Lancôme – a perennial favourite
Belinda Brown
reviews Lancôme products
Lancôme
is a perennial favourite among women of all ages. Among their extensive range of products,
Absolue stands out as particularly suitable for
the older age group. Specifically designed to address the skin changes associated with
aging, hormonal change and UV exposure, Absolue products contain ingredients like wild
yam, soya and brown sea algae which the makers say are powerfully
‘reconstructing’ for older skins.
Absolue Replenishing Cream/Lotion has been
available for over two years – and has proved highly popular. The company claim that,
as well as enabling the skin to restore itself from within, this product imparts clarity
and radiance through the action of Capriloyl Salicyclic Acid - which helps remove excess
dead cells. It also contains UVA and UVB protection (SPF 15), essential in any day cream.
The cream retails at £70 (50 ml) and the fluid (in a pump dispenser) at £70 (75 ml).
 Research has shown that the skin’s recovery process is
most intense when we are sleeping. Absolue Night
– a newer, deep-acting treatment - is designed to help the skin reconstruct when it
is at its most receptive, usually at night. In addition to the clarifying and rebuilding
properties of the day treatment, Absolue Night is enriched with N-Stimuline – a
natural ingredient said to stimulate skin renewal. Its sensuous fragrance of mulberry
leaves, may rose, blackcurrant buds, sandalwood and vanilla is meant to inspire calm and
so lull you to sleep! A luxurious frosted jar retails at £95 (75ml).
The range also
boasts Absolue Yeux, an eye contour treatment.
As we all know too well, the aging process is often most pronounced around the fragile eye
area. In addition to the reconstructing wild yam, soya and brown sea algae content, this
product lays claim to polyols to reduce dullness, caffeine to detoxify and light diffusers
to add sparkle. It’s not cheap at £45 for 15 ml, but that hasn’t diminished its
popularity!
FOUNDATION : How
do you choose and use?
Colour testing: test
the foundation on your face rather than the back of your hand. Skin on different parts of
the body differs in texture and range of motion – and, while hand testing may give
you a good idea of the shade, it won’t convey how the make-up will feel and look on
your face.
Select for skin type:
if you’re not sure,
ask the assistant. Many ranges include products for
different skin types, and counter staff who
know their own products should be able to guide you in the right direction.
Apply moisturiser first: moisturising the face
helps smooth and hydrate the skin, creating a ‘prepared canvas’ for the
foundation
 Set with powder: ‘setting’ a foundation with
powder is an important part of the process. It finishes the look, making it appear more
natural, and keeps the effect longer. Buff off
with a dry puff.
Use a blending concealer:
if you use a concealer,
don’t make it the same shade as the
foundation. For better effect, it should be one to two shades lighter.
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Anyone who has looked after her (or his) appearance over the years has the
edge in later life compared to ravers who burned all their candles at both ends. But skin,
hair, eyes, lips, silhouette still show the years after fifty. Extra skin dryness, puffy
eye areas, sagging around the chin, wrinkles – they all can benefit from special
treatments. 
