#HERSlay: Inspirational South African Fashion Brand Owners
In South Africa there are many creative and innovative women who have put their dreams into reality and are now fashion brand owners. A lot of them inspire me as I once had a passion for fashion and would love to one day have a brand of my own. In high school I took consumer studies as one of my subjects and our practicals would require us to sow. My love for making clothing erupted from then onwards and I sometimes make my own clothes.
Here is my top 3 list of fashion brand owners that inspire me and a little background about who they are and what their fashion senses are.
Nhlanhla Nciza [@nhlanhla_nciza]
NN Vintage is a bright and bold African design fashion brand founded by Nhlanhla Nciza. NN Vintage reflects Nhlanhla’s unique style and passion for traditional African wear but with a contemporary twist to it, I love African prints and Nhlalnhla has a unique way of mixing bright colours and still have it not look too “loud”. Her line of African-chic dresses, peplum tops, skirts and pants is inspired by fashion from the 1940s to the 80s. Most of the way I dress is also inspired by the 80’s and the 90’s. You may find her clothing at her online store on Facebook and Instagram.
Lola Kyle [@lolakyle]
Lola Kyle is a social media influencer and host. Apparelbykyle is one of my favourites because she caters to millennials she makes tracksuit pants, tops, basketball shorts, biker tights, body suits, crop tops, normal T-shirts and oversized T-shirts.That is normally my dress code on a typical, regular day. As a student these clothes are presentable and still allow you to be comfortable at an affordable price. You can pre-order all merchandise on Lola’s Instagram page and clothing page @apparelbykyle.
Nozipho Zulu [@nozipho_zulu_]
Nozipho Zulu the owner of ZeeShop is one of the fashion designers that inspires me the most, she was born and raised in KwaZulu Natal and just like me loves creating elegant clothing that allow you to be comfortable, there is nothing I love more than to be comfortable in my clothes, I don’t like clothing that fits too tight.
Nozipho caters for people like me and her goal is comfortability whilst still feeling glamorous. If you do wish to access or buy any of her merchandise you can find her online store at www.zeeshop.co.za or at her physical shop in Sandton.
There are many more South African brand owners that are creative and talented like the women I have mentioned in this article but, the ones I have mentioned above influence my sense of style and I find inspiration in all of them. They are living testimony that dreams do come true.
Esoteric Babe Nqobile xx
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Hi weirdos,
It’s been a rough start to the year for me. I left my iPod in the pockets of my shorts and put those in the wash and well that was the end of my longest relationship(7 years). About a week later, my laptop switched off and wouldn’t turn back on, I suspected I needed a new hard drive. I took it in for fixing and ta-da it turns on, the technician must have had a magic touch. It may have just been overloaded, it needed a break, maybe I did too.
Of course, you know we are approaching Day Zero which is when Cape Town will soon run out of water and I am quite scared. But today, we are going to chat about my favourite skincare brand manufactured in South Africa – Kikibeauty. I received 4 of their products last year just before my exams and I have been testing them out ever since. This post has been a long time coming but without further ado, let’s get into it.(Grab your coffee/tea, it is a bit lengthy!)
Kiki Beauty is a new and exciting innovative skincare brand. They create high quality skincare and cosmetics product. Kiki describes themselves as a brand with a fresh South African perspective to suit our diverse cultural skincare needs. They currently have 3 ranges.
MAKE-UP READY RANGE
This range will prolong your makeup wear time, refresh and revive your skin. I received the moisturiser, setting spray and primer from this range. I will write my thoughts on these below.(Spoiler, they are amazing!)
SKINCARE RANGE
The skincare range used active natural ingredients to help your skin rejuvenate and replenish its needs. They have expanded this range and I am so excited to try their new products out.
BODYCARE RANGE
Kiki aims at giving you the full body experience, this range aids in smoothing and restoring the skin of the body whilst making you feel like you are at a spa. It energises the skin and has natural fragrances that take you indulge all your senses.
MISSION STATEMENT(from their website)
“KiKi Beauty is dedicated to creating premium products with top high-end ingredients imported from overseas. Our goal is to bring South Africa a brand which rivals any exclusive international brand in terms of packaging, product range, and ingredients. We aim to take you with us on a complete sensory journey which differs with each one of our distinctive products. Our cosmetics are manufactured in small batches to bring you unique hand-crafted artisan skin care products with a personal, creative touch.
All our products are Paraben Free, Sulphate Free, Mineral Oil Free, Petrolatum Free, Cruelty-free, Made in South Africa. KiKi is all about You, Beautiful You.”
Natural Radiance Moisturiser
This is a small tube of pure delight for your skin. I have found this moisturiser to be very hydrating yet non-greasy or oily looking on the skin. I used this throughout winter and never really reached for any other cream as I felt this provided the best moisture. The skin looks radiant and healthy when you use this and it provides a little tackiness for your make up for apply to it well and last longer.
The key ingredients are Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) – helps to revive skin’s healthy tone and texture. Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima Oil) – Rejuvenates skin and helps to improve skin elasticity. Hydrolysed Candida Saitona Extract – helps to detoxify and repair skins. Allantoin – Soothes and softens skin and provides moisture.
The consistency is not thick nor thin but a little sure does go a long way. It doesn’t leave behind the white cast that other creams do. It is non-sticky and has a pleasant fragrance. I would prefer a pump packaging because some of the cream does end up in the cap however it is the perfect size to carry in my handbag. All of Kiki’s minimalistic packaging is quite appealing, I love how clean the look is, it looks great on my vanity. I am almost all out of this moisturiser and trying to save the last bits, it’s that good! When you are testing a few products and keep reaching for one in particular then you know you really love it. I would recommend it for all skin types but do bear in mind you will need to use it with sunscreen as it does not contain SPF. It retails for R360 for 50ml.
Face Primer
The packaging of this is so sleek and inviting, it’s a twist cap and has a pump that dispenses the product. Of course, I didn’t see the twist label and everyone told me on Instagram haha(blonde moment). Somehow I managed to break it and it doesn’t twist back into the holding when its closed, silly Dhanusha, always breaking things. Anywho, the primer is very moisturising, it has a slightly thick consistency and tackiness and applies quite smoothly. It does help blur out my pores and blemishes and looks great even without makeup.
The key ingredients are: Oat Kernel Extract (Avena Sativa Extract) – Improves make-up hold and can act as an anti-aging agent, Sodium Hyaluronate – allows it to penetrate into the skin and effectively bind to water to keep the skin moisturised, Glycerin – natural substance present in the body which conditions and softens the skin.
It does help keep my makeup in place for longer than usual and does not contain silicone nor fragrance. This retails for R395 for 50ml. If you are looking for a hydrating primer, I would definitely recommend this.
Setting Spray
If you have heard of Kikibeauty before you would know they are best known for their setting sprays. I can attest to why, it feels instantly refreshing on the skin, removes cakiness and locks in moisture. This does not leave my side whether I am wearing makeup or not, I carry it everywhere. I use it before makeup, after applying makeup and to refresh during the day. I also apply it to my fan brush and eyeshadow brushes to intensify the highlight and the shadows if they are shimmers.
The important ingredients here are: cucumber extract- soothes skin and provides antioxidants to help prevent aging. Cucumber extract also has the ability to retain moisture in the skin and so prevent moisture loss. Ginseng extract can help to repair and boost the skin resulting in a healthy and radiant complexion. It contains rose and geranium essential oil and I love the smell!
This does work in conjunction with the primer to keep your makeup in place. My make up last around 8-10 hours with this setting spray. It is quite a fine mist but I do tap it into my skin. I recommend this for oily and dry skin types, I have reached for any other setting spray since I got this. Currently on 50% sale for R115 for 100ml.
Volcanic Gold Body Exfoliator
I have only used this a few times last year as we are only allowed to have one minute showers at the moment in Cape Town. It smells divine and feels quite luxurious on the skin. It contains gold particles and is quite grainy, it removes dead skin cells effectively and feels revitalising on the skin. The formula is not too thick so it can spread easily on the skin. The skin feels hydrated, smooth and soft after using it.
The key ingredients are: Argilla/Montmorillonite/Kaolin/Mica – Natural black mineral clay that helps to detox skin and control oil. Rice Powder (Oryza Sativa Germ Powder) – natural exfoliant which helps to remove dead skin cells, Fine Salt (Sodium Chloride) – Natural exfoliant which brightens and polishes skin., Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides – Plant oils which moisturise, soften and condition the skin.
If you are looking for a body scrub that is rich and nourishing I definitely recommend this. It’s currently also 50% off for R299 for 175ml.
Overall thoughts
Kikibeauty products, packaging, and service are outstanding. I love a brand that delivers all that its claims too. They use 99% natural ingredients and are cruelty-free. They are not yet affilaited with Beauty Without Cruelty as it is a long process but they can assure us that no animal testing occurs. All their products are vegan besides the Almond & Avocado moisture mask as well as Rose wax lip balm(contains beeswax.) They are also locally manufactured which is a bonus! Next, I want to try the eye renewal cream, jelly cleanser, rose dew setting spray and rose wax lip balm. Actually, I want everything from their store and they are also making beauty products in the future! I cannot wait to see what they produce next…
THEY ARE HAVING A 50% SALE ON MOST OF THEIR PRODUCTS SO CHECK IT OUT HERE
It ends on 1st February so hurry!
Let me know if you have tried any of Kikibeauty products and what you think of them?
Happy skin, happy life 🙂
xx Miss Dhanusha
South African skincare brand review – Kikibeauty Hi weirdos, It's been a rough start to the year for me. I left my iPod in the pockets of my shorts and put those in the wash and well that was the end of my longest relationship(7 years).
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