Vitamin boost Environ skincare has finally arrived in Hong Kong. The vitamin-loaded range, developed by South African plastic surgeon Des Fernandes, is based on the regenerative qualities of vitamins A and C. Products include C-Boost ($600/25ml) from the Intensive range to help reduce sun damage, pigmentation, fine lines and capillaries, Debut ($500/50ml) from the Proactive range with the lowest concentration of vitamin A intended for first-time users or young and sensitive skins, and Alpha Day Lotion ($750/100ml) with SPF 15 for mature skin. All the products can be used with the roll-cit ($4,290), a small roller with tiny pins that puncture the epidermis without injuring the skin that, it is claimed, maximises the products' effectiveness. Inquiries: 3101 8770 Brush off If your cleanser and toner are not doing their jobs, try Methode Jeanne Piaubert's new Douceur D'eau line that consists of a makeup remover brush ($180) and a soap-free foaming gel cleanser ($320/125ml). The brush is said to stimulate the skin and increase blood circulation. Follow with the Douceur D'eau Bi-active Radiance and Purity Cream Masque ($415/75ml) to soften skin. Inquiries: 2915 6698 The good oil Farfalla of Switzerland has introduced its range of organic essential oils, and other aromatic products including fragrances, massage oils and natural cosmetics, in Hong Kong. Farfalla does not test its products on animals. The range of essential oils ($110-$480) are sourced around the world, from Moroccan cedar wood to Madagascan ginger and Somalian frankincense. Essential oil blends are also available for different moods - Relaxation ($180/10ml) is made from lavender, chamomile, neroli and mandarin, while Concentration ($200/10ml) mixes basil, lemon balm, peppermint and rosemary. There are four lines of natural cosmetics - basic care products such as Soft Cleansing Milk ($340/150ml) and Foot Balm ($280/50ml), the Rose-Iris line for sensitive skin with products such as Nourishing Mask ($430/50ml) and Bodybalm ($230/30ml), the Jojoba-Neroli line for dry skin with products such as Nourishing Cream ($430/50ml) and the anti-ageing Aloe-Shea line containing products such as Anti-Ageing Intensive Cream ($540/50ml) and Skin Serum Intensive Treatment ($580/20ml). Farfalla is available at various spas and beauty counters. Inquiries: 9124 2840 Skin food Lush has developed many new nourishing organic goodies just in time for the change in weather. Dry lips? Try a Chocolate Whipstick Lip Balm ($79/10g) with honey, shea butter and orange oil. Karma Kream ($199/225g) is a skin- toning cream scented with orange, lemongrass and other spices. Smooth and moisturise hands with The Soft Touch ($99/90g), a bar made of fresh mango, beeswax, cocoa butter and cardamom essential oil to stimulate circulation. Running to the Embassy ($69/115g) is a body butter bar with cocoa butter to exfoliate, soften, soothe and smooth your feet. Peppermint and spearmint relieve itching and revive tired feet while the ground pumice stone removes dead skin. King of Skin ($75/90g) moisturises and tones the body with bananas, avocados and natural butters. If lounging in the bath is your thing, drop in a Honey Bee Ballistic ($42) with honey in the bath water to moisturise and heal skin. Finish with a Brazened Honey Bio-Fresh Mask ($125/100g) with its infusion of sage, rosemary, juniper berry and lime juice to detoxify. Available from Lush counters and shops. Inquiries: 2265 7257 Fresh air Kenzo's new male cologne, Kenzo Air, is a light fragrance with notes of star anise, vetiver and fine musk. The bottle, designed by artist Laura de Santillana, is a work of sculpture in itself. Kenzo Air comes in eau de toilette ($390/90ml, $310/50ml, $195/20ml), aftershave lotion spray ($250/150ml), alcohol-free aftershave balm ($250/150ml), all-over shower gel ($155/150ml), perfumed deodorant natural spray ($150/150ml) and alcohol-free deodorant stick ($125/ 75ml). Available at Sogo and Lane Crawford.
