1. Pixi Glow Tonic $53
It all starts with a well-conditioned complexion and this lauded British exfoliating toner will get your skin prepped for whatever you care to layer on top. Boost sluggish cell turnover and clear pores for a fresher looking face, thanks to 5 per cent glycolic acid. (As with using all AHAs remember to protect against any sensitivities with sunscreen.) Pixi is a brand launched 10 years ago by Petra Strand, a makeup artist and busy mother of four, and Smith & Caughey's has recently begun importing both its skincare and makeup. Smithandcaugheys.co.nz
2. Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation $54
There are 12 shades in this newbie from Benefit, including some good dark options. The light-feel foundation with SPF15 provides light-to-medium liquid coverage with a natural-looking finish. That's thanks to soft-focus optical blurring spheres that help even out imperfection and skin tone. From Benefit stores, Smith & Caughey's and Farmers.co.nz.
3. M.A.C Hyper Real Foundation $72
We trust you're sorted with a good everyday face base, but for hyper-real highlighting add extra aura with this bring-back from M.A.C. In Gold FX, Violet FX, Rose Gold FX (pictured) and Bronze FX. The foundation can be worn all over or applied more sparingly. Try it with a holographic lip and the sheen of iridescent loose powder, all from the Supreme Beam collection at all M.A.C counters for a limited time. Maccosmetics.co.nz
4. Hourglass Highlight Stick in Rose Gold Flash $67
For a posh take on crayons and a speed-date with illumination, you've met your match. The long-wearing lustrous formula in five shades uses a soft-focus technology that blends in easily with the fingertips. Initial application to the highpoints of the face and around the cupid's bow is aided by a triangular tip to the product. The Highlight Stick has a similar weightless texture to the Hourglass Vanish Foundation. From Mecca Cosmetica and Mecca Maxima stores, and at online at Meccabeauty.co.nz.
5. M.A.C Grand Illusion Glossy Liquid Lipcolour in Just Hustlin $50
This is one of 10 plumping shades of holographic and iridescent lip colours to provide an array of reflective options to enliven your party makeup choice. A subtle pinky purple shade like this can also be worn by day to add interest when you are wearing clothes in neutral tones. Maccosmetics.co.nz
6. Bondi Sands Glo Gloss Finishing Glow $23
For face and body, this wash-off bronzing product is an easy way back into the idea of making time for self-tanning. Ideal for when you want a top-up of colour without committing to spray sessions. Bondi Sands reckons there is a market gap between makeup and self-tanning, and designed Glo (also available in Shimmer and Matte One Day Tan formulas) to be used for instant colour and as a layerable contouring aid to add luminosity to face, decolletage and limbs. From Unichem and Life pharmacies and Farmers stores.
7. Sturm Glow Drops $231
Dr Barbara Sturm is a German surgeon who began treating patients using their own proteins before launching into skincare also aiming for cellular change. Glow Drops are a hydrating serum-like product containing hyaluronic acid and plant extracts for a brightening boost. They can also be used as top-up treatment during the day for a dewier complexion, made more luminous by the addition of subtle infusion of light-reflecting pigments. Meccabeauty.co.nz
Advertisement
Advertise with NZME.8. Clarins SOS Primer in Universal Light $64
One of a range of colour correcting primers, this being the all-purpose brightener, with others to correct darkness, sallowness or redness – to provide a lightweight face base. The range has also been formulated with an anti-pollution complex to help screen the skin from environmental damage.
9. Stila Shimmer & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow $38
This pearlised water-infused pigment swipes on easily and dries quickly. It's the shimmer version of Stila's popular Glitter & Glow and to my mind is all the better without the chunkier sparkly bits. Meccabeauty.co.nz
10. YSL Neon Light Holographic White Lipstick $66
This is a top-coat best worn over YSL's limited edition Neon Lights lipsticks which come in six neon-infused lacquered stains to saturate lips in colour before your add dimension with either this top coat or a black holographic version for added bite. From selected pharmacies and department stores.
