What an amazing year of sampling, trialing and discovering new products! We’ve been sent the latest skincare products, makeup, candles, wine, yummy food, health products, cookbooks and even an umbrella. We’ve also been invited to all sorts of events where companies have unveiled their latest products.
It has been so much fun! Yes, we’ve loved every minute of it.
As we take a break for the Christmas holidays, we thought we would share one last tranche of things that we have loved…
Black Diamond Plums, The Yummy™ Fruit Company
Yummy Black Diamond Plums have a deep crimson red flesh and are so sweet and juicy. The Hawkes Bay company started off planting 2,000 trees and as the Black Diamond plums became more and more popular, this has increased this to almost 10,000 trees.
The full-flavoured plums contain the highest levels of antioxidant carotenoids and flavonoids of any fruits so these should definitely be included on your grocery list. They can be stored at room temperature for a few days or stored in the fridge for up to two weeks. These beauties can be enjoyed in so many ways – enjoy fresh or bring out the preserving pan or big saucepan and make some gorgeous Plum Jam as Christmas gifts. They are also delicious as a Plum Crumble or, at this time of year, why not turn some of them into a Plum Sangria.
We love the fact that The Yummy™ Fruit Company keeps their best fruit right here in New Zealand and, for the past 25 years, they have supported primary schools nationwide to obtain sports gear through their sticker collection promotion.
Available from all good supermarkets nationwide.
Nevé Candle Accessories
We just love our wood wick Neve candles and wrote about them in this article but if you’re looking for the perfect gift to accompany a Nevé candle (or any candle for that matter) then have a look at their ultimate care kit which includes a wick trimmer and candle snuffer in matte black. PLUS, there’s the rechargeable and very elegant flameless lighter which means you can do away with burnt fingers and the smell of matches.
So, instead of giving your candle loving bestie another candle, give her a set of these limited edition accessories. They are next level gorgeous and no one else will have thought of this amazing gift for her.
Skin Drink Self-Preserving Moisturiser, LUSH
his gorgeous vegan moisturiser is perfect for skin that needs hydrating.
Because dry skin is susceptible to water and nutrient loss, the skin barrier’s ability to defend itself against pollutants and repair damage can be compromised. Made with Fair Trade sesame oil, fresh rose petals, neroli oil and rose absolute, the moisturiser soaks into your skin quickly and doesn’t leave any residue whatsoever. It has a very light scent – nothing overpowering at all.
Jenny: “I love using this moisturiser, especially at the end of the day. It soaks right in and my skin feels beautifully nourished. Love it!”
Brighter Days – A Skin-Loving Power Duo for Naturally-Glowing, Protected Skin, Mecca Cosmetica
Did you know that if you pair your daily SPF with a Vitamin C serum that you’re getting extra skincare benefits? That’s why these two products, in a limited edition pack, are the perfect match.
Apply the Skin Brightening Vitamin C Serum to a cleansed face and then apply To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen. After that, apply your foundation and the rest of your makeup products.
Dee: “Vitamin C products are my favourite go-to skincare saviours at the moment. My skin responds so beautifully to them and this Mecca Cosmetica ticks all the boxes for me.”
The Vitamin C Serum is made from 15% L-ascorbic acid, ferulic acid and Vitamin E which all work together to leave your skin feeling refreshed and glowing. The Superscreen SPF50+ formula provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UBA rays with a hydrating matte finish that sits perfectly under makeup.
Available from Mecca Beauty. RRP $83
Serve Chilled Eye Gel Trial Kit, Patchology
With the likelihood of late nights and a few too many celebratory drinks over the next few weeks, perhaps it’s time to try these amazing bubble-infused eye gels. Let them chill in the fridge whilst you’re prepping the snacks, then pop them onto clean skin, just under the eyes, for ten minutes and let them work their magic. Discard after use and massage remaining serum into your skin.
The paraben-free trial pack includes 3 pairs Serve Chilled™ Rosé Eye Gels and 3 pairs of Chilled™ Bubbly Eye Gels.
The Rosé Eye Gels contain Strawberry Extract, a rich source of vitamin C and folic acid which helps protect your skin from free radicals whilst also softening your skin. The Bubbly Eye Gels contain Orange Extract which is rich in Vitamin C and helps improve your skin’s radiance. Both sets of gels also contain Resveratrol – a natural antioxidant found in grapes that helps protect skin.
Alison: “I fell asleep both times that I tried these Gels – it was just a beautiful relaxing process. I can’t say I prefer one Gel over the other… they both made my skin feel great and yes, my skin did look radiant. I’ll definitely use the rest of the pack over the holidays as we have so many functions to go to.”
Available from Mecca Beauty. RRP $31
