About face

From cult skin highlighters and supernaturally good blemish-fighters to bestselling Japanese serums
and pancake-scented eyeshadow palettes, here’s what the 03 team are testing this month.

1. Be goldy
   Fans of Drunk Elephant’s cult fave D-Bronzi Drops (read: everyone on TikTok) will be frothing over the arrival in New Zealand of new little sister product B-Goldi Bright Drops ($69 at Mecca). Lighter on the bronze and heavier on the skin brightening, B-Goldi is pitched as an illuminating, barrier-strengthening serum that promises to add a sophisticated golden glow, via goodies like 5% niacinamide, omega oils and mulberry leaf extract. Mix 1–2 drops into your moisturiser or apply directly to cheekbones, etc, for a healthy‑looking highlighter.
2. Spotless skin
   The latest much-anticipated release from pioneering Kiwi skincare powerhouse Emma Lewisham, new Supernatural Blemish Face Serum ($145) is a world-first topical probiotic serum invented for acne-prone skin. It’s all verrry science-y, but in a nutshell, once activated and applied, cells from key ingredient Q24 colonise the skin, and as these grow, they dominate and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as C. acnes. To use, mix one pump from each side of the product (one is the live skin probiotic, the other an activating crème) in your palm before applying over the entire face.
3. Sun protection pore-fection
   Summer’s on its way, so it’s time to get set with a solid SPF that’s also good for skin, and Dermalogica’s latest drop, Porescreen SPF40 ($110) sounds like just the ticket. The lightweight, 100 percent mineral, blendable sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide to help defend skin, 2% niacinamide, green microalgae, squalane and vitamin E, while an encapsulated light-reflective tint enhances skin tone with a sheer finish.
4. Konichiwa, b*tches
   Translating to ‘Skin Lab’ in Japanese, Hada Labo has earned icon status not only in Japan, but globally, with its hero product Lotion No.1 Super Hydrator Serum ($41) selling one unit every three seconds in Japan. Now Kiwis can get a piece of the patented Super Hyaluronic Acid (which combines three molecular weights of the superpower ingredient) action, with the whole range now available on our shores at Chemist Warehouse.
5. Sweet peepers
   Sometimes it’s nice to have a reminder that makeup should be fun and not taken too seriously, and Too Faced always provide – this time it’s via its limited edition Maple Syrup Pancakes Eye Shadow Palette ($98 at Mecca), featuring 18 delicious shades, from Powdered Sugar pink and Blueberry Jam blue to caramel-brown Hazel-Nuts! and silvery champagne Brunch Bubbles, all infused with the scent of warm maple syrup pancakes.