on style, she rules

Published: 12:00am, 12 Mar 2006

I want to find a good face protector, preferably with an SPF of more than 20. I was using La Prairie UV Protector SPF 25, but it's been discontinued. Can you recommend any other brands? All White Now, Tsueng Kwan O

The Dictator rules: What are you talking about? Do you mean sunscreen for the face? It's astounding you ever found any. Here's the trick with shopping: you have to ask for what you want. Sisley's Protection Broad Spectrum Sunscreen comes in SPF 20 and 40, with and without tint ($750; The Landmark, tel: 2157 9898). There are also more affordable options. Lancome has UV Expert for the face in SPF 30 and 50 ($292; IFC Mall, tel: 2869 7518). Clinique makes Superdefense Triple Action Moisturiser SPF 25 ($258 at Sasa, tel: 2505 5023; www.sasa.com). Shiseido's Suncare line offers a few options, from Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50 ($250) to Sun Protection Liquid Foundation SPF 42 ($230) and more. At Health Quest (G/F, Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, tel: 2865 2121), ask for Jason Natural Cosmetics' Kids Sun Block SPF 46 ($108).

I'm seeing an ex next week and I've never been so pale in my life. Where can I get a cheap, quick spray tan?

Browned Off, Ap Lei Chau

The Dictator: Yeah, right ... if you're tanned, he'll definitely take you back. But I understand the need to make him see what he's missing. Here are some of the best deals in town for spray tanning by hand. California Beach Club (3/F, Jade Centre, 98 Wellington Street, Central, tel: 2851 3357) charges $380 for one session and $580/$980 for 15-day/30-day unlimited passes. While the set-up is basic, the service is good, covering all the necessities such as a shower with body scrub for pre-spray exfoliation. Feel Good Factor (G/F, Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, tel: 2530 0610) offers full-body spray tans for $340, with a discounted rate of $270 for a follow-up within one week. They'll also do just your legs ($200) or face and arms ($150). If you'd prefer a spray-tanning booth, visit California Super Tan (suite 706, Workingview Commercial Building, 21 Yiu Wah Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2537 0099). They charge $399 for one session, $820 for five sessions and $1,295 for 10 sessions. Just remember to exfoliate beforehand, wear loose-fitting, dark clothes and suffer the slightly strange odour for six to eight hours before washing off the chemicals. If you're tanning for a big event, do it the day before.

Where can I find genuine Ayurvedic massage treatments in Hong Kong? In India, I have tried treatments such as Abhyanga, Swedana and Pizhichil, based on diagnosis by an Ayurvedic doctor. Amazing Grace, Sai Kung

The Dictator: Oh, aren't you just the ultimate new-age traveller? Sorry if you were trying to impress us with your alternative fumblings. You should have asked your yoga instructor (um, yes, they are related). We found Vinod Sharma (flat 11C, 70 Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2771 1405), who teaches yoga and practises traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda. He charges $1,250 per session. Treatment sessions last about 90 minutes and involve a variety of therapies and oil massage. If you're that into the whole experience, why not contact chef Lakshmi Harilela (tel: 2336 0011; e-mail: [email protected]). Trained in Switzerland and the United States, she'll prepare you organic Ayurvedic meals.

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