YOUR EX’s Fashion Guru, Angus McDougall, offers tips and selects products for looking your best.
For those who find joy in makeup—whether it’s a daily ritual or reserved for special occasions—beauty is a powerful way to express individuality and confidence. To me, beauty isn’t about looks; it’s about the rituals of care and creativity that let us feel our best. It’s in the art of skincare, makeup products, and practices that enhance—rather than define—who we are.
As someone with a deep love for fashion and an enduring passion for the beauty industry, I’ve spent years testing and exploring what helps me feel polished, vibrant, and ready to take on the world. With February bringing the height of summer to Tāmaki Makaurau, and Pride celebrations beginning here before spreading across the country in March, now is the perfect time to refine your beauty routine to match the energy of the season.
This is my summer beauty guide, featuring trusted products and rituals designed to keep you fresh, radiant, and effortlessly confident throughout Pride. Because beauty, like Pride, is about celebrating who you are—boldly and unapologetically.
Skin Prep: The Foundation of Every Look
Manicare Salon Magnifying Pore Vacuum
Let’s face it—no one wants clogged pores during summer. This rechargeable extraction device is an absolute game-changer. Using vacuum suction to remove debris, it’s like giving your skin a deep cleanse at home.
Each kit includes four nozzles tailored for different skin types and needs.
💰 Price: $89.99
🛍 Where to buy: Life Pharmacy, Chemist Warehouse, and manicare.co.nz
Boost Lab Essential Collagen Boosters
If your skin needs a glow-up before a big event, these little pearls of joy are my go-to. Designed for a 7-day intensive treatment, they’re the modern, mess-free answer to sheet masks. Each pearl is freeze-dried collagen magic that melts beautifully when mixed with your serum.
💡 My tip: I combine one pearl with the Boost Lab 2D-Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum for that extra hydration kick. After using them for a week, my skin felt like velvet—so soft, smooth, and radiant. Perfect prep for any Pride party!
💰 Price: $39.95
🛍 Where to buy: boostlabco.com & Farmers
MAC Hyper Real Serumizer Eye Treatment
This is my new secret weapon for tired eyes—it brightens while improving the overall luminosity of the delicate eye area. After a few weeks, I’ve noticed a visible difference in how refreshed I look—even after many social engagements.
💰 Price: $109.00
🛍 Where to buy: maccosmetics.co.nz or MAC Freestanding Stores
Moisturise & SPF: Save Smart or Splurge Big—What’s Your Pick?
SAVE
Bondi Sands Vitamin C Moisturiser
Known for their iconic tanning range, Bondi Sands has nailed summer skincare too. This lightweight, vitamin C-packed moisturiser keeps skin hydrated and bright all day. It’s perfect for layering under SPF and makeup.
💰 Price: $21.49
🛍 Where to buy: Chemist Warehouse
Boost Lab Goody Goody Sun Drops SPF 50+
These drops are lightweight, non-greasy, and blend effortlessly into my skin. I love that they act like a serum, so they work seamlessly with the rest of my routine.
💰 Price: $44.95
🛍 Where to buy: boostlabco.com & Farmers
SPLURGE
Murad Cellular Hydration Barrier Repair Cream
When my skin feels extra dry or irritated, I reach for this luxurious cream. Packed with omegas and bilberry extract, it nourishes and repairs the skin barrier. This has been my summer staple—day and night. I apply it after my serums and before sunscreen, and the hydration lasts all day long.
💰 Price: $159
🛍 Where to buy: caci.co.nz
Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30
This is a vitamin C powerhouse. It brightens, protects, and hydrates while shielding your skin from harmful UV rays. It’s perfect for daily wear and gives my skin a healthy, radiant finish.
💰 Price: $148
🛍 Where to buy: Caci Clinic
Time to Glam It Up
Face: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
This long-wearing, full-coverage foundation is a beauty-world favourite. It’s lightweight, doesn’t feel cakey, and stays flawless through summer heat and Pride festivities.
💡 Tip: For a more sheer look, add some primer to the product and mix!
💰 Price: $89.00
🛍 Where to buy: Farmers
Eyes & Lips: MAC Nudes Collection
MAC’s nude collection is a dream for everyone. With shades designed to suit every skin tone, these eyeshadow palettes and lipsticks are perfect for natural or bold looks.
💰 Prices:
💄 MAC Board Eye Shadow Palette: $98.00
💄 MACXIMAL Sleek Satin Lipstick: $46.00
🛍 Where to buy: maccosmetics.co.nz or MAC Freestanding Stores
Lashes: Ardell Naked Press-On Lash Extensions
I’m not one for fiddly lash glue, so these press-on extensions are a lifesaver. With 30 clusters in three lengths, they let you customise your look with ease—from full glam to subtle flicks.
💰 Price: $39.99
🛍 Where to buy: Chemist Warehouse & Farmers
Finishing Touch: Fragrance & Glow
Fragrance: Jo Malone London Taif Rose
With notes of coffee, amber, and rose, this scent is bold yet elegant. Suitable for all genders.
💰 Price: $266 (50ml)
🛍 Where to buy: Jo Malone London stores or Farmers
Body Glow: Spray Tanning at Tan-in-the-City
Quote YOUR EX for $5 off throughout February and March!
💰 Prices: Starting at $40.00
📍 Where to book: taninthecity.co.nz
Once the Party Is Over: Makeup Removal
Clinique Take the Day Off Balm + btylab 2-in-1 Sonic Facial Cleanser
💰 Prices:
🧴 Clinique Balm: $88.00
🧼 btylab Cleanser: $49.00
🛍 Where to buy: clinique.co.nz & btylab.co
