It’s impossible to hide from the blistering sunshine, constant pollution and suffocating humidity in Hong Kong come summertime. To give your skin some much-needed relief, start turning your attention to organic skincare products and cosmetics. We hunt down the best brands that are both kind to your skin and Mother Nature.
Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, Milan beauty brand Frame Cosmetics produces its own Mediterranean plants to create natural and anti-ageing skincare suitable for skin of all ages. The mature skin-friendly and highly protective day cream is infused with plant extracts like aloe, blueberry, pomegranate and argan. This baby is the perfect defence against Hong Kong’s pollution. $1,350; framecosmetics.com.hk.
Want to get that natural glow without having your makeup
melt in the sun? Los Angeles-based vegan skincare brand Skinowl is here to help you glow up. Pick up the Body+ Amethyst Crystal Illuminator – which looks like liquified gemstones in a bottle – and apply the glitter-hued non-scented oil to your cheekbones. Adding immediate radiance to tired-looking skin, it’s an ideal and natural alternative to your run-of-the-mill highlighter. $230.
When it comes to natural skincare in Hong Kong, we’ve got to mention Coconut Matters. This local organic skincare brand first arrived on the scene with its natural plastic-free lipsticks but its biodegradable deodorant stick has been the clear crowd favourite. Coconut Matters insists on using Ecocert approved-blends, herbs, oils and minerals including elderberry fruit extract and zinc ricinoleate, which effectively combats odour and bacteria. $120.
Greasy hair and dandruff are common side effects for many under Hong Kong’s oppressive humidity. Here to save the day is this deep scalp purifying serum from hair specialist John Masters. It contains more than 70 percent organic materials, including spearmint and peppermint oil, which soothes and nourishes the scalp, and meadowsweet extract to balance out any oily build-up.
Did you know sunscreens are hugely damaging to coral reef due to the harmful chemical benzophenone contained in most products? To combat the problem, Biotherm has rolled out Waterlover Sun Milk, which contains eco-tested SPF filters that lower impact on the water environment while protecting your skin from UV rays. The bottle is made entirely of biodegradable materials, too. $240.
Cut your beauty routine down to a minimum with American organic cosmetic brand Illia’s sheer vivid tinted moisturiser. Packed with white peony tea and green tea extracts, along with nourishing botanicals like aloe, avocado and coconut oil, the light, semi-matte moisturiser leaves your skin hydrated and radiant. It’s never been easier to achieve that no-makeup look. $440.
Homegrown skincare brand I Never Use Foundation (INUF) is all about keeping things natural and harmless. Its light and water-based makeup and sunscreen remover is made up entirely of organic goodness, such as extracts from organic cucumber, witch hazel and chamomile. Not only does it rid your skin of residue from cosmetics, the elixir is so gentle you won’t have to worry about blocked pores, either. Pair it with INUF’s 100 percent pure organic Japanese cotton for the full effect. $580
There’s no shortage of skincare brands from Taiwan but 23.5 °N stands out for its reliance on natural ingredients and its collection of cruelty- and paraben-free products. It’s important not to neglect after-sun routines, so give this red pearl barley whitening gel mask a try and feel your skin literally cool down. The gel mask works great for those with sensitive skin as well. $220.
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