On my desk: September

I’m starting a new column called "On my desk" where I can showcase all the new and exciting things. So here’s the first one – aptly – in Spring. I bring you, On my desk: September…

I’m starting a new column called "On my desk" where I can showcase all the new and exciting things that are released that come across my path. So here’s the first one – aptly – in Spring. I bring you, On my desk: September…

You know it’s starting to feel like Spring when a) freesias appear b) lamb gets cheaper and c) fake tans appear on my desk.

Pictured left: freesias did appear; not in my garden but as a very pretty invitation to The Aromatherapy Co’s new season launch. Smell divine.

Left: Aucklander Leanne Pratt has launched a line of eponymously-titled teas, named Pratty’s. I brewed a nice cup of Eucalytus tea today.

You glow, girl:
Garnier has released Ambre Solaire Bronze Minute, Garnier’s first wash-off instant self-tan gel. Its point of difference is a lack of nasty smell, and a quick dry time. It retails at $20.49.

Going balmy:
The fabulous Catie Wilkinson behind geoskincare facial skincare has a line of everyday usefulness called The Green House. I use their household surfaces spray in my home. Now, they’ve releaseda multi-purpose balm for chaped lips, grazes, itchy skin, minor burns and insect bites. It contains calendula and manuka essential oils to heal and beeswax and vitamin E to hydrate and protect. The Green House First Aid Balm retails for $9.50.

Don’t let it shine:
Also new from Garnier in September, is their top-selling BB Cream in an oil-free option with a new active ingredient, minderal perlite, a volcanic rock extract used for its absorbing properties. Garnier BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector for oily & Combination SKin comes in Light and Medium SPF15 tones for $17.49.

Solar Defense Booster gets a boost:
Dermalogica have reformulated Daylight Defense products and incorporated them into their other ranges to make it easier for customer to select a moisturiser with SPF for year-round daily use based on their specific skin condition. Thus they are selling their wildly popular Solar Defense Booster at 30% off for $79.80 instead of $114 at their website www.dermalogica.co.nz/solar-defense-booster-spf30. The newly formulated Solar Defense Booster will be available from 1st October 2012 with SPF50 instead of the current SPF30 and will have grey packaging as part of the Dermalogica Skin Health System.

Like a moth to a dane:
Two New Zealand friends, Sally Dodson and Jodie Scantlebury launched moth&dane, a line of handmade jewellery, with their first collection named for the rose (earrings below.) See all the photos from the Auckland launch at District Dining here.

Smells like clean spirit:
The fabulous Christchurch natural and botanic skincare company Linden Leaves is bang on trend with its latest release based around aromatherapy. Linden Leaves Aromatherapy Synergy used essential oils and botanicals to heal and lift moods to restore happiness. Ahh. The beautifull-fragranced foaming shower gel and moisturising lotion are $23 each and a good way to put you in a good mood first thing in the morning.

Big and bouncy:
Clairol are legendary for their hairspray and they’ve released some more-to-be classics. Aimed at sexy big blow out hair, the Clairol Professional Impressive volume range contains an Impressive volume Shampoo and Conditioning Mousse to start, preparing hair for volume at the crown. Next up, work Clairol Professional Flat Ban Root Mousse through towel-dry hair and blow dry as normal. Set the style with Lock Finish Spray. The range is available in salons now. The shampoo and conditioner are $23.50 each, root mousse $23.50, and finishing spray is $11.90.

Mirror mirror on the wall:
Karen Murrell lipsticks sent this very cute vintage mirror recommending that their Pink Starlet Lipstick ($30) is the perfect summer companion with their Moisture Stick ($30) to hydrate and plump lips. Available from pharmacies and online at www.karenmurrell.com

Trilogy has added this Ultra Hydrating Hand Cream to its luxury natural body care line, in their new packaging of white and turquoise. The handcream contains jojoba, marula, and of course their famous rosehip oils. It retails at $23.50 from stockists nationwide, their website at www.trilogyproducts.com and now in their retail store in the departure lounge at Auckland International Airport. Trilogy have also just become the first New Zealand skincare company to achieve NATRUE Natural Cosmetics Certification and can carry their logo.

Pure Fiji have added an eye creme to their growing stable of absolutely exquisite face care. Pure Fiji Anti-Wrinkle Eye Creme uses green coconut kinetin and botanicals to smooth delicate skin around the eye. It contains antioxidants cocnut oil, dilo oil, sikeci oil, macadamia oil and passionflower extract with beach almond hydrosol and an antiwrinkle peptide. It retails for $52 from spas and resorts and online at www.purefiji.com

Hide and seek:
Mooi – which means pretty in Afrikaans – is a range of sustainably-produced handbags made in South Africa using Nguni cow hide with the hair intact. Mooi designer Vashti Uys makes bags of high quality that adhere to Fair Trade practices and create opportunity for disadvantaged people in South Africa. You can view the gorgeous bag range – which has just been expanded to include coin purses and make-up bags – online at www.mooi.co.nz

Megan Robinson
20 September 2012