edition 6 2015 - MPSA magazine

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PAPERWORK
August/September Competitions
Editor's Note
Miss Congeniality
PAGEANT PROS
Behind the scenes of Miss World USA with Werner Wessels
Debunking pageant myths
Miss Namibia retires swimsuits
SA has two Mrs Universe entrants
Pageantry and the law
Rolene Strauss’ Miss World diary
The search is on for Miss SA 2016
Miss Universe 2015, Paulina Vega on pageantry success
Pageant tips for parents: How to lose with grace
Dirty tricks in beauty pageants
MODEL MATERIAL
Social media could land your next modelling job
The pros of being a parts model
Timeless super models and their modern day replicas
Eight steps to an exquisite boudoir shoot
How to pronounce the brand names you might work for one day
FITNESS FOCUS
Five truths of dating a fitness junkie
10 mistakes to avoid in the gym
Trainers train your tongues
Seven psychological effects of training
The top five organic foods to save your life
Training: are you better off alone?
HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS
What women need to know about relaxers
The Glam Guru celebrates women
Operation Bully-Proof
The TanLab is a YES
Africology’s goddess facials
MEN'S MATTERS
Secret to sorting out sensitive skin
Dude Food
10 skincare tips for men
Dress right for your body type
Basic male underwear styles
BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE
Mr SA donates 395 DeskBags
Mpact employees go back to school
Marsh Africa shares Mandela’s vision for education
Oliver’s House receives the gift of education
Nelson Mandela Month CSI activities
SOCIAL SIDES
Socially speaking
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Cover image: Miss Universe
Organization and photographer,
Fadil Berisha.
Editorial Contacts
Madelain Roscher – Managing Editor
[email protected]
Shannon Roscher – Content Editor
[email protected]
Chantal Riley – Digital Editor
[email protected]
+27 (0) 11 896 1818
www.MPSAmag.com
www.facebook.com/MPSAmag
@MPSAmag
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Pageant
Date
Area
Mej Wildsfees
01/08/2015
Brits
Miss Oppipad na Sukses
01/08/2015
Hartebeespoort
Miss Winter Wonderland
01/08/2015
Potgietersrus
Mr & Miss Canca
01/08/2015
Muldersdrift
Miss Tower Mall
01/08/2015
Klerksdorp
Mr & Miss Galaxy SA finals
01/08/2015
Limpopo
Mr & Miss Mzansi Gauteng
01/08/2015
Gauteng
Mrs Mzansi Gauteng
01/08/2015
Gauteng
Miss Nelson Mandela Bay
01/08/2015
Western Cape
Miss Breede River Valley
01/08/2015
Western Cape
Mr & Miss Teen Breede River Valley
01/08/2015
Western Cape
Mrs Breede River Valley
01/08/2015
Western Cape
Lady Gracious
01/08/2015
Gauteng
Miss Northcliff
01/08/2015
Northcliff
Face of Jacaranda
05/08/2015
Photo comp
Miss Super Photogenic - Entries close
07/08/2015
Photogenic
Mrs Grand SA - Entries close
07/08/2015
Gauteng
Peter Pan
08/08/2015
Easter Cape
Miss Germiston
08/08/2015
Germiston
Fairy Queen SA
08/08/2015
Gauteng
Miss Kierieklapper Festival
08/08/2015
Mokopane
Mnr & Mej Suikerbos Fees
08/08/2015
Rustenburg
Highveld Youth Festival
08/08/2015
Trichardt
Sparkling Beauty
08/08/2015
Trichardt
Face of Truworths Model Casting - Cape Town
08/08/2015
Canal Walk
Miss Save a Rhino
10/08/2015
Pretoria
Miss Rivonia
10/08/2015
Fourways
Miss Heritage SA - Entries close
10/08/2015
Gauteng
Matlosana Photogenic
15/08/2015
Photo comp
Mr & Miss Matlosana
15/08/2015
Klerksdorp
Miss Crystal Beauty
15/08/2015
Limpopo
Tiny, Teen, Mr, Miss & Mrs Matlosana
15/08/2015
Klerksdorp
Mr & Miss Gauteng Teen
15/08/2015
Rivonia
Miss Denim
15/08/2015
Free State
Face of Truworths Model Casting - Port Elizabeth
15/08/2015
Greenacres
SA Dream Model Search
16/08/2015
Pinetown
Ice King & Queen
16/08/2015
Midrand
Mr, Miss & Mrs Northern Gauteng
22/08/2015
Pretoria
Face of Truworths Model Casting - Durban
22/08/2015
Gateway
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Pageant
Date
Area
Miss Road Safety
22 - 23/08/2015
Gauteng
Miss Hope International Finals
28 - 31/08/2015
Pretoria
Miss I'langa Mall
29/08/2015
Nelspruit
Mr & Miss Wild West
29/08/2015
Eastern Cape
Miss Wemmer Pan
29/08/2015
Springs
Mr & Miss Jacaranda finale
29/08/2015
Pretoria
Little Miss Cupcake finale
29/08/2015
Pretoria
True Talent pageant
29/08/2015
Springs
Miss Armonia
29/08/2015
Frankfort
Face of Truworths Model Casting – Joburg
29/08/2015
Sandton
Mr/Miss Spring King & Queen
01/09/2015
Photo comp
King & Queen of the Cape - Entries close
01/09/2015
Cape Town
Mnr & Mej Pierre van Ryneveld
1 - 2/09/2015
Pierre v. Ryneveld
Pierre van Ryneveld baba kompetisie
02/09/2015
Pierre v. Ryneveld
Mej Boertjie Fees - Entries close
05/09/2015
Free State
Mr & Miss Mahikeng auditions
05/09/2015
Mahikeng
Mej Lente
06/09/2015
Midrand
Miss Sexy Jeans
06/09/2015
Midrand
Face of Beauty photogenic
08/09/2015
Photo comp
Mrs Grand SA finale
11/09/2015
Gauteng
Mr & Miss Strawberry
12/09/2015
Brits
Miss Mooiriver Mall
12/09/2015
Potchefstroom
Miss & Mr Rainbow Nations
12/09/2015
Gauteng
King & Queen of the Universe
12 - 13/09/2015
Gauteng
Mr & Miss Save a Child
13/09/2015
Muldersdrift
Miss Atterbury Spring Queen
19/09/2015
Lynnwood
Miss Fashion Delight
19/09/2015
Free State
Ms South Africa National finale
20/09/2015
Gauteng
Kalahari Kuierfees Baby Competition
24/09/2015
Upington
Miss Heritage SA finale
24/09/2015
TBA
Miss Kalahari Kuierfees
26/09/2015
Upington
Mr & Miss Spring Blossom
26/09/2015
Rayton
Dazzling King & Queen
26/09/2015
Midrand
Ms Glamour finale
26/09/2015
Klerksdorp
Out of Africa King & Queen finale
26/09/2015
Pretoria
Face of Arabella
30/09/2015
Photo comp
Please download all entry forms at www.pageantkingsandqueens.cc
Submit your event information to [email protected] for a free calendar listing
All dates and information were correct at time of publishing. MPSAmag takes no responsibility for change of dates,
times or venues.
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FROM THE
EDITOR’S DESK
Happy Women’s Month to all
MPSAmag readers! The reason I’m
including men and women in this
statement is because Women’s
Month is a time to celebrate,
acknowledge and learn. Ladies, take
the time to pat yourself on the back
for all you have achieved and
recognise the difference you’re
making in the lives of others. Gents,
salute and appreciate the special
ladies in your life, the powerful
women who have helped shape
your world or the way you look at it.
In acknowledgement of the
powerful women who drive the
modelling and pageantry industries,
this edition of MPSAmag is chocka-block with inspirational stories
that will motivate you to either
claim the title and tiara or to help
uplift someone else to win the sash.
I had the privilege to chat to our
beautiful cover model, Paulina
Vega, Miss Universe 2015 who
proves that beauty and brains is a
winning combination. Our regular
columnist and stylist to Miss World,
Werner Wessels recently judged
Miss World America and gave us a
behind the scene glimpse of the
“eloquent, strong, articulate, gentle,
feminine, ambitious, courageous”
women who don glitter gowns
while genuinely trying to make a
difference.
We also celebrate Mrs South Africa,
Sarah-Kate Scott and Mrs Africa
Globe Classic 2015, Janet Potgieter
who will both be representing
South Africa at the Mrs Universe
pageant at the end of this month,
and who will both aim to claim this
coveted title.
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If you don’t like controversy, you
will enjoy that Miss Namibia
recently made the decision to cut
the on-stage display of bikinis to
rather allow contestants the privacy
of personal photoshoots without
the added public pressure.
As the Miss South Africa regional
judging and bikini rounds kicks off
and the search for a new queen
continues, Rolene Strauss continues
to share her Miss World diary
entries with us. If you’re preparing
to take over her title soon, our
expert pageantry columnists have
debunked some pageantry myths in
the process and will help you to
understand the dirty tricks in the
business. While we’re on the topic
of the ugly side of this sector, we
also give parents some advice on
how to lose with grace and we
investigate whether children should
really undergo surgery to avoid
bullying. If you prefer to be behind
the scenes, you will find our legal
expert, Jolene Leeuwner-Maritz’s
article on trademarking your
pageant very useful.
Further, our modelling journalists
celebrate the timeless super models
and their modern day replicas,
discuss how to become a partsmodel and why growing your social
media base will help you to land the
next modelling job. If your
involvement in modelling is merely
from the side lines but you’ve
always had a desire to do your own
sexy shoot, you will love our eight
steps to an exquisite boudoir shoot.
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To make sure you’re fit and fab for
that shoot, we’ve included a range
of excellent articles to get your
body into shape and looked at the
top five organic foods that can help
save your life.
Even though our major focus is
women this month, we will never
neglect our male readers! Armand
du Plessis, Mr South Africa 2014/5
tried and tested some skincare
products on your behalf, John
Owens wrote about the seven
psychological effects of training,
while our other hunky experts
report on dude-food, dressing
according to your body type and
understanding the different styles
of underwear.
As this month is all about
celebrating the goodness of the
modelling and pageantry industries,
we’ve dropped the Scene & Heard
column (for this edition only!) to
rather report on the fantastic job
you did during Mandela Month.
Congratulations on your sterling
efforts, I personally give you the
MPSAmag seal of approval and
urge you to continue making a
difference in the lives of those who
need our help the most.
Until our next edition, look after
yourself and those around you!
Madelain Roscher
Managing Editor
www.MPSAmag.com
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While on my way to a recent pageant, I heard a song on the radio and I
was struck by the lyrics. Perhaps you've heard it:
Okay you're pretty
Your face is a work of art
Your smile could light up New York City after dark
Okay you're cover boy pretty
Stamped with a beauty mark
But it's such a pity a boy so pretty
With an ugly heart
(Ugly Heart - G.R.L)
I was struck by the truth of the lyrics, how often while standing backstage I
often see even the most beautiful of contestants show a bit of an ugly
side. You know that flash of personality that they make sure that the
judges never see but in the heat of the moment they can't hide anymore.
For me, there is nothing more sad than someone who is "pretty" ugly you know the type, beautiful on the outside but willing to play dirty or be
nasty just to outshine their competition. And I just don't get it - why the
need to be like that.
Everyone who competes in pageants has already overcome something in
their selves in order to get on that stage, and they should be applauded
for that; not torn down just because in your eyes you are better than them.
Each and every contestant is uniquely pretty in their own right and has so
much to offer of themselves, I want to encourage participants to focus on
that instead of spending time working out how to do the most damage
with a ugly comment.
It's actually quite an easy feat to get rid of the "pretty" uglies backstage
and that's to take responsibility for ourselves and be the better person.
Trust me, winning the title will be much for satisfactory if you do so by
being your beautiful self (both inside and out).
So next time you are backstage at a pageant, leave the ugly at home, ok?
Until next time,
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Victoria Mendoza, the new Miss World America
Behind the scenes at
Miss World America
with Werner Wessels
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Where do I even begin? As I write
this I am having difficulty articulating
what these last two weeks have
meant to me. I have just been
fortunate enough to realise a
childhood dream – to be involved in
the Miss World America Pageant.
and a common outlook
encompassing the deeper meaning
of pageantry. We talked with
endless enthusiasm of the
mechanics of pageants, the labours
involved to put on a great show,
what qualities make a truly worthy
pageant winner, and sadly, even the
political dark cloud which can
unfortunately sometimes
overshadow the true spirit of a
participants and of pageantry.
Some ladies are so dedicated that
they have become professional
pageant contestants.
This struck a chord for me. It makes
perfect sense to me. I get it. Why
not pursue your dreams, to better
your life and that of others? Why
not inspire others? Why not do this
whilst trying to improve yourself
mentally, emotionally, intellectually
and physically? Why on earth not?
Hosted in the country's capital Washington D.C., this pageant is
responsible for choosing the
representative who would compete
on behalf of the United States of
America at Miss World in Sanya,
China later this year. It was truly an
honour for me to attend and judge
this amazing event.
I met and formed close bonds with
Miss World 2010, Alexandria Mills
from the US and also Elizabeth
Safrit, Miss World United States
2014 who placed 3rd at Miss World
in London last year. These women
are exquisite and reminded me so
much of our South African queens.
They have a presence that is
undeniable and yet they,
remarkably, still manage to make
you feel like you are the most
important person in the world. They
are strong, articulate, gentle,
feminine, ambitious, courageous
and any other host of positive
adjectives you could attribute to
them, and somehow you still come
up short trying to describe the
remarkable women they are.
One of the most wonderful aspects
of the whole experience was that I
got to meet people from across the
globe. Kindred spirits, who share my
passion and excitement for pageants
What struck me most about the
American pageant systems was the
amount of effort that went into
preparing the ladies for the title they
were vying for.
A few months ago I received an
invitation to serve as a judge on the
panel for the Miss World America
pageant. After the initial shock wore
off I couldn’t wait to get on a plane
and experience how the biggest
country in pageantry does
pageantry!
America, the land of the free, home
of the brave - and I can now add
with confidence - clearly the stage
of the fabulous! That is exactly how I
would describe the American
pageant system.
At first I didn’t quite understand why
you would choose that as a career
path until one of the contestants I
was interviewing answered simply "I want to help, I want to have a
platform, I want to bring about
change and why is it that so bad if I
want to do it in a glittering gown.”
These girls were smart too, never
have I worked with such articulate
women who at 22 could run a
presidential campaign (I even told a
few of them to stop doing pageants
and start running for office, and to
obviously hire me as their stylist!). I
spoke to women who have started
their own NGO’s and websites, some
are dedicated to helping victims of
domestic violence and bullying.
Many of the women are graduates lawyers and medical students -here
is where I found the most similarities
between the American and South
African Queens! 
Photo: Anand Jayaraman
The 2015 judging panel with the new Miss World America
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Photos: Anand Jayaraman
Werner Wessels during the judging process
Unlike South Africa where our Miss
South Africa competes at both the Miss
World and Miss Universe pageants, the
United States have two separate pageant
systems, Miss USA who goes on to
compete at Miss Universe, and Miss
World America who competes at Miss
World.
After having judged the Miss World
America pageant, I decided to take a few
days off in my favourite city in the world,
New York, and to then travel to Baton
Rouge, Louisiana for the Miss USA
pageant. And who better to take with
me than the woman who personifies
fabulousity, Melinda Bam.
We reminisced over our time together in
2012 reliving all those highlights of her
career all over again. Melinda competed
for the Miss Universe title in Las Vegas,
Nevada during her reign as Miss South
Africa. As we spent time in the US, all
these wonderful memories came
flooding back to us - my time preparing
her, me bawling like a baby as she
competed on that stage eventually
making it to the Top 10 that year.
“These girls were smart
too, never have I worked
with such articulate
women!”
The Miss USA pageant faced some
controversy this year. However, this
could not dampen the spirit of the 51
women who competed for the title. It
was one of the most exciting shows I
have ever experienced. These women
rose to the occasion, they embodied all
the qualities of their role models and
owned the stage realising for many of
them lifelong dreams. They put on an
incredible show that most believe was
the best in years. Proving again what
passion and drive can overcome. We as
South Africans can definitely learn from
their example.
I’m so grateful and humbled that I, as a
mere South African stylist, had the
opportunity to experience what it is like
to be part of one of the most evolved
pageantry systems in the world.
Miss World, Rolene Strauss with Miss World America
2014, Elizabeth Safrit
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We all know that society has prejudices
about pageantry, so Kayla Nel, pageantry
expert and multiple titleholder helps
MPSAmag to set some of those
preconceptions straight.
A lot of hard work and dedication goes into
preparing for that. I definitely think being
that committed to anything is a great
representation of character. Personally
though, I love my curves, and I rock them on
stage every weekend because I believe my
curves are what make me sexy and I have
the tiaras to prove it.”
We’ve all been caught mid discussion at
some point in time casually chatting away
when all of a sudden you get asked, “so
what do you do in your spare time?” And if
we're going to be honest, sometimes there
is that momentary hesitation before you
answer because you know that there is
bound to be some kind of reaction to your
answer. Just take a deep breath and answer
boldly with your best beauty queen smile, “I
do pageantry”.
And finally, my personal favourite:
“Oh, but most of those girls don’t really
have much between the ears, if you know
what I mean.”
Um no, I don’t know what they mean and
what they are implying. Whether they intend
it or not, they just called you and your fellow
pageant kings and queens dumb. And to
that I give four diva finger snaps in a ZShape! Here is what you tell these clearly illinformed people, “I beg to differ actually,
Miss SA 2014, Rolene Strauss is a fourth year
medical student and is currently the reigning
Miss World. Miss World Fiji is studying
towards her Aerospace Engineering degree.
Here are some of the most famous reactions
(and misrepresentations) about the
pageantry world, and how to debunk them,
fast, and in classic pageant style.
“Oh, I thought you had to be tall for
that!”
Every vertically challenged girl’s favourite!
Never mind that you’re standing in front of
them, Colgate smile blazing and Pantene
Hair glowing, all of a sudden all they see is
your height. Well here’s how to set them
back on track. “Actually, no, that is a
common misconception. Miss Universe
2012, Olivia Cuplo, was only 1.7m tall and
Miss Thailand 1965, winner of Miss Universe
then was only 1.63m tall. So dynamite really
does come in small packages.”
I could carry on for ages but I am actually
busy with (insert your unique talent here,
athletic champion, academic scholar,
entrepreneur, etc.). Most women who
partake in pageantry are multitalented,
educated and committed individuals who
take pride in their appearance and choose
to use it to their advantage. In a society that
expects women to act as equals to men in
more than one aspect, I find that embracing
your beauty and femininity whilst working
like a horse, very brave. Personally, I think
beauty and brains make for an extremely
lethal combination, don't you?”
“Oh, aren’t you supposed to be like size
zero and anorexic for that?”
Take a deep breath, slowly count to ten and
avoid the temptation to lash out at the
person that just indirectly called you fat. It’s
simply not worth it; try this instead,
“Recently the Miss World Organisation did
away with its swimwear round and
refocused on their Beauty with a Purpose
cause - deciding that flat abs really didn’t
make a difference in any community.
Next time you are faced with one of the
above misconceptions, I hope that you find
yourself better prepared to answer (and
educate) the person making such untrue
statements. And if you’ve been holding off
starting pageantry or modelling because
you have been led to believe the above, I
hope this is exactly what you needed to hear
to get started. Pageantry and modelling is
something to be proud of, and there is no
mould to fit into. I believe the best beauty
kings or queens are those who push the
limits and are bold enough to be different!
On the other end, Miss Universe keeps their
swimwear section and all those women are
sport toned, fit and showcase a body born
out of a healthy lifestyle.
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By Nomsa Zwane
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Instead of focusing on taut abs and sexy swimsuit bodies,
Miss World has shifted their focus to beauty with a
purpose and packed away the itsy bitsy bikinis. The
pageant owners announced in December 2014 that the
swimsuit category will be abolished from their programme
moving forward.
Swiftly following suit to this historic decision, the National
Director of the Miss Namibia pageant, Conny Maritz,
announced that contestants will no longer walk the stage
with their revealing swimsuit for the entire nation to see.
Speaking to a Namibian newspaper, Conny explained that
while contestants will still go through a body assessment
and be photographed in swimsuits, this will be done in a
more appropriate setting and not on the stage on the day
of the pageant. It is hoped that this decision will
encourage more young Namibian beauties to enter the
national title.
The swimsuit category has long been a contentious point
for pageant nay-sayers who feel that these contests are
based on the idea that women are to be valued for their
physical appearance. They argue that this in turn places
tremendous pressure on women to conform to
conventional beauty standards by spending time and
money on trends and procedures which may expose some
to extreme health complications.
The discussion is certainly not new and has raged on for a
number of years.
In 1951 the first Miss World, Kicki Håkansson from
Swedish, was crowned in a bikini. Following this, the
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Catholic Pope at the time condemned the crowning and
the pageant later faced similar judgement from other
prominent religious figures, social activists as well as
feminist groups.
Pageant organisers have made attempts over the years to
accommodate the growing criticism which impacts
negatively on the public’s perception of these contests
which seek to celebrate women as well as boost national
pride.
“We have always tried to ensure that our swimsuit
category is done as tastefully as possible. We make sure
it's respectful for viewers in the audience and at home, as
well as comfortable for the ladies as possible,” Conny
continues.
Rosa Namises, a well-known Namibian activist, is in
support of this change and says the swimsuit category
puts the contestants on a pedestal which objectifies and
degrades women in the long run.
“By removing the bikini section and starting to dress the
women, you are showing that you don’t want to see them
naked any more. This is a way of showing respect to the
body of a woman, and I support and applaud this step,”
says Namises.
Miss Namibia 2015 will be crowned on 8 August at the
Windhoek Country Club and Resort.
What is your take on the swimsuit debate? Send us your
thoughts to [email protected].
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By Chantal Riley
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Yes, you read that headline correctly. Mrs South Africa,
Sarah-Kate Scott and Mrs Africa Globe Classic 2015,
Janet Potgieter will both be representing South Africa
at Mrs Universe, which is being held in Minsk in Belarus
at the end of August.
Mrs South Africa 2015, Sarah-Kate Scott
Sarah-Kate is a mother of
two boys and a successful
business woman – she is
the owner of a bespoke
gifting company, the
Turquoise Tiara. She is a
real and humble woman
with a warm personality,
who wants to use her life
experience to inspire
others.
Now you might be as confused as I am by this
outcome, considering that for Miss World and Miss
Universe, we only sent one participant: Rolene Strauss
(who as we all know took home the illustrious Miss
World crown) and Ziphozake Zokufa who went to Miss
Universe. Perhaps it's then just a "Mrs" pageant ruling
that allows two contestants per country to enter.
Mrs South Africa, SarahKate wants to create a
“Mom Movement”
campaign that focuses on
reinforcing positive
upliftment and sharing
topics of concern by holding workshops throughout the
country. She says she wants to remind women, to remain
supportive of their husbands, stay strong in their belief of
themselves and accomplishing their dreams, to provide
stability for a family and to have a sincerity to help others.
But then again our current Scott was our sole
representative to Mrs World and we sent first runnerup, Riana Mooi, to Mrs Globe, where she took the title.
MPSAmag dug a little deeper to see what was going
on.
It turns out that we are not the only country with two
representatives headed to Belarus. Also competing this
year is Mrs Australasia, Mrs Central America and a Mrs
Earth. Even more interesting is the presence of
countries we have never heard of before, including the
likes of Mrs Tartastan (which is a federal subject of
Russia).
Sarah-Kate is a patron for “Cupcakes for kids with Cancer”,
and she wants to continue her work for them as well as
CANSA, Mrs South Africa's official charity, to campaign for
greater cancer awareness in our country. Her eldest son was
diagnosed with cancer at the age of 18 months and
together with her husband, media personality Darren Scott,
they have fought and won the battle against cancer.
Yet, despite all this, there seems to be no reasonable
explanation as to why there is country as well as
continent representatives. Information about the
pageant, that is readily available, states that they are
expecting over 50 beauties from different countries of
the world to compete for the crown in the Belarusian
capital.
She represented South Africa at the Mrs World pageant in
November last year, where she was crowned as first runner
up.
Mrs Africa Globe
Classic 2015,
Janet Potgieter
One of the members of the Mrs Universe 2015 contest
organising committee, Alesya Kokoshnikova has
pointed out that the competition is not a traditional
beauty pageant.
Being Mrs. Africa Globe
Classic 2015, Janet
represented the African
Continent at the
International Mrs. Globe
Classic pageant in March
this year, where she was
crowned first runner up.
She also received the
Contestant’s Choice
Award and was honoured
with the Heart for Women
Award.
“It’s rather a social forum, the major theme of which is a
fight against domestic violence and searching for a
solution to the problem,” she said. “Every contestant
here is a goodwill ambassador of her state.”
The program of the forum will feature dozens of events.
For example, there will be a Day of the National
Costume at one of the ethnic squares of Belarus. The
beauty pageant will also feature a Day of Talents as well
as a Sports Day.
Janet is the CEO of
Vuselela Herbal
Pharmaceuticals SA and is busy developing exciting new
products that will take the company to the next level and
across borders into Africa. She is also a brand ambassador
of Dignity Dreams, an organisation that manufactures and
distributes washable sanitary towels.
Further, this year the Day of the Forum called “Against
the Family Violence” will be different from the previous
ones. For the first time, apart from the speeches of the
contestants about fighting against domestic violence in
their countries, any domestic violence victims who are
brave enough to speak up and come forward will also
be able to get free qualified legal assistance.
Her love for Africa has taken her to war-ridden Eastern
Congo where she founded the Nzuri Project, in conjunction
with Latlong International and HEAL Africa, where they
operate on women with Endemic Goitre Condition.
Janet is also the mother of two very active children, and has
a loving husband who she describes as her rock and her
support.
So this is definitely not your typical beauty pageant by
any means, and perhaps that's why both country and
continent can compete.
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IS YOUR PAGEANT
TRADEMARK PROTECTED?
Pageants are an
important fibre of
South
African
society, and are
thus
rightfully
recognised
and
protected by the
law.
In most
instances pageants
support and create
awareness
for
important
nonprofit organisations as well as choose representatives to convey our South African
story globally. Legal, ethical and
protected pageants are therefore
essential in our country. In order for
us to assist you as a pageant owner
to stay on this course, MPSAmag’s
legal columnist, Jolene LeeuwnerMaritz, attorney, notary, conveyancer
and SACCI Business Woman of the
Year 2015, will provide you with
expert insights on your rights and
responsibilities within the industry. In
this issue, we look at the importance
of protecting your pageant by
registering its trademark.
If you have an established pageant
with a good reputation, you would
not want any other entity to infringe
on those rights or claim ownership
of the said trademark. You would in
all likeliness want comprehensive
protection under the Law.
Trademarks are acquired in two
ways, either through registration in
terms of the Act or as a result of
usage of the mark.
The law
governing trademarks includes both
the legislation as well as the
common law. The act to which we
will make most reference to is the
Trademarks Act 194 of 1993 (herein
after referred to as the Act).
The term trademark refers to a
mark, as per the definition of the
Act, used by a person in relation to
goods or services, in order to
distinguish these goods or services,
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in relation to which the mark is used
for the same kind of goods or
services connected in the course of
trade with any other person.
There is distinct prescription in the
Act as to which marks are
registrable and which are not.
Some examples of marks that will
not be registrable include, but are
not limited to:
•
•
•
Marks which have not been used
as at the date upon which
application was made for their
registration, and the applicant
does
not
have
a
bona
fide intention of using the mark as
a trademark, either himself or
through any person permitted, or
to be permitted by him to use the
mark.
Marks which consist exclusively of
the shape, configuration, colour or
pattern of goods where such
shape, configuration, colour or
pattern is necessary to obtain a
specific technical result, or results
from the nature of the goods
themselves. Marks would not be
precluded from registration where
such elements are used in
conjunction with other matter such
as words or devices.
Marks where the application for
registration is made mala fide.
This subsection goes to the motive
or intention with which an
application is made as well as a
failure to meet the standards of
acceptable commercial behaviour
in the trade or industry concerned.
The question then arises, ‘Why is it
relevant to register your trademark?’
1. Without registration of your
trademark you have to rely on the
common law remedy of passing
off, where you are required to
provide substantial evidence to
establish the rights which you
claim. Should you choose to
rather register your trademark,
you will be able to enforce what is
known as the statutory action for
infringement.
23
The distinction lies in the fact that
in the case of infringement, the
court will order an absolute
prohibition against use of the
registered trademark. However, it
will, in the case of passing off, only
order prohibition against use
without clearly distinguishing the
goods
1. Under the Act, the proprietor of
the trademark’s rights to claim
trademark infringement are not
limited to goods and services for
which
the
trademark
was
registered, but also for goods and
services which are similar to the
goods and services of the
trademark,
and
could
be
confused or perceived to be the
allegedly infringed trademark
2. In addition to providing a remedy
against the adoption by a
competitor of a confusingly
similar trademark, registration
also facilitates proceedings for
opposition against a competitor
seeking to register such a similar
trademark
3. It also enables the registered
proprietor to enforce his rights, in
terms of section 3 of the
Counterfeit Goods Act 37 of 1997,
by laying a complaint against
anyone that deals with counterfeit
goods and is selling, producing
and manufacturing counterfeit
goods that carry your trademark.
Don’t let your pageant be at risk of
copycats or place your own
reputation in danger, ensure that
you are thoroughly protected. Be
safe, not because of the absence of
danger, but because you took action
to protect your business. If you have
any further questions on how to
register your pageant’s trademark,
you are welcome to e-mail Jolene at
[email protected].
www.MPSAmag.com
I have been dreaming about this trip! What could
be better than travelling and meeting up with dear
friends while doing so?
making memories and together working towards a
mutual purpose.
I have become good friends with Elizabeth Safrit,
Miss World America's, during our Miss World 2014
journey. It is so lovely being here in Washington
DC when Elizabeth will crown her successor and
next representative for the United States at Miss
World 2015.
During the final of Miss World America, one lucky
(and deserving) young woman's dream will
become her reality and the possibility of being the
next Miss World could soon be a reality. That is
part of the beauty of it all; dreams coming true,
hard work paying off and the opportunities to
make a difference becoming endless.
Another friend of mine, Carina Tyrell, Miss UK
joined us and it feels like a true reunion of sisters!
Miss World is about sisterhood, creating memories
and having a purpose.
Fairy tales do exist, dreams do come true...
Whether it is becoming Miss World, reaching a
goal, getting through a difficult time or graduating
from University.
am so happy to spend time with my 'sisters' while
You just have to see them in 'every day' things..
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Despite rumours that Cell C has hung up its sash as
Miss South Africa’s sponsor, the company recently
announced that it would continue as the headline
sponsor for the Miss South Africa pageant, along with
licence holders Sun International, as the search for Miss
South Africa 2016 gets underway.
THE SEARCH IS
UNDERWAY FOR
MISS SOUTH
AFRICA 2016
The telecoms operator first became involved in the
Miss South Africa pageant in the year that Rolene
Strauss was crowned Miss South Africa and later went
on to become Miss World. Cell C was closely involved in
the entire rebranding of Miss South Africa in a
campaign aimed at making the pageant more relevant
in today’s society.
As Cell C remains
as headline
sponsor
This year’s Miss South Africa Liesl Laurie has
undertaken a number of important roles for the
company including being an ambassador for its recent
Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day movement.
Explaining why Cell C continues its support of Miss
South Africa, Suzette van der Merwe, Executive:
Commercial Communications for Cell C and former
Miss South Africa, says the Miss South Africa brand
aligns well with Cell C’s on-going strategy to empower
women.
“Our goal has always been to support bold, confident
and beautiful young women who have the power to
inspire a nation and make a difference. This we have
done through our Cell C Foundation which includes
both a bursary fund and mentoring programme for
young women. The Miss South Africa titleholders have
been involved in these important initiatives and have
proved a huge inspiration to many young women
throughout the country.”
For the past two years, the Miss South Africa finalists,
post the pageant, were also offered an internship at
Cell C to learn valuable business skills.
Photographer: Yolanda van der Stoep
The search is now on for the young woman who will
follow in the footsteps of Rolene Strauss and Liesl
Laurie to become one of the most recognisable faces in
the country. Entries close on August 31.
The glittering Miss South Africa finale will take place in
March 2016 when current incumbent Liesl Laurie will
hand over her crown to her successor who will have a
chance to represent her country and compete in the
Miss World or Miss Universe pageants.
Adds van der Merwe: “Sun International and Cell C are
both determined to help make a significant change in
the lives of young women in this country and show
them that anything is possible through dedication, hard
work and passion.”
It is a sentiment echoed by Claudia Henkel, PR
Manager: Sun International: “We look forward to
finding another powerful ambassador for the Miss
South Africa brand and are delighted that Cell C are
once again on board.”
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Liesl Laurie, Miss SA with Miss World, Rolene Strauss
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Photographer: Kevin Mark Pass
The Miss South Africa 2016 buzz has started in earnest
and judging by the response enormous interest has
been generated from around the country.
Thousands of enries have already been received online
from hopefuls around the country who wish to fill the
shoes of current Miss South Africa, Liesl Laurie.
There is still time to enter this prestigious event. Online
entries close on July 28 , 2015 but should you not be
able to enter online, you can come through on the day
and enter in your respective regions.
License holders Sun International, in collaboration with
Cell C, has stated that young women who have already
entered online will still need to present themselves in
person when the Miss South Africa regional judging
takes place in their province in August and September.
This is an important stipulation as it gives the panel of
judges an opportunity to meet the contestants up close
and personal and find out whether they have the
attributes to become the next Miss South Africa.
The Miss South Africa pageant – which has become a
part and parcel of South African life – is a powerful
platform for developing potential. It is a celebration of
the country’s savvy, smart and beautiful young women
who are determined to be the best they can be while
being true to themselves.
Those wishing to enter Miss South Africa 2016 can
enter online or download the entry forms from the
website: misssa.co.za. Online entries closed on July 28
2015 and all entries officially close on September 5,
2015.
MISS SOUTH AFRICA HAS THE
POWER TO INSPIRE A NATION
Since the first official Miss South Africa was crowned in
1956, the pageant has become an integral part of the
South African landscape. Every year hundreds of bright
and beautiful women from across the country compete
for the coveted title.
Sophie Ndaba, a Miss South Africa celebrity judge and
MC, who is best known for portraying the role of Queen
Moroka in the beloved soap Generations, will be
present at each judging session. Liesl Laurie will also be
attending some fo the auditions.
INFLUENCE CHANGE
The judging panel also consists of different celebrity
judges alongside former Miss South Africa title holders,
Suzette van der Merwe, Tatum Keshwar, Amy Kleynhans
and Claudia Henkel.
INSPIRE POSITIVITY
Judging kicks off on August 1 in the Ballroom at the
Boardwalk, in Port Elizabeth, with celebrity judge
Sophie Ndaba. It then moves to the Market Hall, at
Grand West Casino and Entertainment World in Cape
Town on August 15 where Sophia Ndaba will again
share the judging honours with Sun International
representatives.
The third regional judging session takes place in the
Ballroom at The Maslow, in Sandton, on August 22 and
23. Joining Ndaba will be former Miss South Africa,
Tatum Keshwar, and Kojo Baffoe.
Miss South Africa is about so much more than just
wearing a crown and the sash, it has become a full-time
job that involves representing young South Africans as
an ambassador both locally and internationally.
When looking at society, popular culture and mass
media, beauty is perceived as something that is
superficial, unattainable, and unrealistic and sends a
dangerous message influencing young women's selfimage. Miss South Africa is a brand that embraces what
it means to be feminine, but also places equal emphasis
and exemplifies the deeper value of beauty with a
purpose that empowers other women to have an
enlightened self-image and self-worth.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE
The Miss South Africa message for a new generation is
clear: The Miss South Africa pageant is a powerful
platform for developing potential. It is a celebration of
the country’s savvy, smart and beautiful young women
who are determined to be the best they can be while
being true to themselves.
Kojo Baffoe is a writer, poet, blogger, media consultant
and producer and has been part of the final judging
panel at Sun City on two previous occasions. He will be
in the judging hot seat at the semi-finals in
Johannesburg in October and also at the grand finale at
next year’s pageant.
The final regional judging session takes place in KwaZulu Natal in the Imbizo, at Sibaya Casino and
Entertainment Kingdom, on September 5.
The new Miss South Africa 2016 will be crowned at a
glittering ceremony in March next year.
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On Sunday, January 25 2015,
viewers from around the world
watched as Paulina Vega
competed for the title of Miss
Universe and became only the
second woman from Colombia
to win the coveted crown in
the pageant’s 63 year history.
The last Colombian to capture
the title was Luz Marina
Zuluaga in 1958.
Moments after Paulina’s
historic win, people in
Colombia flooded the streets
and danced in celebration and
President Juan Manuel Santos
declared a national holiday in
her honour. The Miss Universe
victory has meant a
tremendous amount to the her
home country and has resulted
in an overwhelming amount of
support for the 22-year-old.
Excitement and words of
encouragement were sent from
Colombians across the globe
including congratulatory
messages from Shakira and
Sofia Vergara – both natives of
Barranquilla, the same city
where Paulina was born and
raised.
After winning the prestigious
title, Paulina immediately
relocated to New York City and
settled in to a luxury midtown
apartment outside of Central
Park that she will call home
during her reign as Miss
Universe (one of the many
perks that come with the new
crown).
Coming from a country where
fans anxiously await the Miss
Universe Pageant as much as
they do the World Cup, Paulina
is surprisingly new to the
pageant scene having won the
Colombia title during her first
attempt.
As the middle child of seven
brothers and sisters, Paulina
claims that she rarely received
attention growing up and that
being in the spotlight is not
something that she is
accustomed to. That aside, she
has always shined in academics
and graduated from a German
high school in Bogota, where
she studied French, German
and English.
Most recently, Paulina
attended the Universidad
Javeriana in Bogota where she
studied business
administration. After her reign,
she plans to finish her
education and wants to start
her own company which
focuses on exporting
Colombian made products.
Down-to-earth and sincere,
Paulina hopes that her sudden
and sweet success encourages
young people to be confident
in pursuing their goals.
President Santos told the
Associated Press that Vega
winning Miss Universe
“demonstrates that in
Colombia we have women who
are intelligent, hard-working
and perseverant in the face of
obstacles.” He went on to add,
“they are also very pretty.”
Not only is the 5’ 9” darkhaired beauty stunning on the
outside, her quick wit and ease
with people has won her many
fans on a variety of national
news programs. “My goal this
year is to learn more about
myself – I hope to become a
better person, better
professional and better
Paulina,” she stated during an
interview on MSNBC’s
“Morning Joe.”
Paulina loves playing volleyball
as a way to stay physically fit
and enjoys listening to music
while lip syncing her favourite
hip-hop songs. She admits that
she has little skill in the kitchen
but enjoys dining out and
experiencing different cultures’
cuisines. One food she can
never turn down is her
favourite snack, Rice Krispy
Treats.
As Miss Universe, Paulina will
work with organisations that
are champions in the fight
against HIV/AIDS and will
travel the globe as a
spokesperson raising
awareness and funds in an
effort to end the disease. She
will also work closely with
God’s Love We Deliver and
Best Buddies.
Source: MissUniverse.com
Image: Miss Universe Organization and photographer, Fadil Berisha.
www.MPSAmag.com
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MPSAmag managing editor, Madelain Roscher, had the pleasure of
interviewing the beautiful Miss Universe 2015, Paulina Vega.
How did you get involved in beauty pageants?
I have always loved modelling – in my district in Colombia, a
representative is chosen to compete at the Miss Universe Colombia
Pageant. I won that pageant and was honoured to represent my country
and compete at the 64th Annual Miss Universe Pageant this past January. I
haven’t been competing in pageants for very long but they have really
provided me with a new confidence that will transition into any venture
after my reign.
How has your Miss Universe journey been to date? How have
you been keeping busy?
It has been an amazing journey so far. My schedule is pretty
unpredictable but I have been traveling to incredible places that I never
imagined I would have the opportunity to visit. I have been to Ecuador,
Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Canada, China, France, and Italy so far. I feel very
blessed to see the world this year and hold the title of Miss Universe.
What's the best piece of pageantry advice you have ever
received?
Before I competed, I was told to be myself and have fun. That was the
best advice I could have received because the judges saw the real me. It
also really allows you to enjoy competing and being on stage.
Who is your supported charity of choice and why?
I love getting to work with all of the organisations I have been introduced
to that fight HIV/ AIDS. I have learned so much about this disease and am
proud to raise awareness for education and prevention. This year, I was
named the Madrina of the Latino Commission on AIDS which has been a
huge honour. I have been given an important platform as Miss Universe
to make a difference which is something special and rare. HIV/ AIDS also
affects the Latin community at a very high percentage not only in the US
but also around the world – so, I feel very proud to work with this cause.
One of the most famous beauty pageant questions is ‘what’s
the essence of a woman?’ What would your answer be?
I think for everyone it's different. For me, it is being confident and
comfortable with myself.
If you had to pick only one, would it be beauty or brains and
why?
Brains! A lot of people would be surprised to know that I was studying
business administration when I was crowned. I think that education is so
important and is the foundation for anything you want to achieve in life –
I definitely plan to finish school after my reign.
What are your plans after Miss Universe?
I want to continue to give back to the Colombian community through my
humanitarian efforts. As mentioned, I also plan to finish my education and
hope to be the CEO of a large company when I am older.
What advice would you give to MPSAmag readers looking to
following your footsteps?
Don't give up. With hard work and determination, you can do anything
you set your mind to.
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To avoid pre-competition jitters, you need a pageant check list to ensure everything is ready before the big day. A
pageant tool kit is an absolute must and is something every pageant competitor should have. One important thing to
remember is to keep this kit for pageantry purposes only. Do not be tempted to dig into your pageant kit for a lip
gloss or a set of false nails when you’re at home as you will forget to replace it and come pageant day, you will be
sitting without the item you might need most.
Extra
Makeup
Clothing
Hair
Grooming
DESTINATION
TYPE OF EVENT
ORGANISER’S CELL
NUMBER
LOCAL WEATHER
Nail file & clippers
Nail polish & remover
Extra false nails & glue
Tweezers
Feminine products
Cotton swabs & balls
Ear buds
Facecloth & loofah
Deodorant (clear)
Perfume
Talcum powder
Body wash
Breath mints
Toothpicks & floss
Toothbrush
Tooth paste
Sunscreen
Razor & shaving cream
Body lotion
Spray on tan
Brush
Dry shampoo
Bobby pins
Hairspray/mousse/gel
Teasing comb
Curling/straightening iron
Hair dryer
Roller clips
Ponytail holders
Clips
Hairnet
Shower cap
Arrival outfit
Formal outfit
Interview outfit
Other competition outfits
Swimwear
Cover-up
Coat
Garment bags
Stockings
Accessories
Jewellery
Shoes
National costume
Talent outfit
Sheet for the floor
Matching warm coat
Underwear
Bathrobe
Slippers
Pyjamas
Makeup
Makeup remover
Cosmetic brushes
Cosmetic sponges
Fake lashes
Acne treatment
Facial wipes
Facial cleanser
Toner
Moisturiser
Primer
Finishing spray
Sunglasses
Camera with batteries
Emergency cash
Gel shoe insoles
Journal
Cell phone & charger
iPod & iPad charger
Gift for host
Fees
Admission ticket/s
Paperwork
Directions
Sewing needles & cotton
Small scissors
Safety pins
Extra buttons, sequins, etc.
Pain killers i.e. Panado
Cough drops
Eye drops
Plasters (various sizes)
Towels
Hand held mirror
Double sided tape
Two & three-pin plugs
Portable iron
Dress rail
Umbrella
Extension cord
Snacks & water
Pen & notebook
Insect repellent
Books & magazines
Press release to
[email protected]
Photographs
Thank you cards
Social media update
If you are doing a pageant that requires you to wear multiple outfits, it is a good idea to take along a dress rail as well as a
portable wardrobe. Once you get to the event, you can quickly iron anything that has creased in transit and then hang everything
up neatly. You can also place all your items, including shoes and cosmetics on the various shelves in the portable wardrobe so
that you know where everything is when you have to do quick multiple changes. You can lock up this wardrobe and know that all
your items are safe while you are on the ramp.
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Tips for Pageant Parents:
How to Lose with Grace
By Baradi Moletsane
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It’s one thing having to deal
with a bitter and irate
pageant contestant who
throws a tremendous
tantrum because she failed
to win the title, we’ll forgive
her shameful performance
because being graceful is
hard to accomplish when
your heart is having a
tantrum.
It’s another thing when you
have to deal with a bitter
and irate pageant mom
who simply cannot accept
that her daughter has lost
because, according to her,
her precious daughter
should have won.
When Lebo* was afforded
the opportunity to judge at
a pageant in a city just
outside her hometown, She
was excited about the idea
of finally being the person
who intimidates the crowds
and the contestants – much
like judges do when they
are seated as a panel at
these kinds of things. She
loved the idea of her vote
having a significant impact
on who would win the title.
On the day of the pageant,
she was greeted with warm
smiles and friendly
handshakes a few minutes
after she had been
introduced as one of the
judges. She says can recall
mothers giving her the ‘I
hope you realise that she’s
worthy of winning this
pageant’ look. Despite the
stares, Lebo says she
enjoyed the opportunity to
judge and hoped that she
had made a positive impact
on the competition.
That feeling turned sour
when a pageant mom
inboxed her on Facebook,
in the wee hours of the next
morning. The message read:
“I hope you realise that
you’ve crushed my
daughters esteem as well as
her dreams. She has worked
blood, sweat and tears for
the title and you took it
away from her. Your day will
come!”
Lebo couldn’t believe it, she
thought she was dreaming.
“We had to deal with the
second runner up’s
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emotional breakdown
backstage, shortly after the
crowning. That was okay
because as soon as the
event was over, she
managed to dust herself off
with the comfort of Old
Brown Sherry and warm
sympathy hugs from her
fellow contestants,” Lebo
explains. “But what this girl’s
mom said was beyond me, I
didn’t know whether to
laugh or to be afraid. I was
in total shock!”
deferred dreams through
their children?
What the irate mom did
sounds pretty much like an
egotistical stunt. Mothers
often believe that their
children’s capabilities and
talents surpass the ones of
their competitors’. While
this could be a typical
characteristic of many
parents, could this issue be
deeper than just an
egotistical stunt? Is it safe
to say that at the core of
the issue is another selfesteem issue that a bitter
mom failed to deal with
when she was younger?
How many times have
parents tried to live their
Modelling schools and
pageant trainers should not
only focus on ensuring that
these pageant aspirants
master the T-ramp and
pageantry dress code, it’s
high time that they also
make a conscious effort to
mentally and emotionally
prepare these young
women for the possibilities
of failure. If this becomes a
crucial prerequisite to
becoming a pageant title
holder, perhaps pageant
moms will also realise that
failure is not the end of the
road but a crucial aspect to
of reaching the height of
success.
37
“After a week of running
this scenario in my head, it
dawned on me that I was
dealing with a mother who
never felt the goodness of
being prosperous when she
was that age. It wasn’t really
the mother who sent me
that vaguely threatening
inbox, it was the 20
something old her,” Lebo
explains.
www.MPSAmag.com
Understanding the dirty tricks in beauty pageants
Beauty pageants have had a tremendous impact on people’s
lives, especially on the young girls who dream of becoming a
beauty queen and role model for society. But the preparation
and dedication doesn’t always come free and the lessons learnt
aren’t always easy. In achieving this glamorous lifestyle,
understand that there will be some glitches and obstacles to
overcome along the way, which could possibly include the
wrath of your fellow contestants...
The common question during a beauty queen’s first interview
after being crowned is generally, “Were there any bad moments
or vibes between you and your fellow contestants during the
build-up and preparations for the final?” The answer would
normally be, “We became best of friends and we are all like
sisters…..”
Contrary to what you’ve seen on Miss Congeniality, this is not
always the case.
Pageant researcher, ex-Miss South Africa scout and regular
pageant judge, Louis Fourie, discusses what really happens
backstage.
There will always be the odd one out who has a jealous or
violent streak in her. Getting ready for a competition coronation
is hard work and you don’t always have the eyes to look after
your garments, makeup and belongings. In 2005, two days
after winning the Miss Universe Puerto Rico pageant, pepper
spray was found in Miss Puerto Rico’s competition gown and
makeup which caused a negative reaction on her skin.
You may ask why? It’s simple. At times girls will use pepper
spray or other substances to add into their competitors’ makeup when they’re not looking because this could have an effect
on their eyes, causing swelling within seconds, and breaking
their chances of scoring high marks. This is not the only dirty
trick they have up their sleeve. It’s important to always check
your shoes’ heels. It takes a very small sharp blade to make or
break you. A small cut in your heel, with the remaining
centimetre left in tack, could cause real damage to your final
walk. It will allow you to walk gracefully for a few metres before
it snaps, and yes, you will go down like a ton of bricks. Further,
smoking contestants could easily burn your dress and it does
happen. Nasty but true.
It’s therefore very important to identify your competition or
enemies very early on in a pageant. Observe their personalities
and be cautious of what they might be capable of.
Pageant tantrums will always occur; whether it is a contestant
screaming about her unhappiness or silently brewing how she
will bring you down. Understand that in pageantry it is always a
win or lose situation but remember, respected contestants can
handle defeat and continue learning from it.
Understanding the
dirty tricks in
beauty pageants
Pageantry around the globe will continue to have some
negatives but the positives will mostly outweigh the cons. The
pros of pageantry include that it breeds self-confidence,
motivation and prepares you for the five second rule which
applies to normal life too: the short time you have to make a
lasting impression on the judges or people around you.
How you react to the negative elements all depends on YOU
and your response to the situation, and not on the dirty tricks
that your fellow contestants could try to pull on you. Keep your
head high princess, and your crown will never fall off or be
snatched from you!
By Louis Fourie
Beauty
pageants
have
had
a
tremendous impact on people’s lives,
especially on the young girls who
dream of becoming a beauty queen
and role model for society. But the
preparation and dedication doesn’t
always come free and the lessons learnt
aren’t always easy. In achieving this
glamorous lifestyle, understand that
there will be some glitches and
obstacles to overcome along the way,
which could possibly include the wrath
of your fellow contestants...
The common question during a beauty queen’s first interview after being
crowned is generally, “Were there any bad moments or vibes between
you and your fellow contestants during the build-up and preparations
for the final?” The answer would normally be, “We became best of
friends and we are all like sisters…..”
Contrary to what you’ve seen on Miss Congeniality, this is not always the
case.
Pageant researcher, ex-Miss South Africa scout and regular pageant
judge, Louis Fourie, discusses what really happens backstage.
There will always be the odd one out who has a jealous or violent streak
in her. Getting ready for a competition coronation is hard work and you
don’t always have the eyes to look after your garments, makeup and
belongings. In 2005, two days after winning the Miss Universe Puerto
Rico pageant, pepper spray was found in Miss Puerto Rico’s competition
gown and makeup which caused a negative reaction on her skin.
You may ask why? It’s simple. At times girls will use pepper spray or
other substances to add into their competitors’ make-up when they’re
not looking because this could have an effect on their eyes, causing
swelling within seconds, and breaking their chances of scoring high
marks. This is not the only dirty trick they have up their sleeve. It’s
important to always check your shoes’ heels. It takes a very small sharp
blade to make or break you. A small cut in your heel, with the remaining
centimetre left in tack, could cause real damage to your final walk. It will
allow you to walk gracefully for a few metres before it snaps, and yes,
you will go down like a ton of bricks. Further, smoking contestants could
easily burn your dress and it does happen. Nasty but true.
It’s therefore very important to identify your competition or enemies
very early on in a pageant. Observe their personalities and be cautious of
what they might be capable of.
Pageant tantrums will always occur; whether it is a contestant screaming
about her unhappiness or silently brewing how she will bring you down.
Understand that in pageantry it is always a win or lose situation but
remember, respected contestants can handle defeat and continue
learning from it.
Pageantry around the globe will continue to have some negatives but
the positives will mostly outweigh the cons. The pros of pageantry
include that it breeds self-confidence, motivation and prepares you for
the five second rule which applies to normal life too: the short time you
have to make a lasting impression on the judges or people around you.
How you react to the negative elements all depends on YOU and your
response to the situation, and not on the dirty tricks that your fellow
contestants could try to pull on you. Keep your head high princess, and
your crown will never fall off or be snatched from you!
Edition 6 2015
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41
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Upping your game on
social media could
land you your next
modelling gig
By Avashnee Vandiar
Edition 6 2015
42
www.MPSAmag.com
Over the years models have played
a very important role in shaping the
beauty landscape. What is
beautiful? How do we define it? Do
we tick all the boxes?
To be a successful model means
you have to have prominent
features, the perfect skin, a specific
height and a "size zero" body that
still gets Photo Shopped. It doesn’t
end there though. Models must
have the right walk and be liked by
a variety of booking agencies and
designers. Contrary to a generalised
perception of models only being
beautiful and not too brainy, many
have proceeded to have successful
careers as shrewd, savvy business
women who have used their brand
presence to penetrate many other
avenues to generate multiple
revenue streams. Just look at Tyra
Banks, Naomi Campbell, Minki Van
der Westhuizen, Lee-Ann
Liebenberg, and Basetsana
Khumalo, to name but a few.
Until you land a few big
endorsements and frequent major
shows that may result from
successful relationships with
designers, another major
component in a model’s life
involves hustling.
Simply being gorgeous is just not
enough anymore. Things keep
getting even tougher, particularly
for those who don’t document their
lives on social media. Thanks to the
constant development and increase
in online platforms and its ability to
influence opinions and eventually
sales in products and brands, the
criteria for models to get booked
has become even more competitive.
A growing number of Australian
brands are demanding that their
talent have a minimum of 10,000
followers to be considered for a
booking, making it more and more
plausible that a social media
presence is a necessary indicator for
marketing potential. This trend is
set to pick up globally with leading
names in fashion, such as Marc
Jacobs, incorporating Instagram
into their approach to casting.
According to a Senior Booking
agent at Boss Models, this criteria is
more for the international market
Edition 6 2015
and not yet a key criteria for the
South African market. Key word
being 'yet'.
It is becoming more prevalent
though for retail clients to request
models with an influential following
on Instagram to ensure brand
promotion and cross pollination, as
they are probably more accessible
to the brands target market.
On a global scale, an example of a
model that has had an advantage in
her career due to her social media
following and influence is reality
star turned supermodel Kendall
Jenner who has a following of over
20 million on Instagram. Instagram
is the perfect social media tool used
by anyone ready to document their
lives in 'selfies'.
If you can get the followers then
this means you must be good
enough, right? According to
Manager of Vivien's Models,
Catherine McGill, the answer is a
resounding yes. She too confirms
that the reason why many brands
are now opting for models with no
fewer than 10,000 Instagram
followers is because this translates
to their social capital being even
more profitable than traditional
beauty or skill.
The ‘followers and likes’ criteria to
determine your next gig or revenue
stream is not limited to just models.
A fashion design duo couple who
used Instagram to introduce their
label "Punk and Ivy" caught the
attention of retail brand "Legit" in
South Africa. This resulted in a
collaboration between the label and
retail chain, and their designs were
stocked in stores, whereas
previously they were operating out
of a mobile Motique. Radio DJ's and
TV personalities in the South
African media landscape are also
held in higher esteem by marketers
if their followers are high enough.
So, for now, models in South Africa
still have some time to work on
upping their social media following
before they too are required to hit a
certain number in order to get that
next booking... Oh and of course,
their looks and talent still count a
bit too…
So how can you acquire the most
validations or likes and increase
your following on social media?
Recently, Kendall posted a photo
that surpassed big sister Kim's
record for most liked photo in
Instagram history (2.6 million likes
for the image). This is what we can
learn from Kendall about upping
your game on Instagram:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Make sure that your chosen
image prominently features
your best asset (but let's keep it
PG). For Kendall, it's her face.
Don't go overboard with the
posts. 20 posts a day is not
going to win you fans and may
in fact lose you a few followers.
Instead of words, make use of
emoji’s for your captions and
don't #HashtagEverything.
Try keep your photos as filter
free as possible and let your
natural beauty shine through
43
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The perks of
being a parts
model
By Baradi Moletsane
Edition 6 2015
44
www.MPSAmag.com
If your dreams of becoming a model
never materialised because, according
to the “experts”, you didn’t fit the
profile, fret not! Today, there are many
models who are coining it because
they’ve been scouted for their valuable
assets – their body parts. If you have
eyes that are captivating enough to put
on a billboard, legs that give Naomi
Campbell a run for her money and
hands that can sell even the oddest
looking jewellery, this article is just for
you!
MPSAmag has a list of reasons why
you should use your striking features to
become a “parts model.” Once you’ve
taken note of all pointers, Google
search reputable agencies near you, get
yourself an appointment and let your
assets be your claim to fame!
The perks of having killer long legs…
The nice thing about legs is that they
can sell products like stockings, bathing
products, body creams, razors and so
much more. If you want to become a
leg model, it’s essential for you to make
sure that your legs are fit and in shape,
and you will need to keep them
moisturised, waxed and free from any
blemishes or varicose veins.
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6 2015
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6 2015
There are many brands that use legs to
advertise a variety of beauty products;
in fact, leg modelling is one of the most
popular types of parts modelling you’d be surprised how much money
you can make just from showing of
your lovely legs!
The perks of having captivating
eyes…
Eye models can book all sorts of
modelling jobs, from print campaigns,
brochures, marketing material, makeup,
eye care ads, medical material and
anything else where the client wants to
focus on your eyes to help get their
message across.
A good eye model should be able to
master non-verbal communication by
showing different expressions through
their eyes. If you have beautiful eyes
and you’re intimidated by the fact that
you’re not so good with expressions,
not to worry because you can be
certainly master these if you stand in
front of a mirror and practice.
If you have unique hands and feet
Always ensure that you have manicured
hands and feet that will be able to sell
shoes, nail polish, hand and body
cream, as well as a variety of other
products and services.
45 45
These models are highly sought after
and while the competition is tough,
there is a lot of demand for unique and
great looking hands and feet. Hand
models have to have soft, “unworked”
hands, so many hand models swear by
not lifting or carrying heavy items,
doing any kind of household work and
not exposing their precious fingers to
any harsh weather conditions.
Body modelling doesn’t stop there, if
you want to break into the modelling
world and all you have to offer are
flawless looking ears, MPSAmag
reckons you should go ahead and allow
your ears to work their magic.
Whenever an opportunity presents
itself, go to an agent and enquire about
body modelling. Perfect ears may be
required for jewellery ad campaigns,
mobile phones and so much more.
Even having an interesting character
face is helpful, you’d be surprised what
companies are looking for. Sometimes
people are scouted for an ordinary look
- a “real” looking person who will be
able to reach out to the masses and
make a connection with people.
Ironically, not every model needs to
look like a model.
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Top models are known to have pioneered their own
look as well as revolutionised the way beauty was
defined during their day. They possess distinctive
features that are admired by women for generations
and become the standard to attain in redefining how
we look and feel. Yet almost all of these models have
modern day doppelgängers who remind us of the
creepy theory, that there are at least six people in the
world who look exactly like you, might just be true.
MPSAmag rounded up a few of our favourite top
models and their contemporary counterparts, to
discover if they are indeed a spitting image of each
other.
When Kate Moss first burst onto the acting scene, it
seemed as though no one would ever be able to
replicate her famous jawline and awkward yet alluring
look. This was until Cara Delavinge appeared onto the
modelling scene in 2009, when she was signed to
Storm Model Management in London. Her big break
though, was in 2012 when Burberry’s Christopher
Bailey made her the face of Burberry. Since then, she’s
been dubbed the Kate Moss of modern times.
Jourdan Dunn
We’ve also witnessed a similar narrative with Lauran
Hutton, who rose to fame because of her gap-toothed
smile. She was later replaced by Lindsey Wixson's
million-dollar grin, which is noticeable in almost every
one of her photos. Who would have thought that
there would ever be a smile as captivating as Laura
Hutton’s?
The eighties mesmerised us with perhaps the most
accomplished and influential runway models of all
time, when Linda Evangelista's killer bone structure
and Naomi Campbell's long gams and exquisite
statue, catapulted them to iconic status. We never
thought that Hollywood would discover the clones of
these classic models.
Yet Daria Werbowyis is undoubtedly the mirror image
of Linda’s timeless beauty, and the gorgeous Jourdan
Dunn struts her stuff at fashion shows with an
uncanny resemblance to Naomi Cambell.
Naomi Campbell
By Baradi Moletsane
Edition 6 2015
47
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Eight steps to an
exquisite boudoir shoot
Edition 6 2015
48
www.MPSAmag.com
Nude photography dates back
centuries, even before the discovery
of the camera. Nudes played a
momentous role in all forms of visual
arts and were seen as a creative
celebration of the human form and
study of the body in all its beauty.
Just think about all Leonardo Da Vinci
and Michael Angelo’s revered nude
paintings.
Fast forward to the 21st century and
you’ll vouch for the increasing
number of risqué magazine covers
and photoshoots among young
Hollywood celebrities and models.
One such example is the famous
Paper Magazine cover recently done
by Kim Kardashian, now also known
as the nude butt cover, where the
reality star posed nude, exposing her
oil-covered and well-known derrière.
Nevertheless, the idea of posing in
the buff can be a daunting task for
most models or actors, never mind
the ordinary man or woman who
wants to surprise their partner with a
memorable and highly popular
boudoir photo shoot.
To help you relax and be the best
version of your confident self,
MPSAmag explored this exotic topic
to give you some helpful and simple
tips should you be brave enough to
book a nude photography session:-
Research
Do your research on the
photographer. Make sure that he or
she has the right lighting, equipment
and very important the experience to
enhance the parts of your body that
stands out. You are exposing it all, so
make sure the photographer has the
relevant experience and the right
gear to do so. Also make sure from a
legal point that all contracts signed
by you and the photographer are
lawful. Always protect yourself and
the images that will be taken of you
on the day.
Toned tummies
Not everyone can have Elle
Macpherson-ironing-board-abs, so if
you’re worried about your midsection, keep an eye on your diet for
a few days before the shoot. By
watching what you eat and drink, you
can avoid a bloated stomach so stay
away from starches, legumes and
gassy cold drinks.
Manicure and pedicure
A boudoir shoot is meant to give you
the sexiest pics that you’ve ever
owned so invest in a manicure and
pedicure. Keep the colours simple or
opt for a French-mani and pedi so
that your nails don’t detract from
your beautiful face and body.
Night before
Get all your preparations done.
Waxing or shaving may leave the skin
red and a little irritated, so doing this
the night before will give your skin
time to heal. It will also make you feel
more relaxed and well-groomed,
which will help to condition your
mind so that you are ready for the
big shoot.
Pre-shoot outfit
Don’t wear tight fitting clothing to a
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49
photo shoot, it will leave indention
marks on your body, which is difficult
to rub or airbrush out. Wear a loose
kaftan and comfortable underwear to
ensure you get the best results from
your photo session.
Hair and makeup
You are already investing in a
photographer with the aim of getting
professional photographs so you may
as well spend some extra money on a
makeup artist (MAU) and hairstylist to
ensure you look model-perfect!
Speak to your MAU and ask her for a
set of fake lashes. They may seem
OTT looking at yourself in the mirror
but the end result will be sultry lashes
that will accentuate your eyes.
Fake tan is a no go
We all know that a tan makes our
bodies look healthier and more toned
but do not apply fake tan the night
before a shoot. It will reflect as an
unnatural orange glow on camera
and your photographs will be spoilt.
Moisturise a lot
Regardless of whether your body is
tanned or not, moisturiser will help to
reflect a natural looking glow so
bathe yourself in moisturiser the
night before, apply it amply in the
morning and again before your
shoot. The end results will be worth it.
The BIG day
On the day, a quick workout will help
liven up your mind and give your
body a natural glow with the
increased blood flow. The key to any
big photoshoot is confidence,
confidence, and confidence. Relax
and think about your poses, and
remember to keep it simple.
Happy snapping!
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The “how-to guide”
for pronouncing
brand names
By Baradi Moletsane
Edition 6 2015
50
www.MPSAmag.com
You know you’re in the wrong side of town when people pronounce Nike as 'Naik' instead of 'Naik-ee. '
Pronouncing brand names properly may seem insignificant to you because, let's be honest, more often
than not you may find them too expensive to be worth learning their proper pronunciation. But let's give
praise where it is due and remember that there was someone by the name of Louis Vuitton Malletier
whose brand is one of the world's leading international fashion houses and for six consecutive years
(2006–2012) was named the world's most valuable luxury brand. Now that's a name worth knowing.
And just for the record, in the year 2013 the valuation of this brand was US$28.4 billion, with sales of up
to US$9.4 billion. I don’t know about you but this is clearly an embodiment of nothing but years of blood
sweat and golden tears. Can we at least give him some respect by pronouncing this beautiful brand’s
name correctly?
Sounds like a bit of a challenge? Fret not. MPSAmag has put together a short list of brand names to arm
you for the next time they pop up and try to intimidate you in a conversation.
Wrong pronunciation: Loo-is Vutton.
Right pronunciation: Lou-ee Vee-tonn
Wrong pronunciation: Yves-Saint-Laurent
Right pronunciation: Eve-Saun-Lauraw
Wrong pronunciation: BVL-gari
Right pronunciation: Bull-gari
Wrong pronunciation: Naik
Right pronunciation: Naik-ee
Wrong pronunciation: Babe
Right pronunciation: Bee-bee
Wrong pronunciation: Channel
Right pronunciation: Shuh-nell
Wrong pronunciation: Gee-when-chee
Right pronunciation: Jhee-von-shay
Wrong pronunciation: van Hoo-sain
Right pronunciation: van Hue-sen
Wrong pronunciation: Har-mess
Right pronunciation: Air-mez
Edition 6 2015
51
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TYPE OF EVENT
(Complete details below)
Nail file, clippers &
tweezers
Clean nails free from polish
Nail polish remover
Extra false nails & glue
Feminine products
Cotton swabs & balls
Ear buds
Facecloth & loofah
Deodorant (clear)
Perfume
Talcum powder
Body wash
Breath mints
Toothpicks & floss
Toothbrush
Tooth paste
Sunscreen
Razor & shaving cream
Body lotion
Spray on tan
Brush
Clean hair & dry shampoo
Bobby pins
Hairspray/mousse/gel
Teasing comb
Curling/straightening iron
Hair dryer
Roller clips
Ponytail holders
Clips
Hairnet
Shower cap
Nude strapless bra & thong
Black strapless bra & thong
Nude heels
Black heels & pumps
Wear loose fitting clothes
Loose fitting sweat pants
Loose fitting T-shirt
White ankle socks
Black leggings
Black sheer stockings
Nude sheer stockings
Black opaque tights
Bathrobe
Props i.e. hats & scarves
Jewellery & accessories
Garment bags
Makeup
Makeup remover
Cosmetic brushes
Cosmetic sponges
Fake lashes
Acne treatment
Facial wipes
Facial cleanser
Toner
Moisturiser
Primer
Finishing spray
Sunglasses
Camera with batteries
Emergency cash
Gel shoe insoles
Pain killers i.e. Panado
Cell phone & charger
iPod & iPad charger
Gift for host
Towels
Hand held mirror
Eye drops
Snacks, water & straw
Pen & notebook
Safety pins
Plasters (various sizes)
Two & three-pin plugs
Insect repellent
Double sided tape
Directions / Address
Paperwork i.e. contacts
Good attitude
Professionalism
Sense of personality
Be well groomed
A smile
Clear skin
Toned body
Be yourself
Extras
Makeup
Clothing
Hair
Grooming
DESTINATION
(Complete details below)
Edition 6 2015
ORGANISER’S NAME &
CELL NUMBER
52
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LOCAL WEATHER
Edition 6 2015
55
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By Baradi Moletsane
Edition 6 2015
56
www.MPSAmag.com
I was once told that the
best fashion statement
is a well-toned and fit
body. But it was only
after I bumped into a
fitness guru, who
looked like a million
bucks wearing only a
plain, black, tank-top
dress with no
accessories nor detail,
that I came to believe
this. When I asked her
what it took to achieve
a striking look like hers,
she told me that her
secret lies in a serious
and never ending
relationship with her
gym contract. This
inspired me, but also
got me thinking, what
happens when you fall
in love with a person
who is married to the
treadmill?
There is nothing wrong
with being a fitness
fanatic. Many people
who are serious about
fitness also understand
the importance of a
balanced and healthy
lifestyle. But what
happens when you
meet someone who is
afraid to do things
because it will collide
with their gym
schedule?
Many MPSAmag
readers seem to share
my fear and have
posed this question to
us. In pursuit of an
answer, we spoke to
various experts who
agreed on five truths
which are tell tale signs
that you’re in a
relationship with
someone whose love
for fitness is obsessive
and abnormal. Off
course, it’s up to you
to decide whether
you’ll go with the flow
or you’ll throw in the
gym towel!
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They plan their days
around gym time
Imagine spending
weeks planning and
scheduling your
perfect date - mine
would entail a spring
day sunset picnic with
my significant other and they arrive 30
minutes late because
they put in extra time
at the gym, making up
for the time skipped
the week before
because they were ill.
Talk about a mood
killer. This is an
indication that gym is
an obsession, and not
a passion.
They get angry or
anxious when they
skip gym
There’s really nothing
wrong with having a
strict gym schedule
and always making a
conscious effort to
stick to it. There is,
however, a problem
when your significant
other throws a tantrum
because they missed
an opportunity to
caress the handles of
the treadmill. If the
person you’re in a
relationship with walks
around looking like
they have a grey cloud
hanging over their
head because they
didn’t get a chance to
go to gym, you might
want to think about
convincing them to get
professional help.
They punish
themselves for not
eating the right
foods by going to
gym excessively
Have you ever heard of
the saying, ‘everything
in moderation?’ A
balanced and healthy
diet is great, but every
now and then it’s okay
to indulge in the
tongue’s pleasures.
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If your better half is
the first to stick their
foot through the door
when the gym opens
because they had
dessert the night
before, then I am
afraid this may allude
to a greater eating
disorder.
They skip a lot of
pleasurable activities
because it collides
with their gym time
How many times have
you heard fitness
freaks pardon
themselves from
activities because they
have to hit the gym?
There’s absolutely
nothing wrong with
prioritising your fitness
schedule, however,
beware of a person
who consistently
chooses to pass an
opportunity to bond
with you because the
importance of bench
pressing surpasses
quality time. You might
want to decide
whether the
relationship is
worthwhile for you or
not.
They have excessive
time frames for
working out
If 60 minutes of daily
physical activity keeps
them healthy – great!
However, an exercise
regime which exceeds
two hours a day equals
irrational behaviour.
Just like a consistent
fitness routine can
afford a person with
longevity, so can
excessive exercising
have a negative effect
on their health as well
as lead to injury, illness
and depression. Are
you sure you’re ready
to deal with matters of
such a great magnitude? Uhm… we didn’t
think so.
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Walking into the weight room floor at the gym may be
daunting and intimidating to say the least. And with all
this pressure on your shoulders (literally), making
mistakes in front of the ‘pros’ is the last thing you want
to do! With such a variety of equipment to choose from,
it’s hard to set up a proper routine without making a
few mistakes. Although some of these mishaps may be
minor, they can actually lead to major setbacks in terms
of the goals you wish to achieve.
To save yourself from embarrassment (and injury), get
faster results, and to make your workouts more
effective, try to avoid the following mistakes:
1. Waiting for equipment
Gym lines are bound to form during peak hours, the
best option is to head to the gym during off peak hours,
which is either early in the morning, lunch time or after
seven o’clock in the evening. If this cannot be avoided, it
doesn’t matter how busy the gym is, you should never
stall your routine because you are waiting for
equipment. Rather find something else to do or use the
time for floor exercises.
2. Skipping the warmup
Although it may save time, skipping your warmup is a
definite way to get injured while working out. Have a
dedicated warmup routine that will elevate your heart
rate before you attack the weights head on. No matter
how little time you have, always include a warmup.
3. Not planning your routine ahead of time
Walking into the gym without a plan of action is like
heading to the grocery store without a shopping list you’ll end up wandering around aimlessly and wasting
more of your time. Workout the exercises, sets, and
reps, as well as the order you want to do them in when
you plan your routine.
6. Not timing your rest periods
Most individuals should be in and out of the gym in an
hour, including warm up, weight training and a cooldown. To make this possible avoid wasting time in
between sets. Wear a stopwatch or use an app on your
phone to limit yourself to under a minute.
7. Working your core at the end of your routine
When leaving your abdominal workout until the end of
your workout, you’re likely to cut it short. When you’re
tired and nearing the end of weight training, the last
thing you want to do is multiple sets of planks, side
planks and leg rises. Instead, get the core training out of
the way early by incorporating the same moves in
between exercises by performing them during rest
periods to maximise your time in the gym.
8. Forgetting your water bottle
Although it may seem insignificant in terms of your
overall routine, leaving your bottle at home forces you
to head to the water fountain in between sets and
results in wasted time!
9. Keep it confined
Avoid putting a circuit together that takes over the
entire gym. Not only does it inconvenience others when
you navigate through the entire gym with your superset,
it also wastes precious time.
10. Negative mindset
Always go to your session with a positive mindset as this
plays an important role in your workout. If you step into
the gym not wanting to be there, rather turn around
and go home. Get excited and WANT to be a better
version of you, this will play a huge role in your
development.
4. Doing cardio before your lifting session
Cardio is crucial to any workout, but it can be harmful
when done at the wrong time. A half hour jog before a
set of heavy squats may increase your heart rate and act
as a warm up, but by the time you start your weight
training you may be so fatigued that you may not
concentrate properly which could lead to potential
injury. Instead, hit the cardio area after your workout.
5. Always using the same machines, sets and reps
Going through the same repetitive routine every single
time is a quick way to get bored and stall results. Your
workout routine should change every few weeks either
by alternating the exercises or the acute variables like
sets, reps and rest times.
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Trainers Train Your Tongues
Social media has opened up a door
for fitness professionals to promote
their brand and to share fitness tips
and advice with thousands and even
millions of fans instantly. But with the
good comes the bad, as the platform
has also opened up a can of worms
which have led to a 'say or share as
you feel, when you feel like it' trend
amongst some well-known names
within the industry. The target at the
other side of the barrel? Their clients.
Pages are flooded with indirect
insults, hidden cues and egocentric
posts aimed at some poor soul who
didn’t drop a jean size in the trainer’s
desired time, maybe didn’t do that
extra burpee or final rep, or had to
stop training for some reason. Social
media has become the arsenal in the
hands of some professionals which
they use to vocally bully those who
have, in their opinion, failed or who
they want to portray to the rest of
their diehard fans, as failures.
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Like with any business, customer
service is crucial for trainers' doors to
remain open. This golden rule is a no
brainer, but yet so many fail to
comply with it. Being a personal
trainer makes your profession no
different to any other within the
customer service industry, whether
training is provided at a private or
commercial gym. The fact of the
matter remains that customer service
etiquette applies to personal trainers
as well.
It is perfectly normal to have
individual opinions, but where do we
draw the line when it comes to
expressing it. Does it really matter if
she didn’t prepare her chicken fillet as
you suggested, or that he ate two
sweet potato wedges instead of one?
They are your clients. A doctor
wouldn’t stop giving patients
prescription medication if they didn’t
complete their full antibiotic cycle the
last time they were sick, nor will they
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go and name and shame that patient
all over social media.
Clients will come in all shapes and
sizes, and have different levels of
determination. But at the end of the
day irrespective of how hard they
grind or how much they disregard
their diet, they are the reason there is
a need for personal training
professionals. They pay the bills at the
end of the month and ensure that
your cupboards are stocked for
another month.
If professionals’ social media pages
continue to grow into a space to vent
direct or indirect criticism towards
their clients, not only do they
establish the wrong impression about
trainers in general, they end up
negatively positioning the industry as
a whole.
By Yolande Swanepoel
www.MPSAmag.com
By John Owens, Mr South Africa 2013/4
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Back when our ancestors were
cavemen, they had to hunt for
food, walk long distances, and
build things, using their primal
strength. And then things changed
and everything became about how
fast we could get machines to do
the hunting, gathering and walking
for us.
The challenge in our current day
and age is that many people have
forgotten that caveman lifestyle
and find a number of excuses to
not exercise – and actually go as
far as to criticise and put down
people who gym often.
John Owens, Mr South Africa
2013/4
What is ironic is that not only is exercise an effective way to help you
improve your physical performance, but it’s also one of the best ways
to boost your brain power.
So what's so great about exercising? Well aside from the toning and
slimming benefits, here are a few more that you may not have been
aware of:
1. The neuro-protective effect. Exercise sparks dopamine
production, rebuilds toxic damage to the brain, battles anxiety
and depression, and enhances self-esteem. In fact, exercising
provides you with a very similar feeling to the happiness you get
from eating chocolates or falling in love.
2. The antidepressant effect. If you are depressed, whether
you are just having a bad day or it's something a little more
serious, one way to help yourself overcome the blues is to
exercise. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and really helps
you to reduce your stress levels.
3. Reduce your anxiety levels. Due to our hectic work
schedules and always having too much on our plates, most of us
are prone to getting anxious at times. These feelings can impair
cognitive functioning and make us more prone to isolation. No
one likes feeling nervous or anxious all the time and a strenuous
exercise session can help you overcome those feelings.
4. Boost your brain power. Did you know that exercise also
assists in the growth of new brain cells?
5. Increase your innovativeness. Exercise is also known to
help increase creativity and thinking out of the box. Back in 1997,
a study was done on 63 individuals where some were given an
aerobics class and the rest nothing. The study proved that the
creativity as well as mood increased significantly in the
participants that had the aerobics class.
6. Improve your memory. Working out can also help improve
your attention span. I work in a sales environment and also lead a
public life which means being on top of my game is essential.
From my own experience, I can definitely see the difference and
the impact on the days where I do not train before work.
7. Dismiss addiction. Lastly, my trainers have shared with me
that exercise can be used as an antidote and inoculation against
addiction in all its forms. It releases feel good chemicals in the
brain and gives people a healthy alternative to addictions.
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The consumption and demand for organic food has
become increasingly popular. Studies have shown that
living an organic lifestyle might be more expensive, but
the benefits can lead to a longer and healthier life.
Top five
organic
foods that
can save
your life
What’s the difference between conventional and
organic foods?
Conventional foods differ from organic foods in several
ways. The most obvious distinction is the use of chemicals
in conventional foods, versus the use of natural fertilisers
in organic foods. Organic foods are also packed full of
vitamins A, B, K and others, as well as are rich in essential
minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and
magnesium. They also contain antioxidants which protect
body cells.
The combination of these vitamins, minerals and
antioxidants help cells to detoxify and eliminate free
radicals that damage DNA, which can prevent cancer cells
from forming and multiplying.
Below are the top five organic foods that prevent
diseases and improve the overall health of an individual.
Chard
This vegetable is a good source of two important
antioxidants syringic acid and kaempferol. Syringic acid
helps stabilise blood sugar by inhibiting enzymes that
convert carbohydrates to simple sugars. Kaempferol
protects cells against toxins that cause cancer, reduces
inflammation and can also reduce the risk of heart
disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
By Nomsa Zwane
Arugula
This is one of the vegetables with the highest levels of
nitrates which can help increase blood flow. It is also full
of flavonoids that fight heart disease and even some
cancers.
Collard
These leafy greens are best for binding bile acids in the
stomach. This can help reduce cholesterol levels and even
protect against some cancers. They also contain a special
class of phytochemicals that nourish the natural
detoxifying body system.
Kale
This is a major source of compounds called
glucosinolates and kaempferol, which fight cancer and
may also, incredibly, protect the heart, lower blood sugar,
strengthen bones and reduce the inflammation in the
body. It is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that
help prevent eye diseases and vision loss as you age.
Watercress
One cup of watercress provides more than the
recommended daily value of vitamin K, which helps in
regulating blood clotting and reduces plaque in artery
walls, which in turn reduces inflammation linked to
chronic diseases such as arthritis.
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Training: are
you better
off alone?
By Yplande Swanepoel
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Group fitness classes have
become very popular over
the last few years, especially
at commercial gyms. Now
instead of trying to figure
out everything on your own,
gym goers can join in with
others to get their fitness fix
- but is it all it's cracked up
to be? MPSAmag takes a
closer look into group fitness
versus personal training to
see if there is really a
difference between the two
in terms of results.
Group fitness
Exercising as part of a group
can be motivating and plenty
of fun, especially if you go
with friends. But being in a
group session also means
that you don’t get individual
focused training and so you
might not see the same
effective results as someone
who receives one-on-one
training with a fitness
professional. Your progress
depends wholly on how
serious you take the class –
if you show up and only do
half of the moves, you're not
going to fully benefit from
the class.
But ultimately, any training is
better than no training at all.
If you are someone who
loves being around people
and requires a bit of
motivation to do that final
lap and set burpees, or you
just want to get your daily
dose of exercise in, than
group fitness class is
definitely for you. When it
comes to cost, group fitness
is a less expensive option,
and some gyms, depending
on your contract, even
provide you with free access
to these group training
sessions.
Personal training
Unlike group fitness,
personal training provides
one-on-one training time
with a fitness professional,
who focusses on you and
you alone. There is no hiding
- you need to commit to
doing everything your trainer
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instructs you to do. Keeping
that in mind, you need to be
someone who is dedicated
and really has a goal in mind
in order for personal training
to benefit you. This kind of
training requires you to train
and eat according to a
workout and diet plan
specifically designed for your
body and goals. Being more
focused, you’ll probably end
up seeing more optimum
results compared to group
fitness, but this all depends
on your body’s genetics as
well as the experience level
of your personal trainer.
Personal training can
become quite expensive;
especially if you train with a
personal trainer who is well
experienced and has built a
reputable name for
themselves. Not only is
personal training in itself
costly, but you also need to
take into consideration the
costs of your diet and
recommended
supplementation.
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The good news is that
anyone can get a personal
trainer - if you don't mind
paying a bit extra to get that
individualised training then
the floor is yours. Fitness
athletes who require
specialised conditioning to
prepare for competitions, as
well as people who have
obtained injuries and need
professional training to help
with their recovery are some
of the main clients of
personal training
professionals.
Both group fitness as well as
personal training is
beneficial, it just depends on
the type of training you
prefer and your budget.
Personal training is obviously
the one which will provide
you with more optimal
results, but then again it all
depends on the quality of
training provided, your body
and determination to achieve
your goals.
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Nothing beats walking out
of a salon after you’ve just
relaxed your hair, especially
if your hair is long enough
for the wind to blow
through it. You feel like you
can take over the world!
Relaxers always manage to
give your hair a great
aesthetical boost, but it’s all
fun and games until you
experience hair breakage
and thinning, lack of hair
growth, scalp irritation,
scalp damage and
sometimes even hair loss
Before beginning any hair
treatment, especially one
that introduces chemicals to
your hair, you owe it to
yourself to ensure that you
have full knowledge of the
possible damages that
relaxers can do to your hair.
One of the primary reasons
why many middle aged
black women experience
the nightmares of receding
hairlines and damaged hair,
is because they had very
little insight and knowledge
in their twenties, on what
women should know about
relaxers before they apply
it.
There are two types of
relaxers: “lye relaxers” and
“no lye relaxers.” It is
imperative for women to
know that relaxers contain
ingredients that work by
breaking the chemical
bonds of the hair, and both
can burn the scalp if used
incorrectly.
Lye relaxers are a lot
harsher and contain sodium
hydroxide as the active
ingredient. No lye relaxers
on the other hand do not
contain sodium hydroxide,
however, they still contain
ingredients that are
detrimental to hair. While
the chemicals in these
products are not lye, they
are very similar and have
the same chemical effect on
hair. Advertising leads
people to believe these
chemicals are much safer
when in fact they are only
slighter improved.
Women need to realise that
relaxers are not good for
their hair, irrespective of
what they see on TV and
print commercials.
However, what they do
need to know is that, armed
with a better understanding
of relaxers and what they do
to hair, they will be able to
make better decisions
regarding their hair and
scalp care.
Yes, relaxers can leave your
hair looking a little less
healthy after using it over a
couple of years but there
are various hair care
products in the market that
can repair damaged hair
when used consistently and
properly.
There are women who have
been using relaxers since
their early twenties and still
have healthy hair. But what
women need to understand
is that our hair types are
different. It is crucial for
women to know what type
of hair they have and which
hair care products are best
suited for their hair. It is also
important for women to
avoid changing hairstylists
as having too many people
do your hair could also
damage it. This is because
different hair stylists use
different techniques to treat
hair – some of which may
clash with others. Having
one person monitor and
style your hair will curb the
chances of damaging it.
Also, it is important for
women to talk to their
stylists about which
products they should use to
protect their hair from
damage from relaxers.
With the right kind of
knowledge and hair care
products that are suitable
for their hair type, women
will be able to decrease
their chances of permanent
hair damage or hair loss in
the future. It’s imperative
for women to understand
that taking care of their hair
doesn’t only mean visiting
the salon regularly; it also
means making a conscious
effort to learn about hair,
the way relaxers are being
used, and ensuring that they
visit hair salons that offer
hair treatment of great
quality.
Many women tend to opt
for salons that offer cheaper
services but what they fail
to realise is that the poorer
the quality of the product is,
the less likely you’ll be
afforded the good quality
treatment that your hair
needs when it must be fixed
in the long run.
Salons that offer superior
quality services when it
comes to hair often hire
people who are experienced
as well as qualified. These
specialists are trained to
ensure that they offer
clients good quality
treatment and valuable
insight on how they should
maintain their hair. Salons
that offer lower quality
services on the other
hand, often employ
hairstylists that are just
generally good with
styling hair rather than
having supreme
knowledge on hair
maintenance.
Not every relaxer
story has a disastrous
ending.
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Working in the MPSAmag lab is
probably one of the best jobs in the
world. We get to trial and test a
variety of beauty products to ensure
that they really live up to their brand
promises and don’t disappoint our
readers. A few of us were asked to
review a range of products from
South Africa's very own Glam Guru,
Hannon.
team members - yes, we also hate
her for her great skin. Whether you
suffer from acne, pigmentation or
dry skin, there is a Hannon product
designed to get your face feeling
and looking like you've been
airbrushed in real life.
The goody boxes that we received
were filled to the brim with a range
of skincare products including
cleansers, toners, moisturisers, eye
creams, sun block, lightening serums
and masks, as well as a variety of
hair care products that included
shampoo, conditioner, and
treatment products - all specifically
chosen for each team member
according to her skin and hair type.
The holy grail of eye creams,
Hannon's Vitamin E eye cream,
which promotes elasticity in the skin
and assists in getting rid of under
eye bags as well as dark circles.
So, how do the products fare in day to
day life?
Skin so smooth
From the moment we started our
allocated products, we felt an instant
difference in our skin. The skincare
range of products not only makes
you look and feel good but they also
smell divine. This got all-round
thumbs up from the team!
What's also great about the Hannon
skincare range is that it caters to a
wide variety of skin issues, or lack
thereof in the case of one of our
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The team’s favourite skincare
product?
Hair-raisingly good results
Hannon's range of hair products
covers every hair type, transforming
flat hair to va-va-voom vixen locks,
frizzy curly hair to silky smooth
strands and dry ends to ultra lush
moisture infused hair.
And to top it all off
Also available in the Hannon range is
an array of high quality makeup
products such as mascara, eyeliner
and lipstick, among many others. All
of these have been specifically
produced and made for South
African women. We reckon if you are
as happy with the skin and hair care
products as we are, it's a no brainer
to want to also make use of
Hannon's makeup products to
complete the look.
This is one skincare and cosmetics
range where that we definitely give
each and every product ten out of
ten. Go on, try it for yourselves. You
can send us your feedback via emails
to [email protected].
Even after the first use of the
shampoo and conditioner combo,
hair is left feeling moisturised and
soft. Add the amazing treatment
products to your hair care regime
and you are left feeling like you have
just stepped out of your hairstylist’s
chair.
The stand out product in this
category has to be Hannon's Crystal
Styling Gel, which makes creating
and keeping any style in position, an
absolute breeze.
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Operation
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Bully-Proof
By Yolande Swanepoel
Bullying is not something that is
new to society. In fact, we are
willing to bet that each and every
one of us has had to endure some
type of bullying in our lifetime,
either as children or as adults.
Unfortunately, whether we like it or
not, bullies are here to stay.
Often bullies target people who
they consider emotionally fragile or
even physically 'unworthy'. Children
are the main target, seeing that they
are less inclined to stand up for
themselves. But as a parent how do
you prevent this? Do you just leave
it and let your child fend for him or
herself? Do you teach them how to
fight back? Or in the case of a
physical attribute that perhaps even
you have noticed, do you take
drastic measures, like sending your
child for cosmetic operations or
treatments to fix the problem especially if it is a genetic
predisposition that they have
inherited which is causing them to
be targeted?
This question is not as farfetched as
it may seem. The UK’s Daily Mail
recently reported on a mother, who
was having a difficult time deciding
whether or not she should send her
six year old daughter for an
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operation to fix her ears that were
sticking out excessively, to prevent
her from enduring the torment
which the mother had to go
through as a child.
Genetic inheritance is something
that is beyond our control. If your
father had a big nose and the dice
rolls on you to have the same nose,
than that is unfortunately
something you have to live with. Or
is it? Cosmetic procedures have
become so advanced in recent
years, with minimal invasiveness
that more and more people are
looking to doctors for a physical
solution to their bullying torment.
So where do you draw the line?
Cosmetic surgery can be costly, but
if you have the money at hand to
help your child fix whatever the root
of their problem is perhaps it's
something to look into. And we're
not talking nose jobs or arm tucks
to get rid of those baby rolls,
getting them braces, or sending
them to an eye specialist to fix a
squint eye or perhaps even a skin
specialist to prescribe medication
for severe acne. The flip side of the
coin though is that you might just
be better off spending that
money and investing in your
75
child, helping them to build their
self confidence and to bully-proof
themselves.
If you are able to prevent your child
from enduring trauma that could
potentially will leave them with
psychological scars when they are
adults, then why not? At the end
there is nothing wrong with a
parent wanting to help their child
with their physical or emotional
needs - after all, that is part of the
role of parenting.
So whether it takes money or not,
perhaps it's time to stop focusing
on the bully and turn your attention
to helping your child overcome
their obstacles.
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The TanLab: tried it, loved it!
With the market inundated with self-tanning products, and
summer being just around the corner, you’ll probably find
yourself standing indecisive in the self-tanning aisle. Trying
to figure out which bronzer will be best for your skin tone
and which one will not leave you looking like you’ve
contracted jaundice, can be a bit of a brain teaser. Being
someone who hates standing in queues, I jumped a few and
had the pleasure of testing The TanLabs’ self-tanning lotion.
They say that first impressions last, and this brand as well as
its representatives, have surely made a very good first
impression on me. Within a day of placing my order, my
well-presented goodie bag was couriered to me. I’m a bit
skeptical when it comes to tanning solutions after having
had my share of bad experiences, but I must admit
when I opened up my goodie bag, something about
the package design just made me want get my tan
on!
I received two bottles, each one with its own
easy-to-squeeze nozzle, which immediately
told me that this is was going to be hassle
free process where I didn't need to worry
about getting my hands dirty trying to
open lids. The one bottle contained the
tanning solution, and the other, which is
very thoughtful of The TanLab, a moisturiser. Knowing that self-tanning can dry
out your skin, they insist on people using
both products to ensure that they have
an even tan and supple skin. Kudos for
caring TanLab!
One thing that I have always dreaded
about these self-tanning products is the
fact that it stains your hands for days after
you’ve applied it. So it definitely made my
day when I opened my package and saw the
two gloves that were also included.
So what happened after I took a little test in
the lab? Firstly, the product is easy to apply. So
if you are someone who doesn’t have a lot of
time on your hands, than you’ll certainly love this
product. It also smells great; there is nothing worse
than having to apply any product that reeks. It is
almost as if you are applying a body lotion.
Does it work? After applying it, I could immediately see
the coloration of my skin change. My complexion
appeared darker and the solution was quickly absorbed
into my skin. I had no visible blemishes or streaks where I
applied the tanning solution.
To win a hydration lotion and gradual tan (suitable for
all skin tones) from The TanLab, and a pair of exfoliating
gloves valued at R420, email your contact details
to [email protected]
If I had to rate the product out of 10, I’d give them 10 out
of 10, which includes a great customer experience as well!
The only thing that is missing now is the summer sun, sea
and beach!
By Yolande Swanepoel
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Exclusive
MPSAmag.com
Readers offer: only R1,000
for 3-outfit portfolio shoot!
T&C apply
[email protected] I +27 (0) 71 889 4664 I www.dawidroux.com
Product Review:
Africology®, African
Goddess Facial®
The African Goddess Facial® by Africology® is a treatment
I would recommend to anyone. As a new mother I am
highly sleep deprived and the day to day stress adds
pressure and tension to my shoulders. This often leaves me
with severe muscle pain behind my ears and across my neck
which can cause terrible migraines. But after my African
Goddess Facial® I can confidently say I am cured from
tension.
The treatment, which takes 90 minutes, starts with a back
and neck exfoliation, followed by a muscle releasing
massage that melts away tension. It is a wonderful ritual
that involves cleansing, a massage, sound therapy and an
out of this world foot massage.
In winter I also battle with my skin, finding that the cold
leaves it very dry. In the past I’ve had to use extreme
measures to get it back to normal. The African Goddess
Facial® has given me a solution to this challenge and has
left my skin feeling incredibly soft and rejuvenated. The
lotions and exfoliators they use are extremely gentle and
left my skin feeling rejuvenated.
I thought the softness of my skin would ‘wear off’ as soon
as I started using my everyday facial products, and
imagined it washing off like my make-up. Imagine my
surprise, when a week after my treatment, my skin was still
as fresh and looked as rejuvenated as the day I left the spa.
By Nomsa Zwane
The Africology® Spa is as amazing as the treatment itself from comfortable, fluffy slippers to relaxing music that plays
unobtrusively during treatments to genuinely caring staff. If
you need to escape from your everyday stresses or just
need to unwind the tension in your neck and shoulders, you
cannot go wrong at this haven that revitalises your body
and rejuvenates your mind.
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One of the prizes I
received after winning
the Mr South Africa title
earlier this year, was a
range of products from
Dr. Gobac Cosmeceutical
s, which included a
Dr. Gobac Cleanser and
Starter Cream from this
exclusive range of
products.
Having always
experienced challenges
because of my difficult
sensitive skin, I have
learnt to always do my
own research on a
product before simply
applying it to my face. I
found the Dr. Gobac
range of products to be
great because each one
is developed to effect
certain functions in the
skin. This includes
promoting healing,
repairing skin
architecture as well as
the prevention of ageing.
It sounds too good to be
true, right?
Initially I thought so too
but my desire for healthy
skin propelled me to give
this range of products a
try. Aside from my own
personal research into
the products, I also
visited
theDr. Gobac Cosmeceuti
cals head offices
in Midrand, and saw firsthand where their
products are made, using
the most up-to-date and
technologically advanced
concepts of modern
science available.
The Secret To
Sorting Out
Sensitive Skin
The products are
reflective of their modern
and simple packaging,
cutting out all the
unnecessary oils,
boosters and toners
other skincare ranges
might contain. Plus I
found them super easy to
add to my skincare
regime.
Review of Dr Gobac products
By Armand du Plessis, Mr South Africa 2014/5
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The pumpaction cleanser doesn’t
create a foam while
washing your face, but
it's milky texture cleanses
the skin just as well as
you would expect from a
foam cleanser, leaving
your skin feeling
refreshed and clean
immediately after using
it. What I have noted
from this product is that
the strong natural
extracts also soothe the
skin because of the
strong anti-inflammatory
properties contained
therein. Only a small
amount of product is
needed which means that
it lasts a lot longer too.
Another plus is the size
of the container, making
it ideal to fit into any
toiletry bag; especially
useful if you travel a lot!
The Dr. Gobac Starter
Cream is perfect for both
day and night time use.
This lightweight cream
is very moisturising, even
though it's a thickly
textured cream. Don't let
the name fool you, this
isn't just a starter cream
for someone wanting to
start taking good care of
their skins, but it's also
great for anyone who has
an already established
skincare regime. Another
thing that impressed me
about this product is that
you don't have to
constantly reapply it
throughout the day to
keep your skin looking
supple and moisturised,
as I have experienced
with many other skincare
products I have used in
the past. It is also
recommended for all skin
types. For someone who
has long been on the
lookout for skincare
products that live up to
the promises they make, I
can definitely
recommend Dr. Gobac
Cosmeceuticals.
Dude
Food
By Karen Cooper
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The rise of men taking
over the kitchen
A recent study shows that 14% more men are now cooking compared
to back in 1965. This may not seem like a significant amount at first
but when you consider that a kitchen was always considered a
women's territory, it is a big jump in the right direction. Men have
long been known to spend the majority of their single years living on
fast foods or quick microwave meals until the right woman comes
along.
With men staying single for longer and the modern woman growing
her career in her twenties, the need for men to develop his
independence in the kitchen is on the increase. Many companies have
capitalised on this and are now focusing their marketing efforts on
targeting this newly motivated male to beef up his game in the
kitchen. From cook books, to online sites and cooking shows, men
have a variety of tools at their disposal to make the transition from
microwave maverick to cooking connoisseur.
For the modern male looking at enhancing his cooking skills, add the
following five books to your cooking arsenal:
#1. Pitt Cue Co.
At 280 pages, the book runs the gambit of drinks, snacks, meats,
rubs, desserts and yes, (gasp) even salads.
#2. Death by Burrito: Mexican Street Food to Die For
This book is a modern take on Mexican street food. It starts with
essentials like corn tortillas, chilies, spices, and cheese and then shifts
to the more exciting salsas and guacamoles.
#3. Man Meets Stove
For the beginner’s beginner, this cookbook for guys focuses on easyto-make recipes with insanely easy tutorials.
#4. Gordon Ramsay’s Fast Food: More Than 100 Delicious, SuperFast, and Easy Recipes
The three-star Michelin chef teaches quick, healthy, and tasty recipes.
Most dishes take about 15 minutes to prep and cook, and none of
them take up more than 45 minutes to prepare and serve.
#5. MasterChef: The Ultimate Cookbook
The MasterChef reality show showcases some of the best home cooks
in the various nations it is shown in. Whether you're taking tips
directly from the TV show, or one of the winners' in the cookbook,
you are bound to find inspiration galore. You’ll also learn important
kitchens skills like how to sharpen knives, season a pan, and create
the perfect steak rub that will have even your biggest critic asking for
seconds.
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10
skincare
tips for
men
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You will be surprised at the number of men who want to simply rejuvenate their appearance. Without a specific
product or brand in mind, guys who are relatively new to the skin care game simply want to tackle a wide range
of problems, without necessarily knowing what the problem is in particular and are bringing their complexion to
a halt.
We tackle some of these problems head on and provide you with ten grooming basics to completely turn your
skin around. So here goes...
1. Exfoliate Once A Day
6. Control Wild Brows
Exfoliation is not just for women. Adopt a face scrub
once a day and you will be greeted with brighter and
fresher skin. Daily exfoliating rids your skin of grime and
toxins, as well as dead skin cells. The result? Apart from
an enhanced complexion, the regeneration of new skin
cells and an ultimately more youthful looking face.
Controlling wild brows don’t need to be like
handling an out of hand teenager. In reality, a little
bit of tweezing followed by some brow gel will just
do the trick and most gels come in a choice of
colours which look incredibly natural. Apply a little
gel to your eyebrows and enjoy true enhancement
to your appearance. Don't allow focus to be drawn
to unmanageable brows and avoid those dreaded
caterpillars taking a stranglehold on your
confidence.
2. Invest In A Good Moisturiser
Spending money one a face cream may seem pointless,
but you will be thankful for spending that extra buck.
Hydration, nourishment and suppleness are all key
benefits to moisturisers, as well as de-stressing the skin
and removing signs of fatigue. Your skin will soon
become your best feature gents!
7. Don't Forget A Lip Balm
Nice and simple! A little touch up with a lip balm
can take you a long way towards looking smooth
and well groomed. Nobody wants to see, or worse
still, kiss, dry and chapped lips. Take immediate and
effective action with a good quality lip agent.
3. Use A Face Mask Twice A Week
There's no end of benefits that a face mask for men can
provide. Versatile, easy to use and relaxing to name just
a few. However, when we peel back the layers of this
form of skincare for men, they certainly do pack
a powerful punch! Not only do men's face masks offer
the deepest of cleanses, but when used twice weekly,
they also boost new cell regeneration. This coupled with
anti-ageing, moisturising and clarifying benefits,
really come together to make it a colossal program in
the removal of common facial imperfections.
8. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise inevitably results in more sweat
secretion. The result? Your skin dispenses of all its
toxins and impurities quicker. Living an active
lifestyle also re-balances your skin's PH levels and
builds a stronger barrier against harsh
environmental pressures on the skin. Perfect, if
you're feeling the heat in the height of summer or
the pinch during those cold winter months.
4. Treat Yourself To An Eye Roll-On
Looking after such a delicate area of your face is crucial
to your skin's success. Dark circles, eye bags and fine
lines can get the better of most of us guys from time to
time, so it's crucial to stop the problem at source. Stress,
a lack of sleep or ill-health can all be decisive factors in
the appearance of these imperfections, but you can take
back some much needed grooming parity with the twice
daily use of a male eye roll on.
9. Drink Plenty Of Water
Never underestimate the importance of good
hydration to your skins smoothness and hydration.
Getting your recommended dose of water each day
will result in a less stressed and tired looking face.
Good water retention leaves your skin looking
plump and supple, key factors in a more youthful
appearance.
5. Pick A Good Concealer For Men
This one is optional. Blast away blemishes and stop
spots at source with a good quality concealer for men.
There are plenty of concealers out there that do a
wonderful job at hiding pimples, marks and much more
with just a simple dab and blend. Choose a shade that
is closest to your skin colour and apply the concealer
directly over your specific imperfections. Blemish free
skin is perhaps the single most important factor in
rejuvenating your appearance and there are some great
brands available to help you achieve it.
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10. Eat Clean
The old saying of 'you are what you eat' has never
been more true when it comes to the condition of
your skin. Eat greasy and fatty foods and you'll be
left facing the consequences. However, slip fresh
fish and vegetables into your diet and their essential
oils, vitamins and antioxidants will leave you looking
revitalized and completely rejuvenated.
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Although Thomas Jefferson declared that “all men were created equal,” Farah Averill disagrees with this as she
states that when it comes to body type and clothing, that bold statement is simply untrue. As a result of having
fewer curves, male bodies may vary less in form than women’s bodies, but nevertheless, variation does exist and
knowing how to dress for your body type as well as which styles to avoid is the key to honing your personal
style.
One thing to always keep in mind when shopping for new clothes is that the fit of the garment is its ultimate
test. If an expensive jacket just isn’t right for your body, it’s going to look bad no matter what the price tag.
Conversely, a cheaper jacket that accentuates your assets and disguises the things you don’t love about yourself
will make you look like a million bucks even without a million-dollar price tag. So to learn about how to dress
for your body type, to find the clothes that are most flattering for you, and for the most common body-type
faux pas men make and how to avoid them!
Stay away from horizontal stripes
If there’s a little more of you to love, particularly in the stomach area, avoid any kind of horizontal stripe. While you’re
at it, avoid diagonal stripes too. What you should wear with pride, however, are shirts and trousers with vertical
stripes. Vertical stripes draw the eye downward, elongating your silhouette and visually slimming it. Pinstripe suits are
the perfect dress-up clothes for you, especially paired with a crisp black dress shirt underneath. Pinstripe dress shirts
will also look great when mixed with dark jeans or black trousers. For casual wear, try to find a pair of dark corduroys
with slim stripes that are made from thin material.
Avoid double-vented jackets
The slits in the back of your jacket are referred to as “vents.” All jackets should cover your bottom. However, if you
have a larger behind that makes you feel a bit self-conscious, stay away from blazers and jackets that are doublevented (the ones with two slits in the back) as this cut will draw attention to your posterior. To camouflage a wider
rear, go with single-vented jackets or jackets without any vents. If you already own a double-vented jacket that you
love, a professional tailor should be able to sew up the slits for you at a fairly minimal cost.
Buy clothes that fit
Many mistakenly believe that tight clothing will smother imperfections and flatten out pudgy shapes. The reason this
way of thinking works for women is because women have access to control-top underwear that creates a flatter
midsection, thus allowing them to wear tighter clothes. So, unless you are willing to invest in women’s underwear
(though we implore you not to do so), tight clothing will only draw attention to your flabby bits. In a similar vein,
other plus-size men believe baggy clothing will hide bulges. Not so. Overly large clothes will only make you look
bigger. The secret to looking slimmer is to choose clothes that are neither tight nor baggy, meaning that all your
clothes should just skim your body without hugging it too closely.
Go monochromatic
A shirt and trousers in two extremely contrasting colors — like black and white — will break you in half and make a
large middle stand out. Choose tops and bottoms that are identical or similar in color to create a cleaner visual
impression and to look 10 kilos slimmer instantly. And, of course, choose all black for the most slimming effect, but
add some colored accessories to avoid looking like you have a funeral to attend.
Avoid turtlenecks
If you are heavy-set, avoid turtlenecks at all costs and opt instead for V-neck T-shirts, long-sleeve tops and sweaters.
This type of collar draws the eye down with the effect of creating a sleeker silhouette. In addition, a V-neck will give
you the illusion of having a longer neck, particularly if you have a short neck or a double chin.
Choose prints carefully
Unless you’re on a drunken adventure through Hawaii, stay away from T-shirts or dress shirts with large or busy prints
if you’re a bulky guy. These kinds of prints will draw attention to the upper half of your body, which is especially bad if
you have a large belly that you would like to conceal. Obviously, printed shirts add flair to a wardrobe, so you
shouldn’t swear them off entirely. You’ll look best in a shirt with a small print that is spaced quite far apart.
Wear a belt
A belt will nip in your waistline and make it appear slimmer. Just be sure not to make it so tight that you have a belly
overhang.
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1. BOXER
This would be the most common underwear style, the
boxer is the go-to undergarment for those already aware
of some of the more sophisticated men's underwear
styles, this garment an ideal choice for both experts as
well as newbies. The cut allows for a stylish look that also
provides protection and support.
Gents, we have done our research so
take note of our tips and rules that
will teach you how to tell the
difference men's underwear styles.
Discover the best styles and make
the best decision for you (and your
partner).
After reading these tips, you will
understand all there is to know
about the top men's underwear
styles, which will help you to choose
more wisely when making your next
underwear purchase. After all, you
are buying protection for arguably
one of the most important part of
the male anatomy.
Let's straighten things up a bit!
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2. BIKINI
This would be the underwear for those trying to add a
pinch of style to their collection. The bikini offers a more
sophisticated look with the sensation of wearing nothing
at all. Bikinis are usually the first underwear choice for
those into intense physical activities because they don't
have leg coverage which means that thigh size is not an
issue - this makes bikinis ideal for larger or very muscular
men, and virtually eliminates the possibility of bunching
up.
3. MIDCUT
These are also known as long briefs, they offer a more
conservative look with equal comfort. Normally used by
athletes or people suffering from chaffing in the groin
area, this garment offers full leg support with pouch
enhancement.
4. JOCK STRAPS & THONGS
These are some of the hottest men's underwear styles.
The jock straps were initially intended for sports requiring
intense physical effort, but have evolved into a wild, often
underrated, undergarment in men's fashion. Thongs,
mostly associated with women apparel, have gradually
shifted to male fashion. Especially pushed by niche users
and communities, these styles have gained wider
acceptance. Recommended uses for jock-straps and
thongs are for males who do not like their underwear to
be seen or shown under tight pants made in thin
materials. These styles are also ideal for specific activities
such as ballet dancing, surfing, compression shorts and
other styles which require some protection and lift, but
without the extra weight or bunching up that often comes
with regular underwear such as boxers or midcuts.
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Mr South
Africa
2015,
Armand Du
Plessis,
donates 395
DeskBags to
learners in
Soweto
Mr South Africa 2015 and DeskBags
ambassador, Armand du Plessis,
donated 395 DeskBags to learners at
Giyani Primary School in Diepkloof,
Soweto this morning. Having chosen
DeskBags as his social responsibility
project during his reign as Mr SA,
DeskBags gave him these bags,
valued at almost R60,000, as part of
his prize package when he won the
title in January.
A DeskBag is a hybrid satchel that
acts as a fully functional school bag
that folds open into a portable desk.
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“Making DeskBags my charity of
choice was a no brainer for me, and
seeing the joy through the smiles and
eyes of these young learners’ today
was confirmation of this,” says
Armand Du Plessis, Mr South Africa
2015.
According to minister of basic
education, Angie Motshekga, over 3.1
million school children in South Africa
do not have the privilege of working
from a desk. Often this means that
children have to crouch over on their
hands and knees to use the floor as a
writing surface. It further hinders their
ability to learn, leads to bad
handwriting, poor eyesight,
unconventional posture, as well as
chronic back and neck ache.
“DeskBags is an innovative and viable
alternative solution to this challenge. I
am honoured to be able to shine a
spotlight on a worthy cause which
makes a significant difference in
uplifting educational standards in
South Africa.
“But the team at DeskBags cannot do
this alone. I therefore urge corporate
South Africa to come on board as
sponsors to help us tackle this
problem. It is only through your
support that DeskBags can be
deployed to poverty-stricken areas
92
free of charge to help make a
difference to the lives of needy
learners,” says Du Plessis.
Aside from being made from 100%
recyclable billboard materials,
DeskBags are school bags that
provide a portable desk solution for
learners to use at school and at
home. The front flap of the bag is
reinforced with durable ABS plastic,
that when folded open, allows for
instant desk support. The light weight
school bag also allows plenty of
space for learners to carry all their
books and stationery whether they
are in pre-primary school or matric.
Furthermore, DeskBags also come
with reflective binding that allow
children to be easily spotted when
walking in the rain or dark.
“We are fortunate to have an
ambassador as dedicated as Armand.
His work in raising awareness for the
3 million plus deskless children goes
a long way towards fulfilling our
larger commitment to help ease the
educational struggles of South
African pupils who do not have
access to school desks. Your
company’s involvement will assist us
in easing the educational burden felt
by so many children every day, and
will help us shape productive future
leaders for our country,” concludes
Shannon Roscher, co-founder,
DeskBags.
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Mpact Employees Go Back To School For A Day
Mpact employees went back to school for a day to
establish a vegetable garden and worm farm to promote
sustainable livelihoods at Zenzeleni School
In an effort to promote sustainable livelihoods in school
communities, to build a vegetable garden at Zenzeleni
Primary School in Alexandra.
This event was in celebration of the 2015 Back to School
for a Day for Mandela Day initiative, initiated by Adopta-School Foundation, which has taken place in
disadvantaged schools country wide over the past week.
Mpact employees teamed up with environmental NGO
Green Beings, to build an organic vegetable garden,
install a worm farm for soil conditioning and for
optimum plant growth as well as a drip-line irrigation
system to support the school’s feeding scheme. They
worked together with Zenzeleni Primary School grounds
men, who will be responsible for the garden
maintenance, further ensuring that ownership of the
vegetable garden project is established. The grounds
men and learners will receive regular training from Green
Beings on the care of the garden, further ensuring
sustainability. Mpact employees will also have the
opportunity to get involved with Zenzeleni Primary
during this training.
Commenting from Zenzeleni Primary School, Mpact CEO
Bruce Strong said, “Mpact is deliberate about truly
making a difference to the lives of the communities it
touches, recognising community engagement as a
business imperative and the cornerstone of sustainable
investment. We hope that our involvement, today and in
the future, will make a significant difference in the lives of
the learners, the community, and their educators.”
An emotional Principal Gumede from Zenzeleni Primary
School said,”Mpact thank you so much. This is more than
we expected. I have made undertaking that there is no
other person that will benefit from this vegetable garden
except an African child and the learners. I have also made
an undertaking that to build a sustainable relationship
with our partners such as Mpact.”
The Back to School for a Day initiative was launched by
Adopt-a-School Foundation at Tshilidzi Primary in 2012,
as a call to South Africans to make a meaningful
difference in disadvantaged schools.
Cyril Ramaphosa is Adopt-a-School Foundation’s
chairperson. “Going Back to School for a Day is a
meaningful way to offer our youth recognition and
encouragement, and to propel active citizenship,”
Ramaphosa commented.
Since 2012 over 120 companies and thousands of
individuals have joined the initiative and gone back to
school for a day. Close on 200 schools and tens of
thousands of school children have benefitted through
career guidance programmes, debating workshops,
literacy activities, motivational talks and a variety of
school makeover projects.
Green Beings is a non-profit organisation that develops
models for schools to demonstrate sustainable living and
act as vehicles to integrate knowledge and skills into
communities. “We pride ourselves in identifying projects
that are sustainable and reflect the values of our
organisation. Our team has the sector knowledge and
expertise to deliver high-impact solutions to make a
lasting and meaningful difference to Johannesburg
schools,” commented Marloes Dijkema, co-founder of
Green Beings.
A few learners also joined in the day’s events, helping
plant five indigenous trees on the school grounds.
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Photographs: Lizl Sheridan
Armand du Plessis, Mr SA 2014/5 with Jurie Erwee, CEO of Marsh Africa, Shannon Roscher, co-founder of DeskBags and Marsh’s Spiros Fatouros
Marsh Africa shares Mandela vision for
education by donating DeskBags
In line with Nelson Mandela Month as well as Marsh Africa’s
ongoing commitment towards education, the firm handed over
590 DeskBags to underprivileged school children at the
Sefikeng Primary School, which is based on the Leeuwkop
Prison grounds, today.
The exciting programme for the day included a few members of
the Lions rugby team, who ran two rugby clinics for the pupils.
Marsh Africa also hosted a party for the children, with
boerewors rolls, chips and cold drinks being amidst the fanfare.
“The late statesman and global icon, Nelson Mandela, once said
that ‘education is the most powerful weapon which you can use
to change the world.’ At Marsh Africa, we share the same vision
for South Africa. In this vision, schools perform with excellence
and contribute to an environment in which young people
transition into their post school lives equipped for the
challenges ahead. They are ready to access and maximise
opportunities for tertiary education, practical skills development
and are eager and valuable entrants to the human resource
pool,” says Jurie Erwee, chief executive officer, at Marsh Africa.
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Shannon Roscher
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According
to
basic
education
minister, Angie Motshekga, South
Africa still has over 3.1 million pupils
who are without the fundamental
necessity of a school desk. DeskBags
are an innovative and viable
alternative solution to the shortage of
desks. Made from recycled vinyl
billboard materials, DeskBags not
only provide a portable desk solution
but also have a dual function as ecofriendly school bags.
“Marsh Africa is proud of its history
of service and support to the
communities
in
which
the
organisation operates and where our
employees live and work. Although
we cannot transform education, we
can however make a valuable
contribution. This is seen in the way
we approach the Marsh Boost a
School programme.
“Our programme entails partnerships
with a variety of schools across
South Africa, where we provide
support such as learner leadership
and activation, teachers’ support and
resilience, parental empowerment,
career
guidance
and
building
cohesion throughout the schools and
their communities,” adds Erwee.
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Further to Marsh Africa’s investment
towards education in South Africa,
the global leader in insurance
broking and risk management also
runs a Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) programme which involves a
variety of once off projects that helps
raise awareness and more often than
not funds for various causes.
“We are a global player who is driven
by the desire to develop the
communities in which we operate
through volunteering, philanthropy,
innovation, and pro bono work. This
is why the entire Marsh Group,
worldwide,
contributes
towards
International Mandela Month by
fulfilling the needs which are most
pressing to that region. At, Marsh
Africa,
our
investment
and
commitment to education forms the
core of our corporate citizenship
which goes far beyond the call of
Mandela Day,” continues Erwee.
Shannon Roscher, co-founder of
DeskBags concludes, “Statistics prove
that poverty, crime and a lack of
education have a very intimate
relationship. The text book solution is
to increase education which leads to
increased income, which reduces
95
poverty and crime.
But we also understand the severity
of the situation that the 3,1 million
deskless children in South Africa face.
Not having a school desk not only
hinders a child’s ability to learn but
using the floor as a writing surface
can lead to bad handwriting, poor
eyesight, and unconventional posture
which can lead to chronic back and
neck ache.
While we strive to make a real and
remarkable difference by donating
DeskBags for free to as many
underprivileged
schools
and
communities as possible, we realise
that this problem is just too big to try
and tackle ourselves. It is only by
partnering with corporate sponsors
such as Marsh Africa, that we can
truly help alleviate the educational
struggles of tomorrow’s leaders.”
Salma Kidd, Marketing Director of Marsh
Africa and Johann Els, MD of Showgroup
with pupils
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Shannon Roscher, co-founder of DeskBags with Caroline
Photographs: Lizl Sheridan
Nomphandazo Children’s
Care Centre receives the
gift of education this
Mandela Month
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67 DeskBags were donated to pupils of the Nomphandazo Children’s Care Centre in Putfontein, Benoni. The handover formed part of
Nelson Mandela Month and is part of DeskBags’ larger commitment to help ease the educational struggles of South African children
who do not have access to school desks.
International Nelson Mandela Day is a global call to action for people to recognise their ability to have a positive effect on the people
around them. The day also hopes to inspire people to embrace a spirit of volunteerism as well as the values that the first
democratically elected president of the country embodied.
Shannon Roscher, DeskBag co-founder recalls the late statesman once saying that education is the greatest weapon in fighting
poverty. “What better way to honour Madiba’s memory then to spend the day with those dearest to his heart, children.” According to
basic education minister, Angie Motshekga, there are over 3.1 million school children in South Africa who do not have the privilege of
working at a desk. DeskBags is an innovative and viable alternative solution which seeks to make a significant difference in addressing
this challenge as well as helping to uplift educational standards in the country.
Aside from being made from 100% recyclable billboard materials, DeskBags are school bags that provide a portable desk solution for
learners to use at school and at home. The front flap of the bag is reinforced with durable ABS plastic, that when folded open, allows
for instant desk support. The light weight school bag also allows plenty of space for learners to carry all their books and stationery
whether they are in pre-primary school or matric. Furthermore, DeskBags also come with reflective binding that allow children to be
easily spotted when walking in the rain or dark.
“It’s disheartening to see that some of our future leaders have no
choice but to crouch over on their hands and knees to use the
floor as a writing surface for an entire school day. This is not only
extremely uncomfortable but it also hinders their ability to learn,
leads to bad handwriting, poor eyesight, unconventional posture,
as well as chronic back and neck ache.
“It was for this very reason that DeskBags were created, with the
aim of easing the educational burden felt by so many children,”
continues Roscher.
However, as DeskBags are donated to schools free of charge, the
company relies on the support of corporate partners to be able to
do so.
“We understand that the need for desks is too great for us to
tackle this problem by ourselves. It is only through the generous
support of corporate companies that DeskBags can be deployed
to poverty-stricken areas free of charge to help make a difference
to the lives of needy learners. We urge all South Africans to get
involved,” concludes Roscher
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“Education is the
vaccine to poverty.” –
Shannon Roscher
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‘Small Change, Big
Difference’ campaign
By Karen Cooper
A small contribution can bring about a big
change in the lives of people who need it most.
This is the message of a campaign called “Small
Change, Big Difference” that has attracted over
3.5 million followers on Twitter and reached a
staggering 9 million people on Facebook.
This longstanding campaign, run by Cordaid
People in Need provides emergency aid to
people and countries in need, drawing attention
to how money is often spent on unnecessary
items in our day to day lives, when it can be
better directed to people living in disaster
areas.
The campaign uses stark images of needy
people posing like fashion models and holding
luxury goods. The images are very
confrontational and designed to make people
stop and think, and feel a little uncomfortable.
Dating back to 2007, the images pull no
punches in driving home the message that the
money we spend, often on inconsequential
items like a handbag or a glass of beer, could
make a huge difference to people in need.
Essentially, people are confronted by their
consumer behaviour.
The images were taken in the northern part of
Kenya, near Maralal, with the local Samburu
people, a nomadic tribe related to the Masai
and who have always been at the mercy of
extreme droughts. Working closely with trusted
partners and local communities, Cordaid
developed the idea of portraying these
beautiful people in situations that were
completely alien to them: posing with the type
of consumer goods that people in developed
countries spend money on so easily.
When the campaign was first launched the
photos received mixed reactions. These
contrasting reactions also help to explain why
the images are still shared so often by people
and organisations who find them online. Their
simplicity and powerful, confrontational value
keeps triggering bloggers and organisations
who want to raise awareness.
For more information on Cordaid People in
Need visit their website at
https://www.cordaid.org/en/
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“Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that
generation. Let your greatness blossom.” – Nelson Mandela
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Socially Speaking
How long does Botox last?
Botox can last typically 3-4 months. The
results may be longer-lasting if more
units are used. Botox works by
irreversibly binding to receptors that
send nerve signals for muscles to
contract. But, since your body makes
new receptors and neurotransmitters all
the time, each patient will have different
lengths of effective paralysis.
Do you have a home remedy I
can use for my stretch marks?
Here's the hard truth: it can sometimes
be impossible to get rid of stretch
marks completely but you can diminish
their appearance. The best home
remedy for stretch marks are, in fact,
potatoes. Potato is considered a super
food due to its many components like
essential fatty acids and a variety of
phytochemicals, like carotenoids and
polyphenols. It also has loads of
vitamins
and
minerals
including
Vitamin-C,
B-complex,
potassium,
magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and
zinc. As a potato is capable of
stimulating
collagen
and
elastin
synthesis, it can effectively restore skin
cells, fading away your stretch marks.
Edition 6 2015
How can I prepare for my
pageant introduction?
At most pageants, your introduction is
done as you walk on stage prior to you
walking the ramp. At national level, the
introduction is done before an
interview, and the aim is for you to give
the judges information about you that
they can use to ask you questions
during your interview. Remember that
this the perfect opportunity to prepare
yourself for your interview as you are
already providing the judges with
information, so make sure you speak
with confidence and smile.
Your introduction should contain the
following:
•
Greeting
•
Name
•
Age
•
Schooling/study/work
•
Hobbies
•
Heritage
•
Explanation of outfit (if you are
dressed in costume)
•
Ending
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What are the benefits of coconut
oil on your skin?
Coconut oil’s healing, antibacterial, and
cleansing properties take on an entirely
new personality when used topically,
making it the ideal multiple-productsin-one item to add to your skincare and
personal grooming regimes. Since
coconut oil is gentle on the skin and not
laden with chemicals and ingredients
you have to watch out for, this is a safe
and easy oil for anyone to use and
experiment with. Apparently, coconut
oil is also good for several skin
disorders such as acne, psoriasis and
eczema.
What tips do you have for me
before my pageant?
The most valuable asset you can take
into any competition is a positive
attitude – it draws people to you and
keeps them close. As William Arthur
Ward said, “If you can imagine it, you
can achieve it. If you can dream it, you
can become it.” Finally, have fun and
enjoy the competition. Your attitude
and excitement will show.
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