La Mer says it has created a deep whitening treatment especially for delicate, fine Asian skin. The Infusion Primer and Whitening Mask ($2,800) is said to give skin more clarity and radiance in eight minutes. The primer is rich in marine botanicals, vitamins and essential fatty acids, which soothes and calms skin. La Mer says that because irritation is a significant cause of hyper-pigmentation or overproduction of melanin, the company found that, if it's soothed first, the mask is more effective. The mask contains La Mer's specially harvested bio-ceramic white algae from France that's said to accelerate the whitening process. The primer and the cotton sheet masks should be used twice in the first week and once a week until the kit is finished. Available at all Lane Crawford stores.
Essie Nails' spring 2006 collection has six new colours ($120 each), from lolly pinks to clear, almost reddish tones and a rosy mauve. The collection joins Essie's more than 200 nail colours, and hand and foot treatments. It also has a new lip gloss, and says the range is ultra-shiny, non-sticky and moisturising. Gloss-e ($180) has six shades of pale pink, pinky peach, sheer pink, rust, bright pink with a hint of glitter and a silvery white. Essie is available at Nailtech Professional, Unit 2202-03, 22/F, Queen's Place, 74 Queen's Road Central. Inquiries: 2139 0014.
DDF (Doctor's Dermatalogic Formula) Hyperpigmentation is a new range aimed at reducing sun spots, age spots, acne scars and uneven skin tone. It includes a Brightening Cleanser ($290), a blend of six natural skin brighteners in a foaming glycolic and salicylic acid to help minimise uneven skin. It can also be used on the body and has a light liquorice scent. The DDF EPF Moisturiser C3 SPF 15 ($680) is a tri-complex vitamin C formulation said to protect against so-called aggressors that can cause premature signs of ageing. The DDF Holistic Lightener ($550) is said to help fade discolouration and to even skin tone. It's good for sensitive skin types and is ideal as a nighttime treatment. The RXTRA Erase Eye Gel ($490) is designed to restore moisture, reduce puffiness and minimise dark circles. Available from Harvey Nichols, Central.
Kenneth Cole has a new fragrance for men called Signature ($420/100ml eau de toilette spray or $270/30ml). It has top notes of grapefruit, violet and cardamom, middle notes of espresso bean and water lily, and base notes of patchouli and golden amber. Cole says the fragrance is for the man 'who's made it'. Signature is 'rich and complex, sophisticated and sensual. It's the payoff, the prize for being driven, curious and passionate'. There's also a deodorant stick ($120/75g), an after-shave balm ($395/100ml) and a hair and body wash ($165/200ml). Available from Faces
in Tsim Sha Tsui and Sogo, Causeway Bay.
SPA MTM has a new signature programme - Sakura Revival Therapy - to celebrate its first birthday in Hong Kong. It includes a Relaxing Sake Foot Soak, followed by the Zesty Zen, a herbal green tea body wrap to help make skin softer. Then there's the Energising Shiatsu Massage that combines two massage techniques: shiatsu and Japanese detox. Shiatsu aims to remove energy blockages that could disrupt the free flow of chi. The Pure Nourishing Soy Bean Hot Spring Bath that follows is rich in enzymes and amino acids. It concludes with refreshments and relaxation in the aroma suite after the three-hour treatment. It costs $2,500 and is available from April 1 at MTM, shop A, G/F, 3 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay. Inquiries: 2923 7888