On style, she rules

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Published: 12:00am, 20 May 2012

I used to always use Organic Pharmacy in Britain. I did a search (don't scold me!) on its website, but I couldn't see any places that stock the treatments. My skin has been looking decidedly dull since the move. I would consider alternatives if absolutely necessary, or even tips on how to do a facial at home. Help!

Dull and Dusted, The Peak

The Dictator rules: Well done. You've made it past the first level of the sourcing game. Now, onto the second level, where you'll learn that many websites are out of date. The Organic Pharmacy has been in Hong Kong for years but in different incarnations and locations. Here comes the exciting part, dear Dull and Dusted. As of a few months ago, The Organic Pharmacy (www.theorganicpharmacy.com) has teamed up with The Spa at Four Seasons (Central, tel: 3196 8900) to offer treatments combining their great products and techniques. You'll have to ask the experts there and peruse the website for treatment options, but it sounds like what you need is the Vitamin C Antioxidant Facial (HK$1,300 on weekdays; HK$1,400 on weekends), which employs exfoliation, two masks, massage and acupressure to cleanse, reduce discolouration and brighten complexion. It takes an hour and is so well-executed, you can immediately appear in public feeling it's done something without the usual embarrassing post-facial redness. While you're there, you might as well stock up on products to use at home, including: Carrot Butter Cleanser (HK$590), Rose Facial Spritz (HK$395), Antioxidant Face Firming Serum (HK$1,295), Antioxidant Firming Gel (HK$890), Rose Plus Marine Collagen Complex (HK$1,950), Collagen Boost Mask (HK$1,060) and Expression Treatment Lip & Eye Cream (HK$700).

Where can I find those tapes which stick on both sides. I have a dress which falls open a bit too much on the top and I thought I could stick it on my skin with this tape. Do you know what I am trying to explain?

Sticky Situation, Tai Tam

The Dictator: I do know what you're talking about and I'll get to some awesome sources in a minute, but, first, I need to berate you. Lady, if your clothes don't fit properly, then you should have them altered. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times: everyone should have an alterations tailor on speed dial. One of the best known in town is Perfect Dress Alteration (aka Ann & Bon; Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2522 8838). Now, because fashion tape is brilliant for quick fixes, I'll answer your question. The famous Hollywood Fashion Tape is still sold at City'super (Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 2888). The selection of double-sided, purpose-specific tapes includes the original pack of strips (HK$78), Special Occasion Tape (HK$88) and other tools such as the nipple-concealing Silicone CoverUps (HK$155). Another great choice is Commando MatchTips (HK$80 and up), a box of 50 double-sided tape dots for hems, straps and quick fixes made by the brand that brought you seamless undies. Buy them at Flaunt (9/F, Union Commercial Building, 12 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2545 8813); or Sheer, which carries both the Commando MatchTips and MatchSticks for gaping blouses and low-cut dresses (also HK$80; 4/F, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2147 3887).

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