Another year brings another wave of new launches and products, and for me that is always something to get excited about! As media we hear about these things coming out way in advance, and I am often itching to tell you guys all about it, but I can’t! Seriously, sometimes we even have to sign non-disclosure agreements! Today I compiled a list of the launches that I am most excited about that will be hitting the shelves shortly. Actually one of them is already out, but it is so pretty and so decadent that I had to include it here. Also can we just have a moment for this flat lay that my mom styled, because sadly I am crap at flat lays(I know, how am I even allowed to be a blogger!)
Marc Jacobs Decadence(from R870)
Let’s start with the launch that’s already on shelf, the Marc Jacobs Decadence perfume. The name leads this launch, as one look at this bottle is enough. Marc Jacobs has always been the king of perfume bottles for me, from Lola to Daisy, I’ve always been obsessed with his perfume designs, but this one takes the cake. It is shaped like a handbag, and the chain with the tassel just complete this fabulous design.
You can safely hold it as a handbag, knowing that the lid won’t fall off because it has a magnetic strip inside it, so if you want to wear it as a fashion statement on a night out, you can. With such an exquisite bottle, you would expect a delicious fragrance inside, and this scent doesn’t disappoint. It is heavily reminiscent of a plum scent, which is its top note, so for me it smells very much like a fruity fragrance. It has floral middle notes of Bulgarian Rose and Jasmine, and very warm bottom notes of Amber, Papyrus and Vetiver. Such a decadent launch indeed!
Next up we have 2 new goodies from Elizabeth Arden- the Ceramide Replenishing Oil and the 8 Hour All Over Miracle Oil.
8 Hour All Over Miracle Oil(R385)
I’ve mentioned plenty times here on the blog, how much I love the 8 Hour Cream from Elizabeth Arden. Some people would argue that its texture is rather sticky, and the scent is not very pleasant, but I love it for the amazing benefits that it provides for the skin. Given that oils are the latest beauty trend in the world, Elizabeth Arden has just come out with not 1, but 2 oil based products. The amazing 8 Hour Cream got a make-over into liquid form, and I am OBSESSED with it. Its function is pretty much still the same as that of the original 8 Hour Cream(from hydration to moisture to repair) but I love the fact that it is oil based and it is in a bottle. Spraying it makes it so much easier to use, and it is good to use everywhere-hair, body and face!
I usually use the 8 Hour Cream on my face (especially during winter) and then on my body (for dry hands and feet), but the hair thing was the first for me. I approached it with caution, first spraying it onto my hands, and only then applying it in my hair. Because it is a dry oil, it absorbs quickly and gives my hair an instant boost (I found it similar to the Dove Dry Hair Oil). The body part is also great, as you spray it all over for moisture and you’re done. I’ve only used it on my face a couple of times, because I tend to stay away from facial oils until its winter time, but when I did use it, it easily absorbed and my skin felt great. Another bonus for me is the scent- if you are not a fan of the original Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream scent, then don’t worry- this baby smells delicious. Very light and floral, this product is bound to become a hit.
Ceramide Replenishing Cleansing Oil(Price TBA)
Cleansing Oils is the way to go this year and I see more and more brands coming out with some sort of a version. The cleansing oil dissolves all impurities and makeup while nourishing your skin with essential lipids, including Omega 3, 6 and 9 and Vitamin E. The worry that a lot of people have is that if you already have oily skin, wont this make it worse? The perception is that this is greasy and not ideal to wash your face with, although great for removing make-up. Well I am here to tell you, it is absolutely not greasy at all, and when you put it in contact with water, is turns into a soft milky texture. This is one of the most gentle cleansers I have ever tried, and the huge bonus for me is that it removes all make-up off in one go. It is suitable for all skin types, and the bottle is quite big, so I am curious to see how long this one will last.
MAC Retro Matte Liquid Colour (R280)
Now onto all things MAC related, there is a launch coming up that has all of the beauty lovers quite exited. The MAC Retro Matte Liquid Colour collection is hitting shelves in February, and yes it is pretty great. It’s a pure breed between a lipstick and lip gloss, which is even evident in the shape of this product. They have literally taken the cap of a lipstick, the body of a lip gloss and combined them into one. Their texture is gorgeous- it applies like a slightly creamier lipstick, but ultimately dries to be extremely matte. The two colours that I have here are called High Drama (a deep plum)
And Rich&Restless (a salmon pink, but more of an orange), and they are both gorgeous, although I am just not a fan of how the orange looks on me (ever).
The High Drama was SUPER difficult to use, because if you don’t apply it evenly, it dries horribly and leaves you with patches all over. I would even suggest rather using a lip brush with it however the applicator is nice and easy, but be careful because these Liquid Lipsticks are quite a mission to get off!
Another thing that bugged me was that when they dry, they are rather flaky on the lips so make sure to scrub your lips beforehand. There will be a total of 15 colours in this collection, and they will retail for R280 each.
MAC 196 Slanted Flat Top Foundation Brush(R240)
I don’t actually know how long this brush has been on the market overseas, but this is one of the best make-up tools that I have ever come across. It is launching in South Africa soon, and you NEED this in your life. This is the 196 Slanted Flat Top Foundation Brush, and if you not believe me, check out the reviews of this brush online. I was always used to your flat foundation brushes, which were alright and handy at times, but nothing like this gem. The slanted top makes it easy to get even application all throughout your face, and the short bristles on it are gentle and super smooth.
The tricky thing about it, is that it looks clean even after you’ve used it 5 times because the foundation almost “dissolves” into it after you’ve finished applying it. Don’t be fooled, you still need to clean it as often as you can! The application with it is quick and flawless. Seriously invest in this brush, it will be out soon and retails for R240.
Benefit “They’re Real!” Tinted Primer(Price TBA)
To finish off all the awesome new products that are launching, there is the new Benefit “They’re Real!” Tinted Primer for your eyelashes. The way that it differs from your normal primers, is that firstly it is a tinted brown colour and not white so you can actually wear it by itself, without the need of covering it with mascara, which is usually the case with most primers that I know.
The colour is very subtle, and to be honest I didn’t notice a huge difference between the black and the brown, but that’s probably because my eyelashes are black. In the first photo, I have nothing on, in the second I have the primer, and then in the 3rd I put the “They’re Real!” mascara on top of the primer for the full effect.
What I did enjoy is that it prevented the mascara from flaking throughout the day, which is a big plus for me. I wouldn’t wear it by itself, personally because I prefer full, fluffy lashes, but if you want something subtle then go for it. Its real use to me is the fact that it helps hold the mascara on for the whole day without it “sliding off” the lashes.
What do you think? Anything catching your eye?
Cassidy Taylor-Memmory says
Beautiful photos! That perfume looks so fabulous x
Beauty Candy Loves says
Those lippies look awesome!
Lebo Mazibuko says
I like the design of the perfume. ?
Lipgloss Kisses Blog (@LipglossKiss) says
Some great products for sure! I love the look of that perfume bottle. Stunning. 🙂
Nadia says
Pity about the flakiness, I was really looking forward to those Mac lippies :/
R Pillay says
I am super excited for the Mac liipies and the flat top foundation brush. Thanks for sharing! xx
Rivania | The Glam Unicorn