HERE?S something new in skincare: Glacial snow water from the Himalayas for intense hydration and overall skin health.

Laneíge cosmetics company, originally from South Korea, pioneered the technology. The products are infused with ionized water from the Himalayan mountains. The water naturally hydrates skin with minerals like calcium and potassium for suppleness, sodium for moisture, magnesium and zinc for healthy cellular metabolism, and iron for collagen production.

Laneíge is French for snow, and caters to women who want to have clear, flawless, almost translucent skin.

?The Laneíge logo has snowflakes because we recognize that women are like snowflakes ? no two snowflakes are exactly alike,? said Katherine Baylon, senior assistant brand manager. ?Laneíge is a pure and chic brand for the young and trendy.?

Already in Seoul since 2002, Laneíge has generated fans around China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Its products are now available locally on the third level of TriNoma in Quezon City (tel. 7255682 and 3455682).

?I have been using it [Laneíge] for years, and I wanted to share a good product with Filipinos, that?s why I brought Laneíge here,? said president Winnie Go.

Korean sweetheart

Korean actress Song Hye Kyo, who starred in the soaps ?Endless Love? and ?Full House,? is Laneíge brand ambassador. She lists Water Bank Essence_EX, Water Sleeping Pack, Makeup Snow Crystal Dual Foundation with SPF 22 and Sliding Pact_EX with SPF 25 among her favorites.

The Laneíge lines are clustered into specific needs to guide you.

Basic Care is for all skin types. Perfect Renew is for aging skin. Hydra Solution and Ultra Hydro are for those with normal to dry skin. The Water Bank range is the best-seller and caters to different skin types.

Pore Trouble products are for those with oily and combination skin. Star White is for skin-whitening junkies. Sensitive, Suncare and Special Care are for more specific needs.

For first-time buyers, Baylon suggested using the Water Bank set composed of Essense_EX (an emulsion that has extracts of blueberry, honey, bean; and enzymes for balanced skin tone); Cream1_EX (rich type) and Cream2_EX (fresh gel) for moisture; and Hydrogel (sherbet-textured water gel to instantly soothe tired skin).

A yummy must-try is the Strawberry Yoghurt Peeling Gel, which really smells like fresh yoghurt. It has strawberry extracts that act as exfoliants to gently remove dead skins and reduce skin dullness.

Strawberry Yoghurt Pack is thick cream with fruit extracts, lactic acid and vitamin E for smooth, supple and glowing skin. It is recommended that the strawberry products be kept refrigerated.

For makeup, the Sliding Pact_EX [Snow Moisture Crystal] SPF 25 PA++ is a global favorite. It glides smoothly on the skin and comes in different shades to suit the skintone.

All of Laneíge?s makeup ? base, concealer, foundation, setting powder, blushes and mist ? has snow water for extra nourishment.

Lipsticks come in warm and cool undertones just right for Asian complexion. Top off with Snow Crystal lip gloss in Sheer and Shimmer for that plump pout.

?We have a team of trained consultants in the store to help customers find the perfect colors for them,? said Baylon.