In an overstimulated world where it feels like everyone’s trying to sell us something 24/7, it can be hard to tell which new beauty products are truly novel. When it comes to what makes the cut, we like to know that they deliver transformational, tell-all-our-friends-about-it results – because nobody has the time (or spare budget) to waste on anything but the best. From a serum-highlighter hybrid to our favourite lip peptide buy, these beauty innovations have the potential to become your new holy grails.
Shiseido Vital Perfection Intensive SculptDefine Serum
A lifted, chiselled appearance is well within your grasp thanks to the latest addition to Shiseido’s cult-favourite Vital Perfection line. Inspired by electrical muscle simulation (EMS) therapy, the lightweight Shiseido Vital Perfection Intensive SculptDefine Serum equips your facial muscles to do all the heavy lifting. No literally. A gym in a bottle, dare we say, the creation is designed to whip the facial muscles into shape so they appear more defined than ever, particularly across three key areas of the face: The jawline, marionette lines and the nasolabial folds. A skin-vestment that’s worth every penny.
R3,010 for 40ml or R4,300 for 80ml from ARC Store, Woolworths and Edgars
Dermalogica Smart Eye Density Undereye Serum
Few formulas can rival the Dermalogica Smart Eye Density Undereye Serum when it comes to redensifying sunken eyes and tear troughs. If you struggle with an under-eye area that looks hollow, this active-packed serum can help encourage volume and plump. A host of actives like a growth factor complex, hyaluronic acid, rye seed extract, polyglutamic acid, sweet potato root extract and CoQ10 work in tandem to address several eye concerns at once. As with all eye serums, regular application is key to improving the overall texture and firmness, but the results are well worth the wait.
R2,799 from Dermalogica, ARC Store and Woolworths
Avène Ultra Serum Glow SPF 50+
Vitamin C is a gold-standard skincare ingredient for boosting brightness and tackling signs of sun damage. But without daily SPF, ongoing UV exposure can work against those gains. Avène’s Ultra Serum Glow SPF 50+ offers the best of both worlds, pairing vitamin Cg – a stabilised form of vitamin C – with SPF 50+ protection against UVB, UVA and HEV blue light from our smartphones and laptops. The serum-like formula melts in without a trace, making it ideal if you usually resist sunscreen because of how it feels. And, in true Avène fashion, it’s genuinely enjoyable to apply. An evolution in sun protection.
R715.95 from Le Beauty Club, Dermastore, Clicks and Dis-Chem
BIODERMA Hydrabio Light Moisturising Water Cream
Looking for lightweight hydration that gives a glass skin finish without any greasiness? Look no further than the BIODERMA Hydrabio Light Moisturising Water Cream. True to its name, water creams aim to do one thing and one thing only: Hydrate. Better still, this water-based moisturiser hydrates just as well as its richer, oil-based counterparts. Rather than sealing in hydration with a heavy, occlusive blanket of cream, the virtually weightless formula uses humectants such as hyaluronic acid to draw water to the top layers. It’s cooling, breathable and fast-absorbing – yet still surprisingly hardworking.
R565 from Dermastore, Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Clicks and Dis-Chem
Filorga Daily Repair Mineral UV SPF 50
Filorga’s Daily Repair Mineral UV SPF 50 is like the Swiss Army knife of sunscreens – sensitive-skin-friendly, non-greasy and redness-neutralising. For those wanting to correct and conceal irritation, rosacea or other red patches, this green-tinted sunscreen will provide instant and easy-to-apply colour correcting. The combination of soothing Centella asiatica, which works to calm the skin, alongside ceramides that help rebuild a compromised skin barrier is what makes this formula such a great option for redness. It wears well under makeup and feels far more elegant than you’d expect from a high-zinc mineral SPF.
R830 from Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Care to Beauty and AbsoluteSkin
NUXE Prodigieuse [Hyalu] Boost The Illuminating Concentrate
If your goal is to look lit-from-within, the NUXE Prodigieuse [Hyalu] Boost The Illuminating Concentrate serum-highlighter hybrid can get that done. With low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, high-molecular-weight polyglutamic acid and natural pink light-reflecting pearls, this little bottle packs a serious punch – plus, did we mention that the formula is vegan? It can be worn on its own, mixed in with your favourite products or applied over the top of your makeup look. Dab it on your cupid’s bow, brow bones, collarbones and all the high points of your face to create some extra luminosity.
R895 from Orleans Cosmetics, Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths
NARS Insatiable Liquid Blush
It’s no mystery that the new NARS Insatiable Liquid Blush has gone viral on social media. The collection features a mix of 16 new and returning shades, including classic colours like Exhibit A, Sex Appeal and Behave. Of course, the brand’s signature peachy-pink hue, Orgasm, also features in the range, available in both satin and shimmer finishes. The new doe-foot applicator makes it much easier to apply, while the improved formula contains skin-loving ingredients like squalene, ceramides and peptides, helping the product blend effortlessly and wear comfortably throughout the day.
R880 from ARC Store and Woolworths
Gatineau Defi Lift Volumising Peptide Lip Treatment – Bisou
Fans of Gatineau’s popular Defi Lift Volumising Peptide Lip Treatment will also love the new adorably named berry shade, Bisou. Tripeptide, Swertia chirata extract, menthyl PCA, hyaluronic acid and shorea butter come together in this juicy formula to restore bounce and body to the lips. It feels lightweight and nourishing, without leaving behind that sticky feeling. A swipe or two of this glossy balm is all you need for sheer colour, high shine and a subtle plumping effect. And thanks to its cooling sensation, it’s a treatment heavy on the ‘treat’. We also love the applicator for on-the-go touch-ups.
R595 from Orleans Cosmetics and Woolworths
BeautyLash by RefectoCil Pro Brow Colour
Eyebrow pencils can give you a daily fix for fuller-looking brows, but if you’re looking for a semi-permanent, more low-maintenance solution, say hi, hello and welcome to your new favourite product: The BeautyLash by RefectoCil Pro Brow Colour. Available in three shades – Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black Brown – the kit provides everything you need to get a salon-style experience at home. It lasts for up to four weeks and couldn’t be easier to use. Pro tip: A little bit of Vaseline around the edges of your brows will prevent any staining on your skin – just make sure you don’t get it on your actual brow.
R210 from Takealot
ghd Sleek Operator Wet & Dry Smoothing Oil Elixir
ghd’s Sleek Operator Wet & Dry Smoothing Oil Elixir is the ultimate indulgence for every hair type. Silky and featherweight, it keeps your hair nourished for up to 100 hours with a cocktail of argan, camellia seed, sweet almond and jojoba oils, squalane and vitamin E, along with the ghd heat protection system. Take that, humidity and heat damage! It also has a subtle bergamot, ylang-ylang and mango scent that leaves hair smelling as luxe as it looks. Apply it to damp or dry strands as needed for instant smoothing, effortless shine and a colour-enhancing boost. This product is definitely worth the hype.
R730 from ghd, Retail Box, Splush and Takealot
