The Life Hypnotic

The very first time I encountered the brand Lancôme was back in the ’90s when my brother used to collect pictures of the brand’s beauty icon Isabella Rossellini from glossies.

As the daughter of Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini, Isabella oozed raw sex appeal in David Lynch’s Blue Velvet flick. Well, I really think that Isabella is the symbol of beauty unadorned — she aged gracefully without looking like she went under the knife.

Following in Isabella’s footsteps to stardom is none other than her daughter Elettra Rossellini Wiedemann. Blessed with luminous brown eyes, light brown hair and Audrey Hepburn-like charm, thanks to her mom, Elettra is set to endorse a wide range of Lancôme products like foundation, mascara and lip gloss. Like mother, like daughter indeed.

There have been a lot of cool things happening to the Lancôme brand lately. I got excited when they announced the new endorser for the men’s line, which is, ooh la la, Clive Owen. After all, he is the epitome of ruggedness and smoldering looks for his tough-guy roles, which are perfect for the heterosexual market.

Then, if you are familiar with Lancôme’s Hypnôse, you will love the dress inspired by the luminous floral-vanilla oriental fragrance. The Hypnôse Couture Dress by Proenza Schouler is a one-of-a-kind amethyst dress that is featured in Harper’s Bazaar April issue. With an estimated value of $20,000, the dress was on eBay and proceeds went to Save the Children charity. Check out http://www.hypnosecouture.com.

So, if you are dying to know what the French luxury brand is launching this summer, here are a few products to make you look like a sun-kissed beach bomb or a fair maiden in no time.

Neurowhite X3

Asian skin is more prone to freckles and pigmentation not only because of the weather but also due to emotional and environmental stress. Thankfully, there is now a product to erase the imperfections in as early as three days.

Zerline Chan, business unit manager of Lancôme, says "Blanc Expert Neurowhite X3 contains ellagic acid, a naturally-derived substance extracted from the Tara plant that’s highly effective in erasing brown spots to give every woman even-toned, more translucent, clear and smoother skin."

CILS Design Pro

If you want to start a revolution with your lashes, try Lancôme’s CILS Design Pro mascara. It comes with a Hi Pro Stretch brush that gives maximum length and volume for awe-inspiring eyes. Plus, a mini Design Pro comb to remodel and redesign the lashes for a legendary cat’s eye look.

UV Expert DNA Shield

With the scorching summer heat, it is not enough to just apply sun block on your face. Lancôme’s UV Expert DNA shield has 12-hour protection against UV rays and pollution to safeguard the skin’s precious capital, DNA. The great thing about this product is that it locks the moisture inside the skin to prevent dehydration. Expect even-toned, clear and glowing skin.

Star Bronzer

Bronzers are definitely a must-have for summer. Lancôme’s Bamboo Powder or Star Bronzer should be a makeup staple. This limited-edition compact bronzing powder for the face and body has pink and brown tones for an anti-dull tanning effect. It also has golden lasered sparklers to brighten your cheeks, eyelids and décolleté for an "ideal paradisiacal tan."

Lancôme is available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Alabang, Gateway Mall and Marionnaud, SM Mall of Asia.

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>E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com or visit www.myspace.com/beccacrodriguez.