As we gear up for summer, our editor found a few new favourites that’ll be by her side all season long.
Redken Amino-Mint Shampoo (R285.00)
What they say: Combat an oily scalp and refresh your roots whilst moisturising hair lengths. Suitable for all hair types and textures, Amino Mint Shampoo instantly removes product build-up and residue, leaving oily scalps cleansed and refreshed, without any dryness. The Amino Mint Shampoo is formulated with Redken’s Amino Acid Strength Complex and mint, known for its refreshing and sensory benefits. This acidic formula re-balances hair’s pH and soothes scalp irritation for the ultimate cleansing moment.
What we say: “My scalp gets very greasy, and to add to that, it’s also sensitive to hot water and sun exposure. If my showers are too hot or I spend a lot of time outdoors without a hat, it tends to get dry and flaky. This shampoo is an absolute God-send! I love its refreshing scent; it leaves my scalp feeling fresh and clean, and while it’s really good at removing impurities and stubborn oil it’s also gentle (thanks to its pH-balanced formula) and doesn’t strip moisture from the lengths of my hair. The refreshing formula is perfect for summer.” – Anien, Editor
Filorga Hydra-Hyal Hydrating Plumping Serum (R835.00)
What they say: A facial serum for all skin types, providing a boost of hydration, radiance and an anti-ageing action. This serum provides the skin with five different types of Hyaluronic Acid of natural origin, due to the reinforced action of the Hyal-Diffusing Factors complex.
- The skin is immediately hydrated for 24 hours;
- Smooths and intensely plumps;
- Radiance and suppleness are restored;
- After 14 days, fine lines, wrinkles caused by dehydration are visibly reduced;
- Has a gel texture that is quickly absorbed by the skin
What we say: “I love a hyaluronic acid serum, and usually have one in my evening regime all year round. I was thrilled to give this one a try, as it contains five different types of hyaluronic acid to penetrate the various layers of the skin and offer immediate, as well as longer-term, hydration. I’ve added this to my existing skincare routine with ease – the gel texture absorbs quickly, it has a fresh, neutral scent and I love the dropper, which makes it easy to dispense just the right amount. I love how plump and radiant my skin looks immediately after application, and I’m really excited to see how my hydration levels increase over time.” – Anien, Editor
Berdoues Pivoine & Rhubarbe Eau de Toilette 100ml (R525.00)
What they say: Berdoues has launched a new range of eau de toilette fragrances. The eau de toilette collection signs an authentic and unique olfactory universe where each fragrance sublimates the richness of nature with modernity. A delicate, romantic eau de toilette, Pivoine & Rhubarbe combines fruity with sharp accents. Notes of rhubarb and grapefruit burst through the soft peony and the smooth magnolia. A modern perfume with an amber base.
What we say: “I adore the new range of eau de toilettes from French perfumery Berdoues. Pivoine & Rhubarbe is right up my alley: soft and romantic, the beautiful combination of sparkling fruits and delicate florals make it the perfect summer scent for the office, for lunch with the girls and even for outdoor dining. I love that 95% of its ingredients are of natural origin, that the product (and brand as a whole) is cruelty-free and that it has a vegan formula. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable. It’s hard to believe that such a gorgeous scent retails at just R525 for 100ml.” – Anien, Editor
Neutrogena Retinol Boost range (R329.95 per product)
What they say: Neutrogena has launched its first retinol skincare range. Developed with dermatologists, the impressive formula combines pure retinol, myrthus leaf extract, and hyaluronic acid to effectively target visible signs of ageing for healthier-looking skin. Retinol works in two ways, 1) as a preventative to preserve the skin and prevent ageing, and 2) as correction to soften wrinkles, correct uneven skin tone, and improve firmness and radiance. Myrthus leaf extract, known for its skin regenerating properties, works in synergy with retinol by significantly boosting its efficacy to be five times faster than retinol on its own. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid which helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
The range consists of four products:
Neutrogena Retinol Boost Day Cream SPF15 (Shop online here)
Neutrogena Retinol Boost Night Cream (Shop online here)
Neutrogena Retinol Boost Serum (Shop online here)
Neutrogena Retinol Boost Eye Cream (Shop online here)
What we say: “Retinol might not be a new ingredient, but Neutrogena’s launch is an exciting one, because this range is the number one over-the-counter retinol brand used by dermatologists in the United States. That’s pretty impressive, considering these professionals can use any brand they want. I was excited to see a well-researched over-the-counter retinol product, that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, launch in SA. This range allows South Africans to reap the benefits of this incredible ingredient without premium price tags. I’ve used the range for a couple of weeks and have thoroughly enjoyed the products. My skin’s tone has improved and the texture seems more even. I find the products a pleasure to use – they absorb with ease and feel light on the skin. This has got to be one of the most exciting skincare launches of the year!” – Anien, Editor
Lush Lime Bounty Body Butter (R345.00)
What they say: A dreamy Persian lime perfume stirred into a bounty of nut butters and topped with a fresh coconut crumble. Apply this gorgeously rich cream to anywhere that needs smoothing and making lovely.
What we say: “Whenever I use this body butter, I feel like I’ve been transported to a tropical island. The fresh scent of lime is beautifully balanced with the creaminess of coconut and murumuru butter, which works like a charm in softening and moisturising skin. I’ve never met a Lush body butter I didn’t love, and I’ve added this one to my list of favourites. Like all the others I’ve used, it leaves skin feeling great, and the scent is to die for!” – Anien, Editor
RVB LAB The Make Up More & More Mascara Volume XXL (R485.00)
What they say: An innovative creamy and enveloping texture with an incredible ultra-volumizing effect. A formula enriched with a blend of active ingredients and emollients for tick, curved and intensely tinted eyelashes. The formula contains a new generation of high-performance polymers to improve the pigments adherence on the eyelashes boosting the volume, Panthenol to improve the eyelashes’ resistance and provide long-lasting hydration and argan and castor beans oil to nourish, heal, regenerate and restructure.
What we say: “I’m fussy when it comes to mascara, and with good reason. A good quality mascara can be pricey, and can only be used for a couple of months before it needs to be replaced. If it doesn’t do its job well, if its clumpy or if I don’t like the brush, I won’t repurchase and probably won’t use it for much longer either. I get excited when I come across a great mascara, and the latest one to do that for me is this new launch by RVB LAB. The asymmetric shape of the brush might take a day or two to get used to but once you do, you’ll find it’s the perfect shape to coat each and every lash. It lengthens and volumizes like a dream. I love the deep black shade; I don’t experience any clumping or smudging and the product seems to stay on my lashes for ages without flaking off or drying out. Highly recommend!” – Anien, Editor
Teaology Tea Glow Exfoliating Lotion (R499.00)
What they say: Transform your skin with a no alcohol lotion combining the purifying and anti-pollution properties of Organic Green Tea infusion with the exfoliating, anti-blemish power of salicylic acid. This skin-friendly beta hydroxy acid (BHA) removes the dead skin cells which dull the complexion, frees pores from excess sebum and combats and prevents impurities. The formula with 96% of natural origin ingredients is enriched with a soothing complex made using aloe juice, glycerine and niacinamide to reduce redness, while hyaluronic acid hydrates and tones. When used daily, it instantly brightens the face, shrinks pores and leaves the complexion looking fresher, smoother and more even.
What we say: “Salicylic acid is a must-have ingredient in my skincare regime, and if you suffer from occasional (or regular) breakouts or blackheads, it should be in your regime too. I love salicylic acid exfoliating lotions, but have found some to be a little harsh (and some even contain alcohol – a big no-no!). This product, however, does the job without drying or irritating skin. It has 96% natural origin ingredients, including organic green tea, which is filled with antioxidants. It helps clear the skin of dry skin cells, clears the pores and brightens the complexion – just what you need during a season change like spring! I like to pair it with the Teaology Tea Glow Exfoliating Cleansing Foam (R415.00), a mousse cleanser that purifies and brightens skin. Both products have a clean, vegan formula and are free from nasties like parabens, formaldehyde, mineral oils and silicones.” – Anien, Editor
