There’s something undeniably exciting about a beauty drop that feels both thoughtful and genuinely useful – and this latest edit delivers exactly that. From clever skincare innovations to makeup designed for real life (read: quick, effortless and actually enjoyable to use), these are the products earning their place on bathroom shelves and in makeup bags right now. Consider this your curated shortlist of what’s worth trying.
MEDIK8 C-TETRA ADVANCED – Age Defence with Phyto Exosomes
If you’ve ever flirted with vitamin C only to be put off by irritation or instability, this next-gen serum might just change your mind. Medik8’s C-Tetra Advanced delivers a potent 20% vitamin C hit, but with a surprisingly gentle touch – thanks to its stabilised formula and clever skin-barrier support.
So, why the hype? Vitamin C is a true skincare all-rounder – brightening dull skin, fading pigmentation, and boosting collagen for a firmer, smoother look. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping defend against pollution and UV damage.
The silky gel-cream texture absorbs quickly without stickiness, making it ideal under SPF and makeup. Expect brighter, more radiant skin and improved texture within weeks, without the usual irritation – making it a standout even for sensitive types.
It’s also a standout for those with sensitive or reactive skin, offering high-performance antioxidant protection without the redness or discomfort often associated with strong vitamin C formulas. Add in a subtle citrus scent, and it feels as good to use as it is effective.
MEDIK8 PRESS & GLOW – Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic with Enzyme Activator
If traditional acid toners have ever left your skin feeling tight or irritated, Medik8’s Press & Glow is a gentler rethink. Powered by next-generation PHAs, it delivers daily exfoliation without the sting – making it a rare find for sensitive or reactive skin types.
Unlike harsher acids, PHAs work on the surface, sweeping away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, more even complexion while keeping the skin barrier happy. The result? A fresh, hydrated glow that builds over time, with many users noticing improved texture, refined pores, and brighter skin within weeks.
Lightweight and refreshing, it slots effortlessly into both morning and evening routines, and plays particularly well with vitamin A – enhancing results without increasing irritation. It also hydrates as it exfoliates, so skin feels soft and balanced rather than stripped.
Ali: “This is a glow-boosting, skin-smoothing toner that proves exfoliation doesn’t have to come with a side of sensitivity. I definitely feel my skin looks healthier. I love it!”
tbh. Rebound Serum
When your skin is feeling reactive, inflamed or just plain overwhelmed, tbh Skincare’s Rebound Serum steps in as a reset button. Designed to support a compromised skin barrier, it leans on calming heavyweights like centella asiatica and ceramides to visibly reduce redness and restore balance.
The lightweight, gel-like texture absorbs quickly with a smooth, non-greasy finish, making it easy to layer into both simple and active-heavy routines. It’s fragrance-free and gentle enough for sensitive or acne-prone skin, yet effective enough to make a noticeable difference – think calmer, more even-toned skin with less irritation over time.
What makes it a standout is its ability to soothe while strengthening. Packed with barrier-repairing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol and hyaluronic acid, it works to replenish stressed-out skin and improve resilience, especially if you’ve been overdoing actives or dealing with breakouts.
tbh. Thirst Trap Face Moisturiser
For anyone navigating the tricky balance between hydration and breakouts, tbh Skincare’s Thirst Trap is a quiet overachiever. Designed with oily, combination and acne-prone skin in mind, it delivers the moisture your skin needs – without tipping into heaviness or congestion.
The texture strikes that sweet spot: creamy yet lightweight, absorbing quickly with zero greasiness or residue. Powered by hydrating staples like squalane and glycerine, it works to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture, leaving skin soft, balanced and comfortably hydrated throughout the day.
What really sets this no-fuss hydrator apart is how well it works with other skincare products.. Whether you’re using targeted acne treatments or layering under SPF and makeup, it slots seamlessly into your routine and keeps breakout-prone skin calm, balanced and quietly glowing.
It’s also become something of a quiet cult favourite among some of the younger women we work with – regularly snapped up, frequently repurchased, and always talked about. The feedback is consistently glowing, with many raving about just how much they love tbh. products and how well they slot into real, everyday routines.
PERIOD COMFORT DUO PACK by Cadence
You probably saw our earlier article about Cadence, the women’s wellness brand bringing science, support, and sisterhood together. They’ve now introduced the Period Comfort Duo Pack to the market.
Cadence is flipping the script on women’s wellness, tackling period pain with science-backed support that works across your cycle. The first of its kind in New Zealand, the Period Comfort Duo Pack combines two targeted supplements: Period Prep, taken ahead of your period to support balance and ease, and Period Peace, for immediate relief and pelvic muscle relaxation during menstruation.
The formula leans on natural, time-honoured ingredients – turmeric and Japanese knotweed for pre-period comfort, and motherwort, California poppy, Levagen® PEA, and magnesium to calm cramps and PMT symptoms. Together, they work holistically to help women feel more comfortable, supported, and in control month to month.
It’s a thoughtful approach to wellness that marries menstrual health with broader wellbeing, giving women a gentle, evidence-based way to care for themselves from the inside out.
Available exclusively online at Cadence Wellbeing, the duo pack is already opening up an important conversation about how period support can be both practical and empowering.
MECCA MAX Press Play – Multiplayer Mode Shaping Sticks
Playful, intuitive and refreshingly low-effort, MECCA MAX’s Multiplayer Mode Shaping Sticks are all about taking the pressure out of makeup. Designed for eyes, lips, cheeks and contour, these creamy sticks blur the line between precision and creativity – making them just as appealing to beginners as they are to seasoned pros.
The formula is where they really shine: lightweight, blendable and softly matte, with a subtle blurring effect that smooths as it goes. The rounded tip makes application almost foolproof –just swipe, blend and build – whether you’re going for a quick monochromatic look or layering shades for something more defined.
With a versatile shade range of eight colours spanning neutrals and bolder pops, they’re designed to mix, match and play your way. Effortless, wearable and surprisingly versatile, they’re the kind of multitasker that earns a permanent spot in your makeup bag.
Pair with the Detailed Buffing Brush or Flush Angled Blush Brush to blend and diffuse seamlessly, sculpt with precision, or build colour exactly where you want it.
