Welcome to Beauty24, your go-to destination for the latest trends, expert insight, and captivating stories in the world of beauty. Immerse yourself in our hub, which has been curated to celebrate and demystify the ever-evolving landscape of grooming, cosmetics, skincare, and self-care.

Skincare

How to Look After Your Skin at the Gym

If you’re reading this article as a newbie gym member, we’d like to congratulate you for taking the first step in the right direction. We’re all about making healthy life choices here at Edgars Beauty HQ, including practicing smart skincare at the gym.

Unfortunately, the gym is a haven for bacteria and possible skin breakouts, so it’s important to follow these tips to ensure your skin looks and feels its best at all times.

Avoid makeup

Give your skin a chance to breathe by going makeup-free during your workout. When we sweat, makeup can clog our already open pores and cause breakouts and, sometimes, infections.

Don’t touch

We know it’s easier said than done, but try not to touch your face during your workouts, as sweaty gym equipment is the best breeding ground for bacteria.

Use a towel

It’s important to use a gym towel to wipe down the equipment before you use it. Don’t use the same towel to wipe your face after a workout and use a fresh one for your shower. Hygiene is key.

Cleanse post-exercise

If you choose to wear makeup when you exercise, keep a makeup remover on standby in your gym bag. We prefer doing a thorough wash with a trusted cleanser as soon as we hit the shower. To avoid breakouts, try to cleanse your face as soon as you can to eliminate excess sweat, dirt and oil build-up on the skin.

Don’t forget your bod

Our cleansing rule also applies to your body. Staying in tight, sweaty clothes all day is a massive no-no, as this can irritate the skin and cause blemishes on your body. Get into a shower as soon as possible and wash away dead skin cells and other debris to leave your skin feeling as good as new.

Moisturising is a must

Now that you’re squeaky clean, it’s time to put back the moisture that you lost during your sweat sesh. Pack your favourite moisturiser and firming body cream and apply it to damp skin after your shower to lock in the moisture.

Remember SPF

You didn’t think we’d let you forget, did we? If you’re gymming during the day, once you’ve moisturised, apply SPF to your face and decolletage before you start the day.

Multi-tasking products FTW

Multi-purpose products are heaven-sent, as they take up minimal space in your bag, but do basically everything. Once you’ve showered, moisturised and spritzed on some deo, add a nourishing balm to your lips to keep them hydrated all day long.

Read more insider beauty information, trend updates and shopping product intel at Edgars Beauty Hub.

Dior Miss Dior Rose Shower Oil-in-Foam

Dior Miss Dior Rose Shower Oil-in-Foam

Fenty Skin Total Cleanser Remove-it-all Cleanser

Fenty Skin Total Cleanser Remove-it-all Cleanser

Lenthéric I Love Vanilla Body Spray

Lenthéric I Love Vanilla Body Spray

Clarins Nutri-Lumière Day Cream

Clarins Nutri-Lumière Day Cream

Do you put sunscreen on your ears? 5 areas you probably miss when applying an SPF

Sunscreen is essential to your skincare routine - whether you're 15 or 50, you should apply a good SPF daily to protect yourself from harsh UV rays.

Cleanse, tone, and then what? How to layer your skincare products the right way

How many steps are in your skincare routine? For me, there are five. But I know people who go all the way up to 10. With so many products, deciding which should go first can be confusing.

A skincare expert's guide to using acids safely at home

While many love it, when used incorrectly, acids can be harsh on the skin. Nicola Kilner, CEO of The Ordinary, shares how to safely use skincare acids at home.

This Is How to Banish Strawberry Legs This Summer


Summer is the season for showing off some skin. For some of us, a condition called keratosis pilaris – commonly referred to as strawberry legs – can get in the way of those plans. 

While not contagious or painful, it can be a source of embarrassment and can, in some cases, be uncomfortable. It presents as reddish-pink, purple, dark or white bumps on your legs (and can appear on the upper arms and your butt, too). They can sometimes be slightly itchy and are very prone to getting nicked open when shaving your legs!

But what causes it? Keratosis pilaris is essentially when a protein called keratin becomes clogged in your hair follicles. While more common in children, this condition affects many adults, too. Fortunately, this condition can be managed using a combination of exfoliating and moisturising. Here’s how to make your spots disappear.

Clean Out Your Beauty Cupboard: Out with Winter Products, In With Must-Have Summer Cosmetics

The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and the smell of spring is in the air, it’s time to say goodbye to all things winter – hot chocolate, heavy coats, and snow (or is it sleet?).

Well, now that the sleet has melted, and the sun is out, it’s officially time to revamp your skincare routine. 

A Guide to Spring-Cleaning Your Skin

  1. Use A Foaming Cleanser

The sweltering spring brings with it oily and sweaty skin, which means that I need a foaming cleanser that will cleanse my face and help keep it oil-free. 

A good choice is the Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, which effectively removes any sweat, oil and grime, leaving my skin as fresh as daisies. 

2. Exfoliate For the Glow

You can’t exactly glow in spring if your face is congested with dead skin cells, now, can you? 

Not only will exfoliating help you shed the remnants of the winter that was, but it will also help your skin absorb products better so that you can maintain a healthy glow.

I love exfoliating - there’s just something about shedding the old you so that a newer and fresher version of yourself can sparkle, and a great way to achieve this is by using the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel. With the fruit enzymes, this gentle exfoliator gets rid of dead skin cells, all without aggravating the skin. 

3. Get An Antioxidant Serum

The African sun can be pretty harsh, and coupled with other toxins in the air around us, you really need to offer your skin the best protection, and that’s where antioxidants come in.

Antioxidants are compounds that combat your skin’s Thanos, also known as free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for all your skin’s woes – acne, blemishes, breakouts, and premature ageing. If your skin hates it, then free radicals are likely responsible.

Antioxidants not only offer Avengers-level protection, but they also have other benefits like stimulating the production of collagen, which means healthier and younger-looking skin. 

If there’s one antioxidant that’s always in my arsenal and should be yours, it’s vitamin C. I mean it hydrates, brightens, and protects the skin, so what more could you ask for?

The Garnier Even & Matte Vitamin C Booster Serum not only features vitamin C, but it also has Niacinamide and Salicylic Acid and together, they’re a better trio than the Powerpuff Girls, working to bust blemishes and dark spots, and saving the day by leaving you with a great glow

4. Use A Lighter Moisturiser

Just like your clothes, you need to keep your moisturiser much lighter during the warmer months. Using the same heavy moisturiser that you used during winter will just lead to clogged pores and breakouts and that’s the last thing we want.

The KIEHL'S Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream is a lightweight moisturiser, perfect for the summer days as it regulates oil production, keeping you from shining too brightly throughout the day. 

It’s also easily absorbable, working to cool and hydrate your skin, leaving it refreshed and ready to take on the day. 

5. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen, SUNSCREEN

Did I mention sunscreen?

Seriously, folks, we should all be using sunscreen, and yes, that includes people of colour as well – regardless of your Fenty shade.

Being sunburnt isn’t the only danger the sun poses - for the record, black people do get sunburnt as well. Sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation and photoaging. Essentially, sun exposure can cause black to definitely crack. 

One of the gripes against using sunscreen, particularly for people of colour, is that many products leave a white cast. Thankfully, you won’t have that issue with the Clarins UV Plus Sunscreen Multi-Protection SPF50.

The sunscreen isn’t just lightweight and white-cast proof, but it also moisturises the skin, and leaves you with a great, sun-protected glow.

And there you go folks. So, if you’ve been hibernating all winter long, it’s time to jump out of the covers, put on that floral outfit and show everyone just how spring-ready your skin is!

Make-up

How to Fall in Love With Eyeliner Again

For some of us, using eyeliner is second nature; our inner artist comes out and drawing a line on the lids seems like a walk in the park. For others, the thought makes us tense up. And rightly so.

The key behind good eyeliner application? Patience. Also, the more you practise, the better. We also suggest learning the shape of your eyes to see what eyeliner style suits you best. On the fence about this beauty tool? Here are five reasons to fall in love with eyeliner again.

Reason 1: It adds instant glamour on a night out

Step out of your comfort zone a little. If you’re new to the world of eyeliner, a night out is a great opportunity to make your debut. Eyeliners also make excellent travel companions, taking up minimal space in your hand bag. Last-minute dinner date? Smudge on some eyeliner and gloss to take your look from day to night. No disrespect to the smokey eye, but it’s a lot less maintenance!

Essence Long-Lasting Eye Pencil

Reason 2: Mistakes are easily fixable . . . Just use micellar water

Despite their long-wear application, most eyeliners are easy to remove. Just make sure you have micellar water and a few cotton buds on standby to tidy up any mistakes.

Uriage Micellar Cleansing Water Normal to Dry Skin 250ml

Reason 3: There are different formulas to experiment with

Kohl: It has a creamy, crayon-like formula with a steady tip that is a must if you enjoy a smudged eyeliner look. Unlike eyeshadow that could dissipate throughout the day, a kohl eyeliner doesn’t budge. And it’s very easy to apply.

Sisley Paris Phyto Kohl Waterproof Eyeliner

Pencil: If you’re looking for a soft, blurred finish, choose an eyeliner pencil. It’s a lot more subtle than kohl, and this one from Clarins comes with a little sponge to soften your look even more. Keep your pencil precise at all times by gently sharpening it regularly.

Clarins Phyto-Kohl Perfect Eyeliner Pencil

Gel: For those wanting a dramatic cat eye, this is the ideal liner. Use an eyeliner brush to draw a solid, steady line across your lids to create your desired look. Take note, this formula won’t move at all throughout the day (or night) – it has an eight-hour waterproof and sweat-proof formula that’s also resistant to humidity.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Liquid: We’re moving into the more advanced territory of the eyeliner world now, as liquid liners require a steady hand. Liquid liners allow you to draw any width of line, from thin to thick. The thicker you want to go, the more you’ll have to layer. Make sure you get a quick-drying formula with a glossy finish (like this one from Revlon), if you want to dabble in the liquid liner category. It’s a game changer!

Revlon ColorStay Micro Easy Precision Liquid Liner

Pen/Felt Tip: The most precise line of them all, the felt-tip liner resembles a koki pen with an extremely thin tip that allows you to create subtle or dramatic lines. Any line you want really, as long as it accentuates your eyes in the right way. Shaky hands? No problem. Try this – clench your toes as you apply the liner to your eyelids. It works like a charm and helps with steadiness.

Elizabeth Arden Bold Defining Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner

 

Reason 4: It’s an opportunity to play with colour

Black eyeliner is just the beginning and there are actually so many different hues to choose from. If bright colours speak to you more, try one of these.

Givenchy Khol Couture Waterproof Eyeliner in N3

MAC Bubble & Bows Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Bottle Service

Inglot Amc Eyeliner Gel Blue

 

Reason 5: It will make your eyes pop

They’re the window to the soul, after all! If you’re tired of your eyeshadow and don’t enjoy a bold lip, then eyeliner is a great option. From its staying power to the colour choices available, we’re sure you’ll find something to beautify your eyes.

Is eyeliner a part of your everyday look or only on special occasions? Let us know below!

Subtle Makeup That Makes a Statement

Makeup minimalists, this one’s for you. If you aren’t a fan of full-coverage foundations, voluminous lashes or bold eye and lip shades, that’s okay. Makeup can be used in an understated way and still have a massive impact on your overall look. We’re here to show you how subtle makeup can still make a statement. 

To begin, focus on the areas you’d like to enhance and work from there. We suggest picking universal, neutral shades that suit your skin tone and blend in easily. Try our selection of easy tips and tricks below to bring out the best in your features.

 

Go for gold

Gold is the most universal makeup shade you can find. If blending isn’t your forte, then you’re in luck. Gold hues are foolproof when it comes to blending, as they’re metallic. We recommend using a cream-formulated golden eyeshadow stick. It makes application a breeze and limits fall-out. To keep this look as minimal as possible, choose one of the following places to apply your gold eyeshadow: your brow bones or the inner corner of your eyes. Try just a smudge on the tops of your cheek bones and blend in with your fingers. Or you can line your eyelids and gently blend it out with an eyeshadow brush. This product is high up on our summer must-haves list. 

Fenty Beauty Shadow Stix Shimmer

 

Plump that pout

Ready to add va-va-voom to your pout – without the hassle of a lippy? Choose a nude or taupe-coloured lip liner and delicately line your lips. Then, either using your fingers or a lipstick brush, blend the liner into the rest of your lips. To finish the look, apply a dollop of clear lip gloss in the centre of your top lip. This will give the illusion of a voluminous pout. We love lip liners because they have more longevity than lipsticks, don’t bleed, and give more precision once applied. 

Catrice Plumping Lip Liner in License To Kiss

Maybelline Lifter Gloss with Hyaluronic Acid

 

Just a tint

If you’re looking for a product to even out your skin tone or mask redness, but don’t want the hassle or heaviness of a foundation, try a tinted moisturiser. They’re lightweight, easy to apply and are known for their no make-up-make-up effect on the skin. You can apply it with a sponge, makeup brush or your fingers. We also love that this one from Bobbi Brown contains a SPF 15. 

Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturiser SPF15

  

The power brow

A filled-in brow can change your entire look, in all the right ways. They’re the anchors of your face and the first thing that people notice. If you have light-coloured brow hairs, start off small by using a brow pencil to fill in the gaps where hairs are sparse. Use feather-like strokes when filling in your brows instead of pressing hard, as you would an eyeliner. Remember, the purpose of the brow pencil is to resemble your brow hairs. Use the spooly on the other end of your pencil to brush your brows in place. Having perfectly defined brows can add definition to your face.

Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Pencil

 

The kitten eye

Looking for some date-night makeup inspo? Try the kitten eye. It’s just like a regular cat-eye look, but on a smaller scale. Cat-eye looks have a bold top and bottom wing that’s dramatic – and often tricky to replicate. The kitten eye is a lot easier to create, with only a small flick having to be done on each eye. It’s also ideal for those who have hooded eyelids, as it has a lifting effect. Point the tip of your liquid eyeliner towards your ear and then press it outside the corner of your eye and slowly drag it along the top lid towards the centre. After reaching the middle, stop. Start again from your tear duct and move to connect the lines. This method works better than one swoop. 

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen

 

Which subtle make-up tip on our list would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below.

 

The Clean Girl Aesthetic Is The Perfect Everyday Look. Here’s How To Achieve It


Have you been looking for a quick, everyday make-up look that is pretty and polished in a barely there way? Consider it found! The Clean Girl aesthetic is trending on social media and includes fashion and beauty looks. In fact, the #cleangirlaesthetic hashtag has got over 6.6 billion views on TikTok  – and counting!

@mollerina_ I’ll put a list links to these products up on my IG: mollerina_ 🖤 #cleangirl #cleanaestetic #cleangirlmakeup #acnemakeup #adultacne ♬ spice girls x doja cat x adam wright - Adam Wright

As the name suggests, this make-up is meant to look natural and products should emphasise your natural beauty. What’s great about it is that it can be achieved quickly, making it *perfect* for the early-morning rush!

Want to learn how it’s done? Here’s how to hop on this versatile trend in just four easy steps.

Why Coral Lipstick Is The New Red

Don’t get us wrong, we love a bold, red lip, but nothing says wow like coral.

Want 'flawless' foundation? A dermatologist and makeup artist share the one step you shouldn't skip

Bashiera Parker speaks to a dermatologist and a makeup artist about the importance of prepping the skin before applying makeup.

What happens to your skin when you use expired products? An expert weighs in

You do know your make-up, and skincare products expire, right? But let's be honest, how many of us actually adhere to those expiration dates?

This Dior Blush Went Viral. Here’s Why You Need It

Not too long ago, every make-up fan on TikTok was talking about a certain Dior blush. It was a Barbie-pink shade that Kylie Jenner wears and a perfect product for creating #Barbiecore beauty looks. It was identified as being the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush, which has just been reformulated and is now better than ever!

An even better blush

The Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush isn’t new, but it has undergone a revamp. The formula is now created using clean ingredients, making it an ideal choice for conscious consumers. 

A fine, pressed powder that’s so light you can’t even feel it, there’s much more to the formula than just great pigment. It’s long-lasting, buildable and blends with ease to guarantee a seamless application and finish that lasts for hours.

The best thing about it, however, has to be its Color Reviver Technology. This reacts to the moisture and pH levels of your skin so that you get the perfect, customised shade every time you apply it for an instant dewy glow.

There are four shades of the Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush that have been carefully crafted so that all skin tones are catered for. Loved by everyone, from social media users to professional make-up artists, this beauty buy is one that is proving to be worthy of its viral status!

Do you want to add this Dior fave to your make-up collection? Shop it online or at your nearest Edgars store.

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush

Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush

Read more insider beauty information, trend updates and shopping product intel at Edgars Beauty Hub.

Fragrance

The 6 Best-Smelling Colognes To Add To Your Rotation

At Edgars, we understand the importance of leaving a lasting impression with your cologne. That’s why our fragrance guides provide a diverse selection to suit every personality. We aim to expand your options and help you discover your timeless signature scent.

With this in mind, we have curated a list of the six best-smelling colognes that have stood the test of time, each with its own distinct fragrance character. You might have smelt them on friends or spotted them in their fragrance collection before. We’ve selected these colognes for their quality, longevity and overall appeal.

Trust us to elevate your fragrance wardrobe and leave a scent that lingers long after you’ve made your first impression.

Armani Acqua Di Gio Homme

Armani Acqua Di Gio Homme

With its timeless allure, this iconic ocean-inspired scent, born in 1996, continues to captivate. A harmonious blend of cyprus, musk, bergamot, neroli, rosemary and patchouli creates an earthy yet refreshing essence. It’s the perfect choice for your everyday olfactory journey. It’s like a daily dose of freshness that never gets old.

How much perfume is too much? The secret to building a fragrance wardrobe

Fragrance can leave a lasting impression and reflect someone's unique personality, and people tend to buy a few bottles of perfume to build a collection. But how many bottles should you have in your fragrance collection?

These Classic Scents Deserve A Spot In Your Fragrance Collection

There are always new fragrances being designed and launched, but classic scents have been around for *ages* and have been best-sellers ever since. Here are the ones to add to your fragrance collection.

Add These Fresh Fragrances To Your Summer Line-Up

Whether you’re staying cool by the pool or basking on the beach, here are the scents to spritz this season. 

Men's Grooming

Face Masks For Men: These are the Ones Worth Investing In

Are you tired of waking up with a dull complexion? Or do you get annoyed by the occasional breakout? If so, there might be a solution for you. Enter: our selection of the best face masks for men. Choose your fighter wisely, and you’ll banish your specific skin issues, such as lacklustre skin or breakouts, in no time.

In fact, these powerhouses are so good, they can be used right before an important event or at night after a cleansing routine. It’s an efficient way to give your mug a quick pick-me-up in just 10 minutes. Plus, you don’t have to use them daily. Skin experts advise using them weekly or bi-weekly to reap all the benefits.

Best Face Masks For Men

Best for dry skin

This face mask is a game-changer for dry skin! Packed with glacier water, hyaluronic acid and apricot, it gives an instant hydration boost to parched skin. It not only moisturises dry spots, but also helps retain moisture on the surface. Bonus tip: You can also use it as a mask or cream if you have dry hands from using hand sanitisers.

Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Hydrating Mask with Apricot & Glacier Water

 

Best pore minimiser

This cleansing mask is awesome for purifying your skin and reducing the appearance of pores. It’s made with Amazonian white clay, which is great for getting rid of oil, dirt and toxins that can clog your pores. Plus, it’s got oatmeal and aloe vera to help soothe your skin. It sounds good, right?

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Mask

 

Best for dull skin

Get ready for your skin to sip on some smoothie goodness! This moisturising and brightening facial mask is like a green detox for your skin. Packed with the power of wheatgrass, kale and nettle, it’s a vitamin and mineral feast. And let’s not forget the avocado and chia seed oils, as well as vitamin C and passion fruit acids to gently exfoliate your skin. With this mask, you’ll be saying goodbye to dead skin cells in style.

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask

 

Best for beards

Why settle for just a face cleanser when you can also get a desert-inspired spa experience? This Dior Sauvage cleanser with cactus extract doubles as a face mask. Lather it up and rinse for a daily cleanse, or let it sit for a minute on your face once or twice a week for a good pampering session. This way it will give your skin a good cleanse underneath your beard. All you need to do now is complete your skincare routine with the Sauvage moisturiser and fragrance. You’ll be channeling your inner Johnny Depp in no time.

Dior Sauvage 2-in-1 Face Cleanser & Mask

 

Best for oily skin

The Uriage Hyséac Purifying Peel-Off Mask is the ultimate secret weapon against shine and pesky acne. Just slap it on, let it work its magic for 15 minutes, and then indulge in the ultimate satisfaction of peeling it off. There's no rinsing required because who needs extra steps in their skincare routine?

Uriage Hyséac Peel-Off Mask

 

Have you treated your skin to a mask before? Let us know your favourite one below.

The Edgars Guide To a Pain-Free Shave 

Edgars takes men’s grooming very seriously and one of the most important aspects of grooming is shaving. When you shave, you can’t afford to end up looking dehydrated or bruised. The solution? Kit yourself out with killer shaving products that will leave your face smooth and hydrated. Here’s the Edgars grooming guide you absolutely need, including tips on how to use the right shaving products for a pain-free shave.

Prep your skin in the shower

Most men shave in the morning, so we suggest jumping in the shower first. The hot water can help to open up your pores to get a closer shave. Then you need to apply this fast-acting Deep Cleanse Facial Wash by Elemis. It has a powerful blend of English oak bark, spearmint and peppermint to rid the skin of impurities and pollution whilst preventing ingrown hairs. The invigorating gel formula will prep skin for a comfortable shave.

Deep Cleanse Facial Wash by Elemis

Deep Cleanse Facial Wash by Elemis

Scrub away dead skin

Using an exfoliator while in the shower is a pro move. It will help unclog blocked pores and ingrown hairs. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub is made with highly effective scrub particles to alleviate roughness and help break down tough facial hair for a closer, pain-free shaving experience.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub

Lather with a shaving gel

Most shaving gels quickly expand into a creamy lather when applied to the face. Nivea Men Deep Shaving Gel is enriched with natural charcoal that turns from grey to white foam in your hands and removes dirt and excess oils on your skin for a superior razor glide. Just pump the shaving gel into your hands, or onto a brush, and rub a thin layer over your face.

Nivea Men Deep Shaving Gel

Nivea Men Deep Shaving Gel

Shaving oil allows you to see what you’re doing

A shaving oil is a game-changer. It feels like a lubricant and it lifts facial hair, so your razor can cut the hair right from the follicle. Clarins Men Shave Ease Oil contains rosemary, eucalyptus and mint which softens stubble to banish razor burn. That means no more grunt work. Just a close, clean, friction-free shave from now on.

Clarins Men Shave Ease Oil

Clarins Men Shave Ease Oil

A clean, fast shave

Some men opt for a clean shave, others prefer stubble or a 5 o’clock shadow. No matter if you like using a traditional razor or an electric shaver, both will do the job you want. Whatever the case, you need the right tools. Electric shavers are actually more effective if you suffer from ingrown hairs. They don’t cut directly at skin level, making them less likely to cause irritation. Xiaomi Electric Shaver S500 delivers a clean shave all in one go.

Xiaomi Electric Shaver S500

Xiaomi Electric Shaver S500

If you shave with a razor, you need aftershave


Aftershaves are crafted to help your skin recover from a close shave. Slap on some Aramis Classic Aftershave when you put your razor down, but after you’ve cleaned your face. Your skin will soak up the good ingredients to help calm and hydrate angry and irritated post-shave skin.

Aramis Classic Aftershave

Aramis Classic Aftershave

Read more insider beauty information, trend updates and shopping product intel at Edgars Beauty Hub

Your Five-Step Switch To Summer Grooming 

Your wardrobe isn’t the only thing you should switch come summer time. Here’s how to change things up now that it’s getting warmer…

Face Masks For Men: These Are The Ones Worth Investing In

Are you tired of waking up with a dull complexion? Or do you get annoyed by the occasional breakout? If so, there might be a solution for you. Enter: our selection of the best face masks for men.

9 Affordable Grooming Products For Men Under R200

We’ve put together some of the best budget-friendly skincare buys for men. Go ahead, pick up a few – or all – you can thank us in the comments below.

Need a gift for whatever occasion? Edgars has you covered

I was always a generous person, even as a child.

It may have something to do with the fact that my mother gave me only four years to be an only child. By the time I turned five, I had a younger sister, and the lessons in "sharing is caring" were in full effect.

I don’t come from a wealthy family, but we were never poor either. One of the first things I saw a lot growing up was my grandmother sharing things with family and friends. Everything from furniture to clothes.

Whenever we got new clothes, she packed the decent-looking old clothes and gave them away. Same with the furnisher. She gifted people in need with things like couches, room dividers (sitting room cabinets), and almost everything in between, including her time and, sometimes, her money - which was not nearly enough for her to share.

I took that lesson and still do. I count sharing as an act that shows that one cares. However, being generous, I realised it gets more complicated as one grows.

In my experience as an adult, I can hardly afford the air I breathe, the water I drink, or the food I eat. That makes gifting people super tricky.

In an ideal world, I will give you a gift simply because "I saw it and it reminded me of you". Life itself is a special occasion, so seize every opportunity to be generous.

For the first time this year, I got a chance to play Santa. It's way after Christmas, and the January financial slump had me in a choke for a while, but one of my New Year resolutions in 2024 was to take advantage of all chances I receive to be able to randomly give to others.

So when I learned that Edgars had a few gifting sets that wouldn't break my budget, I visited the Sandton store, and with an R1000 voucher, this is what I got my Granny and my two younger sisters:

â—Ź      Belle Luxury Bath Set (https://www.edgars.co.za/private-label-bath-body-gift-sets-34757701-opt1)

I learned what it means to be intentional about self-care from my Granny, and one of the moments she's intentional about thanking her body for carrying her is during bath time. So this Belle luxury Bathset was just perfect for my favourite human in the whole wide world.

â—Ź      Maybelline Beauty Favourites (https://www.edgars.co.za/maybelline-festive-favourites-35585601-opt1)

Once the tomboy of the household, my little sister has finally entered her girly girl era, and I thought, what better way to help her in her beauty journey than to gift her with all the fave products from Maybelline?

â—Ź      Belle Luxury Hand Cream Trio (https://www.edgars.co.za/private-label-bath-body-gift-sets-34757201-opt1)

This was a cute but practical gift for my younger sister. Since she bought a car, the good sis is always stealing my hand lotions to stack up in her car, so I got her these so I can rest, at least till Good Friday.

As I said, I know that it's not easy to be generous as a young person in South Africa - our salaries have too many plans (yes, not us, the money itself is a booked and busy hun, and she hardly ever stays long enough in our accounts for us to be as generous as we want to.)

But if you get a smaller’nyana chance to gift someone, Edgars probably has just the thing for you.

*Kekana was gifted a voucher by Edgars to explore their gifting options

January make-up review

Putting on make-up is the hill I'm willing to die on. For me, no matter how perfect I get my skin to be one day, I'll never not want to put on make up.

That said, just like any life partner, make-up is not perfect. In fact, depending on where you are in your journey with make-up, you discover things you don't like about it. Whether you are a beginner, an admirer, or an MUA (make-up artist), there is something about the art of make-up that probably isn't your favourite.

The one thing I hate about make-up is the fact that it's not my skin, shem! And I know I'm not the only one because terms like permanent make-up have become popular among make-up lovers. But personally, my pet peeve is make-up, which ends up on my clothes, the surfaces I touch, and my phone.

So, I set out on a different mission this year as I went to do office make-up shopping, aka everyday make-up. I needed to find products to help make my life easier and curb the effects of make-up that I hate as much as possible.

Office make-up consists of the everyday products I use to achieve my no-fuss Monday to Friday make-up. It doesn't need a lot and really doesn't take much time.

I allocate about 15 minutes for my face when I'm going to work. The first five minutes are taken up by the "skin care" routine, which my age, having a child, and TikTok have pressured me into ensuring I include in my daily routine.

After cleansing, I put on some toner, serums, moisturizer and sunscreen. From there, I prepare the skin for make-up using primer and some powder.

Then I do my make-up. I recently switched up a couple of things since I visited an Edgars Beauty Shop in Rosebank (they also have them in Hyde Park and Sandton City, among many other places).

At the beauty shop, I met Ntombi, one of the beauty consultants. I said, "Is it possible to have a foundation that doesn't end up as stains on my clothes?".

Not wanting to let me live in that fantasy, Ntombi immediately said no: "Some brands claim they don't transfer, but to be honest, all foundations will transfer somewhere at some point in your day. However, there are some brands – which are usually on the more expensive side of the spectrum that are thought to be better at it."

"Does that mean the chances are better for me if my foundation is more expensive?" I asked.

The answer is yes, unfortunately, but Ntombi shared a few make-up hacks I needed to share because they will make office make-up a breeze.

Depending on your technique and the tools you use to put your make-up on, there are ways that can help you - especially if your make-up pet peeve is transference.

Here are some of the tips she shared that may help you:

Never underestimate the power of a good primer!

Whenever you can, buy the expensive foundation… but only if it works for your skin type.

Take your time to find your skin match made in make-up heaven. It will be worth it in the end. Edgars has plenty of options here, and they house fabulous brands.

Make hydrating concealer your best friend!

Make the make-up work for you.

For example, if you know brushes aren't your go-to tools, opt for stick foundation and use sponges to blend. Here are some excellent foundation sticks to try.

If you ever get a chance to swing by an Edgars beauty shop, feel free to ask all the questions you have about make-up. The consultants are kind and so helpful, you won't regret it.

Become a Beauty Insider by clicking here

Sign up to be a beauty insider, and you’ll have access not just to amazing beauty give-aways , but also get first access to news about new launches, in-store events, master classes and more. Plus being part of the community gives you access to our Beauty Facebook Group where you can ask questions of our experts.

Edgars Beauty revamps its Sandton store with a focus on skincare

By Kaunda Selisho

Makeup was something I considered difficult to do. And I felt that way for years until beauty content on YouTube came along. The same can be said for skincare.

Now, skincare is paramount, even surpassing beauty content due to the belief that makeup looks best when applied on skin that has been taken care of and the immensurable amount of content shared online every day is proof of this. 

With this new emphasis on skincare in mind, Edgars revamped and expanded their new Sandton store with beauty in mind and held an intimate launch event at the end of October to introduce the Edgars Beauty community to the new self-care haven. 

In addition to a larger space dedicated to skincare brands, international favourites like Fenty Beauty, Lancome, Dior Beauty and Bvlgari enjoy pride of place with stunning displays and welcoming assistants to help guide your shopping experience.

As a long-time Rihanna fan, I instantly gravitated towards the Fenty Beauty station and asked the gorgeous makeup artists to help me find my correct Pro Filt'R shade.

While getting to know each other, she matched my shade, and touched up my makeup in a way that introduced me to some new items to add to my Christmas wishlist. 

Over at the Bvlgari station, I found out that the pros call perfume bottles flacons as I admired the colours and designs of the flacons in the Allegra range.

Allegra is a customisable range of women's fragrances that combines exclusive Eau de Parfums and Magnifying Essences to create a signature scent.

I was instantly sold on the idea as a thoughtful Christmas or birthday gift.

After a quick bite to eat, I ended my evening off at the skincare section of the store, complete with visually stunning displays and sinks dotted throughout the area.

The eye-catching displays, bright lights, updated decor and attentive, knowledgeable store assistants highlight a more shopper-focused experience that is bound to make Christmas gift shopping that much more exciting.