Beauty

Makeup Mistakes That Can Age You Without You Realising

Published

4 months ago

26 July 2025

You wake up early, fight off the winter chill, and sit down to do your face—foundation, brows, lipstick, the whole nine yards. But by the time you step into the office or get to brunch, someone asks if you’re tired. Worse, you look in the mirror and wonder why your skin feels heavier, older. The truth? Sometimes your makeup routine is doing you no favours.

Even with the best products, small missteps in technique or choice can add unnecessary years to your look. Here’s a breakdown of the most common makeup habits that might be making you look older than you feel—and how to fix them.

Using Too Much Foundation

There’s a difference between covering imperfections and hiding your whole face. Slathering on foundation to even out your skin tone can backfire—especially if the formula is too matte or thick. Heavy foundation tends to settle into lines and exaggerate dry patches, especially during Gauteng’s dry winter months.

Fix it: Choose a lightweight, buildable foundation and blend well. If your skin is dry, add a drop of moisturiser to your base before applying. Let your skin peek through. It looks fresher—and frankly, more expensive.

Skipping Primer or Using the Wrong Type

Primer might seem like a luxury step, but skipping it can ruin your finish. The wrong primer? Just as bad. A mattifying primer on dry or maturing skin can make your face look flat and drained.

Fix it: If your skin’s on the dry side, go for something hydrating with a soft glow. If you’re oily (especially in the Joburg heat), look for a balancing formula. The right primer makes all the difference.

Too Much Powder, Too Little Life

Powder has its place, but when overdone, it saps the life out of your skin. It can collect in laugh lines and under the eyes, making every tiny crease look like a canyon.

Fix it: Lightly dust powder only on areas that get shiny—usually the forehead, nose and chin. Avoid baking the under-eyes unless you’re walking a runway. A setting spray helps take down shine without drying you out.

Bright Under-Eyes Gone Wrong

Many people choose concealers that are way too light, hoping to brighten the under-eye area. The result? That odd ghostly glow in photos. Worse, thick concealer formulas often crease, drawing more attention to puffiness or fine lines.

Fix it: Go one shade lighter than your skin tone—not three. Warm up the area with a peachy or golden undertone if you have dark circles. And remember: less is more. Dab gently with your ring finger or a damp sponge.

Eyebrows That Are Too Harsh

Overdone brows can throw off your entire look. Dark, sharp lines can look severe—even intimidating. A common mistake is using black or dark brown on brows when your hair is lighter, or drawing them in like stamps.

Fix it: Use a brow pencil or powder that matches your hair—not your mascara. Go in with a light hand and build up slowly. Small, feathered strokes make your brows look more natural and flattering.

Blush Applied Too Low or Too Strong

Blush isn’t just about adding colour—it shapes your face. But placed too low or too close to your nose, it can pull your features down, making your face look longer and more tired.

Fix it: Smile and apply blush to the apples of your cheeks, blending upwards toward your temples. Soft coral or rosy tones work well on most skin tones. Think less “makeup” and more “healthy glow after a walk.”

Dry Lips + Matte Lipstick = Disaster

Matte lipsticks are beautiful, but they don’t play nice with dry or cracked lips. On unprepped lips, they settle into every crease and can make your mouth look smaller and older.

Fix it: Scrub your lips gently with a damp washcloth or lip scrub, then apply a balm. If you still want a matte finish, blot after applying instead of layering on too much. A dab of gloss in the centre adds a youthful, plumping effect.

Forgetting to Blend Neck and Jawline

One of the most obvious—and ageing—makeup mistakes is stopping foundation at your jawline. The harsh contrast between your face and neck screams “makeup,” no matter how flawless your base is.

Fix it: Take your foundation (or a bit of bronzer) down your neck and blend lightly into your hairline. Seamless is the goal.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Fresh, Not Fussy

Makeup shouldn’t feel like a mask. It should feel like you—just more polished. The good news is you don’t need a new makeup bag. Often, it’s just a tweak here or there: a softer brow, a lighter touch with powder, or choosing a better base for your skin.

As you get older, makeup isn’t about piling on more—it’s about knowing what to leave out.

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Beauty

Pamela Mtanga Cuts her Hair Pixie

Published

7 days ago

24 November 2025

Tega Ekeri

Pamela Mtanga’s new pixie cut comes at a time when she’s making several clear adjustments to how she presents herself, both personally and professionally. The change reads as a direct, confident choice from someone who understands hair deeply and doesn’t feel pressured by old expectations about how a public figure should look.

Her recent relaunch of Honey Comb Hair showed how much she values transparency and control in her work. She has spoken about wanting customers to receive the same standard she provides to public figures, which reflects her preference for direct, uncomplicated communication. The pixie cut fits that mindset. It reduces the extra styling her previous looks required and directs focus to her face rather than the hair surrounding it.

Pamela Mtanga – Instagram

Her comments on long-standing hair superstitions offer more context. She has openly pushed back on beliefs that limit when or how women should cut their hair, especially those tied to fear or tradition. Choosing a short cut on her own terms follows the same logic. She makes decisions based on practicality and personal comfort rather than untested rules.

Her history explains why the style doesn’t feel abrupt. She began learning about haircare as a teenager, observing stylists and eventually building her own brand from that knowledge. For her, cutting her hair reflects the same steady approach she has always applied to personal changes, especially those connected to beauty and self-presentation.

Pamela Mtanga – Instagram

The timing also lines up with a period where she has been refining her public direction. After marking ten years in entertainment and receiving a major style recognition, she appears focused on simplifying her image without losing her individuality. The pixie cut supports that shift. It is low-maintenance, direct, and leaves little room for excess.

Pamela Mtanga’s choice fits her current approach to work, presentation, and personal autonomy. The cut reflects someone who has reached a point where decisions are made based on usefulness and alignment with her goals, not outside expectations.

Beauty

Sphokuhle N Named the Face of Dark and Lovely Africa 2026

Published

1 week ago

20 November 2025

Fadire Olusola

Bonang Matheba will be hosting the opening night of the B20 South Africa summit on 18 November 2025. The summit is a three-day event , and it will run from the 18th to the 20th of November. With this appointment, Matheba’s has evolved as she has gained recognition internationally. Global business communities will engage with the G20 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. South Africa currently holds the B20 presidency, and will use this chance to prove its capability.

Sphokuhle N : Instagram

The theme for this event is “Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity through Global Cooperation.” Talks on equitable development and sustainable growth will be discussed. Stakeholders and business leaders around the world will also speak about issues relating to investment, digital transformation, trade, inclusive and more.

The appointment of Bonang Matheba is strategic, given her status as a leading South African entrepreneur. She has hosted many events like this before and will bring her experience to this summit. Matheba is a professional and is well-equipped to lead the event successfully.

Sphokuhle N :Instagram

Her involvement shows that many economic forums are seeking hosts who engage audiences effectively. The younger generations can relate more with her, boosting visibility of the event.

Sphokuhle N : Instagram

For Bonang Matheba, this is an opportunity to show that South African personalities are capable of hosting global events. Her inclusion is based on merit and the confidence the organizers have to ensure the event runs smoothly and engages attendees.

Beauty

RF Microneedling : The Benefits, Risks and Side Effect of this Beauty Treatment

Published

2 weeks ago

15 November 2025

Fadire Olusola

Many women are undergoing different cosmetic treatment to make themselves beautiful. One of these procedures is RF Microneedling which involves sending radio frequency into deeper layers of the skin. Here are some information you need to know about this cosmetic procedure.

How RF Microneedling Works?

This treatment involves using fine needles to puncture some layers of the skin. When this is done, several signals will be sent to the body to help repair the affected area. During this process, radiofrequency energy is sent to the deep layers of the skin where collagen is produced. If this treatment is done by a professional, it will let your skin be more refined.

Benefits of RF Microneedling

Skin firmness is one of the reasons why people go through this procedure. The more collagen that is produced, the more elastic your skin is. This makes it a good solution for fine lines and skin sagging.

People with acne scars and uneven skin texture will benefit from it. This is because it helps strengthen skin foundation and smoothen surfaces. RF Microneedling also helps shrink large pores within a short time. When done by an expert, it is suitable for all skin types.

Risks Associated With RF Microneedling

Although generally considered safe, it carries certain risks. Because needles are used, it’s possible to contract an infection. That’s why all equipment must be sterilised. Also, those with skin infections or open wounds should consider postponing treatment. Using the wrong technique may also cause temporary marks. These are genuine concerns that need to be looked into before any decision is made.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects from this treatment are usually mild. Skin redness or swelling is possible after the procedure due to controlled injury. Meanwhile, there might be mild pigmentation especially for those exposed to too much sun. That’s why sun protection is recommended for those undergoing this treatment. In rare cases, you could experience burns or prolonged pigmentation.

Who Should Avoid RF Microneedling

Those with high fevers and serious skin conditions should not undergo RF Microneedling. Also, it may not be suitable for pregnant women as the radiofrequency effects may not be safe for the fetus.

RF microneedling comes with many benefits for everyone who wants a firm skin. However, it should be carried out by only trained personnel. Like all treatments, it comes with certain risks and side effects which you must understand before making a decision.