Skin Deep, September 10, 2010

Strong Foundations
Of all the PR muster and bluster I’ve encountered, touting a cream foundation as underwear for your face (well, “lingerie for your skin” is how they said it) is pretty out there. But that’s exactly what Guerlain went with for their event at artjamming on Wellington Street last week. After nibbling on macarons while waiting for some of the tardier press members to arrive, we were ushered upstairs for a makeup demo, which included a promotional video that was remarkably similar to the trailer for Michael Bay’s “Pearl Harbour,” but with women applying makeup instead of fighter planes. The secret to this new formulation, according to Chester Tsung, Guerlain’s Asia-Pacific head of makeup, is a new development known as “bio fusion micro-mesh,” which uses silk and linen fibers to bind closer to the skin, offering natural, weightless coverage. But does it work? After hastily bunging it on my face al desko (the true test of a good foundation), I have to say, it ain’t half bad. The thin, almost watery formulation glides on effortlessly but masks a multitude of flaws, leaving a smooth, matt look that’s perfect for the cooler weather. Fix with a loose mineral powder puff (pictured exploding, above, $410). Could it topple Chantecaille’s Future Skin as my All-Time Favorite Foundation? Only time will tell.
$420 from L’Institute De Guerlain, 7/F, 1 Duddell St., Central, 2869-1552

Backstage Pass
The start of September is traditionally when the magazine/PR machine kicks into overdrive. This means come August 31, inboxes all over town are inundated with invitations to launches of this cream and that fragrance. But the one I made certain not to miss was the launch of “Backstage Beauty,” Lane Crawford Pacific Place’s month of beauty treats, which is being held from now until Sep 26. They enlisted the help of international makeup artist, the lovely Christopher Kam, to recreate Fall/Winter’s hottest runway looks (bare face and strong brows, 50s inspired matt red lips, and dramatic, vamp-tastic eye makeup) with his favorite products, all of which are being showcased at the special Backstage Beauty counter at the front of the store. Make sure to head down some time this month for a personalized skin analysis and foundation matching service. Don’t forget to pick up the “Backstage Beauty” brochure to find out what fab offers are on at the various beauty counters, which are offering tons of freebies and special offers all month. For my money, the best deal in the house is Origins, where you’re treated to a free 45-minute facial plus a three-piece sample set with any purchase of $650 or more.
Pacific Place, Queensway, Admiralty, 2118-2999

Beautiful Bloom
I remember being the envy of my sixth form many moons ago, when my aunt gave me a glass jar of the Australian brand Bloom’s bestselling lip balm. The cult classic came infused with spearmint that left a tasty tingle on newly softened lips. For several years, Bloom (and its bloody good balm) was unavailable in Hong Kong, but now it’s back, with an updated, all-organic recipe. Made with beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter and sweet orange essential oil, it carries the Australian Certified Organic label, meaning that more than 95 percent of its ingredients are organic. For a soothing, moisturizing lip masque, the brand recommends applying some balm before bed and covering your lips with a warm towel for 15 minutes, before gently massaging off.
$160, available at Harvey Nichols, 15 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2833-5157

And The Winner Is…
After nigh on three years of testing out various creams and potions, people are always asking me about my all-time favorite products. Normally, with so much great stuff out there, it’s pretty hard to say. But one thing I can let you in on is my absolutely most beloved face cleanser ever, bar none. No, it’s not some thousand-dollar miracle cream, or a serum infused with goji berries or sheep placenta or civet cat shit or whatever. Believe it or not, it’s good old Pond’s. This old-school cold cream company’s been around for more than 100 years, so I guess they’re doing something right, and honestly, nothing else has ever made my skin behave the way I want it to. Yes, the humble $30-a-bottle cleanser that your mom always told you was the best—it’s actually true. Who knew?
Available in Mannings and Watsons citywide, from $30

Moon Landing
Here at HK Towers, we’re well and truly ready for the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival break, and while most of us will be delicately nibbling on healthy Chinese pears (or so I’d hope!), it might be hard to resist the greasy siren call of the sticky, fragrant mooncake. It’s no secret they’re bad for you, but just how bad are they really? A quick search on the government’s database reveals that a quarter of a double yolk, lotus seed paste mooncake contains:
• 300 miligrams of cholesterol
(your upper daily limit)
• five teaspoons of sugar
• three teaspoons of oil
• the same calories as a bowl of rice
(about 235).

Yikes.
So if you plan on indulging in a little mooncake mayhem, go ahead kids, but just be sure to eat your veggies too. And you know, a loop around the park with your lantern in hand can’t hurt, either.