On My Desk April 2013

See what’s new that’s come across my desk in product releases in beauty, skincare, hair and fashion in this latest column of On My Desk April 2013…

See what’s new that’s come across my desk in product releases in beauty, skincare, hair and fashion in this latest column of On My Desk April 2013…

This divine Loobie’s Story silk scarf is from the latest collection by the New Zealand fashion label and draws from exotic influences in its inspiration. Loobie’s Story likes to mix the urban with the exotic in their always-interesting pieces. They really know how to use colour well. For stockist info see www.loobiesstory.co.nz

Still talking colour, these three metallic shades of nail polish are the latest launch from the growing empire under New Zealand fashion designer Miranda Cobb’s Evolution clothing brand which has jewellery, too. Metallics go with EVERYTHING and these are a sure bet this season. Evolution nail lacquers retail for $8.90 from Evolution Clothing boutiques and online at www.evolutionclothing.co.nz

The coolest video presentation in a box ever – this totally trumps even the best USB sticks I’ve seen. Eva Mendes is the face of Vogue eyewear’s spring summer 2013 communication campaign, and talks to camera about her favourites in the new season Vogue eyewear collections. For more info see vogue-eyewear.com

BB creams are still so hot right now, and two at a reasonable price are the Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone BB Cream in fair/light or medium/dark with SPF 15 at $16.99. It is paraben-free and sulphate-free. Also with a SPF 15 in a BB Cream is Garnier’s Miracle Skin Perfector for sensitive skin, available now at supermarkets everywhere.

Art a Face Skin Science is an Auckland-based skincare company with animal testing-free products. I’m currently using their Art a Face All Day Protection Plus SPF15 daycream pictured left below, and they also have a Rejuvenating Night Cream ($95). The range aims to rebuild and heal damaged tissue with the use of pure New Zealand-produced colostrum. Manufactured in New Zealand and recommended by plastic surgeons for post surgical trauma, it is also paraben free. For more info and stockists see www.artaface.com

Bee venom is a huge trend worldwide and is growing and growing in the skincare market. I’ve been using the Manuka Doctor Repairing Skin Cream with UMF18+ manuka at night. They have released a Manuka Doctor api Rejuvenating Face Mask ($84.95) to regenerate cells, help collagen formation, renew damaged skin cells, and reduce scars whilst anti-ageing! That is quite a package in one mask. It also is SLS-free and paraben-free. For info and stockists see www.manukadr.co.nz

The famous Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant from Elizabeth Arden is a tried-and-true classic. It is available in both the original, and a fragrance-free version, at $35 each. They’re 50g tubes, so you can throw one in your in-flight travel bag as it’s under the 100 gram airline limit and ideal for chapped and dehydrated skin on a flight – as well as for wind protection, handcream, shaping brows, and comforting red skin. Available now from Elizabeth Arden counters.

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is a ‘beauty booster’ to use as a quick pick-me-up after a full-on day to refresh tired skin. It revives your appearance and the olive extract and witch hazel diminish the appearance of fine lines to give satiny smooth skin. Apply it under makeup for a radiant look. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is $75 from Clarins counters now.

We don’t often see a beauty product just for the men that isn’t a shaving cream or a deodorant, so my man was excited – in a very low key mellow way of course – to get his hands on the new Weleda Men’s Intensive Cream. No it’s not for intense men, it’s an intensively rich cream for ALL men, containing jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter to moisturise, particularly after shaving. It retails for $19.90 from health stores, pharmacies and www.weleda.co.nz

Here’s a gorgeous gift for someone about to embark on a big trip – or for yourself to trial Trilogy at home! It’s the Trilogy Rosehip Collection and for $39.90 you get four cute travel-sized products. Available now from Farmers, pharmacies, department stores and health stores. For more info see www.trilogyproducts.com

Hair oils are a fast route to Shine City, and Wella SP have released Luxe Oil to take you there on the keratin superhighway. Billed as a ‘reconstructive elixir’, this hair oil is a leave-in (do not rinse out) oil to add shine and smoothness to damaged hair with argan, jojoba and almond oils. I’ve got it in my hair now; it has a light, fluid rather than a thick heavy oil consistency, and it even smells nice. Luxe Oil is $44 from Wella Professional stockists and hair salons; call 0800 100 820 for stockists.

Megan Robinson
15 April 2013