At the South African Film and Television Awards 2026, Thuso Mbedu wore two distinct hairstyles on the red carpet, each shaping the overall look in a different way. Captured by RTC Studios, the images place a clear focus on how variation in hair design can influence proportion, balance and visual direction.

Thuso Mbedu – Instagram

The first hairstyle focuses on volume. A full, rounded afro extends outward, creating width around the face and shoulders. The density is consistent, with no visible gaps, creating a defined outline. This emphasises natural texture with a controlled finish, making the style appear intentional. The width of the afro creates a broad shape, which becomes the dominant visual element from the front and slightly softens the structure of the outfit beneath.

Thuso Mbedu – Instagram

The second hairstyle is more structured and directional. The hair is shaped upward into a defined loop, reducing width while adding height. Styled by Kevin Takudzwa, the look shifts the balance upward, drawing attention to the face and neckline. The shape is compact and controlled, maintaining form without stiffness. This approach changes how the overall look is read, with the emphasis placed more on height than spread.

Thuso Mbedu – Instagram

Make-up by Nonifemi Makeup remains consistent, keeping focus on the hairstyles. Skin is even-toned with a subtle glow.
Together, the two styles highlight contrast in approach. One relies on outward volume and width, while the other focuses on height and structure. With the emphasis on hair, these looks show how different treatments of natural texture can create clearly distinct results on the same red carpet, while also reflecting Mbedu’s ease with exploring varied styling directions.

Bell pepper has been in several skincare conversations due to its health benefits. Some people believe it can brighten skin and slow aging. But is this true, or is it just another skincare myth?

Bell peppers are rich in nutrients that are important for skin health. Nutrition research shows that bell peppers contain vitamin C and other antioxidants. These compounds help protect the body from stress.

Studies show bell peppers contain large amounts of antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids. They are good in removing free radicals in the body. Because of this, nutrients found in bell peppers support healthier looking skin.

Bell Pepper: Getty images

Another benefit of bell pepper is its anti-inflammatory properties. Laboratory research on bell pepper extracts suggests it has compounds that stops irritation and acne. This means foods with these compounds contribute to overall skin wellness.

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Medical research explains that beta carotene supports cell growth. They are nutrients that help maintain skin renewal processes, which makes the skin brighter. Carotenoids found in peppers provide little protection against environmental damage.

However, this is where the “miracle” claim lacks substance. Most scientific evidence is on the nutritional benefits of eating bell peppers, not applying them to the skin. Dermatology research strongly supports vitamin C in skincare, but in formulated serums not raw food benefit. Raw bell pepper applied to the face may irritate sensitive skin in some people. Medical sources also note that capsicum extracts irritate eyes and skin when used wrongly.

Bell Pepper:Getty Images

There is also no strong clinical evidence proving that bell pepper masks can remove dark spots and reverse aging. Many online claims are based on personal experiences not scientifically.

So, is bell pepper skincare a myth or does it work? The answer is that bell peppers benefit skin health through nutrition. Eating them regularly contributes to overall skin wellness thanks to vitamins and anti-inflammatory compounds but it is not a skincare product.

Autumn light is softer, but ultraviolet exposure doesn’t decrease significantly. UVB, the type linked to sunburn, decreases, yet UVA remains consistent through cloud cover and cooler temperatures. UVA is responsible for pigmentation, uneven tone, and long-term skin ageing. So the question isn’t whether to wear sunscreen in autumn, but which ingredients are doing the real work.

Dermatology-backed features and beauty publications emphasise that effectiveness comes down to UV filters, not the SPF number on the front of the bottle. In autumn, the focus shifts to filters that can handle persistent UVA exposure.

Photo – Instagram

Zinc oxide remains the most reliable filter. It covers both UVA and UVB without needing support from other filters. For everyday wear, whether commuting, sitting near windows, or spending time outdoors, it is one of the few ingredients that delivers full-spectrum protection. It is also well tolerated across skin types.

Titanium dioxide often appears alongside it, but offers less complete UVA coverage. It performs well against UVB and shorter UVA rays, yet it doesn’t fully cover the longer UVA wavelengths that are still active in autumn. On its own, it leaves gaps. In combination formulas, however, it strengthens overall coverage and improves wearability, especially in lighter textures.

Photo – Instagram

Among chemical filters, avobenzone remains one of the few ingredients that properly targets UVA. Its main limitation is that it can break down when exposed to sunlight. Modern formulations address this by pairing it with stabilising filters, helping it remain effective longer. When formulated well, it becomes a key component in broad-spectrum sunscreens that feel lighter on the skin than mineral-only options.

Current formulations increasingly use newer-generation filters such as bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S) and diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (often listed as Uvinul A Plus). These are designed to be photostable, meaning they do not degrade as quickly under UV exposure. They offer more consistent protection throughout the day, which is useful in autumn when reapplication habits tend to become less consistent.

Photo – Instagram

It is also important to identify filters that provide limited UVA protection. Ingredients like octinoxate, homosalate, and octisalate mainly boost SPF by targeting UVB. They contribute to preventing sunburn but do not offer meaningful UVA protection. This explains why a sunscreen may appear effective but underperform in real conditions, where UVA is the dominant concern.

In South Africa, this distinction is especially relevant. Even outside peak summer months, UV levels remain relatively high compared to many other regions. Clear autumn days, reflective surfaces, and time spent outdoors all increase exposure. Pigmentation concerns, whether from sun exposure or post-inflammatory marks, are more likely to persist when UVA protection is inconsistent.

Photo – Instagram

Seasonal changes do not require a different sunscreen. Instead, the priority should be on ingredients that maintain broad-spectrum coverage and remain stable on the skin.

The ingredients that actually work in autumn are those that provide consistent broad-spectrum protection year-round. Zinc oxide for dependable coverage, titanium dioxide as support, avobenzone when stabilised properly, and newer filters designed for longevity. Other filters play a supporting role. This determines how effective a sunscreen is during autumn.