beauty buzz
It's the No 1 piece of advice from beauty therapists: no amount of face cream will help your skin if you don't cleanse and exfoliate. You should wash away dirt and make-up twice daily and exfoliate regularly. Try some of these products to ditch the dirt.
1. Sampar's daily dose foaming cleanser (HK$280/200ml) is a delicate blend of essential oils including cinnamon, rosemary, lavender and sage. It aims to do its job 'with infinite softness'. The French brand is available from Lane Crawford, Pacific Place, Admiralty.
2. Jurlique's foaming facial cleanser (HK$300/200ml) is a gentle herbal face wash that removes excess oil and dirt. The Australian company says it leaves skin feeling soft and is suitable for acne-prone skin. Available from Jurlique stores, including the one in Times Square, Causeway Bay.
3. Kiehl's epidermal re-texturising micro-dermabrasion (HK$385/75ml) is part of the US company's Dermatologist Solutions range. This product is for unrefined skin textures and those with larger pores. It's made up of crushed micro-shells derived from ocean sand and a 'powerful ingredient' used by dermatologists when doing micro-dermabrasion. Available from Kiehl's stores at G/F, Russell Street, Causeway Bay, and The Landmark, Central.
4. Menthoderm's micro-crystal exfoliation cream (HK$490/60ml) is a homecare micro-dermabrasion treatment for normal to dry skin. The formula contains natural fruit enzymes, hydrolysed vitamins, herbal extracts and micro-marine crystals. Gradual use will minimise pores and other skin imperfections while stimulating reproduction of healthy skin cells, the Hong Kong-based group says. Available from Joyce Beauty and the Menthoderm Skin Nursery, 3/F, CNAC Building, 10 Queen's Road Central.
5. Clinique's face soap (HK$120/100gm) is one part of its classic three-step skin solution. It has stood the test of time and can be kept in its dish in the shower for quick and easy cleansing. It's probably best for younger or oilier complexions, however. Available from Clinique counters.