We’re not ones to subscribe to the mantra, “New year, new us,” but we do like the idea of a better us in 2026. Perhaps this means finally mastering a skin-fasting day or booking that boutique fitness class we’ve been stalking on Instagram. Presumably, we’ll swap our daily flat white for a matcha and finally unfollow the accounts that spark FOMO. The latest beauty drops promise the same sort of routine refresh possibilities. From a modern floral perfume and intimate beauty essentials to body care products for major spa vibes at home, fortunately we’d never gatekeep our favourites.
Editor’s pick: The results of a traditional hot tool, only without the heat
Once in a blue moon, a hot tool comes around that changes our life. The first time it happened for us was with a flat iron in our teens. Now, we’ve found our new life-changing tool in the Dreame AirStyle Pro. The gadgety device is powered by Dreame’s JetAirflow Technology and a high-speed digital motor, which spins up to 110,000 times per minute. But that’s not all – the AirStyle Pro is equipped with NTC intelligent temperature control, meaning it monitors airflow heat up to 300 times per second to keep temperatures stable and help prevent heat damage while you style. So what’s included, you ask? Inside the pebbled leather storage case, you’ll find individual pockets where each of the seven interchangeable magnetic attachments can be stored, as well as a deep compartment for the AirStyle Pro handle and cord. The attachments are comprised of two 32mm auto-wrap barrels to create loose or voluminous curls – your choice. A hard smoothing brush for frizz control and a soft smoothing brush for fine hair, along with a round volumising brush to shape your hair, a fast dryer and a flyaway attachment. With its range of styling attachments, the AirStyle Pro is essentially a blow dryer, hair straightener and curling iron in one. We were shocked by how quickly and efficiently the firm smoothing brush straightened our hair – and it wasn’t the least bit flat. It’s brilliant for coarse and frizzy hair textures. When we gravitate towards those bouncy, polished, Blake Lively-esque curls we usually only achieve after an hour in the stylist’s chair, the AirStyle Pro assures us it’s worth the investment. For best curl results, start on damp hair, use a styling cream for added grip and work in smaller sections. We’ve saved on salon blowouts ahead of special occasions and events by reaching for this tool instead – and its ability to help minimise heat damage feels almost priceless for maintaining hair health. Possibly the most desirable hair-styling tool ever to exist, in our humble opinion. It’s available in Amber Gold locally – and honestly, we wouldn’t choose anything else.
R7,499 from Dreame Africa, Woolworths and Bash
Time machine
Since its arrival in South Africa, we’ve been under the spell of Drunk Elephant products. From the colourful packaging to the hard-hitting formulas, the female-owned beauty brand is well-loved by dermatologists and beauty pros alike. The Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum is so much more than a lightweight hydrating serum. It features three derm favourites for hydrating skin – hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and ceramides – and can be used as a regular face serum, as a lightweight gel moisturiser or as a booster mixed with your face cream. When it comes to the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum, “T.L.C.” stands for tartaric, lactic and citric acids, which work together to bolster the exfoliating hero ingredient: Glycolic acid. It gently resurfaces the skin overnight, nibbling away at congestion and dissolving dead skin cells to leave your skin freshly polished by morning. Luxurious, soothing and non-greasy, the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil is a pure one-ingredient oil rich in critical antioxidants to protect against free radicals and pollution as well as preserve barrier-supportive fatty acids.
R1,230, R2,130 and R1,700 respectively from ARC Store
Where science meets nature
In beauty, hair care are has often lagged behind skincare in innovation. But that’s quickly changing. DESIGN.ME, a Canadian hair care brand, is rewriting the rules with formulas that bring together the best of natural ingredients and salon-level science. Whether you’re looking to achieve hydration and shine, curl definition or XXL body ‘n bounce, there’s an option for every hair type and texture. From a volumising hair mousse to dry shampoos that match your hair colour, each product is 100% vegan and cruelty-free. The packaging – done up in pastel pinks, mint greens, baby blues, lilacs and buttery yellows – is the stuff girly dreams are made of. The DESIGN.ME PUFF.ME Volumising Shampoo and Conditioner, with a sweet black cherry, almond and tonka bean scent, add soft, tousled volume and airy lift. The one-and-done FAB.ME Leave-In Treatment does pretty much everything short of combing your hair for you – working as a heat protectant, a styling aid and even a deep-conditioning treatment. On non-wash days, the GLOSS.ME Hair Serum tackles dryness and frizz with a powerhouse blend of moringa, argan oil and soy protein.
R520, R520, R560 and R575 respectively from Retail Box, Cosmetology and Woolworths
The cheek
Liquid blush is every dewy girl’s secret weapon. We’re deeply, deeply obsessed with the Rodial Blush Drops in Frosted Pink that leave a pinch of colour wherever you want. The petal-pink liquid formula is finger-friendly, works across skin tones and quite literally reflects the light at every turn. Make sure to shake it up before you apply and start out slow – a little goes a long way. In our experience, the magic recipe is three itty-bitty dots placed along the cheekbone, blended in an upward motion towards the temple. We can’t remember life before this blusher.
R1,450 from The Beauty Store
Wash the day away
If you’re a fan of the Hydrabio Serum, this is a must-have. The Bioderma Hydrabio Foaming Gel is a gentle, uncomplicated cleanser that effectively removes all dirt and debris from skin and ensures it’s left feeling hydrated and supple. The formula doesn’t just take off makeup and grime; it clears out pores and keeps your skin feeling super clean. It’s powered by hyaluronic acid, which helps skin hold onto moisture, making it a great option for all skin types – dry, normal, combination and even those prone to irritation, as it’s soap-free. You can’t go wrong.
R430 from Dermastore, Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Clicks and Dis-Chem
Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed
Has the skin under your eyes been looking dull, crepey or dry lately? Then it’s time to invest in a targeted eye cream. The Filorga NCEF-Revitalize Eyes does it all: Firms, brightens, depuffs and hydrates the delicate eye contour. The formula is packed with high-end ingredients like collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, escin and caffeine to fake a full night’s sleep – but that’s just the beginning. It even works overtime to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Simply glide the luxuriously balmy cream on and watch your bags disappear. It’s a must-have for your busiest days.
R1,470 from Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Care to Beauty and AbsoluteSkin
Upgrade your beauty sleep
Face tape, mouth tape, collagen sheet masks, nose pore strips and more – even sleep has become a competitive sport in the beauty space. While we’ve tried, and failed, to get on board with mouth taping (the ritual of putting tape over the lips to encourage nasal breathing and better sleep), we’ll happily swipe on the NIVEA Regenerating Micellar Water, which primes the skin for overnight repair. Combining 5% serum with panthenol and squalane, this micellar water is a great solution for skin lacking vitality and hydration, or feeling a little irritated or sensitised.
R135 from Clicks, Dis-Chem and Superbalist
Bumps, begone
Ingrown hairs post-waxing and shaving are a pain all round, particularly in sensitive areas. Thankfully, the Kiehl’s Ingrown Hair & Tone-Correcting Intimate Drops make it simple to combat the issue. This fast-drying formula is infused with three acids (mandelic, PHA and lactic), astaxanthin and jojoba oil, and can be used daily and immediately after hair removal. Its gentle exfoliation is ideal for just about anywhere – from the armpits to your bikini line – and happens to be both alcohol- and fragrance-free. In addition, the multitasking serum evens out skin tone.
R690 from Edgars, ARC Store, Dermastore and Superbalist
A fragrance personality
Choosing a signature scent can seem like an overwhelming task. Right now, there’s one fragrance standing out from the crowd: Nicci Signature. Fresh, modern and effortlessly cool, it’s the perfect floral perfume for everyday. Trust us, you won’t be afraid to wear this one to the office. One spritz is all you need to notice its sparkling opening of cherry blossom, violet, rose, jasmine and tuberose, paired with a base of solar notes, cloves and vetiver. It smells simply delightful – we’re constantly getting compliments! Plus, what cool-girl doesn’t love a bit of Nicci?
R899 for 50ml from Nicci Boutiques
Self-care rituals
With The Body Shop Spa of the World collection, bringing a dose of escapism to your beauty routine has never been easier. Which means there’s no excuse for not taking the time to give yourself some spa-worthy self-care. First things first, prep your skin with the Brazilian Cupuaçu Scrub-in-Oil. Once rinsed off, reach for the Tahitian Tiaré Body Wash. Now it’s time to lock in all that hard work with the Hawaiian Kukui Cream. If your skin is on the drier side, switch it out for the Polynesian Monoï Radiance Oil. Finally, slip into your pyjamas and enjoy baby-smooth skin.
R600, R280, R550 and R360 respectively from The Body Shop
Peace out, puffiness
There are many reasons you might wake up with dark circles under your eyes: Indulging in a tad too much alcohol, overdoing it on salty food or even removing your eye make-up too harshly. The Biomedical Emporium Eye Patches infused with hyaluronic acid promise a quick-fix to your dark and puffy peepers. Most eye patches slip right off the moment we stand up, but these sticky – yet comfortable – patches made from reusable medical-grade silicone stay put through all our chores. As a bonus, they come in a compact container for easy storage and portability.
R355 from Biomedical Emporium
