What’s new in beauty? Whether it’s a product launch, salon opening or ground-breaking treatment to try, we keep you up to date on all the latest beauty news in Hong Kong.
Ceramide Comfort Serum – GM Collin
Renowned skin care brand GM Collin offers a diverse range of products in its Repair Treatment and Luxury Care ranges. I recently tried the Ceramide Comfort Serum from the Collagen Revitalizing Series. It has a unique blend of anti-ageing ceramides and botanical oils that help combat visible signs of ageing while protecting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It comes in an easy to open biodegradable capsule, which provides a generous application to massage into your face and neck.
The serum is light and absorbs easily; I preferred using it at night to allow the soothing formula to work its nourishing magic while I was asleep. The result? My skin felt truly amazing in the morning – soft, supple and well hydrated. It’s particularly effective in combatting the drying effect of Hong Kong’s aircon.
The Ceramide Comfort Serum suits all skin types and can be incorporated into a daily routine for a touch of luxurious self-care.
80 capsules, $1,280; 20 capsules, $440, available from gmcollin.hk/en-hk.
TruReGEN Essential Duo – BIOTECQ
This simple two-stage skincare duo from pioneering skin care brand BIOTECQ includes a water-based serum to deliver active ingredients and a rich moisturiser to lock in moisture. However, the ingredients are far from simple. The products feature Zellulin ZelluGEN, a multi peptide complex derived from cultivated fish cells; aside from its regenerative properties, it also has a carbon footprint that’s 75 percent lower than traditional marine collagen peptides.
After using the products for about two weeks, I noticed a discernible difference in the lines around my eyes, which appeared finer; overall, my skin looked healthier and much brighter. I also used the duo while travelling in cooler UK weather, akin to Hong Kong’s winter, and found them to be equally effective, making them ideal to use all year round.
Serum (20ml) and cream (20g), both $504, available from biotecq.com.
Panoramic Pampering at Sense of Touch
Thanks to a new partnership with The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, leading spa operator Sense of Touch now has a tranquil new location, taking over the space formerly occupied by The Fullerton Spa.
The spa is located on the 5th floor of the hotel, offering four luxury treatment rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views of the South China Sea. Guests can enjoy facilities such as a hot tub, vitality pool and sauna and steam rooms prior to their treatments. It also becomes the first hotel spa in Asia to introduce the innovative Cellu M6 Infinity device for aesthetic and therapeutic care.
Special offer: To mark the partnership, readers can enjoy a 25 percent discount on all face and body treatments until 30 September 2025.
A Formula for Radiant Skin
JAN (Jan’s Aesthetics of Nature) is a local Hong Kong beauty brand launched by an accredited aromatherapist and personal care formulator, and designed to harness the power of aromatherapy for different people’s individual needs. That customisation is at the core of the brand’s philosophy: it helps customers understand their personal skincare needs, and then addresses them using products that are fresh, effective and safe.
JAN has featured several times in our Expat Living Readers’ Choice Awards, too, winning multiple Gold awards.
Find the products online at janshk.com.
New Beauty Boutique
Enthusiasts of Hong Kong-based vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand Skin Need, which was founded in 2015 by biochemist Christal Leung, can now enjoy an in-store experience at the new flagship boutique located in Times Square. There’s a full range of products available including The Black Series, a new collection of advanced formula anti-ageing products that have just launched to coincide with the store opening.
For the first time, Skin Need is now also offering personalised skin analysis with eight bespoke facial treatments in a private treatment room in the new premises. Treatments come with a complimentary gift set including a serum, face mask and eye mask so you can continue your experience at home.
B245, B2/F, Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay and online at skinneed.com.
One Way to Battle Burnout!
Established in 2003 with its roots in the rich heritage of Thailand’s wellness traditions, wellness brand PAÑPURI has just introduced its latest restorative range, the Burnout Antidotes Wellness Fragrance Series.
There are three fragrances in the series, each one offering a reset to suit a busy lifestyle. “The First” has oriental notes designed to restore strength and stillness for new beginnings, while “Kindred” features floral notes that promise to refresh and nurture body and mind. We recently tried the third, “Intention”, which is designed to ease tension – we loved its woody notes of lavender and sandalwood. The fragrances are also available in a handy 10ml roll-on, perfect to pop in your handbag.
Available at PAÑPURI Sensorial Boutique, K11 MUSEA, Victoria Dockside or online at panpuri.com.
Matte-nificent Makeup
Summer is around the corner, and nobody likes looking like a shiny disco ball when their makeup starts melting off in the heat! The foundation gives medium to full coverage with a velvety matte finish, blurring pores and controlling oil, while the setting spray locks everything in place for up to 24 hours.
Signature Scent
Calling all fragrance lovers! Gucci Beauty has expanded its The Alchemist’s Garden line with three new scents, all inspired by the art of Renaissance alchemy. Vanilla Firenze is a dreamy floral-woody mix of Italian iris, vanilla and myrrh, Fiori di Neroli bursts with citrusy neroli, petitgrain and cedar, and Osmanthus Nectar is a fruity-floral delight with osmanthus and sandalwood. Want to make it your own? Layer your scents starting with an eau de parfum before perfumed oils, then finish with scented water for a signature scent that’s uniquely yours.
Lush opens in IFC
Love a bath bomb and other beauty products? Good news: iconic British cosmetics company Lush has opened a new store – it’s eighth in Hong Kong. Located in IFC mall, the store will carry the brand’s range of fresh and nourishing products while also advocating for holistic wellbeing, including mental health. To this end, the space will host events that champion global charity initiatives and local collaborations.
In the meantime, have a browse in the new store, and while you’re there, take advantage of a complimentary one-on-one hair care consultation. This will let you know the ideal products for your hair – and you’ll also get a sample to try at home. Visit in person or call for reservations and inquiries.
1019A, Podium Level One, IFC Mall
2396 0028 | lush.com/hk
A French approach to beauty
When it comes to blending sophistication, expertise and French flair with beauty treatments, EstheClinic has it down to a fine art. And for those who live or work around Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll be interested to know that it has opened a new salon doing exactly that. With six treatment rooms and a consultation room to discuss everything from hair removal to non-invasive face and body treatments, the salon uses French patented, medical-grade technology and its own range of exclusive machines, from painless EstheClinic IPL Hair Removal treatments to fat freezing and customised skin rejuvenation using LED light therapy.
Tackling Skincare with Supplements
Founded in Singapore in 2018, Dr Ora has made a name for itself as a cruelty free and halal-friendly skin and beauty brand. The award-winning products use natural botanicals, fruits and actives for high-efficacy results – and they’re now available in Hong Kong at Watsons, HKTVmall and Dr Ora’s online store.
The formulations target everything from making your skin glowy and light, to detoxifying, nourishing and boosting elasticity. The products currently available include Crystal Luxe Collagen ($299, 10 sachets), Aura White Ultra ($209, 15 sachets), Lactolean ($208, 10 sachets) and Block It! ($189, 10 sachets).
More beauty products, treatments and news
Bêche Nutraceutical Sea Cucumber Powder
Sea cucumber has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to offer relief for conditions such as hypertension, asthma and rheumatism. In recent years, sea cucumber supplements have become popular as remedies for a host of medical conditions, some backed up by robust scientific research in the US.
Bêche Nutraceutical Sea Cucumber Powder is a 100 percent Canadian wild sea cucumber supplement without additives, preservatives or chemical fillers. It contains calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc along with Vitamins A, B2, B2 and B3, and is rich in carotenoids and a good source of marine collagen. With those ingredients, you’d expect some medical, beauty and wellness benefits; the Bêche team cites relief for inflammatory arthritis, reduction of muscle pain and giving our immune systems a general boost as some of these.
Our reviews
Here’s what EL’s Judit and Kate thought after a recent trial of the product.
“I was looking for a supplement that could help with joint and muscle pain from recent and past injuries when I came across Bêche’s Sea Cucumber Powder. It immediately caught my interest as the number one criteria was that it had to be 100 percent natural. I started taking the capsules every morning and soon enough I could feel improvement in my knees and ankles. I also noticed that I had more energy throughout the day. I’m about to finish the first bottle and I could see myself taking this on a longer term.” – Judit
“I was intrigued by Bêche capsules as I’d never heard of sea cucumber as a supplement. After doing some research, I started taking a daily capsule. Initially, I was a little put off by the strong fish aroma when opening the bottle but this quickly passed and the capsules are completely tasteless. After a month, I found my nails were growing much faster and stronger, and I recovered pretty quickly from some tough hikes that would have normally left my glutes and hamstrings sore for days. And overall I found myself with more energy and sleeping better. I also tried Bêche Nutra, a skin tightening cream; again, it’s full of marine collagen, maple leaf extract and other natural active ingredients, and is a lush, rich face cream that I’ve enjoyed using at night in HK’s cooler, drier months.” – Kate
Buy Bêche Nutraceutical Sea Cucumber Powder online from retailers such as HKTVMall. en.beche.hk
Cary Regimen
Founded by Hong Konger Matteo Chung, the Cary Regimen is a skincare and facial range specifically designed for men. Matteo believes all men should have access to discreet products that help them look well rested and at their best every day. And rightly so!
Whilst it’s specifically formulated for men, we couldn’t help try out these sleek and clean-looking products when a bundle arrived at the office! Cary Regimen is categorised into AM, PM and 24/7, which helps a newbie build a skincare routine.
In the AM range, we tried the Everyday Tinted Moisturiser (SPF15) with botanical extracts – it comes in a natural or warm tint, glides on and is easily absorbed, offering all-day, light and very natural coverage. There’s also an Under Eye Correction tinted eye cream – easy to use and effective.
In the 24/7 range, we tried the Hydrating Cleanser; apply it directly to your face, then add a little water to continue cleansing before washing off. This leaves skin feeling clean and well hydrated. There are plenty of tips and instructions with the products, too, making this a great range for men (and some women too!)
Buy directly online from meetcary.com or at stockists such as The Chaless, 16 Aberdeen Street, Central.
Mana & Chi
Launched in 2023, Mani & Chi is the brainchild of Mansi, a Pranic healer, who has delved into her family heritage to create this spiritual and all-natural brand. Ubtan is a traditional Indian wedding ritual involving a facial beautifying paste made from natural ingredients such as red lentils, dried orange peels, almonds and sandalwood. Mani & Chi uses only the purest and organic ingredients following Mansi’s family recipe to create its Nikhaar (meaning “glow” in Hindi) Ubtan face mask and scrub.
Mix a tablespoon of the powder with either a little milk or yoghurt for normal skin, rosewater for oily skin or aloe vera for combination skin and apply the paste as you would a facemask. After five to seven minutes, gently remove the mask with cold water and moisturise as normal. The result? A super soft, bright and clean face!
Mani & Chi is also launching a new range of handmade soaps; the Indian Rose soap smells divine and leaves your hands feeling soft and smelling fragrant. New products are being launched throughout the year, too. Definitely a brand to watch!
Svenson
The UK’s famous scalp care and hair-loss specialist Svenson has been operating in Hong Kong since 1973 and currently has five locations. EL’s Kate recently paid a visit.
“I’ve noticed my hair thinning over the years and whilst I wasn’t unduly worried, I thought a scalp check-up might be in order. My appointment started with a consultation with a trichologist and as she examined my scalp, I was able to see the close-up on her screen. I was recommended two scalp treatments, Duo Hydrogen and Plasma & Ultrasound.
“Starting with a thorough hair wash and quick hair dry, I then began the treatments. Duo Hydrogen is essentially a deep cleansing treatment to promote a healthier scalp, whilst the second treatment is a clever combination of plasma and ultrasound that rejuvenates the scalp and stimulates blood circulation to encourage hair growth.
“Both treatments were totally painless and left my scalp feeling especially clean.”
Unlock Your Skin’s Potential
Ever tried a beauty product made from 100 hand picked Bulgarian roses? La Thea is a sustainable brand that’s just arrived on the scene and is introducing a centuries-old ingredient to skin care. Bulgarian rose oil is regenerative, anti-inflammatory and has anti-ageing properties. Ideal for sensitive skin, the toner and eye serum promise to hydrate, protect and reduce lines.
Fab New Body Oil
Julie Penn Botanicals is a newly launched Hong Kong beauty brand, and we were lucky to try the first product in the range, Jade. This antioxidant body oil is made from 12 certified organic plant oils including Immortelle, Blue Tansy, Lavender and Rosewood. It promises to hydrate, nourish and enhance skin suppleness. Verdict? Fabulous! This is a high-quality spa-like oil that’s easily absorbed leaving skin soft and subtle – particularly welcome in the drier, cooler weather. There’s a subtle botanical fragrance, too, which is perfect for a little indulgent self-care at home. What’s more, Jade comes beautifully packaged, making it an ideal Christmas gift!
Find out more at juliepennbotanicals.com.
Must-try Spa!
Luxurious spa and wellness retreat Yun Wellness has opened on the eighth floor of the newly renovated Island Shangri-La. The name “Yun” comes from a famous Chinese poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and emphasises the importance of living well for a long life. The spa is designed as an urban retreat, bringing the lush greenery and jungle surroundings indoors. Alongside 10 treatment rooms offering a wide range of personalised wellness treatments such as massages, facials, physiotherapy and more, there’s an outdoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art gym and even a hair salon.
shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila/health-leisure/sp
Nourish Your Skin
Jan’s Aesthetics of Nature (JAN) is an award-winning, local aromatherapy-inspired skincare brand offering high-quality skincare products at competitive prices. Ranging from easy-application three-step kits to intensive anti-ageing kits, the brand also specialises in products targeting specific problems such as large pores, pigmentation, skin irritation and allergies. As a recognition of its quality, JAN was awarded the Natural & Organic Products Gold Winner in Expat Living’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2022.
Visit janshk.com to learn more about improving your daily skincare regimen.
Plant-based Skincare
Codex Beauty Labs has launched its third collection of Shaant plant-based skincare products that address oily and acne-prone skin and are proving popular with teens and twentysomethings! Formulated in partnership with Dr Raja Sivamani, a dermatologist and Ayurvedic practitioner, the Shaant collection leverages biotech-manufactured plant stem cells from Indian plants known for their calming, soothing and balancing properties (the word means “peace” or “calm” in Hindi) to reduce sebum production, exfoliate, renew and soothe skin irritation. The first phase of the collection includes a Balancing Foaming Cleanser, Refining Toner, Balancing Clay Mask and Balancing Oil Control Cream.
Find them online at codexlabscorp.com.
Beautiful Brides
If you’re getting married soon and are keen to have your hair and makeup done professionally, BestBridal has years of experience in creating elevated looks for brides with good quality makeup products. From fresh-faced to glam and curls to braids, BestBridal creates elegant, timeless looks using natural makeup and hairstyle techniques.
For more photos, visit linktr.ee/bestbridal.
Acqua di Parma
Renowned Italian fragrance maison Acqua di Parma has opened a new store in Harbour City – and it’s celebrating the opening with the launch of a Holiday Season Collection. The range includes some brilliant gift sets for all tastes, featuring the likes of beautiful hand soaps and hand creams, to shaving and self-care products for gents. You’ll also find divine-smelling candles, diffusers and more.
New treatment at EstheClinic
EstheClinic has launched its new Body-contouring FastPass treatment – a way of burning fat and adding muscle without sweating or struggling through an extreme diet. To do the heavy lifting, the treatment uses HI-EMT (High Energy Focused Electromagnetic Wave) technology, which can result in 90 percent of muscle fibres becoming active, increasing muscle thickness, density and tone. It can be performed on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, belly and other areas.
The treatment lasts around half an hour and is said to have a similar effect as doing 20,000 sit-ups! EstheClinic has locations in Central and Sai Ying Pin.
6 Steps to Beauty
Baesix is a vegan, organic beauty brand formulated in Korea that aims to reset your skincare regime back to basics with its fuss-free six-step ritual (say goodbye to complex, lengthy beauty routines!). All about real results that make a difference to skin without harming the planet, there are no lofty promises or miracle claims with this brand. What you see is what you get: organic, vegan ingredients that work their magic to give users happy skin every day. In addition to the six core skincare products, the brand also offers a range of gadgets, merchandise and gift sets. All packaging is either 100 percent recyclable or biodegradable.
Shop online at baesix.com.
Pamper Picks
Feeling stressed? Book yourself in for a well-deserved spa session at The Chaless! The Central-based salon offers an array of beauty and wellness treatments that include non-invasive facials, massages, nails and waxing services, and it has just launched a range of new wellness treatments. We love the sound of the Energising Reset Package ($1,398), a two-hour session that includes three different treatments to cleanse and detoxify (Dry Body Brushing, Drainage Release Facial and Detox Massage). Or, if you’re in need of a good facial, try the Daily Glow Facial ($1,080) which uses the salon’s signature Aqua Glow method and mood-boosting facial massage for healthy glowing skin inside and out. Inspired by the warmth of chalets in the mountainous regions of Europe and Japan, the spa is the perfect respite from busy city lives.
Read reviews of beauty products and treatments and more beauty news in our in our Style & Beauty section.
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