Editor’s Picks: 10 New Beauty Products I tried & Loved in January [Review]
The beauty world is full of surprises! Just when you thought you’ve seen it all, the clever sausages keep pulling more rabbits out of the hat. I tried a lot of beauty products over the last month and a bit but these 10 finds were indeed my favourite of them all. Here are my picks for the top 10 new beauty products to try this month and beyond.
1. Lush Dream Cream, Hand & Body Lotion
This soothing cream had quite a moment in 2018; the product was consistently sold out at Lush stores after a UK mom posted incredible photos of her son on Facebook before and after she used Dream Cream on his eczema flare-up. Her review of the product quickly went viral and since April 2018 has been shared over 50,000 times. The preservative-free cream is Lush’s number one selling product and contains a powerful blend of calming chamomile, extra virgin olive oil and organic cocoa butter to help soothe and soften skin quickly. The cream was designed to be used on even the most sensitive and easily reactive skins and is a real winner in a tub. I’ve used it on my psoriasis flare-ups and can confirm that it is beyond gentle and oh-so-soothing on red, painful skin flare-ups. It’s petal-soft and the calming scent of lavender and Turkish rose make it the ultimate pamper for your skin whether you’re treating problem skin or not.
Lush Dream Cream retails for R245 for a 240gtub — buy it online here.
2. Palladio Under Eyes Disguise
Nothing helps to create a flawless make-up look quite like a good concealer. This high-coverage concealer helps to hide even the biggest signs of late night sins. The lightweight, creamy formula makes it super easy to apply and blend for a natural look when concealing under-eye circles, covering up imperfections, and evening out skin tone. This fabulous little product is available in a range of shades including natural shades for everyday coverage, yellow for camouflaging dark circles, mint to neutralise redness, and peach to minimise blue undertones or neutralise dark spots. They’re so inexpensive you can easily invest in the entire shade range without blowing your cosmetics budget for the month — trust me, once you’ve tried one shade you’ll quickly become next-level obsessed with collecting them all.
Palladio Under Eyes Disguise retails for R95 and is available exclusively at Dis-Chem.
3. Denman Shower Brush
This may look like a simple little shampoo brush but it’s my new favourite thing to use on my hair when I’m washing it in the shower! I’ve always struggled with a flaky and irritated scalp and this circular brush helps to make sure I cleanse my scalp thoroughly, removing any product or grime build up that may irritate my scalp. I also use it to massage in any scalp treatment I’m using as it helps to really work in the product. Using a delicate scalp brush like this little wonder from Denman helps to stimulate the hair follicles (which are responsible for producing hair and scalp moisturising sebum) and I’ve noticed a real difference in my scalp since I’ve started using this brush. And, since I’m getting all those wonderful natural oils from my scalp, I’ve started washing my hair less frequently since using this brush. The extra-soft plastic bristles of the brush soften under hot water, so it’s gentle on the scalp, and gives you a lovely scalp massage while you’re working in the shampoo. But it’s not just for shampooing, it can also be used to evenly distribute gels, waxes and pomades when styling.
The Denman Shower Brush retails for R49 and is available at Dis-Chem.
4. Mavala Blush Collection
This collection of pretty in pink nail colours from Mavala offer the perfect chic finish for every summer outfit. Every colour in this 6-polish range is beyond gorgeous and I love that they’ve gone with a palate of less flashy shades. The colours are delicate and easy-to-wear and you can’t help but love them to bits. The colours in the range include 6 mini (5ml) polish shades ranging from subtle pinks to deeper reds and purples. The mini bottles are also perfect for ladies who love choice but can never really get to the bottom of a polish bottle before it dries out. Furthermore, this makes the handy little bottles ideal for fitting in your bag (at home or abroad) so you never need to be without one! If you’ve never tried the Mavala polish range before, then this collection is a great place to start.
The Mavala Blush Collection retails for R87 each and is available from Dis-Chem.
5. Institut Esthederm Eau Cellulaire Spray
This refreshing spray from French skincare brand, Institut Esthederm, is a summer must-have. The first step in your skin routine, this mist is similar to the skin’s own water, and helps to hydrate and revitalise the skin when it’s feeling a little under the weather. The super fine spray contains a combination of antioxidants and is enhanced with hydrating hyaluronic acid to give you a high-functioning product that can be used in a multitude of ways. Keep it in your beach bag for a refreshing way to compensate for the loss of mineral salts after a long day in the sun or use it as a make-up setting spray before you dash out the door in the morning. I used it during the December break and it was a lifesaver after long beach days. I’ve also been using it as part of my morning skincare routine, just after my serums and before my day cream, and it definitely leaves my skin looking brighter and feeling more hydrated in summer.
Institut Esthederm Eau Cellulaire Spray retails for R304 and is available through doctors and accredited therapists. Find your nearest stockist here.
6. Essence All About Matt Fixing Compact Powder
Get that all-important matt finish with this fabulous little compact from Essence. This fine powder comes in translucent, waterproof, and silky varieties and is ideal for anyone who prefers a pressed powder. Apply it over foundation to mattify your skin, set your make-up, and create a matt, natural and smooth finish. The waterproof powder is transparent and will prove to be a lifesaver when you’re wearing make-up in hot conditions while the regular translucent powder is perfect for everyday use when you need some lighter setting power. If you’re after a smidgen of colour then you’ll love the silky compact which adapts to all skin tones and gives you an overall subtle rosy glow.
Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder retails for R64.95 and is available from Clicks and Dis-Chem.
7. Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
This potent bio-active peel mask is designed to renew your complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone. It’s a fabulous product to use when your skin needs a pick-me-up as it will leave skin looking brighter, healthier, and more radiant. The gentle mask also works to combat congestion, blackheads and blemishes, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This luxurious mask contains a combination of exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), namely lactic, citric and glycolic acids, which help to shed older skin cells and promote the renewal of skin cells, leaving you with a bright and rejuvenated appearance. My skin looks absolutely amazing every time I use this mask and it definitely helps to improve skin texture and brighten the skin. If you have sensitive skin it’s probably best to use it sparingly (once a week at most) but those with tougher skin will love the benefits this mask can provide!
Ren Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask retails for R625 and is available from Clicks.
8. Not Your Mother’s Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detangler
Anyone who has thick, curly hair knows how much of a chore it can be to wash your own hair. Because…. knots. If you’ve ever experienced the pain of ripping a hair knotted brush out of your hair you know what I mean. This deliciously scented detangling spray moisturises and detangles hair like an absolute boss and is my new favourite post-shampoo product. It’s also infused with hydrolysed keratin so it conditions the hair as you comb out those pesky knots and leaves your hair feeling super soft and silky without leaving behind a greasy residue. I love it because it’s lightweight, doesn’t weigh down the hair, and smells heavenly. This post-wash spray is super easy to use and works like a leave-in conditioner — just spray it over damp hair, and comb and watch in disbelief as your comb glides through knots with absolute ease.
Not Your Mother’s Knotty to Nice Conditioning Detangler retails for R119 and is available from Dis-Chem.
9. Himalaya Aloe Vera Facial Wipes
Let’s be frank; face wipes make it so much easier to brave your way through your pre-bed skincare routine after a long day. These wipes are ideal for those days when you need a little extra helping hand. They gently cleanse the skin without stripping it of hydration and leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed. They’re free from alcohol and are perfect for normal to dry skin, or anyone who wants to remove make-up and waterproof mascara while gently hydrating their skin. The moisturising Aloe Vera Facial Wipes are enriched with a natural blend of 2 key herbal ingredients, Aloe Vera and Fig Aloe Vera. Known for its many healing properties, aloe vera is known for its antibacterial and antifungal actions as well its hydrating, soothing and intense moisturising properties so you can be sure they’ll be gentle on sensitive or reactive skin.
Himalaya Aloe Vera Facial Wipes retail for R52,95 and are available from Wellness Warehouse.
10. Mustela No Rinse Soothing Cleansing Water
Yes sure, Mustela is a baby skincare brand but this gentle cleansing water isn’t just for bubs and mums, I swear! This daily-use cleaning water helps to soothe skin that is more sensitive than normal and can be used on babies and adults alike. The best part is it can be used on all parts of the body to dissolve dirt or clean up little messes, in-between baths. Thanks to its unique formula, no additional rinsing or water is required. If you struggle to use alcohol-laden hand sanitiser then this stuff will prove to be a real treat for you on-the-go. Soap, tear and paraben-free, this product contains key ingredients include Avocado Perseose (a clinically-proven patented natural ingredient that protects and reinforces the skin barrier) and Schizandra, (derived from red berries rich in vitamins A, B6, and C). I love it because it offers a high skin and eye tolerance, making it ideal for removing make-up in a pinch or cleansing on-the-go.
Mustela No Rinse Soothing Cleansing Water retails for R180 and is available online from Dermastore.
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