Every now and then, a batch of new arrivals lands on our desks that instantly gets the whole team talking (and, in some cases, snacking). From skincare saviours and beauty tools to a chocolate block that quite literally vanished in minutes, this month’s round-up features products we genuinely loved — and think you will too. Whether you’re looking for glow-boosting serums, teen-friendly acne fixes, or a sweet treat to stash in your desk drawer (for emergencies, of course), these are the standouts that made our favourites list. Let’s dive in.
MESOESTETIC AGE ELEMENT RANGE
Targeted skincare solutions now available in NZ!
If your skin’s calling out for a bit of extra love – think hydration, glow, or firming – then Mesoestetic’s Age Element range is well worth exploring. This Spanish skincare brand has been trusted in over 100 countries, and now it’s finally available here in New Zealand.
Known for combining science-backed formulations with real results, they’ve developed an anti-ageing range that targets specific concerns, so you can mix and match what your skin actually needs.
Dee: I’ve been trying three of their key products, and here are my thoughts:
Age Element Brightening Concentrate (Gold)
This serum is designed to tackle dullness, uneven skin tone, and early signs of ageing. It has a lovely lightweight texture that sinks in fast – no sticky finish. It works to gently fade pigmentation and restore radiance while helping soften fine lines. If your skin’s been looking a bit tired, this is a great glow-getter to layer under your moisturiser.
Age Element Firming Cream (Silver)
This cream is a great everyday option if you’re noticing a bit of sagging or loss of definition, especially around the jawline and neck. It’s rich enough to feel nourishing but not heavy or greasy. Over time, it helps improve skin elasticity by boosting collagen and elastin, leaving your skin feeling firmer and more lifted.
Age Element Anti-Wrinkle Eye Contour (Bronze)
This one is a standout. It targets under-eye bags, puffiness, and crow’s feet – and comes with a ceramic applicator tip that feels wonderfully cool and soothing. It instantly helps with tired eyes and has a smoothing effect that makes makeup glide on more easily too. Great for busy mornings when you need to fake a full night’s sleep.
What I love most is how customisable the range is. Whether you want to brighten, firm, or smooth, you can tailor your routine to exactly what your skin needs at that moment. It’s smart, science-led skincare that actually delivers – and it feels like a bit of luxury in your everyday.
Available now in NZ at selected clinics and stockists.
MECCA COSMETICA GEL CREAM WITH SQUALANE
Light, gentle hydration your teen will actually use
If your daughter’s looking at different types of skincare and she’s battling that tricky oily/combination skin phase, this gel cream is a great place to start. It’s light, oil-free, fragrance-free, and gentle enough for sensitive skin (tick, tick, tick!).
Packed with Squalane for hydration, Niacinamide to help with oil and breakouts, and an Amino Acid Complex to smooth things out, it’s basically a fuss-free all-rounder. No heavy creams, no strong scents – just a soft, cooling gel that leaves skin fresh and balanced.
It’s a great intro to proper skincare without overwhelming her (or your wallet). And yes, you’ll probably end up using it too!
Available from MECCA stores or online.
FACIAL CUPPING TOOL + SKINKIND FACE OIL BY kit:
Stress relief meets skincare – right from your bathroom sink
For anyone who carries stress in their face (hello jaw clenchers and furrowed brows), this new facial cupping set from Melbourne brand kit: might be just what your skin – and nervous system – needs.
The Facial Cupping Tool is a gentle, at-home massage ritual that lifts, sculpts, and de-puffs your skin while helping release that tight, held-in tension we all tend to store in our jawlines and brows. Inspired by ancient massage traditions, the soft silicone cups create a mild suction that encourages lymphatic drainage and boosts circulation – translation: you’ll look fresher and feel more relaxed after just a few minutes.
Each kit includes two cups – a small one for delicate areas like the eyes, lips, and brow, and a larger one for your jaw, cheeks, forehead, and neck. The Skinkind Face Oil adds the perfect amount of slip, so the cups glide without tugging your skin. It’s also full of nourishing oils to support hydration and barrier health.
To use, simply:
- Apply the face oil
- Gently squeeze the cup, suction it to your skin, and glide from the centre of your face outwards
- Repeat 3x per area, twice a week
It only takes a few minutes, but it turns a regular skincare routine into a beautiful, relaxing ritual – and it genuinely leaves your skin looking more awake and lifted.
Perfect for tired mums, overthinkers, or anyone in need of a reset at the end of a long day. Think of it as a mini facial and stress release tool in one.
Available now online, in MECCA stores and MECCA Online.
tbh SKINCARE HAS LANDED IN NZ
TikTok famous, breakout-busting, and now on local shelves
If you (or your teen) have spent any time on TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen tbh Skincare all over your feed – and now the viral Aussie brand is officially available here in New Zealand. Big news for breakout-prone skin!
Founded by then-23-year-old Rachael Wilde (with help from her mum – love that), tbh blew up for its no-nonsense approach to acne. Their secret weapon? A clever formula that targets the bacteria behind breakouts inside the skin’s biofilm – something most traditional acne products don’t even touch. The result? Calmer skin, less irritation, and actual results.
The brand’s been a hit not just for its effectiveness, but for its refreshing honesty. No more boring, clinical products that make you feel like a skin problem. tbh talks like a friend, gets real about acne, and has built a whole community around feeling good in your skin – spots and all.
And now? You can grab their bestselling range at Chemist Warehouse NZ. The first drop includes:
- Acne Hack Spot Treatment – the hero product that started it all
- Acne Hack Anti-Bacterial Cleanser – gentle but effective, great for daily use
- Patch It Up Pimple Patches – for those emergency pop-ups (you know the ones)
Whether you’re 15, 25, or just tired of pretending your skin’s “just going through a phase,” this brand is for you. It’s results without the drama!
Available now at Chemist Warehouse and online.
BROWN BROTHERS 2024 MOSCATO & SPARKLING MOSCATO
Easy-drinking, lower-alcohol, and full of flavour
If you’ve ever thought Moscato was just “too sweet,” the latest 2024 releases from Brown Brothers might just change your mind. These two beauties – the Moscato and its bubbly cousin, the Sparkling Moscato – are light, refreshing, and perfect for everything from weekend brunches to midweek movie nights.
With only 6.5% alcohol, they’re ideal when you want something a little lighter but still packed with flavour. Think fresh grapes, a hint of sherbet, and that soft, musky aroma that just makes you want to pour another glass.
Great chilled on their own, but also brilliant with food – especially anything spicy, salty or creamy. We’re talking Thai curry, pepperoni pizza, prawns, or even a wedge of brie. Or go sweet and pair it with lemon panna cotta or a scoop of vanilla ice cream (trust us).
Fresh, fruity, and seriously sippable – these are wines made for easy, feel-good moments.
Available now from leading wine retailers.
WHITTAKER’S BANANA CARAMEL BLOCK
Gone in 10 minutes. Literally.
Let’s just say this: the new Whittaker’s Banana Caramel 250g block landed in our office and disappeared in record time. Within 10 minutes, not a square was left – and we’re pretty sure half the building somehow “just happened to be walking past” when it arrived (funny how that always happens when chocolate’s involved!).
This one’s a total crowd-pleaser. Smooth banana-infused caramel wrapped in Whittaker’s creamy milk chocolate – rich, nostalgic, and dangerously moreish. It’s the kind of flavour that makes you think of banana lollies from childhood, but elevated into something velvety and indulgent.
The vibrant retro packaging makes it easy to spot (and hard to resist), but trust us, the inside is even better than it looks.
And of course, like all Whittaker’s chocolate, it’s made right here in NZ at their Porirua factory, using Rainforest Alliance Certified™ cocoa and no palm oil.
Limited edition, so if you see it – grab it. Your desk drawer, your flatmates, and your sweet tooth will thank you.
