From the top shelf
IT'S TRUE WHAT makeup artists and beauty therapists say. What you should look for in skincare and makeup is what best suits your skin or colouring.
The problem is, with so many items on the shelves, we are constantly being lured to buy the most expensive, glamorous brands - and the marketing machines have been in full swing in 2005.
But keeping it simple and stylish when it comes to everyday beauty care is key. And if you just want your skin to glow a little, your scent to be subtle and refreshing and your mascara not to clump and run, then to make it easier, here is a list of some of the best new products to arrive in our stores this year.
Many Hong Kong women stocked up on Benefit products when visiting the US and Britain before they were sold here. Created by twin sisters June and Jane Ford in the US, the brand found a cult following after several celebrities raved about its off-beat packaging and honest approach to 'makeup tricks'. It's great stuff but let's be realistic - nothing will make you look awake if you've only had two hours of sleep. However, some of its goods come pretty close. The High Beam highlighter gives cheek bones a subtle shimmer and when dabbed on the sides of the nose inside the eye, it helps brighten your look. But topping their product range is the Benetint cheek and lip stain. First, only a tiny amount is needed so it lasts a long time; secondly, it stays on all day; and thirdly, it makes your cheeks look flushed as opposed to swiped with a coloured powder (it's a liquid rather than a cream). Ideal for those with dryer skin and for women on the go. It's available from Faces in Tsim Sha Tsui, and Lane Crawford, Pacific Place, for $270.
Acqua di Parma's Iris Nobile is one of those fragrances that others instantly appreciate. Splash a little on and everyone around you will comment - in a positive way. Every fragrance house in the world wants to achieve that 'what's that gorgeous perfume?' appeal, but this one - created by an age-old Italian perfumery company which traditionally had a masculine image - wins top marks for the mix of iris petals, star anise and Sicilian tangerine. It's floral; but not sweet. From Harvey Nichols for $1,030.
Sue Devitt is an Australian makeup artist who has spent most of her adult years making up the faces of movie stars and models in the US. Her self-named makeup range arrived recently and while I can't rave about her foundations for winter (best in humidity), the mascara is particularly good. This is not so much because of the formula, but due to the large, springy brush. Unlike other brushes, this one seems to bounce out of the tube each time, almost remaining clump-free even after many uses. The black mascara - aptly called Hong Kong - goes on easily and slightly thickens lashes. The only slight drawback is that it isn't waterproof - or if it is - it can come off easily if met with liquid. Still, if you prefer a non-waterproof mascara, this one is worth it for the brush alone. From Harvey Nichols for $280.