Reviews

TEST-DRIVE Liv checks out the newest workouts and wellness trends

BEAUTY

Aesop Overnight Mask

The Buzz: We are longtime fans of Aesop, so we were super pumped to receive a sample of their newly launched overnight mask! Touted as an eco-friendly alternative to a sheet mask, this gel-cream forms a light, breathable barrier once applied (thanks to the use of carrageenan, a seaweed extract in the formula), allowing vitamins to penetrate while you sleep. The Mask: Like everything Aesop makes, their new mask smells utterly heavenly. We scooped out a fingerful and spread a thick-ish layer across our face. The product is almost imperceptible and we fell asleep forgetting we had applied it. Overnight, the mask works to infuse Vitamins B, C, E and F to help even skin tone, improve the skin’s protective barrier, soothe irritations and alleviate dryness to keep the skin protected, moisturised and soothed. In the morning we only remembered the mask was there when we showered and felt the film start to dissolve under our fingers. Verdict: This is our new nightstand staple! We often experience skin dehydration and this night mask provides a shot of moisture without blocking pores. It’s officially been incorporated into our regular skincare routine. Price: $920 for 60ml from Aesop stores and counters citywide.

FOOD

Blu Kouzina on Deliveroo Editions

The Buzz: One of Singapore’s most popular Mediterranean restaurants, Blu Kouzina is now available in Hong Kong exclusively via Deliveroo Editions! Operating out of Deliveroo’s shared kitchen in Wan Chai, this Greek restaurant actually has three concepts. First up is Blu Kouzina, which serves authentic, organic Mediterranean cuisine, from indulgent dips and starters to meat platters and fresh salads. For the health-conscious, there’s VIOS, which offers mediterranean bowls that are perfect for a post-gym meal. And then there’s Lucky Souvlaki, which does meaty gyros stuffed with fries - not so healthy but still delicious! The Meal: Eager to sample a bit of everything, we laid out our order family-style, with a tantalising spread of bowls, salads, dips and meats. All the meat from Blu Kouzina is grass fed and top quality, which we’re always glad to see. Special mention to the VIOS bowls, which are right up our alley with an even mix of healthy proteins, grains and greens. There are several plant-based options, too. Don’t like the look of any of the pre-made bowls? You can completely customise your own with a combination of sides, dips, greens, grains, proteins and sauces. Price: Pre-made bowls range from $90-$120, while build-your-own bowls are $120 (regular) or $150 (large).

Orders available around Wan Chai via Deliveroo Editions.

YOGA

The Buzz: We first noticed White Labelling yoga mats on Instagram, catching our eye with bold and colourful patterns featuring jaguars, toucans, and tropical foliage. Always a sucker for a pretty print, we couldn’t wait to see if the mat performed as well as it looked, standing up to classic yogi concerns like grip, sweat-resistance, and portability. The Mat: We received the Chinoiserie print in aubergine, unfurled the mat, and were immediately impressed by its striking visual aesthetic. A tapestry-like design of pink-billed toucans and colourful peacock plumage, peppered with details of cherry blossoms, zebra-esque butterflies and succulent peaches - we can quite honestly say this is the most beautiful mat that we have ever laid eyes on. Not only was it appealing visually, the mat is also lightweight and pliable. We ordered the 1.2mm travel mat - thin but easily transportable - and were pleasantly surprised at how easily it folded, fitting easily into our backpack in a small, portable parcel. The mat has a slightly furry finish to it, which caused some concern over how grippy it would be. However, after two yoga practices successfully completed with no major injuries, we can confidently attest to this mat’s anti-slip properties. The Verdict: Nothing but rave reviews from our end over this next-level yoga mat! We were worried this mat would be all looks and no substance, but we couldn’t have been more wrong. We particularly love its thin, lightweight quality; thicker rubber mats are great, but cumbersome to roll up into a tube and carry around. The mats are made with TPE, a recyclable and biodegradable material that’s eco-friendly, so it’s an earthfriendly option as well.

Order online via White Labelling’s IG: @WhiteLabelling

White Labelling Yoga Mat

Price: $520-$580