There’s something rather lovely about discovering a new beauty favourite, finding a little something to make everyday life easier, or having just the right thing on hand when friends drop by. This month, we’ve rounded up a collection of new launches and tempting treats that deserve a place on your radar. From clever skincare innovations and haircare heroes to summer entertaining essentials and a handy little snack for life on the go, these are some of the latest things we’ve been trying, tasting and loving.
ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT HOUR® CREAM ULTIMATE REPAIR MOISTURISER
I’ve always loved Elizabeth Arden’s iconic Eight Hour® range, so I was delighted to see this latest addition. The Ultimate Repair Moisturiser is a welcome newcomer, particularly if, like me, you appreciate a moisturiser that really delivers on hydration. Its lightweight, fragrance-free formula promises up to 80 hours of moisture, leaving skin feeling softer, smoother and comfortably hydrated.
Combining squalane to help lock in moisture with soothing ectoin to ease signs of dehydration, it also helps support the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, it’s a lovely everyday moisturiser that fits easily into both morning and evening routines.
The Eight Hour® Ultimate Repair Moisturiser is available at Elizabeth Arden counters in Farmers nationwide and online.
MOCHA BROWN LIP BALM BY DERMAL THERAPY
Following the sell-out success of Dermal Therapy’s Lip Tint, the range has welcomed a new shade: Mocha Brown. A lovely balance between nude and brown, it adds a subtle hint of glossy colour while delivering the same lip-loving care as the brand’s original balm. The result is a natural-looking finish that’s easy to wear, whether you’re keeping your makeup simple or going for something a little more polished.
Designed to soothe and repair dry, chapped lips, the formula is ultra-moisturising, long-wearing and non-sticky. There’s also a very slight minty sensation when applied, with the gentlest tingle. It’s a great everyday option when you want soft, hydrated lips with just a touch of colour, without the commitment of lipstick.
Available at good pharmacies and online.
HAIR GROWTH ACTIVATOR BY ELEVANA
Hair thinning, shedding and breakage can happen at different stages of life, whether due to stress, hormonal changes or simply getting older. Elevana’s Hair Growth Activator is a New Zealand-based botanical pre-wash scalp treatment designed to nourish the scalp and support healthier-looking hair from the roots up.
Packed with biotin, vitamin E, pro-vitamin B5 and keratin-building peptides, along with botanical ingredients including rosemary, castor oil, ginger and ginseng, the lightweight oil helps hydrate and nourish the scalp while supporting stronger, more resilient hair. Applied once or twice a week, it’s massaged into the scalp and left for one to eight hours, or overnight, before washing out.
I found it lovely to use. You only need a small amount and it didn’t leave my hair feeling heavy or greasy, and I particularly noticed how much calmer my scalp felt. I’ve also been pleased with the improvement in my general hair growth, making this a treatment I’ll happily keep using.
Shop here.
MYWRINKLES BY LARA HOFER AND ROSIE POWER
Created by New Zealand sisters Lara Hofer and Rosie Power, MyWrinkles takes a slightly different approach to skincare. Rather than relying on creams and serums, the brand uses reusable silicone patches to help lock in moisture, smooth the appearance of fine lines and minimise those tell-tale sleep creases.
The range includes patches for the eyes, forehead, lips, neck and chest, with the popular Forever Fresh Eye Patches and Forehead Patches each reusable up to 15–20 times. The latest addition is the PDRNPink Collagen Skin Reset Gel Mask, which combines PDRN, collagen, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Worn for one to four hours, it can be used on its own or alongside the silicone patches overnight.
The patches left my skin feeling soft, and I noticed a lovely plumping and smoothing effect after just a few hours of use. They’re a simple, non-invasive addition to a skincare routine, particularly when you want your skin looking a little fresher for a special occasion.
BROWN BROTHERS KING VALLEY PROSECCO AND SPARKLING MOSCATO 2025
Christmas entertaining calls for a little something special in the glass, whether it’s bubbles with brunch, a long lunch with friends or a toast as the sun goes down. Australian family winery Brown Brothers has been creating wines since 1889, and two of its favourites are well suited to the New Zealand summer: King Valley Prosecco and Sparkling Moscato 2025. Both are delicious, with their own distinctive character, and would be lovely to have on hand for summer get-togethers, Christmas celebrations or simply enjoying a glass with friends on a warm evening.
Brown Brothers King Valley Prosecco – The celebration one
A lovely choice for Christmas morning bubbles or a midnight New Year’s Eve toast, King Valley Prosecco is an easy crowd-pleaser. Made with grapes grown in Victoria’s King Valley, it has delicate apple and pear notes, a crisp palate and a subtle savoury finish. It’s also the number one Australian Prosecco in the New Zealand market.
What to serve with it: Fresh oysters, prawn cocktails, smoked salmon blinis or an antipasto and cheese platter.
Brown Brothers Sparkling Moscato 2025 – The fun and fruity one
If you prefer something a little sweeter, Sparkling Moscato is a refreshing addition to the festive table. Made from Muscat grapes, it has lifted aromas of musk and freshly crushed grapes, lively bubbles, sherbet notes and a bright citrus finish. It’s wonderfully suited to summer celebrations and makes a lovely match for something sweet.
What to serve with it: Brie or camembert with fresh apple and pear, pavlova, summer berries or fruit tarts.
Both Brown Brothers King Valley Prosecco and Sparkling Moscato are available nationwide.
PIC’S PEANUT BUTTER GOES POCKET-SIZED
Peanut butter on the go just got a whole lot easier. Pic’s has taken two of its favourites beyond the jar with the launch of Peanut Butter SHOTS – handy 18g single-serve portions available in Smooth Peanut Butter and Smooth Peanut Butter with Honey.
Perfect for school lunch boxes, desk drawers, road trips, running packs and tramping bags, they’re designed to go wherever the day takes you. No jar, no spoon, just a little pocket-sized hit of peanut butter goodness whenever you fancy one.
A little tip before opening: give the sachet a good massage and squish to mix the natural oils back through the peanut butter. Then tear it open and enjoy. A clever idea for anyone who likes having a little peanut butter close at hand, especially when heading outdoors.
Available from Woolworths nationwide.