The skin is the body's largest organ ... so much to hydrate, so little time. Yes, we all know the drill: drink lots of water (at least eight glasses a day), eat lots of fruit and vegetables, cut down on processed and sugary foods and alcohol, and cut out cigarettes. But Hong Kong's stressful lifestyle throws up many other skin obstacles, including pollution and air-cons. Here are some new products on the market to keep you moist and merry.
Clinique's Moisture Surge Face Spray ($170/125ml), the newest addition to the brand's Moisture Surge franchise, works quickly and easily to treat and replenish thirsty skin. Suitable for all skin types, the spray - which contains vitamin E, aloe vera and chamomile - can be used as often as necessary. Just hold the bottle about 30cm from your face, close your eyes and spray a light mist onto your skin. It can be used over or under makeup. Available from Clinique counters.
Another product to add to the mist list is Mario Badescu's Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater ($228). This energising spritz will refresh, hydrate and stimulate the skin, and can be used to set makeup or to moisturise skin sucked dry by heaters. From Seibu, Winsor House and Pacific Place.
The key ingredient in Kiehl's new Abyssine cream ($450) is a 'survival molecule abyssine 657'. What's that you ask? It's harvested from micro-organisms that live and thrive in the deepest recesses of the ocean. (Oh, and it also contains the much-easier- to-harvest apricot oil.) The cream (left) soothes and calms the skin, and leaves a soft finish. Available from Kiehl's counters.
Swiss favourite La Prairie has just released Cellular Treatment Rose Illusion Line Filler ($780/30ml). A bit of a mouthful, but this weightless oil-free gel uses advanced silicone technology to gently 'plump' the skin's surface and help fill in fine lines and minimise wrinkles. Available from La Prairie counters.
All's white as snow over at Dior, with the release of its DiorSnow X2 skin-whitening collection. Part of the range includes Intensive Whitening Gel Essence ($480/30ml, below) and the Ultra Whitening Spot Corrector with SPF 50 ($275/15ml).