The countdown to Christmas has begun, and who deserves a little treat more than yourself? No one. That’s where luxury beauty shines. There’s little better – or more indulgent – than really pampering yourself. We’ve got some new contenders for you that are a cut above the rest, combining gorgeous packaging with lovely textures and real results. We’re talking multi-use lip and cheek tints for effortless colour, body shimmers made with skin-loving natural oils, and limited-edition sets to keep hair soft and shiny all summer. Waiting to be gifted is a fool’s game.
A golden glow from head-to-toe
Gradual tan is an essential step for a believable, fool-proof bronze glow-up. Powered by skin-softening coconut oil and barrier-strengthening vitamin E, this Gatineau Golden Glow Gradual Tan works slow and steady to create a subtle tan. During the summer, the light, refreshing texture is a dream come true. It’s not heavy or tacky on the skin, so it’s enjoyable to apply even as the weather warms up. Just make sure your skin is clean, dry and exfoliated before rubbing the gel-cream into your body in circular motions. It’s best applied in the evening to develop overnight, but can also be layered over the next few days to build a deeper, longer-lasting tan.
R795 for 200ml from select Woolworths stores
Shine on
A perfume-like scent and glistening oil in one, we can’t get enough of the NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Or Florale. This shimmering version of the brand’s much-loved Huile Prodigieuse Florale nourishes, softens and illuminates the skin and hair thanks to its ultra-fine, pearly mineral particles. Blended with rose gold shimmer and seven precious 100% vegetable oils, this dry oil glazes your skin with an iridescent glow and absorbs quickly into the skin. If that wasn’t enough, your skin also gets the scent of florals. Our favourite way to use it? To highlight areas like our collarbones, shoulders and shin – it catches the light for a ‘supermodel’-esque look.
R555 for 50ml from select Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths stores
Wide awake
Concealers do most of the heavy lifting for a flawless base. Want brighter under-eyes? Go for a lighter shade. After a sharp contour? Define those cheeks with a flesh-toned hue. Missing your eyeshadow primer and need a quick fix? You guessed it, concealer to the rescue. But if you have a reactive complexion or sensitive eyes, you’ll need to be a bit more selective. The Esse Concealer, a wax-coated iron and titanium oxides formula, is a good fit for those with sensitive skin. Whether it’s a blemish or dark under eyes à la a long night you need to mask, there’s nothing it can’t conceal. It also touts jojoba seed oil and vitamin E to keep irritation at bay.
R495 from the Esse Concept Store as well as select spas and salons
Monochromatic flush
Maybe she woke up like that – or maybe it’s a Mineral Fusion 3-in-1 Colour Stick. Simplify your beauty routine and save space in your makeup bag to boot with Mineral Fusion’s lip, cheek and eye tints, now in South Africa! We really appreciate that they check off three boxes, especially when we’re on the go and need something that we can apply quickly. The four universally flattering shades – Rosette, Terra Cotta, Berry Glow and Magnetic – give just the right amount of colour to wake up your complexion, but can definitely be built up to strong opacity if you keep adding more. The formula melts right into your skin for peak dewiness.
R620 from Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature and Takealot
Fun in the sun
Sunscreen is one skincare step you can’t afford to skip. But that doesn’t mean you can’t consolidate your routine with an indulgent moisturiser with SPF. Rich and velvety, the Sothys Youth Protective Cream SPF 50 leaves your skin luminous for hours of wear, with a noticeable softening of fine lines and wrinkles. Aside from the golden seaweed leading the formula, Sothys also pairs it with butterfly bush flower, buriti oil plus omegas 3, 6 and 9. It layers beautifully with essences and serums, and the pleasant fragrance is neither irritating nor overpowering. Give your skin a quick massage by working the cream into your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck.
R875 for 50ml from Orleans Cosmetics as well as select spas and salons
Skincare, but for your strands
The skincare-inspired nature of Australian hair care brand, Kevin Murphy, means there’s a perfect regime for every hair type. The Kevin Murphy Vibing Volume Holiday Gift Set is a coveted gift this Christmas, so snap it up now while it’s still in stock! Housed in the cutest pastel pink bottles, Kevin Murphy’s ANGEL.WASH and ANGEL.RINSE don’t just look fabulous displayed on your bathroom countertops. They give flat hair major oomph. If you’re looking for a volumising shampoo and conditioner that also aids in colour protection, these are the ones. In between washes, even stubbornly limp hair is no match for the DOO.OVER texturising spray.
R1,408 from Retail Box, Salon 500 and Cosmetology
All that glitters is gold
From icy white sparkle to candy cane-glazed Frenchies, there are tons of stylish ways for your mani to nod to the season. Had your nails done ahead of the holidays and in need of some aftercare products? We’re obsessed with Bio Sculpture’s latest creation, the Bio Sculpture Ethos Golden Nail Serum infused with biotin and urea. Come for the micro-fine glitter flecks; stay for the real results. Not only is it delicately scented with green tea, but its ultra-nourishing formula helps protect, replenish and strengthen your nails and cuticle. The targeted dropper allows you to apply the product right where you need it. Think of this as a little treat for your hands.
R140 from Bio Sculpture as well as select spas and salons
