For decades, the rose has been an identifying symbol for Lancôme, the luxury French beauty house that celebrates its 80^th anniversary this year. More than just a brand emblem, the rose has become an innovative ingredient in some of Lancôme’s most luxurious and effective formulas. Georges Delbard, rose specialist, created the Lancôme rose in 1973—a hybrid born from a complex hand pollination process. This unique rose blooms only once a year and of 20,000 flowers obtained, only a single rose is chosen.

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Almost 40 years later, Lancôme’s researchers have succeeded in extracting native cells from the remarkable rose and learned to multiply them via a procedure called Fermogenesis. As a result, Lancôme can utilize the powerful cells—and their regenerating powers—in their products. These include fragrance, and the Absolue L’Extrait Ultimate Rejuvenating Elixir, $360, which I was sent to sample.

Containing up to 2 million Lancôme Rose native cells, Absolue L’Extrait Ultimate Rejuvenating Elixir has been called “pure indulgence for the skin.” Extracted from the heart of the rare Lancôme Rose using an exclusive, state-of-the-art biotechnological process, these native cells are said to “enhance skin’s appearance, making it firmer, and more radiant.”

Lancôme recommends using the product for eleven weeks to obtain the best results; I have used it for two weeks so far. The texture is thick, whipped and creamy; the rose-tinged scent is divine. I found it a tad sticky going on but it absorbed well by morning and even in the weeks of use, I noticed a greater radiance and elasticity to my skin.

Also included with the product is a small, gold tipped wand. The instructions say to use one end to apply the product; the other end is to be used for massaging the face. As instructed, I dipped the metal end first in hot water and then in cold, and followed the accompanying directions for how to massage. I found it a novel experience but probably not one I would continue doing. However the wand, when dipped in cold water, is excellent for using on that pesky, puffy under eye area.

This is an excellent, though pricey, product. I have sampled other products that achieve good results but which are far less expensive. However, I am going to continue using it to see if after eleven weeks there are even more dramatic results.

For more info, go to: www.Lancome-USA.com.

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