Beauty briefs: Gift of life

Acqua di Gioia for women. Photo / Supplied

Giorgio Armani is working with international aid agencies in their drive to deliver safe drinking water to the estimated 900 million people worldwide without it. For each specially boxed bottle of two of his most popular fragrances, the men's classic Acqua di Gio and the newer Acqua di Gioia for women, 100 litres of water will be donated to those in need. Those buying the 100ml fragrances, priced from $158, can also enter a personal code on the box to extend their charity action online.

Balmy days

Colour that functions as part balm, part shine is a growing trend for women who like a lighter feel on their lips, but want more conditioning than a straight gloss offers. If that sounds like you, check out L'Oreal's smart new Colour Riche Nutri Shine, which uses royal jelly and shea butter to help smooth lips. Nutri Shine comes in 10 fruity, sheer shades for $19.99, including Strawberry Juice.

Other brands with recent additions to the combination conditioning and colour category are Bobbi Brown and Clinique's chubby pencils. Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine is another sheer hydrating lipshine.

M.A.C on move

M.A.C is moving its flagship pro store into the burgeoning Britomart retailing and dining out zone. The shift from Chancery Square will take place in July. Exiting earlier is neighbour Jo Malone which is also shifting downtown, into the Atrium on Takutai in late April. Both brand's stores are run in retail partnership by Rowena Roberts of Red Honey Cosmetics, who says Britomart will change the face of Auckland shopping. Among those opening is Lululemon, the yoga-inspired, fast-growing overseas exercise and casual wear brand.

Bewtiched

Young fashionista and Harry Potter star Emma Watson is casting her spell on fashion and beauty brands, being named as a new ambassadress for Lancome. Watson who played schoolgirl witch Hermione Grainger already has modelling gigs for Burberry and Chanel behind her.

Punk it up

Pastel hair is being given the heave-ho by the adventurous home hair colourist. Fudge's new Punk Geisha range of Paintbox colours, which can last up to 20 washes, comes in colours called green envy, electric blue and clockwork orange. Paintbox is at its loudest over-lightened or blonde hair, but can give an interesting dip-dye effect on the tips of dark hair. Find it in salons and shampoo shops for $22 (for stockists ph 0800 456 426).

Take note

The popular Narciso Rodriguez For Her perfume is available this month in a limited edition release that includes a 100ml eau de toilette boxed with a little notebook illustrated with the designer's sketches and quotations. Priced at $195 from selected department stores.