Harper’s Bazaar Red List 2015, Hong Kong

So January has come and gone and resolutions to religiously blogging has been off to a slow start. Admittedly, it’s only so because I have been busy tackling the brought forward resolutions from last year and that is to get my health into check. I can’t say that my schedule has eased up at all and as a matter of fact it’s getting busier. I am basically counting the hours till the Chinese New Year break and only because it means that it’s the holidays for me- THANK GOD!

The end and start of a year always means one thing, lists! Lists of resolutions, top 20s, best hits, top fashion trends and many more! All to pay homage to the best of the last year while setting the tone for the following year. Last week, I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Harper’s Bazaar Red List for 2015 lunch event held at the Four Season Hotel, Hong Kong.

At the event! Pardon the amateurish pics- I am not narcissistic enough yet to understand the concept of selfies! 

There I was faced with a wall of the top 20 picks of 2015, specially selected by movers and shakers in the Hong Kong social scene and seconded by the key opinion leaders of Harper's Bazaars, the items chosen ranged from your affordable everyday essentials to the somewhat overpriced (but sworn to work its magic) facial elixirs. Ranging from actresses to singers and models, the lifestyles of these ladies are hectic to say the least, but if your face is your money maker, then any effort made is an investment. Of course, not everyone has the luxury of time to be doing 3 facial masks a day as quoted by one of the actresses present that day.

The Top 20 wall...

After a half hour of mingling and photo taking, including making a mandatory mark on the red List Wall of Fame, guests were seated for lunch and the event commenced.

The whole point of the event- awards and food! Check out the dessert!

The “judges” were called up in batches to introduced the products and why they were chosen as well share their thoughts on what makes them beautiful. Following that, the awards were given out and the representatives of the winning companies were called up to receive their award. Lunch was served intermittently and while kudos to the chef and team of the Four Seasons Hotel for the entire meal, I would have to say that the highlight and biggest photo op moment of the entire event was the dessert. To think I had nearly missed it too if it wasn’t for the lovely hosts of Harper’s Bazaar magazine telling me that the best had yet to come. No regrets staying!

Congratulations to the team at Harper’s Bazaar Hong Kong and I look forward to next years’ event.

To share, the #HKRedList2015 top 20 picks are (in no particular order):

1. Cle De Peau Beaute, Radiant Fluid Foundation
2. Philips, Visapure Advance home facial device
3. Shisheido, Ultimate Power infusing concentrate
4. Clarins, Shaping Facial Lift Contour Serum
5. La Collline, Lip Shaper
6. SK-II, RNA Power Radical New Age Essence
7. Sulwhasoo, Time Treasure Renovating Cream EX
8. Nature Bisse, Diamond Extreme
9. Guerlain, Abeille Royale Face Treatment Oil
10. AmorePacific, Time Response Intensive Skin renewal Ampoule
11. Giorgio Armani, Luminous Silk Foundation
12. Dior, Miss Dior Eau De Parfum
13. Lancome, Absolue L’Extrait Cream
14. Valmont, Prime Renewing Pack
15. Urdan Decay, Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette
16. Tom Ford, Eye Quad
17. La Prairie, Skin Caviar concealer Foundation
18. La Mer, Genaissance the Serum Essence
19. Fresh, Cream Ancienne Soft Cream
20. Estee Lauder, Nutritious Vitality Night Radiant Overnight Crème Mask

My personal take:

There were too many “repeated” products on the list- 3 foundations, 2 eyeshadow sets and several anti-aging products. I would have loved to see a bit more of a variety of items that would be able to constitute a skin care regime. The similarity of the function of the products limits me to being able to choose one for any particular period of time. 

While I did eventually check out some of the products to add on to my skincare regime, I ended up only buying the Guerlain, Abeille Royale Face Treatment Oil and this is only because every facial therapist who has been “fortunate” enough to treat me has complained excessively about my dry skin. I can't say I am seeing too much of a drastic improvement on my skin (yet) but I do love the lightness of the product and the subtle scent.

If anyone currently uses any one of the products above it would be nice to hear your take on it! Comment below.

PS: My next post will be MY top make up must haves for 2016! Subscribe to my blog to keep up on my latest updates.