Trending with Cathy Clark: Now is the time to pamper yourself as you gear up for summer.
Social media platforms have become a powerful trend influencer and this year all the latest beauty trends are being taken from TikTok. “Consumers get an idea from TikTok, and then they do the research,” says Dr Alexis Parcells, a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Over-using beauty products and tools is a thing of the past. Abusing skin care can disrupt our skin barrier and natural microbiome, resulting in worsened skin conditions.
As we head into spring, now is the time to minimise your beauty routine, opting to use multi-purpose products in lieu of a dozen different serums and creams.
Putting your neck on the line
Next season it’s all about treating the neck and jawline, which should come as no surprise considering Bella Hadid and her approved jaw highlighting make-up technique which has been trending on TikTok.
Nel Skin Care Clinic offers a three-step treatment – microneedling with an uber peel followed by a mask. Combining microneedling with an “all-in-one solution” uber peel is a safe and effective means for improved results to skin appearance and to assist with the signs of ageing. The treatment is finished off with a nourishing and hydrating Dermapen sheet mask and a light therapy session, R1 900, Nel Skin Care Clinic, 031 584 8110.
Totally au natural
The new natural trend for 2022 is all about hydrating formulas, slicked-back hair, minimal make-up, and a fresh colour palette. It’s an “evolved clean” look that means “inclusivity and enhancing what makes
us unique”.
One of the simplest ways to change your look is with a lash lift and tint. After the quick, painless, and affordable treatment, your eyes will look instantly brighter and more open, making you seem more youthful. The lift is a semi-permanent procedure, which gives your lashes a fuller and thicker appearance for up to 12 weeks and includes a lash and brow tint, R450, Ursula @ iFancy Beauty, Wash & Dry Bar, Mount Edgecombe, 079 877 0323.
A slug in your sandwich
Thanks to TikTok, “Slugging” is the skin care trend going viral. Slugging is the act of lathering a heavy-duty occlusive, such as Vaseline or a petrolatum-based product, to your skin as the last step in your evening regime. It is aimed at locking in moisture and any other ingredients you have applied, to prevent loss of moisture to the skin barrier, enabling your skin to repair itself.
Be warned, slugging isn’t for everyone and can result in break-outs if you have oily or sensitive skin.
The “Moisture Sandwich” is another trending term – the Korean technique of applying products while your skin is still damp in order for the ingredients to sink in, be absorbed and trap moisture for the ultimate hydration.
Vitamin B shot
As we simplify our beauty routines, we need to ensure these more minimal regimens focus on protecting our skin barrier. Niacinamide will be the skin nourishing superstar of the season. It helps soothe the skin, calm inflammation and redness, reduces hyperpigmentation and supports the skin barrier.
As our complexion braces for the transition between seasons, niacinamide’s anti-inflammatory prowess can help keep your skin calm and collected.
The Ordinary, Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, is a high strength vitamin and mineral blemish formula, which helps reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion while effectively brightening skin tone, R249, Takealot.
Cooling off
As temperatures start to increase, be sure to reach for skin care products that do the opposite. Cryotherapy has been popular in salons for years, helping to soothe inflammation and de-puff the skin, resulting in the skin looking firmer and more rejuvenated.
This spring, be sure to make room in your freezer for the stepped-up version of the jade roller, the cryo-inspired, Ice Roller, R250, Takealot.
In addition, Ice Globes can be used to massage your face, eliminating redness and calming the skin after waxing, extractions, electrolysis, peels and microdermabrasion. The cold glass and minerals stimulate blood circulation and oxygenate skin to give a more firm and de-puffed appearance. This chilled massage offers an excellent treatment for sinus pain, puffy eyes, headaches or migraines. Ice Globes also stimulate nerves to exercise facial muscles, eliminate fine lines, tighten skin and help reduce large pores.
Containing cold liquid, Ice Globes are the perfect tool for stimulating the circulation of blood and oxygenation to your skin, R299, Takealot.