Beauty insider: Bonnie Mbuli

We catch up with the gorgeous BONNIE MBULI to chat about her beauty secrets and her recent partnership with Eau Thermale Avène.

What idea of beauty do you feel has been distorted?

It’s the idea that beauty means looking perfect. Society seems to have become obsessed with appearing perfect. For me, beauty is about looking after what you’ve been given, accepting it and enhancing it for your personal enjoyment – not for another’s validation.

What is it about beauty that you learnt at home and you’ll never forget?

Good hygiene is a basic lesson I took from home; that is an important aspect of any beauty routine. But, much of the beauty knowledge I had growing up was information from glossy magazines and the media. I also learnt early on to never sleep with make-up on, and to drink lots of water.

What skincare beauty advice would you pass on to your children?

That beauty is an inside-out process; that it begins with eating healthy; exercising and getting good sleep. Everything else is an enhancement built on a solid foundation.

People always comment about how young you look. How do you keep such a youthful appearance?

I’ve always taken care of the basics: I eat and sleep well. The cumulative result of that, over time, is looking youthful. I also think it’s important to be kind to yourself and others – it really helps.

Do you exercise, or is it in the genes?

Hahaha! Thank you for the compliment! While I am blessed with great genes, I exercise daily and have always led an active lifestyle. If I can’t get to the gym or a yoga class, I do yoga at home.

What does your typical food diary look like?

I drink lots of water, and enjoy a good serving of fruit and vegetables. I also eat healthy protein and try to avoid sugar.

You’re Eau Thermale Avène’s first African ambassador. How did the relationship come about?

Eau Thermale Avène expressed interest in meeting me and getting to know me. We met a few times and shared our philosophies and thoughts on beauty and skincare. A lot of my values and approach to skincare and beauty resonated with their brand values and that’s when we decided to embark on this journey together. I’m really honoured to be chosen as its first African ambassador. Avène is a high quality brand and I’m really proud to be associated with it.

What is your go-to product from the brand?

I’m in love with the whole range, but my favourite go-to products currently are the Avène Thermal Spring Water Spray and the Avène D-Pigment Dark Spot Corrector. Hand cream, nail polish, thermal spray, lip balm and a small make-up bag.

As one of the celebs that have pioneered the natural hair revolution, what are your thoughts on opting for natural hair?

Natural hair is something so intrinsic to my identity and self image, it was always the easiest choice for me. It’s the simplest and most authentic way for me to express my confidence and self-love.

What is your hair care routine?

I moisturise my hair every day, and wash and condition it once a week. I also recently discovered that spraying a fine mist of Avène Thermal Spring Water onto my scalp helps combat dryness and irritation. Drinking lots of water is essential for healthy hair.

Who is your ultimate beauty muse?

There are so many beautiful women in this country, it’s hard to choose! It’d have to be Iman Mkwanazi – she has a classic sophistication about her and carries herself with grace and elegance, which is quite rare for someone her age.