Best Toes Forward

I had one of the best pedicures of my life last week—or at least it would have been, had I not spent it squirming with mortification. It was being administered by two men in the close presence of another reporter, and the appearance of my post-winter feet and legs left a LOT to be desired. The Landmark MO’s Oriental Spa has recently partnered up with Bastien Gonzalez, a foot and hand expert who promises to get troubled feet in the best condition of their life at his Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio. Using dentist tool look-alikes to shape nails, experts gently buff away calluses and hard skin to enable full movement in the toes, and remove dead skin buildup from the outer corners of the nails. A leg and foot massage helps to boost circulation and flexibility as well as plump up the bottom of your feet to prevent cracked heels. Bastien shared some of his secrets for keeping your feet in good condition:

1. Buffing is your friend. It boosts blood circulation and adds a healthy shine to your nails.
2. Don’t leave your nail polish on for more than three days. After that, the acid from the polish starts to damage your nails, turning them yellow.
3. When you’re in the shower, brush along the sides of your toenails with a clean old toothbrush. This will prevent dead skin from accumulating.
4. At the end of the day, stretch out your toes and ankles, and give your feet a quick massage—especially if you wear high heels. This will prevent corns, toe deformities and cracked heels. Putting talc in your shoes will help to alleviate friction.
5. Stay away from acrylics. Eventually they’ll damage your nails so much that you’ll need to wear them constantly.

The Bastien pedicure costs $990—expensive, but a blessing if your feet are in serious condition.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2132-0011.

Trend Watch

Joyce Beauty held their Spring/Summer product preview the other day, which I got to check out whilst swanning around the Queen’s Road store, munching on macarons. It’s a hard knock life, it really is. Anyway, there’s some seriously high-tech anti-aging skincare on offer. I’ve given my aunt samples of Le Metier De Beaute’s daily refresh tonic and revitalizing day cream and I’m awaiting her verdict. What I can immediately enthuse about, however, is this gorgeous new color called “Mermaid’s Dream” ($190) from Deborah Lipmann. I’m not sure if you can see it properly on our crappy paper, but the this pretty aqua color is infused with flecks of gold and deeper blue, making it a seriously summery shade that (in my possibly over-high expectations of what nail polish can deliver) will actually make your nails look like turquoise stones. I’m also enjoying Sara Happ’s One Luxe Gloss ($170), which is being touted as the ultimate lip balm. Pale pink and sparkly, it goes on nude and offers serious moisture and shine without that “ugh-gross-the-wind-has-blown-and-now-my-hair-is-stuck-to-my-face” feel of other glosses.
Joyce Beauty, G/F, New World Tower, 18 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2869-5816.

Email me at sfung@asia-city.com.hk, or follow me on Twitter: @sarahefung