In March this year, the Lancôme Singapore team paid a visit to the NYLON office. They brought with them a bottle of the brand’s famous Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate — what I used to think was a serum, but is actually a pre-serum; a “booster” to use before your other skincare. This wasn’t the first time I was presented this bottle, but it was the first time someone explained its promises to me and convinced me to try the product — better skin in seven days, they say. And this claim is all over Lancôme’s website, and on all its commercials for the cult product. How true are the claims? I actually saw results overnight. I woke up to skin that looked fresher, and pores that looked smaller — and that was enough to convince me that this product has something going for it. 

above: the famous Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum

The formula for the concentrate taps on the science behind probiotics — it includes yeast, which has been found to improve the skin structure, resulting in firmer skin; and bifidobacteria (that same healthy bacteria in yogurt and kimchi), which strengthens the skin’s barrier and defense. Lancôme has a patent on this probiotics system until 2029, so we’re not going to see dupes for at least another 10 years. If you want to try it, it’s as simple as registering on the brand’s website to redeem a complimentary 7-day trial. Need a final push? My good friend Rozz swears by this product — granted she’s fronting the campaigns and being paid to say so; but I know her, and she won’t advertise something she doesn’t believe in. And now that I’ve tried the product for myself, I can say that I’m also a convert.

above: rozz in the Lancôme ad, found on the brand’s website (click on the image to visit)

With my newfound love for the Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate, you can imagine my excitement when I heard about an eye — and lash! — version of it! It’s called the Advanced Génifique Light Pearl Youth Activating Eye & Lash Concentrate and has a formula with the same powerhouse of probiotic fractions, but enriched with what Lancôme calls the “Trio-Lash Complex”. This complex is composed of arginin, madecassoside and citric acid — and creates stronger (and denser) lashes over time. Here’s Taylor Hill starring in the commercial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eJ79oKqJgI

above: the bottle

What’s particularly special about this product is the patented 360° flexible massage applicator made of surgical stainless steel and elastormer. It has an immediate cooling effect on the skin (resulting in less puffy eye bags), and it doesn’t pull or tug on the delicate skin around the eye. 

above: the very flexible unique applicator made of surgical stainless steel and elastormer

There’s a suggested ritual by Lancôme to using this concentrate and applicator (see illustrations below), and with continued use, eye bags will be less puffy, wrinkles and dark circles will be reduced, and lashes will get stronger and more voluminous. If you already love and own the iconic Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate, this Eye & Lash version will be a natural addition to your skincare regime. I’ve added it into mine.

above: the texture is lightweight and fluid, and feels refreshing and cool on the skin

above: the massaging ritual using the applicator

If you want to experience the eye serum, Lancôme offers a complimentary 15-minute Eye Glow service, which reduces the appearance of puffiness, hydrates the eye contour and opens the look of your eyes with a 360°eye massage treatment including ultrasound technology. You can sign up for it here. 

LANCÔME ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE LIGHT-PEARL EYE & LASH CONCENTRATE, $120, available at all Lancôme departmental store counters and Sephora, and online at TANGS.COM and SEPHORA.SG.

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