Feeling the pinch? You’re not alone. It’s been a tough year, and the vast effects of the national lockdown meant all South Africans have had to tighten their belts. For some, this has meant giving up their routine salon appointments, be it for that bi-monthly manicure or a monthly spray tan. The good news is that it’s still possible to enjoy the results of your favourite treatment, by doing it at home.
While you may not get to experience the indulgence associated with visiting the salon, you’ll still get to look your best, while enjoying the results at a fraction of the regular cost.
Here’s how to perform your favourite beauty and grooming treatments at home.
Manicures
A home manicure is easier to achieve that you may think, but in order to get your nails looking as great as they do after a visit to the salon, you need to ensure they are healthy and strong. We recommend using home treatment products such as Kiss’s Diamond Strengthener Treatment (R119.95) and Kiss Nail and Cuticle Oil (R119.95) regularly.
Even if you cannot paint your nails neatly to save your life, you can still have perfectly manicured hands by making use of stick-on nails. If you love a gel manicure at the salon, you will adore the Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails (R149.95). Think of them as a ready-to-wear gel manicure. The nails have an amazing gel shine and smooth finish, plus they’re available in an assortment of fashion accents and glitter designs.
If the classic look is more your thing, then the Kiss Everlasting French Nails (R99.95) will be right up your alley. They’re available in short and medium length, and should last for at least seven days.
Teeth whitening
Bright, white teeth are said to take years off a person’s face. Professional teeth whitening at a dentistry practice yields amazing results, but it does not come cheap. You can budget several thousands of Rands for just one session, and on top of that, there is the added expense of a home care kit and top-ups.
Teeth whitening kits, toothpastes and other products intended for home use have come a long way. It is now possible to safely, and effectively, whiten the teeth by more than one shade using home care products. And best of all, while the products deliver satisfying results, they are not dangerous when used as intended, meaning you won’t end up hurting your teeth or gums if you follow the instructions correctly.
Originally developed for makeup artists who looked after the on-screen appearance of models and film actors, White Glo has a vast range of home care products available to whiten teeth from the comfort of your home.
We recommend White Glo Deep Stain Remover Toothpaste Charcoal (R99.95) for sensitive teeth, a whitening toothpaste that removes fussy stains and discolouration for a brighter, happier smile.
White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Activated Charcoal Strips (R199.95) can remove up to 10 years of stain in just seven days with long lasting results.
White Glo’s Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder (R149.00) uses the natural elements of activated charcoal to clean and whiten teeth. The highly absorbent activated charcoal draws out stubborn stains, traps colour particles, fights bad breath and whitens teeth enamel.
Biorepair® Pro White Toothpaste (R74.99) returns the natural white of your smile. Using an innovative PVP whitening technology, it restores the natural whiteness of teeth.
Hair treatment
Going for a hair treatment at the salon is one of life’s many pleasures, but did you know that the cost of one treatment often exceeds the cost of an entire tub of home treatment, which can be used several times? The key to perfecting a home hair treatment is to be patient and follow the instructions. Many of us don’t wait a full 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing the product, and end up washing it off before it’s had time to do its job. Read the instructions on the jar carefully before deciding to go ahead, as you need to budget enough time.
The great thing about home hair treatments, is that there is one available for every hair type and concern. Whether it’s breakage, dehydration, split ends or damage you’re looking to treat, a good quality hair mask will go a long way in restoring the health of your hair.
Some great options to try include:
Marc Anthony Hydra Lock Conditioning Treatment (R169.95). This treatment goes deep to penetrate every strand for a splash of hydration. It goes to work in as little as five minutes.
Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment (R129.95). Specially formulated to restore lost moisture and leave hair softer and more resilient.
The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Detangling Deep Conditioner Packet (R34.95). A creamy, rich conditioner, enriched with mango butter and marula, coconut, and castor oil to condition and soften the hair with an intense moisture boost.
HASK Shea Butter & Hibiscus Oil Anti-frizz Deep Conditioner (R65.95). Replenish moisture and restore strength in damaged strands with this conditioning treatment.
Crème of Nature’s Argan Oil Perfect 7™ (R199.95) is a 7-in-1 miracle leave-in treatment mask infused with Argan Oil and conditioning agents such as Pro-Vitamin B-5 and Silk Amino Acids for beautiful, healthy hair with shine.
A glowing tan
A golden tan is top of our summer wish list. By now, everyone knows that the only safe tan is a faux tan, and that spending hours in the sun perfecting that sun-kissed look is no longer an option. While a salon tan is convenient, there are some fantastic home tanning products you can use to achieve the same result.
Newly launched in SA, St Moritz produces self-tan products that are easy to use and yield a stunning result. Their Gradual Tanning Lotion(R119.95) gradually builds a natural glowing tan while moisturising the skin. This is a great product for beginners and offers a subtle glow. You could also try Australian Gold’s Gradual Sunless Lotion (R299.95), which offers buildable colour that can be used daily for streak-free perfection.
If you’re after more intense colour, you may want to try St Moritz’s Tanning Mousse in Medium or Dark (R129.95). These products offer an instant bronzing effect and a natural-looking glow.
And remember, a faux tan doesn’t protect you from the sun. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and body when going outside. We love Piz Buin’s Allergy Face Cream SPF 50 (R189.95) and Piz Buin’s Light Hydrating Spray SPF 30 (R269.95).
A barber-quality shave
Although men are sometimes reluctant to experience a professional grooming treatment, many have said that once you’ve experienced a barber-shave, there is no going back. Barbers have perfected the art of shaving and caring for facial hair. But, like all professional treatments, this comes at a price. While it’s a great treat from time to time, most men cannot afford to visit a barber every time they need a shave.
Investing in great quality shaving products not only make the shaving process at home a more pleasurable experience, but it also yields better results. Good products ensure a closer shave, smoother skin and less chance of skin irritation.
With over 200 years of shaving experience, Clubman knows just what a man’s skin needs. For a nourishing shave, we recommend the Clubman Shave Butter (R199.95). Its moisture-rich formula with shea and cocoa butter hydrates skin, softens whiskers and sets the beard for the closest, cleanest, most comfortable shave you have experienced at home. It also helps to soothe and protect skin against irritation and razor drag. Follow your shave with the Clubman Aftershave Lotion (R199.95) or Bump Repair Gel (R199.95) for a healthy, nourished skin with minimal irritation.
Nice !!