Estee Lauder in town

Long ago, as visiting relatives unpacked their foreign-smelling suitcases and bottles of perfumes, jars of creams and boxes of colour cosmetics tumbled out, one name impressed itself on my little-girl mind: Estee Lauder. Those two words, magical in their mysteriousness, became associated with beauty and romance and an adultness that always seemed ungettable.

Now that I’ve outgrown my pigtails, though, I know age is in the mind. And beauty lies in the here and now. In keeping with my growth, the 62-year-old brand — named after the only woman in Time magazine’s list of 20 business geniuses of the 20th century — has arrived with its first store in my very own city.

The Lauder line, too, has evolved with time. Starting with an ‘all-purpose cream’ and ’skin lotion’ and a couple of other products, Estee Lauder now boasts of a range that takes care of every skin condition and enhances every look. The trained beauty advisers, thankfully, took the decision-making out of my hands and suggested I try the Re-Nutriv line — a collection of day and night cremes, lifting serums, revitalisers, cleansers and make-up. The line incorporates new technologies for intensive lifting, firming and moisturisers that show themselves in luminous, radiant skin.

In the make-up range, I loved the six Indian skintone-friendly shades they’ve added in Doublewear liquid and powder foundations. The Jewels of Summer colour collection has shades of pinks, berries and metallics — ambrosia for warm skins — and I couldn’t resist picking up their signature golden-fluted lipsticks in Tender Rose.

Just for ol’ time’s sake. My suitcase may not have the well-travelled smell, but I’ve come a long way.

Estee Lauder. The Collection, UB City. 23, Vittal Mallya Road, Bangalore 1. Tel: 40982000. Prices: Rs 800 upwards.