Article: Sara Chitambo from women24
Image: True Love

Connie Masilo Ferguson has branched out into voice overs, (yes that's her voice on the Ricoffy ads), she has her own fragrance called True Self and now she will be the local face of Garnier's Even and Matte cream.

She's among a select number of local beauties lending their names and faces to international brands. It's a growing trend that includes Tsotsi actress Terry Pheto for L'Oreal and Lesego Motsepe (Lettie in Isidingo) being the face of Avon cosmetics. It seems Top Billing presenter Jeanie D will put her name on anything – remember her in those Dairybelle ads two years ago? Not a good look. Her management team are doing damage control as she is now a brand ambassador for Garnier hair colour.

Connie is enodrsing Garnier Even & Matte complexion cream that promises an even skintone and long lasting matte effect and it's her sophistication and beauty that landed her the job.

Mr. Han Lorskens, General Manager of Garnier South Africa says "We are proud and extremely delighted to have Connie as a brand ambassador, she is a perfect fit with our brand values. She is an empowering woman who is an inspiration to thousands of women across South Africa."

Best known for her role as the ambitious but troubled ad exec Karabo Moroka in the hit television soap opera Generations, Connie juggles a highly successful career as an actor, producer, and motivational speaker and is a community and health advocate for TB and HIV/Aids awareness.

What's more she's not just getting paid to say it, she actually has to use the brand on a personal level.

"I am delighted and consider it my privilege to be associated with Garnier. I use Even & Matte and it gives me an even skin and keeps it shine-free for longer", says Connie Masilo Ferguson who is married to fellow Soap Star Shona Ferguson. He has starred in the series Muvhango and plays the role of Alex in Scandal.

Garnier Even & Matte is available at a special introductory price of R24.95 at all leading stores.

I saw a massive L'Oreal billboard with Pierce Brosnan advertising moisiturising cream for men. I can picture guys thinking to themselves "If James Bond wears moisturiser, then it can't be all that bad..."

It seems star power is an added pull factor for most consumers. Do you think celebrities influence the brands you buy? Tell us more in the comment box below.