From The Straits Times    |

The year 2020 is one that many of us won’t forget. It was a year to reset, pause and take stock of our lives. Along with mental and emotional changes, some of us also had to deal with skin challenges, such as increased pigmentation or signs of ageing from added WFH stress.

We sat with three Lancôme Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum users – Drea Chong, Cheryl Wee and Jamie Yeo – to talk about how their skin and lives changed in 2020, and what they’re looking forward to in 2021.

Jamie Yeo, host, founder of Lula J Jewellery and a new user of Advanced Genifique serum

What were your takeaways from 2020?
2020 was the year my latest baby, Lula J Jewellery, was officially launched. I started selling my solid 14K gold pieces in the thick of the circuit breaker, via Instagram. It was surreal driving around a very quiet Singapore doing deliveries then. The business has grown since and our website is now up, but I will remember those memories of driving around and meeting clients fondly as part of the brand’s humble beginnings.

2020 was also the year I realised that I didn’t need too much to be happy – just my family, close friends and good food. I didn’t even really need much makeup or nail polish – just good skincare products and lash extensions.

What were your skin challenges in the new normal?
Surprisingly, 2020 turned out alright for my skin. It was under much duress during the circuit breaker from the stress of managing two very active kids at home. But not wearing much makeup during the stay-home days helped, and fussing less over my skin made it healthier.

What are your 2021 skin goals?
To keep my skin looking smooth, radiant and rested without makeup.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?
I’m celebrating many things – good health, the Covid-19 vaccine, the success of my little business and all the work I was blessed with in 2020 (brand collaborations on my socials hit a record high). I’m also looking forward to possibly travelling again, expanding my jewellery business and watching my kids grow.

How will Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum continue to be your skin’s partner in the new year?
I’ve been using the serum for over a year, and I love that it has such a lightweight texture. Wearing a face mask in the heat means that my daily skincare has to be light and moisturising, which makes Advanced Genifique ideal for me.

I don’t have to worry about having a bad skin day because Advanced Genifique helps soothe my skin. It protects it from external aggressors, such as thick makeup and pollution.

My goal is to have glowy skin that looks good even without makeup.

Cheryl Wee, entrepreneur, mum of two and loyal Advanced Genifique serum user

What were your takeaways from 2020?
2020 was a pivotal year for me to learn and adapt. Work-wise, there was an accelerated shift as we decided to start Cheryl W online during that period. So I’ve been busy with improving formulations, research and development, packaging, rebranding, the whole works.

It was a year to realign and decide what’s important. It made us focus on the essentials – relationships, family and friends – as well as giving back and supporting those who need our help.

What were your skin challenges in the new normal?
Fatigue and a lack of time took a toll, and my skin became a little drier. During the circuit breaker, I had to quickly cope with working from home and starting two online businesses, as well as taking care of my two young kids while my husband was busy with work.

In addition, with mandatory mask-wearing, I’ve noticed the masked area tends to be a bit oilier from the heat that gets trapped inside.

What are your 2021 skin goals?
Anti-ageing. It can be tiring juggling work demands and my businesses at the same time.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?
I’m looking forward to my entrepreneurship journey and the steep learning curve ahead of me.

How will Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum continue to be your skin’s partner in the new year?
I started using Advanced Genifique about three years ago. I like that it’s very lightweight and works well even on my sensitive skin. My little skin hack is to use the serum as a base before my makeup, as I’ve found that the effects are most obvious then – my complexion becomes instantly brighter.

To help with my drier skin, signs of ageing and mask-wear, the serum is still going to be part of my daily staple in 2021 because having a strong skin barrier is important.

Drea Chong, influencer, new mum and Advanced Genifique serum fan

What were your takeaways from 2020?
2020 has taught me to slow down and reprioritise, and focus on my home and health more. I used to think that being in the office all the time was a sign of being hardworking, but I’ve learnt to balance both time at home and in the office.

What were your skin challenges in the new normal?
2020 was great for my skin. Since I didn’t have to travel often, my skin was not exposed to that stress. Plus, the pregnancy glow was real from the second trimester onwards.

What are your 2021 skin goals?
Definitely to look less tired! While I don’t get breakouts anymore, my skin is looking more tired and dull.

What are you looking forward to in 2021?
I’m looking forward to welcoming our little addition to the family, although I know it’s not going to be easy. I’m definitely not looking forward to the sleepless nights, but I know the journey will be rewarding.

How will Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum continue to be your skin’s partner in the new year?
I was first introduced to Advanced Genifique about four years ago. I use it post-toner and pre-moisturiser. My skincare secret is to keep the serum in a skincare fridge, so it feels cool and super soothing on the skin during application.

I juggle many roles, so self-care is very important to me. Advanced Genifique helps to balance my skin and bring it back to health, keeping it youthful and radiant.

And without a doubt, I will continue to use it in 2021. I need all the help I can to boost my skin’s radiance, and I know that Advanced Genifique serum helps to revive dull and tired-looking skin.

Find out why Advanced Genifique is such an important part of Jamie, Cheryl and Drea’s skincare routines.

*Based on a study where a panel of multi-ethnic testers used Advanced Genifique over 57 days

5 things to know about Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum

#1: The number one anti-ageing serum around the world*

The iconic Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum is so well-loved that more than 25 million bottles have been sold globally since its launch in 2009. One bottle is sold every six seconds.

*Within Lancôme worldwide

#2: Perfect for busy, modern women

Every dose of Advanced Genifique contains 30 million pre- and probiotic fractions, ensuring the right dose of essential nutrients for the growth of beneficial bacteria in the skin’s microbiome. There’s no reason to neglect your skincare routine anymore.

#3: Backed by more than 15 years of research

Lancôme was one of the first brands to delve into the benefits of having a balanced skin microbiome, with over 15 years of research dedicated to understanding the link between the microbiome and skin’s health and appearance.

#4: Helps skin defend and repair itself even faster

The formula contains a unique blend of seven pre- and probiotic actives to deliver essential resources, such as sugars, amino acids and lipids, to the skin and its microbiome. This in turn helps skin better defend itself against environmental stressors, while aiding in faster repair and recovery, by up to 77 per cent.

Advanced Genifique increases the amount of good bacteria in your skin by 10 times after the first application. Over time, your skin not only becomes stronger, it also looks more youthful. You’ll see a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an increase in radiance, evenness, smoothness, elasticity and firmness.

#5: See results in seven days

You should see youthful radiance in a week.

Reset now, for stronger, younger-looking skin in 2021

Usher in the Year of the Ox with a healthy and resilient complexion like Jamie, Cheryl and Drea. Lancôme is offering a limited edition Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum 100ml Duo Set just for Chinese New Year, packaged in a beautiful vanity kit. The iconic serum is dressed in red and adorned with Lancôme’s emblematic rose, reinterpreted by Chinese artist, Sun Jun. The set, which costs $440, comes with two special jumbo sized 100ml bottles.

Join the Her World x Lancôme Live Chat on Jan 28, 9pm

Book your calendar for Jan 28, 2021, 9pm. That’s when you can join Her World editor Ng Yi Lian and guests Cheryl Wee and Jamie Yeo on a live chat to discover how Lancôme Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum can reset your skin and bring it back to a healthy state, as well as pick up beauty tips from our guests.

We’ve also invited paper artist Dawn Koh (@kohdawn) to demonstrate the beautiful art of creating a blooming rose hanging decoration.

You can also stand to win a limited edition Advanced Genifique Serum (30ml) with a vanity kit, plus a blooming rose hanging decoration, which Dawn will personalise for the winners, during the livestream. Each set is worth $180 and we have three to give away.

You can sign up for the HW x Lancôme live chat here. Closing date is
Jan 27, 2021.

Brought to you by Lancôme