Creme De La Creme
Spoil yourself with luxe skincare.
When it comes to skincare, the top of the market is sitting pretty. Worldwide, sales of prestige serums, moisturisers and masks are booming as women (and men) invest in products featuring breakthrough technologies and exotic ingredients that help to slow the effects of time. Here are some of the latest releases.
1 Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells Nourishing and Revitalising Rose
Mask ($243) Regular use of face masks enhances the penetration and effectiveness of serums and moisturisers. Based on rose nectar distilled from the French beauty brand’s signature hybrid rose, this lush gel instantly ramps up hydration levels.
Use twice a week in place of a night cream. 2 Philosophy Time in a Bottle for Eyes 100% In-Control Serum ($99) A high-potency gel emulsion formulated to stop puffiness, wrinkles and lines in their tracks. A blend of Himalayan red rice, red grape ferment and plantain leaf revitalises the skin’s natural proteins – collagen and elastin – which increases firmness and elasticity. Vitamin C8 and antioxidants protect the sensitive eye area from further environmental damage. It also contains a pearlised pigment to disguise dark circles, making the eyes look more rested. 3 La Prairie Skin Caviar Absolute Filler ($755) This is the company’s first antiageing product containing Caviar Absolute, a new ingredient that promises to mimic injectable fillers and plump facial contours. The container’s airtight pump mechanism delivers just the right amount to cover the whole face, so you don’t waste any of the precious contents. Mature and drier skin types will notice the biggest difference.
4 La Mer The Moisturizing Cool
Gel Cream (from $242) Like La Mer’s best-selling moisturiser, this lighter formula contains the brand’s much-vaunted Miracle Broth, an anti-ageing ingredient its users swear by. This fresh-as-water hydrator cools the skin on contact and delivers an intense burst of moisture that leaves the skin looking and feeling refreshed. Antioxidant ingredient lime-tea concentrate helps to soothe and reduce redness. 5 Clarins Extra-Firming Nuit Wrinkle Control, Regenerating Night Cream ($125) A new and improved formulation of the bestselling night cream. The star ingredient, kangaroo flower extract, is claimed to boost the regeneration capacity of cells, which helps skin look firmer. Desert date extract targets pigmentation, shea oil moisturises the skin and hydrated silica of moonstone smooths and plumps your face overnight. 6 Estée Lauder Perfectionist Pro Rapid Firm + Lift Treatment (from $115) Sagging, especially around the cheeks, jawline and nasolabial folds, can be more ageing than wrinkles. The hero ingredient of this near professional-strength serum – acetyl hexapeptide-8 – helps to increase collagen production, firming the skin for a fresher and more youthful appearance. Proven skin texturisers such as alpha-hydroxy acids slough away dullness and hyaluronic acid visibly hydrates from the first use.