In 2019, M-Net premiered the first ever season of The Bachelor South Africa. Natasha Seema Hardcastle was one of the beautiful ladies we followed on the show; she was intelligent, witty and unapologetically herself. Over the past year, we have gotten to know Natasha more personally on Instagram and she was the perfect fit for a Boss Babe interview.
Natasha was born and raised in Cape Town and is currently a PhD candidate at UCT. Her Instagram feed is filled with educational posts on skincare; she has a passion for health and skincare that stemmed from years spent in the lab.
I’ve always been a weirdly introverted extrovert. So I am a nerd and very bookish but after years of chronic shyness I think I am more comfortable with putting myself out there. My journey to owning who I am has taken time from the teens to twenties confusion to thirties. Women these days have so many things to conquer from body image to the workplace to juggling marriage and kids- I think learning to be kinder to myself has taken time. And realising the timing of my life is unique to other people out there. “Thirty, flirty ad thriving”… ya know *wink -Natasha
We couldn’t wait to learn more about this incredible woman:
Tell us more about your career as a scientist, how did you first start and what are your future plans?
I have a masters in neuroscience and am completing the final months of a PhD in biomedical chemistry at UCT Health Sciences. I spent a year regenerating skin in the labs and exploring stem cells before I began my final degree looking at breast cancer. When I am done I am planning to continue clinical research but also explore the sphere of developing health conscious skin products.
Given your career, what has everyday life been like for you since lockdown?
The research and development sector is one of the last to reopen. So I have been teaching remotely and all meetings happening in boxers via zoom (haha).
Now onto The Bachelor, what actually prompted you to enter The Bachelor?
My friends entered me over Nandos. I had never watched the show. I accepted because I am naturally curious and certainly don’t close myself off to the possibility of love.
What was your experience like (what were some of the highlights and
difficulties experienced while throughout the series)?
Highlights included getting a chance to work with show dogs and making some amazing friends, also getting some amazing Lorna Jane gear. I want to say getting to know Lee, but I don’t think there was enough one on one time for that.
Difficulties included getting used to being filmed (I was not used to cameras at every turn). Also the isolation from the “real world” living in the mansion was a challenge. You get a social media cleanse free of charge because no internet allowed. In addition to having to compete for the attention of a man I had never met…
What has life been like after The Bachelor?
Strangely not too different. In the beginning people stopped and stared a lot, but with a new year of fresh contestants there is still fandom but it is less aggressive. It’s always odd to tell a new date that you were on the show though haha.
What are your thoughts on the new Bachelorette?
Qiniso Van Damme is such a great choice. I think she is brave to put her heart on the line and I am excited to see what the show will be like with a bunch of guys competing for her love. Hopefully, a lot less fainting at rose ceremonies.
We love your chic and effortless style, what are your favourite places to shop?
Shopping is a weakness of mine and I am a sucker for quality… My guilty pleasures include Zara’s online store, Country Road is always a friend to the elegant. CurAtiv Jewels and the bags from Lauprenes are current obsessions. I’m also guilty of overindulging in active wear/loungewear haha. So DF designed for fitness brand is on my wish list and the tye dye tracksuits from Active spirit SA are also to die for (Jess from Season 2 owns this brand), I am hoping to get my hands on one ASAP haha.
What is the secret to your flawless skin?
Skin is so personal I started a vlog recently because the topic interests me so much. https://natashahardcastle.wixsite.com/herfreckles I post videos every Sunday reviewing the latest in skin and conscious beauty. Things like diet and sunscreen make a difference. But in my 30s I’m open to updating my routine to match the changes in my skin. I would say sunblock and good collagen supplements (currently trying collagen lift) in diet and a serum at night to give beauty sleep a little kick.
Your go to Skin products?
- Kudu Squalane Serum
- SKINfunctional Blemish corrector
- Raw Beauty Company Coffee exfoliator
- Dr Hausker tinted moisturizer
- Khiels Sunblock
- Filorga Glow eye cream
Top 5 makeup items?
Mac mac and more mac haha. I would say the lipstick aisle knows my name. Ruby Woo and Red Russian are classics to lift every look. Also the mascara from Lancome Grandiose is a popper for volume.
Heels or flats?
Flats forever hahaha. I even wore takkies to a rose ceremony once. Love the look of heels and how long they make my legs so Jelly heels are super comfy for a compromise.
You can follow Natasha on Instagram @natasha.seema.hardcastle