Pamper

THE GLOW UP News from the beauty aisle

THE TRUTH

ABOUT SERUM If you haven’t incorporated a serum into your skincare routine, now’s the time! Light and fast-absorbing, serums are used to deliver targeted skincare results with a high concentration of active ingredients. Here are our top picks of serums from our favourite local brands. By Sarah Fung

Infused Serum, ZeroYet100 If an oil-based serum is more your thing, this new product from local low-waste brand ZeroYet100 is infused with gorgeously scented essential oils, each with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Key ingredients include sandalwood, frankincense, saffron and meadowfoam oil, each of which are packed with nourishing ingredients to help hydrate, detoxify, soothe and treat blemishes. It also smells gorgeous, making it a lovely product to apply just before a meditation or yoga sesh.

$228 from zeroyet100.com

Age Delaying Serum, Rare SkinFuel Local entrepreneur Michelle Chen launched RARE SkinFuel last year after not being able to find a product to help her skin after pregnancy hormones wreaked havoc on her complexion. Using all-natural Australian ingredients, this serum uses kakadu plum extract, hyaluronic acid, white tea and lactic acid to refine, balance and hydrate for a luminous glow.

$2,470 from rareskinfuel.com

True Luminosity Serum, Snow Fox Skincare Extremely light, scent-free and with a watery consistency, this serum seems unassuming but delivers results, with blue lotus extract, zinc and caffeine to reduce inflammation, treat blemishes and boost hydration. Its star ingredient is potassium azeloyl diglycinate, which reduces redness, treats large pores, scarring and discolouration without causing sun sensitivity.

$580 from Mi Ming Mart stores citywide. snowfoxskincare.com

100% Hyaluronic Acid + KGF, Skin Need Skin Need is the brainchild of Christal Leung, a Hong Kong-based skincare expert who produces white label beauty products for brands across the world. She creates her own formulas in her US lab under the label Skin Need. It offers several oiland water-based serums, including the 100 percent hyaluronic acid serum, which uses this wonder product to deliver a deep and long-lasting hit of moisture. It also contains peptides to boost skin healing and collagen renewal, and can even help treat UV damage. It’s also super gentle, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and is fantastic on post-surgical or laser-treated skin.

$848 from wokeuplikethisbeauty.com

DRUNK IN LOVE

We’re always on the look-out for green, cruelty-free beauty brands to try out, and Drunk Elephant is the one buzzing around Hong Kong’s beauty circuit right now, and with good reason. All of their products are made without “the suspicious six”- essential oils, drying alcohols, silicons, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes and SLS - in an effort to help skin reset and repair itself from some of the harsh substances you’ve unknowingly been exposed to through big beauty brands. Up until recently, Drunk Elephant’s forte was skincare, but they’ve just launched their first line of body and hair care to much fanfare. We love the Cocomino Glossing Shampoo ($195) and Marula Cream Conditioner ($195), which use coconut-based surfactants to smooth and strengthen frizzy tresses - perfect for the impending HK summer! Check out the full product range at Sephora.

sephora.hk

FATHER'S DAY

GET YOUR GOAT

Short on inspiration for Father's Day? Why not treat Pops to a manly pampering sesh at GOAT? This super cool barbershop in Central not only offers hair services and wet shaves, it also offers manicures, pedicures, facials and even waxing for your nose and ears. Dad won't grumble about the prices either; a deluxe facial is $380, while hair cuts start at $350. Or go for a package: the platinum session includes a precision cut, wet shave and mini facial for $808, and for all customers, whiskies, beers, coffee, tea and other refreshments are on the house. Want to make it even more special? Pick up some skin and hair products from House 99 by David Beckam to keep dad mad stylin'.

1/F, 15B Wellington St., Central, 6711-7706, goatbarbers.com

LIV LOVES… MANICURES

CARLA THOMAS,

Editor

“This salon pulls inspiration from some of the trendiest nail bars and artists in the world. It’s a bit of a time and money investment, but the pay-off is a gel mani that lasts a month (or more!) without chipping!” Tinted. ($580 for 2-hour Signature Gel Manicure)

SARAH FUNG,

Publisher

Essential Spa ($240 for 45-min. Standard Manicure) “I go to my neighbourhood Essential Spa. The service is always great and I find it a mid-price option that consistently delivers. It’s cheaper if you buy a package from them.”

JASMIN BLUNCK,

Administrator

Paul Gerrard ($250 for 45-min. Basic Manicure) “Long-lasting mani, friendly staff, and the best tea lady ever! I’ve been going to Paul and his crew for decades and I still can’t find anywhere better.”