High-end versus Low-end Spas, Skincare Products and Sports Shoes in Hong Kong
In honor of this week’s cover story about high-end delights vs. low-end treats, here are a few fancy / frugal options in the world of wellness:
Spa
Splurge: The Bastien Pedicure
The Bastien Pedicure at the Landmark MO’s Oriental Spa is unlike any foot treatment you’ve ever had before, and is a must-do for anyone ashamed of their gross feet—if you have $990 to spend, that is. This treatment focuses on foot health rather than just appearance, and uses high-tech tools to treat cuticles, shape nails, file away tough, thickened skin and dry patches, and restore your feet to their proper form. There’s no polish involved—a gentle buffing gives your toenails a healthy glow—and the treatment ends with a massage from your toes upwards to release tension.
Save: Foot Reflexology at Halite
Ah, Halite. This cheap and cozy foot massage dungeon is right by my office and is an awesome bolt-hole when I feel the need to spend my lunch break in quiet (it happens more often than you might think). A 45-minute foot massage includes a warm salt foot soak and rings in at just $128. It’s the cheapest reputable place in town.
Basement, CNT Commercial Building, 302 Queen's Rd. Central, Sheung Wan, 2808-0028. Other locations in Western and Causeway Bay, www.halitehk.com.
Skincare
Splurge: Sjal
This Swedish skincare brand uses gemstones and precious metals in its creams to help soothe, repair and balance the skin. With just nine products, the line is small and simple, but it is suited to all skin types—particularly those in polluted cities. The Kashmir Saphir perfecting mask is particularly effective at brightening the skin, calming redness and, well, perfecting—though at $1,350, you’d bloody well expect it to be. The toner and cleanser are $690 each, while the face creams come in at $2,400.
Save: Boots No. 7
Proof that you don’t have to pay through the nose to get results, the Boots No. 7 line is well known in its native UK for its reasonable price and top-quality products. Its “Protect and Perfect” serum went through rigorous clinical trials at Manchester University, which showed a measurable improvement in the users’ skin quality, leading to mass hysteria as people scrambled to get their hands on a tube. The serum costs $299; other popular products in the extensive line includes a BB cream ($159) a melting gel cleanser ($109) and a “hot cloth” deep cleanser ($129).
Available in Mannings outlets citywide, including Shop 2, G/F, Regent Centre, 88 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2537-1241. Find more stockists at www.boots.com/hk.
Sports Shoes
Splurge: Asics
The runner’s running shoe, Asics come in all kinds of shapes and styles to help support your feet. For instance, if your feet have a habit or rolling in or out, there’s a shoe to help correct it, while gel cushions absorb impact. Yes, they’re pricy, but once you’ve tried on a pair, you’ll never go back. Max price $1,200.
Available in Sportshouse, Shop 222, K11 Art Mall,18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3122-4108.
Save: Barefoot Running
OK, so sprinting shoeless down Bowen Road is probably not on the cards, but barefoot running is much-vaunted among its proponents as it allows your feet and legs to naturally absorb the shock from heel strikes. You’ll also improve your running technique, leading to fewer injuries. If you find yourself on a beach one weekend, why not do few circuits? After all—it’s free.
Available citywide, though areas high in pedestrians, dog crap, broken glass and trash are best avoided.