2015-10-08



Yet another month has passed by in a blur, and it honestly feels like I slept through September.  At the risk of sounding like every other person.  In the world.  Can we just take a moment to wrap our heads around the fact that we are officially in OCTOBER – there are just 12 weeks left of 2015!  I can’t.  Before we know it the ‘Christmas crazies’ will be upon us, and then…2016.  Things are slowly starting to wind down in the ‘new products launches’ department, I think a lot of brands are waiting for the new year to celebrate their new product releases.  I still have a good amount of new collections and releases to show you, so let’s take a look!

I just want to touch on something quickly:  I rely heavily on my brand- and PR contacts to send me both timely and correct information on new product launches.  Each month I make a point of asking them only to send me information on products or collections that launch the following month (exclude anything that has already launched).  Unfortunately most PR companies have no control over when exactly the products will launch during a specific month, plus sometimes the retailers might push the release date out by a month too.  There have also been a few times when there have been delays in getting the products on the shelves due to shipping or delivery issues (as was the case with the Max Factor Creme Puff blushes and Stila La Quill eyeliner brush last month).  If, for some reason, I have featured a product in one of these blog posts and it hasn’t launched during that specific month, it will most probably launch towards the beginning of the next month.

Ready?  Do you have your cup of tea or coffee to sip on while you read about all the exciting new launches?   Make that an iced tea or iced coffee – holy heck, it’s hot in Centurion… Let’s go!



MAC MACnificent Me - Whoever you are and whatever your style…put your heart and soul into it. Out of the many thousands of inspiring individuals who entered the MAC contest, MAC found 6 people who are truly 100% MACnificent.  These 6 individuals were transformed into the faces of the new MAC fall (autumn) colour collection.  The collection is HUGE and I’m only showing you the products that stood out to me personally, but here’s a list of all the products in the collection: MACnificent Me Eyesshadow X 9 Palette (R 650,00), Patent Polish Lip Pencil (5 shades – R 240,00 each), Sculpt & Shape Powder (R 650,00), Single Eyeshadow (4 shades – R 210,00 each), Opulash Optimum Black Mascara (R 210,00), Penultimate Eyeliner (R 240,00), Lipstick (5 shades – R 210,00), Lip Pencil (2 shades – R 190,00 each), Powder Blush (3 shades – R 260,00 each), Pro Longwear Paint Pot (5 shades – R 250,00 each), Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara (R 240,00), Mattene Lipstick (4 shades – R 210,00 each), Studio Nail Lacquer (2 shades – R 140,00 each), Kohl Power Black Eye Pencil (R 205,00).  MAC limited edition collections are available in-store at your local MAC counter (in Edgars & Foschini stores) or in the MAC South Africa online store.

P.S. I bought the MACnificent Me Eyesshadow X 9 eyeshadow palette last week because it was just too pretty to pass up on.  It really is a stunning eyeshadow palette, and I did my research before purchasing it because I know the quality of these X9 palettes have not be too great in the past.  Both Temptalia and Karen (from Makeup And Beauty Blog) gave this little palette a thumbs up.  If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for me!



Mont Blanc Lady Emblem (R 695,00 to R 1095,00) – For Montblanc, diamonds are a signature. They symbolise love, purity and beauty.  They are also the most undeniable way to win over the heart of the women to whom they are offered.  In 2006, after many years of research, and in honour of the Maison’s 100th anniversary, Montblanc launched the Montblanc diamond.  Designed in the form of the Maison’s emblem, whose shape evokes the snow-capped peak of the six glacial valleys of the Mont Blanc, the Montblanc diamond is the patented result of incredible technical expertise: forty-three facets, a table and crown unlike any other in the world, and a perfectly pointed culet.  It is this masterpiece of elite gemmological craftsmanship that inspired Montblanc to create its new women’s fragrance: Lady Emblem.  A mystifying rose sake is the focal point and there is a slightly metallic hint of litchi and cut grass.  Pink peppercorn is a spicy head note, complementary to pink grapefruit.  To bring out the rose, jasminum sambac from China provides the feeling of real petals and exquisite pomegranate, as juicy as it is fragrant, makes the heart race.  Powdery, velvety sandalwood provides amber tones from the bottom to the top, and crystals of musk gently emerge.  This beautiful fragrance is exclusive to Stuttafords stores.

Studio Basics Dual-Ended Foundation Sponge & Blush Brush (R 99,95) – Studio Basics’ wide range of brushes, applicators, mirrors, complexion sponges and other accessories are expertly designed by makeup professionals to complete your beauty regime.  This dual-ended foundation & blush brush features a blush brush on the one side, and a makeup sponge that is adhered to the ferrule on the other.  There will be another brush available as well (I unfortunately don’t have a photo) called the Dual-Sided Foundation Brush & Sponge, which will have a flat paddle-shaped brush on the one side, and a slanted tip foundation sponge (much like the RT Miracle Complexion Sponge, just smaller) on the other.  Studio Basics products are exclusive to Foschini stores.

Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate (R 700,00) – This is probably the launch I am most excited about!  Kiehl’s new lightweight daytime facial oil features a specifically selected, highly concentrated blend of 100% natural origin ingredients including Ginger Root essential oils, Tamanu- and Sunflower Seed botanical oils.  Designed to reduce daily environmentally-induced oxidation, this non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, mineral oil free and paraben-free formula is lightweight, quickly absorbing and helps strengthen and protect the skin barrier for a smooth, fresh and healthy look all day long.  Kiehl’s products are sold at Kiehl’s counters in selected Edgars stores nationwide.

Morgan Taylor Fight Like A Lady Mini 4-Pack (R 220,00) - Never underestimate the power of a woman.  This October it’s time to stand up and fight like a lady.  The purchase of this mini 4-pack will help support the fight for breast health and fund research for a cure.  The set includes the following shades: Sweet Surrender, Sweetest Thing, Lip Service, and Prettier in Pink.  Limited edition Morgan Taylor nail polishes are exclusive to selected Dis-Chem stores (remember they also have an online store here).

Morgan Taylor Rocky Horror Picture Show Mini 4-Pack (R 220,00) – Start glowing in an-tic-i-pation for Morgan Taylor’s Halloween 2015 collection, celebrating the 40th anniversary of the greatest cult film and longest running theatrical release of all time, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  This collection wouldn’t be complete without a little absolute pleasure, so they added a glow-in-the-dark top coat for the electrifying floorshow to finish the look.  Limited edition Morgan Taylor nail polishes are exclusive to selected Dis-Chem stores.

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito (starting at R 99,00) – An irresistible blend of the extracts of zesty lime and fresh, crushed mint from the Caribbean, The Body Shop has created the ultimate cooling Virgin Mojito body cocktail.  The collection features a shower gel, body butter, body scrub, body sorbet and an innovative, brand-new fragrance format called ‘body splash’.  This new product lets you splash on the crisp, refreshing scent of lime and fresh mint after the shower to extend the feeling of freshness all day.  The Body Shop products are available at The Body Shop stores and selected Clicks stores.

theBalm theManizer Sisters (R 529,00) – Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, this trio of Manizers has been found guilty – of being gorgeous.  Designed for girls on the run, this highlighting trio enables you to emphasise your finest features.  This palette contains 3 triple-milled multi-tasking highlighters, shimmers and shadows.  These champagne, rose, and golden-bronze shades are flattering on all skin tones and easy to use so you can take your glow on the go.  theBalm products are available online at Retail Box.

theBalm In The Balm Of Your Hand (R 746,00) – This all-in-one face palette contains favourites from some of theBalm’s best sellers, including 4 perfectly coordinated eyeshadows, 3 universal blushes, a matte bronzer, a champagne-hued highlighter, a classic red lip color, and a nude lip and cheek cream.  Best of all, it fits ‘In theBalm of Your Hand’!  theBalm products are available online at Retail Box.

L’Occitane Almond Youth – L’Occitane draws upon the regenerating power of almond native cells to help renew and revitalise epidermis cells.  Associated with smoothing almond proteins and stimulating almond tree buds, this exclusive complex acts on 5 key signs of body ageing – dryness, skin slackening, lack of tonicity, fine lines and skin irregularities.  The collection features a Almond Velvet Serum (R 660,00) and Almond Youth Velvet Balm (R 710,00).  Both products have a flowery and powdery almond tree flower scent that leaves a sophisticated and feminine veil on the body.  Expect to see these 2 products soon, as I started testing them last week.  L’Occitane products are available at L’Occitane boutiques (take a look at their list of boutiques here) or in the L’Occitane South Africa online store.

Lindt Lindor Maxi Ball (R 199,99) – The bliss you know and love just got a while lot bigger!  Lindt is delighted to introduce you to their largest EVER Lindor indulgence – filled with 44 smooth, melting Lindor milk truffles, the Maxi Ball also doubles up as an elegant truffle holder, so you’ll always have a place to store your Lindor stash.  Lindt also recently opened up a Chocolate Boutique in Sandton City, so you can stock up on a variety of delicious international Lindor flavours at their Pick & Mix station.  I think this Maxi Ball will be great for the festive season, it’s a tradition in our family to always share chocolate balls on Christmas day.  Lindt SA sent me one of these huge balls about 2 weeks ago, and I’m happy to report the ball is now empty (normally I don’t like chocolate, but I can’t say no to Lindt chocolate).  I’ll have to go to the chocolate boutique in Sandton City to go stock up on my ultimate favourite flavour: Coconut Truffle.  The Maxi Ball is available at selected retail stores nationwide.

Dermalogica AGE Smart Overnight Retinol Repair (R 1350,00) - Another launch I am REALLY excited about!  Drawing on one of the most powerful ingredients recommended by medical professionals to radically treat the signs of aging, Dermalogica introduces new Overnight Retinol Repair.  Overnight Retinol Repair accelerates skin renewal, reverses the signs of photo-aging, improves skin tone, and increases skin firmness.  This is the first-ever retinol treatment to offer a unique customisation option, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of a retinoid while experiencing maximum comfort and efficacy.  Key to the formula is 0.5% retinol, pure Vitamin A, which has been demonstrated to reverse both the signs of intrinsic aging (genetics) as well as extrinsic aging (environmental).  Studies have shown that retinol significantly restores the structural integrity of the skin, accelerating cell turnover and renewal, stimulating collagen production, improving epidermal thickness, and increasing elastin biosynthesis.

While the benefits of using retinol on the skin are numerous, skin irritation can be a common side effect, with some individuals experiencing itching, burning, redness, and peeling.  To minimise this ‘retinoid reaction’, Dermalogica recommends pre-conditioning the skin, starting with small concentrations of retinol application so skin can build up natural retinoid receptors and a tolerance to the ingredient over time. Taking this recommendation one step further, Dermalogica includes a new Buffer Cream with Overnight Retinol Repair (both are included in the kit), allowing users to control the concentration of retinol being applied to skin, and further helping them adjust to the active ingredient.  Containing 8% aloe vera extract, Buffer Cream soothes and moisturises, without any ingredients that may exacerbate retinol irritation. Available at any authorised Dermalogica stockist (for example Dermalogica stores, Sorbet salons or other beauty salons) nationwide, and in the Dermalogica South Africa online store.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Extreme Geranium & Neroli (R 875,00) – This divine new variant of the iconic and award winning Elasticizer was inspired by Philip’s annual trips to his favourite holiday retreat in Portofino, Italy, this intensive and luxurious pre-shampoo conditioning treatment is infused with 100% natural neroli, geranium, lavender, rose and orange oils.  Multi-award winning Elasticizer adds elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine to all hair types, whilst the light floral and citrus fragrance leaves your senses revitalised.

Philip Kingsley One More Day (R 385,00) -To help maintain the wellbeing of your hair and scalp between washes Philip Kingsley has formulated One More Day Dry Shampoo, this is a lightweight spray that refreshes and soothes the scalp, absorbing excess sebum whilst providing volume and texture to the hair, leaving you ready for One More Day.

Philip Kingsley Finishing Touch Hairspray (R 445,00) - This is a modern hairspray designed to give long-lasting flexible hold, texture and natural control without stiffness.  The weatherproof formula helps to shield hair against humidity and frizz, whilst UV filters provide protection against colour fade.

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence (R 665,00) - This heat protecting conditioning spray has been specifically formulated for extremely over-processed, porous and African-Caribbean hair types.  The super concentrated formula helps to strengthen and repair the most damaged areas of the hair’s structure.  This leave-in formula detangles and improves manageability, whilst helping to protect the hair against degradation caused by heat styling.  Philip Kingsley products are available from selected Edgars stores and online from Philip Kingsley South Africa.

Lip Ice Shimmer Up (R 24,99) – The new trendy limited edition Shimmer Up range combines Shea Butter, Vitamin E, shimmering pigments and a burst of fruity fragrance to make your lips pout ready!  Glide on bare lips for an amazing tint and shimmering gloss finish (available in 2 shades called Paparazzi Plum and Strawberry Shock).  Available at all leading retail outlets (Dis-Chem, Clicks, PnP, Checkers etc).

ghd Arctic Gold – Your favourite ghd products just got cooler, with limited edition Christmas gift sets.  Wrapped up in warm white and arctic gold, their catwalk inspired gifts are sure to keep you on trend this season, while providing ultimate styling results.  These gift sets will be available at selected hair salons and in the ghd South Africa online store from mid-October.

ghd platinum styler gift set (R 2999,00) – ghd platinum with tri-zone technology delivers constant, even heat that reduces breakage by 50%, increases shine by 20% and is proven to be kinder to hair colour.  Gift set includes ghd platinum, warm white roll bag, two white sectioning clips and arctic gold gift box.

ghd V styler gift set (R 2299,00) – ghd V styler with smooth gold plates make straightening on all hair types easier and quicker, while contoured edges help to create perfect curls and waves.  Gift set includes ghd arctic gold V styler, warm white roll bag and arctic gold gift box.

ghd curve soft curl tong & roll bag (R 2199,00) – ghd curve soft curl tong features a large barrel to create volume and tumbling soft waves on longer hair. Gift set includes ghd curve soft curl tong, warm white roll bag and arctic gold gift box.

ghd curve creative curl wand & roll bag (R 2199,00) – ghd curve creative curl wand has a tapered barrel to create natural looking curls and deep waves.  Gift set includes ghd curve creative curl wand, warm white roll bag and arctic gold gift box.

ghd dry & style gift set (R 3299,00) – ghd air professional hairdryer, ghd V classic styler in bespoke arctic gold & heat mat create the ultimate Christmas party look.

Wet n Wild Max Volume Plus Mascara (R 119,95) – This volume building mascara packs a punch and adds 10 times the volume intensity of your natural lashes. Formulated with macadamia nut, jojoba, and olive oils for conditioning, and enriched with D-Panthenol to help strengthen lashes.

Wet n Wild Mega Impact Extreme Black Mascara (R 89,95) – Make an impact with the richest, most intense ink-black imaginable.  The revolutionary formula provides extreme volume and length, and contains a silicone complex that provides elasticity and flexibility, proven to enhance the natural lash up to 8 times.  This all-in-one formula is enriched with argan oil to permeate and condition each lash to promote healthy, strong hair while adding colour and shine.

Wet n Wild Cover All Face Primer (R 99,95) - This makeup primer can be used all over your face to minimise the appearance of pores, fill in fine lines and wrinkles, even out skin tone, prevent your foundation from caking, and brighten your complexion for ultra-vibrant colour that lasts all day.  The key ingredient in this miracle primer is white sapphire, formulated into a smooth, silky cream that glides on effortlessly.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Brow Pencil (R 47,95) – This 2-in-1 dual-ended eyebrow pencil combines pigmentation with a lightweight formula that lasts all day.  Available in 2 shades: Blonde Moments and Brunettes Do It Better.

Wet n Wild Color Icon Brow Shaper (R 47,95) – This brow wax contains beeswax to tame and condition those unruly brow hairs.

Wet n Wild products are exclusive to selected Clicks stores.

Shampooheads – This unique product range with gentle but powerful ingredients is specially designed for boys and girls with different kinds of hair, and different personalities.  The range is dermatologically tested, hypoallergenic approved, PH balanced, paraben-free, contains no GM ingredients.  It is not tested on animals, contains natural fruit extracts, tear free formulations, and has child friendly packaging.  The brand is centred around 3 main characters, each character has individual traits identifiable to all children and parents.   Shampooheads will be available at selected Clicks stores from mid-October.

Awesome Annie – Annie is clever and bright and has many interests and hobbies.  Her range includes a tropical fruit scented 2-in-1 shampoo & body wash (R 59,95), a conditioner (R 59,95) and a Fuzz Free Detangler (R 59,95).

Busy Bob - Bob is never still and is full of energy keeping busy playing all day long, he is a curious character who is adventurous and loves to explore the world around him.  His range includes a blueberry scented 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner & body wash (R 59,95) and a Crazy Gel hair gel (R 59,95) that is easy to wash out.

Raging Rosie – Rosie is a spirited little girl who shows her emotions openly. She is sensitive and sometimes worries about the world around her, she is afraid of many things including; dogs, insects and the dark.  Raging Rosie needs lots of reassurance and encouragement to experience new things and when she does, she blossoms with confidence.  Her range includes a strawberry scented 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner & body wash (R 59,95).

SAMPAR Crazy Cream (R 565,00) – For those unsatisfied with BB and CC creams, SAMPAR’s new innovation aims to please.  A paraben-free product with multiple skincare and make-up benefits in one, Crazy Cream makes the perfect day cream for an even toned, smooth skin and gives the appearance of foundation without the heaviness of makeup.  With new Hydro complex formula, Crazy Cream enables the skin cells to retain moisture, giving you ultimate hydration and suppleness for up to 24 hours.  SSP (Smart Sun Prevention), a breakthrough in sun protection, acts like a UV ‘vaccine’ at the heart of the skin cells, protecting the DNA and reinforcing the skin’s natural defenses against harmful UVs that cause photo-ageing.  SSP is equal to a 15 to 20 SPF and lasts all day long.  Available in 2 shades: Nude and Tan.  SAMPAR products are exclusive to selected Edgars and Woolworths stores.

Giorgio Armani Sì Huile De Parfum (R 1395,00) – The first oil-based perfume with a pipette, this is a highly concentrated version of the original Sì fragrance that creates a deeper scent that will remain fragrant throughout the day with only 4 drops.  Placed delicately on the pulse points, where the blood flows close to the surface and warms the skin, Sì Huile de Parfum wraps women in a subtle and persistent trail.  Apply behind the ears, on the nape of the neck, in the hollow of the throat, on the chest, in the crease of the elbow, on the wrists, on the lower back, or behind the knees – these are all pulse points.  Sì Huile de Parfum is alcohol-free and will not dry the skin, plus it contains vegetable oils (macadamia, sweet almond, argan and musk rose) to keep it deliciously fragrant.  You can layer this with any of the other Giorgio Armani Sì fragrances to create your very own unique sensory cocktail.   Giorgio Armani Sì fragrances are exclusive to selected department stores (Edgars, Stuttafords, Red Square and Woolworths) nationwide.

Tweezerman Precision Folding Brow Razor (R 250,00) – Touch-ups are quick and pain-free with this sharp blade suitable for stray brow or facial hair.  The high quality Japanese blade and a soft-touch foldable handle make this travel ready razor perfect for home or on the go. The razor won’t harm sensitive skin, and it includes built in brush to shape brows.  Available at Dis-Chem pharmacies nationwide.

Dermaceutic Advanced Cleanser Expert Cleansing Foam (TBC) – This daily cleanser effectively removes makeup and excess sebum to give skin a clean, fresh and hydrated feel.  It is recommended for all skin types, including sensitive and dehydrated skin.  An exclusive combination of high performance cleansing agents, selected for their optimal skin tolerance properties, and fused with a powerful purifying active removes excess sebum and skin impurities.  The formula combines Xylitol (anti-dehydration agent which promotes and controls water flow), Zinc (anti-seborrheic active improves the appearance of oily skin and has an anti-microbial action, helping skin to regain clarity), Urea (optimal moisturising agent for the epidermis which removes scales from the skin’s surface and restores suppleness) and Glycerin (a hygroscopic substance of vegetable origin which provides a hydrating and protective film and removes scales from the skin’s surface).  Dermaceutic products are available from Dermaceutic clinics nationwide, as well as these stockists.

L’Oréal True Match Super Blendable Foundation (R 179,95) – True Match foundation has been repackaged AND reformulated!  The new formula contains new shade enhancers for shade matching precision, and the idea is that the foundation will adapt to your skin tone.  Skin perfecting pigments and the ultra gliding creamy texture give a homogeneous finish, plus even better colour matching and longer wear.  Neither the website, not the packaging mention that the new formula contains shimmer particles – pink shimmers for the C range, gold shimmers for the N range etc.  I bought one of the shades (2C Rose Vanilla) at Dis-Chem yesterday to compare the new formula to my beloved original True Match foundation, I really hope the shimmers aren’t noticeable once applied to the skin.  L’Oréal Paris products are available at Dis-Chem, Clicks, Edgars and Red Square stores.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Bronze Spray SPF50 (R 295,00) – This lightweight spray combines high protection and fast tan, a high factor sun protection with a hydrating tan optimising complex in an exclusive and innovative packaging format.  Skin is protected thanks to the patented filtering concept in our MEXORYL SX and XL technology.  Extra strength UVA protection is guaranteed, even against UVB and long UVA rays.  Their innovative new packaging is highly resistant to sand and water and features a smart on/off locking system that is built right into the cap.  The spray bottle itself can be used in any position, even upside-down, making it ultra practical for any situation.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Bronze Gel SPF50 (R 199,00) – This moisturising face protection is enriched in melanin activators, responsible for the natural tanning process.  It helps protect skin against sunburn and UV damage, which can lead to sun spots and hyperpigmentation.  It contains 0% self-tanner, is free of parabens and is non-comedogenic.  The hypoallergenic formula has been tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control.  Vichy products are available at Dis-Chem, Red Square, Foschini and Clicks stores nationwide.

There you have it - all the new launches for the month of October 2015!  Which products are you most excited about?  I can’t wait to get my hands on the Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate (you already know how much I love the Midnight Recovery Concentrate), Morgan Taylor Fight Like A Lady 4-pack, Studio Basics foundation brushes (they’re so affordable, it’ll be interesting to see if they’re good quality) and The Body Shop Virgin Mojito body scrub (I bought the shower gel yesterday and it smells so fresh & zesty).

I was at a Dermalogica event earlier this week, they told us about all their new releases for the next few months, and the AGE Smart Overnight Retinol Repair was included in the press pack.  I’m very excited to start testing it – Retinoids are all the rage at the moment, because they cause enhanced collagen production, skin smoothing, and evens out pigmentation.  They also obliterate breakouts, improve skin texture and tighten pores – such multi-taskers!

Oh!  While were on the subject of Wet n Wild and Kiehl’s…have you entered both their giveaways on my blog?  If not, click here and here (the prizes are amazing!).

The post Products Popping Up – October 2015 appeared first on Pink Peonies.

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