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How Important Is Primer?

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Imagine spending time blending your foundation to perfection, only for it to wrinkle, fade, or slide off halfway through the day. It can be frustrating, but that’s exactly why primer steps in—often underestimated, sometimes skipped, but always essential when you want your makeup to last and look flawless. Think of it as the bridge between skincare and makeup, the game-changer that makes your makeup smoother, longer-lasting, and just better. It really is that important, and the answer might just change your makeup habits.

What Exactly Is Primer?

Primer is like the undercoat you use before painting a wall. It preps your skin, creating a smooth base that allows your makeup to blend in evenly. Whether your skin is oily, dry, textured, or somewhere in between, there’s a primer that can help your foundation go on more smoothly and stay longer. Some primers blur pores, some control shine, and others hydrate or add a glow. In short, primer is the backstage hero that makes the rest of your makeup show up at its best.

Why You Might Be Skipping It—And Why You Shouldn’t

Many people skip primer because they think it’s just an extra step or a marketing trick. But here’s the truth: primer can make or break your makeup look. Without it, your foundation might cling to dry patches, settle into lines, or disappear by lunchtime. With it, you get a smoother texture, longer-lasting result, and fewer touch-ups throughout the day. In other words, primer helps your makeup stay in place and look fresh—even under heat, sweat, or long hours.

Different Primers for Different Needs

Not all primers are the same and that’s a good thing. If you have oily skin, a mattifying primer helps control shine and keeps your makeup from melting. Have dry skin? Look for a hydrating primer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid. Want a radiant glow? Try an illuminating primer that adds subtle shine under your foundation. There are also colour-correcting primers to reduce redness, dullness, or dark spots before you even reach for concealer. Once you find the right one, you’ll wonder how you ever went without it.

How to Use Primer the Right Way

Applying primer is simple. After moisturizing your face, squeeze a small amount onto your fingertips or a brush and gently smooth it over your skin—especially on areas where makeup tends to wear off or settle. Let it sit for a minute or two to fully absorb before applying your foundation. That pause allows the primer to do its magic, setting up the perfect canvas for the rest of your routine.

Is It Worth the Hype?

In one word: yes. Primer may not be as flashy as a bold lipstick or a glittery eyeshadow, but it quietly elevates your entire look. It’s the difference between makeup that fades quickly and makeup that stays fresh and flawless all day. It’s not just for beauty influencers or professional artists—it’s for everyone who wants their makeup to work harder and last longer.

The Bottom Line

Primer isn’t just important—it’s essential. It’s a simple step that delivers powerful results. If you’ve been skipping it, this is your sign to give it a try. You might just discover that the key to flawless makeup was right in front of you all along.

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Beauty

Modern Sew-In Hairstyles: How to Wear This Classic Trend in 2026

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Photo Credit - Google

Sew‑in hairstyles continue to appear in hair and beauty features as a popular option. The technique involves braiding natural hair close to the scalp and stitching wefted extensions onto that base, creating length and volume.

Hybrid sew‑in braids combine cornrows with sewn‑in weaves in specific sections to create contrast, defined part lines, and structured forms. Stylists report that these configurations allow for style variety without requiring a full-head installation.

Photo Credit – Google

Sew‑ins provide length, volume, and styling flexibility while reducing daily manipulation of natural hair, which can help lower the risk of breakage. Modern installs are treated by stylists as a styling option similar to a precision cut or colour service.

Popular shapes and textures currently observed include middle parts with soft waves, bobs, and asymmetrical forms. Colour techniques such as honey blonde, balayage, and root-blended tones are used to create depth and dimension in the extensions.

Photo Credit – Google

Technical methods such as invisible and knotless techniques make installations appear natural. Stylists note that precision parting and strategic leave-out placement can help the extensions blend with the wearer’s hair.

Sew‑ins originate within Black hair care traditions, combining hair protection with styling versatility. Terminology, technique, and stylist expertise vary across salons and regions.

Options for wearers include straight lengths, bobs, angled cuts, or blended textures. The base braiding pattern, type of hair used, and part placement influence both the final appearance and the protective effect on natural hair.

Modern sew‑ins are typically expected to last several weeks, and stylists recommend scalp care, hydration, and appropriate products to maintain both natural hair and extensions. Protective styles are now commonly integrated into a planned hair care routine.

Current features in hair and beauty media show sew‑ins as a styling option that combines protective benefits with versatility. Wearers can choose from a range of textures, lengths, and parting options to achieve different looks while keeping natural hair protected.

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Beauty

The Best Zinc Supplements,According to Dietitian

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When people start suffering from frequent colds, slow-healing cuts, poor appetite, or even changes in taste, it can be linked to a lack of enough zinc. It supports immune defenses, skin repair, hormones, and metabolism. When levels drop, the effects show up in everyday life. Choosing the right zinc supplements is one way to improve your health condition.

Zinc Picolinate

Zinc Picolinate: Yu Pharmacy

Zinc picolinate is one of the best supplements around. It is bound to picolinic acid, which helps the body absorb zinc more efficiently. It is generally effective at moderate doses, especially for people who may not absorb minerals well.

Zinc Citrate

Zinc Citrate: Amazon

Zinc citrate is another reliable and well-absorbed option. It works well for general immune support and short-term use during periods of illness or high stress. Zinc supplements like these should not be taken with high fiber supplements as there is an absorption interference.

Zinc Gluconate

Zinc Gluconate : Amazon

Zinc gluconate is one of the most common forms found in immune and cold support products. It has a history of use and solid research behind it. This supplement works best for short-term supplementation. Some people respond very well to it, while others benefit more from forms.

Read Also: https://xclusivstars.co.za/best-unisex-perfumes-for-august/

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide: Health plus

Although Zinc Oxide contains a high amount of zinc theoretically, It is best used in topical products for skin protection rather than as a dietary supplement.

Zinc Methionine and Zinc Bisglycinate

Zinc Bisglycinate: Amazon India

These forms help improve absorption and reduce digestive discomfort. They are recommended for people with sensitive digestion or chronic gut issues. They are effective at lower doses and tend to be easier on the stomach.

Despite the benefits, high amounts are not meant for long-term use and can interfere with other minerals like copper. When chosen wisely, zinc supplements support immunity, healing, and overall health.

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Beauty

Fun Ways to Experiment with Hair Colour Without Committing

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Changing your hair colour can be exciting, but not everyone is ready for a permanent transformation. Fortunately, there are ways to try bold or playful shades without long-term commitment. South Africans are increasingly experimenting with hair colours that suit their lifestyles, from office-friendly subtle highlights to festival-ready bright streaks, while keeping their natural hair healthy.

Photo Credit – Google

Hidden or peekaboo highlights are one of the easiest ways to introduce colour without making it obvious. Placing vibrant shades beneath the top layers keeps the hair looking natural from the front, revealing colour only when styled in a ponytail, bun, or braid. This technique works well for people who need to maintain a polished look during the week but want something more expressive after hours. Deep purple or burgundy tones sit especially well under black or brown hair, offering contrast that becomes visible only when the hair is styled.

Photo Credit – Google

Temporary colour sprays provide another low-commitment option. These products wash out after a few shampoos and are commonly used for weekend events, concerts, and celebrations. They allow experimentation with brighter or metallic tones without affecting the hair long-term. Across South Africa, they are often seen at music events in Johannesburg, beach gatherings in Cape Town, and creative social spaces in Pretoria. Applying the spray to dry hair and lightly sealing it with hairspray helps the colour last through the day.

Hair chalk offers even more flexibility for those who like to change their look frequently. It allows you to create streaks, pastel ends, or blended colour effects and washes out easily with shampoo. While chalk shows more clearly on lighter hair, darker hair can still achieve visible results by applying in layers or concentrating on the ends. Starting with small sections helps manage intensity and avoid uneven colour.

Photo Credit – Google

For a stronger visual impact without chemical contact, coloured clip-in extensions or wefts remain a reliable choice. They allow bold colour to be added instantly and removed just as easily. Extensions work across settings, from casual daytime outings to formal events and festivals, and protect natural hair from unnecessary processing. Because they can be reused, they offer flexibility for people who like to rotate styles rather than commit to one look.

Photo Credit – Google

Semi-permanent dyes sit between temporary sprays and permanent colour. They deliver richer pigment and usually fade after several washes, making them useful for testing shades such as pastel pink, purple, or auburn before deciding whether to go permanent. Strand testing is essential, as results vary depending on starting colour and hair texture.

Creative placement techniques let colour be used selectively rather than across the entire head. Face-framing strands can soften the look while adding interest, and dip-dyed ends keep roots natural while introducing colour at the tips. Stencil patterns create short-term designs for themed events or festivals, giving room for personal expression.

Photo Credit – Google

Hair type also plays an important role in how temporary colour appears. Lighter hair tends to show brighter results that wash out more quickly, while darker hair may require layering or alternative methods such as extensions to achieve stronger colour payoff. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations and avoids disappointment.

Experimenting with hair colour does not need to involve long-term risk. With temporary sprays, chalks, extensions, semi-permanent dyes, and careful placement, it is possible to explore different looks while keeping hair healthy. The key is choosing options that fit your lifestyle, your work environment, and the occasions you dress for, allowing personal style to evolve without pressure or permanence.

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