ROYAL AFFAIR
Designed to empower women with crystal clear skin, an exquisite new gem completes SK-II’s luxurious LXP Ultimate Perfecting Series. By Li Ying Lim.
SK-II references love in ancient China for its new masterpiece
Legend has it that Consort Yang Yuhuan, concubine of Emperor Suan Zong, had a voracious appetite for the juicy, succulent red lychee. To please his beloved, the emperor would send out his best riders to collect the fruit, which grew in rural areas outside of Southern China. Legend also has it that just so the beautiful concubine was able to taste the freshest of lychees, the riders would even take shifts of days and nights in order to deliver plates of the exotic fruit in the swiftest manner.
This story spread far and wide, and eventually the lychee became known as the symbol of true romance and sensuality. The fruit was then gradually introduced into the gilded royal halls, indulged upon during festivals and gifted to honoured guests from afar. For all her highly lauded beauty and grace, Consort Yang may just have known all along the beautifying potency of the lychee – after all, today, she is still known as one of the Four Beauties of Ancient China.
ASIAN POTIONS
Today, SK-II has its eye on this beauty superfood for the new LXP Ultimate Perfecting Eye Cream. Found to also contain the second highest amount of polyphenols (behind grapes) and the super antioxidant power to reverse dire signs of ageing, lychee extract is at the crux of a revitalising cocktail that also includes the Highest Concentrated Pitera (a signature of the LXP suite and exclusive ingredient to the brand) and Rice Oligo Peptide to encourage protein creation and keep collagen from degeneration, even under UV stress. The lychee extract reaches full potential with SK-II’s signature ingredient, Pitera. Father of Pitera, Takashi Yoshii, who has conducted more than 35 years of research in the groundbreaking element, continues to discover new information and uses for this amazing transformative miracle ingredient. As cell energy levels begin to deplete at the very root of the skin as we age, the LXP range aims to revitalise the NAD cycle, which is essentially the currency of energy metabolism, according to a research by Professor Shin-inchiro Imai, says Yoshiisan. “SK-II’s LXP Ultimate Perfecting Series contains Highest Concentrated Pitera, which is able to help boost enzymatic cascade to regulate the skin cell energy cycle on top
of delivering a comprehensive range of skin benefits. It thus works to promote a vibrant cycle of skin cell energy at the root of skin.”
A luxurious suite that includes the Ultimate Perfecting Essence, this range is perfect for women who want excellence and the ultimate experience in SK-II products. “This series is so powerful and concentrated that I noticed the extra boost and difference in my skin in a matter of days,” reveals award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, who has been global ambassador of the Japanese brand for years.
“In fact, LXP Ultimate Perfecting Essence nourishes the skin to promote a healthy skin barrier function, improve its resilience, and keep it hydrated for up to 200 percent times more,” confirms Yoshii-san. “Bolstered by the Highest Concentrated Pitera, LXP Ultimate Perfecting Series effects skin transformation across the multiple angles of velvet smoothness, taut firmness, radiant luminosity, even translucency, wrinkle resilience, and rich hydration.”
PAR EXCELLENCE
“What I loved about LXP was that unlike a lot of other products that have the rich, moisturising quality that LXP also has, it’s not greasy. So you can put it on even during the day, particularly if you’re in dry conditions, and you can still apply make-up after without having that greasy feeling,” says Blanchett. “I was really pleased when they introduced the serum, and then – which I think is absolute genius – the LXP Ultimate Perfecting Essence. It has become my number one product, not only because the LXP packaging is gorgeous, but it’s also that absolute power booster for Pitera.” And let us not forget the ultimate luxury in this routine, which is the Perfecting Cream. The most premium cream ever launched by SK-II is an exciting infusion of a precious rose absolute scent carefully extracted from the finest roses in Grasse, Highest Concentrated Pitera, Golden Regenerating Complex as well as nine skin-conditioning patents that culminate in a lush, creamy fold of skin-firming miracle. “For me, the LXP range is the masterpiece of the SK-II collection because there’s been such an incredible amount of care and rigorous technology that’s gone into producing it and developing it over time,” shares Blanchett, who continues to use the luxe range. “It wasn’t the first product that I discovered, but now that I’ve found it, I know that’s what’s going to carry me into the future because it’s beautifully crafted, down to the gentle fragrance that the cream has, and the texture, the immediate experience you have of putting it on your skin. “Certainly for me, my relationship with SK-II has been quintessentially excellent because I’ve had that very experience. I loved it from the outset but it’s been over the 11 years that I’ve really realised the depth of the SK-II range.” It’s a depth that’s well explored, and as the latest addition to the LXP series proves, one can indeed improve upon perfection.
ACTRESS CATE BLANCHETT DIVULGES HER SKINCARE ROUTINE: “I use the LXP morning and night, which, thanks to the lychee extract, makes my skin glow instantly. If I have a long day ahead, I’ll even put the Essence on over make-up because I find it also sets your make-up so you don’t have to wear as much.”