If there’s one thing we can’t get enough of, it’s seeing South African brands make waves internationally. And if they’re doing it while being sustainable and delivering that flawless glass-skin look? Score! Enter lelive, the homegrown skincare brand, gearing up for a global launch in London. Created with African botanicals and science-based methodologies, lelive is a unique brand that delivers affordable luxury to a market hungry for result-driven skincare.
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About The Brand
Founded by South African actress, model and Greenpeace ambassador Amanda du-Pont, lelive has experienced remarkable growth year after year. Thanks to a significant investment from Invenfin, the venture capital arm of South African investment giant Remgro Limited, lelive is now ready to conquer the global market.
lelive, named after Amanda’s Swati name Langalelive meaning “light of the world,” addresses a vital global need for diverse skincare solutions.
“After years of struggling with acne-prone skin, countless products, dermatologist visits and spending so much money, I decided to co-create, with my community, a skincare range that heroes African ingredients and is dedicated to serving diverse skin types,” says du-Pont. “lelive taps into the shift of getting back to basics, simple and effective living, where nature source is enough, and towards the solutions our ancestors used that were clean and free from unnecessary harmful additives and fragrances.”
Rooted In Tradition
The story behind lelive resonates with many consumers worldwide. Traditional products often fail to cater to diverse skin tones and types, leaving people with few options for managing problematic skin. lelive steps in with neutral, balanced products that meet these needs while honouring the natural ingredients rooted in African traditions.
“In African communities, we use a lot of aloe, for example, and shea butter – these are ingredients native to us but always exported for global brands to use,” says du-Pont. “We’ve decided to make our products from our natural resources, which are sustainable and that stand tall on the international stage. African botanicals are folded into all our products to address skin concerns which are more prominent for diverse skin such as hyperpigmentation or scarring.”
A True African Skincare Brand
This passion and potential attracted Invenfin’s investment, aligning perfectly with lelive’s vision for international expansion. Launching in the UK, particularly in London with its 64% multi-ethnic population, is a strategic move. lelive has always prioritised relationships and community, seeking a growth partner offering more than just funding.
“We invest in brands that are applicable both in the South African and African context, but that have international reach potential,” says Judy Sendzul, from Invenfin. “lelive has earned its growth trajectory with its exceptional range of skincare products designed for all skin types wrapped in superb customer engagement, sustainable materials and simplicity. This brand is demystifying skincare with high-quality products that deliver results. As a brand that built its foundation on relationships and community, lelive sought a growth partner that brings more than just funding. Invenfin’s team commits to the highest level of ethics and provides strategic advice on a global scale. Our investment will assist lelive with building a truly global African skincare brand.”
The Ed’s Top lelive Picks
“I’ll be honest, I’m a total branding snob and this range is hitting all the right notes! It’s not just pretty packaging for your bathroom counter – it’s sustainable, natural and leaves your skin looking and feeling amazing. These two products are my absolute faves, especially the mineral-based SPF, which is the MVP of my make-up bag. You will never catch me without a good SPF and this one is always ready to shine,” says Chamain van Zyl, Online Editor.
You can find lelive products locally online at leliveafrica.com. Also on Takealot, Superbalist, Woolworths, Foschini, Arc Beauty, Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature and Sorbet. UK customers will soon be able to enjoy lelive’s offerings as well.
