La Mer:
The Concentrate
8/12/14
Although I'd received small samples of this wonder serum over the years, I never really understood how or why I should use The Concentrate. While I've been a devout fan of the original Crème de la Mer and The Eye Balm Intense since my college years (completely my roommate's fault), this product was a complete mystery to me. The problem with La Mer products is that they're like potato chips and Chanel nail polishes – you can't have just one. I went from using the original Crème de la Mer to using The Eye Balm Intense, then The Hand Treatment, The Lip Balm, The Cleansing Foam, The Hydrating Infusion, The Mist, and so on and so forth. I won't continue my embarrassingly long list. You get the idea.
I'm now knee-deep in The Concentrate, and lemme tell ya – it's true love. Sure, it was created by a scientist to help heal burns and skin wounds and all sorts of scary skin ailments. Now imagine what it does for healthy skin. That's right. We're talking flawless. Heaven for an admitted skincare perfectionist. Any teeny tiny fine lines I had? Gone. A hint of an old scar? Gone. All flaws gone! Aside from banishing any minor imperfections, my skin has never looked better. My pores are minuscule, any redness or unevenness in skintone is immediately corrected, and my skin is glowing. I would bathe in the stuff if I could. I've even taken to applying it around my eye area prior to applying either the Crème de la Mer (safe for use on the eye area, including eyelids) or under my eye cream. I also apply it on my neck and décolletage, of course.
My verdict? Worth every penny. Whether you have scars and your skin needs TLC or simply want to use The Concentrate as an omg, endless compliment-inducing skin miracle, you can't go wrong. There's no other product like it. Is it overkill for people with great skin? Sure. But there is no shame in my game. My skin may be pretty darn flawless, but this is my secret weapon to keeping it that way– and I do enjoy the compliments. ;)
La Mer 'The Concentrate' is $425 for a 1.7 oz. bottle, & $325 for a 1 oz. bottle.
Available at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Barneys & La Mer online.
La Mer
The Eye Balm Intense
1/19/14
Every winter I change certain skincare products to combat dry skin. I generally reintroduce Crème de la Mer during the day, as well as The Eye Balm Intense. Although I no longer live in a cold climate, my combination skin is both sensitive and reactive, and my allergies can affect my eye area. I've been using La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Lift Cream at night, but I find it too heavy for day use. Enter The Eye Balm Intense.
La Mer offers two eye creams, both containing the famed Miracle Broth that made Crème de la Mer famous. I've used both, and this product is by far my favorite. The Eye Balm Intense contains three versions of the Miracle Broth, and promises to reduce puffiness and diminish fine lines and wrinkles, while The Eye Concentrate is billed as targeting dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Sounds easy enough to choose, right? Not so much. I don't have any puffiness (knock on wood) and I can get small dark circles with poor sleep and allergies, but I prefer The Eye Balm Intense. The Eye Concentrate is thinner, and my eye area doesn't feel as hydrated as it does when I use The Eye Balm Intense. "Balm" is somewhat of a misnomer, as it's technically a soft cream, and isn't so heavy that you can't wear makeup over it. It's thicker than The Eye Concentrate, but melts into skin. No problems using under-eye concealer with this product, and you'll use far less of it.
(click photo to enlarge)
Both eye creams are applied with the silver-tipped applicator, which cools the skin and improves micro-circulation. I can't say enough good things about the cooling, metal applicator which is even more gentle than applying cream with your ring finger. While I don't have puffiness, I love the improved circulation in the eye area, which also aids in keeping dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Those who do have puffiness will appreciate the cool metal in aiding circulation. This cream also provides a lifting effect, making skin more taut and youthful.
The light cucumber scent is pleasant and soothing. The Eye Balm Intense maintains hydration all day long, without the need for reapplication. That said, it's also not overkill or greasy. I have used this eye cream for years, and apply Crème de la Mer over it to boost effectiveness. Crème de la Mer is one of very few moisturizers you can apply to your entire eye area, gently locking in moisture.
My verdict? This eye cream has maintained cult status for good reason. Not only is it incredibly effective at hydrating the eye area and preventing puffiness and wrinkles, but you can also apply your concealer without concern. It's just that good. Comparable eye treatments can cost you nearly $300 or more, yet don't come close to this cult favorite.
La Mer The Eye Balm Intense is $185 for a .5 oz. jar.
Available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus & Barneys.
Crème de la Mer
5/31/13
I've never known a skincare product more iconic and coveted than this classic face cream. "Born of the sea," the tale of scientist Max Huber's chemical experiment gone awry and subsequent burning of his face lead him to research and perfect the formula that restored his skin. Twelve years and 6,000 experiments later, the world was introduced to La Mer and its Miracle Broth. A combination of sea kelp and a mixture of "pure and simple ingredients," undergo a "biofermentation process using light and sound to transform the ingredients." Say what? All I recall is needing to get my mitts on this pricey miracle jar, stat!
My first jar was purchased using parental funds during my art school years in Bergdorf's glorious beauty basement. We're talking an entire level dedicated to beauty, my friends. It's how I like to imagine heaven, should I be granted admittance. I had my eye on the prize, and watched gleefully as the beauty consultant wrapped the lovely green box in tissue paper and placed it in a little Bergdorf bag. To my delight, she also included various samples of luxurious goodies from the La Mer line! I was also given special instructions regarding application of the cream, which was certainly a first.
After fifteen years of purchasing this cream on my own dime, I can't imagine living without it. It's quite rich, so I use it as my night cream. While even the smallest jar is rather expensive, it lasts for about three months with nightly use. It comes with a spoon applicator to keep the jar germ-free. After cleansing, toning and serum, I put a small amount (pea size) on my fingertips using the spoon, and warm the cream between my hands to activate the Miracle Broth. I then gently pat my face and neck with the cream until absorbed. It can also be used on the delicate eye area. How great is that?! I have normal/combination skin and have never broken out or experienced any adverse reactions from this product. No matter what the climate, nightly use allows your skin to soak up the moisture and other benefits without worrying about daytime use. It's so intensive that I think twice daily use would be overkill. When I awake each morning, my skin is dewy and glowing. It's my miracle jar.
La Mer's line has expanded greatly throughout the years, and this moisturizer is also offered in "soft cream" and lotion formulations. I've used their lotion (not worth it), lip balm (to die for) and The Eye Balm Intense. I won't touch on the eye balm in this post, because it deserves a post all its own.
My verdict? It's not just hype. This is the real deal, and will always remain a part of my nighttime regimen.
La Mer The Moisturizing Cream is $150/1 oz., $275/2 oz., & $1900/16.4 oz.
Available at Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, & Barneys.
