Context

As Art Director at Estée Lauder Companies, I led the campaign for Stimulskin Plus — Darphin’s most prestigious skincare franchise, blending advanced science with rare botanical actives. This project marked a shift toward a new, more futuristic visual language, reflecting both innovation and heritage. Developing this distinct territory, while maintaining Darphin’s transversal codes — sensoriality, natural science, and refinement — was a unique creative exercise that redefined the brand’s expression of luxury and performance.

My Missions

Art direction (Campaign’s visual language, atmosphere and aesthetic)
Concept (Creative idea and narrative foundation)
Creative Strategy (Aligned brand vision, storytelling, and artistic direction)
Graphic Design (graphic and illustrative elements layouts design)
Shooting Direction (Shoot preparation through detailed briefs for photographer and director.)
Retouch Supervision (Post-production follow-up)
Digital Content Supervision (Adaptation across digital, motion, and social platforms.)

Partners

Creative direction & art buying Internal
Social Media Content Laura Bruneteau
Still life photographer Olivier Arnaud
Beauty photographer Julien Vallon
Model (video) Maja Simonsen 
Model (photo) Camille Pidoux 
Director Raphaël Hache
DOP Fabien Benzaquen
Editor Sébastien Legallo
Set Design / SFX Eric André
Production & Postproduction Onirim
Make-Up Lisa Legrand @Airport Agency
Hair Anita Bujoli @backstageagency



Concept

Stimulskin Plus is inspired by the idea of a journey — a cosmic exploration from the surface to the heart of the skin. The product’s high-performing delivery technology and futuristic design evoked a voyage reminiscent of Jules Verne’s Voyage to the Center of the Earth. From this narrative, I developed a visual universe blending space imagery, data art, and topographic structures — a transition from macro to micro, from cosmos to cell. Through minimal compositions, metallic tones, and immersive motion, the campaign expresses both exploration and renewal.

Film

The film uses a forward-moving travelling shot, like scanning a shifting landscape, to create a deep sense of immersion. Each sequence becomes a passage, guiding the viewer through ingredients, skin, and actives on their mission to restore youth from within. A minimal palette of silver, gold, and deep green reinforces the film’s luxury-biotech feel.

Campaign Universe

Social Media

Outcomes

These creative codes became the foundation of the visual language now used across the Stimulskin+ franchise. They established the core aesthetic and narrative cues that continue to guide how the brand expresses performance, luxury, and deep skin transformation today.

Contact

clara lei studio

Working from Normandy, France
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