BALANCE
with It’s all about Noni Mafani
With unbeatable drive and passion, this multi-talented dynamo is a gifted actor, proud mom and business owner. For her, health and well-being go a long way in striking a balance in everyday life
Words by Rughsaar Bibi Ismail photography
Zhann Solomons
styling
Mia-Tess Smith
What’s trending in beauty?
From make-up to hair and nails, we've got you covered with the hottest beauty ideas for 2025
happy New Year! One thing’s for sure – there’s something magical about a new year. It’s like a fresh start wrapped up in glitter and excitement, full of new trends just waiting to be discovered. So, let’s dive into what 2025 in the beauty world has in store for us.
‘Beautility’ in body care
1
Gone are the days when bodycare products were just about hydration and smelling good. The bar has been raised, and 2025 is the year of ‘beautility’ – where beauty meets utility. Now, your body products need to do more than just keep your skin soft. Think of them as multitasking superstars that tackle specific skin concerns, like hyperpigmentation, dryness and uneven texture.
Going retro
Brands have been stepping up their game, infusing body washes and lotions with powerhouse ingredients like salicylic acid. Once reserved for facial products, now we’re seeing it in everyday body care, and we’re loving it! Not only are you left with silky, smooth skin, but it’s actually working on real skin issues too. Like getting a mini spa treatment in the shower. Talk about levelling up.
Experimental beauty
Say goodbye to the old rules and hello to a new era. In 2025, it’s all about breaking the mould and getting creative. Forget subtle – we’re going bold! Think bright-red eyebrows, yellow eyeshadow or mixing red and pink. Oh, and using liquid lipstick as blusher? Yes, please. It’s the year of “Why not?” and we’re totally here for stepping out of our comfort zones. Last year, blusher made a serious comeback, and it’s set to evolve even further, becoming a staple for adding that perfect flush to the cheeks. Nails are having a moment, too. The multidimensional ‘cat-eye’ manicure, with its subtle metallic line running diagonally across the nail, is set to be a huge trend.
that perfect flush to the cheeks. Nails are having a a
Ah, the power of nostalgia. If you thought certain trends were gone for good, think again. Like fashion, the beauty world loves to recycle, and 2025 is bringing back some of our favourite retro looks. Remember yaki braids from the 2000s? Well, they’ve returned, now reborn as mermaid braids. These loose, carefree braids are perfect for the beach or a casual summer day –think boho, but with a modern twist. Another timeless trend coming back in full force is the colour red. Whether it’s a classic red lip or a crimson red pop on your cheeks, you’ll see this colour everywhere. And for those who prefer a softer touch, berry lips are gaining traction. It’s a universally fl attering look, and the best part? Anyone can pull it off effortlessly.
Cheers
CHORES FOR
Here’s how you can rope your children into household tasks (and why it’s good for them!)
by Shani Tsai
toddler parents everywhere have two things in common: their little ones have suddenly become a lot more opinionated, and they’re almost always ready to help – even when involving them makes the task last much longer!
Hold on to their keenness to help out, and encourage it as they grow, say the parenting experts. As you and your child journey towards their increased independence, what factors should you keep in mind?
Start early
There is really no need to wait until your child is in high school or ready to leave home before familiarising them with daily household chores.
“Chores can and should start early,” writes Shelly Vaziri Flais, a US-based assistant professor of clinical paediatrics, in Psychology Today. “Begun in preschool years, sharing in the work of home chores becomes a lifelong habit and normalises teamwork in maintaining a home.”
You can start as soon as they begin showing interest, which could be as early as two years old. Of course, the ‘chore’ needs to be age-appropriate and will start off being a joint effort as your child learns from you.
For example, if you’re loading the washing machine, ask your little one to pass clothing items to you or place certain items into the machine. Make sure you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ so they know they are helping you out and that you appreciate their help.
Give clear instructions
Be careful of assuming your child understands exactly what you mean when you’ve given a seemingly simple instruction, like “Clean your room.”
This could mean many different things, depending how you look at it. So to avoid any miscommunication and feelings of frustration for either of you, express your expectations clearly and simply.
lekkerLUNCHBOXES
Lose the lunch blues with these inventive and nutritious recipes
If you
Tuna is a perfect pantry staple to use for sandwiches.
have fresh ham, leftover chicken or braai meat, use them in this sarmie instead.
Tuna sarmie with basil broccoli cottage cheese
Add some sliced fruit, tomato and lettuce, a crumbed chicken burger and a granola bar for a varied and nutritious day of food.
Add some fresh veggies like cucumber, peas in the pod and radishes, and a small container of dip made with plain yoghurt, grated cucumber, lemon, salt and pepper. Or use tomato sauce, sweet chilli sauce, mayonnaise or chutney as a dip.
Lunchbox quiche
Banger bites
LET’S Unwind
The Human Fear
BY Franz Ferdinand
This Scottish band’s sixth album explores the complexities of human emotions in their trademark indie-rock style. Known for their catchy melodies and reflective lyrics, this time around the band is incorporating experimental elements while preserving the vibrant energy that has enthralled fans for 20 years. The Human Fear examines themes of vulnerability, resilience and fear (such as of leaving a relationship or of social isolation), providing listeners with an intriguing mix of thought-provoking storytelling and dynamic tunes.
Make
the most of your free time with the latest releases
with music
Lower
BY Benjamin Booker
Celebrated for his unique mix of blues, boogie, soul and garage rock, Benjamin Booker leads listeners into a world that’s both raw and heartfelt. With Lower, fans can anticipate a blend of deep introspection paired with infectious beats. Whether you’re discovering his distinctive sound for the first time or are already a fan, this album offers songs that are destined to become the backdrop for many a road trip or relaxed evening at home. Prepare to groove and experience every emotion along the way!
with books
This Is The Year
BY Gloria Muñoz
This YA book has created quite a buzz with its dynamic exploration of personal growth and transformation. The story, set against the backdrop of a world in climate crisis, follows teenager Juli, who is recruited to train for a private space mission to establish humanity’s fi rst extraterrestrial settlement. All the while she must face up to the usual teen life lessons in friendship, love and courage. Muñoz explores ideas of embracing change and embarking on fresh starts, and through her lyrical writing encourages readers to consider their dreams as we all head into a new year.
The Dryad Storm
BY Laurie Forest
Prepare to immerse yourself in a realm where enchantment collides with chaos. The fi fth (and fi nal) book in the epic fantasy ‘Black Witch Chronicles’ series, it’s a captivating story that promises to whisk readers away into the world of Erthia, breathing life into an array of magical beings – and the enemies that would destroy them. The heroine is Elloren, who has embraced her legacy as a Dryad (or black witch) and guardian of the forest. The series is described by the New York Times as an “uncompromising glimpse of world–altering politics amplified by a magical setting in which prejudice and discrimination cut both ways”.
with movies
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
RELEASE: 3 January
The beloved inventor and his faithful canine sidekick return for another quirky adventure – in which a bizarre string of chickenrelated incidents unsettles their village community. Of course, the duo embark on a mission to discover the truth. With its signature claymation artistry and inventive, witty storyline, this British fi lm series is a winner.
In The Grey
RELEASE: 17 January
STARRING: Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rosamund Pike
Guy Ritchie’s new fi lm promises a thrilling journey fi lled with his signature sharp dialogue and complex storylines combining humour with suspense. An enigmatic setting, playful twists and vibrant characters ensure a vivid tapestry of mischief and chaos crafted as only he can.
