We’re regularly sent items and news from brands hoping to catch our (and your) attention. Some we’re happy to shout about; others, not so much. Many are fresh launches, others are cult classics worth coming back to. So, we’re sharing more of what crosses our desks, inboxes and feeds.
Some of these products or services may have been gifted, but the opinions are all ours – and we think are worth your time (and money).
Raaie Tranquillity Water Activating Mist, $139
We're already fans of Raaie, genuinely using their Cocoon Ceramide Cream and Morning Dew Vitamin C Serum - so we were excited to sneak peek of the local skincare brand's new product release backstage at NZ Fashion Week last month. The fact that it's a mist – we love a mist – is even better. Packaged in their signature chic pebble-esque bottles, the bioactive mist features volcanic thermal water and other signature botanicals like mānuka water, kawakawa leaves and marine bioactives. Ideal for hydrating skin that’s suffered through a winter of heat pumps, and for refreshing it on a hot summer’s day.
Maebl Intimate Lubricating Serum and Intimate Refreshing Mist, $132 as a bundle (also sold separately)
We do love a mist! And while we know people don’t need products down there, we greatly appreciate the transparency this local brand has around the use of them, and for conversations about vulvovaginal health full-stop. And as far as lube goes, heck yes to one that doesn’t contain a lot of nasty, chemical ingredients. Maebl founder Shannon Phillimore has struggled with intimate wellness issues for many years, and founded the brand in order to provide solutions as well as de-stigmitise these issues for others.
Avène DermAbsolu Intensive Reshaping Night Cream, $84
A night cream that works while you sleep is peak lazy skincare, and Avène's velvety new release takes the brief seriously. It’s designed to target what they call the 'triangle of youth' - firmness, hydration and radiance – with a blend of 1% bakuchiol (a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative), 2% pro-ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and 2% niacinamide for brightening. A skincare option that feels more practical than flashy.
Coach Gold Parfum, from $113
They had us at ‘sun-drenched brilliance’, which is our favourite vibe after emerging from a wet, windy winter. And the exterior, gold bottle (which also carries the iconic Coach ‘C’) certainly lives up to the part. We can confirm the inside is just as good. Pink peppercorn, notes of vanilla and an almond blossom accord make this our favourite fragrance of the season. It’s a confident, energising and warm scent - who doesn’t dream of being all those things?
Perpetual by Sans [ceuticals] hair cleanser and conditioner kit, $129 each
Sans [ceuticals] founder Lucy Vincent set herself a goal of creating a completely refillable, plastic-free hair care system that didn’t sacrifice on efficacy. Seven years later she’s finally launched Perpetual, a truly innovative product that consists of refillable canisters that comprise a shampoo in granular form and a solid conditioner bar. We’ve used it and can confirm that not only does it look beautiful and #aesthetic in the bathroom, it’s also left our hair exceptionally soft and nourished.
Dermalogica NeuroTouch Symmetry Serum, $250
This serum launch leans into the link between skin and touch. Designed to 'restore balance' to facial contours, it pairs a mix of bioengineered actives and botanicals (like winged kelp and rosewood extract) with massage - which we all know is essential. The lightweight oil-serum helps to firm, lift and support the skin barrier, while also nodding to the skin–mind connection. Plus it smells lovely!
