10 Makeup, Skincare, & Hair Products You’ll Wish You’d Known About Sooner
The life of a beauty addict is never dull thanks to dozens of brand-new makeup, skincare and haircare products launching every single month. Of course, new beauty launches always bring with them a lot of hype so it can be hard to tell what’s worth the splurge and what’s better left as a distant memory from your Instagram feed. Fortunately for you, I’m always willing to put my skin and hair on the line to test out the newest beauty products on the market, so you don’t have to. So, what’s good this month? Here are 10 new makeup, skincare, and hair products I’ve loved in March… Because I support your decision to treat yourself to yet another lipstick you probably don’t need but deserve.
1. Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Liquid Lip
I adore liquid lipsticks and these ones from Elizabeth Arden are my favourite. While more traditional lipsticks can dry out your lips, these are far more hydrating. The gold standard of liquid lipstick, the EA Beautiful Colour Liquid Lip is available in 18 gorgeous shades and a finish for every occasion — lacquer, cream, and gloss. I’ve been playing around with 3 of the lacquer colours and can’t get enough! With a soft pink nude ‘Tulle’ is ideal for a barely-there look while the bolder ‘Casual’ offers a deep mauve tone which is ideal for date night. If you love corals then you’ll also adore the ‘Coral Infusion’ for an orangey twist on a red lip. The non-sticky formula of this lip lacquer makes it a dream to wear. Luxurious and comfortable, I can’t recommend this lippy enough.
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Liquid Lip is available at Edgars stores and online at R299.
2. Inoar Natural Collection Cabelo & Corpo Shampoo Shower Gel
Tired of the husband or boyfriend stealing your shampoo and shower gel? This 1-litre bottle of happiness from Inoar ensures there’s enough for everyone in the family to treat their skin and hair. This professional-grade shower gel and ‘low-poo’ shampoo has moisturising and toning effects for hair while leaving your skin super soft. With a gentle formula, this hair and body gel is vegan and sulfate-free, so it’s kind to the planet and sensitive skin. The gel’s strong Orange Blossom aroma will fill your bathroom with uplifting scents of citrus, making shower time a little more of a pamper session. This shampoo is ideal for everyday cleansing and doesn’t leave your hair feeling stripped or dry and not having to reach for a separate body wash or shampoo while you’re in the shower appeals to the lazy girl in me.
The Inoar Natural Collection Cabelo & Corpo Shampoo Shower Gel is available at select hair salons at R380.
3. L.A Girl Glowin’ Up Highlighting Jelly
Are you ready for this jelly? The L.A Girl Glowin’ Up Jelly Highlighter is a party gal’s new best friend. Available in 8 fabulous shades to take your glow up a notch, these water-based gels glide on and leave a super-smooth texture on the skin for an extra dewy glow. Special glossy polymers provide a wet-looking sheen that dries down to a long-wearing, highly-pigmented shine, giving you an out-of-this-world colour pop. This gel can be applied anywhere you would normally apply highlighter; cheekbones, brow bone, nose, you name it. For the best result put a very small amount of product on your finger and lightly pat the product on, being careful to work quickly or it will dry out before you’re done. Some of the shades in this range are pure shimmer while some are pure glitter with a coloured base. I love the ‘Pixie Glow’ (a slightly shimmery purplish-pink with a strong blue sheen to it) and ‘Halo Glow’ (a light shimmery gold, ideal for light to medium skin tones) colours.
The L.A Girl Glowin’ Up Jelly Highlighter is available at Dis-Chem Pharmacy stores and online at R99.95.
4. TheraNaka Desert Rose Illuminating Bath Salts
If you’re not able to pay a visit to a spa to de-stress, this gorgeous pot of bath salts is the next best thing! Escape from a stressful day and unwind with these luxurious Rose Gold Atlantic Bath Salts. Shimmers of bronze and infusions of Rose fragrance help to rejuvenate and ease your body and mind whilst preparing you for a good night’s sleep. I’ve been using these bath salts as a way to unwind before bedtime and it’s really helped to soothe tired muscles and help me switch off and wind down before bed.
TheraNaka Desert Rose Illuminating Bath Salts is available at selected spas across South Africa. Check out the full stockist list here.
5. Caribbean Tan Instant Tan in a Can
If you’ve forgotten to bronze up before a big event, Caribbean Tan’s Instant Tan in a Can aerosol spray will prove to be a lifesaver. The tanning product is ideal for days when you’re in a rush and need an immediate effect for an evening out or special event. Just spray it on and marvel at your bronzed skin. The instant tan still contains all the ingredients of traditional gradual tanning products, leaving you with the benefits of the gradual tan after the first wash. The active ingredients start creating the tan underneath the superficial colour within 1 – 2 hours so you’ll be left with a natural-looking tan long after your event is over. This fine mist spray is ideal for difficult to reach places and dries within 8 minutes so you can spray and go without any hassles. You get a great natural-looking even tan with this spray and I like it because, with the tint, you can easily see if you’ve missed any spots. If you prefer a gradual tanner, the Caribbean Tan range also offers a gradual tanner aerosol spray.
Caribbean Tan’s Instant Tan in a Can is available at Clicks stores and online at R99.99.
6. Optiphi Body Curve Body Foliant
This overnight body peel is the exfoliator of your dreams. If you’re looking for baby soft skin, this dual-action blend of chemical and enzymatic components will exfoliate your skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and calm sensitivity, leaving you with soft and radiant looking skin. Key ingredients in this body peel include Glycolic and lactic acid as well as Bacillus Ferment. With a luxurious lotion-like texture, you apply this peel as you would a normal body lotion and then wait for the magic to happen. I’ve been using it as a way to ensure my skin is baby soft before shaving or applying self-tanner and it’s truly incredible. Waking up in the morning, my skin is noticeably softer and smoother after sleeping with this lotion on. I struggle a lot with ingrown hairs and finding this gem hidden in my beauty review cupboard last week was like a godsend. I’ve been using it for just over a week now and have had zero issues with ingrown hairs and dry patches on my legs. I’m sold!
Optiphi Body Curve Body Foliant is available at select spas and online from Skinmiles at R860.
7. Pinky Goat Lashes
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect false lashes for a while now. Something affordable but of the highest quality, reusable and cruelty-free. It’s a tall order but I’ve finally found the one — Pinky Goat. The weird name aside, these lashes are a cut above the rest. With a wide range of lashes available, with styles ranging from full glam to natural and everything in-between, there’s a set to match your desired look. Made from ‘faux mink’, Pinky Goat’s vegan lashes have a very natural look and the thin lash band is sturdy without looking too bulky, making them very comfortable to wear. I tried out three sets of Pink Goat lashes and was super impressed. I wore them for 8 hours and not only did they stay put all night but they were also ultra-comfortable. These lashes don’t feel heavy at all and can be re-used up to 15 times if you look after them well. Pair it with Pinky Goat’s ‘Glue Me’ fast-drying, water-proof lash glue and you’ve got a match made in heaven. Infused with castor oil and Chamomile, this lash glue is a must-try for lash addicts.
The Pinky Goat range is available at Clicks stores ar R149.
8. Childs Farm Hair & Body Wash
If you’ve got little ones, then you’re going to love Childs Farm! The brand has a wide range of organic skin-loving products but the Hair & Body Wash is my favourite. It’s suitable for newborns and cuts through grime and dirt without leaving the skin feeling stripped. The multi-use product helps to moisturise and cleanse skin and hair and is super affordable too. It’s also free from parabens, SLS, mineral oils, artificial colours, and fragrance. Basically it’s a gem of a find for any parent! I love the Childs Farm Organic Sweet Orange Hair & Body Wash because it smells delicious and is a real treat for the skin.
Childs Farm Hair & Body Wash is available from Clicks at R63.99.
9. Elizabeth Arden White Tea Vanilla Orchid
As summer starts drawing to a close, it’s time to start thinking about which fragrances you’re going to indulge in during the cooler months. If you’re looking for something light with a warm undertone for autumn, then I can’t recommend White Tea Vanilla Orchid enough. One of my favourites from the Elizabeth Arden White Tea Collection, this beautiful scent evokes the rich scents of a cool summer evening. Top notes of Lemon Primofiore, Bergamot Essence, Quince, Elemi Oil open up into heart notes of White Tea, Gardenia, Dewy Jasmin, Vanilla Orchid before revealing base notes of Ambrette, Orris, Vanilla Essence, Amberwood, and Musk. I love wearing this fragrance during the day and for casual evening dinners with friends. Best of all, if you’re a fan of the White Tea Collection you can also layer this fragrance with other scents from the collection to create your own personal scent!
Elizabeth Arden White Tea Vanilla Orchid EDT is available at Foschini stores and online at R575 for 30ml.
10. GR8 Hydrate Vitamin Moisturiser
Suitable for use on all skin types the Gr8 Vitamin Moisturiser acts like a dermatological superfood for tired, skin that needs a boost. Packed with powerful anti-oxidants, vital vitamins B, C, E, and hyaluronic acid, combined with green tea, honeybush tea, and olive extracts, this lightweight cream nourishes, soothes, and moisturises without clogging pores. It’s a super hydrating moisturiser is non-greasy and collagen-boosting to boot, making ideal for layering under foundation day or night.
GR8 Hydrate Vitamin Moisturiser is available at Dis-Chem Pharmacy stores and online at R365.
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