a day ago
4 beauty tips to look expensive without breaking the bank
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It doesn't take much to go from looking like you just rolled out of bed to a put-together queen ready to take on the world.
And it's more affordable than you might think.
For many, investing in your looks - be it maintaining your nails, skincare and hair monthly - can feel like a shlep or an unnecessary expense, but looking great doesn't have to break the bank or make you keep up with the latest trends.
Oratilwe Makgale - a lash and beauty technician at Johannesburg salon Lash and Dash, which boasts clients like actress Lesego Khoza and media personality Tshepi Vundla - tells TRUELOVE all about how investing in timeless beauty essentials will have you looking polished and put together effortlessly without even putting on any makeup.
'Start with beauty essentials like brow lamination or shaping, lash extensions or mascara, and regular gel manicures or nail care,' Oratilwe says.
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Easy and inexpensive beauty hacks
1. Invest in your scent
Little things like waxing or threading your eyebrows and even a spritz of your favourite perfume will elevate your whole look.
Somila, a 27-year-old marketing content coordinator, says, 'My grandmother, may her soul rest in peace, always said, 'Looking good and smelling good is a sign of good manners'. And that stuck. Scent is power. It enters the room before you do and lingers long after you've left.
'So, whether my nails are in acrylics or just filed to perfection, clean, moisturised and neat, the brief is always the same: 'Present yourself like you're stepping onto a global stage,' as Bonang Matheba would say. Because when you look good, smell divine and hold yourself like the lead in your own story? The world has no choice but to treat you accordingly.'
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2. Transform with a good set of lash extensions
When it comes to lash extensions, Oratilwe says the right volume can make a world of difference.
'For a natural look, classic lashes - where one extension is applied to one natural lash - are a great option. For added drama, volume lashes, which involve multiple extensions applied to one natural lash, can create a fuller look, while mega volume lashes take it to the next level.'
Mellissa, 30, says her go-to beauty regimen is definitely lashes. 'Listen, lashes, clear skin is the go-to. You can't go wrong with that. Just have a good set of hybrid lashes of which I spend no more than R400. I think because I stay in Durban as well and in Durban things are relatively cheap. So, R400 to R600 for a set of hybrid lashes as well as clear skin,' she she says.
Classic or soft volume lashes can elongate round faces, while volume or mega volume can create the illusion of more space on hooded eyes. If you're busy, classic lashes are often low-maintenance, while volume or mega volume can add glamour for special occasions or everyday wear.
Oratilwe Makgale, Joburg-based beauty tech
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3. Upkeep your brow shape
If the eyes are windows to the soul, then eyebrows are the angelic curtains that frame them.
'Luxury beauty is quiet to me,' says Zandile, a 30-year-old account director.
'That's why the simple upkeep of threading my brows every two weeks (that's R100 max) and adding a swipe of lip gloss (R30 to R150 depending on the brand) always makes me feel put-together and elegant. It's in the little details - not the flashy trends - that timeless beauty shines.'
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Simple and affordable lifestyle pleasures
Simple steps in personal grooming - like a consistent skincare routine, using smart shopping strategies like looking out for end-of-season product sales, hydration and a genuine smile with loved ones - could be just what you need to look and feel good.
Dr Lindi, a 65-year-old pharmaceutical PhD graduate, emphasises exercise and takes a different approach to beauty and selfcare. She says being intentional about surrounding herself with people who also take pride in their appearance also helps.
'It's important with whom do you mix with, that is me. Because it's even worse, there are certain people you'll find that they're younger than me. I even tell them, 'You didn't put on your Vaseline, your lips are dry, your what what [is] dry. Kanti your friend doesn't have a lip gloss?' So, those things, whom do you mix with counts as well,' Dr Lindi shares.
Tumi, 21, tells us, 'Selfcare Sundays are where it's at! I take the everything shower - exfoliate, shave and pamper my skin (no fancy facials needed). I make a simple sugar scrub with coffee and brown sugar, and steam my face the traditional way: head over a bucket, blanket over me.
'I also do my own cluster lashes at home - quick and affordable! All this is affordable, easy and makes me look feel and look expensive every time.'
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