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Thursday, October 24, 2019
All about: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair® Retinol Oil
I swear in my life I have tried about every single ‘hope in a jar’ out there, spending god knows how much on eye creams, serums and whatnot as I (fruitlessly for the most part) battle the creeping signs of ageing. There’s certainly no way to escape them, but a little softening here and there is more than welcome, and if I can find a product that gives my skin that extra boost then bring it on.
In the skincare world there is one thing that we know absolutely delivers the goods however, and that’s retinol. Some are so potent that can completely change your skin overnight, but not all are created equal. There are a lot of misconceptions about retinol too, with good reason. Also there is the fact that there are ‘Retin-A’ products, and ‘retinol’ products… and both are ‘retinoids’. It’s all vitamin A, but the first kind is pretty heavy duty (i.e. you need a prescription) and the second type you can buy over the counter. Unlike standard exfoliators, retinoids work at the cellular level to increase collagen, smooth-out annoying fine lines and even-out the tone, all of which are on my shopping list thank-you-very-much.
Skincare giant Neutrogena have recently released a very user-friendly option of the anti-ageing powerhouse for the retinol-shy, that aims to “dramatically reduce the appearance of stubborn fine lines and even deep wrinkles”. Called Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil, it’s powerful overnight treatment that works throughout the night to intensely nourish and replenish dry skin, delivering that elusive glow as soon as a week after you start using it.
The secret to the new Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil is Retinol SA, which provides a sustained action that works to continuously renew the look of the skin throughout the night. The fact that the lightweight, fast-absorbing retinol oil is enriched with retinol SA means there is more nourishment and wrinkle fighting power in every drop, diminishing the look of dark, age spots and reducing the look of deep, stubborn wrinkles. Who doesn’t want that? And the fact that the formula is an oil means that it is easier to tolerate if your skin is on the sensitive side, unlike many retinols out there.
The brand says that for twice the “wrinkle-fighting power”, pair this new oil with their Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, but I recommend starting with the oil for at least a month first before taking a more heavy-handed approach.
To use this little lightweight-yet-powerful marvel, apply 4-5 drops onto the palm of hand and use your fingertips to gently massage the oil onto face in a circular motion. Use every evening, after cleansing and before your chosen moisturiser.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil is in store now, with an RRP of $39.99 for a 30ml bottle. It comes highly recommended.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Love it: Elizabeth Arden’s new Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules
The antioxidant properties of vitamin C (AKA ascorbic acid) and its role in collagen synthesis make the sunny-hued little beauty a vital molecule for skin health. Dietary and topical ascorbic acid have beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have even shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage. To break the news gently: you NEED the stuff on your face, as well as in your diet. Lucky for us there’s some clever skincare brands doing unique things with it, and formulas to suit every skin.
Vitamin C really is the perfect wake-up call for our post-winter faces, as it visibly brightens dull complexions, improving radiance and glow. Lucky for us then that the powerhouse that is Elizabeth Arden has released their incredible new Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules, which are 178 times more potent than traditional Vitamin C! Yes you read that right – this formula is a game changer. This latest offering, combining the powers of Vitamin C and Ceramides from one of the most trusted brands in the skincare industry, is most definitely one of the most highly anticipated beauty launches of the year.
Encapsulated for freshness and formulated for maximum potency, the new Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules take the form of a luxurious to use, lightweight dry oil serum that can be used morning or night, depending on the rest of your regime. The two super ingredients in the one capsule work incredibly well alone but even better in combination, with Vitamin C renowned for its brightening superpowers, and ceramides for helping prevent moisture loss. Dual-action brightening technology visibly diminishes dullness and fights hyperpigmentation, whilst your skin also gets the added dose of goodness that protects against the kind of free radical damage that contributes to accelerated ageing. Even better, these super-charged, biodegradable capsules, have been formulated using oil soluble Vitamin C, not water. The upshot? While other Vitamin C products usually stop working after about three hours, these babies just keep on delivering.
Clever encapsulation ensures that active ingredients stay potent and fresh, whilst single-dose capsules are perfectly pre-measured and portable, so are great for travel too. Oh and they are fragrance-free, which gets a big tick from sensitive types like me.
To use them, start by twisting open a capsule and squeezing three drops onto the palm of your hand. Next, press palms together, and smooth over the face. Use the remaining serum for your neck and décolleté, so nothing is wasted.
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules are on counter now, RRP $87 for 30 capsules. Give them a whirl – you won’t be disappointed.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
All about: the all-new Dermalogica Body Collection
Anyone that checks in here regularly will know that I’m a huge fan of oils - body oils, hair oils and facials oils - and love the fact that nine times out of ten, they are brilliant multitaskers and can be used on the whole family.
The Dermalogica brand’s first true foray into oils with their now-legendary PreCleanse, which was followed up by one of my favourite facial oils ever, Phyto Replenish Oil. A next-generation, feather-light facial oil that strengthens and restores the skin’s natural protective barrier, it’s a clever little formula that shields against environmental stressors, smooths visible lines, and locks in critical moisture for all-day dewy skin and comes highly recommended!
But onto some very exciting news from the iconic brand, which includes the mention of yet another stellar oil – this time for the body. Called Phyto Replenish Body Oil, it is part of a new Body Collection just released by Dermalogica that was reportedly inspired by “the restorative power of the ancient art of bathing”. A range of four products that launched in New Zealand just a few days ago, it features exquisite natural scents and innovative formulas with active botanicals. Each product in the new collection is designed to “invite a moment of quiet reflection as it delights the senses and delivers advanced ingredients for radiant, healthy-looking skin”, and at first play, it most definitely does that. Influenced by centuries of traditional bathing rituals, it also serves as an opportunity to restore balance and calm to your routine.
“As a society, we’re always on the go ,” says Caroline Parker, Head of Education for Dermalogica New Zealand. “And like so many other things, we tend to rush through our daily bathing routines– in the process forgetting the longstanding significance and restorative power of this daily ritual. On the contrary, bathing can and should be a meditative, reflective part of daily life.”
“After all, there’s a vital connection between the mind and skin health. Mindfulness-based practices like meditation – which has tripled in popularity since 2012 – have been shown to reduce stress levels. In turn, lower stress promotes skin health – not just for the face, but for the skin on your entire body.”
Not only do the products themselves promote hydration and help skin glow, but the packaging on two products features rich textures and gold foiling that definitely makes a nod to the notion of wabi-sabi. “The Phyto Replenish Body Oil and the Thermafoliant Body Scrub beautifully reflect the meditative approach these products encourage, and make them a beautiful gift choice,” says Parker.
The full line up is…
Phyto Replenish Body Oil (125 mL), RRP $99.
A delicately-scented featherweight body oil to replenish, calm and moisturise for glowing skin, it utilises the power of ingredients like French Plum Seed Oil, Avocado Oil and Sunflower Seed Oil to help protect skin’s lipid barrier, Fermented Red Ginseng to calm and nourish, and Bergamot, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli and Sandalwood to leave skin soft and delicately scented.
Thermafoliant Body Scrub (177 mL), RRP $82
A dual-action, warming body exfoliant that energises and smooths for radiant, brighter skin, this will be a wonder in the lead up to summer as we prep for the layers to come off. Its formula includes Indian Bamboo Stem to physically exfoliate and refine skin texture, and Papain (from Papaya) and Lactic Acid to dissolve dull, dead cells. Natural Sea Salt revitalises and hydrates, whilst a blend of replenishing bio-lipids help to protect and strengthen skin barrier.
Conditioning Body Wash (295 mL), RRP $56
A richly sensorial, skin-nourishing body wash that cleanses, conditions and invigorates at any time of day. Heady oils in the mix include French Rosemary and Chinese Eucalyptus, which alongside fresh Tea Tree and Lemon oils cleanse skin and awaken the senses.
Body Hydrating Cream (295 mL), RRP $60
A nourishing cream for immediate smooth, glowing hydration. Aromatic Orange Oil and Chinese Green Tea soothe and soften skin, whilst French Lavender and Indonesian Patchouli oils calm the senses. Last up, naturally-derived Lactic Acid and hydroxy acid extracts from Cane Sugar and Apple smooth skin and relieve dryness.
Perfect as presents in the lead up to the silly season or perfect gifts to self, this beautiful collection is on counter now.
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Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Beauty news: RevitaLash Cosmetics honours Breast Cancer Awareness all year round
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 RevitaLash Cosmetics, who are proud supporters year-round of breast cancer initiatives, doing amazing things at a grass roots level for women enduring some of the toughest times of their lives. This year, RevitaLash Cosmetics debuted its annual Pink promotion in New Zealand on the 1st of October to support and celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness month, and as always, they are doing it well. Through this campaign, RevitaLash Cosmetics Founder and CEO, Michael Brinkenhoff, M.D. honours and carries on the legacy of his late wife, who was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 32.
This year, RevitaLash New Zealand will donate a month’s supply of RevitaLash or RevitaBrow to the Look Good Feel Better Trust for every Pink RevitaLash and RevitaBrow sold, which is no mean feat.
The limited-edition collection just for October consists of the award-winning RevitaLash Advanced (2mL and 3.5mL) and RevitaBrow Advanced (3.0 mL), each housed in a luxurious pink ribbon embossed box. I can vouch for both as being the best in their field when it comes to high performance, serious results, and I’ve tried a few!
For those unfamiliar with their amazing work, Look Good Feel Better is a free, non-medical and brand-neutral programme that share tangible tips and techniques to help people face cancer with confidence. LGFBNZ runs 300 classes in 40 centres each year throughout New Zealand for women, men and teenagers. "LGFBNZ is grateful that RevitaLash is once again donating product to share with participants that attend the LGFB programmes,” said Josy Jansonius, Look Good Feel Better New Zealand of this month’s activity. “This generous product donation is something tangible for our participants to use after treatment to help feel like their normal selves again".
RevitaLash New Zealand also strives to raise awareness of the importance of checking for changes, year round, to the point where every RevitaLash Advanced product purchased by every stockist, retailer and customer, is accompanied by a bespoke ‘check for changes’ business card. In their effort to raise awareness, RevitaLash New Zealand have set a goal to distribute over 9,000 cards for 2019, almost double the cards that were sent out in 2017 and 2018.
The only lash and brow conditioners that I’ve ever used that actually deliver the goods on all fronts, RevitaLash Cosmetics are available at selected beauty therapy clinics nationwide and online at www.revitalash.co.nz. For more information or to locate your nearest stockist, visit www.revitalash.co.nz.
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Saturday, October 12, 2019
Friday, October 11, 2019
Love it: Trilogy Vitamin C Energising Mist Toner
One of the best things to have on hand when you’re travelling somewhere warm - or lucky enough to actually BE somewhere warm - is a mist or toner. A good one can help top up moisture levels and protect the skin’s barrier, and they have definitely come a long way since the swipe of witch hazel I was introduced to many years ago.
A new one to my skincare arsenal comes via New Zealand skincare OGs, Trilogy. Created to support skin with a top up of complexion-brightening, all good vitamin C anytime and anywhere, the Vitamin C Energising Mist Toner is bursting with a zesty blend of powerfully natural ingredients. These include antioxidant-rich vitamin C to promote a glowing and even complexion, mandarin and tangerine oils to refresh and energise and ylang ylang oil to leave skin balanced and soothed. Needless to say, it smells incredible, and gives the spirits a bit of a boost after just one whiff.
Suitable for all skin types and also safe to use while pregnant, it can be spritzed anytime to hydrate, energise and boots the skin’s natural glow, or just when you need a little pick me up on a grey morning like today.
Some tips for using this multitasker straight from the Trilogy crew include:
* Create flawless coverage by spritzing on your foundation brush before you apply your base. It will help you buff it out without overloading the skin for a natural-looking complexion.
* Spritz over make-up to help it set and stay on longer. This also creates that gorgeous dewy and radiant glow even when you’re not feeling it!
* Keep in your handbag for an energising pick-me-up anywhere and anytime.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Beauty news: Lancôme announces Amanda Seyfried as its newest ambassador
In huge news for both the brand and the famous face, global luxe beauty giant Lancôme has announced the appointment of American actress, mother and singer, Amanda Seyfried, as their latest brand ambassador.
Bringing her natural charisma and fabulous facial features to the celebrated French house of beauty, Amanda says: “It’s hugely exciting to be welcomed to this incredible family of women ambassadors, all so different and yet all so united in their mission to represent Lancôme while also embodying the positive virtues and values that empower and bring happiness and self-fulfillment to women around the world.”
Francoise Lehmann, Lancôme International President adds: “We are so happy to be able to welcome Amanda to our family. As a true Lancôme woman, Amanda brings her immense talent as an actress and singer, her natural beauty, and unequalled zest for life to our world. She perfectly represents our values and we look forward to an exciting time together.”
Amanda is probably best known for her starring role as ‘Sophie’ in the Golden Globe nominated musical film franchise “Mamma Mia!”, and she most recently starred alongside Milo Ventimiglia in Simon Curtis’ adaptation of “The Art of Racing in The Rain”. Next year, she will star opposite Kevin Bacon in David Koepp’s “You Should Have Left”, and will also lend her voice to the Warner Bros. animated film “Scoob” as Daphne Blake, meaning she is one very busy woman indeed.
Her red carpet style has always been on point no matter what the event, which is yet another reason I am sure she has been snapped up by the quintessentially French brand. She is also well-practiced in being the face of beauty brands with French monikers, having previously done so for both Clé de Peau Beauté and Givenchy.
Beyond the screen, Amanda’s passions are her family and friends and the welfare of animals, and her personal ethos ties in well with Lancôme’s own philanthropic cause, “Write Her Future”. In her new role, Seyfried will be joining Lancôme’s impressive lineup of stellar women, which includes the likes of Zendaya, Isabella Rossellini, Julia Roberts, and Lupita Nyong’o. I, for one, can’t wait to see what they create together.
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Wednesday, October 2, 2019
All about: Getting easy, breezy summer hair
Summer is a great season for hair, a time when you can get away with beachy waves and lock your straighteners away for a few months. Unfortunately, it's also the season when hair can sustain the most damage, leading to faded out colour and split ends that get left to your stylist to sort out come autumn. Lest we forget the onslaught of oily roots, which leave one looking akin to having collided with ExxonMobil’s finest vessel.
Which brings me to one hair problem that is specific to the warmer months: combination hair. And yes, that is an actual thing. This is when you have oily roots and super dry mid-lengths and ends, and the longer the hair the more you have to deal with. A great addition to your hair prescription to help with this is Kérastase Bain Divalent, a daily balancing shampoo for combination hair, leaving the scalp and hair feeling clean and nourished, but also like it’s had a proper wash. It’s gentle too; unlike many other “detox” shampoos that smell medicinal and get your locks a little too squeaky clean. Use it only on roots then add in a nourishing conditioner like the same brand’s Nutritive Fondant Magistral for dry to severely dry hair on the mid lengths and ends.
Summer’s beachy waves are best achieved with sea salt spray, but steer clear of actual sea water, which whilst free, has high salt content and is thus osmotic, meaning it leaches moisture out of your hair. When ends start to split and your colour is rapidly fading, you’ll wish instead that you’d reached for Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry from Mecca, which is perfect for those seeking sun-dried waves with a polished edge. It’s a foam-mousse hybrid to be used on damp hair before blow drying, and is ideal for fine-to-medium hair in need of some sea-swept volume with less grit than the brand’s traditional Surf Spray.
For those that get excessively dry ends, keeping a nourishing hair oil in your bag at the beach or by the pool is a good idea post-swim, when if long, you can use it to pull your newly-slick hair into a braid. Morroccanoil and Davines OI/OIL are both rich options in portable form, and will keep things manageable until you can get to a shower.
If your hair is regularly coloured and you want to keep it looking fresh over the summer, consider investing in a bottle of Kardashian-endorsed Olaplex Number 3 Hair Perfector. Apply to damp hair, comb through, and leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes before washing as normal. If you want to maximise the effect, leave it on overnight (as Kim K recommends) and reap the benefits.
Another summer essential is a good dry shampoo, especially if you have a fringe or hair that’s prone to oiliness around the face. Oribe’s Gold Lust is pricey but highly effective and smells amazing, and leaves zero telltale white residue. A pro tip is to apply a dusting of dry shampoo before you sweat – thus absorbing any oil before it has time to properly bed in and weigh down your ‘do.
Lastly, many haircare brands offer products containing sunscreen at this time of year, but the experts agree that a hat is always the best option as it will protect both your colour and your scalp.
Monday, September 30, 2019
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