Spring, is that you? You’re so close we can almost feel it. Spring is one of our favourite seasons for a reason – it brings us bold hues, bright prints, maxi skirts, platforms, oversized sunglasses, bucket bags and a rollout of new beauty launches. We couldn’t be more excited to refresh our vanities with a highlighter for radiant skin, a beauty balm laced with potent ingredients and delightful rose beauty products that conjure that special spring joie de vivre. Prepare to be wowed by the dewiest new products on the market that’ve landed on our desk. 

Teaology Tea Glow Exfoliating Cleansing Foam 

Start your journey to the ideal spring skincare routine with a pore-purifying foam cleanser. For a sensorial wash, lean on Teaology’s vegan, cruelty-free Tea Glow Exfoliating Cleansing Foam with its wonderfully grounding scent. With ingredients like organic green tea, salicylic acid, niacinamide, mango and papaya enzyme complex as well as inulin (a prebiotic fibre that’s found in chicory, a flowering plant in the dandelion family), this cushiony foam penetrates every pore while deeply purging dirt, makeup and breakouts. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, so you won’t feel dry like alternative face washes for oily skin and shine. A truly pampering experience. 

R415 from www.teaology.co.za 

Dermalogica Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist 

Get a glow and maximise skin hydration in a matter of seconds by spritzing your face with Dermalogica’s Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist. As the name suggests, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid – a potent humectant that helps bind existing water into the skin cells so it can’t evaporate. Not only does it come in a slim, smash-proof bottle, but it’s enriched with soothing rose water, polyphenols and flavonoids to lightly refresh the skin. The extra-fine mist will make you look dewy, not drenched and you can use it as many times a day as you like. It’s the best face mist for on-the-go hydration, a quick refresher, post-sun recovery and showing off in the office. 

R949 from Dermalogica concept stores and www.dermalogica.co.za 

Fenty Skin Fat Water Pore-Refining Toner Serum with Niacinamide 

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. Rihanna’s Fenty Skin – an inclusive, gender-neutral line of beauty products – is finally available in South Africa! If you’ve never felt like you could relate to Badgal RiRi, you will now. Fat Water, a juicy toner-serum for optimal dew and bounce, is our favourite product in the line. This multi-tasking product works to fade dark spots, minimise the appearance of pores and perfectly prep your skin for moisturiser. It’s got collagen-stimulating niacinamide, vitamin C-rich Barbados cherry and super-hydrating cactus flower. Because of its ‘thick than a Snicka’ gel-like texture, it’s best to pat it in with your fingers. 

R585 from ARC Store and select Edgars stores 

REN Radiance Glow & Protect Serum 

If you’ve ever wanted a more radiant complexion and smoother skin texture over time, then anti-ageing antioxidant vitamin C is calling your name. We opt for vitamin C serums because there’s nothing better for fighting free radical damage and maintaining healthy skin long-term. REN’s clean formula sports kakadu plum and dragon fruit to brighten and improve skin texture, as well as glycogen and hyaluronic acid to add moisture and plumpness to the skin. This powerful serum wants your skin to look as radiant and bright as possible, without compromising a fragile skin barrier. The end result is skin so healthy that people will wonder who your facialist is. 

R1,175 from www.rencleanskincare.co.za, www.superbalist.com, www.takealot.com as well as select Woolworths, Foschini, Clicks and Wellness Warehouse stores 

Filorga Oxygen-Glow CC Cream SPF 30 – PA+++ 

When it comes to faking smooth and flawless skin, foundation is far from your only option. Filorga’s velvety Oxygen-Glow CC Cream will be your one-and-done product to effortlessly neutralise redness and disguise sun spots. This hardworking CC cream – infused with an oxygenation booster, hyaluronic acid and L-enzyme – goes on like your favourite lightweight moisturiser. With its blendable texture, universal rosy shade and impressive SPF 30 protection, it’s easy to apply and visibly blurs any imperfections. Special ingredients help reflect light particles so you’re left looking lit-from-within, not shiny. This is something of a wonder product. 

R590 from www.skinmiles.com and www.absoluteskin.co.za 

NUXE Merveillance Lift Firming Activating Oil-Serum 

For its latest line, NUXE is focusing on one particular active ingredient – micro-algae oil, known for its impressive resistance. The range boasts five products, including an indulgent oil-serum that can be used as a daily moisturiser. That’s just the type of luxury that we can get behind! If you’re stressing about dullness, uneven texture and the look of fine lines, it’s oil good – a few drops of this anti-ageing facial oil will help you see your skin in a much more pleasing light. The advanced results you’d expect from an advanced vegan formula. It’s a fantastic makeup primer for dry skin, however, we also recommend making it the last step in your nighttime routine. 

R750 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths stores 

Comfort Zone Renight Cream 

Did you know that our skin enters a regeneration period while we sleep? Beauty sleep is real! Drench skin in moisture and restore its bounce with genuinely sustainable brand, Comfort Zone’s supercharged blend of organic goji berry and hydrolised tomato extract. It may seem like a simple upgrade, but going to bed with this investment cream working its magic can make a world of difference. It’s a truly sensorial treat in a decadent container – mildly scented and creamy but never suffocating. This is hands down our miracle potion for plump, hydrated skin overnight. Slather it on your face before you hit the sheets for your dreamiest complexion yet. 

R1,095 for 60ml from select Woolworths stores, www.takealot.com, www.retailbox.co.za and www.absoluteskin.co.za 

wet n wild Take Your Vitamins Super Nutrient Face Mist 

Do yourself a favour and get a product that does both. This vitamin-enriched primer preps and sets your skin for the most seamless application. Each time you spritz the wet n wild Take Your Vitamins Super Nutrient Face Mist, there’s a handful of ingredients that penetrate into your skin. The list includes vitamins C, B3, B5 and F as well as hyaluronic acid, vegetable collagen, fermented rice and bioflavonoids. It also smells absolutely gorgeous, so your mind feels as refreshed as your skin with each spray – all the more reason to keep it stationed at the corner of your desk. Make sure to have this dew-enhancing spritz on hand for minimal makeup days. 

R199.95 from Clicks 

Cetaphil PRO Redness-Prone Skin Daily Facial Moisturiser 

With the temperatures rising, there’s little place for a full face of foundation. That’s why a good tinted moisturiser has become the cornerstone of every spring skincare routine. There are several reasons why we rave about Cetaphil’s tinted moisturiser for redness-prone skin. Firstly, it offers SPF 30 protection from the sun’s damaging rays. Then, there’s the hydrating yet non-greasy do-it-all formula that feels weightless but blurs like a dream. It also plays perfectly with all other textures and never settles into fine lines or pores. And finally, it’s built around caffeine, licorice extract and allantoin to soothe irritation and protect from environmental aggressors. 

R250 from Clicks and Dis-Chem 

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Skincaring Concealer 

It can be tough to achieve a crease-free finish, but Elizabeth Arden’s skincare-infused concealer is up for the task. Luminous and lightweight, it hydrates as it covers just as well as the brand’s best-selling Skincaring Foundation. There are also some notable skin-loving ingredients in the formula like vitamins C and E. Look to hyaluronic acid, which makes the concealer feel like a second skin, to moisturise the delicate skin around the eyes. Swipe the doe-foot applicator under the eyes and around the nose to mask redness, blemishes and pigmentation before patting it in with your ring finger. It’s buildable with a radiant finish – a big win in our opinion. 

R395 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com 

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter – Afternoon Snack/Mo’ Honey 

Our cheekbones have never been more ready. Get an intergalactic shine like no other with a dusting of Fenty Beauty’s pigmented Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter. Aptly named Afternoon Snack (gold champagne) and Mo’ Honey (bronzed ginger) in a shimmery white compact, these colours are loved by just about every influencer you follow and then some. The buttery powder makes your cheekbones pop and can be built up to a next-level glow. We recommend using it with a fan brush, as it picks up less pigment than a sponge. If you’re travelling and wish to keep your makeup bag light, it also works overtime as an eyeshadow. Trust us … and Rihanna. 

R770 from ARC Store and select Edgars stores 

Revlon PhotoReady Rose Glow Face Mist 

Refreshing and moisturising? Yes and yes. This familiar pink bottle is perfect for cooling down hot springtime complexions. A bi-phase primer, setting spray, hydrating mist and skin refresher all rolled into one – we appreciate the simplicity of the spray and its beautiful fragrance. It’s definitely one of the best at sealing your look while making skin look glassy. But that doesn’t mean it’ll dry out your skin – the sustainable palm and coconut oils and superfruit complex (apple, watermelon and lentil extract) inside make sure of that. If the occasion calls for it, we’ll wet a sponge with the mist to help makeup glide onto the skin. Hello, foolproof coverage! 

R249.95 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com 

Panier des Sens Radiant Peony Make-Up Remover 

This luxe micellar water is worth the splurge. Fancy-sounding name aside – Panier des Sens’s Radiant Peony Make-Up Remover is a very thorough remover that will make cleansing a breeze. Simply pour it onto a cotton pad, rub it over your face like a toner and carry on with your skincare routine as normal. The emollient formula features French peony extract to provide skin with antioxidant defense, while organic blueberry and rose water send the signal to your skin cells to firm up. It imparts so much softness, you might be tempted to skip moisturiser after using it. The fragrance – which is the epitome of a pretty, spring floral – is the icing on the cake. 

R269 from www.panierdessens.com and www.takealot.com 

Nivea Exfoliating Rice Scrub with Organic Blueberry 

Brighter skin days right this way. If you’re into organic skincare, you’re going to love this budget-friendly face scrub from NIVEA. The clean formula is filled with 100% natural exfoliants, including crushed Japonica rice seeds and blueberry juice, and helps to smooth out the skin. We can’t forget to mention the awesome price point, too! The application process is simple: Gently massage a dollop onto damp skin, focusing on your T-zone, to dislodge pore-clogging dead cells and leave behind gleaming skin. We rub it on in circles just barely with our fingertips so it isn’t too abrasive. Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry skin with a soft towel. 

R74.99 from Clicks and Dis-Chem 

Dose & Co Pure Unflavoured Marine Collagen 

Collagen – known to improve the skin’s elasticity and slow signs of ageing – makes up 30% of all the protein in our bodies. But natural collagen production levels decrease as we age. Enter Dose & Co’s tasteless and totally absorbable collagen powder. The fountain of youth in powder form, if you will. It’s as pretty as it is powerful: Wild-caught, sustainably sourced marine collagen takes centre stage in this unflavoured powder, which is also chockfull of vitamin C for an extra immunity boost. Best of all? One serving contains 10g of collagen, and it mixes seamlessly into your morning coffee, green juice, smoothie or oats. No wonder fans include Khloé Kardashian. 

R755 from www.doseandco.co.za, www.woolworths.co.za as well as select Edgars and Foschini stores 

MONDAY Haircare Volume Shampoo and Conditioner 

When we heard about MONDAY Haircare, a popular New Zealand brand that’s just launched in South Africa, we were immediately hooked. The pastel pink bottles look just darling in our bathrooms! But wait, this sulphate-free duo is more than an incredibly chic purchase. From the SLS, paraben and animal-cruelty-free formulas to the results, it delivers on every count. The luxurious but not-too-heavy products are crafted with coconut oil, ginger root extract, shea butter and vitamin E to amp up the volume and bounce, while smoothing frizz and strengthening strands. Better yet, they have the most gorgeous fruity-floral scent and won’t empty your wallet! 

R180 each from Clicks, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com 

Redken Amino Mint Shampoo 

Detox that scalp! If you’re a dry shampoo devotee – or you’ve noticed that you have an oily scalp or your hair is lacking shine – there’s a good chance you’d benefit from ‘a juice cleanse for your hair’. This clarifying shampoo utilises the powers of Redken’s Amino Acid Strength Complex and mint, allowing hair to maintain its protection while effectively cleansing the scalp. A great early-morning pick-me-up, it works to deep-clean hair and eliminate excess oil. All that, and the minty shampoo produces a rich lather and provides a cool, invigorating sensation for the scalp. Yes, please. We recommend using a clarifying shampoo no more than once a week. 

R380 from www.retailbox.co.za, www.salon500.co.za and select salons 

Olgani Probiom Toothpaste 

Oral care is going green. While the slew of new brands joining the market is heartening, Olgani Naturals has been at it for the last 14 years. You already know and love the brand’s tooth powders, but have you tried its probiotic and prebiotic toothpaste? Aimed at keeping your mouth bacteria in balance, the not-so-secret ingredients are bentonite, French green clay, chlorella and green tea. Yes, it’s salty, but that taste is balanced out with lemongrass and peppermint. Adding a tube to your routine is actually a double win, since it also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free. Not to mention the packaging you can feel proud displaying on your bathroom counter. 

R139.95 from www.faithful-to-nature.co.za as well as select Dis-Chem and Wellness Warehouse stores 

Kate Sunley Rose Bath Oil 

Consider Kate Sunley’s scented bath oil the ultimate self-care strategy. Set your PJs out ahead of time, because you’re going to be ready for bed! The calming cocktail of almond, argan and essentials oils – along with fragrant rose – in this silky, non-greasy formula will leave your skin velvety soft. The scent will mentally transport you to a garden and linger on skin for the rest of the evening. Dilute it in your bath under running water and feel it bloom, or slather it onto limbs post-soak. Extra points for the lovely glass bottle that will look so chic perched next to your tub. For a night in with me, myself and I, try it with the Rose or Jasmine Body Polish, too. 

R240 for 200ml or R460 for 500ml from www.katesunley.com 

Litchi & Titch Glowing Body Polish – Rose Geranium, Mint & Lavender 

Bring your skin back to life just in time for spring. Pawpaw, baobab, Cape rose geranium, peppermint and lavender are the key ingredients that put the ‘treat’ in this body treatment. A delightfully millennial pink scrub made with long soaks in mind, the sugar scrub itself glides smoothly over your skin without feeling too oily or rough. We love how luxurious the application feels. Also, like all of Litchi & Titch’s products, the post-application radiance and fragrance are out of this world. You can use it for legs that glisten in the sun, or for incredibly soft, hydrated hands. Using coconut and sweet almond oils, your hands will never be more manicure-ready. 

R165 from www.litchiandtitchnaturals.com 

BIODERMA Atoderm Crème Ultra 

Dry skin types, listen up. BIODERMA’s straightforward skincare products are recommended by dermatologists all over the world as they’re effective, fuss-free and gentle on the skin. Dry, flaky and just generally problematic skin is no match for this reformulated cult classic that’s sure to elevate your body moisturising ritual. Its buttery texture and super-rich formula somehow manage to leave no residue. What’s the remedy? Omegas 3, 6 and 9 to nourish, hydrate, restore your skin’s natural glow and block out dryness for up to 24 hours. Keeping a bottle of this on your nightstand is never a bad decision. You’ll see results after just one or two uses. 

R395.95 from Woolworths, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.dermastore.co.za, www.skinmiles.com and www.superbalist.com 

LUSH Sleepy Scented Candle 

LUSH has turned three fan-favourite fragrances into candles as part of a permanent range. Take your pick from Orange Blossom, The Olive Branch and (the most exciting) Sleepy. The Sleepy Scented Candle – composed of a rapeseed wax, coconut oil, coconut wax and castor wax base topped with soft, sleep-inducing notes of lavender and ylang ylang – is *chef’s kiss* for when you can’t quite nod off. Even if you happen to be an easy sleeper, there’s nothing better than filling your home with our favourite candle for winding down. Poured into a frosted glass jar, it’s the type of candle that’ll have you coming back for more time and time again. 

R245 from LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and www.lush.com