Dr Andrew Weil for Origins collection (right) includes Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Serum ($630/50ml) to 'optimise skin's defences against ageing', and Plantidote Mega-Mushroom Face Cream ($560/30ml), to tackle fine lines.
Weil, a professor of medicine, says hypsizygus ulmarius, cordyceps and reishi mushrooms have long been believed to boost resistance to stress and promote long life. In ancient China and Japan, their benefits were so esteemed that they were reserved for the royal families. Hypsizygus ulmarius has many reported benefits, including calming and soothing properties. Cordyceps was valued for its ability to increase vitality, and the reishi mushroom was said to lengthen life. Available from shop 1076, IFC Mall, Central, G/F 27 Lee Garden Rd, Causeway Bay, shop 311, New Town Plaza, Sha Tin; Faces, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; and LOG-ON, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong and Cityplaza, Taikoo Shing.
Ice blue Dunhill Pure for Men (eau de toilette natural spray, $366/50ml, or $491/75ml, far right) has hints of woody amber, lotus leaves, white pepper and cardamom. Water iris adds a cool element to the composition, balancing the patchouli. It was created by parfumer Richard Ibanez and comes in a silver mesh-look box. Available from Sogo in Causeway Bay, Faces in Harbour City, Seibu in Windsor House and Langham Place, and Wing On Plus, Yau Ma Tei.
Christian Dior has released its Shades of Summer makeup for 2006, including Dior Bronze Blush ($295), which is a single palette that contains a variety of shades in one. This means you can be subtle or go for a heavier cheek glow. A quick swipe of the brush at the lighter end is ideal for day, or a heavy-handed wipe from the other is best suited to night. The 1 Colour Eyeshadow ($160) comes in two tones - Azure Sea or Peach - while the 5 Colours Eyeshadow ($395) offers tropical tones with the Fijian Island palette and beige tones with the Saharian Treasure palette. A waterproof eyeliner ($140) comes in two shades, Miami Pink and Seaside Blue, and the DiorKiss Luscious Lip-lumping Gloss ($145) is available in four shimmery, syrupy colours - Fruit Splash, Delicious Watermelon, Snow Cherry and Grape Freeze. Available from all Dior counters.
Decleor's new range, Aroma Purete (left), includes three skincare products to restore softness and calm irritated complexions. Based on ylang ylang oil and aquatic plant extracts, which are said to have purifying and rebalancing properties, it also boasts willow
extract to eliminate dead skin cells and even out skin texture and polysaccharides from the sea to prevent irritation. Choose from Matt Finish Skin Fluid ($320/50ml), Instant Purifying Mask ($290/50ml) or Double Action Tinted Concealer ($250/15ml). Available from the Decleor Institut, M2, mezzanine floor, Baskerville House, 13 Duddell St, Central.