There have been a lot of beauty product launches recently, and as always, some have far exceeded our expectations. Our editor’s been putting a vast array of products to the test, and has selected ten beauty products she’s keen to keep using as we head into spring.
Mane ‘n Tail The Original Shampoo and Conditioner (R149.95 each)
People often make remarks about how shiny and strong horses’ hair is, and they’re right – horse owners go to great lengths (excuse the pun!) to get their horse’s mane and tail looking its best. Enter Mane ‘n Tail Shampoo and Conditioner: originally developed for use on Arabian show horses, word quickly spread that these products were just as effective on human hair. Today, three ranges are available at Clicks, and they’re suitable for both you, and your horse.
“My first thought was – if it’s good enough for an Arabian show horse, it’s good enough for me! But in all seriousness, this duo makes my hair ultra-soft and shiny. It has a refreshing scent and it lathers effortlessly. It’s meant to be great for promoting hair growth as well – I’ll keep you posted on that point!” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Endocare TENSAGE Concentrate (R1026.00)
If you’re looking to treat your skin while giving it an anti-ageing boost, this is it. These intensive anti-ageing vials help restore the volume and firmness of the skin, helping reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and improving the skin’s tone and elasticity. The vials contain a high concentration of firming, hydrating and illuminating active ingredients (including SCA® Growth Factor Technology), which works together to give the skin a younger, more vibrant appearance.
“What a treat! I used this treatment course over a period of a month during winter, and I am so keen to repeat it again over the warmer months. The vials last for around 30 days, and the treatment can be repeated a couple of times per year. I used this every night, and it left my skin looking fresh, hydrated, plump and glowy. I highly recommend it post-winter, and in the lead-up to an event.” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Labello Caring Lip Oil (R79.99)
Labello is known for their lip balms, so imagine our delight at the launch of a Labello Lip Oil! Non-sticky and nourishing, these oils have a glossy finish, providing that sought-after wet look. It has a vegan formula (yay!) and is made with oils of 100% natural origin, that moisturise and care for your lips.
“When I think lip oil, I think gooey, but with Labello’s Caring Lip Oil, this couldn’t be further from the truth. It applies like a lip gloss, but doesn’t feel thick, gooey or sticky on the lips. In fact, you pretty much forget you’re wearing it after a few minutes! I love the subtle hints of colour, and that’s they’re formulated with organic jojoba oil (a known hydrator). Each variant has a lovely fruity taste, making them perfect for the upcoming warmer weather.” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Nuxe Super Serum [10] (R1260.00)
In the last year, Nuxe has brought us some exciting new natural products, of which this serum is one of the best! It incorporates cutting-edge green technology: the serum boasts a clean formula, and natural hyaluronic acid infused with thousands of botanical golden spheres. Isolated ad protected until application, the full power of the ingredients is preserved until they come into contact with the skin.
“Nuxe has been surprising us with some pretty unique product formulations in the past couple of years, and this serum is no different. Like all Nuxe products, this offers a fantastic sensorial experience: the serum texture is refreshing yet silky thanks to the micro-spheres of botanical oils that melt into the skin. It has a beautiful light botanical scent and feels velvety smooth on the skin once applied. Skin that looks and feels ten years younger? Yes please!” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Benefit Brow Microfilling Pen (R460.00)
Let’s face it – beautiful brows aren’t going anywhere. Benefit is a real leader when it comes to brow products, and this eyebrow pen is designed to create micro-fine, hair-like strokes. Smudge-proof and long-wearing, it provides a microbladed effect that lasts for up to 24 hours. It’s easy to apply, as a single stroke draws three ultra-fine lines, allowing you to create the illusion of natural brow hair in a flash.
“This pen is the perfect product for anyone who loves the look of microblading, but who isn’t keen on actually undergoing the procedure. The pen creates natural-looking fine lines that mimic your actual brow hair. I love how quick and easy application is. I literally need no more than a couple of quick strokes of the pen on each brow, and my eyebrows look full – and most importantly – natural. No pain and no commitment – that’s my kind of product! – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Revlon Superlustrous The Luscious Matte Lipstick (R129.00)
Comfortable, light, creamy, velvety and ultra-hydrating – these are not words you usually associate with matte lipstick, but these are not your average matte lipsticks. The colour glides on with ease, it sits well on the lips, looks beautifully velvety – and best of all – does not flake or leave your lips feeling dry! Each lipstick offers a burst of colour, and there are 12 vibrant shades to choose from.
“I love the look of matte lipstick, but like everyone else, I hate how many of the formulas on the market are drying. My lips get very dry, very often (thanks hayfever!), so I usually stick with gloss and creamy lip products to increase hydration. I love that these lipsticks are not drying at all! In fact, they don’t even feel like matte formulas on the lips. Despite the matte look, they retain a creamy feel and even apply like a creamier lipstick. ‘Crushed Rubies’ and ‘Make It Pink’ are my spring / summer shades of choice.” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Cape Island Instant Hand Sanitizer (R95.00)
One of the most luxurious hand sanitizers we’ve tried, this spray contains 75% alcohol (meaning it qualifies to kill coronavirus bacteria, yay!) and is fragranced with bergamot, cedar wood and patchouli. In addition, it’s safe and effective in killing 99.9% of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
“I’m an avid hand sanitizer user, and I’ve been so pleased with the increased variety on the market since covid hit us in 2020. In general I can’t stand that alcohol, antiseptic scent associated with sanitizers. I’m already a major fan of Cape Island’s candles and home diffusers, so I had high expectations when their hand sanitizer landed on my desk. Needless to say, it did not disappoint. It smells incredible – like a perfume! Plus it doesn’t make your skin feel oily or sticky. And last but not least, the elegant packaging doesn’t hurt.” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Glasshouse Forever Florence Wild Peonies & Lily Eau de Parfum Travel Size 14ml (R499.00)
Hailing from Australia, Glasshouse creates the most exquisite fragrances and home fragrance products. From fine fragrances to delectable candles and diffusers, everything they produce is a real spoil. Forever Florence Wild Peonies & Lily is a future cult classic. Imagine the scent of a Florentine romance: think pink and white peonies, lily and jasmine with a hint of musk.
“What a unique scent! Soft and romantic, fresh and floral… This is going to be my spring staple. I love a decent travel size as I like to reapply my fragrance during the day, and 14ml is the perfect fit for my handbag makeup pouch. The scent is long-lasting and luxurious – just what I require from my perfume!” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Healing Earth Mongongo Nut Body Polish (R516.00)
This cream-based body scrub contains walnut shell powder and grape seed granules to gently exfoliate the skin, while the stimulating essences of fennel, black pepper and echinacea purify and detoxify the skin. Healing Earth products are free from synthetic fragrances, colourants, petro chemicals, DEA, preservatives and parabens, and all of their products are cruelty-free.
“I love a good body scrub at least once a week, but I’m careful to avoid exfoliators that contain micro-beads as these get into our water supply and are ingested by wildlife. As such, I’m always on the lookout for a natural scrub, and this Mongongo Nut Body Polish from Healing Earth hits the spot. Not only does it have the most incredible scent that fills the shower and makes you feel like you’re actually at the spa, but the formula is fantastic. It’s gentle and creamy, while doing a great job at removing dry and dead skin cells.” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
Esse Foundation (R695.00)
A world first, this is an incredibly innovative product – the first probiotic treatment foundation, and it’s available in 10 shades. Created using the Esse signature Level 3 BIOME+ technology, this lightweight foundation includes a powerhouse of ingredients – such as 1 million probiotic bacteria per ml, aloe vera, jojoba oil, vitamin C and baobab fruit extract.
“Natural and organic foundation is not only difficult to find, but sadly, most of the options I’ve tried have not been very good. I love Esse skincare and used Esse exclusively during much of the nationwide lockdown, so imagine my delight when they launched their very own probiotic foundation! This foundation ticks all the boxes: It spreads and blends with ease, it offers buildable cover, it looks natural on the skin and it’s long-lasting. But more than that, is that is offers additional skincare benefits. Not only does it hydrate the skin, but it also helps to repair and to restore the skin’s natural microbiome. I’m a big fan, and I urge anyone who is keen on a new foundation yo give this a go.” – Anien, BSA editor
Shop online here.
One Response
Thank you for the info