A new mascara from Anastasia Beverly Hills promises volume, length, and a matte finish. We checked whether it lives up to the promise. The answer: Partially. The tapered brush really does a good job – it reaches the shorter lashes, separates without clumps, and creates a defined look. The matte finish is nice and not heavy. But 350% volume? The volume is there, but it is not more dramatic than other good mascaras in the category. As for durability throughout the day – excellent, with no flaking.
Price: NIS 125
The brand Remington, considered the best-selling hair straightener brand in Israel, is launching a new series, AIRvive, based on the idea of combining ceramic plates with active airflow. We tested the wide straightener and the hair styler in model AS8930 on different hair types, and found an upgrade: Frizz was significantly reduced, the look is shinier, and the hair feels soft. The model we tested stands out especially thanks to its wet-hair mode – straightening hair straight out of the shower without waiting for it to dry is a real change in routine. The more basic model, S8930, offers the same technology at a more accessible price and is suitable for those who do not need the wet-hair mode. Both series come with a six-year warranty.
Price: NIS 499–599
Alpro by Strauss is adding a distinctly Israeli twist to its cold soy drink series: A soy drink with sahlep flavor. We tried it both cold and hot, and preferred it hot – the flavor develops better that way, mildly sweet with a familiar aroma. Cold, it is less exciting and a bit thin. The texture overall is light and not as heavy as real sahlep – which may suit those who like the flavor but not the traditional thickness.
Price: NIS 9.90–15.90
An electric blow-dry brush that dries, combs, and straightens in one action – the idea is familiar, but BeautiCare offers it at a laughably low price. We tested it on medium-to-thick hair and the overall feeling was good: The 360-degree rotating cord is a real upgrade, and the ceramic coating makes the straightening gentler. Drying is slower than with a regular hair dryer, and thicker hair will require patience. Frizz was reduced, but the straightening effect is not dramatic. On fine to medium hair it does a respectable job. Someone with thick hair and no expectations of professional-level results will not be disappointed.
Price: NIS 99.90
The Dubai chocolate trend is already everywhere, and now Achva is trying to harness it for local halva – with “Halva Delights,” a limited edition in two flavors: Chocolate with pistachio cream, and vanilla with pistachio cream. There is something real here: The texture melts in the mouth, the pistachio is not symbolic but noticeably present, and the combination with the halva works better than we expected. It does not compete with real Dubai chocolate, but it does not really try to – it is simply good halva dressed up. A limited edition until Passover, and at this price it is worth trying before it disappears.
Price: NIS 21–25
The Crêma Men series is being refreshed with four hair products for men: A strengthening shampoo, an anti-dandruff shampoo, a shampoo for curls, and a conditioner, all containing keratin as a key ingredient. We tested them, and most of the promises hold true: The strengthening shampoo cleans well and leaves the hair feeling less brittle, the anti-dandruff shampoo does the job without drying the scalp, and the conditioner stands out – combing the hair becomes easier from the very first use. The sulfate- and sodium-chloride-free formula is noticeable in the washing experience. One small drawback: The bottle is not especially convenient to squeeze.
Price: NIS 30
“Chop Stick” is a new Asian series arriving in Israel from Egoz HaKfar, and it shows that someone really did their homework. We tested several products from the series, and what pleasantly surprised us was the sweet chili sauce: Less sweet and more chili-forward than the usual familiar versions, with a taste closer to the original. The brand’s noodles are of good quality and hold up well in stir-frying without falling apart. The teriyaki sauce is good, though not exceptional. Prices are accessible and justify giving it a try.
Price: NIS 4.80–27
Danone PRO Layers takes an interesting step in the protein yogurt category by adding a layer of fruit on top of the yogurt. We tasted both flavors, mango and berries, and were pleasantly surprised: The fruit layer is not overly sweet, and the yogurt itself is thick and decent. Twenty grams of protein in a cup speaks for itself, and 120 calories is quite low for such a treat. The problem? The fruit layer is very thin compared to what the packaging suggests – after a few spoonfuls it almost disappears. But as an everyday protein yogurt that feels less “diet-like,” it works.
Price: NIS 5–7.90