From Morocco, With Love
At the centre of YSL Beauté’s Or Rouge age-defying formula, lies the symbol of exuberant luxury. By Anne Lee.
The bustling souks, bright and bold kaftans, as well as the bohemian spirit of the Moroccan kingdom have long been sources of inspiration for poets and designers. And they also certainly left an impact on the late Yves Saint Laurent, who made Jardin Majorelle his creative respite from city life in Paris. Exotic lands carry untold mysteries that pique the mind, and for generations, women here have been sharing a beauty secret, one that uses one of the world’s most precious spices: the Moroccan saffron.
PRIZED POSSESSION
Often regarded as “red gold” and used as a preventive measure against the land’s erratic weather changes and elements, saffron-infused oils are extracted from flowers that flourish on a single morning each year. Its powers of renewal are captured at this precise moment and collected painstakingly by hand over long hours, making this a delicately rare ingredient desired by many. This precious ingredient was also Queen Cleopatra and Alexander the Great’s staples; the former would bathe in a saffron warm bath before meeting with her suitors and the latter used it as a curative during his battles in Asia. Fast forward to the 21st century, and YSL Beauté introduces the world’s cuttingedge couture skincare line Or Rouge, which harnesses a new four-step Green Process and the groundbreaking crocetin, a compound found within the saffron’s pistil. Designed for the couture addict who demands the most effective and cleanest of formulas, the Or Rouge saffron distillate offers double protection and reactivates the “youth switch” in the skin. More potent and concentrated, the Or Rouge doesn’t just correct damaged skin, but rather, functions as a preventative measure to keep inflamm-ageing at bay. So whether it’s pollution, UV rays, or other lifestyle factors, these daily aggressors will no longer have power over skin’s texture.
A BEAUTIFUL TOUCH
Housed in golden urns and bottles, these luxurious YSL Beauté concoctions deliver a sense of couture for the skin. The Or Rouge collection keeps true to its founder’s commitment to sustainability, too, as its ethically harvested ingredients come from 100 percent sustainably managed forests. The refillable capsules for Or Rouge Crème are also YSL Beauté’s effort to cut down its carbon footprint. Even more beautiful is the sentiment of giving back to the very community that has shared one of the best beauty secrets with the world. A women’s cooperative was founded by YSL Beauté to nurture and support the community of saffron pickers, by helping them achieve financial independence. Beauty with a conscience, made richer by choice. J YSL Beauté Or Rouge collection is available at YSL Beauté stores nationwide. www.yslbeauty.com.my