Last week, Women’s Health editor Danielle Weakley jetted into Joburg and The Maslow Hotel to join a panel of judges tasked with the toughest job of choosing the Miss South Africa 2019 Top 16 finalists from 35 semi-finalists.
She joined this year’s judges and power crew Miss South Africa 2015 Liesl Laurie, Miss South Africa 2010 Bokang Montjane-Tshabalala, former model and casting director Andiswa Manxiwa and actress Leandie Du Randt.
READ MORE: The Hardest-Working Skincare Product You Definitely Already Own
While we wait with bated breath for the Top 16 to be announced on 11 July, here are the health and beauty secrets of the Top 35 semi-finalists…
Anarzade Omar, 20, Johannesburg
“I never sleep with my make-up on and I always, always use a heat protector when applying heat to my hair.”
Anita Jansen, 22, Midrand
“I mix my own hair potion of lavender oil, glycerine and water, which I spray on throughout the day to keep my curls hydrated and my ‘fro popping – it works wonders!”
Anzelle von Staden, 26, Pretoria
“I believe in maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle so I try to work out at least four times a week by mixing my workout routine with cardio and weights.”
Beulah Baduza, 23, Pretoria
“To keep my hair soft and healthy I use shampoo, conditioner and hair food products with natural elements like coconut oil and avocado butter.”
Catherine Groenewald, 21, Cape Town
“Put sun cream on over your moisturiser and appreciate your hair the way it naturally is – stay away from straighteners!”
Celest Steyn, 24, Pretoria
“I’m using my Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Masque every night for more radiant skin. I’m also obsessed with my foundation – Fit Me Matte +Poreless from Maybelline – as it gives my skin a natural glow.”
Chuma Matsaluka, 21, Nyanga
“I use Dark and Lovely Au Naturale hair products – they keep my hair moisturised and manageable.”
Danielle Wallace, 26, Umhlanga
“Bio Oil really helps to remove my make-up, so I use that especially on my eye area to remove stubborn mascara and eyeliner.”
Eloïse van der Westhuizen, 24, Panorama, Cape Town
“Always go to bed with clean, hydrated skin. Drink lots of water.”
Errin Brits, 22, Randpark Ridge
“I train six times a week at the gym, and include at least one group class like Punch or Switch.”
Fanelesibonge Mbuyazi, 22, KwaMsane near Mtubatuba in KZN
“I use lemon and sugar as a face mask – my face reacts well to natural products. I also use Clinique’s moisturiser.”
Gabrielle Lochoff, 21, Mooikloof in Pretoria
“My skincare tip is to wake up in the morning and splash my face with freezing-cold water. This freshens my face and closes my pores.”
Hesrie van Heerden, 23, Bellville
“My number-one tip is to embrace your natural hair! My hair is so much healthier when I stay away from excessive heat treatments and just wear my natural curls.”
Kay Leigh Sussman, 22, Melrose in Johannesburg
“I have wild hair, so if I ever need it to look perfect for a specific event, I make sure I wash and straighten it the day before it needs to be done. Sleep this way, then go over it again with the hair iron on the morning of the event. This way it’s not so frizzy and the natural oils keep it in place.”
Keabetswe Kanyane, 25, Montana in Pretoria
“I strictly use natural oils and essential oils for both my skin and hair.”
Kgothatso Dithebe, 24, Centurion
“I never sleep with make-up on and I drink lots of water. I moisturise my afro every day and plait a few cornrows before I sleep every night to keep it fresh so it’s easier to comb in the morning.”
Kim Snoyman, 26, Bryanston in Sandton
“I follow a flexible approach to nutrition. Nothing is off-limits. Diets create terrible relationships with food that I don’t associate myself with as an ambassador to women.”
Lara Steenkamp, 20, Louisvale near Upington
“I try to stay hydrated. Loads of water can do wonders for your skin and will make you feel healthy!”
Lisa Stoffela, 26, Margate in KZN
“My skincare tip is fortnightly peels or facials. I’ve had acne for as long as I can remember, but the peels have really helped with the maintenance of my skin.”
Loren Leigh Jenneker, 24, Centurion
“I always use Aunt Jackie’s hair products as they keep my curls soft and moisturised. The best skincare tip: I always moisturise and I use sunscreen every day.”
Martinique Ferreire, 23, Bloemfontein
“I love spending time outdoors, especially in the water. I love surfing, hiking and trail runs. I also prefer to walk as much as I can to stores or on the promenade.”
Mbali Dlamini, 22, Newcastle in KZN
“Keeping healthy is my lifestyle; a healthy mind dwells in a healthy body. I work out three to five times a week and watch my diet closely.”
Nkosazana Sibobosi, 23, Khayelitsha
“My skin is very dry and blemished. To keep it moisturised all day and reduce blemishes, I use essential oils and sunscreen on top, so I don’t burn.”
Noluthando Bennett, 24, Krugersdorp
“Don’t sleep with your make-up on. Wash your face with cold water morning and night and make sure you exfoliate.”
Nompumelelo Maduna, 24, Soweto
“I normally use minimal foundation and apply a cream primer as a base. Letting my skin breath once a week also opens up my pores. This is when I just use the MAC Primer. For my weave, I apply serum to keep it alive and use a leave-in conditioner spray.”
Roelien Claasen, 23, Pretoria
“Dry hair shampoo is the best to give your hair body and when you’re in a rush and your hair needs a boost!”
Sasha-Lee Olivier, 26, Alberton
“To keep my brows thick, I apply castor oil twice a week. [This makes them] appear a lot thicker. But I wouldn’t advise doing it regularly as you could break out in that area.”
Shaskia John, 21, Pretoria
“I use paraben- and sulphate-free shampoo for my curls. I also oil my hair once a week, before a wash.”
Sibabalwe Gcilitshana, 24, Nqamakwe, Eastern Cape
“[My secret is] masking with Garnier 3-in-1 Pure Active and using the Active Oil-Infused Micellar Water.”
Sisa Mdoda, 25, Sasolburg, Free State
“To ensure maximum skin protection, I always apply a hydrating moisturiser and top it with sunscreen before applying my foundation.”
Tene Minderon, 21, Brakpan
“I have naturally curly hair, so I only use Marc Anthony products because they have a wide range of products for curly hair! I also never blow dry my hair because it frizzes so quickly.”
Tumelo Ntsewa, 22, Polokwane
“I use a variety of products on my face. In terms of care, I’ve loved using Cuticura, and for beauty I only use MAC products. I love their lasting effects.”
Xia Narain, 23, Chatsworth, Durban
“I dance a lot. It’s not just a hobby – it keeps me fit and energetic. I don’t restrict myself with food. If I crave something, I eat it, but within reason. Have that cupcake and then dance it off, basically.”
Zanele Phakathi, 20, Soweto
“I drink lots of water. I only wear foundation when necessary, which helps my skin breathe.”
Zozibini Tunzi, 25, Tsolo, Eastern Cape
“Don’t wear make-up every day. Also, coconut oil is your friend. Moisturise! Moisturise! Moisturise!”
