Let The Light In
Want clear, radiant skin? A transparent, healthy tone? In bright and sunny Bangkok, BAZAAR discovers a luminous, new perspective. By Teh Sue May.
Milling about the riverside of Chao Phraya just outside Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, it is not difficult to feel closer to nature with the sun on the skin and lush greenery abound. With the illustrious ‘S’ standing amid the landscape and a refreshing scent of lemongrass mingling with something sweet in the air, it is clear that the powers of aromatherapy and phytotherapy are never too far from mind at Sisley.
Having founded the luxe beauty brand in 1976, the d’Ornanos have long been believers of the potency of botanicals. Through extensive research in the field (there are around 800,000 different plants on Earth after all) founder Hubert d’Ornano saw that the life of man is closely dependent on that of plants—to breathe, eat, and heal. And it is a belief that Sisley Paris still carries on to their products today.
MODERN NATURE
“It is a matter of means, and it is a matter of curiosity,” says José Ginestar, head of research and development at Sisley, as he introduces the latest addition to the brand’s brightening range. “As we strive to produce as best a product as we can, there is no limiting time for our research and no limiting budget. That is why we have the luxury of asking how we can go further with each new product.”
With the new Phyto-Blanc Le Concentré, a new intensive and comprehensive brightening serum, Sisley leverages on one of nature’s more surprising idiosyncrasies—palmoplantar whiteness. Looking into the natural melanin production inhibitor which is the DKK1 protein, present in the palms of hands and soles of feet, Ginestar’s research incorporates a new active ingredient, Egyptian Myrobalan, pushing the boundaries to achieve a 31 percent increase in luminosity and a 49 percent increase in brightness and radiance, based on a self-assessment carried out by a panel of Asian skin types of women from 21 to 58 years old.
GOING THE DISTANCE
More than just numbers, this data-driven efficacy represents Sisley’s approach to product development as a whole. Ginestar says that the brand takes a global method when it comes to their products, “Whether it is anti-ageing, hydrating, or brightening, what we aim to create is a complete beauty ritual.”
It is unsurprising then, that the Phyto-Blanc Le Concentré packages an entire world of discoveries into its sleek, lacquered white-and-silver bottle. The complex marriage of active ingredients (which include pea peptide extract, hexylresorcinol, wild thyme extract, and vitamin B3) act on each of the four stages of melanin production that is responsible for dark spots on the skin’s surface, while the powerful duo of vitamin E acetate and alpha-Bisabolol ensures complete coverage against lifestyle and external aggressors that cause hyperpigmentation or the appearance of dull, tired skin. “It isn’t just about reducing the production of melanin, but also about protecting skin against unwanted stress,” says Ginestar.
ENTER A WORLD OF LUMINOSITY
Discussing the beauty preconception that champions whiteness, Ginestar explains that it is all a matter of fashion and trends: “Tanning is part of the skin’s natural self-protection against the sun’s aggression. Darker skin tones do very well to safeguard the skin, but healthy skin is one that is uniform, luminous, and radiant.” Nicolas Chesnier, Asia-Pacific regional managing director at Sisley, agrees with this train of thought too, stating that there is a marked difference between brighter skin and lighter skin. “Brightness is about all aspects of radiance—clarity, luminosity, tone, and colour. And for Sisley, we have always worked towards a worldwide concept, which is why the Phyto-Blanc Le Concentre is presented as such,” Chesnier adds.
Upon indulging in the silkily textured serum, watching the sun go down on the Chao Phraya, I can’t help but think of my own slightly tanned tone. I had never reflected much on it as a child, constantly basking in the sunshine whenever I could. Yet, there is only so much you can shield your skin from. Even as the decades passed, my skin colour never bothered me. Such is the “glow” that accompanies life on the equator, I had thought. But with new breakthrough products that can not only fade dark spots and even out skin tone due to sun (over)exposure, perhaps there is a place for a brighter new me, after all. Sisley Phyto-Blanc Le Concentré retails at RM1,380 (20ml) and is available at Sisley beauty counters nationwide.
The bright arched frontage of Estée Lauder at Suria KLCC’s ground floor is a major eye-catcher, like many of its cult-favourite products that remain at the top of their game until today. A ‘Night Concierge Table’, the ‘Lift & Learn’ technology, and an interactive lipstick app are all part of the flagship store’s exclusive bespoke offerings to its customers. The 900-square-feet space brings beauty innovation to a league of its own without losing the timeless, opulent class the brand is synonymous for. Lot G61, Ground Floor, Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2161 0132