Looking Good in Later Life 23
                                        July 2003

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.

Previous editions of Looking Good in laterlife 

Edition 1 (including a visit to Estee Lauder)

Edition 2 (including a visit to Clarins)

Edition 3 (including a visit to Medestea Internazionale

Edition 4 (including a visit to Martha Hill Skincare)

Edition 5 (including a visit to Harrods)

Edition 6 (Including a visit to Belgravia Centre)

Edition 7 (Including a visit to Vichy Laboratoire)

Edition 8 (Including a visit to Avene Spa)

Edition 9 (Including fashion tips)

Edition 10 eyebrows, eyelashes, sun and skin

Edition 11 (Including a visit to Lasercare Clinics)

Edition 12 - Lasercare Clinics offer their expertise on common skin conditions

Edition 13 - Ageing skin in the new millennium

Edition 14 - A visit to Helen Sher

Edition 15 -  More from Helen Sher and Lasercare Clinics

Edition 16  A visit to Champneys London Clubs

Edition 17 - Seeking Cosmetic Surgery

Edition 18 -  Does hair dye cause cancer

Edition 19 - How not to look like mutton dressed as lamb..    

Edition 20 - What cosmetic dentistry can do for you  - Part one

Edition 21 - What cosmetic dentistry can do for you  - Part two

Edition 22 - What’s new at Estee Lauder?

Edition 23 - Lancome -  a perennial favourite

laterlife.com occasionally visits one of the great cosmetic houses, up-and-coming beauty collections or other organisations of interest to the more mature visitor.

Edition 1 Estee Lauder

Edition 2 Clarins

Edition 3 Medestea Internazionale

Edition 4 Martha Hill Skincare

Edition 5 Harrods
Edition 6 The Belgravia Centre

Edition 7 Vichy Laboratoire

Edition 8 Avene Spa  

Edition 11 Lasercare Clinics

Edition 14 - Helen Sher

Edition 16  A visit to Champneys London Clubs    

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