Every two weeks we share all the stuff we’ve recently enjoyed – from the latest TV shows to must-try foods, gorgeous makeup products and the most exciting spots to visit in New Zealand.
COSMETICS 27 – BAUME 27 + Eyes 27
27 skin-restoring ingredients in one 50ml pot. Yes, please!
Shea butter, sesame oil, peptides (lysine and arginine), white birch and hibiscus seed extract as well as kudzu and aloe vera are all included in this new breed of skincare where creams now encompass balms.
Using a combination of specialised blends of oils, extracts and emollients that serve the skin by repairing, regenerating and protecting damaged skin cells, the firm, rich, white, glossy cream literally melts into your skin, without leaving any oily film or glaze. It’s a skin product that sits in the luxe bracket and is ideal for the more mature skin, which suits me perfectly.
It’s best to warm a small amount in your hands and then pat this onto the skin – be warned, a small dollop goes a long way! After a week of use – both morning and night – my skin is feeling nourished, hydrated and healthy. If you prefer, you can mix the balm with other serums but, in summer, I don’t think this is necessary.
I used the Baume 27 with the Eyes 27 repairing eye cream to up the results of my skincare regime. You only need to gently massage a small drop on your ‘crow’s feet’ to get the benefits – it’s quickly absorbed and very hydrating and the corrective agents work to diminish the look of dark circles and bags under your eyes.
Available on meccabeauty.co.nz
Emma Lewisham – Illuminating Radiant Face & Body Oil with Hyaluronic Acid
We recently wrote about the fabulous Oil Cleanser, Exfoliant and Crème from the Emma Lewisham range of skincare products and were recently treated to another one of their brand new products – the Illuminating Radiant Face & Body Oil with Hyaluronic Acid.
This ultra-luxurious tinted body and face oil has been formulated with 14 nourishing and hydrating ingredients to plump up the skin and give it a dewy and sparkly sun-kissed look. The oil is absorbed into the skin fairly rapidly and doesn’t leave a greasy feel, which is great, and if you do a comparison test by only adding the serum to one arm and comparing it to the other, you’ll see the difference in the suppleness and hydration of the skin. You’ll also see that your arm is slightly bronzed and has sparkles – all working together to act as a skin-tone corrector and giving it a flattering, sun-kissed glow.
A fabulous, sparkly addition to the Emma Lewisham range – perfect for summer.
Ready Set Glow – Dive into Summer with Glow Lab
Protected and glowing skin and hair are the focus for Glow Lab this summer – after all, they know only too well how harsh the sun, sea and wind can be!
The Glow Lab Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner are perfect after a day at the beach and contain a blend of nourishing Shea Butter for damaged hair as well as Functional Keratin® which penetrates the hair shaft to repair from the inside out. Boosted with Rosehip Oil and rich in all the beneficial Omega Oils, the shampoo and conditioner duo creates a protective shield to reduce breakage and strengthen your hair.
Protect your skin too with the Broad-Spectrum or Tinted SPF15 Facial Moisturisers. Applied to a cleansed face 20 minutes before you go out into the sun, these moisturisers offer hydration and protection against UVA and UVB damage – so important if you don’t want to end up with dehydrated and wrinkly skin.
BIG DROP BREWING CO.
Big flavour but without the alcohol! It’s so good to see that more and more breweries are creating non-alcoholic or ultra-low alcohol beers under their brands.
Big Drop’s signature beers – Pine Trail Pale Ale, Galactic Milk Stout, Uptown Craft Lager and Paradiso IPA are all 0.5% ABV and are available to purchase in 4-packs in time for summer. They offer the perfect alternative for craft beer lovers wanting to cut back on the alcohol, not the flavour.
We asked four men to step forward – there were no shortage of volunteers, we assure you – and gave them a sample of each beer. They were then asked to list their favourites in order of preference.
These were the Big Drop beers:
Galactic Milk Stout: Think of honeycomb covered in chocolate because that’s exactly what it tastes like. This was Big Drop’s first brew when the company launched in 2016 and, according to the 2021 World Beer Awards, is still the World’s Best No and Low Beer.
Pine Trail Pale Ale: Rosy floral aromas are immediate as you pour, followed by a light and limey citrus bite and ending with a slight bitterness to finish.
Uptime Craft Lager: Full-flavoured with a light herbal and floral hop aroma, a hint of caramel, spice and orange to finish.
Paradiso IPA: Citrusy with a twist of bitterness at the end.
After much robust discussion the results were Pine Trail Pale Ale and Paradiso IPA tied for first position.
