Make-up sticks that work like erasers, rechargeable foot files and lipsticks that you shake are just some of the clever beauty innovations to come out so far this year.
Take a look at some of the weirdest – and most wonderful – additions you need in your beauty routine.
Easy blur
If only confidence was this easy, but Bobbi Brown gives it a good boost with her Instant Confidence Stick, $76. Swipe the matte, colourless formula over areas you want to blur before make-up and during the day. It’ll disguise them with its light-diffusing magic.
Matte attack
Do you love your lip colour but wish it was matte? Apply Smashbox Insta-Matte Lipstick Transformer, $48, over the top of your regular lippy with your finger, and voila, it’s a lipstick makeover. This actually helps your lipstick to last longer too.
Flexibility
M.A.C Pro Beyond Twisted Lash Mascara, $48, has a flexible wand that can be bent in all directions, even a complete 90-degree angle! This, combined with a super-fine brush, means you can reach every single lash without the wand getting in your way.
2-in-1?
I was sceptical of a foam that conditioned hair, let alone one that washed it at the same time, but R+Co Cleansing Foam Conditioner, $48, has me completely hooked. Used on wet hair, the tiniest amount of this unique foam is all that’s needed to leave colour- treated or coarse hair unbelievably soft and a whole lot more manageable.
Easy off
Clinique Take The Day Off Eye Makeup Remover Stick, $48, has a balm texture that transforms into oil on your skin. It’s a brilliant option for quickly targeting areas like under the eyes and lips when you’re out and about.
Juicy Tube version 2.0
For a playful splash of colour, give this lipstick a shake to mix the colour pigments with the lipcare oils, then glide it onto the lips with the sponge-tip applicator. Lancome Juicy Shakers, $39 each, are silky and weightless on the lips, making them super-comfortable to wear.
Wax on, wax off
If waxing is your preferred mode of hair removal, you’ll know that ingrown hairs can be a painful problem. That’s why we think Nad’s Exfoliating Body Wax Strips, $19.99, are so clever. Each strip has a “loofah-like” outside surface that you rub over the skin first to remove any dead skin before waxing.
At home pedi
It’s hard to make the chore of foot care look exciting but Scholl has done just that with its Velvet Smooth Wet & Dry Rechargeable Foot File, $80. This new model doesn’t mind a bit of water being splashed around and a charging dock means no more expensive batteries.
Steamy stuff
Using a straightener on damp hair is normally a massive no-no, but that’s not the case with the new Remington Shine Revival Straightener, $130. Its steam hydration vents allow this state-of-the-art straightener to dry hair and straighten simultaneously.
Find it
Bobbi Brown Department stores and Britomart
Clinique, EstÉe Lauder, LancÔme Pharmacies and Department stores
L’OrÉal Paris, neutrogena, Nivea Supermarkets and Pharmacies
M.A.C Department stores and M.A.C stores
Nads Countdown and selected pharmacies
R+Co 0800 25 25 30
Remington 0800 736 776
Scholl Supermarkets and Pharmacies
Smashbox smashboxcosmetics.co.nz
The Body Shop Stores nationwide
Viktor&Rolf Department stores
