https://www.scmp.com/rss/318744/feed Our writers review Hong Kong’s best spas, men’s grooming services, beauty salons and hairdressers. From manicures and waxing to massages and wet shaves, we put wellness under the spotlight en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com When you think of the bustling streets of Hong Kong’s Central, relaxation is probably the last thing that springs to mind. Because, let’s be honest, it’s a far cry from the vast and tranquil spa destinations we all love to escape to. So when I got invited to try some treatments at The Chaless Wellness and Beauty in Soho, I was admittedly confused at first. Conveniently located on Aberdeen Street and started by beauty industry expert Anna Flores, The Chaless is a hidden haven perfect for urban... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3228986/calm-spa-oasis-heart-bustling-central-hong-kong-we-tried-chaless-wellness-and-beauty-sohos-10-step?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3228986/calm-spa-oasis-heart-bustling-central-hong-kong-we-tried-chaless-wellness-and-beauty-sohos-10-step?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Jul 2023 08:45:25 +0000 Fivelements Habitat, which provides yoga sessions, spa treatments and plant-based cuisine, is shutting its Times Square wellness centre in Causeway Bay after two years of operation, as it failed to reach an agreement with landlord Wharf Reic on the terms of its lease renewal. The centre, located on level 13A of Times Square’s Tower One, will cease operating at 6pm on September 30, ahead of the expiry of its lease in December, according to a notice to customers. “We were reaching an inflection... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3147270/fivelements-shut-times-square-spa-amid-quibbles-over-rent-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3147270/fivelements-shut-times-square-spa-amid-quibbles-over-rent-uncertainty?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Sep 2021 05:00:28 +0000 Many women tend to follow elaborate, multi-step facial skincare routines inspired by South Korean beauty regimes. The opposite, however, can be said for our bodies, which we often left neglect – and this results in issues such as dryness, cellulite, and even wrinkles. “The skin on the body deserves as much attention – if not more – than the face. At the spa, we notice that many women neglect areas such as back, hands, feet, elbows and knees, as well as areas that undergo regular hair removal... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3118866/skincare-101-why-you-should-never-neglect-your-body-care?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3118866/skincare-101-why-you-should-never-neglect-your-body-care?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Jan 2021 10:45:16 +0000 Hong Kong’s relaxation of social distancing measures is rare good news for close-contact businesses in the city that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, including beauty salons and spas, which last month were forced to shut for two weeks after three were linked to coronavirus infections. But as people tentatively return to their old routines, some remain wary about visiting such establishments. Hong Kong resident Sara Chan is one. She says the wellness industry is more vital than... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3083264/beauty-salons-and-spas-reopen-hong-kong-hygiene-protocols?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3083264/beauty-salons-and-spas-reopen-hong-kong-hygiene-protocols?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 May 2020 05:00:11 +0000 As the clean beauty movement continues to gain momentum, more skincare brands are looking to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to source natural ingredients that are chemical-free and effective. Big names such as Fresh, Sulwhasoo and Shiseido continue to incorporate popular herbs used in TCM into their formulations, while others such as Wei Beauty, the first Chinese skincare band available at beauty chain Sephora in the United States, have based their entire range on its principles and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3049492/skincare-using-traditional-chinese-medicine-goes-bespoke?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3049492/skincare-using-traditional-chinese-medicine-goes-bespoke?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Feb 2020 04:15:13 +0000 What is it? Hifu, or high-intensity focused ultrasound, is a big hit in the beauty industry because it’s a non-invasive procedure, which is good news for those with an aversion to needles. How does it work? Hifu technology harnesses ultrasound waves which penetrate deep into the skin, targeting three key layers: the epidermis (1.5mm), dermis (3mm), and facial muscles normally worked on by cosmetic surgery, known as the superficial muscular aponeurotic system (4.5mm). Pauline, a therapist at Nude... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3038921/beauty-more-skin-deep-how-focused-ultrasound-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3038921/beauty-more-skin-deep-how-focused-ultrasound-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Dec 2019 06:00:07 +0000 Hongkongers are fascinated with new openings, so when I received an invitation from Elu Spa – which means “life” in Estonian– I simply had to check out the city’s newest spa. Tucked away on the seventh floor of Lyndhurst Terrace in Central, you walk straight into Elu Spa’s dimly lit reception when the lift arrives. I could barely see the receptionist’s face when he politely asked me to take a seat. What it involves I was offered tea while I waited for my therapist, and also asked to complete a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3026335/we-review-elu-spa-indulgence-treatment-which-includes-jade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3026335/we-review-elu-spa-indulgence-treatment-which-includes-jade?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Sep 2019 09:00:10 +0000 The word “workout” has been used to describe the buccal facial, but don’t let that put you off. For those who haven’t heard of it before, the treatment, which has been referred to as “Pilates for the face”, became an overnight sensation when it was revealed that the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is a big fan. As soon as I heard it was available in Hong Kong, I threw on my best pair of Lululemons and booked an appointment. The facial is exclusive to Sense of Touch spas; I visited the branch... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3022403/buccal-facial-treatment-meghan-markle-favours-lands-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3022403/buccal-facial-treatment-meghan-markle-favours-lands-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Aug 2019 07:00:11 +0000 The spa is at the centre of most hotel wellness concepts, and Hong Kong’s luxury hospitality scene is a competitive haven of spa sanctuaries and serene oases, providing some Zen amid the urban chaos. From full body massages to perfect pedicures, these are the best luxury spas in Hong Kong for an indulgent pamper. 5 great wellness experiences to try in Southeast Asia 1. The Mandarin Spa The iconic flagship hotel for the Mandarin Group boasts a spacious spa with a wide range of therapies, all... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/3018371/11-hong-kongs-most-luxurious-spas-perfect-pampering?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/3018371/11-hong-kongs-most-luxurious-spas-perfect-pampering?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 14 Jul 2019 08:00:16 +0000 When I think of the word “karma” I think about fate, doing good and “what comes around goes around”. So when Lush’s Karma spa treatment came to my attention, I was intrigued. Amooma Spa’s tourmaline crystal massage led to my best sleep ever What it involves First, I was floored and felt I had found myself on an English countryside odyssey the minute I stepped off the lift onto the second floor of the Soho Square branch of Lush in Central. The bustle of cool tunes and affable staffers melted... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/3004628/we-try-lushs-vegan-friendly-spa-luxurious-ayurvedic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/3004628/we-try-lushs-vegan-friendly-spa-luxurious-ayurvedic?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2019 06:00:06 +0000 My beard was really put through the wringer in recent weeks. It wasn’t intentional or pleasant, but it coincided with my prep work for this companion piece to my maiden barbershop visit, so I’d be remiss to leave it out. I always have some facial hair. So, when a colleague on STYLE magazine asked me in early November if I’d like to be the bearded man in their barbershop video, I didn’t take much convincing. STYLE Edit: Slimane debuts Celine’s first menswear collection I was a barbershop virgin... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2181698/diary-barbershop-virgin-adventures-bearded-man-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people-events/article/2181698/diary-barbershop-virgin-adventures-bearded-man-and?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Jan 2019 08:45:50 +0000 In this new age of technology, scientific evidence reigns supreme. However, what is coming forward, as though like a backlash, is also a strong tide of solutions that are based on organic, classic lore. There may be much to debate about the powers of crystals – from being a “woo-woo” psychological entrapment for some, or its efficacy as an ingredient in skincare – but there is no denying that crystals and gemstones have been in use for not just centuries but millennia for healing and beauty... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2180144/we-review-skincare-products-mysterious-power-crystals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2180144/we-review-skincare-products-mysterious-power-crystals?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 02 Jan 2019 06:05:19 +0000 Escape the holiday craziness with a festive treatment for yourself, a deserving family member or friend. Either way it’s a win-win, with the pause for physical care and mental head space translating into extra peace and goodwill to all. If you cannot decide what kind of TLC you need most, The Spa at the Hong Kong Four Seasons promises to take you on a blissful journey from a muscle- and mind-soothing body massage to a Rejuvenating Gold Mini Facial for a boost of intense illumination. Then,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2178455/soothing-spa-treatments-spoil-yourself-festive-season?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion-beauty/article/2178455/soothing-spa-treatments-spoil-yourself-festive-season?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Dec 2018 04:30:45 +0000 Eyelash designing service To wake up looking flawless every day, try getting eyelash extensions, in which individual lashes are carefully glued to your real ones strand by strand. Kesalan Patharan provides a signature designing service, where lashes of varying lengths are lined along the eye to give the most natural effect. The meticulous process takes up to two hours. Prices start at HK$880 for 120 strands and go up to HK$1,800 for 180 – the maximum number of lashes they can attach. The Sasa... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/2149117/five-fashion-treatments-summer-put-test-find-out-how-keep?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/2149117/five-fashion-treatments-summer-put-test-find-out-how-keep?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Jun 2018 05:03:37 +0000 Melo Spa at the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin has come up with one of the best ways to pamper yourself (or someone special) for the holidays. Until the end of the month, the spa is offering a Nourishing Winter Retreat; a great way to relax during this hectic period, using Elemis products featuring the tropical flower frangipani. I start the 80-minute treatment by being wrapped up in a soft Kashwere dressing gown, before soaking my feet in warm water, that has been infused with salts and essential oil,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-luxury/article/2124000/pre-holiday-pampering-melo-spa-hyatt-regency-sha-tins?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-luxury/article/2124000/pre-holiday-pampering-melo-spa-hyatt-regency-sha-tins?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Dec 2017 10:05:13 +0000 The Plateau Spa at the Grand Hyatt has tapped into the sound-therapy trend – think gong baths and singing bowls – sweeping the wellness industry by partnering with French audio experts Devialet to present its “Voyage des Sens” spa experience. How nada yoga can destress Hongkongers. We take a 30-minute trial session to find out The treatment (HK$1,300/60 minutes) comprises a full-body massage, set to a soundtrack produced and recorded by Devialet with help from Thai-based Karma Sound Studios... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-luxury/article/2118896/review-hong-kong-sounds-feature-audio-therapy-package-grand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-luxury/article/2118896/review-hong-kong-sounds-feature-audio-therapy-package-grand?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Nov 2017 02:01:15 +0000 South-side favourite Capelli hair salon has taken up residence in the heart of Central in the former Sense of Touch location in Arbuthnot Road, the brand's first expansion outside its original Repulse Bay home. Capelli is different in that it offers a full range of hair services from cut and colour to perm, but also spa treatments such as facials and massages. As anyone with a thick mane of hair will tell you, indulging in some foot or facial pampering while waiting for your perm or highlights... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1840888/review-capelli-salon-and-spa-relax-and-be-pampered?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1840888/review-capelli-salon-and-spa-relax-and-be-pampered?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Jul 2015 14:23:08 +0000 Sitting between Zara and COS, and opposite Topshop, Lavar salon is the perfect spot to pamper your feet after a high-street shopping session. It offers a reasonably priced spa pedicure, which includes a foot scrub, nail reshaping and polish, hard skin removal, message and warm paraffin mask. The salon is small, but comfortable and clean, with new fashion magazines for you to read. Upon arriving I'm offered a broad selection of colours, including Zoya nail polish and Shellac soft gel. The... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1835715/spa-review-lavar-spot-shoppers-who-want-drop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1835715/spa-review-lavar-spot-shoppers-who-want-drop?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jul 2015 11:04:16 +0000 Espa has just opened at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. It has 10 pristine treatment rooms and three couples' suites, as well as a very interesting relaxation room, kitted out with birdcage-like dividers between beautiful wingback brown leather chairs. My Thai therapist Anita has fingers of steel and stamina to match and makes short work of the 120-minute Macau Body Smoother Ritual. It combines a body wrap and massage, which it claims restores balance to body and mind. The treatment starts with a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1832050/spa-review-espa-ritz-carlton-macau-two-hours-bliss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1832050/spa-review-espa-ritz-carlton-macau-two-hours-bliss?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:16:33 +0000 Wynn Macau and Banyan Tree Macau are offering a number of special spa treatments/packages for men and women to "cool the mind and body" this summer. At The Spa at Encore, I am recommended the 90-minute "Ultimate Refine" treatment, which is a "facial for the back". It turns out that is exactly what I need when I arrive at Wynn Macau late and sweaty. My therapist Judy shows me to my private suite, which is equipped with a steam/shower room, sauna, hydrotherapy bath and treatment room. I'm on a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1832049/spa-reviews-spa-encore-and-banyan-tree-spa-macau?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1832049/spa-reviews-spa-encore-and-banyan-tree-spa-macau?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Jul 2015 13:16:33 +0000 There is only so much make-up and concealer can do — the secret to a healthy complexion at all times is to keep the skin clean and smooth with an even tone. And British spa and beauty brand Elemis recently launched the Biotec Sonic White Brightening Facial, which claims to help you do precisely that. When I visit 10/10 Space, the therapist explains that the Biotec device features five technologies, including microcurrent lift and oxygen infusion, and is used in eight facials there. The Biotec... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1820563/review-biotec-sonic-white-brightening-facial-elemis?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1820563/review-biotec-sonic-white-brightening-facial-elemis?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jun 2015 02:11:55 +0000 For those who crave Kim Kardashian-like, spider leg lashes, summer presents something of a problem. Multiple coats of mascara and eyelash curling are easily undone by a dip in the water or by the humidity. If there ever is a time for eyelash extensions, it is this time of year. With that in mind, we ventured to Tsim Sha Tsui to try Japanese salon Carte Blanche. Opened in 2011 by Kyoko Tochikawa and her husband, the salon, which also does nails and hair, boasts one of the largest and most... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1816991/kim-kardashian-eyelashes-hong-kong-try-carte-blanche-japanese?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48-hours/article/1816991/kim-kardashian-eyelashes-hong-kong-try-carte-blanche-japanese?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Jun 2015 15:16:11 +0000 After rushing up Wyndham Street to reach my appointment on time, it's a relief to arrive at the cool and lemon-scented entrance of Flawless spa. I'm here to try the latest addition to its pampering menu, the "Balance PMS Facial". My therapist Babita escorts me to the treatment room and the snug, super-soft cocoon of the bed. She begins the massage, concentrating on my back, scalp, face, neck and shoulders. For the first few minutes Babita applies pressure to my shoulders and spine, as if trying... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1783433/spa-review-balance-pms-facial-flawless-boosts-mind-and-body?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1783433/spa-review-balance-pms-facial-flawless-boosts-mind-and-body?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2015 14:09:28 +0000 Finding a chic hair salon that doesn't go overboard with the pricing in Central is a rare thing, so when I was told that I could get an affordable premium cut at The Attic, I was sceptical. The moment you step into the hidden salon on the 10th floor you're greeted with a spa scent and a relaxing vibe which provides an immediate contrast to the Queen's Road rush hour. With an open-space interior, the stylish salon is brightly lit, and there are mini separate rooms available if you want more... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1768728/affordable-haircut-attic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1768728/affordable-haircut-attic?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Apr 2015 14:41:30 +0000 Parisian beauty stalwart Clarins is celebrating its 60th anniversary and to mark the occasion it has launched a comprehensive Art of Touch treatment. The 90-minute service, the first from Clarins to attend to both the face and body, is designed to relax guests from head to toe and can be customised depending on whether you're looking for contouring, hydrating or a firming effect. At its Sogo location, I'm ushered into a private room where I slip into the heated bed and towels are draped over me.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1742893/clarins-art-touch-treatment-will-rub-away-your-cares?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1742893/clarins-art-touch-treatment-will-rub-away-your-cares?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2015 14:15:00 +0000 If you're seeking some serious statement nail art then make your way to the corner of Lyndhurst Terrace and Wellington Street in Central. Up a flight of stairs, you'll find EightyEight, a nail art salon that can create whatever your heart desires, whether that is galaxy designs, a reverse French manicure, or Swarovski crystals. This isn't your typical zen salon atmosphere — it's an experience as eclectic and cool as the owner herself, Stephanie Shek, a Central Saint Martins graduate who cut her... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1714765/eightyeight-nail-art-salon-where-youll-get-serious-fashion-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1714765/eightyeight-nail-art-salon-where-youll-get-serious-fashion-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2015 14:30:15 +0000 It's one of those "tough job, but ..." moments when we turn up at the InterContinental Hong Kong to review the Pearl of Love Indulgence couple's experience at I-Spa. The Valentine's Day special includes use of a private couple's spa suite, 90 minutes of treatment and a three-course "ihealth" lunch. There's even optional use of the fitness centre, and three-temperature spa pools on the terrace. Our spa suite has a rose petal-filled aromatherapy bath, steam shower and sauna. The lighting is... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1695728/review-i-spa-valentines-day-special-worth-expense?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1695728/review-i-spa-valentines-day-special-worth-expense?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:00:15 +0000 A refuge of calm in the middle of bustling Central, Flawless spa is bright, sleek and modern; there are faux Balinese touches here, no dark lighting, or statuettes of ambiguous spiritual traditions. They offer a series of options for men, including manicures, pedicures, anti-ageing facials, and group bookings for boys' nights out, complete with gin and tonics. Friendly service, quiet and comfortable surrounds and a feeling of pervasive hominess put you at ease before the treatment even starts.... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1661461/grooming-fix-feet-intensive-foot-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1661461/grooming-fix-feet-intensive-foot-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:45:30 +0000 I've always thought that clarifying shampoos were a gimmick from haircare lines to get people to spend more, so I don't have high expectations when I check into 10/10 Space in Causeway Bay. Why do you need a clarifying treatment if you wash your hair all the time? It is like a facial, explains Wing, the therapist. You wash your face every day, but sometimes you want a deep cleanse. The clarifying scrub, from Christophe Robin, works in a similar way, and comes in handy when the seasons change,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1618541/beauty-fix-christophe-robin-clarifying-sea-salt-scrub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1618541/beauty-fix-christophe-robin-clarifying-sea-salt-scrub?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 22 Oct 2014 15:00:00 +0000 It may be October but we've still got a few weeks of warm weather to come, which means bikinis and therefore a well-groomed situation down south. Honeypot Wax Boutique, a Singaporean brand with outlets in Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand, has recently launched their first outlet in Central. The salon offers all sorts of facial and body waxing and more permanent treatments such as IPL hair removal. The products have been concocted by chemists in Australia and are all formulated without animal... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1613723/beauty-fix-hollywood-edition-wax?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1613723/beauty-fix-hollywood-edition-wax?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:30:30 +0000 The Peninsula Spa is giving new meaning to the expression "hot and cold all over" with a holistic treatment designed to balance the body and mind. It's similar to a traditional hot stone massage, but alternates the use of hot and cold stones — the idea being that hot stones relieve stress, and the cold ones reduce toxins. The treatment begins with a soothing ritual footbath and a gentle assessment by the therapist. Having rushed in from the heat and pollution of Tsim Sha Tsui, and lacking sleep,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1600998/beauty-fix-five-elements-lastone-therapy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1600998/beauty-fix-five-elements-lastone-therapy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2014 14:15:30 +0000 The Strand is a four-storey beauty salon overlooking the Mid-Levels escalator in Central. The whole of the second floor is dedicated to men's grooming and treatments ranging from an authentic wet shave to a more adventurous full-body wax. I opt for the wet shave by veteran Liverpudlian barber, Lee Stephens, who joined the spa earlier this year and looks the part with his neatly trimmed beard, white shirt and black braces. Lee tells me he wants to recreate the blokey atmosphere of a traditional... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1585959/grooming-fix-wet-shave-and-jet-lag-eye-treatment-strand?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1585959/grooming-fix-wet-shave-and-jet-lag-eye-treatment-strand?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:30:45 +0000 Rhassoul is a mineral rich clay from Morocco and has been used for centuries as a skin cleanser. Shoshana Weinberg, senior spa director, Asia Pacific at the Four Seasons is bringing it to Hong Kong with a luxurious rhassoul and head massage combo. The treatment is recommended for people suffering from blocked sinuses, headaches, stress or emotional exhaustion. The therapist, Rosa, lets me choose from two types of oil for the head massage; I go for the lavender and palmarosa oil which is relaxing... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1569326/beauty-fix-four-seasons-hong-kongs-oriental-head-massage-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1569326/beauty-fix-four-seasons-hong-kongs-oriental-head-massage-and?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Aug 2014 17:15:00 +0000 Wellness consultancy i-Detox is offering a different take on the usual aromatherapy massage with its Therapeutic Bodywork with Raindrop Oils treatment. Upon arrival at their office, which also serves as a store and includes a massage room, I'm briefed by i-Detox founder Anita Cheung and her team about the long list of benefits these "miracle" oils can impart. They're said to relieve insomnia, give emotional relief, boost immunity, speed up recovery from injury and disease, and even support... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1564345/beauty-fix-raindrop-oils-therapy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1564345/beauty-fix-raindrop-oils-therapy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:00:15 +0000 Elemis has developed five, result-driven "Biotec" facials using a fusion of three targeted stimuli — actives, touch and electric technology — to enable the skin to renew and repair. Dodging the chaos of Causeway Bay's shopping district, I make my way to 10/10 Space to meet Helen Brown, senior UK and international trainer, who is in town to introduce the facials. First up is a skin consultation. Brown positions my face in front of the skin imager to detect imperfections such as dehydration,... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1556143/beauty-fix-elemis-biotec-sonic-skin-radiance-facial?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1556143/beauty-fix-elemis-biotec-sonic-skin-radiance-facial?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Jul 2014 15:15:00 +0000 I've spent the past decade and a half in a (mostly losing) battle with my thick, coarse and slightly wavy hair. I have tried everything including Japanese straightening and Brazilian blowouts, so when Goldwell launched its Kerasilk Keratin Hair Treatment, which promised to last up to five months (twice as long as a Brazilian blowout), I was intrigued. They call the technology Kerashape and it is a concoction of glyoxylic acid, keratin and silk proteins. Unlike the Brazilian blowout, which coats... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1552006/beauty-fix-kerasilk-keratin-hair-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1552006/beauty-fix-kerasilk-keratin-hair-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jul 2014 15:15:45 +0000 I wanted my next spa experience to be masculine, more macho, more ... deep than previous ones, so I decided a deep tissue massage was what I needed. Yes, the music would still be new age and the lighting soft and forgiving, but the massage would be manly. Well, the 60-minute deep tissue massage at MGM Macau's Six Senses Spa was certainly that. Along with thoroughly kneaded, knot-free muscles, I came away from Six Senses wondering just where these often diminutive masseuses get their strength and... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1548825/grooming-fix-deep-tissue-massage-mgm-macaus-six-senses-spa-manly?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1548825/grooming-fix-deep-tissue-massage-mgm-macaus-six-senses-spa-manly?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2014 14:30:30 +0000 Chuan Spa is a relaxing sanctuary, especially after having navigated the Mong Kok MTR and Langham Place. The rather scary looking machine used in the treatment on the face and neck is billed as offering "innovative synergy of 3-D multi-polar radio frequency energy and pulsed magnetic field therapy". It's meant to provide striking results, while being non-invasive and pain-free. Rolled along the skin in long fluid lines, it feels warm to the touch and is meant to stimulate deeper layers of the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1529927/beauty-fix-venus-freeze-painless-and-non-invasive-skin-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/48hrs/article/1529927/beauty-fix-venus-freeze-painless-and-non-invasive-skin-treatment?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:45:15 +0000