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After months of reviewing close to 300 beauty products and wellness facilities, and tallying, here are the best skincare products of this year, and lest we forget, your top pick! And so without further ado, here are the Beauty & Wellness Awards winners.

As technology continues to advance and discoveries are made each day, we do our part in dipping our toe in the proverbial pool of beauty to explore the latest and greatest. Embracing the new is part of our job as investigative beauty aficionados, and as we dig through the recent debuts, we’ve found some newbies that have found a permanent spot on our top shelf that we highly recommend checking out.

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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

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Ever since Sephora closed the doors of its Mong Kok location in 2010, Hong Kong's biggest beauty fanatics have been desperately holding their breath for the French cosmetics chain to reopen here. Finally, the wait is over, as Sephora Hong Kong debuts its 4,200-square-foot flagship at ifc mall this week.

Even for creatures of habit with their default beauty regimen and favourite skincare brands, who could resist the urge to pop in to see the new store and sample some new products? Especially considering that Sephora Hong Kong will stock over 60 brands, of which more than 25 are exclusive or making their Hong Kong debut.

But with an overwhelming amount of choices, what should make it onto your product shelf? We've done the hard work for you, rounding up 10 tried-and-tested products to create our ultimate Sephora shopping list. Read on to discover 10 products that are worth a try and a buy. (An * indicates the brand is exclusive to Sephora.)

Fenty Beauty

[caption id="attachment_162149" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$298[/caption]

Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation

The reason Rihanna’s foundation has reached holy grail status is that this single bottle has everything a girl could want in a liquid foundation: It’s got medium-to-full coverage that’s buildable (without being cakey), enhanced wearability, the ability to blur pores and fine lines, and a matte finish to keep unwanted shine at bay. It also comes in 40 shades, so there’s no question that you’ll find a perfect match for your skin tone.

Supergoop!*

[caption id="attachment_162140" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$250[/caption]

Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

For those still sceptical about sunscreen being easy and comfortable to wear, you'll soon be convinced with the only brand dedicated to sun care alone. Long gone are the days of falling time and time again for promises of protection. Free of sticky grease and chalky mess, this sunscreen is designed for everyday wear and goes well under your makeup without any slippage, so everything stays in place from day to night.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

[caption id="attachment_162141" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$145[/caption]

Lip Primer

Ever find yourself wondering why you need a lip primer and what it actually does? It wasn’t until we discovered ABH that we finally found priming to have a real use. It works to prep your lips to lock in moisture so they’re soft and supple and ready for even the driest of matte lipsticks. The holding power makes sure that colour wont budge for hours, so you won’t have to worry about colour bleeds or setting powder that doesn’t mix well with your gloss game.

Tarte*

[caption id="attachment_162150" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$190[/caption]

Tarteist™ Double Take Eyeliner

This 2-in-1 eyeliner takes care of both upper and lower lash lines, making it one of our must-haves. You can define and contour with the pencil liner end, while the opposite liquid liner end has a precision tip that gives you a perfectly defined dramatic wing. Thanks to the Amazonian clay in the formula, it’s bold and hyper pigmented so that you won’t need to trace back and double up on coats.

Drunk Elephant*

[caption id="attachment_162143" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$270[/caption]

Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

Just the name itself is a dream, but this luxurious buttery balm will help melt off what’s left of your makeup on your face. It’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skin, but tough enough on makeup, oil and pollutants. The fruit salad blend is a mix of soothing extracts like blueberry, kiwi and strawberry; and replenishing extracts like cranberry, açai oil and watermelon seed that are nice to the skin -- and it smells deliciously sweet. Happily, this product will make makeup removal a step in your regime that’s actually feel-good instead of must-do.

Olaplex*

[caption id="attachment_162144" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$280[/caption]

Hair Perfector No. 3

If you’ve been sceptical about putting oil in your hair, we’re with you but trust us: Once you try Olaplex, you'll be converted into a true believer. Ironically non-greasy, the No. 7 Bonding Oil instantly gives your locks a lustrous shine and softness, not to mention a punch of vibrancy for those of us who have had a colour job.

First Aid Beauty

[caption id="attachment_162145" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$315[/caption]

Coconut Water Cream

A continuously trending ingredient for beauty brands (and for all the good health reasons, too) with super-hydrating, antioxidant, anti-ageing properties -- the list of benefits goes on. At FAB, they’ve taken this thirst-quenching elixir and formulated a lightweight, hydrating, water-based cream to keep skin supple all day long.

Farmacy*

[caption id="attachment_162146" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$380[/caption]

Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer

Farmacy is the farm-to-face skincare range that uses cutting-edge science and natural ingredients and is huge on sustainability. Their Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer has made it on our list of new favourites because it’s packed with antioxidant-rich honey, hyaluronic acid and golden cupuaçu butter beads. That good feeling should extends beyond the surface of your skin, knowing that all ingredients are farmed locally and the packaging is made from renewable raw materials.

Nudestix*

[caption id="attachment_162147" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$260[/caption]

Nudies All Over Face Colour Bronze + Glow

As the name implies, Nudestix is the way to go for a nude look, but better. The crayon-style formula makes it impossibly easy to apply: One end of the stick is the balmy formula, while on the other end is a brush applicator for blending. It’s sheer, it’s buildable, it’s long-lasting and can triple as a blush, contour or highlight.

Huda Beauty

[caption id="attachment_162148" align="alignnone" width="1000"] HK$550[/caption]

Rose Gold Remastered Palette (HK$550)

We all know Huda from YouTube, or at least from her custom false lashes that catapulted her into one of the leading brands in the beauty industry. Since her first launch in 2013, she’s come a long way, and not only are her lashes constantly out of stock, but so is our favourite eye palette, Rose Gold Remastered. The 2.0 version of the original palette consists of 18 shades (mattes, metallics and pressed pearls) that can work alone or harmoniously together creating any subtle or dramatic, day or night look. The high pigmentation means that it’s easy to pick up and blend out, too.

The post The Shopping List: What to Buy at the New Sephora Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

It’s no secret that we (and the rest of the world) look towards the beauty capital that is South Korea for our skin goals. And when the masters of skincare came up with the “glass skin” trend -- an almost translucent complexion and luminous glow that seems to radiate from within -- a few years back, we were hooked. This season, it's returned in a big way. After all, who doesn’t want a gleamingly clear, poreless, dewy complexion?

So for those of you that are ready to get on board, here’s our step-by-step guide to achieving glass skin:

1. Double Cleanse

It all starts with a clean canvas. Beautiful skin is healthy skin, so hygiene is top priority. Begin with an oil cleanser that dissolves away impurities and stubborn makeup. Valmont’s Wonder Falls is a cream-melt-to-oil formula and gets the job done without stripping your face of moisture. Part two involves a water-base product like Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Enzyme Cleanser that ensures any residue or oil from part one is taken care of. The powder format allows you to blend your own concentration depending on your skin’s condition and specific needs.

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/valmont-wonder-falls_5.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-407.jpg" right-caption="Valmont Wonder Falls" left-caption="Dr. Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser"]

2. Mask

What Glass Skin requires is hydration. Be it sheet masks (Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask), wash off masks (Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask) or leave-in overnight masks (Laneige Water Sleeping Mask) — make sure to overindulge your skin with moisture, or better yet, drench your skin in nutrients for that luminous glow.
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-408.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-409.jpg" right-caption="Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask" left-caption="Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask"]

3. Tone

Preferably choose something with a brightening element to it. Look for ingredients such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Rose Water. Layer on Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Facial Toner or Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The Essence-in-Lotion so your skin can soak in all the moisture for that plump and supple look.
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Fresh_RoseDHToner_seal-490.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-412.jpg" right-caption="Fresh Rose Toner" left-caption="Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The Essence-in-Lotion"]

4. Moisturise

Moisturise lots! Unlike makeup, when it comes to moisturising, more reallyis more. Keep in all the goodness with a moisturiser that works for your skin type and your environment. Here in Hong Kong, you’re going to want a light formula (like First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream or Helena Rubinstein Prodigy Cellglow The Radiant Regenerating Cream) that won’t clog your pores. Remember you want glassy, not greasy.

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-418.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-413.jpg" right-caption="First Aid Beauty Coconut Water Cream" left-caption="Helena Rubinstein The Radiant Regenerating Cream"]

5. Protect

Nothing damages the skin more than UV, regardless of the weatherman’s prediction for sunny, overcast or thunderstorm days. A good offence is a good defence so an SPF barrier is a must. For our climate, SPF50 is a good benchmark. Similar to your moisturiser, pick something airy like Derm Institute’s Cellular Brightening Daily Defense SPF50+ or Sofina Super Moisture UV Cut Emulsion SPF 50+.
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-411.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-410.jpg" right-caption="Derm Institute Cellular Brightening Daily Defense" left-caption="Sofina Super Moisture UV Cut Emulsion"]

6. Colour correct

Be careful in what you select, as not all products are going to work for the glass look. Clearly, avoid any matte formulas, and turn to water-based formulas such as NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. A play on light can help to accentuate the glow, so an illuminating highlighter (like Charlotte Tilbury’s Goldgasm) on the cheekbones, brow bone and cupid’s bow can amplify the glossy glow.
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-415.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-414.jpg" right-caption="Charlotte Tilbury Goldgasm" left-caption="NARS Sheer Glow Foundation"]

7. Mist

For an extra boost (and a lot of sheen), seal in everything with a facial mist. This is also going to be your skin’s pick-me-up throughout the day, so keep a small bottle ready for when the slightest signs of dulling begin to appear (Aesop’s Immediate Moisture Facial Mist or Estée Lauder Micro Essence Aquaceutical Mist).

[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-416.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Untitled-design-417.jpg" right-caption="Estée Lauder Moisture Facial Mist" left-caption="Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Mist"]

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