feeling vanilla for this one) for a quick and easy at-home exfoliation scrub.
• Keep your razor. It will take a while for you to get used to epilation and to develop a schedule that will keep you smooth throughout all the hair growth phases. So we suggest you keep that razor handy — at least until you have gotten the hang of epilating.
• We recommend the Philips Satinelle Epilator for a gentle application. Alternatively, try the Safeway 3-in-1 Epilator for a more affordable option. Both epilators are available at Clicks.

So, there you have it. Everything you need to know about whether or not epilation is for you. Don't waste away hating on those stubborn and persistent hairs. Just epilate!

Toothpaste

There are very few beauty items that are as essential as toothpaste, which happens to be one of the most difficult vegan items to find. A great vegan and cruelty-free toothpaste is Pure Beginnings. Pure Beginnings is sugar-free, containing xylitol instead, and is free of the ever controversial fluoride. Pure Beginnings is available from Wellness Warehouse and various Dischem stores.

Deodorant and Antiperspirant

There are many vegan and cruelty-free deodorant and antiperspirant options on the market, with everything from a crystal stick to home made options. However, if a simple and convenient deodorant is what you are searching for then try the Oh So Heavenly range. Oh So Heavenly has various selections of antiperspirant in sprays and roll-ons, deodorants, body mists and even perfume. Oh So Heavenly is available at various Clicks outlets.

Sunblock

This is another essential that many of us can't do without, especially in the hot and sunny climate of South Africa. To protect yourself from these dangerous UV rays try Oh So Natural Sunscreen from Hey Gorgeous. It's made with sun-protecting coconut oil that will leave your skin feeling perfectly moisturized and sun-burn free. You can purchase Hey Gorgeous on their online store.

Shampoo and Conditioner

A wonderful vegan and cruelty free brand is the Good Stuff. The Good Stuff offers an amazing range of body and hair care products. Their shampoos and conditioners will leave your hair feeling vibrant, soft and full of life. They are also quite affordable, unlike other vegan and cruelty free hair products. The Good Stuff is available at Dischem and selected Pick n Pays.

Body Wash and Lotion

Oh So Heavenly is definitely a well-loved favourite vegan and cruelty free brand. They have skincare, hair care and baby care products among others. They also have adorable little gifts packs, which is how I first discovered their great body wash , soap and body lotion. All of their bath and body products smell wonderful and leave skin feeling super soft and revitalised. I recommend their Coconut Cream and Macadamia Oil collection, which pairs perfectly with their French Vanilla Body Spray. Oh So Heavenly is available at Clicks.

Facial Essentials

What constitutes as a facial essential is debatable from woman to woman. I consider sunblock to be the only skin essential but Shirley, next to me, insists she would need her cleansing milk day and night even if she were stranded on an island. No matter what you consider to be a facial essential, Iwori is the best vegan and cruelty-free brand for that gorgeous facial glow. Iwori has everything from toner to cleansing milk made with powerful African ingredients from the Marula tree, Baobab tree and Rooibos bush. All of their products are free from silicone, phthalates, sulphates, parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol and animal ingredients and by-products. You can find Iwori at Clicks stores.

Baby

Like facial essentials, women will consider what is an essential item for their babies to be debatable. So instead of choosing individual products, we have listed a range. Beautiful Earth's products are all vegan, cruelty-free and environmentally friendly. They have a baby range which has baby barrier cream, baby hair and body wash and baby breathe easy chest rub among others. Beautiful Earth is available at Beauty on TApp, Eco Mom and Fresh Earth Food Store.

Check out our Best Vegan Beauty Luxuries guide for more.

For more information about vegan and cruelty free products, visit Beauty Without Cruelty's Humane Guide.

*Always read the labels first to make sure the products are vegan and certified by Beauty Without Cruelty*

Exercise Outdoors

You may be disinclined to go outside because it’s chilly, but by all means, don’t hunker down by the fire. Get yourself some cute workout gear and take it out for a spin! Whether it’s running, cycling or oh-so-festive ice skating (which burns 450 calories an hour and tones your butt and thighs, by the way), being active in nature is simply more fun than battling crowds at the gym. Research also shows that the refreshing burst of air will keep you coming back!

Stock Up On Superfoods

It’s true that some foods can actually help you lose weight, not to mention reduce the risk of disease. The greatest part is that many superfoods are also winter staples, so you probably have some on your menu already! Kale is not only the trendiest leafy green, but it’s also the most nutritious. Serve it at your winter dinners and friends and family will be thankful for the new tradition.

Lighten Up Seasonal Favourites

Nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty scoop of macaroni and cheese. You don’t have to deny yourself this comforting favourite thanks to some cal-cutting research from SELF. Red Rooster Harlem chef and owner Marcus Samuelsson threw veggies like kale, mushrooms and onions into his dish and used turkey bacon in place of the fattier stuff. Mac & Cheese, Please! author Laura Werlin incorporated butternut squash into her sauce, which adds to its creamy texture and gives a nice dose of vitamins A and C. Perhaps the easiest swap of all when it comes to mac and cheese though is the cheese. Try Parmesan instead of cheddar, for example — since the flavour is stronger, you’ll be able to use less and be just as satisfied.

Have An Eating Plan

People can freak out about overeating and set themselves up for disaster in the winter. All those choices at the table aren’t a bad thing, though. If you love mom’s cookies, you can have them! To make sure you don’t overdo it by the end of the day, be prepared:

• Eat breakfast in the morning to get your metabolism going.
• Exercise before each meal. It will influence the way you feel (and the way you think) about food.
• Play with your plate. Pick and choose which proteins and carbs you really want.
• Wait 20 minutes before grabbing seconds to see if you’re really still hungry.
• Don’t drink too many calories. Water is best, but a glass of red wine is good for your heart.
• If you’re more into the hard stuff, mix your liquor of choice with sparkling water and lime instead of tonic or soda.

Manage Stress

From a busy work schedule and jam-packed social calendar, there’s no doubt this busy time of year can be super-stressful and take a physical toll on us. Stressing makes cortisol levels rise, which forces your body to hold onto fat. In turn, hunger hormone levels rise, and then we end up doing things like “eating our feelings.” To fight severe stress this season, be sure to have your healthy eating goals set out, to put a financial plan in place, and to get enough sleep each night.

How do you avoid picking up unwanted kilos during the winter? Share your secrets in the comments below!

By Candice May

Over the past decade or so, many people have begun to rely on vaccines to protect them from the flu. Unfortunately, there's a number of problems with this. We'll fill you in...

First is the fact that the effectiveness of flu shots has yet to be proven. In fact, many studies show that getting vaccinated has no impact on the likelihood of catching the flu for babies, adults or the elderly.

Then there's the question of the toxic ingredients used to manufacture flu vaccines and it's not mandatory to disclose such ingredients to recipients of the vaccines. It's definitely worth considering whether you're willing to inject substances like mercury and formaldehyde into your body, especially for a practice with unproven results.

So now you may be wondering how such a highly recommended 'solution' could be so ineffective. The answer lies in the biology of the flu virus. Vaccines are made from inactivated strains of the flu from past seasons, which trick the body into producing antibodies to fight against them.

Ideally, the body should then be better able to defend against the virus if, or when, it encounters the same strain again. However, the reality is that flu viruses mutate very quickly, so the strain you encounter mid-season may be unrecognised as the strain you were vaccinated against. Or worse, it may have adapted into a strain that is more resistant than the version you were vaccinated against.

Either way, the result of the vaccine is rendered useless, and your body is likely to succumb to the virus. Luckily, there are several ways to protect yourself from the flu without relying on a flu shot. Here are our top recommendations:

Stock Up On Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that keeps the body functioning optimally and especially supports the immune system. Some studies have shown it to be a flu fighter. Interestingly, flu season corresponds with winter – the time of year when we are least able to take in adequate levels of Vitamin D from the primary source — sunshine. We recommend having your Vitamin D checked and ideally, you want your level between 50 and 80ng/ml. Your best bet is probably to take a Vitamin D3 supplement daily.

Take A Probiotic Daily

A strong immune system relies heavily on having a healthy, well-functioning gut (as 70% of your immune system is in the gut), and probiotics help keep your gut engine humming. Look for a probiotic with at least 10-20 billion organisms and take it daily.

Avoid Sugar, Gluten And Processed Foods

These foods dramatically decrease your immune function. Instead, load up on nutrient-rich whole foods. Start your day with a smoothie full of goodness in the form of healthy fats (almond or coconut milk, avocado, almond butter), some frozen berries, chia seeds and a good protein powder. Lunches and dinners should consist of nourishing soups, colourful salads and dark greens and veggies which are packed with flu-fighting phytonutrients.

Give Your Body An Antiviral Boost

Antiviral herbs boost your immunity and help protect you without creating resistant viral strains. Four top antivirals are andrographis, olive leaf extract, grapefruit seed extract and elderberry extract. And remember the humble garlic, which also has antiviral properties and is a known immunity booster.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is a key component to a flu-free winter! There’s no better time for the body to restore and repair itself than while you rest. Shoot for at least seven hours a night and try taking a 20-minute power nap during the day if you’re falling short.

Chill Out

Reducing stress is particularly important during flu season. Exercise helps to keep your immune system healthy, but don’t overdo it – your workout shouldn’t be a stress on your body! Light strength training, breathing exercises, yoga, or simply taking the time to do things you enjoy will relieve tension and enhance physical and mental resilience.