Beauty

For decades, colour analysis has promised clarity, confidence and effortless style. Yet for many Black women, it has remained a system that rarely reflects them. Built largely around lighter skin tones, traditional colour frameworks have often failed to account for the depth, diversity and nuance of melanated skin. Inspired by educational insights shared by Colour Lab Stylist, a platform dedicated to inclusive colour analysis, we explore the four key elements shaping modern colour theory — contrast, chroma, undertone and seasonal palettes — and how they are transforming the way Black women understand beauty, fashion and self-expression.

2026 is shaping up to be the year of bold chops, soft structure and statement silhouettes. Short hair is no longer about playing it safe – it’s about confidence, identity and embracing a look that feels unapologetically you. From sculpted bobs and feather-light textures to cropped cuts that command attention, this year’s short hairstyles bring drama, elegance and effortless cool in equal measure.

Not only were the gowns literal works of art (see Previdar’s Golden Globes fashion report here), but the hair and make-up moments this year were just as deserving of admiration.

We are officially in 2026, and if fashion month confirmed anything, it’s that this year’s beauty mood is not about excess, but intention. After scouring the Spring/Summer 2026 runways, tracking the looks our favourite it-girls are already wearing off-duty, and paying close attention to what brands like Fenty Beauty, MAC Cosmetics and NYX are actively pushing right now, one thing is clear: 2026 beauty is confident, considered and quietly nostalgic.

In South Africa’s ever-evolving beauty landscape, few names shimmer quite like Paballo M — the model, actor, creative director, and digital storyteller rewriting what beauty, identity, and artistry look like in the digital age. Rooted in Pretoria and Limpopo, his rise has been nothing short of cinematic. With brand collaborations spanning Garnier, Benefit Cosmetics, MAC, L’Oréal, Maybelline, and Revlon, he’s quickly become one of the continent’s most compelling new voices.

Summer always shifts something in us. Our make-up becomes lighter, our wardrobes brighter, and our fragrances? They need to feel like sunshine — radiant, refreshing and effortlessly sensual. This is the season for perfumes that lift, sparkle and move with the warmth of your skin.

When Rihanna introduced Fenty Beauty in 2017, the beauty world shifted. The brand’s message was simple: beauty must include everyone. That idea resonated globally — and strongly here in South Africa — where many consumers had long felt overlooked.

When NYX Cosmetics quietly disappeared from South African shelves a few years ago, it left a noticeable gap. Not just in makeup bags, but in the spirit of accessibility that the brand championed long before “inclusive beauty” became a marketing buzzword. For many of us, NYX wasn’t just a cosmetics label — it was our first introduction to pro-level artistry without the intimidating price tag.

In the heart of Johannesburg’s ever-evolving beauty scene, Bongi Mabentsela has built something that feels both modern and timeless — a sanctuary where lashes, brows, and artistry converge. As the founder and CEO of Shugarlashpro, Bongi has, in just two short years, turned her brand into one of the city’s leading lash and beauty bars. Her clients include everyone from The Real Housewives and beloved television personalities to Miss Universe titleholders — a testament to her precise eye and impeccable craft.

Even though the beauty world is still mourning the closure of the acclaimed Ami Colé, there’s an exciting new chapter ahead for its founder, Diarrha N’Diaye. She has just been appointed executive vice president of Skims Beauty, marking the brand’s official leap into the beauty and fragrance space.