The Latest In Beauty – Alpha Power + More
Atop a perfectly prepped and primed canvas, we’re going full circle back to brown to create the universally flattering light-handed smokey eye.
Alpha Power
With the fashion industry’s movement gravitating towards the celebration of bare-faced beauty, smooth glowing skin is the fundamental objective we need to tick off. Resurfacing and refining skin texture is the key to youthful radiance. First step, use a deeply purifying cleanser with Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid such as Aspect Dr AHA/BHA Cleanser, $68, to ensure a thorough cleanse. Secondly, invest in a gentle AHA-inclusive night cream to assist in desquamation every night.
Environ Alpha Hydroxy Night Cream, $91.30, can be used synergistically with Vitamin A for a more stimulating regimen. For an at-home peel treatment you can use sporadically when your skin is looking extra lethargic.
Try the Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Rose Drop Overnight Peel, $225; a bi-phase formula that works overnight to provide refreshed skin by the morning.
Black Magic
An age-old remedy for drawing out toxins and absorbing impurities, charcoal is used as the hero ingredient in M.A.C.’s latest complexion offerings. For those dull skin days in need of an energy boost, spritz the Mineralize Charged Water Charcoal Spray, $45, to instantly energize your canvas before makeup application. Use the Mineralize Reset & Revive Charcoal Mask, $64, containing bamboo charcoal powder and white clay to extract dirt and chemical buildup in our pores.
From the Ground Up
There’s nothing more mineral-rich than a good dollop of clay slathered onto your skin. Formed over thousands of years via weathering and sediments carried around by water and wind, there’s an in-built natural energy in this powerhouse ingredient that’s more than just woowoo. Australian pink clay forms the base of Sand & Sky’s two-product line. Blended with bamboo, macadamia seed and Australian finger lime, their new triple-action Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment, $59.90, is anticipated to follow suit in popularity after its first launch. Antipodes Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask, $49.90, harnesses the skin-rejuvenating properties in New Zealand volcanic mud mixed with their antioxidant compound to lighten and brighten. For a purifying cleanser, try the new Elizabeth Arden Superstart Probiotic Cleanser Whip to Clay, $59, to strengthen the skin’s surface layer.
Step it Up
Following the backstage beauty at the tent pole runway shows, it’s certain that we’re saying ba-bye to thick, obvious, full-blast max effect – we’re reaching out for fine, lightweight products that can create the exceptional fresh-faced look. Sophisticated and mysterious, the execution lies in the art of subtleties. On exfoliated skin, use a nourishing balm base or illuminating water-based gel depending on your skin type. Sparingly layer on a buildable foundation that gives you a soft-focus effect with a satin finish and set the makeup with a fine-milled translucent powder that’s undetectable.
How Now Brown Cow?
I’m ecstatic to share that brown is back with an update. From matte to metallic and everything in between, the sultry smokey eye is here for our moody broody winter. Jane Iredale’s new limited edition Snap Happy Makeup Kit, $119, features a trio of warm brown, peach and eggplant with a shimmery peach blush and translucent powder for an approachable look while you’re on-the-go. A recent favourite go-to that nails the newly trending shades is The Balm SmokeBalm Vol. 4 Foiled Eyeshadow Palette, $24.99. For deeper hues with a pearly finish, opt for Elizabeth Arden Drama Defined Eyeshadow Trio in Matinee, $35. In search of opaque pigmentation? Urban Decay’s new Troublemaker Palette, $75 , features 10 shades of no-brainer neutrals.
Vintage Vibes
Smith & Co’s latest bodycare offerings puts the limelight on a hero ingredient -sea buckthorn oil. With healing and anti-inflammatory properties that feeds moisture back into dry winter skin, the new Dry Body Oil, $19.99, and Bath Tonic, $19.99, are two nourishing products to trial this season. Fragrance and fuss-free, soak in a tub of milky elixir and finish off with a slather of the body oil that sinks in swiftly with no trace of grease.