The Ordinary Skincare South Africa: Review

I learned about The Ordinary skincare products in 2021 when I was pregnant with my son. For obvious reasons, my hormones were all over the place and affected my skin. It wasn’t good. At that time, nothing seemed to be helping. For the first time in my life, I had back and chest acne, which left a lot of scarring because I was breaking out a lot, and my skin was constantly dry and dull.

During my research, I found many people recommending The Ordinary products. The first two products that caught my attention were the retinol 0,5% in squalane and the niacinamide 10% + zinc 1%. I wasted no time and purchased both. Because I couldn’t use the retinol serum during the time of my pregnancy, as recommended, I decided not to risk it and opted to wait until postpartum.

The Ordinary Niacinamide serum
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Shop here
Retinol Serum
Retinol 1% in Squalane ✢ Shop Here →
shop Here

The Ordinary Skincare: Product Description

Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%

Retinol 1% in Squalane

Key Ingredients ➢ Niacinamide, Zinc PCA

Suited to ➢ All Skin Types

Format ➢ water-based Serum

Targets ➢ Dryness, Dullness, Signs of congestion, Texural Irregularities, Visible Shine

Key Ingredients ➢ Retinol, Squalane

Suited to ➢ All Skin Types

Format ➢ Anhydrous Serum ( no water )

Targets ➢ Dryness, Signs of Aging, Uneven Skin Tone, Textural Irregularities

I began my journey with the two products immediately after giving birth, and goodness, it was sure the perfect time because that was when I was also trying to crawl back to my old self again. Pregnancy ought to bring many changes in one’s life, but I sure wasn’t prepared for the change it caused on my skin.

I kept a simple routine and incorporated the two products into my everyday skincare. I knew it would take a little while to see results, and with that, I left room for patience. After 3-months of consistent use, my skin was looking better than it ever did before. My skin looks more plump, hydrated, and more radient. Since then, The Ordinary has been one of my go-to brands, and I have continued to make countless repurchases. I love all the products I have used so far, and I am glad that I have never had any bad experiences with any of their products.

Other Favorite skincare Products from The Ordinary

Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2%

  • Powerful brightening duo for uneven skin tone
  • Protects the skin from the visual effects of damage caused by enviromental stressors, helping in the maintence of a more radient complexion
  • Combines vitamin C and a high concentration of alpha arbutin to help clear pigmentation and balance uneven damaged skin
  • Heals spots and targets signs of aging and dullness of the skin
shop here

Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

  • This water-based serum hydrates and plums the skin
  • Helps the skin retain moisture, relesing it from dryness and dehydration
  • The Hyaluronic Acid + B5 promotes skin elasticity and suppleness, while minimising the appearance of fine dry lines
  • Suitable for all skin types
shop here

The Ordinary products : New additions

I recently purchased the glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner. Though I haven’t used it yet, I have very high expectations. I’ve been seeing a lot of positive reviews about it. I read somewhere that it’s also great for your scalp and can help brighten pigmented underarms. I cannot wait to start using it!

The Ordinary : Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid + Glycolic Acic Toner
Shop glycolic acid here

UGC Photography | Skincare Photography South Africa

A few months ago I finally gathered the courage to do something I’ve always wanted. And that is not only to create but also to share my creativity with the world. I created an Instagram account to share my work. With that, I’ve connected with many other creators from different parts of the world, and I continue to discover the many layers of myself as a creator and as a person in general.

I’ve always had a deep desire for creating, I wholeheartedly believe it is one of my God-given gifts. I love it. I love getting lost in the process of creation. The idea of envisioning something in your mind, and creating it into reality – is fascinating to me.

My dream as a creator is to work with different brands. To create content for them that will elevate their brand with compellig visuals that capture the essence of their product, their target audience , spark traction, and drive engagment.

Here are some of my favourite shots featuring some of my favourite brands

  • Skin Fuctional
  • Skin Fuctional Chemical Sunscreen
  • The Ordinary
  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
  • Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen

Other Services Provided

  • UGC → Organic + Paid Ads
  • Social Media Strategy → Social media strategic planning best suited for your brand
  • Stock Content → B rolls + Still Images
Need some unique and aesthetically pleasing content for your brand

Send Email at: ucgbyserene@gmail.com

View my other work here :
Instagram

tik tok

Creator stock

Zara Jeans Women Review | How to Find Your Perfect Size

Zara Jeans
Zara woman jeans

I love a good pair of jeans. Perfect fit, comfortable, amazing quality, and affordability. These are the main things I always look for when shopping for jeans. Zara jeans have always hit the mark for me. I’m still rocking a few of my old Zara jeans I bought in 2017/2018, which still look fresh and new. And that’s exactly why Zara jeans are always a win for me. The quality is just amazing.

I have always been a skinny jeans type of girl. But with my recent urge to upgrade my wardrobe and my curiosity to get out of my comfort zone, I wanted something different. My goal was variety. I wanted jeans that would accommodate any style. This explains my reasons for opting for The Mom-fit, Wide-leg Boyfriend fit, and curvy shorts. These jeans are all stunning.

・UK 12 ・Light Blue ・R461.40 7223/221/406

・UK 12 ・Mid-Blue ・R659.40

9863/970

・UK 12 ・Blue

・R407.40

2569/055

Zara Wide-leg Boy-Boy Jeans

My favorite out of the three would be the wide-leg boy-boy fit jeans. I love how they sit on my body. The length is exactly how I wanted it, considering that I’m a tall girl ( 1.71 cm), size is important. And if you’re a tall girl, you can relate to how rare it is to find a pair of jeans that perfectly reaches your ankles, let alone surpass them. These jeans are super cool. I can think of several ways to style them. I love the open cuts on the sides and the lazy, baggy fit. Obsessed!

Zara Curvy Shorts

My second favorite is the curvy shorts. These shorts are very short. As in, you can somewhat peep my butt cheeks short. The design of the shorts is what caught my attention before purchasing them. The curvy fit, the ripped finishes at the bottom, which goes all the way to the back pockets. I think the shorts would go well with a plain white cropped T-shirt, an oversized orange shirt to cover my butt cheeks of course, and some cute white sandals or white sneakers.

Zara Mom-fit Jeans

These are my second pair of Mom jeans. I don’t know what to think about this specific style of jeans. I feel slightly awkward in them. I put together this outfit for a shoot I did for my Instagram and I loved how it turned out. Stunning outfit but definitely out of my comfort zone.

Zara outfit

Blouse, Jeans, Heels: shopped from Zara

How to Find Your Perfect Zara Size Jeans

FINDING YOUR SIZE

MEASUREMENT GUIDE

Find the Zara measurement guide on the product page. By selecting the size you are interested in, the measurement guide will show you what body measurements it fits.

FIND YOUR SIZE

To help you choose the right size, use the Find your size option, available on each item’s page. This tool will help you calculate which is the most suitable size for you based on the data you will provide ( how you like to wear your jeans and your measurements )

shop jeans here
Zara Jeans
Zara Jeans Women

L’Occitane – Relaxing Candle

Lavender scented candle

Creating a comfortable space is one of my favorite activities, especially during autumn and winter. My typical idea of a perfect cozy vibe includes a comfortable chair, a good book, a pair of warm socks, and a cup of my favorite tea. Candles are a staple, as far as decor aesthetics is concerned. They are a brilliant way to add flair and perfuming your home.

L’Occitane – Cocon de Serenite, Relaxing Candle

A few days ago, I stumbled upon this beautiful L’Occitane Cocon de Serenite, Relaxing Candle. In all honesty, I’m in love with it! Thanks to its calming effects and breathtaking scent, it’s exactly what I was missing to top things off as the autumn season is closing in. I gravitated towards the relaxing candle because of its description, highlighting the word serenity as part of the experience. And just like that, I was sold.

The candle entails the essential oils of lavender, sweet orange, and mandarin, making it ideal for bringing a moment of well-being and relaxation while perfuming your home, thus creating the perfect peaceful home atmosphere we all admire. I swear, it makes my home smell like an expensive hotel.

jmkmkmimim

https://za.loccitane.com/pages/home-fragrances

Decorating With Black Vases : 3 Genius Tips To Know

What I love about black vases the most, is their ability to add a sophisticated vibe to any space. Because of their versatility, you can achieve a timeless and elegant aesthetic, whether you use your vases as a standalone piece or as part of a curated display.

How to enhance any living space with black ceramic vases

In this post, I shared my top 3 simple and creative ideas I always focus on when decorating with black vases. And, they always help me create an impression in any room.

#3 genius tips to remember when decorating with black vases

  • #1 Contrast and Balance

First, you want to focus on contrast and balance. You can achieve this by pairing the black vases with lighter surroundings. This will add a dramatic feel to your decor. White or neutral-colored walls and furniture create a striking contrast. You can experiment with different colors and textures to find the perfect balance.

Black ceramic vase
Mr price Black ceramic vases
  • #2 Grouping Dynamics

The second thing you want to do is pay attention to how you group your vases. The idea is to create a focal point. This can be done by arranging your vases on a console table, kitchen counter, or as a centerpiece on your dining table. Different heights and shapes within the group add a dynamic touch and visual interest. You can elevate your display by adding a flower arrangement. Fresh or even dried flowers create a captivating look against a dark backdrop.

Black vases
Timeless Elegance : Black Vases
  • #3 Monochromatic and Minimal

One thing about me, I love a minimal and monochromatic vibe. If you are going for a cohesive display, arrange your black vases in varying shapes and sizes. The key thing here is color and simplicity. This minimalistic approach is my favorite because it allows the vases to shine while maintaining a stunning harmonious visual appeal. The key point to remember is to choose vases with interesting shapes and details because that is what will make your display stand out.

Black Vases
Timeless Elegance : Black vases
  • Experiment. Experiment. Experiment

Experiment with different textures and materials. If you are not sure which aesthetic you want to go for, it would be helpful to keep the following in mind; matte black vases can complement a rustic or industrial aesthetic, while glossy finishes bring out a modern touch of elegance. I also enjoy experimenting with natural elements like wood or dried branches for a balanced look. Additionally, you might also want to spice things up by adapting your decor to the changing seasons. You can achieve this by swapping out flowers to reflect the time of the year. Play around with darker hues in the autumn and winter seasons and brighter, lively arrangements in the spring and summer.

All vases are available at #MrPriceHome

✴︎ Links ✴︎

Functional Kitchen Centerpiece Decor

Suppose you wonder what items to include when creating an island or kitchen centerpiece. The best way to start is to make it as functional as possible. Ideally, I like to keep things simple when creating centerpieces, whether for the kitchen, lounge, or dining area.

Creating a functional kitchen centerpiece means creating a decor piece with which its items can be of everyday use, especially if you cook or bake frequently.

functional kitchen centerpiece
My top simple tips on How to create a functional kitchen centerpiece

Here are my top 5 favorite items you need to create a stunningly simple and functional kitchen centerpiece. All the items used in this centerpiece are available at Takealot retailing at affordable prices.

Items to use and why you need them
  • #1 Decor Tray

The first thing you are going to need is a decor tray. AKA, your base. The tray is where you will place your items. The number of items placed on your tray will depend on the size and shape of your tray. I used a mid-sized tray that fits at most five things, which is what I want to maintain the standard of simplicity. I purchased the tray for R239. Superbalist has the same tray set retailing for R298 for the price of two trays. Major bargain!

decor busket
Decor?Serving Busket
  • #2 Kitchen Utensils

Kitchen utensils are a clever choice to add to your tray. Depending on the style of your kitchen, you can get away with any kind you prefer, whether you like wooden, stainless steel, or silicon. They are a fun way to add that homey touch to your kitchen. On my tray, I used this beautiful 12-piece silicon set with a holder in mint. This set was R285.

kitchen Utensils
Kitchen Utensils
  • #3 Cutting Board

Cutting boards are multi-purpose pieces. We use them for cutting and serving food, and they also make fabulous decor accessories. I used a small wooden board from a set I purchased for R180, which came with two wooden trivets.

Cutting board
Serving/Cutting board
  • #4 Oil and Vinegar Dispenser

Add vinegar and oil dispensers to avoid running back and forth to your pantry while cooking. Not only will they enhance your centerpiece, but they also bring an element of convenience, which we all love. I used a cheap console bottle set from Takealot, which cost me less than R50 but still turned out pretty amazing. If you dislike the idea of a vinegar and oil dispenser, my best alternative is salt and pepper grinders.

oil and vinegardispenser
Oil and Vinegar Dispenser
  • #5 Plants

Plants are great decorating accessories, whether you use natural plants or fake ones. They are a lovely and creative way to brighten any area. This is one of my favorite realistic-looking succulent plants. I often move it around the kitchen; no matter how I decorate it, it always just makes sense.

Artificial decorative plant
Artificial Decorative Plant

The Best Butter Biscuits | South African Recipe

These butter biscuits are not only insanely delicious but are also so simple and quick to make. This is the best butter biscuit recipe you’ll ever need to try. A recipe so easy, anyone can make it!

rama margrine butter biscuits/cookies
Quick and Easy Butter Biscuits | South African Recipe

The Best Butter Biscuits That Everyone Should Try | South African Recipe

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Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 500g Rama margarine / butter original
  • 4 Eggs
  • 8 tsp Vanilla essence

DRY INGREDIENTS

  • 5 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Sugar (brown)
  • 8 tsp Baking powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

WET INGREDIENTS

  • In a bowl, mix butter and sugar
  • In separate bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla essence
  • Combine creamed butter and egg mixture

DRY INGREDIENTS

  • In a bowl, add flour, baking powder, salt and mix well
  • Combine all ingredients ( wet and dry )
  • Allow dough to rest for 15/20 minutes for intense flavor ( you may skip this step )
  • Preheat oven and grease pan with butter / cooking spray
  • Bake for 20/25 min at 180°
easy butter cookies / biscuits recipe
The Absolute Best Butter Biscuit Recipe

This recipe is dear to my heart because it reminds me so much of my younger self.

I have been making this recipe for a couple of years now, and I must say this is the only recipe I have mastered as far as baking is concerned. I hope you and yours will enjoy these biscuits as much as I do.