https://www.scmp.com/rss/143913/feed The Beauty Blog offers an inside look at Hong Kong’s beauty scene, from the latest trends and must-have products to expert advice and treatment reviews. Author Tama Lung has been covering beauty and lifestyle topics for the SCMP’s Specialist Publications group since June 2011. Follow her on Instagram (http://instagram.com/tamalung) for more beauty buzz. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Andrew Stow didn’t set out to create the edible icon of Macau. The British pharmacist-turned-baker was just trying to make the city’s Portuguese community feel a little more at home. “It was because Andrew went to Belém [in Portugal] and saw pasteis de nata, and really liked what the culture was, to stop and have an espresso and an egg tart together,” says his sister Eileen Stow. “The shot of caffeine and the shot of sugar to get you through the day was the thing and he thought, ‘why isn’t that... https://www.scmp.com/food/how-macau-got-its-famous-portuguese-egg-tart/article/2153749?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/food/how-macau-got-its-famous-portuguese-egg-tart/article/2153749?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jul 2018 08:45:30 +0000 Fashion may come and go, but when it comes to dressing our homes certain looks are here to stay. The past century has seen everything from coffee tables and office chairs to table lamps and coat racks reach icon status and become designated as works of art. That’s not to say good design can only be found in museums - some of the best-known pieces remain hot sellers today and sought after by homeowners and interior decorators alike. The Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman - designed by Charles and Ray... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/topics/premier-living/article/2061608/emotional-attachment-design-icons-attain?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/topics/premier-living/article/2061608/emotional-attachment-design-icons-attain?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Jan 2017 01:45:15 +0000 From bridal boutiques and chain stores to sample sales and rental services, brides are spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect wedding gown. But for many women, nothing compares to a gown that is made specifically for them and that reflects their personality. “I thought it would be easier to buy a dress in Singapore,” says Claudia Yong, who moved from Hong Kong to Singapore before her wedding last year. “I went to two or three stores. But there’s always some element about a dress... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048173/wedding-gowns-should-be-made?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/topics/moment-wedding-special/article/2048173/wedding-gowns-should-be-made?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Nov 2016 04:00:00 +0000 Patricia Cheong is far more than a pretty face. The former beauty pageant contestant served as director of marketing for Venetian Macao before becoming a seasoned local entrepreneur, having established a range of marketing and jewellery businesses. The founder and CEO of Luxe by Encanto Luxury also has a soft spot for fresh seafood and hot pot. 1. Rainbow Hin Seafood Hot Pot opened in 2013. As the name suggests, this restaurant has many fresh and seasonal seafood items including sashimi. They... https://www.scmp.com/destination-macau/article/1940516/my-three-favourite-macau-restaurants-former-miss-macau-patricia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/destination-macau/article/1940516/my-three-favourite-macau-restaurants-former-miss-macau-patricia?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 May 2016 09:00:30 +0000 He has competed for the New Zealand Speed Skiing Team, leapt – without permission – off the Eiffel Tower and earned several Guinness World Records for feats such as bungy jumping out of a helicopter. But to hear A.J. Hackett tell it, a life of action and adventure was pretty much sealed into his DNA. The man behind the world’s highest bungy jump – 233 metres at Macau Tower – hails from a long line of mountaineers and explorers, including an uncle who was a member of Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic... https://www.scmp.com/destination-macau/article/1936862/making-leap-how-macau-became-home-worlds-highest-bungy-jump?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/destination-macau/article/1936862/making-leap-how-macau-became-home-worlds-highest-bungy-jump?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 18 Apr 2016 07:15:15 +0000 Andrew Stow didn’t set out to create the edible icon of Macau. The British pharmacist-turned-baker was just trying to make the city’s Portuguese community feel a little more at home. “It was because Andrew went to Belém [in Portugal] and saw pasteis de nata, and really liked what the culture was, to stop and have an espresso and an egg tart together,” says his sister Eileen Stow. “The shot of caffeine and the shot of sugar to get you through the day was the thing and he thought, ‘why isn’t that... https://www.scmp.com/destination-macau/article/1935736/how-british-pharmacist-turned-baker-created-macaus-most-edible?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/destination-macau/article/1935736/how-british-pharmacist-turned-baker-created-macaus-most-edible?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Apr 2016 08:30:45 +0000 Hong Kong may be experiencing its hottest year on record, but that hasn’t stopped department and electronics stores from displaying a wide range of home-heating devices in anticipation of cooler months ahead. And, while it’s tempting to take our old appliances out of storage once again, advancements in technology, safety and product design make this a perfect time to invest in a new space heater. The most common electric heaters use convection and radiant technology. According to Consumer... https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/topics/premier-living/article/1893716/advances-technology-safety-and-product-design?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/native/lifestyle/topics/premier-living/article/1893716/advances-technology-safety-and-product-design?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 28 Dec 2015 01:30:00 +0000 As a perfumer, Camille Goutal knows that creating a winning formula takes time. But it's not the blending, testing and making of a scent that requires months - or in some cases, years. "I think a lot about the project before starting to work on the formula," she says. "I gather all my ideas and emotions in my head, and sometimes, it can take a very long time. It's like a puzzle; everything needs to be in the right place in my mind." The former fashion photographer grew up surrounded by... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1880537/perfumer-camille-goutal-knows-creating-winning-formula-takes-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/1880537/perfumer-camille-goutal-knows-creating-winning-formula-takes-time?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Nov 2015 07:30:45 +0000 From the glittering office towers of Marina Bay Financial Centre to the luxurious 54-storey Orchard Residences and the restored colonial-era buildings of the Fullerton Heritage precinct, Hong Kong property developers have become a prominent fixture on the Singapore skyline. Hongkong Land, Sun Hung Kai Properties, Cheung Kong Property Holdings and Wheelock Properties are also looking to expand their reach in the city state through land acquisitions or new projects.  "Hong Kong developers have... https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/singapore-national-day/article/1849168/hk-firms-flex-their-muscles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/presented/business/topics/singapore-national-day/article/1849168/hk-firms-flex-their-muscles?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Aug 2015 04:30:45 +0000 Whether it’s juicing, fasting or sweating it out in an infrared sauna, detoxing is all the rage these days. And whether or not you believe you can actually banish all of the bad things that have been building up in your system over the years, there’s a lot to be said for taking some time out to nurture and nourish your body. And that’s where The Organic Pharmacy’s 10 Day Detox Kit comes in. The supplement and lifestyle system was developed by brand founder Margo Marrone to treat symptoms such as... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1748538/reset-spring-organic-pharmacy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1748538/reset-spring-organic-pharmacy?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2015 06:42:17 +0000 Yamazato 28/F, Hotel Okura Macau, Galaxy, Cotai, Macau, (853) 8883 5127 www.hotelokuramacau.com   After shutting down last year and relocating to the 28th floor, the Hotel Okura Macau's fine-dining restaurant has reopened to offer guests its signature Japanese kaiseki course meals, along with an extensive menu of traditional favourites. While the tearoom and teppanyaki grill are no longer operating, there is still a small sushi counter and one private room. The night we visited, the muted,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/good-eating/article/1740204/yamazatos-kaiseki-menus-impress-cotai-strip?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/good-eating/article/1740204/yamazatos-kaiseki-menus-impress-cotai-strip?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2015 14:39:07 +0000 I was first introduced to Gaylia Kristensen a few years ago, when the Australian skincare expert was in Hong Kong as part of her collaboration with The Mandarin Spa. After enjoying one of the best facials I’ve ever had (thanks in large part to Kristensen’s signature lifting and toning massage), I was eager to learn more about her naturally derived anti-ageing products. Now that the collection is available at Harvey Nichols, I am not only a convert but a very satisfied customer. “This is... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1746131/gaylia-kristensen-offers-powerful-natural-approach-anti-ageing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1746131/gaylia-kristensen-offers-powerful-natural-approach-anti-ageing?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2015 06:45:30 +0000 Think of the Dead Sea and you might conjure up images of tourists frolicking in swimsuits while covered in thick, black mud (said to relieve arthritis pain, banish acne-causing bacteria, and treat psoriasis and other skin conditions). Or – like me – you might think of AHAVA, which has bringing the power of Dead Sea minerals to our bathroom shelves since 1988. The brand, which began exporting internationally in 1992, has become synonymous with mineral- and mud-based skincare. And after a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1740867/good-stuff-ahava-active-deadsea-minerals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1740867/good-stuff-ahava-active-deadsea-minerals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2015 03:45:30 +0000 Have you made your list and checked it twice? If you’re like me, you’re probably only just starting to think about all the gifts you need to buy before December 25. Thankfully, beauty brands have gone all out this year with a range of must-have sets sure to please everyone on your list or, ahem, yourself. Here are some of my favourites. 1. Tatcha Beautiful products, beautiful packaging and a beautiful story inspired by real-life geisha, Tatcha has it all. Its Kinhaku Holiday Collection (HK$990)... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1663562/good-stuff-my-favourite-last-minute-beauty-gifts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1663562/good-stuff-my-favourite-last-minute-beauty-gifts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2014 07:45:30 +0000 Who doesn’t love to discover a new beauty brand? I, for one, am always excited by the prospect of the next miracle cream. But perhaps even more exciting is when an already popular and well-established brand finally becomes available in Hong Kong. The products have been vetted, the reviews have posted, and now we get to see what all the fuss is about. Here are some of the big names that have recently set up shop in Hong Kong. 1. SHOW Beauty This British hairstyling brand – founded and fronted by... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1655448/new-and-noted-bevy-beauty-brands-make-their-hong-kong-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1655448/new-and-noted-bevy-beauty-brands-make-their-hong-kong-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2014 06:00:45 +0000 Ever since Yardbird took Hong Kong by storm with its every-part-of-the-chicken concept, no other yakitori restaurant has come close to capturing the same buzz. That may finally change with Toritama, a popular "neighbourhood yakitori joint" from Tokyo that has opened its first Hong Kong branch. The cosy place has a distinct Tokyo vibe, thanks to the dark wooden interior, long counter seating and Japanese chef Matsumoto-san manning the open grill. Toritama also prides itself on serving more than... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/good-eating/article/1636490/new-bird-town?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/good-eating/article/1636490/new-bird-town?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2014 12:45:30 +0000 If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my recent hiatus from The Beauty Blog – to focus on the SCMP’s re-launch of Destination Macau – it’s the importance of a consistent skincare regimen. The best products in the world won’t do you any good unless you actually use them, day in and day out. With that in mind, I went to skincare expert Kate Somerville for advice on how best to look after my skin and get it back in balance. Kate Somerville offers a wide array of products, so we began by narrowing... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1632548/face-time-establishing-skincare-regimen-kate-somerville?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1632548/face-time-establishing-skincare-regimen-kate-somerville?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2014 06:46:31 +0000 In many ways, Camille Goutal and Isabelle Doyen’s workspace could be mistaken for an artist’s studio. A well-worn vintage sofa sits next to a long wooden table strewn with faded photographs, notes and other bits of inspiration. A small side room houses more photos, sketches and oil paintings, as well as thousands of vials of raw materials stashed in drawers, on shelves and lined up at eye level on what the French pair refer to as “the organ”. In fact, this cosy corner of a Parisian townhouse is... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1580580/artistic-scents?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1580580/artistic-scents?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2014 13:30:00 +0000 GALLIC FLAIR As the only fine-dining restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental, Macau, Vida Rica does its best to fulfil every guest's gastronomic desire. For breakfast, it offers everything from cornflakes and scrambled eggs to congee and wok-fried vegetables. For lunch and dinner, there is crab bisque, African chicken and Szechuan-style poached turbot. However, where Vida Rica shines is in its French cuisine, thanks to Burgundy-born Dominique Bugnand. The director of culinary operations specialises... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/good-eating/article/1579306/citys-culinary-establishments-offer-wide-range-cuisines?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/good-eating/article/1579306/citys-culinary-establishments-offer-wide-range-cuisines?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:45:30 +0000 It’s been a while since my last Good Stuff post, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t come across some great new skincare products. I’ve been testing a range of items – particularly any that promise to combat the grease-inducing effects of summer – and found several favourites. Here’s to happy skin all season long. 1. Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Contouring Eye Lift After a recent skin analysis highlighted the fine lines and dryness around my eyes, I’ve been hoarding everything targeted to this... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1541605/good-stuff-my-favourite-new-skincare-discoveries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1541605/good-stuff-my-favourite-new-skincare-discoveries?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Jun 2014 06:27:26 +0000 From the moment you enter the grounds at Thanyapura, it's clear that this is no ordinary resort. Its 23-hectare plot may include a luxury hotel, a few swimming pools and some leisure activities, but the rooms are filled with world-class athletes, the main pool is Olympic-size with an underwater video analysis window, and the sports facilities include a full-size rugby pitch and the only covered tennis courts in Phuket. Such amenities have made Thanyapura one of the most talked-about training... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1520462/visitors-are-drawn-modern-day-fountain-youth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1520462/visitors-are-drawn-modern-day-fountain-youth?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Jun 2014 15:15:15 +0000 Besides feeding us, regulating our climate and generating most of the oxygen we breathe, the seas around us have been a great source of inspiration for cosmetics brands. Now the two come together to mark World Oceans Day on June 8 – an annual event created in 1992 and officially recognised by the United Nations in 2008. La Mer and Biotherm will both have special campaigns to recognise the importance of our oceans and support their protection. La Mer Cult cosmetics brand La Mer was practically... https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1525233/world-oceans-day-celebrating-beauty-and-our-blue-heart?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1525233/world-oceans-day-celebrating-beauty-and-our-blue-heart?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jun 2014 06:28:59 +0000 Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11, and if you haven’t booked a brunch spot or ordered your bouquet yet, fear not – there’s still time to make mum feel special with a gift set from her favourite cosmetics brand. Take your pick from skincare and body sets to the latest fragrances – she’ll be happy and you won’t even have to wrap anything. What could be easier? Crabtree & Evelyn Wisteria Body Care Set Beautifully packaged in a heart-shaped box with floral details, this luxurious set captures the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1505657/all-wrapped-best-beauty-gift-sets-mothers-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1505657/all-wrapped-best-beauty-gift-sets-mothers-day?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 May 2014 03:00:15 +0000 Skincare experts often talk about the importance of a daily routine, a prescribed number of products and steps to balance and nourish the skin. And few have perfected such routines like the Japanese. Fancl takes the idea one step further with its Daily Care Series – a set of three preservative-free skincare products conveniently designed to last two to four weeks. The Daily Care Series is available in two levels, I for normal/oil skin types and II for normal/dry skin types (there is also an... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1496647/good-stuff-fancl-daily-care-series?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1496647/good-stuff-fancl-daily-care-series?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 25 Apr 2014 06:45:45 +0000 I think we can all agree it was a glorious Easter weekend, perfect for egg hunts and picnics or just lounging by the pool. Not so glorious? Humidity was back in full force. Today’s reading is 91 per cent, and the forecast for the week goes as high as 95. I’ve decided to take some preventive measures this year and assemble an arsenal of products to help battle the inevitable clogged pores and overactive oil glands. 1. Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment One of the best deep-cleansing masks I’ve... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1494233/full-steam-ahead-skincare-products-battle-against-humidity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1494233/full-steam-ahead-skincare-products-battle-against-humidity?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 22 Apr 2014 03:45:30 +0000 In the never-ending quest for complexion perfection, beauty brands are constantly coming up with new formulas, enhanced ingredients and innovative delivery systems. I’ve had the pleasure of testing a number of new and updated products this season, and am happy to have found some favourites. Here’s hoping they can help you put your best face forward. 1. Cover FX Total Cover Cream Foundation Newly launched at Joyce Beauty, this cream foundation (HK$365) is a Hollywood favourite thanks to its... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1483989/face-time-best-new-foundations-concealers-and-highlighters?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1483989/face-time-best-new-foundations-concealers-and-highlighters?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Apr 2014 07:30:45 +0000 Best known for its professional hair care products, La Biosthetique has been making waves recently with its hi-tech skincare line. The most recent Dermosthetique collection to hit Hong Kong shores is Hydro-Actif, which includes a cleansing mousse (HK$390), moisturising tonic (HK$390), intensive concentrate (HK$900) and moisturiser (HK$850). What sets Hydro-Actif apart from other hydrating collections is its use of four different types of hyaluronic acid, an essential component of the skin that... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1471465/good-stuff-la-biosthetique-hydro-actif?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1471465/good-stuff-la-biosthetique-hydro-actif?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:15:30 +0000 With all the rain – not to mention hail – this past week, we can all use a bit of colour to cheer things up. With that and the weekend in mind, I’ve rounded up some of the best and brightest cosmetics for spring/summer. 1. Tom Ford Eye and Cheek Compact Featuring three eye shadows and two cheek colours, this vibrant new compact (HK$700) has everything you need for summer. Light rose blush and neutral shadows work for day, while the coral blush and cobalt shadow add drama for evening events.... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1464787/colour-me-happy-bright-new-make-spring?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1464787/colour-me-happy-bright-new-make-spring?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Apr 2014 10:00:15 +0000 In the latest installment of a cream masquerading as a mask – or is it the other way around? – La Mer’s new Lifting & Firming Mask aims to support the skin’s structure while increasing its density and elasticity. It contains a concentrated version of the brand’s signature Miracle Broth, a potent anti-irritant that also boosts the production of collagen and elastin. The luxuriousness of the product comes across in the packaging, a hefty jar with a pristine – and surprisingly soft – white brush.... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1462366/good-stuff-la-mer-lifting-firming-mask?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1462366/good-stuff-la-mer-lifting-firming-mask?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Apr 2014 04:45:30 +0000 With seemingly everyone from Gwyneth Paltrow to friends and colleagues jumping on the juice-cleanse bandwagon, it’s been hard to ignore the buzz about detoxing. Who wouldn’t like to “reset the system” and perhaps lose a few pounds in the process? Local day spa chain Sense of Touch is offering that – and a lot more – with its new Digital Detox Programme. With an aim to “balance and detoxify mind, body and soul”, the programme includes a one-hour outdoor yoga session, one-hour detox massage,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1456987/review-digital-detox-programme-sense-touch?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1456987/review-digital-detox-programme-sense-touch?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 25 Mar 2014 08:45:15 +0000 There’s no denying we all want to look our best. But more and more, we want to feel good about how we achieve that goal. For some that means avoiding potentially toxic ingredients and opting for sustainable ones. For others, it means simplifying their lives and getting closer to nature. Whatever your reason, there is now a brand or product to suit all your skincare (and ethical) needs. Here are just a few of the latest ones making a splash in Hong Kong. 1. Elemental Herbology Facials at Mandarin... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1454059/green-scene-looking-good-natural-way?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1454059/green-scene-looking-good-natural-way?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2014 09:00:45 +0000 Billed as both a daily balancing treatment and an anti-ageing mask, Valmont’s Renewing Pack first made a splash in 1984. Thirty years later, the formula has been updated with exclusive anti-ageing ingredients: Liposomed RNA (said to activate cells and restore damaged ones) and Peptides+ Cocktail (a blend of anti-wrinkle peptides and ginseng extract that stimulates microcirculation and is said to work twice as fast as retinol). Launched earlier this month, Prime Renewing Pack is described as... https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1451607/good-stuff-valmont-prime-renewing-pack?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1451607/good-stuff-valmont-prime-renewing-pack?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Mar 2014 09:00:30 +0000 I was living in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2006 and distinctly remember when every women’s magazine I picked up seemed to be hailing the new “guru of glow”, otherwise known as Kate Somerville. The Hollywood-based aesthetician had just launched a skincare line based on treatments she had developed for her celebrity clientele and I, like many others, was sold. I can’t remember what products I bought, but there’s just something about sharing the same soap as a celeb that makes it a must-have. In the... https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1448429/kate-somerville-here-save-our-skin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1448429/kate-somerville-here-save-our-skin?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Mar 2014 04:00:15 +0000 French skincare brand Caudalie – which grew, literally, from founder Mathilde Thomas’s family vineyard in Bordeaux – opened its Hong Kong flagship on Gough Street late last year, with promises of introducing its exclusive vinotherapie treatments for face and body. At long last, the Caudalie Spa is open and offering facials, massages and manicures tailored specifically to Hong Kong consumers. Located at the back of the boutique, the spa is divided between a ground-floor area for quick treatments... https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1445969/review-vinoperfect-radiance-facial-caudalie-spa?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1445969/review-vinoperfect-radiance-facial-caudalie-spa?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Mar 2014 04:15:45 +0000 Tiny flowers that blossom just below the icy summit of one of Switzerland's highest mountains. A shrub that survives the months-long dry season of Africa's Burkina Faso. Delicate orchids that thrive on the high steppes of northern India and China. Excerpts from the latest issue of Weird and Wonderful Nature? Winners of the Plant of the Year Awards? No, these are a few of the rare and precious ingredients making their way into luxury skincare products and, their creators hope, on to our bathroom... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1442636/beauty-brands-turn-rare-plants-and-precious-materials-enhance-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1442636/beauty-brands-turn-rare-plants-and-precious-materials-enhance-luxury?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2014 14:30:45 +0000 RITES OF SPRING Make your way to Melo Spa for a Spring Wellness treatment. The three new treatments - designed to detox the body, release tension and restore luminosity - include a Revitalising Ginseng Journey (HK$1,988) with body scrub, massage and facial; and the Melo Stress-a-Way (HK$1,188) with back massage and moisturising facial. Guests will also receive a bowl of nutritious Chinese soup.   AGE DEFYING Designed to be a woman’s first antiageing treatment, Sisleyouth is a lightweight... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1434155/beauty-buzz?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1434155/beauty-buzz?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Mar 2014 15:15:30 +0000 Described as the British skincare brand’s most intensive facial, the Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect Facial targets puffiness and sagging along the jawline. It also works to lift and firm facial contours, and restore moisture to the skin thanks to new plant stem-cell technology (also at the core of the new Elemis Pro-Intense Lift Effect Super System available for home use). Given that my jawline seems to have started its slow (I hope) descent and that my face is continually dehydrated, I quickly... https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1440947/review-elemis-pro-intense-lift-effect-facial-1010-space?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/blogs/article/1440947/review-elemis-pro-intense-lift-effect-facial-1010-space?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Mar 2014 07:30:00 +0000 We may not be stuck in a polar vortex or fighting our way through blizzards to get to work, but it certainly feels like winter in Hong Kong these days. And with temperatures set to dip below 10C again this week, your skin will likely be crying out for some added moisture and protection. Stock up on the following products – some new, some tried-and-true – and you’ll be ready to weather any storm. 1. La Mer Crème de la Mer It’s one of the most popular – and priciest (HK$1,450/30ml, HK$2,650/60ml)... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1430331/freeze-frame-stocking-winter-skincare-essentials?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1430331/freeze-frame-stocking-winter-skincare-essentials?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Feb 2014 09:15:45 +0000 Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, and you still haven’t found the perfect gift (or treat for yourself)? Before you rush out to the nearest florist, consider the bouquet of rose-inspired products at the beauty counter. Not only do they look good and smell great, these skincare and make-up must-haves will last a whole lot longer than a few pretty petals. 1. L’Occitane Rose Heart Ultra Soft Cream and Hand Cream Perfect for winter but offering a hint of spring thanks to their delicate rose scent,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1426485/whats-better-roses-valentines-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/beauty/article/1426485/whats-better-roses-valentines-day?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Feb 2014 04:30:15 +0000 When filmmakers Lorne and Lawrence Blair set out to document the remote atolls of Indonesia's Ring of Fire, the British brothers encountered starvation, near-drowning, erupting volcanoes and corrupt customs officers with little more than some Marmite, a first-aid kit and a bottle of Grand Marnier. Forty years later, I'm reading of their hair-raising adventures while sipping my fresh pineapple and strawberry juice in the air conditioned comfort of the Alila Purnama. The 46-metre boat is anchored... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1372898/adventures-sail?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/1372898/adventures-sail?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Dec 2013 14:30:30 +0000 More than imagination, showmanship or technical mastery, it is Franco Dragone's innate curiosity that can be credited for some of the most spectacular shows ever staged. The Italian-born Dragone has been fascinated by culture and music since childhood, after his family moved to Belgium so his parents could work in the country's coal mines. "I am always intrigued by people around the world - their lives, what they encounter in the outside world every day, and what they feel and think within," he... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344407/theatre-director-franco-dragones-favourite-show-always-next-one?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344407/theatre-director-franco-dragones-favourite-show-always-next-one?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:47:46 +0000 If there's one thing David Yeo has learned on his journey from finance lawyer and investment banker to Indian Ocean tsunami survivor, and now owner of a growing global restaurant empire, it's "carpe diem". "We are never, ever going to be this young again, so I try to make each day count," he says. "For me that means trying to give back at least as much as I am fortunate enough to receive; letting family and friends who are close to you know what they mean to you, and not leaving till tomorrow... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344423/seize-day-david-yeo-tries-make-each-day-count?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344423/seize-day-david-yeo-tries-make-each-day-count?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:47:40 +0000 PANERAI Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyblack Titanio Celebrating the union of Officine Panerai and the world of classic sailing, this chronograph features a regatta countdown function created for yacht-racing starts. It 47mm case is made of brushed titanium with an open back.           RICHARD MILLE RM 39-01Automatic Aviation E6-B A descendant of the RM 039 Aviation watch, this ultra-complex tourbillon flyback calibre is designed as a flight navigation instrument. It is a modern... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344382/master-sea-sky-and-track-these-multifunctional-must-haves?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344382/master-sea-sky-and-track-these-multifunctional-must-haves?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:46:49 +0000 JAQUET DROZ Petite Heure Minute Relief Snake Featuring the King Cobra, a universal symbol of power, this limited-edition creation is available in red or grey gold. The grey diamond-set model features 309 gems on the case, buckle and dial - including on the snake's mouth and eyes.         CARTIER Tank MC The timeless Tank, a self-winding watch with the first movement produced by the Cartier Manufacture, is reimagined with an almost square-shaped dial. The large, masculine shape comes in... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344367/diamonds-all-shapes-and-sizes-are-sure-make-statement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344367/diamonds-all-shapes-and-sizes-are-sure-make-statement?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:46:49 +0000 Kathleen Tan has never shied away from change. The CEO of AirAsia Expedia started her career in advertising and marketing before heading up Warner Music Singapore and serving as group head of commercial and senior vice-president of China for Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia. "I've always known that I like to challenge conventions and buck trends," says Tan, who is now based in Singapore. "Changes fuel me to constantly move forward and when the time is right to move on, I just know it." Named one... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344408/get-out-there-and-make-things-happen-says-airasia-expedia-ceo-kathleen-tan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344408/get-out-there-and-make-things-happen-says-airasia-expedia-ceo-kathleen-tan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:46:24 +0000 Known for magnificent jewellery pieces that blend Eastern and Western influences, Anna Hu brings new meaning to the phrase "time is precious". "I try to capture the sparkle moment, or I try to freeze a certain beautiful melody feeling," says the Taiwanese-born founder of Anna Hu Haute Joaillerie. "Sometimes I feel I'm fighting with every second, and sometimes I feel, especially after I deliver a perfect piece of jewellery, as if the moment is frozen, it's timeless." Hu, who pursued a career as a... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344420/jewellery-designer-anna-hus-intricate-pieces-connect-past-and-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344420/jewellery-designer-anna-hus-intricate-pieces-connect-past-and-future?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:46:24 +0000 Steve Leung has built his career with the same attention to detail he brings to every building and design project. "It was always my aspiration to set up my own practice, even on day one when I started my university studies," says the founder and managing director of Steve Leung Architects and Steve Leung Designers. "I'm the kind of man who likes to plan ahead - plan my career, plan my life. I always have my target for the next year. In the beginning of the year, I'll think about what I'm going... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344409/interior-designer-and-architect-steve-leung-likes-plan-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344409/interior-designer-and-architect-steve-leung-likes-plan-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:45:45 +0000 Anne Wang-Liu could be considered a master of planning. "I keep a relatively organised schedule of everybody's activities," says the mother of two young girls. "And I keep a very detailed running list of what needs to be done. For the children, I have a spreadsheet, actually, of all their activities - we try to fit in Chinese, English, music, sports, dance. They lead a very active lifestyle." Born and raised outside New York City, Wang-Liu studied economics at Cornell University before working... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344414/helping-hand-anne-wang-liu-brings-her-planning-skills-charitable-causes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344414/helping-hand-anne-wang-liu-brings-her-planning-skills-charitable-causes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:45:45 +0000 GRAFF GraffStar Ultra Slim Available in white or rose gold with a 43mm case and white or black dial, this slim new model incorporates the brand's exclusive Graff Calibre 3 movement. The signature faceted case has a thickness of just 6.35mm.         VACHERON CONSTANTIN Patrimony Contemporaine Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731 A feat of watchmaking, this new minute repeater is the thinnest of its kind on the market, at just 8.09mm. The brand first produced a minute repeater in 1810 and has named this... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344354/watchmakers-shrink-movements-race-most-streamlined-model?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344354/watchmakers-shrink-movements-race-most-streamlined-model?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:45:30 +0000 CARTIER ID One The first watch that doesn't require adjusting throughout its lifetime, this concept piece from Cartier uses breakthrough materials (carbon crystal and Zérodur) and technologies to protect the regulating components and keep them impervious to thermal variations and magnetic fields.             CYRUS Kambys Featuring a 100 per cent in-house manufacture movement, the limited-edition Kambys features manual double-barrel winding and a seven-day power reserve. The unique piece also... https://www.scmp.com/article/1344392/groundbreaking-technologies-take-watchmaking-another-dimension?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/article/1344392/groundbreaking-technologies-take-watchmaking-another-dimension?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:45:30 +0000