I announced in November that Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s most successful launch to date, Essence Absolue, had sold out worldwide at salons only weeks after the product’s launch.  This is an impressive feat in any economic climate, but is especially astounding when retail sales–while up slightly from 2008–were generally weak during Q4.

Sadly, this fabulous product generally sells out as quickly as stores can replenish it.  This, of course, only piques the curiosity of product-addicted consumers like myself.  I was thrilled when I received a sample of Essence Absolue, especially in light of the product’s scarcity and highly-coveted celeb-adored status.

Shu Uemura’s Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Oil is a magical elixir for those cursed with dry over-processed hair.  Essence Absolue’s secret ingredient is Camellia Oil (commonly referred to as “liquid gold”), derived from the Camellia Japonica tree.  The beauty of this hair care product is that it doubles as an extremely effective intensive pre-shampoo moisturizing treatment, or an after-styling protectant that shields the hair from sun damage and leaves it looking shiny. 

I’m particularly fond of the product’s weightlessness, as some leave-in conditioners can leave hair feeling heavy, looking flat or even looking greasy!  Essence Absolue has none of these horrible side-effects, and I love the instant gratification of applying one teeny-tiny pump to my hair post-styling, and ending up with shinier, more healthy-looking tresses instantly!

Retail price is $65 for a large, 5 fl oz pump bottle.  I know the price is steep, but this bottle will likely last for quite a while.  I’ve been using mine for about 2 weeks, and the bottle is only 10% empty (using ruler measurement to determine this).  I’d estimate two bottles is all you’d need for an entire year of treatment and protection.

Join the wait list by clicking here, and you’ll be informed via email when Essence Absolue is back in stock.  Good luck, readers!

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review.  For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.