FASHION
IOL
The love issue
Content
Luxury bath time ♥ Love your skin masks ♥ Scent of a woman ♥ Evening-out date look ♥ The perfect outdoor date look ♥ A little something sexy ♥ Male grooming for date night ♥ Perfect gifts of love
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EDITOR Geraldine Cupido geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE EDITOR Nelandri Narianan nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za
PRODUCTION Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni@africannewsagency.com
DESIGN Dimpho Mokhoanatsi dimpho.mokhoanatsi@inl.co.za
SALES Charl Reineke charl@africannewsagency.com Kyle Villet kyle.villet@africannewsagency.com ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
Editor’s note
VALENTINE’S Day has come and gone but love is still in the air. When
you meet a person who makes you smile more or brightens up your day with a simple text saying, “Hello”, you do anything and everything to make THEM smile more and brighten up their day. Those first few months of a relationship are filled with romantic gestures, big or small. We always put our best foot forward, not because you have to, but because you want to continue to keep your partner happy. Guys will show up looking good, well groomed and smelling great, while ladies will take hours to pick out just the right outfit, matching sexy undies and every hair in place. As time goes by and couples become more comfortable with each other, these little things slowly start to become less important. That’s by no means a bad thing. As love grows and couples get to know each other, it’s great to just be able to be more relaxed. Valentine’s Day and February – the month of love – is simply a time to remind each other of those early days. To celebrate your love journey. Those who are still in the beginning stage of a relationship, it’s the perfect time to go all out and if you haven’t had the courage to approach the person you’ve been crushing on, this is your chance. My fondest Valentine’s Day memories come from my high school years. Receiving a rose from a secret admirer or a giant teddy bear from the boy you hoped liked you back. And, of course, you got to wear red and white, which in hindsight, was rather corny. Whether you’ve been married for 20 years or still celebrating monthly anniversaries, don’t wait for that one day of the year for a grand romantic gesture or to wear those sexy matching undies!
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Create your luxury bath
Since we started living in a pandemic, doing things yourself has become so much easier. Enjoy a night of pampering at home by turning your space into a mini spa. To create a romantic scene, make sure you light some scented candles before preparing these easy, luxurious baths
Bubbles Add more flair to your bubble bath by throwing in rose petals. If not, you can also add dried herbs, depending on your mood.
THOBILE MAZIBUKO thobile.mazibuko@inl.co.za
Muscle Bath Soak If you’re a vegan, we also have something that you will enjoy. The best part about this one is that it’s DIY. You will need 100g raw almonds, 20g citric acid, 100g baking soda, 200g salt, 200g Epsom salt and 5-10 drops of essential oils of your choice and dried herbs, or dried rose petals. METHOD Mill almonds for 5 seconds/speed 10 Add citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, salt, Epsom salt and mill for 10 seconds/speed 6. Add essential oil and mill for 20 seconds/speed 7 Add the herbs or rose petals and mix for 10 seconds/speed 1. Add it to your bath and relax. For colour, you can use Himalayan salt instead of table salt.
Bomb bath Did you know that you can make your bath fizz bombs using four simple ingredients? Well, what you will need is 100g baking soda, 20g citric acid, 2-3 drops of essential oil, water in a spray bottle and for a different look, you can also add food colouring. METHOD Add all the ingredients except water and mix for 20 seconds/speed 2. Spray water onto the mix, add only 3-4 sprays and mix for 10 seconds/speed 2. Pat the mixture into moulds and leave uncovered for 30 minutes Pack into small plastic bags When ready for your bath, throw it in the tub and enjoy. Source: The Cosmetic Chef
Facial masks to try THOBILE MAZIBUKO thobile.mazibuko@inl.co.za
Treat yourself to a self-care day. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean spending money. Go easy on the pocket and try out these DIY methods that will cheer you up and show yourself some love.
Gentle face polish You can use this one in three different ways; as a cleanser, exfoliator, or a powder-type face wash. You will need 60g almonds, 50g oats, 50g kaolin, 10g sodium bicarbonate and 2 teaspoons of citric acid. METHOD Add almonds and mill for 5 seconds/speed 10. Add oats and mill for 5 seconds/ speed 10. Add kaolin, sodium bicarbonate and citric acid and mix 10 seconds/speed 5. Pack into a plastic tub. If you want to use it as an exfoliator, add it to your face wash and as a cleanser, add glycerine before use to form a paste.0
Pineapple oatmeal enzyme mask The salon term for it is “fruit acid enzymatic peel” and to make it, you will only need 100g fresh pineapple cut into pieces, 2 tablespoons of oats and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. METHOD Add all the ingredients into a thermomix bowl and blend until it turns into a purée. Use immediately and leave for 15 minutes before rinse. This mask can last for about seven days in the fridge. So, if there is some left, refrigerate and use it one week later.
Activated charcoal mask It is one of the easy masks to make, but you have to make sure you use it immediately. You will need 2 teaspoons of charcoal powder, 2 teaspoons of kaolin, 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 20 grams of glycerine. METHOD Mix all the ingredients, apply it on a cleansed face and leave it for at least 15 minutes before rinse.
Edible lip scrub This one is not a face mask, but it’s something you might enjoy. You will need 100g of coconut oil and 50g of sugar. For some flavour, you can add strawberry essence, which will also help to give it colour. Mix everything into a thermomix bowl, stir and spoon into small jars. Use it as a lip exfoliator to keep your lips kissably smooth. Source: Conny Oberrauter
1. Givenchy Live Irresistable Delicieuse A truly alluring floral fruity fragrance that captivates the senses in a beautiful ode to life. A succulent platter of fruits opens with pineapple, grapefruit, rose petals and tangerine. Spicy pepper adds heat to the heart of rose and passionfruit. Finally a sweet base of praline accented by amber, orris root, vanilla, patchouli and musk.
2. Britney Spears VIP Private Show A floral, fruity fragrance for women. Top notes are mango, red apple and blood orange, middle notes are violet, orange blossom and magnolia, base notes are raspberry, amber, woody notes and musk.
3. Hugo Boss Hugo Extreme
1 Scent of a woman GERRY CUPIDO geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za
“No elegance is possible without perfume. It is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory.” – Coco Chanel THERE are days when I’ll have one foot out the front door and feel like I’m forgetting something. You know that feeling? That nagging feeling that you know that for you’re forgetting something. I do the usual checks: phone, money, mask, keys. Then just as I am about the lock the door I realise that I’m not wearing any perfume. Nothing will stop me from rushing back in just for a few spritz of my favourite perfume. The mood of the day. I’m one of those people who believes that no outfit is complete without perfume. The invisible accessory that I almost feel naked without. Your perfume is like a signature. Two woman could wear exactly the same perfume but it would smell different on the other. The perfume you wear is a subtle expression of mood and personality. When choosing a perfume think about the impact will have in others and the fragrant memory you leave behind.
A blend of refreshing black tea and a bouquet of delicate flowers. The irresistibly fruity scent of boysenberries with a hint of red Himalayan grasses guarantees adventurous freshness. This confident female fragrance suits the modern, self-determined HUGO woman perfectly with its many facets.
4. Michael Kors Sexy Ruby A Chypre Fruity fragrance for women. This is a new fragrance. Sexy Ruby was launched in 2017. Top notes are raspberry and apricot; middle notes are jasmine sambac and rose petals; base note is cashmere wood.
5. Rihanna Kiss Eau
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The fragrance is an elegant one of white flowers which is said to be expressing Rihanna’s radiant feminine power. Playful accords of juicy plums, flowers of freesia and Asian peony embody the spirit of Rihanna with a scent that allegedly enchants the senses.
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Date night GERRY CUPIDO geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za
ARMED with a mask and hand sanitizer, a date night is a once again a possibility. Holding hands across a tiny table for two, naughty whispers of after-dinner delights and admiring each other over the warm glow of candlelights. Quite often food is the last thing on your mind when you’re in a little love bubble even if you’re in a crowded restaurant. Of course a romantic dinner calls for a great date night outfit. An opportunity to get out of those sweatpants, tights and slippers and at least put on a bra and dust off those heels you haven’t worn in so long. Dressing up for a romantic date shouldn’t be stressful because your date will most like be staring into your eyes most of the night. So keep it simple and comfortable. One can never go wrong with black. It’s flattering to all and easy to dress up. Your accessories can change your look completely depending on what you’re in the mood for.
1. THE MAXI DRESS A long flowing maxi-dress is perfect if you’re looking for a more relaxed yet romantic look.
2. THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS Every woman has one of these in her closet. Show off those curves and a bit of leg if you’re looking for something a bit more sexy.
3. BLACK JUMPSUIT Most people think of jumpsuits as a more a day look but if dressed up with a pair of sexy heels and the right accessories it can easily be transformed into a comfy evening look.
WHETHER you’ve just met your dream guy or you are celebrating your 20th anniversary, February tends to bring out the romantic side of most people. Even those who say that it’s just a money-making scam, cave into buying the odd rose or a simple chocolate to say “I love you”. Pre-Covid, Valentine’s Day would usually mean squeezing into overbooked fancy restaurants or fighting for a good seat at a cinemas playing the romantic movie of the year. Even though restaurants are open again, many people will be celebrating the day of love away from the crazy crowds and opting for more intimate dates. A cosy dinner for two prepared with love at home is a great option for those who are in isolation. Outdoor dates are just as safe. Find a quiet spot on the beach or a comfy place under a shady tree and enjoy a picnic with your loved one. The great thing about outdoor dates is that you get to be comfortable and not have to dress up in formal evening wear with a full face of make-up. We’ve put together an outfit that you can rock on any outdoor date, look stylish and keep with a romance theme. The look below is classic, comfy and can be pulled off by anyone. Add a pair of practical nude block heels and a bug hat and you’re date-ready! Shop the look at: www. stylemode.co.za
Fadora Hat Paperbag Short
White Padded Top
Outdoor date look
GERRY CUPID0 geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za
Nude Block Heels
A little something sexy...
Lace Balconette Bra, Mr Price, R119.99
GERRY CUPID0 geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za
Red Lace Padded Underwire Bodysuit, Woolworths, R 499.00
IF YOU asked three different guys what style of lingerie makes their pulses race, you’ll be sure to get three different responses. While some guys love lots of lace and pretty frills, others prefer anything in racy red. Due to the lockdown, many couples spent Valentine’s Day indoors. Snuggles on the couch watching those romantic movies that the guys would otherwise avoid or spend quality time between the sheets. No matter what your indoor activity might be, nothing stops a girl from slipping out of those baggy sweatpants and into something sexy. Even if it’s just to cook a humble romantic dinner for two. No matter his lingerie preference, it’s the lady who needs to feel her hottest self when she struts around in her sexy undies. One look at Rihanna’s SavagexFenty Valentine’s collection and we see can that sexy lingerie come is all styles, shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a petite dominatrix or a voluptuous angel, there’s a look for every woman. Let’s look at the categories those hungry guys like so much and the looks us ladies are loving right now.
White Lace Push Up Bodysuit, La Senza, R1720,50
Pink Mesh with Butterfly Details Bra and Bottom Set, Lollipop Lingerie, R650
Sizzling red Red might be the colour of love but it’s just as much the colour of sizzling hot fire and all things spicy. Angelic white Naughty with a hint of innocence, lacy whites are a firm favourite. Powerful black If you’re feeling in the mood for a bit of power play, black satin will bring out the dominatrix in you. Pretty in pink This one is for the girly-girl who likes to keep things light and playful in the bedroom.
Grooming tips for men
THOBILE MAZIBUKO thobile.mazibuko@inl.co.za
GUYS, if you are planning on taking someone on a date, make sure you look and smell the part. If you were still clueless about how to impress your date, worry not because we got you covered.
Get a fresh cut
Tell your barber to give you a nice fade or whatever cut you’re comfortable with, depending on your preferred style but make sure to cut your hair.
Nourish your beard
If you have a big beard, nourish it with some oil and give it a nice comb. You can still go for a perfectly trimmed beard, the aim is to be as neat as possible.
Smell nice
Wear your best cologne. Before you can even speak, your scent must represent you. Avoid spraying it on your shirt as it might leave stains. It's best to apply it before you dress up.
Dress the part
Are you going out for dinner? please do away with wearing a football jersey. Wear trousers and a shirt. Even if you don’t like formal, but be smart. Also, make sure you pick the perfect shoe.
Get flowers
At least have a rose or flowers. Such a lovely gesture will make your date feel special. Just don't get there empty-handed. And more importantly, be confident.
The perfect gift GERRY CUPIDO geraldine.cupido@inl.co.za
IT’S FEBRUARY and every where you go, whether it’s virtual or physical, you simply cannot ignore the fact that it’s the month of love. With red hearts, cuddly teddies and sparkling jewels popping up everywhere, it’s pretty hard not to miss all the Valentine’s Day marketing. After spending all this time coming up with the perfect Christmas gift for your loved one, February brings along the challenge to find the perfect “gift of love.” A simple single long stemmed red rose will forever be a classic gesture of love. Present a woman with a red rose and she will always smile but sometimes a girl wants to know that her partner has put in a bit more thought into her love gift. It’s always a bit trickier for the ladies though. Guys are can be hard to shop for because a white plush teddy and a bunch of roses might not have the same effect. Here are some gifts ideas to brighten up her day and set the mood for romance.
Stealth Hornet Multiformat Stereo Gaming Headset
Pink Crocs Sandals
If your lady loves the outdoors or pottering around in the garden, then she’ll love the perfect pair of comfy yet stylish shoes to go with any outdoor activity. I love these electric pink Crocs sandals. Comfort, style and durable. Perfect for walks on the beach and a trip to the shops! Add a few Jibbitz charms for a personal touch. Shop: www.crocssa.co.za
Calvin Klein Eternity for Men
We all love a man who dresses well and smells great! Receiving perfume is always a treat. Buy your guy perfume the perfect for both you and him. You get to smell a perfume you love on him and he gets to enjoy making you swoon whenever he’s around. Shop: www.stylemode.co.za
Garmin Forerunner 35 GPS running watch
Signature chain necklace
Personalised gifts show that you’ve gone the extra mile to do something really special just for her. It’s one way to show her that she’s the only one for you by giving her something unique for her. Personalised jewellery, like a necklace or bracelet, is perfect. Shop: MeMi
Love it or hate it but guys, young and old, are addicted to online gaming. Yes of course it can be annoying listening to your guy yelling at the screen to people you cannot see. And of course with gaming comes gadgets and guys love gadgets! Shop: www.loot.co.za
A love mug
If you’re one of those guys who spoils your lady with coffee in bed in the mornings, this cute “love” mug will forever be her special mug. That of course can never be touched by anyone else. Shop: Woolworths
Everyone is on a fitness buzz these days. Whether it’s brisk walk in the mornings or a full-on workout in your backyard, people are finding ways to get fit and stay fit without having to step foot into the gym. Any guy getting into a fitness routine would love a fitness tracker device or watch. Shop: www.loot.co.za
