Life.Culture.Discovery.

The Dictator: on style, she rules

2-MIN READ2-MIN

Published: 12:36am, 20 Apr 2014

I heard Chinese women keep their skin looking so young and amazing with an old tradition involving a pearl cream? I rushed out to buy some but could only find a product with so-called pearls that are really just beads that pop when you rub them in. Help!
Pearl of Wisdom, Kowloon

The Dictator rules: Correct! Rub a strand of pearls up and down your face while hopping on one leg, and you’re guaranteed to look younger within 30 seconds. Ooh, could I have had fun with you on April Fools’ Day. I’ve read that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) uses pearl powder as an anti-inflammatory, relaxant, laxative, anti-ageing treatment, etc. If you’re looking for a qualified practitioner, consult the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong (www.cmchk.org.hk) and the Hospital Authority (www.ha.org.hk/chinesemedicine). Oh, sorry, were you just looking for a luxury cream? TCM-based cosmetics brand Wei East has the Ageless Pearl Cream that uses granulated pearl particles (HK$372; www.weieast.com). Life Pearl Cellular Essence by Helena Rubinstein has micronised pearl in its Cyto-Pearl Elixir (HK$5,350; Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, tel: 2196 8271). Shiseido’s Future Solution LX Superior Radiance Serum (HK$1,900 and up; Elements, tel: 2196 8318) is made with a Pearl Hybrid Complex, and adds luster “inspired by” the Hanadama Akoya pearl. Chanel offers the Brightening Concentrate Continuous Action TXC that’s formulated with a Pearl Protein Extract (HK$1,640; Elements, tel: 2196 8289).

I look forward to shopping at the weekends but on my last outing I barely bought anything! I need new inspiration, so I’m thinking it might be cool to buy some of that sustainable fashion instead of the usual designers. I’m not really a crunchy type, though, so where can I find some gear that won’t compromise my style?
Eco Worrier, Lantau

The Dictator: Um, so you think “sustainable fashion” is just another excuse to amass more stuff ultimately destined for the landfills? Wrong. Educate yourself at www.redress.com.hk. Sustainability starts at home. First, do a wardrobe review to identify what works on you, and to shop efficiently in future. Next, revive what you can with alterations (Perfect Dress Alteration Shop, Melbourne Plaza, 33 Queen’s Road Central, tel: 2522 8838). Trade good pieces you don’t wear at a clothes swap, such as Forever and Again (www.facebook.com/groups/319725193833). Then, donate the unsalvageable via the Community Used Clothes Recycling Bank scheme (see www.had.gov.hk to locate deposit bins). When you do shop, buy less but better by learning to assess quality and durability. Now you’re ready to shop, if you must. A Boy Named Sue (www.aboynamedsue.co), the online retailer specialising in ethical fashion, carries brands including Svilu, The Sway, Ace & Jig and Thu Thu. Also check out local designers Wan & Wong (www.facebook.com/WanandWongFashion/info) and Absurd Laboratory (www.facebook.com/pages/Absurd-aboratory/157491817622698).