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WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Things to look out for in your everyday beauty products

vuyi on June 16, 2021

Not every beauty care products are made equal as some contain harmful ingredients which could be harmful to your skin. Our beauty contributor Rynah Qhaba shares what some of these are.

For most of us, part of our morning and evening routines involve a skincare regimen of cleansing, toning, and, moisturizing which involves applying various products.

We do this primarily to combat the signs of aging and to maintain our youthful, lustrous looks and beautiful skin. I’m going out on a limb here and take a safe bet that most women don’t put much thought into what is in the actual products that they are using. 

Believe it or not, there are some unscrupulous beauty product manufacturers who flaunt the ‘vegan’ label, simply to attract unsuspecting customers.

– Rynah Qhaba, FOUNDER SUNFLOWER COSTMETICS

It is most important that we read the label on each and every product.  Just because it says “vegan” does not necessarily mean that it is.

Believe it or not, there are some unscrupulous beauty product manufacturers who flaunt the ‘vegan’ label, simply to attract unsuspecting customers. 

Another reason why careful attention should be given to product labels is the amount of sun we are exposed to.  Although the winter sun doesn’t hit as harshly as it does in summer we are still exposed to harmful UV rays; making it necessary for us to be cognizant of products that offer considerable UV protection. 

Aim to use products that are paraben-free

– rynah qhaba, FOUNDER SUNFLOWER COSTMETICS

That may come as a surprise to some but it is vital to continue using a generous amount of sun protection all through winter.  Look for products loaded with Vitamin C as it assists to restore damaged skin and even works to renew skin health while you sleep.

Lastly, aim to use products that are paraben-free.  Parabens are synthetic chemical preservatives that are commonly used in personal care products, such as shampoos, conditioners, hair styling products, make-up, facial masks, skin lotions, creams, and deodorants. Parabens are also customarily found in many foods, pharmaceutical products as well as skin-care products for babies, infants, and children. 

As a result, an increasing number of research reports indicate that parabens also appear in benign and malignant human breast tumours. While some studies have challenged their toxicity in many products and question their long-term effect on humans, using products that are paraben free can eliminate the risk of exposure to this harmful chemical.

ABOUT RYNAH QHABA

Rynah Qhaba, born in Qwa Qwa, Rynah is a businesswoman and founder of Sunflower Cosmetics, an emerging organics brand. 

She has been inexplicably obsessed with the colour yellow since her first Christmas, which pretty much sums up the name and corporate identity of her brand. And if branding her business yellow wasn’t enough, you should see the colour of her car!

Unsurprisingly, Rynah is all about a gluten-free lifestyle but has also known to devour anything covered with a healthy quality cheese.

When she’s not at work at a salon in Northern Johannesburg experimenting with make-up looks and natural products, Rynah can be found operating either the projector or sound desk at her church.

Emphatically passionate about giving back, Rynah is a Director of an NGO called A Million Reasons To Do and is part the Monontsha Community Group where her focus is aimed at contributing to the eradication of unemployment in Qwa Qwa.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Simple DIY Tips for Radiant Skin Throughout Winter: Part 3

vuyi on June 9, 2021

Our skin takes quite a beating during the dry winter season but there are some simple steps we should follow to ensure it remains radiant all year round, according to our beauty contributor Rynah Qhaba.

Over the past 2 weeks we have focused on the importance of keeping your skin hydrated during the long dry winter period.  To close off this series, we’ve prepared a gift for you in the form of a few simple skin care products to make at home. These will help keep your skin healthy and maintain its fresh, and bright look.

  • DIY Face Scrub: In a bowl combine 1/2 cup of Organic Brown Sugar and 1/4 cup of Organic Avocado Oil. Mix well until combined. Scoop out a kiwi, and blend it into the mix.  This scrub is mild enough for use 2 – 3 times a week and if stored in an air-tight glass jar the scrub keeps for up to two weeks.
  •  DIY Facial Massage Oil: Add  1/4 cup of your favourite carrier oil to a jar or container(almond oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil are all exceptional options). Next, choose your favourite essential oil (we love lavender, rosemary, frankincense, and lemon) or combination of oils and add 1 tsp to the carrier oil. Mix well and allow it to stand overnight before use. For best results, massage apply this oil for 5 minutes daily.
  • Anti-wrinkle Cream: Melt together 2 tablespoons, lanolin or beeswax, 2 tablespoons almond oil and, 1 tablespoon apricot oil, (very rich in vitamin A). Add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or, lemon essential oil to this and spread evenly over your face.  This mixture is great reducing wrinkles and we recommend that it is used daily. After all, it’s never too early to start fighting wrinkles!
  •  Anti-wrinkle Lotion: Mix together 1/4 cup of Shea butter, 1 tbsp coconut or almond oil, and 16 drops of your favourite essential oil (such as lavender, rosemary, frankincense, and lemon). Mix well and pour into a clean jar. Use daily for optimal results.

So there you have it! By following these simple tips, and being consistent with your routines, you can organically and effortlessly have brighter, healthier, and more lustrous skin in no time at all!

ABOUT RYNAH QHABA

Rynah Qhaba, born in Qwa Qwa, Rynah is a businesswoman and founder of Sunflower Cosmetics, an emerging organics brand. 

She has been inexplicably obsessed with the colour yellow since her first Christmas, which pretty much sums up the name and corporate identity of her brand. And if branding her business yellow wasn’t enough, you should see the colour of her car!

Unsurprisingly, Rynah is all about a gluten-free lifestyle but has also known to devour anything covered with a healthy quality cheese.

When she’s not at work at a salon in Northern Johannesburg experimenting with make-up looks and natural products, Rynah can be found operating either the projector or sound desk at her church.

Emphatically passionate about giving back, Rynah is a Director of an NGO called A Million Reasons To Do and is part the Monontsha Community Group where her focus is aimed at contributing to the eradication of unemployment in Qwa Qwa.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Simple DIY Tips for Radiant Skin Throughout Winter: Part 2

vuyi on June 2, 2021

Our skin takes quite a beating during the dry winter season but there are some simple steps we should follow to ensure it remains radiant all year round, according to our beauty contributor Rynah Qhaba.

Winter is the perfect time to do a little self-care; and in this second installment of our winter series, we’re sharing some tantalizing tips for at-home skincare which is both cost-effective and easy to do. Starting with facials.

A facial is the quickest way to cleanse, revive, and brighten faded skin, leaving it lustrous and glowing. A facial also does a great job of relaxing shredded nerves allowing you to emerge not only looking younger but feeling refreshed! Done once or twice each month will ensure rejuvenation and a new skin for an extended period!

If you’d rather visit a spa to get your facial professionally done, enquire if the establishment uses natural products and caters to your skin type.   

Facials

For those treating themselves in the comfort of their own homes, follow the routine below for a quick, at-home facial:

  1. Tie your hair away from your face and neck, using a headband. Make sure there is no hair on your forehead.
  2. Remove any makeup using either makeup remover wipes, coconut oil, or another method to remove all residues from the face. 
  3. Cleanse your face and neck with a good cleanser and ensure all makeup is thoroughly removed.
  4. The next step is to gently exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and bacteria. Exfoliating allowing the skin to best absorb the products in the mask you’ll use later on. We recommend using a simple, DIY exfoliator made of organic coffee grounds, hot water and warmed organic coconut oil.
  5. Spread a fairly thick layer of the mask on your face, avoiding the mouth and eyes. Keep the mask on for 15 to 20 minutes or until dry. There are many options for creating an amazing mask at home but the one we love the most is a simple concoction of organic coconut oil, honey, and fresh avocado.
  6. When the mask is dry, wash your face and neck with lukewarm water. Dry your skin and apply a toner that is best suited for your skin type.
  7. Now that the skin is thoroughly cleansed, exfoliated, and the pores are open, massage skin serum and/or moisturizer to your face using upward circular motions.

Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and can be relaxing.

Massaging your Skin

Massaging your face is another essential practice for healthy skin and can be relaxing! While being an valuable method to counter wrinkles, massaging is a slow process and its results are obvious only if it’s practiced regularly for an extended period of time. That said, massaging is highly beneficial for tightening facial tissues, increasing blood flow, stimulating nerves, and thus, boosting collagen production

It takes approsimately 20 minutes for the cream to get absorbed into the skin

Massage is most effective if the skin is thoroughly prepped which includes the removal of makeup prior to getting started.  It is imperative to massage your skin free of makeup otherwise particles of dirt from the costmetics will lodge into and block the pores of your skin.

If you have oily skin, we suggest that you apply a cleansing milk or an astringent lotion to remove makeup products. If you don’t have either of these, then fresh lemon juice is just as effective.

Once you are satisfied that your skin is clean and free of makeup, apply Vitamin E cream using just enough so that your hands and fingers move smoothly on your face.

To massage your face, lightly, but firmly press your against your skin applying even pressure. The massage should start from the neck and move upwards ending at the forehead or temples. The benefits of a facial massage are that the veins and tissue get an increased flow of oxygen / blood supply, but because the skin around the eyes is delicate, it is advisable to apply, cream in this area without pressing it in too deeply. Generally, it takes approsimately 20 minutes for the cream to get absorbed into the skin, so ideally, your massage should last that long.  When you are done with your massage, gently wipe off any excess cream.

So there you have it! By following these simple tips, and being consistent with your skin care routine, you can organically and effortlessly have brighter, healthier, and more lustrous skin in no time at all!

About Rynah Qhaba

Rynah Qhaba, born in Qwa Qwa, Rynah is a businesswoman and founder of Sunflower Cosmetics, an emerging organics brand. 

She has been inexplicably obsessed with the colour yellow since her first Christmas, which pretty much sums up the name and corporate identity of her brand. And if branding her business yellow wasn’t enough, you should see the colour of her car!

Unsurprisingly, Rynah is all about a gluten-free lifestyle but has also known to devour anything covered with a healthy quality cheese.

When she’s not at work at a salon in Northern Johannesburg experimenting with make-up looks and natural products, Rynah can be found operating either the projector or sound desk at her church.

Emphatically passionate about giving back, Rynah is a Director of an NGO called A Million Reasons To Do and is part the Monontsha Community Group where her focus is aimed at contributing to the eradication of unemployment in Qwa Qwa.

Wellness Wednesday: Simple DIY Tips for Radiant Skin Throughout Winter: Part 1

vuyi on May 12, 2021

Our skin takes quite a beating during the dry winter season but there are some simple steps we should follow to ensure it remains radiant all year round, according to our beauty contributor Rynah Qhaba.

In a world of tight schedules, harmful pollutants, chemically-laden products, and extreme levels of anxiety, it’s impossible to believe that our skin won’t feel and show the impact of it all! 

Thankfully, winter is the perfect season to actively protect your face. With a dedicated sense of commitment, you can maintain your skin’s natural beauty regardless of if you are at home or on the road. 

In this first instalment of our 2 part journey of effortless winter skincare, we share ways for you to reduce stress, preserve your radiant skin, and decrease the signs of aging. Simply follow these fundamental principles of a skincare regimen and you’ll be well on your way to glamorously glowing skin all through the upcoming winter season.

1. Cleanse Your Skin

This is the initial step in caring for your skin and should not be skipped because the more time we spend in traffic – basking in the warmth of the air-con – the more perspiration, grease, dust, stale make-up, dirt, and bacteria accumulate on your skin. 

Cleansers provide excellent results for your skin (due to the pH levels of each, among other key ingredients) as they disinfect the skin, open the pores, and allows the skin to best absorb the products you will apply thereafter. For make-up lovers, a make-up remover is highly recommended (leave us a comment on our social media pages if you’d like some organic recommendations).  

The best, and simplest way to cleanse, is to start by splashing lukewarm water over your face. Then, using a wad of cotton wool, apply the cleanser to your face, and décolletage area, in a circular, upward motion for at least five minutes  Remove the cleanser by using a damp washcloth and warm water to ensure there is no product left on your skin.

Toning is crucial as it eliminates any residue on your skin after the cleansing process is completed.

– Rynah Qhaba, Founder Sunflower Costmetics

NB: Remember that different types of skin types (oily, dry, sensitive, and prone to acne) require different types of cleansers.  We highly recommend using the cleanser best suited for your skin – consult a professional if you are unsure. 

(Remember to read the instructions provided with the cleanser you are using).

By following these simple skin care tips your skin will remain healthy and radiant all through winter

– RYNAH QHABA, FOUNDER SUNFLOWER COSTMETICS

 
2. Tone Your Skin

After cleansing comes the toning stage.  Toning is crucial as it eliminates any residue on your skin after the cleansing process is completed. Toners close the skin’s pores and help preserve the skin’s natural pH balance.  If you are as unashamedly obsessed with premium make-up like we are, and plan on applying make-up soon afterward, you’ll find that toning gives your skin a lustrous texture and helps hold foundation and powder much longer.

 
3. Nourishing Your Skin

Ever wonder how Beyonce has the skin she has? moisture, moisture, moisture, Moisturizers strive to replenish nourishment to the skin, reviving its natural healthiness.

Nourishing your skin is an integral part of any beauty routine. Dirt, dust, hot and cold weather, cosmetics, and even sunlight, all tend to dry out the skin, extracting moisture and oil from it.  Consequently, making sure to cleanse your face each night before bed is essential to youthful-looking skin. 

Again, certain moisturizers work best for different skin types. If your skin is more on the oily side, avoid moisturizers that contain oils and opt for one that contains vegetable glycerine instead. If you have drier skin, applying a moisturizer right after washing your face is advised to prevent drying and to get moisture locked in right away. If you have neutral skin, you can usually get away with using a product that contains oil or glycerine. Just make sure to look for a product for neutral skin types.

By following these simple skin care tips your skin will remain healthy and radiant all through winter and will more than survive the harsh effects of the dry, hot effects of the car’s air-con.

About Rynah Qhaba

Rynah Qhaba, born in Qwa Qwa, Rynah is a businesswoman and founder of Sunflower Cosmetics, an emerging organics brand. 

She has been inexplicably obsessed with the colour yellow since her first Christmas, which pretty much sums up the name and corporate identity of her brand. And if branding her business yellow wasn’t enough, you should see the colour of her car!

Unsurprisingly, Rynah is all about a gluten-free lifestyle but has also known to devour anything covered with a healthy quality cheese.

When she’s not at work at a salon in Northern Johannesburg experimenting with make-up looks and natural products, Rynah can be found operating either the projector or sound desk at her church.

Emphatically passionate about giving back, Rynah is a Director of an NGO called A Million Reasons To Do and is part the Monontsha Community Group where her focus is aimed at contributing to the eradication of unemployment in Qwa Qwa.

Wellness Wednesday: How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated During the Dry Winter Period

vuyi on May 5, 2021

To maintain healthy skin during winter it is important to actively pamper it on a daily basis. Rynah Qhaba, Founder of Sunflower Cosmetics shares 6 tips for ensuring glowing skin over the next few months.

Winter is fast approaching and for many motorists, this means setting the air con to a toasty, if not high temperature!  While that might keep you snug as you chug along in peak traffic, a combination of the heat in the car and the dry air outside of it requires a change in skincare routine if you want to maintain your sexy glow.  

The best route for natural beauty and healthy skin is to take care of what you have and while that may sound incredulously simple, the reality is that we often forget that our skin takes a beating from the environment daily. 

To maintain healthy skin all year round, it is important to understand that different seasons present different challenges for one’s skin; and the burning issue (excuse the pun), for the winter season is how to keep your skin hydrated.  Your skin will inevitably start peeling and cracking as the air becomes drier the colder it becomes, but fear not because there is a relatively easy fix.  

You can stay cute and glamorous all year round by following these tips

– Rynah Qhaba, Founder of Sunflower Cosmetics

Here are some of our favorite beauty tips for keeping your skin fresh, healthy, and hydrated while driving this winter:

  1. Drink a glass of warm water first thing in the morning to help keep your face from becoming puffy.  Yes, water can be boring so we recommend adding lemon, cucumber, or mint to zhoosh it up.  Having a fun water bottle is a great way to remind yourself to stay hydrated.
  2. Moderate the amount of time you are exposed to the air-con.  In most instances, the vents of the aircon are aimed at your face which presents both a positive and a negative effect.  The positive is that you’ll get nice and warm but the negative is that the warm air sucks up moisture, leaving your face hot but dry. 
  3. Wash and steam your face every day; ideally exfoliate at least 1-3 times per week.  Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, dirt, oil,and any leftover productsand make-up from your skin. 
  4. Apply a mask 1-3 times per week to give your skin some extra TLC. We cannot over emphasis this step as it is the key to keeping your skin hydrated for the long term.  We highly recommend using an oil-based product which contains high levels of avocado or honey as both these ingredients are naturally loaded with Vitamin C and E.  Vitamins C and E not only hydrate the skin but also offer protection and nourishment from the harsh winter elements. 
  5. Increasing your intake of Vitamin C also hydrates the skin so don’t forget to take your vitamins religiously.
  6. Even though the sun isn’t as harsh in winter as it can be in summer, you can still cause considerable damage to your skin by not protecting it from ultraviolet (UV) rays.  UV rays cause skin cancer and if that isn’t bad enough it causes your skin to age faster than it should, contributing to unsightly wrinkles.  We recommend that you continue to apply sunscreen lotion all through winter to keep your skin as beautiful as possible. 

Regardless of weather conditions, you can stay cute and glamorous; and by following our tips, your skin will look radiant all year round.

Rynah Qhaba, born in Qwa Qwa, Rynah is a businesswoman and founder of Sunflower Cosmetics, an emerging organics brand. 

She has been inexplicably obsessed with the colour yellow since her first Christmas, which pretty much sums up the name and corporate identity of her brand. And if branding her business yellow wasn’t enough, you should see the colour of her car!

Unsurprisingly, Rynah is all about a gluten-free lifestyle but has also known to devour anything covered with a healthy quality cheese.

When she’s not at work at a salon in Northern Johannesburg experimenting with make-up looks and natural products, Rynah can be found operating either the projector or sound desk at her church.

Emphatically passionate about giving back, Rynah is a Director of an NGO called A Million Reasons To Do and is part the Monontsha Community Group where her focus is aimed at contributing to the eradication of unemployment in Qwa Qwa.