MiNDFOOD beauty editor, Nicole Saunders, rounds up the beauty must-haves on her current rotation.
Luxe Haircare
When it comes to my list of haircare ranges that really do deliver results, Kérastase Chronologiste has always been up there as one of the best. But until this nifty gift set ($121 for a shampoo, masque and special limited-edition candle) landed on my desk I had forgotten what a big difference Kérastase’s most luxurious collection really does make to hair. I’ve got a lot of hair and I often find that a lot of haircare isn’t rich or nourishing enough. Fortunately, Chronologiste ticks all the boxes – hair is softer, more manageable and lustrous – which makes it a beauty splurge you won’t regret. Buy one for the beauty buff in your life who’s serious about their hair and buy an extra to keep for yourself.
Trouble-Free Tresses
Once I’ve found a great haircare range the next problem I tend to face is drying my lengthy tresses. Anything that promises to speed that process up always piques my interest, so when the AQUIS Rapid Dry Hair Turban ($47 from Mecca Maxima or shop online here) arrived, along with their brand-new haircare range Aquis Prime, I had to give it a go. The easy-to-use turban – just whip it on after washing and secure it with the clever button at the back – uses a special fabric that’s said to be four times more absorbent than ordinary microfiber. And while it’s not going to dry hair your completely – I still need my trusty ghd air hairdryer for that – it definitely eliminates that annoying dripping-wet stage making it a gym bag and summer holiday essential.
Good Oil
Lightweight, multitasking Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil ($149) is what skincare dreams are made of. It’s packed with not one six powerful youth-restoring vitamins – from A right through to F – is suitable for all skin types and it can be worked into your AM and PM routine to keep skin hydrated around the clock and fight the signs of ageing. Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil glides onto skin without weighing it down and the oil is perfect for sultry summer getaways – wear it alone or use it to give your regular foundation a dewy, radiant finish.
Tan Fan
Bondi Sands Coconut Beach Tanning Oil SPF15 ($25.99) is another must-have that’s already secured a spot in my summer holiday beauty bag. I’ll admit when it first launched a while back I was a little dubious – any sun-smart beauty buff knows lying in the sun slathered in tanning oil is well and truly a thing of the past. But self-tanning pioneers Bondi Sands are all about staying safe while enjoying the sun and the Coconut Beach Tanning Oil SPF15 contains self-tanning ingredients that work gradually to give you a healthy, golden glow. It just means you can save time by self-tanning and fending off the sun’s harmful rays all in one spray.
Scent for Spring
If you love changing up your fragrance to suit the season, Jo Malone London Honeysuckle & Davana Cologne ($236 for 100ml) won’t disappoint. The uplifting, radiant new addition to the Jo Malone London collection is the perfect scent for the warmer months. While I’m personally more fond of oriental scents, Honeysuckle & Davana is undeniably feminine and floral without being overpowering or old-fashioned – call it a modern take on a stroll through a spring garden.
Get Your Vitamins
When it comes to the fight against the dreaded signs of ageing there’s not a lot that retinol can’t do – from improving texture and tone to reducing the signs of wrinkles. Up until recently, this miracle ingredient has tended to come with a handful of side effects, namely dry and flaky skin. Fortunately, Elizabeth Arden has come to the rescue with Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum ($85 for 30 or $162 for 60) which preempts any negative impact retinol can have on skin. The unique capsule formulation also ensures that the active retinol remains stable right until you pop it on in the evening.
