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Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Love it: Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Rose Drop Night Peeling Concentrate
Apparently, that elusive state of amazing skin known as a "glow" is beauty's new holy grail. One of the most searched-for beauty terms online, it’s a goal we want to achieve at any age, and we’ll try pretty much any new hope in a jar – or in a palette – in the hope of getting it.
Being well rested is a great start when you’re looking to get glow-y, and optimal skin regeneration and cell renewal, in which the signs of fatigue are replaced with a glowing complexion, takes place between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. We all have the best intentions when it comes to sleeping soundly during that period but hey, life happens! As a result, your complexion can lose its glow.
This is where Lancôme’s Absolue Precious Cells Rose Drop Night Peeling Concentrate comes in, a stellar product that I haven’t been able to use until now due to all of my skin issues. After just a couple of applications I am all about it though – and can’t recommend it enough if you too want to get your glow back!
Absolue, the last Lancôme range created by the French House, Armand Petitjean, continues to advance its legendary reputation and that of its star ingredient, the rose, through incredibly sophisticated products that are adapted to the way women lead their lives today. To allow skin to regenerate itself no matter how well you sleep they developed Absolue Precious Cells Rose Drop, a concentrated peel designed for evening use that features a rose-based nourishing oil to leave skin glowing with health.
Rose Drop adds nourishing properties to the exfoliating power of a peel, which makes it a loss less scary and more effective than most. In true Lancôme style, Rose Drop even comes with its own gentle application method. Just add a few drops into the palm of your hand, and then spread it evenly across your entire face - avoiding eye contour and lips - with a circular movement, then pat the remaining product into your skin. The peel’s exfoliating effect is enriched by ingredients such as Glycolic acid, a powerful active often used by dermatologists and aesthetic doctors. Glycolic acid is able to penetrate the first superficial layers of the skin and is effective at evenly removing dead cells and supporting cellular renewal. The nourishing phase, which is made up of argan and rose oil, provides the skin with comfort and restores radiance. Love that.
You can also use the Rose Drop in some additional ways, by mixing a few drops of the peel with your night cream to amp up its effectiveness, or to your sheet mask before applying it to your face. You can even speed up the process of getting rid of blemishes by applying the peel with a cotton pad to target problem areas. Like all peels, it is important to apply a skincare with at least SPF 15 the next day.
So there you go – winter skin feeling a little dull? This baby comes highly recommended.
Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Rose Drop Overnight Peel is on counter now, with an RRP of $225.00.
Monday, July 30, 2018
What a steal: new Schwarzkopf Extra Care Oil Elixirs
A few weeks ago I took the plunge and lightened my hair – a lot. After years of being super blonde and then taking my hair as dark as it gets a few years ago, I was a little freaked – not about the colour (which I love) but about the shiny tresses I thought I’d waved bye-bye to after submitting to highlights. Turns out I was wrong – I can have my cake and eat it too, thanks to an arsenal of great products designed to keep hair in tip top shape, whatever you throw at it.
It’s safe to say that most of the products I’ve used that have been created specifically to treat damaged hair have been pretty pricey, and I’ve found that cheaper versions just don’t have the grunt to make any real change. Until now that is, and the arrival of Schwarzkopf’s brand new Extra Care Oil Elixirs.
Schwarzkopf – reportedly New Zealand’s must trusted hair care brand - has you covered with the sub-$20 little wonders known as Extra Care Oil Elixir Grape Seed and Extra Care Oil Elixir Rose Hip. Both offer a lightweight repair serum for any hair type, and despite the word “oil” in the name they won’t leave a greasy residue or weigh down your silky tresses. Simply apply a few pumps to wet or dry hair, massage gently, and leave in for beautiful soft locks.
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Rose Hip Oil Elixir has been my go-to since it came across my desk, winning me over with the small alone. Rose Hip Oil is known for its regenerative properties and the fact that it is packed full of antioxidants, and this non-greasy formula is easily absorbed and gives major shine. Designed for normal to damaged hair, it provides incredible nourishment and protection, and the vitamins A, C and E present in the bottle means it repairs in the long term too.
Schwarzkopf Extra Care Grape Seed Hip Oil Elixir is for normal to dry hair, and as Grape Seed Oil is known for its large vitamin E content it contains a fat-soluble antioxidant which helps to protect your cells from damage. Designed to help lock in moisture, prevent frizz, split ends and brittle hair, it is another great option if you’re looking for repair.
With an RRP of just $18.99, these beauties are available in all leading department stores, supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide right now.
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Wednesday, July 25, 2018
All about: Bondi Sands' new GLO collection
It’s THAT time of the year when holidays to warmer climes start being planned, so if you’re not working with some kind of tanning product now then I suggest you get to it – stat! I’m off to Europe in just over two weeks’ and my pasty skin needs all the help it can get, and I’m guessing that I’m not alone in needing a quick fix. Fast.
I’m a confessed connoisseur of the faux glow, and have tried pretty much every formulation out there - with varying degrees of success. It is still the safest tan out there for tanning at any time of year, and with New Zealand skin cancer rates constantly on the rise it’s time to pick a formula that works for you rather than baking under what are some pretty damn dangerous rays.
If you’re a fake tan newbie or just reticent about applying them yourself, rest assured there are some excellent new releases about to hit the shelves courtesy of those kind people at Bondi Sands.
Blurring the lines between self-tan and makeup, the Australia-based company’s brand-new GLO range (above) provides instant colour and texture with lasting effects – and it’s pretty much foolproof. Think skin perfecting shimmering colour and high shine luminosity that smooths out imperfections, and it’s easily customisable for the ultimate in bespoke tanning.
Bondi Sands co-founder, Blair James says GLO highlights the company’s pledge to “shakeup the perception” of sunless tanning, while delivering a fully rounded beauty experience to its fanbase. “Makeup provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression,” says James, “and with so many products and techniques to create abundant beauty looks, we thought why not apply the same to self-tan? Dipping our toes into the wider cosmetic category, GLO offers three multi-purpose, mix and match products that result in an instant colour boost, yet can be washed off at the end of day (or night).”
Each product in the GLO range has been designed to enhance a natural tan, work in conjunction with Bondi Sands’ existing range, or be worn alone. The line up is made up of:
GLO MATTE ONE DAY TAN: this provides instant lustre and matte colour to skin. The skin perfecting formula can be used to top up natural or self-tans, or to contour the face and body with a bronzing brush.
GLO SHIMMER ONE DAY TAN is designed for that lit from within glow, and is infused with innovative light reflecting particles to highlight, giving a glistening bronzed finish. It can be buffed across the collarbone, cheekbones, eyelids and more, and even mixed in with foundation to give an all over, super delicate sheen to skin.
GLO GLOSS FINISHING GLOW can be worn on top of GLO Shimmer, GLO Matte or alone, and delivers both colour and texture to create a bronzed dewy-look.
Thus far I’ve tried applying GLO on my legs and arms using my Bondi Sands Tanning Mitt to make sure I get an even, streak-free finish, but when used on the face, the formulas are best applied with a makeup brush (although I haven't tried a Beauty Blender as yet). And like any faux glow, be sure to allow a few minutes for the product to absorb into skin before getting dressed. To remove, simply wash off with soap and water. Pretty cool, huh?
Bondi Sands brand-new GLO Matte One Day Tan, Shimmer One Day Tan and Gloss Finishing Glow, have an RRP of $22.99, and will be available at Unichem, Life Pharmacy and Farmers stores from August 2018.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Beauty news: Estée Lauder signs Anok Yai as new Global Spokesmodel
It feels like almost every other day that the world’s beauty brands are signing up new spokesmodels, with many a savvy decision being made. Estée Lauder is a brand up there in the top five when it comes to most killer stables, and the beauty mega brand announced yesterday that stellar up and comer Anok Yai is their newest face.
One of the fashion world’s newest and brightest stars, Anok will feature in makeup and skincare campaigns across digital, TV, in-store and print. Anok’s first campaign will be for the brand’s number one foundation, Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup, debuting August. She joins the current roster of Lauder spokesmodels, which includes Misty Copeland, Grace Elizabeth, Kendall Jenner, Karlie Kloss, Yang Mi, Carolyn Murphy, Hilary Rhoda, Joan Smalls and Fei Fei Sun.
For those that don’t know her – and that glorious face – Anok was responsible for a history-marking moment when she was the first black model to open the Prada runway show (see below) in 20 years (Naomi Campbell was the first, back in 1997). Discovered after Instagram images of her at college homecoming celebrations in Washington, DC went viral, Anok became hot property whilst still at school after she was contacted by several top modelling agencies. The Egyptian born beauty eventually found home at NEXT Model Management, where she is signed globally. Just one week later, she confirmed the leading role in Prada’s Spring/Summer 2018 campaign photographed by Willy Vanderperre and shortly afterwards became the face of the Riccardo Tisci x Nike collaboration. Anok appears on the cover of DAZED’s Summer 2018 issue and has also been photographed for American Vogue, V Magazine, Vogue Italia, British Vogue, POP Magazine, AnOther Magazine and Self Service to name just a few. The daughter of Sudanese refugee parents, Anok moved to the United States in 2000. She has plans to become a doctor and empower young girls to pursue STEM fields.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anok to the brand,” said Stephane de La Faverie, Global Brand President, Estée Lauder. “Estée Lauder has always chosen women who represent our vision of global beauty. With the addition of Anok to our current line-up of diverse spokesmodels, we continue the brand’s legacy of celebrating women from different backgrounds, ethnicities and ages.”
“I am so excited to be a part of the Estée Lauder family,” said Anok i. “To be a woman of colour representing an iconic brand that has continuously been at the forefront of beauty, is an honour. I hope to be an inspiration to young girls and women and encourage them to feel undeniably beautiful.”
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Thursday, July 19, 2018
All about: KMS Style Primers in salon and at home
You know how great your hair feels after an add-on treatment at a salon, but then fades after a wash? Well haircare giants KMS feel your pain, and have introduced a very cool new initiative that gives you a stellar, tailored in-salon service that is then combined with a cutting-edge at home application for a result that lasts… and then some. Up to seven washes in fact, making it the perfect addition to a blow wave.
Called the KMS Style Primer service, it separates the process into an internal and external approach to ensure optimum results that endure. The internal process focuses on plumping and restructuring damaged hair from the inside out, while the formulations focusing on external results – called ADDVOLUME, TAMEFRIZZ and MOISTREPAIR - allow the treatment to be tailored to each individual’s hair needs. How cool is that?
I love the fact that KMS Style Primers can be used separately or intermixed for completely bespoke results depending on your hair type, which is especially great for balayage clients and those with combination hair like me. The service takes just five extra minutes once applied to towel-dried hair, and each service includes a 75ml take-home Style Primer to prolong the results even further.
So how does it work? Well it starts with AHA - found in many anti-ageing skincare products - which also has several benefits for hair such as conditioning, moisturising and strengthening each strand to enhance overall manageability. This super ingredient can tackle the most damaged or bleached hair, adding a lubricity that allows for easier detangling and even protection against heated styling tools. Next up is Polyquarternium 37, which is known for its excellent body and volume enhancing effects and works by providing a positive charge to counteract the negative charge often found in shampoos and other haircare products. This positive charge helps ionically bond the VA/VP Copolymers to the hair, the special ingredient that adds texture and volume.
On the naturally derived side of things, Babassu Oil is also in the formula, an ingredient that comes from a palm fruit and is often compared to Coconut Oil. Boasting a more lightweight, non-greasy texture however, Babassu Oil gives a shot of intense nourishment without weighing down locks for instant smooth results.
Last up, 18-MEA is an important fatty acid naturally found in abundance on the surface of virgin hair and is often referred to as the protective lipid layer as it prevents moisture loss. Chemical services in particular can break down 18-MEA, leaving cuticles exposed to further damage, so replacing this in the hair structure will aid in maintaining a nourished and glossy mane.
Blinded a little by science? Me too, but after having this service and taking home a tube of TAMEFRIZZ that I use every second or so wash instead of conditioned, I have to say that it works a treat!
Stockist: To find your nearest KMS Salon and discuss what kind of service would suit you, head here.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Sunday, July 15, 2018
All about: the ghd x Lulu Guinness collection
As a two-time breast cancer survivor, I always appreciate it when a beauty brand decides to “go pink” for the cause and actually commits to it year after year. A lot don’t, believe me! Many a brand will jump on the bandwagon to leverage a few sales, then disappear the following year when a newer, shinier charity takes their eye.
This is vastly unlike ghd, who have been in it for the long haul. This is the thirteenth year that ghd New Zealand has served up an amazing fundraising initiative for the Breast Cancer Foundation New Zealand, having already donated an amazing $1,000,000 to the charity through sales of their annual, highly coveted ghd pink stylers. The work done by the BCFNZ is vital for people like me, and their services that I have accessed over the years have made an incredible impact at a very difficult time.
But on to this year’s limited edition styling tools at hand, which were unveiled to media a few weeks’ ago at a beautiful event at Ponsonby salon Kindred Human + Earth. This season, the limited edition pink range is even more covetable, having undergone an absolutely gorgeous vintage makeover thanks to a collaboration with UK designer Lulu Guinness. The limited edition ghd x Lulu Guinness collection features Lulu’s iconic lip print on the new ghd gold straightener and ghd air hairdryer, with $20 from every pink straightener and $10 from every pink hairdryer going to the Breast Cancer Foundation of NZ. “The ghd annual pink collection is so iconic and has raised an incredible amount of money for breast cancer charities globally,” says Guinness, “over $20 million! I am thrilled to be a part of the campaign this year and hope that my design helps to raise even more valuable money for charity.” The ghd gold by Lulu Guinness comes with with Lulu Guinness’ cult lip print design and an exclusive Lulu Guinness heat-resistant bag. $20 donated to BCFNZ, whilst the GHD air by Lulu Guinness features limited edition pink accents and a beautiful dust bag. Want them both!
Evangelia Henderson, Chief Executive at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ says, "Since 2006, ghd has continued to raise much needed funds for the foundation. "Breast cancer is the most common cancer for Kiwi women and the third most common overall. The ongoing partnership with ghd helps Breast Cancer Foundation NZ continue its vital work: improving early detection, investing in research and supporting patients," says Mrs Henderson. ghd Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Ludovic Dellazzeri says, "we're very proud to be supporting Breast Cancer Foundation for the 14th year running. We're hoping Kiwis will get on board and help us achieve the charity's vision of zero deaths from breast cancer, so we can finally #KissCancerGoodbye.”
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Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Love it: Bobbi Brown’s Nude on Nude palettes
It goes without saying that I am a huge fan of Bobbi Brown, both the hugely inspirational woman and the stellar brand. Both are beautiful yet practical, with the end goal being making every woman look the best she can be. Bobbi Brown is all about making the most of your standout features for a beauty that is all your own – how great is that?
Inspired by the natural colours in a woman’s face, the brand’s approach to nude enhances features and “lets the real you shine through”, and a product duo dropping next week designed to do exactly that is the Nude on Nude palette collection. All about shades that flatter skin tone and create a healthy glow, it aims to deliver the perfect statement eye, and I am already obsessed. Nude on Nude celebrates the “nude makeup” originator’s aesthetic—a simple yet natural look, but one that can be as subtle or dramatic as you please.
The palette comes in two editions - Bronzed Nudes and Rosy Nudes - each with an amazing TEN eye shadow formulas that make it pretty much all you need this season and perfect for travel. The official line up – including some brand new shades - is:
• Bronzed Nudes Edition: Bone Eye Shadow, NEW Golden Glow Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Frappe Eye Shadow, Pink Copper Sparkle Eye Shadow, NEW Burnt Amber Metallic Eye Shadow, NEW Buff Eye Shadow, NEW Copper Chocolate, Sparkle Eye Shadow, Chocolate Truffle Metallic Eye Shadow, Milk Chocolate Eye Shadow, andBlack Chocolate Eye Shadow
• Rosy Nudes Edition: NEW White Smoke Eye Shadow, Watercolor Pink Metallic Eye Shadow, NEW Nudest Eye Shadow, NEW Sunrise Glow Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow, Nude Eye Shadow, Dusk Metallic Eye Shadow, Milk Chocolate Eye Shadow, Tan Eye Shadow, NEW Chocolate Smoke Sparkle Eye Shadow and Rich Caviar Eye Shadow.
Finishes range from silky, matte powder shadows that blend easily to rich shimmers and shamelessly sheer sparkles for a fabulous combo that really does cover all of the bases. I’ve been playing with the Bronzed Nudes Edition non-stop since I received a sample a few weeks’ ago and I have to say that I have been reaching for little else – it really IS that versatile. It will definitely be coming with me to Europe in a month too – the ultimate travel palette this just may be!
The Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude palettes - RRP $140 - are available: July 16th at all Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Counters and at www.smithandcaugheys.co.nz/bobbibrown and www.farmers.co.nz/bobbibrown
Thursday, July 5, 2018
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