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.
Powerbright Dark Spot Serum, Dermalogica
Dermalogica’s latest product, Powerbright Dark Spot Serum, has been designed to tackle skin pigmentation – you know those ugly age spots that start appearing on your skin?
The serum is packed full of powerful products such as niacinamide, hexylresorcinol, adaptogenic ashwagahndha and shiitake mushroom which all work together to help fade dark spots, provide antioxidant benefits and give the skin a more even tone. Dermalogica has also incorporated light-diffusing technology which balances the appearance of uneven pigmentation and then there’s black currant oil and peony flower which help boost the skin’s natural luminosity.
The serum has a light silky feel to it and absorbs into the skin fairly quickly. Directions advise applying on a cleansed face and waiting about a minute before applying the rest of your skincare products.
We suggest taking before and after photos – 12 weeks apart – that way you can judge for yourselves whether the product is working for you.
“I noticed a slight improvement on some of my dark spots, but not all of them. I would suggest using this serum earlier in life – before the age spots have become too entrenched. I would be interested to see if another bottle would make the ultimate difference.”
Dee Collins
New jewellery line by Bela:Sonder
Last year we wrote about the Bela:Sonder jewellery brand that was created to provide women in New Zealand the opportunity to make meaningful purchases – for every piece purchased at fashion chain MAX, a woman seeking assistance from the Dress for Success* organisation received a teardrop pendant.
The ethical fashion brand has now launched its winter range which will see Bela:Sonder donating 1,800 necklaces to Dress for Success this season – a total value of $54,000 – which is really impressive.
Made to last, the modern yet timeless designs of Bela:Sonder are designed for women who value quality, design and who want to give back. The brand holds social and environmental sustainability at the heart of their creation process and each piece of jewellery is carefully crafted from recycled brass to ensure as little environmental impact as possible, using less material, less energy and emitting fewer volatile compounds.
The new winter range includes a variety of earrings, necklaces and a bracelet. All of these can be purchased from MAX outlets.
* Dress for Success empowers disadvantaged women to success through support,
coaching and confidence-boosting styling services and prepares them to enter,
or re-enter, the workforce.
BLIS Probiotics
To function optimally, your immune system needs low levels of stress, quality sleep and a well-balanced and nutritious diet. However, we often let things slip and those winter bugs find their way into our bodies and we end up feeling under the weather.
We’ve all heard about the importance of gut health but did you know that 70% of the immune system is housed in the walls of our gut and that most of the bugs come through our mouth?
Here’s where BLIS DailyDefence comes in. They have developed an oral probiotic which crowds out the pesky bad bacteria and inhibits bad bacteria from taking hold in the mouth and throat.
The probiotics come in two different varieties: there’s the vanilla-flavoured DailyDefence with BLIS K12™ lozenges or the BLIS HoneyBlis lozenges with Manuka and Kamahi honeys. Both products have been developed from a special strain of beneficial bacteria that is found to occur naturally in the healthy mouths of adults and children.
For best results, slowly dissolve a lozenge on your tongue, 1-2 times a day, ideally after brushing your teeth. The longer the lozenge is in your mouth, the better the colonization will be and more bacteria can be crowded out. It’s recommended that you don’t eat for at least 30 minutes after sucking the lozenge – that way the product can work it’s magic.
Cloud Pout, Wet n Wild
Have you ever heard of lip mousse? We hadn’t either but were delighted to receive Wet n Wild’s latest addition to its ever-increasing range of lippies – Cloud Pout.
Available in 13 shades, Cloud Pout is a range of marshmallow lip mousses that contain nourishing oils – argan, avocado, and vitamin E – and Sodium Hyaluronate which helps hydrate and smooth the appearance of fine lines (yes please!). Colours range from light-peachy shades, to darker tones and there’s even a few varieties for those who love a red lip.
Each mousse comes with a tapered applicator – which allows for precise lines – and can be blended for a naturally diffused look or built up for a more saturated colour. The lip mousses are so easy to apply and have an inviting subtle marshmallow aroma. Try layering different colours or stick with the one. The base colour remains for a good few hours but, as with most lippies, you’ll need to top up your look before heading out for lunch with the girls.
