Lots of exciting things have been happening on the beauty scene in Hong Kong recently – so here’s a quick recap for any of my fellow make-up junkies…
PENHALIGON’S OPENS FIRST HONG KONG STORE
If you love smelling good (and errr… who doesn’t?!), then you need to stop by British heritage fragrance brand Penhaligon’s new flagship store in the ifc. With over 140 years of perfume expertise and two Royal Warrants under their belt, Penhaligon’s has finally made its way to Hong Kong with an arsenal of over 30 amazing-smelling different scents, many of which are based on fabulous fragrances from their archives.
Their first store in Hong Kong is definitely more on the small but sweet side; decorated to resemble an old English library, it’s filled with real antiques that perfectly complement Penhaligon’s vintage-style apothecary bottles (hint: these look absolutely gorgeous on display… a good excuse to start collecting methinks!). There’s also a secret private Scent Profiling Room at the back, where Penhaligon’s experts can help you figure out which of their scents best match your personality (you can check out my full review of that on my blog here). My personal faves are the sweet vanilla-caramel tones of Artemisia (Penhaligon’s equivalent of a “fluffy cashmere jumper”), the intoxicating Iris de Prima (inspired by the English National Ballet) and the super spritely Juniper Sling (it smells like a gin cocktail!). 50ml bottles of eau de toilette cost $1200, with other goodies like candles, soaps and gift sets also available.
Penhaligon’s Shop 3025A, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2359 3001
www.facebook.com/PenhaligonsHongKong
DOLCE & GABANNA MAKE-UP NOW AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG
Chanel, Dior, YSL, Giorgio Armani… and now Dolce & Gabbana! The latest top designers to enter the beauty game in HK are the irrepressible Italian duo, and their new cosmetics range is every bit as stunning as their clothes. I especially love the old-school glamour of their packaging – think sleek, tactile and elegant gold casing that totally ups the luxe factor on your daily make-up routine.
For me, the standout products from the range have to be their creamy lipsticks in over 50 different shades – after all, Dolce & Gabbana as a brand makes me think of gorgeous Italian women like Sophia Loren and Monica Belluci… and what gets sexier than a fabulous red lippie?! In fact, they even have a collection created with Belluci herself! My ultimate fave shade has to be the Devil Classic Cream Lipstick, a true matte red with cool undertones; more au naturel girls, try the True Monica Voluptuous Lipstick for a cute pink-nude look. You can also get your mitts on Dolce & Gabanna eye shadow duos and quads, nail polish, blush and face compacts, silky liquid foundation and even make-up brushes too; prices range between $195-595.
Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up is available to purchase in Hong Kong at Harvey Nichols
SHU UEMURA’S SWEET RED COLLECTION
Talking of lipsticks, ever since a reader told me Asian woman couldn’t pull off red lippie, I’ve practically been on a mission to slap it on as often as possible! Helping me on this quest are Shu Uemura’s fab Sweet Red Collection of Rouge Unlimited lipsticks – which truly prove there’s a red out there for everyone!
I’m already a huge fan of the Rouge Unlimited formula (see our previous review here) as they manage to deliver vivid colour that has a really beautiful translucent shine to it too, whilst still feeling light and hydrating on the lips – which makes Shu’s takes on red lippie really easy to wear, even for the faint of heart! My top picks from the collection are Baby Flame, a cute fresh coral, and Mon Shu, a cheerful bright everyday red; you can check out a few pics of me wearing them here. Suffice to say, I won’t be giving up my red lippie anytime soon… and now I have even more shades to pick from, yay!
Shu Uemura’s Sweet Red Rouge Unlimited lipsticks cost $210 each and are available at all Shu Uemura locations in Hong Kong
ORGANIC BEAUTY BRAND TERRE D’OC LANDS IN HONG KONG
This is a brand that was totally new to me, so I’m hoping it might be new to some of you too! French beauty brand Terre d’Oc quietly opened their first stores in Hong Kong earlier this year in Tai Koo and Tuen Mun, and I’ve finally got around to checking out what they’re all about – namely lots of lovely body and skincare, home fragrances, make-up and even loose leaf tea inspired by their hometown of Provence. Unsurprisingly, with their emphasis on natural ingredients, colourful packaging and Southern France aesthetics, I get a definite Spa L’Occitane vibe from them!
Many of Terre d’Oc’s ranges are Fair Trade and eco-organic certified, so it’s a great brand to go on the radar for any of you green queens out there – especially with organic make-up especially still quite difficult to find in Hong Kong. They have a number of special gift sets out for Christmas around the $500 mark that would make for a perfect taster to the brand.
Terre d’Oc stores in Hong Kong:
– Shop 230, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Tai Koo, 2111 1762
– M-16, MTR Level, V City, 83 Tuen Mun Heung Sze Wui Road, Tuen Mun, 2679 8128
CIATÉ NAIL POLISH ADVENT CALENDAR = AMAZING
You guys know I’m addicted to nail polish, so can you imagine what happened when I got confronted by a gift set that has 24 of them?! Answer: lots of hyperventilation and “OH MY GOD”-ing! Ultra cool British nail polish brand Ciaté are the ones to blame for my heightened state of excitement, thanks to their Mini Mani Month Advent Calendar, that includes 17 nail polishes, a top coat, base coat and a few of their trademark WOW finishes (including caviar pearls and sequins), in absolutely darling miniature sizes. At just $560, it’s also damn good bang for your buck. The only problem? I can’t ask for this for Christmas, as it’s an advent calendar designed to countdown the days until the 25th… meaning I’ll just have to buy it myself now. Oh well! P.S. Don’t forget to check out my review of a Ciaté’s mani bar here.
Ciaté’s Mini Mani Month costs $560 and is available in Hong Kong exclusively at Lane Crawford