Celebrity Life

Have you ever tried switching to solid soap bars?

If not, then there's no time like the present, as solid formats are the shape of the future when it comes to beauty routines.

Which means it's out with shelves of bottles and endless ingredient lists, and in with new-gen shampoos, conditioners, toothpastes and soaps that are light on packaging — and preservatives — for a revamped, 100 percent responsible beauty routine that's good for your skin and for the planet.

Old-school soap is where it's at

[caption id="attachment_211231" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Good for the environment and for your skin, solid cosmetics are set to take over your bathroom cabinet. (Image: marekusz/ Shutterstock)[/caption]

The move towards more responsible and environmentally respectful consumer habits can sometimes -- in fact, often -- mean taking a step backwards. And cosmetics are no exception, with the solid bars of soap used by our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents slowly creeping back into bathrooms in recent years. And for good reason, since these soaps — suitable for face and body — don't need any plastic packaging and are kind to skin, so long as you stick to natural varieties.

In fact, solid soaps contain virtually no water — unlike liquid shower gels — which is good news for the environment and which also means that there's no need for preservatives or chemical additives. With soap, the endless lists of ingredients typically found in standard shower gel labels are largely simplified — and generally more transparent — with a majority of raw and natural ingredients that are less likely to damage your health.

Another plus point is that the standard solid format is, by definition, portable. That can help cut unnecessary consumption, because there's no need to buy special travel formats for trips away. Moreover, they're generally suitable for facial use with gentler formulations than body-specific versions.

Soap gets an update

[caption id="attachment_211233" align="alignnone" width="683"] Today, there's a slew of solid soap bars to choose from. (Image: Michelle Henderson/ Unsplash)[/caption]

Some of the oldest and best-known soaps are Aleppo soap and Marseille soap, which are mostly made from vegetable oils. Today, however, there's a slew of solid soaps to choose from, that are each more fun and original than the next. Forget your grandmother's dull old wash bars, as today's soaps come in all kinds of vibrant versions. And they don't have to rely on chemicals or potentially unhealthy ingredients to put the fun into bath-time -- just look at the endless options from Lush, a brand known for its colorful solid cosmetics that come in all kinds of wacky shapes.

While there are plenty of options from specialist or niche brands (Lano, Seaweed Bath Co, Nubian Heritage etc.), recent months have also seen a growing number of launches from mainstream brands like Garnier (solid shampoos), and Love Beauty and Planet (soaps and shampoos). There's now enough choice out there to ensure everyone can find their own accessible solid beauty routine.

And soaps aren't the only products using this "innovative" format, since nearly everything in your bathroom cabinet can now be switched to solid, from face wash to shampoo and conditioner, not to mention makeup remover, deodorant and toothpaste. It can even be easy — and cheap — to make solid cosmetics yourself thanks to the many online tutorials.

(Main and featured image: Annie Spratt/ Unsplash)

The post It’s Time to Switch to Using Solid Soap Bars in Your Beauty Routine appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

When it comes to beauty secrets, we only learn from the best.

Prestige society editor Tiffany Poon talks to the founder of Life in Motion, Carmen Yim, and Movers and Cashmere’s Leslie Tsang about maintaining confidence and how they seek the very best in life, whether it comes to work, play or even the foundation they use on a daily basis.

What is your definition of confidence?

Carmen Yim: For most of us, material possessions are things that can boost our confidence, but I’m slowly learning to put my faith in God. I feel self-assured and positive when my mind is at peace.

Leslie Tsang: Confidence comes from within. I believe it’s up to oneself, not others, to decide which type of clothing is best for their body type, or which foundation best suits their skin type. Just like Tom Ford’s latest Shade & Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation — radiance also comes from within.

Tell us about your recent work life and how you stay beautiful from the inside out?

Carmen Yim: Stay positive and believe God has a plan. Trust it, live it and enjoy it. I’ve been working on my new venture Life In Motion. Leveraging our experience and knowledge with LED technology, we’ve developed a range of products — Honey, Honey Pro and Sterify — to kill germs and bacteria with UV-C LED lighting.

Leslie Tsang: I founded Movers and Cashmere about six years ago and there have been many ongoing collaborations ever since. We are currently working on another project with more than 100 designers and architects around the world about their ideal sweater, and we will create one according to their response. It’s important to achieve a healthy balance between work and leisure. The right amount of exercise and rest are crucial to stay beautiful from inside out.

Which face features are you most confident about, and why?

Carmen Yim: My brows. I love how they are perfectly balanced.

Leslie Tsang: I’m most confident with my eyes. Not only happiness, eyes can also communicate love, respect, and all kinds of emotions.

Describe your work look. How is it different from your casual look?

Carmen Yim: I try to be as presentable as I can be once I’m out the door, so my work look is the same as my casual look, which usually consists of soft brows, mascara, eyeliner and a thin layer of foundation.

Leslie Tsang: My work look is quite different from my casual look. For normal days I’ll opt for a lipstick and thin layer of foundation; as for work I’ll go with a higher coverage foundation with contours and highlight.

What do you look for in your foundation?

Carmen Yim: Coverage and skincare benefits.

Leslie Tsang: It must be lightweight, light-reflective and feel like a second skin.

What do you like about Tom Ford's Shade & Illuminate foundation?

Carmen Yim: Besides fulfilling my need for medium to high coverage with high-quality, precious ingredients that benefit my skin, I like that it’s breathable, with a flawless finish and a long-lasting formula.

Leslie Tsang: Yes, I love Tom Ford’s Shade & Illuminate foundation — in fact I’m wearing it today. It smooths my skin to give it an even, symmetrical base for highlighting and contouring, and it gives my skin a three-dimensional yet natural radiance which I absolutely love.

Why do you like Tom Ford? What’s your favourite Tom Ford signature fashion or beauty item, and why?

Carmen Yim: Tom Ford has always been known for his unique and ahead-of-the-curve vision, whether it is in fashion or in beauty. The packaging of his products is so stunning and tasteful, they look great on my bathroom counter – in fact, overall, his products are sleekly designed, with unique formulas you can’t find anywhere else. My favourite product is definitely the Shade & Illuminate Cushion Foundation — lightweight, long-lasting and comes with SPF 45/PA++++.

Leslie Tsang: Mr Ford is known as a cool, sophisticated, hands-on designer and entrepreneur, which I can relate to. Tom Ford lipsticks come in luxurious packaging and amazing colours, making them a staple in my makeup bag.

tomford.com/beauty

Get the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation SPF 50/PA++++ at HK$930 at Lane Crawford here.

Get the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Foundation Soft Radiance Cushion Compact SPF 45/PA+++ at HK$710 at Lane Crawford here, an exclusive set is also available only at lanecrawford.com.hk for HK$580. Get it here.

Tom Ford Beauty Store and Beauty Counter

Harvey Nichols, The Landmark

K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, Tsim Sha Tsui

L2 Beauty Zone, Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place

Lane Crawford, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Lane Crawford, ifc Mall, Central

Lane Crawford, Times Square, Causeway Bay

New Town Plaza, Shatin

SOGO Causeway Bay

The Gateway, Tsim Sha Tsui

(Location: The Upper House)

The post Carmen Yim and Leslie Tsang on the Pursuit of Perfection, from Work and Life to the Ultimate Foundation appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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.

Nothing screams attractive and sexy more than a man who smells fresh and masculine, which makes us wonder what mysterious alchemy makes the ultimate male scent. After extensive research and testing, we’ve chosen the following products as the best in the men’s department

The post Beauty & Wellness Awards 2020: Men’s Department appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.