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Can biotin treat hair loss after pregnancy? Does biotin prevent hair loss while breastfeeding? And what on earth is biotin anyway?! I’m a mother of…

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Let everyday be a miracle with La Mer’s cult classic, The Concentrate.

There’s a million and one things that can affect your skin; from changes in season to extreme weather conditions, to stress, to pollution, so it’s hard to know what’s causing instability at any given moment or day. That’s why it’s essential to arm yourself with a skincare regimen that tackles any and all issues in one fell swoop.

La Mer’s The Concentrate has long been touted as a skin saviour, a must-have cult-favourite solution that utilises a super concentrated form of Miracle Broth™, known for its extraordinary ability to soothe, strengthen and stabilise skin, no matter what it’s going through.

If La Mer’s Miracle Broth™ isn’t a part of your skincare lexicon, it’s time to add it to the dictionary: the brainchild of aerospace physicist Dr Max Huber was created after he suffered severe burns in the lab through the course of his work, and, inspired by the regenerative properties of giant sea kelp, used it to create an active complex that could soothe and smooth away any imperfections. He didn’t know it then but we certainly know it now, that this Miracle Broth™ would become one of the world’s most revered formulas.

Lab burns may not top most women’s list of skincare concerns, but The Concentrate is an intensive treatment that can get the skin through any type of trauma, whether it’s redness and irritation or simple inflammation, which is a key cause of premature ageing, and is brought on by some of modern society’s most unavoidable elements, whether it’s the sun’s punishing UV rays or free radicals that are everywhere in the air.

If your skin is fragile and lacks stability, The Concentrate also contains a special Stabilising Ferment, specially engineered to balance skin condition and restore its health and vibrance, as well as special barrier ingredients that act as a lipid “cellular cement”, protecting the skin with an extra layer of defence and increasing its invulnerability. The Concentrated Miracle Broth™ lies suspended within this breathable barrier, sinking into the pores slowly to repair and rebuild.

Its uses are basically never-ending, limited only by the imagination, whether it’s to soothe the skin as an everyday serum or to halt the appearance of stretch marks during pregnancy – or to even heal a burn as Dr Huber did so many years ago.

Learn more at La Mer.

The post Your Skincare Hero for Extreme-to-everyday Needs appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Believe it or not, it's already April, and before you know it, it’ll be time to set out on junk boats, lounge poolside, and brunch alfresco. So, there’s no time like the present to get summer-ready and put your beauty game into high gear for the longer, warmer days ahead. This season, it’s all about introducing colour in a playful way, glowing with dewy skin, experimenting with refreshing new scents, and safeguarding your face with protective precautions to combat the fiery weather. Whether you’re only committed to small adjustments or you’re looking to make big transformations, here’s our definitive list of what’s new on the shelves for your spring and summer routine.

The Artistry

Anti-Aging Facial Massage Set

Looking for a game changer? Look no further! This set (HK$289) includes a two-ended face roller in different sizes (use the smaller one for areas around your eyes and nose, and the larger one for forehead, cheeks and chin) as well as a gua sha scraper for that “V” jawline and chin. The natural cooling properties of the rose quartz promotes blood circulation, minimises pores, improves skin elasticity and promotes lymphatic drainage. It’s easy to use and frankly rather zen, but most importantly, the results speak for themselves.

Tip: Use with your favourite serum and/or moisturiser starting from the centre of your face and roll outwards. For best results, store roller in the refrigerator to shrink pores, or soak in warm water for a soothing facial massage.

Atelier Cologne

Clémentine California

Atelier Cologne’s zesty new fragrance (HK$1,120/100ml) is summer captured in a bottle. Bursting with fruity and sweet scents without being overpowering, the ingredients originate from exotic countries and awaken your senses with inspiration for travel. You’ll find notes of clementine from Italy, juniper berries from Turkey and Vetiver from Haiti -- all perfectly blended and balanced into a sensual and delicate summer fragrance.

Byredo

Rose of No Man’s Land Body Collection

[gallery ids="136654,136650,136652,136655,136649,136651"]

The 2015 fragrance inspired by and paying tribute to nurses (often referred to by soldiers as “Rose of No-Man’s Land”) of World War I has finally dropped its body care line (HK$320–$600). With notes of pink pepper, Turkish rose petals, raspberry blossom and white amber, its deliciously ethereal -- a soothing, fruity yet slightly woody fragrance -- and the scent is just as enticing in the body care format. The new collection includes body wash, body lotion, body cream, hair perfume, hand cream and roll-on oil.

Christian Louboutin

LoubiGraffiti Collection

[gallery ids="136668,136669,136670,136671,136672,136678,136675,136673,136666,136667"]

With its bold colours and long-lasting wear, Christian Louboutin’s newest cosmetics collection (HK$450–$800) continues the brand's strong aesthetics with vibrant pops of pigment in lip and nail formulas. Inspired by extravagant graffiti, it looks as the name suggests. The four velvet matte lip shades and six nail varnishes are designed to invite its users to explore, create and express themselves through playful vibrancy. Shades like turquoise Batignolles varnish and Diva lipstick will be making splashes all throughout summer.

Darphin

The Master Oils

Master botanist, formulator and kinesiotherapist Peirre Darphin brings his French beauty secrets to Hong Kong -- launching his collection known for highly concentrated botanical skincare this April. Harvesting the most active parts of different plants and using pure extraction methods, the ingredients that go into each of his formulas are all exceptional -- most notably the Master of Oils, a collection of eight oils (from HK$490–$1,120/15ml) infused with Omega 3 and 6 penetrate deep into the layers of the skin without leaving a greasy film. Darphin’s claim to be “A Force of Life for Skin” is a big statement to make, but in our opinion, he definitely lives up to the hype.

Note: The collection comprises of Nectar, Tangerine, Chamomile, Jasmine, Rose, Orange Blossom, Vetiver Stress Detox and Niaouli Aromatic Care.

Gucci

The Alchemist’s Garden

Florals for spring may not be groundbreaking, but we don't mind at all. Following the launch of fragrance Bloom in 2017, this year, creative director Alessandro Michele presents us with The Alchemist’s Garden -- a fragrance inspired by the art of alchemy (HK$1,890 to HK$3,600). The fragrance enthusiast’s apothecary-style collection includes perfumes, scented waters and perfumed oils which can be blended and layered to the wearer’s personal specifications. 

Helena Rubinstein

Radiant Eye Treatment

Prodigy Cellglow has just introduced the newest member to its line -- Radiant Eye Treatment (HK$1,320) -- bringing the collection to a total of four star products. Like the existing items in the range, its uniqueness and efficacy lie in the high concentration of Cellular Supreme of Edelweiss, the floral ingredient that fuses exquisitely with the skin, leaving it glowing and plumped full of moisture all day. This rosy-glow balm promises to lift, rejuvenate, depuff and contour. For a limited time only, every purchase comes with an eye massager that can be filled with warm or cold water to accelerate the process of absorption.

Ipsa

Powder Foundation N SPF25

Makeup doesn’t handle heat well. We’ve all experienced the suffocation of our skin under foundation, the melt of the product as we’re exposed to the sun, or the decolouration as the day progresses. Ipsa’s answer to summer coverage is in the form of its new foundation: Powder Foundation N SPF25 (HK$460). It’s unique dual-shade design is perfect for contouring and light touch-ups throughout the day. It’s lightweight and airy, leaving your face feeling natural, too. It does the job to even out skin tone, but if you’re looking for a bit more coverage, you’ll need to dab on a little concealer underneath your eyes to hide blemishes and fine flaws.

Kiehl’s

Dermatologist Solutions Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Aqua Gel SPF50

Our prayers have been answered for a light yet powerful sunscreen. Of all the claims of non-greasy SPF protection out there, few succeed in living up to our expectations. As UV and pollution combined does the deadliest damage to ageing skin, nothing is more paramount in your routine than your sunscreen. So when this water-light fluid formula (HK$525/60ml) came out, we had to give it a go. It turns out that, besides its protective qualities, we also saw a reduction in the appearance of pores, felt hydrated (thanks, Vitamin E!) and we were shine-free for hours. This definitely tops our chart as the holy grail of sun-care products.

Tip: This product is designed for normal to oily skin types and humid conditions. Dry skin types may need to top up with extra hydration.

NARS

Afterglow Lip Balm

Just because the dry weather is behind us doesn’t mean you skimp on hydration. To spruce things up in the chapstick department, NARS has come up with a moisture-packed formula (HK$250) using a blend of antioxidants and Monoi Hydrating Complex to help smooth, soften and protect your luscious lips. The series comes in six shades designed to be flattering on any skin tone. Think of this is as a water pack for your lips, but in a sheer wash of colour that leaves a slight shine. Bang Bang (an orangey coral) and Hidden Pleasure (a rose mauve) are our favourite lippies of the moment.

Omorovicza

Acid Fix

When we first heard the name, we were slightly skeptical (and fearful, too). But then we remembered the great benefits of hyaluronic, lactic and salicylic acids, and how those are imperative components that our skin requires for a healthy glow. In Omorovicza’s special blend, its Acid Fix (HK$950) acts as a detox to reset your system by brightening, exfoliating, tightening and toning. We tested it in our normal routine by massaging a couple drops onto our skin (post-toner, pre-serum) before bed time and woke up with reborn skin.

Note: A slight tingly feeling is normal. It’s nothing to panic over.

Valmont

Purity Collection

Humidity and pollutants are the main culprits of bad skin all year round (more so during the summer), so thorough cleansing is a top priority. But have you ever wondered what works best for you? Is it a foam, water, gel, oil or lotion? Valmont has taken its cleansing system seriously and its Purity collection (HK$500–$1,310) targets the skin’s ecosystem while balancing out your microbiota with Swiss glacial spring water and probiotics. Each formula is gentle yet powerful, and can remove even the most stubborn makeup. It's now available in nine different textures, so you can still reap the benefits of its potency in whichever format and texture you love and capacity you need.

Note: The collection comprises of makeup removal face jelly, cleansing cream, cleansing face foam, dual-phase makeup removal oil, makeup removal water, fluid makeup removal cream, face tonic, exfoliating cream and purifying mask.

The post 12 New Beauty Products to Get You Ready for Spring and Summer appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Iconic French beauty brand, Creme Simon, relaunched most-loved bestsellers - Daily Defense UV Protector SPF50 & Brightening Multi-Benefits Eye Treatment

The post Newer and Better: Crème Simon Relaunches its Beloved Bestsellers appeared first on LUXUO.

As global beauty director of luxury retailer Net-A-Porter, Newby Hands has her finger on the pulse of the hottest fashion trends as well as the latest skincare and make-up that women are adding to their carts. While “clean beauty” remains the category du jour -- “sales have grown by more than 400 percent” since Net-A-Porter launched it at the end of 2017 -- it’s the looks dreamed up by make-up artists for the season’s fashion shows that continue to define the lipsticks, eye shadows and other colour cosmetics we just have to have.

[caption id="attachment_135941" align="alignnone" width="683"] Silky skin reigns at Giorgio Armani.[/caption]

“For the SS19 runways, I love McGrath’s look for Prada with ’60s feathered lashes and nude lips,” Hands says, referring to the influential make-up artist Pat McGrath whom top designers often entrust to bring their collections fully to life. “I also love the stunning winged look for the Versace runway. She used a metallic teal shade to create geometric wings, and kept the skin and lips simple to highlight the make-up of the eyes.”

Indeed, dramatic textures and colours were popular themes of the season: space-age silver eye shadows at Missoni, Swarovski-studded lash lines at Valentino, graphic swoops of eyeliner at Rochas and Marni, and spiky lashes paired with neon-bright lips at Chanel.

“Chanel’s girls always look strong and beautiful at the same time,” says global creative make-up and colour designer Lucia Pica of the make-up she created for the Chanel spring/summer ready-to-wear show. “In this collection you have a lot of inspiration in terms of textures and colours.”

Pica even took the idea for the bold lip hue -- Rouge Allure Velvet No72 Infrarose -- from one of the bags in the collection while creating a “glowy and sexy but still perfectly sophisticated” overall look to pair with the show’s beach-themed setting.

[inline-quote author="Newby Hands"]"I'm obsessed with the new shine-free skin texture -- it just looks so elegant. "[/inline-quote]

Glowy and sexy seemed to be the order of the day when it came to the models’ complexions. “This season, facialist skin has returned: a truly glowing, natural look,” says Hands, who recommends a long-wearing formula such as Hourglass’s Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation. “Concealer is also essential for extra coverage and wear. My top tip is to finish your base and concealer by using a kabuki brush to lightly buff all over the face. This gives make-up that seamless and natural finish, making it look like perfect skin as opposed to perfect make-up.”

[caption id="attachment_135939" align="alignnone" width="680"] Winged eyeliner at Versace.[/caption]

Pica achieved the Chanel look with the brand’s new Baume Essentiel highlighting balm in Sculpting and Transparent for a glossy finish, with just a bit of pink blush on the apples of the cheeks. She also blended the long- wearing concealer Le Correcteur de Chanel around the edges for a smooth, even complexion.

Lip colours this season ran the gamut from minimalist nudes at Dior and Stella McCartney to shimmering pink at Giorgio Armani and rose-tinted foil at Jeremy Scott. For Chanel, Pica layered the Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick with loose powder to get the bright, matt effect she wanted.

“Red will always be a classic,” Hands says when it comes to the dizzying array of lipstick choices this season. “It’s a timeless colour that makes a woman feel confident and powerful. Saying that, I would agree that many of our beauty customers who were initially buying red are certainly now venturing out and purchasing products in a variety of shades, with pink included.

[caption id="attachment_135943" align="alignnone" width="683"] A peachy glow at Fendi.[/caption]

“Nude pinks in particular are great options for women seeking a natural feminine look, and what’s great is you can wear them at any event, whether it’s during the daytime or in the evening,” she adds.

Such versatility is key when it comes to translating the make-up seen on the runways to something women can wear every day. “I always love the Tom Ford look, as it’s invariably one that translates so effortlessly into real life,”Hands says of the ever-elegant American brand that this season featured smokey eyes in shades of brown and barely there lips. “Also, I’m obsessed with the new shine- and gloss-free skin texture -- it just looks so elegant and polished.”

And if she could create her dream kit for the spring/summer season? “My perfect palette would have a skin base that gives this season’s velvety skin finish: not shiny, not matt. Plus, the new peachy toned nudes for eyes and cheeks and lip -- they’re so flattering to most skin tones,” Hands says. “Then to finish, a black mascara and the perfect matte red lip.”

Living Colour

Turn runway looks into reality with our picks from the spring/summer make-up collections.

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The post Beauty Trends from the Spring/Summer 2019 Runways appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Expaters, do you use facial toner? I always tone (my face, not my abs). I was chatting to some friends about skincare and most said…

The post My top 6 facial toners appeared first on The Expater.

Expaters, do you use facial toner? I always tone (my face, not my abs). I was chatting to some friends about skincare and most said…

The post My top 6 facial toners appeared first on The Expater.

Nothing is more frustrating than your makeup creasing an hour after you’ve applied it! Luckily, I have learned some very helpful tricks from professional makeup artists who know how to keep your makeup in place, all day and all night! Skincare is Key. Starting with a hydrating moisturizer is crucial. I always opt for my […]

The post How To Keep Your Makeup From Creasing appeared first on Caviar & Cashmere.

Partnering with Art Basel Hong Kong for the second consecutive year, La Prairie proves once more that art and beauty are the perfect pairing

The worlds of beauty and art have long been intrinsically linked, and that connection is very much alive today in the continuing partnership between two leading Swiss brands: La Prairie and Art Basel.

While the cosmetics industry may be driven by science and innovation, beauty itself would not exist without art. La Prairie’s approach is to use science as an art form, uncovering the factors that contribute to our skin’s glow. Most recently, it has developed a formula that reveals the relationship between light, luminosity and the ageing process: the Equation of Light.

Essentially, our skin is affected by pigments that turn white light into coloured light, decreasing the appearance of luminosity to the naked eye. Whether it’s grey dust, brown sun spots, yellow oxidative stress or red inflammation, these tones interfere with the colour of light reflected off our skin, while uneven texture and loss of collagen interfere with and impair the amount of light reflected.

La Prairie’s White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion and White Caviar Crème Extraordinaire work in tandem, specifically targeting and eliminating grey, brown, yellow and red tones so that the skin can reflect clear, white light.

Each product has its own merits – the Illuminating Pearl Infusion with its exclusive Illuminating Compound and the Crème Extraordinaire featuring the patented Lumidose – but they also share Golden Caviar Extract, an ingredient that is enhanced with an exclusive Cellular Complex to rejuvenate cells with energy and firm skin so that it can better reflect light.

Any artist understands the importance of light and clarity, and while these products are surely a construct of science, their effects are pure art. Softer, silkier and more luminous, your skin will look like it’s lit from within.

For more info: http://bit.ly/2FnSmeL

The post The Art, Science and Mathematics of Beauty appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.