product reviews

Now that our skin is done being exposed to excess sun and heavy sunscreens, it's time to get that glow back. Chantecaille Bamboo and Hibiscus Exfoliating Cream ($86.95) is just what a Summer complexion needs to smooth out and brighten up the new season. Bamboo powder, in the form of tiny smooth spheres, gives this creamy formula physical scrubbing action to gently slough away dead skin. For even more smoothing and brightening power, plant enzymes help to dissolve flaky layers, while hibiscus flower acids improve cell turnover for a healthier complexion. And the natural floral scent is enough to keep you mentally in Summer!

Elizabeth Arden's cult favourite Eight Hour Cream has been around since the 1930s, but a new product in the line, Intensive Lip Repair Balm ($25) is about to hit shelves. Nestled in this portable jar are shea butter and arnica flower oil, which combine to bolster the moisture in your lips. But what has us most impressed is this product's staying power. Hours after applying the menthol-infused balm, you'll be surprised to find your lips are still supple and soft. While the instructions recommend overnight use, consider it an all-day essential to kiss chapped lips goodbye.

Last year was all about fixing my skin. I've told you all about my struggle with hormonal acne after coming off the pill (it made me feel a little loopy and moody), and it's been a bumpy ride to get to my destination — supermodel skin. Ambitious? Why yes. But with all the products on the market, why can't we all be free of acne, blackheads, pigmentation, dark circles and large pores? We spend the money, we should get the results. Keep reading.

As one of the world's most beautiful women — I mean really, those lips are criminal — Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is kind of otherworldly. She has near-perfect hair and skin, and after seeing her appearances at London fashion week for Burberry and then again at the Oscars, I decided it was time to investigate. I'd heard in the past she follows the same diet as Elle Macpherson, Clean & Lean by James Duigan, so we asked her what it's all about. Keep reading.

The year 2012 was all about the beauty/blemish balm — BB cream — and now, we're going porcelain skin crazy for CC cream. A little while back we explained the difference between BB and CC cream, and one of the first cabs off the rank with an Aussie release is L'Oréal Paris. Their Nude Magique BB Cream was a huge hit internationally, and in keeping in-line with the winning formula, the L'Oréal Paris Anti-Redness CC Cream ($26.95) is just as good. To see my review, keep reading.

Oh yes, that's right — 10 years younger! I'm only 27 so I'm not entirely sure I want to look 17 again (over-plucked brows and glitter eyeshadow rejoice!), but admittedly, my skin was certainly tighter and I had less pigmentation and sun damage. I've seen and heard the reviews for Nanoblur, and the claim to make someone look a decade younger in less than a minute is quite a big one. So, like any good beauty editor, I tried it for myself. Keep reading.

Toss aside that glossy magazine you're fawning over — that flawless skin that seems so far out of reach has been bottled up and made available to the masses. Ck One Color's 3-in-1 Face Makeup ($55) has all four of the components you need for awe-inducing skin rolled into one: a serum, a primer, face makeup, and SPF. No first step needed. The lightweight, oil-free makeup smooths onto your skin in a thin layer and can be spread about like a moisturiser. But instead of the barely there coverage you get with a tinted moisturiser, Ck One's makeup gets into the nooks and crannies, covering everything from blemishes to dark spots. It's like giving yourself a mini facial every morning. And with eight different shades that you can be blend to match your skin tone, you'll be ready for your close-up in no time.

Big call, I know. I'm pretty particular about my topcoat, so after hearing the buzz about French offering Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (approx $18.23), I just had to try it. Now this glossy star isn't new at all — it's actually been around for over a decade and still claims to be "the finest and most highly acclaimed top coat for nail polish in the world". So modest. But jokes aside, I love a proud product, so my expectations were high... Keep reading.