Ten new beauty products that have earned our team’s stamp of approval

Want to treat yourself to something new, but have no idea where to start? Our team has been testing a variety of new beauty launches and has compiled a list of ten gorgeous products that get our stamp of approval. Here are a few of the beauty products we’ve been loving this winter:

Filorga Optim-Eyes Anti-Aging Brightening Eye Mask (R140.00)

“A fifteen-minute solution for tired eyes? Yes, please! This eye mask boasts an anti-fatigue formula rich in marine peptides (primarily composed of type I collagen, which improves elasticity, hydration and structural integrity), hyaluronic acids (to enhance the skin’s moisture content) and turmeric extract (to reduce key inflammation markers, thereby reducing dark circles). It brightens the eye area, minimising signs of fatigue, while targeting puffiness, wrinkles and dehydration. Apply after cleansing and leave it on to work its magic for 15 minutes. It’s a fantastic pick-me-up and just the right product to use before an event or special occasion.”
Shop here.

FHI UNbrush Hairbrush (R290.00)

“If you have long hair, you’re bound to experience tangling. So many of us are guilty of going at these tangles with a traditional hairbrush, leading to broken strands, frizz and untameable static. This unique hairbrush features 105 dual length DuoFlex™ Anti-Static bristles to thoroughly remove knots and tangles painlessy, and without damaging your hair. Suitable for all hair types, the brush is ultra-light and has a patented backless vented design for reduced styling time, plus, it can be used on wet or dry hair. It makes untangling and styling your hair effortless, and I love the light, ergonomic design. It’s great for the whole family and available in a variety of colours, including glitter options.”
Shop here.

optiphi® Antioxidant Face Oil (R345.00)

“A face oil is a fantastic option for dry skin. Not only does it go a long way in replenishing moisture levels, but it also feels very nourishing on the skin and often offers immediate relief. This new face oil by optiphi® has a lovely dry-feel, meaning it doesn’t leave skin looking or feeling greasy, and absorbs with ease. It’s enriched with powerful antioxidants like vitamins C and E to condition and support the skin’s natural barrier. You can apply it under or over your daily moisturiser, but I like to use it straight after cleansing, and allow a few minutes for it to sink in before I apply my moisturiser. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause you to break out, so oily skins can benefit from it, too.”
Shop here.

GUESS ICONIC Women Eau de Parfum 100ml (R1799.00)

“I’m always on the lookout for a versatile feminine fragrance that can be worn day or night, during rain or sunshine, at home or to an event. I have certain scents that work for specific occasions or moods (this is deeply personal, of course, and different for everybody), but I love having some options that fit in anywhere. GUESS ICONIC is that fragrance for me. It’s the type of scent you can grab and spritz on regardless of where you’re going or how you’re feeling. It is timeless and versatile, it’s uplifting and charming. It has bright opening notes of mandarin and pink pepper, floral heart notes of orange blossom, geranium and Calabrian bergamot and sensual base notes of amber, musk and moss. I’m wearing this fragrance during winter, but because it transcends seasons, it’s going to be a favourite during spring and summer too.”
Shop here.

Darling Multi-Biotics Body Scrub (R850.00)

“I was thrilled to learn that Darling, a luxury beauty brand from Italy, is now available locally. Their Multi-Biotics body care range is phenomenal. Each product in the range was designed to support the skin’s microbiome and combines the power of prebiotics and probiotics to restore balance and strengthen the skin’s resilience. This scrub offers gentle exfoliation thanks to finely milled apricot kernels and pumice stone. Comprising 94% natural ingredients, it is also vegan and suitable for sensitive skin. I love that it doesn’t dry my skin out, but instead leaves it feeling hydrated and smooth. It’s a lovely luxury addition to your bathroom.”
Shop here.

NUXE Zinc Power Purifying Cleansing Gel (R495.00) & Blemish and Spot Control Serum (R695.00)

“The new Zinc Power range from NUXE is what us blemish-prone girls have been waiting for. The products contain zinc, a go-to active ingredient for treating spots, along with PCA, which improves the skin’s absorption of zinc. Lychee extract was included for its antioxidant and radiance-enhancing properties. This cleanser has the consistency and scent of my dreams – the gel formula produces a lovely foam (thanks to sulphate-free surfactants), it feels luxurious on the skin, and the watermelon scent is heavenly. My skin feels squeaky clean after cleansing (without the dreaded drying or tight feeling). The serum’s light milky texture is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin, and again, the fresh watermelon scent makes it such a pleasure to apply. The serum helps to heal existing blemishes, fade post-breakout marks, refine pores and prevent new blemishes from forming. And all of that without any harsh ingredients, and without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.”  
Shop here.

essence line ‘n stain Tattoo Lip Liner (R59.00)

“By now, you’ve likely seen the major hype around this product on social media, and it’s not without good reason. These ultra-affordable lip liners have a watery texture that feels light on the lips, and they provide high-impact colour with just one swipe. The applicator is like a koki pen: the tip enables you to line your lip contour precisely, but also to fill your lips effortlessly. I’ve been using mine to line and fill out my whole lip. The colour stays put for hours – not my coffee, nor my lunch, makes it budge. It’s easy to apply, comfortable and long-lasting.”
Shop here.

NARS Light Reflecting Make-Up Setting Mist (R840.00)

“Many women underestimate the power of a quality setting mist, and I did too, up until a couple of years ago. Now, it’s a must-have in my makeup collection. A setting mist keeps your makeup in place for longer, especially during warm weather when foundation melts, and it’s the only thing that keeps my eyeshadow from settling into the creases of my eyelids. This new mist from NARS is one of the best I’ve used, and I’d highly recommend it. In addition to setting your makeup, it also adds some luminosity to your complexion and locks in hydration. Plus, its formula helps defend skin from blue light and pollution. It pairs perfectly with my all-time favourite NARS Light Reflecting Foundation.”
Available at NARS counters nationwide.

Sol De Janeiro Body Badalada Vitamin-Infused Lotion (R750.00)

“This lightweight, irresistibly scented body lotion is like summer in a bottle. It offers 24 hours of weightless hydration and leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished without a sticky or greasy residue. The formula is infused with Brazilian sugarcane to boost surface hydration, as well as seven multi-weight hyaluronic acids to draw moisture deep into the skin’s layers. And then there’s the scent… Cheirosa 62 is absolutely delicious, and it comprises fragrance notes of pistachio, almond, heliotrope, jasmine, vanilla, salted caramel and sandalwood. Say no more!”
Shop here.

SKIN functional primers (R320.00 each)

“Everyone always waits in anticipation to see what SKIN functional is going to do next, and their newest primer collection really hits the mark. There are five primers in the range, each one designed with a specific finish or concern in mind. My favourite of the five is Illumination Glow Primer, which gives skin a glowy finish thanks to its shimmery formula. It is hydrating and brightens a dull skin texture thanks to the inclusion of orange fruit extract. All of the primers have a lovely consistency and feel light on the skin, and you only need a little bit of product spread across your face (a little goes a long way). Like all SKIN functional products, the primers are cruelty-free, and if you have sensitive skin, you don’t have to worry, as they are fragrance-free. I love that each of them offers skincare benefits on top of providing a base for flawless makeup application. And they are so well-priced, what a steal!”
Shop here.