Modern South African Women and the Beauty Rituals that Empower them: By Ina Snyman in collaboration with Nature Study Skincare
In a world where beauty is often filtered, fast-tracked, and fiercely competitive, modern South African women are reshaping the narrative—bringing depth, authenticity, and empowerment into their skincare and self-care journeys. At the heart of this transformation lies a deeper understanding: beauty isn’t just skin-deep; it’s rooted in how we care for ourselves, what we believe in, and how we choose to show up in the world.
As someone who has spent more than two decades in the media and publishing space—including as the former CEO and Editor of GIA Glamour Magazine—I’ve had the privilege of witnessing and sharing women’s stories across South Africa and beyond. Today, through the GIA Glamour Lifestyle Blog, I continue to explore the rich tapestry of wellness, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle—always with a focus on honest storytelling and meaningful connection.
Beauty Beyond the Surface
Skincare, to me, has never been just a series of steps. It’s a ritual—one that offers both comfort and clarity. Over the years, I’ve tested countless products and routines, but the ones that truly stand out are those that deliver real results while honouring the skin's integrity.
My daily ritual is grounded in simplicity and effectiveness: a thorough cleanse, nourishing moisturizer, dedicated eye care, and SPF—always. But more than just routine, these steps represent an act of daily self-love. In a fast-paced world, that quiet moment of care becomes empowering.
Skincare as Self-Awareness
One of the most transformative aspects of my skincare journey has been the self-awareness it brings. In testing hundreds of products, I’ve learned to distinguish hype from substance. The most impactful brands are those that combine active ingredients with science-backed results—products that go beyond surface-level beauty and work on a cellular level to nourish and protect.
This shift in awareness also echoes a broader trend among South African women—especially those in their 30s and 40s. There’s a growing consciousness around consistency, minimalism, and embracing natural beauty. Women are realising that it’s not about miracle products, but about long-term commitment to caring for their skin.
The Rise of Nature + Science
What excites me most about the future of beauty is how biotechnology and nature-based science are converging. We’re seeing brands like Nature Study pioneer a new standard: using highly active, ethically sourced, and scientifically supported ingredients to create skincare that is both effective and respectful of the skin.
In the past, “natural” was often perceived as less potent. But today, with advancements in formulation and extraction, natural ingredients are proving just how powerful they can be. This evolution is not only transforming our skin—it’s changing the way we define beauty and sustainability.
Authenticity in the Age of Influence
As a content creator, staying authentic is non-negotiable. I believe in transparency and personal experience. I won’t recommend something I haven’t used, loved, and trusted. It’s not about selling—it’s about sharing. That’s why I choose to collaborate with brands whose values mirror my own: integrity, innovation, and compassion.
To skincare brands navigating the influencer space: focus on real relationships. Work with creators who believe in your mission, even outside of paid partnerships. Encourage honest reviews. Support their creativity. Because at the end of the day, authenticity builds trust—and trust builds legacy.
The Beauty of Empowerment
For the modern South African woman, beauty is no longer defined by unattainable ideals. It’s about ritual, resilience, and radiance. Whether through a soothing evening cleanse or the bold step of wearing no makeup at all, every choice becomes a reflection of strength.
As we embrace science and nature, as we tell our stories and lift one another up, we create a new beauty culture—one where self-love is the foundation, and empowerment is the result.
Because true beauty begins the moment you honour yourself.
Q&A with Ina Snyman - Nature Study Skincare & GIA Glamour Lifestyle Blog
1. You’ve curated such a distinct, elevated space online. How did GIA Glamour Lifestyle Blog begin, and what drives you to keep telling women's stories through skincare, beauty, and lifestyle?
I previously served as the CEO and Editor of GIA Glamour Magazine. As the digital landscape began to shift, I saw the opportunity to reimagine the publication in a fresh new way. I transitioned the magazine into an online blog—a platform where I continue to share content about beauty, health, well-being, fashion, art, photography, and lifestyle.
But for me, it goes beyond the surface. I have a deep love for women and their stories. Every woman has her own unique journey, and her relationship with beauty is often emotional and powerful. I believe beauty is a form of expression, celebration, and even healing. What drives me is the desire to tell these stories—to inspire, uplift, and show that true beauty begins with self-acceptance and self-love.
2. As a blogger who’s tested countless skincare brands, what makes a product or routine really stand out to you—beyond just great packaging?
What matters most to me is the product’s real effect on the skin. I’ve tested so many brands over the years, but what truly stands out are the products that show visible results—especially in texture, brightness, and how my skin feels after use.
My routine is simple but consistent: I start with a good cleanser, followed by a gentle toner to restore my skin's pH balance. Then I use a moisturizer that nourishes and protects the skin. Eye cream is non-negotiable for me—the eye area often reveals the first signs of aging, so I pay extra attention to it with products that are both effective and gentle.
I always finish with SPF—that’s an absolute must. Sun damage is one of the biggest contributors to premature aging, and I firmly believe in protecting my skin every day, even when it’s cloudy.
I also have a soft spot for products with active ingredients that penetrate deeply and actually work—not just on the surface. When I can feel and see that a product is making a difference, I know it’s something special.
3. Your skin always looks flawless on-camera—what are your current top 3 non-negotiables in your daily skincare ritual? Any ingredients you swear by?
Thank you so much for the compliment—I truly appreciate it. I believe in caring for my skin not just for appearance but for overall confidence and well-being.
My three non-negotiables are:
1. Proper cleansing: I never go to bed with makeup on. It’s one of the worst things you can do to your skin. I believe in thorough yet gentle cleansing to remove all impurities, makeup, and pollution from the day.
2. Anti-aging actives: I use products with well-researched active ingredients that help keep the skin youthful, smooth, and healthy. Ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, and peptides are key for me.
3. Daily SPF: I apply sunscreen every single day, even if I’m staying home or it’s cloudy outside.
These three steps form the foundation of my routine. Consistency is everything—and knowing what your skin actually needs.
4. We believe that skincare is emotional as much as it is functional. Are there any moments in your skincare journey that have been transformational or symbolic of personal growth?
Absolutely. My skincare journey has been more than just physical transformation—it’s also been about self-awareness and growth. Through testing countless skincare products over the years, I’ve realized that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of beauty ranges on the market—and they all compete for space in a very saturated industry.
What was transformative for me was seeing real changes in my skin. There is a lot of competition, and many products do the same thing, but the true impact lies in the active ingredients that are clinically proven to deliver results. The products that penetrate deeply and work on a cellular level are the ones that truly improve texture, clarity, and skin health.
I’ve also come to realize the importance of brands keeping up with changing trends and technological advancements. Today’s consumers are informed and want to know where ingredients come from, how they’re processed, and whether they’re ethically and sustainably sourced. Brands must innovate not only in their formulas but also in their ethical and scientific approach.
This journey has shaped me not just as a beauty blogger, but also as a more conscious consumer and woman.
5. You’ve interviewed so many South African women—what skincare or beauty themes keep coming up across different conversations, especially from women in their 30s and 40s?
One thing I constantly notice in conversations with women in their 30s and 40s is a growing awareness of the importance of consistent self-care. It’s no longer just about makeup or miracle products—it’s about what you do every day for your skin.
Two things come up often: never go to bed with makeup on, and sunscreen is non-negotiable. Many women admit they didn’t take it seriously in their 20s, but with age comes wisdom.
Another common theme is that you can use some of the most expensive and high-end skincare products, but without a solid routine, you won’t get the results you’re hoping for. A good routine—even a simple one—makes the biggest difference. Daily commitment, even if it’s just a few steps like cleansing, moisturizing, and applying SPF, goes a long way.
There’s also a growing desire to embrace natural beauty—to understand and care for your skin rather than hide it. That mindset, to me, is one of the most beautiful trends I keep encountering.
6. At Nature Study, we’re leaning deeper into the intersection of biotechnology and nature-backed science. From your experience working with a variety of brands and your insights into the industry, where do you see biologically or naturally-based beauty brands evolving—and how is this shift different from what we saw in the past?
The beauty industry is evolving in incredible ways, and one of the most exciting trends is how biotechnology and natural science are coming together to create powerful yet gentle skincare solutions.
Today, we’re seeing more than just labels that say "natural"—we’re seeing highly active formulations that are scientifically designed to deliver results at a molecular level, using nature-derived ingredients. In the past, there was a perception that natural products were less effective, but now, thanks to advanced technology, these ingredients are refined, concentrated, and clinically tested.
Another major shift is how brands are keeping up with changing trends and technological progress. Consumers are asking where ingredients come from, how they’re processed, and whether they’re ethically and sustainably sourced. As a result, brands are being pushed to constantly innovate—not only in their formulations, but also in how they operate responsibly and transparently.
This new generation of products is exactly what I and so many other women are looking for—formulas that are effective, research-driven, and kind to the skin. It’s a beautiful balance between nature and science.
7. As a content creator, how do you balance authenticity with brand partnerships? What advice do you have for skincare brands trying to build genuine relationships with beauty influencers like yourself?
To me, authenticity is rooted in integrity—always being honest with my audience, no matter how well-known or luxurious a brand may be. People today value transparency. They can tell when a review or collaboration is genuine, and when it’s just about payment or freebies.
When I work with a brand, it’s important that it aligns with my values. I need to test and experience a product myself before recommending it. I’m not here to be an advertisement—I’m here to share an experience. So finding balance means being personally convinced before trying to convince anyone else.
My advice to skincare brands is to build meaningful relationships, not just transactional partnerships. Work with influencers who genuinely like and use your product—even outside of collaborations. Give them the space to share their honest opinions, even if it’s not perfect. Authenticity isn’t always flawless, but it’s always credible.
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- Biologically Informed:
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- Science-Backed:
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