Web Only: October's Beauty Must-Haves

From exotic scented candles to a scientific breakthrough in scalp care, we have your wish list covered…

Tropical dreams

If you’re not jetting off on a tropical getaway any time soon, Pure Fiji’s White Gingerlily Hydrating Body Lotion, $43, might just be the next best thing. Not only does it smell like an island holiday... this lush lotion is bursting with traditional skincare secrets from Fiji, including antioxidant-rich nut extracts and coconut milk. It’s also an ideal after-waxing soother, as its oils won’t evaporate quickly, ensuring increased and sustained hydration. The lotion is available in other delicious scents including coconut, frangipani, mango, passionflower, pineapple and star fruit. Pure Fiji products are available in spas and resorts nationwide. For more information visit www.purefiji.com.

Proof not always in the pricetag

It mightn’t look as fancy as some of the luxury serums you’ll find but then it also doesn’t carry the same pricetag. Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Serum, $37.95, does, however, have some pretty heavyweight credentials. It contains a potent concentration of Retinol plus the antioxidants, vitamins C and E, all of which have been proven to improve the skin’s texture and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

A nod to the scalp

The foundation of beautiful hair is a healthy scalp yet we don’t often give our hard-working scalps a second thought. The scalp fends off internal and external aggressors like the elements, heat styling, over cleansing, genetics, lifestyle (diet, stress, fatigue) and hormones, especially pregnancy and menopause. This barrage can overwhelm the scalp’s natural defense system, resulting in sensitivity, dandruff, oiliness and even hair loss.

Now, Kerastase is a brand that believes in the old adage, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’, has come up with Biotic, the first bio-activating programme that’s designed to rebalance the scalp and reactivate its natural protective properties before any problems occur. The range features Biotic Bain Recharge, available for dry hair and normal to combination (both $33), which is the world’s first bio-energising and hydrating shampoo to rebalance the scalp’s delicate ecosystem. Once a week treat your scalp and hair to a Biotic Concentre Bio-Recharge treatment, $58 for 5x15ml treatments. Or, if you crave indulgence, try the in-salon Rebalancing Ritual, $60. It revitalizes the key functions of the scalp while massaging you into a state of deep relaxation. Available nationwide.

Burn baby burn

Luxury scented candles have become seriously covetable items; but forget those safe standby fragrances and venture into unknown sensory territory with new-to-NZ Burn Candles. Himalayan Black Tea is a darkly exotic infusion featuring golden-tipped Darjeeling, dried clementine peel and aromatic Ceylon tea. Peruvian Flowering Tobacco has a soft creamy scent of vanilla and tonka beans paired with cashmere accords and a hint of earthy elderwood. If you want to create a heady, sensual atmosphere, try Tunisian Orange Blossom; it’s said to be the elixir of love! Ceremonial Jasmine Tea is delicate and beautiful with the fragrance of green tea and night-blooming jasmine. Or celebrate the coming of summer with Burn’s Stone Fruit, which bursts with the succulent aromas of a ripe harvest. Burn Candles, $120 each, are available exclusively at Mecca Cosmetica. For more details visit www.meccacosmetica.co.nz.

No bumbling here

Chic New York hair salon Bumble and Bumble opened its doors in 1977; now the quirky name has become synonymous with high-end haircare products. The iconic brand recently collaborated with young designer Piet Houtenbos – son of hairdressing legend Christiaan Houtenbos – to create limited-edition sets to dress up your hair for the new season. The Crème de Coco Kit, $125, coaxes silky locks with the help of Crème de Coco Shampoo and Conditioner which contain coconut and murumuru butters; also included in the kit is Brilliantine, a styling product designed to polish hair while creating a ‘bed head’ effect. For hair that needs an extra tender touch there is the Gentle Hair Kit, $125. The Super Rich Shampoo is a must for heat and chemical tortured tresses, while the Super Rich Conditioner can smooth out the most unruly of locks. If you suffer from the frizzies (and most women do), these products are a must-try.