Lights of spring
Chanel has released its new Spring makeup collection, which includes the Lumiere d'Artifices (HK$380), an eye shadow inspired by the shimmering effects of sequins used in haute couture. The surface of the compact is in the shape of sequins, moulded by a goldsmith. Colours range from a bronzy gold, which melds into a slate grey, then a sparkling pale silver. It can be used on the brow or cheekbones. The new Irreelle Blush (HK$275) comes in two tones - Pink Cloud and In Love. One is a light pink, the other has an orange undertone. A milky white nail polish, Blanc Ceramic (HK$140), is expected to be a summery must-have, much like its winter counterpart, Rouge Noir. Available from all Chanel counters.
Bliss' autumn-winter skin- care range includes Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk (HK$300/245ml), a low-foaming milk that cleanses and doubles as a rinse-off mask. A blend of four hydrophilic oils remove dirt and breaks down excess sebum without upsetting the skin's moisture balance, the manufacturer says. Exfoliating enzymes reduce blackhead build-up, grape-seed extracts brighten, and vitamin E and orange water firm. The Pore-Perfecting Facial Polish (HK$270/125ml) is a citrus-scented smoothing scrub safe for all skin types. It contains calcium carbonate skin-scrubbing grains to clear away dead cells and is ideal for the T-zone.
The All Around Eye Cream (HK$250/28gm) targets the dreaded puffy bags, dark circles and fine lines. Bliss is the product line from a spa in New York. Available from Lane Crawford, Pacific Place and Times Square.
OPI's new Australia collection (HK$120 a bottle, right) was 'inspired by the land where cosmopolitan city life and runway fashion meet primitive art and a spirited sense of adventure. The shades of the collection represent free-spirited beauty at its best,' says OPI artistic director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. It includes beige, white, grey and black with bright metallics (especially gold) and sharp pinks. Names include Fair Dinkum Pinkum, Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It and Red Hot Ayers Rock. There's also a lip collection to match (HK$140 a tube), with names such as Suzi Loves Sydney, Didgeridoo Your Nails and Don't Melbourne the Toast. A four-bottle mini-collection from colours within the new range is HK$180.
Laura Mercier has released its two Flawless Complexion kits (depending on skin type) in a new travel size (HK$650). Both have travel-sized containers inside a clear, zippered case. Included is the Purifying Oil, a cleanser in two formulations - light for normal to oily skin and rich for dehydrated skin. There's also the Perfecting Water, which hydrates and helps the penetration of moisturisers. A Renewal Serum aims to minimise surface pigmentation and defend against fine lines and a pack of 15 cotton squares is added to apply the Perfecting Water.
Mercier says the products are infused with deep-sea water from Japan, which 'creates long-lasting hydration and promotes wrinkle-free skin'. Available from Lane Crawford stores.
L'Occitane's new Ultra-Rich Eye Balm (HK$255/15ml, left) is said to provide immediate action to improve surface hydration and decrease tightness of the skin around the eyes. It's made with shea butter to protect against wind, cold and sun, calendula extract and orange blossom water to soothe and soften and wheat aleurone extract, whose vitamins promote cell metabolism. The French group says that after three weeks' use on 25 women, 93 per cent reported that the skin around the eyes was moisturised for 24 hours and 81 per cent said it was immediately soothed. The balm joins other Ultra-Rich products including the face cream (HK$280/50ml) and the moisturising mask (HK$250/75ml). Available from all L'Occitane stores, including APM Mall, Kwun Tong and Pacific Place, Admiralty.
