Once again, we’ve swiped, spritzed, and tested all the beauty arrivals we’ve received over the last couple of months to bring you the absolute best; all summed up in one neat little package (or blog post, if you please). If you want to get your hands on the best of all that’s beauty; makeup, cleansers, moisturisers, haircare, perfume and more, it’s all here…
FRAGRANCE
Red Door – Always Red
The latest from Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door range, Always Red is a luxurious floriental perfume that opens with an irresistible blend of vibrant blood orange, luscious red plum and passionfruit. As the composition evolves, a textured heart of jasmine sambac, pink freesia, and velvet rose petals evoke intense femininity and passion. The fragrance dries down to a praline, mahogany woods and red amber symbolise the sensuality and tantalising confidence synonymous with the colour red. We think it’s safe to say that this could well be the best Red Door release to date! Available from all Elizabeth Arden stockists. RRP starts at $59.
Valeur Absolue Vitalité
In keeping with its original concept (perfumes which deliver real well-being benefits) Valeur Absolue now introduces a revitalising fragrance, which brings summer right to the tip of your nose; a perfectly timed release we think, especially right after winter! Valeur Absolue continues to grow its strong fan base and this sixth masterpiece is an ode to beautiful days, with uplifting and harmonising peridot minerals in the bottle (being the editor’s birthstone and favourite colour – this was sure to be a winner!). This perfume is bursting with positive energy, just like peridots, which help release blockages and have a balancing action on the emotions, whilst also promoting happiness. The perfume has crisp, zingy green notes mixed with heart of magnolia, and a pure, chypré base, with a combination of Indonesian patchouli and China tea. Leaves and fruits, like the super fruit energy boosters have been subtly interwoven into the composition. Available at selected Farmers, pharmacies and department stores. 45ml RRP$115.
Mont Blanc Lady Emblem
Luxury brand Montblanc unveils Lady Emblem, as the female edition of its recent Emblem fragrance collection. Lady Emblem is a sophisticated and feminine scent best described has having a floral-fruity-woody character. The composition begins with red currant jam, pink rose and peach. The heart is intense and woody, including accords of sandalwood, patchouli and rosewood. In the end, the composition exudes intense tones of musk and raspberry. Housed in an exquisite diamond faceted bottle, Mont Blanc Lady Emblem is another stunning scent, set to be a summer favourite. Available in-store now.
MAKEUP
Yves Saint Laurent Couture Variation Eyeshadow Palette
We only have one makeup item that we want [see: need] to mention in our New and Newsworthy Beauty Edition writeup, and the reasoning is quite simple; there’s no other eyeshadow palette we’ve been using since discovering it a couple of months ago. whilst it’s not so much new, it certainly is newsworthy!
Available in two gradient palettes – Couture Variation No.1 Nu and Couture Variation No.2 Tuxedo. We’ve been obsessing over No.1, the nude palette.
The shadows have a silky-smooth and soft texture, they blend out easily and without fallout. We love how some of the shades give luminosity while others give depth, perfect for achieving a smokey eye. The variations of beiges, sand, champagne, golds, bronzes, copper and brown shades can be used either for a natural day makeup or intensified for a night-time look.
YSL Nu Palette starts with the lightest shades and reveals the darkest ones at the end. Shades No 2,3,4,5,6,7,9 have a high shine, shimmery finish, almost like a metallic one, while No.1 is a perfect nude that can be used for blending in the crease, applying on the lid or creating a simple natural look. The darkest shades are No.8 and 10 and along with No.1 they are the only ones with a matte finish.
We’ve played with this palette on a daily basis, tested and worn each of these shades and they are long-lasting; they wear for hours without creasing or fading. The palette is absolutely gorgeous and it really is worth the investment, Sure it’s on the expensive side, but god dammit, it’s worth it for luxury such as this. Available from selected department stores, farmers and pharmacies. RRP $142.
Also worth mentioning, as we’ve been teaming this product with the abovementioned palette – the Couture Eye Primer. There are two shades in Fair and Medium (although Medium is still quite light). Medium is a creamy soft light beige with a hint of pearl to it. To the touch the product feels very emollient and like a cream/mousse hybrid and soft in the pot but it dries to a finish that won’t budge. The finish is slightly dewy but not overly glowy and really does stay put. These are designed to be a shadow base to extend wear, or alone for a nude eye look.
HAIRCARE
Savar Ultra Cleansing Shampoo and Ultra Nourishing Conditioner
Made in New Zealand, divinely fragranced and formulated with some of nature’s true wonders, these safe and gentle formulations are fabulous for all hair types. Crafted to gently cleanse, lavishly condition and assist in preventing dry scalp, these premium plant-based products will leave your hair feeling wonderfully silky, shiny and lustrous! New Zealand manuka honey, cucumber, ginger, and avocado; together these nutrient-rich ingredients are packed full of vitamins to cleanse, nourish, detangle and promote hair’s natural beauty. Beautifully packaged in 500ml recyclable bottles, the Savar Ultra Cleansing Shampoo and Ultra Nourishing Conditioner are a steal at just $39.00 each (for one of the best NZ beauty brands on the market, these really are well priced) and are available at www.savaronline.com and leading department stores, pharmacies and retailers.
Joico Color Balance Blue
Joico’s latest launch, Color Balance Blue, shows brunette babes a bit of love with a shampoo and conditioner duo that’s specifically designed for them. Unlike any other product on the NZ market this colour enhancing pair uses tone-correcting blue pigment to banish unwanted orange and brassy colours in brunettes. It’s ideal for brunettes wanting to keep their balayage or highlights rich and full of colour. Not only do these innovative, new products colour correct, they also help preserve your hair colour, up to 89% of it for 18 washes to be exact. This is no joke, if you’re brunette, have colour-treated hair, we absolutely swear by Joico Color Balance products. RRP $34 each. Sold exclusively in salons nationwide.
Schwarzkopf Professional Volumising Root Spray Mousse and Plumping Lotion
If you have fine hair that just won’t hold any style to task, no matter what you try, these fab products are for you! Schwarzkopf Professional has launched two new products in the brand’s Osis Session Label line – Volumising Root Spray Mousse and Plumping Lotion, that, together, can create a voluminous look. The ideal way to use these new products is to layer them within the same style. On damp hair, spray the Volumising Root Spray directly at the root first and then work the Plumping Lotion through the mid-shafts and ends before brushing the products from roots to ends to meld the products together and spread evenly throughout the hair. Then, simply blow-dry your hair with a round brush to help create volume and softness. RRP $29.40.
SKINCARE
Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair (and buffer cream)
Harnessing the power of retinol, one of the most powerful ingredients medically recognised to radically treat the signs of ageing, Dermalogica introduces new Overnight Retinol Repair. This is the first-ever retinol treatment to offer a unique customisation option, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of a concentrated retinoid while experiencing maximum comfort and efficacy. Destined to become a Dermalogica cult classic, Overnight Retinol Repair boasts a high concentration of retinol, accelerating skin renewal, reversing the effects of sun damage, improving skin tone and increasing skin firmness. Yip, It’s basically the fountain of youth! Containing 8% aloe vera extract, the Buffer Cream soothes and moisturises, without any ingredients that may exacerbate retinol irritation and the Cream is totally customisable. Available in-store now at Dermalogica skin centres and dermalogica.co.nz.. RRP $174.
Garnier’s Ultra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream
If there’s one thing that we’ve learned to be true in life, it’s that sleep can cure just about anything. The amount of sleep you get can greatly effect not just how you feel, but also how you look. Oh, the joys of getting older. While we’d love to say we all get a full 8 hours of sleep every night, that just not always the case. 5 hours is more of a reality around here. Garnier’s Miracle Sleeping Cream is a new hydrating face cream that fights wrinkles and signs of fatigue while you sleep, for younger looking skin. The anti-aging formula reduces signs of dull, dry and tired looking skin. The cream is infused with Lavender Essential Oil, Rare Plant Extracts & Adenosine, and the scent is seriously amazing. RRP$19.99.
Evolu Triple Action Spot Crisis Control Gel
Having an out of control spot crisis? Suffer no more because Evolu’s new Triple Action Spot Control Gel, with plant-powered formulation is packed with potent all-natural ingredients that fight bacteria (speeding up the recovery process), combats excess oil and inflammation and works to cleanse, reduce and soothe spots. Does it work? Sure has for us, and all whilst being cruelty-free, with no parabens, fragrances or animal products (other than beeswax). Available at Evolu retailers. RRP$29.99.
The Body Shop – Virgin Mojito Body Range
Just in time for the warm sunny season is the new The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Collection, which arrives in-store 5th October. We swear we don’t just love because it’s green (although it’s true we’re obsessed with all things green). If you enjoy fresh, uplifting and utterly refreshing fragrances, this five piece line up is what you’ve been waiting for. Along with a couple of new products such as The Body Shop Body Splash and the Body Scrub, there is of course their best-selling and now iconic items such as the Body Butter.
Starting with the new products… The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Splash going to be a godsend in summer; a cooling splash for the ultimate refresher. Think of it as a body spray minus the actual mist aspect, best splashed on skin straight after a shower and/or moisturising. There’s also the The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Scrub; with a mint tinged lime aroma that comes to life when mixed with water and cleanses the skin without being harsh. For all your moisturising needs there’s The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Butter – a zesty, fresh richly nourishing and deeply hydrating body moisturiser. If you prefer something lighter and a cooling then you need to try The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Body Sorbet. Not only does this refresh, it cools and calms the skin.
The Body Shop Virgin Mojito Collection is limited edition so make sure you pop in-store when the collection drops, to avoid disappointment.
Gurl Interrupted
A Girl Interrupted By Fashion, Beauty & Anything Pretty That Catches My Eye
PLUS – when you purchase the 100ml Taylor by Taylor Swift fragrance, you get this fabulous gift in the form of a vibrant green handbag, lined with blue fabric. Perfect for summer!! (This is going to make for a pretty damn special Christmas present!)
Olive Skin Care – Clarifying Face Wash & Illuminating Face Polish
