Lip Synch: Masks off, lipstick on – mouths can now be seen so apply the most luxurious coating

The lifting of the Covid mask mandate around the world created a stir in the cosmetics sector, particularly with regard to lip products. For those who enjoy wearing lip colour or gloss, the pandemic years were a hassle because whatever they put on their lips eventually wound up on the inside of the mask, smeared on the face, or both. This translated into slumping sales for lip products, which took a dive almost immediately as the pandemic hit: in the month prior to April 11, 2020, Amazon saw sales of ‘lip care and colour’ dip 15% and prices decline by 28%, according to data compiled by McKinsey & Company. The delight of the beauty hall is the opportunity to try new brands but COVID restrictions mean that is frequently no longer possible.

With mask-wearing now a choice in Hong Kong rather than a must, many consumers are eager to not only look good again but refresh makeup they probably haven’t touched for years – which could translate to positive growth for beauty brands and retailers. It is, indeed, time to treat our lips to a luxurious experience as we seize the opportunity once again to express uniqueness.

Bond No. 9 Refillable Lipstick with Swarovski Crystals

New York brand Bond No. 9’s Refillable Lipstick with Swarovski Crystals makes a pricy statement. Thankfully, it’s not the lipstick that contains these stones; instead, they are used to decorate the casing, which radiates an attention-grabbing gloss. The sparkling case is smothered in rows of diamond crystals or ruby crystals, and these stones are also more durable than glass jewels, making them less likely to shatter if dropped. The bold red lip colour within is also a show-stopper.

Hermès Rouge Hermès Shiny Lipstick Limited Edition

Hermès is best known for its high-end fashion and leather accessories, but it creates some expensive lipsticks in addition to its pricy Birkin bags. Costing US$72 for a small tube, this highly desirable limited-edition lipstick is a great illustration. It comes in three vibrant, summer-appropriate floral colours, easily adheres to the skin, and has a light sheen.

Guerlain Limited Edition Rouge G Lucky Bee

These limited-edition Guerlain lipsticks feature decadent tubes decorated with rhinestones, handmade embroidery and precious jewels. The bee is a symbol of the famous French luxury brand that produces some of the most expensive lipsticks ever sold. The combination of high-quality materials and brand reputation makes this choice a truly prestigious standout.

Sisley Paris Le Phyto Rouge

Le Phyto Rouge lipstick by Sisley grabs the eye with its distinctively angular appearance amid a golden tube with wavy, zebra-like lines. The wedge-shaped tip makes it easier to apply the lipstick precisely, which lowers the chance that you will unintentionally get colour on the corners of your mouth. Even better, this delicate lipstick is offered in nearly 20 vivid hues.

Christian Louboutin Lip Colour

A renowned name for premium lipstick, Christian Louboutin fashions each tube into a distinctive dagger- or bullet-shaped design that contributes to its recognisability as a status symbol. Additionally, the majority have a little metal circle on the tube top so you may wear them as a pendant. Therefore, even though a single tube can cost US$90 plus, it is money well spent on a cosmetic product that doubles as beautiful jewellery.

Jimmy Choo Lipstick

There are two essential types of Jimmy Choo lipstick – matte and satin. They fit their luxury, designer-made price tag thanks to the beautiful details of the iconic gold-coloured tube, from the Jimmy Choo monogram to the ball at the bottom and the flared cover. These features turn a simple tube of lipstick into a status symbol desired by the world’s most affluent individuals.

Clé de Peau Beauté Lipstick Cashmere

One of the most popular Clé de Peau Beauté lipsticks, Cashmere is a silky-smooth option in an array of colours including bright pink (Coquelicot) and dark crimson (Decadent). Though Clé de Peau Beauté was founded in Japan in the 1980s and thus lacks the storied history of many French beauty brands, it has grown massively over the last several decades, both in product variety and international reputation. When you buy one of these lipsticks, you are not only purchasing a cosmetic that can briefly alter your lip colour, you are also buying a luxury item.

Serge Lutens Fard à Lèvres Notre-Dame du Rose

This French designer brand produces some of the highest-quality cosmetics on the market, including lipsticks in stunning colours like the Notre-Dame du Rose. The presentation may not look particularly extravagant at first glance ¬– the tube is a straightforward, glitz and glam-free black – but the colour goes on so well and looks so good that it oozes luxury.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick

Following the evident popularity of the brand’s Pillow Talk lipstick, the British cosmetics company introduces the K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, an enhanced version of the beloved formula. This lipstick gives a flawless pout while moisturising and hydrating the lips to maintain their health. This lip cream is both useful and fashionable because it is packed with antioxidants that naturally guard against UV damage. With 14 brilliant colours to choose from, there is a hue to fit every mood.

Unquestionably, lipsticks have long been a go-to cosmetic product, whether it’s for a quick fix or a more elaborate party look. It instantly transforms a face from drab to diva and has some positive effects on the skin.

5 brilliant innovations that prove the future is already here

We live in such a fast-paced society and our lives are going on so quickly that there is just not enough time to waste. We want everything to be done quickly, and convenience and versatility are two other things we appreciate the most these days. So, below are five genius creations that make life much easier. These are such brilliant innovations that it definitely feels as though we are living in the future.

Versatile Lipstick Maker

Gaining so much appreciation and even an award for its infinite possible lip colours is this innovative lipstick kit by GoPlay cosmetics. The kit, which is no less than a fan favourite now, has been sold out so quickly that people have to pre-order if they have to get their hands on the Lipskit.

You can either choose the warm or the cool base colours depending on your skin’s undertone.

It is straightforward to use as the equipment comes with a colour-mixing chart, liquid lipstick bullets, reusable jars, and more products that let you create as many lip colours of any texture of your choice. Want something more shimmery? Just add a few drops of the moisture drops that are part of the kit.

The only drawback that users have found with the product is that it can get a bit messy when mixing the colours. Other than that, it is supposedly great with the cosmetic product boasting qualities such as waterproof, long-lasting, paraben free, and many more.

More details are here.

Nail-painting Robot

There was a time when we imagined the different things a robot would do, and if applying nail polish was on your list, then your imaginations have come true. This robot by Clockwork paints your nails for you.

You just need to place each of your fingers on the allocated spot and the Clockwork MiNiCURE will use its well-calculated algorithm to calculate your nail shape accurately and paint them perfectly. It is recommended that your nails do not have any nail polish to expect the best results.

Best of all, the whole process only takes about 10 minutes so it is perfect for people who want something done fast. However, the robot is only programmed to apply nail colour, and nothing more than that so if you are expecting a full-on manicure, you may want to book an appointment with a manicurist.

More details are here.

Also Read: Best boutique nail salons to visit in Hong Kong

Ultrasonic Jewellery Cleaner

Though the name suggests that this tech creation only cleans jewellery, it can actually be used for multiple purposes like cleaning your eyeglasses, keys, dentures, makeup brush or anything that comes to your mind, as long as it fits in the machine.

Shaped like a mini bathtub, all you need to do is place the product you want to be cleaned inside the water-filled tub, and turn on the machine. The equipment will use its ultrasonic technology to do the spot-on cleaning in just three minutes.

For better results, it is suggested that you add a few drops of liquid soap along with the water.

More details are here.

Portable Printer

There are a number of portable printers in the market today, and it is certainly one of the much-needed brilliant innovations for people. When you want to take a quick print of some office documents or class projects, the portable printer allows you to print the files no matter where you are.

Given its size, it can be easily carried on the go, and you can print documents that are saved on any device: phones, tabs, laptops, and more. You can either connect the printer using Bluetooth or a USB cable.

Some renditions of portable printers even come with the ability to print pages of different sizes. For instance, one model from HPRT allows you to print on A4, A5 and label-sized papers.

More details are here.

Temperature Control Mug

Another gadget that makes life comfortable for everyone is the self-heating mugs by Ember. They are particularly loved by travellers as the gadget makes it easy for you to carry your drinks while maintaining their warmth. So, if you want your drink to be warm until its last sip then this product is perfect for you.

Ember has received so many positive reviews as it is the very first temperature-control mug that allows you to adjust the temperature as you wish. Simply download the Ember app on your phone and connect your cup to the app, and use it to change how warm you want your drink to be. If you usually prefer your morning coffee to be at certain warmth, then you can save that to the app.

These temperature-control mugs can keep the beverages heated for about two hours, and if you want to extend it, you can always place the mug on the charging coaster that comes with the cups.

More details are here.

Also Read: 7 Life-changing tech gadgets for your home

Wake up & Makeup: Beauty essentials for a dazzling party look

Putting on the perfect, full party face can be daunting, especially as today’s consumers are spoiled for choice by countless, tempting products on the market. But never fear, for here’s our step-by-step guide to Instagram-worthy posing. Appearing your absolute best, you can look back on the special moments with pride and joy – after all, Christmas and New Year come only once a year.

Start with a clean, clear canvas courtesy of French luxury house Givenchy’s colour-correcting Prisme Primer. Settling gently on the skin with a smooth matte finish, it evens out the complexion while fortifying the dermis with SPF 20 and a vitamin- and anti-oxidant-rich formula.

Next, blend in Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation by Smashbox. The film set-inspired brand based in Culver City, California is known for primers and foundations that give skin an almost airbrush effect. This liquid formula delivers a lightweight, medium-to-full, buildable coverage that is sweat-resistant and stays put under the heat of the party lights.

For a flawless surface to welcome the colours to come, what better name to help you glam up than makeup artist Natasha Moor? Simply apply her Secret Perfector Concealer on any blemish or visible imperfection. Gliding on this medium-to-full coverage stick concealer is as smooth as butter, thanks to a curved point design that gives you total flexibility and control during application.

Follow this with Contour Sculpting Powder from the bag of another star makeup artist, Natasha Denona. It’s just the ticket to give your complexion that natural, softly contoured look. Apply the powder lightly in the hollows of the cheeks, on and under the jaw line, and on the temples. It adds depth and subtly defines the cheekbones for an overall slimming effect.

Highlight your features with a bright, dewy glow. Placing the attention to the T-zone: forehead, cheekbones, inner eye area, bridge of the nose, chin and cupid’s bow all deserve to be emphasised. Make them prominent with tri-colour palette Le Cushion Encre De Peau Luminous Highlighter by French luxury brand YSL Beauté.

Now it’s time to set and press. To make sure everything stays in place, spritz your face with Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dewy Set Setting Spray before pressing on Ultimate Setting Powder from makeup guru Patrick Starrr’s One/Size beauty line. These tip-top setting products impart a smoother, more natural and longer-lasting finish, especially on oily skin since they soak up excess sebum.

Moving on to the eyes, the eyebrows need your attention first. French luxury goods conglomerate Louis Vuitton puts out a game-changing, multi-functional product through one of the beauty brands in its armoury, Make Up For Ever. Pro Sculpting Brow is a three-in-one tool built with a slanted-edge pencil tip, brush and sponge tip. It sculpts the brows and thus transforms the face in three easy steps: define, contour and highlight.

Next up are the eyelids, and this is where the true fun begins; treat the lids to the plant-based Blooming Edition Garden of Light Palette by vegan beauty brand Dear Dahlia. Boasting skin-loving ingredients and flower extracts in the form of nine buildable, non-creasing, neutral, sun-kissed tones, its velvety mattes, silky-smooth shimmers and high-sparkle glitters offer effortless yet glamo day-to-night glam.

To define the eyes, dress the lash line with Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty standout, Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner. Waterproof, smudge-proof and long-lasting, this liner is formulated with ultra-black pigments designed to accentuate the eyes. Due to a built-in, flexible brush tip of some 1,000 vegan bristles, wearers can easily create thin or thick lines with seamless precision and control, whether they are going for a subtle wing or a sharp cat’s eye.

Adding bold drama to the overall look, you cannot go glam without mascara. New York-based cosmetics company Tarte’s gluten-free Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara not only adds definition, but curls as it strokes on for an eye-popping appeal. The mineral- and vitamin-rich formula also keeps lashes perky and fluttering throughout the night.

Before looking to the lips, spray on Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dewy Set Setting Spray once more to ensure everything stays in place. Then, finish with a layer (or two) of Gucci Beauty’s Rouge de Beauté Brilliant lipstick. Imparting instant radiance to the face, the lip tint is available in three new shades (in a range of 18) – 308 Lucy Dark Orange, 508 Diana Amber and 517 Abbie Maroon Red. These also provide a nourishing, moisturising and longwearing effect. All done? Finish your routine and you can start making your best impression during the forthcoming holiday hurrah.

(Text: Roberliza Eugenio)

Skin Deep: Five non-invasive beauty treatments to try instead of Botox

Those entertaining the idea of a face lift need not go under the knife or splurge on a Botox procedure when there are non-invasive (and minimally-invasive) treatments that can provide a natural and curiously high-tech alternative to beauty treatments that improve the colour, texture and firmness of the facial skin while treatment any specific aesthetic concerns one might have. Here are five non-invasive treatments to try instead of Botox…

[{"id" : "57905","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/skin-deep-non-invasive-facial-beauty-treatment/gafencu-beauty-treatment-facial-Skin-Deep-Non-invasive-instead-of-Botox-acupuncture-cosmetic-acupuncture.png","caption" : "gafencu beauty treatment facial Skin Deep Non-invasive instead of Botox acupuncture cosmetic acupuncture"},{"id" : "57908","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/skin-deep-non-invasive-facial-beauty-treatment/gafencu-beauty-treatment-facial-Skin-Deep-Non-invasive-instead-of-Botox-IPL-Intensed-Pulsed-Light-2.png","caption" : "gafencu beauty treatment facial Skin Deep Non-invasive instead of Botox IPL Intensed Pulsed Light (2)"},{"id" : "57910","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/skin-deep-non-invasive-facial-beauty-treatment/gafencu-beauty-treatment-facial-Skin-Deep-Non-invasive-instead-of-Botox-IPL-Intensed-Pulsed-Light.png","caption" : "gafencu beauty treatment facial Skin Deep Non-invasive instead of Botox IPL Intensed Pulsed Light"},{"id" : "57912","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/skin-deep-non-invasive-facial-beauty-treatment/gafencu-beauty-treatment-facial-Skin-Deep-Non-invasive-instead-of-Botox-mesotherapy.png","caption" : "gafencu beauty treatment facial Skin Deep Non-invasive instead of Botox mesotherapy"},{"id" : "57914","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/skin-deep-non-invasive-facial-beauty-treatment/gafencu-beauty-treatment-facial-Skin-Deep-Non-invasive-instead-of-Botox-Microcurrent-facial-therapy.png","caption" : "gafencu beauty treatment facial Skin Deep Non-invasive instead of Botox Microcurrent facial therapy"},{"id" : "57916","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/skin-deep-non-invasive-facial-beauty-treatment/gafencu-beauty-treatment-facial-Skin-Deep-Non-invasive-instead-of-Botox-Ultherapy-HIFU.png","caption" : "gafencu beauty treatment facial Skin Deep Non-invasive instead of Botox Ultherapy (HIFU)"},{"id" : "57918","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/skin-deep-non-invasive-facial-beauty-treatment/gafencu-beauty-treatment-facial-Skin-Deep-Non-invasive-instead-of-Botox.png","caption" : "gafencu beauty treatment facial Skin Deep Non-invasive instead of Botox"}]

1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
A non-invasive therapeutic treatment, also known as photofacial, that uses light energy to target certain areas of the skin — gently heating up unwanted cells, reducing dark spots, skin discolorations, and rejuvenate the cells while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Microcurrent facial therapy
A non-invasive low-voltage electric-therapy that stimulates the facial muscles and encourage the increase of anti-ageing protection, collagen and elastin production for firmer and more defined skin. Much like a work-out for the face.

3. Ultherapy (HIFU)
A non-invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy that uses non-ionizing ultrasonic waves to heat up the muscle and fat tissues underneath the dermis to increase the flow of blood or lymph, promote collagen production and give the face a natural lift.

4. Mesotherapy
A minimal-invasive technique that uses a micro-needle to inject vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant-based extracts and hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate and tighten skin, promote elastin and collagen production and in some cases, removes excess fat.

5. Cosmetic Acupuncture
A minimally-invasive facial therapy that uses hair-fine thin needles to gently puncture specific pressure points in the face to boost blood circulation, decrease redness, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles, and other aesthetic benefits.

Where to go:

Cosmetic Central
Located in the heart of Central, its Medical Aesthetic Laser Department claims to offer the best-in-class technologies and U.S. FDA approved laser, radiofrequency (RF) and HIFU machines.

Consultation fee: HK$1,800
Services: Laser and RF treatment (from HK$6,800 /session) , HIFU treatment (from HK$55,000 /session)
Contact: +852 2806 2829

OT&P Healthcare
The surgeons at this medical center specialise in a wide range of aesthetic procedures including non-invasive to minimally-invasive treatments such as laser treatment and derma fillers.

Consultation fee: HK$1,800
Services: Laser and RF treatment (from HK$6,800 /session) , HIFU treatment (from HK$55,000 /session)
Contact: +852 2526 9886

Prestige Medical Skin & Laser Centre
The team of specialist dermatologists and doctors at this medical clinic are said to provide quality and comprehensive care in the form of aesthetic treatment including dermatological laser and Intense Pulsed Light treatments.

Consultation fee: HK$3,000
Services: IPL treatment (from HK$1,000 /session)
Contact: +852 2234 9339

Skin Central
Providing a comprehensive list of medical and cosmetic dermatological services, this clinic team of Specialists in dermatology and advanced technological equipment provide treatments such as laser and mesotherapy to improve skin health and aesthetics.

Consultation fee: HK$ 1,500
Services: Laser treatment (HK$7,500 /session) , Mesotherapy (HK$3,500 /first 10 sessions)
Contact: +852 2901 1281

The Ying Clinic
Dr. Ying Shun Yuen, Clement is a plastic surgeon with 15 years experience in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery, also providing non-invasive aesthetic treatments such as HIGU and IPL.

Consultation fee: HK$ 1,600
Services: HIFU treatment (HK$35,500 /session); IPL treatment (from HK$4,500)
Contact: +852 2868 2184

Balance Health
An oasis of all things well-being, this wellness hub offers a wide range of therapeutic mediation as well as traditional chinese medicine treatments including facial acupuncture.

Consultation fee: HK$500
Services: Facial acupuncture (HK$1,000)
Contact: +852 2530 3315

Integrated Medicine Institute
A reputable medical center with several specialist departments that focus on natural therapeutic treatments including facial acupuncture through traditional chinese medicine

Consultation fee: HK$1,500
Services: Facial acupuncture (HK$1,250)
Contact: +852 2523 7121

Read more related articles by clicking the below titles:

Red Light Therapy: The glowing benefits of low-level laser therapy

Tips to choose a plastic surgeon in Hong Kong

Natasha Moor mascara and eyeliner will make you smile with your eyes

These days, masks have become a daily accessory to our outfit. Although not the most fashion forward statement, there’s no reason it should keep us from smiling. It’s time to give our eyes all the tender love and care it deserves, which Natasha Moor does not shy away from. Including into her existing line of self-affirming make-up products are the Kohl it Magic eyeliner and Moor Power mascara by Natasha Moor Cosmetics.

Natasha Moor Cosmetics self-affriming mascara and eyeliner gafencu — Courtesy of Natasha Moor Cosmetics

Although a fresh face to the cosmetics world having launched only three years ago, Natasha Moor —who advocates for women’s happiness through her line of self-affirming make-up products —is nothing less than an expert in beauty as she has earned her reputation for being one of Hong Kong’s very own go-to bridal make-up artist, inspiring confidence and self-love to women of all backgrounds.

Natasha Moor Cosmetics self-affriming mascara gafencu — Courtesy of Natasha Moor Cosmetics

Impressively packaged within a reflective gold casing and a tapered brush, The Moor Power mascara adds volumes to your fluttering lashes and wears perfectly with the ultra-long lasting Kohl it Magic eyeliner. Wear your confidence where your smile shines through —your eyes!

Natasha Moor Cosmetics self-affriming and eyeliner gafencu — Courtesy of Natasha Moor Cosmetics

NARS Cosmetics That Bring Out Your Inner Beauty

A woman’s eyes are the windows to her inner beauty and her smile, the reflection of her love. NARS, the French cosmetics and skincare company, insists that beauty is in your character and what’s real. With NARS’ soft and buildable Climax mascara and Deep Throat blush, you’ll bring out your natural look… and desires, captivating him (or her) with alluring eyes and a natural flush.

Featherweight but not short of volume, NARS Climax mascara will keep you stroking for more. The Climax mascara packs a flexible formula that will build on volume and intensity. Dipped in black pigment is a ribbed bristle wand that is gentle to the touch. Build up the intensity with its clump- and smudge-resistant Lash Moisture Complex formula that will keep you stroking back and forth for more volume and a prolonged lift.

There’s no need to shy away with NARS Deep Throat Blush. Instantly liven your complexion with the Deep Throat blush’s micronised powder that flatters any skin type with a natural and healthy look. Its range of iconic shades pigmented with subtle pink lets you wear light but glow with an ultra-sheer look that highlights your complexion. Its superfine powder blends with minimal effort, allowing you to play with soft, buildable shades.

Happy New You: Get the look

Greet the upcoming Lunar New Year with a truly rosy glow, courtesy of Sisley’s smouldering SS20 look. Set the scene by first evenly applying Tom Ford’s Tone Up Foundation Hydrating Cushion Compact across your facial features, before dexterously dabbing on a little of Givenchy’s Prisme Libre loose powder. Then give your eyes a little appealing prominence courtesy of Sisley’s Phyto-ombre Metallic Pink eyeshadow, before carefully contouring your brows with Shu Uemura’s Flaming Reds Hard Formula eyebrow pencil. Next, add a healthy blush to the cheeks with Fenty Beauty’s Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter in Red Richez and Dior’s Backstage Rosy Glow blush. Moving to the lips, make a bold statement with the Afterglow Lip Balm from NARS, and round out your look with a tactical application of Dior’s Vernis #372 to the nails in order to ensure you remain digitally unmissable as you salute the incoming Anno Rattus.

[{"id" : "50684","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Dior-Backstage-Rosy-Glow-blush-003-Pearl.jpg","caption" : "Dior Backstage Rosy Glow blush #003 Pearl"},{"id" : "50687","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Dior-Vernis-372-Smooth-nail-polish.jpg","caption" : "Dior Vernis #372 Smooth nail polish"},{"id" : "50689","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/feature-min.jpg","caption" : "feature-min"},{"id" : "50691","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Fenty-Beauty-Killawatt-Foil-Freestyle-Highlighter-in-Ruby-Richez.jpg","caption" : "Fenty Beauty Killawatt Foil Freestyle Highlighter in Ruby Richez"},{"id" : "50693","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Givenchy-Prisme-Libre-1-Mousseline-Pastel-loose-powder.jpg","caption" : "Givenchy Prisme Libre #1 Mousseline Pastel loose powder"},{"id" : "50695","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/NARS-Afterglow-Lip-Balm-%E2%80%93-Nuits-de-Chine.jpg","caption" : "NARS Afterglow Lip Balm – Nuits de Chine"},{"id" : "50697","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Shu-Uemura-Flaming-Reds-Hard-Formula-eyebrow-pencil-%E2%80%93-Seal-Brown.jpg","caption" : "Shu Uemura Flaming Reds Hard Formula eyebrow pencil – Seal Brown"},{"id" : "50699","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Sisley-Phyto-ombre-Metallic-Pink-eye-shadow.jpg","caption" : "Sisley Phyto-ombre Metallic Pink eye shadow"},{"id" : "50701","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Sisley-SS20-look-min.jpg","caption" : "Sisley SS20 look-min"},{"id" : "50703","image" : "https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/gallery/get-the-look-4/Tom-Ford-Glow-Tone-Up-Foundation-Hydrating-Cushion-Compact.jpg","caption" : "Tom Ford Glow Tone Up Foundation Hydrating Cushion Compact"}]

Perfect Chinese New Year gifts for your loved ones

If you’re looking for more than the usual red packets to gift your nearest and dearest to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rat, we at Gafencu have curated a special collection of Chinese New Year gifts that are sure to add a special touch to your lunar festivities.

Blancpain’s Métiers d’Art Collection

As the Rat supercedes its porcine predecessor this Chinese New Year, luxury brand Blancpain is launching its very first watch with a porcelain dial designed and manufactured in its Métiers d’Art workshops – The Métiers d’Art Porcelaine special edition. Each unique timepiece features an enamel painting of three rats on a white gold case that is encircled with diamonds. Besides, the eight-piece collection is powered by a Calibre 1154 automatic movement, blending beautiful form with undeniable functionality in true style.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition

In celebration for this Chinese New Year, Johnnie Walker, the master of fine whiskies is launching its new Johnnie Walker Blue Label: Year of the Rat Limited Edition. The special cask is decorated with a rat on golden ingots, and comes with the rightly flavoured Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky ‒ crafted by a group of expert blenders including Jim Beveridge who was named the Master Blender of the Year twice. Without a doubt, this should rank high on your Chinese New Year gifts list.

Piaget Altiplano with two rats

Honouring the zodiac animal of the upcoming Chinese New Year, the Swiss horology brand Piaget has altered the dial of its emblematic Piaget Altiplano to feature two white rats on a Grand Feu cloisonné enamel dial. The white gold case is further emphasised with dazzling diamonds to give it the perfect finishing touch. In addition, the luxury fashion maison is also launching the Possession collection for this festive season, offering a wide selection of Chinese New Year gifts for the watch lover in your life.

Vins d’Alsace food and wine pairing guide

Savouring authentic delicacies is an undeniable Chinese New Year tradition. The French wine-making region of Alsace is taking it up a notch by introducing a guide revealing which wine would be perfect for which dish. For instance, the Pinot Noir will go well with the traditional Hong Kong style dish of Poon Choi. It is indeed a very practical gift that will make this Chinese New Year dinner an unforgettable one for the taste buds.

Brunello Cucinelli’s Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year Special

Keeping up with the notion that the Lunar New Year is best celebrated with your loved ones, Italian fashion company Brunello Cucinelli is showcasing a specially curated collection. This ensemble is complete with useful gifts such as bags, scarves and sneakers for both men and women. With the colour red being its central motif, each product offers a vintage yet contemporary appeal.

Golden Double Serum

Inspired by the auspicious colours of the Chinese tradition ‒ red and gold – the French skincare manufacturer Clarins has revamped its Double Serum bottle for the Year of the Rat. With 21 strong anti-aging ingredients, the serum is an answer to a very radiant and youthful looking skin. Besides, the serum also optimises the five important skin functions ‒ regeneration, nutrition, hydration, oxygenation and protection to achieve flawless skin. At HK$900, the limited-edition serum is available online.

Autavia CNY 2020 Year of the Rat Special Edition

Luxury watchmaker TAG Heuer is introducing its exclusive collection Autavia CNY 2020 Year of the Rat Special Edition that pays tribute to Chinese culture. With a caseback that showcases a rat holding a steering wheel, the timepiece combines the brand’s roots in motor racing with the zodiac animal, making it a great gift for the rat year. Moreover, its red dial that has the 1 o’clock mark replaced by the Chinese character “鼠” is one of the stand out features of this product. Besides, the watch’s COSC-certified chronometer technology makes it a great present without any further doubts.

Rouge Unlimited

Described as the perfect gift for anyone who loves make-up, the Japanese cosmetic and skincare brand Shu Uemura launched its New Year collection. This #flamingreds series consists of six shades of limited edition matte lipsticks, three shades of lip amplifiers, a cleansing oil, eyebrow pencils and a foundation brush. With the colour red being the main colour of this collection, the Rouge Unlimited collection is sure to bring luck as a gift for the rat year.

Fabergé’s Rat Surprise

With over a hundred-year history of crafting beautiful ornaments for every occasion, Russian jeweller Fabergé, known for its egg-shaped pendants, continues this legacy with its latest series of Palais Tsarskoye Selo Red Lockets. Among the collection, the locket with the rat surprise is a perfect gift for the rat year. A 18K gold pendant enhanced with red guilloché enamel work and studded with diamonds opens to reveal a golden rat studded with shimmering diamonds. At HK$81,510, the Rat surprise jewelry is available for pre-order at Fabergé.com and at select Fabergé stockists.

Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art The Legend of Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rat

In time for the upcoming Chinese New Year, another renowned Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin is unveiling two versions of its new Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’Art The Legend of Chinese Zodiac – Year of the Rat. With only 12 pieces available for each version, one is rose gold / brown and the other is platinum / blue. The watch comes fitted with a Caliber 2460 G4 movement and is visually enhanced with the intricate crafting on its dial featuring a rat mounted on the centre.

Build your unique make-up at By Terry Palette Factory at Lane Crawford

While beauty brands offer a range of colour palettes for highlight, contour, blush and eye makeup, you may have often wanted to create your own unique look with your bespoke colour palette – something that is exactly perfect for your skin and your skin alone. Well, that has just become possible now, courtesy of Parisian cosmetics brand By Terry.

Choose from a range of colours and templates at By Terry

By Terry, which is now available at Lane Crawford, has just set up a Palette Factory in its stall – a never-before-seen concept, where customers can not only choose the preferred colours but also build their own palettes from scratch.

Create your own unique product by hand at By Terry’s Palette Factory

In this shop counter-meets-lab approach, customers can choose an endless array of colours, rare pigments and refined powders, choose their palette designs, and then measure and machine-press their own palettes then and there, and walk away with a unique product in just 10 minutes.

Simply Smouldering: Tips for perfecting the smoky look

Getting those smouldering, smoky look doesn’t have to involve a marathon make-up session if you can master a few surefire shortcuts.

First off, judiciously deploy Clarins’ Instant Poreless Pore-Blurring Matifying Primer to create a smooth canvas, then add Tom Ford’s Glow Tone Up Foundation SPF 40/PA++++ Hydrating Cushion Compact, a genuinely one-stop solution for sun-blocking and moisturising your skin. For a pink glow on your cheeks, reach for Charlotte Tilbury’s The Pillow Talk Blusher Swish & Glow, before moving on to the eyes, the obvious centrepieces of this particular smoky look.

Here, you can choose from a range of eyeliners – YSL’s Couture Eyeliner N ̊11 or RMK’s Soft Fine Eye Pencil EX-01 Black or Chanel’s Stylo Ombre et Contour Blue Nuit. Whichever you opt for, enhance the smoky look by adding eye-shadow from the darker shades of Chanel’s Les 9 Ombres – Edition N ̊2 Quintessence. Next, apply a generous veneer of Dolce & Gabbana’s Passioneyes Mascara before shaping the eyebrows with The Brow Liner. Sign off with a pretty pout, ideally courtesy of Giorgio Armani’s Lip Freeze N ̊407 Ruby.