Riana Mooi - MPSA magazine

MPSA
MAGAZINE
EDITION 3 2015
HOW TO:
Start your
modelling
career
STOP
Riana Mooi
SA’s fairest globe trotter
Check in with
Mr SA 2014
and ask
your plastic
surgeon this
first!
The exercise
that defies
gravity
How 67 blankets broke a Guinness World Record
WINTER IS
Werner Wessels’ top tips for your winter wardrobe
COMING
4
6
8
Paperwork
May / June Competitions
Editor's Note
Miss Congeniality
10
14
16
18
20
24
26
28
32
33
34
36
38
Pageant Pro's
Riana's on top of the Globe
Scene & Heard
Beauty queen or evil queen?
Competitor collaboration: can it work in pageantry?
Miss World diaries
Lose with grace, win with dignity
Choosing cultural wear for the international stage
Evolution of the traditional outfit
Beneath the crown: Rolene Strauss
Pageantry check list
Win over the judges, the right way
Booming babies
Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa announces Top 25
40
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Beauty with a Cause
67 blankets for Mandela Day with Miss SA, Liesl Laurie
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
Model Material
Celebrity kids who model
Models basics 101
Drop-dead gorgeous
Strut your stuff and learn how to walk like a model
Gawky chic
Model pop quiz: Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Varsity Cup 2015
Sexualisation in child beauty pageants
Models’ check list
60
62
64
66
68
Fitness Focus
Diet pills: the good, the bad and the ugly
Drop it like it's squat
Trampoline trends
7 most annoying things about gym classes
Defying fitness gravity
74
76
78
80
82
84
Health, Beauty & Wellness
Winter wardrobe blues
Which contraception pill is for me?
Look younger and refreshed with a lunch time liquid face-lift
The pros and cons of permanent makeup
How to choose the best plastic surgeon
Ace the acne battle
88
90
94
96
98
Men's Health
To breathe or not to breathe...
Beyond winning the Mr South Africa title
Golden boys of the PRISM Awards
Successful men entering pageants
What's on trend this winter
102
104
Social Sides
Socially speaking
Social pages
www.MPSAmag.com
Editorial Contacts
Madelain Roscher – Managing Editor
madelain@MPSAmag.com
Shannon Roscher – Content Editor
shannon@MPSAmag.com
Chantal Riley – Digital Editor
chantal@MPSAmag.com
+27 (0) 11 896 1818
www.MPSAmag.com
www.facebook.com/MPSAmag
@MPSAmag
www.MPSAmag.com
3
4
Pageant
Date
Venue
Mr & Miss Forever
1 - 3 May 2015
Western Cape
Faces of Polokwane
01 May 2015
Polokwane
Mr & Miss Musina
Mr & Miss Jacaranda Show Semi
Finals
01 May 2015
Musina
02 May 2015
Centurion
Face of Tjiana photogenic
02 May 2015
Photo comp
Mr & Miss Autumn Blossom
02 May 2015
Northcliff
Global Photogenic
04 May 2015
Photo comp
Miss Fantasy Photogenic
05 May 2015
Photo comp
King & Queen of SA
09 May 2015
Pretoria
Miss Centurion Schools
16 May 2015
Lynnwood
Miss Midsummer Dream
16 May 2015
Midrand
Miss Lowveld
16 May 2015
Nelspruit
Face of Animal Care
16 May 2015
Photo comp
Sitrus Baby Photo competition
21 May 2015
Photo comp
Mr & Miss Derdepoort
23 May 2015
Janniemandpark
Miss Mad Rage
23 May 2015
Springs
Mej Sitrusfees
30 May 2015
Buffelspoort
Dreamcatcher
30 May 2015
Witbank
East Rand Natural Beauty
30 May 2015
Brakpan
Miss Winter
30 May 2015
Witbank
Diva Princess Photogenic
30 May 2015
Photo comp
Miss Kairos
30 May 2015
Cullinan
Mnr & Mej Voortrekker
31 May 2015
Pretoria
Mr & Miss Winter Snowflake
31 May 2015
Photo comp
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Pageant
Date
Venue
Diva Princess Photogenic
31 May 2015
Photo comp
King & Queen of Africa - Entries close
31 May 2015
Mafikeng
Mnr & Mej Voortrekker - Entries close
31 May 2015
Pretoria
Out of Africa Queen - Entries close
31 May 2015
Pretoria
Out of Africa Children- Entries close
31 May 2015
Pretoria
Posh Missy SA - Entries close
31 May 2015
Rustenburg
Miss Ballito - Entries close
31 May 2015
Ballito
Miss & Mrs Butterfly
31 May 2015
Photogenic
Fantasia Face
06 June 2015
Montana
Country Girl
6 June 2015
Montana
Miss Shammah
13 June 2015
Cullinan
Face of Centurion Systems
27 June 2015
Gauteng
Beauty with a Purpose
27 June 2015
Port Elizabeth
King & Queen of Iceland
27 June 2015
Rustenburg
King & Queen of the Cape
27 June 2015
Cape Town
Winter Wonderland - Entries close
27 June 2015
Pretoria
Mej Thabazimbi Wildsfees
28 June 2015
Thabazimbi
Miss Deaf SA - Entries close
30 June 2015
Gauteng
Miss Earth Zambia - Entries close
30 June 2015
Zambia
Miss Earth Namibia - Entries close
30 June 2015
Namibia
Mr & Miss Umvoti - Entries close
30 June 2015
KZN
Baby of the Year Photogenic
30 June 2015
Photo comp
Gauteng Talent Search
30 June 2015
Gauteng
Miss Polokwane - Entries close
30 June 2015
Polokwane
Please download all entry forms at web addresses specified. Submit your event information to shannon@MPSAmag.com.
All dates and information correct at time of publishing.
MPSAmag takes no responsibility for change of dates, times or venues.
www.MPSAmag.com
5
EDITOR’S NOTE
As temperatures are
dropping fast, the
content of this edition
of MPSAmag is
heating up as fiery
debate continues
about when extitleholders should
surrender the sash. If
you’re looking to
benefit from valuable
pageantry advice
provided by industry
experts, you will be
gripped by articles
such as understanding
how 0-2 year olds are
judged, pageant etiquette,
sleeping your way to the top,
and losing with grace. If losing
is not part of your vocabulary
and you’re planning on
stepping onto an international
stage any time soon, you
cannot miss our article on how
to select traditional wear that
not only represents your
country but your specific
culture too.
We also take a look at Miss
South Africa’s choices for
traditional outfits worn at Miss
Universe over the past decade.
While we agree that not all of
these garments exemplify fine
fashion, we understand how
tough it can be to symbolise a
nation that is represented by
11 different cultures. As
current Miss SA, Liesl Laurie
will soon be representing the
country at global pageants, we
thought it would be the
perfect opportunity to get you
involved in advising her on
what to wear – well, on
traditional outfits at least! We
invite you to share your
traditional outfit designs with
us and who knows, you might
just walk away with R5,000 for
your efforts!
Talking about top titleholders,
we also had a chat with the
incredible Mrs Globe 2015,
Riana Mooi and her sustained
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successes, and we continue to
follow the world’s most
beautiful woman, Rolene
Strauss through her Miss
World diary entries.
We can undoubtedly say that
she looks amazing at whatever
activity she does, thanks to her
stylist Werner Wessels! If
you’re totally envious that she
has her own style guru, don’t
be. Werner has agreed to
write a style column for us and
will help you to transform your
winter wardrobe! Ladies, you
may send through those thank
you notes now… 
We understand that there is a
fine line between modelling
and pageantry, which is why
our experts again shared their
advice on how to walk like a
model, and the basics of
getting started. We also
discuss child models in the
pageantry industry, and
shadowed a few celebrity kids
who are now making names
for themselves as professional
models. Demi-Leigh NelPeters who recently claimed
the Miss Varsity Cup title
completed our model Q&A,
plus we spoke to a model who
was nearly killed by plastic
surgery, and we looked at how
gawky can be gorgeous.
Talking about looking fab, we
also spoke to Dr Sly Nedic, a
leading industry expert
specialising in aesthetic, antiaging and integrative
medicine, about lunch time
face lifts. I’ve personally tried it
and I can promise you the
procedure is painless and the
results are amazing! If you’re
looking for a more drastic
solution, read our list of
questions to help you find the
best plastic surgeon for your
specific needs. Remember,
plastic surgery is permanent
but so is permanent makeup
which is why we’ve addressed
the pros and cons of it. Our
beauty experts also
investigated acne treatments
that work and how the
different types of
contraceptives affect your
general wellbeing.
If that’s a bitter pill to swallow,
you may want to consider the
effects of diet pills.
In keeping with your general
wellbeing, we’re hopping,
skipping and jumping that the
latest fitness fads will excite
you! Trampoline trends,
AIRBarre dance-based fitness
classes that defy gravity, and
mastering the squat are just a
few articles that will help you
to achieve that fit physique
you’ve been longing for.
Men’s Matters continue to be
a priority for us so Johann
(The Groomer) Els investigated
girdles for men to keep those
bellies in check, and we looked
at what the latest winter
trends are for men. The
MPSAmag team also caught
up with successful
businessmen in pageants,
Ditiro Rantloane and Armand
du Plessis. Three months into
his reign as Mr South Africa,
Armand told us about some of
the unexpected surprises that
came with the title. You don’t
want to miss out on this one!
With an extra-large edition
filled with solid advice to help
launch your modelling and
pageantry careers, we won’t
take up any further time and
we’ll let you get reading!
Until next time, look after
yourself and those around
you.
Madelain Roscher
Managing Editor
MPSAmag
This time last month, when I sat
down to compile my monthly
column we had just lost in the
Cricket World Cup 2015 semifinals to New Zealand and the
entire country had come together
to commiserate and support our
Protea cricket team. Posting
messages on various social
platforms about how we still
supported them and how their
efforts had once again brought
together as a nation - that we
were all Proudly South Africa.
Xenophobia is the unreasoned
fear of that which is perceived to
be foreign or strange. It can
manifest itself in many ways
involving the relations and
perceptions of an 'ingroup'
towards an 'outgroup', including a
fear of losing identity, suspicion of
its activities, aggression, and
desire to eliminate its presence to
secure a presumed purity.
speak. the colour of our skin, our
gender or even our sexual
preference - we should all be
treated equally, with care and
respect.
Everyone is a human being and
should be treated as such!
That is why this month instead of
focusing on how you can be a
better Miss or Mr Congeniality,
may I encourage you to simply be
a better human being and stand
up for the rights of those around
you.
And so what was once a
welcoming country, has become a
violent state of affairs where
What a difference a month makes! neighbour accuses neighbour and
if you aren't South Africa well
Gone is that feeling of
sorry 'friend' we don't want you
Let's collectively stand together
togetherness; replaced with
here.
and say NO TO XENOPHOBIA!!
feelings of mistrust, gone is that
spirit of Ubuntu; replaced with
And who suddenly decided this to
shifting looks towards our
be the case? Under who's
neighbours, gone is the happy
authority have you been given the
cheers of a nation sharing the
right to be judge and jury towards
same emotions and it's replaced
our foreign brothers and sisters?
with a nation divided, where being Who died and left you in charge
foreign apparently no longer
of who is welcome in SA and who
allows to be part of our beautiful
isn't?
rainbow nation.
Our country has once again been It shouldn't matter where we
marred with a spate of
come from, culturally or
xenophobic attacks.
nationally, what language we
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Riana’s on top
of the Globe
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staff, patients and their families. I was then able to
travel onto Las Vegas where I was able to address the
Mrs US Globe and Mrs Globe Classic Delegates who
were competing for each of these titles. Sharing my
individual journey and being able to motivate and
inspire these women, was truly a great moment for
me.
What motivated you to enter Mrs South Africa last
year?
After turning 41, I decided to do something for myself.
I had invested in my marriage, kids and career and
had also just completed my BComm Degree, so knew
that I would have the time available to commit to the
pageant should I be successful as a Finalist. Through
much prayer and after discussions with my family and
employer, I finally made the decision.
What advice would you give to this year’s
contestants or even someone thinking about
entering for next year?
Always stay true and authentic to who YOU are! This
statement is something I live by. I love what Dr Seuss
says, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There
is no one alive who is Youer than You.” It’s something
I ensured throughout my preparation as a Mrs South
Africa Finalist as well as when I competed at Mrs
Globe in Shenzhen, China.
In December 2014, the stunning Riana Mooi
won the prestigious title of Mrs Globe.
MPSAmag caught up with this dynamic
woman to find out more about her journey,
what makes her tick and what’s playing her
car currently…
How has the Mrs Globe journey been so far?
It has been both an exhilarating and eventful journey
thus far, as well as overwhelming. I sometimes still find
it hard to believe that I was crowned the winner out of
55 beautiful women represented at the biggest Mrs
Pageant in the world! I have met so many wonderful
people along the way who are all trying to make a
positive difference in the lives of those facing
adversity, poverty, hardship and misfortune. There has
also been such an wonderful outpouring of love and
support shown towards me, which I am very grateful
for.
What has been the most exciting thing you have
gotten to do or place that you have been able to
visit?
In February this year, I had the wonderful privilege of
traveling to the U.S.A, where I was able to spend time
with the President of the Mrs Globe Organisation in
her hometown of Newport Beach, and visit a Palliative
Care Home, and spend time with some of the
What does your “day job” entail?
I am a Cluster Risk Manager at one of South Africa’s
big 4 banks. My role involves providing guidance and
overall leadership, vision and direction for Enterprise
wide Risk management (ERM) to my stakeholders with
Group Marketing, Communications and Corporate
Affairs as well as within Group Strategic Planning. That
in summary is my day job and which is one that I am
very passionate about.
How do beauty contests promote equality
between sexes?
In my opinion, equality is created through the fact that
there are also contests of a similar nature for men. For
example, in South Africa, we have Mr South Africa, SA
Bachelor of the Year, etc. who have likeminded men
appreciating the efforts and commitment given to
contests of this kind. It’s about an individual
irrespective of gender using the platforms we have, to
influence, empower and bring about positive change.
What bothers you the most about what is
happening in the world today? Why?
I have always tried to address socio-economic and
political issues with a quiet diplomacy, for various
personal reasons, and to make a positive difference
wherever I can.
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11
But if I had to comment on what bothers me most in
the world today, it would be world poverty which is a
devastating problem. Millions are affected by lack of
food, water, and shelter and poor healthcare. Efforts
that governments, leaders of rich countries,
multinational corporations, institutions, and
influential people who have the power to formulate,
drive, and influence policies and practices have
made around ending global poverty have been poor.
More money is spent on financial bailouts, wasted
through bribery and corruption, bad government
policy, or exploited by people and businesses with
power and influence, compared to the amount of
money spent to address the daily crisis of poverty
and related problems.
What is the most important lesson pageantry has
taught you?
That not everyone will like you, be genuine or
support you……….but I have learnt not to take it
personally. It’s also taught me how to discern
between what is authentic and what is superficial in
the pageant industry.
Who or what inspires you the most and why?
My husband inspires me the most. Never have I met
a more accepting, loving, caring , forgiving and
happy individual. He inspires me to be a better wife,
mother, sister and friend every day.
If you decide to write an autobiography, what
would you entitle it?
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Coincidentally, I am currently writing my
autobiography which the Mrs Globe organisation is
publishing. It had been something I wanted to do for
a long time, so am so grateful that the opportunity
has now presented itself. Over dinner one night, Dr
Tracy Kemble (President of Mrs Globe) and I were
discussing details of this exciting project and decided
upon the title “ Love YOUR Beautiful”. I am hoping to
launch the book before the end of the year, so that
the readers can gain more insight into why I chose
this title. Watch this space!!!
Who is your supported charity of choice and why?
I have two main causes that I focus on which are
Woman Empowerment programmes and Youth
Mentorship programmes. There are also various
charities that I get involved in who support these
causes. As a very troubled teenager who went
through many years of abuse, and then as a young
woman, I wish I would have made very different
choices (better) for my life. That is why I choose to
share my experiences and lessons learnt with the
youth of today, while they are still at an
impressionable age and with woman who feel
unworthy and who are trapped in the scars of their
abuse.
What would you tell a girl suffering from low
self-esteem?
You are worthy and beautiful! But you need to
accept that with a quiet humility. In order to earn the
love and respect of others, you need to start with
loving and respecting yourself.
One of the most famous beauty pageant questions
is ‘what’s the essence of a woman?’ What would
your answer be?
A woman in her true essence is a woman who is able
to be a mother, wife, businesswoman while still being
graceful, feminine, elegant, kind, and caring. She is a
woman after God’s own heart! I love this quote which
also sums it up beautifully…“There is nothing more
rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being
unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect
imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty”.
If you could invite five people (dead or alive) to
dinner, who would it be and why would you
choose them?
• Mother (dead)
• Mother-in-law (dead)
• Both my sons (alive)
• Husband (alive)
I would arrange a Thanksgiving Dinner and give
thanks to the people who have filled my life with so
much love, pride and joy. My kids would get to meet
both their grandmother’s (my mom passed on when I
was 13 years old and my mother-in-law, passed on
when the boys were just 3 and 8) and we would get to
share with them all that has happened over the years
and the many moments we wished they were still
alive.
Which CD is playing in your car right now?
Michael Buble’ – love his music and his live
performances!
What is your favourite book?
3 in 1- Power of: A Praying Wife, A Praying Parent and
A Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian. It was a gift
from a very good friend, and which is a book that has
been a great source of encouragement to me.
What does your morning routine consist of?
5:30 – Morning devotions
6:00 – 7:00 Breakfast and getting ready for work
7:00 – 8:00 Travel to work with my husband (one of
my best moments where we get to chat and catch-up)
How important is it to look your best at all times?
I think it says a lot about a person who takes pride in
how they look. My mother always reminded me that
first impressions make lasting impressions.
Anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
I am a testimony of the fact that you are never too old
to achieve your dreams…so whatever they be, don’t
give up on them! It’s never too late…
If you had to pick only one, would it be beauty or
brains and why?
It would definitely be brains – as the late Nelson
Mandela said “A good head and good heart are always
a formidable combination. But when you add to that a
literate tongue or pen, then you have something very
special.”
www.MPSAmag.com
13
Scene &
14
www.MPSAmag.com
Heard
Last month’s editorial about when
“The time is right for ex-titleholders
to hang up their sash” to allow the
reigning king or queen their
moment or year to shine, created a
lot of debate. Check out some of the
opinions below.
Madelain Roscher: I understand
that titleholders will hold their titles
(or at least the year that they were
crowned)
and
charitable
responsibilities for life but surely the
sash and crown are reserved for the
current beauty queen or king? Surely
during your year of reign you would
have built up a name for yourself in
the industry and the media, so
people would know who you are
without referring to yourself by your
old title?
Chantelle Bothma: I would just like
to comment on your opinion of extitleholders hanging up their sash
and putting away the crown. I'm not
a titleholder so I can't be biased. If I
were in the shoes of a titleholder, I
can imagine how much effort and
time was put in to win the title. Once
you were a Miss SA or Mr SA, etc.
you will always be referred to as the
previous winner I believe? I don't
think that keeping your title as a
former or previous does the current
titleholder any harm, I believe that
this empowers the brand and gives
the brand more exposure in the
relevant
title?
#MyOpinion
#MPSAmag
Kayla Nel: Chantelle Bothma, you
make
a
point
with
brand
relationship. But here is the problem,
you have ONE year of reign. In that
year it is your duty to grow your
personal brand as well as the title,
the title is your platform for the year.
Your personal brand should exceed
the platform eventually. Rolene
Strauss or Melinda Bam for example
are not known by Miss SA
2014/2011, they are known by their
names and their accomplishments
and are admired for that. Once the
title is "handed-over" at the gala
ceremony it does exactly that! It
hands over. And the successor is
thus handed the platform and the
former Mr or Miss steps down from
the platform to allow the winner his
or her opportunity to shine. I have
been a current and former
titleholder many times and it is VERY
bad etiquette to continue to use the
title and platform as well as the sash
and crown.
John Owens: Madelain and team
may I add my two cents worth here
and these are purely my views and
nothing is meant in any other way
but just a view that I have. So Kayla
if I am correct in what you are saying
then it means that in any point in
time there is only one person
promoting as well as representing
the respected brand, whether it is a
Mr, Mrs or Miss? So that means
once you hand over your title then
you are no longer associated with
the brand or cannot assist should
the brand require it? Maybe it’s due
to that way of thinking that some
brands are better off than others.
Over the past 15 months I have
personally had the opportunity to be
involved in events as well as to
attend events with former Mr, Miss
and Mrs national titleholders and
almost all of them are still known for
what they achieved in relation to
them winning the title(just look at
their social media). But that is not all
they are known for as everything
that has been achieved from
winning will be on their resume but
the former title will always be
number one.
Almost all former Miss SA's are still
part of the brand with their own
unique contribution and that makes
the brand such a remarkable one as
you can contact almost anyone of
the former titleholders and they
would represent the brand. With the
Mr SA brand it is the complete
opposite. And thus we always have
one guy trying to build the brand on
his own. Previous titleholders should
stay with the brand if they could and
assist the new winner as well as
continue to assist in building the
brand. That will be impossible if you
cannot use your previous title. There
is also a HUGE difference between a
title from a pageant and a national
title. Also there is a difference
between being a "current" and a
"former".
Titleholders have years at the end of
their title and their title can never be
taken away. When it is said that a
title is handed over, it purely means
the current reign, as it now becomes
the new winner's responsibility to
work for the brand.
After handing over it is not a
requirement to remain devoted to
the brand but purely a choice. Most
titleholders become famous due to
being exactly that, a titleholder and
people get to know you as a
titleholder. I also believe it is your
duty as a former titleholder to repay
the brand for all it has done for you
(and here I am speaking for myself
as I believe I owe the Mr SA brand
quite a lot and I will always be
thankful for it).
Moving away from it is not an
overnight thing, even if it was your
desire to never be associated with
the brand again. You are still invited
to events and appearances as a
former titleholder and also through
the relationships you build. It is
virtually impossible to achieve all
that you want to within a 12 month
reign especially if you have a full
time job as a lot of winners do.
Remember, a candle does not lose
any of its light when it lights another
candle so there is more than enough
room for titleholders and former
titleholders to pursue their dreams
and aspirations with the assistance
of a title or former title. A title is only
as powerful as how far you are
willing to take it and how hard you
work for it.
By Kayla Nel
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People often ask if there is a
general set of rules pertaining to
pageant etiquette and if so,
what is it and where can they
find it. As it has not been
documented
or
formalised,
Kayla Nel, modelling and
pageantry coach and multiple
titleholder, interviewed some of
the leading industry experts for
their views:
ARRIVING ON TIME not only for registration but for
official appearances as well as class time!
MANNERS, the kind your mother ought to have taught
you when you were little. This one is not only directed at
the models but also parents, other organisers and pageant
coaches. It’s important to remember that the pageantry
industry is trying to create role models and to be a good
role model, requires both leadership and being a good
example yourself. Always say please when you have a
request and thank you: for a job well done, to the people
behind the scenes that offered up their time to be there, to
the organiser for all their effort, and to the judges even if
you did not place. Organisers and judges will always
remember someone who was respectful and courteous.
STICK TO THE RULES of the pageant as contestants,
parents, coaches and organisers. The rules are there to
ensure everyone has a fair chance. Should you feel that this
wasn’t done or that you don’t agree with the decision of
the judges, wait until you can speak to the organiser in
private and do so calmly without accusations.
COURTESY AMONGST CONTESTANTS is also important.
When you compete at a pageant always be kind and
helpful to other contestants, you never know who may be a
judge at the next pageant. When standing in the line-up
backstage keep your voice down and don’t sew animosity
amongst other contestants. This affects every one’s
performance including your own. Always be the one to
calm a situation down and encourage others rather than
add stress to the situation. Competing should be enjoyable
for everyone.
DURING THE ON STAGE CROWNING always have a smile
and present a positive attitude even if you do not place.
Always congratulate the winners and the others who
placed.
As the winner you should always be graceful and remain
humble. Remember to thank everyone involved when you
have won the title, congratulate the other contestants and
stay committed to your duties in your year of reign.
MAKING PAGEANT APPEARANCES as the reigning king
or queen also entails a certain amount of etiquette and
decorum. Remember, that you are the sole representative
of the title and the way you behave will either reflect
positively or negatively on the title and the associated
organisation. If you are attending an event then you
should represent the title with which you have been asked
to attend with. If this is a day event and you are not in
evening wear or formally dressed then you should NOT
wear the crown, only the sash.
You should also only wear your sash and crown to events
that you have been asked to attend and be a VIP at.
It is very bad etiquette to arrive at an event wearing
your sash and crown when you have not been formally
invited to do so, particularly if it is at the crowning of
another pageant.
If you are wearing your sash and a higher ranked pageant
King or Queen steps into the room or if you are the
FORMER king or queen and the CURRENT king or queen
arrives then out of respect you should remove your sash
and crown. Similarly, if you are a judge or attending a
crowning as a special guest with a highly ranked title, then
out of humility, you should remove your sash when the
winner is crowned to allow the newly crowned king or
queen his or her moment to shine! If you would like to
have a photograph taken then you should ask the
permission of the current, newly crowned or higher ranked
titleholder whether you may put on your sash if you wish
to do so. Mutual respect among kings and queens should
always be maintained.
HANDING OVER THE TITLE at the crowning of your
successor is the final time that you officially represent the
title for your year of reign before you hand over the reins.
This moment should be one of your proudest moments, as
a titleholder you work hard in your year to not only grow
the brand of the title but also to use it as a platform to
grow your personal brand.
At any point in time there is only ONE representative of the
title in the respective year. As a titleholder you will always
be part of a line of predecessors. However, at the crowning
ceremony where you officially hand over the title, all that
goes with it, is handed to your successor. This includes the
platform to make a difference and inspire, the chance to
build your personal brand, the prospect to represent the
title, your opportunity to do all that which you planned to
in your year of reign, as well as the honour of being that
titleholder for the year.
The crowning ceremony is the place where you let go of all
of that, regardless of whether or not you accomplished all
that you had hoped to in your 12 months or more if you
were lucky. Your YEAR of reign is the only opportunity you
get to do all those things, so when it comes to an end it is
the duty of your successor to live out their dream for the
duration that they hold the title. Of course, all that you
planned may be continued but you should do so without
the use of your former title. It is likely that you will always
be remembered as once being a king or queen of a
particular title but it is bad etiquette to continue to make
use of the title, the sash and crown once your year is over.
Industry experts and international bloggers are of the
opinion that when you step down from being the
current titleholder then all things must go with it,
including social media accounts. If you wish to keep
your account, the year of your reign should be added
to the title so that it indicates that you are the former
titleholder. As a former king or queen you should
respect your successor and give him or her, the same
opportunities you had to represent the title.
www.MPSAmag.com
17
Competitor collaboration:
can it work in
pageantry?
By Roeline van Eck
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www.MPSAmag.com
While most beauty pageants only focus on the
contestants; their beauty, style and poise, others have a
greater purpose in mind. Many pageants have social
responsibility as its aim, bringing more meaning to
beauty with a cause.
While not much has been said about the pageant, which
originates in Egypt, the competition does prove
promising. After all, having multiple beauties putting
their passion and plans together for the bettering of
society will surely see some good transpiring.
Raising awareness of issues in society, calling others to
action and effecting change are some of the objectives
of pageants such as Miss Earth, for instance, who is
focused on bringing about environmental improvement.
While the Miss Earth pageant is one of the more wellknown ones, there are a great deal of others who are
starting up, and are offering refreshed approaches to
collaborative change.
Former Miss Earth Slovenia 2014, Patricia Peklar walked
away with the title of the first Miss Eco pageant and is
set to start bringing about great change with her new
title.
The newly launched Miss Eco is one of them. Launched
in 2015, this pageant aims to awaken society by focusing
on economy and environment and bringing together
representatives of communities and cultures from all
over the world to share their eco, culture and
international expertise.
The question remains however, if you have great plans
to improve the world in some way, would you share it
with a group who are considered your competition in
the likelihood that you may not be crowned for your
efforts? Is it really possible for our competitive sides to
stand back for greater good? Or are we all just really in it
for the fame and fortune? Something to ponder…
Through the pageant, participants are committed to
saving the planet not only environmentally but culturally,
with the aim of promoting unity and team work. Beauty
queens from all over the world are encouraged to come
together and exchange their community volunteer
projects, ideas and goals with each other, with the idea
of uniting their efforts and effecting change together. An
Eco Queen is then chosen for the marketing of the
projects and promoting them all over the world.
www.MPSAmag.com
19
Miss World
Diaries:
Small town
teaching the World
Our Miss World recently travelled to India for a ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ fact finding mission. Here is a
quick peek into what she got up to on one of her days.
Source: www.MissWorld.com
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www.MPSAmag.com
The local hospital has some of the best medical equipment and each doctor works 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. That takes commitment to a whole new level! The health of the community has improved immensely
now that everyone has access to medical care and health facilities. The diagnostic equipment is the reason
for prevention rather than cure.
www.MPSAmag.com
21
The performances and welcoming shows were extraordinary and the talent of the students
refreshing. I cannot say thank you enough for the time and effort that went into making us feel
right at home.
I was in awe of what can be created from absolutely nothing. Shirpur is an example to the rest of
the world. The collaboration between Beauty with a purpose and this incredible water project of
Shirpur excites me beyond measure. It is a solution to so many countries’ biggest problems;
drought and famine.
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Communication exposure that Worx…
…and ensures our clients stay in the spotlight!
By defeating conventional obstacles, PR Worx can achieve long-term successes and victories through
carefully planned initiatives, by developing, executing and managing comprehensive communications and
marketing plans.
Planning and implementing PR strategies and playing an integral role in clients’ market positioning, are
strengths the agency has developed over the past 12 years.
Importantly, PR Worx is supported by a reputation of quality, innovative ideas and professional expertise.
We offer invaluable experience in media relations, publicity generation, internal communications and
social media strategies to ensure the successful positioning of your company or brand.
Having been independently voted as the city of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and South Africa’s best PR
agency, PR Worx has also claimed the International Association of Business Communicators’ best publicists
in Africa award for three consecutive years.
We received these awards because we regard every client, regardless of size,
as our “big fish” and consequently aim to provide a world class service by
ensuring their expectations are not only met, but mostly exceeded.
Want to hear more?
Call us on +27 (0) 11 896 1818
or email info@prworx.co.za
www.prworx.com
win with dignity
By Roeline van Eck
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www.MPSAmag.com
“For when the One Great Scorer comes to write
against your name. He marks – not that you have
won or lost – but how you played the game.”
- Grantland Rice
It is in these profound philosophical words where we
need to remind ourselves of the way we conduct
ourselves when competition comes into play in our
lives.
In pageantry, competition is the name of the game.
Why else compete if you are not gunning for the
crown? It comes down to your look and technique
and the way you present yourself to the judges. But
that is not all that you are judged on.
What? You didn’t know this?
Indeed, your integrity, values and standards will be
measured by the way you react to winning or losing.
While it is never a nice feeling not to win or to place
in your category, try and put on your big girl/boy
pants and not throw a pity-party. It is normal to
express disappointment, you are not a robot, it is very
important to reign those negative emotions in. Crying
makes you look weak and saying nasty things about
those that did win just proves how undeserving you
are of the title in the first place.
When sharing your frustrations, be careful of not only
what you say or who you share it with – also be
aware of the people who are in ear shot. What if on
your little rant a judge hears you? Even worse, what if
it’s a potential agent or media person? Saying
horrible things about other people will not make you
more appealing at all. In fact, it makes you appalling…
The same goes for the winner. If you really want to
disappoint people, especially if they were rooting for
you, be arrogant when you win. The fact that you
were crowned the winner means other people’s
judgement of you is only just about to start. Your title
and how deserving you are of it will keep being
scrutinised until you hand over your crown or sash or
take up the next.
Here are some tips to lose with grace and win with
dignity:
• Keep smiling – even if you have to fake it. Try your
best not to let your disappointment/smirkiness
show
• Thank the judges – no matter how upset you are
about the final outcome, show respect and thank
the judges for their time
• Shake the hands of your competitors – win or lose,
a handshake says more about you than what you
could imagine
• Do not gossip – no matter how tempting it may
be, bite your tongue, until you are in an
environment where it is safe to share your
frustrations
• Watch your body language – remember you speak
volumes through even the things you don’t say
In the end, a win or a loss is not worth your grace and
dignity going down the drain. Your actions and
reactions far outweigh the value of your crown…
www.MPSAmag.com
25
Choosing a traditional or cultural costume to wear to
a pageant is not always as easy as it seems. This is
especially true if you are from a country that is as
culturally diverse as ours is.
The following guidelines can be extremely helpful to
decide what to wear for this important section of the
pageant.
It is extremely important to recognise the type of
pageant you will be attending before deciding on the
type of outfit you will wear. It will not help you to
wear a typical authentic costume to an international
competition if you are not going to be given the
opportunity to explain the meaning of the costume.
With South Africa being such a diverse country – you
can choose from any one of a dozen authentic
costumes, or use your imagination and have a
costume made that can represent the true Rainbow
Nation of South Africa.
You also need to carefully consider your weight
limitations if you will be travelling to an International
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competition. If your outfit is heavily beaded with an
extravagant headdress, you need to consider how
heavy and cumbersome the costume will be. In most
instances you are only allowed to carry 23kg’s of
checked-in luggage and seven kg’s of hand luggage
which you will need to carry around with you if you
have connection flights etc.
Headdresses that are really large may not fit in the
overhead compartments and you could be asked to
check the headdress in and not have it on board with
you.
Many contestants have had their national costumes
designed around the South African flag and this can
be extremely eye-catching – especially on the ramp.
By Carolyn Baldwin Botha
It is better to rather go for a striking outfit
sometimes, than stick to a boring traditional
costume.
While the Voortrekkers had a big role to play
in history, the colour scheme of their clothes
simply would not be bold enough. Unless you
really zhoosh your khaki up big time 
You need to “make a statement” with your
traditional costume, so the brighter and bolder
your costume can be, the better. Aside from
the flag, you can use anything from beads,
feathers, porcupine quills, peacock feathers,
layers of flowing material, hand painted fabric
with elements of South Africa such as Table
Mountain even the Big 5 being depicted on
the pictures. Thanks to the vibrancy of our
country, there is no limit to the use of your
imagination for the elements you can display
on your costume. Fauna and flora, minerals
and gem stones, heritage sites and any of our
vast traditional cultures will suffice.
look on stage. Will you be able to walk in the
outfit, will your headdress require extra
headroom on the stage and
will you be able to sit in your outfit?
Some interviews take place in your traditional
costume, so be very mindful of having to sit
down – especially if you have a few quills
placed in awkward places. This could end up
being rather comical for the judges and very
embarrassing for yourself.
To close – make sure that the outfit you wear,
will speak for itself and that the judges will be
able to relate your outfit back to the country
you are representing.
Please do take into account how the outfit will
www.MPSAmag.com
27
Miss Japan’s traditional costume at Miss Universe 2009, 2010 and 2011
Outfits at Miss Universe 2015
Miss Argentina
Miss Venezuela
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www.MPSAmag.com
Miss Ireland
Outfits at Miss Universe 2015
Miss Brazil
Miss Canada
Miss Great Britain
Seen at Miss Universe 2010
www.MPSAmag.com
29
MISS SA’ s TRADITONAL OUTFITS
Ziphozakhe Zokufa at Miss
Universe 2015
Rolene Strauss at Miss World
2014
Melinda Bam at Miss Universe
2011
Now that you've had a good look at
previous traditional or cultural outfits
that have graced the Miss World and
Miss Universe stages, we want you to
weigh in and see if you can do a
better job for Miss SA!
We're calling on all designers, wouldbe designers, fashionistas and general
pageant fundis to submit their own
designs for what they believe Miss
South Africa, Liesl Laurie, should wear
as her choice of traditional wear at
either Miss World or Miss Universe
later this year.
Not only will we feature the top
entrants in an upcoming issue of our
magazine, the winner will walk away
with a R5,000 cash prize, a short
profile in an issue and the bragging
rights of being MPSA's new favourite
designer!
Marilyn Ramos at Miss Universe 2012
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Submit your entry to
info@MPSAmag.com before midnight on 28 May 2015. Good luck!
OVER THE YEARS
Bokang Montjane at Miss
Universe 2010
Tansey Coetzee at Miss
Universe 2007
Nicole Flint at Miss Universe
2009
Megan Coleman at Miss
Universe 2006
Tatum Keshwar at Miss
Universe 2008
Thuli Sithole at Miss Universe
2005
www.MPSAmag.com
31
Beneath the crown
The real Rolene
Life as Miss World has taken me around the world to see many amazing sites, and meet many inspiring people. However,
there is much more to me than meets the eye, and today I wanted to share a few little secrets and fun facts about myself
that you may find interesting! It is important for me to know people and relate to them.
Things I LOVE
•
•
•
•
I love popcorn and going to the movies.
I LOVE being at the ocean and soaking up the sun with no make-up and natural
frizzy hair.
I love studying and miss it, but consider myself a student of life this year.
I am the proud godmother of the most beautiful little test tube baby girl called
Michelè.
Things about ME!
•
•
•
•
•
•
My hair is curly and I look like
a lioness when I comb it out.
My feet are quite big and size 8 shoes are
sometimes difficult to find!
I can be a bit clumsy sometimes...
My 'second mom' is Maria, she helped
raise my brother and me.
There are days I also feel down and have
to cheer myself up.
My wish would be to have enough time to
visit every country in the world.
I am a real person with real worries, real fears and a very real
life... I am just like you!
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To avoid pre-competition jitters, you need a pageant check list to ensure everything is ready before the
big day. A pageant tool kit is an absolute must and is something every pageant competitor should
have. One important thing to remember is to keep this kit for pageantry purposes only. Do not be
tempted to dig into your pageant kit for a lip gloss or a set of false nails when you’re at home as you
will forget to replace it and come pageant day, you will be sitting without the item you might need
most.
Extra
Makeup
Clothing
Hair
Grooming
DESTINATION
TYPE OF EVENT
ORGANISER’S CELL
NUMBER
LOCAL WEATHER
Nail file & clippers
Nail polish & remover
Extra false nails & glue
Tweezers
Feminine products
Cotton swabs & balls
Ear buds
Facecloth & loofah
Deodorant (clear)
Perfume
Talcum powder
Body wash
Breath mints
Toothpicks & floss
Toothbrush
Tooth paste
Sunscreen
Razor & shaving cream
Body lotion
Spray on tan
Brush
Dry shampoo
Bobby pins
Hairspray/mousse/gel
Teasing comb
Curling/straightening iron
Hair dryer
Roller clips
Ponytail holders
Clips
Hairnet
Shower cap
Arrival outfit
Formal outfit
Interview outfit
Other competition outfits
Swimwear
Cover-up
Coat
Garment bags
Stockings
Accessories
Jewellery
Shoes
National costume
Talent outfit
Sheet for the floor
Matching warm coat
Underwear
Bathrobe
Slippers
Pyjamas
Makeup
Makeup remover
Cosmetic brushes
Cosmetic sponges
Fake lashes
Acne treatment
Facial wipes
Facial cleanser
Toner
Moisturiser
Primer
Finishing spray
Sunglasses
Camera with batteries
Emergency cash
Gel shoe insoles
Journal
Cell phone & charger
iPod & iPad charger
Gift for host
Fees
Admission ticket/s
Paperwork
Directions
Sewing needles & cotton
Small scissors
Safety pins
Pain killers i.e. Panado
Cough drops
Eye drops
Extra buttons, sequins,
etc.
Plasters (various sizes)
Towels
Hand held mirror
Double sided tape
Two & three-pin plugs
Portable iron
Dress rail
Umbrella
Extension cord
Snacks & water
Pen & notebook
Insect repellent
Books & magazines
Press release to
comments@MPSAmag.com
Photographs
Thank you cards
Social media update
If you are doing a pageant that requires you to wear multiple outfits, it is a good idea to take along a dress rail as
well as a portable wardrobe. Once you get to the event, you can quickly iron anything that has creased in transit
and then hang everything up neatly. You can also place all your items, including shoes and cosmetics on the
various shelves in the portable wardrobe so that you know where everything is when you have to do quick
multiple changes. You can lock up this wardrobe and know that all your items are safe while you are on the ramp.
www.MPSAmag.com
33
Win over the judges,
the right way
By Kayla Nel
Making it to the top in pageantry can be as a result of two
things.
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www.MPSAmag.com
There is the honourable, right way which involves hard
work and dedication. Not to mention blood, sweat and
too, too many tears. This way means that you invest
time, money and energy into the profession in an
honest way.
The second way is a bit more devious and involves
using numerous relationships with the judges sitting
on the panel, or even, paying these judges ‘in kind’ to
ensure you win the title.
While the majority of
former, the problem
when competitors try
industry – especially
grapes over losing.
people will opt for the
is could also come in
to discredit you in the
when they have sour
So when the rumour mill starts turning, how
do you avoid being caught up in the tangle of
lies as much as possible? Here are some tips:
Tip #1
Refrain from any communication with a judge
on the day of the competition. Avoid eye
contact and unless you are thanking the
judges as a group, politely and impersonally
for your win it is not necessary to engage in
any further conversation.
Tip#2
Do not post messages on any of the judges’
social media accounts. If you wish to thank
them do so via personal messages and not in a
space for all to see and speculate.
Tip#3
Do not try to build personal relationships with
regular judges, they will get to know you on
stage any way. In the end, you are there to do
a job and not make friends. Knowing what
they had for breakfast will not add any value
to your career.
Tip#4
If you do happen to have a friend that judges
regularly, maybe it is best to sit out on the
competitions that he/she judges. Since human
nature is of course biased. But, if you just can’t
miss out on the particular title, make an effort
not to post all your best moments with this
friend on social media. In fact, keep your
personal life as minimal as possible on social
media. In this industry, people need to be on a
‘need to know’ basis when it comes to your
life. Remember, anything you do could be
used as potential ammunition against you.
Tip#5
Last but certainly not least, always ensure that
you are honest in all your endeavours. That
way, regardless of the rumours, it is impossible
for anyone to find any evidence that can
confirm their story. Just be true to yourself.
In any ‘show biz’ industry, keep this quote in
mind, “Always remember that the crowd that
applauds your coronation, is the same crowd
that will applaud you’re beheading. People like
a show.”
www.MPSAmag.com
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By Roeline van Eck
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www.MPSAmag.com
Infant
beauty
pageants
are
undoubtedly controversial. Some
people see them as harmless fun,
while others are appalled by the
very concept. While it is cute to
ooh and aah over how adorable
your baby is, does that justify you
entering them into a beauty
pageant to showcase just how
sweet they are?
The fact of the matter is people will
always have divided opinions.
Some see only the positives, like
bonding with your child, instilling
self-confidence and, hopefully,
starting a successful career for
them, while others are concerned
over sexism and creating unhealthy
expectations
of
beauty
and
perfectionism, which could set
them up for future failure.
For those who are considering
entering their young one into a
pageant, here are some things to
consider:
Prepare
Because infant pageantry is a bit
more specialised, make sure you do
your research and find the right
pageant to enter. Aside from this,
and especially if you are new to the
pageantry world, it might be a
good idea to consider a trainer or
coach – someone to show you the
ropes. Not only will this person give
you some tricks of the trade on
how to make your little one
outshine the others, it will also
provide you with some added
peace of mind by teaching you
how to be the most supportive
parent.
Invest
If you are serious about getting
your child to the top, time and
money needs to be invested. Aside
from training, outfits need to be
considered as well as entry fees
along with photoshoot sessions in
order to build portfolios.
As with any pageant category, it
could become a costly exercise, so
be sure you are aware of the
investment required.
Support
Children’s pageants have two
distinct sub-groups: babies and
children over four years old. In
baby pageants, a parent is allowed
to stand on stage behind the child.
Obviously, for non-walkers, the
parent holds the child up for the
judges to see, while other family
members can attract their attention
in the crowd to make them smile
and interact with the judges.
Children over the age of four
usually go on stage without a
parent chaperone, but for most, the
presence of a parent close by does
wonders. However old your child is,
remember that your support is
crucial in building their familiarity
with the stage. Judges look for a
star-personality and award-winning
smile in pageant contestants of any
age, and it is usually the ones who
they know best who will more
easily bring out their best side.
In the end, please remember that
parenting needs to come first. No
crown is worth causing an unhappy
and burnt out child. While there is
nothing wrong with showcasing
your child’s beauty, they are still a
child and should not be forced to
bear the brunt of perfectionism and
unneeded pressure before their
time.
Be persistent and dedicated, but if
at any time your child indicated
that pageantry is not for them,
back off. The most important thing
is your relationship with your child.
You must be more than their
manager, you must first be their
parent – and being a parent means
always putting their needs first.
www.MPSAmag.com
37
Schwarzkopf Professional Mrs South Africa Top 25 Finalists
for 2015 were recently announced at the Mrs South Africa
CANSA Gala Dinner held at Emperors Palace, the official
host of Mrs South Africa,.
This year’s Top 25 are:
NAME
REGION
The Top 100 finalists started their journey in March earlier
this year and have been tirelessly assisting The Cancer
Association of South Africa (CANSA) with the raising of
funds and awareness to provide support and health care to
those affected by cancer. Last year, Mrs South Africa’s
finalists raised over R400 000.
Aldytha Da Silva
Kwa- Zulu Natal
Anèle Jansen van Rensburg
Centurion
Anneke Nortjè
Centurion
Arlene Sousa
Klerksdorp
Bianca Parsons
Ferndale
Candice Abrahams
Honeydew
Commenting on the competition to date, Mrs South
Africa’s CEO, Joani Johnson says “From the start f the
competition, contestants have been out in all their glory
reminding us why South African women are both beautiful
and successful. We look for real women, those that have
ambition, determination and drive. We are an organisation
that empowers and embodies these true African women.”
Chantelle Maree
Kwa- Zulu Natal
Grace Makgoka
Pretoria East
Jackie Wilson Lowe
Knysna
Jacqui Fernandez
Boksburg
Karin Van Wyk
Pretoria
Karien Henrico
Ceres
Kedidimetse Tswai
Pretoria
Lisinda Thomas
Alberton,
Mampa Sekoba-Diakanyo
Kibler Park
Marcelle Allison
Krugersdorp
Marlene Naiker
Buccleuch
Nokuthula Tanda
Montana
Pamella Marlowe
Sunninghill
Rene Roberts-Patel
Sandton
Riandi Conradie
Randburg
Roxy Zowitsky
Pretoria
Shoni Mulaudi
Polokwane
Sylana Brink
Pretoria East
Thando Mbele-Sibotshiwe
Randburg
This year Mrs South Africa has grown leaps and bounds
and has joined ventures with the renowned international
brand, Schwarzkopf Professional as the naming rights
sponsor. ‘We are very excited to start this partnership.
Aligning ourselves to the Mrs South Africa brand was
something easily decided on as we share the same values.
We strive for empowering woman and strongly support
their entrepreneurism, diversity and social responsibility’
says Stefan Geister, GM of Schwarzkopf Professional.
8th
The new Mrs South Africa will be crowned on the
October 2015 at Emperors Palace and the judges have a
tough job ahead of them. This year’s panel of illustrious
judges is made up of Cindy Nell Roberts (former Miss
South Africa and Principle Judge), Dieter Voigt (former Mr
South Africa), Marelize Steyn Earle (former Mrs South
Africa), Riana Mooi (Mrs Globe 2015) and Kholofelo
Chademanah (Mrs South Africa 2nd Princess 2014). The Top
25 contestants will be judged on criteria that the panel
believes a Mrs South Africa 2015 winner should exemplify.
Schwarzkopf Professional
Mrs South Africa announces Top 25
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www.MPSAmag.com
67 Blankets for
Nelson Mandela Day
Guinness Book of World Records
SMASHED!
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In April 2015, more than 600 blankets were on show at the
Cell C Waterfall Campus ahead of the 67 Blankets for Nelson
Mandela Day campaign Guinness Book of World Records bid.
On hand to assist with blankets was Miss South Africa 2015,
Liesl Laurie.
The blankets were dropped off by the public and also came
from Cell C staff and Cell C franchise stores.
A Diepsloot women’s community project also contributed
blankets to the campaign. These were part of the 67 Blankets
for Nelson Mandela Day and Cell C partnership with the Wotif? Trust and Africare.
Union Buildings on 21 April 2015 in a world-record breaking
attempt. The previous world record of 7 800 blankets, which
were displayed at a cathedral in Helsinki, was smashed when
South Africa broke the record with their great efforts.
An aerial photo of a sea of blankets around the feet of the
Madiba statue was taken and it is hoped to cause an
international stir and attract even more supporters to the
cause. The thousands of blankets made around South Africa
was transported to Gauteng, and then returned to their
creators to be distributed to those in need as soon as the
cold strikes.
This year, 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day aimed to
collect 21 000 blankets to coincide with South Africa’s
celebration of 21 years of democracy. These blankets were
displayed at the feet of the Nelson Mandela statue at the
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41
By Baradi Moletsane
Let’s be honest, with a famous parent, it’s
inevitable that you will be praised at some point in
time. Whether it be for your own talents or that of
your parent/s, camera flashes will bolt vigorously
before your eyes whenever you are out in public.
Celebrity parents can attempt to conceal their
young ones from the media as much as they want
but the reality is that if the media wants a piece of
them, they will have it.
Fortunately, there’s a silver lining in this dreadful
and emotionally taxing exercise of having to evade
the media non-stop. While celebrity kids are
constantly under scrutiny of the paparazzi, some
have actually been able to build a career for
themselves due to their star studded associations.
Here are some cool kids who are taking the
modelling world by storm – thanks to mom and
pop.
Kendal Jenner
Celebrity parents: Kris and Bruce Jenner
At the age of 18, this flawless dark eyed beauty
with an eye-catching statuesque has made her
debut on the Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Chanel,
Fendi, Balmain and Dolce & Gabbana runway to
name a few. Many may accuse her of riding on the
waves of the Kardashian name but the truth is,
she’s probably the most hardworking of them all
right now…
Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham
Celebrity parents: David and Victoria Beckham
Brooklyn, is one good-looking lad who has been
floating around in the Beckham’s gene pool. With
his mother being a fashion designer and his father
a football legend who happens to be the face of
several campaigns, it was inevitable that he’d
blossom beautifully and turn his hand to
modelling. I
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Little bro, Romeo is treading right along in his
brother’s footsteps – doing modelling campaigns
for Burberry. ‘Nuff said!
Dylan Brosnan
Celebrity parent: Pierce Brosnan
We’re not sure if you’re aware of this but you’re
looking at the latest face of Saint Laurent. The
handsome son of Bond made his modelling debut
for Saint Laurent’s Men’s Collection Line on
November 20, 2014 and since then his fan base
has grown tremendously.
Dakota Johnson
Celebrity parents: Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson
I’m pretty sure that many of you 50 Shades of
Grey fans already know by now that this blue-eyed
beauty is Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith’s little
girl – and she sure is a girl no more. From growing
up in a famous family to snagging modelling
contracts at a young age, Dakota has made some
level since she made her film debut opposite her
mother as a child in 1999's Crazy In Alabama.
Regardless of the success of Fifty Shades Of Grey,
Johnson signed with IMG back in 2006 – a
reputable modelling agency that births many
successful models today, oh and just for the
record… our beaut fronted a Mango campaign in
2009. Two words – BIG DEAL.
Kaia Gerber
Celebrity parent : Cindy Crawford
If you ever you were a Cindy Crawford fan and you
miss seeing her on the front page of magazines
and on the carpets of showbiz, we have a surprise
for you… Meet her bright-eyed carbon copy,
daughter Kaia. Her modelling career has still got a
long way to go, so you needn’t worry about her
going anywhere. At the age of 12, she’s managed
to be the face of Versace’s kids’ line! How did she
manage that? We don’t know but did we mention
that she’s a product of Cindy Crawford? One word
– SUCCESS!
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Model
Basics
101
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By Roeline van Eck
Interested in breaking into the
modelling world? MPSAmag
wants to see you thrive, and
shares some steps below to
ensure you rock your new role.
do update your shot at least
twice a year.
With the right pictures you can
now start getting in touch with
modelling agencies. Once you
Before you kick off, you need to have selected the most
have done enough research to appropriate and reputable
ones, send them your best
be sure which area in the
shots and start building
industry is for you. Whether
relationship with them until you
you are modelling on a ramp,
land that job. Many agencies
in merchandise for a brand or
hold "open call" days when
even if you want to be a hand
prospective models meet with
model – know what your area
scouts and present their
of specialisation is about and
what is required of you to make portfolios. Some of agencies
usually offer online application
it there. Different modelling
forms and post open call times
areas might require different
and application instructions on
specifications. For some you
their websites.
might need to be a specific
weight or height, others require
a certain type of look about the Once you are selected, do
remember that if you are under
model. By knowing what they
18, you need parental approval
want beforehand you can
better gauge if you fit the bill – before signing with an agency.
Modelling can mean long
and prevent yourself from
shoots and last-minute
experiencing unneeded
assignments, and it is important
disappointment.
that your parents are on board
Now that you know where you to ensure you meet these
want to be and what you need obligations. This will also lessen
stress and help you balance
to do (or have) to get in, it’s
your modelling career with
time to start building your
school responsibilities.
portfolio. Invest in building a
presentable portfolio. As a
Be prepared at all times. Keep a
model, you will be judged on
your looks and now is the time healthy lifestyle: drink a lot of
water, look after your skin and
to showcase just how versatile
it can be. Arrange for a session your hair, hold on to a healthy
with a reputable photographer diet, work-out regularly, get
sufficient sleep and avoid
who will be able to capture
cigarettes and alcohol. Also
different looks in different
settings to show your different ensure all your travelling
documentation is ready, so that
sides. Bear in mind that a
portfolio takes time to build, so you are prepared when a call
comes that requires you to
travel.
Whichever industry you choose,
remember that the modelling
industry is notoriously tough to
break into. Long hours, stiff
competition and big,
impersonal casting calls are
among the less-glitzy aspects
of the business. Modelling is a
business, and as a model, you
are your own business! Like any
business, it takes time, effort,
commitment, and patience to
become a successful model.
Remember that success does
not happen overnight.
If you are interested in giving it
a try, be prepared to work hard,
stay focused and avoid taking
rejection too personally.
Confidence, a healthy attitude
and determination are key to
ensuring your success.
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DROP-DEAD
GORGEOUS
How obsession with plastic surgery nearly kills model
By Yolande Swanepoel
For those who enjoy going
under the knife a little too
much, here’s a little reminder
of the dangers involved.
MPSAmag shares below how
a Brazilian beauty’s obsession
with cosmetic surgery almost
killed her.
into a nightmare which landed their obsession.
her in intensive care for weeks,
and a wheelchair afterwards.
This life changing experience
cured Urach’s obsession and
All the injections had a
she said that she’ll never go
traumatic effect on Urach’s
under the knife again, and
body, as rotting tissue left her that she is happy with the way
with gaping ulcers in her legs. she looks now.
Two months after her horrific
With more than ten cosmetic
ordeal, she still had to get the "You have to respect the limits
surgeries done, the 2012 Miss wounds in her legs drained.
of your body" says Urach. She
Bum-Bum runner-up (aka Miss
wants to use her experience to
Backside), Andressa Urach
How did her obsession get
warn others against excessive
recently admitted to CNN how out of control?
vanity.
her obsession with beauty and
cosmetic surgery almost killed Urach’s plastic surgeon, Felipe After getting such bad
her.
Tozaki, revealed that when she publicity, hydrogel has since
injected the hydrogel, she put been banned for use and
The Brazilian beauty launched in ten times the allowed
Brazilian authorities have said
her career as a model and
amount. The hydrogel is
that they wouldn’t renew its
reality TV star with the look
injected into the muscle, fat,
license.
she sculpted under the knife.
and skin, and it’s difficult to
Urach said during her
remove.
interview that she idolised her
body, so it just had to be
Urach’s doctor said that even
perfect. “I had plastic surgery
though it’s a cultural problem,
like going to the
it’s also medical. Psychiatric
supermarket,” she said.
issues are the underlying
Urach’s obsession even made problem causing these
her consider taking out ribs to obsessions. Tozaki said that
have a slimmer waist, and cut patients like Andressa look in
off her toes to wear smaller
the mirror and always find
shoes.
something wrong with
themselves.
Last November, Urach had to
be rushed to hospital, when
When patients make use of
she suffered septic shock after unqualified doctors, seeking
injecting massive doses of
shortcuts to get these
anabolic steroids, hydrogel
procedures done when
and PMMA (a type of plastic)
qualified practitioners advise
in her thighs. Her obsession
against it, or refuse to perform
and hopes for a more
the procedure, they put their
curvaceous backside, turned
lives on the line just to feed
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50
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By Chantal Riley
Have you ever watched models
effortlessly glide down runways
and wondered how you too
could look so effortless when
walking down the sidewalk or
in the mall?
simultaneous height and
attitude boost provided by a
pair of stilettos will vanish if
you don’t know how to walk in
them. See tip five for more
from the experts on how to
master your high heel walking.
So how do they do it? Well
check out this helpful tips from
four supermodels and I am sure
you'll be walking like them in
no time!
Crystal Renn: The key is to
practice at home! Place a
While most of us aren’t born as
3. Let your arms fall next to
computer at the end of a
leggy as Gisele or with the
hallway and tape yourself
bone structure of Naomi, there your body, with hands
relaxed.
walking back and forth in your
are a few hints and tips that we
Make sure you don't fidget with heels. This will help you see
can take note of that will help
your hands or let them ball into what you’re doing wrong and
us look like we belong on a
fists, it makes you come across where you can improve. Also
catwalk.
as extremely self-conscious.
make sure your heels fit
And keep your eyes focused
comfortably. I place gel inserts
Here's five tips to get you
straight ahead. Maintaining eye into all of my shoes, because
walking like the pros
contact with someone in your
it’s all about the comfort. The
sight line is a natural tendency, more comfortable you are in
1. Envision a taut string
but can border on creepy. Try
your heels, the more powerful
threaded from your spine
to
look
at
an
imaginary
point
you’ll look.
through the top of your head.
Posture is everything. Have you straight in the distance.
Lily Aldridge: Practice a lot!
ever seen a model who
4.
Project
an
attitude
of
Posture is also really important,
slouches? My point exactly!
so you want to make sure
Gather up every inch of yourself utmost confidence.
Walk with a purpose. Wherever you’re standing up straight and
and act tall, even if you aren’t.
you’re going is where everyone you feel confident.
The key is to imagine that you
should want to follow. If you
are on a puppet string, being
project a commanding
Lindsay Ellingson: Get a pair of
prodded to stand up straight,
presence, others will be drawn
heels that you can actually walk
with shoulders slightly back.
in. So pull yourself up, walk tall, in. I don’t buy really tall heels
walk proud and you're be
because it’s impossible to
2. Take long strides, placing
actually walk around in them,
one foot in front of the other. surprised to see how many
others
fall
in
behind
you.
you’ll have to be carried to the
Short baby steps make you
car by the end of the night. I’ll
look timid; definitely not what
5. Overcoming those sky high definitely try wearing a shorter
you want to be projecting.
heels
mid or kitten size heel.
Lengthen your stride and put
The
models
will
be
the
first
to
one foot in front of the other,
which is what will give your hips tell you, learning to walk in sky- Molly Sims: Don’t buy them too
high heels can be a bit tricky,
small! If you must, buy them a
the seductive swing that
especially
if
you’re
a
selfhalf a size up and put in a
models are famous for.
proclaimed flats girl. Between
footpad, you’ll thank me later.
the uneven sidewalks,
The other element to your
cobblestone streets and worst
So channel your inner diva and
stride is your footwear. Even
step in tempo, whether it’s to
models don’t wear heels all the of all, the never-failing pain
that comes with all-day wear,
actual music or an internal beat
time—most travel in flats and
and getting to strutting your
change into sky scraping heels manoeuvring strappy stilettos
has
become
something
of
an
stuff!
and boots once they arrive at
art form.
the casting. All the same, the
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52
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53
Model Pop Quiz:
Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters
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Photograph by Amorie Arts
Having won Miss Varsity Cup 2015, we recently
took five minutes of Demi-Leigh’s time to find
out more about this brunette beauty…
My childhood nickname was: Tinkie, my step
dad used to say that I am as tiny as a Tink Tinkie
bird.
I love my job because... I get to meet very
interesting people, see beautiful places and
wearing amazing clothing.
The best part of being a model is
• Visiting interesting destinations
• Working for amazing brands
• Meeting new people
• Other: ALL OF THE ABOVE
The feature I get complimented on the most is
my... My hair. I am blessed with healthy, natural,
brown, long hair.
I am most scared of… Moths. They tend to
always go for my face!
I am totally addicted to... Nespresso and a
good helping of chocolate.
If I could have dinner with three people living
or dead, it would be... Allesandra Ambrosio,
Melissa Meyer, Stephen Hawking
The CD playing in my car at the moment is...
Taylor Swift 1989, I'm a total Swifty fan!
If I partake in a pageant, I am most likely to
win.. Best hair" ;)
My favourite movie is… My favourite movie
would be The Vow. I am a hopeless romantic
The best beauty tip I've ever been given is...
Try to use the same range of facial products and
always wash your makeup off before bed. Drink
LOTS of water and green tea.
If I could trade lives with someone else for a
day, I'd trade with... Beyoncé, I've always
wanted to sing.
The best piece of advice I've ever received is...
The woman who follows the crowd, is likely to go
no further than the crowd, but the woman who
follows her own footsteps is likely to find herself
in places no one else has ever been before.
The best thing about being me is... To have
grown up in the Garden Route and to have been
blessed with an outgoing personality which
enables me to get along with anybody easily.
The best fashion advice I've ever received
was... Wear nude shoes, it makes you look taller
My celebrity crush is... Bradley Cooper
When I am home alone, I... think finally, no one
to hear me sing ;)
I'd rather walk in a show at New York Fashion
Week
If I wasn't a model, I'd be... An inspirational and
influential business woman, which I am striving to
become.
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Sexualisation in
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Much has been said about the
pageantry industry and its
exploitation of young girls, and
even boys. With little ones
younger than two already
being part of this industry, the
pressure to compete, and win,
is on from an early age.
While some children’s
pageants are sweet and
innocent enough, many call for
the young ones to be judged
according to the standards set
for adults. Due to this, children
are often made to look more
done up, which detracts from
their natural appearances. With
the look of innocence gone
due to heavy stage makeup,
including false eyelashes,
bright lipstick, and wigs or hair
extensions, the fact that a mere
child is on stage is too often
forgotten.
The harsh reality is that young
children are being sexualised
shamelessly so that they are
made to be more appealing.
Children have their
appearances altered by
costumes, makeup, and other
products to the point that they
resemble adults. Even worse,
adulthood is imposed on
children while still expecting
them to radiate innocence.
Aside from robbing a child of
their right to feel, look and act
childlike, the process of
sexualisation will also impact
the child psychologically. By
being objectified from such a
young age, he or she will now
learn that sexuality and being
sexy is not only encouraged
and applauded but can be a
means to an end.
While there is nothing wrong
with playing dress-up, the act
of encouraging kids to pretend
to be sexy adults is just wrong.
Studies have shown that a
great deal of models who
started at a young age,
struggle with perfectionism,
dieting, eating disorders and
body image issues, that takes a
toll in adulthood.
Aside from it impacting the
child and their image of
themselves in a negative
manner, further implications
can lead to more extreme
cases of child abuse. In reports
of children being sexually
abused, research shows that
sexualisation is a contributing
factor to their abuse.
The question then remains,
when is enough, enough?
Where do we draw the line
between celebrating beauty
and objectifying it? Should
children really be made up to
look sexy? I think not.
What’s your take? Email us
your thoughts to
comments@MPSAmag.com
and your feedback could
appear in our next issue.
Child Beauty Pageants
By Roeline van Eck
www.MPSAmag.com
57
TYPE OF EVENT
(Complete details below)
Nail file, clippers &
tweezers
Clean nails free from polish
Nail polish remover
Extra false nails & glue
Feminine products
Cotton swabs & balls
Ear buds
Facecloth & loofah
Deodorant (clear)
Perfume
Talcum powder
Body wash
Breath mints
Toothpicks & floss
Toothbrush
Tooth paste
Sunscreen
Razor & shaving cream
Body lotion
Spray on tan
Brush
Clean hair & dry shampoo
Bobby pins
Hairspray/mousse/gel
Teasing comb
Curling/straightening iron
Hair dryer
Roller clips
Ponytail holders
Clips
Hairnet
Shower cap
Nude strapless bra & thong
Black strapless bra & thong
Nude heels
Black heels & pumps
Wear loose fitting clothes
Loose fitting sweat pants
Loose fitting T-shirt
White ankle socks
Black leggings
Black sheer stockings
Nude sheer stockings
Black opaque tights
Bathrobe
Props i.e. hats & scarves
Jewellery & accessories
Garment bags
Makeup
Makeup remover
Cosmetic brushes
Cosmetic sponges
Fake lashes
Acne treatment
Facial wipes
Facial cleanser
Toner
Moisturiser
Primer
Finishing spray
Sunglasses
Camera with batteries
Emergency cash
Gel shoe insoles
Pain killers i.e. Panado
Cell phone & charger
iPod & iPad charger
Gift for host
Towels
Hand held mirror
Eye drops
Snacks, water & straw
Pen & notebook
Safety pins
Plasters (various sizes)
Two & three-pin plugs
Insect repellent
Double sided tape
Directions / Address
Paperwork i.e. contacts
Good attitude
Professionalism
Sense of personality
Be well groomed
A smile
Clear skin
Toned body
Be yourself
Extras
Makeup
Clothing
Hair
Grooming
DESTINATION
(Complete details below)
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ORGANISER’S NAME &
CELL NUMBER
LOCAL WEATHER
By Shannon Roscher
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There is no denying that we live in a fastpaced, quick-fix society. Fast service,
internet and fast weight loss is no longer
something that people are willing to
compromise on. As obesity worsens, and
more people are becoming obsessed
with having the picture perfect body and
are hoping shrink their ‘bottom line’
without having to change their lifestyles,
diet pills are the way to go in most cases.
The truth is we live in a society who
would rather pop a pill to assist in weight
loss than go the ‘old-school’ route of
training hard and eating clean. While diet
pills are easier to come by than load
shedding in winter, the list of side effects
are as long as the Great Wall of China.
According to a recent study, the longterm use of diet pills may lead to a
modest weight loss of about 5% to 10%
of a person's total body mass within the
course of a year. However, on the
downside an active ingredient found in
most diet pills, sibutramine, which was
approved as a prescription drug in 1997
and is still sold today, has been
associated with increased blood
pressure, insomnia and constipation.
Meanwhile, orlistat, another common
ingredient, which has lately been heavily
marketed as an over-the-counter aid,
can cause oily bowel movements so
frequently that the package insert
suggests women and men are to wear a
panty liner at all times.
Such unappetising details make one
wonder what a diet drug has to do to
get rejected by an FDA panel?
A common ingredient that was recently
removed from the market was
rimonabant for the reasons that it revs
up metabolism and creates a feeling of
fullness, which reduces fat absorption
from food. Rimonabant was the first of a
new class of drugs designed to keep the
user from getting the munchies. That's
right: knowing that marijuana and other
forms of cannabis stimulate the appetite,
scientists wondered what might happen
if they blocked the brain's cannabinoid
receptors. Early studies suggested the
anti-cannabinoid crew was on to
something. Not only did the desire for
food seem to diminish with rimonabant
but other cravings, like nicotine, were
easier to control.
But it turns out there's a negative to
blocking parts of the brain that are
responsible for pleasure, relaxation and
pain tolerance. A study showed that
patients receiving rimonabant were two
and a half times more likely to
discontinue treatment because of
depressive disorders. They were also
three times more likely to stop taking the
drug because of anxiety. The FDA panel
banned rimonabant's use due to
concerns that the drug increases the risk
of suicide.
We know, this is probably the last thing
you want to read at this time of year as
we are all believers that summer bodies
are made in winter. But instead of
searching for a magic weight-loss pill,
keep in mind that good things come to
those who wait and participate. Try
eating water-dense foods like salads and
fruit at the beginning of a big meal. Push
your plate away before you feel full, this
will give your stomach time to send
signals to your brain that you've had
enough and really don't have room for
seconds.
And just simply keep these three
thoughts in mind at all times: eat clean,
exercise regularly and keep your mind
focused because if you do not, you will
find any excuse to binge during the
months to come.
And remember, ladies and gents – in the
end, sustained success does not come
from a quick-fix.
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61
D
R
O
P it like it’s SQUAT
By Yolande Swanepoel
The squat is probably the
best thing since rolled
oats. It’s one of, if not the
best, lower body workout
routines to include in your
training. Sadly, even
though the squat packs a
powerful punch to
stubborn lower body fat,
it is an exercise dreaded
by many.
The whole idea of
crouching down, with
your butt posed as if on
display is not everyone’s
idea of a great workout,
and can be quite
intimidating at first. Aside
from that, many women
have a misconception
about bulking up instead
of toning down when
doing this exercise.
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Not to fear, MPSAmag
will give you a few tips
that will have you
mastering the squat in no
time.
The most important thing
to keep in mind when
doing any exercise, is your
form. Your body needs to
be positioned correctly
throughout the set. This is
to ensure that you don’t
hurt yourself, and also to
execute the workout to its
fullest, targeting all the
muscle groups for that
specific exercise. The
squat trains primarily the
thighs, hips and buttocks,
quadriceps, and
hamstrings.
For those first time
squatters out there, to get
your form right first, start
squatting without
weights:
• After a quick warm up,
stand up straight against
a wall or grip your hands
onto a bar, with your
feet shoulder width
apart. This will help you
keep your balance and
also get you used to,
and improve your squat
posture.
• Keep your back in a
neutral position, and
your knees centred over
your feet.
• Slowly bend your knees,
thrusting down until you
reach a 90-degree angle.
While lowering, breathe
in.
• Return to your starting
position, and breathe
out while ascending.
Beginners can repeat this
15-20 times, for two to
three sets, and include it
in their training two to
three times a week.
Once you are able to
master the basic squat,
you can increase the
intensity of your exercise
by adding some weight,
such as barbells,
dumbbells, kettle bells,
etc.
There are a variety of
squats which focus on
specific muscle groups,
and once you’ve master
the basic squat, you can
intensify your workout by
incorporating these
different squat variations
into your routine as well.
a
o
i
e
e
Tr mp l n Tr nds
By Thandokazi Mashalaba
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Fitness fans who are looking to take a new leap in
their exercise regime, might just find the
trampoline trend an appealing one.
While the mention of trampolining might remind
you of your childhood days, take note that are a
few fitness fans that consider it a great form of
exercise. Trampoline classes are being offered in
gyms across the country and it has even grabbed
the attention of Hollywood stars as well as other
fit-savvy folk.
Beyoncé recently shared a video of her and her
daughter, Blue Ivy, bouncing on a trampoline, and
you know that when the Kardashian sisters are
doing it, you really need to start getting your jump
on.
Trampolining improves your balance, gets your
heart rate up, and is a better cardio exercise than
33 minutes of running. Aside from this,
trampolining lets you work out so many different
parts of your body, ranging from calf muscles to
quads, not to mention the all-important core, all at
the same time.
If you are rearing to get your jump on, here is the
correct way to make the best of it as well as a few
of the common jumps you can partake in:
Before you start the workout, warm up for 2
minutes by jumping up and down, going through
fun basic moves to get your blood pumping and
prepare your muscles and joints for more intense
work.
• Extra move: Instead of jumping up and landing
on your feet, land on your bottom with your legs
straight out in front of you, you will bounce back
up into the air and then land on your feet.
Straddle Jump (30 seconds jump and 30
seconds rest)
• Starting point: Stand tall with your feet on the
trampoline and your arms at your sides.
• Mid move: Jump up and extend your legs
sideways.
• Landing: Land standing with your legs straight
Jumping Jacks (30 seconds jump and 30
seconds rest)
• Starting point: Stand tall with your feet on the
trampoline and your arms at your sides.
• Movement: Jump up and point your legs out to
either side, keeping them straight, while your
arms reach above your head until you clasp your
hands at the top.
• Landing: Land standing with your legs straight
and together, in starting position.
At the end of your workout, always remember to
take a few minutes to cool down, jumping lightly
and letting your heart rate gradually come down.
The best perk of trampolining certainly has to be
that you forget you are working out and are
instead just having fun! You actually won’t even see
it as a work out. Happy jumping! 
Easy Jump (30 seconds jump and 30 seconds
rest)
• Starting point: Stand tall with your feet on the
trampoline and your arms extended straight
above your head.
• Mid Jump: Jump up and hold your body in a
straight position with your arms raised.
• Landing: Land with your body straight, arms
straight above your head.
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By Kgomotso Penyane
Most annoying
things about
gym classes
66
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There comes a time in
most people's lives when
you give into the need to
improve your fitness and
end up signing up for a
gym contract. Now if
you're like me, going to
the gym on your own can
be intimidating, at first.
So the best option I have
found is to either enlist
the services of a fitness
trainer or join a class.
nerve.
Instructors yelling
Look we understand you
need to push one in order
to achieve great results,
but we not deaf - we hear
you! Although I am still
waiting for the day for
someone to yell back at
the instructor and unleash
their own inner beast.
The instructors' bodies
Motivation? Yes. As an
individual person will
Most people enjoy fitness strive to have the same
training with other people, body as their instructor or
that’s where friendships
even close, however is it a
are formed and
confidence booster? No.
confidence is built,
Confidence needs to be
however sometimes right
built and if you're like me,
in the middle of a complex you can find yourself
step class routine, you
contemplating giving up
may start noticing a few
just as you reach your
things that are really
peak because what the
annoying about your class. gym mirroring was
showing me was different
And it seems I am not the to what I was looking for
only one this has
in comparison to my
happened to, below are
instructor.
the top seven most
annoying things about
General class age
fitness classes as shared
Ever been to a class
by a wide range of fitness taught by someone who is
fanatics:
50 years older than you
and killing it? Then you
The music
know the feeling. Its
Sometimes fitness classes shame. Self-confidence
have great music, but
and guilt builds up and
most of the time they are start asking yourself
set to house music or
questions of why you are
weird top 40 remixes. The here, and how I got to be
music is played really loud like this? The shame will
where you cannot even
definitely show you who's
hear the training
the boss.
instructor. Although
smooth calming music
When instructors choose
can’t go with burning fat
you as class victim
and keeping fit, but after a There is nothing more
really tough day, the
frightening than a fitness
music can really work a
instructor who targets you
in class. It is worse than
being called on in school
as a kid not knowing the
answer. This goes handin-hand with them yelling,
the only thing that will be
racing through your mind
is how fast you can get to
the nearest exit door.
Tardiness
When it comes to group
classes, being late is a big
no-no. If you do arrive
late, it's best to make sure
you don’t disrupt the class
as little as possible. But,
according to readers on
Healthy Living's Facebook
and Twitter, “disrupting
the class after your late
arrival is even worse than
the actual act of being
late”. The biggest
disruption though is a late
arrival that wants to ask
the instructor questions
during a session.
Invading personal space
In our daily lives, most of
us prefer that strangers
refrain from walking or
talking too closely. Fitness
classes are no different.
Bursting through
someone's personal
bubble is one of the
biggest group fitness pet
peeves. Nothing is as
irritating as when the girl
next to you does the
moves full out, almost
hitting you in the face, so
rather space hog, pick a
spot, notice your
neighbour, get away from
her/him.
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I recently caught myself
watching P!nk perform at a
awards show her song 'Try'
- now while I love the song,
what really caught my
attention was her
acrobatics. P!nk was
harnessed into what
appeared to be two black
pieces of material
suspended from the ceiling.
It was amazing! The stunts
she pulled off and all that
twirling - truly gravity
defying.
As I have a bit of dancer's
mind when it comes to
things of this nature, my
next thought was to the
incredible core strength she
must have needed in order
to pull this display off.
Which got me thinking
about my core...or the
current lack thereof. I was
inspired and decided to find
out more about this
acrobatic display.
Thankfully, I wasn't the only
one inspired by this new
trend and I found that you
can actually defy your own
gravity, thanks to the
introduction of AIRBarre
fitness classes.
AIRBarre is a new group
exercise class which
combines the dance-based
moves of a ballet barre class
with the suspension
hammocks of anti-gravity
yoga for a full workout that
experts say can boost
strength, coordination and
endurance.
In the class, hammocks are
attached to the ceiling
replacing the traditional
ballet barres, and allow
exercisers to stabilise
themselves even as they
take flight.
According to AntiGravity®
Fitness (the creators of the
Aerial Yoga and Suspension
Fitness
genres), this groundbreaking technique is the
first and only “aerial barre”
method. The form was
created by movement
innovator Christopher
Harrison, a former
Broadway dancer and
award-winning Aerial
Choreographer.
“Ballet dance classes always
start at the barre with pliés.
As a disciplined Broadway
dancer and guest artist with
the Metropolitan Opera
Ballet for numerous years,
this classical form of
training has been deeply
ingrained into my psyche.
Transferring much of the
movements to a silk
hammock that allows for 3D
movement on multiple
planes has been thrilling.
With the help of the
Harrison AntiGravity
Hammock® to help force
correct alignment, the
technique is both accessible
to non-dancers and
challenging for
accomplished dancers,
giving them an upper body
workout and more airtime
in jumps!” explains Harrison.
By Chantal Riley
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However, getting off the
ground is only part of the
fun, hanging upside down
in what they call the
"inversion" position is also
a lot of fun. Beyond better
joint mobility, a 650 per
session calorie burn and
better posture, turning
your workout upside
down (and sideways) has
some other unexpected
perks for the body and
mind:
Zero-compression
inversions help to relieve
back pain
Get the kinks out of your
back utilising reverse
traction. By creating space
between your vertebral
discs for the nerves of
your spinal cord, you also
hydrate the soft tissue,
which often helps relieve
back pain from your very
first session.
Lengthens your lines and
increases your height
Say what? Yip, after being
inverted for a full class
you will be stretched to
your full height, allowing
you to be between
0.65cm to 3.81cm taller.
And for a shorty like me,
that's a huge difference!
It’s the most effective
and least expensive antiaging technique
“You are only as young as
your spine is flexible and
your mind is open,” says
Harrison. When you open
up space in the body, you
open up space in the
mind.
It increases your brain
power
Research has shown that
moving freely in all
directions of open space
creates new neural
pathways and synaptic
connections, which
increases neuroplasticity
or simply put your ability
to learn. Surprise your
body and mind with
something new and fun
and you can help increase
your brain power.
It doesn't matter if you
are a fitness fan, a dancer
looking to extend your
lines or someone
searching for a new fun
workout, AIRBarre is
targeted at various fitness
levels and will get you up
and flying in no time!
Want to try AIRBarre for
yourself, then head over
to Virgin Active Alice Lane
and sign up for a class trust me, you will be
extremely happy that you
did!
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71
Winter wardrobe blues?
Only if we’re talking navy hues!
By Werner Wessels
As the seasons change most of us are left with a feeling of uncertainty, and
even distress when faced with last year’s wardrobe and the dreaded question
of what to wear next. But not to fret. This is a time for celebrating a whole
new fashion season that promises endless trends and fashion inspiration.
But how do you incorporate fabulous new trends into an existing wardrobe?
74
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With fashion and style taking a firm
position
in
our
everyday
consciousness, we often find ourselves
overwhelmed with the seemingly
limitless possibilities offered to us
through a rotation of fashion weeks,
fashion publications, blogs and social
media…
It
can
definitely
be
overwhelming. It is no small wonder
why most women suffer from “fashion
fatigue” (as we like to call it in the
industry). So, instead of having fun and
enjoying all the new trends that the
fashion world throws in our direction,
we struggle to process all this
information and revert to our trusted
and safer basic wardrobe, leaving
those around us wondering if THAT
dress you've worn a thousand times
before is the ONLY item in your closet!
Relax! Help is at hand. Get ready for
smarter shopping - and all this while
still wearing those fold-over suede
boots (which by the way, is a MUST
HAVE item for this winter).
The key to finding your way through
the onslaught of fashion information is
organisation, (I promise, it really is
more exciting than it sounds). Without
making this seem like a sweaty chore
here are a few easy steps that will help
make it easier for you to navigate your
way to an exciting and fresh new
winter wardrobe and a revitalised you:
1. Out with the old and in with the new
Before you can get to undoubtedly the
most exciting part of a new wardrobe the shopping experience - you have to
get through the hardest part - getting
rid of all the unnecessary clutter. It’s
the minor pain, for major fashion gain.
Be ruthless and stick to these simple
guidelines:
•
•
•
•
•
If you haven't worn something for
more than a year, it has to go.
You're not going to wear it once
you've lost 5 kg's and keeping it
might only be a reminder of that
fact…
And NO - psychedelic prints will
never come back into fashion,
rephrase - should never come back
into fashion.
If it still has its tags on it after six
months, sayonara babe! Give it
away as a present to someone who
might wear it, you clearly aren't
going to.
If it is hideous you can always get
use out of it by using it as a
silverware polisher.
Make the experience fun and have a
swop out party with friends. Bring your
unwanted clothes (those still in good
condition) and ask your friends to do
the same. Make an evening of it –
swap out items while enjoying some
wine and chit chat, yet another good
excuse for girl time! You never know,
that fabulous red dress your friend has
worn way too many times might just
become your fabulous red dress you
will wear way too many times. This is
an excellent way for you to stock your
wardrobe without spending any of
your hard earned money. Give the rest
of your unwanted items to a charity in
your community, many people are in
desperate need of a pair of winter
shoes or a pair of denim jeans.
Remember – one girl’s trash might be
another’s treasure.
First, fill up your basic wardrobe. Do
you have that great pair of jeans? Is
your white collared shirt still crisp and
fresh? Do you have a pair of black
formal pants? Are your winter boots
scuffed and worn out beyond the point
of adding character?
2. Assess what you have left
When buying your fashion items, you
should focus on colours, prints and
accessories such as handbags, shoes
and jewellery. These items are
interchangeable and should enhance
your existing wardrobe.
After you have purged yourself of all
your unwanted items it is time to
assess your wardrobe and see what
you're left with. You cannot confidently
shop without this knowledge.
It is important to have basics: the
famous LBD (little black dress.); a good,
no scratch that, a great pair of jeans;
white collared shirt, and a warm and
stylish coat.
If you are unsure of whether an item is
a basic or a fashion item ask yourself
these questions:
Think of these items as the basis of
your wardrobe, just like a house can't
be built without a good solid
foundation or a dessert without sugar
is just not dessert (no matter what the
dietician says) your wardrobe just can't
do without these basic items.
Your basic items should cost a little bit
more than your fashion items as you'll
be wearing them more often and for a
longer period of time. Quality trumps
quantity in this case.
The rule is to buy at least two complete
new outfits (dress, shoes, jacket,
handbag, earrings and necklace) each
season. This rule makes the task seem
less daunting and you get to be
creative while keeping the rest of your
wardrobe in mind.
How many items in my wardrobe
does this item go with? If it’s more
than five then it's a basic item.
Does this item have a print on it?
Yes? Then it's a fashion item.
Will this item still be in fashion in
five years’ time? Yes? Then it's a
basic item.
By now you should have established
which colours you are drawn to and
what you feel comfortable wearing.
The pressure to keep up with the latest
trends shouldn't divert you from your
own style and what makes you feel
comfortable. See a trend as a guideline
of what is happening in the fashion
industry and decide what you want to
take from that and apply that to your
own wardrobe needs.
Basic closet items usually come in
colours such as black, charcoal, navy,
sand, tan, white or cream but this is
just a guideline and not an absolute, so
please don't rule out any other colours
as basic wardrobe items. A great
emerald green day dress can also
become one of your closet basics and
must haves.
By paying more attention to your own
styling needs and making it a
pleasurable experience you'll find that
building a new seasonal wardrobe
could be fun, exciting and maybe even
relaxing knowing that what you'll wear
will give you the confidence to take on
your everyday challenges in style and
maybe even the dreaded cold weather.
3. Make smart decisions
Until
spring,
Fashionistas!
•
•
•
Now the fun part starts, you have done
the work and deserve to reward
yourself.
keep
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blooming
75
Which contraception
pill is for me?
By Shannon Roscher
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www.MPSAmag.com
Are you considering taking a form of birth control? While we know there are different
contraceptives available, the pill is the most common form to use, with 51% of South African
women using it. It is however important to remember that there are a variety of ‘pills’ also on
the market, with each offering their own set of pros and cons.
Here are some of the different pills to take note of:
1.
Combination pills
Combination pills contain two types of hormones,
estrogen and progestin. They prevent pregnancy in
three ways: by suppressing ovulation (meaning your
eggs stay put in your ovaries); by thickening cervical
mucus (making it harder for sperm to move), and by
thinning the lining of the uterus (making it harder
for an egg to attach there). This type of pill is more
widely used than the other available options.
A note on brand names: In terms of efficacy or
‘good’ side effects like better skin and periods, no
brand of pill has been shown to be more effective
than any other, which means there’s typically no
medical reason to use an expensive name-brand pill.
So if you’re stuck with a large bill or need to pay in
for a brand name that has a generic, ask your health
care provider about switching to the generic. Even
without medical aid, many pharmacies have pills
available at more affordable rates.
Combination pills vary by type of progestin and
amount of estrogen (they either have 35 or 20
micrograms of estrogen). Different pills also have
different amounts of hormone over the course of
the month. ‘Monophasic’ pills have an even amount
of hormone throughout the month. Other pills have
varied hormone doses through the month, most
commonly three doses in ‘triphasic’ pills. There is no
evidence that triphasic pills have any benefit when
compared to monophasic pills among large groups
of women.
When taken correctly, the pill is highly effective at
preventing pregnancy, but that phrase "when taken
correctly" is key.
Combination pill names: Alesse, Apri, Aranelle,
Aviane, Enpresse, Estrostep, Lessina, Levlen, Levlite,
Levora, Loestrin, Mircette, Natazia, Nordette,
Lo/Orval, Ortho-Novum, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yasmin
and Yaz. Lybrel, Seasonique and Seasonale (generic
names: Jolessa or Qualsense) are combo pills that
can minimize periods to just a few times a year or
less.
Benefits: Combination pills are linked to less
crampy, lighter and shorter periods (hat can also
mean less chance of anemia.) These pills may also
clear up acne. The combo pill can also contribute to
reducing the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
2.
Mini-pills
Mini-pills contain only progestin. They prevent
pregnancy by thickening your cervical mucus and
thinning the lining of the uterus. Some mini-pills
suppress ovulation, but that’s not the main way they
work. The mini-pill was developed for women who
are sensitive to estrogen. It has the same failure rate
as the combo pill — about one in 10.
Mini-pill names:
Mircronor.
Camila,
Errin,
Jolivette,
and
About 8% of women who take the pill become
pregnant unintentionally each year. In most of those
cases, the women forgot to take pills. Yet when used
perfectly, every day at the same time of day, only 1
in 100 women have an unintended pregnancy
during the first year of using the pill.
So yes, the pill works. But it's not ideal for women
wanting a contraception method that they don't
need to think about.
Birth control methods that don't require daily action
on the woman's part, such as intrauterine devices
(IUD) and contraceptive implants which are placed
inside the uterus, have significantly lower failure
rates. In South Africa the most common IUD’s would
either be the Mirena, Multiload or a Copper T.
Contraceptive injections are also another option,
which contains a progestogen hormone which is
similar to the natural progesterone that women
produce in their ovaries and can protect against
pregnancy for up to 13 weeks.
Whichever contraceptive you choose, remember
that a condom is still your best protection against
sexually transmitted diseases. With all other
methods of contraception, you should also use a
condom.
Remember, the likelihood of you forgetting to take
your contraceptive has an impact on how well the
pill works - you should swallow a pill at the same
time every day, whether or not you have sex.
Benefits: The mini-pill is safe for women who are at
risk of heart disease or strokes, or are heavy
smokers. It’s also safe for breastfeeding women.
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77
By Dr Sly Nedic of 8th Sense
LIQUID FACE LIFT is a popular term used by aesthetic doctors that describe usage of non-permanent dermal
fillers in combination with neuromodulator Botox® (Allergan approved in South Africa). Since these substances
are in a liquid form and are used to achieve a lifting effect on an aging face, the term Liquid Face-Lift was born.
However, these procedures: liquid and facelift, are different and in the majority of cases cannot be used as an
alternative to each other but rather to complement each other or, are used in different stages of facial ageing.
Facial aging is characterised as sagging caused by the gravitation effect due to decreased skin elasticity, loss of
volume in the facial fat sections, appearance of hyper-dynamic wrinkles and folds, bone remodelling, muscular
facial activity remodelling and skin photo-damage aging (mostly due to sun damage). In addition, many are
now facing premature skin aging in their early thirties due to high stress levels and environmental toxicity.
Facial aging is a complex process and it affects different facial structures and therefore one single procedure or
product cannot resolve all of this in all patients. Despite this, an increased number of patients are requesting
gentle procedures which can be started early, more as a preventive process. Liquid Face-Lift is ideal for it.
Before
78
After
WHY IS LIQUID FACE LIFT SO POPULAR?
NON–INVASIVE:
The younger population desires a non-invasive, no
down time intervention to achieve a more
groomed look as well as to prevent ageing. This is
applicable to both men and women seeking to
achieve facial beautification, symmetry, balance
and better proportion. Liquid Face-Lifts have
gained wide acceptance by the younger
population as it is seen as a necessity and an ongoing procedure rather than an isolated event to
reverse an aging look. It is often included in their
monthly budget. I also have numerous patients
requesting Botox and Fillers for beatification of
the face and development of Golden proportions.
The minimal approach using Liquid Face-Lift offers
faster results, popularly called a lunchtime
procedure with no downtime. Temporary swelling
or possible bruising is a very short-lived side
effect and cannot be compared to the long
recovery time after a face-lift. Serious
complications with dermal fillers are very rare.
Some patients are reluctant to undergo surgery,
or have medical contraindications for surgery, or
simply don’t have time for a long postoperative
recovery period. This procedure is typically
associated with less pain and mistakes can be
easily corrected which makes Liquid Face-Lift the
perfect procedure for “careful” or fearful patients.
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SAFETY:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA), which has been used for
more than 10 years in aesthetics, is at present the
gold standard of dermal fillers and an essential
part of a Liquid Face-Lift. The aesthetic physician
can choose from a wide range of Hyaluronic Acids
on the market with different viscosity in duration
and never compromising safety standards. The
new series of low molecular Hyaluronic Acids with
Juvéderm® VYCROSS® technology from Allergan
allows for better managing of the entire face with
different concentrations and a variety of
viscosities maintaining clinically proven safety.
They can mimic the natural composition and
biomechanics of the skin providing more natural
and longer lasting results. Botulinum Toxin A is
one of the most extensively scientifically
researched substances.
Over 1,000 scientific papers and studies have been
published on Botulinum Toxin A and none of
them report any long-term side effects in
aesthetic medicine. However, it is important to
bear in mind that a successful Liquid Face-Lift also
requires adequate training, continual updating in
aesthetic procedures and some level of artistic
talent by the physician. It is the duty of the
patient to check the qualifications and credentials
of the practitioner performing the Liquid Face-Lift.
The patient should also request information about
products used in the Liquid Face-Lift.
NATURAL LOOK WITH BETTER
PROPORTIONS:
A combination treatment with dermal fillers and
neurotoxins make it possible to achieve aesthetic
results similar to more invasive procedures to
retain a natural look. A younger look will be
restored and facial features will be refined, but
they will not be changed completely and
permanently. It is important that all patients have
realistic expectations for these procedures. Liquid
Face-Lift reshaping and rejuvenating could be
done on the entire face and neck using Dermal
Fillers and Neurotoxin. Using mathematical
methods of Golden ratio and Devine proportions
we can now create 3D facial beautification. This
means each patient can have the BEST VERSION
OF THEMSELVES!
The most important point before performing a
Liquid Face-Lift is to address the patients’ concerns
and to meet their expectations. In the case of
severe skin laxity where a surgical face-lift is more
indicated, correct diagnosis and advice will help the
patient to make the right decision. Limitations of a
Liquid Face-Lift should be explained to the patient
who expects the effect of a surgical face-lift.
Liquid Face-Lift beautification involves:
• Smoothing dynamic and static lines on the
forehead
• Filling of hollowness in the temples
• Raising the eyebrows
• Diminishing the tear trough
• Removing crow’s feet wrinkles
• Enhancing the cheekbones
• Reshaping the nose
• Lifting the nose tip
• Filling the nasolabial folds and marionette lines
• Enhancing lips and removing smoker’s lines
• Lifting mouth corners
• Removing jaw wrinkles
• Reshaping jaw line
• Removing necklines
As a registered doctor with the Health Profession Council of
South Africa, and founder of 8th Sense Spa, Dr. Nedic holds
numerous credentials that make her one of South Africa’s most
highly qualified doctors in aesthetic, anti-aging and integrative
medicine.
Liquid Face-Lifts and 3D facial beatification are available at
www.8thsense.co.za
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By Thandokazi Mashalaba
permanent makeup
The pros and cons of
Want always red lips, perfectly shaped eyebrows, and flattering eyeliner come rain, shine, gym or bed time?
Permanent makeup is the answer that holds the promise that you can work all day, go to the gym, dance all night, and
wake up in the morning with your makeup still in place.
The technique of permanent makeup employs tattooing as a means of producing designs that resemble makeup.
Colour is permanently inserted into a dermal layer of the skin using fine needles dipped in hypo-allergenic pigment.
Simply put, instead of applying pigments onto the skin, these are placed inside the skin to last longer.
Reasons why you should choose permanent makeup:

You have a busy and stressful lifestyle! You cannot
spare 15 minutes applying makeup each morning.

You struggle to apply makeup properly.

You are allergic to mascara and makeup in general, but
still want to achieve a flawless face.

Health challenges following medical treatments, like
chemotherapy have impacted your ability to wear
makeup.

You enjoy water sports and outdoor activities but still
want to look presentable.

You want to save money! Makeup does not come
cheap.
Reasons why you should avoid permanent makeup:

The makeup artist might make a mistake and
apply the eye liner outside of the line.

Whatever colour you choose, will be there forever
and you cannot change colours to match with your
outfits anymore.

A look that may be in fashion now, might not be in
a few years’ time (think winged eye-liner.)

Infections – some women develop keloids.

Your skin changes over time and you might find
yourself stuck with a very unnatural-looking face.
Now, before you run off and get this procedure done, these are also a few questions you need to consider first.
Is the artist a certified specialist?
Do not allow an unqualified person to wield a needle near your skin! Consider the individual’s training, experience, compliance
with the local laws and also look at the before and after photographs of the people they have assisted in the past. It might also
be a good idea to do a Google search on the person and the institution they are with; the opinions of peers do count.
What are the common reactions post-procedure?
It really depends on your skin, but the after-effects are usually there. Eyebrows show very little after-effects whereas eyeliner
and lips may swell a bit after the procedure. There are no after effects of eyelash procedures. Knowing this will prepare you for
how to treat the areas afterwards and will also give you an indication of how long you need to take before appearing in public.
How painful is this process?
If you have ever had a tattoo done, then this is nothing. Obviously there is some discomfort, there is a needle going into your
skin, but the pain is manageable for the most.
Can I be certain the permanent makeup process is safe and hygienic?
All needles used should be brand new and sterile for each and every client, and the artist is usually required to open packaging
in front of you to prove this point. Machines used should be sterilised and well kept. If your specialist is not wearing synthetic
gloves, we suggest you find another alternative.
Are there different colours to choose from?
There are various colours to choose from and if your preferred colour is not available, most specialists can mix colours together
to get your desired colour.
How long does the procedure take?
It really varies but normally for eyebrows, it would take approximately 1 and a half hours, eyeliner top and bottom also takes
roughly the same time.
What will happen if I do not like it?
While the procedure is considered permanent, they do have flexibility in changing colour and shape to some extent. Keep in
mind though that colours will obviously be darker after the procedure but will soften and lighten during the healing process.
Just make sure that your specialist knows what your needs are and what you want from the procedure, if there is no
understanding between you and the specialist, go to a different specialist.
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By Shannon Roscher
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So, you have decided to have cosmetic surgery done, but you are not too sure where to even start?
First things first, it is vital that you choose the right surgeon to carry out the procedure. Do not overlook the
importance of choosing the right physician as this will help to ensure the procedure is as safe as possible.
Consider these tips when researching your potential plastic surgeon:
1. Make sure the surgeon is board certified.
Plastic surgery should not be done by any random surgeon. They need to be registered with the right bodies and boards,
as these institutions are the ones who regulate and enforce safety procedures. Plastic surgeons that are certified with the
Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa (APRSSA) are uniquely qualified and specially trained,
they have been proven to provide the best patient care and have the lowest rates of complications.
If a doctor is certified by the APRSSA this means that they are certified in plastic surgery and have met the following
requirements:
• They have earned a degree from an accredited medical school
• They have completed three years of general surgery
• They have completed two to three years of supervised residency in plastic surgery
• They have had at least two years of professional practice
• They have passed rigorous written and oral exams (only about 70 percent of physicians who take the test pass it)
2. Check the surgeon's record.
Track down the surgeon's records from the APRSSA, which
record any disciplinary actions against the cosmetic surgeon,
contact the board and ask for a report. Pay close attention to any
settlements or records of disciplinary action. Also make sure that
your surgeon is licensed to practice medicine within the country.
3. Come armed with questions for your doctor.
Now that you have identified some doctors, don’t just settle for the first one, do even more homework by actually
interviewing them. According to APRSSA, here some questions you should ask your plastic surgeon before making your
decision:
 How many times has the physician performed the
procedure?
 What other procedures does he/she perform?
 Who will assist in the procedure? What are their
qualifications and training?
 Are all involved licensed in good standing?
 What is involved in the procedure? How is it
performed?
 What are the exact breakdown of fees for this
procedure?
 Can they share copies of all forms that have to be
completed and signed prior to procedure?
 Are they insured for malpractice?
 Will the physician use sedation? If yes, what level of
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sedation will the physician use?
Who will administer and monitor the sedation?
How long will the procedure last?
How long will the sedation effects last?
How long will it take to recover in the facility
before discharge?
Where will the surgery take place?
What are the emergency plans?
To which hospital would the patient be taken?
Will post-operative medicine be necessary?
Will there be noticeable scarring?
Having cosmetic surgery can have an astonishing impact on a
person’s life, it can give you that confidence boost that you
have always wished for, or it can hide that one thing that has
always got you down and made you feel less beautiful than
you should.
It is very important to ensure you are in good hands before
going under the knife. You only have one body, and while it
can be enhanced through plastic surgery it can also be ruined
by it, if placed in the wrong hands.
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Ace the
ACNE
battle
By Roeline van Eck
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Acne. The skin thing that everyone dreads. While it is perfectly normal for a hormonal teenager to be sprouting some
skin imperfections, having them at any age just sucks – to put it frankly.
So what is this acne thing and how can we tame it without doing more harm than good – to our skin and our pockets?
Before we start off, remember that acne can be caused by a variety of factors. In teenagers it is usually more common
due to the high levels of hormones that are surging through the body at that time of development. Aside from
hormones, acne could also come into bloom due to sleep deprivation, too much stress, unhealthy eating habits, a
hectic lifestyle as well as a poor beauty regime where make-up is never removed properly. Acne can also appear on the
face, chest, back and scalp – making it an all-round pain to live with.
But don’t despair. Like most obstacles in life, this can be overcome. No matter how badly you feel about the
appearance of your skin, it is actually your friend. It protects you from the elements and literally keeps you together.
You in turn need to do your best to protect it from any kind of damage. Should acne start impacting your feelings
toward your skin, remember that your epidermis isn’t trying to punish you. It is simply acting in accordance with how
your body is feeling on the inside. If you treat it well now – you will be repaid with better skin later.
While harsh chemicals, peels and scrubs have proven effective for most people, most of us don’t want our skin to
undergo severe treatment. Here are some home remedies that will be a bit gentler on your skin.
Honey cleansing
In the mornings, wash your face with honey. The antibacterial properties of
honey work to inhibit breakouts and additionally, it removes excess oil while
leaving skin moisturised. With slightly dampened fingers, massage about 1/2
teaspoons of raw honey over your dry face and then rinse.
Apply some apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is ideal for killing off the bacteria that may be causing all
the trouble in the first place. It also becomes alkaline, and balances the pH of
your skin, which in turn makes it harder for bacteria to thrive. To top it off it’s
an astringent and will help dry up excess oil. Keeping that in mind, don’t
overdo and dry out your skin too much.
To apply, wash your face with water and pat dry. Using a ratio of 1 part
vinegar to 3 parts water, dip a cotton ball into vinegar and apply it directly to
the blemish. Leave on for at least 10 minutes, or overnight. Reapply several
times a day, washing face thoroughly after each time. Make sure to use a
moisturiser afterwards as well if you feel like your skin is getting dry.
Make a cinnamon and honey mask
Honey and cinnamon make a (literally) killer combo when it comes to acne.
Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, so it can help stop bacteria from
getting out of hand. If it does, the honey is a natural anti-biotic, ready and
waiting to eliminate those germs before they cause more havoc.
Simply, rinse your face with water and pat dry. Mix two tablespoons of honey
and one teaspoon of cinnamon together until they are thoroughly blended
and have formed a paste. Apply the mask to your face and leave it on for 1015 minutes. Rinse off completely, and pat your face dry.
Enjoy some tea time
Green tea has antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds that can help fight
acne whereas Chamomile helps decrease inflammation from acne. To use
green tea, let the tea cool, then use a cotton ball to dab it on your face after
cleansing. For chamomile treatment combine the contents of a chamomile tea
bag with enough water to form a paste in a blender or coffee grinder and
apply that to acne.
At the end of the day, remember that beauty is only skin deep. Celebrate the skin you are in – even though there
are blemishes here and there.
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Ladies have always been in the fortunate
position of owning items of clothing that
can nip, tuck and suck in any of their
unwanted wobbly bits. The corset and
Spandex briefs are all there to offer
additional ‘support’ in suppressing those
areas that need to be streamlined a bit
better.
In today’s age, however it is not only the
ladies who need to look trimmer. Lads are
being pressured by the media and social
media, and especially those in the beauty
and fashion industry, to look like Disney’s
Prince Charming. We simply cannot afford
not to look into ways to reduce our
waistline.
So what about the fellas, you ask? In the
past, the boys with the boeps have simply
had to deal with this belly bulge and accept
that is not going anywhere without insane
exercise.
That is until the male girdle came onto the
scene. It is becoming a trend around the
world for men in their 30’s and up (or even
younger than that), to wear this figure
shaping brief, better referred to as the
‘mirdle’.
This handy underwear item is the ideal
quick fix for those who need a bit of
confidence in a business or social meeting –
even a pageant. Especially when their belly
has turned from a six pack to a braai pack.
Now you can forget about looking like Jack
Black and instead like Chris Pine (Into the
Woods' very own Prince Charming).
Never one to back down from a challenge,
my curiosity was peaked so I decided to try
one for myself. All I can say is, hell to the
no! It was okay for a couple of minutes and
then I felt like an over-stuffed pork sausage.
Fortunately for me, I don’t really need to
wear one (my braai pack has not developed
yet), but I just had to also have the opinion
of one of my larger colleagues. Needless to
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say the words he uttered should not be
repeated in public.
While I do believe that it does help with
posture and that it can enhance your
confidence, I would not recommend that
you wear it for long. It does tend to make
you feel a little claustrophobic.
Wearing it when going out on a date – a
no-no. Can you imagine the visual horror
that will play off when you take off your
mirdle, and in slow motion your braai pack,
that used to look like a six pack, comes
cascading down to where your waistline
was… Not even Barry White could change
the mood after that…
In all seriousness the mirdle could help you
walk a little taller and broader – but will do
nothing for you in the long term.
My verdict: get a good eating plan and hit
the gym. The importance of training the
waistline through exercise and diet cannot
be ignored. If you want to look and feel
good, you need to work for it.
So guys, if you want to temporary fix and
need a false booster go order the man’s
girdle. But I can promise you it will not get
you further than a first date – even then –
proceed to remove your girdle with caution.
Until next time…
Johann “The Groomer” Els
The Groomer – Redefining Your Style
LAUNCHING SOON!
First impressions last as the saying goes and sometimes
we all need a bit of help to put our best dressed foot
forward. Our services will include the following:
• A concierge service for executives - we bring the tailors
and the grooming specialist to your office or home
• We select and re arrange your wardrobe and shop for
you, plan your travel clothing needs
• For the young aspiring business go getters, we offer
workshops . We can also offer these to corporate
companies for their executives
Beyond
winning
the Mr
South
Africa
title
By Armand du Plessis
Photographs by
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Over the past few months I have learnt that the first
thought people have when they find out that I am
Mr South Africa 2014 / 2015 is how lucky I must be
to be able to travel all around South Africa, walking
red carpets at high end, glamorous event, hanging
out with the who's who of South Africa celebrities
and staying in five star hotels. While I do get to
travel a lot and have met many interesting people,
the truth of the matter is that there have also been
a few unexpected things that also come along with
the title. There is a lot of work the goes on behind
the scenes to all the images that you see in print
and online.
Here's a breakdown of the top five unexpected
things I have had to learn:
1. Time management is a balancing act
People do not realise, and I don't think even I
realised prior to winning, how just much of my time
is taken up with public / corporate engagements.
Please don't get me wrong, I am very fortunate to
be invited to a variety of events and I am truly
grateful for the way that the public have embraced
me and offered their supported. No two days are
ever the same, and sometimes I also attend a
number of events per day.
Further, plenty of planning and preparation goes
into the organising of the charity events I host,
where I need to identify what I want to do, get the
necessary sponsors onboard, arrange for media
coverage and to involve the public where possible.
The media has shown great interest since the start
of my Mr. SA journey and I try to still conduct as
many interviews as possible to share what is
happening on this life-changing journey.
And let's not forget that I am also need to make
sure that I lead a balanced lifestyle (and keep to my
strict eating plan) and keep my followers updated
on what I am busy with on my various social media
platforms. Plus there is also my family and friends
who I want to spend time with and somewhere in
all of the above I try to get some sleep.
I am a very busy, busy man ;)
2. Being in the public eye
In the days after I was chosen as Mr SA, I came to
realise that I was now considered the 'property' of
South Africa. I believe that there is a certain image
that public has of a Mr SA which they think should
be portrayed at all times.
What they might not always understand is that due
to our busy schedules and the number of events
we have to attend, there are certain days when I
need to take it easy and perhaps dress down a bit.
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91
Your personal life should never interfere with
that of Mr SA. Remember that regardless of
how you are feeling that day, what you create
or impart is a representation of who you are,
your knowledge, talent, efforts, and skills. The
more lives you touch, the bigger your potential
impact on the world around you!
Being in the public eye puts you in a position
where you can have great power, but
simultaneously puts you in a position of great
vulnerability. Being in the public eye has the
potential to elevate what you do to a whole
new level, internally, externally and in your
chosen path, you are overall an ambassador for
the country. I try to represent the Mr SA brand
to the best of my ability at all possible times
and I sincerely hope this can be seen.
3. Expenses associated with being Mr SA
I have incredible sponsors who have come
onboard my journey and who do look after me,
taking a huge load off my shoulders. Some of
my amazing sponsors include an airline sponsor
FlySafair, a clothing sponsor Brands Luv U, a
skincare sponsor Dr. Gobac, a hair sponsor Gary
Rom, a shoe sponsor Anton Fabi and a cell
phone sponsor HTC South Africa.
Even though Mr SA is my full time job, I do not
earn a salary as with day to day jobs. As all of
my sponsorships are restricted to a certain
extent and due to my extremely busy schedule I
sometimes find myself exceeding these
sponsorships whereas I need to take on extra
expenses not catered for by anyone else, such
as additional flights and car hire when
travelling.
I am truly grateful for all my sponsors that are
so accommodating on this journey, who are
always prepared to lend a helping hand and
support my causes. I try and be as involved as
possible, and try and attend every event /
function I get invited to. I’ve realised that you
might not know what can come from an event
and who you might just meet. This journey has
taken me incredible places the past few months,
which is why I don't mind the extra expense as I
know it will all be worth it in the end.
4. Ours is a country in need of a hand up
from its citizen
Another unexpected surprise to me has been
how big the need in our country really is, the
need for care, love and also assistance. I've
always being involved with charity work and
knew that there were a lot of causes and
people who needed assistance, but never that
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realised that the need is as big as I’ve
experienced the past few months.
I’ve seen and experienced places and things,
which I never thought I would ever experience.
My title has allowed me to travel to various
regions and communities, experiencing the
need on a firsthand basis and being faced with
what some do on a daily basis. This has really
opened my eyes a lot and has made me look at
things differently.
I think that we can all help in making a
difference as every little bit helps. It is my goal
as Mr SA to leave a legacy behind that when I
look back in a year's time I will be able to
honestly say that I have contributed to making
the lives of others easier.
5. The perfect selfie smile
I am always up for a good photo or selfie, but
another surprise is the number of photos
people want to take with me at events. I am
going to have to start extending my stays to
events by up to 30 minutes just to
accommodate photo sessions .
With that said, it’s still an overwhelming
moment, and I am truly grateful for the amazing
support, from everyone.
Exclusive
MPSAmag.com
Readers offer: only R1,000
for 3-outfit portfolio shoot!
T&C apply
smile@dawidroux.com I +27 (0) 71 889 4664 I www.dawidroux.com
Golden
Boys
of the
PRISM
Awards
94
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T
he PRISA Prism Awards celebrate
and recognise the work of
communications professionals that have
exceeded the benchmarks set for
strategic business objectives through the
work delivered in the past year.
Adding to the 24 PRISA Prism awards
over the past four years, PR Worx walked
away with two additional awards for their
integrated communication activities for
the Mr South Africa brand, receiving a
bronze award for ‘Community Relations’
and securing a glimmering gold award
for the ‘PR on a Shoestring’ categories.
Approached in 2014 to manage an
integrated communications campaign for
the Mr SA brand on a pro-bono basis and
with the knowledge that there would
literally be no budget to work with, PR
Worx accepted the challenge. Geared
with determination and drive, the team
worked relentlessly and developed the
Mr SA Men of Honour campaign to not
only elevate the Mr SA brand, but to
bring about a real and positive difference
in the lives of those who need guidance
and help the most in our country.
Desktop research shows that South Africa
has approximately 3,7 million orphans
and about 150,000 children are believed
to be living in child-headed households.
UNICEF also reported that on average
50,000 children are victims of crime
yearly, with sexual offences constituting
about 40 percent of these cases. With a
legacy of high levels of domestic
violence, substance abuse, sexual abuse
and neglect, SA’s children are in
desperate need of role models: Men of
Honour.
PR Worx saw this as an opportunity to
reposition Mr South Africa and highlight
the fact that the Top 50 contestants are
truly 'Men of Honour' wanting to make a
difference. Taking the slogan beyond lip
service and employing it into the very
essence of the brand, the agency created
a platform that the contestants and all
South Africans could be proud of.
The Men of Honour campaign went
beyond traditional PR tactics, creating a
social movement among contestants and
South Africans to fight for human dignity,
stand up for social injustice and make a
real and tangible difference in the lives of
those who need guidance and direction
the most.
The judges agreed that the campaign
made a substantial impact: “The
opportunity to promote the Mr SA
campaign at a minimal budget could not
have prepared the owners for what PR
Worx delivered! The creative choice to link
the title to “Men of Honour” and create
massive community involvement as a
result thereof was brilliant and made
things happen from the start of the
campaign. Extensive research was
concentrated on the options for
meaningful community outreach projects
to connect to the brand.
These insights drove most of the campaign
and the impact it had on society. Sound
connections made with a range of charity
and community outreach projects, raising
the profile of the brand to new heights. All
audiences were clearly defined. The
agency outlined four key objectives, each
clearly defined and linked these with
SMART goals and targets. In the same
matrix each measurement target is
presented with its final real outcome. The
execution is represented by far too many
attachments to illustrate what transpired
in the unfolding of the event! All desired
outcomes were clearly exceeded and
reported on in unambiguous detail to
justify not only their original targets but
also the very impressive final results.
Excellent execution and measurement of
an outstanding campaign worthy of gold!”
“Our success on this campaign was a
result of a sterling team effort! I am not
only referring to the PR Worx team who
worked relentlessly to reposition the Mr
South Africa brand, but also the client
who gave us carte blanche to execute a
PR programme that would span all
stakeholders, the 50 incredible finalists
who accepted every challenge we put
forward and gave it their all to help uplift
the brand, to the tremendous support of
the general public and the media who
helped make our jobs so much easier,”
concludes Chantal Riley, Account Director
of PR Worx.
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By Thandokazi Mashalaba
If you thought the world of
pageantry only hosted beauty
without brains, think again. The
industry is welcoming more
successful, articulate and
intelligent men than ever before
– and no-one is complaining.
In today’s day and age, looks
alone don’t add value to titles in
pageantry. It comes down to not
only how photogenic you are in a
picture, but how dedicated you
are to making the country a
better place as a representative
in it. Be it by means of your
eight-to-five or the work you do
in the community, a worthy title
holder needs to bring more to
the table than their pretty face.
and the Mr SA platform to
highlight social issues and
encourage others to make a
difference in other people’s lives.
A true ‘Man of Honour’ for our
country. But du Plessis is not the
only one associated with the
brand who is presenting big
shoes to fill.
A worthy contender in the 2014
Mr SA competition, Ditiro
Rantloane, is a senior analyst at
one of the top banks in South
Africa and has a solid business
background. While Rantloane did
not place during the finals, his
presence certainly demanded
some attention during the
competition.
For him, the fact that you are
alive simply means that God still
has a plan for you, and that it is
your duty to identify and follow
that plan which is where your
passion will be invigorated. Some
powerful reasoning that he still
carries with him to make a
change, even after the pageant
has ended.
Moral of the story; pageants are
no longer the “it” event for the
boy next door. Pageants are
welcoming more men on stage
that bring about meaningful
change to the communities that
they live in.
If you are a gent entering a
pageant – no matter how big or
The Mr South Africa brand in its
His professional background as
small –what is your prerogative
own right has also shifted its
well as his passion to make an
with the platform? Will you
focus to showcasing men of
impact on "social patterns" that
simply use it to showcase your
honour, who are both beautiful
are omitted in South Africa was
beauty, or will you actually use it
and committed to effecting real
what drove him on. Areas such as to effect some good?
change. These are men who have financial fitness/intelligence
the full package.
amongst young graduates, the
Only when we ask ourselves what
power of personal branding and success in pageantry looks like,
Current 2014 title holder, Armand how to instil self-belief in order
will we value the meaning of our
du Plessis recently completed his to unleash one's innate potential, title.
second law degree, and is using
were where his passion lies.
his knowledgeable background
On a more direct level, Rantloane
wanted to use the Mr SA
platform to engage in
conversation with young men
who mostly grew up "fatherless", to demonstrate to them
that you can be the man you are
destined to be.
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Well there is little doubt that
winter is well on its way and
this means it's time for that
traditional seasonal wardrobe
swop over where we say good
by to shirt sleeve shorts,
board shorts and flops, and
hello to jackets, closed shoes
and scarves.
With men's trends becoming
as fashionable as women's, it's
little wonder that the
opposite sex are equally
eager to see how to stay en
pointe this winter season.
The majority of fall menswear
collections that were shown at
a variety of Fashion Weeks
showcased muted colour
palettes and appeared to
resurrect past trends,
including puffy jackets and
fair isle prints. Sweatpants
even made their way onto the
runway.
So what are the key things
you need to take note of this
season?
You can wear any colour, as
long as it’s grey
By far and away the most
popular colour at the runway
shows was grey. Not too
unusual for the cold weather
collections you might think,
but this season it’s the way it
was styled from tailoring to
tracksuit bottoms that
boosted it into trend territory:
with as many other shades of
grey as possible.
Channel your inner WWII
pilot
Another popular outerwear
trend for this season is the
shearling-lined coats that look
like the classic bombardier
jackets pilots wore during
WWII. The look is rugged and
manly, but is best kept to
your weekend wear or worn
on a chilly weekend getaway.
Lumber-jack up!
Flannel isn't only for
outdoorsy men or
lumberjacks anymore - it also
works in the city when you
pair it with leather like the
designers at Marc by Marc
Jacobs. It's a versatile material
that looks good whether it's
on shirts, outerwear, or coldweather accessories. The
more flannel the better this
season.
Layer-up your knits
Layering is, of course, the top
priority when the weather
turns cold. However, if you
want to layer and still be
considered fashionable you
need to layer your jersey over
another. The easiest way to
do this is to invest in a thin
merino wool polo neck and
slip it under your thicker knits.
Pockets are getting
supersized
Good news for guys who hate
always have to keep their
wallets and keys in the
significant other's bag when
they go out, is that pockets
are going to be bigger than
ever (think iPad Mini sized at
a minimum). Not only that,
but they’re going to be the
focus of your next piece of
outerwear, cut from
conspicuously contrasting
fabrics and sewn on in
prominent positions.
Give shoes the boot
Boots are the biggest thing in
footwear this season. Hiking
boots, military boots, dress
boots – you name it, it's in
fashion! And yes, you can find
dress boots so there is no
excuse for pairing your suits
with your muddy hikers!
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Socially
Speaking
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Should you apply concealer
over or under foundation?
How do I get rid of baggy or
puffy under eyes?
In general, you should always put
foundation on first, then layer on
concealer. For example, if you
want to downplay a zit,
foundation goes first, then dab on
a blemish cover-up as preapplied
cover-up would smear right off
during foundation application.
The same technique goes for
covering redness around your
nose, except that you'd use a
regular formula. An exception: To
hide under-eye circles, use only
concealer, applied with either your
finger or a synthetic brush, not
foundation.
Use what the models use,
Preparation H cream — it really
does work! If you prefer
something that says “used for
eyes” (not haemorrhoids), then
you might like Garnier Caffeine
Roll-On for eyes or just good ol'
plain, raw potato slices. Place
potato slices (thin) on your
eyelids for 10 minutes and then
lightly remove; they also lighten
circles!
I have course eyebrows and would like
to soften them. Any suggestions?
Yes, I do, and it is so simple. All you need
is some castor oil and a ear bud. Dab on
oil with the ear bud and apply to brow. By
doing this every day, you can train unruly
brows and condition them at the same
time. While you’re at it, apply to eyelashes
and it deepens the colour without having
to wear mascara. (Be careful of eye area
though.)
And dark circles under my
eyes?
Here are some natural remedies
for dark circles under the eyes:
one is bananas— the potassium
helps eliminate circles under
your eyes; the second is by
using real lemon juice and
honey—it’s a natural lightener
as well. Mix one tablespoon of
lemon with four teaspoons of
honey. Smooth on dark spots or
under eyes, wait 15 minutes,
and rinse clean. Please be sure
to wear sunscreen.
Are you supposed to line your entire eye or just the outer corners?
There are no strict rules; both effects work beautifully but for different
occasions. Lining just the outer corners gives you a wide-eyed quality that's
right for day. "Rimming your whole eye adds intensity, drama and more of a
night time feel," says New York City makeup artist, Barbara Fazio.
Remember to apply the liner close to your lash roots to make your lashes
look thicker. Pencil liner works perfectly for pulling off both effects, but liquid
liner is better suited for lining the whole eye.
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Seen at Miss & Mr Rand Show
Photo credit: Al Bishop
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David Tlale at the 2015 Design Indaba
Photo credit: Simon Deiner / SDR Photo