Confessions of a Beauty Girl – Elle Magazine’s Lynette Botha

Aren’t you just loving these Beauty Girl’s Confessions? Today’s confession comes from the proud new mama and gorgeous Beauty Editor at ELLE magazine South Africa, Lynette Botha – @Ms_ELLE_Beauty. Don’t you think she looks just like Kate Hudson?

How did you first get started in the beauty industry?
I started at ELLE as the features writer, moved to the position of production and sub-editor and the got lured by the pull of beauty when the beauty editor position became available. I haven’t looked back since and strongly believe that everything happens for a reason.

What’s the best thing about your job?
Being able to be creative on a daily basis. Having the opportunity to conceptualise and execute shoots and features that interest me and ELLE readers. Being fortunate enough to get to test and play with the latest in skincare, make-up and fragrance before any one else. And of course, the opportunity for overseas travel now and then through my job is an extreme blessing.

What’s the most common questions girls ask you when they find out what you do?
“Do you get to keep everything?” Haha. And the answer is ‘No!’ but I am definitely spoilt with my fair share. I do get various questions from readers and followers on Twitter – it’s really great to be able to assist people who need beauty advice.

What was the last thing you purchased?
Nivea face wipes – I always keep face wipes next to the bed for the times I am too tired (or lazy!) to do the whole cleansing routine. That way I at least always go to bed with clean skin! Very important!

What are your top five beauty products right now?

  1. YSL Touche Eclat (always!)
  2. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Blush
  3. Lancome Doll Eyes Mascara
  4. La Mer moisturiser
  5. Clarins Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate

What are your all time fave products? Things you’ve loved since forever and can’t live without?

  • Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-place foundation – it’s light, yet still gives great coverage – and I am thankful to have found my perfect shade in their range!
  • DKNY Women fragrance – it was one of the first fragrances I ever wore (bought for me by my sister one Christmas) and to this day, I still love the clean, crisp freshness of it.
  • The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter – I love the smell of coconut, especially in summer and this cream is rich, yet sinks in thoroughly and keeps skin moisturised for hours. Plus, there’s no fragrance required when you wear it!
  • L’Oreal Elvive shampoos and conditioners – I used this range before I was a beauty editor and still find it is one of the best, affordable hair care ranges.
  • Any Dior Mascara – this beauty house knows how to make great mascara, so I am always dying to get my hands on their latest release!

Favourite blogs and webbies you visit:

  1. StyleScoop, of course (Thank you Lynette xxx)
  2. Eloise Dreyer
  3. Kiss, Blush and Tell
  4. ELLE UK – beauty tab

Favourite nail polish for summer?
Mavala Nail Polish in Rose Dust is my favourite at the moment. It’s a nude, dusty pink and lasts for days!

Favourite scent for the season?
Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Skin Scent – it screams summer sun! It’s light and not over-powering for sunny days.

What’s your beauty secret/ tip?
Besides always keeping face wipes next to your bed, you can create a low-cost make-it-yourself body exfoliator by mixing 125ml olive oil with about half a cup of brown sugar. Rub all over body before a bath or shower for a great scrub and intense moisturisation. Rinse well and be careful not to slip – it makes the bath very slippery! 🙂

Where can we stalk you?
Twitter: @Ms_ELLE_Beauty