Every two weeks we share all the stuff we’ve recently enjoyed – from the latest TV shows to must-try foods, gorgeous makeup and the most exciting spots to visit in New Zealand.
Iconic Cookies
Move aside all supermarket biscuit gift boxes and other imposters – we’ve found the perfect cookies to treat yourself or, if you’re feeling generous, to gift someone special. They’re the ideal treat if you’re after something sweet but don’t want to fall off the ‘being good’ wagon and suitable for those who are reducing their sugar intake, following a keto, vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.
Serial entrepreneur, Leanne Mulcahy, decided it was high-time she created a selection of dairy-free and gluten-free cookies that were low in sugar and didn’t taste like cardboard – you know what we mean, right? She also wanted to create an inclusive community where, just because you don’t eat dairy or gluten, you were excluded or seen as different or odd.
We reluctantly shared our Guilt-Free Treat Box with a few family members who could choose from the following four flavours –Rasberry and Choc; Mint and Choc; Caramel and Choc and Straight Up Coconut Bites. Now, these aren’t just biscuits, they are seriously delectable delights which are lovingly hand-made in small batches with quality ingredients. They are filling, rich and decadent with no over-processed junk in sight.
This would be a great gift (add a personal message at checkout and they’ll include a handwritten note) but, before you proceed to their online checkout, take a look at some of their other gems such as Peanut and Chocolate Protein Drops, Chipped and Dipped Cookies, or Choc Shoc Cookies.
Which ones will you choose?
Bella Vi Loose Mineral Foundation
We were on the search for a new mineral foundation and discovered Bella Vi Cosmetics and Skincare – a brand we didn’t know too much about, until now.
Located in the Bay of Plenty but made in Italy, Bella Vi Cosmetics is a brand offering top-quality, results-driven, cruelty-free, organic mineral makeup and natural skincare at an affordable price.
Over the course of the next few months we will be trialling a number of their products but first up is their award-winning Loose Mineral Foundation which gives a soft natural-looking, flawless finish, doesn’t clog pores and only needs a quick touch up at the end of the day. You only need to use a small amount of the powder and when you use the recommend Kabuki Synthetic Brush to apply it, it blends in like a dream.
We really liked the lightweight texture – no suffocating heavy coverage here – and paring it with their concealer really does cover skin issues beautifully.
Kawakawa Balm, Cocavo
Instagram: @cocavo_nz
cocavo.co.nz
Leaves of the Kawakawa tree contain bioactive, medicinal properties and are anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial. Sustainably sourced following traditional Rongoā Māori protocols when wild harvesting the Kawakawa leaves and produced under strict manufacturing practices, COCAVO has produced a balm that is perfect for regular use on skin prone to eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis and also great to have in your First Aid kit as an all-rounder for scrapes and burns and as a nappy balm, tattoo moisturiser or, if your skin is exceptionally dry, as an intensive night time moisturiser.
COCAVO uses only natural ingredients that are safe, sustainably sourced and traceable.
Corbin Rd skincare
Former makeup artist and beauty entrepreneur Wendy Nowell-Usticke is best-known for developing the infamous Thin Lizzy range, but with a move back to Hawke’s Bay has started a new venture, Corbin Rd – an environmentally-friendly, natural and sustainable skincare range made from kawakawa and 12 other essential oils.
The range is designed to remove impurities from the skin, while restoring, encouraging strength and suppleness and includes a Restorative Cleansing Balm, Viteve™, a silk exfoliating cloth and a Multivitamin Restorative Face Oil.
The exfoliating cloth, paired with the Corbin Rd Restorative Cleansing Balm, is super-effective at removing makeup, dirt, debris and clearing skin congestion. This gentle exfoliating system also serves to stimulate blood flow which gives your skin added strength and suppleness and evens out your skin tone.
Once your skin is cleansed, add a few drops of the Multivitamin Restorative Face Oil to your face and décolletage and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes before applying sunscreen and makeup or, in the evening, apply it on top of your moisturiser to seal moisture in.
The Face Oil contains the perfect blend of antioxidants and vitamins formulated to help boost hydration and accelerate skin healing through increased collagen production and, big bonus, it’s gentle enough for those with sensitive skins.
We love the fact that Corbin Rd products contain no petrochemicals, parabens, ethyl alcohols, sulphates, preservatives, silicones or synthetic fragrances and that the packaging is plastic-free and recyclable.
