The BD team recently road-tested all the new and noteworthy products that hit stores this March.
Here's what they had to say.
jane iredale Eye Shadow Kits - Maree
What it is: An eyeshadow palette packaged in a mirrored compact with an application brush.
My experience: Don’t let the name fool you, this jane iredale Eye Shadow Kit in the shade ‘Pure Basic’ is far from a basic eyeshadow palette. The sleek rose gold compact is eye-catching from the get go, and once you open the palette to see those five warm and wearable shades, you know you’re in for a treat! The eyeshadows are silky smooth, pigmented, long-lasting and don’t crease on the lid.The colours blend easily, layer effortlessly, and are very easy to work with. The five beautiful matte eyeshadow shades give you the choice of multiple looks, from just adding one shade to the lid for a natural pop of colour, or seamlessly blending multiple shades to achieve a natural smokey eye. I have been using this eyeshadow palette daily and pairing it with the jane iredale Pure Pressed Blush for a natural pop of colour on my cheeks! I love knowing that jane iredale mineral makeup is made from high-quality micronised minerals and is free from fillers such as talc, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and GMO ingredients. I highly recommend this silky smooth, long-lasting, wearable eyeshadow palette to anyone who loves a warm and wearable eye look – you won’t be disappointed!
Giorgio Armani Si Passione Intense - Tiarne
What it is: A rich, yet unforgettably elegant, intensely floral fragrance magnified by vibrant woody and musky notes.
My experience: I have always been partial to a lovely floral, fruity scent, and this one proved to be one of my favourites! It has the Si DNA that I’ve grown to love, but it’s slightly softer, making it great for people who love a more subtle, but still noticeable, elegant fragrance. It has woody, musky notes that are blended really well with a nice rose undertone. The blackcurrant nectar is also quite prominent, with a floral heart of jasmine absolute. The fragrance lasts hours on my skin, and even when I can’t smell it anymore, people always commented on how lovely it is. In my books, that’s the top indicator of a great, well-made fragrance. Well done Giorgio Armani!
Glam by Manicare Ella-Rose Glam Xpress Adhesive Eyeliner & Lash Kit - Kim
What it is: A kit containing an adhesive black eyeliner and two criss-crossed mink effect eyelashes.
My experience: I was quite surprised at the ease of using this lash kit as I can struggle to apply glue and lashes. The ella-rose lashes (no.71) are natural, look soft and minky and are very high quality. They come in this kit with an adhesive liner, which really took the guesswork out of trying to apply glue neatly. The liner is black and has a flexible felt tip and from what I can tell, the black eyeliner fluid contains some sort of adhesive glue-like substance, meaning that I merely had to apply the liner and pop the lashes right on. I felt that the glue kept them on really well throughout the evening and was light enough that they were also easy to remove. The lashes themselves are able to be used up to 30 times, and the packaging inside the box contains a little plastic holder with a lid to keep them clean and safe.
Bourjois Velvet The Pencil - Sam
What it is: A pencil that provides lips with high-impact colour and a flawless matte finish, in one stroke.
My experience: I’ve been using this range of silky lip pencils daily for the last few weeks. There are 16 shades in the range with my current favourite being AMOU-ROSE, a light nudey pink. The formula is matte but not drying and the longevity of the product is fantastic, with zero transfer and low rub-off post lunch or coffee pit stops. You can use this product as a liner, or if you’re time poor like me this product can be used on its own to give you full coverage lips with no colour bleeding.
Natio Spirit Kakadu Plum + Almond Body Lotion - Caitlin
What it is: A body lotion that helps protect skin from free radical damage, while reducing the signs of ageing.
My experience: Having used Natio for a number of years I was quite excited to receive their new product! The lightweight moisturiser containing kakadu plum and almond oil smells like I have just walked into a spa and it’s absolutely heavenly! It absorbs so easily without leaving behind a greasy residue. My skin is soft and supple, which allows for my skin to stay hydrated throughout the whole day. This lotion is a perfect addition to their range, and I love the olive green packaging that complements my bathroom counter and looks uber luxe!
Mellow Cosmetics Palm Springs Liquid Lipgloss - Eleni
What it is: A liquid lipgloss in Mellow’s first ever gloss formula – part of the sunset inspired collaboration with influencer Pia Muehlenbeck.
My experience: The beautiful casing/box in which the gloss comes in is a wrap around image of Pia and metallic gold writing. The clear bottle shows the contents and reveals the beautiful, most perfect nude that is matched with the metallic gold writing and lid. The formula is so creamy, almost like a liquid lip, however it is super light and doesn't dry matte. It is not at all sticky and actually feels quite hydrating on the lips. It can be layered on a bit for less opacity and more of a colour payoff. It is such a versatile and beautiful cool nude colour, that will suit most skin types. This product is cruelty-free, vegan and paraben-free, which is also a major win! Such a great basic and perfect for every look. It is my new staple. I almost always forget to wear a lip product most mornings, so I will pop this in my handbag and be sure to use it in those instances.
Bioré Rose Quartz and Charcoal Purifying Cleanser - Deborah
What it is: A purifying, deep cleanser that washes away dirt and oil.
My experience: I have naturally oily skin, so I love any cleanser that targets excess oil and this cleanser delivers. The product is a beautiful shimmery pink with a rich consistency and it has a smooth texture with a fresh tingly feeling when applied to the skin. While it removes excess oil, it doesn’t completely strip my skin and I’ve found it gentle enough to use daily. This cleanser leaves my skin looking glowy and refreshed, which is perfect for a toner and face oil afterwards.
Scunci Banana Clips - Rachel
What it is: A pack of banana clips that are quick and easy to use.
My experience: I love that hair accessories have made a huge comeback and the banana clip is still as good as ever! I have long, thick hair that tends to be too heavy for clips, but this particular Banana Clip by Scunci successfully keeps my hair up and neatly styled in a ponytail. It’s super easy to use and fastening is secure. The clips come in a pack of two: a trusty solid black and a trendy tortoise design – both have been on high repeat! I was also lucky to try the new Scunci Ponytailers Stretch Fabric 10pk, which I have reached for on multiple occasions and again, perfect for my thick hair. Hair ties are an everyday essential and I love these in particular as they don't snag, tug or kink my hair at all. They are made of a really soft and stretchy fabric and the pack comes in a range of colours to suit different outfits and moods!
Dr.Hauschka Regenerating Oil Serum Intensive - Issy
What it is: An oil serum that helps strengthen the skin’s barrier.
My experience: I have been complementing the oil serum with the Regenerating Day Cream, and it feels like a Bali salon experience at-home with this lovely oil serum composed of botanical extracts. The oil serum has a thick consistency, however it has to be one of the most beautiful oils as it blends effortlessly into my skin. As we move into the cooler months, this oil will be a nice addition to my skincare regime to keep my skin feeling hydrated and nourished. I have been applying the oil both morning and evening, and pairing with the Day Cream to offer the SPF protection throughout the day.
Biologi BL Nourish Lip Serum - Rhianna
What it is: A nourishing and hydrating lip serum.
My experience: I take lip care very seriously, as I hate nothing more than having dry or cracked lips. I often wear a bold lip so it’s important to maintain a soft and smooth base for my lippy. For these very reasons, I am always armed with lip balms in my purse and I have a lip treatment that lives on my bed-side table. The Biologi Nourish Lip Serum has surpassed my expectations and has replaced my need of said lip balm and nighttime lip treatment, as it combines both into one little serum. Firstly the product smells (and tastes) heavenly, which I love. But most importantly it keeps my lips feeling soft and super hydrated. The serum is extremely lightweight and absorbs quickly into the lips without leaving a heavy or thick coating on top. I apply the lip serum throughout the day and at night before bed, and I also apply the serum as a base before applying my more matte lipsticks on top, to ensure my lips stay nourished throughout the day. The BL Nourish Lip Serum contains a single plant extract of native Australian blood red finger lime and is packed with 100% active natural phytonutrients that work together to calm inflammation and keep the lips feeling soft and subtle. This product gets a huge thumbs up from me!
John Frieda® Detox & Repair Protect Spray - Aja
What it is: A protectant spray designed to provide hair with moisture, smoothness and to help detangle.
My experience: I'm sadly not the type of person that has been blessed with luscious, knot-free locks. No matter what I try, my hair is left tangled. Well, until now. This spray, which also doubles as a heat protectant, helps to strengthen and protect from further breakage and split ends. When I brush through my hair, it has a smoothness to it and knots are easily combed out, without feeling like I'm ripping at my scalp. The spray is formulated to also remove impurities, and works to clarify the hair’s surface so that any masks or treatments used after, can penetrate the hair more effectively.
Ella Baché Active Face SPF50+ Lotion - Sandra
What it is: An ultra-lightweight, four-hour water resistant sunscreen formulated with broad spectrum protection for active lifestyles.
My experience: As most people are aware sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin ageing, especially in the harsh Australian climate, so wearing a high strength sunscreen every day is an absolute must for me. This Ella Baché face lotion packs an SPF50+ into a light and easy to apply formula that is non-greasy and fast absorbing. I’ve been using this over the top of my moisturiser and under my makeup and have found that it hasn’t caused any breakouts, which has been the case with other thicker sunscreens, nor has it affected my makeup application where greasier alternatives have caused my foundation to slip and slide. This is a high-quality and well formulated product perfect for everyday use.
Aveda Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair - Rose
What it is: A limited-edition 200mL pack size of Aveda’s Damage Remedy™ Daily Hair Repair Hair Treatment: a high performance, plant-powered daily leave-in treatment.
My experience: I was so excited to try this, as I was looking for something to bring life back into my hair. Firstly, I love this limited-edition bottle – the cute and colourful illustrations of the ingredients really make the bottle stand out and instantly catches the eye! I also love the plant-powered formula of this product, which includes quinoa, soy-derived oil and macadamia oil, as I’m becoming more conscious of the environment and using more natural products. Together, these ingredients work to bring vitality, shine and moisture into the hair. After trying this for some weeks now, my hair truly feels and looks so much healthier! I usually expect it to dry into a huge frizz ball after washing it but this leaves my hair soft and silky smooth. I found I noticed results instantly with the softness and moisture, lasting even days after application. To top it off, the scent is lovely and not overpowering – I’m so thankful for this new 200mL size!
ELEVEN Australia Repair My Hair Nourishing and Conditioner - Ingrid
What it is: A strengthening shampoo and conditioner to rebuild damaged hair.
My experience: I have only just jumped on the ELEVEN bandwagon recently, firstly using their frizz range, and now their most recent launch – Repair My Hair! What a super combo this new range is! After a few weeks of use, my hair is shiny, strong and overall looking very healthy. I have noticed the duo has contributed to maintaining my frizzy locks which is a huge plus for me! It is formulated to protect from heat damage of up to 220 degrees, which I cannot agree more with, and this is reflective through the condition of my hair, especially my ends. I am due for a haircut soon, and I have noticed an improvement in the strength of my ends. The product has a really beautiful fresh scent, which contributes to the overall experience when washing your wash.
Jurlique Limited Edition Rose Luxe Edition Hand Cream - Sarah
What it is: A limited-edition indulgent, rich hand cream that deeply moisturises hands to restore smoothness, leaving them feeling velvety soft and beautifully scented.
My experience: With all the hand washing that is going on, this limited-edition hand cream has landed at the perfect time. The elegant rose gold capped, bone white tube came in a beautifully illustrated limited-edition box, featuring a collaboration with Australian artist Adriana Picker. The cream has a rich texture and absorbs well into the skin. And of course, it leaves that divine Jurlique signature floral scent on my hands, without making my hands sticky or slippery.
Priori Eye Recovery Crème with Retinol - Joanne
What it is: A unique combination of multiple eye care benefits in one rich, adaptive eye cream.
My experience: I’d never heard of Priori before, however after being introduced to this product, I now need the whole range! This rich and thick serum, being white in colour, looks more like a cream. It does however go clear almost instantaneously, absorbing once patted into the delicate under eye area. It feels immediately nourishing and protecting. With retinol, DNA repair enzymes, butterfly bush extract, it works to not only protect, but also repair. I have only just begun to learn the benefits and effectiveness of retinol and have been looking at integrating it into my skincare routine as much as I can. I am happy to see it in an eye cream and am finding it is helping to make my under eye area more youtful and fresh. I have been using it twice a day (can be used once or twice), and I am sure to see more benefits and effects in due time. The Priori Eye Recovery Creme with Retinol is fragrance-free, paraben-free and dermatologically tested. I am keen to check out the rest of their range, as this has become a new skincare essential for me. Please keep in mind, when using any products containing retinol, be sure to use SPF daily as well as do a patch test prior to use (or slowly introduce it into your routine).
Circa Home Limited Edition Liquidless Diffuser Set - Karen
What it is: A gift set that is part of the limited-edition Mother's Day Collection.
My experience: Well this was the perfect time to receive this set, as now I can ensure I enjoy the stunning scents all day! Having never tried a liquidless diffuser before, Circa Home used innovative dry diffusion technology so each scent stem is infused with a fragrance. The ceramic vessel is in a half cylinder shape with holes to put each stem in. With two different scents: Limited Edition Sea Salt & Vanilla Scent Stems™ and Mango & Papaya Scent Stems™, it lightly fragranced my apartment. You could put the diffuser anywhere as a stunning decor piece.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer - Tamara
What it is: A silky, weightless concealer that treats as it lightens, brightens and evens out the skin tone under the eyes for a fresher, brighter, and more rejuvenated look.
My experience: This is not just a concealer! Bobbi Brown have created a product that not only covers my dark circles with an extremely light and weightless concealer, but the fluid contains ingredients such as cordyceps mushroom, Indian tree root and bamboo grass that help to counteract dark circles while you conceal. It applied smoothly and felt silky on the skin, and I found that it hydrated my under eye area dramatically after using it for only a week, so I am looking forward to seeing the results after long-term use.
