Flip Flops to Fitness

Flip Flops to Fitness
My general stance on body-toning sneakers is I’d rather actually do some exercise than be caught dead in a pair. But makers have cottoned onto the fact that women who care enough about their appearance to buy ass-firming shoes are unlikely to want to clomp around in corrective footwear. Hence, Fitflop’s new line of summer sandals. With patented body-toning “Wobbleboard“ technology in place, these shoes actually look pretty normal—my fave is this cute suede ruffly model, which would look perfect with a pair of denim shorts. One thing’s for sure: they certainly don’t scream, “People of Central, I’m trying to lose weight but don’t actually want to do any exercise.”
$960, available from various outlets including Rush (32 Wyndham St., Central), Marathon Sports and Giga Sports citywide.

Hair Honey
I had the following phone conversation with Mama Fung the other day:

• MF: Hi darling, how was your gym session?
• Me: Great! I had an awesome shower. I have a new shampoo that smells like honey and it makes my hair really shiny and thick, and the water pressure’s really good in the changing room, too. This woman on the cross-trainer was wearing a g-string to exercise. That’s gross, right?
• MF: OK…but what about your workout?
• Me: Huh?

Needless to say, the “get fit for summer” campaign isn’t going awesomely. I ain’t kidding about my new shampoo though. It’s “Shampoo au Miel” by Leonor Greyl and it smells like the most luxuriously rich honey in the world. In fact, it’s made with real acai honey and rose extracts to help add shine and volume to seriously sorry-for-itself hair. And really, it’s so yummy, I don’t mind if you want to smell my hair the next time you see me (except you, creepy guy on the bus). At 120ml, it’s also the perfect size for your holiday bag or gym kit.
$230 from Joyce Beauty, G/F, New World Tower, 18 Queen’s Rd., Central, 2869-5816

U Good Gaylia
Much as I try to resist the avalanche of anti-aging creams that are pelted at me on a weekly basis (do I need to take a hint or something?), I couldn’t resist an invitation to preview the much-anticipated launch of Gaylia Kristensen treatments and products at the Mandarin Oriental Spa. While the brand puts a lot of focus on anti-aging, it takes an extremely gentle and preventative approach—meaning that it’s great for people of all ages. The 90-minute Utopia facial ($1,900) focuses on strong face and scalp massage techniques to relax tense, wrinkle-forming face muscles, lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and encourage detoxifying, and plant-based hydrating and tightening products to firm and lift the skin without the need for harsh chemicals or invasive treatments. In short, it’s effective lifting, plumping and brightening without the torture of harsh dermabrasion or acid masks. The treatments aren’t officially launching until September 1, but you can head to the spa now to buy the products. My favorite is the beautifully scented Dream Cream (pictured, inset), which keeps skin young, plump and uplifted.
Mandarin Oriental Spa, 5 Connaught Rd., Central, 2825-4888

Great Deals Corner
Treat a friend (or go halfsies) at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental spa, where from now until mid-September, you can book any 90-minute massage (valued at $1,300 or more) and bring a second person for free! The offer is valid between Monday and Thursday, 9am-3pm.
5/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Rd. Central, 2132-0011