Celebrity Life

By now, we know beauty is beyond skin deep. We explore the world of ingestible beauty with formulations that bring out the best in you – from the inside out.

The harsh truth is that fairy tales don’t exist and happily-ever-afters are make-believe. But just imagine if the magical potions we read about as children could actually make dreams come true ... And if, like me, your dream in life includes flawless skin, hair and nails that are not only naturally beautiful, but require minimal maintenance, then maybe childhood fiction does have a way of turning into a reality. Enter, ingestible supplements.

The latest beauty craze goes far enough to take care of not only what’s on the outside, but our inner health, too. After all, true beauty is the visible evidence of good health.We see supplements and vitamins make their way on to top shelves and into medicine cabinets, and beauty buffs turning to products they can eat and drink to balance out their insides – and all so they can look good on the outside.

It makes sense to address the issue at source. And thus was born an entirely new beauty realm of ingestibles – blends and concoctions of nutrient-rich goodness to feed and fuel skin, hair and nails. A complementary routine to go along with the “spreadable” beauty that sometimes just isn’t quite enough.

We explore the “beauty pharmacy” to recommend the consumable recipes best prescribed for every skin type.

Dry Skin

[caption id="attachment_208469" align="alignnone" width="1272"] Skinade[/caption]

Hydration is key – and this will always remain the golden rule when it comes to glowing skin. So for those who need an extra moisture boost, inner beauty pioneer The Beauty Chef has whipped up a remedy to quench the skin’s thirst. The Omega Elixir is a blend of plant-based omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 from seeds, fruits and flowers to feed essential fatty acids to the skin and maintain its structural integrity

Meanwhile, the answer to moisture from the British scientists of Skinade is collagen. Containing hydrolysed marine collagen, Vitamin B and C, Omega 3 and 6, the ingredients of this collagen drink boost hydration, suppleness and radiance, while reducing wrinkles and sagginess. The 30-day programme also leads to a stronger and healthier growth of hair and nails.

Oily Skin

[caption id="attachment_208470" align="alignnone" width="1281"] Tonik[/caption]

Turmeric is another natural ingredient that for centuries has been used for beauty purposes (thanks, Cleopatra). So you can count on any product that contains this spice, such as Tonik’s No 3 Turmeric Capsules. With botanicals, essential oils and 19 times the curcumin content of the spice, the liquid-filled capsules are absorbed quickly by the body. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components of the spice help clear up acne, reduce redness, control flares, induce radiance and minimise the appearance of scarring. Take two of the golden tablets a day and you’ll be glowing in no time.

Combination Skin

[caption id="attachment_208471" align="alignnone" width="1222"] Goli[/caption]

It’s easy to spot cider-vinegar junkies: they never quit preaching about the life-changing two tablespoons. With its astringent properties, CV is said to increase the blood flow to the skin, which reinforces the skin’s barrier, minimises pores, and regulates and rebalances the skin’s pH levels … the list of perks is extensive. Albeit miraculous, it doesn’t come without a drawback – the level of acidity is corrosive on teeth enamel, not to mention the flavour isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

That’s when Goli came up with a tasty alternative – the world’s first apple cider-vinegar gummies. Holding the same age-old benefits of CV, Goli gummies are convenient to pop while on the go and are also pleasant on the palate.

Normal Skin

[caption id="attachment_208473" align="alignnone" width="1386"] Dr Barbara Sturm[/caption]

Dr Barbara Sturm’s excellent serums and skincare drops aren’t the only things she’s known for since she introduced her own brand Skin Food – a supplement that’s a nutritional boost for the body and skin, which can be thought of as the 360 approach to inner health. With the superfood purslane as its core ingredient, Skin Food helps to calm the skin, while antioxidant substances are used to enhance the skin’s defence mechanism and support its ability to retain hydration and promote skin renewal, and glucosamine reduces inflammation. The capsules are vegan and are easily absorbed.

[caption id="attachment_208472" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Sundaily[/caption]

Another doctor-turned-beauty entrepreneur is Emilia Javorsky, the founder and chief scientific officer of Sundaily. The Harvard-trained dermatology researcher discovered a blend of powerful botanical ingredients (which are also organic and vegan, as well as GMO-, gluten- and dairy-free) to protect the skin from harmful stressors. Preventing free-radical damage from the inevitable daily contact with environmental elements, such as sun and smog (thanks to key ingredients Polypodium Leucotomos and Vitamin D3), skin is smoothed and soothed after just four weeks of consistent use.

The post A Drink From the Fountain of Youth: Supplements for Every Skin Type appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Swiss Skincare specialist Valmont attempts to answer all of the problems within the skin's ecosystem with its primary collection. We explore the five newly launched skin savers.

he growing obsession with wellness has mutated from what was once a craze to what we now consider as part of our daily lifestyle. From plant-based diets and beauty supplements to clean and green beauty brands, the unstoppable wellness train has done us good. And the word around town right now is probiotics – the gut-healthy factor has gone beyond the digestive system to our skincare.

Just as we’ve grown to embrace the benefits of good bacteria for ourgut, so have brands. And with that, more and more of them have adopted the same microbiome science (balancing the skin’s ecosystem) to better the quality of skin. A strong advocate of the cause is the Swiss luxury skincare specialist Valmont.

Valmont’s latest future-facing collection leads the pack when it comes to microbiome advancement for beauty. It’s newly formulated product line, Primary is a collection designed to promote the stability of the skin’s ecosystem using pro- and prebiotics.

[caption id="attachment_208440" align="alignnone" width="1078"] Valmont's full Primary skincare collection[/caption]

Comprising five products to be used alone or together, Primary is food for the skin. Just as in traditional Chinese medicine or homeopathy, the concept is all about balance. For Valmont, that means infusing good bacteria into our routine. These peacekeeping elements maintain the skin’s pH at an optimal level by breaking down irritants and converting the molecules into healthy good bacteria byproducts that feed the skin.

Using ultra-high-temperature (UHT) sterilisation, every Primary product is contamination free. The process eliminates all microorganisms, leaving the product entirely natural and allowing us to reap maximum benefit.

Valmont’s new collection covers all microbiome skin needs. Its Primary Veil is an everyday prepping mist that’s so light and airy the skin feels refreshed without any hint of residue. Considered the breakfast smoothie for the skin, the probiotic formula wakes it up with a boost of energy. Infused with jojoba esters to restore the intercellular cement skin damage and lithium-rich Swiss thermal-spring water to soothe inflammation, the skin is reinforced and ready to face the day.

For the times when the skin is tired and the immune system is falling behind, the Primary Serum is here to the rescue. The anti-redness repairing serum regulates the microcirculation of the skin and re-tones dilated capillaries (so long, rosacea and flushed cheeks). While tending to the matte of redness, it also features restorative agents that strengthen the barrier function, meaning there’s only the slimmest possibility that reoccurring redness will return to haunt you.

For mornings or afternoons, the Primary Cream protects and preserves. The next step from the Primary Serum, the Cream replaces irritation with calmness and provides a surge of provitamin B5 to the epidermis and ups the skin’s flora for even greater barrier defence.

No matter how hard we try to avoid it, the skin inevitably has its dry, exhausted or vulnerable days when we need to handle it with care. Using passionfruit unsaponifiables, mimosa wax, shea butter, carrot and primrose oil, Valmont’s Primary Pomade is the extraindulgent TLC for when our skin feels helpless. The exact opposite of heavy skin butters, Primary Pomade is delightfully light yet powerfully hydrating. By mimicking the intercellular layers of the skin, it’s able to penetrate into the depths of the epidermis to comfort and nourish it from the inside out.

Primary was so thoughtfully designed that it even has a product for the occasional spot. Sloughing away the dead skin cell buildup, Primary Solution treats special areas of concern. Dry patch or zit, treat targeted problem zones to reregulate the pH again.

The post Valmont’s Primary Collection Opens Us up to the Brave New World of Microbiome appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Here comes the sun… and you better get ready for it.

It’s emblazoned in our minds that sunscreen is an absolute must. It's the ultimate anti-aging prevention, and if you're not using it yet, you should get on it now. Topping off all your skincare with a sheer layer of sunscreen shouldn't be that hard, given the benefits of this small extra step... Ah, if only life were that simple.

Choosing the right sunscreen can be rather time consuming, but once you’ve found the right bottle, that speaks to your needs, you’re set for a long time to come. So, how does one go about the search? Well, for starters, understand physical sunscreen.

Physical sunscreen formulas act as a barrier on the skin and filters out UV rays (they’re also known as sunblocks), unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb and scatter the rays. The main difference is that physical sunscreens stay on top of the skin and deflect the rays so they bounce off the skin.

In the game of UV protection, physical sunscreen wins it all. It fights against both UVA and UVB rays, and the effects are immediate. It’s even suitable for the most sensitive skin (yep, even for fellow rosacea sufferers like myself), it lasts longe, and is made without hormone-disrupting chemicals (on the skin and on the shelf)… Shall I go on?

Consider your research done. As an avid physical sunscreen advocate, here are my top choices for the face and body.

The post Dermatologists Want You to Switch to These 5 Physical Sunscreens appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

We explore the power of nature through Wildsmith's botanical skincare range.

The new luxury skincare player Wildsmith has just made its debut in Hong Kong. Founded in 2018 in the idyllic countryside of Heckfield Place in Hampshire, UK, the brand has made quite a name for itself in just two years. Combining the nutrient-rich botanicals grown in the natural surrounds of Heckfield with a science-led skincare solution approach, Wildsmith has perpetuated the term “radical botany” and its lauded skincare collection reinforces the need for efficacious products that are concocted sustainably, respectfully and ethically.

The brand is named after William Walker Wildsmith, an 19th-century arborist who created an internationally renowned collection that’s now a large part of the Wildsmith heritage.

Set in the lush rurality of Heckfield, the estate has been lovingly restored from its classical origins, with its Georgian house transformed into a luxury hotel with an English boutique spa, The Bothy. The dramatic parkland on the property was also reimagined into a biodynamic farm and that’s where Wildsmith’s natural ingredients are grown.

Although intended originally strictly for the guests of the five-treatment-room spa, word spread about the healing properties of the Wildsmith brand. Soon the founders of Wildsmith took their products to market to realise the incredibly positive response. The team at Joyce Beauty recognised the potential success Wildsmith would have in Hong Kong and introduced it here.

“This is only the second retailer we’ve partnered with; the first being Harrod’s in London,” explains Katherine Pye, general manager of Wildsmith. “We see Hong Kong as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific and early indications show that the product formulations suit the climate and the clients.”

And so it seems, as the brand has garnered a pretty die-hard fan base in just over the month after its local launch. It sets itself apart from the uncountable alternative options there are on the shelves of department stores and beauty halls, based on “the fact that all the products have been put through rigorous clinical trials where the skin’s reaction to the highly potent plant-derived actives can be measured”.

Being green is part of the brand’s ethos and Wildsmith goes beyond the formulations to uphold its moral standards. Pye elaborates: “Sourcing packaging and the whole supply chain needs to be a key consideration for us all [including us at Wildsmith]. Our project to bring compostable mycelium packaging to the market is part of our ongoing commitment in this area.”

While the packaging underwent an eco-friendly makeover, maintaining the luxuriousness that comes with the brand still has to be considered. As all Wildsmith products are made in incredibly small batches in the countryside, the quantity of little botanical bottles is highy controlled. Often hand-filled, each bottle requires production partners to take on the role of trained chefs who treat botanical ingredients much as they would precious culinary ingredients: using extreme precision and caution to heat and cook the solutions to ensure optimal performance from the plants.

The results speak for themselves. If a private-label single original dedicated only for the use of an individual spa can raise international noise in the cruel and unforgiving beauty scene, it’s proof that it works. The efficacy of Wildsmith comes from the harnessing of the power of nature.

So far, Wildsmith’s modest collection consists of just seven products. One of the heroes is the Active Repair Nourishing Cleansing Balm - a blend of plant-based oils that break down natural and synthetic surface oils, pollutants and make-up. It combines rich butters to create an invisible protective layer of fatty acids to lock in moisture, and fused with a complex of Vitamins A, C and E for added antioxidant protection to prevent future cellular damage.

In Hong Kong, Wildsmith anticipates its Active Repair Platinum Booster for moisturising and repair will be a best-seller. A blend of physical exfoliants, including walnut-shell powder, helps to gently polish away dead skin, while rosehip and cranberry powders improve skin texture and tone - and also smells divine.

Pye recommends taking it slow when using Wildsmith. “Allow yourself enough time within your morning and evening routine to really experience the products fully by breathing deeply and experiencing them with all the senses.” The products come with small metal spoons to ensure just the perfect amount for ideal usage, and at the same time guards them from contamination.

Wildsmith may have started out small, but the initial impact has caused a widespread ripple effect that has crossed the oceans to this side of the world - a vision beyond the dreams and expectations of the founders. If there’s something that Wildsmith brought to us, it’s not only its miracle formulations but also the belief that it really is possible to achieve better results by going natural.

The post Luxury Beauty Import Wildsmith Makes its Hong Kong Debut appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

[GIVEAWAY CLOSED]

Thanks to the incredible support and response to our Readers’ Choice giveaway, we have decided to extend our prizes to the first 200 participants. Our team will be contacting the winners individually. Thank you all for participating!

Congratulations, Zoe Ng. You are the winner of a 2-night wellness retreat at world class health resort Chiva Som in Hua Hin, Thailand.

Hydration, hydration, hydration -- we cannot stress its importance enough. 

Sufficient water intake aside, to pump up the waterworks, we rely on serums and moisturisers. It's the solution to most skincare concerns including, but not limited to, ageing, acne, tone, elasticity, dryness, and oiliness. Ahead, we've curated an edit of our top players that keep your skin soft and supple, but when it comes to naming the best hydration product for the Prestige Beauty & Wellness Awards 2020, we look to you -- our readers -- for a winner.

Beauty & Wellness Awards 2020 Giveaway 

Join our panel and judge alongside makeup artist Alexa Bui, influencer and yogi Elva Ni, fashion influencer Feiping Chang and makeover artist extraordinaire Ricky Kazaf to select the very best in beauty and wellness. For the Holy Hydrators category, our editors have curated an edit of the top five hydration products for you to choose from.

What's more, by voting you are entering into an exclusive giveaway to win a 2-night wellness retreat at world class health resort Chiva Som in Hua Hin, Thailand (valid until 31 July 2021; terms and conditions apply), which is valued at HK$50,230.

For more chances to win this amazing prize, readers can vote in other categories too. A vote for each category constitutes as one entry.

The first 100 voters will also receive a surprise beauty gift.

To enter, fill out the form and click the image to vote below.

Guest Judges

About Chiva Som 

For more than 25 years, the company behind the award-winning Chiva-Som has been a pioneer in transformative wellness practices to global acclaim. Its commitment to an innovative, holistic approach which expertly balances mind, body and spirit, continues to this day with its flagship resort in Hua Hin, Thailand. With its unique synergy of indigenous traditions and evidence-based wellness, Chiva-Som partners with guests on highly personalised wellness journeys focused on complete lifestyle transformation. At the new Zulal Wellness Resort these extend to the entire family.

Terms & Conditions 

1. By entering this Prestige giveaway, you will be bound by these terms and conditions and acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements.
2. This giveaway is open to Hong Kong residents only and entrants must be over the age of eighteen (18).
3. Entrants must enter the form fully in order for their entry to be valid.
4. The giveaway prize is live for twelve (12) days only.
5. Entries will be accepted within these twelve (12) days.
6. Thereafter the giveaway will close and the winner will be announced on 24 July 2020.
7. Winners will be contacted and asked to provide their full name and contact details via email.
8. Winners will be instructed on how to claim their prize by by email.
9. Winners must respond to redeem the prize within seven (7) days of the prize announcement, otherwise the prize will be forfeited.
10. Prizes cannot be exchanged for cash, credit and are non-transferrable to third parties.
11. Prestige reserves the right to cancel, re-draw or otherwise modify this giveaway at any time with immediate effect and without giving prior notice.
12. Photos are for reference only.

The post Readers’ Choice: Holy Hydrators appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Chantecaille Ocean Collection Cheek Palette

What’s summer without a dip into the ocean? Inspired by founder Sylvie and her husband’s trip to swim with whale sharks in Mujeres, Chantecaille launches their Ocean Collection. The Illuminating Radiance Chic Cheek and Highlighter Duo comes in ocean-themed packaging and the pressed powder itself is embossed with wave patterns.
HK$780

Natura Bisse Inhibit V-Neck Collection

Apart from the eyes, the neck is the most telling in terms of age. Natura Bisse’s newest launch targets the delicate skin of the neck and décolleté. An advanced cocktail of tightening, filling and firming, your age can now be your best kept secret.
HK$2,970/60ml

Helena Rubinstein Powercell Skinmunity The Emulsion

Ten years since Helena Rubinstein launched Powercell, the line is still a front runner for the brand. This season, Powercell Skinmunity The Emulsion – an all-day hydration supplement that works together with HR hero serum of the same range – joins the family. Lighter and fresher in texture, it’s a dream to use on these long, hot days of summer.
HK$2,350/100ml; HK$1,440/50ml; HK$980/30ml

Amore Pacific Moisture Plumping Nectar Cream

Dewy is the word that comes to mind when using Amore Pacific’s latest release, the Moisture Pumping collection. Using bamboo nectar and its exclusive Nectar Plumping Formula™, the Cream, Concentrate Ampoule, Dewy Mist and Eye Treatment Gel are summertime must-haves. The lightweight formulas absorb and lock in hydration instantly while fortifying the skin’s moisture barrier. Take that, Hong Kong heatwave.
HK$1,120/50ml

Aesop Melange Body Cleanser

To cool you down in the height of these heat-stricken months, Aesop introduces its Citrus Melange Body Cleanser. The ingredients speak for themselves, with a blend of essential oils, petitgrain, jasmine, lemon and grapefruit rind, the crisp and zesty scent results in a gentle gel that is a mid-summer sensorial delight.
HK$325/500ml

Note: Available from 6 July 2020

Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia

What’s old is new again with Gucci’s popular scent Flora Gorgeous Gardenia repackaged in a beautifully painted opaque lavender bottle. The unique colour pays homage to the nuances of violets found in nature and preludes the delicious scent characterised by sweet red berries, plush white gardenias and warm frangipani.
HK$680/50ml; HK$975/100ml

Chanel Les Beiges Le Vernis

Chanel’s latest release embraces the sea, sun, and freedom of the great outdoors through its summer collection. Its Le Vernis nail polish gets two new additions in vibrant shades of sun-drenched apricot (745 Cruise) and sugar raspberry (749 Sailor). The fun colours exude a chill summer vibe for the new season.
HK$210

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté Pure Shot Airthin UV Defender SPF50/PA++++

If sun screen wasn’t so uncomfortable to wear, we would all do a better job at wearing it everyday. That’s why YSL Beauté’s new Pure Shots was formulated – a defence solution which fights against urban aggressors such as UV rays, pollution and dust, that is multiple times thinner so pores won’t get blocked.
HK$470/30ml
Note: Available from 11 July 2020

Goutal Petite Chérie Fizzling Body Fragrance Mousse

Inspired by the travelling birds that soar the most beautiful landscapes, is Goutal’s Petite Chérie scent. Adding to its collection this month is the new Fizzling Body Fragrance Mousse – a fresh summer shower product that leaves the skin cool and reinvigorated.
HK$580/125ml

Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water

As far as cleansers go, micellar water is by far the easiest to use. With just a few drops on a cotton pad, you can wipe away the stresses of the day while sitting on the couch. Drunk Elephant’s version, E-Rase, can gently remove makeup, dirt, pollution and bacteria while refreshing the skin without stripping the skin’s acid mantle. Made with ultra-mild micelles, Vitamin E, and fatty acids, the skin is still hydrated even when squeaky clean.
HK$220

The post New In: 10 Recently Launched Beauty Products to Try This July appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's ever-changing dining scene is constantly evolving.

So much so, that it can get a little difficult to keep track of it all, let alone remember to book and try the new restaurants that have caught your eye. From brand new concepts to fresh venues and additional locations, here is our guide to seven of Hong Kong's most promising new restaurants to try right now.

Well, what are you waiting for...

The post Professor Augustinus Baders’s Secret to Reawakening Skin Cells appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's ever-changing dining scene is constantly evolving.

So much so, that it can get a little difficult to keep track of it all, let alone remember to book and try the new restaurants that have caught your eye. From brand new concepts to fresh venues and additional locations, here is our guide to seven of Hong Kong's most promising new restaurants to try right now.

Well, what are you waiting for...

The post How Indie Brands WULT and Skin Need are Disrupting the Beauty Industry appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's ever-changing dining scene is constantly evolving.

So much so, that it can get a little difficult to keep track of it all, let alone remember to book and try the new restaurants that have caught your eye. From brand new concepts to fresh venues and additional locations, here is our guide to seven of Hong Kong's most promising new restaurants to try right now.

Well, what are you waiting for...

The post These 10 Eye Care Products Are Game Changers appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.