KEY POINTS:
Save time and save money by seeking out grooming and skincare products with a dual purpose. If one really does equal two then you're on to a winner. These items all appeal for their performance and practicality, and they'll save room in your makeup drawer or bag.
1 Hissyfit Handy Work handcream with SPF 30+ $39
Now there's no excuse to neglect your hands, which, sadly, are one of the first areas to show age spots due to all that unwitting sun exposure. This moisturising cream with aloe and Vitamin E isn't greasy, has a soft orange smell and gives broad spectrum sun protection. Ideal for anyone spending time outdoors, or to give to your favourite gardener or tennis player.
From Life and other leading pharmacies.
2 Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes $13.99
A cleanser, toner and eye makeup remover in one, these effective and economical wipes even take off waterproof mascara. The 25 pre-moistened towelettes will leave your skin in good nick after you've cleansed off the grime of the day. A great way to save lugging all your potions around and can be used to soak up spills in emergencies too.
From supermarkets and pharmacies.
*Johnson & Johnson and Nivea make similar 3-in-1 products that also rate. With other wipes, including Garniers refreshing Detox wipes, you'll need separate eye makeup remover.
3 Smashbox Browtech $46
A tiny compact that has the powder and gel you'll need to draw in the perfect brow just like the professionals, but you'll need a brush and practice to get your arches just-so. The angle-tipped No 12 ($45) is recommended.
From Smashbox, Ponsonby, or www.smashbox.co.nz.
4 Billion Dollar Brows Hint of Tint brow gel $22
The experts swear by using a brush and brow powder to strengthen and define your natural brow and fill out any gaps in the hairline, before combing in a setting gel, but if you haven't the patience or a steady hand, this fine mascara-wand-style tinted gel is ideal. The combo adds colour and sets in one go and is easily portable. (M.A.C also make a similar product, but I found the chunky brush clumsier).
From Wax Off, Newmarket, which carries a full range of Billion Dollar Brows products, a cult favourite in LA, capital city of brow obsession.
5 Lancome Eau Micellaire Douceur 3-in-1 cleanser $69
If wipes aren't your thing, this is an easy upmarket cleansing option. I remember using similar products several years ago with much less effect. This gently wipes the face, eyes and lips clear of makeup when applied with a tissue and there's something about the clear fluid that is convincingly pure.
From Lancome counters.
6 Bio-Oil $32.95 for 125ml
This is a good multi-purpose skin conditioner that can be used by all to moisturise and take the itch out of bites, scratches and skin markings. If you're pregnant it eases sore skin and stretch marks. Bio-Oil hails from South Africa where dermatologists rate its effectiveness at helping heal burned and disfigured skin (the republic, with its crowded shanty towns and open fires, has one of the world's worst incidences of burn injuries).
From pharmacies.
