Thursday November 10, 2005

If fairness is your aim

By MAJORIE CHIEW and ELIZABETH TAI

Biofair is a range of face and body brightening products made from nature-based ingredients.

It is claimed to be free of mercury and hydroquinone. The use of natural ingredients,including liquorice, is said to be gentle on the skin and suitable for all skin types.

The face care range consists of Face Wash, Day Protection Cream SPF 25 (in beige and pink), Hydrating Mist and Whitening Night Cream. Day Protection Cream SPF 25 is a water-based formulation and comes in two tones: beige (for dark complexion) and pink (fair complexion).

The bodycare products are for cleansing and brightening skin: Body Wash and Whitening Body Lotion.

Biofair products are exclusively available at the Guardian chain of pharmacies.

Skin renewal

Beaute de Kose’s Ultimation is a new skincare range that is claimed to build and renew skin.

The range is touted to be great for women with an urban lifestyle of being on the go and staying up late. It comprises the Cleansing Cream, Washing Cream, Lotion EG, Cream, Toning Lotion, Moisturiser, Massage Cream, Day Serum SPF 20 and Liquid Makeup.

The main ingredient is nagasari seed extract from a plant found in India and coastal regions of Indonesia and Thailand. Extract of the seed of the nagasari plant is used in jamu, Indonesian folk medicine, to promote beauty from within, through cell renewal.

Ultimation also has Great Burnet root extract, which has astringent, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and hydrolised rice extract to help cell multiplication.

Hydrogenation technology is said to facilitate quicker and deeper penetration of the products to boost skin’s moisture retention.

The Cleansing Cream is recommended for use at night while Lotion EG, with the highest concentration of nagasari extract, is said to give skin a wake-up call and boost its moisture retention. The Massage Cream is claimed to soften and firm up skin as well as promote blood circulation for healthy skin.

The products have a mild fruity green floral scent. A trial kit is available from Kose counters while stock lasts.

Homme made

Iris, the elegant and stately flower, makes an appearance in Christian Dior Parfum’s Dior Homme. Dior calls the inclusion of the iris as the first notes of the cologne “daring”, citing the ingredient was used during the Renaissance period in perfumed gloves and during the 16th and 17th centuries in face, hair and hand powders. Dior Homme has a woody aroma and a powdery note and comes in a sturdylooking, sylph-like bottle.

Lifestyle

Thursday November 10, 2005

If fairness is your aim

By MAJORIE CHIEW and ELIZABETH TAI