Raaie of sunscreen
Late summer 2023 saw the release of a third carefully formulated skincare product by New Zealand brand Raaie — Raaie Sun Milk Drops SPF50+ ($115), a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen that sinks in effortlessly without leaving the white cast that often comes with mineral sunblocks. Three years of development have resulted in a lightweight, silky-smooth, invisible SPF that protects the skin from sun damage and creates a glowing base for make-up.
Golden globes
Those with combination and oily skin were finally able to get in on the ampule action in February, when Elizabeth Arden launched its new lightweight ceramide capsules, Elizabeth Arden Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules ($169). The single-use spheres contain just the right amount of liquid gold to strengthen and nourish the skin barrier without feeling too heavy for daytime use.
Black beauty
In April, natural New Zealand perfume brand Abel replaced its Grey Labdanum fragrance with a transfixing new scent, Black Anise (EDP 5ml $140; 50ml $270). Its smoky combination of amber and star anise, blackcurrant, cacao and tobacco is strong and edgy, moody and genderless, and an example of how potent and beguiling natural fragrances can be.
Peel the difference
Forget scratchy face scrubs — liquid exfoliants are the holy grail when it comes to complexion perfection. Dermalogica’s Liquid Peelfoliant ($130) was launched in May with the promise of treatment-room results at home in three minutes flat. Those with sensitive skin should gradually build up to using this product daily, allowing the blend of acids and enzymes revealing brighter, more even skin in a matter of weeks.
Kiss from a rose
There’s something so chic about pulling a Hermès lippy from your purse, and the ultra-moisturising, pink-hued gloss Rose Hermès Rosy Lip Enhancer in Rose Confetti ($115) has proven to be the perfect on-the-go lift. With just the right amount of cool-toned soft pink and a subtle hint of shine, it instantly polishes your look without the need for a mirror.
Isn't it ionic?
Made with extra-fine, ion-charged copper bristles, the Tronque Ionic body brush ($70) is perhaps the most luxurious of its ilk. Dry body brushing helps to detoxify, stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, and slough away dry skin, and doing it with this locally designed version also results in negative ions from friction to help ground your energy.
Straight up superior
Ghd is forever at the forefront of haircare innovation and this year they announced their most advanced tool to date. The Ghd Duet Style Hot Air Styler ($645) hairdryer and straightener in one dries hair from wet while smoothing and straightening as you glide it along your locks. What’s more, it does zero damage to the hair — zero!
Technocolour dream
The latest release from Bondi Sands, Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam ($32), offers fake-tan aficionados and amateurs alike a way to enhance their natural skin tone without dramatically changing it. The fast-acting formula comes in Emerald, Magenta, Sapphire and Caramel versions to suit base tones from fair to deep.
Pep in your step
Peptides are powerful ingredients in anti-ageing skincare, and Lancôme’s lauded new release, Lancôme Rénergie HPN 300-Peptide Cream ($227), contains 300 types, along with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to really show wrinkles, dark spots and tired skin who’s boss. Essentially, its goal is to get your skin regenerating faster and acting younger.
Oh, honey, honey
Viral lip gloss Gisou Honey Infused Lip Oil ($51) launched in Mecca stores in August due to unprecedented demand from customers down under. Golden, glowy and glossy, the honey- and hyaluronic acid- infused oil offers high shine without stickiness, and is instantly smoothing and plumping on the lips.
Words: Lucy Slight
Images: Supplied
This article originally appeared in Fashion Quarterly‘s Spring 2023 issue.
