Don’t fall for the idea that the only make-up and skincare products worth owning cost the earth – the truth is that there are plenty of incredible products that are easy on the budget, you just need to know what to look for. Here’s our selection of budget-friendly beauty items that really work.

Yardley Intense Rouge Lipstick 89.95 each
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This highly pigmented, creamy lipstick delivers an intense colour finish while keeping lips looking ultra smooth – and it's available in 10 eye-popping shades.

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Benefit High Beam Mini 195
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Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder 245
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Gosh Rebel Eyes Lengthening Mascara 160
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Citi Girl Lip/Eyeliner Pencil 34.95
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More chip-resistant than regular nail polish, this gel nail enamel will give you up to 14 days of bold colour and high shine. The only true two-step gel manicure with no light needed.

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Inglot Freedom System Blush in 29 199
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Lottie London Before Anything Else (B.A.E) Illuminating Primer 135
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Rimmel Match Perfection Invisible Coverage 189.95
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Kelso Beauty Liquid Eyeliner 159.95
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Super easy to use, this long-wearing eyeliner is the perfect product for beginners who are learning how to create the classic wing.

Revlon Colorstay Looks Book Eyeshadow Palette in Player 179

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Trevor Crighton learns more about the world of cocktails, secret speakeasies and mixology. No longer ‘just a cocktail during cocktail hour’, the world of mixology has had a much-needed update and is far more respected than it once was.

Believe it or not, there is such a thing as a terrible cocktail. Saccharine concoctions in lurid colours that invite headaches at a glance were once standard-issue at what passed for a ‘cocktail bar’, in most places in South Africa.

Thankfully, the cocktail revolution is upon us and has spread across the country. The venerable art of mixology has given the drinks some fine dining credentials, with smart application of flavours, taste-boosting techniques and presentation that adds sensory layers to the experience.

There are now secret speakeasies dotted around the country, often hidden behind unassuming facades and requiring more than a reservation to get into. Cocktails are about theatre, so it’s a joy that the dedicated bars that serve them are putting on a show – which often comes with live music and a sense of mystery. It’s a welcome change from a swirl of cheap, colourful ingredients in a mildly whimsical glass, topped with a tragic paper umbrella spiked into a piece of ageing fruit. Viva the cocktail revolution!

The Art of Duplicity (Cape Town)

The origins of the cocktail may be the subject of much debate, but the perfect place to drink one is simple – a smoky speakeasy. With just enough of a nod to Prohibition-era rule-breaking, the motif of the 1920’s speakeasy is making a comeback around the world – and Cape Town has its own example.

The Art of Duplicity is a hidden cocktail bar in the East of the CBD, accessible only via booking and a secret password which needs to be whispered through a slot in a nondescript door at the end of an alleyway. Once inside, the Roaring ‘20s unfold against a backdrop of live jazz, warm mood lighting and possibly the best cocktails in the country.

The drinks are the perfect blend of theatre and substance and the high concept menu is born of the mind of multi-awarded mixologist Brent Perremore, who often does duty behind the bar. Try the signature ‘Hillbilly Breakfast Flip’, with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Averna Amaro, Smoked Maple Syrup, Espresso and Free Range Egg. Want to blend the ultimate hangover cure with a killer drink to get you there? The Tennessee Well is comprised of Jack Daniels Single Barrel, Capertif, Fernet Branca and a creme soda reduction.

Location: A Secret

Saigon Suzy (Johannesburg)

It’s big, it’s bright, it’s loud and it has a karaoke bar upstairs. But do they make a mean cocktail? The answer, in Saigon Suzy’s case, is a resounding ‘yes’.

Part of the reinvigoration of the property on the corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road in Rosebank, Saigon Suzy is an Asian BBQ and Rock 'n Roll Bar which celebrates the quick fix of Eastern street food. Decked out to resemble a pan-Asian back alley, complete with cobbled floors, Insta-famous neon signs and giant murals, Saigon Suzy is just on the right side of brash – but honestly and unpretentiously so.

There’s plenty of soul to be found – not least in the upstairs ‘No Tell Motel’ karaoke rooms, complete with dress-up boxes for impromptu styling. The food carefully treads the line between respectful replication of typical Asian street food and fusion flavours – and the cocktails have to be relatively hardy to stand up to the bite and spice. The ‘China Girl’ is a blend of Vanilla Vodka, Plum Liqueur, Cranberry Juice and Lime that sounds a lot tamer than it really is. Sip delicately, and then head upstairs to sing loudly!

Location: 144 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood

The Chairman (Durban)

It used to be really tricky to find a decent cocktail in Durban and surrounds, with most of the hotels which make up the beachfront strip focussing more on the stock-standard rainbow renditions than anything innovative. Fortunately, the cocktail revolution has arrived in KZN (on the back of an impressive craft beer boom) and there are now several great options where visitors can enjoy smart drinks in classy spaces.

The Chairman is a sophisticated jazz bar that has set out to bend some rules – starting with their location! Finding a home in previously less than salubrious Point, The Chairman is leading the charge to help regenerate its surroundings. The owners say they chose the worst possible building in the worst possible area of Point to make their… point – and it works. Housed in the same block as the legendary Smuggler’s Inn, The Chairman is home to some of the city’s best music – and best cocktails.

Sink back into a plush leather sofa, surrounded by a fusion of mid-century modern, Asian and Ethiopian décor and sip on the house special, ‘Surrender Your Booty’ – a mix of Bombay Sapphire Gin, Martini and Cointreau with Strong Ginger, Pineapple and Lemon Grass.

Location: 146 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Point

The Mixologist

Twenty-six-year-old Evert de Jong is an award-winning mixologist, having placed as a finalist at the 2016, 2017 and 2018 World Class competition as South Africa Regional Finalist. He also finished third, globally, in the 2017 Remy Martin Bartender Talent Academy competition.

He joined Molecular Bars in 2015 as a bartender and rapidly progressed through the ranks to become a director in 2017. He has consulted on mixology and bartending with venues including Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Fridays, Tashas, Tonic Lounge, Alice & Fifth, 54 on Bath, Tsogo Sun Hyde Park, The Course, MESH and many more. Follow him on Instagram @evertdj.

Here’s his recipe for a signature ‘Sunday Funday’ tipple:
• 50ml Jose Cuervo Traditional Plata
• 50ml granadilla juice
• 20ml fresh lemon juice
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Pinch of salt
• Top Sunday IPA

Garnish: Fennel flowers & wax flowers (any edible flowers)

Method: Build in glass or shake all ingredients excluding beer and then strain into glass with ice and top.

Want to dabble in the art of mixology?

There’s no better place to start than in your home. Get a variety of gorgeous cocktail glasses and start impressing your guests with your newly acquired skills.

Mandela Day on 18 July provides each of us with a valuable opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. We chatted to some of SA's most well-known influencers about what Mandela Day means to them and why giving 67 minutes of our time to a good cause is something we should all be doing. Here’s what they had to say.

Katlego Maboe

Mandela Day gives us all a chance to reflect on our better selves – our more unified selves, where our collective success and progress is more important than individual strides. It's a chance to ask, ‘What am I doing to make this world a better place? How am I contributing to my community's growth and progress? Am I the help or hindrance to this progress?’… and then to act in a manner that moves us forward. Participating in the day shows our appreciation for the legacy of Tata Mandela, and all the other fallen heroes of our struggle who sacrificed so much so that we could see better days.
@katlegomaboe

Tshepi Vundla

To me, Mandela Day means we are able to remember what Mandela has done for us as South Africans, to remember his sacrifices and his love for his people. It’s also a day where we take time out of our lives to do our bit to assist those in need, in remembrance of Tata Mandela.
@tshepivundla 

Sihle Mfeketo

No matter how small your action may be, Mandela Day is about changing the world for the better, just as Nelson Mandela did every day. This would mean paying it forward and being considerate of the less fortunate. Even the small things we do go a long way to helping the next person. Pay it forward and put a smile on someone’s face that can leave an imprint on their hearts that lasts a lifetime!

For my 67 minutes of service on the day, I’ll be helping out (through reading and writing, moderating and coaching life skills) at the girl’s society in my community that helps to empower and motivate disadvantaged girls who have been neglected.
@syhlez.28 

Anja van der Spuy

Life is so busy and it’s easy to get stuck in our day-to-day routines. I think Mandela Day is amazing because it forces us to stop for 67 minutes and look beyond our own lives. It’s not only a great time to give back to others but also to take stock of our own blessings. It shouldn’t be limited to Mandela Day only though; we should aim to do something kind each day of our lives. Even the smallest gestures can go a long way.
@anjawintour 

Shiraz Reddy

Firstly, I'm blessed and honoured to share a birthday with the late, great Tata Madiba! A legend whose life's work represents more than just the stepping stones to our freedom; it's the primary reason we're able to overcome and strive for greatness in this lifetime. Secondly, I'm a firm believer in giving back and carrying on his legacy of 'community' and allowing those we engage with to learn and grow from our experiences. It's important to participate in Mandela Day to ensure we keep up the spirit of ubuntu. No man is an island, so why live like that? I know that many may think of 67 minutes as 'charity work', but in actual fact Mandela Day is about finding opportunities in which you can invest your time, for others. Whether that be sharing your knowledge, listening to social issues of the youth or simply giving a hug or two to those in need. I believe every day should be Mandela Day!
@shirazreddy

Mihlali Ndamase

Mandela day should be every day. People show extreme selflessness on Tatu Mandela’s birthday every year; it encourages people to fight against poverty and to bring about change, something for which Tatu Mandela was recognised. It’s important for everyone to understand the significance of uniting to make a difference in our country. My foundation, too, will be taking the initiative to make a change on Mandela Day.
@mihlalii_n

Clem Pedro

There’s a quote that I love: 'Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less'. I love this and it represents everything Mandela Day stands for. These are words we should live by every day – caring and thinking more of others. No one ever became poor by giving to others and we all need to realise that the gift of giving is real, and as humans we need to show this humility – each and every day.
@clement.pedro.mancrave 

Megan Gallie

Mandela Day is a very important day for our youth. It is on this day, especially, that we should show our appreciation for what Nelson Mandela did for our freedom, and to honour his legacy.

I strongly believe that in life we have to give in order to receive, so Mandela Day means a lot to me because I am a giver and it’s a beautiful thing to see a whole nation come together and give something, even if it’s just 67 minutes. It makes one believe – and have faith – that there is still such a thing as humanity.
@megangallie_ 

Simpiwe Ngomela

Mandela Day to me is a day of giving back, being thankful for what we have, and remembering how we can service others to make their life a little bit better. It’s a day of being the solution to the problems of the world by giving as much as we can with time, money or just a helping hand. It means something to someone.

I’ll be helping out at homes in Cape Town for my Mandela Day by reading, bringing food, or simply comforting others with a few pearls of wisdom.
@simpy_xvi

Feeling inspired? Give some thought to what you’ll be doing this Mandela Day. You might feel that your contribution is too small to count, but the spirit of Mandela Day is that every act of kindness creates a ripple effect that changes the world for the better. All you have to do is play your part.

You’ve no doubt heard that hyaluronic acid offers big beauty pay-offs, but you may be unsure as to what it is and how it works. If so, you’re in the right place. We shed some light on the mega moisturising ingredient that holds the key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) might sound scary but don’t be put off by the name; it’s not an exfoliator or a peel as one might assume; rather it’s a natural and powerful moisture-binding substance that delivers gentle hydration where your skin needs it most. HA can hold up to 1 000 times its weight in water, so it delivers hydration to skin and helps skin retain moisture levels, delaying the visible signs of ageing.

WHY YOU NEED HA

HA is produced by the body naturally in a bid to maintain moisture levels, but just like collagen and elastin, the amount of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases as we age. As a result, cell turnover becomes sluggish and lines, wrinkles and rough texture make their debut. Supplementing your natural hyaluronic acid levels with topical treatments is key to maintaining a gorgeous, plumped-up complexion.

WHO IS HA BEST SUITED TO?

HA is super gentle, and it’s suitable for all skin types. For those with dry skin, it has the power to deeply hydrate and bind moisture to cells, while its light texture makes it just as effective for helping to rebalance oily skin. It’s essential for mature skins, as loss of moisture is one of the biggest contributors to premature ageing.

HOW TO USE HA

Using beauty products containing HA is the easiest way to top up on this skin-loving ingredient, and because it’s so gentle it can easily be paired with the peels, retinols, vitamins, and other acids you may already be using. HA is best applied every morning and evening after cleansing. This will give it the opportunity to penetrate deeply into your skin, and allow it to draw in further moisture from the products you layer on top of it.

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