10 foundation and concealer combos for a flawless finish

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We take a look at some of the most powerful foundation and concealer combinations on the market.
These powerful duos might be from different beauty houses but together they create the perfect canvas. 

Foundations and concealers are considered to be two of the most important staples in your make-up bag. A concealer sleekly accentuates a foundation's consistency, finish and coverage. Beauty houses usually match their concealers to a foundation, but that doesn’t always work in your favour. Here, we pair different brands together for a truly flawless finish.

1.

In need of light-to-medium matte foundation but have dark circles that need extra coverage and a boost of radiance? This clever combo is for you.

Estée lauder Double Wear Light Soft Matte Hydra Makeup SPF 10 600
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Givenchy Everwear Concealer 590

2.

If your skin is dry and prone to blemishes, pairing this highly pigmented moisturising foundation from Inglot with benefit’s creamy brightening concealer will deliver full coverage and an even, glowing complexion.

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Inglot All Covered Face Foundation 499
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Benefit Boi-ing Brightening Concealer 325
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3.

Kelso’s foundation plus Lottie’s concealer are not only a super affordable combo but they also should also be your go-to pairing if you’re looking for a daily long-lasting foundation and a concealer duo.

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Kelso Beauty Liquid Foundation SPF 15 249.95
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Lottie Got It Covered Sponge Applicator Concealer 85
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4.

This duo will leave you looking fresh-faced all day (and night). Although the foundation has a matte texture, it’s extremely hydrating, which makes for comfortable, long-lasting coverage. Pair it with this multipurpose concealer that not only hides imperfections but also colour corrects, contours and highlights. The result is a breathtakingly beautiful complexion.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear 24H Wear & Comfort Retouch Free SPF 15 550
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Smashbox Studio Skin Flawless 24 Hour Waterproof Concealer 405
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5.

Another power couple for those with dry skin. Revlon’s foundation boasts a creamy texture that feels like a moisturiser while Clinique’s concealer easily blends into the skin, provides immediate hydration and is transfer-resistant.

Revlon Photoready Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation 129.99
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Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer + 24-Hour Wear 335
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6.

Mac’s matte foundation gives medium-to-full buildable coverage and is a game-changer for those with oily skin. It helps to minimise the appearance of pores and imperfections, giving a smoother, more flawless finish. And if you want this smooth appearance to continue to your eyes then go for this Clarins concealer, which provides customised correction, and blends flawlessly into the skin.

Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 485
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Clarins Instant Concealer 370
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7.

Enriched with luminous perfection soft-focus powder, this Chanel foundation is lightweight and helps correct imperfections as well as illuminates the skin while the highly pigmented concealer from Dior provides full camouflage coverage in just one coat.

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation 925
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Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover 800

8.

By far one of the most fantastic foundations on the market for those wanting to hide imperfections caused by acne scars and blemishes on your face, Black Up’s creamy foundation gives your skin a healthy glow – and won’t cake. Follow this with the equally creamy concealer from Elizabeth Arden; the smooth formula glides on seamlessly to cover dark circles, blemishes and imperfections, while delivering a natural glow.

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Black Up Full Coverage Cream Foundation 530
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Elizabeth Arden Stroke of Perfection Concealer 299
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9.

This dynamic duo is pure magic. Tom Ford’s luminous foundation helps skin cells replenish their natural energy, thereby rejuvenating the complexion. With an equally luminous finish, this concealer from Dolce & Gabbana is easy to apply and helps to eliminate imperfections, condition the skin and improve the skin’s complexion.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation SPF 15 1195
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Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Luminous Concealer 605

10.

Achieve that second-skin effect with this Sisley foundation that provides a delicately powdered finish. Although light and clean, it’s still long wearing and blends well with this equally light concealer from Sensai. Lightly textured, this 3-in-1 concealer disguises imperfections, adds radiance and locks in moisture for a smoother look.

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Sisley Phyto Teint Éclat 1528
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Sensai Highlighting Concealer 780


4 ACCESSORIES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LOOK

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Accessories have the power to transform any look. Take a look at why your accessories shouldn’t be a mere afterthought.
Accessories are often an afterthought, yet they’re one of the easiest ways to take your look from drab to fab in seconds. These celebs prove just how powerful accessories can be.
Written by Candice Bresler

1. The beret

A hat makes enough of a statement as is, so look for tones that you can wear with a number of outfits this season and allow the shape to speak for itself. From beret to bowler, cowboy to chupalla, we’re totally committed to making the Little Black Hat (LBH?) a thing this winter. Who’s with us?

Beret 199.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU blazer 449.95; Free 2BU neon slogan T-shirt 99.95; Free 2BU cycle shorts 179.95; marble earrings (set of 3) 79.95; Steve Madden sporty strappy heels 1399

2. The belt bag

It’s the ’90s bum bag made cool. Yes, it’s the perfect size for stashing your sunglasses and phone, but can we take a moment for the waist-cinching capabilities of this season’s humble belt bag? Turn a simple little shift dress into a figure-hugging showstopper with what is arguably the most practical gem winter’s offering us this year. Just sling it across your chest for off-duty-model cool.

Free 2BU neon printed dress 199.95; Free 2BU quilted belt bag 299.95; circle earrings 99.95; Free 2BU dad sneakers 349.95

3. All the jewellery

Calling all magpies! It’s official: more is more this season. Layer, hang, shine and sparkle your way to a winter that glitters and gleams. We’re not above practicality here, and getting a necklace caught in your knitted turtle neck isn’t a look. So, leave the pile of chains for the days you aren’t wearing your Lenny Kravitz-style scarf, and opt for bracelets or statement studs instead.

Free 2BU denim jacket 499.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU sports bra 79.95; Free 2BU side-stripe leggings 179.95; Free 2BU layered necklace with earrings set 99.95; thick swirl-hoop earrings 59.95; Free 2BU dad sneakers 349.95

4. Co-ordinated belt and bag

We’re not hating on being matchy-matchy here. Bring the look from 1950s Vogue and Chanel, and add a modern twist with a touch of silver or snakeskin to prevent your outfit from looking as though it was stolen from your granny’s closet. This is also not the time to pull out your power suit or pencil skirt – contrast your A+ taste in accessories with a more laid-back look – distressed denim and a simple tee is what we’re after here.

Free 2BU neon long sleeved top 159.95; Free 2BU painted denim jeans and belt 320; marble earrings (set of 3) R79.95; Free 2BU quilted mini shoulder bag 399.95; Free 2BU pointed-toe heels 299.95 SHOP NOW

Fashion editor: Brittany Penebre. Junior fashion editor: Rushana Burton. Photography: André/Pixel Lounge. Getty Images


All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

5 Grooming Essentials Every Man Should Own

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A roundup of the skincare products every man should have in his grooming collection.
A targeted skincare regimen can make the world of difference when it comes to boosting your complexion and looking more fresh and alert. These are the must-have products that will kick-start your journey to becoming impeccably groomed… with minimal effort.

1. A FUNCTIONAL FACE WASH

A targeted face wash is the cornerstone of any solid skincare routine – it’s like a reset button for your face, refreshing your complexion by removing impurities that build up on the skin’s surface every day and night. Select the ideal formula by considering your skin’s needs: those with an oily complexion will benefit from a cleanser that eliminates excess oil and unclogs pores, while those with flaky, tight facial skin should opt for a gentle cleanser with moisturising properties. A cleanser and exfoliator hybrid is also a great option for a truly clean and smooth finish. This one-step product purges dirt and oil like a face cleanser, while gently scrubbing away dead cells like an exfoliator, to reveal the fresh skin beneath.

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2. MOISTURISER WITH SPF

Moisturiser is the star of the show when it comes to firming, hydrating and energising your skin. It leaves skin feeling smooth and supple, and helps soften fine lines, deep wrinkles, and other visible signs of ageing. Make sure to select one that contains an SPF to protect your skin from cancer, wrinkles, sunspots and other deleterious effects of sun exposure.

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3. THE MULTI-PURPOSE SHAVING TREATMENT

A targeted shaving product is key for a comfortable, top-quality shaving experience. Look out for an all-in-one cream or balm that serves as a pre-shave treatment, shave cream and aftershave, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of all these products without any additional steps.

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4. A SIGNATURE SCENT

An irresistible fragrance is an effortless way to add to your appeal and leave a lasting impression, without changing your look. Find one or two classic scents you really like, and try before you buy – each spray reacts differently with your unique body chemistry, so it’s a good idea to determine whether it really suits you before you commit. Typically woody, spicy or oriental scents are a good fit for the winter months, while lighter, citrusy scents work best in spring and summer.

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5. A NOURISHING LIP BALM

Having dry, cracked lips is never a good look and because the skin on your lips is thinner than it is on the rest of your body it’s even more prone dryness and cracking hence why applying a  nourishing lip balm regularly is key. Look out for balms with nourishing oils like sunflower, castor, or tea tree, and skin-smoothing butters like cocoa or shea as these will leave your lips looking soft and smooth.

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8 New Fragrances That will Replace Your Classic Scent

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We bring you nine heavenly fragrances that are set to be the new future classics.
When it comes to iconic scents, fragrances such as Chanel No. 5, Guerlain Shalimar, Dior Hypnotic Poison and Yves Saint Laurent Opium likely spring to mind – as they should. These scents have stood the test of time and are as relevant now as they were when they were first launched. While their iconic status is not in question, there is a new wave of fragrances set to become future classics and perhaps your new signature scent...
Givenchy L’Interdit 50ml EDP 1540

A tribute to the original L’Interdit released in 1957, this updated version blends heady white florals like tuberose and jasmine with enticing woody notes. A unique pairing, it’s the strong contrast of these notes that results in an elegant composition that will definitely turn heads.

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Gucci Bloom Nettare Di Fiori 50ml EDP Intense 1635

Nettare Di Fiori, the most sensual scent from the Gucci Bloom series, is an intensely feminine fragrance that celebrates the intimate and authentic character of a woman. This full-bodied fragrance has all the makings of a classic, with the expert layering of rose, osmanthus florals, jasmine, rangoon creeper and tuberose notes creating a delightful floral bouquet that’s destined to leave a legacy.

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Dior Joy 50ml EDP 1715

The last time the house of Dior launched a major fragrance pillar was in 1999, so we’re particularly excited about their latest offering, Joy. You'll know right off the bat that it's a Dior perfume by the gorgeous notes of Grasse rose and jasmine, but it’s the zesty bergamot and mandarin that gives it a youthful appeal that's sure to bring you much joy for years to come.
Calvin Klein Women 50ml EDP 1180

The breathtakingly beautiful bottle alone indicates that this new fragrance from Calvin Klein is no ordinary scent. Described as a woody floral, this new aroma blends fresh eucalyptus acorns and delicate orange flower petals with rich Alaskan cedarwood, for a scent as beautifully diverse as the women who inspire it.

Chloe Nomade 50ml EDP 1475

The new Nomade draws on the Chloe girl’s desire for adventure and freedom. Featuring a mix of natural oak moss, Mirabelle plum and freesia notes, the fragrance has an intense finish – perfect for the woman in search of a signature scent to suit her free-spirited personality.

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Tom Ford F***ing Fabulous 50ml EDP 3715

With a host of fragrances under his belt – many of them already gaining cult status – it’s this particular scent from Tom Ford that we believe will stand the test of time. The name alone is enough to pique your interest, but it's the heady blend of vanilla, clary sage and bitter almond that makes this such a memorable fragrance.

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Dolce & Gabbana The Only One 50ml EDP 1545

A luxurious scent that was born to stand out, The Only One is best described as a bold floriental thanks to the juicy pairing of bergamot and violet flowers – a rare combination that gives an opulent edge to the addictive scent.

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Twilly d’Hermès 50ml EDP 1620

Named after the slender silk accessory that women often wrap around their wrists, hair or bag handles, Twilly d’Hermès is not your average French perfume. A joyous mix of tuberose, ginger and sandalwood, the first spritz is spicy, heady and feminine, but as it dries the scent takes on a more milky, powdery and dreamy quality, making it an unconventional yet sensuous fragrance that's easy to wear, but still makes a bold statement.


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5 MEDITERRANEAN RECIPES WITH A LOCAL TWIST

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Give your favourite classic Mediterranean dishes a local twist with the help of South African foodie and author Ilse van der Merwe.
Local foodie Ilse van der Merwe serves up a feast of flavours in her first cookbook, Cape Mediterranean. Giving classic Mediterranean dishes a local twist with fresh, seasonal produce, her mouthwatering meals are all the inspiration you need for your next al fresco dinner party.

OLIVE & FETA FOCACCIA

serves 6, as a snack

4 x 250ml (4 cups) white bread flour
10ml (2 teaspoons) instant dry yeast
7.5ml (1½ teaspoons) fine salt
375ml (1½ cups) lukewarm water
10ml (2 teaspoons) olive oil
125 – 200ml (½ – ¾ cup) preserved kalamata-style olives
1 round feta, cubed


1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Mix the flour, yeast and salt in a large bowl with a spoon. Add the water and mix until it becomes lumpy. Use your hands to work into a rough ball of dough, kneading for 5 – 10 minutes to a smooth ball. Oil the ball all over, then place in a bowl covered with a plastic bag to rise in a warm place until doubled in size (about 30 minutes).
3. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface, then use your hands to pat it out or stretch into an oval shape of about 1cm thick. Use your fingers to make indentations in the surface all over. Arrange the olives and feta all over, then leave to rise a second time for about 20 minutes. Bake for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm, sliced, with extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt flakes.
4. This is an easy recipe to make by hand, without the need for any fancy stand mixers or equipment.

LOADED HUMMUS

Note: This recipe requires a few hours of soaking, so start the previous day if you want to make it for lunch.

 serves a crowd

250g uncooked organic chickpeas
10ml (2 teaspoons) bicarbonate of soda
125ml (½ cup) freshly squeezed lemon juice
30ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 clove garlic, finely grated
80ml (1/3 cup) tahini (sesame paste)
1ml (1/4 teaspoon) ground cumin
Salt
60 – 125ml (1/4 – ½ cup) cold water
125ml (½ cup) kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
A generous handful fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
30ml (2 tablespoons) pine nuts, roasted in a dry pan


1. Place the chickpeas and 5ml (1 teaspoon) bicarbonate of soda in a ceramic bowl and cover with water to a level of about 5cm above the chickpeas. Soak for at least three hours, but preferably overnight. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then transfer to a medium-size pot. Add the remaining 5ml (1 teaspoon) bicarbonate of soda and cover with fresh water to the same level as before. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender and almost falling apart, skimming off any foam from the surface.
2. Transfer the cooked chickpeas to a food processor (or better yet, a power blender) along with the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, tahini, cumin and some salt. Process to a fine, creamy purée, adding enough cold water to loosen it up and get a really smooth result – the magic is all in the texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Store in the fridge until ready to serve – it needs some time to rest and for the flavours to develop, so it’s best to make ahead.
3. Serve at room temperature (give it a good stir before plating) on a shallow wide plate, topped with chopped olives, parsley and roasted pine nuts with a generous drizzle of olive oil and some crusty bread on the side.
4. The hummus will keep well in the fridge for at least four days.

8-HOUR ROAST PORK SHOULDER

(with crackling) with orange, fennel & paprika
serves at least eight, but will serve a large crowd if used as a pulled pork filling.

About 4kg whole pork shoulder, bone-in
30 – 45ml (2 – 3 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
10ml (2 teaspoons) salt
5ml (1 teaspoon) freshly ground black pepper
15ml (1 tablespoon) ground fennel
15ml (1 tablespoon) smoked paprika
10ml (2 teaspoons) ground coriander
10ml (2 teaspoons) ground cumin
Finely grated rind and juice of 2 oranges
375ml (½ bottle) dry white wine


1. Preheat the oven to 120°C. Remove the skin of the shoulder using a sharp knife. Place the skin on a wire rack and refrigerate, uncovered, until later.
2. Place the shoulder in your largest deep roasting tray. Rub with olive oil. Mix the salt, pepper, fennel, paprika, coriander, cumin and orange rind, then rub it all over the meat. Pour the orange juice and wine into the tray, then cover with heavy-duty foil and roast for 8 hours until falling from the bone and really tender.
3. Serve warm, pulling the meat apart to soak in the pan juices, with sides or pasta, and a piece of crispy crackling on the side.

Crackling
There are only a few key points to a successful crackling:
Dry out the skin.
Season generously with salt.
Cook over high heat.

1. Score the skin in parallel lines using a very sharp blade or NT cutter (or ask your butcher to do it). The reserved skin layer of the pork shoulder should spend at least 8 hours in the fridge, uncovered, drying out on a wire rack.
2. About 1 hour before serving the meat, remove the roast from the oven (keep it covered) and turn the heat up to the highest setting (230 – 260°C). Salt the dried-out skin, rubbing the salt into the scored lines. Place the salted layer of skin in the preheated oven and roast for 30 – 45 minutes (depending on thickness) on a setting above the middle rack, until bubbling up and very crispy and golden (don’t let it get too dark). Remove and let it cool. Cut into shards and serve with the roast. (Can be prepared an hour or two in advance.)

ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE SALAD WITH LEMON & GOAT’S MILK CHEESE

serves 4, as a main meal or 6, as a side dish

Lentils
250g (2 cups) brown or black lentils
Water, to cover
45ml (3 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
Juice and finely grated rind of 1 medium-size lemon
1 clove garlic, finely grated
10ml (2 teaspoons) honey
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
A small bunch fresh Italian parsley and mint, finely chopped


Roasted vegetables
Assorted vegetables, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks (like beetroot, carrots, brussels sprouts and leeks – enough to fill a standard roasting tray in a single layer)
30ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
2.5ml (½ teaspoon) ground cumin
2.5ml (½  teaspoon) ground cinnamon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To assemble
200g plain goat’s milk cheese (chevin)
More parsley and mint, roughly chopped, to serve
About 30ml (2 tablespoons) pine nuts (or flaked almonds), roasted in a dry pan

1. For the lentils, place them in a large pot and cover with cold water (about 5cm above the lentils). Cook for about 30 minutes until tender but still retaining shape, then drain and rinse briefly with hot water. Shake off excess water, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice and rind, garlic and honey in a small mixing bowl, then pour it over the warm lentils and season generously with salt and pepper. Add the parsley and mint and stir well.
2. For the vegetables, preheat the oven to 220°C. Arrange the vegetables on a roasting tray, drizzle with oil and season with cumin, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Roast for 30 minutes or until golden brown and tender.
3. To assemble: Add the roasted veg to the cooked lentils, add chunks of goat’s milk cheese, then scatter with more parsley, mint and pine nuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

BAKLAVA CIGARS WITH CITRUS & SPICES

makes 18

Syrup
400g (2 cups) white sugar
500ml (2 cups) water
30ml (2 tablespoons) honey
2 whole cloves
Peeled rind of ½ lemon

 For the syrup, bring all the ingredients to a boil in a small pot, then cook rapidly for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

 Filo cigars
100g raw almonds
100g walnuts
Finely grated rind of 1 lemon
Finely grated rind of 1 orange 
5ml (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
60ml (1/4 cup) icing sugar
1ml (1/4 teaspoon) salt
1 extra-large egg white
2.5ml (½ teaspoon) almond essence
6 sheets filo pastry
About 80ml (1/3 cup) canola oil
30ml (2 tablespoons) shelled whole pistachios, finely chopped (optional)


1. For the filo cigars, place the almonds and walnuts in a food processor and process until finely chopped (don’t take it too far, you don’t want to make a nut butter). Add the grated citrus rind, cinnamon, icing sugar, salt and egg white and process to a paste. Divide into six parts and roll out into long snakes of about 1.5cm thickness and 21cm length.
2. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Working with one sheet of filo (21 x 34cm) at a time on a large working surface, brush with oil all over, then place a rolled-out nut shape on one end. Roll it up neatly, then cut each into equal parts of about 7cm each. Arrange tightly in a baking tray sprayed with non-stick spray and bake for 18 – 20 minutes or until golden brown. While the cigars are baking, gently reheat the syrup. Remove the cigars from the oven and pour the hot syrup over them. Leave to cool in the tray. When cool, remove from the syrup, scatter with some finely chopped pistachios and serve.

Cape Mediterranean by Ilse van der Merwe is published by Struik Lifestyle, an imprint of Penguin Random House South Africa. Now available in bookstores nationwide.