news.com.au checkout: What we’re loving this week
Complete your winter capsule wardrobe with this surprising fashion buy that’s said to be “worth every penny”.
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At news.com.au checkout, shopping isn’t just our job, it’s our passion. We can’t get enough of a good sale, plus if we love a product, we won’t stop raving about it.
Here we’ve rounded up all our favourite products that we’ve tried and tested lately — our top pick is the 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater from Uniqlo. Ringing up at $129.90 (but you can shop some colours right now for just $99.90), our fashion queen Philippa says it’s “pretty much identical” to a designer sweater that’s over 10 times the price.
Here’s everything else the news.com.au checkout team has been loving lately.
Happy shopping!
WHAT THE NEWS.COM.AU CHECKOUT TEAM IS LOVING THIS WEEK
100% Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater, $129.90 at Uniqlo
“I live in this Uniqlo jumper every winter. I’ve had it for two years now and it is the perfect winter capsule wardrobe piece. Unlike other big woolly knit jumpers, the Uniqlo one is lightweight and easy to layer under coats. But it still will keep you toasty warm because it’s made from 100 per cent cashmere. Cashmere is a premium material known for its lightweight, warm and ultra soft properties. But, it’s usually at a much more expensive price point. For example, this Saint Laurent cashmere jumper is $1980. It is pretty much identical to the Uniqlo one but is over 10 times the price. Trust me, when I say this is a buy that is absolutely worth every penny.” – Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Rum Raisin, $29.95 at Amazon Australia
“This is the lipstick you didn’t know you needed. I’m a nude / brown / neutral kind of lipstick lover so I was immediately drawn to the colour of ‘Rum Raisin’ but what I wasn’t expecting is the nourishing feeling it would leave on my lips. The texture feels like butter that’s been warmed up, it’s really balmy and just glides across your lips. I also love how pigmented the colour is – this particular shade is a perfect mix of brown with a hint of warm red. Now I can’t wait to try all the shades!” – Claudia Coy, Social Media Producer
Ouai Detox Shampoo, $58 at Sephora
”I’m all about scalp health, and as an avid user of dry shampoo, I’ve tried my fair share of detox shampoos. They’re a great way to cleanse the scalp before you go in with your normal shampoo. This one from Ouai has got to be my new favourite. Anything Jen Atkin touches is pretty golden, and this one is no exception.
The Detox Shampoo is formulated with apple cider vinegar to really cleanse the scalp, while the added keratin works hard to soften and smooth your hair, while also reducing shine. A little goes a long way – I find I can use it every time I wash my hair, and my hair doesn’t feel stripped or dry. My hair always feels super clean and I am obsessed!” – Marina Tatas, Shopping Writer
Kathmandu Epiq SE Hooded Down Jacket, $449.98 at The Iconic
“This winter has been absolutely brutal but this down hoodie has been an absolute saviour. It’s made from 600-fill power duck down which instantly warms you up and it’s water repellent, because this winter has also been a wet one. Now I’m usually quite hesitant in wearing puffer jackets (I’ll blame a childhood of growing up in the 90s for that) but the Epiq SE doesn’t feel super puffy and hugs you in all the right places. I love that it comes in an XXS for petite ladies who don’t like the oversized look (e.g. me!) and that it comes with a stuff sack for packing. Highly recommend – especially if you’re headed to the snows.” – Stephanie Yip, Travel Writer
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – Silver, $399 at The Good Guys
“Okay, this might be a bit of a sneak peek since they’re not officially out yet (psa: pre-orders are open now), but I’ve been trying out Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and I’m seriously impressed.
Samsung’s move with the Galaxy Buds is a bit cheeky, as they look a lot like Apple’s AirPods Pro. But honestly, that’s a good thing.
While the AirPods Pro were optimised for Apple and didn’t offer much for Android users, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are designed for Galaxy devices and have a similarly comfy fit. Plus, the audio and noise cancellation are great, and there’s some futuristic AI features that can help translate speech, which is pretty wild.” – Lauren Chaplin, Consumer Tech Writer
Volume + Peptide Mineral Mascara, $48 at Lust Minerals
“I am running about four different mascaras at the moment, between my handbag, car, makeup bag and work desk, but my new favourite is the Lust Minerals Volume + Peptide Mineral Mascara. Infused with a peptide, this mascara isn’t just sitting pretty. The cruelty free and vegan formula is actually designed to help boost lashes and contribute to the appearance of longer lashes in just a few months of wear. What I love about this mascara though, is just how beautifully it goes on- no clumpy, gooey eyelashes here. The product sits evenly between my lashes and the brush actually helps to separate the lashes, resulting in more natural-looking, feathered-out eyelashes that stay put all day long.” – Jessica Smith, Health & Wellnes Writer
Eight Sleep Pod 4, from $3999 at Eight Sleep
“I can’t believe me and Elon Musk have something in common, but we do, we both love the Eight Sleep Pod 4. Resembling a thick fitted sheet, the Pod 4, boasts state-of-the-art sensors in its $3,999 smart mattress cover. It can regulate your bed’s temperature, detect and prevent snoring, assess sleep quality without a wearable device, and wake you up with subtle temperature changes and vibrations, fulfilling the wish list of the sleep-deprived. Plus it’s clinically proven to provide up to one extra hour of sleep per night. It reads like a wish list compiled by the sleep-deprived – aka – me.
It’s so expensive, I know, but it is genuinely groundbreaking. Before the Pod 4 I was surviving on four hours of very interrupted sleep a night but this has changed that, now I am on 7.5 to 8 and it has changed my life – no exaggeration. Throughout winter it has been a treat getting into a warm bed every night and, as the bed vibrates and warms up to wake you up, I have been loving getting out of bed. I no longer have to wear my Apple watch for an early alarm (always found this so uncomfortable) so I don’t wake my partner. And, thanks to its reports on my sleep (98% accurate according to studies) I’ve mastered what I need to get a good night’s sleep. For me, that means a very warm bed continuously – which goes against usual expert advice of having a cool room – and replacing my screentime/revenge procrastination/doom scrolling with some stress management exercises (courtesy of the 8 Sleep app) right before bed to help me fall asleep quicker and increase my deep sleep. And – one of the best bits – my partner now actively tries to minimise the causes of his snoring thanks to the insights he gets from it. The Pod allows you to individual set you preferences for your side of the bed, so both of you get your best sleep every night. So yes, it is expensive, but much cheaper than a separation. Also, I’m heartened to add, it’s not just Elon who’s an early adopter of this sleep fit tech but also Mark Zuckerberg and Lewis Hamilton, while actor Kevin Hart is such a big fan that he invested in the company. Phew. There’ll be a full, in-depth review from me coming soon.” – Kara Byers, eCommerce Content Lead
Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum, $108 at Jurlique
“Aside from the Eight Sleep Pod 4, the other things that’s been getting me through this cold-as winter is Jurlique’s Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum, $108. I have a very attractive habit of getting red, dry, patchy skin on my face when the weather gets colder and the start of this winter was no exception, then I discovered this light but luxe face oil and serum hybrid that’s made my parched, dull and roughish skin glow again. It’s also not caused a break out – a hitherto unknown phenomenon when trying face oils and serums. It smells gorgeous and feels luxe to apply yet it sinks in well with no tackiness, residue or transfer.
And, in the spirit of underconsumption core, I have used every single last drop of this stuff. Even foregoing the dropper and banging the bottle against my palm. I rate it that highly.” – Kara Byers, eCommerce Content Lead
Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Balancing Emulsion, $72 at Sephora
”I am a huge fan of anything rose scented or flavoured, so when cult beauty brand Fresh released a rose-themed range, I was very happy. Out of the whole range, I have been loving the Deep Hydration Balancing Emulsion. This is such a light, creamy lotion that I love to apply at night after my serums, and before my thicker night-time moisturiser. The rose scent is an entire joy in itself, and makes the small process of applying the moisturiser so soothing and lush. This recent release contains strengthening damask rose extract; hyaluronic acid for a huge burst of hydration; soothing yarrow extract and balancing rose oil for a soothing and sweet-smelling effect. This weightless lotion is like a huge lug of water for the skin, while bonus ingredients aim to even out pores and soften the skin. Huge fan!” – Jessica Smith, Health & Wellnes Writer
Ralph Lauren Fragrance Polo 67 Eau De Toilette, from $137 at Myer
”I’ve been wearing this Polo 67 fragrance from Ralph Lauren for a few weeks now and I’m really impressed with this product. The ‘Polo 67’ is a nod to Ralph Lauren’s founding year of 1967 and the bottle is a really nice size and shape, coming in either a 125ml or smaller 75ml. While the cologne is woody and fruity, with top notes of Bermagot essence, Bergamot Essence, Pineapple Accord, Lavandin Heart, and it feels light and fresh, and is not too overpowering. It’s perfect for a sunny winter’s day as we all start planning to move into some warmer Spring weather within the next 8 weeks. An excellent choice or a perfect gift (keeping in mind we’re not far off from Father’s Day too).” – Troy Nankervis, Shopping Writer
Sumanurica Purifying Enzyme Cleansing Balm, $109 at Myer
“This new cleansing balm from luxe skincare brand Suma Nurica has made me twice as excited for my nightly shower. A soft balm, one small scoop of this is designed to be used for the first cleanse of your face to remove dirt, oil, makeup and SPF- all while richly nourishing the skin. The product has a handy little spoon that magnetises to the lid (so no worries about losing it in the shower), that can be used to scoop out a tiny amount of the balm and apply it to your dry face. With dry hands, you can bask in the lush feeling of rubbing the soft, soothing balm all over your face and neck, melting off makeup and even eye makeup, before adding some water to emulsify the balm and cleanse again before washing off. I love that this feels like a double cleanse in one (though I do follow with my Lust Minerals Superfood Gel Cleanser afterwards), and makes the skin feel so clean, without being dried out or tight.” – Jessica Smith, Health & Wellnes Writer
Benefit Deep Retreat Pore Clearing Clay Mask, $62 at Myer
“I’ve always been self conscious about my pores. Riddled with blackheads and whiteheads I’ve used a ton of products in my day to make me feel less conscious about them. Recently I got my hands on Benefit’s Deep Retreat Pore Clearing Clay Mask and it’s made me feel so much cleaner. You only need a small bit for a full face mask and as it works its magic you can see dots appear as oils are drawn out. So satisfying. It says to leave it on for 30 minutes but I find it dries much faster than that and it’s easy to wash off and doesn’t stain. A bunch of “power ingredients” are packed into it, including kaolin clay and sea fennel extract, and there is a strange smell to it – but it’s not overpowering or off-putting like other clay and mud masks I’ve used before. I’m a fan – and so are my pores.” – Stephanie Yip, Travel Writer
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