NEW From Lancome: Advanced Génifique Sensitive Dual Concentrate, Absolue Precious Cells Revitalizing Rose Mask & La Vie Est Belle L’éclat Eau De Parfum

We’ve all suffered from bad skin days. It could have been seasonal changes, a nasty breakout, pollution, fatigue or in my case the sunny beaches, long nights and jet lag from my recent trip to Portugal, but occasionally we all need a little rejuvenation. Lancome has recently released new skincare dedicated to replenishing the complexion, correcting irregularities and promoting a youthful glow.

The new La Vie Est Belle Fragrance is opulent, sophisticated and intoxicating for a sensory experience that it truly decadent.

Advanced Génifique ($99.00) is a luxurious serum rich in probiotics that revive fragile skin, hydrate, protect against daily aggressors, soothe and deeply nourish when you need it most. What makes this formula unique is that the concentrate is kept isolated from the serum until you decide to use it so the active ingredients remain fresh and potent. The serum is viable for approximately one month which means that once you blend the two parts together, you must continue using it every day until the bottle is finished for best results.

Clear, unmixed serum

When you have a bad skin day simply push and twist the cap to release the blue concentrate, shake until mixed, unscrew and dispose of the cap (including the blue portion) and replace with the medicine dropper. The concentrate is composed of 98% pure antioxidants (Ferulic Acid & Vitamin C) to speed up healing and regeneration.

Mixed with concentrate

The serum feels refreshing, cool and soothing on parched, tight skin and melts in quickly with no greasy residue. I apply it in the evening after cleansing and layer it with the Absolue Night Precious Cells Recovery Cream to create the ultimate hydrating night treatment. If you suffer from dry skin and need an excellent winter moisturizer, read my review on the Precious Cells Collection by clicking HERE. It is my favorite skincare range from Lancome.

After a hectic week the Revitalizing Rose Mask ($185.00) enriched with rose water and nutritive extracts is the perfect way to energize, plump and hydrate the skin. You can actually see fresh rose fragments floating in the cool gel and in just 15 minutes my complexion is bright, clear, smooth and incredibly supple. Just sit back, relax and let the lush formula and amazing scent pamper and revive you.

After your skin is glowing and you’re ready for a night out, the new La Vie Est Belle L’éclat Perfume ($85.00) puts the perfect finishing out on any outfit. The elegant bottle is a masterpiece in itself featuring 221 twinkling facets designed by the best French glass maker. I love that the liquid appears to be encased in crystal and elevated by a solid base embellished with a simple pearlescent bow.

La Vie Est Belle is radiant, uplifting and boldly feminine with notes of delicate iris, sweet pear, ripe blackberry, luminous orange blossom, fresh jasmine and a base of patchouli essence. The fruit and citrus accords balance the robust undertones for the perfect blend of sweet and sensual. The aroma is elegant, long lasting and refined – ideal for daily wear and special occasions. It also makes a great gift for the ladies on your holiday list!

Lancome is available at department store counters nationwide, Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora and online at lancome.ca.

Lancôme Energie De Vie Skincare Review

Winter seems to be winding down but we are still in that awkward phase of seasonal transition where freak snowstorms can hit at any moment followed by on the onset of spring temperatures. Unpredictable weather can wreak havoc on the skin which is why I decided to enhance my daily routine and test out the Energie De Vie Collection from Lancôme.

The bright green packaging definitely reminds me of warm summer days and the range includes serums, lotion, a night mask, cream and cleanser to help revitalized dull, tired skin and boost vitality. The Smoothing & Plumping Pearly Lotion ($61.00) is infused with Goji Berry, Lemon Balm, Gentian (a flowering plant/herb) and illuminating pearls that refresh, energize and balance. At first I was a bit confused with the world “lotion” because the formula is a water based gel that absorbs quickly. I love how cooling it feels on parched skin and I notice immediate improvement in texture. Rough areas and pores appear smooth and my complexion is vibrant, healthy and glowing with no sticky residue. Although the lotion has an ultra lightweight texture, it still hydrates well and seeps in efficiently for long lasting dryness relief. If you have very dry skin you may need to layer it under a heavier moisturizer.

One issue I have with Lancôme bottles and packaging is the lack of directions, you may need to visit the website to learn how to use them. In the ingredient list I don’t recognize many of the additives and most products have a very strong perfume scent which tends to mellow substantially after application. The fragrance may be an issue for sensitive skin so I recommend doing a patch test or getting samples.

The Liquid Care ($60.00) is an all-in-one lotion, serum and cream that protects the skin from environmental assaults, nourishes to treat dryness, heals and recuperates. The light liquid melts in and makes my skin silky, youthful, bouncy and luminous! It works wonders when used with the Pearly Lotion and together they make a wonderful base for flawless makeup application.

If you like the results of a night mask but prefer a light formula then the Energie De Vie Overnight Recovery Sleeping Mask may be just what you need. Like the other products, the consistency is gel-like and water based so it isn’t thick and doesn’t clog pores. The strong scent dissipates with wear so it isn’t bothersome and my skin feels dewy, resilient and moisturized. It is also light enough to combine with serums and night treatments. The mask retails for $90.00.

The Rénergie Multi-Lift Multi Action Gel-In-Lotion is not part of this collection but I’ve been using it as well. Along with hydrating the skin it also tightens, lifts and shapes to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and crows feet. The finish is matte, soft and velvety plus it helps improve elasticity while repairing the epidermis. Although I like the texture I don’t have any visible signs of aging so I can’t attest to all the benefits. The lotion retails for $61.00.

What impressed me most about these products is how instantaneous the results are! They rejuvenate my complexion and help reverse the effects of winter. Lancôme can be found at department stores, Sephora and lancome.ca.