We’re regularly sent items and news from brands hoping to catch our (and your) attention. Some we’re happy to shout about; others, not so much. Many are fresh launches, others are cult classics worth coming back to. So, we’re sharing more of what crosses our desks, inboxes and feeds.
Some of these products or services may have been gifted, but the opinions are all ours – and we think are worth your time (and money).
ELS Lovers heatpack, $108 (8-panel)
Sore tummy girlies rejoice, because this very cute, very Ensemble-coded heatpack is here to help. The creation of Ella, who has lived with endometriosis and related chronic pain before devising a way to help ease it, these packs are made for both comfort, and to be gentle on the environment. Hence they are made to order and feature adorable bows rather than velcro.
We’ve found it helps relieve both menstrual/endometriosis related cramps, and IBS. Plus it’s like a super cosy BFF you can attach to through the day. Admittedly, we work from home, but we encourage normalising wearing these cute heat packs in public – and talking about the hidden pain they help relieve.
Nancy Jill rain hood, $150
A lovely reader alerted us to these genius creations from Wellington-based Nancy Ruck: cool, locally made versions of those clear rain bonnets (that Rebecca once purchased for the Ensemble team). We often lament the lack of practical and stylish rainwear in this country, so were immediately charmed by this update on the granny classic. Made from waterproof nylon, fully-lined and with key seams sealed with waterproof tape, the clever hoods have versatile ties (tie it in a bow!) and come with a carry pouch that you can attach to your bag. There are navy, olive and black options.
Aleph Lift/Lengthen Mascara, $68
Aotearoa’s only B Corp-certified makeup brand, Aleph’s newly reformulated mascara promises to both lengthen your lashes, and care for their long term health. This is through the elimination of microplastics, endocrine disruptors, synthetic fillers and the likes, and the addition of ingredients such as plant waxes and a ‘lash-enhancing complex’ of organic mung bean and clover sprout extracts. All of this sounds admittedly great. But the main question is, does it perform? We’ve been wearing it and it does – a dark black, lasts all day and is easy to apply – plus it has chic, heavy glass packaging.
Fujifilm X Half camera, $1449
A great, easy to use introductory camera that has the best of new and old technology - plus it looks like an old-school camera. We asked a photographer friend who knows about things like this, and they said that it’s a light, easy and very fun camera to use, as it feels like a disposable camera – set it to ‘film’ mode and shoot 36 photos, but you can’t see what they look like until you ‘develop’ them on your phone (it pairs with an app, so it’s easy to save them to your phone coz that’s really where you want them, right?).
Important to note that it shoots in portrait mode – like you would with your phone – rather than the traditional horizontal of other cameras. You can also play with retro-style filters like light leaks and time stamps. To quote our clever friend: “Film simulations from Fujifilm are always a delight – colours are beautiful and emulate film really nice.” If you want a more traditional single-use film camera to capture your candids, Fujifilm also has the classic QuickSnap which comes pre-loaded with film and 27 shots.
Adidas Originals Superstar sneakers, $190
If you’re of a certain age, you absolutely went through a Superstar phase (Zoe had hers at Uni). The classic style is what we immediately picture when we think ‘adidas sneaker’ – sorry Sambas and SL72s (though we love those too). We went along to an event spotlighting the sneakers and the new campaign, featuring THE Superstar sneaker icon Missy Elliot and others, and were happily reminded of its shell-toed charms. Honestly, they do feel big compared to the slimline silhouettes we’ve been used to lately but they’re so comfortable, and look cool.
King’s Bees MGO 600+ Mānuka Honey, $70
How good is honey? On toast, in tea or smoothies, Mānuka as a face mask, just a simple spoonful of it… We can’t get enough, especially at this time of year, so were excited to see this new small-batch honey brand land on our desk – launched by East Coast-based beekeepers Cate and Mike King, who were behind Pauariki Honey. This new brand is fully traceable and has fun branding, offering bush and coastal multiflora honey and divine monofloral Mānuka (MGO 100+, 300+ and 600+). We’ve tried the extra-rich and thick 600+ and the crisp and salty Coast honey and can confirm both are delicious. We’re also super impressed by the 3.7kg jar.
Tronque Triple Active Body Milk, $120
As longtime fans of Tronque’s Firming Butter we were extremely excited to hear of this new body lotion from the local company that’s now sold across the US in desirable stockists like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus. The Active Body Milk, with active ingredients like green tea and curry life, is lightweight to apply and easily absorbed into skin leaving it hydrated and without a residue. It is lighter than our beloved Firming Butter (which is a real thirst quencher, we can be needy!), making it suitable for all skin types.
Jasmin Sparrow in residence Deadly Ponies
We know that jewellery designer Jasmin Scott has a wonderful eye for vintage, so we were excited to hear that she was opening a spot within Deadly Ponies’ Mackelvie Street store. She’ll be offering her signature statement jewellery alongside vintage objects that she’s collected over the years – like hair accessories, belts and more. You know what we love most about this? It’s designers working with and supporting other designers.
M·A·C Cosmetics Hyper Real Serumizer Eye, $109
Long loved for their iconic cosmetics (shoutout to everyone who’s ever owned a lip liner in Spice), MAC has recently dipped their toes into skincare with their Hyper Real line. This eye cream, with Japanese peony extract, vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, has been perfect for some TLC after hours of screen time in the dark.
AF Drinks mango margarita, $45 for 12
We love a margarita but have also been riding the sober curious wave for a while, so the just-launched new flavour from AF Drinks came at the right time. It was clearly released for the Northern Hemisphere summer rather than Aotearoa’s gloomy winter, but sipping the tropical mocktail helped remind us of (sober) fun in the sun.
