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).

Having a tough time coping with the pollution and non-stop crazy Hong Kong lifestyle?  Then how about having some multi-vitamins for the skin?  Euoko’s new product, the P21 Vitamin Mist contains deep-sea marine derivatives that revive and perfect the skin’s surface in an easy to use spray on mist. A boost of multiple berries provides the added antioxidant support that protects you from the elements so that the skin doesn’t age before it’s time.

Constant exposure to environmental aggressors such as chemicals, stress, UV radiation, dietary imbalance and pollution, all degrade the skin’s capacity to protect itself and affect the perfect micro-environment in which the skin’s cells can renew and rebalance. The P-SERIES helps to prevent skin cells damage caused by oxidative and UV stressors, detoxifies and protects the skin from harsh environments, decreases redness and irritation caused by UV exposure and smoothes and rehydrates for a healthier skin appearance.

P21 Marine Vitamin Mist (HK$660 / 100ml) from Joyce Beauty

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

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

Looking for a snog at the HK Rugby Sevens? Make sure your lips are in tip top shape and pucker up girls, its time it slip on something fabulous!  We’ve tried and tested lipglosses galore to find the best ones for your luscious lips.

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1 .LANCOME PARIS JUICY TUBES - $165
Since Lancome introduced the worlds first lipgloss in a tube in 2000, other companies have been vying to compete with the Mamasan of lipware -Juicy Tubes.  You just can’t beat the shine, this uber glossy lipgloss is available in a vast array of colours and tingly flavours, which are perfect to wear alone or worn over lipstick for that wow factor.  It’s still there shining up your lips like a beacon after numerous Cosmos at Tivo, and tapas at Enoteca, but do refrain from snogging the boy.  After many attempts for a bit of a smooch with gloopy lips, the boy has started to cower away from the ‘yucky mouth’.  Alas no tongue action but fabulous looking lips all night long.

2. DIOR ADDICT ULTRA GLOSS REFLECT – $200
This high tech lipgloss with multi-dimentional reflective pigments that make your lips shimmer and shine to reflect that star that you are.  The Ultra Gloss Reflect has the perfect combination of moisturiser for dry lips, combined, colour and shimmer, with the right amount of gloss without flyaway hair sticking to your lips.

3. MAC LIPGLASS CLEAR – $125

Whilst available in a ridiculously large amount of colours, our fave Mac Lipglass is in puritanical Clear.  It punches a massive punch in the gloss stakes, as you will be hard pushed to find a glossier pout than one doused in Mac LipGlass.  It adds an incredible shine on nude lips (use a nude lip-liner, no dark liner and glossy lips please girls, that is so 1990’s Morticia Adams!), looks fabulous over any number of lipsticks for extra shine, and makes matte lipstick look more sheer.  The only problem is it’s extreme stickiness.  Whilst this is the main reason is lasts so long, and you seldom need to reapply, don’t be shocked to find your hair stuck to your lips.  Mental note, don’t wear during a typhoon.

4. CHANEL LEVRES SCINTILLANTES (Glossimer for lips) – $220
For those of you who crave for shiny sexy lips, but cant stand the uber sticky high gloss gels, then this may be the perfect compromise.  It leaves a high shine, without the ridiculous stickiness of some other glosses, and if a deep colour is chosen, has a great colour intensity, and lasts an impressively long time. The shine creates a impact without being overbearing, and if sheer colours are chosen, they again shimmer with tiny particles rather than bigger glittery bits.  You might even get  snog as boys may not be so adverse your subtle sexy shimmer!   

5.LAURA MERCIER LIP GLACÉ – $170
Another favourite for the more subtle lipgloss wearers.  This lipgloss leaves the lips beautifully hydrated, and very smooth.  It almost feels like a lip treatment, rather than a cosmetic.  It doesn’t last as long as some of the others, and isn’t as high-shine as some of the others, but its non-sticky formula creates very striking and elegant pouts. Available in a variety of coverages (sheer, meduim and full) and finished (shine, sheen and shimmer), there is a choice for everyone.  We love Baby Doll and Rose depending on natural lip colour for a barely there, but sexy pout. 

All 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

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

I love weird things.  Weird looking creatures, weird TV shows, weird beauty products, anything bizarre and unusual gets me twitching.  You can imagine my squeal of delight when I discovered the new craze product to be sweeping across Japan and Taiwan, home acid foot-peeling, which you may have seen the ads for on the MTR.  The product claims to ‘baby your foot naturally’, (FYI I love bad translations) by donning rather attractive plastic socks containing a rather scary acid solution.  Over a period of a week, your feet are supposed to shed an entire layer of skin, to reveal the very same skin you had on your feet they day you were born.  The company website is full of absolutely shocking photos of feet literally peeling off a complete layer of skin off the soles of feet.  It is utterly disgusting, and I was immediately intrigued.  Testimonials on the site describe husbands peeling off sheets of skin with glee, and piling it on newspaper to show guests at dinner parties  Only in Japan!  I have guests coming over next weekend, so I might not be serving Parmesan with the Spaghetti bolognaise.

My poor little feet have taken quite a pounding lately, and are in desperate need for a good pedicure, so I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to see if this bizarre product works.  I kept a diary of its progress.

Day 1

After removing my toenail varnish, I cut the tops off the plastic bag socks and placed them over my feet.  I then taped them completely shut.  It felt really odd, like walking through muddy puddles.  I have to say I felt a bit apprehensive.  Given that I am quite partial to my feet, I’m starting to worry that they might fall off.  After an hour my feet started to sting a little, but I think that’s normal, they are sitting in bags of acid after all.  Mental note, do not leave on for longer than 2 hours, as your feet might actually burn off..

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Day 2,3,4,5
I completely forgot about it, had a little look on Sunday, and actually decided that it didn’t work

Day 6

OMG IM DYING!  I just had a good soak in the bath, and it must have triggered something.  I think I’m a leper.  My feet are shedding so much skin, that i think they might bleed!  I look like Shrek in a snow globe.  Not happy but grotesquely intreagued.  I have been told not to pick or peel (OH COME ON! TRY NOT POPPING A PIMPLE ON THE END OF YOUR NOSE!), so far I have resisted, apart a little satisfying rip of my heel.  I am going to put socks on before The Boy comes home, I don’t want to scare him off buying me Louboutins forever!  I’m actually rather worried,  I’m off to Phuket on Friday and I don’t fancy leaving a skin trail wherever I go.  Thank god its freezing here so I can wear my Uggs!

Day 7

I wore socks all night last night as I didn’t fancy shedding skin onto my bedsheets, I get the feeling that would be bed-bug heaven!  When I removed the now extremely cruddy socks, my feet were starting to look a lot more normal underneath.  A lot of the skin had fallen off on my heel and sole, but there were still nasty flakey bits in between and around my toes, and also around the side of my feet.  I’m off tonight on holiday, and I’m starting to think that this was an extremely bad idea to do just before a beach trip.  I couldn’t bring myself to go for a pedicure, I was too embarrassed, so I painted my toes the best I could myself, but with feet that look like that have a serious case of eczema, they just look crusty and disgusting.  I want to cry.

Day 8

Before I hit this beach this morning I gave my feet a really good scrub.  As per the instructions, Ive been washing them, but not scrubbing, or yanking any of the skin off.  I get the impression that if you peel off skin that isn’t ready to fall off naturally, you could do yourself some damage, but now I think that may have been the way forward.  Most of the remaining flakes came off, and they actually feel really soft and don’t look that bad.  The last remaining bits of the ‘old me’ were stuck hard around my cuticles, so I decided to leave them to see how the sand and surf tackle them.  I am happy to say that by the end of day 8, the process seems to be complete, and my feet look and feel lovely.

A Week Later

Being a lover of gruesome things, I actually enjoyed the process of ‘peeling my feet’, it was horrible but brilliant.  I do however question its effectiveness.  Yes,  it did peel off the aging layers of skin on my feet, but I’m not sure if a good pedicure and a pumice stone would have had the same effect.  Also the really hard bits, such as under the big toe joint still needs to have the skin removed, and I think only a blade would remove that.  As it is winter, and I could cover my feet up daily, then it was fine, but I would have been mortified in the summer, as it really is disgusting.  But it might make people give you a seat on the MTR though, as they wouldn’t want to catch whatever it is that you have!

I have never had a pedicure that removes the skin from between my toes and all around my entire feet, so for that part then it did reach parts the usual procedures can’t.   It is recommended to repeat every 2-3 months, and I probably will do it again.  Next time I would give them a light scrub after a few days, and wear socks and not expect miracles.  My feet were very soft after, but no more than after a very good pedicure, which also gets rid if the really hard parts.   I won’t be serving up my shavings at dinner parties though, unless I never want guests over again. On second thoughts….

Babyfoot is available at Watsons and costs $178

http://babyfoot.co.jp

Please note: the last three photos are customer shots from the babyfoot website.  All the previous photos are of my feet (yuk!)

OK, its not entirely about beauty, but looking great while you limber up is paramount.  The Sassy Girls have organised a super launch for the brand new fledgling yoga clothing line from Tanya-B.  Pop along for a sneak peek, a drink and a schmooze, and dance the night away with the DJ in store.  That’s your Monday night sorted.

WHEN: Monday 14th December

              12-6pm daytime shopping and drinks

              7-11pm launch party, dj, drinks, shopping and fun

WHERE: Candace Collective, 171-177 Hollywood Road, 1st Floor

INQUIRIES: info@tanya-b.com, +852 648 7310  CASH ONLY

I’m actually a little bit too excited about this event.  This Friday, the central Club Monaco is hosting a champagne evening, with one of my favourite brands NARS cosmetics.  Organised by the fabulous Dim Sum Girls, its sure to be a lovely event.  With special offers for one night only, make up consultations and stylists on hand, what better way to preen and perfect your best party season look?