Ancient beauty rituals involved a diverse range of ingredients and practices aimed at achieving desired results. For instance, the ancient Egyptians used kohl, made from minerals, to line their eyes for protection against the sun. Meanwhile, the Romans incorporated milk and cream into their baths and facial cleansers, benefitting from their hydrating and softening properties.
Today, our beauty routines have become much simpler, as products now come conveniently packaged in bottles, without the need for chopping, boiling or grinding ingredients. Some of them are highlighted here.
With the help of AI
The quest for a magical cream to eliminate wrinkles around the eyes may find its answer in the new generation of Absolue The Eye Cream by Lancôme. After five years of research, a breakthrough has been achieved in the world of AI, which was used to discover the most effective active ingredient for wrinkle correction. The Eye Cream is infused with T12 Biotech Pearl™, selected from one billion potential ingredients for its exceptional smoothing properties. It also features Absolue Perpetual Rose Extract™, the iconic component at the heart of the Absolue collection, which is the only rose proven to activate AMPK, the skin’s “longevity molecule”. This molecule, found in every skin cell, is known to accelerate cell renewal and is now proven to help delay the appearance of eye wrinkles. Additionally, there is an increased concentration of the renowned age-defying Pro-Xylane™. Upon application, The Eye Cream melts into the skin, continuously delivering active ingredients for enhanced effectiveness.
Lashing out
Always a firm believer in plant science, Clarins has just rolled out the Wonder Volume Mascara XXL that promises thicker lash with every application. This extra volumising mascara gives lashes a 70% increase in length, with 85% of women saying that their eyelashes are more voluminous, and 92% of women stating that the mascara lasts all day long. The Lash Boosting Complex helps to lengthen, strengthen and thicken lashes, thanks to Sphinganine which contributes to follicle reinforcement, and Panthenol for the thickening of lashes. The Volumizing Wax Complex contains Black Wattle Wax, Jojoba Wax and Sunflower Wax, helping to define and protect lashes, which helps promote and protect fuller-looking lashes.
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Parisienne chic
Actress Ana Taylor-Joy stars in Dior’s campaign inspired by Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the place where Christian Dior first started and 30 Avenue Montaigne, the birthplace of his Couture House. For the first time, the House’s make-up range features the Plan de Paris pattern, which draws inspiration from a 1950s silk scarf in its archives.
This collection, which features shades of silver, gold, pink and blue, serves as a tribute to the enchanting City of Lights, a source of inspiration for Dior since its inception. The four palettes are presented in Plan de Paris pouches adorned with an embossed pattern inspired by the iconic Dior logo band. The Diorshow 5 Couleurs eyeshadow formula incorporates two natural-origin skincare ingredients: cornflower floral water for a comfortable application, and pine oil for a soft texture.
Power of flowers
Victoria’s Secret wants us to embrace our inner bombshell with a spritz of the Bombshell Eau de Parfum. This fragrance is an invigorating blend of fresh-cut flowers warmed by the afternoon sun. The fragrance has a top note of citrus and Brazilian purple passion fruit, transitioning into a lush heart featuring Shangri-La peony from Tibet and creamy Madagascan vanilla orchid. The unique twist comes from the addition of Italian sunstruck pine, a note typically associated with men’s fragrances, which brings an unforgettable aromatic dimension to the iconic Bombshell scent. And what makes you a bombshell? It is all about being confident and exuding empowerment.
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The science of beauty
While some may view beauty products as frivolous, they are deeply rooted in science. For instance, the cult brand Facetheory offers an impressive range of items that are paraben-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and packaged using 98% less plastic. Since its inception in 2015, Facetheory has dedicated itself to promoting healthier skin with every formulation.
Their product categories include the Facetheory Glow Collection, which provides essential protection for the skin against the sun; the Facetheory Firm Collection, designed to restore bounce, firmness and a youthful radiance; and the Facetheory Clear Collection, specifically targeting breakouts.