Strawberry International's founding director, former Miss South Africa Michelle Mountain (then Michelle Bruce), is the face of natural makeup in South Africa and is a strong advocate for living a healthy and completely natural lifestyle. A self-proclaimed Eco-Warrior, Michelle is convinced that many dreaded diseases and health complaints are directly associated with the chemical burden we place on our bodies through constant exposure to harmful products, ingredients and chemicals.

"Over the last 50 years we've created a chemical world, with many different industries introducing new formulations that continually add to the toxic overload of the more than 100 000 man-made chemicals already in existence," she says.

Concerned after reading extensively about the health impact of chemicals in beauty products, Michelle began searching around the world for a healthy make-up solution. After extensive research, she discovered a natural mineral make-up range in the US that plastic surgeons and dermatologists recommend to patients who have recently had laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion or skin peeling. jane iredale The Skin Care Makeup, offers a complete colour choice for all skin types and is used worldwide by celebrities, on well-known TV series and in many movies.

Since bringing the jane iredale range to South Africa, Michelle (based in Cape Town), has seen the demand for these products steadily increasing among informed women around the country.

A firm believer that the "best makeup you can wear is a healthy skin", Michelle says that the true, unhealthy cost of beauty is not necessary – with a little knowledge, and the correct natural products, all women can achieve stunning, glamorous make-up, whilst improving their health and caring for the environment.