The collection comprises of the Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ (5ml) the extra powerful version of their amazing repairing and protecting oil. The Vital Moisturising Cream (20ml) which is known as the ‘Rolls Royce of natural moisturisers’, the Cream Cleanser (30ml) which has half a bottle of organic rosehip oil for a deeply moisturising clean- it is advised to remove it with a face cloth which I found good advice. There is also the multi-award winning Hydrating Mist Toner (20ml) which is a spray containing extracts of lavender, geranium and rose petals- great as part of your routine or as a pick me up mid-flight or afternoon work blahs.

 Even if you are not a travel bug, but have dryness-prone or mature skin this Trilogy range is really fantastic for you, without any nasty chemicals that stress and age the skin.  The Trilogy Rosehip Collection has an RRP of $39.90 and is available from selected Farmers stores, pharmacies, department and health stores nationwide. For more info visit here

Rebecca Faulkner

Moroccanoil’s Hydrating Styling Cream is a beautifully packaged and luxe product to use. I’ve always admired the colour and style of Moroccanoil’s packaging and the products just feel expensive and of great quality. Hydrating Styling Cream is better on dry or course hair types, but I’ve found it useless for taming static-filled hair and just defining my style. It smells great and only the smallest amount is used, the pump bottle will last ages. It’s made my hair feel fuller and shiner too. You can use a small amount and blow dry in, or smooth over dry hair to finish styling.

To finish off my style and really keep my hair going frizzy when I step out into this weather is Joico’s Humidity Blocker Finishing Spray. Create your own invisible layer of protection from the elements (and this includes heating which causes crazy static in my hair) this lightweight spray keeps my volume and shape all day, plus tames the dreaded fluffy hair syndrome!

I choose the Ecco Nantes boot in supple goat leather in the dusty blue shade. This style drew me to it for its sheer simplicity in style, decently low heel and the feature zip at the back, this style and colour pretty much goes with anything and as expected – is a dream to wear.

Second up is Ziera’s cool, flat, Stanford boot in black. This super-versatile bootie comes in a beautiful teal suede as well, which I was very tempted to get, but the sensible part of me choose the black and I’m glad I did. Stanford has a stretchy gusset on one side and a zip on the inner side and is offered in Ziera’s usual width fittings (Med, Wide & X Wide). Ziera also use their exclusive five step comfort layering system to totally cradle your foot into a cushy cushion of softness.

Ultra Calming Cleanser – this is a lovely soothing cleanser for winter. Skin tends to me a little more sensitive when the weather gets colder and windy, cheeks get red and need a pampering product that calms this irritation, wash away the day (and your makeup) with a blend of lavender, coneflower and cucumber extracts. This is a non-foaming formulation that can also be tissued off.

Skinperfect Primer SPF30 – This product is a MUST in my beauty routine. I wear it every day under my foundation, it provides a smooth base due to silicones, the soft, subtle toned colour reflects away from imperfections, whilst it works extra hard on the anti-aging front with peptides to firm and fade pigmentation, PLUS an SPF30, magic!

Total Eye Care SPF15 – I’ve tried nearly every eye cream out there and I always come back to this one, disappointed with the rest. It provides mega hydration, if you are looking tired a re-touch of this in the afternoon keeps you looking perky, plus it targets ALL signs of aging, including dark circles and pesky puffs. Its also one of the few eye creams with an SPF in on the market.

Solar Defence Booster SPF50 – Does your day cream or foundation have no SPF?  Just reach with this little bottle of protection and add your own! It’s fragrance-free, no white residue, light and non-greasy – possibly the smartest beauty product around!

Skin Hydrating Booster – This is a godsend in winter, again, a booster, an instant shot of hydration into your day cream for a hit of skin-loving Hyaluronic Acid with plumps skin, plus helps blur those fine lines. Algae extract leaves skin super-smooth and happy.

I was excited to try the Manuka Doctor Apinourish Age-Defying Serum and see what all the fuss was about for myself. The serum was really light and smooth on the skin and was quickly absorbed. It also smells amazing! It combines Purified Bee Venom with UMF 18+ Manuka Honey and Royal Jelly to stimulate collagen and elastin production and is antioxidant rich with Propolis, Rosehip and Blackcurrant Oil to protect against free radical damage.

I used the serum in both the morning and evening as suggested however I was slightly dubious about using it before applying makeup.  There was no need to worry as this serum is non-greasy and sits beautifully under makeup. Before I started using the Manuka Doctor Apinourish Age-Defying Serum my skin was dry and dehydrated due to the change in season. After two weeks using the Apinourish Age-Defying Serum my skin feels silky smooth and hydrated. I’ve noticed a reduction in the wrinkles on my forehead and I’ve found it really helps with blemishes.

I now see why this product is all the rage in Hollywood and is buzzing on-trend. I’m a total bee venom convert!

Manuka Doctor Apinourish Age-Defying Serum RRP – $44.95 for 30mls.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom products are available from their beautiful concept store at 1 Quay Street, Auckland or from selected pharmacies and Farmers stores nationwide.

Jessie Butel

The shower gel does contain sodium laurel sulphate, so if you are particularly sensitive to it, be warned, but I have been using it and haven’t found it a problem. It is a lovely scent and leaves your skin nice and soft. The Aromatherapy Co. range is available at leading department stores nationwide or check here for more info.

Rebecca Faulkner

The palette is clean and understated, comprising several neutral shades: beige, grey, crisp white and black. This is offset by lively bronze and gold tones, chartreuse and olive green. Two signature prints were included in the range – the Kaleidoscope Silk, a sharp geometric print in shades of blue, olive and black, described as being inspired by Tokyo nights, and – the Mosaic Silk – a modern floral print.  

Easy separates in the collection include the long-sleeved Bretton top, silk t-shirt blouses in crisp white, bronze, floral print, sheer floral in beige, black/white contrast as well as the Mosaic and Kaleidoscope prints; the sleeveless ruffle hem top in navy print and bronze and the marle sweater with silk georgette inset in either pink or olive . Appealing to the ubiquitous desire for both comfort and style – drawstring pants come in either the Mosaic or olive on beige print; shorts in crisp white, black or the Mosaic print while drawstring skirts abound in structured tulip shapes, floor length and simple shorter gathered styles.

Neat suiting pieces from the range consist of relaxed linen blazers and straight legged pants in eggshell white and black linen. Structured pencil skirts are also included in grey and in sheer beige floral fabrics. This sharp tailoring extends to a number of the dresses; the short sleeve dress in white and grey as well as the sweetheart neckline dress in Mosaic Silk, sheer beige floral and black with white contrast and the ruffled sweetheart dress in navy print and golden linen. Effortless day dresses – t-shirt, slip, drop waist, and shift are softly structured with gently defined waistlines. Of these, two personal favourites included the white drop waist dress, breezy with a slight nautical feel and on the other side of the coin, the black shift dress with plunging back, the restrained edginess of which is palpable and oh so cool. The semi-sheer olive floor length gown provides the range with a signature Hogan moment of elegance.

Essential outerwear includes the bomber jackets in floral print and inky black as well as the hooded anorak in beige and pale blue. Both make for easy layering through the cooler summer nights and days. A tight collection, the only accessories you will need to compliment this seasons’ Juliette Hogan look is the bronziest of tans, white chucks and an air of determined self-assurance.

Words by Suani

Offerings include a breezy navy playsuit, a number of striped tops and cardigans in orange/tan, black/white and grey/pale yellow, which when paired with smart shorts in navy or pumpkin hint at lazy seaside holidays. Day dresses come in a variety of fabrics, from comfortable, lightweight knits with Japanese inspired prints and navy stripes, to structured short-sleeved dresses with collar embellishment, contrast piping and neckline detail and a number of semi-sheer dresses – short sleeved white and cobalt blue dresses with crescent detail; long-sleeved bow neck dresses in coral and hunter green and red floral prints on pistachio and palest blue on floor length and belted dresses as well as blouses. This is where the Ingrid Starnes collection staple – the slip dress – comes into its own: paired with many of the semi-sheer dresses, the slips’ bodice detail adds a further layer of interest to each piece it is worn under.

Several pieces from the collection are reminiscent of summery garden parties, including the midi length peplum dresses in mustard and palest blue, the semi-sheer floral dresses and the blush pink semi-sheer gown. A personal favourite from the collection is the sheer white floral wrap dress (it also comes in olive green) – divine in its simplicity, its clean lines makes it the perfect summertime dress – gorgeous and feminine, with a hint of sex appeal.

Rounding out the range are several suiting basics, including preppy jackets in aubergine and shades of grey with contrast detailing, pencil skirts in black, grey and aubergine and cigarette pants with pocket contrast detail. All in all, an effortlessly chic collection, filled with easy to wear, feminine pieces that are sure to please.

Words by Suani

I really loved the different textures that Saben have used for next summer – my favourite was the glitterbug leather, a purple and gold glitter print that has been used in some innovative bag shapes. Jem, a large slouchy handbag with a topstitched diamond shape immediately caught my eye when I walked in, as did the Baby Laken shoulder bag which has panels that resemble facets of a jewel (and also comes in a shiny holographic silver).  I also liked the adorable purse pets, cute little zip pouches in the shape of a cat, bunny and mouse that would be perfect to store lipsticks or coins in.  Saben also do a large range of classically beautiful everyday bags, and their prices are so reasonable for the quality!

Holographic prints and shiny finishes seem to be a trend for Spring Summer 13/14, which is great for the magpie in all of us. Levi’s had a pair of high-rise skinny jeans with an incredible oil-slick finish to them – when seen one way they looked greeny-gold, but move in another direction and they were purple. I also loved a heavy cream silk shirt with a western-style shaped yoke, a great basic with a twist.

I was really impressed with the summer offerings for boohoo.com. As they are a UK-based, online-only label, most styles on show are actually available to buy now or very shortly. I didn’t know much about Boohoo before visiting Beat PR and was actually quite surprised to hear that a large proportion (around 60%) of their clothing is made in the UK – impressive as they have such a fast turn over and low prices.

Boohoo Boutique is the slightly higher priced label and had some stunning 2-piece sets – high-waisted skirts with matching cropped tops that would look dramatic worn together, but equally cool worn apart. My favourite was made from a bright fluoro pink sequinned fabric with an outline of white – each tiny sequin looked kind of like a cartoon eyeball! There was also a second sequinned set, the sequins in green and blue arranged to look like peacock feathers. I also loved a pair of pants in a thick acid green ponte fabric with a white print done in flocked velvet as they felt great to the touch and would be an easy statement piece with a plain tee.

Nom*D’s range was full of their signature deconstructed tailoring and seemed to be a bit lighter than usual, with lots of prints and a cool-kid 90s, Japanese feel.  On some garments the prints were almost collaged together making a patchwork fabric, and the dusky colours and geometric floral prints reminded me of origami paper. My favourite piece was a thin-strapped slip dress in a dark rose with print creeping up from the hem. It would be an easy wear in the hot summer months with a pair of sneakers to dress it down or some killer heels to dress it up.

Wellington based Mondegreen had a range of relaxed, wearable summer clothes. I could imagine packing most of them to take away on holiday, especially a pair of loose wide-legged printed pants. Mondegreen also produce a quirky range of homewares, I especially liked the ceramic milk-jug and sugar bowl, the first in the shape of a mermaid and the latter, a sea captain.

Beat PR also represents OPSM and all of the brands that they stock. The incredible Prada sunglasses with 3D daisies along the top are sure to be an editorial favourite, but I also loved the more restrained version – plain black but with the same daisy printed along the inside of the arms (a small aside – don’t you love it when something has a secret that only the wearer knows – a cute lining or hidden pocket? I sure do). There were some great Giorgio Armani frames for those of us who need glasses in their everyday life – quite round and with a frosted plastic frame in tiffany blue or caramel, and Italian label Persol (who hand make all their frames in Italy, each pair taking 30 days) also had a pair of frosted frames, this time in a more classic wayfarer shape.

Juliet Stimpson

This season, Stolen Girlfriends Club continues the eclectic feel from their Dead End Autumn/Winter 2013 collection finding inspiration this time by looking East, focusing on a (somewhat un-PC) narrative of Asian call girls and American GIs set against a seedy downtown backdrop. Featuring a mix of utilitarian pieces and opulent printed satins and lace, they showcased a very wearable collection with their staple colour palette of blacks and olive/tan neutrals, giving way to unexpected and refreshing aqua, lilac and red.

The collection features the elaborate signature ‘Death Moth’ print, depicting grenades and death moths set against orchids and oriental inspired flora on aqua and black in sand-washed silk ‘Butterfly collar’ day dresses, blouses and easy t-shirt dresses. Fans of last seasons’ Gwyneth dress will be pleased to see its latest incarnation in the Fantasia dress updated in the Death Moth print.

Hand brushed leopard markings in red and white were showcased to great effect in silky jumpsuits, lingerie style slip and t-shirt dresses camisoles and bomber jackets. A number of signature Stolen pieces – the Romance pant and silk wrap shorts – were included in this latest collection in the leopard markings, touted as being back by popular demand. Leopard patterned lace showcased in sheath and shift dresses, gowns, and contrast paneling in camisole dresses, shirts and blouses added a note of sexy sophistication.

Innovative use of neoprene resulted in fully hemmed sculptural prom dresses, boxy asymmetrical jackets and sweat shirting.  A number of shift and sheath dresses (coupled with models sporting punk infused beehives) provided an understated 60s touch to the collection. A personal favourite was the neoprene sheath dress. While perhaps less accessible than other pieces from the collection, the edgy, structural feel of the piece, modern with more than a nod to a dystopian future, is an intriguing take on the 60s staple.

For cooler spring days, offerings included jumpers emblazoned with the Stolen Girlfriends Club logo in shades of lilac and black as well as the oversized ‘Militia’ cardigan. Animal imagery was taken beyond the leopard marking prints and both a bear and tiger image were emblazoned on tanks, sweats and silk bomber jackets, providing a subtle reference to Versace. A number of military inspired pieces permeated the collection including utilitarian shirt dresses, unfussy sleeveless and short sleeve blouses, structured jackets, long sleeved shirts and a panelled jacket and skirt suit in restrained black and shades of olive. Providing an edgy toughness, these pieces also added to the cohesiveness of the collection.

For the Stolen Girlfriends Club fella, this season is all about easy basics and layering staples including t-shirts in black, brown and both the signature leopard markings and Death Moth prints; utilitarian black and white shirts. Key pieces include relaxed jackets, ragged edged knits and a heavy orange/brown woolen biker jacket. Pants were worn cuffed or cropped above the ankle and came in an array of textures and finishes – waterproof, washed out denim and quilted.

In addition to a number of signature print scarves and leopard markings printed bucket hats for both men and women, SGC include three leather bags, the one night stand bag looking to be a standout, the perfect bag for the SGC femme or fella’s weekend away. Easily a collection with something for everyone; Nasty Goreng will cater for the more adventurous as well as to those wanting to dip their toes into the feted SGC waters.

Words by Suani.