It’s SPRING and the new season brings with it optimism, hope, more sun (?!) and even a good old-fashioned spring clean – which can lead to more space in the bathroom cabinet for some new! We’ve rounded up some our favourite items and pieces from some of our favourite brands – from budget to fancy – so if you’re looking for a little update to your beauty collections or new spring beauty picks, we have you covered. Below is what is has(or is going!) in our own carts – come shopping with us!
SKIN
ALLIES OF SKIN COPPER TRIPEPTIDE & ECTOIN ADVANCED REPAIR SERUM, $316
Containing the new ‘it’ ingredient in skincare – peptides – this serum is an absolute powerhouse that rejuvenates five layers of skin and targets everything from sensitivity, dullness, redness, dryness and discolouration. I (Kelly) have been using this for a few weeks now and I’m obsessed – it’s been an all-round MVP for texture and my skin has a gorgeous feel right now. I’m now an absolute admirer of this brand (available at Mecca).
Avene Sunsitive Sunscreen Serum SPF 50+, $44.99
The new essential sunblock step in your skincare regime, Avène Sunsitive Sunscreen Serum SPF 50+ is an ultra-lightweight sunscreen for the face that leaves the skin hydrated with a dewy glow. Specifically made in Australia, against the harsh Australian sun (so it’s fab for us too), this sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin and provides a very high broad spectrum UVB-UVA protection.
Medik8 Calmwise Colour Correcting Moisturiser, $108
Anti-redness AND anti-ageing in one cream?! Say less! I’ve (Kelly) also been using this for wee while now and it does what it says it does on the label. It’s gorgeous alone or under makeup and it really helps to tone down my natural redness. This is a gorgeous brand – check out their Calmwise Serum too, it feels bloody amazing.
RAAIE Golden Nectar Mānuka Honey Enzyme Cleanser, $97
Indulgent and beautiful, this Kiwi skincare brand is unlike any other with its award-winning packaging – but as gorgeous as this new cleanser looks, the actual performance of this product is fantastic, too. It gives you clean, fresh, bouncy skin, and it also doubles as a treatment mask to nourish and gently exfoliate the skin.
MAKEUP
Revlon Illuminance Glow Filter, $39
Exclusive to Australia and New Zealand (how fancy) this new multi-use booster is all about the dew. It blurs and smoothes and softens, and acts like a light-reflecting, glowy filter. You can wear it alone for a subtle glow, underneath foundation as a primer and highlighter, mixed in with foundation or as a finishing highlighter.
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Skin Perfecting Tint, $65
This is one of the best things you’ll put on your face – facts. I (Kelly) have been using this instead of foundation for about a year and have even gotten Alice onto it too, because it’s so great for your skin, and evens our your complexion perfectly without weight. It’s in my top 10 beauty products of all time and it’s perfect for a lighter look leading into summer.
Tower 28 MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara, $33
Designed for sensitive eyes, this lightweight and easily buildable mascara is fantastic if you have watery eyes or use contact lenses – but it’s also fantastic for staying clump-free, lengthening lashes and providing tonnes of volume.
Karen Murell Night Moves Lipstick, $34
While this lip tint appears black, when applied to the lips it turns into a unique shade that’s just perfect for you, depending on the PH level of your skin – it’s guaranteed to be the perfect match to your skin!
Smashbox Always On Mood Board Eyeshadow, $73
High pigment, low fallout and maximum impact, Smashbox have always known their way around a great eyeshadow palette, and this one, in shade collection Cosy Vibes, is our new neutral go-to for the summer (but with a little bit of sparkle for the special occasions).
SCENT
Michael Kors Pour Femme and Pour Homme (from $170)
These his-and-hers fragrances are STUNNING – clean and fresh, but still with some depth, the men’s version is giving ocean vibes, while the women’s makes you think of the beach. The perfect set!
Mecca MAX Optimists, $36
New from Mecca, these body fragrances mists are kind of like a grown-up version of Impulse (oh, the memories). The vibe is your best energy, bottled, with three limited-edition energising fragrance mists that capture the moments from when you’ve been there, or when you want to be there. There’s Holiday Heatwave, Date Night Butterflies and our personal favourite, Top Down, which smells like road trips, freedom and joy (oh and crisp apple, bright greens and ripe melons).
Byredo Mojave Ghost Absolut de Parfum, $450
A limited edition from cult fragrance label Byredo, this is a new captivating new iteration of the iconic scent, boasting unparalleled richness and depth. Crafted as a tribute to resilience it’s a harmonious blend of Jamaican Nesberry’s sweetness, powdery Violet’s delicacy, and sensual Sandalwood’s warmth. Complemented by warm musk, crisp Amber, and grounding Cedarwood.
Ellis Brooklyn Miami Nectar Eau de Parfum, from $62
It takes a lot to beat Ellis Brooklyn’s cult Salt scent (one of my, Kelly’s, all-time favs) but this new fragrance, Miami Nectar, is a contender! A hot Miami summer, the beach at sunset, art deco pools and neon lights…meet MIAMI NECTAR, a lush and extravagant tropical gourmand fragrance.
HAIR AND BODY
Bondi Sands 1 Hour Express Foam, $23.99
This express tan has just become #1 in the world, and it’s easy to see why – from personal experience (and trust me, I ALWAYS miss a spot), this gave me the most flawless tan the morning of a wedding when I realised I looked like I was on my deathbed with a dress tat blended into my skin colour. Gah.
MCo Beauty NO.2 Fragrance and Body Trio, $72
Dupe beauty brand MCo have nailed this scent – it’s an homage to the hugely-popular Sol de Janeiro Brazillian Bum Bum Cream and honestly, it’s bloody hard to tell the difference. Even though it’s super-popular with the Gen Z’s right now, I’m still a huge fan, so this body trio is going on my wish-list stat.
Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil, $63
Wanting something that helps combat frizz, even in a humid New Zealand spring? This product is IT. It’s Mecca’s number-one best-seller in the hair category – it’s a multitasking leave-in conditioner spray that delivers 86% more hydration, instantly cuts frizz by 50% and provides heat protection up to 450 degrees. It also helps protect colour from fading up to 16 washes, detangles to help protect against breakage, smoothes, softens and adds shine.
Lush Sticky Dates Body Wash, $16
A Capsule favourite, if you want to smell as good as a sticky date pudding, this is the shower gel for you – and it’s perfect for the festive season!
SELF CARE
Manicare Nail Treatment System, from $24.99
The Nail Treatment System collection from Manicare elevates nail and cuticle care at home. The All-in-1 Nail Therapy Oil is a fast-absorbing, powerful natural oil blend that provides intense moisturisation and supports the growth of strong, healthy nails. A Cuticle Remover & Exfoliator is designed to exfoliate and remove excess cuticles, as well as hydrate and soften them and when intense hydration is required, the Manicare Overnight Revival Treatment offers deeper hydration and moisturisation, including a plant-based keratin alternative and Panthenol Vitamin B5.
KIT: Cold Therapy Facial Treatment, $46
We’ve been testing this little baby out for a few weeks, and honestly, this will be a go-to, especially as the weather gets warmer! This cooling mask recreates the sensation of an ice bath to soothe stressed-out skin. Formulated with barrier-supporting and hydrating nutrients, the innovative gel mask comforts and breathes euphoric life back into stressed skin and will feel cool for up to half an hour after application.
Dermalogia PRO LuminFusion Treatment, $220
Hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles are no match for this mash-up. LuminFusion is a new supercharged treatment that combines a targeted retinol peel to resurface and renew, NanoInfusion technology to infuse active ingredients, and LED red light therapy to diminish signs of ageing – all leading to unparalleled skin luminosity (AKA glass skin) with no downtime, making it the ideal treatment to have before summer or any Christmas or New Year events. Available at Skintopia clinics.