My Favourite Things – Nande Mabala

From stealing Mzansi’s hearts at the sensational Miss South Africa pageant to collaborating with various esteemed beauty brands, model and micro-influencer Nande Mabala is well on her way to becoming a multimedia powerhouse.

 

Born and bred in Zwelethemba in the Western Cape, the 26-year-old model is a philanthropist, as well as the co-founder of ‘Uyathandwa Foundation’ – a nonprofit organisation aimed at advocating for previously disadvantaged groups in South Africa.

 

 

Multifaceted, Nande also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Psychology, Political Science, and Sociology from the University of the Western Cape.

 

An aesthete at heart, the beauty queen’s favourite things include a foolproof wash routine, a go-to designer bag, and one of nature’s greatest gifts – the beach.

 

 

We have a chat with the Miss South Africa’s second runner-up where she opens up about her spirituality,  beauty routine, as well as her soul tribe.

 

My Bible

 

I know this might seem cliche but I genuinely start my day by praise and worshipping. When I need a pick me up, I pray and read the word. When I’m confused, in need of direction. This beautiful little book helps me navigate and is my true north. It is my number one favourite thing.

 

I do not compromise on my wash routine! I have found some really amazing products that keep my skin clear and my body soft. I genuinely look forward to going to bed so that I can shower and go about my routine. I enjoy bathing and getting ready.

 

I have found products from different brands that work well together that I mix together. Something that is a staple in my wash routine is my CeraVe Blemish control range for my face. For my body I always have a dove bar soap, Oh so Heavenly body wash and cream (I add the palmers oil into my cream).

 

I also have hyperactive underarms and I have tried so many different perspirants and roll-ons. I have used the Nivea Pearl and Beauty Even Tone “White Pearls & Liquorice Extract” – this specific one! It changed my life. I hope it changes yours.

 

Beauty

 

Majority of my life needs me to use makeup. I’ve come to love “beating my face”. I enjoy the process and I also have products that I swear by now. I say now because I only started wearing makeup in my second year of university and had to quickly learn because of my first job. I don’t know how many YouTube videos I watched.

 

Ironically, now I love, love a good blush, lippie and foundation hahaha! My makeup has various brands that I love for specific reasons. However, if you can? Invest in high end makeup. It is a game changer!

 

Books

 

I love reading. I’ve always had my head buried in a book as a child and I am happy that it’s a habit I’ve continued into adulthood. I love reading self-help books, autobiographies and fiction. Fiction being my favourite because it helps me dream and it just opens up my imagination and ignites my spirit and inner child. It’s also great for your vocabulary.

The beach

 

I love going to the beach and being around the water. I believe that the waves are renewing. I have a ritual where if I am about to embark on something that needs me to be courageous. Anything that I’m afraid to start/do. I go to the beach and I speak my fears to the waves and when the waves die, so does that fear. Lol, I’m not saying this is a remedy but it works for me haha.

 

My family and friends

 

I am very family oriented. My family and friends are my biggest support system and they centre me. I love my family, all that I am is a product of them? If you understand what I am saying. Everyone contributes to my personality and I’m just blessed with an amazing, wild, out of the ordinary bunch! My friends are my kin, they keep me motivated and hold me accountable. My interpersonal relationships are things I nurture the most.

 

 

My Micheal Kors hand bag

 

I promised myself that when I start making money I would be the first person to buy myself a designer item. I bought myself my Micheal Kors bag as a gift to myself after working my first full year in corporate and full-time modelling. It was a “your well on your way my love, I am proud of you” gift.

 

I appreciated fashion and the beauty of how it informs society and the stories that are told through fashion. It’s a fascinating world that helps you mark respect and status in society without saying a word!

 

 

 

I have always said if there are olympics for sleeping I would win. I am a professional napper/sleeper! I can sleep anytime and anywhere. I will find a way to recharge.

 

Yogurt and McDonald’s Grand Chicken Spicy meal

 

I love yoghourt. I can finish a tub in one sitting, it is my favourite thing! Specifically the Clover Bliss Black Forest flavour and a Grand Chicken Special. I eat clean or homemade food for health reasons. This is my guilty pleasure!