Beauty and fashion are one and the same, so it is not surprising to see many fashion brands branching out into the world of cosmetics and skincare.
Chanel and Christian Dior were among the first designer fashion labels to grow into big players in cosmetics, starting over a decade ago, and followed by many others, such as Burberry, Armani, Tom Ford and Yves Saint Laurent. Even High Street brands like Topshop have jumped on the bandwagon. Last year, local fashion retailer Jaspal launched its beauty line as well.
Competition is against luxury beauty brands that already dominate the market such as Lancome, Shiseido, La Mer and SKII. Both beauty and fashion brands have to invest in innovations to make sure their products contain the best combination of quality, exclusivity and image.
Here are examples of groundbreaking scientific discoveries by luxury and beauty brands, as well as the latest cutting-edge products featuring sophisticated technologies and ingredients.
Lancome Absolue L'Extrait Regenerating and Renewing Ultimate Elixir-Concentrate
Lancome introduces the unprecedented biotechnological active ingredient Absolue Pressé of native cells extracted from the Lancôme Rose. Rare and exclusive, this exceptional flower is born from a complex hybridising process, following meticulous hand pollination. Among the 20,000 flowers obtained, a single one is chosen. Grown to order in the French region of the Châteaux de la Loire, this rose flowers only once a year. High-pressure cell dissociation offers a double breakthrough. This physical process releases the contents of the cell and makes them available for the skin, while maintaining a higher number of biomolecules than standard chemical or thermal procedures for optimal efficacy.
Chanel Le Lift
Chanel Le Lift was developed following the discovery of the role of micro-RNA (miR), which works like switches to modulate the synthesis of the skin's youth proteins. The production of these key elements of epigenetic regulation is continuously modified by the environment and lifestyles, not to mention emotions. Chanel thus developed an active ingredient capable of regulating these miRs — 3.5-DA, extracted from a plant called edulis. This extraction is based on a new technology invented by the PAT (Plant Advanced Technologies) biotechnological laboratory. It delivers complete action on ageing by encouraging the production of youth proteins. Skin tissues are "rewoven" day after day and skin regains its resilience, suppleness and elasticity.
Dior Capture Totale
For the first time, Dior Science has shown that fatigue and skin tension accumulated throughout the day cause a protein to be released, which exhausts mother cells and hinders their night-time revitalisation. The discovery has proven that in eight hours, fatigue leads to the overproduction of "alarmins", which transform into signs of ageing. Enriched with longoza extract from the Dior Garden in Madagascar, Dior Capture Totale features revitalisation power, age-defying properties and effectiveness in correcting visible signs of ageing. Exclusive to Capture Totale, the Longoza Cellular Complex is capable of targeting the skin's deepest and most valuable mother cells, the origin of its youthful beauty. In order to precisely meet the specific needs of these mother cells, Dior Science has developed special natural extracts to deliver a tailor-made solution.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Just as your body's immune system defends you against dangerous foreign invaders, the skin has its own immune system for defence against the increasing environmental threats, emotional stress and ageing. Shiseido has developed Ultimune, a skincare innovation that gives your skin the strength to fight against all kinds of damage on its own. Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate is based on more than 20 years of immunity research, which discovered that the function of Langerhans cells, which control skin immunity, can be undermined by ageing and emotional stress. Shiseido has perfected a new complex that vitalises the activities of Langerhans cells — Ultimune Complex. When the power of the body's Langerhans cells improve, the immune system gets stronger and can better fight signs of ageing.
Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Forever Youth Liberator Y-Shape
In 2012, a YSL Skin Science committee of experts stunned the beauty world with an entirely new perspective on the behaviour of skin. The specialist panel focused on the role of glycans, key constituents of the skin, and promoted glycobiology as a key factor in the fight against ageing. They created a unique complex known as Glycanactif, which taps into the skin's youth-promoting functions to help stimulate and increase its function levels. Now, the Forever Youth Liberator range extends its offering and the Y-Shape is born. It not only fights against wrinkles and fine lines, but also re-profiles the face, neck and décolleté. The glycan-based skincare actives are capable of stimulating adhesion, tonicity and elasticity of skin fibres. The Y-Shape Crème forms an invisible support film for the skin's surface to enhance facial curves, re-plump skin and restore lost volume.
Your New York
DKNY's new fragrance MYNY is a great follow-up to the brand's iconic Be Delicious apple, a globally recognised symbol of DKNY and New York. The top notes hint of raspberries with accents of pink pepper, but the heart is in Egyptian jasmine wrapped with freesia and a finishing trail of vanilla and patchouli. This playful and compelling delight is packaged in a fun heart-shaped bottle with a silver metallic cap that resembles New York City's skyline. Now you can spray the spirit of New York on you wherever you are.
Hey Homer
For its 25th anniversary, MAC honours the Simpsons. America’s favourite animated family becomes a vivacious colour collection with fun packaging featuring all the leading characters — Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. MAC The Simpsons Collection is available exclusively online from Sept 14.
