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Reddy, set, smooch

Well red

Want to stand out from the crowd this festive season? Go red (it worked for Rudolf). Red lips are guaranteed to draw attention, and industry experts say there's a shade out there for every woman.

So off I went on a march through Hong Kong's shopper-clogged department stores in search of the perfect red ... surely an easy task. I mean, how many shades can there be? Well, the answer is a lot. Here are some new additions to tempt you.

Estee Lauder's Festive Face series just screams red, especially the Red Lacquer ($140). By Terry (Seibu, Pacific Place, Admiralty) has released Rouge Geranium, which should keep pink-red fans happy, as well as Rouge Opulent, which is enriched with an anti-ageing lip-care ingredient and SPF10. But at $430, they seemed a tad expensive when next to them was the brand's bright-as-you-like Oriental Lacquer lip gloss for just $230.

Chanel has released Image Rose ($140) which was the most moisture rich. And don't forget the old favourites from Clarins' Passion collection (No.350, $139.50, packed a red punch). But the biggest glow of all came from Yves Saint Laurent, whose new Rouge Personnel multi-finish Red Sin ($165) outshone its rivals.

Always ask the sales assistant for advice when selecting a shade (consider skin tones and lip shape: if your lips are thin, lighter shades of red are best) ... then make a beeline for the mistletoe.

Face first

If the lippie trail has left you lethargic, or even seeing red, then here's something to give you a lift. Menthoderm Skin Nursery (12/F, 4-6 On Lan Street, Central) has introduced a Winter Deluxe Facial. It's designed to cleanse pores and remove impurities while moisturising. The one hour and 45 minute facial begins with a gentle, micro-refining scrub and a custom-blend moisturising masque, followed by a sensuous massage with calming oils and a heated, soothing wax masque. If that hasn't sent you off to slumberville, then the chamomile-infused steam used throughout the treatment surely will. Priced at $980, the treatment is available only during winter. First-timers get a special rate of $880. For bookings and further information, call 2147 3803.

Caviar moment

La Prairie's latest range of luxury skin products sounds as if it should be served with canapes and washed down with champagne. The Caviar Collection has been designed to lift festive-weary faces.The creme de la creme is a luxury gift box - a perfect stocking filler. The set includes a Skin Caviar Firming Complex (30ml), Essence of Skin Caviar Eye Complex (5ml), and Skin Caviar Luxe Cream (5ml). Available from La Prairie counters at the special price of $680 (normally $1,370).

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