It’s a long bridge to cross, but Australian cosmetic wunderkind Napoleon Perdis is confident enough to make the leap with his latest rollout, Auto Pilot Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum ($65).

Recognizing that complexion perfection begins with the skin, one of Australia’s top makeup brands (with sister line NP Set already a top seller in U.S. Target stores) is making a bold foray into skin care with this advanced age-defying elixir, according to the company. The launch makes sense, as the brand is best known for its cosmetic priming products.

Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum assists skin repair, protects against free radicals and promotes collagen renewal, according to the company. Designed for day and night use, the serum helps combat the visible signs of aging. It joins the Auto Pilot collection, which is all about prepping and perfecting the skin.

At the core of the serum’s formulation is a natural blend of tri-peptides and active sugar molecules derived from plants. The formula also boasts sodium hyaluronate to enhance skin elasticity and provitamin B5 to restore moisture. A combination of Australian berry extracts—pepperberry, riberry and muntari berry—offer unique antioxidant properties to round out the mix.

“Over time our skin loses elasticity, smoothness and brightness, and the new serum aims to address this exasperating loss,” said Perdis, who is based in Los Angeles. “Now you can prep your base like never before.”

Perdis launched Napoleon Complex at New York Fashion Week.

Auto Pilot Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum

“I used it on models before we did their makeup and it was extremely hydrating and nourishing,” he said. “Fashion Week took place in the middle of winter in New York, with models racing from show to show, so it was a godsend.”

The Auto Pilot collection is noted for its Pre-Foundation Primer, which was launched six years ago and still has a cult following. The priming range, which features an illustrated image of pioneering aviatrix Amelia Earhart on all products, also includes Pore Minimizer and Mattifier, Retouch Skin Smoothing Cream and Lip Service.

Napoleon Perdis also recently expanded its distribution to national and online retailers. Dillard’s, Stage Stores, Zappos.com and Beauty.com now stock real and virtual shelves with Napoleon Perdis’ cosmetic offerings. In 2008, in addition to taking his company global, Perdis launched a masstige line exclusively for Target, NP Set. He is also still an in-demand makeup artist.

More info: www.napoleonperdis.com