Celebrity Life

Tea has been an integral and customary part of Chinese culture for centuries. It’s only the most consumed beverage in the world, heck there were even wars over this ancient brew. But now, these incredible cured leaves are examined under the microscope as we've come to discover its potent beauty benefits. Every big beauty brand out there is extracting its beauty-boosting powers to some degree to infuse into their new host of beauty elixirs.

Packed with natural caffeine, antioxidants, amino-acid and flavonoids, tea is a super-ingredient that’s been tested to help with the following: hydration, detox, de-puff, tightening, anti-inflammation, defend against free-radicals, skin metabolism, relaxation… you get it – the list goes on and on.

We’ve tried and tested bottle after bottle, jar after jar, to bring you the top 5 brews of beauty you need to make space on top shelf for right now.

Amore Pacific Time Response Vintage Wash Off Masque

[caption id="attachment_192447" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Amore Pacific Time Response Vintage Wash Off Masque[/caption]

Sourced from Dolsongi Tea Garden, the oldest green tea garden on Jeju island in South Korea (and exclusive owned by Amore Pacific), the 34-year-old leaves are carefully selected before they're used in the Korean brand’s bestseller. The antioxidant properties of the green tea extract softens the skin instantly, and with prolonged use is moisturised and plumped. On top of that, the skin tone is evened out too. The best part though, is the scent, and the fact that it only takes 10 minutes of your day, twice a week.
HK$1,200/50ml

Amore Pacific; Various locations

Amore Pacific, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay; +852 2114 0262

Fresh Black Tea Firming Eye Serum

[caption id="attachment_192448" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Fresh Black Tea Firming Eye Serum[/caption]

Brewed with the brand’s very own black tea complex and an eye-defining peptide to lift the baggage under the eye area, tighten loose skin, iron out fine lines and diminish the look of crow’s feet to reveal younger, more radiant skin and bright eyes. Unlike other eye serums, this one is delightfully lightweight and absorbs instantly without leaving any sticky residue. To be used on its own or layered underneath an eye cream as a moisture barrier to lock in hydration. Fresh also carries a line of other tea products using similar ingredient components that are worth mentioning too, including the Kombucha Facial Essence, Firming Corset Cream and Overnight Mask.
HK$660/15ml

Fresh; Various locations
Fresh, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3572 0126

Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil

[caption id="attachment_192449" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra Clarifying Treatment Oil[/caption]

For troubled skin that’s easily irritated and prone to breakouts, Sunday Riley’s award-winning U.F.O medicated oil has worked wonders to calm aggressive skin. The chamomile tea extract soothes stressed and blemished skin, while salicylic acid removes buildup and decongests pores and cucumber seed oil counterbalances the drying effects. The result is nourished, glowing skin, even-tone complexion and reduced acne discolouration. What’s more is that this can be used to treat scalp and back acne too.
HK$650/35ml

Sephora; Various locations

Sephora, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3168 4088

Sephora, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay; +852 3153 2783

RéVive Defensif Environmental Antioxidant Booster

To level up your skincare routine for the days you need an extra push, one drop of this supplement mixed together with your everyday moisturiser will boost the skin’s defences against stressors. Green tea, along with other antioxidant ingredients like turmeric, Vitamins A, C and E work together to fight and neutralise free radicals so it won’t matter if the skin is exposed to pollution, infrared, smoke and blue light wavelengths – the Antioxidant Booster has got the bases covered.
HK$1,365

RéVive; Various locations

RéVive, Lane Crawford, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 2118 2288

La Mer Crème de la Mer

[caption id="attachment_192452" align="alignnone" width="1200"] La Mer Crème de la Mer[/caption]

Considered the epitome of luxury skincare, La Mer has always been associated as the 'it' brand of beauty. And its most iconic product and best seller, Crème de la Mer is responsible for putting the brand on its pedestal. The indulgently rich cream heals dryness with its Miracle Broth and Lime Tea blend. This ultra-hydrating formula shows best results on mature skin, parched winter skin, and is gentle enough for even the fragile eye are. The thirst quenching results are instant, and visible results show in just two weeks.
HK$800/15ml; HK$18,300/500ml
La Mer; Various locations 

La Mer, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 2111 2616

The post Top Shelf: The Brands Brewing the Best Tea-Infused Beauty Products appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

This month, we’re introducing our favourite newly launched products to add to your beauty arsenal. From your holy grail must-haves to the industry’s latest and greatest, explore our roundup of everything you’ve wanted to try, and other things you never knew you needed… until now.

Clarins Plant Gold Nutri-revitalizing Oil-emulsion

[caption id="attachment_189397" align="alignnone" width="1090"] Clarins Plant Gold Nutri-revitalizing Oil-emulsion HK$580/35ml; Aroma Facial available for HK$920/60 minutes at Clarins, Central Building[/caption]

Clarins’ newest addition to its Aromaphytocare range (an extremely popular line with a focus on essential oils and plant extracts) is the Plant Gold – a 100% natural and original formula. The design of the bottle holds blue orchid treatment oil and natural origin emulsion separately, and only when pumped does it dispel together to create a dual-texture emulsion. The freshly blended formula delivers immediate nourishment and hydration to the skin and is surprisingly lightweight and non-greasy. For a more thorough penetration, Clarins also offers a Ayuroma Touch facial experience using Aromaphytocare products to revive your skin and all your senses.

Derm Institute Cellular Rejuvenating Neck & Decollete Serum

[caption id="attachment_189396" align="alignnone" width="3000"] Derm Institute Cellular Rejuvenating Neck & Decollete Serum HK$1,400/50ml[/caption]

Derm Institude’s Cellular Rejuvenating Neck and Decollete Serum is the answer to firmer and tighter appearance of the often overlooked neck area. The advanced peptide complex firms skin and smooths out lines and wrinkles while re-sculpting the delicate areas below the jaw bone. Rich yet non-sticky, the formula is best used with a massage tool (gua sha or roller) to contour and lift, creating a sensual Y line of the neck.

Dior Diorsnow Perfect Light Compact

[caption id="attachment_189395" align="alignnone" width="2251"] Dior Diorsnow Perfect Light Compact HK$550; Dior Diorsnow Perfect Light Compact Refill HK$415[/caption]

To add to the Diorsnow range, Dior’s beauty line dedicated to Asian skin, is the brand’s first moisture-lock brightening compact foundation. The highly corrective formula is a perfectly smooth and even veil for the skin. The extremely fine texture fuses with the skin without absorbing its natural hydration so skin stays moisturised, soft and supple. Ingredients include Edelweiss flower petals for luminosity, white micro-pearls to mattify unwanted shine and Diorsnow brightening complex to correct yellowness and imperfections.

EVE LOM Rescue Peel Pads

[caption id="attachment_189392" align="alignnone" width="1333"] EVE LOM Rescue Peel Pads HK$630/60pads[/caption]

Recently earning the reputation as “probably the best cleanser in the world”, EVE LOM has come up with a quick on-the-go cleanser for even lazy girls. The handy Rescue Peel Pads are soaked in a potent combo of AHA, PHA and BHA acids that effectively shed built up layers of dead skin cells to reveal a smoother and brighter complexion. Acting as a gentle exfoliator, the wipes promote cell turnover for younger looking skin. It’s also one of the very few wipes on the market that conditions the skin instead of stripping it of the skin’s natural oils – thanks to its Vitamin B3 to smooth, hydrate and calm the skin. The 100% biodegradable material is an added bonus for green beauty advocates.

Fenty Beauty What is Dew Makeup Refreshing Spray & Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fenty-what-it-dew.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/fenty-gloss-bomb.jpg" right-caption="Fenty Beauty What it Dew Makeup Refreshing Spray HK$258" left-caption="Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer HK$165"]
Fenty has been hard at work with a lot of new releases recently (Flypencil eyeliner, Snap Shadows, Precision definition brushes and Full Frontal mascara), and there’s no sign of slowing down. This month Rihanna’s beauty line is dropping three brand-new shades of its coveted Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, a conditioning non-sticky mega shine gloss and What it Dew makeup refreshing spray. A personal favourite of the entertainer, the hydration spray can be used before, during or after makeup application for a surge of instant hydration on the go.

[inline-quote author="Rihanna"]"This spray is my go-to when I need a quick pick-me-up. I can use it in so many different ways -- before makeup, after a long flight, or whenever I want to add a dewy finish to my makeup look. "[/inline-quote]

Gucci Rouge À Lévres Gothique Lipstick

[gallery ids="189483,189385,189386,189384"]

Lipsticks have been a big thing for Gucci this past year. Following right after its matte lipstick launch last month, comes the house’s metallic finish lip colours. The ultra pigmented shades are formulated using a carbon black pigment to create a deep undertone that is contrasted with a subtle metallic finish from its glimmering pearl extract. The collection of nine tones is inspired by iconic Hollywood movies and characters of the gilded era, so expect bold and eccentric shades best suited for special occasions and less for everyday use. To set it apart from Gucci’s existing expansive lipstick range, the Gothique collection is packaged with a black cap decorated with gold stars.

NARS Afterglow Collection

[gallery ids="189379,189380,189381"]

It’s not our first time to rave about NARS Afterglow tinted lip balms. And based off its huge popularity, NARS has launched six new sheer shades for a little natural luminosity, a limited edition 12-shade eyeshadow palette and cheek palette. Glow is the name of the game here, with supercharged shades of warm hues for the eyes, cheeks and lips. While the whole range is to die for, what stands out is the Overlust cheek palette – with three blushes and three gel-to-powder highlighters, the unique silky texture is easy to layer and blend.

RéVive Supérieur Body Nightly Renewal Serum & Firming Cream

[caption id="attachment_189371" align="alignnone" width="1280"] RéVive Supérior Body Nightly Renewal Serum HK$2,100/120ml; Supérior Body Renewal Firming Cream HK$1,900/192ml[/caption]

We're not sure we remember the simpler days -- before serums were a can’t-live-without part of your skincare regimen. And with that, it was only a matter of time before the essential step made its way into our body care routine too. RéVive has always been at the forefront when it comes to luxurious skincare with a high efficacy rate, and to our delight, now we can slather our bodies with their potent formulations. The newly launched Supérior Body Nightly Renewing Serum promises to firm and tighten the body bits that need a little lift. Using its signature bio-renewal and bio-firming ingredients found in its face skincare, the fast-absorbing body serum also improves the texture and smoothness. The serum is released with as Renewal Firming Cream to be used together for maximum results.

The post New In: The Best Beauty Launches to Try This February appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

It’s all fun and games when we try out new skincare and beauty products... until something goes wrong. And despite how much you love the way something feels or smells, there is no one-size-fits-all item, formula, or routine, out there. However, it will come as a relief to your sanity, and your skin, that a holy grail does exist for every skin type. No matter how sensitive.

Whether you’ve tried a product that wasn’t quite suited for your skin concerns or you’ve just landed from a long-haul flight, or you’re going through those few days of the month when you’re especially susceptible to shit that goes on – you have your delicate moments.

We’ve handled with extra care when trying out products with the sensitivity claim (so you won’t have to), to come up with a list of eight skin-safe formulas promising zero irritation, breakouts, dryness and inflammation.

1. Aesop: Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator

[caption id="attachment_171524" align="alignnone" width="3746"] Aesop Seeking Silence Facial Hydrator (HK$415)[/caption]

The latest addition to the Australian brand’s skincare range is Aesop’s first hydrator specifically designed to soothe, calm and bring comfort to sensitive skin. Thanks to antioxidant actives like ginger root which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent; Bisabolol (an ingredient extracted from chamomile) which promotes the skin’s own healing process; and squalene which helps to condition the skin and replenishes our moisture barrier to make sure all the goodness is locked in. The woody, herbaceous fragrance is the final cherry on top.

How to use: apply morning and evening after cleansing and toning. Gently massage into the face and neck.

2. Derm Institute: Anti-Oxidant Hydration Serum

[caption id="attachment_172506" align="alignnone" width="800"] Derm Institute Anti-Oxidant Hydration Serum (HK$1,000)[/caption]

Medical skincare experts, Derm Institute introduces its new and improved Anti-oxidant Hydration Serum. The reinvented formula delivers even higher efficacy than proven previously with an infusion of seven powerful natural antioxidants (including Malpighia fruit, white tea, grape seed) to repair and protect, and nano-gold for a surge of intense hydration, the advanced formula nourishes the skin by replacing lost moisture and collagen depletion. Its Super Hydration Complex (hyaluronic acid and ceramide complex) retains 1,000 times its weight in water acting like a moisture magnet so skin is plumped, smoothed and radiant.

How to use: apply after toner and follow with lotion or cream for complete hydration.

* Derm Institute’s new Anti-oxidant Hydration Serum will hit shelves in November, 2019

3. Dr. Barbara Sturm: Anti-Pollotion Drops

[caption id="attachment_171529" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics Anti-Pollution Drops (HK$990)[/caption]

It’s been a while since we’ve been blessed with German skincare scientist Dr. Barbara Sturm’s magic without trekking all the way to her spas in New York and Dusseldorf. While we get familiar with Molecular Cosmetics – her skincare line that has quickly gained a top shelf status, we stumbled upon her Anti-pollution drops. Two to three drops of this serum does the magic – protecting and promoting the skin barrier, combating the oxidation caused by pollutants and harmful UV, and shielding your skin from external stressors. The marine microbe extracts are responsible for neutralising airborne heavy metals while cocoa seed extracts fight against signs of digital ageing caused by blue light from our electronics – and we know all too well that there’s no exception and we’re all guilty of that.

How to use: dispense a full pipette in the palm of your hand and apply to face, eye and neck area using a gentle patting motion after cleansing.

4. First Aid Beauty: Ultra Repair BarriAir Cream

[caption id="attachment_171530" align="alignnone" width="1200"] First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair BarriAir Cream (HK$275)[/caption]

The best offence is a good defence, and as the brand and product name suggests, this good-for-all hydrating soufflé-textured cream helps to strengthen the skin’s protective outer layer when it has been compromised by harsh products and the environment. The lipids within bio-mimic the natural composition of the skin to help fortify and resume its healthy state. This airy cream is packed with hyaluronic acid to help stimulate and replenish moisture, colloidal oatmeal and antioxidant-rich vitamin E to calm, soothe and condition, and ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier.

How to use: apply daily in the AM and PM, and evenly over a clean face or following a serum.

5. Helena Rubinstein: Hero Re-PLASTY Age Recovery Night Cream

[caption id="attachment_171535" align="alignnone" width="1575"] Helena Rubinstein Hero Re-PLASTY Age Recovery Night Cream (HK$3,300)[/caption]

Known as the Black Bandage, Helena Rubinstein’s new evening skincare envelops damaged or concerned skin to help accelerate its recovery. Using medical technology to fuse together hyaluronic acid for hydration and glycyrrhizic acid with anti-inflammatory properties, reducing flaking and restoring suppleness to bring the repairing qualities of a band-aid. The derm-active blend is cold-pressed and Pro-Xylane is added to create that signature velvety yet featherlike bandage texture. The night cream is especially effective when worn overnight as the skin cells are regenerating, so you can wake up with nourished skin.

How to use: apply every evening to perfectly cleansed skin. Apply over the face avoiding the eye contour.

6. Omorovicza: Cashmere Cleanser

[caption id="attachment_171537" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Omorovicza Cashmere Cleanser (HK$500)[/caption]

Cleansing is the most crucial part of your routine (and if it’s not, it should be!). But nothing will leave you more paralysed with fear than stripping away all the good along with the bad when it comes to washing your face – and this is especially true for sensitive skin. The search for a powerful yet gentle cleanser probably ends with Omorovicza. Formulated for ultra-sensitive skin, this cleansing milk contains calendula extract with anti-inflammatory properties, apricot kernel oil rich in vitamin A and E to promote collagen production, shea butter to boost lipids. Say goodbye to daily grime and hello to your wonderfully clean and balanced fresh face.

How to use: apply daily to damp skin. Massage well, then rinse thoroughly.

7. RéVive: Masque de Glaise

[caption id="attachment_171539" align="alignnone" width="600"] RéVive Masque de Glaise (HK$1,100)[/caption]

You’ll know all too well that clay masks are a no-no for temperamental skin. Though it can be clarifying, it is extremely drying. But before the thought sends you running in the opposite direction, take our word that this one’s a keeper. The delicate formula is said to clear impurities, tighten, lift, and to our surprise, hydrates. After letting it settle and harden on your face, the mask hardens and once washed off, the lines on your face are ironed out and instead of that tight dryness you’d normally feel after a mask, you’re left with radiant and supple skin. At the end of the day, because it is purifying, don’t overdo the frequency of use and follow up with other hydrating products every time to maintain that supple plump.

How to use: Apply once to twice weekly. Put on liberally (at least 1/8 inch layer on cleanser skin) and leave for 15 to 20 minutes until mask hardens. Rinse well. Follow with serum and moisturiser.

8. Tatcha: The Indigo Cream

[caption id="attachment_171541" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Tatcha The Indigo Cream (HK$1,090)[/caption]

There’s obvious credibility when you know something has a history that goes back two centuries. Taking beauty secrets from rediscovered Japanese manuscripts, Tatcha has built a strong cult following for its ancient recipes for the modern world. Designed especially for sensitive skin is the Eastern beauty brand’s Indigo cream, which promises that it’s so gentle that it can offer relief to even conditions like eczema, dermatitis, rosacea and allergies. The velvety texture is luxuriously cushiony, providing instant relief and comfort to the skin. Its natural Japanese Indigo extract calms and soothes irritated skin; Colloidal Oatmeal relieves itching, subdues redness and seals in moisture; while Sophora Japonica (extract from white flowers) pumps the skin with moisture.

How to use: massage a pearl-sized amount gently onto face, neck and décolletage in upwards strokes. Use daily, morning and night.

*Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance

The post 8 Gentle Skincare Soothers for Sensitive Skin appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Skincare brands continue their quest for the most active, effective and powerful plant-based ingredients.

The post 9 Plant-Based Beauty Products to Nourish Your Skin appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

The most gorgeous gifts for the women in your life.

The post Christmas Gift Ideas for Her appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.