The best bit about this fab 1999 clip is Linda Evans of Dynasty Fame. She is rumored to have had face work such as lip Collagen, chemical peeling, cheek implants and a brow lift.

It is possible for a celebrity her age to have had a face lift since her neck doesn’t show any sagging skin.  Other of the procedures that Linda probably got is a blepharoplasty or eye surgery, removing the bags that appears under the eyes with age in some people and lifting the upper eye lid in case that is needed.  But the question is, did she use the Rejuvenique Electric Facial Mask?

From your late 20’s to your early 30’s you may start to see the first signs of aging.  These changes may be small at first, but crow’s feet, dark eye bags, crows feet and open pores are all things that are almost inevitable…almost.  Find out what our lady friends across the big pond are doing to combat aging.

1) Small lines in the corners of eyes, or crows feet, are usually the first area of the face that is prone to aging.  Small but increasingly deeper lines from the corner extending outwards are more likely to make you look older that you are.  It is best to try not to get them in the first place.  Living in a hot place like Hong Kong, we are more exposed to the sun that in other parts of the world, but make sure you wear sunscreen and sunglasses everyday to prevent early offset of these lines.

Doctor’s Fix – Botox or Dysport, known as Botox’s twin or cousin,  is still the treatment of choice for this problem in the USA.  Botox is a substance derived from botulinum toxin that works by preventing nerve impulses from reaching the muscle, causing the muscle to relax, whereas the newer Dysport is also an injectable form of botulinum toxin Type A, but it is 3 times cheaper, but also 3 times weaker, so therefore ends up costing about the same.  But the good news is it is said to last up to a year, whereas Botox tends to last about 3 months. Therefore more ladies (and men) are turning to Dysport in the USA.

2) Dark Circles and Eyebags. “No matter how much concealer I put under my eyes, they always look dark and tired”.  Sound familiar?  As we age, the fat beneath out lower lids start to protrude and  the muscle becomes loose.  Genetics have a massive part to play in the problem, but add to that late Hong Kong nights out,  with too much drinking, eating and sun exposure is a recipe for eye-bag disaster.

Doctors Fix -In America it is becoming more popular in inject hyaluronic acid fillers into the hollow parts to give the illusion of less eye-bags.  There is therefore no place for shadows to hide, therefore visually removing the dark circles and eye-bags.  Ladies as young as their early 20’s are having this treatment to prevent the eye-bags developing in the first place.  Other methods being used are chemical peels, IPL lasers or fractional lasers to help tighten the skin in the area, or of course there is the last point of call, the surgical lower blepharoplasty, or lower eye-lift.

3) Nasolabial Folds are the lines that start to appear from the nose around the sides of your mouth, otherwise known as smile lines.  However the older you get, you don’t need to be smiling for them to appear.  They appear when fat is lost from around the area, and start to appear in the mid 30’s but become very apparent in the 40’s.

Doctor’s Fix – Again, hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are the most popular treatment of choice in American patients.  If the fold are more pronounced, then cheeks may be injected too to plump out the area.

3)Age Spots.  Years of spending time in the sun causes damage to the skin.  Age spots or sun spots are caused from sun exposure and burning from possibly as far back as when you were a child.  It takes years for them to develop, but once they pop out they start to appear at an alarming rate.  If they are not looked after, they may become darker and cause your skin to turn crepey. Nice.

Doctor’s Fix – The first point of all in The States for sun spots is hydroquinone, generally applied in a gel, it helps to disperse the menaline more evenly in your skin.  A retinoid is then used to remove the top layer of skin to hopefully reveal sunspot-less, younger looking skin.  For deeper and more stubborn spots, then lasers are used to zap them away.

BBBHK TOP TIP- Before resorting to cosmetic surgery, try using a lemon daily on the spots to lighten them.  The vitamin C in the lemons act the same was as the hydroquinone by dispersing the menaline more evening and lighting the skin in those areas.

Next look out for the Top American New Cosmetic Beauty  Innovations…

To commemorate American Independence day we are celebrating all things American this week on BBHK.  From the top beauty treatments, surgery procedures and cosmetics, competitions, where to stay when you pop over there to get ‘things done’ and where you can get the same treatments here in HK.

Enjoy and let the pampering begin!

They say that beauty is only skin deep, but how can we ensure that our skin is in tip top shape from within?  By drinking adequate amounts of water, we can stave off dehydration and get our circulation pumping for bright, plumped and youthful skin.

We need water for virtually every function such as digestion, bloody circulation, regulating body temperature, and detoxification.  Our blood is made up of 83% water, our brain is 74% and our bones are 22%,  therefore it is no surprise that water is necessary for our survival, the function of our body system and vital to our health.  Most importantly with regards to beautiful sparkling skin, and dark eye circles, we have to combat dehydration.

Many conditions can be improved by drinking water.  Cracked lips and dry mouths only occur when you are extremely dehydrated, so by drinking 8 glasses a day of the magic elixir, many common ailments can be treated such as exhaustion, constipation, asthma, headaches, depression, as well as visual benefits fine wrinkles, dark circles and sallow skin.

WeightLoss
Another health benefit of water is in fat metabolism.  So by drinking water, you can kick start your fat-loss.  The kidneys need water to aid in the detoxification process.  If we don’t have enough water in our body, then the waste from our kidney is passed onto our liver, which then cant do its own job properly.  One of the livers main jobs is to assist fat metabolism, so if the kidneys are clean and functioning properly, then so can the liver.  Voila, water can help you lose weight!

How much water should we be drinking?
A simple way to check if you are drinking enough water is to check the colour of your urine.  If it is light and clear, then you are drinking enough water, however if it is dark in colour, and opaque, then you need to up your intake.  Try to gradually increase your intake to about 2 litres a day so your body gets used to it.  Try drinking little and often, rather than gulping down gallons at a time.

What else counts as your daily intake?
Coffee, tea, sodas and alcohol all contain toxins so are therefore not included in your quota.  In fact if you do drink a cup of coffee or wine, then you are advised to have a glass of water after to process the toxins.  In the real world that is unlikely to happen, but fresh fruit and vegetables do help in hydrating the body, so tuck in!

New Natural Mineral Water for Nails, Skin and Bones
Tap water in Hong Kong can be safely consumed, however there are many health benefits to natural mineral water than cant be obtained from the tap.  For a water that is strong in health and beauty benefits, try new Snowy Mountain from Australias premium spa and natural spring region.  Snowy Mountain is high in silica which  has been long been regarded as nature’s building block and is our answer to healthier, younger looking, more radiant skin, hair nails and bones.

It also contains a neutral PH, which is our own body’s natural balance and calcium and magnesium for strong bones and teeth, muscle re-generation. All these natural factors combined are responsible for a smooth, soft and silky taste.

John Milionis, Managing Director of Snowy Mountain said “We are very excited to finally bring Snowy Mountain Water to Hong Kong. Bottled water containing silica is very rarely found in most bottled waters, we believe that Hong Kong will be able to reap the health and beauty benefits fully. Being in such a hot climate, water helps regulate and maintain body temperature. Drinking enough water daily will help remove all the pollutants and toxins from your body and will keep your body going throughout the busy workday.”

So the million dollar answer for beautiful, youthful skin and a fast metabolism.  Drink Water. Gambei!!

Snowy Mountain is available in the following retailers in Hong Kong: Park N’ Shop, Park N’ Shop International, GREAT Food Hall, TASTE and Fusion by Park N’ Shop.  www.snowymountain.com.au

Fed up with your small or saggy flat bottom?  Californian psycologisy Dr Karin Hart has come up with the answer to your woes .  The Biniki, the bra for your buttocks.

The undergarment is worn under your knickers, to give your bottom a helping hand.  Say goodbye to your pancake bum, say hello to your new toned looking, round and fabulous behind,  just like  JLo and Kim Kardashian.

The Biniki uses a patented belt around the waist, with step-in adjustable loops, to lift the buttocks, making them appear firm, round and pert, and is invisible under clothing.  Genius!

Dr Hart stumbled on the idea whilst trying to solve her saggy bottom problem after losing weight.  After wrapping adhesive tape around herself in various ways, she found the soloution, thus the Biniki was born.

Little bottomed men (like my friend Jay…), you can shake your booty too with pride, with the Maniki.

The Biniki costs $29.99USD, while the Maniki costs $39.99USD, plus postage.

For further information, visit www.biniki-fashions.com.

Why do some girls always get their own way?  No man can resist the flutter of perfect lashes, accompanied by a pearly white smile!  Here is Beauty Buzz HK’s guide to the top five mascaras in town, so you can bat you way to the top!

1. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $TBC
This iconic mascara should be in every woman’s make up kit.  After thirty five years in the market, it is still going strong and loved by celebrities and make up artists world wide.  Maybelline Great Lash mascara is a definite staple when it comes to top mascara steals.  The non-gloopy formula seems to coat and lengthen every lash perfectly, for a pristine, natural long look.  Its also cheaper than any of the other fab five, so its a steal!  Available in a good variety of colors and shades as well.

2. Lancome Definicils $TBC
Lancome Definicils is a fabulous mascara that does exactly what is says on the tin.  The patented wand coats every separate last from tip to root, for a semi-realistic fan effect. Its uber strong formula keeps lashes in place after curling for hours, but may be a little hard for some peoples taste.   Defincils would be a hot runner for our number one spot, but the price point of the Maybelline just beat it to the post.  Available in five colors to match every outfit.

3. Chanel Inimitable Mascara $TBC
With a unique rubber wand, this mascara manages to lengthen and volumise without sticking together or clumping at all.  The regular formula is perfect for everyday, bu the waterproof version is a must have for any beach beauty that wants luscious lashes even in the water.  The only problem with this mascara is that is tends to dry out really quickly, so they only last a few weeks, however you should throw mascaras away after six weeks anyway, but who ever does that?

4. Diorshow Mascara $TBC
A classic favourite for those who favour extremely long, thick eyelashes.  Even better when applied over fakies! For the just-stepped-off-the-catwalk look, this is the mascara for you.  Can have the tendency to clump eyelashes together, so can take a bit longer to apply, as you may need to brush out clumps to separate.  Great for night out on the town!.  Available in three great colors, including a ultra-cool royal blue.

5. Clinique High Definition Lashes Brush then Comb Mascara $TBC
Beauty powerhouse Clinique came up trumps with their ingenious dual edged, high definition mascara.  The award winning product giving you a double sided wand to help coat each lash and then build and separate for the most natural look of the fab five. It is also small enough to give you a great coat on your bottom lashes too.  A wonderful wand, but can be a little time consuming. Available in two colors, black and brown.

Some mascara application tips:
1. When you pull your wand out of the tube, bend it slightly, so you have an angle. Professional makeup artist use their wands this way to get as close to the lash line as possible.
2. When you notice your mascara getting clumpy, clean off the excess by wiping your brush on a tissue.
3. If you use mascara everyday, you should toss it in about 6 weeks.
4. Don’t pump your mascara — air gets pushed into the tube, causing bacteria to harbor.
5. Don’t share mascara.
6. Don’t think you can add life to your mascara by adding water. This just makes it easier for you to get an eye infection.

There you have it.  BeautyBuzz Hong Kong’s Fab Five Mascaras.   Go ahead, bat those lashes.

1 available from Manning and Watsons.

2-5 available from Lane Crawford.

LANE CRAWFORD IFC MALL
Podium 3, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
tel: +852 2118 3388

LANE CRAWFORD PACIFIC PLACE
Level One, Pacific Place
88 Queensway, Admiralty
tel: +852 2118 3668

LANE CRAWFORD CANTON ROAD
3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
tel: +852 2118 3428

LANE CRAWFORD TIMES SQUARE
1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
tel: +852 2118 3638

With such changing weather and pollution in Hong Kong, so many of us suffer with problem skin.  In this weeks PowWOW we chat to Aromatherapy Associates founder, Geraldine Howard to find out her top tips for summer sun survival.

Q: During summer, what do you think are the most common beauty problems affecting Hong Kong women?
“The most common skin concern in the summer months is unwanted shine on the face. But, depending on what sort of environment you spend most time in, skin can also become very dry as a result of constantly going from air-conditioned offices to humid, hot conditions, which can result in a dull, flaky complexion.”

Q: Many people in Hong Kong are indoors all day and find that the air-conditioning dries out their skin, making it dull and flaky. How can people address this problem?
“It’s important to nourish skin, at both the beginning and the end of the day. To ensure skin is kept protected from the harsh conditions that can leave it lacking radiance and health, and looking dull, I would suggest the following regime:

Each morning, layer a serum over the skin, such as our Mattifying Skin Serum, which contains orange flower water (to calm), Oat Flour (to provide a matt finish), silk extracts (moisturizing and conditioning) and Tea-tree (anti-bacterial). This will help keep the skin looking healthy and nourished all day.

At night, give the complexion an extra ‘feed’, by layering products over the skin. Begin with an application of Mattifying Serum, followed by Refining Facial Oil and Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturizer. The moisturizer locks in the goodness of the essential oils and will intensively nourish skin in preparation for the day ahead.”

Q: What about fine lines and wrinkles?– these are especially a problem when you also have oily skin. Many people often don’t know if they should use a moisturizer for the lines or stay away altogether because of the oil?
“It’s important to combine both an oil and a moisturizer to help get rid of fine lines, even on oily skins. An oil designed for the face penetrates more deeply into the skin than a cream, delivering goodness and benefits in an area of the skin where they can really make an enormous difference. A moisturizer also provides intense nourishment and helps to ensure the surface of the skin is smooth and radiant. Our Refining Facial Oil was developed for oily skins and actually counteracts natural sebum to help even-out skin-tone.”

Q: Even though I’m an adult I still suffer from blemishes, blackheads and whiteheads. The summer heat and humidity make things even worse. What should I do to address this problem?
“I would always recommend using a serum that contains anti-bacterial essential oils, as this won’t weigh the skin down, but will provide just the right amount of conditioning to help eradicate blemishes and spots. As detailed above, our Mattifying Skin Serum contains a selection of anti-bacterial essential oils, which really do have a positive effect on more difficult skins.”

Q: I find that my skin reacts to most products. Do you have any recommendations for sensitive skin?
“Absolutely – choose products that contain English Chamomile, Evening Primrose Oil, Butchers Broom and Rice Extract. Probiotics are also excellent at calming skins that have a tendency to be more reactive. Sensitivity is often caused by reactions to heat, the environment and dietary issues, so it’s also important to look at these external and internal aggressors, as well as your topical skincare.”

Q: You have a number of facial oil products for the skin. Are these okay to use for oily skin types? Even in summer?
“Absolutely, as long as you use the correct blend. Our Skin Refining Facial Oil helps bring the skin’s own natural oils into balance with the healing, repairing and conditioning oils of Lavender, Rose, Ylang-Ylang and Vitamin E.”

Q: What is the difference between using an oil-based product and a traditional moisturizer?
“A carrier oil containing essential oils is able to penetrate into the blood stream and optimise the cellular renewal process, helping to directly treat the skin. A moisturiser containing essential oils can also deliver benefits deeper into the skin, but is generally more effective at treating the surface.”

Q: The heat also often makes it difficult to sleep, are there any remedies or rituals you could recommend?
“Bathe in our award-winning Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil before going to bed – the essential oils of Vetivert, Camomile and Sandalwood, help to soothe, calm and relax the body and instill a peaceful night’s sleep. Alternatively, add a few drops of Vetivert to a bowl of hot water and place next to the bed.”

Q: What kind of products help the skin adapt to environmental changes from indoors to outdoors or vice versa?
“Anything nourishing and protecting – rose is a fantastic essential oil for helping support capillary circulation and it creates a barrier on the skin to protect it from harsh, changing weather conditions.”

Q: Many products come with SPF nowadays; is it best to use as many products as possible that contain SPF – from moisturizer to foundation?
“No, you only need to use one form of SPF. I would always recommend either using a specifically designed product, which you apply on top of your normal moisturizer, or use a moisturizer that already contains an SPF (minimum 15). This is because it’s more likely that you will cover the entire face with a moisturizer, rather than a foundation. And don’t forget the neck, which can be one of the first areas to show signs of sun damage and skin ageing.”

Recommeded Products
Mattifying Skin Serum HK$437/50ml
Refining Facial Oil HK$530/15ml
Orange Flower Mattifying Moisturiser HK$608/50ml
Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil – HK$530/55ml

Stockists:
▪    The Mandarin Spa at The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
▪    Oriental Spa at Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
▪    Wellness Centre at Excelsior Hong Kong
▪    Sense of Touch, Repulse Bay and Lan Kwai Fong

With all the possible risks of complications, side effects and recovery time associated with cosmetic surgery, not to mention the cost, no wonder more people are turning towards non-invasive, less expensive treatments.  So to help you on your beautiful merry little way to eternal youth and a perfect body, We have compiled the Beauty Buzz A-Z of treatments and tricks to aesthetically please you and your bank balance…

A -     Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) treats cellulite and the unsightly “orange peel” effect on the back of thighs and bottoms.  Special paddles emit acoustic pulses that target the fibrous bands of connective tissue that are now known cause cellulite. This tissue hardens and contracts as we age, pulling away from the surface of the skin, creating the dimples otherwise known as “orange peel”.

B –     Body Wraps are a treatment where you are slathered in a mud then tightly cocooned in a bandage.  You may feel like a Sunday Roast, but depending on the concoction you will aim to loose inches, increase your metabolism or detox.  Chlostrophobia sufferers beware.

C –     Chemical Peels. Think of your skin as an onion, a few layers down it looks nice and yummy, and so do you.  The procedure peels away many visible signs of aging, and after healing, wrinkles appear diminished, skin is more even, and may have improved texture.

D –     Dermabrasion literally sands off damaged skin, revealing a new perfect layer underneath.  It can be used for scars, but it most commonly used to fine lines and wrinkles, especially the deep lines around lips.

E –     Exfoliate. It’s the best way to keep your skin young and fresh.  The Hamams of the Middle East have been doing it for centuries.  By removing the top dead layer of skin to make way for brand spanking new epidermis below, your skin will glow and keep fine lines at bay.  Once scrub a week will keep you shiny and rejuvenated.

F –     Fake Tan. When it comes to tanning fake is best.  Sun damage is one of the main causes for premature skin aging, and these days there is no excuse for blobs and streaks.  Go to a salon for a spray or try a home fake tanning cream.  Don’t forget to exfoliate first and don’t put on your best bed sheets that night!

G –     GFX, Nicknamed “the permanent Botox” uses radio-frequency waves to kill the nerve fibers attached to frown lines.  A probe is inserted under the skin, so it is minimally invasive, however no chemicals or liquids at all are inserted into the body, so maybe a better option to those opposed to injecting botulism into their heavenly system.

H –     Hemorrhoid Cream. Apparently Mickey Rourke swears by putting hemorrhoid cream on his… eyes.  It allegedly shrinks baggy eyes, one cant help wonder who first thought to apply it to the wrong end of their body!

I –     IPL Hair Removal is a safe and effective non-invasive laser hair removal for most skin types and hair colors which uses bursts of light energy to remove the hair and inhibit re-growth.

J –     Just be Happy! A positive mind creates a positive soul and body.  Being miserable will create frown lines and creases around the eyes and mouth.  Anyway, who cares if you have a wrinkle or two? Beauty comes from within!  Detox your mind, take a deep breath, forget your woes and Don’t Worry, Be Happy!

K-    Kiwi Fruit are a beauty secret to the stars.  Containing more vitamin C than any other fruit, large amounts of vitamin E, and antioxidants, they can rejuvenate and hydrate the skin, improve circulation and prevent premature aging. Put a slice on your eyes to eliminate dark circles, blend it with strawberries for a facemask, or eat them!

L –     Latisse is the first and only medical treatment scientifically proven to enhance eyelash prominence.  Initially developed for glaucoma, it is applied once a day to the upper eyelashes and Voila!  Your eyelashes will grow thicker and longer!

M –     Mesotherapy. Also known as Lippodisolve is a natural enzyme proven to break down fat cells and lower cholesterol.  Small amounts are injected into excess fat, thus reducing the cells.  After a few treatments, your target fat is allegedly absorbed by your own body, possibly leaving you with a body akin to Giselle.

N –     Nutricosmetics are foods believed by some to have anti-aging properties.  Most of them are packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants.  Reese Witherspoon is said to be a fan of Borba’s DeLuscious Vitamin Enhanced Cookies, which claim to combat fine lines and wrinkles. At last a genuine reason to eat cookies!

O –     Oxygen facials. Made popular by Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow, high pressure blasts of oxygen compress a serum derived from vitamins, minerals and collagen deep into the skin leaving it plump and glowing.

P –     Placenta Pills. If the idea of modern stem cell technology turns you queasy, it seems the Chinese have been using it for centuries.  Sheep Placenta Pills are said to make your skin and physical functions five to ten years younger by delaying ageing and maintaining youth.

Q -    Q Tips. There are endless ways that the little cotton bud can be used to make you appear younger and pampered. Banish puffy eyes by sticking a wet cotton swab in the freezer for five minutes, then simply roll it under your eyes, or conceal your roots by loading a cotton swab with eye shadow that matches your hair color and run it over roots.

R -    Retinol Cream, a form of vitamin A, dubbed the “Miracle Cream”, has been proven one of the few effective ways to reduce signs of aging.  It increases cell productions in the top layer of skin and increases collagen productions, resulting in plumper smoother looking skin.  Look out for it in the ingredients in your over-the-counter beauty products.

S –     Silicone Scar Sheets are applied every night to scars, reducing the size, softening the feel and evening the colouration to match the surrounding skin.  A great option for C-Section and other surgery scars.

T –     Teeth Whitening. A brighter, whiter smile can make you appear younger and a step closer to the Hollywood look of perfection.  These days it doesn’t have to be a costly option, with home kits, and mouth guards that are worn on sun beds to ‘laser’ them, all of a sudden, the future looks brighter!

U –     Ulthera is an ultrasound treatment that blasts the platysma (neck muscle) thus tightening it and creating a nicer neckline.  It is still in the testing stages, but the results are promising. Start bugging your cosmetic consultant soon.

V –     Victoria’s Secret Bust Firming Bra claims to give your bust a more uplifted effect, by diminishing signs of aging and improving the skin’s ability to retain moisture.  It’s all down to a secret chemical ingredient to the bra.  Wear the bra for four weeks, eight hours a day to get an eighteen percent firmer bust. It might be better to buy two or three, or you might start to smell a bit…

W-     Weight Gain. Who ever said gaining weight is bad for you?  Scientific studies comparing the aging characteristics of identical twins, discovered that heavier twin looked younger and had better skin density.  Therefore proving that facial volume loss can contribute to aging.  Bring on the Chocolate!

X –     Xylitol Gum kills bacteria in your mouth, giving a lifeline to your teeth and gums.  Not only is it safe for pregnant and nursing woman, but it also apparently reduces the chances of transmitting the bacteria that causes tooth decay from mother to child by 80%.

Y –     Yogurt is the gateway to Probiotics, which claim that certain bacteria are good for the body and hair. Cleopatra is said to have bathed in it every day.  Drink Yackult for healthy bowl movements and to clean your skin from within.

Z –     Zeno MD Acne Pimple Clearing uses heat to destroy the bacteria causing acne blemishes and reduces inflammation. Pimples occur when excess skin oil and flaking skin plug the opening of a hair follicle and create the ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Precisely controlled heat applied for a specific period of time causes the bacteria to self-destruct. When the bacteria die, the pimple goes away.

This article was featured in AsiaSpa Magazine.

Tucked away on Soho’s Staunton Street  is one of Hong Kong’s best kept secrets, its not another gastro tapas venue, or a new martini bar, its DK Aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is form of  alternative medicine that uses concoctions of essential oils to treat various conditions.  By using specific essences, aromatherapy claims to alter your mood, and your mental and physical health.  Although it is mostly used in massage oils, it is said to have endless medical properties to treat conditions that are usually combated by potentially harmful chemicals and medicines.

‘A lot of mumbo jumbo hippie nonesense’ I hear you say, well most of us use products everyday that contain essential oils, and that reap the benefit of their properties such as Listerine mouth wash, Deep Heat and Vicks VapoRub.  So the next time you think that alternative practices don’t work, look in your own medicine cabinet and think again.

Stepping into the shop, you are immediately hit by a glorious amalgamation of different scents and soothing music.  It smells divine, and you are lulled into a state of relaxation.  It sells a vast array of new age items and aromatherapy lotions & potions, most of which from the house brand, DK aromatherapy.  All of the brands items are completely natural, and contain no synthetic chemicals, resulting in ethical, completely harmless, naturally scented products.

Like many people, I suffer from a back problem and from time to time, it gets quite bad.  I find that going for a massage helps, but most of the time I don’t trust a therapist to help and not hurt me when I am fragile.  Nancy at DK is my saviour, not only is she a very skilled and intuitive therapist, she is also extremely well educated in aromatherapy.  She brings my pain back from the brink every time and I am eternally grateful.   A life time of learning the art from some of the best aromatherapists have taught Nancy pretty much everything there is to know.  She will custom hand-make all manner of beauty creams for you, using all natural ingredients tailored to your needs.

This time I tried the Aroma Skin Care Luxury Facial.  The treatment room, although very warm and serene is not as elegant as some of the high-end day spas and salons in Hong Kong, but that is not the reason one visits Nancy and DK Aromatherapy.  The treatment starts with a consultation to find out how you are feeling, and what your skin condition is like, Nancy then selects various essential oils that will suit your needs.  She opted for jasmine, rose geranium, and orange blossom for me.  She then mixes on the spot the oils, creams and sprays used in the treatment.  It comprises of the usual steaming and cleaning of this skin, but also includes a head massage, a fabulous lymphatic facial massage, which drains the puffiness from under the eyes, and Nancy’s signature tapping movements that are said to be akin to the M6 electronic facial lasers.  An hour and a half (and a little snooze) later, the facial was over, my ever present eye-bags were definatley reduced and I felt fabulous.

If you are interested in learning more about aromatherapy, Nancy runs certificate courses and diplomas in the shop.  Many other workshops are run with resident experts such as massage (self, baby, Indian head, lymphatic), hypnosis, tarot, reiki, make-your-own beauty products,  and many more.  Contact the shop to find out more.

Why is it that the celebs that adorn the covers of the glossy mags always looks so flawless?  Of course there is the photo touch ups, the two hour daily personal training sessions, the weekly diamond facials, not to mention the makeup artist and stylist at hand.  But fret not, we have ten super secrets to the stars to help you get their gorgeous looks and not break the bank!

1. Try Mashing up strawberries and mixing them with baking soda for a natural and safe teeth whitening paste.  Catherine Zeta-Jones swears this to make her pearly-whites bright.
   
2. Its 2am, you’re in the Dragon-i bathroom, you catch your reflection, and your skin is all shiny from the champagne and dancing.  Pull out a tissue toilet seat cover and blot a piece on your T-zone (forehead, chin and nose).  It absorbs the oil, just like the expensive blotting papers sold in Lane Crawford.  Just make sure you don’t sit on it first.  Sarah Jessica Parker is a fan.  EWE!
   
3. Ever wondered how Angelina Jolie’s hair always is blown with body to perfection?  She reportedly sprinkles baby powder on her hair before drying, which adds volume and bounce.  You can also shake a bit on your roots between washes to absorb any grease, brunettes beware, use sparingly, or you will look like your granny!
   
4. Want a six-pack like Britney?  After her crazy stint, we have to agree that she is looking great (Go Britney!), of course the dancing and sit ups help, but she has also cut out all sodas (including diet), as they cause bloating, and stopped chewing gum, as all that air-swallowing causes constipation and can also lead to bloating.  See its easy! You can have a body like Britney in no time…
   
5. We all know Mariah Carey has had a few surgical helping hands along the way but we love her easy pout trick.  She adds a few drops of mint extract into her lip gloss to act as a natural stimulant to plump up her lips and intensify natural lip colour.  Love it!
   
6. Talking of lip gloss Jennifier Love Hewitt puts it in a bizarre place, her cheeks! According to JLH it keeps her looking fresh, young and dewy-looking.  It may be sticky, but it lasts all day.  Just don’t go out in the wind, or it will be a whole new look…
   
7. Feeling toxic?  Too many boozy nights out?  Demi Moore swears by blood sucking leeches??!!  Stick them on your belly button to detoxify your blood.  I think I would rather be tea-total!
   
8. Seen photos of Cindy Crawford lately?  She still looks as fabulous as her modelling days, but how?  It can’s just be good genes.  She keeps a little spray bottle handy, with a mixture of water and milk that she spritzes on her face throughout the day.  Magical milk is full of proteins, vitamins and minerals that calm and hydrate the skin.
   
9. Halle Berry has a bottom to dye for.  There i said it.  Her trick is to mix coffee granules into her body wash.  The caffine acts as a diuretic and exfoliant, and by increasing blood flow, is said to break up cellulite. You can be booty-licious in no time!
   
10. The million dollar question.  How do you get rid of wrinkles without resorting to surgery?  Well Sandra Bullock may have the answer: Hemorrhoid cream.  The active ingredient that gets rid of those pesky piles is also said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Totally bizarre, but she does look incredible for 45. I just would like to know who first thought of putting it on their face!
    

Try these out and let us know the results…