Retail therapy: Luxe at Muse

Who doesn't adore the luxurious feeling of cashmere?

Newmarket boutique Muse has a divine new cashmere label in store now called Autumn Cashmere - including this casually chic grandfather cardigan with a peace sign on the back, $525. Muse, ph (09) 520 2911.

An Easter treat

Shopping alert: Sunglass Hut is having a special Easter sale, with up to 50 per cent off selected eyewear styles - think DKNY, D&G, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Ray-Ban, Versace and more.

Chocolate heaven

If you're after an Easter treat for someone with an art or design leaning, a Keith Haring by Ligne Blanche egg (pictured) may do the trick. It's a bold tin egg covered in artist Haring's work, filled with little balls of delicious chocolate - the best part being that you can keep the tin long after Easter. In store now at Design 55 for $35, ph (09) 308 9455.

We also have a tin to give away. To enter write your name, address and phone number on the back of envelope and send it to Keith Haring Easter Competition, Viva, NZ Herald, PO Box 3290. Entries close April 7, winner announced April 14.

Lending a hand

Singer Hollie Smith has lent her face to the annual fundraising campaign Rodney Wayne salons hold for the Breast Cancer Research Trust.

Top-of-the-line Kerastase hair products are sold to customers after they've enjoyed a treatment and hair condition diagnosis. As a bonus, customers get a copy of the soul diva's latest album Humour and the Misfortune of Others.

"When I was asked to help out, I felt it was a good way to become involved and support my friend [former C4 presenter Helena McAlpine] and my beloved auntie." Both are fighting breast cancer.

"When people you regard as among your closest friends are diagnosed with cancer, you really look deep into your soul to find ways to get involved and provide support," says Smith.

Rodney Wayne hopes this April will double the $40,000 raised in 2009.

"It's all about clients pampering themselves while helping others," he says. In-salon treatments and blowdries cost $60 and the take-home products range from $80 upwards with $5 from each going towards the trust.

See rodneywayne.co.nz.

Oil for Africa

If you're a keen reader of overseas magazines and beauty blogs, you may have already spotted references to Moroccanoil, which has just gone on sale in New Zealand. Rich in argan oil, this product is cited as a celebrity favourite and has been used backstage by top stylists.

Moroccanoil is said to be rich in vitamins to nourish and condition hair and help with UV protection, while adding shine and a static-free finish. Throw in that it is harvested as part of a free-trade programme, benefiting rural women in the Souss-Massa region, and it ticks the boxes for a hyped-up launch, but does it work?

A top stylist tried it out for Viva as a blowdry finishing serum for fine curly hair and we were impressed by how it absorbed into the hair leaving it looking sleek, without any weighty feel. A smoother, silkier finish was also evident the next day.

A good tip for such serums is to rub a few drops of product into your palms and then to wiggle your fingers up through your hair from underneath, rather than just patting down offending fly-aways.

* Argan oil is the oil of choice in another new product, part of Matrix Biolage's new Colorcaretherapie Delicate Care range, which is sulphate, paraben and silicon-free. The Biolage Organic Certified Oil Treatment is a little heavier, being made for coarse, very dry hair. Also with lavender oil, this smells great and costs $26.50 for 50ml.

Stockists: Moroccanoil ($56.95 for 100ml), phone 0800 25 25 30. Biolage from salon stockists and specialist shampoo shops, phone 0800 657 666.