What’s the big deal about retinol?

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Retinol is one of the biggest buzzwords in beauty thanks to its anti-ageing effects. Here’s how to add it to your skincare routine.
On the quest for great skin? Find out why retinol is the answer to your most pressing complexion concerns – plus meet some of our favourite retinol-rich super products.
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WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol (also sometimes found in ingredients lists as ‘retinoids’) is a derivate of vitamin A, which is the key nutrient for boosting cell turnover in the body. When applied topically, this powerhouse ingredient promotes skin renewal, brightens the complexion, smooths and refines the skin’s surface, reduces acne and boosts collagen production. It’s an effective solution to most of our skincare woes, so it’s not difficult to see why so many beauty houses are adding it to their products.

WHY USE RETINOL?

As you age, your skin’s cell turnover rate slows down, causing it to appear dry, dull and wrinkled. Unlike most topical products, retinol is able to penetrate the skin deeply enough to be effective at a cellular level, assisting the regeneration process. If used consistently over time, it’s able to resurface and transform your complexion.

WHEN TO USE RETINOL

Incorporate retinol into your skincare regimen gradually, as this powerful ingredient causes cells to shed faster than normal, which can make skin sensitive initially. Start with a gentle formula, using it twice a week as part of your night-time routine. This will give your skin time to get used to the product. It’s important to use retinol products at night rather than during the day, as retinol breaks down in sunlight. You should also invest in a good-quality sunscreen, if you’re not already using one, as the faster cell turnover will make your skin more susceptible to UV rays.

OUR RETINOL HEROES

Ready to start using a retinol-infused elixir? We thought so. Here are a few of our favourite products, and why we love them.
ELIZABETH ARDEN
Retinol Ceramide Capsules Line Erasing Night Serum 60 Capsules
965
These mono-dose capsules are ideal as they dispense the perfect amount of product, so you can be sure you’re not overdoing it, leading to sensitivity.

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DIOR
One Essential Skin Boosting Super Serum 30ml
1585
This hard-working serum not only targets environmental toxins like pollution, but also protects the skin from indoor toxins, including glue, varnishes and radiation from electronic devices, too.
ESTÉE LAUDER
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II 30ml
890
This super serum already has a major cult following, and it’s not difficult to see why. Working with the power of the skin’s natural recovery process while you sleep, it promotes night-time purification that helps reduce the visible signs of ageing.

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 FILORGA
Meso+ Absolute Anti-ageing Serum
1010
Combining some of the most effective active ingredients, including retinol and hyaluronic acid, this clever formula mimics the effects of injectable plumping agents, leaving skin visibly smoother and more radiant.

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All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

TREND UPDATES FOR YOUR HOME

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Refresh your space with affordable and on trend updates for a stylish summer upgrade.
Your home should evolve, just as you do. Check out these affordable and easy ways to refresh and add trending items to your interiors. 

While it's important to invest in pieces that anchor a room such as couches and dining tables, sprucing up your space doesn't have to be an expensive and laborious process. "Just like your wardrobe, your interior should be built around key, well-made pieces that are timeless," says Bridget Meier, owner of Styleast Decor & Design. Don't skimp on the investment pieces and don't splurge on expensive scatter cushions, lamps or accessories. This way, you will easily be able to switch the smaller pieces up when you need to, knowing you didn't blow the budget doing so. 

Trend: geometrics and water colours

Lighting can totally transform a room. "Create different moods and ambience with table lamps in key spaces," says Bridget. The more interesting the lamp shade, the better. Geometric shapes add a modern edge, while the water colour trend has an artistic feel that is perfect when the colour scheme is matched to the room. 


Trend: ocean blues

Blue is a cool and calming colour that encourages relaxation, so it's perfect for spaces like your bathroom. Use different shades of blue, from royal, powder to turquoise to get the full effect. 

Trend: rustic serveware

With so much variety and styles in crockery, paired down rustic ranges are a refreshing addition to your kitchen cupboards. 

SHOP SERVEWARE


Trend: prints and textures 

Simple additions of colourful, patterned cushions will add instant splashes of interest to your room. If you're going for a neutral colour palate, adding textured scatters that mix fabrics works well, while colourful scatters add a pop of colour should you wish to change it up.

Trend: bring the outdoors in

According to Bridget, no space should be without an element of the outdoors. Whether it's driftwood, indigenous flowers or greenery, there's a wide variety of options to choose from. And you can always go with elements of nature in linen if you can't keep anything alive! Nature is proven to naturally enhance your mood so use it with reckless abandon!

Your weekly horoscope for 5 to 11 January

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Avoid those unwanted surprises, and rather be in the know. Read your weekly horoscope here.

Everything you need to know for your upcoming week.

ARIES

This weekend’s partial solar eclipse signals a fresh phase in your career and general direction as you sail into 2019. Be ready to transform these vital areas of your life. Avoid jumping to conclusions midweek but be ready to discuss your ideas.

TAURUS

Some tricky conversations needn’t detract from the revitalising sense that you can turn an important corner this year. For April Bulls, change will involve an exciting venture, project or trip; and for May Bulls, the chance to boost your relationships.

GEMINI

Energetic Mars in your career zone will introduce you to fresh ideas and projects. Be adaptable and ready to make agreements and to negotiate as new arrangements and opportunities arise. You’ll turn a corner with a partnership, business or personal.

CANCER


This is an important week in your partnerships, especially if you were born around 6 July. You will begin a new chapter in an agreement – business or personal. You can make a deep commitment, but must be sure of all the terms.

LEO


Prepare for a fresh chapter in your personal life, as developments will make it clear where you stand. Avoid impulsiveness, especially midweek. For July Leos, a new, stabilising daily routine at work or regarding health is on the cards.

VIRGO


You will be ready to turn a page in a personal situation, to make a commitment to someone, or to making changes domestically. This is a good week to deepen relationships, although you may prefer to move on from some. Avoid rash moves.

LIBRA


This weekend’s partial solar eclipse spells changes at home. You may wish to make a deeper commitment to someone, an idea or a move. Visitors or a trip may spell a change of dynamic. Avoid erratic drivers, slips and bumps midweek.

SCORPIO


A change of environment will spotlight your commitment to someone and romance could blossom this weekend. Take decisions carefully, as you may feel under pressure, especially midweek. Mid-November Scorpios must avoid gambling, emotionally and financially. 


SAGITTARIUS

Be prepared to look at your finances in a new light, as this weekend’s partial solar eclipse will spotlight where your budget could work better. Your relationships should blossom, unless you succumb to pressures at home. Find the time to relax.

CAPRICORN

This weekend’s partial solar eclipse will be in your sign, and signals the chance to reinvent yourself; to revitalise and refresh your work life, too. For birthday Capricorns, this is an especially potent week for change, especially in your personal life.

AQUARIUS


A fresh work and health routine puts you in a strong position to enjoy an increasingly stable and secure year. If you feel stuck in a routine you’ve outgrown, this weekend’s eclipse will help you get out of the rut. Avoid impulsiveness midweek.

PISCES


You’re ready to embrace adventure in 2019, and there’s no time like the present to begin! A fresh interest, social circle or more involvement in a group or organisation will open doors to a deeper sense of satisfaction. Stay focused midweek, especially.



By Patsy Bennett

3 adorable playground outfits for girls

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Shopping for the new school year can be incredibly stressful. Edgars has you sorted with three cute, clever outfit ideas.
Shopping for the new school year can be the most stressful part of January for parents. Edgars has you covered with three adorable outfits that will take your little girl from the playground, to playing princess later.

The ruffled princess

Ruffle detailing is one summer trend that isn’t going anywhere. Of course, a frilly princess dress isn’t always practical for the playground. Rather opt for items that incorporate ruffles subtly, for example on the hem or shoulders. These ruffled T-shirts are adorable and school-friendly. Add a bag and she’s set!

123 Toddlers ruffled T-shirts 39.95 each; 123 Toddlers two-pack leggings 89.95; Accessorize flamingo backpack 399

Queen for a day

Your little queen will slay all day in a regal palette of white and Champagne. Baby-doll shoes and a loyal subject (aka a sweet little soft toy) complete the look.

123 Toddlers baby-doll shoes 89.95; daisy dress 199.95; 123 Toddlers lamb animal toy 99.95

Flower child

Nothing brightens up a day like a splash of pink, a full tulle skirt and a flower crown. Sadly, as adults, we can’t really rock such an outfit on an average weekday – but your toddler can! Add a a pretty pair of ankle-strap shoes, and this gets our vote for outfit of the week.

123 Toddlers pink and grey dress 199.95; 123 Toddlers ankle-strap shoes 89.95


Styling: Rushana Burton; Photography: Melissa Cant


All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

The Drop: January’s new beauty products

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We’re here to let you know about the best beauty launches this month including MAC, Revlon and Dior!
The start of the new year is the perfect time to refresh your beauty arsenal. These new lust-worthy beauty drops are topping our list.

LANCÔME
La Nuit Trésor 50ml EDP 
1350
Rich and exotic, La Nuit Trésor is the house of Lancôme’s first ‘Gourmand Woody Floriental’ perfume. A bewitching scent, it opens with a burst of delicious raspberry interlaced with vanilla tahitensis orchid and enhanced by notes of damascena rose, giving the fragrance a deep and mysterious allure.

MAC 
Powder Kiss Lipstick 
250
Best known for its beloved matte lipsticks, MAC has now released a new lipstick formula called Powder Kiss. Designed to look more like a soft-focus stain, this weightless lipstick leaves your lips feeling moisturised while providing creamy, buildable colour.


EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
BENEFIT 
Vanity Flare Palette 
595 
If you’re looking for the perfect everyday neutral palette then consider Benefit’s latest launch, Vanity Flare. Featuring twelve shades in three finishes – soft matte, satin and shimmer – this portable and purse-friendly palette comes with the usual signature tips and tricks to make it easy to blend and build with these rich shades.


ELIZABETH ARDEN
Beautiful Color Bold Defining Felt-Tip Liquid Eyeliner 
285
The latest launch from Elizabeth Arden helps you create the perfect feline flick with ease. Intensely pigmented, the felt-tip liner allows you to draw both fine and bold lines with a single swipe. And perhaps best of all, the formula is quick drying, waterproof and smudgeproof.

REVLON
PhotoReady Color Correcting Pens 
199.99
A true magic wand, what sets Revlon’s colour correcting pens apart from the others is the 3D colour correcting pigments designed to work with your skin to neutralise imperfections instead of covering them up.

LANCÔME
Rose Sugar Scrub 
499
Infused with rose water, real sugar grains and honey, Lancôme’s latest exfoliator is so gentle it can be used on all skin types. Great for dissolving away impurities and removing dead skin cells, this delightful scrub leaves the skin looking smooth, plump and glowing. 

DIOR 
Capture Youth Intense Rescue Age-Defying Revitalizing Oil-Serum 
1685
Dior continues its Capture Youth journey by introducing a new intensive treatment, Intense Rescue Age-Defying Revitalizing Oil-Serum. Combining the power of a revitalising serum with the nourishment of oil, this hero product helps restore lipids and protect skin that is extremely dry or fatigued.


All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

MEN'S OFFICE-APPROVED SHOES

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Start off the new year with a fashionable bang, and brush up on your office style with our selection of office-approved shoes.
Any office environment has a dress code – whether that be casual, formal or business-casual. Not sure how far you can push the envelope when it comes to your shoe choices? We've done the work for you and paired various shoe options with office dress requirements, so you'll aways put your best foot forward.

DAPPER DUDE

The wingtip brogue
If the dress code of your office is business-casual, 'broguing it' is a safe decision, as it’s a shoe that looks more formal than it does casual. A wingtip is a brogue with decorative detailing on an extended toecap. Pair your chosen brogues with a suit or chinos for the best office-appropriate look.

Charter Club windowpane suit jacket 2199; Charter Club formal shirt 499.95; Guess link watch 1995

BADASS BOSS

The Chelsea boot
Sitting somewhere comfortably between smart and casual, the Chelsea boot adds a stylish glide to your stride. A sleek boot in a rich colour (try dark tan or black) pairs well with a sharp navy or black suit. This boot is easy to pull on thanks to the elasticated gusset on the inside, and its ankle height is flattering and edgy.

Charter Club windowpane check suit jacket 2199.95; Charter Club formal shirt 499.95; Charter Club windowpane check suit trouser 1199.95; Silicone-strap watch (part of set) 279.99; Laptop bag 1299; Anklets 59.95; Signature Chelsea boots 699

TAKKIES WELCOME

The sneaker
While your work may be relaxed in its dress code, there is still an unspoken rule regarding sneakers in the office. Because we wear our sneaks so often (being the most comfortable shoes known to man), they have the potential to look a little shabby. To avoid your sneakers bringing down your whole outfit, make sure they’re in tip-top shape – and clean! Sticking to neutral tones is also a good idea when donning sneaks at work.

Stone Harbour slim-fit denims 599.95; Jack Purcell Converse lace-up sneakers 899

SMARTY PANTS

The open-laced Oxford
The Oxford is every man's go-to shoe for when he wants to spruce up for a special event or for a day of meeting with clients. Its silhouette is sophisticated to say the least, and its aesthetic is clean and means business. An added bonus is that this shoe can walk you straight from the desk to a formal event straight after work. Play around with styling the shoe to avoid looking the same every day. A black leather pair goes nicely with a black or blue suit, for instance. 

D66 suit pants 499.95; Polka dot anklets 59.95; Signature Oxford lace-up shoes 799

THE FORWARD THINKER

The monk-strap brogue
For the man who’s non-traditional yet sophisticated, a pair of stylish monk-strap brogues will make an impact both to your outfit and (we like to think) in the boardroom. This shoe exudes a gentlemanly charm, while the metal hardware adds an edge to your overall look. If you pair a belt and a watch in matching shades to the shoes, your finished look will be perfectly polished. We approve!

Signature windowpane check print trouser 599.95; Bata double-strap formal shoe 999

 All items subject to availability. Prices may change.