by Johanna Osborne

Victoria Beckham once famously said that she is “nothing special”, she just makes the best out of what she’s got. And whilst her definition of nothing special and ours might differ somewhat, she is most certainly on to something there. Really that is the mantra most of us girls go by, isn’t it? We do what we can to feel good – and with a few tricks and zaps of a wand we can all look a little more glamorous and presentable! Of course it’s part of the unsaid pact of sisterhood that we must share our beauty tips and secrets, a bit like a legacy key that is handed down. Few things are more exciting than finding a good product that works and has actual visible results. And likewise it’s equally awesome when someone recommends something you’d never normally use and it turns out to be your new holy grail of cosmetic. Want to know what we are using at the moment?

1. Antipodes – This brand has taken not only our little hearts, but the whole of NZ by storm. The divine natural, organic ingredients make this range something you look forward to applying morning and night. Our favourite right now – the Organic Avocado and Rosehip face oil. Evangeline Lily once said “it will take years off your face” and we think she’s spot on. That stuff feels GOOD! But let’s not forget the skin plumping Apostle or the Joyous night serum, both of which are pretty amazing. It’s a smorgasboard of the senses and we are truly converted! Food for the skin. You can literally feel it soaking in. Each night when we apply the Pear and Avocado Night Cream it’s like we are having a mini-facial, right there in our bathroom!

2. Nivea – We grew up with Nivea and it’s something that we recall from early childhood years. Raised from an early age to moisturise always, it would be impossible to go to bed without a face like an oil slick these days. Whilst Antipodes has our heart, Nivea will always have a place too, and luckily we can fit them all into our daily routine. Personally we love Nivea as an all-over face moisturiser in the morning, before applying sunscreen and then of course foundation.

3. Sunscreen – Admittedly we were late joining the bandwagon, having wasted our teenage years with sunbathing and sunbeds (heaven forbid!) but hope and pray it’s not too late to undo the damage inflicted by the ignorance of youth and the big round ball in the sky. Neutrogena Sport Face SPF 70 works a treat for us, you can’t sweat that stuff off and it lasts all day. Sunscreen is a must all year round, not just in summer. Cloudy winter days can do UV damage to your skin too, beware!

4. Foundation – We fought it for a long time, resisting the “mask like” effect everyone talked about, but now that YSL has done a Le Teint Touche Eclat, well there really is no reason not to wear a light cover that evens out the skin tone and hides away those blemishes.

5. Hard night? Then Le Touche Eclat (the little sister of the Le Teint Touche Eclat) is a must for those under eye circles, amazing what you can hide with that cute little golden wand. A zap here, a zap there, those dark circles are gone!

6. Revitalash – Carl from Salute tipped us off at a photo shoot that this stuff really “works”. We rushed out to buy it immediately, and lo and behold, we have indeed experienced some significant lash growth. Not sure what’s in it, but boy, it seems to work!

7. Diorshow Mascara – Tried and true, we just can’t get away from this magic thick black potion. It’s not used on catwalk models for nothing – it really has a rather full-on effect. Granted, the result is not subtle but if you want to last a whole day without touching up, then sometimes more is more!

8. Body Shop Vitamin E Body Butter – This magic potion saw us through pregnancy without as much as one single stretch mark. If you like to feel soft and subtle all over, then this is your friend.

9. White teeth – Nice chompers make a huge difference to any face and smile. Your teeth don’t have to be perfect, just the right shade of white will make all the difference. We love Lovely Smile Whitening Pen, it works! Also Pearl Drops Hollywood Nights (ooh la la) whitening toothpaste and liquid is a big fave, but that’s hard to get in NZ and we get our stash in Australia. Many whitening products work (to differing levels) and of course the most va-va-voom effect is achievable from your scary friend in the big white coat, aka your friendly dentist (but be prepared to pay a small fortune for the privilege).

10. Bronzer and Illuminator – Find a product that works – something with a little sparkle and colour, and you will instantly look more alive and awake. There’s tons on the market, and even in winter a wee bit of bronzer works wonders.

11. Chapstick! Cracked lips are common in winter, but ladies, if you want to stay kissable, a good chapstick is a must at all times. Gloss, liner and lipstick can go on top, just don’t forget to keep your lips in good condition. A good time to give them a little scrub is after the shower, rub them gently with your towel and they will be soft like a baby’s bottom. And on that note, a little colour on your lips, whether it’s pink or red, will work wonders in giving your overall complexion a “boost”.

12. Hair – Salon shampoo and treatments really do work. It’s worth spending that little extra on your mane… after all if you spend time, love and money on your skin, you should do the same with your hair. It’s all part of the package. We recently had an in-house hair treatment at a salon with hot towel and heated massage chairs – the full hog! It was totally and utterly blissful.

13. Fragrance – You don’t have to smell like you fell into a perfume vat, but a light every day fragrance will transform your mind and mood instantly. At the moment we are loving the Vera Wang for women fragrance but really there’s far too many good ones to name!

Just a few of our favourite things, there’s always more where that came from! Any of yours you want to share with us? Leave your tips in the comments section! xoxo