Lancome's newest collection, L.U.C.I., which sadly is Gucci Westmans' last addition for Lancome, is on counters now. These may very well become collectors items!

L.U.C.I. stands for Luminous Colorless Color Intelligence. I did not get it at first, but when I saw these beauties in person, I totally understood. These colors are high tech, but based on some of the most simple things such as the sky, ocean, and luminescent seashells. Beautiful, no? The technology comes into play with how reflective and iridescent the colors are. Lancome calls this "Photonic".

Iridescent color, like that found on a butterfly’s wing or a bubble, is the result of an optical phenomenon where hues of an object change color based on light interference and viewing angles. Iridescent color is not composed of pigments and is therefore sometimes called “colorless color.” Lancôme Advanced Research created a patented invention that is able to interpret particles of colorless color and incorporate them into makeup products to create “photonic” makeup.

The formula of this makeup looks white to the eye, but when applied to the skin or on top of another product, it creates a spectacular transformation. Each of the colorless color particles acts as tiny light chambers, capturing and intensely refracting light for an iridescent finish. The pure and intense halo of color that is produced reflects rose, blue, coral or green hues, enhancing lips, eyes and skin. Depending on one’s complexion, the halo of color changes; when a photonic product is placed on fair skin it transforms into an iridescent and pastel shade, while on darker skin, it becomes deep and intense.