If you’ve been searching for a natural skincare brand in South Africa that feels good and does good — this is the story of how I found one, quite literally, on sore feet.
From Stilettos to Skin Clays: How It All Started
A few weeks ago, I accepted an invitation to a breakfast meeting with former colleagues who remember me from a time when I wore stilettos to work every day. Someone joked that if I was going to show up, I’d better do it in my famous heels.
So I did.
After the meeting, I headed to the CTICC for day two of the Good Life Show — still in my very high heels. I pranced through the exhibits, networking and conducting interviews at just about every stall. I was having a blast… but my feet were starting to throb.
Luckily, my daughter met me there and brought a backup pair of shoes. Eventually I decided I couldn’t manage another step. So I limped and winced my way to the bathroom to make the switch.
Serendipity Strikes
There I was, standing at the bathroom mirror, resting my hands on the sink and facing the pain of my decisions, when a woman emerged from one of the stalls. She noticed the state I was in while washing her hands, and of course, she could relate. So she introduced herself, and while we laughed about my situation, she made me an offer:
“Don’t put your shoes on yet. Come find my stall. I’m going to give you a foot rub that’ll get you right.”
No need to ask me twice! So, after I’d gathered myself, I set off — in my pantyhose — across the exhibition hall to find this angelic being and her stall.
And that’s how I was introduced to Skin Clays.
The woman I met in the bathroom was Nicole Driver, Head of Product Development for the brand. And good as her word, she gave me an incredible foot massage that made me forget I was ever in pain. While she worked her magic, we started talking about the Skin Clays product range — and I fell in love.
Why I Chose to Partner with Skin Clays
Nicole introduced me to Karen Vosloo, Skin Clays founder and owner, and I have to say, I got excited as soon as I heard what the products are made of and what the brand stands for.
This is a female-founded, female-owned, and female-operated small business that uses natural, ethically sourced ingredients to craft luxurious products for face, hair, and body. In other words, it ticks all my boxes!
It matters to me to spend money on — and work with — brands that align with my values, and that help (even in small ways) to bring about the kind of world I want to live in.
That means:
- Living close to the Earth
- Empowering women in business
- Supporting local excellence
- And choosing natural ingredients — especially in the air we breathe and the products we use on our skin
So when Karen asked me to be a Skin Clays brand ambassador, I didn’t hesitate at all to say yes.
How It Feels: My Honest Review
The Skin Clays products are rich without feeling heavy, and they smell refreshing and uplifting. The African Queen facial range — cleanser, toner, and moisturiser — has become my daily go-to. I’m obsessed with the smell, and the way it leaves my skin feeling cleansed, soothed, and alive.
And my new can’t-live-without-it product? Definitely the Baobab Serum. I use it to cover a multitude of sins! It works to remove makeup, nourish my cuticles, and give my skin a moisture boost whenever I need it. It’s one of those do-it-all products that fits right into my handbag and comes along everywhere I go.
I love that whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, executive, or caregiver, Skin Clays supports self-care for high-performing women who are learning to pause and receive.
Why Now: Aligning with the Season I’m In
My life moves fast.
As I build my radio show, Radiance & Rhythm, deepen and expand this platform, prepare to relaunch my production company, and continue advocating for daily pleasure and nervous system care, Skin Clays meets me where I am.
It complements the softness, power, and clarity I’m calling in, by keeping my skin nourished, supported, and connected to the Earth.
What’s Coming: My Skin Clays Journey
The partnership with Karen and Nicole at Skin Clays feels like more than a brand ambassadorship. It’s a shared story of care, creativity, and conscious beauty. So over the next few months, I’ll be documenting my Skin Clays experience. If you’re looking for radiant skin and real nourishment, this is for you. I’ll be sharing the journey across my platforms — unscripted, just my lived, felt experience.
Here’s how you can join me:
- Subscribe to my newsletter for monthly deep dives into skincare, self empowerment, and intentional living
- Tune into Radiance & Rhythm, my show on Afrikaap Radio where I share regular insights into how pleasure and self-care support long-term success
- Follow me on Instagram @eleanor.africa for behind-the-scenes product reviews, honest reflections, and tips for integrating Skin Clays into your life
Skin Clays found me in the middle of a (self-inflicted) moment of pain! Now it’s part of my everyday joy — and I couldn’t be more proud to share it with you!
