Self-care doesn’t necessarily mean an afternoon at a spa (although that would be nice!). Self-care also lies in the little moments you take for yourself during the day, be it the 5 minutes you spend on your skincare regime or a quick cup of tea in the garden.
Self-care and beauty go hand-in-hand and a beauty regime is filled with special self-care moments every woman deserves. This month, we’re spending a little extra time on our beauty regimes to savour every moment. These are the products we’re currently loving – and recommend you try.
DKNY Be Delicious Eau de Parfum (100ml – R2299.00)
Those of us who lived through the Y2K era will never know a scent more iconic than this… DKNY Be Delicious is almost twenty years old, but it still continues to enthrall new generations, and still feels relevant and fresh to those of us who know and love the fragrance. Inspired by the energy of the Big Apple (New York City), this fragrance is more than a perfume, it’s an attitude. It encourages women to celebrate the unique attributes that help them Be Delicious, and to embrace their unique beauty. A juicy floral fragrance, it opens with juicy notes of apple, cucumber and grapefruit. At the heart you’ll enjoy a beautiful floral bouquet of magnolia, violet and rose, before it dries down to warm base notes of sandalwood, white amber and musk. This is such a classic, nostalgic scent for us, and brings back such happy memories. If you’re young and new to Be Delicious, you have got to give it a try!
RefectoCil Care range (from R288.00)
Sparse brows and short eyelashes are the reality for many of us, but it’s not all doom and gloom! RefectoCil has developed a range of products that help stimulate growth and keep your eyelashes and eyebrows healthy. Best of all – you can easily use them in the comfort of your home! To care for and protect the colour of your tinted brows and lashes, try RefectoCil Styling Gel, which contains a unique colour protect formula to shield lashes and brows so that their colour appears freshly tinted for longer. For stronger and healthier lashes and brows, try RefectoCil Care Balm, which is rich in plant oils and vitamins that strengthen and nourish hair overnight while castor oil encourages natural growth. For longer, fuller lashes and gap-free eyebrows, try RefectoCil Vegan Lash & Brow Booster. When applied daily, it offers up to 59% longer lashes and thicker eyebrows in just four weeks.
Happy Event 100% Natural Body Oil (R124.95)
Happy Event has been trusted for taking care of scars and stretch marks for years, and this newest launch has to be one of their most exciting product offerings yet. This natural body oil is formulated with 100% natural ingredients, and contains a powerful blend of olive, argan, marula, baobab and oat oils. It is completely free from artificial fragrances, colourants and parabens is naturally scented with delicate notes of lavender essential oil. In addition to moisturising skin and locking moisture in, the oil is also designed to minimise the appearance of stretch marks and scars, as well as uneven skin tone. It’s safe to use all over the body and does not leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky. We love that the formula is vegan and cruelty-free, and that the bottle is made from 100% recycled plastic – what a win!
Avon Hydramatic Lipstick (R159.00)
If you want more from your lipstick than great colour payoff, then this is the product for you. Hydramatic Lipstick is available in two variants – Shine and Matte – and offers something totally unique. It’s the world’s first lipstick with a hydrating hyaluronic acid core, which puts moisture back into your lips and along with glycerine, smoothes the skin. The outer core is formulated with intense colour pigments in either a matte or shiny finish. It glides on like a dream, feels creamy on the lips and the nourishing formulation is a real bonus. This is also a game-changer if you’re into matte colour, because matte lipsticks are notorious for drying the lips. Available in 12 shades.
Glo Potion Hyaluronic Acid Bamboo Sheet Mask (R55.99) and Vitamin C Bamboo Sheet Mask (R55.99)
Oh how we love a sheet mask… Especially one that’s vegan, filled with the goodness of natural ingredients and biodegradable. Lying back in the bath tub, or even in bed, with a sheet mask on has got to be one of the most relaxing feelings in the world! This new Hyaluronic Acid mask from Glo Potion (part of the Skin Republic family) is suitable for all skin types and offers long-lasting hydration. It hydrates, smoothes and leaves skin looking refreshed and awake. If you’re in need of some brightening, the Vitamin C Bamboo Sheet Mask is for you. Best used in the evening, it helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, evens skin tone and leaves skin hydrated and glowing.
ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener (R505.00)
The majority of us struggle with weak or brittle nails at some time or another, not to mention dry and unsightly cuticles! We love this handy little tool from ISDIN, which is super easy to use and requires only a minute or two of your day. Formulated with biotin and keratin, it’s designed to strengthen nails from the inside out. It contains hyaluronic acid for hydration and a special polymer to provide protection against damage and breakage. Plus, it nourishes and helps heal cuticles too. Once a day (we think just before you go to sleep is the perfect time), you simply click the back of the brush to release some of the liquid and gently brush it over your nail, pass the nail edge, and along the cuticle. Expect to see results within two weeks.
Clere 2-In-1 Nourishing Body Crème and Tissue Oil (R59.00)
If it’s convenient, we want to know about it! This handy duo from Clere is going to simplify so many women’s moisturising regimes. The set offers 400ml of Clere’s much-loved Body Crème, and built into the packaging (but easily detachable) is a 60ml Clere Tissue Oil. This clever design allows you to conveniently mix the tissue oil into the body crème for a richer formula and enriched skincare routine (perfect for the incoming colder weather!). No more searching for two products that work together – you can store them together and use them together – or separately – whatever works for you. This duo is available in two of Clere’s most loved variants – Cocoa Butter and Lanolin & Glycerine.
Fundamentals Skincare 24K Gold Crystal Collagen Eye Mask (R180.00) and Multi-Peptide Eye Cream (R149.00)
Anyone else’s eyes in need of some TLC? Then you might be interested in this new eye care duo from Fundamentals Skincare. 24K Gold Collagen Eye Mask is formulated with pure gold bio-ingredients and active elements which instantly moisturise, rehydrate and regenerate the eye area. It helps relieve chronic fatigue and slows down the formation of lines and wrinkles. Plus, it helps manage dark circles. Multi-Peptide Eye Cream is formulated with skin remodelling peptides that target fine lines and wrinkles while providing antioxidant repair and protection. Together, this duo is a strong fighter against signs of ageing and fatigue around the delicate eye area. Apply the mask first, let it sit on the skin for 20 – 30 minutes (maybe use this time to catch up on some reading or your favourite show!) and then follow with the cream. You can also refrigerate the masks to have a soothing effect on the skin (this also helps with puffiness).
CATRICE Glossin’ Glow Tinted Lip Oil (R99.95)
A lip oil is the ultimate treat for dry and flaking lips, and CATRICE has taken it up a notch with these beautiful formulas. Glossin’ Glow Tinted Lip Oil combines the high-gloss finish of a lip gloss with the intensive nourishing properties of a lip balm. Plus, they contain a subtle tint for a hint of colour – the texture of the formula reacts with the natural pH of your lips for a unique soft, pink finish. The formula is enriched with cherry and pomegranate oil to give your lips a nourishing boost. You can wear it alone or apply it over your favourite shade of lipstick.
Suki Suki Açaà Gentle Exfoliating Mask (R407.00)
Regular exfoliation is key in slowing away dry and dead skin cells that may otherwise clog pores or give you a lacklustre complexion. An exfoliating mask is a great way of getting double benefits – exfoliation as well as additional nourishment from the mask. This gentle and refreshing mask from Suki Suki contains açaÃ, a superfood fruit native to Brazil that’s filled with antioxidants and anti-ageing properties. It also contains turmeric (which is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties), and helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors. Apricot kernels provide gentle (yet effective) exfoliation. This mask has a lovely texture and feels rich and luxurious on the skin.
