Workshop Denim’s collection is trans-seasonal, timeless and effortlessly cool

When you consider menswear over the decades, quality essentials have remained at the forefront of shifting trends. As such, it is pieces rendered in durable, well-made fabrics (like denim) and styles that are universally flattering and inherently timeless that signal success for any closet, which is why the latest menswear collection from Workshop Denim is a welcome addition to our wardrobes.

At the heart of this sleek collection sit pieces that epitomise high-casual, tailored, men’s streetwear, fashioned from a raft of new fabrics. Carefully chosen for their quality and weight, textiles like a military cotton flannel, a wool blend and a Japanese Calvary twill result in pieces designed to be layered, that will last for many seasons to come.

As far as hero pieces go, one highlight is definitely the new Leather Collar Chore Jacket, cut from a wool blend melton with a genuine leather collar — the perfect, versatile outerwear. Also offered in a Japanese cavalry twill and military cotton flannel, it draws on traditional suiting elements with a modern aesthetic, integrating classic utilitarian styling with a clean, tailored fit. We think it is best paired with the matching cavalry twill Minimal 5 Pocket Straight Leg or the Slim Fit Selvedge jeans, a simple, elegant combination that will work for any kind of personal style.

Elsewhere, the Classic Engineer Shirt in a Japanese heavy cotton herringbone and military cotton flannel is a piece that speaks to the essence of the collection, embodying the ideas of elevated everyday wear, meticulous craft and thoughtful design that make this collection feel so timeless. After all, as people increasingly demand durability, sustainability and substance in their personal fashion, what could be more appealing than timeless design?

Encapsulating Workshop Denim’s focus on creating authentic clothes for real life, this new collection offers the perfect trans-seasonal line-up to see you through to next year, and beyond.

Workshop

74 Mackelvie Street,
Ponsonby

(09) 361 3727

www.workshop.co.nz

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Perched 38 floors above the city, Auckland’s rooftop bar is elevated in every way

On the top floor of Wyndham Street’s Voco Hotel, the most understated, sweeping view of the city has been hiding — until now. Building on Auckland’s burgeoning roster of rooftop bars that all seem to be one-upping each other with grandeur, views, and how many flights of stairs it will take to arrive, Bar Albert is the newest and most elevated addition, that proudly carries the title of the highest in the country.

Left: Bar Albert interior. Right: Signature cocktails.

But it is not just height that matters; if anything, Bar Albert is proof that the best bar of this kind considers all elements of its offering, its focus firmly on what Auckland’s thirsty punters are really there for — a tempting list of cocktails and delectable snacks. The expansive outlook across the city is just a bonus.

Thirty-eight floors above Auckland, Bar Albert’s cocktail menu finds inspiration in the recognisable streets below. Expect to see cocktails like the Napier Street, the Chancery Street and the Market Place, or the signature Eden Crescent cocktail, featuring The Roots dry yin, yellow chartreuse, house-made pistachio & rosewater orgeat and a spray of rhubarb bitters, served in a coupe glass and garnished with dried rose petal. It truly is a delicious tipple.

Left: Strange Nature, Classic Martini. Right: Pumpkin & Goats Cheese Arancini with Watercress Pesto, Duck Fat Roasted Potato with Onion & Chive Dip.

As far as the food is concerned, the offering is uncomplicated but inherently divine. House-made arancini are served alongside crispy duck fat potatoes, with oysters and platters of charcuterie and cheese curated as the perfect snack to accompany a list of local hero wines.

And where interiors are considered, two words that come to mind are sophisticated and sleek. This new bar is the kind of space that feels more typical of somewhere like New York than the City of Sails. Although the crowd that awaits its opening speaks to our collective desire for venues of substance — something that bars like this are keenly aware of, seen in the quality of experience they offer.

Bar Albert courtyard.

In short, Bar Albert is upping the ante in more ways than one, and as such, is poised to become our next go-to spot, putting an elevated twist on after-work drinks or catch-ups with friends.

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Thursday, 4pm until midnight.
Friday — Saturday, 4pm until 1am.
Closed Sunday & Mondays.

Bar Albert

38th Floor, Voco Auckland City Centre
13 Wyndham Street
Auckland Central

www.baralbertauckland.com

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Left: Pumpkin Carpaccio with Rose & Saffron. Right: Pumpkin & Nasturtium Taco. Images by Aaron McLean

Vegetarians rejoice — Pasture is hosting a limited dinner series built entirely around vegetables

Pasture is famed for its multi-course degustations that showcase hyper-seasonal flavours and harness techniques like wood-firing, fermentation, and dry-ageing to create meticulously-considered dishes. Renowned for the way its chefs use every part of the animals and seafood they cook, Pasture provides some of the most sustainable, sophisticated dining in the City, while its intimate space can only seat six guests at a time. But because this restaurant’s offering is so specific and so seasonally planned, it is also not typically able to cater to dietary requirements, making it difficult for vegetarians to partake in the full Pasture experience — until now.

Left: Pasture interiors. Right: Choy sum with radish flowers.

For three nights only, Pasture will put on a special menu that heroes one thing and one thing only: vegetables. Designed to showcase the culinary power of vegetables, these immersive, multi-course dinners will uncover their full, flavoursome potential. “Working with vegetables is one of the most rewarding challenges,” says Pasture’s Owner and Chef, Ed Verner, “they provide so much diversity of flavour depending on how they are treated.” For Verner and his team, it is Pasture’s tried and true vegetarian dishes that are often cited as favourites, with the chef divulging that most of their staff meals are vegetarian too. “We feel that our vegetarian dishes are some of our most creative,” Verner continues, “with many diners telling us that the vegetable dishes are the most surprising on the menu, or even their favourites — meat-eaters included.”

As such, Pasture’s upcoming vegetarian dinner series will highlight exceptional, local produce via an innovative tasting menu that harnesses a variety of techniques (including fire and fermentation) to underline the luxurious nature of vegetables. Expect dishes like Pasture’s already-beloved tomato and raspberry, or its choy sum with radish flowers, alongside a delicious array of entirely new creations.

Of course, there will also be a curated drinks menu to pair perfectly with each course, including Champagne, cocktails, cider, beer, sake and other house made beverages. There will even be an alcohol-free pairing option, consisting of various fresh juices, fermentations and mocktails.

Left: Green broth. Right: Kitchen prep.

With the Pasture team driven by the culinary creativity that can be harvested from treating vegetables, not as an afterthought or a side, but as carefully and as respectfully as they might an animal, this limited dinner series will offer vegetarian food unlike any you’ve probably tried before. And with the evenings now locked in for the 14th of September, the 21st of September and the 5th of October only, we suggest you book your place STAT. Vegetarian or not, is one you don’t want to miss. Bookings are available here.

Pasture

235 Parnell Road,
Parnell, Auckland

www.pastureakl.com

Gastronomy

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Gloria's Grilled Cheese.

Slinging epic sandwiches and pies — Gloria’s is the delicious deli from a beloved hospo duo

When executed right, nothing hits the spot quite like a good sandwich. Which is something that local hospitality veterans Nick Landsman and Emma Ogilvie (the couple behind Bar Céleste) are banking on in their cool new K’ Road spot, Gloria’s — a classic deli serving simple, hearty food with excellent flavours.

Set in the space that was formerly Star Superette (the duo’s popular wine shop), Gloria’s fit-out is small but welcoming, with a laid-back vibe and fuss-free details. From its chalkboard menu to its checkerboard floors and its line-up of simple barstools — the bakery provides the perfect place for hungry punters to perch at lunchtime, something that Landsman and Ogilvie tell me they thought was missing from the area.

Left: Gloria’s interior. Right: Homemade pies.

With Gloria’s, the duo decided to go back to basics, first asking themselves what they loved making, and then figuring out what they thought was needed. The idea of a deli and sandwich shop kept emerging, and the concept just made sense. It was, as Ogilvie describes, “perfectly suited to a post-covid vibe”.

Drawing inspiration from the classic Jewish delis of New York and a style of sandwich shop that has been growing in popularity in Australia, Landsman and Ogilvie created Gloria’s as a new take on a traditional format, where good food and quality ingredients collide in a setting that almost gives off a retro vibe.

The crown jewel of Gloria’s offering is sandwiches. Whether fresh or toasted, the sandwiches hero sensational homemade bread (so good we would honestly devour by itself), with housemade sauces, salted beef, and other ever-changing fillings that provide something for every possible taste. This was swiftly joined by a line-up of piping-hot pies and elevated sausage rolls, to make the offering even more enticing on a chilly day.

Left: Mushroom Croque. Right: Fresh sandwiches with homemade roast beef.

Take the corned beef sausage roll, for instance. Wrapped in buttery pastry that melts in the mouth, dusted with fennel seeds and boasting a flavoursome, wholesome filling, it is both a unique take on a classic dish and also carries the comforting quality of something your grandma might have made (if she was into that kind of thing). In fact, it is in this juxtaposition of new flavours with old-school ideas that Gloria’s really thrives. For Landsman and Ogilvie, Gloria (they imagine) is the proprietor of a space that is a little bit nostalgic and reminiscent of our great local delis of days gone by — just with a few, up-to-date tweaks.

On the drinks side of things, Gloria’s selection is (unsurprisingly) simple and satiating, basically comprising an Almighty fridge filled with refreshing pick-me-ups. For those seeking something a little stronger, Supreme coffee is also on hand, expertly made by Andrew Lavich (a familiar face to many from his tenure at Honey Bones).

Having only just opened its doors, Gloria’s has (as Ogilvie explains) many more things in the works — from family pies to catering options to takeaway salads and even refreshing juices. And considering the enthusiastic crowds it has already drawn in its first week alone, we will be watching this space with interest.

Opening hours:
Tuesday — Saturday, 7am until 2pm.

Gloria's

170 Karangahape Road,
Newton, Auckland Central

https://www.instagram.com/glorias.deli/

Gastronomy

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In renovating this mid-century LA home, Woods + Dangaran created a calm, light-filled oasis

Nestled above San Fernando Valley stands Clear Oak, a sprawling, single-story, mid-century residence (once the home of Bing Crosby’s manager) that has recently undergone a meticulous renovation at the hands of renowned Los Angeles architects, Brett Woods and Joe Dangaran.

What started as a small refresh eventually turned into a full-scale reimagining, with the duo ultimately creating a home that is deeply connected to its surrounding environment via a clever, considered palette, the prolific use of glass and the optimisation of natural light.

Arrow pendant light by Apparatus from ECC, Platner dining chair by Warren Platner for Knoll from Studio Italia, Saarinen Conference chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll from Studio Italia.

Inspired, to a degree, by Brazilian modernism, the interiors were informed by materials like rich teak, anodized aluminium, plaster and travertine, providing the perfect foundation on which the owner could layer furnishings that placed repurposed vintage perfectly alongside sleek, contemporary pieces, and a few custom-made ones for good measure. The effect is a home that is inherently timeless, in some ways a nod to the past, in others, undeniably grounded in the trends of now.

Arrow pendant light by Apparatus from ECC, Platner dining chair by Warren Platner for Knoll from Studio Italia, Saarinen Conference chairs by Eero Saarinen for Knoll from Studio Italia.

Crucially, the architects wanted the architecture itself to fade effortlessly into the background and create space for the surrounding landscape and the elegant furnishings and art to take centre stage. Here, they reduced the noise inside and created a sense of calm, pared-back sophistication, with rooms anchored by generous windows and skylights that work to draw the eye up and out.

From the wide, welcoming entranceway flanked by mature bamboo plants and a water feature, to the way in which the home opens seamlessly out to its patio and pool area, Clear Oak is a veritable oasis that promises a private sanctuary for its occupants — a place to find rest, relaxation and connection to nature.

Atollo Table Lamp by Vico Magistretti for Oluce from ECC.

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With a new chef and a delectable new menu, Harbour Society is a restaurant you really need to try

In Auckland, we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to exquisite dining. And the outlook is only getting better — particularly with restaurants that know how to harness the beauty of the City after dark. It is at these elevated, inner-city spots that we are reminded of the ways in which Auckland’s culinary landscape really does contain experiences akin to those we might find overseas, as we gratefully partake in their unique offerings.

One such place that has been on our radar for a while (but that we didn’t try until recently) is Harbour Society. Located on the 15th floor of SO/ Hotel Auckland, high above the downtown fray, this intriguing restaurant has just been treated to a fresh reimagining, which has seen a new chef arrive to create a menu of flavoursome Eastern cuisine with a distinctly New Zealand twist (you could call it Asian-fusion but it deserves more specificity than that). As for the interiors, they are sleek, elegant and atmospheric, lent a sense of gravitas by the surrounding windows that offer exquisite views out to the glittering city below — the perfect setting in which to enjoy a meal that feels as elevated as its surroundings.

From the left: Harbour Society wine cellar. RAW MARKET FISH, Aoraki malossol salmon caviar, jalapeño and raspberry ponzu.

Deciding to book in for dinner with a friend, we were immediately seated at the corner table from which we could take in an arresting view of Britomart, and started our night with a glass of 2020 Marc Bredif Chenin Blanc and oysters from Kaipara (a varietal that SO/ Hotel’s Director of Culinary, Marty Kindleysides explained as his absolute favourite). In fact, the restaurant offered a section of the menu entirely dedicated to oysters and toppings, allowing us to choose exactly how we wanted our morsels to be served (including traditional vinegarettes or unique, Asian-style garnishes). We opted for ours to arrive with flavoursome, Thai-style toppings (nam chim and micro coriander) and I have to say that they were some of the best oysters I had ever tasted. This immediately set the tone for the meal to follow, which ended up being a vertibale feast. And while we can admit that our eyes were certainly bigger than our stomachs, our enthusastic ordering allowed us to try a wide variety of dishes from Harbour Society’s menu, each leaving us more impressed than the last.

The plates that followed our oysters were exquisite. Burrata was given an unexpected Asian-inspired flavour twist, served with sous vide beetroot and Japanese onion dressing. The raw market fish (trevally was the catch of the day) was supremely delicate in its flavour balance, served with Aoraki malossol salmon caviar, jalapeño, cucumber, raspberry ponzu sauce, chilli and herbs. To round out the entrees, we tucked into an impossibly tender pork belly served with torched scampi, red sauce and foraged herbs — the perfect accompaniments to offset the richness of the meat.

From the left: Cloudy Bay Clams Spaghetti. Harbour Society dining area.

But it was the next dish to arrive that ended up being the unexpected favourite (one that we almost didn’t order) — Cloudy Bay Clam Spaghetti. In a stroke of culinary genius, spaghetti alle vongole was given a flavoursome edge, courtesy of a house-made XOXO sauce. It is the one dish that I would recommend to anyone without hesitation.

Despite being almost bursting at the seams by the time the lamb shoulder arrived, it only took a few tender bites for us to find a second wind. Falling off the bone, the perfectly-cooked meat was served with a rich Rendang sauce, pickles and prawn crackers, which, when paired with sides of crispy kimchi potatoes and a baby cos salad, was the ultimate comfort food (and something I would definitely order again on my next visit).

From the left: Miso glazed Ora King salmon. Seiryu.

All of this food was, of course, enjoyed with a range of wines from Harbour Society’s comprehensive list, which offers Coravin, an innovative technology that allows diners to purchase by-the-glass wines from varietals that would usually only be available as a whole bottle. It is a novel concept, but one that allowed us to embrace the suggestions of Restaurant Manager Arjun Gupta, which saw us indulging in glasses of the 2012 Gillman Vineyard Cabernet Franc/Merlot/Malbec, the perfect accompaniment to our mains.

To round out the dinner, we really did feel that dessert was necessary. After all, we had come this far. Not to be called quitters, we opted for a lighter take on dessert, where the pastry chef prepared a delicious assortment of petit fours that were wonderfully indulgent but perfectly light — ending our meal on the best note.

Food aside, my first experience at Harbour Society really did leave a very good taste in my mouth, as much for the dishes I was served as for the impeccable service and a beautiful atmosphere. Here, it seems, a focus on excellence has resulted in a restaurant that really does live up to its elevated nature, and one that I, for one, am looking forward to experiencing again soon.

Harbour Society

SO/ Auckland, 15th Floor
67 Customs Street East, Auckland

www.harboursociety.co.nz

Gastronomy

Step inside The Vault: Gilt Brasserie’s luxe new private dining space
First Look: Masu’s new Express Lunch is refined, fast and full of flavour
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42 Crosby Residence by Samuel Amoia

Meet the tactile, cosy furniture that promises to fill your home with warmth

When it comes to cosying up at home, fuzzy textures and shaggy upholstery are exactly what we want our living spaces to be filled with. Reminiscent of winter holidays spent rugged up by a roaring fireplace, textiles like bouclé or sheepskin are as comforting to recline on as they are chic to look at — their unique textures adding depth and dimension to any space.

Take the Fergusson Chair from BONZ, a piece that is easily at home in a luxurious library, or the brand’s Mongolian Sheepskin Rug, which concerns itself with warmth underfoot. Not only will pieces like this add a layer of sophistication to a space, but they also offer durable and hearty natural surfaces — ones that, when treated with care, will become timeless pieces to keep in your home for years to come.

Design

Take a Tour: Matteo House by Trinity Architects is an ode to fluidity
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Master the perfect serve with this luxurious caviar set

Take it back to basics with the white T-shirts every wardrobe needs

As far as wardrobe foundations go, you can’t beat a white T-shirt. Promising to deliver a crisp, clean edge to any outfit, the white tee is a must for any man, no matter how wild the rest of their style. And while it might seem a straightforward piece, trust us when we say that not all white tees are created equal. Our advice? Diversify your white T-shirt collection to ensure that you have an iteration for any occasion (and a few extras for when the one you’re wearing gets inevitably marked).

Left: Dadelszen Reno T. Right: James Perse S/S Crew from Workshop.

Start with the basics — a straightforward, plain white tee, no frills, in a slim cut. Versatile and universally flattering, this tee will look as good with your favourite day-to-day jeans as it will with your nicest suit pants. Our picks are Dadelszen’s Reno T, Workshop Denim’s Standard T or James Perse’s S/S Crew all pieces we suggest buying more than one of.

Next, make sure you always have an oversized or monogrammed style for those times when you want to exude a relaxed look. Here, we suggest reaching for Prada’s oversized cotton T-shirt or Kuon’s oversized tucked tee, or if you want something more distinctive, turning to the likes of Balenciaga, and its Upside Down oversized T-shirt or Louis Vuitton, and its Signature 3D pocket monogram T-shirt.

Finally, for a look that is sleek but sporty, opt for white tees with a casual collar. The Adidas x Gucci cotton piquet polo is a fine example of this style, as is Louis Vuitton’s Signature Polo with embroidery.

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Mumbaiwala

Denizen’s definitive guide to the best Indian eateries in town

Who could resist the rich and varied flavours of India — from curries to dosa, street food snacks, biryanis, delicious bread-based dishes and so much more, when we feel like deeply comforting food that leaves a long-lasting feeling of satisfaction, it’s to the food of India we turn. As we suspect you might feel the same, we’ve put together some of our favourite Indian restaurants, a list that includes some enduring favourites but also some lesser-known gems that you may not be overly familiar with.

Mumbaiwala
Aneri Nathu opened Mumbaiwala in Ponsonby to mix up the local Indian cuisine scene. Her parents, Anup and Sadhana Nathu, have been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, founding the Tandoori Palace in 1990 before it swept the South Island with the success of its restaurants and sauces. Off the back of a successful Mumbaiwala restaurant in Christchurch, Aneri opened the Auckland outpost this year with a goal to showcase the lighter side of traditional, Indian cuisine to local, discerning diners. As such, the menu offers a raft of authentic street food and sharing plates in a casual, all-day eatery setting. The Dahi Puri is a particular favourite, seeing mini puffed puris with delicately soft mashed potatoes, chickpeas and a spicy yoghurt on the inside, as well as the fried Mumbai Chicken (which has its own secret spices) and Cauliflower Manchurian, which could be mistaken for meat with its pastry-free dumplings covered in chilli and garlic sauce.

Ras Vatika
Its humble interior may be the opposite of a polished restaurant like Mumbaiwala, but Dominion Road vegetarian Indian restaurant Ras Vatika is where we head if we are craving a delicious dosa — an incredibly moreish thin pancake or crepe, that originates from Southern India. Made from a fermented batter that gives them a slightly sour taste, Ras Vatika’s dosa are extremely generous in size, and come stuffed with fillings like spiced vegetables. We also love Ras Vatika’s Thali, a varied plate comprising various dipping sauces, breads, pickles and a curry or two.

Saravanaa Bhavan.

Saravanaa Bhavan
Also specialising in the mouth-watering flavours of Southern India, Saravanaa Bhavan is an incredibly popular global chain, and is successful for a reason. From its Hobson Street location, it boasts an extensive takeaway selection of dosas, plus Uttapam which are thicker breads cooked with delicious toppings, curries, biryani and more.

Cassia
Something about stepping down the stairs into Cassia’s inviting space has us feeling instantly cocooned. Sid Sahrawat‘s acclaimed menu takes diners on a masterful journey of modern Indian cuisine; from its flavourful, delicate snacks to its soul-stirring curries, it’s always a winner.

Satya Chai Lounge.

Satya & Satya Chai Lounge
Sammy Akuthota is a beloved personality on the Auckland hospo scene and his Satya restaurants have been firm favourites since the first was opened by his parents Swamy and Padmaja Akuthota in 1999. He has a knack for creating a convivial vibe, with Satya Chai Lounge specialising in fun Indian street food and craft beer, and the attached GG X Flamingo a must-visit for cocktails on K’ Road.

Tiffin
Forever our go-to for an easy and delicious takeaway, Kingsland restaurant Tiffin’s curries hit the spot when it comes to flavour, and are never too creamy or too sweet. Spice fans can rest assured that Tiffin will bring the heat when you order ‘hot’, and we have to recommend the classic butter chicken or the beef Madras.

Hobson Indian Takeaway
Recently touted by a friend of Denizen as ‘the best Indian in Auckland’, Hobson Indian Takeaway is a tiny, hole-in-the-wall spot on Beach Road, specialising in Indian street food. Grab a delicious samosa chaat or two, or one of their plain or flavoured parathas for a wholesome snack.

Oh Calcutta.

Oh Calcutta
Parnell’s local Indian favourite, Oh Calcutta’s signature Billy Goat curry is a must-order. Slow-cooked in a signature spice mix, it’s a deeply flavourful, earthy and complex curry that will have you beaming from first bite to last.

Paradise
This Sandringham stalwart needs no introduction, with its stellar reputation for rich Indian fare that is just as delicious eaten at home as it is onsite — and heated up the next day, we’re not embarrassed to say. It’s almost impossible to choose a favourite, but aside from the usual suspects, we highly recommend the Veg Manchurian, irresistibly tasty, spiced vegetarian dumplings in a sticky glaze.

Sidart.

Sidart
Sidart’s sublime, fine dining fare is on an entirely different plane to your standard curry, and this just goes to show the breadth and variety possible within the flavours of Indian cuisine. The Three Lamps restaurant offers both a la carte and degustation menus that marry progressive Indian flavours seamlessly with the highest quality New Zealand produce and impeccable techniques. All these elements come together with warm, attentive service to make for an exceptional experience, each and every time.

iVillage At Victoria
Found in Victoria Park Markets, a destination that is in dangerously close proximity to Denizen HQ, is one of our favourite under-the-radar Indian restaurants that knows a thing or two about traditional food in an utterly palatable (and surprisingly chic) way. The menu is centred around quintessentially Indian dishes, made with home made spices and masalas. You’ll be hard pressed to find a butter chicken here… Instead, opt for the Tandoori Murg Makhanwala — a more authentic approach to the time-honoured favourite.

Gastronomy

Step inside The Vault: Gilt Brasserie’s luxe new private dining space
First Look: Masu’s new Express Lunch is refined, fast and full of flavour
These are the best seafood-centric dishes to seek out over the cooler months

Achieve luminous skin and silky hair with our guide to the best beauty products around

It has long been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and while we are inclined to agree, we also think it is in the eye of those in the know. The last few years have seen the beauty industry make impressive strides in new and innovative products that do more than simply create an even base or add a pop of colour.

And while I might have started my beauty journey in the era of Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse, I’m the first to admit that I am not always the easiest to impress (largely due to my sensitive skin and damaged barrier, courtesy of the products I am constantly trialling in the name of editorial research). That said, over the last few months, there has been a raft of new beauty products released that have proven more than impressive. Here are the highlights.

La Bouche Rouge Lipstick
Literally translating to red lips in French, this sumptuous makeup brand produces environmentally responsible, natural formulas in refillable, recyclable, plastic-free cases. Since its debut in 2017, the world’s most discerning fashionistas have fast become obsessed with its lust-worthy offerings. Each of La Bouche Rouge’s serum-infused makeup formulas is free from petrochemicals, toxins, plastic powder, micro-plastics, silicones, beeswax and preservatives — all without compromising on the luxury aesthetic that has made this brand so sought-after. Having just arrived in Faradays as the luxury department store’s first ever beauty brand, we are particularly enamoured with the lipsticks, for their silky, stay-all-day formula. Discover more about the beautiful brand (and enter our exclusive La Bouche Rouge giveaway — valued at more than $3000 — here.

Tronque New Body Butter Formulation
Tronque’s beloved Firming Body Butter has finally returned, with a new formulation that prides itself on a divine new 100% natural fragrance designed in Grasse, France — one that the perfumer shares, is their most natural ever produced. Just as soothing and luxurious as their previous weighty formulas, this body butter is our all-over essential for any time of year.

Sisley Paris Supremÿa At Night The Supreme Anti-Aging Skin Care Lotion
As pioneers of sublime skincare, Sisley Paris’ Supremÿa is a proven, powerful, anti-aging lotion that will become an essential first step in your night-time ritual. Combining the efficacy of a serum with the luxury of a cream, it harnesses Sisley’s Phyto-Complex LC12 to deliver seriously impressive, visible results.

Rose Inc Solar Infusion Soft-Focus Cream Bronzer
Harnessing the beautiful glow garnered from a stint in the sun (without the harmful UV), the latest beauty trend is all about dusty blush and perfectly-placed bronzer. Enter Rose Inc: the gorgeous sustainable brand from the equally gorgeous Rosie Huntington Whitley, whose cream bronzers deliver the long-lasting sunkissed moment our winter skin is craving. Opt for generous application using a fluffy brush to achieve a look that will leave you luminous.

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask
When Emma Lewisham announces a new addition to her coveted range, those in the beauty realm know that it is guaranteed to be a cult favourite. This ‘beauty sleep in a bottle’ night mask offers a rich dose of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and unparalleled hydration. I’m not one to overexaggerate, but this Supernatural Sleeping Mask is divine, having literally healed my damaged barrier and winter dry patches overnight with ease.

New Dyson Airwrap & Attachments
As the Dyson Airwrap’s most loyal fan, little could part me from the trusty model that I’ve held onto for years. However, the latest re-edition of this haircare investment offers more in the way of much-needed bells and whistles, working through a few tricky design flaws to make my daily blow wave entirely fuss-free. The new curling barrels, for example, have interchangeable airflow directions, removing the need to change them out on every curl. But my favourite part is the new rough dry attachment, which minimises those final flyaways that few products seem to take.

RevitaLash Cosmetics Brow & Lash Masque
Between swiping RevitaLash Advanced on my lashes and RevitaBrow Advanced on my brows, my lashes and brows have never looked so healthy. But the latest addition to my collection promises some of the most coveted conditioning yet. Launched earlier this month, the RevitaLash Cosmetics Lash & Brow Masque is a physician-developed treatment that addresses visible signs of compromised lashes and brows, both immediately and in the long term. This is a nutrient-rich, hero product for those beauty addicts all too familiar with over-styling, daily make-up usage and the damage caused by environmental stressors — an easy addition to work into your Sunday night mask ritual.

Byredo Shimmering Lipstick in Amber In Furs
Byredo is an adored name in the realm of luxury fragrance and is a mainstay in most curated perfume collections. Yet this latest addition to the brand’s beauty offering is another example of why we often ask, ‘what can’t they do?’. The nourishing formula and beautiful casing make for an easy lip balm replacement, and the long-lasting pigment (especially in Ambur In Furs) makes it the ideal everyday lipstick.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Repair Hair Mask
Despite laying down the hot tools in favour of nourishing our tresses, it’s still hard to minimise the drying and damage hair is subjected to on a daily basis. Trust Dr. Barbara Sturm to develop a new nourishing formula that provides intensive, targeted repair and care for dry and damaged hair. Using Cationic Hyaluronic Acid (the same that we put on our faces), this new product is perfect to use on those days when you feel like rocking a slick, glossy supermodel bun.

La Mer The Micro Peel
La Mer rarely adds new products to its already impressive stable, but when it does, we know with certainty that they’re bound to be some of the most luxurious (but still effective) new additions to any beauty routine. The brand’s new Micro Peel lives up to its promise of  ‘​​visible transformation by morning’. Offering polished perfection and a clarified complexion, this formula is soothing and nourishing while getting the hard work done (while you sleep). Availabe at Mecca Commercial Bay.

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch
As a clean beauty aesthetic reigns supreme, innovative new makeup is at the top of our wishlists. Take Chanel’s Les Beiges Touche De Teint, for instance, a new serum foundation that blends seamlessly onto the face to become a lasting, hydrating base for effervescent skin, all day long.

Costa Brazil Aroma — Jungle
I’m of the firm belief that fragrances should be curated just like a closet or accessories collection — with different scents answering to the needs of the day. Because there are certain times I like to call on Costa Brazil’s Jungle Aroma, a unisex fragrance with just the right hint of masculinity. Inspired by the natural resin produced in the Amazon, this fresh yet spicy fragrance features a blend of ingredients that are known for their stress-reducing properties, transporting you to a calm, canopied rainforest in your mind (if not in reality). 

Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick
While contour may not be cut and carved with the same intensity as it was a few years ago, there still remains a place for a subtle and reliable contour stick in every beauty regime. Westman Atelier’s Face Trace stick is both parts luxurious and utterly wearable, with a creamy formula that blends perfectly into any base and incorporates skincare-like properties of hydration and oil absorption, to help the product stay in place. To top it all off is the signature essence of luxury — a hallmark of Westman Atelier products. Because if you’re going to be investing in your beauty routine, why not add a little touch of opulence? Availabe at Mecca Commercial Bay.

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