SOUTH AFRICAN SKINCARE

Eight days ago, I was in South Africa and, of course, couldn’t resist diving into the local skincare scene. After researching nearly every African skincare line, I came home with SKOON. Their philosophy? KIND. CLEAN. SCIENTIFIC. Not only are their products eco-friendly and beautifully packaged, but they also give back to the community. SKOON uses natural ingredients that are safe for the planet, animals, and people, delivering real, science-backed results.

I picked up the RUBY MARINE Overnight Hydrating Face Mask (0.5 fl. oz.), specifically to combat the dehydration my skin faces during the winter months. It was highly recommended for its moisture-boosting formula, which features hyaluronic acid in a rich blend of vanilla, African shea, and marula oil. Designed to work overnight, it hydrates deeply, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps protect sensitive skin from harsh winter conditions.

You can use it in the morning or at night—just be generous with your application if using it as an overnight treatment. In the morning, I like to blend a small amount with my daily moisturizer and glide it over my face and neck. The hydration is next-level, and the scent is dreamy.

Another South African skincare gem I brought home is Africology’s Intense Night Hydration Moisturizer. At first, I was a bit puzzled by the tiny beads in the formula, but the sales associate explained they’re hyaluronic spheres that burst upon contact with the skin. Packed with potent peptides to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, this moisturizer also utilizes hyaluronic acid to exfoliate gently, allowing for deeper absorption of active ingredients. It’s ideal for dry, aging, or damaged skin—and gentle enough for sensitive areas, such as the lips and décolletage. I’ve been using it for about two and a half weeks, and I’m impressed. My skin feels soft, nourished, and no longer dry—precisely what I need during the winter months. Highly recommended for anyone experiencing dryness.

I’m loving all my new skincare finds, but my favorite by far is a brand called lelive (pronounced leh-lee-veh). It was founded in 2020 by Amanda Du-Pont, who was given the unofficial Swazi name “lelive,” meaning “of the nation” or “of the world”—a perfect fit for the brand’s inclusive, community-driven spirit. The products were developed by expert formulators in collaboration with a vibrant African social media community. Every formula is thoughtfully crafted to be gentle on both your skin and the planet, using up to 95% natural and 5% plant-derived ingredients. Everything is cruelty-free, vegan, and reef-safe, conscious beauty at its best.

I picked up The Drip, a refreshing, hydrating mist infused with deep-sea biotics and African malachite. It’s packed with antioxidants to protect the skin, smooth texture, boost hydration, and even set makeup. Gentle enough for sensitive skin, it can be used both day and night. The formula features deep-sea algae, cucumber extract, and a powerful combo of African malachite and niacinamide, offering antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory benefits. I especially love the scent and the instant burst of hydration every time I mist it on.

Jamie