One of the times I got locked out of my apartment, so I went for a walk • • • #bruno #brunomars #finesse #parody #infinesse #inverness #streetsign #streetname #south #drive #spoof #misheardlyrics https://www.instagram.com/p/B49kHg1DSH2/?igshid=1vgcq1r5pa4ql
Cult Japanese skincare brand Albion is a well-kept secret among beauty afficionados in Asia, spreading largely through word of mouth. Their line of low-key, luxury skincare is used by none other than the Japanese royal family itself.
Even though they've been around for over 50 years, it's not big on splashy marketing, and it's not surprising that I heard about Albion through friends who used to purchase products via trips to Japan or Taiwan, before it became available locally.
The line-up:
Exage - Starter line for younger women
Infinesse - Women in their 30s and up who are keen to counteract first signs of aging
Excia - More mature women who need anti-aging and protective care
Ex-Vie - Ultra-luxe line for mature women who want maximum skin rejuvenation and anti-aging efficacy in their products
INFINESSE and "Renovate cPA"
Infinesse is a relatively new line targeted at women (like me) whose skins need a little extra care. If you're seeing fine lines around your forehead, neck, nasolabial fold, the corners of the eyes, etc, or even early signs of skin slackness around the jaw and under the chin, you might find that a lot ofanti-aging skincare doesn't seem to work for long.
That's because a lot of the ingredients simply sit on the surface where they can plump up the top layers temporarily, but little actually manages to penetrate deeper into the dermis to do any long-term good.
Cue the very technical sounding "Renovate cPA", which is a proprietary molecule which has been clinically proven both in vitro (in lab tests) and in vivo (on patients) to be able to strengthen fibroblast activity (a cell in connective tissue that produces collagen and other fibers), increase levels of hyaluronic acid in the reticular dermis (lower layer of skin where our collagen fibers are most densely packed).
In a nutshell, Infinesse promises to firm and plump the skin from the inside out.
SHOPPER ALERT: Do note if you're intending to purchase or try this, that Renovate cPA is only present in 3 products (moisture milk SG$115, lotion SG$115, and serum SG$164), and not the entire Infinesse range (which includes a cleansing wash $63, cleansing milk $74, cleansing cream $74, eye cream $164, and face cream $197).
The price-tags are hefty, so I would go for those 3 key products first just to make sure you're getting the maximum bang for your buck.
--
The 4-step application ritual below is the same as with all Albion lines.
Gentle Polishing cleanse - most of the cleansers in the Infinesse range are cream-based rather than foaming, although there is a single foaming cleanser. The emphasis is on gentle, non-abrasive and non-drying cleansing, and the cleanser does remove makeup as well as clean the skin.
"Pumper" Moisture Milk - this is a unique step in the ritual, where a light lotion is applied as a softening prep for the skin to receive other skincare.
"Soak" with lotion - I'm not a stranger to the strange habit of patting on a moisturizing toner AFTER a serum or lotion, to increase absorption and hydration.
Apply serum or cream - the Infinesse Gravity Resistance IA treatment serum can be used as a last step, although there is also an "Engraftment Cream" for those who need intense moisture and protection.
--
My thoughts?
I do always like the concept of molecules that are able to deliver active ingredients to deeper layers of the skin and stimulate natural cell activity instead of trying to create a temporary smoothness by layering tons of occlusive, hydrating products just on the skin surface.
I tested the range for a little over a week, and that's obviously too short a time to see if there are long-term changes. It definitely helps with my dry areas and plumps up the skin for hours. I use it at night and fine lines around the forehead and neck that I always see in the morning - largely caused by overnight moisture loss - are visibly reduced, so this definitely is very effective at keeping the skin well-hydrated and supple. (In fact they work so well, I'll be bringing these on a flight.)
The products are lightweight and non-oily, but they do leave a slight moist feel on the skin (the way some hyaluronic acid products will); oilier skins might not like that sensation, but it's quite nice on normal skins, and dry skins will love it since it can create a nice dewy glow.
--
Purchasing Info
Unfortunately, Albion is not widely available around the world, outside of Japan. The full range should be available in Taiwan, and in part in Singapore at Takashimaya S.C. (although there are some products like the coveted Whitening line which will only hit our shores a few months later).
Those of you in other parts of the world might need to look on eBay, but do be careful and check out reviews of sellers because it is hard to guarantee authenticity, and the prices can be quite hefty.
