This week is our editor, Dee Collins, birthday and with all the goodies arriving at our office over the past few days, she’s taken it on herself to try out most of the products. Yes, someone has to do it!
Earthwise nourish
Speaking of birthday’s, Earthwise, New Zealand’s eco-friendly pioneers, is celebrating their 55th birthday this year. We feel that Tom Robinson, the founder, had such incredible foresight all those years ago to create plant-based products that were better for people and kinder to our world.
We love Earthwise products and already use all their eco cleaning and laundry products but, until recently, hadn’t tried any of their body products.
Earthwise only uses high quality, naturally derived, plant-based ingredients which are biodegradable and septic tank safe. They are safe to use, planet friendly, naturally effective and don’t cost the earth.
We were sent a box of Earthwise nourish goodies – Lemongrass & Manuka Honey Handwash (plus the refill), Coconut, Shea Butter & Manuka Honey Body Wash, and the Revitalise Shampoo and Conditioner for dry damaged hair. The bottles are big so you’ll need a firm shelf in your shower to hold them and when you press down on the pump-action triggers. Your whole family will love these products – even the men in your family. They all smell really, really good and are effective, which, of course, is so important. The hand wash leaves a gorgeous lemony smell on your hands – nothing overpowering, just super pleasant and fresh.
A great thing about the Earthwise packaging is that it’s recyclable and the bottles are made from at least 75% recycled plastic – all part of Earthwise’s commitment to making 100% of their packaging reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
Earthwise also included in the gift pack four bars of handmade dark chocolate from Matakana-based Honest Chocolat. Beyond yum!
Top Sellers from Dermalogica
Dermalogica is the #1 choice of skin care professionals worldwide – used by more than 100,000 skin therapists in more than 100 countries around the world.
So that you can try some of their products without going to the great expense of buying large quantities of their skincare, Dermalogica has created this lovely travel-friendly pack of their top sellers that includes Precleanse, Special Cleansing Gel, Daily Microfoliant and a tube of Skin Smoothing Cream. It’s the perfect introduction to a great brand of skincare.
Dermalogica recommends doing a double cleanse in the morning and evening by lathering a pea-sized amount of Precleanse – a deep cleansing oil – to your face. This melts away impurities from the skin. After that, apply a small amount of the soap-free, foaming Special Cleansing Gel to moistened hands… lather up and apply to your dampened face and throat. Rinse with warm water, pat your face dry and then moisturise with the medium-weight Skin Smoothing Cream.
Only use the Daily Microfoliant once a day, after you have cleansed. Start by lathering the powder in wet hands to create a paste then apply to your skin with gentle circular motions. Rinse clean with lukewarm water, then apply the moisturiser.
Dee: “I have always loved Dermalogica skincare. They have such a great range of products for all skin concerns and this mini-pack is a great way to experience the brand to see if you like it. You’ll find after using these products for a few days, that your skin will look healthy and nourished. As you’re gently exfoliating away dead skin cells, I would also suggest, during the day, using a SPF before going outside.”
Dermalogica is certified cruelty-free, gluten-free and vegan. Their formulas are free of artificial colours and fragrances, mineral oil, lanolin, alcohol, parabens and microplastics. All paper and cartons are FSC certified to be sustainable for forests.
RRP $75
Sunset in Capri, Glasshouse Fragrances
Glasshouse Fragrances has just brought out their newest collection – Sunsets In Capri – which, if you use them, will transport both your mind and body straight to the Isle of Capri. This collection flew off the shelves at their initial launch and includes an Eau de Parfum (in 50ml and 100ml sizes), Shower Gel, Body Lotion and a 60g Soy Candle. They have also included a limited edition of Body Scrub and Body Cream in the same captivating fragrance.
The Eau de Parfum has a lovely, slightly fruity scent – perfect for summery days.
Alison: “I hadn’t experienced Glasshouse Fragrances before and liked the Eau de Parfum so much that I’ve added it to my daytime favourites. It’s light and summery however, I did need to reapply it during the course of the day as it isn’t long-lasting. I’ve had really positive comments from people asking me what perfume I’m wearing which is always a nice feeling.”
Summer Trends for Lipsticks, Karen Murrell
With the easing of mask mandates, the days of nude lipsticks are fading. It’s now time to take the focus off eye makeup and embrace bold lip colours in all shades of bright, berry hues.
Karen Murrell lipsticks are our favourite New Zealand lippie. Made from the finest natural and nourishing ingredients – including avocado and evening primrose oils, candelilla, carnauba wax, cinnamon and sweet orange – Karen’s latest range will give you those gorgeous summery vibes.
Karen’s top picks include Coral Dawn for daytime, Red Shimmer for date night and Rymba Rhythm for after work drinks.
“Coral Dawn has to be one of my favourite day time shades, it’s the perfect pop of colour that says ‘fresh, bright, fun’ and also looks super professional if I have a business lunch I’m off to,” enthuses Karen.
Team focus: “It’s so hard to choose from this great collection but some of our favourites include Pink Starlet and Fuchsia Shock. As most lipsticks are unintentionally ingested throughout the day, it’s reassuring to know that Karen Murrell lipsticks are all natural and free from parabens, coal tar, carmine, mineral oils, BBPs and triclosan.”
Karen Murrell natural lipsticks are available at selected stockists nationwide and online at karenmurrell.com
Sugar Rush Poppy Passion Fuchsia Shock