Israel is opening back up: What to go out and buy

Summer is not the best season for one’s hair. The swimming pool’s water and the sea as well as the sun can damage the hair extensively and the results are split ends and more breakable hair fibers. L’Oréal professional launched Pro Longer, a new line that promises to help even long hair stay healthier longer. The line includes shampoo, mask and a completely new item – Ends Filler, that helps prevent split ends and protect the hair from heat. The new patent-protected formula is made out of two active ingredients – filloxane and Polyquanternium PQ6, both known for targeting breakable areas along the hair fiber and helping hair stay thicker and stronger. Results can be seen from the first use. Prices range from NIS 141 for the shampoo to NIS 209 for the mask and NIS 90 for three 15-ml. filler ampoules. Available in professional hair salons or call 1-800-301-666.

No one does flip-flops like Havaianas, the famed Brazilian brand. This year the new trends include many special editions for the whole family, so get fashionable with a couple of new pairs – after all, nothing suits the hot and sweaty Israeli summer better than flipflops. Prices range between NIS 50 and NIS 140. And while at it, take a look at their sunglasses collection. www.havaianas.co.il

After suffering from Seborrheic dermatitis and successfully treating herself, beauty expert Sarah Getz, decided to further investigate the subject and opened a center for the treatment of skin problems in Herzliya. Now she also produces her own cosmetics. One of her star products is an excellent foaming facial soap that includes alpha hydroxyl acids, AHA and calming ingredients, as well as Hyaluronic acid. The soap not only cleans the skin but also adds hydration and calms the skin with aloe-vera and other ingredients. NIS 250, to order call 050-923-5621. For more information go to: saragetz.co.il . 

Alona Shechter is an Israeli cosmetic company that specializes in products based on medical herbs and Dead Sea minerals. The brand recently introduced a new vitamin oil that is perfect for the more mature skin, adding not only vitamins but also actually adding volume and creating a smoother look. The formula includes many active hydrating ingredients that work to slow aging processes and promote collagen production – including avocado oil, carrot oil, wheat-germ oil and more. The oil is ideal for all skin types; use in the evening under night cream. NIS 200 for 50 ml. at www.alonashechter.com or call 1-800-210-210.
 

Clinically proven to brighten and gently peel the listless outer layer of the skin, results are easily seen even after one night, and after a month the visibility of dark spots is greatly reduced. The product is fragrance free, contains no paraben and is safe for all skin types. Available in a box of 10 or 30 Ampoules for NIS 119/NIS 269. For more details go to www.vichy.co.il or call (09) 773-0800.

Owned by three families of farmers from the South, Natureza-Farm offers excellent quality salad mixes that are actually worth buying. We tried a few of the options and realized that unlike other companies, their salads stay fresh in the fridge for days and the flavor of the salads is incredible. Especially suited for summer picnics and large gatherings, we found that even after opening the bags, the vegetables stay fresh and crispy – so one can use them for a few days, and enjoy the benefit of eating a variety of vegetables without having to buy a lot and waste some. We especially love the grated root vegetables that we used to prepare an Asian salad (pour the content into a bowl, add dressing made from soy sauce, lemon and a little honey or sugar), and voila – everyone loves this salad. Not to speak of mixed leaves salad that needs only some olive oil and a mix we like to use for a quick stir-fry. Also available are broccoli flowers, cauliflower and more. Support them and enjoy the freshness. The products are available both in stores and online at www.narureza-farm.co.il

Independence Day marked the opening of BBQ season and it seems that we have become a nation of meat lovers. The excellent chain of delicatessens Kulinarik (kulinarik.co.il) has launched a new category of quality fresh beef under the brand Butchery, offering special cuts of beef grown in the Golan Heights. The new line includes six aged cuts, packed in a very high standard. The line includes 350 grams of aged Entrecote (NIS 169.90 for a kilo) which was perfect even cooked on the stove top, T-Bone steak (NIS 149.90) and New York steak (NIS 119.90) – both are better I think on the grill, fillet steak (NIS 239.90 per kilo), Ossobuco (NIS 59.90), and Goulash cubes (NIS 69.90) which we have not yet tried. The cuts are sold in vacuum packages (skin-pack) that help keep them fresh and looking great. Orders can be placed online and at 077-602-2223 

As the sky slowly opens up and flights begin to return, local brand Rollink introduces Neo, “the smartest suitcase in the world.” The new line of smart luggage includes both a 29-inch and an on-board trolley, that offer special apps connecting your mobile phone to the case. These apps include an app that will let you know when your case is making its way on the conveyor belt long before you can see it, allowing you to wait comfortably away from the crowds, an app that weighs the case so you don’t have surprises during check-in, and an app that will let you know if someone tries to pick it while you doze off. Another important app will lock and unlock the luggage, but just in case you worry – you can use keys, as well. To top it all – the luggage is pretty and comes in a variety of colors. I like the yellow – which one do you like? NIS 1,299 for the 29-inch case and NIS 699 for the carry-on. www.rollink.com