The idea for the creation of the perfect anti-ageing elixir a few years ago seemed too out there for some in the skincare business. Some feared failure to reach expectations while others feared it wouldn’t sell. Customers all had their fair share of doubts, too. All anti-ageing claims are questionable, they would say and then silently question their statements, because what if, it was true? That a truly effective anti-ageing cream does exist? 

Fast forward to the present, customers endlessly purchase different products in order to find their ‘it’ cream. Meanwhile, brands continuously debut new inventions in the hope of being able to answer their needs. That being said, browsing through beauty shelves and endlessly purchasing products in a bid to maintain perfect skin texture – we should point out there is now one product that truly deserves a round of applause for its ability to grant you that glowing skin you desire. 

Based on a decade’s worth of research, Lancôme’s Absolue L’Extrait is a work of wonder, an example of tireless effort and is enriched with two million rose stem cells sourced from the exquisite Lancôme rose through a biotechnological procedure called Fermogenesis, which preserves their unique self-regenerating properties. A metamorphosis takes place once the cream is applied, releasing the cells’ powerful action. Dense at first, the cream melts instantly into the skin leaving the face glowing with radiance, all the while nourishing it from beneath. Absolue L’Extrait has now gained international bestseller status, proving its effectiveness and worth as a crème de la crème. The elixir’s secret formula, the road leading to everlasting youth is a great success for Lancôme. The cream-elixir speaks to consumers with a touch of softness and refinement. Its texture however is a strong contrast. Light in touch, its creamy appearance provides a sense of comfort and warmth. 

In honour of its one-year anniversary, Lancôme has decided to give the Absolue L’Extrait another boost of luxury. A unique collaboration was formed, between the brand and the maestro of crystals, Maison Baccarat. A leading crystal manufacturer in France since 1823, it’s got all the necessary skills to produce works of art. Created from fire, Baccarat’s crystals  continue to push back the boundaries of creation with its technical innovations. The birth child of this partnership is a limited edition revamped version of Absolue L’Extrait’s iconic jar. The black crystal jar, when viewed from afar, is dark and luminous, opaque and transparent all in one. It’s a signature and iconic colour for Baccarat, therefore, it’s only logical that this particular shade is used for the most expensive bottle in the Lancôme range to date. Of all crystal colours, black is the hardest to obtain and best embodies the excellence of Baccarat’s expertise.  

Both brands have more in common than one might think. Like Absolue L’Extrait, black crystals are also a technological feat. In the hands of a team of 20 glassblowers and crystal cutters, most of whom have been awarded the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France distinction, Absolue L’Extrait’s iconic black jar has been transformed into an exceptional object of desire. Its complex facets reveal a dozen hours of hard work. The jar is unique and radiant, as expected due to the use of such precious black crystals. The Absolue L’Extrait Black Crystal Light Edition has been assembled in a space entirely dedicated to its packaging by a team of five professionals, selected for their expertise. The elixir is presented in a specially designed lustrous gold and black coffret. A drawer slides open to reveal the exclusive massage petal designed to enhance the beauty ritual of applying this luscious cream.

Only 800 of these revamped iconic bottles have been created, increasing its status as a must-have item. These exclusive jars are a testament to the Absolue L’Extrait as a true creation of outstanding savoir-faire, the most sublime creation to ever grace Lancôme’s shelves. 

This article has previously appeared in the May 2013 issue of Malaysia Tatler.