Celebrity Life
The Top Shelf Beauty Products of 2019
We reveal our favourite beauty discoveries of the past year — find out what our go-to skincare brands are, make-up we never leave home without, where you’ll find us when we’re in need of a luxurious spa treatment, and what 2020 launches we’re excited about.
Favourite treatment
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This one is a toss-up between a two-part treatment at W Hotel’s Bliss Spa – it included one of the best facials I’ve ever had, using Carol Joy London products, and a Saltability body massage using warm Himalayan salt stones – and the Bastien Pedicure at The Oriental Spa, which left my soles and toenails looking better than ever. If I could combine them all into one, it would be my dream treatment.
Favourite make-up brand
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While most people can’t get enough of its award-winning Concealer, I’m a loyal fan of Clé de Peau Beauté for its powders, highlighters and always-on-point lipstick shades. The best is its limited-edition holiday collection, which this year includes my favourite radiance enhancing Refining Pressed Powder (HK$800) and a special Lipstick Cashmere (HK$480) in the bold shade of Red Passion.
Make-up item I can't live without
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I’m all about “less is more” when it comes to make-up, so I rarely apply a full face of foundation, powder, blush and so on. I prefer some strategically placed concealer, and this year my favourite was the new-to-Hong Kong brand Too Faced’s Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer (HK$225). A little bit goes a long way, and the buildable formula blends seamlessly.
The one beauty product I'm always hoarding
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I can never seem to have enough lip balms, eyelash curlers and hand creams. I’m not loyal to any lip balms in particular but have been liking Drunk Elephant’s Lippe Balm (HK$145) since the brand arrived along with Sephora. Eyelash curlers are always the classic shu uemura (HK$150) or the travel ones from Sephora. And for my mitts, Sisley’s newly launched Restorative Hand Cream (HK$860) is my current fave for its rich-but-not-greasy texture.
Favourite beauty hack I learned
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I think I was late to the game on this one, but I have Tata Harper to thank for introducing me to multi-masking. It makes perfect sense using dierent masks – at the same time – for dierent areas of the face. Now I use a clay mask on my T-zone, a hydrating mask on my cheeks and sheet masks under my eyes. Three masks in one, and I’m done in 15 minutes.
Favourite overall beauty discovery
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I’m not sure if it was the fact that I stumbled upon it unexpectedly or that it ended up being so simple yet so good, but my favourite discovery this year was Royal Fern. Founder Dr Tim Golueke’s visit to Hong Kong popped up in my Instagram feed and a few hours later I was introduced to one of the hottest – but still under-the-radar – skincare brands from Germany. Even now I use the cream and ampoules on a regular basis.
The brand I'll always be loyal to
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I can always count on La Prairie to come out with effective and divinely luxurious products season after season. Its in caviar was one of the first luxury skincare collections I really fell in love with and this year it introduced the Skin Caviar Eye Lift (HK$3,990). Even the loose powder (HK$1,800) and make-up brushes (HK$1,080) it recently released are among my must-haves.
Favourite skincare product
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It’s so hard to choose just one, but at least with The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% Zinc 1% (HK$80) I know I’m in good company. I was told the brand sells one of these serums every 30 seconds, thanks to its ability to balance sebum, fight blemishes and brighten skin tone. Add to that the quickly absorbed formula and affordable price point, and I’m sold.
Favourite haircare product
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This is another one that was introduced by a brand representative during their visit to Hong Kong. Oribe makes ultra-luxurious beauty and haircare products and devices. Its Gold Lust collection — comprising a shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and hair oil — not only smells divine but hydrate and smooth like no other.
Favourite beauty personality I met this year
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So many amazing people visited Hong Kong this year – including Tata Harper, Priscilla Ono, Peter Philips and Barbara Sturm – but my favourite was Isamaya Ffrench. The London-based “beauty exec” made her debut as Christian Louboutin’s first-ever global make-up artist here in Hong Kong, and it was the first time I saw anyone use mascara in red, no less as eye shadow and fishnet stockings to apply make-up. No wonder she started out face painting at children’s parties.
Favourite beauty device
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Give me a gua sha and I’ll happily massage the day away. It can be rose quartz or jade, smooth or ridged, as long as it helps with lymphatic drainage. When I have time, I also love the Cha Ling Ba Guan (HK$320). The at-home cupping device is perfect for tackling stubborn fat and cellulite.
Favourite beauty-related social media to follow
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I think I’ve cycled through just about every make-up artist, #skincareaddict and wellness guru that’s out there. I’ll always be loyal to @intothegloss for its BFF approach, but lately I’m enjoying the somehow hypnotic nail art by Allure editor-in-chief @heymichellelee. I’ll probably never have the patience for nail art, so looking at her feed is the next best thing to getting a manicure myself.
Favourite Fragrance
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There seemed to be a new fragrance released every week, if not every day, this year. A number of brands also opened stores in the Fragrant Harbour, particularly at K11 MUSEA, including Miller Harris. After trying out its fragrance profiling, I settled on the Lost in the City (HK$1,440) and have been enjoying wearing it ever since. I also have to give a shout-out to Louis Vuitton, which had a few winners this year too — my favourite being the California-inspired Cactus Garden (HK$2,050).
Favourite Bodycare Product
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Bamford burst on to the Hong Kong beauty scene late in the year, and was an instant hit with its all-natural, wellness-focused approach. Its B Silent Organic Body Oil (HK$400) is my favourite of the entire line thanks to its relaxing scent (from chamomile, lavender and vetiver root oils) and healing properties.
The next product I can't wait to get my hands on
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Angela Caglia, of Rose Quartz Facial Goddess fame, recently released an Anti-Pollution Cleansing Oil (which she teased during her visit in September). I love her less-is-more approach and can see this becoming a favourite alongside her Detox Serum (HK$625) and Soufflé Moisturizer (HK$547) – not to mention the Vibrating Rose Quartz Sculpting Roller (HK$1,530) I use with them. I might have to throw in a few of her sheet masks too (HK$455).
The post The Top Shelf Beauty Products of 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Beauty Awards 2019: The Everyday Makeup Kit You Need to Face the Day
It’s the armour we wear when we go out into the world. And whether you prefer the natural look or all-out coverage and colour, we present your everyday make-up toolkit.
The Concealer
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Too Faced Born This Way Concealer (HK$250)[/caption]
A true multi-tasker, Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Concealer provides a natural, weightless finish that lasts all day long. And a big bottle means we can use it all over if we want (which we often do). toofaced.com
The Blush
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NARS Blush in Orgasm (HK$310)[/caption]
The ever-popular and universally flattering NARS Orgasm Blush now comes in a limited-edition oversized compact for 2019 with a hint of golden shimmer, which means even more of a good thing. narscosmetics.com.hk
The Lipstick
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La Bouche Rouge Lipstick (Leather case HK$1,000; Lip colour refill HK$350)[/caption]
New French brand La Bouche Rouge is already making waves with its small-batch, toxin- free, sustainable lipsticks housed in refillable leather and stainless- steel cases. The colour selection is great too. laboucherougeparis.com
The Eyebrow Pencil
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Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow (HK$215)[/caption]
The undisputed expert in all things eyebrow gets our pick for colour, staying power and ease of application. Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Eyebrow Pencil also comes in a wide range of shades. benefitcosmetics.com/hk
The Powder
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Make Up For Ever HD Loose Powder (HK$315)[/caption]
Part of the brand’s popular Ultra HD collection created for high-definition TV and film, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Loose Powder is portable, practical and provides a smooth, lightweight finish we love. makeupforever.com/hk
The Liquid Foundation
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Guerlain L'Essential Natural Glow Foundation SPF 20 & Brush (Foundation HK$490; Brush HK$350)[/caption]
It’s not often that we can find a beauty product that ticks every box: high- performance, natural-looking, good for the skin and a pleasure to use. So it was nice surprise when we first tried Guerlain L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation SPF 20 and L’Essentiel Retractable Foundation Brush. guerlain.com/hk
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The Lip Gloss
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Dior Addict Stellar Shine (HK260)[/caption]
Micro-pearls, beeswax, aloe vera, and five lightweight oils. Dior Addict Stellar Shine has everything we need for all-day shine and every gorgeous shade we could want to go with it. dior.com
The Cushion Foundation
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Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm (HK$590)[/caption]
There’s something deceptive about Giorgio Armani Power Fabric Foundation Balm. It’s the only cushion we’ve tried that goes on like nothing at all, but manages to deliver a full-coverage matte finish. Sold! giorgioarmanibeauty.com.hk
The Primers
Particularly in a climate like Hong Kong’s, primers have become a necessary step to allow make-up to go on smoothly and stay there — at least, we hope, for a few hours after we leave home. We tried a range of formulas and textures, and agreed these three offer the best benefits for a range of skin types.
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Tatcha The Silk Canvas Protective Primer (HK$430)[/caption]
As the name implies, Tatcha The Silk Canvas goes on smoothly and provides a soft veil of protection. joyce.com/beauty
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Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer (HK$480)[/caption]
The Silicone-based Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is a cult favourite for a reason: light-as-air texture and a pore-free finish. hourglasscosmetics.com
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Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer (HK$270)[/caption]
With its refreshing coconut scent and nourishing texture, Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer is a perfect pick-me-up. toofaced.com
The post Beauty Awards 2019: The Everyday Makeup Kit You Need to Face the Day appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
The Best Face Brightening Highlighters and How to Use Them
It’s all about the glow, but this season, it’s bigger than ever. Time and time again, the number one beauty trend is flawless, radiant skin. And why wouldn’t it be? A youthful, healthy complexion is always in style. While the glass skin trend is a long-term skin goal, a little highlighter can instantly fake brightness, height and dimension. Here’s our rundown of the best highlighters and where to apply them.
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M.A.C. Cosmetics[/caption]
Tip and bridge of nose:
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-444.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-443.jpg" right-caption="Guerlain Terracotta Skin Highlighting Stick" left-caption="Too Faced Unicorn Highlighting Stick"]
To give the illusion of a higher and thinner nose, glide a highlight stick (Guerlain Terracotta Skin Highlighting Stick for a more natural look, or Too Faced Unicorn Highlighting Stick for a more pearlescent dramatic look) from the bridge to the tip of your nose to accentuate the length. The highlighter will catch the light to open up the face.
Cupid’s bow:
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-445.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-442.jpg" right-caption="YSL Beauté Touche Éclat All Over Brightening Pen" left-caption="By Terry Touche Veloutée"]
Dab a tiny amount right above the upper lip in the “V” hollow with a small brush or even your fingertip (YSL Beauté Touche Éclat All Over Brightening Pen or By Terry Touche Veloutée). Doing so will enhance the volume and shape of the lips, and really make your lipstick pop.
Below and above the eyebrow:
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-441.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-440.jpg" right-caption="Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette" left-caption="Chantecaille Lumière Rose"]
To open up your eyes and add more definition to your brows, blend a small amount of powder highlighter right underneath the arch (Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette). A touch of shimmer can brighten up your eyes naturally. To enhance the eyes, a touch of highlighter (Chantecaille Lumière Rose) above is equally important as below the brows. As a result, the shape and colour of your brows will appear more prominent and defined.
Cheekbones:
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If there’s one place on the face that can benefit most from a highlight, it’s the cheekbones. Not only can it give you an instant lift, but when using the right product (Diorskin Nude Air Powder, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand or Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Highlighter & Balm Duo), it can also give you a naturally sun-kissed sheen. Swipe from your ear to the apple of your cheek using an angled brush and blend out. To contrast the highlight, adding a shadow in the hollows of the cheeks (Tom Ford Beauty Shade & Illuminate) which will create an even more intentional contour.
Forehead:
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-436.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-435.jpg" right-caption="Fenty Diamond Bomb Veil" left-caption="Illamasqua Beyond Powder in Frost"]
An often overlooked spot on your face when it comes to highlighting, the forehead is in fact just as important as any other part. A light touch on the highest point of your face exudes a delicate sheen. An ultra-fine shimmer can give off a nice dewy effect (Rihanna’s Fenty Diamond Bomb Veil or Illamasqua Beyond Powder in Frost).
Chin:
[dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-434.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Untitled-design-446.jpg" right-caption="Kevyn Aucoin The Neo-Trio Palette" left-caption="M.A.C. Hyper Real Glow Palette/Get Lit"]
Another seemingly unnecessary spot, a highlight to the chin can make it look more narrow. It can also help bring out the curves of the face to a delicate point that is in line with the popular V-shape face, while also slimming the jawline (M.A.C. Hyper Real Glow Palette/Get Lit or Kevyn Aucoin The Neo-Trio Palette).
The post The Best Face Brightening Highlighters and How to Use Them appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.
Tour a Luxury Maximalist Home in California
Take a look at the interiors of this incredible Maximalist Home in California! It’s a luxury dream home on the California Coast.
Designed by Mary McDonald, this home portrays its owners, a wildly successful pair founder of Too Faced, a California-based cosmetics brand, and their bold aesthetic!
Bought by Estée Lauder in 2016 the brand started as a start-up and grew to become the most expensive acquisition in Estée Lauder’s history.
Continue reading Tour a Luxury Maximalist Home in California at Luxxu Blog.