Na?r Skincare
What is it?
A range of skincare products created by Robert Wan, who runs one of the world's biggest cultured Tahitian pearl farms, and French scientist Evelyn Lopez. Nacre is the pearly substance secreted by some molluscs that forms a pearl. It also creates the mother-of-pearl coating on the inside of pearl shells.
What's so special?
Lopez studied nacre extracted from a species of pearl oyster in French Polynesia. With the National Centre for Science Research and the National Museum of Natural History, she devised a cocktail using proteins found in nacre. This has been patented and is exclusive to the Na?r range. Lopez says it took almost 10 years to develop the products.
What does it do?
The company says it re-teaches skin functions lost over time, and re-programmes the skin cells. It claims that components of pearl can stimulate the metabolic activities of a cell's DNA and ribonucleic acid. The day cream has a luxurious feel and isn't greasy or heavily scented. It comes in a simple black and white pack - and a little goes a long way. The company says it's 'one of the most important discoveries in the skin- and body-care industry'. Well, perhaps. It feels fresh in humid weather, but there have been no wrinkle-busting miracles yet.
What's in the range, and how much does it cost?
There are 10 products and three lines: Essential, Vital and Authentic. The products, aimed at women aged 25 and over, include Gentle Cleansing Water (200ml/$550), which contains nacre elements and panthenol vitamin B5. Gentle Facial Scrub ($480/50ml) is a transparent gel that contains ball-like micro-algae particles to exfoliate. Sodium hyaluronate helps skin retain moisture. Night Cream ($1,000/50ml) has bio-crystals, which are said to provide proteoglycans to 'rebuild the density and remodel the skin texture'. This helps prevent sagging skin and the development of deep wrinkles and expression lines. Vitamin A acts as skin-cell regulator to re-establish foundations damaged by premature ageing, and squalane aids the skin's immune and healing system.
What else does Robert Wan do?
He has a range under the name Robert Wan Tahiti, that includes the likes of jewellery and home decor. When he launched Na?r in Hong Kong recently, model Vanessa Yeung Tsang wore his cultured pearls as part of the celebrations.
Where can I get Na?r?
Joyce Beauty in Times Square, and Festival Walk.
