You know me, I do love a bit of self-pampering. And lately, between working from home, social distancing and being on maternity leave, I have been spending more time than ever at home and therefore giving myself, my skin and my body, some self-love and doing things I usually never really have time to do. Think masking. I love it. I love when my skin looks all plump and fresh but, on a normal day, masking is just not on my priority list of things to do. Which is a shame! So, when RARE SkinFuel sent me both their Detoxifying Australian Clay Mask and their Restoring Australian Clay Mask, I knew it was time to book myself an hour or two and turn my bathroom into a spa.
 
Founded in Hong Kong, RARE SkinFuel offers natural, handmade skincare products using natural ingredients grown in Australia. The mission of the brand is to “reveal, not conceal” and help you love your natural skin without having to hide it behind heavy makeup. Exactly my philosophy when it comes to beauty products. I love nothing more than a natural glow. 
 
So, back to those two clay masks. First, I have to say, I love the packaging. It’s sleek and quite chic and you do know I love a beautiful packaging on my top shelf. I also love that each mask comes as a “kit”: one pouch of Australian Clay Powder (pink clay for the restoring mask, green clay for the detoxifying one) and one pouch of Mask Activator which you have to mix together squeezing the Mask Activator into Clay Powder Pouch, store in the fridge and use within 3-4 weeks after opening (because natural ingredients mean no preservatives). I always love playing amateur chemist. 
 
My spa moment starts with the Detoxifying Australian Clay Mask combining three different Australian clay powders to cleanse, refine and exfoliate pores and dead skin cells for clearer and smoother skin. Definitely needed for hot, humid and polluted cities like Hong Kong. I’m no newbie to green clay and have been using it for many years already for my combination skin. I love how fresh this one feels on the skin. Green clay can be slightly irritating but because the mask activator is packed with Aloe Vera leaf juice and coconut water, this one doesn’t leave that itchy, drying sensation on your skin. Once wash off, I can follow with the Restoring Australian Clay Mask also formulated with three different Australian clay powders but aiming this time as reviving the natural glow of the skin. Imagine a boost of natural minerals in one product. Just what the doctor ordered. 
 
I can’t travel to Australia at the moment, but I can tell you I’m working hard on perfecting my healthy natural Australian-inspired glow. 
 
Detoxifying Australian Clay Mask HKD 1,650
Restoring Australian Clay Mask HKD 2,050
Available online
 
 
 
CHARLOTTE TILBURY – AIRBRUSH BRONZER

Summer is just around the corner, it’s very unlikely I will get my yearly fix of French summer sun (sight) and I’m preparing for an entire summer of heavy rain and humidity but still, I want (and will have) my summer glow and this year, I definitely trust queen of makeup Charlotte Tilbury to bring it to me with her brand new Airbrush Bronzer. This matte bronzer is perfect to create a sun-kissed summer bronze and has a pore-blurring effect and a light-as-air texture. 
 
Available in 4 different shades:
Fair, for a soft Mediterranean sun-kiss
Medium, for a golden goddess
Tan, for a bronzed beauty 
Deep, for a contour queen 
 
Charlotte recommends applying it where the sun naturally tans: cheekbones, jawline, top of shoulders, collarbone and buff into skin and blend for a natural-looking, sun-kissed finish. 
 
HKD 450
Available online and at all Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup counters and standalone Beauty Wonderlands in Hong Kong: Lane Crawford ifc, Lane Crawford Times Square, Lane Crawford Harbour City, New Town Plaza and K11 MUSEA. 
 
 
 
YVES SAINT-LAURENT BEAUTÉ – LE VESTIAIRE DES PARFUMS 

A collection of fragrances celebrating Yves Saint Laurent’s most iconic fashion pieces and showcasing an unexpected match of contrasting ingredients - Tuxedo (patchouli and spices) / Trench (iris and citrus) / Saharienne (neroli and white musk) / Caftan (incense and benzoin) / Caban (tonka bean and pepper) / Grain de Poudre (violet and sage) / Blouse (Damask Rose) - Le Vestiaire Des Parfums welcomes two new additions :
Capeline, a sensual lily and vanilla accord inspired by the couturier’s graceful broad-brimmed hats
Jumpsuit, a zesty magnolia that springs from the jaunty grace of a piece that Yves Saint Laurent took from utilitarian to iconic 
 
 
HKD 1,950 / perfume 
HKD 930 for Le Vestiaire des Parfums Discovery Set which includes Tuxedo (7.5ml) / Saharienne (7.5ml) / Blouse (7.5ml) / Grain de Poudre (7.5ml)
Available online   
 
 
 

Quite a complicated name for just a mascara would you say. Well, that’s the thing, Les Yeux Noirs is not just a mascara.
 
First of all, it’s red. Yes red. First time I opened it I thought “ok, here is a product I am never going to use” but still decided to keep it because of how beautiful it is. And then finally decided to give it a go. You know what? So should you! Red is the new black! It’s not like full red, more like impactful colour reflection at the end of the eyelashes. Gives you that very special look where people look at you and think there is something quite unique about your look but without immediately realising what it is. Mysterious is definitely glamourous!
 
Plus, the shape and textures are just perfect for small eyelashes like mine looking for dramatic volume from time to time.
 
Never thought I will ever wear Le Rouge Louboutin on my eyes but you know what, it’s like wearing it on your feet. One you tried it once, you are addicted to it!  
 
And if you really can’t imagine yourself wearing red on your eyelashes, Les Yeux Noirs is also available in Khol (Black) and Sevillana (Burgundy).
 
 
Les Yeux Noirs – Christian Louboutin
HKD 610
 


MATTE REVOLUTION Lipstick
Charlotte Tilbury

If I am in the mood for dramatic lipstick rather than dramatic mascara, my go to lipsticks are those from Charlotte Tilbury’s MATTE REVOLUTION range.
 
The square, angled tip makes it super easy to apply which is just perfect for me. And I love the luminous, cashmere-soft finish.
 
Plus it comes in 16 colours so 1. You are pretty sure to find one that you love 2. You don’t have to wear the same colours of the time 3. It gives you a perfect excuse to buy way more product than you need (not trying to tempt you, not at all … but on my side I definitely have more than one!).
 
My fav colours?

Lost Cherry, a beautiful almost neon pink

Red Carpet Red, the ultimate glamour red

The Queen, a beautiful red w/ a touch of fuchsia. Not as dramatic at red carpet red but perfect if you wanna play it glamorous without going full red

 
Hong Kong Madame insights: Charlotte Tilbury will open her first beauty counters in Hong Kong this April at Lane Crawford Harbour City (April 21^st) and Lane Crawford IFC (April 22^nd) … just saying.

MATTE REVOLUTION – Charlotte Tilbury  
HKD 270

 

by Aude
 
If you are following me on Instagram you know it already, I am spending my CNY break under the South African sun and yes it’s pretty dope. Holidays are always a hit but I must confess that I am also addicted to that post holidays feeling: you know when you come back all tan and rested and everyone is asking you where did you get those nice colours?
 
You are no lucky enough to spend this holidays under the sun – or haven’t even take any holidays at all over CNY? I have gather a little list of beauty products that will have you glow just as if you did actually go on a sunny break.
 
 
Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask
Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury just made her debuts in Hong Kong end of 2017 (and now shipping to HK, yeah!) and I am already completely addicted to their dope products. Nothing surprising knowing that Charlotte is one of the most famous make-up artist in the world and has work with A-list celebrities and models, the most iconic fashion photographers and publications such as Vogue or Vanitfy Fair.
 
This overnight mask is just my fav beauty product of 2018 so far!
I mean natural, all over, non-streak bronzed beach look all year round … of course I am in! Even more when all it takes is a few minutes right before going to sleep.
 
Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask - Charlotte Tilbury
HKD 420
 


Self Tanning Instant Gel
Clarins

Nothing I hate more than kicking-off the junk and beach season with a winter white body. Ok they are a lot of things I actually hate more than that but hey who does not have some strange little obsessions? Mine is perfect healthy and flawless tan all year long. My little secret? This easy peasy to use Self Tanning Instant Gel.
 
If you are afraid of ending up orange (we are looking for flawless tan here; not the ripped orange kind) no worries. Really this product is a “clumsy girl” dream. I am possibly one of the clumsiest girl on earth and yet have always succeed in applying it and obtain the made-to-measure healthy tan I was looking for.
 
Self Tanning gel on, bikini out … let’s rock that beach girls!
 
Self Tanning Instant Gel - Clarins
HKD 250
 


WILD Virgin Coconut Oil
Coconut Matters

Don’t know about you but my hair always looks healthy and shimmery after a little break under the sun. That’s probably also because I take extra care of it, treating it to an extra daily-dose of nutrition. My little secret?  Virgin coconut oil. Extracted from fresh coconut, virgin coconut oil is enriched in vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, medium chain fatty acids and protein. Try it, you’ll love it!
 
I use it as overnight mask before doing my shampoo the next morning. Just because you are not at the beach does not mean you cannot still this beach babe habit, right? Plus, the smell is divine and will have you feel asleep dreaming of sad white beaches and turquoise water.
 
 
WILD Virgin Coconut Oil - Coconut Matters
HKD 45 (30 ml) to HKD 210 (500 ml)