Tea has been an integral and customary part of Chinese culture for centuries. It’s only the most consumed beverage in the world, heck there were even wars over this ancient brew. But now, these incredible cured leaves are examined under the microscope as we’ve come to discover its potent beauty benefits. Every big beauty brand out there is extracting its beauty-boosting powers to some degree to infuse into their new host of beauty elixirs.
Packed with natural caffeine, antioxidants, amino-acid and flavonoids, tea is a super-ingredient that’s been tested to help with the following: hydration, detox, de-puff, tightening, anti-inflammation, defend against free-radicals, skin metabolism, relaxation… you get it – the list goes on and on.
We’ve tried and tested bottle after bottle, jar after jar, to bring you the top 5 brews of beauty you need to make space on top shelf for right now.
Amore Pacific Time Response Vintage Wash Off Masque
Sourced from Dolsongi Tea Garden, the oldest green tea garden on Jeju island in South Korea (and exclusive owned by Amore Pacific), the 34-year-old leaves are carefully selected before they’re used in the Korean brand’s bestseller. The antioxidant properties of the green tea extract softens the skin instantly, and with prolonged use is moisturised and plumped. On top of that, the skin tone is evened out too. The best part though, is the scent, and the fact that it only takes 10 minutes of your day, twice a week.
HK$1,200/50ml
Amore Pacific; Various locations
Amore Pacific, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay; +852 2114 0262
Fresh Black Tea Firming Eye Serum
Brewed with the brand’s very own black tea complex and an eye-defining peptide to lift the baggage under the eye area, tighten loose skin, iron out fine lines and diminish the look of crow’s feet to reveal younger, more radiant skin and bright eyes. Unlike other eye serums, this one is delightfully lightweight and absorbs instantly without leaving any sticky residue. To be used on its own or layered underneath an eye cream as a moisture barrier to lock in hydration. Fresh also carries a line of other tea products using similar ingredient components that are worth mentioning too, including the Kombucha Facial Essence, Firming Corset Cream and Overnight Mask.
HK$660/15ml
Fresh; Various locations
Fresh, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3572 0126
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil
For troubled skin that’s easily irritated and prone to breakouts, Sunday Riley’s award-winning U.F.O medicated oil has worked wonders to calm aggressive skin. The chamomile tea extract soothes stressed and blemished skin, while salicylic acid removes buildup and decongests pores and cucumber seed oil counterbalances the drying effects. The result is nourished, glowing skin, even-tone complexion and reduced acne discolouration. What’s more is that this can be used to treat scalp and back acne too.
HK$650/35ml
Sephora; Various locations
Sephora, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3168 4088
Sephora, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay; +852 3153 2783
RéVive Defensif Environmental Antioxidant Booster
To level up your skincare routine for the days you need an extra push, one drop of this supplement mixed together with your everyday moisturiser will boost the skin’s defences against stressors. Green tea, along with other antioxidant ingredients like turmeric, Vitamins A, C and E work together to fight and neutralise free radicals so it won’t matter if the skin is exposed to pollution, infrared, smoke and blue light wavelengths – the Antioxidant Booster has got the bases covered.
HK$1,365
RéVive; Various locations
RéVive, Lane Crawford, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 2118 2288
La Mer Crème de la Mer
Considered the epitome of luxury skincare, La Mer has always been associated as the ‘it’ brand of beauty. And its most iconic product and best seller, Crème de la Mer is responsible for putting the brand on its pedestal. The indulgently rich cream heals dryness with its Miracle Broth and Lime Tea blend. This ultra-hydrating formula shows best results on mature skin, parched winter skin, and is gentle enough for even the fragile eye are. The thirst quenching results are instant, and visible results show in just two weeks.
HK$800/15ml; HK$18,300/500ml
La Mer; Various locations
La Mer, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 2111 2616
The post Top Shelf: The Brands Brewing the Best Tea-Infused Beauty Products appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.