Powder room
MOA's Green Balm (HK$190/50ml) is made to a natural recipe passed down to Thury Gudmundsdottir by her grandmother, an Icelandic herbalist. The balm treats dry patches, rashes, burns, helps to heal scars, reduces itching, softens, soothes eczema and can be used as a cleanser or to soften cuticles. It uses yarrow, tea tree oil, beeswax, soya bean oils and coconut to soften and nourish. From Joyce Beauty, Queen's Road Central.
The Lippmann Collection's latest nail lacquers (HK$190/bottle) are sure to get the party started. Happy Birthday resembles glittery-glam confetti in swirls of pearlised colour, while Wicked Game is a silky lavender-grey. Long-lasting and free of formaldehyde, Deborah Lippmann's varnishes contain green tea extracts and protein-building biotin for healthier nails. From Joyce Beauty.
Laura Mercier's new Creme de Pistache body creme (HK$495/380ml) is rich, thick and suitable for cooler weather. It blends warm pistachio butter, sweet cream, hints of almond and praline, vanilla absolute, honey and hazelnut. It also contains vitamins A and E and macadamia nut oil. It softens, but its strong nutty aroma will not suit everyone. From Lane Crawford stores and the Laura Mercier boutique, shop 306, New Town Plaza 1, Sha Tin.
MTM's Custom-Blended Reishi moisturiser (below, left, HK$1,580/30ml) combines two herbal formulations - Japanese red reishi extract and Si Wu - with other custom-blended formulations prescribed by MTM. Reishi extract is said to protect skin cells and regulate the metabolism. The Si Wu blend aims to boost blood circulation and regulate chi flow to slow ageing. From all MTM spas and stores, including shop G27, Central Building, 1 Pedder Street, Central, and shop G36, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong.
Philip B's Peppermint and Avocado Volumising and Clarifying Shampoo (below, centre, HK$260/220ml, HK$360/350ml) is formulated with 16 pure plant extracts, 11 essential and carrier oils and an active dose of 2.3 per cent peppermint oil. It's said to provide an anaesthetic element to soothe scalp tension, stimulate circulation and leave hair feeling refreshed. It also gives fine hair a boost. The peppermint oil has some zing, so avoid getting it in your eyes. From Lane Crawford, Times Square, Causeway Bay.
L'Occitane's Shea Vanilla Shower Gel (left, HK$55/75ml) makes an ideal stocking filler with its sweet vanilla and shea butter blend in an easy-to-use, flip-top container. Combine with the Shea Vanilla Body Cream (HK$330/200ml) for a fragrant start to the day. From all L'Occitane stores.
