Pure Yoga, affordable beauty products and great spa deals

Pure’s Latest Stretch

OK, so it’s probably news to no one that the Pure Yoga powerhouse is set to open up a brand new Central studio, on top of the new Topshop flagship store on Queen’s Road Central. But it’s definitely worth taking a closer look at what the studio's going to offer. Class-wise, it’s launching two new yoga programs. There's Yoga for Athletes, a class that will supplement the training regimes of runners and other fitness people, helping them stretch, recover from injuries and improve endurance. There’s also the Wall Rope Yoga Class which uses a system of bars, ropes and swings to assist with poses and provide support for those who suffer from chronic pain. Classes aside, there’s also a new Pure-branded yoga gear line, a healthy café called Nood Food that specializes in smoothies, juices and superfood-packed raw meals. Sound enticing? It’s currently offering special pre-opening membership rates. Call for details.

2/F, Asia Standard Tower, 59-65 Queen's Rd. Central, 8178-0000, www.pure-yoga.com.

The Best Bargain BBs

Who says that you need to spend a load of money on cosmetics to get results? Well, besides magazine advertisements and cosmetic counter salespeople? The truth is, mass-market beauty brands have ample research and funding behind them to make sure that their products are up to standard, and the gap in quality between an expensive label and an affordable one just keeps getting smaller. I’ve been using Maybelline’s Pure Mineral BB Watergel ($99 from Watsons outlets citywide), which is made with 60 percent water, meaning that it’s lightweight and the translucent formula glides on easily. It has an SPF of 26 and is super small and easy to chuck into a handbag. The Body Shop has also made great strides with its makeup and now offers a Vitamin E Cool BB Cream ($159 from Body Shop outlets citywide). A new item in the brand’s popular Vitamin E line, it offers more coverage than Maybelline’s (good for hiding blemishes and eye bags) and delivers a hit of moisture while imparting a luminous glow. It’s also infused with vitamin-rich wheat germ to protect your skin from pollutants. My only grumble? No SPF.

Great Deals Corner

Got a tourist friend in town over the summer months? You might want to treat them to this awesome spa promotion from the Grand Hyatt. The hotel’s Plateau Spa is offering an “Escape to Plateau” package: for $1,080 (plus 10 percent), you get a 60-minute signature “Plateau” massage, after which you’re led to the alfresco Waterfall Bar at the poolside for a light meal and healthy (read: non-alcoholic) drinks. The meal includes light bites such as beef sliders, cheese on walnut and fig toast, and crab salad. For drinks, think blends such as pineapple, peach and thyme; honeydew melon and basil; or cantaloupe, lychee and dill. My recommendation? Book a late afternoon treatment and then sit and watch the sun go down and the lights come up over the harbor. The deal is available from now until August 31.

11/F, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 2584-7688.

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