Sure, the month of love may be over now, but it’s no reason to forget all about the color red. With spring just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to brighten up that dreary winter wardrobe with a sassy pop of color. Take a peek at Beauty Buzz HK’s guide to the hottest red lip colours and pick a shade that will turn any shy violet into a sexy siren!

1. DuWop Lip Venom in ‘Twilight Venom.’ $190
We’ve loved DuWop’s cinnamon-flavored lip-plumping miracle gloss since its groundbreaking debut in the 90s. The brand’s recent partnership with Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight franchise has produced ‘Twilight Venom,’ a crimson lip stain that gives its wearers instant, va-va-voom lips. What’s great about this product is that it gives you DuWop’s signature bee-stung lips but allows you to adjust the color by applying the gloss until you reach the intensity you want. This vampire-inspired venom is perfect if you want to personalize a pout that’s just to die for.

2. Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in ‘Legendary.’ $150
Wanderlust actress Malin Ackerman wore this sexy shade to the 2012 Grammys with her super sleek, white Cushnie et Ochs cutout dress. ‘Legendary’ is one of 22 shades from Smashbox’s Be Legendary line of lip color, which comes in both matte and cream shades. So far, users have been giving rave reviews to the long-lasting lipstick, saying that just a quick swipe of ‘Legendary’ can make an everyday look worthy of the silver screen.

3. Laura Mercier Gel Lip Color in ‘Poppy.’ $170
For ladies who prefer a shimmery pucker to a matte mouth, this shade is just the ticket. This light on the lips, limited edition color from the Très Chic collection adds a soft yet bold touch of color to any look. This gel-based lip color is made with peach, apricot and almond oils to keep your smoochers soft and is also available in seven other shades!

4. M.A.C Red Lipstick in ‘Lady Danger.’ $140
Actress Chloe Sevigny’s favorite M.A.C lipstick is a coral-based matte red that adds a warmer touch of color than it’s blue-based sisters, Ruby Woo and Russian Red (which deserve their own shoutouts from BBHK). If you’re looking for a bright red lipstick that’s more fun than fierce, this is just the color for you. Make sure to pair it with a good lip liner though or it might bleed the longer you wear it.

 5. NARS Semi Matte Lipstick in ‘Fire Down Below.’ $220
Channel your inner temptress with this sinful shade of blood-red lipstick. Ladies who are tired of true red shades but still want a dramatic lip should try this dark diva shade of red, with no orange or blue undertones. As a result, it’s flattering on pretty much any skin tone but is best worn with minimal eye makeup. Also, be sure to hydrate your lips properly before you wear this shade, it can last all day but does have the tendency to dry your lips out if you don’t apply a lip balm beforehand. Otherwise, this dangerous shade of red will not disappoint.

Tips for applying long-lasting lip color:
1. Make sure to hydrate your lips with lip balm before applying any lipstick to ensure that they won’t dry out as the day drags on. Also, don’t go overboard with that Chapstick or you’ll end up with a patchy-colored pucker. If you have very dry lips, be sure to exfoliate them before you put on a lip balm. The tiniest bit of dry skin is magnified by intense red lips, so it’s best to make sure yours are flake-free!

2. A bold red lip requires precision, so it’s best paired with a lip liner. This also keeps the color from bleeding out.

3. If you rock red lips, make sure the color stays just there and doesn’t get anywhere else—like on your teeth. A great trick is to pop your thumb in your mouth and pull it out right after you apply a lipstick. All the lipstick that could potentially get on your teeth will be on your thumb.

There you go, ladies. If you’re ready to go red this spring, then by all means, pucker up.

 Where?

1. available online at YesStyle.com.hk.
2.  available at Laura Mercier in Lane Crawford ifc, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street Central, Hong Kong
3. available at Smashbox.com.
4. available at M.A.C Cosmetics, MAC, 93 Queensway, Hong Kong Island, + 852 3106 0478
5. available at NARS in Lane Crawford ifc, LANE CRAWFORD IFC MALL. Podium 3, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, tel: +852 2118 3388

By Francesca Ayala

For around 15 years, Feel Good Factor on Wyndham Street has been charming us with their warm hospitality. Popular for manicures, pedicures and other services such as facials featuring Elemis products, massages, tanning and hair removal I was a little surprised I had never been so thought it was high time I gave them a whirl.

Greeted by reception staff with a friendly smile, I was escorted through to the main service area. Here there is around 10 built-in chairs for all your nail needs, a couple of nail tables, nail bar and a central area for drying. I certainly felt at home in this lovely salon, which is light, bright and very comforting.

I opted for a spa manicure and spa pedicure which started with a warm foot soak. I actually walked in to find my therapist already running it for me, so there was no waiting time and was pleased to be able to walk in and plop my feet in straight away.

My therapists Shirley and Cindy offered me a beverage, loaded me up with the latest mags and began their magic. I was filed, buffed, clipped and primped with the normal routine involved in a pedicure and manicure before having a lovely spa treatment consisting of a scrub, masque and oil treatment including a short foot and hand massage. This was certainly a relaxing finish to my hectic day and my skin was left feeling soft and fresh.

My toes and fingers were finished off in a gorgeous shade of red from the OPI range. I finished off my treatment at the central drying table where I lingered for a while to finish off my essential gossip column reading before being helped into my flip-flops and given a carry bag to carry my heels home.

Feel Good Factor was a wonderful experience and I will certainly be back. I was very happy with the service and final result. Complete with wi-fi Internet facilities and reasonable prices I am not sure we could ask for more out of a mid-range salon.

How much?
Mani From 170HKD
Pedi from 310HKD

Where?
2nd Floor, Winsome House,
73 Wyndham Street,
Central, Hong Kong

+852 2530 0610
info@feelgoodfactor.com.hk
www.feelgoodfactor.com.hk

The weather is still horrid in the +852, so pop along to The Nine Months Maternity Store in Central Hong Kong on the 15th and 16th of Feb to grab some cashmere discounts. swoon!  Thank you Fashionbuzz! xoxo

Friends and Family Fashionbuzz Sample Sale February 15-17 for Japanese brands Moussy and Sly. Take cash only girls, your going to need it! xoxo

Courtesy of the lovely Jasmine Webster, Super HK Stylist and fashion blogger www.dressmeblog.me

The Environ skincare brand that was developed more than twenty years ago by plastic surgeon Dr Des Fernandes from South Africa is now available in Hong Kong.

Environ is largely based on Vitamin A, that research and trials have proven normalises skin, has a corrective effect at a cellular level and provides protection from UV radiation and free radical damage. Together with cutting-edge technology and proven scientific principles, Environ promises to help combat and relieve harmful effects of today’s environment and modern effects of stress and poor diet. If you’ve stared back at yourself in the mirror one too many times after a night of ciggies, vino and sloshing about on the dance floor and wondered what this type of activity may be doing to your good looks, it may be time for you to invest in some of Dr D’s products.

The full range includes seven product lines and more than forty products that address different needs. I test drove the Intensive Hydrating Oil Capsules and their sunscreen RAD SPF 15.

Intensive Hydrating Oil Capsules
Found inside a smart, small jar with screw top lid, this product can easily slip inside and stack within your bathroom cabinet. Inside the jar you will find cute little capsules that you are directed to use on your cleansed and toned face and neck at either morning or night time. Containing antioxidants and Vitamin A, these squishy little suckers are said to hydrate and give your skin a silky feel. My skin did feel silky afterwards and one capsule was all that was needed for decent coverage.

RAD SPF 15
The slender 100ml tube will easily fit into your bathroom cabinet or handbag and a screw top lid makes for easy application. This product is a sun protection cream that contains organic sun filters and protectants (UV-A and UV-B) that provide a SPF 15 and antioxidant vitamins that are said to increase sun protection and assist in fighting free-radicals. Said to also help soothe the skin after sunburn, this product obviously takes care of more than one job and used under make-up formed part of my daily routine.

How Much?
RAD SPF 15 HK$380
Oil caps HK$820.

Where can I buy it?
Owing to the sheer potency of Environ skincare, the brand cannot be purchased through regular retail stores but is available from select licensed medical professionals and approved spas and medi-spas. You can pick yours up at Beautiful Skin Centre (Pacific Place, Admiralty) or Elemis (Century Square, 1 D’Aguilar Street, Central). For further info, check out www.environ.co.za.

We love you!  Whether you have someone special today, or maybe you are feeling a little blue and lonely, we wanted to put a smile on that pretty little face of yours and show you some Valentines cards from the bygone era.  We’re not sure they would get quite the same reaction today,  what do you think?  Dont forget Beauty Buzzers, the more you love yourself, the more loveable you are, so take care of yourself!

I am not a sucker for one-hit-wonder products that promise to make you look younger and decrease wrinkles. I understand I will look older as I age and am fine with that. I know that if I follow a regime with products that agree with my skin I will stand a better chance maintaining my youth and Origins is one of those products I choose time and time again. It is made from natural and certified organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils. It agrees with my skin and I do notice results.

The latest and greatest product from Origins that has hit their shelves is Youthopia Lift Firming cream. For those of you who love this brand, you will be delighted with what they’ve developed this time. It is said to help re-contour, re-define, lift and firm the skin’s appearance by delivering advanced dermal results. It increases volume, smoothness and plumpness. Noticing signs of stress and fatigue across my face is not something I enjoy, so this product is something that I decided I should invest in. For those of you who haven’t tried Origins, they pride themselves on producing high-performance, natural skincare that is scientifically proven to work. And can you believe that in a recent clinical trial, 92% of the test participants demonstrated firmer more lifted skin after using this product? I didn’t need more of a nudge than this information.

Presenting itself in a smart 50ml tub, I unscrewed the lid and was graced with a lovely, elegant scent that you’d expect to cop a whiff of while having a facial in a high-end spa. The consistency is thick like yoghurt and coverage is great; a small amount spreads very well. It absorbs quickly and is not greasy. Ooh-lah-lah it feels great and with simple instructions to apply day and night it was something I was able to include in my regime straight away.

After using this product every day for the past week, I must admit my skin feels a little tighter and even looks a bit brighter. Let’s see what happens over the next few week.  You can pick up your tub of Origins Youthopia Lift Firming cream at several stores in Hong Kong. Check out www.origins.com.hk for more info. At HK$500 a pop it isn’t the cheapest chicken around, but it is worth every penny.

You’ve had a year to prepare, been visually bombarded from every shop front and restaurant with Valentines paraphernalia and promotions, but a few days before you still haven’t had a chance to organise anything for your loved one.  Fret not Beauty-Buzzers, we’ve compiled a FAB FIVE list of the best spa packages for two in Hong Kong.  We think that there is nothing better than couples pamper package with your loved one (or future loved one), you get brownie points for the gift, and you pamper your partner and yourself at the same time, hurrah, its a win-win situation!

Four Seasons Hong Kong – Best City Spa with a View

BBHK loves the Four Seasons award winning spa, perched overlooking Victoria Harbour, in a world far away from the hustle and bustle of central.  Try their Romantic Reflection package, which takes place in one of their exquisitely designed spa suites, that incorporates a beautiful mosaic jacuzzi bath big enough for two.  The treatment includes a double soak in a vanilla milk bath, a body polish followed by a relaxing couples massage.

Cost: From $4900
Where: Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 – 8888

The Mandarin Spa – Best  Spa Overnight Package

BBHK Readers know of our love affair with The Mandarin Spa, so we think there is no where better to rekindle your love on Valentines Day.  Their oriental inspired spa sets the high precedent for Asian themed pamper palaces throughout the world.  If eastern flare is your style, then you can’t get better that The Mandarin Spa.  If you want to push the boat that little but further (maybe for a proposal, its a leap year girls!! Just saying…) Then why not try their “Romantic Retreat” package.  Stay a night in the hotel in an upgraded room, with champagne, chocolates and a spa treatment for two, oh and there is a late check out if you plan of being up “late” wink wink nudge nudge…

Cost:  Rooms start at HKD6,800, subject to a 10% service charge, valid until 31 December 2012, subject to availability.  Room reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +852 2820 4202.
Where? Mandarin Oriental Hotel Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central.

Sense of Touch – Best Value For Money Valentines Package

If you haven’t got oodles of cash lying around, but you still want to wow and pamper your partner then consider the “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” package at all the various Sense of Touch Locations.  Year after Year Sense of Touch has been awards Hong Kong best day spa by various publications, so you will not be disappointed.  BBHK loves their Repulse Bay spa, set in courtyard, with a terrace overlooking the sea, it offers one of the best getaway spas in Hong Kong.  If you want to get out of the city, this is your place.  The treatment includes a steam shower, after which the couples scrub each other with a sensual polish.  To conclude a relaxing 60-minute couples massage.  You are also given a free gift of an Aromatherapy Associates body oil to continue your treatment at home…

Cost: $3280
Where: All Sense of Touch outlets.  BBHK recommends The Repulse Bay Spa, The Repulse Bay Arcade, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Repulse bay, 2592 – 9668

Melo Spa, Hyatt Regency Sha Tin – Best Out Of Town Spa

Not everyone has the chance or wants to pamper in town, so for all you New Territory lovelies, why not try the Melo Spa in Sha Tin?  Set in the superb and serene Sha Tin hills, The Melo spa offers the feeling of a holiday right on our doorstep.  Try their Sensual Delight Package which comprises of a sensual rose petal bath for two, followed by and eye treatment and massage.

Cost $3800 per couple
Where? Hyatt Regency Sha Tin, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 7684

Chuan Spa – The Best Proposal Package

BBHK loves this spa situated bang in the middle of bustling and crazy Mong Kok.  The Chuan spa has won many awards, including best Mens Treatments, so this spa will definitely suit both you and your partner.  Famous for their TCM and quintessentially Chinese inspired ambience, their package ticks all the boxes with when it comes to romance.  If you are thinking of popping the question, then this might be the perfect way to do it, and don’t forget girls, its a leap year, so this year, you can propose too!  The luxurious package starts with a chauffeured limousine taking you to the hotel, a two and a half hour massage and pamper treatment in one of their sumptuous suites.  Watch the sunset in their relaxation room with Champagne overlooking Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, then follow a candle lit train of rose petals to to their roof top pool and a private cabana where you can pop the question overlooking Hong Kong Island.  So romantic we want to cry!

Cost: $4888
Where? Level 4, The Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, 3552-3510

Tomorrow from 12noon to 9pm enjoy shopping for your sweetheart…..on offer is chic casual wear brand, Nude is Rude, Ann Devine offering upscale lingerie and the adult boutique with toys to share, Melissa Lo’s unique and delicate much loved jewelry, Cabretta Couture the ultimate in decadence with custom made leather gloves, and distinctive and original Patinova Cufflinks for men