Beauty spot
Lip service
Since it was founded in 1881, cosmetic brand T Le Clerc has been coming up with innovative products. It was, for example, the first company to produce 'banana'-coloured face powder to disguise dark undereye circles. Its latest offerings to the beauty world are 'transparent' lipsticks that are actually lipstains on a stick. The six shades range from rose to brown and because they give only a light slick of colour they allow the wannabe makeup creator to mix, match and come up with new shades of her own. They cost $190 each from T Le Clerc counters in all branches of Lane Crawford. Go for the burn
If you want your home to smell as good as you do, niche perfume house Annick Goutal's new collection of scented candles might be just the ticket. Similar to its fragrances, the candles evoke places, seasons, feelings and memories: Sud (South), for example, is reminiscent of the long, hot summers Goutal spent in the south of France and Italy; Boite A Epices (Spice Box) was inspired by the exotic smell of an antique box discovered by Goutal's daughter Camille. The candles come in elegant striped gold glasses and thanks to a compact wax with a high concentration of scent, they last for 50 hours. 'It is always disappointing when a candle loses its smell halfway down or doesn't smell good,' says Camille Goutal, one half of the perfumery's two-woman creation team. 'We test each ingredient to see how it smells when it burns and only use the best.' The six candles can be purchased for $380/140 grams each from Joyce Beauty branches.
New spa news
More sweet-smelling products and treatments are available at Jurlique's latest Hong Kong venture, a shop-cum-day spa that opened on Monday. The full range of the brand's aromatherapy- based goodies can be purchased while anyone who wants to try them out in the hands of a professional can avail themselves of facials and massages. G/F, Shop G02, Man Yee Building, 68 Des Voeux Road, Central, tel: 2259 5066
Cellular communication
It seems skin cells like a bit of a chat. According to research by Dior's Innovation Centre, when the skin is renewed every 28 days, the underlying cells change as they move to the skin's surface. In order for this process to occur, the cells need to be able to communicate - and water is the medium. If the movement of water between the cells is stimulated, says Dior, cellular activity will also get a boost, which means a more radiant, younger-looking complexion. Enter a specially formulated energy complex to improve the cells' quality and efficiency and a rare plant called jisten from Central Asia, which has been found to stimulate water flow. Mix them together and you get Energy Move, a new skincare line by Dior for 20- to 35-year olds. Comprising Radiance Reviving Pre-Treatment Ionic Lotion ($220), Tri-Active Essence ($365) and Skin Illuminating Cream ($320), the range moisturises and freshens up lacklustre, energy-depleted skin. Available from Parfums Christian Dior counters.
Lip-smackin' good
Aveda has also released a new line of products worth puckering up for. Not only do its lip formulas all contain plant antioxidants, which help to protect and moisturise, but they look, feel and taste good - of certified organic peppermint - too. The range includes seven shades of high-shine liquid Lip Glaze gloss ($160), 21 Lip Color Concentrates that provide solid colour ($150), and seven types of lighter weight Lip Color Sheer ($150). To complement the lippies are seven new liners ($119) and a product called Lip Replenishment ($150), a colourless lip-balm treatment that conditions and moisturises the skin. All are available from Aveda stores and counters.
