Editor’s Picks: 10 New Beauty Products to Try in January 2018!

After years of working as an Editor and writer for…

It’s time for another WomenStuff beauty roundup! Every month our beauty desk is inundated with new beauty products to try – from new skincare product releases to fabulous new makeup items and more, there’s always something exciting popping up. So, I decided to put them all together for you in one convenient place so you get all the reviews and news on the latest must-try beauty products without having to sift through a million articles. All of the products featured here have been personally reviewed by me, so you know they’re aces. Here are 10 new beauty products to try in January!

1. Elizabeth Arden Little Black Compact

If you’re tired of buying a full eyeshadow compact only to use half the colours then you’re going to love the Little Black Compact from Elizabeth Arden. This customisable compact is a game changer for ladies who love to switch up their looks on a daily basis and take their makeup with them wherever they go. Choose and combine interchangeable eyeshadow trios from a selection of complementary colours and create looks that are sure to turn heads. Each trio of colours features an “enhance” shade that can be used as a base, a “define” shade for contouring, and a “highlight” shade to brighten eyes. The colours range from easy-to-wear neutrals to bolder blues, greens, pinks, and purples and the long-wearing shadows can be applied both wet or dry. The pigment of these shadows is super impressive and I have loved mixing and matching my colour trios to suit my mood!

The Elizabeth Arden Eyeshadow trios are available from Red Square for R385.

2. Hask Greek Yogurt Deep Conditioner Mask

This line of deep conditioning hair masks from budget-friendly haircare brand, Hask will prove to be a lifesaver between salon visits. Available in three formulas (hydration, repairing, and colour-treated) these little packages of awesome promise to fix whatever hair concerns you might have. The masks are free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates, and are made from a combination of Greek yoghurt and fruit extract. I tried the Repairing mask, with blueberry and acai, and was super impressed with the results! My hair was soft, shiny, and bouncy after using the mask and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to give their hair a little TLC. To use, simply apply to wet hair after shampooing (apply from the ends to the roots) and leave on for up to five minutes before rinsing out. The formula of this mask is super thick so I wouldn’t recommend using too much on your roots as you could risk weighing down your hair.

Hask Greek Yogurt Deep Conditioner Masks are available at Clicks at R69.95.

3. Mineraline Silk Touch Hand Cream

Mineraline gives customers an affordable way to get that spa feeling at home. Made using concentrated minerals found in the Dead Sea, this non-greasy hand cream relieves and smooths dry, damaged hands. It also helps to strengthen skin cells and keep your hands feeling soft and looking youthful. The cream absorbs into the skin quickly and it’s the perfect size to keep in your handbag or in your desk drawer.

Mineraline Silk Touch Hand Cream is available at Dis-Chem at R50.

4. Wet n Wild Lash Renegade Mascara

If it’s volume you want, you’ll get it in droves with this affordable mascara from Wet n Wild. At first the formula of this mascara seems a little too on the wet side but combined with the unique volumising and lengthening brush, this mascara gives you long lashes with lust-worthy volume and just the right amount of curl. The brush is perfect for catching even the shyest of lashes and doesn’t allow the mascara to clump, even when applying multiple coats. It’s also very long wearing and doesn’t smudge once it’s on (bonus!).

Wet n Wild Lash Renegade Mascara is available at Clicks at R99.95.

5. Lip Smackers Flavoured Lip Balm

Quench your thirst as you moisturise your lips with the Lip Smackers Coca-Cola Lip Balm Set. This set of 6 great-tasting, soft drink flavoured Lip Smackers have moisturizing ingredients that are good for your lips, and fabulous flavours that are great for your taste buds. The flavours include favourites like Fanta Orange, Sprite, Coca-Cola Vanilla, Coca-Cola, and Coca-Cola Cherry. I’ve tried the Sprite, Vanilla Coke, and Coke flavours and was impressed with just how close the taste is to the real deal. These unique lip balms are super fun and really work to add a boost of long-lasting moisture to your lips.

This Coca-Cola Lipsmackers Flavoured Lip Balm Set is available at Dis-Chem at R149.95.

6. Wet Brush Pro Flex Dry Blow-Dry Brush

If you’ve got a lot of hair, like me, but are also really lazy when it comes to styling your hair then this vented hairbrush from Wet Brush Pro will change your life. Wet Brush claims the brush speeds up blow-drying time by 30 percent and let me tell you this thing really does work! It makes blow-drying thick or dense hair a breeze and is worth every penny. I don’t blow-dry my hair at home because it’s a mission and I don’t have the time or patience to struggle through it but this brush has made me want to blow-dry my hair again. It helps me to blow-dry my hair smoother and straighter than ever before thanks to the vented back, which allows hot air from the dryer to easily reach the hair. The brush also features Dual Flex Technology bristles which help to detangle even the toughest tangles in your hair, the bristles are also heat resistant so they won’t melt or get too hot and burn your scalp. But the secret to this brush isn’t just in the vents and bristles, it’s also in the curved flexible design which allows you to get closer to the scalp and make your blow-drying experience hassle-free.

For stockist information visit Sunpack.co.za.

7. Elizabeth Arden Sparrow Society Gift with Purchase Deal

Elizabeth Arden is all about giving in 2018 and I’m incredibly excited about this new gift with purchase offer from the brand! Buy two Elizabeth Arden products (one of which is moisturiser, serum or foundation) from participating stores and you’ll get this gorgeous Sparrow Society cosmetics bag filled with some stunning mini Elizabeth Arden treats. This gift with purchase sees Elizabeth Arden partner with NGO the Sparrow Society once again to bring Elizabeth Arden fans a must-have bag with a bold geometric pattern inspired by traditional African prints. The bag contains four mini products including a Superstart skin renewal booster, Advanced Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum, and a mini Plush Up Lip Gelato lipstick in Strawberry Sorbet. The bag also contains a travel-sized (50ml) Prevage Anti-Ageing treatment boosting cleanser. This a is a great way to get a few mini sizes of your favourite products to take with you on your next holiday or even try out a few Elizabeth Arden products you haven’t had the opportunity to get addicted to yet.

Tailoring Your Skincare for Your Unique Needs

This gift with purchase will be available at Foschini stores from 15 January to 4 February 2018, Truworths from 12 February to 4 March 2018, and Edgars and Red Square from 15 April to 6 May 2018.

8. Bio Oil Travel Size

Did you know Bio Oil is now available in a travel-sized 25ml bottle? This oh-so-convenient new size makes it ideal for travelling locally and internationally. I’ve been using this mini-sized version as an all-around hydrator these summer holidays and truth be told I almost forgot how much I love Bio Oil. I used the product to moisturise my legs and arms and even used it as a cuticle oil and bath oil when my sun-kissed skin needed a little TLC. With this product, a little goes a long way so it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

The Bio Oil travel-sized 25ml bottle is available at Clicks and Dis-Chem stores at R39,95.

9. Australian Gold Gradual Build Sunless Lotion

This is great all-over sunless tanner for lazy lasses who can’t be bothered with the schlep of self-tan. Using it every day for a few days will result in a really natural looking, light tan. I was very impressed with just how evenly this product develops over time and it looks so natural it’s almost impossible to believe. The lotion also fades beautifully on the skin and the colour is so natural looking you can even use it on your face without the risk of looking like a Oompa Loompa. The gel-like formula makes it easy to apply and while you should probably use a mitten to avoid staining your hands you’ll find that it glides beautifully when applied by hand as well. It also dries really quickly so you can apply it every morning after your shower and get dressed almost immediately.

Australian Gold Gradual Build Sunless Lotion is available from Clicks at R299,95.

10. Real Techniques Miracle Sculpting Sponge

If you’re all about getting a flawless finish when doing your makeup then you’ll love this little sponge from Real Techniques. This nifty little tool can be used wet or dry and boasts six different surfaces that allow you to blend, dab, and contour with ease. Simply choose a tip that suits the product you’re applying and the effect you want and dab, dab, dab. The large flat side makes it easy to sweep product across your face while the smaller tip helps you get right into the corner of the eyes. While this sponge was mostly designed for highlighting and contouring, I’ve been using it for everything from applying foundation and concealer to highlighting.

Real Technique’s Miracle Sculpting sponge is available from Takealot at R79, Takealot.