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!

The Petite Chérie perfume that we already adore so much, is getting a brand spanking new look. The iconic Godron bottle by Annick Goutal is now embellished with polka dots and a beautiful pale green limited edition ribbon.   Encased in a exquisite glass bottle, studded with  blue jewels, this is a high quality fragrance. It’s a subtle and delicate way to wear perfume. And to celebrate the occasion, every Petite Chérie purchase comes with a charming perfumed and iridescent powder puff.

The limited version comprises of the classical Ribbed Bottled fragrance, the portable Roll-on, and the first Concrete designed for the brand.

Concrete ($790)
Ribbed Bottle EDP ($1,250/50ml; $1,600/100ml)
Ribbed Bottle EDT ($990/50ml; $1,350/100ml)
Roll-On ($420/10ml)

All available from Joyce Beauty

*Now, win a pretty Annick Goutal powder puff with every purchase of Annick Goutal in Joyce Beauty over $1,800 (at least 1 item from Polka-dotted Petite Chérie collection inclusive).

In collaboration with the re-launch of their flagship Canton Road mega store, Joyce Beauty is going green with the addition of some new eco-friendly brands in store.  By taking a holistic approach to beauty, their new brands follow the ethos that beauty products not only deliver natures benefits to the skin, but also are kind to the environment.

So for those of you that are conscious about the way you look, but also are keen to know that you doing your best to help you planet too, check out these new brands:

Kahina Giving Beauty is a new organic skincare range based on argan oil, the beauty secret that Moroccan women have used for centuries for its vitamin E and antioxidant-rich benefits. Kahina Giving Beauty products are free from parabens, sulfates, petro-chemicals, GMOs, animal by-products, artificial colours and fragrances, and the packaging is made from 100% recycled materials (Outer packaging is from 100% post-consumer waste and made in a wind-powered facility, and bottles from recyclable violet glass).  Most importantly Kahinia Giving Beauty give back 25% of all sales to the Berber women who press the argan oil for the products.  Giving back at its best!

Noteworthy Products:

1. Argan Oil ($600/100ml) – 100% pure argan oil, a multipurpose wonder to replenish moisture and radiance on face, body and hair.  It also has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties.

2. Serum ($590/30ml) – A mix of organic sea buckthorn seed oil, organic coffee oil and fatty acids, it helps to heal & rejuvenate the skin.

3. Eye Serum ($490/30ml) – An anti-oxidant, firm and whitening eye product with argan oil, alfalfa seed, collagen boosting peptides and Vitamin C.

H. Gillerman Organics is a new line of organic essential oil body care products blended to create unity and harmony – using ancient principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the healing power of Essential Oils, and the therapeutic benefits of the Alexander Technique (a 100-year-old wellness method proven to be effective in resolving stress-related injuries.
Eight Formulas for The Perfect Remedy
The oils double as personal scents and luxurious body care, and are designed to address the most common modern day stress issues. The eight remedies are available in either drop-by-drop or roll-on forms, strategically designed to deepen breathing and improve sinus congestion, relax muscle tension and headaches, improve sleep, ease jet lag and other travel-related disturbances, lifts spirits and sharpen focus. Each remedy is made with only the highest therapeutic grade organic and wild- crafted essential oils, organic, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil, vitamin E and natural antioxidants.
They are completely free of mass-produced, chemically altered oils, imitation fragrances, or petrochemicals, all packaging is made from recycled, environmentally friendly paper and amber glass bottles.

Noteworthy Products:

BREATHING – Sinus Remedy, Chest Remedy ($430)
Improves breathing, reduces fatigue, stimulates immune system, wards off colds
RELAXATION – Stress Remedy, Muscle Remedy ($430)
Enhances relaxation techniques, reduces irritability, eases muscle tension and pain, promotes circulation
REST – Sleep Remedy, Travel Remedy ($430)
Gives sense of restorative sleep, reduces anxiety, calms and comforts emotions, adjusts body to time and climate shifts
MENTAL FOCUS – Tension Remedy, Jaw Clenching Remedy ($430)
Encourages mindfulness, relieves headaches and facial pain

GROWN Inspired by nature’s healing power, is an organic range of luxurious, bio active skincare.  GROWN is founded on the belief that everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and free from harmful additives. Every ingredient is grown, not manufactured, directly from nature. Rich in natural antioxidants, the products are formulated to battle ageing, hydrate, nourish, tone and protect. The products use 100% certified organic ingredients free from lauryl sulphate, glycols, petrochemicals, artificial fragrance, animal derivatives, T.E.A., D.E.A, synthetic colours, silicones and parabens.

Noteworthy Products:

1. Facial Cleanser Geranium Leaf, Bergamot & Rose-bud ($290/200ml)
Removes skin impurities Camomile, Bergamot and Willow Bark reduce the pore size, prevent spot formation and decongest the skin; cold pressed Rose Petals helps toning; while bio actives from Aloe Vera calms and soothes.
2. Facial Moisturizer, Camellia & Geranium Blossom ($400/65ml)
A nourishing, non-greasy lotion that provides moisturize with a matte finishing. Camellia and Rose Hip Seed Oil re-hydrates; Cane Sugar combats the effects of UV and pollution, while Mayblossom regulates sebum production.
3. Facial Exfoliant, Peppermint, Juniper Berry & Jojoba ($390/75ml)
A gentle cleansing exfoliant promotes cell renewal, stimulates collagen production, leaves skin cleaned and even-toned.
Jojoba micro-beads helps remove dead skin cells; Juniper Berries detoxify congested skin; while Peppermint Leaf soothes and tones the skin.

INA CRYSTALS is a collaboration between Agent Provocateur perfumer, Azzi Glasser, and international makeup artist, Mary Vango, the beauty brand innovatively harnesses the detoxifying, healing, regenerating benefits of white gold crystal salt.
Formulated around one powerful active ingredient which is found deep within the earth in the Himalayas: white gold crystal salt, INA Crystals helps to detoxify and encourage the skin’s ability to regenerate and revert back to its natural alkaline state. The almost magical ingredient was, in fact, regarded as the “Fifth Element” by alchemists. The white
gold crystal salt that sourced from Himalayan Mountain region is small enough to penetrate the cell wall and be metabolised, helps to restore the skin’s natural pH balance.

Noteworthy Product:

White Gold Detoxifying Crystal Salts ($990/1,000g)
Equivalent to a 3-days detox diet, the bath salt is a formulation of botanical (basil, fennel & juniper essential oils), marine actives, and Himalayan white gold crystal salt. It enables the body’s cells to emit internal toxins that have accumulated over time through pollutants and the digestion of alcohol and processed foods. The product is further enriched with 84 natural elements and minerals that are vital to the body. It addresses the needs of men and women of all ages and skin types, while also creating a sensual and pleasurable experience.

Yoga-inspired Buddha Nose body care is formulated to relax, calm and soothe the mind and body.  Organic essential oils and ingredients help to created inner wellness and outer beauty in the belief that a healthy body and balanced state of mind reflect beauty. Naturally, they also have the added benefit of aiding meditation practices. Buddha Nose products are made with natural cell regenerators – hemp seed oil and jojoba seed oil to promote youthful skin, soften scars, and quiet sensitive, inflamed skin. Committed to creating beauty and body care products that are environmentally responsible, sustainable and totally free form harmful chemicals and preservatives, Buddha Nose uses only USDA approved organic ingredients, recyclable or reusable packaging without ever testing on animals.

Noteworthy Products:

1. Girl Balm ($250) – A combination of organic essential oils like Clary Sage, Rose Geranium, Ginger Root, Jojoba oil and Hemp Seed oil, the balm offers relief and comfort who are suffering from their life cycle or hormonal mood shifts, at the same time nourish the skin and mind.
2. Bodhi Balm ($250) – Named after the hody Bodhi Tree in India where Buddha sat beneath its branches and attained enlightenment, this body moisturizer eases away mental stress.
3. I Booster Salve ($250) – Stimulating essential oils of clove, cinnamon, t-tree and patchouli to boost energy and protect against colds and flu.

All available from JOYCE BEAUTY, Canton Road G106, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City (2367 0860)

Where did Spring go? We got all excited waxing our bikini lines, and going for extra burning sessions at the gym, and the rainy season is here already?!  Just because the weather is depressing, you can brighten up your (and other peoples) day by wearing a fabulous splash of colour on your lips.

Becca Beach Tint (worn here by Rachel Bilson) is a beautiful scented crème stain that can be used for both your cheeks and lips!   Kiss-proof and water-resistant, it dries to a perfect finish which is streak-free and non-greasy. The stain goes on smooth and streak free, and even leaves a light watermelon scent – like you just spent the day at the beach!

M.A.C – Limited Edition Pro Longwear Lipstain Marker has the look and feel of a standard marker pen, but the sheer density of M.A.C colouring and real staying power.  As it is a stain, not a lipstick dry lips may occur, so consider wearing a clear gloss over the top. Nine delightful colours to choose from.

Vidi Vici – Sheer Touch Lipstick contains nourishing oils to help keep moisture inside the lips.  The new spring collection from the Korean cosmetics superbrand will allow you to feel in the summer mood, ever when it is dreary outside.

Becca – Beach Tint
Retail HK$300
Available in Lane Crawford ifc mall and Lane Crawford Times Square

M.A.C – Pro Longwear Lipstain Marker
Launching in Sept 2010, tbc retail price.
Available in Lane Crawford ifc mall

Vidi Vici – Sheer Touch Lipstick
Retail HK$260
Available in Lane Crawford Pacific Place and Lane Crawford Times Square

Diptique, one of Paris’ longest established perfume houses, famed for their delightful and elegant scents and candles have just released Vétyvério, their new unisex scent into Hong Kong.

According to a spokesman for the company “Diptyque has had a fun time blurring the lines by blending perfumery’s archetypal raw materials, namely masculine vetiver and feminine flower bouquets. This fragrance is subtle, sensitive, and captures the power of unquestionable elegance”.

Unsurprisingly the base of this perfume is vetivier from Indonesia and the Caribbean.  Additional notes include Turkish Rose to bring out its feminine side, organic Madagascan ylang ylang, and for its masculine balance,  peppery geranium from Egypt, and hints of Italian mandarin. To round off this unisex scent, spices were added such as nutmeg, clove, carrot seeds, and cedar.

Diptyque Vetyverio – 50ml (HK$690) / 100ml (HK$890); available at Lane Crawford ifc mall, Lane Crawford Pacific Place and Lane Crawford Times Square

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.

What do Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Britney Spears have in common?  They are all fans on US organic skincare range Pevonia Botanica. Now available in Hong Kong, so you can have skin as beautiful as a Hollywood star.  We are loving the new SpaTeen™ range designed specifically for difficult young skin.    A unique Micro-Matrix delivery system of micro particles trap active ingredients such as Benzoyl Peroxide and Salicylic Acid to allow for a controlled, 12-hour time released delivery that evenly disperses ingredients for maximum effectiveness with less irritation.  So the products carry on working for you, throughout the day.  The products are free of alcohol, mineral oil, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial fragrances and colorings, so harmless for young delicate skin and perfect to introduce into a skincare routine from a young age.
If it can bring us one step closer to Angelina’s goddess like beauty,  then its good enough for us.

Beauty Buzz ‘Tried and Tested’ review in progress.

The Spateen range starts from $320 and is available in the following outlets:

More than Skin Urban Spa
1st Floor, 8 Gilman’s Bazaar, Central, HK.
Tel.: 2815 5590

Bodywize Yoga . Day Spa
Shop 2, 2/F, 1 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, HK.
Tel.: 2838 5686
Amrita Spa
1st Floor, 8 Gilman’s Bazaar, Central, HK.
Tel.: 2815 5590
Hong Kong SkyCity Marriott Hotel
1 Sky City Road East, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong.
Tel.: 3969 1888

The company behind Perfect C are having the last laugh as their viral videos to promote their breast boosting pills hits the masses.  The videos feature a Chinese girl, who has been dumped by her ex boyfriend due to her small A-cup breasts.  She is seen recording a message to show him what he is missing, then flashing her now ample bosom.

A ‘reply’ video from her ex boyfriend is the second installment on the clever marketing idea.  The viral has already attracted more than three million hits on youtube,  the company’s website has doubled in traffic and they have received more inquiries on the product.  Its a brilliant example of how effective and cheap a marketing campaign can be, but what is it and does it work?  Check out BeautyBuzz HK next week for our review of Perfect C Breast Enhancers.

March 31st is a sad day for Sephora fans throughout Hong Kong, as it will be the last day the ever open their doors.  The french owners LVMH cited strategic decisions for the closure, but I cant help think it is because it wasn’t a very good store.  I adore Sephora in the states, and there is a fabulous shop in Singapore, but unfortunately I found the Hong Kong store lacking in different products, and badly laid out.  For some reason they never stocked some of their well known and successful brands from the other stores.  Good news for makeup junkies though, they are having a massive clearance sale to get rid of every last little lip gloss.  It will also be your last chance to buy brands such as Bare Essentials and ‘me by {me}zhgan’ (owned by Simon Cowells new Fiance, and American Idol makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy). Pop along now to grab bargains with up to a 70% discount.

STORE LOCATION
Hollywood Plaza, Sai Yeung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
(Exit E2, MongKok MTR Station;Opposite to Broadway cinema)

OPERATION HOURS
11:00am – 00:00am
Store Telephone: (852) 2771 8061

The fabulous team at Elemis have come to BeautyBuzz with an exclusive special offer.  Visit Elemis at Lane Crawford Pacific Place from February 22^nd to 28^th for an exclusive preview of their next generation Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser where they will be giving away FREE samples plus FREE skincare kits worth HK$500 and FREE 30 minute Elemis Spa Pod facial’s with every Pro Radiance Cleanser purchase while stocks last!

Seems like a lot of FREE to us!  Scientifically formulated to defend skin against daily pollutants, this luxurious, deep-cleansing cream gently dissolves make-up and grime to purify, moisturise and reveal a radiantly youthful looking complexion.

If you would like to book your Elemis Skin Lab analysis and consultation in advance, or would like more information about Elemis promotions, please call 2918 0818 mentioning BeautyBuzz now.

BeautyBuzz review on the Elemis Pro-Radience Cream Clenser and facial coming soon…