It’s a consumerist world and we just live in it. While we try to shop mindfully, we unapologetically love shopping, discovering new things and keeping up with the latest trends and products.
We’re also regularly gifted or sent items from brands hoping to catch our (and your) attention. Some we’re happy to shout about; others, not so much. Many are new launches, others are cult classics worth coming back to.
So, we’re starting to share more of what crosses our desks and inboxes – from beauty and wellness to fashion, food and drink. Some of these products or services may have been gifted, and we might even repurchase them ourselves (check our Nice Things for proof). But know that, as always, the opinions are all ours.
Myland & Co Roaming Retreat, $599
The brainchild of former strategy director Jacs Bennett, this new offering delivers short day retreats designed for busy corporates and women trying to ‘do it all’. After experiencing burnout, Jacs spent years researching before launching the business in November – so she knows exactly what her audience needs.
Rebecca joined a retreat in March and can confirm it’s something special. A minivan whisks you to Muriwai for a barefoot beach and bush walk, before a grounding yoga and Qi Gong with Ange Gervan at a private home overlooking the ocean. After a nourishing plant-based lunch on the lawn, you put on a stain eye mask and listen to a guided meditation as you're transported to the Park Hyatt – where you pile out in a state of semi-consciousness and straight into a massage.
Throughout the day, guests receive personalised goodies, treats and reminders to carry the retreat’s calm into ‘real life’. It ends with a handwritten postcard to your future self, to remind yourself of the feeling of calm. “Remember how good it feels to unplug fully for a day?” asked Rebecca’s. “Capture this feeling! Bottle it! It’s yours for the taking!”
Dulesé Deodorant, $30 (refills are $17)
We’d buy this for the beautiful matte green packaging alone, but the fact that it’s a highly effective, pleasantly scented natural deodorant is the icing on the cake.
We’ve long wondered about the ‘best’ natural deodorant, and tried everything from small-batch local makers to large multinational brands. But we’ve never found one that doesn’t tug at your underarms while putting it on or leave ‘chalk’ marks, has practical packaging (i.e. doesn’t get stuck in a cardboard tube), smells good and actually works. This product, that does all that, is somewhat of a unicorn, and we will certainly be making the most of the refills.
Elizabeth Arden Visible Brightening Clearly Radiant Bounce Cream, $143, and Spot Correcting Capsules, $183
Full transparency: we're still in the early stages of using these new releases, but so far, so glowy. Brightening is not often a focus of our skincare routine, but recent pigmentation from summer (and a big pimple) meant that this came at the right time. The serum-infused capsules feature vitamin C and five skin brighteners, while the 'bounce cream' (great name) has Niacinamide to smooth and plump. Arden is one of those beauty brands you can trust, hence why we're featuring it here so early in our trial.
Side note: Zoe's nana is a big fan of Elizabeth Arden's ceramide capsules and has the best skin of any 80-something we've met.
BePure Perfect Plant Protein, $60
We’ve all seen the memes about needing to quit your job to hit your daily protein goals. But it needn't be that hard. Rebecca’s tried loads of protein powders and is particular about what she will and won’t consume. This plant-based one from BePure ticks all the boxes. With 28g protein per serve (from pea, our fave), it also contains digestive enzymes for absorption and amino acids for energy and exercise recovery. The only sweetener is a touch of monk fruit, plus we love that it comes in glass rather than plastic (refills are available via subscription). Rebecca has been trialling this in her legendary smoothie and is extremely happy with it.
Aro Ha x Arithmos Superfine Body Oil, $89
Most mere mortals will never get to experience the magic that is Aro Ha, Aotearoa’s most luxurious and internationally regarded retreat centre. Luckily for us they are now doing their own products. Last year they released a cookbook featuring the delicious plant-based meals they are renowned for, and more recently they’ve released a body oil in collaboration with Naarm-based brand Arithmos. Perfect to soothe the skin of guests staying in the Glenorchy air, or for those stuck in offices with fluorescent lighting. Once applied, close your eyes and imagine yourself walking through the retreat’s heavenly lavender garden.
TWYG Regenerative Overnight Repair Mask, $140
We were gifted this towards the end of last year and are just finishing the tube. At 75ml, it’s the ideal size for long-haul flights – an overnight mask is an essential when flying – and it leaves skin hydrated on arrival. There are so many incredible beauty products out of Aotearoa recently, but brands really need to be able to stand alone on a global scale, as we’ve seen with success stories like Emma Lewisham, Sans, Tronque and more recently Raaie. We’re optimistic TWYG will be joining those ranks (although we don’t necessarily love the overly designed plastic packaging).
Le Creuset On the Go insulated water bottle, from $60
We’re actual Le Creuset customers – Rebecca owns the butter dish, Zoe has the pepper grinder and spoon rest. It’s good-looking, well-made and most importantly, functional. And we like that! So we’ll happily endorse the brand’s new ‘On the Go’ range which includes insulated lunch boxes, food flasks and water bottles. We were sent a bright red 500ml bottle and, while the bottom drawer doesn’t need another water bottle, this gets to stay. It’s sturdy, keeps drinks hot or cold and has two openings: a narrow one for sipping and a wider one just below, for adding ice and gulping.
Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 Mineral Face Crème, $85
We’re fans of Emma Lewisham’s suite of products but we have to be honest and admit that the first sunblock she released was not our favourite. Happily, she’s re-formulated it and we’ve taken great pleasure in trialling it throughout the balmy summer months. We’re happy to report that not only is it great on our skin, either alone or under makeup, it’s also extremely effective. From Laneway to the beaches and everything in between, we’ve gathered nary a freckle this summer. It will be a must-wear throughout winter as well, obviously.
Thea Matcha superior grade organic matcha, $65
It seems like matcha is everywhere recently, but those who know, know. We’ve been on the matcha wagon for about 10 years; admittedly a small time in its existence, first coming into public consciousness in around the 7th Century, but long enough to know not all matcha is created equal. Ceremonial, or superior grade, is the best you can buy (the leaves are younger, and harvested sooner), and organic makes a difference.
Our local favourite is Thea Matcha. They supply the wildly creative Blackdrop cafe in Newmarket and offer an array of recipes and tips on Instagram (the salted maple matcha tea is incredible and easy to make). We love matcha for the pep it gives us without the downbuzz of coffee, and it’s fun versatility. Plus, antioxidants ahoy!
