Bridal treatment
Philosophy Treatment Spa has an 'auto-pass package' for brides and grooms. Couples getting married can try 14 treatments in the lead-up to the big day. It also includes six wedding photos (if you pay for makeup and hair). The HK$6,999 package includes facial treatments (using Philosophy's skin care brand), eye and neck care, body treatments, slimming, foot reflexology and nail services. Other services include gel and artificial nails, intensive hand and foot treatments and a nutritionist consultation. It's at 12/F Toy House, 100 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2377 3930.
Aesop's new Parsley Seed Cleansing Mask (HK245/60ml) contains clays to cleanse and also delivers 'generous' quantities of anti-oxidant botanical ingredients such as parsley and rosehip seeds. It aims to remove impurities while keeping moisture levels intact. It comes in a handy tube, so is ideal for frequent travellers. Available from Lane Crawford and Joyce Beauty, as well as the Aesop store, 52-60 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central.
Lavera's new Basic Sensitive hand cream (HK$115/30ml) is made from organic almonds and shea butter, and is said to protect dry and cracked hands and elbows. It has a light formula and doesn't leave a greasy film. Chamomile extracts also calm and soothe the skin. Their Anti-Ageing Energy Hand Cream (HK$280/75ml) combines organic raw sugar extract and cococin from coconut milk, designed to smooth and soften skin. Arbutin, derived from the leaves of the bearberry tree, is added to reduce the appearance of age spots. Available from Watsons Pure Beauty in Times Square, Jordan Road, in Kowloon, Tai Koo Shing in Quarry Bay and Queen's Road, Central.
Ellespa offers the chance to enhance its detox with two New Year treatments. The Organic Herbal Mud and Paprika Detoxifying Body Treatment (HK$1,200/120 minutes) suits all skin types. After a light scrub using pear and green apple sugar scrub for deep hydration and refining, a mineral-rich Hungarian herbal mud is applied. This is said to have detoxifying and stimulating qualities. Your body is wrapped to encourage perspiration and release toxins from the skin. Your neck and head are massaged, followed by a full body massage with honeydew or cinnamon paprika body lotion 'especially good for cellulite or fatty areas, to increase circulation and moisturise the body'. Rosehip and Maize Lime Stimulating and Detoxifying Facial (HK$1,200/90 minutes) is said to detoxify the skin while increasing oxygenation. Organic ingredients act as stimulants for cellular renewal leaving your complexion revitalised, firmer and hydrated. Tel: 2537 7736 (Repulse Bay), or 2530 3898 (Central).
Kenzo's Red Poppy Cream (below left, HK$465/35ml) for the body is created with rhoeadine, a fragrant substance extracted from plant water within the poppy. Available from FACES, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui and Harvey Nichols, the Landmark, Central.
Japanese cosmetic brand Yamano has released a new range and facial treatment line, Kohakubi Amber Beauty (right), to Hong Kong. It's said to resist oxidation, enhance blood circulation and maintain 'dynamic skin humidity'. The products contain Baltic Sea amber that's said to make the skin appear firm, glossy and even-toned. It includes the Kohakubi Lotion (HK$1,700/210ml), which contains amber powder and amino acids that 'can resist ageing'. There's also Kohakubi Cream (HK$4,250/40g), which contains the highest concentration of amber powder and amino acids as well as plant ingredients for moisturising and tightening. Yamano products and treatments are at Yamano Clesty Salon, where you can get the Amber Facial for HK$2,500/90 minutes). All therapists are trained in Japan at the Yamano College of Aesthetics. It's at 5/F On Hing Building, 1-9 On Hing Terrace, Central. Tel: 2180 7929.
