Best of 2020 – Beauty & Lifestyle

On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you that 2020 is coming to a close? It’s been a really rough year for a lot of us, for most of us I think. We’ve had to deal with more than we ever thought we would but the good news is that we made it! And so, to end the year off on a high, I thought I would share the beauty and lifestyle products and services that honestly made my 2020 that much better… so let’s jump straight in!

Avene Thermal Spring Water: If there’s a beauty product that is versatile, this is it. I love to use my Avene Thermal Spring Water after working out (hello tomato face), after using a really active exfoliator or even to refresh and set my make up. It is incredibly soothing and works almost instantly. Because it can be used on even the most sensitive skin, it’s also perfect for babies and children, I’ve used it to soothe nappy rash and eczema before and it worked really well!

Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel: I have quite a dehydrated skin but I really don’t like a heavy moisturiser, it needs to feel like nothing on my skin, which makes finding the perfect mouisturiser a bit like finding a unicorn. But I’ve been using the Hydrance Aqua-Gel for the last few months and it’s just magic. It’s gel like formulation is so lightweight on my skin but still packed with the hydration that I so desperately need on a day to day basis. Of course it also has Avene’s amazing thermal spring water in it which you already know I’m a fan of.

Avene Sun Lotion SPF 50: We’ve been using this sun lotion for the past two years and it’s yet to fail us. Even though our girls have inherited their dad’s amazing olive skin, they still need protection from our harsh sun and so we slather them with this when we’re spending time outdoors. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays, also contains antioxidants to protect against free radicals and of course it contains the Avene thermal spring water which means it’s great for sensitive skins. One of the other massive reasons that I love this sun lotion is the fact that it’s ingredients are biodegradable, making it kinder to our marine life. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a white cast and is also available in a spray.

Herd collagen: You’ve heard me bang on about Herd collagen powder for a good few months now, I know, but I couldn’t not include it in my top picks for 2020. I find that when incorporated into my daily habits (1 heaped teaspoon in my morning coffee), I see a really noticeable difference, specifically in my hair. The amount of hair loss I had post partum was ridiculous; I lost literal handfuls of hair each time I showered or brushed my hair, thank goodness I have so much! After about 3 weeks of using my Herd collagen daily, I was down to only a few strands. I also see a difference in the strength of my nails and my skin looks and feels healthier. Good to know about Herd collagen; it’s free of fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and GMO as well as certified Halaal.

Lancôme Grandiose mascara: I’m pretty confident that this has been on my beauty favourites for the last 3 odd years; I’ve yet to find a mascara that is as good as the Lancôme Grandiose. My lashes are naturally long so lengthening isn’t really something that I look for in a mascara, but this definitely adds some extra oomph to my lashes, and bonus, it doesn’t transfer to under my brows, a problem that I have with so many mascaras. The patented swan neck applicator makes applying product to those hard to reach inner and outer lashes so much easier and the brush really does grab every single lash making my lashes look thicker and fuller, coated in Lancôme’s super black pigment.

Maybelline Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer: 2020 has definitely not seen me wearing a lot of make up, I’ve been bare faced through most of it, but there have been a few products that have made me look a bit more put together when I’ve needed it, the Maybelling Instant Anti Age Eraser Concealer is one of them. I’m sure most of you will recognise this cult classic product, it’s been a favourite of so many beauty guru’s for absolute eons now and I can see why. I personally don’t like a thick concealer under my eyes, I find that it ages me, this concealer from Maybelline is the perfect consistency and coverage for me, but if you prefer something a  bit more, it is definitely buildable. On days where I don’t want to wear foundation, I pop some on my under eye area and a few dabs on my cheeks where I tend to get a little bit red. It also works really well over foundation and I don’t find the need to set it with powder, especially if I use a setting spray.

Maybelline Tattoo Brow Waterproof Gel: For the most part, I tint my very blonde brows, but every now and then I forget and that’s when the Maybelline Tattoo Brow Waterproof Gel comes in handy. I will admit that it takes a little bit of time to get used to it and to get your technique right but once you do, it works like a charm and gives your brows some extra oomph. The pigment lasts until I wash my face and doesn’t flake or fade at all and the fact that it’s waterproof makes it perfect for beach days and pool parties. I find the best way to use it is to wipe all the excess product off the brush before applying, it will feel like there is nothing left to apply but trust me, there is. When you apply the product to your brows, do so with a very light hand and short strokes. I also like to brush my brows into place before hand with a clean spooly.

Sugar and Vice boob collection: I think most of you know that I have a thing for boob themed décor. It’s just so fun and let’s be honest, women’s bodies deserve to be celebrated. Two of my favourite pieces (because I have a good few!) are my Sugar and Vice print and mug. I’ve put the print in a plain white frame on my dressing table, it looks really great and I really love how simple it is, perfect for anyone’s taste in décor. I use my mug on the reg as I’m sure you’ve noticed, it holds a good amount of coffee and really, what more could I ask for from a mug?

Womama Sun Hat: Summer means lots of outdoor time and there’s only been one hat that I’ve been using over the past few months, and its this one from Womama. So many of you have actually asked where it’s from and now you know! It looks great on and is comfortable to boot but the absolute best part is that they are CANSA approved with a UPF factor 20. They are also “crushable” which means you can literally scrunch it up and chuck it into your handbag or overnight bag and it will pop back into its perfect shape once you take it out, what a win!

Declan and Leah birch ledge shelves: These are a more recent addition to our home (you can watch how I style them over here) but I am in love! They are so versatile and can really be used anywhere in your home; the kitchen to store your spices, the lounge or bedroom for decor or even the kids play room to display their books and art. You can just have one above your bed or have a trio of them like we do to create a feature wall. Whichever way you decide to go, it will make your space that much more beautiful.

Gray and May macrame plant hanger: When you run out of space on the floor for your plants what do you do? Hang them from the roof of course! You’ll remember a few months ago I did a macrame workshop with Imogen from Gray and May and then also had her do a workshop at my first plant party in November. Her work is just gorgeous and she is so well priced! I have two of her macrame hangers in my home and just love them, they draw the eyes upwards and really add some interest to the room that they’re in. I love to hang a trailing plant in mine; in our bedroom I have some natal ivy that’s creeping along and in the girls play area I’ve added a bleeding heart vine.

Motherland coffee: When ranking the things that I love most, coffee comes a very close third after my family and friends. That first sip in the morning is just heaven and over the last year or two I’ve really come to appreciate good coffee. My fave (as I’m sure you’ve picked up by the many, many take aways that I get) is from Motherland. Motherland produces their incredible coffee in a few different African countries, they have a heart for social justice and community upliftment and so they have fair trade practices and support small farmers in the different regions. My standard order is a double cortado and if I’m feeling peckish, their avo, hummus, tomato and feta on toast is amazing, as is their avo and cream cheese on toast.

The Daily Wine: From one vice to the next; you know how I love a good glass of vino in the evenings! Now imagine if you could get some of the most delish wine around, but at a discounted rate, delivered to your doorstep – amazing right? Well that’s what The Daily Wine is all about. Their partners include Topiary, Neil Joubert, Bottega, Beyerskloof and Delheim amongst others. You can order a box of the same, or one of their new variety boxes so you get a bit of everything. I’ve tried the All The Glory variety box and it was just divine. This is also a great gift idea, if you’re still on the lookout.

Womama Boob Mug: Okay, I know I already featured another boob mug, but that one was for drinking, this one here by Womama is the one I use for decor and serve wear. All of these mugs are handcrafted in Cape Town by Farah Hernandez and so each one is completely unique, as are each set of boobs, right? They are glazed inside which makes them perfect to use to serve dip or a yummy jam to go on a cheeseboard. And hey, it will definitely be a conversation starter at your next dinner party!

Ackermans t-shirt bras: My hunt for the perfect bra that doesn’t cost the earth has been a very long one… but I finally found the one and I couldn’t be happier. One day when I was picking up some pieces for the girls, I saw that Ackermans had a bra 2 pack for R180, I was in desperate need for new ones so I grabbed my size and figured if they didn’t fit well then it wasn’t the hugest waste of money. Well, let me tell you these bras from Ackermans are the most comfy bras that I have ever worn, not only that but they are really supportive too. I love that there are a good few colour options and they cater for a really wide range of sizes compared to other stores, plus they have a really handy size guide if you aren’t sure which size you should purchase. I cannot recommend these bras enough.

Gosh, I could go on and on about beauty and lifestyle products that I love but these are definitley my top tier for 2020! And now for the part that I know you’ve been waiting for… I’ve partnered with all of these brands to bring you an amazing hamper for one of you. Here’s what you can win:

Avene: Thermal Spring Water, Hydrance Aqua Gel, SPF 50 Sun Lotion

Herd Collagen: a bag of of collagen powder

Lancome: a tube of Grandiose mascara

Maybelline: a tube of Tattoo waterproof brow gel and some Instant Anti Age Eraser concealer

Sugar and Vice: a boob print (digital) and boob mug

Womama: sun hat and boob mug

Declan and Leah: a birch ledge shelf

Gray and May: a macrame plant hanger. Please note that the hanger may differ from images in this post and does not include the pot and plant.

Motherland coffee: a R400 online voucher

The Daily Wine: a box off summer inspired wine

Ackermans: a R350 voucher

How amazing?! I’ve linked all of the brands Instagram pages so feel free to go give them a follow and show them some love.

So, how do you enter? It’s super easy, there is one compulsory step and then a few optional steps as well. Make sure to read the terms and conditions below as well.

Compulsory: Comment on this blog post and let me know what your favourite beauty or lifestyle product was this year and which of the products I’ve mentioned you like the sound of the most.

Optional: Follow the brands involved and myself on Instagram

Optional: Comment on this Instagram post and tag one friend (please don’t tag more than one, even in separate comments)

Optional: Comment on this Facebook post and tag one friend (please don’t tag more than one, even in separate comments)

Optional: Share this Instagram post to your stories and tag me

Terms and Conditions:

This giveaway ends on Wednesday 16 December 2020 at 20h00

The winner will have 48 hours to claim the prize, if they do not claim the prize within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen

Open to South African delivery addresses only

Prizes are not transferable for cash

Because of the festive season, there may be a delay in shipping your prize, some may only be delivered during the course of January 2021

Winner must be over the age of 18

Feature image is by the ever talented Ruby Bear