On the dandy’s lapel, it was a sign of refinement and distinction and brands such as Chanel or Shiseido have incorporated it into their history. Coco never said why the camellia was her favorite flower – she did comment one day that she would have it for breakfast – but it always accompanied her throughout her life, ever since she pinned it, white, on a black chiffon dress back in 1923. Hanatsubaki (camellia) has been the logo of Shiseido since 1915. Japanese women were pioneers in applying its properties: they used to comb their hair with a wooden comb soaked in its oil since time immemorial (there are records that camellia seeds were used in 1723 ), and it is pointed out as one of the secrets of the elaborate beauty of the geishas. What does this odorless flower with perfect symmetry have to continue blooming over the years as a symbol of beauty?
In a context that seeks and praises the taste for natural ingredients in cosmetics, flowers such as camellia are claimed as a powerful active ingredient. Advances in technology and research allow us to get the most out of cutting-edge formulas and have our own crops, such as Chanel, which grows more than 2,000 varieties of camellia from around the world in an open-air botanical garden in the southwest of France, allowing us to study them in depth and better control its quality. The Zar, a red japonica camellia that blooms in winter and stands up to the cold without breaking a sweat, is the star of Chanel’s No. 1 anti-aging line and is also included in its makeup products.
Determined to make its place among the best antioxidants, camellia – with special mention to its oil – sneaks into the beauty routine to take care of us from head to toe. Rich in phytonutrients and vitamins A, D, C and E, the oil has a high content of fatty acids such as Omega 9, an anti-inflammatory component that accelerates healing processes. But it does much more for the skin: it strengthens the skin barrier, improves its elasticity, nourishes, helps retain moisture and is absorbed in seconds. It is a resistant and multi-use flower, the perfect ally for dry skin and those that do not tolerate sudden temperature changes between winter and heating. And it is still wonderful as a brooch or ornament.