news.com.au checkout: What we’re loving this week
TikTok users are raving about the cult buy that’s transformed their hair from “dry and brittle” to “soft and shiny” after just one use.
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No surprises here but we love online shopping.
With just a click of a button, you can get everything and anything delivered straight to your door. We love the convenience.
But when you shop for a living (yes, sorry we know our jobs are … hard), it takes something truly amazing to wow us. Only the best will do!
So when we find something we love, we want to shout about it. And that’s what we’re doing here.
As the end of year fast approaches, the news.com.au checkout team are in their reading eras devouring some great summer reads that you should definitely add to your lists. We’ve also been testing out plenty of beauty favourites – from hair buys to skincare to lippies – that you may want to add to your last minute Christmas wishlists.
From the hair mask that TikTok users praise for transforming their hair from dry and brittle to soft and shiny to the “perfect” white sneaker that goes with literally everything, here’s everything the news.com.au checkout team has been loving lately.
Happy shopping!
Pro Youth Hair & Scalp Mask, $49 at Coco & Eve
“Who doesn’t love a good hair mask? I’ve tried loads in the past, including Coco & Eve’s signature Like a Virgin Mask but I have to be honest – I think this one is so much better. The Pro Youth Hair & Scalp Mask is so incredibly hydrating and nourishing, the results are pretty much instant. It’s formulated with a honey blend (and this scent really shines through), as well as retinol and probiotics to fight signs of hair ageing. After using, my hair feels softer, stronger and I feel like my blonde highlights look more balanced. I am obsessed!” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
“After finally growing tired of buying overpriced breakfasts at the office, I found this handy Kilner mason jar on Amazon. It’s the perfect size for overnight oats or a granola + yoghurt concoction, it doesn’t leak in my bag, and it even comes with its own spoon and holder. It might sound silly, but buying it has made a big difference to my bank account (and my diet), as it makes preparing and transporting breakfast so much easier.” – Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
Stax Midi Biker Shorts Nandex, $74.95 at STAX.
“As a health and fitness, I’ve been wearing STAX. activewear since 2020. While I used to buy every collection like a madwoman, lately I’ve only been spending my coin on the stuff that really catches my eye. While I was gifted a set from the new SECONDLEFT SPORT collection, I have already ordered more colours because it is just that good. The fabric is buttery soft and works hard to hug my curves and make me look 10/10. They are super comfortable to wear for both weightlifting at the gym or while doing pilates. My favourite part? Apart from their seamless collections, this is the first time we’ve seen no front seam from STAX and I am so here for it. It is so flattering and I’ve been wearing these shorts non-stop lately.” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Pace Lifestyle Sneaker, $219.95 at Rollie Nation
“I find it extremely difficult to find shoes in my size and even more so, shoes I really want in my size. I have been on the search for a cute pair of white sneakers (as every millennial girl NEEDS a pair). These have been on my Christmas wishlist and now I finally own a pair! They are so comfortable and I absolutely love the pop of colour on the back. They are definitely a must have and are going to be my summer fashion staple and because I’ll be wearing them all summer … #girlmaths, they’re basically free.” – Madison Geros, Partnerships Manager – eCommerce
Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum, $119 at Sephora
“As an avid beauty writer, I’ve heard about this unique Korean serum for years but have never pulled the plug and tested it out myself. It’s unlike anything I’ve tried before but has surprisingly become a must-have in my skincare routine. It’s designed to prep your skin before the rest of your routine, helping the absorption of other products and overall increasing hydration and giving you the glass skin look. This truly does all that and more – I use it every morning and I’ve noticed a big difference in how my skincare applies and wears throughout the rest of the day. You seriously need to try it for yourself!” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Ultra Violette Sheen Screen SPF50 Lip Balm, $27 at Adore Beauty
“I’m calling it, SPF lippies are going to be the new thing in 2024. Because we can’t just be protecting our skin – we gotta take care of our lips too. I’ve tried a few different ones in the past but the new formulation from Ultra Violette is by far my favourite. Others I’ve tried in the past gave me a really gross aftertaste from the SPF but this one is lightly scented with peppermint, which I think is just genius. I am obsessed with how they feel on the lips – they’re super hydrating without feeling sticky. I’m currently using a few different shades but Choc Top is the one I really can’t stop reaching for. It’s a gorgeous brown that compliments my natural lip colour so well, and I think will suit a lot of other skin tones too.” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
BREAD Hair-Gel Curl Capturing Gloss, $48 at Sephora
“I have a bit of a natural wave in my hair when it’s wet, but left to its own devices, it looks a bit messy and unorganised when dry. So I’m always on the lookout for products that will enhance the curl and leave my hair looking ‘intentionally beachy’. This month, I had the opportunity to try Bread’s curl-capturing hair gel – and I love it! In an easy pump pack, you simply apply the gel to sections of hair when wet, give it a scrunch and it keeps a nice curl that doesn’t look like you just woke up! Definitely going to be my new best friend this summer.” – Susannah Hardy, Parenting Shopping Writer
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream Moisturizer, $69 at Sephora
“I feel like Fresh was such a big brand when I was a teenager and to be quite honest, I kind of forgot it existed. I recently rediscovered the Rose Deep Hydration Moisturiser and all I can say is wow. This is a really nice facial cream, it’s packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and rose extract to strengthen the skin barrier. The application process is super luxe, it blends in like an absolute dream and works so well with all my other skincare and makeup products. This is a must-try!” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
COS Chunky Buckled Leather Slides, $290 at THE ICONIC
“A new addition to my shoe collection, I can see myself wearing these almost every day this summer. Whether to work or out with friends, these slides are my new obsession. The chunky sole and moulded footbed ensure they’re super comfy while the buckled straps add just enough character to make them different to every other pair of black slides on the market right now.” – Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, $19.25 at Amazon
“We’ve officially reached the time of year where my brain goes to mush and I have to make the switch from harder-hitting novels to easy, summer reads. Most of TJ Klune’s books fit the bill here, but The House In The Cerulean Sea is an easy favourite. The story follows a case worker for the Department of Magical Youth as he’s sent to an orphanage where six ‘dangerous’ kiddos reside, including Lucy – a charming six-year-old who also happens to be the Antichrist. The story is heartwarming, the characters are loveable, and the whole thing feels like the equivalent of a big, warm hug.” – Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Technology Reporter
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano, $25.40 at Amazon
“A friend recommended this book to me and I must admit, it did take me a little while to get into it. But once I did, I absolutely devoured it. My friend called it a ‘love letter to sisters, families and libraries’ and she couldn’t be more right. If you love Little Womenthen this book is definitely for you. Like Little Women, it follows the story of four sisters over many decades. As someone with two sisters, it was scarily relatable at times and I laughed so much at their familiar antics. Fair warning, it’s definitely not lighthearted the whole time and I may have shed a tear or two. Overall, it was a slow read but so enjoyable.” – Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin, $12 at Amazon
“This month, I’ve been loving books. In particular, Laura Nowlin’s If He Had Been With Me, so much so I read it in a week! This is a teenage romance novel about two best friends and countless “what ifs?”. The story follows Autumn and Finn, whom she has known since birth, and her numerous high school dramas as she keeps the boy that she used to do everything with in the back of her mind. The opening chapter sets the story up for immediate tragedy, while still hoping that the characters’ blossoming love will prevail. This story is compelling, heartwarming, upsetting and funny, an easy read.” – Maggie Crowley, Work Experience Intern
Mobile Pixels Duex Lite, $499 at Amazon
“As someone who is accustomed to working with three screens my productivity tanks when I have to unplug and work solely on my laptop – which is why I’m loving the Mobile Pixels Duex Lite. It’s a monitor that attaches to the back of your laptop with magnets so you can have that second screen on the go. Yes, it’s a little heavy but you get used to it and I love how it can flip 180 degrees so you can do presentations even if you don’t have a big screen to connect to.” – Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
You Look Good Tour Tote, $19 at Glossier
“This small but mighty reusable Glossier tote bag has been my favourite bag to bring around for those post-work grocery shops and everything in-between. Not only is it incredibly cute and eye-catching but it isn’t flimsy nor is it paper thin. It’s very durable, spacious and sturdy enough to carry even the heaviest things. It comes with a little pouch for easy storing away too.” – Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
TARRAMARRA Women Honeycomb Insole Water Shoes, $45 (down from $85) at UGG Express
“Being a toddler mum I’m constantly finding myself chasing her at the pool and the beach on a myriad of different surfaces. She somehow doesn’t care how it feels on her feet but I do, so when I got offered to try UGG Express’ Tarramarra Honeycomb Insole Water Shoes I jumped at the chance. They’re made from a thin stretchy material which gives them a good snug fit and means they dry quickly in the sun. Once you adjust the tongue (it was a bit scratchy at first) they feel like nothing at all. Most importantly they have a good grippy sole that protects my feet from hot sand and rocks. I’ll definitely be wearing these throughout our summer adventures to do some kindness to my feet.” – Stephanie Yip, eCommerce Travel Writer
All For Paws Chill Out Dog Cool Mat, $69.99 at Petbarn
“With summer in full-swing, I’ve become very cautious about the heat and my two little Jack Russell terriers – Pomi and Terra, and keeping them cool during a hot summer day.
This All For Paws Chill Out Dog Cooling Mat has been great and is a complete must-have for pet parents. It features a cooling gel inner lining that keeps the mat cool to the touch and it’s very effective in providing cooling relief for my girls post-walk and in general.
We got the Large size (90 x 60cm) which works out well for them and we use it both indoors and outdoors.” – Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
Lexi & Me Bottle Crusher Pawsecco Rose, $12.97 at PetStock
“My dogs don’t do well with stuffed toys as they’re very rough and tend to rip the stuffing out – so they’ve been loving this bottle crusher toy in particular. It’s covered in a furry pink cover with a prosecco bottle design, and it has an empty water bottle inside as well as a squeaker. It’s a great toy that leaves me worry free as I don’t have to think about any mess or stuffing, and it’s reusable – all I need to do is replace the empty bottle with a new one. It’s great for keeping my dogs busy and it really stimulates them too.” – Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
All Day Christmas Santa Party Dog Dress Red, $19.99 at Petbarn
All Day Christmas Gingerbread Man Dog Costume Set, $39.99 at Petbarn
More Coverage
“If there’s one thing about Pomi and Terra, it’s that they love to get dressed up. No matter the occasion or where they go – you can bet that they’ll be looking their best on walks, park days and everything in-between. With Christmas in mind, Pomi has been loving her Gingerbread outfit and Terra has been loving her festive party for the holidays. Both pieces are soft and comfortable, breathable enough so that they don’t overheat and they don’t get in the way when they need to do their ‘business’. They’re the perfect little Christmas outfits that they’ll be rocking for the holiday season.” – Harriet Amurao, Shopping Writer
If you love a discount, make sure you stop by news.com.au Coupons. You’ll find impressive deals across categories from homewares to tech, on brands including THE ICONIC and Myer.
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