A new year means new beauty products. Despite the constant cycle of new skincare, makeup and hair care products, autumn launches bring an extra level of excitement. With the release of pumpkin spice lattes and autumnal colour palettes, it’s time for a complete skincare makeover (richly hydrating moisturisers and hand creams will come to the forefront) and a makeup transition (prepare for statement lips and effortlessly dewy skin). You’ll probably want to give your hair an extra boost of moisture while you’re at it. Naturally, we’ve tried and tested nearly every new drop in order to discover which items deserve a spot in your beauty stash.
EasyGlow 4-in-1 Contour & Highlight Applicator
One product, multiple functions. EasyGlow’s efficient products work so well, we’re convinced they’re magic! Whether you have pale or dark skin, the timesaving 4-in-1 Contour & Highlight Applicator has your needs covered in one product, leaving no room for error. There really is a shade for everyone in this collection, and the undertones are spot-on. It’s great for everyday use – simply swipe on, blend and enjoy a sun-kissed glow. The imported brushes are high-quality, so it’s all you need for the ultimate precision. Plus, the pans are removable and refillable.
R1,295 from www.myeasyglow.com
Azure Tan Firm & Tone Tanning Butter
We’re planning on maintaining our summer glow well through the upcoming autumn and winter seasons. How, you might ask? We’ll be pairing our favourite bronzer with the best gradual self-tanner on the market. This creamy body butter from Azure Tan is hydrating enough to replace your daily moisturiser, yet doesn’t skip out on its tan-building power. Another major win? It’s formulated with guarana, caffeine and shea butter to firm the skin and reduce the look of cellulite. Basically, it’ll make your skin look airbrushed with just the effort it takes to apply lotion.
R599 from www.azuretan.co.za and select salons
DKNY Be Delicious Orchard Street Eau de Parfum
To help you mentally transition away from summer, here’s an attention-grabbing take on the autumn perfume. At the top, an energetic explosion of pink lady apple, neon pink grapefruit, blackcurrant and pink pepper; the heart, joyous jasmine sambac, orris, black raspberry and pomegranate; the base, leather, cedarwood, amber woods and edenolide. Juicy, fresh and clean. The bottle is oh-so-Instagrammable, with a street art-style apple print in bright yellow against a hot pink backdrop. It’s the best excuse to delay the winter woollies that bit longer.
R999 for 30ml or R2,199 for 100ml from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, Clicks and Dis-Chem
NUXE Sweet Lemon Hand and Nail Cream
A mild and comforting hand cream made by one of the best skincare brands on the market is definitely hard to resist. With a lovely light scent that perks up the senses, NUXE’s Sweet Lemon Hand and Nail Cream leaves your hands utterly smooth with a healthy glow. It’s lightweight, easy to work into the skin and fully absorbs in about 30 seconds before drying down and leaving hands residue-free. Plus, your nails will love it. This hand cream contains organic sunflower oil and aloe vera – perfect if your goal is long-lasting moisture or combatting redness.
R195 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths stores
Gonn Natural Anti-odorant
Natural deodorants may have been a bit touch-and-go initially, but thankfully the game has been upped. Stay fresh all day long with Gonn’s minimalist roller. The formula is everything you’d want from your deodorant (think effective ingredients that work together seamlessly to block out odour) without the use of aluminium, parabens, alcohol and a few other nasties. It glides on easily and won’t leave annoying white marks on all your clothing. Result. Sensitive skin crew, rejoice! It’s also completely unscented – ideal if you’re opposed to fragrance in your products.
R200 from www.getgonn.com
Dr Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask
In the name of achieving ridiculously smooth lips, it’s time to upgrade your lip balm. Few lip masks can stand up to the Dr Paw Paw Overnight Lip Mask. Its uber-thick formula, enhanced by four natural oils and waxes (including sunflower seed oil and wax from the candelilla plant), works its magic by slowly melting into your lips overnight. The convenient tube makes for a hygienic application that doesn’t involve dipping your finger into a messy pot. Blanket your lips with a hefty coat before bed and come morning, you’ll wake up with lips from the heavens.
R98.99 from Clicks
INOAR Revolution Smooth Perfection Oil
No matter what your hair type is, a little oil can be necessary to condition, create a glossy sheen and support overall hair health. This luxurious pick is one of the few hair oils we’ve tried that has transformative effects with no greasy residue – even for people with oily hair. That’s because it provides the high-impact moisture that hair needs through a blend of coenzyme Q10, coconut oil and turmeric extract. The finish is beautiful and adds a nourished, silky feel while eliminating frizz. We love how quickly it smooths thick, coarse strands – it tames super-frizzy hair instantly.
R1,100 from www.inoar.co.za and select salons
Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Boost Serum
Chances are you’ve caught wind of hyaluronic acid. The hardworking ingredient can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, which is why it’s in nearly every skincare product these days. If you want a serum you can get your hands on easily, look to this one from Avène. This hydrating concoction boasts a softening blend of vitamin B3 and hyaluronic acid to deliver a smoother, more supple complexion. But there’s an unexpected twist in the form of the brand’s thermal spring water, making it a stellar option to have on hand if you often experience inflammation.
R395 from Clicks, Dis-Chem and www.dermastore.co.za
Esse Bakuchiol Serum
Retinol, who? While traditional retinol will likely always hold a special place in our heart, using bakuchiol – the faux-retinol alternative – can be an equally beneficial option for all skin types. Targeting harsh lines and rough textures, this nighttime product delivers similar results without the fear of ruining the clear skin you worked so hard to achieve. The addition of aloe vera leaf extract and jojoba seed oil brightens any dullness and hydrates skin pretty much instantly. We think this is an absolute staple for those who prefer not to have a routine that’s too many steps.
R495 from www.esseconceptstore.co.za as well as select spas and salons
Diego dalla Palma Professional HA Hero Serum
Bring the bounce back to your skin with this plumping serum. It’s made with multi-weight hyaluronic acid to penetrate various layers of the skin, providing intense hydration both immediately and over time. Once applied, this face serum – also spiked with other heavy hydrators – smooths out your skin texture for a bouncy, supple feel. It has such a light feel that it plays well under thicker moisturisers, primers and foundations without causing pilling. Better yet, it’s a good option to use after and between injectables, like hyaluronic-based dermal fillers.
R1,195 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select spas and salons
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream
There’s a laundry list of reasons why retinol should be in your daily routine. If you’re looking to introduce retinol but don’t know where to begin, fear not. Elizabeth Arden’s high-performance gel cream, which combines a granactive retinoid with barrier-boosting ceramides, is an ideal foray into the anti-ageing ingredient. Smoothing wrinkles and giving your complexion a cushion-soft feel, it’s a multi-tasking wonder. What’s more, it’s specifically designed for day and night use – on condition that you apply a generous coat of sunscreen over the top in the morning.
R1,095 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com
NeoStrata Hyaluronic Luminous Lift
Wave goodbye to breakouts and dryness. NeoStrata’s Hyaluronic Luminous Lift makes good on its promise of delivering intense hydration – sans any of the heavy textures that can make certain skin types break out. The beauty of this gel-based moisturiser is that its featherlight formula replenishes moisture for a plump complexion without clogging pores or T-zones. The secret? Three different sizes of hyaluronic acid and NeoGlucosamine – the building block of hyaluronic acid. It also won’t conflict with other steps in your regimen and is great for layering.
R1,610 from www.dermastore.co.za, www.skinmiles.com and www.skinsmart.co.za
