On style, she rules

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Published: 12:00am, 19 Sep 2004

The team I enter for the Matilda Sedan Chair Race focuses on the dressing up rather than the running. We always win a prize for our costumes and the entertainment we provide, as well as raising lots of money for charity. The sashes are a necessity - where can we get them in Hong Kong?

Sash for cash, the Peak

The Dictator rules: Truce. Because this is for charity, I'll hold my tongue. I've tried dance, ballet and even costume shops, but no one seems to have them. A tailor might be able to help. Yuen's Tailor (2/F, Shop 233, Escalator Link Alley, 80 Des Voeux Road, Central, tel: 2815 5388) needs exact specifications down to the stitching quality, but will make them for about $100 each, not including fabric or iron-on letters. They'll need about two weeks to make six to 10 sashes, so plan in advance and leave a buffer for last-minute tweaking. You could get the fabric in the Central lanes or Western Market, or choose something from Yuen's catalogues. Lettering is easy to find on Pottinger Street in Central or Yu Chao Street in Shamshuipo. If that is too complicated, visit www.sashes.com, the website for United States-based sash experts Rainbows End. They make embroidered satin sashes from US$29, plus shipping. But you'll have to get going, it takes six weeks to make them.

I've heard there's a new concealer in the form of an airbrush. Is this true? If so, where can I get it?

Brushed out, Aberdeen

The Dictator: Yes and no. There is a Clinique Airbrush Concealer on the market ($150; Clinique, Seibu Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 1093), but the term airbrush is used very imaginatively. It's actually one of those clicking pens with a brush at the top we first saw used for lipgloss. And it's nothing new: brands such as Too Faced, Dermadoctor, Tarte, Dior, Ramy and Sephora make them too, and most target the eye area. As Clinique.com delicately states, the Airbrush Concealer promises to reduce the appearance of wrinkles ('soften the look of fine lines') and lighten dark circles under your eyes ('light-diffusing optics brighten shadows'). So is this a gimmick or does the special mechanism and brush make your skin look flawless? Well, it recommends applying the product then blending it with your fingers ... that should answer your question.