Lelive Review: A Luxurious Skin & Body Care Range with African Roots
Small ‘indie’ beauty brands are popping up everywhere and gaining significant market share thanks to a unique approach favouring consumer-opinion-driven product development. While there are many overseas examples of the trend to look at, one of the biggest success stories of this new approach to products and marketing has emerged a little closer to home.
Sure, there’s no shortage of celebrities launching beauty and skincare lines. Still, local TV personality and businesswoman, Amanda Du-Pont’s entry into the beauty business has been nothing short of spectacular. The Swaziland-born, South African-based actor’s new skincare range is not your average celebrity-founded beauty brand: the products are not only beautiful to look at but have promising formulations too.
First launched in South Africa in 2020, the Lelive range has been everywhere you look, dominating the South African social media landscape. The brand has also recently ventured offshore with a launch in the UK this year, cementing the business as an African force to be reckoned with.
I’ve been wanting to try products from the Lelive range, so I was excited when a few of the products arrived on my desk. If, like me, you’re yet to experience the joy of Lelive, then come along on my journey as I share my thoughts on products from the range.
Lelive’s massive online popularity sprouted from the promise of high-performance, multi-benefit skincare products for every skincare concern. Formulated using a unique blend of African botanicals and scientifically proven actives, the Lelive line features skincare for the face as well as products for your body care routine to cleanse, nourish and restore your skin’s natural glow. All the products in the line are vegan, sulfate, paraben and fragrance-free.
Lelive ‘All the Shade’ marula SPF30 tinted moisturiser
One product I have been dying to try is the Lelive ‘All the Shade’ Marula SPF30 tinted moisturiser (R329). I’m a sucker for a good tinted moisturiser and this one did not disappoint. Forget switching shades inbetween seasons or fussing around with shade-adjusting drops, this stuff comes in one universal shade that all skin tones can use. Look, I get it; that seemingly impossible claim is the reason I delayed buying this product, but it truly delivers on its promise. Just massage and blend it in properly and say hello to a beautiful, glowing complexion.
Lelive ‘All the Shade’ is a 100% mineral sunscreen and contains zinc and Vitamin E to protect the skin from UV rays and free radicals. It leaves no white cast on the skin and is also reef-safe. The product also has fantastic moisturising and hydrating properties, Sweet almond and Marula oils are added to moisturise the skin, while Hyaluronic acid and aloe work to hydrate and lock in moisture. Even those with sensitive skin can use this beautiful multi-tasking product.
The tinted moisturiser has a luxurious balmy texture that my dry skin adores, yet it absorbs effortlessly into the skin and is a dream for my pores. It’s super nourishing, making it a winner for a beach holiday or the summer season. The tint can be quite subtle but it gives my skin a beautiful glow and gives just enough coverage for daily wear when you just want to embrace being a natural beauty.
Lelive Crème de la Cream lightweight hydration moisturiser
The great thing about Lelive is that the brand spoils us with options. If the tinted moisturiser isn’t for you, you can reach for Crème de la Cream (R299). The lightweight moisturiser is perfect for everyday use and for anyone needing a lighter dose of moisture, day and night. I love this feather-light formula for warm summer days, it’s light enough for oilier skin and humid weather, so babes in Durban will no doubt gravitate towards this one.
Boasting ingredients like African mahogany, peptides, marula, shea, baobab, vitamin E, and rosehip to renew, firm, and protect the skin. Collagen production is crucial for maintaining skin strength and elasticity, making this moisturiser an essential addition to any routine. I love it because it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and firmer with every use and my skin looks radiant and brighter to boot.
Lelive The Drip Hydrating Mist
The Drip Hydrating Mist (R299) is the ultimate refresher for your skin. I’m not one to shy away from a hydrating mist, especially in summer. I’m addicted to the stuff. But there are hydrating mists and then there’s The Drip. The hydrating, energising mist is formulated with powerful actives for a radiant glow. Hero ingredients include Deep sea biotics to energise and lift; niacinamide and African malachite to brighten and glow; plus rose water and cucumber to soothe and hydrate.
A quick spritz of this lightweight spray leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated, invigorated, and looking radiant. Use it any time you need a burst of pure hydration. But, wait, there’s so much more going on here! This versatile product can also be used to set makeup and as an antioxidant-based protection. It doesn’t hurt that The Drip is also a true sensory treat, the subtle scent of rose water and cucumber is a delight for the senses, helping to bring calm and serenity into a busy day.
Lelive Jelly Splash rooibos jelly cleanser
When it comes to cleansers, you’ve got all the options. I tried Lelive Jelly Splash (R329), a gel-like cleanser packed with rooibos green tea, and niacinamide to brighten and renew along with salicylic acid and lactic acid to clarify. The cleanser also boasts hyaluronic acid, aloe, and jojoba esters for hydration and that non-stripped feeling.
If you’re into cleansers with actives, then this powerhouse is for you. The texture transforms into a luxurious jelly lather upon contact with damp skin. It’s an ideal everyday cleanser, whether you have oilier skin or just want a cleanser thats non-stripping. It can also be used as a second step in a double cleanse.
Lelive Clean Slate body wash
Last, but not least, let’s talk about Lelive for the body. I absolutely adore Lelive Clean Slate Body Wash (R289). This trusted exfoliating shower companion is a real treat for the body after a long day and is perfect for post-gym sessions when you need to get sweat and grime off the skin.
The versatile body wash is gentle and effective for all skin types and can be used day and night. The body wash contains exfoliators so your body is not only cleansed but also renewed. A blend of African botanicals and adaptogens alongside a conditioning agent leaves the skin feeling hydrated and non-stripped after every use.
The multi-benefit body wash contains powerhouse ingredients like lactic acid and living stones to revitalise and renew; willow leaf extract (BHA) to reduce excess oil and clear pores; while Cape aloe works to hydrate the skin without stripping any important natural oils from the skin.
The Lelive range is chockful of incredible products designed to help you nourish and treat your skin. Not sure which products to try for your skin concerns? Take the Lelive Skin Quiz for all the guidance you need. To shop the range visit the Lelive South Africa online store.
