Winter arrived here in New Zealand this week, preceded by last month’s familiar, seasonal focus on skincare and hydration from beauty and skin care brands.
May brought with it new releases from some of New Zealand’s favourite consumer brands such as Simple, Aveeno and Neutrogena as well as some more specialty products from boutique lines Oasis and Manuka Doctor.
Here’s what I’ve been trialling;
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Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil RRP $11.99
I’ve not been completely sold on oil based skincare products to this point. I go through phases of using oils and then switch back to my regular faves. Simple released their Hydrating Cleansing Oil in May and I’ve got to say, I’m quite a fan! My skin feels super clean, cleaner than after using a foaming cleanser or cream alternative (not really a fan of these) and so, so soft. Baby’s bum soft – which is a pretty big deal when your face is 37 years old lol! Made from pure Grapeseed oil.
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Oasis Lips & Lashes Treatment RRP $39.90
Ok this is a crazy little product – a 3-in-1 eye, lip, lash treatment for sensitive skin. The addition of Arnica to combat puffiness and dark circles was put to the test this morning after 2 nights of totally rubbish sleep. I’m impressed. I went makeup free today and wasn’t too concerned about my usually super-concealed under eye area. I’m very interested to see how it delivers on the promise of longer, stronger lashes – will let you know!
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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Serum RRP $22.99
I’ve been using the Hydro Boost range on and off for over 6 months now. The Hydro Boost mask, Gel SPF15 and Foaming Cleanser are all among my favourite products (Dave actually LOVES the Foaming Cleanser!) so the addition of a serum to the range was a very welcome one. In my opinion, Hydro Boost is a perfect collection of products for those that don’t love heavy or oil based creams and lotions on their skin. I wear a serum every day under moisturiser and this one’s a good one. A little goes a LONG way so, excellent value for money.
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Manuka Doctor ApiRefine Gold Dust Firming Serum RRP $49.95
The announcement of Kourtney Kardashian as Manuka Doctor’s Golden Ambassador was timed perfectly to coincide with the launch of their glittering new serum. This is definitely a product with a difference, I love using it on my makeup free days to add some highlight to my skin – luminous is the perfect word for describing the result and it is as good as my skin gets really! If you’re familiar with the Manuka Doctor range, think Radiance Serum on steroids! And with Colloidal Gold – what the?!
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Karen Murrell Moisture Stick RRP $29.95
No news here, a GREAT lip balm is essential over winter. Dry lips very quickly become sore lips due to icy winds at this time of year. I’m a big fan of the Karen Murrell range of natural lipsticks, as such it’s quite ironic that the Moisture Stick was the very last in the range to become (an essential!) part of my collection! I have to keep close tabs on this guy as I like to have it in my pocket every day. It’s just the right consistency, none of that inconvenient slickness that constantly traps your hair, but thick enough to stay put and protect as well as rehydrate. Definite winter essential.
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Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturising Lotion RRP$16.99
I’m notoriously lazy in winter when it comes to ‘peripheral’ beauty routines. Shaving and moisturising my legs just get put in the too hard / too cold basket. A well timed reminder from the team at Aveeno has sorted my neglected skin out quick smart. I’ve said it before, I never imagined that I would ditch my favourite Vaseline body lotion but it’s happened. I’ve been an Aveeno girl for well over a year now, purely because it is SO quickly absorbed without leaving a greasy residue. I’ve been using the Sheer Hydration formula over summer but will now switch to this slightly heavier formulation to combat winter dryness.
*All of these products were provided for editorial consideration. However, I have used each one and all opinions expressed are my own.
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