YOUR EX fashion guru, Angus McDougall, explains why ceramides and stunning scents are his September reset.
Fresh off the whirlwind of New Zealand Fashion Week, my skin is telling me it needs a breather. Late nights, full glam, and back-to-back shows take their toll, so September feels like the perfect time to reset. Over the next few months, I’ll be spotlighting specific skincare heroes – the ingredients and innovations that make a real difference. This month, it’s all about ceramides: the quiet achievers that help my tired skin bounce back.
These naturally occurring lipids are like the glue that holds our skin barrier together, sealing in moisture and protecting against environmental stressors. Think of them as the brick-and-mortar of your complexion – without them, skin can feel dry, sensitive, or prone to irritation.
Ceramides are especially helpful if you’ve over-exfoliated, been through seasonal changes, or undergone treatments that compromise the barrier, like peels or lasers. They work by restoring that essential layer of defence, bringing back balance and hydration. What I love most is how versatile they are – you’ll find them in creams, serums, and even body products, making them easy to slot into your routine.
Here are a few ceramide heroes I personally love and recommend:
Skinsmiths B12 Ceramide Cream – $90, available at Caci clinics or caci.co.nz
This ultra-rich cream is my go-to for soothing, hydrating, and restoring my skin barrier. I use it all the time, but it really shines after my CO₂ laser treatments at Caci, when my skin needs extra comfort and repair. It’s the perfect security blanket for stressed skin.
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Light Ceramide Capsules (60pc) – $180, available at Mecca
These tiny capsules are genius. Each night after toning, I twist one open and smooth the serum across my face and neck before layering my retinol treatment. One little capsule covers everything. The formula nourishes, refines, and strengthens my skin so effortlessly – it’s barrier fortification in its chicest form.
While ceramides are my focus this month, I’ve also been enjoying some new-release fragrances – stimulating scents that have me skipping into spring.
Jo Malone London Raspberry Ripple Cologne – $296, available at Farmers
I wasn’t expecting to fall for a sweet fragrance, but Raspberry Ripple completely got me. It’s playful and light, with that creamy raspberry note that instantly puts me in a good mood. It smells like summer holidays, ice cream cones and sunshine, but still feels grown-up thanks to the soft musk underneath.
Versace Eros Najim – $263, available at Farmers
There’s something about Eros Najim that feels like golden hour bottled. Inspired by the glow of Middle Eastern dunes, it opens with a zesty hit of yellow mandarin before settling into a hypnotic blend of oud, incense, caramel and cardamom. It’s warm, powerful, and utterly transportive – like wrapping yourself in silk after sunset.
Versace Eau Fraîche Extreme – $212, available at Life Pharmacy
Fresh, but make it extrême. Nearly 20 years after the original Eau Fraîche redefined crisp sophistication, Versace returns with a bolder take. Think zingy lemon, pepper and lavender softened by musk and Ambrox – like a sea breeze laced with spice. It’s sharp, modern, and made for men who own every room they walk into.
