On My Desk: Beauty Nov 2013

If there are two words that strike joy in a girl’s heart it’s "limited edition". Actually come to think of it there are many two word combinations that I like hearing…

On My Desk: Beauty Nov 2013 – new releases in beauty that are hot right now.

If there are two words that strike joy in a girl’s heart it’s "limited edition". Actually come to think of it there are many two word combinations that I like hearing, including, but not limited to, "half price", "free delivery", and "Karen Walker". Still, the idea of limited edition products that you don’t see everywhere on everyone is right up there.

Thus, I was drawn to this Viva La Juicy boxed limited edition parfum spray. First you see the pink satin bow and think "cute, but I’ve seen it before". Then you open the lid and you see the black and white striped box lining, and the diamante Juicy charm. So, so cute, original, yet tres Juicy. Available at Farmers beauty counters $195 for 100ml.

Taylor Swift has pulled a swifty on us again with the release of this little charmer: Enchanted Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift in a smaller replica bottle in a gift box. Give the gift of Swift. She’ll be – for lack of a better word – enchanted with it. Available at Farmers beauty counters for $29 for 15ml.

For the body…

Nourish Dry Skin and Soap Free Wash are ideal for those with super-sensitive skins. These travel-friendly 100ml sizes are available at selceted pharmacies for $9.95.

The Nourish Dry Skin cream is incredibly rich; it’s one of those creams that is so thick, it stands up by itself – like whipped cream in the baking world, or Creme de la Mer in the skincare world. I liked that it is completely neutral fragrance-wise so it won’t irritate those with perfume sensitivities. Nourish Soap Free Wash is just a good idea. As a Mum, it is indispensible for cleaning up when there are no taps around and I like that this is all natural and free of SLS and parabens. Two goodies for the glovebox of the car.

The fantastic local skincare brand SAVAR – who have been making their mark with a range of New Zealand natural skincare for the face and body – have released this Jet Set Travel Treats trio of balms. I like that it’s all made in New Zealand, and you get this set of three medium-sized balms to cover almost every eventuality require em-balm-ing whilst traveling, first aid balm, magic rescue balm, and temple relief balm. If one is healed, hydrated, and calm, the world is a whole new kettle of fish and one can even take on immigration at Los Angeles International Airport smiling. You don’t have to be travelling far, by the way – you can use these to calm down after a trip to New World Ponsonby at rush hour. $44 for 3 in a box from www.savaronline.com

Trilogy Botanical Body Wash has been re-released in a lovely new frosted brown bottle. I have used this in the shower for ages and love its fragrance of a clean, herbal smell from New Zealand kawakawa. They also have BioGro certification. www.trilogyproducts.com

I love Weleda for natural-yet-reasonably-priced skincare and used lots of their products during pregnancy and on baby. These three healing products are perfect for a family first aid kit. I have already used the insect Combudoron Spray on mozzie bites, and the Calendula Healing Cream on my heel blister. Arnica will come in handy for bruises on children’s knees. They retail for $19.90 each from health stores and pharmacies. www.weleda.co.nz

Oxygen skincare’s Alana Riley is impressive on many levels. I am in awe of her business sense and drive and think she’s a real mentor to many young New Zealand women throughout her varied career. Her skincare brand, Oxygen, is all made in Nelson New Zealand using organic hop extract, using her 25 years of hop farming experience. Oxygen has used this hero ingredient that encourages collagen production in this little gem: Ultimate Botanical Serum with camellia and hop extract for all skin types ($53.90.) www.oxygenskincare.co.nz

A huge success in its category, Bio-Oil has just celebrated its 10th anniversary in New Zealand! We were lucky enough to celebrate with them at a beauty media lunch last week in Auckland and hear how it’s the recipient of numerous awards, has a market share in the NZ scar management category of 65.9%, the 60ml size of Bio-Oil is New Zealand’s #1 selling skincare product, and is the product most recommended by GPs and Midwives for scars and stretchmarks. Read more about its 10th anniversary on Thread here.

Megan Robinson
25 November 2013