In focus: Dermalogica eye gel, Sunshine Natural sunscreen and other things we loved

Herbal teas are my go-to drink and I absolutely love it when I’m sent new brands and blends to try out. My latest treat was sent to me by Libertine Blends, a cheeky little number aptly named Kapow. 

It’s good to know that Libertine Blends teas are organic – many of the blends contain New Zealand native plants, such as kawakawa – and are hand-packed in New Zealand. 

Kapow is a blend of kawakawa, lemongrass, chilli and cardomon, and it’s this combination that gives the tea its moniker. The tea is initially smooth and, once you swallow, a zingy, peppery sensation hits the back of your throat. It certainly provides an instant pep-up when you drink it and with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, I can see how it would be super-effective if you needed to calm a scratchy throat. 

Each box contains 15 tea temples – which allow the tea, herbs and spices to swirl around for maximum infusion – and, as the temples are made from sugarcane, they are commercially compostable. You’ll easily get two cups out of each tea temple and the brew can be enjoyed hot or cold. 

RRP $16 for a box of 15 tea temples.

My Sunshine is every day suncare and skincare combined in one easy-squeeze tube. It’s a mineral zinc-based sunscreen enriched with natures natural protectants such as Red Raspberry Seed and Sea Buckthorn Oils and antioxidants from Green Tea, Vitamin E and olive oil. To nourish your skin, it also contains aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter and chamomile. The ingredients are 97% from natural origin and 30% organic and it’s suitable for most sensitive skins, including babies as young as six months old.

But the really big news about My Sunshine is that it was one of only eight sunscreens to pass Consumer NZ’s secret testing for SPF and broad spectrum claim – a cancer society sunscreen SPF 50+ was among those that didn’t make the cut!

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancer and melanoma in the world so applying sunscreen every day is a must. 

Apart from having no nasty chemicals, My Sunshine is also vegan, not tested on animals and is ocean and reef safe which is a huge plus, in my opinion. And, it also protects you from blue light emitted from your computers and phones.

The cream has a slight fragrance, rubs in well and the 50ml tube is the perfect size for your handbag. 

We’ve had a gorgeous, hot summer and thankfully, it still isn’t time to bring out those extra layers of warmer clothing. We all love that gorgeous sun-kissed look but often don’t want to expose the sensitive skin on our face to the sun. 

This is where Bondi Sands 1 Hour Express Face Mist comes in handy. 

This lightweight self-tanning mist leaves your skin hydrated and glowing and is perfect for time poor tanners who want that Bondi glow in an hour. The fragrance-free, dermatologically tested, dual- action formula provides a deep, long-lasting tan that’s easy to apply evenly, especially if you’re using a Bondi Sands Application Mitt.

Suitable for sensitive skins, non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores), dye and sulphate free, vegan and cruelty free. 

Dubbed the ‘little miracle worker’, Dermalogica’s formula for Awaken Peptide Gel combines peptides with caffeine, which restricts blood vessels, line-reducing lactic acid, and moisturising jojoba oil. Other extracts work to take down inflammation, hydrate and soften the skin, and give the skin a boost of antioxidants – all working together to minimise puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. 

Peptides are the building blocks of collagen which is so important in keeping your skin firm and smooth. As we age, the rate of collagen the skin products slows right down, so a peptide eye cream will help stimulate their growth. 

The eye gel is suitable for all skin types and the squeeze tube allows you to get all those remaining bits out easily. You won’t need too much so the tube lasts for some time.