The summer manicure
The Chanel Le Vernis range puts a spotlight on colour this season with a range that is expressive and playful. The 24 shades, R575 each (including 17 new ones) are grouped into five colour families designed to ‘convey emotion’ and ‘provoke sensation’, so you can match your nails to your mood. There’s the energising fiery red, fuchsia pink and intense plum; the soothing light pink and latte-like beige; or the joyful hues of fresh lilac, zesty yellow (my favourite for the season!) and cloud blue. The colours of disruption include pink-infused terracotta and androgynous grey, while the colours that provide strength include three shades of red.
Available at Chanel fragrance and Beauty Boutiques: Sandton City, V&A Waterfront, Menlyn, Gateway.
The multipurpose secret weapon
A multi-use product always gets my vote as it makes application and travel so much easier. Byredo Makeup Colour Stick Set, R1 680, comes in three colours housed in a chic plum leather pouch. The stick can be used all over the face, is buildable and blends easily. The trio includes Dravite, a dark brown with glittering bronze for intense eyes or a 90s-inspired lip; the transparent gold Vienna which is perfect for a dewy gloss on eyes, lips, or cheeks; and the iridescent Ultramagnetic, a purple-blue that is striking on eyelids for a night on the town.
Available at www.skins.co.za
The bold lipstick
Lips are super bold and intense this summer and Lancôme has a new high-impact lip product that delivers the intensity required for this statement trend. L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Semi-Matte Liquid Lipstick, R575, comes in a range of highly pigmented shades and despite the semi-matte finish, the lipstick is super comfortable and hydrating thanks to nourishing ingredients such as argan oil and vitamin E. I love the curved brush with its defined tip which makes application precise and mistake-proof – essential with bold colours.
Available from Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, Woolworths, Superbalist, Takealot and Arc stores.
The energising perfume
When Nuxe launched Huile Prodigieuse Neroli in 2021, it was the first Huile Prodigieuse to be certified organic. Now it has added two more products to the organic collection – the Relaxing Scented Shower Gel, R365, and the Prodigieux Neroli Le Parfum, R1 135. With zesty bergamot, fresh verbena, the floral accents of lavandin and orange blossom, and a musky base, this EDP is the perfect light spring spritz for fresh, outdoorsy kind of days.
Available at select Woolworths, Truworths and Foschini stores and online from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za
The seasonal superfood
Good skin is always in, and a change of season calls for a power boost to get your skin glow-ready. Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil, R945, is as the brand describes it, an “obsession-worthy face oil”. It’s created with 100 per cent plant extracts and the antioxidant-rich blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, wild carrot, black cumin, grape and broccoli seed oils are freshly extracted and cold-pressed to retain their rich nutrients. It gives an instant glow to dehydrated skin by restoring and rehydrating its natural moisture barrier.
Available at www.skins.co.za
