The buzz: A fixture in the Hong Kong world of concept stores ever since the trend got on the up-and-up a few years ago, Kapok specializes in eclectic emerging brands from around the world, with a special focus on simple yet high-quality and creative design. Well-known by hipster types since its establishment in 2006, the company has added a third space to its little collective—Kapok Tools.
Unlike its St. Francis Yard boutique, which is mostly fashion and accessories, Kapok Tools aims to urbanize the ol’ small-town “general store”, where members of a neighborhood can go and find various household and personal goods all in one place. Reflecting that idea, the shop offers apparel, accessories, beauty products, home and office supplies, and sundry pantry items.
When did going for a mani-pedi become so damn complicated? Far from the simple polish n’ go of yesteryear, new trends and techniques have appeared over the past few years to give nail art enthusiasts more options than ever. So how do you navigate the huge and bewildering menu of services available at your local salon? Here’s a roundup of the techniques on offer to help you pick the one that’s best suited to you.
Sarah Fung looks beyond the lacquer and checks out the latest mani-pedi techniques on the market.
Pamper yourself at the MiraSpa with The Ultimate Bridal Shower package. This six-person sparty includes unlimited access to the pool and fitness centre, as well as two bottles of Louis Roederer champagne. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and the specially made spa canapés while you chill out with your friends. Choose from either the Luxury Manicure or Prestige Pedicure in the plush nail lounge and top it all off with a one-hour massage of choice per person. The all-inclusive package comes to $11,999 and is the ideal getaway to de-stress with the girls.
As a beauty columnist, one of the things I am most frequently asked is whether I can recommend a good foundation. It’s funny. No matter how practiced we become at applying modish 1960s eyeliner, putting on lipstick without a mirror or plucking perfect brow arches on the bus (or is that last one just me?), picking a good base still seems to elude many. This is especially true in Hong Kong, where high humidity levels cause makeup to slide off within minutes of stepping outside.
Strip offers a special technique that is super fast and virtually pain-free, plus the wax they use smells like chocolate and you get a squeezy monkey toy to calm your nerves. First time clients will receive 40 percent off for all IPL treatments.
Rocking Out
