October is another big month for art-lovers in Hong Kong, with the annual Fine Art Asia Show taking place, a number of exciting, new art markets opening and events in aid of a good cause launching throughout the city. Time to shake off the last of the summer and soak up your dose of culture as we step into (a hopefully cooler!) autumn…

Read more: Your Guide to Music Venues and Live Music Nights in Hong Kong 

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September brings a breath of fresh air as Hong Kong gears up for another month packed with must-visit art events. Whether you’re a loyal art fair goer, a seeker of the new and unique, or simply looking to catch up on exhibitions missed over the summer, there are plenty of opportunities to engage with Hong Kong’s cultural offerings this month.

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Hong Kong’s warming up and if you’re keen to beat the heat and spend some time exploring the city’s cultural offerings, then don’t miss these up-and-coming events. Whether it’s an art fair you can actually buy from, or a block party with arty vibes, we’ve found a few of the best art happenings in town to check out in between all those junk boats and beach trips.

Read more: The Best Art Galleries in Hong Kong

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With the biggest art fairs lined up and plenty of exciting exhibitions opening, March is arguably the busiest month for art happenings in Hong Kong. With so many arty events popping up all over town, we’ve rounded up a few that have caught our eye… make sure you check out these must-see shows and get your cultural fix.

Read more: The Best Art Galleries in Hong Kong

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More than sportswear

January is in full swing, and with echoes of our health and wellness goals resounding in our minds, our first That Girl of 2017 is here to keep us on track with some serious inspiration and motivation! Founder of coveted athleisure and lifestyle store, Caelum Greene, Charlotte Tsuei left a corporate career in retail behind to start her own business that brings together her two greatest passions – fashion and wellness.

We chat to Charlotte about her favourite mindful spots in the city, her inspiration behind Caelum Greene and how we can keep grounded in our day-to-day busy lives in the city!

Tell us about your background and where you’re from.

I was born in Taiwan and spent most of my childhood in Hong Kong before my family relocated back to the States. Instead of the East Coast where my dad grew up, we settled in the San Francisco Bay Area, and that became home for over a decade before my move back to Hong Kong in 2012. My parents raised me in a way that ensured the development and fluency of both Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese –written and spoken, in addition to English, which I didn’t at the time, but can very much appreciate now!

My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the University of California – Irvine, and a diploma in Visual Communications from FIDM. I graduated both with the highest honours. Old-school Asian parents, anyone? Just kidding. I am a huge nerd and a perfectionist. Thank god for my time in California, otherwise I’d be so intense. 

Read more: 6 Athleisure Brands We Love That You Can Find in Hong Kong

Where do you live? How have you made your home your own?

I live on Conduit Road with my husband and Pepper, our Mameshiba puppy in one of the few buildings remaining on the road that isn’t a 30-floor high rise. Our building has five floors and each floor has one unit, so it’s really cozy and we love that we get to know our neighbours. It’s also right by Morning Trail; a quick hike up to the Peak is a routine for us.

As an introvert (fun fact), my home is my sanctuary. It’s where I recharge and centre myself in this hustle and bustle of a city. I make my home my own by creating a healing, comfortable, indulgent, yet clutter-free space. For me, that means lots of candles, cushions, and a well-stocked kitchen! You know you’re on the right floor when you can smell lavender oils, or sandalwood incense. I also connect with my home and give thanks through my morning meditation and yoga practices.

How do you describe your personal style? How does it evolve and change?

My personal style is rather eclectic. It depends on the occasion and how I feel at that time! My style evolves as my lifestyle and circumstances change – it grows up with me, so to speak. Wherever I am in life, I wear what I feel comfortable and confident in – one day that might mean a minimal sports luxe athleisure ensemble, the next it might be a statement dress and heels with butterfly wings on them (Sophia Webster!).

Regardless of style, I believe that less is more and the quality of a garment is probably the most important detail when I shop. 

Where do you shop in Hong Kong? Any secret finds you can let us in on?

I must admit that I do often shop at Caelum Greene as the products fit my day-to-day lifestyle needs; from an intense HIIT session at the gym, to a weekend brunch and frequent travels!

I do occasionally enjoy shopping online, for the convenience and wide selection, especially when I need an outfit for a special occasion – Shopbop, Net-a-Porter and Revolve are my usual suspects.

Fashion aside, one of my favourite places to shop has got to be Just Green on Peel Street. They have the best selection of health foods and it’s right by the escalator. Amongst the many health foods I’ve discovered there, my latest obsession is a Hong Kong brand called Ice ‘N’ lean, which makes delicious paleo, high protein treats!

What are your must-have beauty products? Where do you go for hair/nails/maintenance?

I’m not the most adventurous person when it comes to beauty products. Once I find a good brand or product that works for my skin, I stick with it. My daily essentials include a variety of products from bareMinerals and Benefit Cosmetics, any of the Naked Eyeshadow Palettes from Urban Decay, and a Burt’s Bees lip balm.

In terms of skincare, I have recently fallen in love with the EVE LOM Cleanser – touted as the Holy Grail cleanser by Vogue. The product itself turns face cleansing into a luxurious experience rather than a chore. Another product I cannot live without is quality Avocado Oil. I use in place of body lotions to nourish and protect my skin.

Since my move to Hong Kong, I’ve been going to the same hairdresser, Kolen Wong, who is the Creative Director at the Il Colpo Group and a hair genius! With my crazy schedule, getting my nails done is a luxury and reserved for special occasions. I go to Fast Beauty on Hollywood Road for exactly what they offer in the name.

Where are your favourite places to eat and drink in Hong Kong – bars and restaurants.

During the week, visits to our healthy neighbour, Grassroots Pantry, can be expected! Their seasonal menu changes all the time, keeping things fresh and interesting and I love the creativity and thoughtfulness that goes into every dish. Kasa on Wellington serves up Hong Kong dishes with a healthy and modern approach too. They have a grab-and-go station with the cutest takeaway boxes that’s perfect for a quick and nutritiously-balanced lunch.

For a girl’s night, if I’m not entertaining at home, I love starting the evening at Ho Lee Fook, Carbone, or any of the Black Sheep restaurants. The chic ambiance and delicious food is a recipe for great night out. Last but certainly not least, for dressed-up dates, my husband and I like to go to Man Wah for brunch and Caprice at the Four Seasons for dinner.

Describe your perfect weekend in Hong Kong.

Weekends are for relaxing and recharging the batteries! My perfect weekend starts slow with a longer meditation (than during the week) and a light breakfast, a lot of lounging and reading and followed by a walk or hike with the Hubs and Peps. I love walking around the neighbourhood and catching up with familiar faces over an afternoon coffee or Sunday brunch.

Work usually features too. I enjoy doing work on weekends as I can be focused, get creative and flush out ideas. I often get a lot of inspiration in the process. Plus, when you love your work, it’s not really work!

On a perfect weekend evening, I would explore the local super markets and health food stores to load up on fresh produce so I can play chef in the kitchen before winding down with a home-cooked meal, warm people and good conversation.  

What’s your favourite place in Hong Kong and why?

My favourite place in Hong Kong is Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road. There’s something so peaceful about that temple that puts me right at ease. I go there to give thanks to the universe sometimes. I find the ritual of praying – lighting of the incenses, bowing before offering them – calming and humbling.

Tell us about your career and how/why you started Caelum Greene?

Most of my career has been in Fashion Retail. My first ‘real job’ was a role in E-Commerce for a Cali-based yoga wear brand, Zobha. Since my move to Hong Kong, I’ve worked in merchandising at Christian Louboutin for Asia Pacific, and as the Regional Retail Manager at Pure Group. What inspired me to start Caelum Green is my community. From my sisters to my friends (and myself included), I’ve noticed that most women I come across have a common desire to take care of and better themselves, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

When I look around, there are great alternatives to eat better and healthier, options for pampering and healthful travels, but not many in retail. So, I thought, why not create a business that brings together two of my greatest passions, fashion and wellness, while offering an option in retail for this inspiring group of women who live and love the city life and are passionate about bettering themselves and making a difference.

Why not a brand? One might ask. I chose to build a lifestyle retailer because I’d like to be that catalyst and platform for both designers and consumers to work towards a more sustainable future for fashion.

Read more: Sassy’s Guide to Yoga in Hong Kong

What has been your biggest challenge opening your own store in Hong Kong and why.

It’s been more like an on-going learning opportunity rather than a challenge, it’s all about staying balanced. As with any new business, there’s so much that can be done at any given time, and my passion drives me to always want to do more and do better, which sometimes takes me away from time and energy for other important things in life. I have to be extra aware of myself and know when to hit the pause button.

Why do think athleisure has become such popular attire and where do you see the trend going?

There are many factors that has made athleisure popular in my opinion. In short, however, I see the growth of this category as a natural extension from the general health and wellbeing movement. With advancements in technology, people these days are many things and ‘wear many hats’. Athleisure, or functional fashion, allows you to easily transition from one activity to the next while keeping you stylish.

Athleisure often get associated with sportswear. While the trend has its roots in active wear, it is more of a look than a category! It can be anything from a cashmere sweater or cropped hoodie over a cool sports bra and leggings, to a long structured wool coat over a silk tank and denim with sneakers. In that sense of the word, I foresee the trend to keep growing as people continue to demand more from their closets to meet the increasing complexity of their lifestyles.

What are your top 5 favourite athleisure brands and why?

Lanston: Not only does the brand offer highly wearable styles fusing luxury with downtown cool, all the pieces are handcrafted in Los Angeles from the finest fabrics.

MICHI: An ode to superheroines, MICHI is the original innovator of edgy mesh inserts and cut-outs in sports bras and performance leggings.

Daquini: Produced at the most prestigious eco-friendly Italian & French mills, the fabrics used in the Daquini collections are breathable and silky soft while being free from any harmful chemicals.

Kit & Ace: Known for their “Technical Cashmere” that you can throw in the wash, Kit & Ace is a true athleisure brand. I love their clever use of performance fabric in everyday silhouettes.

Zespa Aix-en-Provence: Awarded for their “Manufacturing Excellence” and craftsmanship, Zespa’s luxury offering of the athleisure essential – the white sneaker (with its many variations in trimmings) – is handmade in the South of France with the highest quality of naturally tanned leather. 

As well as athleisure, you also sell some gorgeous lifestyle products (we love the candles!). How do you select what products and brands to stock? 

When reviewing brands to bring on board, we always start by thinking about whether the product is something that fits into the lifestyle of our “gal”. We have a clear understanding of our target demographic’s lifestyle, and we do our best to try and create a product range that is truly useful!

The four key aspects we often look at are style, quality, function and sustainability. The candle brands that we carry is a perfect example of this. Candles itself has the power to cure the mind and body through its aroma (function), all the brands that we work with are soy based blended with natural fragrances (sustainable), all hand blended and hand poured in small batches and burns well (quality), and each and every one are beautifully and uniquely packaged (style).

Healthy living is obviously important to you – any tips for living a healthy lifestyle in Hong Kong (which can definitely be a challenge!)?

Wellness is personal and means different things for different people. To me, healthy living is an exploration of the self. From the broader questions of movements that feel good for your body, foods that serve your constitution, your wellness or fitness goals, to day-to day changes in energy levels and daily schedule – knowing yourself is key! Allow yourself to be as present as possible in what you’re doing, what you’re eating, and what you want to achieve, and define your own meaning of a healthy lifestyle.

Any advice for those looking to set up their own store/work in the fashion/health & fitness industries?

Create an A team, or find an environment, that is aligned with you and your vision.

I am very grateful for the lean but mean team that I have. I’m constantly inspired by them and learning from them.

Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years? What are your hopes and dreams for the future?

We are launching E-commerce in early 2017 to supplement the physical store and service the region. In 5 years, I hope to be able to grow Caelum Greene into a leading shopping destination in Hong Kong with a strong flagship store that fully embodies the Caelum Green message and lifestyle; from the store design/concept, to vendor partnerships and product offering, as well as community involvement. Perhaps even be in the process of setting up, if not already opened, a second location somewhere on the globe.

Personally, I’d like to be able to speak French and be raising mini-me’s!

Thanks to the talented Michelle Proctor of Michelle Proctor Photography for all of the beautiful images above! Follow her on Instagram @michellejproctor and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MichelleProctorPhotography.

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As our first That Bride of 2017, owner of Sassy’s fave eco-hair salon, Love Hair; Toni-Marie Ovendon (née Sutton) sets the bar high with a magical rooftop wedding in London’s coveted Roof Gardens in Kensington. We’re welling up at her beautiful wedding photos set amongst iconic London buses and sunny gardens – pink flamingos and all! Amongst the smiles, laughter and amazing Spanish trio band, Toni-Marie dishes on her first date and her experiences behind planning an all-in-one wedding…

All love stories have to begin somewhere. How did you two meet?
We met at Pastis on Wyndham Street through a couple of our mutual friends. Although we later found out that we lived five roads away from each other in London for years, and never met until we moved to Hong Kong!

Where was your first date?
It was a long sequence of dancing around social meetings before we finally went on a date. Our first official date was at Chicha and I suddenly felt really under the weather so we had to leave and head home for a takeaway instead!

Every bride has a proposal story. What’s yours?
Ian had planned for us to hike over to Long Kee in Sai Kung for a day of picnics and lying on the beach where he then proposed! It was really nice to have the day to ourselves and let it all sink in without having phone signal to contact anyone. He knew I wouldn’t be comfortable with a big public display, so it was perfect and so personal.

Tell us about the ring.
The ring is beautiful! Ian designed it himself, which he later admitted was much harder than expected as it involved so many small decisions to bring it all together – and to find something which suited my sausage fingers! The diamond I believe is from Fifth C.

What did you do for your hen party?
I was an extremely lucky lady and had two hens which were really quite different! The first one was with all of my friends in Hong Kong, where we headed to Macau and was organised by my best friend (and bridesmaid!) who actually lives there. We spent the day at a water park, dined in Old Town Macau and danced the night away.

The second was in a huge, old converted barn in the English countryside where I spent quality time with my friends from home; including us building our own rafts and racing down a very cold river. It was one way to cure a hangover for sure!

How did you go about planning your wedding? Did you go the DIY route or did you hire a wedding planner to help you out?
We actually chose a beautiful venue in London – the Roof Gardens in Kensington, which meant that we could organise everyone in one place, which made it much easier for us.

Who helped you create your perfect day?
Ian, myself and a little help from my bridesmaids! We were each responsible for something, from flowers and the music to a pre-wedding picnic and of course, the hen do. One of my close friends made our wedding cake and it was incredible – she has one seriously scrumptious skill!

Tell us about the dress.
Originally I thought that I really wanted a relaxed Boho-style dress, but when I tried them on it just didn’t feel right. I tried quite a few bridal shops, but none could beat HITCHED! on Bonham Strand. Dana was so helpful and really listened to my needs, helping me to find the perfect dress! It was the complete opposite of what I originally wanted, it was much more structured and classic but I felt amazing in it. It’s an Augusta Jones dress called Skyler.

Who helped you look and feel your best on your big day?
Certainly not the hotel bar! We were up to 1am the night before with all of our friends and family – it was so hard to go to bed. So I was extremely lucky to have my four amazing hairdresser friends transform myself, my mum and all of my bridesmaids for the big day. My makeup artist was fab; she knew her stuff and made me look fresh without all of of the heavy makeup.

What was the wedding like?
One of Ian’s best friends, Jerry conducted our ceremony which was a nice personal touch and made the day feel much less nerve racking! Sadly, my Dad isn’t alive today so my I had my beautiful mother walk me down the aisle. The day took everyone on a journey. We held the ceremony in the Tudor Garden, followed by a drinks reception and canapés in the Spanish Gardens as we spent a whole month in Colombia together (and where Ian stated that if I could put up with him for a whole month then I could for life!). We had hired a Spanish trio to play acoustic Latin music, which created a really upbeat vibe in the colourful, sunny gardens. We then headed to the English Garden for a sit-down dinner and speeches; as we’re both from England we kept it simple, white and floral with bird cages as the centre pieces.

My favourite part was the nine-piece brass band called the ‘Hackney Colliery Band’ who then appeared and had everyone up and dancing, followed by our final surprise which was a Hong Kong-themed room filled with hangings lanterns and parasols – a tribute to where we first met.

The song for your first dance?
We wanted to keep it really informal, so we didn’t officially have a ‘first dance’. I guess that the first song the band played would have been it, which so happened to be a song by Adele.

What’s the most valuable thing you learned while wedding planning?
Be sure to book the main details first! Good food, alcohol and music which everyone will enjoy. And don’t stress!

Have any tips and tricks for brides-to-be?

Go with your gut and with what you want. Your wedding should be personal and relate to yourselves, not what you think everyone else would like. The advice a few of my clients gave to me was to ensure that Ian and I had a couple of moments throughout the day that was just the two of us. And be sure to use a photographer who knows the venue, be specific about the types of photos you want to capture!

What do you remember most about the entire experience?
It was the best day from start to finish, but it all went by so fast; especially in the afternoon – it literally flew by.

Is there anything you would have liked to do differently?
For time to have slowed down! It was perfect, I wouldn’t change a thing.

And that brings us naturally to your honeymoon. Where did you end up going?
We headed to Botswana where we stayed at Chitabe Safari Camp, and were extremely lucky to see so many big game animals each day. From there we flew on a tiny plane over to Zambia to see the Victoria Falls – which were spectacular. We took in the sights by helicopter and on foot.

We also went white water rafting down the Zambezi River, which separates Zambia from Zimbabwe; it was extreme but a lot of fun and I couldn’t imagine any other way to see the amazing gorge. We stayed at wilderness eco camps, where the service and quality were outstanding. Our week of adventure was followed by a week of utter relaxation in the Seychelles which had the whitest sand and bluest sea you could ever imagine! All organised by the fantastic Gavin Lautenbach of Mammoth Safaris.

The post That Bride: Toni-Marie Sutton, Owner of Love Hair appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Festive cheer, silly songs, copious amounts of mulled wine… or eggnog… or buck’s fizz… it’s enough to get anyone feeling a little cheeky. If you’re in the mood for love over the holiday season, try out some of these cheesy Christmas pick-up lines when you’re ready and waiting under the mistletoe (warning: these pick-up lines are in no way guaranteed success in the love department. May need mulled wine for delivery).

1.  Can I take a picture of you so I can show Santa exactly what I want for Christmas?

2. I can tell you’re quite the ‘elf-a-male’

3. I must be a snowflake, because I’ve fallen for you…

4. Are you Christmas? Because I want to merry you. 

5. Do you live in an igloo? Because you’re a pretty cool person.

6. If you were a tree, you’d be an evergreen, because I bet you look this good all year round.

7. I feel like a Christmas tree when you talk to me, because you make me light up!

8. What’s the difference between you and the Grinch? The Grinch stole Christmas but you’ve stolen my heart. 

9. Do you celebrate Boxing Day? Because you’re the whole package.

and towards the end of that Christmas party…

10. Yule do.

The post Cheesy Christmas Pick-Up Lines appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

It’s with difficulty that I write this, as I am very sadly saying goodbye to Sassy Media Group. I’ve been at Sassy Hong Kong for three years, but with a new opportunity on the horizon, I had to make the hard decision to leave. A lot can happen in three years, and I’ve been fortunate enough to grow and learn so much from my time here. I can honestly say that this past year has been the best year I’ve had at Sassy, and I am seriously going to miss it! Why? Here are just five of the many reasons…

1. The people make the place.

As cliche as it sounds, the team at Sassy Hong Kong HQ are seriously great and have definitely enhanced my working life. I can’t emphasize enough what an asset it is having such a supportive team that is so welcoming, inclusive, fun and yet still so hardworking. Everyone works together to share successes, solve problems and constantly think of new ways to improve. It’s going to be hard not to see them everyday, but I know I’ll still be part of the Sassy community and I’m so proud of the team that’s been built.

2. The working environment.

Since Sassy HQ moved down the road to Garage Society in Sheung Wan, our working environment has been unbeatable. If you’ve not been to this awesome co-working space, then you should definitely pop over for one of the many useful and informative events that the Garage Team hosts throughout the year. The spacious terrace is the perfect place to work if you need some fresh air or a change of scenery from an office desk, and the community vibe (I will really miss those Gong Show Happy Hours and the Peroni tap!) and entrepreneurial spirit is inspiring. It’s given us a huge creative boost moving to Garage and I would recommend it to any small business or entrepreneur.

3. Flexibility.

I have never taken for granted the flexibility we have at Sassy. Full time hours are from 9-6pm, but there is an option to work remotely/from home once a week. The team is also totally understanding and this sense of trust and respect for completing work on time is something I’ve always treasured. Having the flexibility to figure out how you can be most productive makes you learn a bit about yourself too, and I’ve also found it’s been great for my personal well being.

4. Experiences.

Are you a gym bunny that’s obsessed with all things fitness, or a fashion fiend that’s always on the look out for the latest trends? Whatever your interests are, there’s always room at Sassy for everyone to get involved in really cool experiences. We are so lucky to get invited to awesome events and it’s the ideal job if you love meeting interesting people from different industries! You’ll get to know all the latest and greatest new businesses starting up in the city and you’ll be able to try out new things and have some unforgettable experiences.

5. Community.

So this ties into the first reason, but I genuinely feel like we have a little Sassy community not just here in HK, but worldwide! We were lucky enough to have a few staff members from Singapore and Dubai over in Hong Kong this year, and we had such a great time working together and planning for next year. It’s so interesting to get insights from the other countries and how they are doing things, and to know that they are there for support too! This year, Sassy Hong Kong has also started hosting monthly ‘Sassy Social’ evenings, so the team can get to know each other outside of the office. We’re also sharing expert info with each other with our new ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions; our most recent one was hosted by the Design team with tips on how to take better photos. It’s all about sharing knowledge and learning from each other.

Bonus reason… if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you will not be disappointed by the number of goodies we are treated to pretty regularly. Donuts one day, macarons the next… don’t doubt you’ll always have something sweet to snack on at Sassy HQ. Say goodbye to that diet.

If you’re experienced in editorial and like the sound of working at Sassy, check out the job description – good luck!

The post Work for Sassy Hong Kong: We’re Hiring a Senior Editor! appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to be invited to the ‘Lush Creative Showcase‘ in London. It would be the first showcase where media and special Lush clients were invited, as usually the showcase is a gathering exclusively of Lush staff from around the world. I didn’t know what to expect from this three-day event, but I can now safely say that it was one of the most inspiring, truly creative extravaganzas that I’ve ever had the pleasure to attend!

What actually is the LUSH Creative Showcase?

Every year, Lush hosts a Creative Showcase, bringing together staff and this year, media, from all over the world. For 2016, the showcase was held at the Tobacco Docks, a huge 16,000 sqm warehouse style space in London. Each and every part of the Tobacco Docks was filled with something magical from Lush – there were endless different rooms to discover, which were not only filled with the most inventive products but also took you on an interactive journey.

The showcase is a chance for the Lush community to try all the latest products that have been cookin’ up in the labs. Everyone had the chance to trial goodies that were not yet in stores, check out any exclusive products, experiment with different combos and experience a small snapshot of new treatments. Experts in specific products were on hand to give demos at the Lush Kitchen, artists and musicians performed throughout all three days, and what surprised me most was the line up of the Main Stage, which hosted political speakers and meaningful talks from the founders.

To get a sense of what this event was like, check the short video above.

More than bath bombs!

Lush started off as a small company that created handmade beauty products in Poole (a large coastal town in Dorset, England). The company is now international (with over 820 stores in 50 countries!) and has become famous for their sweet smelling range of products, catapulting the popularity of the simple yet oh-so fun bath bomb. But what I discovered at the Creative Showcase was that Lush goes far beyond just bath bombs. Apart from offering make-up, skincare, perfume and spa treatments, Lush also has a strong stance on various social and political issues, actively campaigning for causes that align with the values of the company.

Read more: Lush Spa SoHo Square – The Cutest Spa in HK?

Cruelty Free/Ethically Sourced

One of the main reasons why I’ve become such a fan of Lush is because they are so clearly against animal-testing. All products are vegetarian and you can read more about Lush’s policy on animal-testing here, which extends to all aspects of the companies they work with. This straight forward message and the effort to be transparent in how they work is admirable, and makes it easy as a consumer to know how the product is being made and exactly where the ingredients are coming from. Lush’s ‘cruelty-free‘ values go hand in hand with their ethical buying policy; ingredients are carefully sourced depending on their environmental and social impact. Workers rights, environment and sustainability, animal protection and transport are all considered!

Supporting Grassroots Charities

A stand out product at Lush is the Charity Pot. This self-preserving hand and body lotion is rich and moisturising, but the best part is that 100% of the profit (minus taxes) goes towards grassroots organisations in each country that ‘align with Lush’s ethics’. Here in Hong Kong, you can apply as a charity by emailing campaigns@lush-hk.com with the subject “Application Form Request” to be eligible to $120,000 per project – find out more here. Lush actively campaigns on social and political issues that have the company values too, supporting human rights and environmental protection – read more about Lush campaigns here.

The Lush Creative Showcase was an incredible experience that totally captured all the senses, and took visitors on a journey behind the many products that Lush creates. However, it also had a significant impact on the way that I, as a consumer, think about what I’m buying and choosing to support. Being aware of what we are purchasing in terms of the actual product (what ingredients are used, where they are sourced and whether animal testing is involved) is so important, and to top it all off Lush products are genuinely effective. What’s more, thinking about what the values are of the companies you are buying from is definitely something to consider – your power as a consumer can and should help to change the beauty industry!

There were so many highlights of the Lush Creative Showcase 2016, so I’ve chosen just a few of the experiences and products that really stood out to me. Click on the button below to check them out!

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It can be easy to get swept up in the many festivities and frivolous fun this season, but it’s important to take a moment and reflect on how privileged we are. There are many in Hong Kong who are less fortunate and will find the colder months particularly difficult. The holiday season is all about celebration, but it’s also about spreading a little joy and hope to everyone, especially those in need.

So with this in mind, go out and give back this season by volunteering, donating and supporting some of the great causes below. From charity walks and fairs, to clothing and food drives, there are so many ways that each and everyone of us can contribute and help the underprivileged this year…

Read more: Sassy Supports

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