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.
Velettà Nourishing Moisturiser and Rejuvenating Oil
Former Wellington lawyer, Sarah Bacon, spent years experimenting and honing formulas before launching Valettà, a luxurious ethical skincare range, onto the market. Her vision was to create a range of products that was visibly effective and made without unnecessary fillers and chemicals.
It was also important that the skincare range was natural, vegan, halal-certified and cruelty-free which meant that all women could use her products without having their beliefs compromised.
Made in New Zealand from high-quality, 100% naturally-derived ingredients, the products contain pure, potent blends of plant oils and extracts that work together and are suitable for all skin types.
Dee Collins: I tried the Velettà Nourishing Moisturiser and Rejuvenating Oil – both absolutely gorgeous. The Rejuventating Oil is Valettà’s signature product and is a nutrient rich ultra-powerful serum that really does hydrate and soften your skin but doesn’t make your skin look shiny or puffy.
The Nourishing Moisturiser also gives a good boost of hydration and works well as a base under makeup. It smells divine, has a great texture and was so easy to apply.
The products all have a meditative skincare ritual pamphlet included on how to give yourself a beneficial and relaxing facial massage (great idea) and the ritual is available online too.
Karen Murrell Lip Palette
Did you know that women ingest 2kg of lipstick over a lifetime? Thank goodness for the Karen Murrell range of lippies which are free from all nasties – no coal tar, carmine, triclosan, parabens or mineral oils.
Dee Collins: I tried the Karen Murrell Nude Lip Palette which contains five of the bestselling nude shades in their range. The lippies come in a compact container complete with double-sided lip brush and mirror – perfect for your handbag. Some lipsticks (from other brands) that I have used in the past tend to dry out my lips but I didn’t find this at all with the Karen Murrell ones, in fact, my lips felt really hydrated and soft. I was also impressed with the staying power of the lippies and liked the glossy look.
The Karen Murrell website also has a virtual powder room where you can try out the different colours on your own lips.
Never Have I Ever (Netflix)
‘Not Indian enough’ for her rather traditional family and ‘too Indian’ for her American friends, Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) navigates life and the crazy mix of cultures the best way she can. She makes mistakes, she has fun, she tries to fall in love and she never gives up.
Mindy Kaling’s new comedy TV show throws insult after insult. Racial jokes, sexual jokes, political jokes – nothing is off limits when it comes to a messy life of a 15-year-old Indian-American nerdy girl and her friends. But instead of feeling scandalised, you’ll be laughing loud and hard. Don’t let the young age of the main heroines trick you – Never Have I Ever, though light and a bit naive at times, is definitely not for kids. If you enjoyed Mindy Kaling’s The Office or The Mindy Project, you’ll love this one as well! And Maitreyi is just such a bright star, it’s impossible not to admire her acting.
