For those looking for something a bit out of the ordinary in their bathroom cabinet, we've gone through the beauty and skincare products launched in the past year for a select few that are different, quirky or special enough to have what we call the X factor.
Launched late last year, Estee Lauder's TurboLash All Effects Motion Mascara (HK$260) made waves in the cosmetic market with its vibrating LashSonic Brush. Powered by a cell button battery, the vibrating brush separates and saturates each lash while enhancing volume, length, definition and curl.
Lancome also launched Oscillation, its vibrating mascara, last year, and this year it has come out with Oscillation Powerbooster (HK$260). The primer combines the vibrating technology of the mascara with Crescentia, a complex that maximises the mascara's effects. Within the formulation complex is Madecassosside, an extract used in antihair loss products, which helps protect, smooth and strengthen lashes.
What with all the delicious ingredients going into cosmetic and skincare products nowadays, the thought of ingesting rather than applying the products has inevitably crossed our minds at some point. For our less squeamish readers, eating while you shower is now a reality. Sold exclusively at Sephora, the brand 100% Pure has products that not only smell good enough to eat, but are actually safe to consume. The Honey Blackberry Facial Scrub (HK$248/141g) has a number of organic ingredients including honey, blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, cherry and pomegranate. The Organic Fuji Apple Shower Gel includes mouthwatering ingredients such as organic apple juice, Japanese honeysuckle extract and organic pineapple, and is free of synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives or other toxins. The Organic Dark Chocolate Mocha Body Scrub (HK$280/370g) contains organic ingredients including organic dark Belgian chocolate, organic Hawaiian Kona coffee beans, and vitamin C, vitamin E and blackcurrant oil.
Beatrix Wong, public relations account executive at Flare Communications, suggests heating the product in a microwave until it softens, then spreading the melted chocolate on digestive biscuits. 'It is naturally unsweetened, so add some sugar if you want.'
On the other end of the edible spectrum is the Dark Angels facial scrub (HK$99/100g) by Lush. Resembling a chunk of raw charcoal, the cleansing scrub is made with oil-absorbing charcoal and is ideally suited for young or oily skin. The scrub, scented with rosewood and sandalwood essential oils, also contains skin-softening avocado oil, moisture-locking glycerine, and cleansing Rhasshoul mud for a refreshing exfoliating experience.