The DictatorWhere to find jade facial rollers, embroidered jeans in Hong Kong

People back home keep asking me about the Chinese jade face roller, as if it’s something you see every day in Hong Kong! Now I’m curious. What is it and is it worth a try?
Jaded, Central

The Dictator rules: How gullible are you feeling today? I could spin tall tales about the miraculous properties of jade with all sorts of unverified historical references, claiming famous empresses relied on said tools. That’s exactly what you’ll find on the internet. I cannot confirm that jade rollers have been used since the 7th century, or claim that rubbing your face with one will erase wrinkles and restore you to your 18-year-old self. I can, however, tell you that in Chinese culture jade has long been associated with longevity and even immor­tality (think: jade burial suits from the Han dynasty). Believe what you like. Beyond the spiritual, I can see how a cool stone such as jade could help to de-puff (a.k.a lymphatic drainage), and a rolling action might increase absorption of a facial product.

The Mandarin Spa offers the perfect introduc­tion with its Imperial Jade Ritual (HK$2,450 to HK$2,860; Mandarin Oriental hotel, 5 Connaught Road Central), which begins with a series of body treatments and concludes with an anti-ageing ginseng face mask as cool jade rollers are used to promote lifting and toning. Alternatively, you can try the Spa at Four Seasons’ Jade Stone Therapy (HK$1,840 to HK$2,040; Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central). The full-body massage introduces heated jade stones as a means to boost the immune system, energise and eliminate negative ions.

I’ve never dressed like a hippy, but I’ve been thinking about a pair of embroidered jeans. What can you recommend?
Jeans Replacement Therapy, Clear Water Bay

The Dictator: For starters, I’d recommend a calendar. Good news. It’s 2017, so you won’t look anything like a hippy unless you go head-to-toe vintage or buy from a costume shop.