A cosmetic leap of cosmic proportions

Does intelligent life exist elsewhere in the universe? If it does, it’s all set to get a taste of Earth’s cosmetic-industrial complex. After all, why should extraterrestrials be deprived of our planetary potions that can rid sentient beings of blemishes, stop ageing and boost self-esteem?

Nasa has confirmed that ten bottles of Estée Lauder’s ‘Advanced Night Repair’ serum will arrive at the International Space Station on Monday as part of its commercial resupply services mission.

The space agency describes it as one of their many efforts to ‘develop a robust low-Earth orbit economy’ — a sales pitch sure to elicit groans from Martians and Marxists alike. Estée Lauder has reportedly shelled out an astronomical $128,000 for a special photoshoot of the hyaluronic acid concoction to be carried out by some unfortunate astronaut. (‘But this isn’t in my job description!’)


Brands have been battling it out for outer, as well as shelf, space for decades, with Coca-Cola and Pepsi being the first companies to deliver soda to space in the 1980s (‘One giant sip for mankind’). Pizza Hut delivered the first cosmic slice in 2001.

Meanwhile, Budweiser is conducting space-brewing experiments to brew ‘the first beer on Mars’. We just hope that doesn’t backfire and result in one giant hangover for mankind.