Category: beauty

The Drop: February’s new beauty products

We’re here to let you know about the best beauty launches this month including Elizabeth Arden, Clinique and Chanel!

The start of the new year is the perfect time to refresh your beauty arsenal. These new lust-worthy beauty drops are topping our list.

CLINIQUE
Even Better Refresh  
470
With its winning formula combining advanced skincare with full coverage, Clinique’s Even Better foundation has been a phenomenal success. Then came Clinique Even Better Glow, an oil-free formula containing luminising pigments for maximum radiance-boosting coverage. Now the beauty house is at it again, with the launch of Clinique Even Better Refresh. This long-wearing, full-coverage foundation diminishes fine lines and wrinkles for a silky-smooth, moisture-rich glow. Yes, please!

CHANEL

Chance Eau Tendre 50ml EDP  
1615 
A more floral and feminine take on Chanel’s original Chance fragrance, Chance Eau Tendre opens with fresh and fruity grapefruit-quince accords, followed by heady jasmine and romantic rose notes, with an irresistible blend of white musk rounding off the scent. This truly nostalgic fragrance will delight your senses and leave you dreaming of love.

EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS

BENEFIT
Roller Liner Liquid Eyeliner  
375  
Benefit’s new matte liquid liner is just what you need to create the latest hot eye make-up looks. It comes with a precision felt tip for sharp lines and super-smooth application, and the long-lasting formula promises to stay put for up to 24 hours. 
ELIZABETH ARDEN
 Love Heals Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant 299 & Love Heals Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF 15 235
This year Elizabeth Arden’s iconic multitasking beauty balm celebrates its 88th anniversary. To help mark this milestone the brand has partnered with internationally acclaimed muralist James Goldcrown, best known for his Insta-famous #lovewall, to create a unified message of love and healing through the new Limited Edition Love Heals x Eight Hour® Collection.
REVLON
Kiss Plumping Lip Crème  
99.95  
Get the perfect pout with Revlon’s latest lip innovation. Formulated with Volulip, a special patented ingredient that visibly enhances the size of your lips, this creamy balm provides a smooth, plumped-up finish that’s lightweight and long lasting. 
EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
SISLEY
Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Age Firming Concentrated Serum 
6360  
Luxury French beauty brand Sisley has added a new product to their L’Intégral Anti-Age range. The Firming Concentrated Serum doesn’t come cheap, but it does promise to boost skin’s elastin production for a firmer, younger-looking complexion – an investment worth making for sure!

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

Beauty Masterclass: How To Fake The JLo Glow in 5 Easy Steps

Glowing skin for the win! Try these five easy skincare and make-up steps that will bring out your inner Jennifer Lopez.

Fact: we all want glowing skin à la Jennifer Lopez. Beauty editor Leila shares the best ways to get the JLo glow in five easy steps. 

STEP 1. START WITH AN ILLUMINATING MOISTURISER AND PRIMER

Massage clean facial skin with an illuminating moisturiser and then primer to hydrate and plump, creating the perfect radiant canvas.

STEP 2. APPLY A LIGHT, SILKY FOUNDATION

Choose a foundation that offers light yet luminous coverage for an extra layer of radiance that won’t weigh you down.

STEP 3. COVER DARK CIRCLES AND BLEMISHES WITH CONCEALER

To further create a flawless and dewy complexion, use a concealer to cover up unwanted blemishes and persistent dark circles.

STEP 4. ADD HIGHLIGHTER

Highlighter is the most important ingredient to creating the ultimate glow. The rule of thumb is to apply it to the areas of your face that the sun would naturally hit: the tops of your cheekbones, the bridge of your nose, the Cupid’s bow, and your chin. Another key area to highlight is the inner corner of your eyes; this will instantly brighten them.

STEP 5. FINISH OFF WITH A GLOSSY SHINE

Take your glow to the next level by layering some clear gloss or a shiny balm over your lids and lips.

Videographer: Roice Nel. Hair & make-up: Renee De Wit/Gloss. Model: Lovis Lena/Ice Genetics. Production: Leila Petersen  

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

SHAVING TIPS EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW

What was once considered to be low maintenance and scruffy, today’s beard is anything but. Stylish and sophisticated – sporting a beard never looked so good.

We’ve watched the humble beard slowly make its comeback over the last few years. Facial fuzz is no longer seen as a low maintenance grooming routine; it’s become the ultimate style accessory and form of self-expression. Whether you’re sporting a few whiskers, a full beard or stubble, facial hair requires a certain level of maintenance and skill, and it’s essential to know how to shave properly. Here we list our top shaving tips to help keep your beard in shape.

Prep, Prep and more Prep

One of the most important and often overlooked steps is prepping the skin before you shave. Not only will this ensure a near perfect shave, it will also cause less friction between the blade and the skin, preventing razor burn, bumps and ingrown hairs. Start by taking a hot shower. If you’re short on time, wrap your face in a warm, moist towel. The heat and moisture will open your pores and soften your beard hair, making shaving a lot easier. Next, get rid of oil, sweat and dead skin cells by cleansing the skin with a face wash; this will also aid in lifting and softening the stubble for a more comfortable shave. Lastly, apply a pre-shaving oil or beard balm. This will add a layer of moisture to your skin and allow the razor to glide over it, creating a better – and not to mention closer – shave.

Lather up

When it comes to shaving, it’s best not to rush the process. Lathering a pre-shaving product may seem tedious but your face will thank you for it. Massaging your shaving cream or gel into the skin will lubricate the face, soften and lift the hairs and enable the blade to cut more easily – resulting in a comfortable shave.

Invest in the best

A bar of soap and disposable razor blades are more affordable than a good razor and shaving cream but are much more likely to result in nicks and redness. It’s best to invest in quality products for your grooming routine. A creamy and luxurious shaving cream will give your face extra moisture that will help your razor glide easily. It will also have ingredients that protect your skin and help with the healing process after you’re done (in conjunction with a good aftershave). When it comes to razors, look for those that provide a smooth, precise shave with minimal fuss. A three-blade razor is perfect for a close shave while razors with two blades are ideal for guys with sensitive skin or those prone to ingrown hairs.

Right Direction

A proper shave uses short, light strokes. Don’t drag the blade from your ear to the base of your neck. Stick to 3 to 6cm strokes at most, and make sure to rinse off the blade between each stroke. As for the direction, always shave with the grain (the direction in which the hairs grow) – from the cheeks to the mouth and from the chin to the neck. When it comes to those pesky areas such as your jaw and lip, puff out your cheeks to give you more surface area to work with.

Sharpen Your Shaving Skills

A common mistake men often make is using an old blade to shave. Because the razor is not sharp enough it can’t cut the hairs properly, making the skin more susceptible to cuts, not to mention razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Don’t Forget About Your Neck

The neck can be a particularly troublesome area to shave, so leave it until last. Given that it’s a more sensitive area than the rest of your face, the extra time will allow the shaving cream to soften the hair. Applying the short-stroke technique to this area is most important; resist all urges to shave in large strokes. Shave from the bottom of your neck upwards. This will help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. When shaving under your chin, pull the razor from your throat area up towards your chin.

Go for Cold

After a close shave your face is vulnerable; the pores are wide open and susceptible to clogging if not properly closed. Immediately after your shave rinse your face with cold water – this will close your pores and help prevent ingrown hairs and redness. It will also stop any dirt from getting in there. Be gentle and pat your face dry with a clean towel rather than wiping it.

Super Soothe

No matter how amazing your shaving technique, there is bound to be some irritation. To relieve your skin, finish off your shave with a post-shave balm or aftershave that will soothe your skin. Avoid products with alcohol as they can dry out the skin. Rather opt for a good conditioning aftershave which will gently reintroduce moisture to your skin and calm down any irritation.


Finish With A Fragrance

Complete your grooming routine with several spritzes of a refreshing EDT. Avoid spraying directly onto freshly-shaven areas – the alcohol in the scent is likely to sting sensitive post-shave skin. Stick to the spots behind your ears and on the inside of your wrists instead.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

NEW YEAR, NEW BEAUTY RULES

Sometimes we need rules to follow in order to make good decisions. Start off your new year with these beauty guidelines.


There are levels to this beauty game. Take yours up a notch and kickstart the new year with these go-to beauty rules to help you stay on track.

Get to Know Your Skin Type

Start off with identifying your skin type. Is it dry, normal, oily, acne-prone, sensitive or ageing? Knowing your type is the first step to understanding your skin’s needs, and selecting products that help it look its best. Chat to a beauty consultant or visit a dermatologist to have your skin properly analysed, so you can follow the most effective routine.

Double Up Your Cleansing

Cleansing is the foundation of a solid skincare routine, removing all the sweat, grime, make-up and pollution that builds up during the day. While cleansing once is good, cleansing twice is better. Double cleansing, as it’s called, ensures the product penetrates deeply into your pores, leaving your skin clean and clear. First use an oil-based cleanser to remove grease and dirt, then follow with a water- or gel-based cleanser.

Use SPF Daily, Throughout The Year

So many of us use our SPF only when the sun is shining; but don’t be fooled – even when the sun is hidden by clouds or blurred by rain, it still emits powerful UV rays that cause skin damage. Be resolute in applying SPF no matter the weather, to help prevent cancer, ageing, pigmentation and sunspots.

Excel at Exfoliation

Want better, brighter, smoother skin? Of course you do! Regular chemical exfoliation is the answer. The active ingredients in chemical exfoliants slough away the dead skin cells that make your complexion look dull, restoring the natural radiance of your skin.

More Masking

No longer considered an occasional indulgence, frequent masking is now highly recommended. Aside from the fact that you’re forced to relax while it’s on (a big benefit in itself), the right mask for your skin type will really boost the quality of your skin. A hydrating mask helps to seal in moisture, while a cleansing mask unclogs pores and decongests the skin. 

Repair Your Hair

Looking after your hair is equally important as looking after your skin. Daily exposure to styling, washing, drying, curling and straightening can take a major toll on your tresses. Restore overworked strands to peak condition by regularly trimming and treating it with a nourishing hair mask or conditioning treatment.

Try a New Trend

It’s easy to fall into a monotonous make-up routine, sporting the same look with the same products every day. Make 2019 the year to try something new – be it experimenting with various eye shadow shades, trying a bold colour on your pout, or even just wearing a new blush shade. Step out of your comfort zone and your confidence levels will soar.

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All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

OFFICE MAKE-UP DOs AND DON’Ts

Make-up for the office is and should be different to make-up for the party. Use these helpful tips to make sure you don’t overdo it.

As pretty as it was, your festive-season make-up won’t cut it at work. Office make-up should be polished, yes, but professional. It’s all about striking a balance between looking put-together, not overdone.

All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

What’s the big deal about retinol?

Retinol is one of the biggest buzzwords in beauty thanks to its anti-ageing effects. Here’s how to add it to your skincare routine.

On the quest for great skin? Find out why retinol is the answer to your most pressing complexion concerns – plus meet some of our favourite retinol-rich super products.
Getty Images

WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol (also sometimes found in ingredients lists as ‘retinoids’) is a derivate of vitamin A, which is the key nutrient for boosting cell turnover in the body. When applied topically, this powerhouse ingredient promotes skin renewal, brightens the complexion, smooths and refines the skin’s surface, reduces acne and boosts collagen production. It’s an effective solution to most of our skincare woes, so it’s not difficult to see why so many beauty houses are adding it to their products.

WHY USE RETINOL?

As you age, your skin’s cell turnover rate slows down, causing it to appear dry, dull and wrinkled. Unlike most topical products, retinol is able to penetrate the skin deeply enough to be effective at a cellular level, assisting the regeneration process. If used consistently over time, it’s able to resurface and transform your complexion.

WHEN TO USE RETINOL

Incorporate retinol into your skincare regimen gradually, as this powerful ingredient causes cells to shed faster than normal, which can make skin sensitive initially. Start with a gentle formula, using it twice a week as part of your night-time routine. This will give your skin time to get used to the product. It’s important to use retinol products at night rather than during the day, as retinol breaks down in sunlight. You should also invest in a good-quality sunscreen, if you’re not already using one, as the faster cell turnover will make your skin more susceptible to UV rays.

OUR RETINOL HEROES

Ready to start using a retinol-infused elixir? We thought so. Here are a few of our favourite products, and why we love them.

ELIZABETH ARDEN
Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum 60 Capsules
965
These mono-dose capsules are ideal as they dispense the perfect amount of product, so you can be sure you’re not overdoing it, leading to sensitivity.


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DIOR
One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum 30ml
1585
This hard-working serum not only targets environmental toxins like pollution, but also protects the skin from indoor toxins, including glue, varnishes and radiation from electronic devices, too.

ESTÉE LAUDER
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 30ml
890
This super serum already has a major cult following, and it’s not difficult to see why. Working with the power of the skin’s natural recovery process while you sleep, it promotes night-time purification that helps reduce the visible signs of ageing.

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 FILORGA
Meso+ Absolute Anti-ageing Serum
1010
Combining some of the most effective active ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid, this clever formula mimics the effects of injectable plumping agents, leaving skin visibly smoother and more radiant.

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All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

The Drop: January’s new beauty products

We’re here to let you know about the best beauty launches this month including MAC, Revlon and Dior!

The start of the new year is the perfect time to refresh your beauty arsenal. These new lust-worthy beauty drops are topping our list.

LANCÔME
La Nuit Trésor 50ml EDP 
1350
Rich and exotic, La Nuit Trésor is the house of Lancôme’s first ‘Gourmand Woody Floriental’ perfume. A bewitching scent, it opens with a burst of delicious raspberry interlaced with vanilla tahitensis orchid and enhanced by notes of damascena rose, giving the fragrance a deep and mysterious allure.

MAC 
Powder Kiss Lipstick 
250
Best known for its beloved matte lipsticks, MAC has now released a new lipstick formula called Powder Kiss. Designed to look more like a soft-focus stain, this weightless lipstick leaves your lips feeling moisturised while providing creamy, buildable colour.

EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
BENEFIT 
Vanity Flare Palette 
595 
If you’re looking for the perfect everyday neutral palette then consider Benefit’s latest launch, Vanity Flare. Featuring twelve shades in three finishes – soft matte, satin and shimmer – this portable and purse-friendly palette comes with the usual signature tips and tricks to make it easy to blend and build with these rich shades.

ELIZABETH ARDEN
Beautiful Color Bold Defining Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner 
285
The latest launch from Elizabeth Arden helps you create the perfect feline flick with ease. Intensely pigmented, the felt-tip liner allows you to draw both fine and bold lines with a single swipe. And perhaps best of all, the formula is quick drying, waterproof and smudgeproof.

REVLON
PhotoReady Color Correcting Pens 
199.99
A true magic wand, what sets Revlon’s colour correcting pens apart from the others is the 3D colour correcting pigments designed to work with your skin to neutralise imperfections instead of covering them up.

LANCÔME
Rose Sugar Scrub 
499
Infused with rose water, real sugar grains and honey, Lancôme’s latest exfoliator is so gentle it can be used on all skin types. Great for dissolving away impurities and removing dead skin cells, this delightful scrub leaves the skin looking smooth, plump and glowing. 

DIOR 
Capture Youth Intense Rescue Age-Defying Revitalizing Oil-Serum 
1685
Dior continues its Capture Youth journey by introducing a new intensive treatment, Intense Rescue Age-Defying Revitalizing Oil-Serum. Combining the power of a revitalising serum with the nourishment of oil, this hero product helps restore lipids and protect skin that is extremely dry or fatigued.


All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

5 make-up brushes your beauty kit needs

Make-up brushes are an essential part of ensuring your make-up is flawless. We brush up on the five brushes to invest in.

Extremely versatile and easy to use, these are the essential brushes you need to create breath-taking looks. Brush up on your basics and read on.

THE FOUNDATION BRUSH

The foundation of your beauty arsenal, this brush is really a non-negotiable when it comes to creating a flawless canvas. Typically firm and wide with a slight dome shape; a foundation brush will give you more coverage and a smooth, poreless finish.

Artist tip #1
For the most natural finish, apply foundation to the centre of your face first, and extend toward your hairline.
EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Beautique Foundation Brush 92.95

THE BLUSH BRUSH

Another staple in your make-up bag, a blush brush can be used for blusher, bronzer and powder. Boasting a feathery feel with ultra-long bristles, this brush is ideal for picking up and depositing blush to define, contour and shade your cheeks.

Artist tip #2
Softer bristles will create a more subtle flush while a more densely packed brush will deliver a more potent colour payoff.

Clarins Blush Brush 395

THE CONCEALER BRUSH

Dubbed the ‘magic wand’, a concealer brush tackles some of your worst beauty woes – think dark circles, blemishes and scars – in one step. A brush with a tapered head and bristles that are both firm and flexible can reach those areas your other tools (or fingers) cannot.

Artist tip #3
For the best results, apply concealer over foundation as this will ensure that the concealer wont be wiped away.

Mac Concealer Brush 355

THE BLENDING BRUSH

When it comes to eye shadow, there are so many brushes that will aid in the application of your chosen pigments but the tool that does the trick best is the blending brush. This flexible brush makes it easy to blend colours and soften lines, and is ideal for dusting eye shadow along the crease of your lids.

Artist tip #4
When applying your eye shadow, target areas around the eye, such as the inner and outer corners, with the most intense pigment.
Estée Lauder Blending Brush 495

THE DUO BROW BRUSH

It’s no secret that brows frame your face, and can really pull your beauty look together. Keep them in shape with a brush/spoolie duo. Super convenient, this brush is great for full fill-ins and precision touch-ups while the spoolie helps to distribute colour evenly and allows you to have that brushed-up brow look that’s gorgeous and natural looking.
Artist tip #5
Perfect brows start with a spoolie brush! Simply brush the hair upward to see where there is any unevenness. And then using brow powder or pencil fill in the sparse areas to ensure brows look perfectly on point.
Smashbox Camera Ready Define and Groom Brow Brush 430