Celebrity Life

The lipsticks retail for a hundred bucks each (no surprises there).

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Clear, even, luminous skin has long been the holy grail of the beauty industry, with many brands going so far as to include dangerous bleaching agents in their facial products. But with advances in technology, the days of adding mercury and hydroquinone to creams and masks are largely over. Now, rather than attacking dark spots and discolouration only after they’ve appeared on the surface of the skin, one French skincare brand has discovered a way to inhibit melanin production at its source.
Researchers at Sisley Laboratories have spent more than 20 years studying skin pigmentation in developing its popular Phyto-Blanc collection. “We’re always searching for harmony in the complexion, a balance of different parameters that together create the appearance of healthy skin,” explains scientific director José Ginestar. “One of the main areas of research is brightening, to fight against melanogenesis and the disruption of melanocytes.”

As Ginestar points out, melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which is then transported to other layers of the skin and ultimately results in the formation of dark spots. This development of melanin is often caused by environmental factors such as UV aggression and other inflammatory micro-stresses – one reason why SPF and anti-pollution products are so widely recommended.But as Ginestar and his fellow researchers discovered, melanocytes do not act in isolation. They actually communicate with other skin cells, engaging in a kind of “cross talk”. “When the melanosomes (which are charged with melanin) reach the extremity of the dentrite, they transfer the melanin to the keratinocytes,” he says. “At this point, the keratinocytes rise to the surface and we can observe discolouration.”
This four-step process – maturation of the melanosome, melanin synthesis, melanin transport and melanin transfer – occurs throughout the body, with the exception of two places: the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Palmoplantar whiteness, as the phenomenon is known, is the result of a dermal protein called DKK1. Produced by the fibroblasts in the palms and soles, DKK1 has been identified as a natural inhibitor of melanin production.

[caption id="attachment_190371" align="alignnone" width="983"] The French skincare brand spent two decades finding a way to inhibit melanin production at its source.[/caption]

This ground-breaking discovery led Sisley researchers to ask the natural question: how do we reproduce this phenomenon on the face? After testing thousands of plant extracts, they found the answer in Egyptian Myrobolan – a dry savanna tree that is found across the Sahara in Africa – and the impetus to create an entirely new brightening product.
Phyto-Blanc Le Concentré Pure Bright Activating Serum, which launches worldwide this month, is the first product of its kind that’s able to stimulate the production of DKK1 by non-palmoplantar fibroblasts, effectively preventing melanin from forming in the first place. But that’s not all. Le Concentré also targets dark spots on the surface of the skin as well as each step in the melanin process using a proprietary complex of four active ingredients.

[caption id="attachment_190373" align="alignnone" width="644"] José Ginestar, Scientific Director at Sisley[/caption]

First, pea peptide extract inhibits maturation of the melanosome. Then the organic compound hexylresorcinol works to prevent melanin synthesis while wild thyme extract acts on the transport of the melanin. Finally, vitamin B3 works to block the transfer of melanin to the keratinocytes. Together with Egyptian Myrobolan as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factors, these key ingredients work to treat the “dermal and epidermal neighbourhood” as a whole.
Le Concentré, with its serum-gel texture, is designed to be used morning and evening on the face and neck. Laboratory testing has shown a significant reduction in intensity and yellowness of dark spots after one month of use, and an increase in skin transparency in just 15 days. In fact, luminosity, radiance and clarity all showed improvement in 15 days with more than double the intensity after one month of use.
While Le Concentré has been proven effective at both treating and preventing dark spots, Ginestar says results can only improve when it’s used as part of a complete brightening ritual. “The serum is [designed to be] part of a routine, so when you use all the products the efficacy is better,” he says. “It’s the ritual that allows you to get the most benefits.”

FILL IN THE BLANC

How to achieve ultimate brightening with Sisley's comprehensive Photo-Blanc collection

1. Cleanse

   Sisley offers three cleansing products in the Phyto-Blanc series: Lightening Cleansing Milk to gently remove make-up and excess sebum, Lightening Foaming Cleanser for combination/oily complexions, and Buff & Wash Facial Gel with bamboo micro- particles for exfoliation.

2. Tone

   Used after cleansing, Phyto-Blanc Lightening Toning Lotion soothes and balances the skin with a blend of lavender and marjoram essential oils. It also tightens the look of pores and leaves a matt finish.

3. Treat

   In addition to applying Le Concentré, target stubborn spots with the Intensive Dark Spot Corrector or apply the Ultra Lightening Mask once or twice a week for 10 minutes.

    

4. Finish

   Don’t forget to shield the skin with Brightening Daily Defense Fluid in SPF 50. And finally, the Phyto-Blanc Cushion Foundation (available in three shades) provides buildable coverage while boosting hydration and radiance. The sweat- and humidity-resistant formula also protects the skin from environmental pollutants.

The post The Bright Side: Introducing Sisley’s Phyto-Blanc Le Concentré appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

How to paint tortoise shell nails with gel polish

The post How To Do Tortoise Shell Nail Art with Gel Polish appeared first on xameliax.

It’s an untold truth that a woman’s scent is a seductive weapon. This has been the case for centuries and even science backs it. Not only are the olfactory senses a powerful means of attraction, but it also evokes a surge of self-confidence. The lingering fragrance long after an embrace is the alchemy containing pheromones that toy with the chemicals in our brains to induce attraction.

Out of 365 days (or 366 this year), there are going to be some special moments that call for a lasting impression. But since sensuality is such an obscure matter, with a fine line between flirtatiousness and provocation, we’ve rounded up some of the most seductive fragrances that are the most appealing, to suit any taste, personality and preference.

Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile EDP

[caption id="attachment_191056" align="alignnone" width="873"] Peonia Nobile, Acqua di Parma[/caption]

Reinterpreting the multi-faceted peony flower that is both delicate yet exuberant, and supple yet energetic is the Peonia Nobile. The scent opens up with top notes of black pepper and raspberry, a core of peony, geranium, freesia and Turkish rose, with an Indonesian patchouli and ambery base. As expected from the notes and its bottle, it is sweet yet surprisingly delicate with no traces of being overly aggressive or vulgar. This is an easy spritz that is well liked and a safe bet for gifting purposes too. HK$1,230/50ml; HK$1,755/100ml

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense EDP

[caption id="attachment_191104" align="alignnone" width="962"] Coco Mademoiselle Intense, Chanel Paris[/caption]

It’s been almost two decades since Coco Mademoiselle was first introduced and it has grown in popularity and loyalty until its updated version Coco Mademoiselle Intense, a bolder version of the original, was launched. The blend of fresh citrus with sophisticated patchouli and vertiver with notes of much-loved rose and jasmine, the fragrance was designed to capture the young spirit of Coco Chanel. The essence is a bold and free woman with a strong personality and surprising freshness. Coco Mademoiselle has great staying power too, so it can last and evolve throughout the day. HK$1,015/50ml; HK$1,470/100ml

Maison Francis Kurkdjian À la Rose EDP

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/AVK706_in_xl.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/JHU324_in_xl.jpg" right-caption="À la Rose, Maison Francis Kurkdjian 35ml " left-caption="À la Rose, Maison Francis Kurkdjian 200ml "]
A fragrance that captures all the senses of femininity and a declaration of love is what À la Rose is. Along with sweet pea accord, magnolia, violets, musk and cedar wood, two hundred and fifty freshly bloomed Grasse roses go into each bottle. With such a high rate of natural ingredients in the recipe, each bottle will vary slightly (just like wine). The crisp and recognizable rose scent is delicate yet lasting and deeply evocative. HK$1,050/35ml; HK$1,750/70ml; HK$3,550/200ml

Tom Ford Black Orchid

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/AKY000_in_xl.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/QXB201_in_xl.jpg" right-caption="Black Orchid, Tom Ford 10ml Travel Spray" left-caption="Black Orchid, Tom Ford 50ml"]

According to its name, one would imagine that  Black Orchid is a floral fragrance. And while it is, it won’t register immediately as its floral core is countered with woody base notes of chocolate and leather to exude a more alluring and mysterious sense. It is thanks to these rich and dark accords that Tom Ford’s best selling fragrance has become an iconic scent for both men and women to wear, and appeal to. HK$380/10ml Travel Spray; HK$950/50ml

Salvatore Ferragamo Gilio

[caption id="attachment_191072" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Gilio, Salvatore Ferragamo[/caption]

The original fragrance was created as an ode to Florence in Italy, a place widely considered one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. Now, Salvatore Ferragamo’s newest release is a rendition of the iconic Gilio which first launched in 1960. The modern take on the classic is an air of soft wooden accents harmoniously blended with a floral bouquet and crisp verdants. Find jasmine, sandalwood, vertiver and patchouli in this mesmerising new scent commemorating 60 years of Gilio. HK$6,500/50ml

The post Sensual and Seductive Fragrances to Induce Romance Right Now appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

It’s an untold truth that a woman’s scent is a seductive weapon. This has been the case for centuries and even science backs it. Not only are the olfactory senses a powerful means of attraction, but it also evokes a surge of self-confidence. The lingering fragrance long after an embrace is the alchemy containing pheromones that toy with the chemicals in our brains to induce attraction.

Out of 365 days (or 366 this year), there are going to be some special moments that call for a lasting impression. But since sensuality is such an obscure matter, with a fine line between flirtatiousness and provocation, we’ve rounded up some of the most seductive fragrances that are the most appealing, to suit any taste, personality and preference.

Acqua di Parma Peonia Nobile EDP

[caption id="attachment_191056" align="alignnone" width="873"] Peonia Nobile, Acqua di Parma[/caption]

Reinterpreting the multi-faceted peony flower that is both delicate yet exuberant, and supple yet energetic is the Peonia Nobile. The scent opens up with top notes of black pepper and raspberry, a core of peony, geranium, freesia and Turkish rose, with an Indonesian patchouli and ambery base. As expected from the notes and its bottle, it is sweet yet surprisingly delicate with no traces of being overly aggressive or vulgar. This is an easy spritz that is well liked and a safe bet for gifting purposes too.

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Intense EDP

[caption id="attachment_191104" align="alignnone" width="962"] Coco Mademoiselle Intense, Chanel Paris[/caption]

It’s been almost two decades since Coco Mademoiselle was first introduced and it has grown in popularity and loyalty until its updated version Coco Mademoiselle Intense, a bolder version of the original, was launched. The blend of fresh citrus with sophisticated patchouli and vertiver with notes of much-loved rose and jasmine, the fragrance was designed to capture the young spirit of Coco Chanel. The essence is a bold and free woman with a strong personality and surprising freshness. Coco Mademoiselle has great staying power too, so it can last and evolve throughout the day.

Maison Francis Kurkdjian À la Rose EDP

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/AVK706_in_xl.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/JHU324_in_xl.jpg" right-caption="À la Rose, Maison Francis Kurkdjian 35ml " left-caption="À la Rose, Maison Francis Kurkdjian 200ml "]
A fragrance that captures all the senses of femininity and a declaration of love is what À la Rose is. Along with sweet pea accord, magnolia, violets, musk and cedar wood, two hundred and fifty freshly bloomed Grasse roses go into each bottle. With such a high rate of natural ingredients in the recipe, each bottle will vary slightly (just like wine). The crisp and recognizable rose scent is delicate yet lasting and deeply evocative.

Tom Ford Black Orchid

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/AKY000_in_xl.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/QXB201_in_xl.jpg" right-caption="Black Orchid, Tom Ford 10ml Travel Spray" left-caption="Black Orchid, Tom Ford 50ml"]

According to its name, one would imagine that  Black Orchid is a floral fragrance. And while it is, it won’t register immediately as its floral core is countered with woody base notes of chocolate and leather to exude a more alluring and mysterious sense. It is thanks to these rich and dark accords that Tom Ford’s best selling fragrance has become an iconic scent for both men and women to wear, and appeal to.
 

Salvatore Ferragamo Gilio

[caption id="attachment_191072" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Gilio, Salvatore Ferragamo[/caption]

The original fragrance was created as an ode to Florence in Italy, a place widely considered one of the most romantic destinations on the planet. Now, Salvatore Ferragamo’s newest release is a rendition of the iconic Gilio which first launched in 1960. The modern take on the classic is an air of soft wooden accents harmoniously blended with a floral bouquet and crisp verdants. Find jasmine, sandalwood, vertiver and patchouli in this mesmerising new scent commemorating 60 years of Gilio.

This story first appeared on PrestigeOnline Hong Kong

The post The most seductive scents to set the mood on Valentine’s Day appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Ever wondered how hairdressers get your hair so big and bouncy?!
I've got the secret, and you won't believe how easy it is to do at home!
....oh, and the tool you need is less than £30 too!

The post How To Use an Air Styler For Bouncy Volume at Home appeared first on xameliax.

Facial massage has been proven to de-puff your skin and promote circulation, which boosts blood flow to vessels that can build up with waste that causes dull skin and fine lines. Who wants that? Facial massage not only refreshes blood cells and removes that waste but also feels fantastic and adds just two to four […]

The post How To Give Yourself a Facial Massage appeared first on Caviar & Cashmere.

I test out the St Tropez Purity Face Tan Mist...but does it work?!

The post St Tropez Purity Face Tan Mist Review appeared first on xameliax.

How to paint Celestial Nails with Gel Polish - Get your glitter on!

The post Encapsulated Nails: Celestial Nail Art Tutorial appeared first on xameliax.

For most women, getting a weekly blowout is not an option but achieving hair salon-worthy hair is possible at home with the proper hair styling tools.  Whether one is looking for a more efficient hairdryer, a multipurpose curling iron, or hair volumizer there are hair tools available that can definitely step up one’s game. The […]

The post Life-Saving Hair Styling Tools According to Most Women appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

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.