There are plenty of top-notch beauty products out there, and we’re lucky to test out some of the most exciting new launches in the quest to find the best of the best. These are the products our editor is testing and loving right now:
Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum, R1615.00 (50ml)
In 2002, Chanel gave us Chance, a gorgeous feminine fragrance that’s gracious, joyful and light-hearted. Now, in 2019, Chanel brings us Chance Eau Tendre, a new eau de parfum interpretation. More intense and enveloping than its predecessor, this version is confident and radiant, bursting with exotic jasmine absolute, rose, white musk and grapefruit-quince. Delicate, tender and intensely feminine, this is a scent for day and night. I find it adapts to my mood – during the day it feels cheerful, soft and pretty, but when I spritz it at night, it feels sexy and alluring. The scent lasts really long so I only reapply after a full day if I’m going out at night. This isn’t moving off my dressing table any time soon!
Eau Thermale Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleanser, R179.95
I’ve been using the Avène Thermal Water and SPFs pretty much since the brand launched in SA and have never tried a product that’s disappointed me. My skin goes through bouts of sensitivity and whenever it does I rely on Avène products to get it back to normal. This latest release it a God-send for the whole family. Designed for dry skin, this cleanser can be used on face and body to restore the delicate skin barrier function. It is extremely gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling soft and nurtured rather than tight and dry. It’s soap-free and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for anyone with sensitive skin, and it’s safe to use on kids too. I love a gel texture but I always worry that it won’t offer me the hydration of a milkier cleanser. With this cleanser, there’s no such worry.
Thalgo Absolute Hydra-Marine Concentrate, R491.00 and Thalgo Sleeping Cream, R824.00
With the weather getting colder, I’m all about hydration. I’ve been using the seven-day treatment Absolute Hydra-Marine Concentrate twice a day, every day, and have just come to the end of the course. It’s designed to provide optimum hydration in record time and contains powerful hyaluronic acid to do just that. Its runny consistency means you only need a couple of drops to cover your face. At night I followed the concentrate with Thalgo Sleeping Cream, a night cream to plump the skin, provide 24-hour hydration, reducing fine lines and signs of fatigue. The combination worked really well for me, leaving my skin soft, plump and intensely hydrated. I’m also enjoying using the Sleeping Cream on its own now, and I love the gel consistency and cooling effect it has on my skin.
Gatineau Floracil Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover, R495.00
My love for long, voluminous and thick lashes comes with plenty of waterproof mascara which, more often than not, is a pain to get off at night. I love that Gatineau Floracil removes even my most stubborn waterproof mascara without any rubbing or tugging at the skin. I simply pour some on a cotton pad and hold it against my closed eye for around half a minute before I gently swipe all traces of eyeshadow and mascara away. It’s got a beautiful fresh scent and is gentle, causing no stinging (this is because it has the same pH as our natural tears). It has a cooling effect on the eyes, and I’ve read you can also put it in the fridge and use it cold for an extra soothing sensation.
Optiphi Body Curve Calm Balm Soothing Skin Saver, R1200.00
Thanks to pollution, stress, overworking and convenience diets, skin sensitivity has reached an all-time high. Whether it’s eczema, redness, razor burn or dehydration, just about everyone’s skin feels sensitive and uncomfortable from time to time. Optiphi has developed a brand new body product, Calm Balm, which can be used all over the body to soothe redness and sensitivity. It’s an effective treatment for eczema and psoriasis, soothes sunburn, calms the skin after professional treatments and hair removal, reduces swelling and alleviates irritation. It contains antioxidants and vitamin B3 and even helps minimise dark marks and stretch marks. It’s been an absolute lifesaver for me after shaving (I get terrible itching and razor burn on my legs) and has even alleviated some recurring dermatitis that comes around every so often. This is an essential in every skincare kit!
2 Responses
Would the Eau Thermale Avène TriXera Nutrition Nutri-Fluid Cleanser be suitable for someone with oily, acne prone skin?
Hi Marlize, Avene says: “Our Trixera Nutrition range is indicated for dry skin types. For oily, acne prone skin we would rather recommend our Cleanance range. Containing the Avene Thermal Spring Water, the Cleanance range is suitable to use on sensitive skin.”