You’ve no doubt heard that hyaluronic acid offers big beauty pay-offs, but you may be unsure as to what it is and how it works. If so, you’re in the right place. We shed some light on the mega moisturising ingredient that holds the key to smooth, flawless and hydrated skin.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) might sound scary but don’t be put off by the name; it’s not an exfoliator or a peel as one might assume; rather it’s a natural and powerful moisture-binding substance that delivers gentle hydration where your skin needs it most. HA can hold up to 1 000 times its weight in water, so it delivers hydration to skin and helps skin retain moisture levels, delaying the visible signs of ageing.

WHY YOU NEED HA

HA is produced by the body naturally in a bid to maintain moisture levels, but just like collagen and elastin, the amount of naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in our bodies decreases as we age. As a result, cell turnover becomes sluggish and lines, wrinkles and rough texture make their debut. Supplementing your natural hyaluronic acid levels with topical treatments is key to maintaining a gorgeous, plumped-up complexion.

WHO IS HA BEST SUITED TO?

HA is super gentle, and it’s suitable for all skin types. For those with dry skin, it has the power to deeply hydrate and bind moisture to cells, while its light texture makes it just as effective for helping to rebalance oily skin. It’s essential for mature skins, as loss of moisture is one of the biggest contributors to premature ageing.

HOW TO USE HA

Using beauty products containing HA is the easiest way to top up on this skin-loving ingredient, and because it’s so gentle it can easily be paired with the peels, retinols, vitamins, and other acids you may already be using. HA is best applied every morning and evening after cleansing. This will give it the opportunity to penetrate deeply into your skin, and allow it to draw in further moisture from the products you layer on top of it.

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These powerful duos might be from different beauty houses but together they create the perfect canvas. 

Foundations and concealers are considered to be two of the most important staples in your make-up bag. A concealer sleekly accentuates a foundation's consistency, finish and coverage. Beauty houses usually match their concealers to a foundation, but that doesn’t always work in your favour. Here, we pair different brands together for a truly flawless finish.

1.

In need of light-to-medium matte foundation but have dark circles that need extra coverage and a boost of radiance? This clever combo is for you.

Estée lauder Double Wear Light Soft Matte Hydra Makeup SPF 10 600
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EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Givenchy Everwear Concealer 590

2.

EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Inglot All Covered Face Foundation 499
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EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Benefit Boi-ing Brightening Concealer 325
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3.

EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Kelso Beauty Liquid Foundation SPF 15 249.95
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Lottie Got It Covered Sponge Applicator Concealer 85
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4.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear 24H Wear & Comfort Retouch Free SPF 15 550
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Smashbox Studio Skin Flawless 24 Hour Waterproof Concealer 405
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5.

Revlon Photoready Candid Natural Finish Anti-Pollution Foundation 129.99
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Clinique Beyond Perfecting Super Concealer + 24-Hour Wear 335
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6.

Mac Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 485
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Clarins Instant Concealer 370
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7.

Chanel Ultra Le Teint Ultrawear All-Day Comfort Flawless Finish Foundation 925
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EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Dior Diorskin Forever Undercover 800

8.

EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Black Up Full Coverage Cream Foundation 530
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Elizabeth Arden Stroke of Perfection Concealer 299
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9.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation SPF 15 1195
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EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Luminous Concealer 605

10.

EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS
Sisley Phyto Teint Éclat 1528
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Sensai Highlighting Concealer 780

Accessories are often an afterthought, yet they’re one of the easiest ways to take your look from drab to fab in seconds. These celebs prove just how powerful accessories can be.
Written by Candice Bresler

1. The beret

A hat makes enough of a statement as is, so look for tones that you can wear with a number of outfits this season and allow the shape to speak for itself. From beret to bowler, cowboy to chupalla, we’re totally committed to making the Little Black Hat (LBH?) a thing this winter. Who’s with us?

Beret 199.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU blazer 449.95; Free 2BU neon slogan T-shirt 99.95; Free 2BU cycle shorts 179.95; marble earrings (set of 3) 79.95; Steve Madden sporty strappy heels 1399

2. The belt bag

It’s the ’90s bum bag made cool. Yes, it’s the perfect size for stashing your sunglasses and phone, but can we take a moment for the waist-cinching capabilities of this season’s humble belt bag? Turn a simple little shift dress into a figure-hugging showstopper with what is arguably the most practical gem winter’s offering us this year. Just sling it across your chest for off-duty-model cool.

Free 2BU neon printed dress 199.95; Free 2BU quilted belt bag 299.95; circle earrings 99.95; Free 2BU dad sneakers 349.95

3. All the jewellery

Calling all magpies! It’s official: more is more this season. Layer, hang, shine and sparkle your way to a winter that glitters and gleams. We’re not above practicality here, and getting a necklace caught in your knitted turtle neck isn’t a look. So, leave the pile of chains for the days you aren’t wearing your Lenny Kravitz-style scarf, and opt for bracelets or statement studs instead.

Free 2BU denim jacket 499.95 SHOP NOW; Free 2BU sports bra 79.95; Free 2BU side-stripe leggings 179.95; Free 2BU layered necklace with earrings set 99.95; thick swirl-hoop earrings 59.95; Free 2BU dad sneakers 349.95

4. Co-ordinated belt and bag

We’re not hating on being matchy-matchy here. Bring the look from 1950s Vogue and Chanel, and add a modern twist with a touch of silver or snakeskin to prevent your outfit from looking as though it was stolen from your granny’s closet. This is also not the time to pull out your power suit or pencil skirt – contrast your A+ taste in accessories with a more laid-back look – distressed denim and a simple tee is what we’re after here.

Free 2BU neon long sleeved top 159.95; Free 2BU painted denim jeans and belt 320; marble earrings (set of 3) R79.95; Free 2BU quilted mini shoulder bag 399.95; Free 2BU pointed-toe heels 299.95 SHOP NOW

Fashion editor: Brittany Penebre. Junior fashion editor: Rushana Burton. Photography: André/Pixel Lounge. Getty Images


All items subject to availability. Prices may change.

A targeted skincare regimen can make the world of difference when it comes to boosting your complexion and looking more fresh and alert. These are the must-have products that will kick-start your journey to becoming impeccably groomed… with minimal effort.

1. A FUNCTIONAL FACE WASH

A targeted face wash is the cornerstone of any solid skincare routine – it’s like a reset button for your face, refreshing your complexion by removing impurities that build up on the skin’s surface every day and night. Select the ideal formula by considering your skin’s needs: those with an oily complexion will benefit from a cleanser that eliminates excess oil and unclogs pores, while those with flaky, tight facial skin should opt for a gentle cleanser with moisturising properties. A cleanser and exfoliator hybrid is also a great option for a truly clean and smooth finish. This one-step product purges dirt and oil like a face cleanser, while gently scrubbing away dead cells like an exfoliator, to reveal the fresh skin beneath.

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2. MOISTURISER WITH SPF

Moisturiser is the star of the show when it comes to firming, hydrating and energising your skin. It leaves skin feeling smooth and supple, and helps soften fine lines, deep wrinkles, and other visible signs of ageing. Make sure to select one that contains an SPF to protect your skin from cancer, wrinkles, sunspots and other deleterious effects of sun exposure.

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3. THE MULTI-PURPOSE SHAVING TREATMENT

A targeted shaving product is key for a comfortable, top-quality shaving experience. Look out for an all-in-one cream or balm that serves as a pre-shave treatment, shave cream and aftershave, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of all these products without any additional steps.

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4. A SIGNATURE SCENT

An irresistible fragrance is an effortless way to add to your appeal and leave a lasting impression, without changing your look. Find one or two classic scents you really like, and try before you buy – each spray reacts differently with your unique body chemistry, so it’s a good idea to determine whether it really suits you before you commit. Typically woody, spicy or oriental scents are a good fit for the winter months, while lighter, citrusy scents work best in spring and summer.

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5. A NOURISHING LIP BALM

Having dry, cracked lips is never a good look and because the skin on your lips is thinner than it is on the rest of your body it’s even more prone dryness and cracking hence why applying a  nourishing lip balm regularly is key. Look out for balms with nourishing oils like sunflower, castor, or tea tree, and skin-smoothing butters like cocoa or shea as these will leave your lips looking soft and smooth.

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When it comes to iconic scents, fragrances such as Chanel No. 5, Guerlain Shalimar, Dior Hypnotic Poison and Yves Saint Laurent Opium likely spring to mind – as they should. These scents have stood the test of time and are as relevant now as they were when they were first launched. While their iconic status is not in question, there is a new wave of fragrances set to become future classics and perhaps your new signature scent...
Givenchy L’Interdit 50ml EDP 1540

A tribute to the original L’Interdit released in 1957, this updated version blends heady white florals like tuberose and jasmine with enticing woody notes. A unique pairing, it’s the strong contrast of these notes that results in an elegant composition that will definitely turn heads.

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Gucci Bloom Nettare Di Fiori 50ml EDP Intense 1635

Nettare Di Fiori, the most sensual scent from the Gucci Bloom series, is an intensely feminine fragrance that celebrates the intimate and authentic character of a woman. This full-bodied fragrance has all the makings of a classic, with the expert layering of rose, osmanthus florals, jasmine, rangoon creeper and tuberose notes creating a delightful floral bouquet that’s destined to leave a legacy.

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Dior Joy 50ml EDP 1715

The last time the house of Dior launched a major fragrance pillar was in 1999, so we’re particularly excited about their latest offering, Joy. You'll know right off the bat that it's a Dior perfume by the gorgeous notes of Grasse rose and jasmine, but it’s the zesty bergamot and mandarin that gives it a youthful appeal that's sure to bring you much joy for years to come.
Calvin Klein Women 50ml EDP 1180

The breathtakingly beautiful bottle alone indicates that this new fragrance from Calvin Klein is no ordinary scent. Described as a woody floral, this new aroma blends fresh eucalyptus acorns and delicate orange flower petals with rich Alaskan cedarwood, for a scent as beautifully diverse as the women who inspire it.

Chloe Nomade 50ml EDP 1475

The new Nomade draws on the Chloe girl’s desire for adventure and freedom. Featuring a mix of natural oak moss, Mirabelle plum and freesia notes, the fragrance has an intense finish – perfect for the woman in search of a signature scent to suit her free-spirited personality.

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Tom Ford F***ing Fabulous 50ml EDP 3715

With a host of fragrances under his belt – many of them already gaining cult status – it’s this particular scent from Tom Ford that we believe will stand the test of time. The name alone is enough to pique your interest, but it's the heady blend of vanilla, clary sage and bitter almond that makes this such a memorable fragrance.

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Dolce & Gabbana The Only One 50ml EDP 1545

A luxurious scent that was born to stand out, The Only One is best described as a bold floriental thanks to the juicy pairing of bergamot and violet flowers – a rare combination that gives an opulent edge to the addictive scent.

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Twilly d’Hermès 50ml EDP 1620

Named after the slender silk accessory that women often wrap around their wrists, hair or bag handles, Twilly d’Hermès is not your average French perfume. A joyous mix of tuberose, ginger and sandalwood, the first spritz is spicy, heady and feminine, but as it dries the scent takes on a more milky, powdery and dreamy quality, making it an unconventional yet sensuous fragrance that's easy to wear, but still makes a bold statement.


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