Beauty Spot: More expansion at DFS Beauty World

Nadine Kam photos
Premiere Models at a celebration marking new entries to DFS Galleria's Beauty World Oct. 27.

The past month was an exhausting whirlwind, so when DFS Galleria Waikiki decided to celebrate six new or relocated entries to its expanded second-floor Beauty World cosmetic area, they send out an invitation to "a small cocktail party," and I accepted because it seemed it would be quiet and low-key, just my speed at that moment.

So then I go there and find this huge, crowded, music-filled party going on—yikes!—complete with an appearance by Japan transgender makeup artist, beauty ambassador and TV personality Ikko, who was also slated for a public appearance before her sizable Asia audience. I've often heard female makeup artists complain that women prefer to get their makeup advice from a man—generally because they're able to flirt, taunt and humor women in a way that other women can't—and I guess it holds true in Ikko's case. Her thumbs-up moves product throughout Japan and Korea, and one of the products that met her approval at DFS was Burberry's Lip Cover Soft Satin lipstick.

It was just about a year ago that they celebrated the original expansion and renovation. At the time, it seemed like it would stand for awhile, but there are so many cosmetic brands out there, that there's no reason it couldn't stop growing to fill the vast second floor!

For now, Beauty World welcomes Burberry Beauty, Jo Malone, Origins, Aveda (with a focus on haircare rather than cosmetics), Shiseido, and its own BeautyLab, where clients can experience the latest in cosmeceuticals, anti-aging skin care, and organic cosmetic brands, and complimentary light treatments.

Of course, one of the best parts of the DFS experience is the duty-free aspect that applies to kama'aina as well as visitors, meaning you're free of the general excise tax.

Burberry's Lip Cover Soft Satin Lipstick, complete with Burberry check design on the lipstick as well as it's gunmetal magnetic case, has Japan celebrity makeup artist and TV personality Ikko's approval, below.

Ikko greets guests at DFS Galleria Beauty World.

Shiseido's colors for fall.

Burberry's eye colors for fall.

Shiseido's new space also made way for a men's section, now that makeup artists said men want their own gender-specific products rather than of their girlfriends'/wives' fruity- or floral-scented creams.

Getting a hand massage scented with Jo Malone Wild Bluebell, with Jo Malone counter manager Charlene Aguirre. Below, a Jo Malone display.

The Origins department included a "Nature's Top 10" display of their products, utilizing some of nature's healing, skin-protecting compounds.

Aveda was also offering hand massages, as well as "readings" to determine which of the seven Chakra Balancing Body Mists would bring balance to one's life. Participants picked three of the most appealing thoughts, below, then smelled each of the scents associated with the thought to arrive at one's choice.