Immortelle has been used in many healing formulas. The flower holds within it a precious essential oil with potent anti-aging properties that form the cornerstone of the L’Occitane en Provence Immortelle skin-care range; autumn 2012 issue.

Photographed by François-Xavier Emery.

Long before a perfume kisses your skin, the fragrance-creation process begins with a flower. For Chanel No. 5, that flower is Rosa centifolia. It is grown in Grasse, a small town tucked in the hills along the Côte d’Azur; winter 2010 issue.

 

“Lipstick is an extension of your personality—it’s like having a new handbag. It affects how you interact with the world—you’re making a similar statement. You’re announcing yourself.” Winter 2007 issue.

Photographed by Clinton Hussey.

Guerlain‘s tradition of making women feel beautiful can be traced back to 1828. From its earliest days, the Guerlain name has been as synonymous with skin care and cosmetics as with perfume; winter 2008 issue.

Over the last few years, nails have blossomed into a blockbuster beauty essential. Gel lacquers—a combination of gel and enamel technology—tick all the boxes on a manicure wish list; summer 2012 issue.

Photographed by Clinton Hussey.

Once the summer sun is burning bright, staying indoors begins to feel like a prison—especially when pallid complexions have yearned all year for a healthy bronze glow. But what can we do post-beach to help sustain a glowing tan? Summer 2010 issue.

Photographed by Clinton Hussey.

Combining a modern edge with family heritage, Aerin Lauder has taken Estée Lauder into the 21st century with grace and determination. The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. has created a legacy, and in some sense a dynasty, in the cosmetic industry; summer 2006 issue.

Boutique perfumers also pride themselves on thinking outside the bottle. Fabrice Penot and Eddie Roschi, founders of Le Labo, say that their mission is to “make life more beautiful” using fragrance; spring 2011 issue.

Allure aside, shaving is a crucial part of male life. The average man has over 30,000 whiskers on his face. He will shave an estimated 12 metres of hair from his face, during approximately 22,000 shaves in a lifetime; summer 2002 issue.

Spa My Blend by Clarins is the brainchild of Dr. Olivier Courtin-Clarins—who, along with his brother Christian Courtin-Clarins, is heir to the French brand’s throne—and is based on the principles that all skin has the potential to regenerate and repair cells when encouraged to do so; autumn 2012 issue.