With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time for a beauty cupboard spring clean. Whether it’s switching out your heavy moisturiser for a lighter formulation or opting for a fresher fragrance, we could all do with a bit of a spring beauty edit.
These are the products our team has been testing (and recommend!) for the spring and summer seasons ahead:
Cold air, low humidity and the indoor heating associated with winter are known for their damaging effects on hair. As a result, many of us head into spring with hair that’s dry, dehydrated, weakened or lacklustre.
The Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair range strengthens and repairs hair on the inside and out, thanks to Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and Omega-9. AHA is an organic acid small enough to penetrate the deepest level of the hair fibre, rebuilding hydrogen bonds in the cortex. Omega-9 targets the outside of the hair fibre by coating the surface and filling in the cuticle to re-create a protective barrier. Together, this powerful duo delivers the ultimate in repair.
The range comprises six products: Ultimate Repair Shampoo (Step 1) and Conditioner (Step 2) are lightweight yet luxurious, and can be used as often as necessary. Step 3 is the renowned Miracle Hair Rescue, which promises to repair hair damage in as little as 90 seconds (and we can vouch that it actually does!). The Protective Leave-In (Step 4) cream serum provides heat protection, instant frizz control, and easier styling. The Mask (Step 5) is an indulgent weekly treatment that intensely repairs damage, detangles, and smooths hair without a heavy feel.
Arguably the star of the range, the Ultimate Repair Night Serum, takes your haircare regimen to the next level. It helps to repair and protect hair overnight, acting as an invisible shield against friction and frizz while adding much-needed moisture to the hair.
Vegan, cruelty-free and dermatologically-tested, the Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair range is the perfect remedy for post-winter hair that’s dry, dehydrated, damaged or weakened. Available from selected salons and online at Modern Hair & Beauty, Takealot, Superbalist and Amazon.
Spring is a great time to take stock of your beauty cupboard and consider the type of ingredients you are applying to your skin. Earlier this year, Bonnie Bio launched its K Beauty range under the Kindness brand. This plant-based, artisanal range of thoughtfully created products is made from top-quality natural ingredients and is toxin-free and cruelty-free. With the environment and your health in mind, K Beauty products are crafted with nourishing ingredients and delightful natural scents.
The Natural Body Butters (available in 24 different fragrances, as well as an unscented version) are packed with essential oils, natural butters and beeswax for a formula that deeply moisturises and protects. It’s the perfect post-winter skin treat.
You can match your body butter with its corresponding K Beauty Eau de Parfum (this is fragrance layering at its best!). Inspired by world-renowned fragrances, the eau de parfums contain 24% perfume oil, resulting in a truly long-lasting scent.
For those of us who love a bit of sparkle, K Beauty’s Razzle Dazzle and Shimmer & Sparkle is the perfect radiance enhancer. Razzle Dazzle offers a beautiful gold glitter effect, while Shimmer & Sparkle is the body bronzer dreams are made of. These shimmer fluids are buildable, so you can apply a little for subtle shimmer or add more for intense sparkle. Plus, they look fantastic on all skin tones.
Get healthy, nourished skin this spring without any exposure to harmful ingredients. Bonnie Bio K Beauty products are available from https://kbeauty.skin/.
Did you know that hair tends to grow more slowly during winter? Our blood vessels constrict in cold temperatures, reducing blood flow to the scalp and limiting the delivery of essential nutrients and oxygen required for hair growth. In addition, our exposure to indoor heating and low humidity leads to a drier scalp, which is a known cause of breakage.
Now that the weather is warming up, your hair may need a boost. Enter Collagen Lift® Paris HAIR GROWTH, a potent, non-greasy serum that’s clinically proven to stimulate hair growth, increase hair density and reduce hair loss. Made in France with 99% natural-origin ingredients, this vegan formula delivers results for all hair types and is a safe alternative to hormone-altering medications.
It features the breakthrough ingredient Redensyl® (3%), proven to increase hair density, and Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), which is known to strengthen strands and reduce breakage, restore shine, smooth and soften hair and promote a healthy, hydrated scalp. After consistent use for three months, you’ll experience fuller, healthier hair, the reactivation of dormant follicles, reduced hair loss and less breakage. This science-backed serum has a lovely non-oily texture that feels light on the scalp, and it can be applied onto the roots of your hair on a damp or dry scalp.
Collagen Lift® Paris HAIR GROWTH is available online from www.collagenliftparis.co.za and Takealot.
Once temperatures rise, chances are you may need to relook your current deodorant, especially if you’re an active person who leads a busy lifestyle. Staying fresh all day is a major confidence booster, so you want to choose a brand with a high-performance formula.
The new Mitchum Ultimate 72H 100ml Roll-On sets a new standard in odour protection. Engineered with double anti-odour protection, this is the first Mitchum roll-on to work both on your skin and on your clothes. That means no more unpleasant odours transferring to your clothing and no unsightly stains.
Manufactured with cutting-edge fabric technology, these roll-ons provide invisible, breathable protection for up to 72 hours. Effective even in very high temperatures, they have a water-based formula that doesn’t leave white residue on clothes and skin, they’re vegan and dermatologist-tested.
The range comprises six variants – three aimed at men and three aimed at women. And the innovative fragrances really set this range apart – think sophisticated fragrance notes like jasmine, violet, bergamot, cinnamon, cedarwood and more.
Mitchum Ultimate 72H 100ml Roll-Ons are available from all major retailers.
If you’ve been wearing a creamy or full coverage foundation during winter, you may want to switch to a lighter formula for spring. The “natural” or “no makeup” look is still standing strong and we love that the industry has come around in celebrating the appearance of real skin.
Yardley London’s Hydra Tint Light Wear Foundation blurs the lines between makeup and skincare. It has a hydrating formula containing skin-loving hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and vitamin C, as well as SPF25 to help protect your skin against the sun’s harsh UV rays.
The formulation is ultra-light, and it has a second-skin feel for all-day comfort. Its lovely luminous finish is similar to a tint, providing light cover and a healthy glow – just what you want on a sunny day.
Yardley London Hydra Tint Light Wear Foundation is available from leading retailers including Clicks, Dis-Chem, Edgars and Takealot.
