Ling Skincare at the Four Seasons, Helena Rubenstein Mascara, Event Security and Bobbi Brown Christmas Gifts

Loving Ling

As many of you know, I am inundated with skincare products. So many in fact that I seldom try them on my own face and I don’t recommend them lightly. But I have to tell you that Ling Skincare, the Spa at the Four Seasons’ newest facial treatment and product line, really is worth a look. Ling, the founder of the brand, is actually from Hong Kong (now based in New York), and as such, the products are ideal for Asian skin, as well as high-pollution city environments. Having been using the products for almost a month, I can honestly say that nothing has ever cleared up the clogged pores on my chin so efficiently (gross detail, but true) while also being extremely gentle and light. To be honest, the five-step system (cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, plus weekly masques) is more ma fan than I’m used to, but the results are excellent motivation to keep going with it. The two 90-minute facials on offer at the Spa are the City Peel ($1,800 weekdays; $1,950 weekends) and the DNA “Do Not Age” facial ($1,950 weekdays; $2,100 weekends). Both treatments are results-driven, but at the same time they are deeply relaxing, spa-like experiences and are excellent once-in-a-while complements to the Ling product line. The City Peel uses three masks—a glycolic fruit peel, a papaya enzyme peel, plus a detoxifying peel—to even skin tone, clean pores and renew the skin. If you want something more nourishing for dry skin, the DNA facial tightens skin, infuses moisture and promotes cell regeneration.
Available at the Spa at the Four Seasons, 8 Finance St., Central, 3196-8888.

Bat for Lashes

The city’s beauty brands are gearing up for the Christmas season, which means that great value gift sets abound. One that caught my eye this week is the mascara set by Helena Rubenstein, which includes a mascara (choose from “Fatal Blacks,” “Feline Blacks” and “Sexy Blacks”), a seriously effective “All Mascaras!” eye makeup remover lotion, plus a “Prodigy Eyes” anti-aging eye cream. The entire set costs $330 (with a regular retail value of $840) and is available at Helena Rubenstein counters in Lane Crawford stores citywide.

 Bounced!

I have never been unceremoniously ejected from a soiree before—that is, until last week. My managing ed and I were heading back from a lecture at the Asia Society and were drawn to their rooftop function space by the gentle rustling of canapés and the clinking of champagne glasses. We managed to down almost an entire glass before being apprehended by security and were politely yet firmly escorted from the premises. Oops! It was for a beauty brand, too—a new skincare label called Osiao under the Estee Lauder umbrella—I didn’t get close enough to learn more. So if you’re looking for security for your next corporate event, I would recommend Signal 8 Security. They’re extremely effective at removing gatecrashers.

Brown Notes

Festive cosmetics press releases are like porn for people who love makeup palettes and special edition gift sets. Everything is just so perfect and covetable that I often find myself furtively opening every attachment and poring over those sparkly little briquettes with lust and avariciousness. Bobbi Brown’s Christmas gifts are particularly delightful, and they sell out quick, so here’s a preview. Top of my wish list are the lip and eye palettes ($320) in “Uber Nude” (left) or “Atomic Pink” (right). Just chuck one in your bag for instant top-ups throughout the day.
Available at Bobbi Brown stores and counters citywide, including Shop 1085, 1/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2111-3912.