From lotions and potions to treatments and massages, David Ho does the hard work to find out what you need to be and stay beautiful

For the body

Bella Marie France

It’s a tough job writing regular articles that point you to the best places to eat in Hong Kong, but someone’s got to do it. Unfortunately, all that investigative journalism has taken its toll on my waistline. But Bella Marie France’s Revol MRF Firming is a treatment that utilizes electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) currents, radio frequency, and diode laser to help you achieve a trimmer figure via targeted fat reduction. What differentiates this body contouring treatment is that it also address skin texture issues as well, so things like stretch marks and cellulite are addressed. This is not a magic bullet solution, but a treatment that requires a few sessions spaced out a few weeks apart. But do it consistently enough and results will come.

Contouring isn’t the only thing that the team at BMF can handle. No matter how toned you are, the appearance of age spots or scars on one’s body can seriously hinder one’s confidence, especially when it’s beach season. For this, BMF offers laser spot removal treatment that uses PICO and NQ lasers. These patented technologies penetrate deep into the skin rapidly without damage, breaking down pigments instantly for spot removal and brightening effects. While we went there to try it for the body, the treatment also works on your face for the removal of fine lines, acne scars, and enlarged pores.

If you are there, we would also recommend booking yourself for one of BMF’s many facial treatments, which can be done at the same time as the Revol MRF Firming treatment so can save time but double the beauty. The Blue Diamond Revive Treatment will make sure your face card stays as hot as the body you be serving up after your Revol MRF Firming. And speaking of face…

For the face

Estheclinic

If it’s been a cruel summer for your skin, then Estheclinic has just the thing. The French aesthetics brand has launched two new facial treatments tailored specifically for post-sun exposure, namely the Hydra Revival Treatment and LED Photomodulation Skin Regeneration Treatment.

The Hydra Revival Treatment combines Quad Pollar RF and UCosmo ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This results in an instant lift with long-term anti-aging benefits. As someone with combination skin, this actually helped to balance out the dryness I’ve been experiencing from being holed up in air-conditioned environments while not triggering any extra sebum production.

Meanwhile, the LED Photomodulation Skin Regeneration Treatment works to address a wide range of skin concerns, from acne and scars to hydration and anti-aging. I am told by the therapist that it is especially good at targeting acne-causing bacteria, so if you have been experiencing breakouts, then this is the one. It uses blue light to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and regulate sebum production, while also tapping red light to reduce inflammation and stimulates cellular regeneration.

If you are still unsure what else your skin might need, a visit to Estheclinic will quickly sort that out as their experts will be able to advise you based on your specific needs.

Skin Need

Fresh from opening a store in Hong Kong’s Times Square, local brand Skin Need provides a wide range of skincare solutions. But prevention is better than cure, so our pick from here is the UV Perfect Snow White SPF40. The creamy salve is both a sunblock and a skin tone brightener. It’s suitable for all skin types, from oily to dry, so you can share it with the fa when out in the sun. It’s also formulated with Vitamin E and hydrating hyaluronic acid to be as nourishing as it is protective.

Odriem

When it comes to beauty brands we should support, Odriem ticks all the boxes by being independent, vegan, and cruelty-free. But most importantly, their skincare products rock. If you are keeping to the simple cleanse-tone-moisturise routine, the Odriem collection has all the basics you need.

The Star Aura Cleansing Balm has a gentle formula infused with healing wild rosella extract, antioxidant-rich raspberry seed oil and soothing Bulgarian rose hydrate to promote healthy and resilient skin. For toning, the Afterglow Toner’s active ingredients of azelaic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin and sebustop unite to remove dead skin cells, combat excess oil and prevent breakouts while maintaining skin hydration. Finally, the Moonshine Serum Ampoules works to penetrate deep into the dermis, allowing ingredients like vitamin F (the two essential fatty acids – linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid), ceramides and flaxseed extract to calm, protect, brighten and enrich the skin. Even if you think you don’t need a serum in humid Hong Kong, this will work for you without any irritations, as it is suitable for even sensitive skin.

Psst! As part of local beauty specialist Weirdo Beauty’s seventh anniversary, there is a special sale on Odriem’s products. We hear the Daily Care Set is made available at half price (HK$747; original price HK$1,494). It comprises the trio of products mentioned above, so get it now at a good deal from now until September 30.

For the hair

Sunday by Pius Yiu

Sunday by Pius Yiu has a simple philosophy for haircare – let your scalp breathe. As a veteran hair stylist, Yiu is aware of the unique challenge modern scalps face, from humidity and pollution to stress and styling habits. Therefore, the brand’s products take a different approach by cleansing deeply without stripping the scalp’s natural oils. Their hero product is the sulfate-, silicone- and residue-free Sunday shampoo that is designed for use on a once a week detox day (preferably on Sunday and hence, the name). What may surprise some about this shampoo is that it low-foam, but that’s part of how they keep it residue-free. If you still love to enjoy a daily wash like I do in Hong Kong’s sweltering summers, Sunday by Pius also has a Day Day Shampoo that is gentle enough for daily use, but still delivers a thorough cleanse.  

The brand also has a suite of products for different hair needs, like the Magic Hair Mask for taming frizzy hair, the Sheen Hair Oil for to protect hair against heat if you blowdry or use curling irons, and a Scalp Relief Essence for soothing irritations.

Leonor Greyl

As the weather cools and the season gets dry, it’s also important to switch it up to keep up. Leonor Greyl has three products that are perfect for the upcoming fall weather. The Bain VolumateurAux Algues is a volumizing shampoo with a vegan formula that draws on seaweed extracts to improve hair quality. So if you are looking to add some volume to your crowning glory, this is the shampoo to go for. Pair this with the  Condition Naturelle, a volumizing styling spray that also protects from heat and sun damage.

We love a double duty product. For those of us that colour our hair, we recommend Leonor Greyl’s Crème de Soin À L’amarante. The conditioner helps to protect the radiance of hair colour, while also helping to detangle to ensure you have beauty commercial worthy locks.

For the hands and feet

Mandarin Oriental Spa Studio

If you are getting your nails, make sure to do it in style and luxurious comfort. For this, head to the Mandarin Oriental Spa Studio, currently located on the fourth floor of The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. We highly recommend their award-winning Bastien duo treatment that combines the expertise of a podiatrist and that of a top-notch manicurist. Developed by by the podiatrist to the stars, Bastien Gonzales, this is a unique treatment method for feet, hands and nails that includes an indulgent synchronised massage.    

Also see: The best in beauty recognised at the 2025 #legend Beauty Awards