Feeling the financial pinch? You’re not alone. It’s been a tough year and the vast effects of the national lockdown meant South Africans have had to tighten their belts. For some, this means giving up their routine salon appointments. The good news… it’s still possible to enjoy the results of your favourite treatment at home.
While you may not get to experience the indulgence associated with visiting a salon, you’ll still get to look your best while enjoying the results at a fraction of the regular cost. Here’s how to perform your favourite beauty and grooming treatments at home.
Manicures
A home manicure is easier to achieve that you may think, but in order to get your nails looking as great as they do after a visit to the salon, you need to ensure they are healthy and strong. We recommend using home treatment products such as Kiss’s Diamond Strengthener Treatment and Kiss Nail and Cuticle Oil.
Even if you can’t paint your nails neatly, you can still have perfectly manicured hands by making use of stick-on nails. If you love a gel manicure at the salon, you will adore the Kiss Gel Fantasy Nails. Think of them as a ready-to-wear gel manicure and is available in an assortment of fashion accents and glitter designs. If the classic look is more your thing, then the Kiss Everlasting French Nails will be right up your alley. They’re available in short and medium length, and should last for at least seven days.
Teeth whitening
Professional teeth whitening at a dentistry practice yields amazing results, but it does not come cheap. Teeth whitening kits, toothpastes and other products intended for home use have come a long way. It is now possible to safely and effectively whiten teeth by more than one shade using home care products. While the products deliver satisfying results, they are not dangerous when used as intended, which means you won’t end up hurting your teeth or gums if you follow the instructions correctly.
Originally developed for makeup artists who looked after the on-screen appearance of models and film actors, White Glo has a vast range of home care products available to whiten teeth from the comfort of your home. Try White Glo Deep Stain Remover Toothpaste Charcoal for sensitive teeth, a whitening toothpaste that removes fussy stains and discolouration for a brighter, happier smile. White Glo Charcoal Deep Stain Remover Activated Charcoal Strips can remove up to 10 years of stain in just seven days with long lasting results.
White Glo’s Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder uses the natural elements of activated charcoal to clean and whiten teeth. The highly absorbent activated charcoal draws out stubborn stains, traps colour particles, fights bad breath and whitens teeth enamel. Biorepair® Pro White Toothpaste returns the natural white of your smile. Using an innovative PVP whitening technology, it restores the natural whiteness of teeth.
Hair treatment
The key to perfecting a home hair treatment is to be patient and follow the instructions. Many of us don’t wait a full 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing the product, and end up washing it off before it’s had time to do its job. Read the instructions on the jar carefully before deciding to go ahead, as you need to budget enough time. The great thing about home hair treatments is that there is one available for every hair type and concern.
Some options to try include:
Marc Anthony Hydra Lock Conditioning Treatment goes deep to penetrate every strand for a splash of hydration. It goes to work in as little as five minutes.
Cantu Shea Butter Grow Strong Strengthening Treatment is specially formulated to restore lost moisture and leave hair softer and more resilient.
The Perfect Hair Mango & Marula Detangling Deep Conditioner Packet is a creamy, rich conditioner, enriched with mango butter and marula, coconut and castor oil to condition and soften the hair with an intense moisture boost.
HASK Shea Butter & Hibiscus Oil Anti-frizz Deep Conditioner replenishes moisture and restore strength in damaged strands with this conditioning treatment.
Crème of Nature’s Argan Oil Perfect 7™ is a 7-in-1 miracle leave-in treatment mask infused with Argan Oil and conditioning agents such as Pro-Vitamin B-5 and Silk Amino Acids for beautiful, healthy hair with shine.
A glowing tan
Everyone knows that the only safe tan is a faux tan and that spending hours in the sun perfecting that sun-kissed look is no longer an option. While a salon tan is convenient, there are some fantastic home tanning products you can use to achieve the same result.
Newly launched in SA, St Moritz produces self-tan products that are easy to use and yield a stunning result. Their Gradual Tanning Lotion gradually builds a natural glowing tan while moisturising the skin. This is a great product for beginners and offers a subtle glow. You could also try Australian Gold’s Gradual Sunless Lotion, which offers buildable colour that can be used daily for streak-free perfection.
If you’re after more intense colour, you may want to try St Moritz’s Tanning Mousse in Medium or Dark. These products offer an instant bronzing effect and a natural-looking glow. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and body when going outside. Try Piz Buin’s Allergy Face Cream SPF 50 and Piz Buin’s Light Hydrating Spray SPF 30.