The exceptional eye cream
As tempting as it may be to grab your favourite moisturiser, smooth it on and call it a day, applying an effective eye cream is one step in your beauty routine it pays not to look past. Granted, it’s often the case that too-rich eye creams leave the delicate skin in this area feeling weighed down, but the latest addition to Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair family does the opposite. Ultra-lightweight and a pleasure to apply, this hyaluronic acid- and peptide packed formula works to reduce puffiness, dark circles and the signs of ageing.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Supercharged Gel-Creme, $137.
The paragon of luxury
No one does luxurious, transformative skincare like Swiss beauty house La Prairie, and if a truly indulgent, science-backed night-time beauty routine is high on your agenda, this innovation is for you. Although it will be one of the priciest skincare offerings you’ve laid eyes on recently, you can rest assured this is one formulation that really delivers on its three-pronged promise to enhance skin radiance on application, revitalise skin overnight, and boost skin resilience and health with daily use. And, yes, it does contain a hint of real gold — much more than a gimmick, it’s said to enhance luminosity, and strengthen and rejuvenate skin.
La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Nocturnal Balm, $1505.
The super serum
A serum is indispensable in any serious skincare routine; however, with more choices in this department than ever before, it’s a tricky business honing in on one that’ll deliver what you need it to. Consider the search for the perfect serum over as Guerlain takes a very clever approach to bolstering skin health. The rather fetching double canister bottle houses two formulas — one powered by exfoliating alphahydroxy and polyhydroxy acids, and another by honey and royal jelly. The result is noticeably tighter, lifted and more luminous skin.
Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum, from $282.
The summer scent
We’re fond of fragrances that are able to instantly carry us away to somewhere sun-dappled and sultry, so we’re rather smitten with Glasshouse Fragrances’ latest scent. The dazzling perfume features an enchanting concoction of citrus and floral notes — sparkling mandarin, white peach and jasmine — and an evocative marine accord. We’re declaring this one our wear-everywhere scent for summer and beyond.
Glasshouse Fragrances Sunsets in Capri EDP 100ml, $149.
The inimitable make-up
If you’re yet to fall head over heels for Aotearoa’s Aleph Beauty, then it’s time you got acquainted with this lovely local make-up brand. Its founder Emma Peters is well aware of the greenwashing that’s rife in her industry, so she set out to do things differently from the get-go. She’s genuinely passionate about the planet and the people and animals that inhabit it, and if her conscious, sustainable ethos isn’t enough to sway you towards giving Aleph a go, the darn good products should be. Think multipurpose, richly pigmented creations that will also inspire you to have a bit of fun with your make-up.
Aleph Hybrid Eye Pigment in Atmos, $56, and Lucid Lip Gloss/Balm, $59.
The homegrown hero
If you’re anything like us and have a soft spot for skincare that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is efficacious, this is another homegrown brand you need to get to know. Curvaceous good looks aside, Raaie, created by Katey Mandy, features serious skincare ingredients that combine in-depth research with nature’s best. Plus, rather than overcomplicate things with a plethora of options, the current collection features just two serums: a glow-enhancing vitamin-C-based one for the AM and a line-fighting retinol-based one for the PM.
Raaie Morning Dew Vitamin C Serum, $137.
The twist on a classic
Although there are plenty of equally charming iterations of Dior’s most iconic feminine scent out there, this one marks a dramatic departure from its predecessors. Since it’s one of legendary perfumer François Demachy’s final creations for the maison, we knew it was going to be one of a kind. Remarkably, J’adore Parfum d’Eau is sans alcohol, which means it’s created from only flowers and water. It’s a lighter, resplendent and incredibly easy to wear take on the original.
Dior J’adore Parfum d’eau EDP 100ml, $312.
The very best body care
The days of forgetting to extend your skincare routine beyond your décolletage are well and truly behind us thanks to Tronque. Inspired by her long battle with endometriosis, founder Tanne Snowden decided to take a new approach to skincare. An extensive list of commonly used nasties — including endocrine disruptors, parabens and phthalates — have been avoided; instead, Tronque products are packed with deeply nourishing and effective clean, green ingredients. We also love the fact they’re made right here in Aotearoa.
Tronque Rich as Croesus Firming Butter, $130.
The glow getter
Exfoliation has come a long way since the days of too harsh apricot-kernel facial scrubs. It’s nice to be spoilt for choice, but this has made exfoliating a step in our routine that is a tad perplexing. This mask un-complicates this essential step, and the best part is you only need a minute to incorporate it into your routine. The fine, powder-based exfoliant becomes a glow-boosting, dull-skin-banishing cream on contact with water.
Sisley Paris Exfoliating Enzyme Mask, $170.
The ultimate moisturiser
Moisturiser is the backbone of any beauty routine and the departure of cold, hydration-sapping weather presents an ideal opportunity to give something new a go. This refillable cream by Givenchy has quickly become a staple in our routines. It’s a moisturiser that delivers intensive and long-lasting support, but thanks to the lightweight, gel formulation, it glides onto skin, is absorbed in a jiffy and sits beautifully under your favourite foundation.
Givenchy Ressource Velvet Moisturizing Cream, $93, from DFS.
The beauty-sleep queen
Imagine if we could all drift off into a deep slumber for the night and wake up in the morning with the complexion we dream of. Emma Lewisham doesn’t release myriad new products, but her considered approach to skincare is one of the reasons we love this Kiwi brand so much. This mask takes a lot of fuss out of your evening beauty routine. Simply slather it onto your skin and let the 22 active ingredients in the divine formula transform and rejuvenate your skin as you sleep.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask, $125.
The good oil
Fans of skin expert Ashleigh Scott, aka The Facialist, will be over the moon about the latest string she’s added to her bow. It features an ultra-restorative blend of essential fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E, which work in unison to give the skin’s natural healing process a helping hand. Rumour has it there’s more to come, as this is just the first product in The Facialist’s conscious, concise skincare collection.
The Facialist Glow Nourishing & Revitalising Facial Oil, $65.
The thirst quencher
Various skincare ingredients are proclaimed to be must-haves for hydrated skin, but perhaps nothing keeps it as nourished and moisturised around the clock as hyaluronic acid. It’s at the heart of Jeuneora’s latest creation, and stars alongside a blend of effective natural-based ingredients, including jojoba, beetroot extract, cucumber seed oil and shea butter. We highly recommend adding this to your schedule for plumper, happier skin.
Jeuneora Hydrating Booster, $48
Photography: Belinda Merrie
Words & Styling: Nicole Suanders
