The Dictator

Thank you to whoever asked about the natural nail polish, but what about safe removers? They are hard to find these days and I heard acetone is bad.
Safe Removals, Parkview

The Dictator rules: Why are you thanking the reader? I’m the one who did all the work. I’ve read that supplies of acetone have been limited worldwide because it is a key ingredient in the production of methamphetamine (yeah, the drug in Breaking Bad). But keep in mind that the acetone-free thing might be a clever marketing ploy. From what I’ve read, the biggest danger nail-polish removers pose is that they’re flammable. Acetone can dry out your nails, but it is an approved substance in the EU, the United States and Canada, and it’s classified as more safe than common alternatives such as methanol. As always, read the fine print. Ecofriendly brand SpaRitual makes its 100 per cent vegan, paraben-free Fluent Extra Strength Conditioning Lacquer Remover with citrus essential oils, sugar-derived solvents, and – drum roll – acetone (HK$140; A Beauty Bar, 15/F, 467 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 2295 6072). You probably know the names of your favourite OPI colours, but did you know the brand also sells a range of acetone and non-acetone removers? Try, for example, the hypoallergenic OPI acetone-free polish remover with moisturising aloe vera (HK$60; Cher2, 1/F, Po Foo Building, 88 Percival Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2882 2528). Or go for one of the soy products on the market, such as the Soy Nail Polish Remover by Priti NYC (HK$100; for store locations, call 2836 6210 or visit www.priti-hk.com), which is 100 per cent natural and biodegradable. There’s also Acquarella’s Remover (HK$47; www.acquarellapolish.com), which is made from a water-based, biodegradable, plant-derived, nonflammable, vegan formula with no acetone, methyl acetate or any petrochemical solvents.

I heard Jimmy Choo’s daughter, or someone, is making cheaper but still nice shoes. Can I buy them in Hong Kong? I love my sexy heels, but given what they cost I wonder whether I should be investing in jewellery instead.
Spoilt for Choos, Pok Fu Lam

The Dictator: If it’s investments you’re interested in, get a financial adviser. If you’re trying to justify your spending habits, don’t drag me into it. As far as I’m concerned, you should buy beautiful things within your budget and enjoy them. Shoes by Lucy Choi London are a perfect example of that. She’s Choo’s niece, by the way, and previously worked at ballerina brand French Sole, having spent her early childhood in Hong Kong. One of the ways she keeps prices down is by manufacturing on the mainland rather than in Europe, under strict quality guidelines, of course. You can find a limited selection of her current collection at Harvey Nichols (Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 3968 2668), where we’ve seen her Miami Gold Glitter flats (HK$2,690), Peony Grey Snake kitten heels (HK$2,990) and Tuberose Black Glitter high heels (HK$3,490).

Got a question for The Dictator? E-mail her with your name, or alias, and address at: dictator@scmp.com