Red nose, chapped lips, puffy face, a pale complexion – these are just a few of the beauty woes that come with a cold. Make-up may not be your top priority when you’re seriously under the weather, but once you’re over the worst it’s time to breathe some life back into your complexion. Here are a few clever tips and products to help you look better than you feel. 

Make sure you're using a rich cream

A rich, nourishing cream will soothe parched skin and restore your natural glow. If your skin is dry and irritated, add a few drops of facial oil to your everyday face cream and pat it into your skin for an extra moisture boost.

Placecol Illuminé Reviving Oil 15ml 450; Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Cream  50ml 295 SHOP NOW; Clarins Hydra-Essentiel 640 SHOP NOW

Grab a soothing balm 

The sensitive skin around your lips and nose is hit hard by a cold, and may appear red, inflamed and chapped. Protect and repair it with an intensely nourishing balm that seals in moisture and helps your skin bounce back quickly.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant 50ml 315 SHOP NOW; Nuxe Reve de Miel Super Baume 475; Bobbi Brown Extra Soothing Balm 1050 SHOP NOW

Boost radiance with hydrating foundations

Consider hydrating foundations and tinted moisturisers your skin’s new best friends. These hardworking products revive a dull, uneven complexion, giving your skin a healthy colour boost while erasing signs of fatigue.

Inglot Beautifier Tinted Cream 399 (Exclusive to Edgars); MAC Lightful C + Coral Grass Tinted Cream SPF 30 With Radiance Booster 560 SHOP NOW; Clarins Skin Illusion SPF 15 515 SHOP NOW

Colour correct with concealer

A concealer is essential when trying to disguise the aftermath of a cold. While hydrating foundations and tinted moisturisers go a long way to conceal shadows and red blotches, colour correctors target specific skin problems. A yellow-based concealer diminishes purple or blue under-eye circles; green-based concealers neutralise redness around the nose; and an apricot-hued concealer brightens the skin for a fresh, healthy look.

Clarins SOS Primer Diminish Redness 425 SHOP NOW; Sisley Instant Correct in Just Rosy 1110 (Exclusive to Edgars) SHOP NOW; Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer 495 SHOP NOW

Use a waterproof mascara 

Sneezes and sniffles mean watery eyes, so keep eye make-up simple with soft, brightening eyeshadow instead of eyeliner, which might smudge during the day. Use a light coat of waterproof mascara to help revive and ‘open’ your eyes.

Kelso Beauty Waterproof Mascara 159.95 (Exclusive to Edgars) SHOP NOW; Lancôme Monsieur Big Waterproof Mascara 360 SHOP NOW; Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Waterproof Mascara 610 SHOP NOW

Add a pop of colour to cheeks and lips

Nothing lifts a dull complexion more than a pop of colour. Blush is a must to give cheeks a healthy flush and bring your complexion back to life. Creamy, hydrating formulas will blend easily into your skin and give it a dewy finish, as opposed to powder blushes that may accentuate dryness. As for colour, go for peachy shades. These hues instantly perk up sallow-looking skin. Avoid red tones as these may emphasise blotchiness. Use a tinted balm or nourishing lipstick on lips for a healthy, protective glow.

Chanel Coco Rouge Flash in Furtive 645; Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sheer Tint SPF15 in Blush 255 SHOP NOW; Dolce & Gabbana The Creamy Blush In Rosa Aurora 930 (Exclusive to Edgars)

SHOP BEAUTY

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

Fragrance cocktailing, also known as scent mixing or fragrance layering, involves combining two (or more) scents to create a unique custom-blend aroma. However it’s not as easy as randomly spritzing on perfumes; you need to know which notes and fragrance families complement each other before you dive right in. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FRAGRANCE FAMILIES

Knowledge of the fragrance categories (floral, woody, citrus, oriental and gourmand) is essential for layering. While there is no hard and fast rule, the general guideline is to mix scents that are either in the same family or in complementary ones. For example, if you are choosing to mix floral fragrances, start by layering light and fresh florals over the darker, deeper ones.

FOCUS ON SIMPLE SCENTS

The less complicated the perfume composition the easier it is to mix. Look for subtle, minimalist fragrances that feature one or two notes only for a seamless blend. Try keep within the same family for better control of the combined fragrance.

THE ORDER MATTERS

Always spray the stronger fragrance first, so that it’s present but not overwhelming. When you’re layering an EDT or EDP with a body lotion (read further for more on this), or mixing two EDTs, always apply the heavier-smelling scent, wait for it to dry or soak in, and then apply the next.

NOT JUST FOR PERFUMES

Layering scents isn't exclusive to perfumes; you can also use body care products such as creams and butters to create an intense, long-lasting, top-to-toe scent. Applying scented body oils, lotions and creams together underneath your fragrance will uplift it.

THE PERFECT COCKTAIL

These complementary blends are worth taking note of:



Getty Images, Shutterstock

What would Easter be without all the trimmings that make this holiday extra special? Find out how to take your Easter festivities to the next level with mouthwatering recipes and special offers from Piatto Restaurants. 
CLUB VIP + CLUB LIFE

Imagine a table laden with chicken-parmesan-stuffed garlic bread for starters, elegant braised lamb shank with gravy for mains, and mini-egg rocky road for a knockout dessert with a distinctly Easter feel. Sound good? See how to make these delicious dishes and more here. Don’t feel like cooking for Easter? Go out instead! Edgars Club members get 10% off meals at Piatto Restaurant from Mondays to Thursdays, so you can treat the family to authentic Mediterranean cuisine in a lively environment, and experience the pleasure of coming home to a clean kitchen afterwards. Not only that, but Edgars Club members also stand a chance to win one of two R400 vouchers from Piatto Restaurants. Winning is easy, click here to find out more. Competition closes 30 April. Ts & Cs apply.

Remember that you can join Edgars Club and choose the way you'd like to pay. Either on your Edgars Thank U account or with cash, which allows you to benefit from Edgars Club offers even if you don't have a Thank U account. Simply purchase any of the Club packages at an Edgars till near you using cash or a credit or debit card. If you would like to open an account, visit your nearest Edgars store.

Getty Images

The philanthropist and style icon lets us in on his grooming routine, and it’s not as complicated as you might expect. Follow his guide to feeling fresh and looking sharp all day, everyday. 
PR extraordinaire, award-winning sartorial figure, campaign strategist, humanitarian, brand influencer for Bvlgari – Matthew Mensah’s resume is impressive! We love that his personal style and grooming are always on point, despite his crazy busy schedule. We asked Mensah to share his grooming secrets.

What’s your approach when it comes to male grooming?
A man with respect for himself looks after himself, and there should be no excuses. If our female counterparts can manage a grooming routine, so should we. Manicures, pedicures and waxing should be part of every man’s grooming vocabulary.

Take us through your daily grooming routine.
It's simple; I apply a rich moisturiser with shea butter from Ghana after my shower, brush my hair and beard, check that my nails are clean, and finish off with a great scent.

Which three key items are always in your bathroom cabinet?
Fragrance, moisturiser and a scissors for my beard.

Is there one grooming product you carry with you wherever you go?
I have a little miniature bottle of my favourite fragrance that I always carry in my bag, so I can refresh my scent throughout the day.

What are your top tips for men who would like to start a grooming routine?

• Start and end your day by cleansing your skin with a mild cleanser.
• Find a great barbershop like Bespoke Men in Sandton City, Legends Barbershop, Joburg CBD or La Familia Barbershop in Rosebank.
• Invest in a monthly manicure and pedicure.

Do you have a signature fragrance?
Yes, Bvlgari Wood Essence is currently my go-to scent, and it’s so fitting as I am now the official brand influencer for Bvlgari – a dream position as it’s always been one of my favourite luxury brands.

Which fragrance family are you most drawn to?
I prefer masculine scents with notes of cedarwood, ambergris, fresh citrus and coriander – which actually describes the composition of the Bvlgari Wood Essence fragrance, hence why I am drawn to it! Tom Ford, Paco Rabanne and Gucci Homme are also fragrance houses that produce scents I gravitate towards.

Your beard is in impeccable shape, how do your maintain it to ensure it always looks on point?
Aah, thank you! Many people don't understand that grooming a beard takes time and effort and you should consider the same approach as you would for your hair. It needs to be washed, brushed and trimmed (or shaven) to create the style you desire. A beard oil is also an essential product that will ensure your beard is keep soft, nourished and smelling good.

When it comes to grooming, is it all about the products for you or does healthy eating and exercise also play a big role?
Eating healthy and keeping active is very much a part of my routine. I have a bit of a sweet tooth so going to gym is crucial!

In 2017 you were named GQ’s Best Dressed Man Of The Year – how have you established your go-to style, and what style advice do you have for our readers?
It was such an honour to be given this accolade. When it comes to my style, I have always dressed for myself. I love wearing a suit but I think it’s all about the fit, so I tend to tailor most of the pieces so they fit properly. I then add my own spin on it with interesting shoes and accessories. My advice would be to create your own style and identity, and look at the shape and fit of clothing – not only the brands and price points.

SHOP GROOMING

When we meet up with body positivity activist and writer Siphokazi Veti on set in Cape Town, she’s every bit as radiant as she seems on social media. And while her personality bubbles with enthusiasm and an undeniable optimism, we soon find there's a depth to Siphokazi that is beyond her years. She opens up with the kind of refreshing honesty that is so rare in the age of social media.

Maintaining that level of positivity and energy isn’t always easy she admits, especially when it comes to the relationship she has with her body. Rather, it’s a journey and a process that needs daily practicing. So when Siphokazi revealed some of her daily mantras for happier living, we were all ears.

Why do you think it takes people so long to learn self-love? 

I think over time the world got lost in communication. Especially in media, and how it defined beauty and self-worth for so long. That kind of thing shapes young minds, and children lose something important at a young age.

What were your experiences growing up regarding self-love? 

I had an eating disorder and social anxiety. On top of that, my body started changing and maturing from an early age, but I didn’t feel comfortable to ask advice to find out more about what was happening to me. And so for a long time, I didn’t feel comfortable with myself.

When did you start feeling comfortable with your body?

Only when I got to university, and started exploring feminism. That was a major turning point. A whole new world opened up for me.

View this post on Instagram

No matter how hard you attempt to shrink me, the truth remains.. You can’t unsee me 📸: @everydaypeoplestories

A post shared by Siphokazi Veti (@siphokaziveti) on Jan 9, 2019 at 9:24am PST

How did feminism help you through this? 

It taught me the importance of choice, individuality and fighting for who you are, and fighting to tell your story. It taught me to be proud of being a woman and the magic that is womanhood.

Do you find yourself looking to other women for guidance and inspiration? 

I am inspired by so many incredible women, but I’ve had to take the path to self-love alone. I’ve realised I am my own healer. Until you can look at yourself in the mirror every single morning and love what you see, nothing else matters.

And do you feel this way about yourself every morning? 

Definitely not every single morning. Every day is a new chapter. Every morning that I get up, I have to set my intention. I have to affirm my value and to affirm that I am enough. Self-love is a way to enjoy the journey with your body, without being hard on yourself. If I didn’t practice that and if I continued to pay attention to others’ perceptions of me, I think I would still be in a dark space. A space that never fulfilled my purpose.

Do you ever experience negativity from people online? 

Oh yes, all the time. Especially on social media. But I even experience hate in the supermarket or on the street. But these reactions come from a place of fear. People fear bodies that exist unapologetically. I try my best not to live in that moment of hate. It’s hard, don’t get me wrong. It’s why self-affirmation is especially important. And it’s why I also turn to people that inspire me. Like my grandmother. She was raised in a time when black women couldn’t thrive yet, against all odds, she did it. And so she has become the person who really drives me forward, no matter where I am in my life. My mother is another driving force for me. I am who I am because of women like my grandmother and mother.’

View this post on Instagram

another day in love ••• self-love is a choice available to you right in this moment. Be open and stay open to the ways your existence wants to shift and manifest. Self- love is all yours; moment to moment- allow it, choose it, feel it. You don’t need to reach a level of perfection to accept yourself or to know that indeed you are enough just as you are. Come back into your body, slow down, loose your grip on expectations and surrender to love. ••• Affirmation: I am no longer afraid, I no longer apologize. I uphold my boundaries. I see the woman in the mirror, She is divine magic. She is all that I am. I will love myself in this form and the next

A post shared by Siphokazi Veti (@siphokaziveti) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:14am PDT

Siphokazi’s 5 mantras to live by

1. SELF-LOVE 
Practice self-love every day. Do not seek validation outside of yourself through instant gratifications. If you do that you will lose yourself, and you will stop telling your own story.

2. WELLBEING
Keep on learning, keep on questioning the world around you and what it’s telling you. You are your own healer, so trust your instincts and do not always turn to others to learn and understand. Have faith in your own perceptions.
3. PROFESSIONALISM 
Remain authentic, because your story is important. I studied accounting, which wasn’t who I truly was. I was on a path where I could easily have been lost, but I remained true to who I am and what I want in life and steered myself in the right direction.

4. SPIRITUALITY 
Spirituality is important for reconnecting to your deeper, inner guide. It helps make sense of – and deepens – your purpose on earth. I grew up in a religious home, but over the years my definition of spirituality has broadened to include many different practices, including yoga.

5. GRATITUDE
Be grateful for the time you – and your loved ones – have on this earth. My sister passed away several years ago. She helped me appreciate my own existence so much more. Her passing also made me realise that she had a powerful story, and it was never told… So her passing taught me to be grateful for the time we have, and to use that time wisely.

Check out Siphokazi's Instagram
Photography: Instagram
Words: Edwain Steenkamp