When it comes to decoding the ingredients in all the bottles and pots on our top shelf of beauty elixirs, even the help of a beauty glossary can leave us a little confused. But understanding the components in the products we religiously slather on our faces can’t hurt.
Thankfully, Guerlain has done most of the homework for us. As one of the oldest cosmetics and skincare houses in the world with almost 200 years of experience, they know a thing or two about ingredients and how to engineer them in a way to create solutions that make us look and feel our best.
Specifically, Guerlain has dedicated its last 15 years into the study of orchids. Beyond interior floral décor, the flower has been the brand’s key ingredient in its Orchidée Impériale Black collection. Native to the Peruvian Andes, the Black Orchid is rare for its ebony colour and blooms for three weeks only, unlike similar breeds of its kind which flowers for months. This rare variety of orchid is incredibly valued for its ability to adapt its metabolism through understanding its environment and optimising its fertilisation and fruition. Using Guerlain’s BlackimmuneTM Technology, the precise extraction of these precious black orchid qualities is made possible, and is said to be the closest thing to a drink from the fabled fountain of youth.
The fine balance between power and delicacy is the key to smoother, firmer and more radiant skin. That’s why Guerlain’s skincare masterpiece, the Orchidée Impériale Black The Cream (HK$10,300/50ml), remains such an age-defying beauty staple. Impacting 95% of cells involved in the skin’s self-defence system, the skin becomes more resilient as it continuously combats the signs of ageing. Meanwhile, the delicate and smooth formula, which is rich in cupuaçu butter and jojoba wax, provides a soft and comforting touch while a light fragrance of orchid, rose, white musk and cedar wood adds to its sensory appeal.
What’s more, anything and everything is enough to trigger an accelerated rate of ageing, from a simple crack of a smile or the slightest bat of the eyelids. So, to target the first visible signs that gives away our true age, Guerlain’s newest addition to the collection — the Orchidée Impériale Black Eye and Lip Contour Cream (HK$5,150/15ml) tends to our most delicate features. Using the same technology, the multi-action skincare gives our skin cellular immunity and extra protection for the skin that’s too thin to defend itself against environmental aggressors and our facial expressions. Again, an expert formula of textured butters and spherical powders create a velvety cream which not only results in a blurred matte finish, but it also combines to lift and protect while allowing free movement for your eyes and lips. Used together with the Orchidée Impériale Black The Cream, alongside the massage and contour spatula for the rest of your face and neck, and you’ve got all bases covered.
So when do we see results? From first application to years down the road – that’s the kind of acclaim only Guerlain is capable of. Immediately, skin appears smoother, firmer and tighter; in a month, skin is brightened, appearance of fatigue reduced, fine lines softened and upper lids lifted.
All the wonders of time travel can be found in one sumptuous jar. To match the potency of the exceptional Orchidée Impériale Black formulas, Guerlain has commissioned 100-year-old Bernardeau House to design and craft the most luxurious black lacquered porcelain jars to hold its incredible creams. Made according to the traditions of the family, the lacquered pots can be refilled, anchoring the brand’s commitment to sustainability.
For more information, visit guerlain.com.