Spotlight on Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste, £18.60 and Kérastase Discipline Fondant Fluidealiste, £21.80 (kerastase.co.uk)

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

When humidity has taken its toll on your tresses it is hard not to resist a range that promises to “stop unruly hair”. If something could be the answer to your prayers then you have to give it a whirl, especially when it is Kérastase, the highly-regarded haircare brand, making these claims.

I tried the Bain Fluidealiste. This is a gentle shampoo that also smells lovely. You only need to use a small amount as it is highly concentrated. I followed with the Fondant Fluidealiste, a lightweight conditioner which helps to smooth your hair. Although the instructions say to rinse out, I left a smidgeon in so that it could act as a protectant when drying.

The range contains Morpho Keratin which aids in smoothing and strengthening. Did it work?  I did notice significantly less frizz which was a blessing. My hair looked bouncy and felt silky soft. It also stayed sleek all day which was another major plus.

If you are a fellow-frizz sufferer, I recommend that you try this combo.

By Daralyn Danns

Spotlight on Dr Roebuck's skin care

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

There are so many skin care brands on the market that a new line has to have something special about it to make you want to ditch your trusted products and give it a shot.

Dr Roebuck’s instantly caught my attention because it has the bare minimum of ingredients. I have extremely sensitive skin which only has to look at something and I can get a break-out. Years ago, I was told by a leading dermatologist to look for products that have as few components as possible so I had to get my hands on this brand.

Selfridges, which stocks Dr Roebuck’s, always has its finger on the pulse when it comes to selecting the best ranges available, which meant that this one had to be good to pass its vigorous selection tests.

The formula was originally created about 30 years ago by Dr Roebuck and his wife, also a physician, to help ease eczema from which their identical twin daughters suffered. This recipe formed the core of the girls’ skincare regimen for years. 

Kim and Zoe lived every day as it comes ensuring they lived life to the fullest, while not taking anything for granted. Armed with their parents’ philosophy of being healthy from the inside and out, they have always been steadfast on looking after their body, mind and health.

As the years passed they forged their own careers. They travelled the world always looking for adventure. They raised their own families. All the time they never faltered from their “inside and out” philosophy. Their skin care, made by a pharmacist specialising in tailor-made formulas stayed true to the one developed by their parents. Eventually, they decided to let the world in on their discovery.

Dr Roebuck’s uses only the ingredients necessary so that it is gentle but actually makes a difference. (If you are prone to allergies, I suggest you do a patch test before buying.) 

The hero product of the range for me is Dr Roebuck’s Pure (£40, Selfridges, selfridges.com). This thick, rich cream is wonderfully soothing. It gives your skin an instant boost of moisture, perfect for dry complexions. You only need a little. It melts into the skin quickly and does not feel at all greasy. Once opened it should be used within six months, so you can also use it on other areas of your body such as your feet that are parched and need a drink.

Dr Roebuck’s Cleanse (£18) is a creamy non-foaming cleanser which contains six potent anti-oxidants that can help to reverse free-radical damage. You use it once a day on wet skin and rinse with tepid water.

I have also tried Dr Roebuck’s Boost & Tighten Serum (£59), a cocktail of the brand’s proprietary CNYouth molecule, firming agents, said to help improve the appearance of issues such as wrinkling and sagging, as well as natural polysaccharides. My skin looked plumper and firmer after using it. 

When your skin is really thirsty, the Dr Roebuck’s Ultimate Hydrating Serum (£51) worn under Pure works wonders.  

Kim and Zoe have a great approach to skin care. This is a lovely line and well worth trying.

By Daralyn Danns

Destination Hong Kong

This is not a paid post.

I wondered what the queue was for as I approached a line of people on a busy Saturday afternoon in Hong Kong. It was the line to join if you wanted to cross the road. 

It was a pleasure to see that this former British colony and now Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, still maintained the best of British politeness. 

Hong Kong
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

The place had changed dramatically since I was last there, before the Hong Kong Handover on July 1 1997. It had morphed into a city of construction. Its crowded skyline was punctuated by even more glitzy skyscrapers than I remembered. It seemed as if as soon as you turned your back another great piece of architecture rapidly emerged out of the dust. Although you heard languages spoken from all over the world, today’s Hong Kong had a distinctly Chinese flavour which just added to its charm.

As I stood by the fabled Victoria Harbour, I still felt a frisson of excitement. Gritty and edgy interwoven with romance and beauty melded with a smattering of the old combined with the new, Hong Kong felt more exhilarating than ever. While some of the place names such as Connaught Road, Stanley Market and Victoria Peak remain the same, this was a brand-new city.

I started my day with the familiar, a trip on the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hong Kong Island. A crossing is one of the highlights of a trip here. For first time visitors, another prerequisite is to visit the Peak from where you will get jaw-dropping views of the Harbour and the concrete jungle below as well as a glimpse of the green hills of the New Territories. 

Hong Kong at night
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

What a changed place Hong Kong Island proved to be. Where once you bartered for bargains in small shops filled with electronics or fashion knock-offs and glanced at stalls displaying fake handbags and watches or went to a tailor’s workshop where you could get something made in an instant, stood shopping malls full of ubiquitous international brands.

After sauntering round the bustling ifc mall, a great place for a combination of shopping and stunning water views, I boarded a rather familiar-looking double-decker bus and headed to the south of Hong Kong Island to the touristy Stanley Market. The stalls may be awash with tacky souvenirs but there is always a chance of finding a bargain, especially if you like Chinese arts and crafts.

However, it is getting there that makes a trip unmissable. You pass through such gorgeous scenery including the beautiful Repulse Bay that it is really worth the bus ride. Stanley itself is a delightful village. There are plenty of eateries along the seafront where you can relax after a bartering session at the market.

Browsing for bargains
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok Kowloon (it gets its name comes from the fact that it sells so much women’s wear) was recommended to me by the concierge of The Peninsular. (Regarded as the grande dame of hotels, this is the place to go for a traditional afternoon tea.) The lady wrote down the address in Chinese as well as English. Despite the fact that this was once a British colony, many people only speak Chinese. 

On route, I walked down Nathan Road, the main thoroughfare in Kowloon, which has become a quirky mix of museums, religious buildings and a diverse range of mid-market shops. 

Tourists and locals flock to Ladies’ Market in search of a good deal. Fakes are no longer displayed as the government has cracked down on counterfeit. But, that does not stop people trying to tell you that they have “copy bags” for sale.

While temples, abundant lush greenery, and a nightly show that lights up Hong Kong’s skyline, are draw cards of this 24-hour city, a gastronomic adventure has to be up there too. 

Climbing up the Peak
Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board

You can have a full English breakfast, however Hong Kong’s own cuisine is Cantonese, so, why not start your day with dim sum for a change? Whatever your taste in food, you should find something to please at Hong Kong’s incredible selection of 5-star restaurants through to intimate diners and food stalls. When you see a place buzzing with locals, you will know that you have hit upon a gem.

If you fancy a bit more retail therapy as an entrée then head to Harbour City. It is the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong. While there are plenty of designer boutiques to mooch round you will also find around 50 restaurants to tempt you. 

Hong Kong is addictive. However long you are there it never seems to be enough time to soak up all the city has to offer. Which is why you have to keep going back.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

Cathay Pacific has five flights from Heathrow using 777-300s. There are daily flights from Gatwick using its new A350. Ensure when you are booking that it is Cathay Pacific operating the flight, so that you can experience its excellent inflight service. For best fares and rates visit cathaypacific.com or visit trailfinders.com

Stay at Harbour Grand Kowloon. A lovely hotel overlooking the harbour. Room was large. Service good. It is not near the centre but there is a regular shuttle bus to take you there

I booked through Trailfinders.  For more information visit trailfinders.com