Skin care
What's in a $900 Face Cream Anyway?Ever entertained the idea of spending half your paycheck on a moisturizer? Before you hand over your plastic, find out what makes expensive creams so pricey |
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Why did she spend so much on a jar of face cream? Wouldn't she rather buy a pair (well, half a pair) of Jimmy Choo's? She's 30 years old, single, and has a great job in advertising -- but it's not like she's got a ton of money to burn.
Fast forward a week and I find myself at the Lancôme counter at Saks Fifth Avenue for the unveiling of their newest moisturizer, Absolue L'Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir. I listen as the marketing director explains the research behind the cream, the rarity of the rose cells it contains, and the vintage-inspired packaging. I imagine artisans in France working tirelessly to make a beautiful jar of cream just for me.
I'm seduced by the moisturizer, ready to throw down my American Express card regardless of the cost. The price tag: $350.
Skip ahead to find out what makes some of the most expensive creams so special.
If you're skeptical, I don't blame you. There's a lot of hype that goes into selling any beauty product -- and that's particularly true when it comes to a crazy-expensive one. But a product can't succeed on hype alone, particularly when that product claims to transform your skin. At the very least it has to feel luxurious, smell amazing, and be beautifully packaged -- or else even a socialite on the daddy dole isn't going to buy it.
To find out if expensive creams are more than just nice formulas in pretty jars, I set out to uncover exactly what makes a spendy moisturizer so spendy. Here are six of the priciest moisturizers, and our editors' takes on whether or not they're worth the cash.
SEE NEXT PAGE: The Newcomer: Lancôme Absolue L'Extrait Regenerating Ultimate Elixir, $350 for 1.7 ounces
Older comments
Way too much.
by ccounts282 Friday, April 19, 2013 at 05:30PM Report as inappropriate
I think it's ridiculously hedonistic to spend a fortune on creams when there are equally effective ones with proven ingredients. If you have this much money, then please--help someone who doesn't!
by GigiSD Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 09:16PM Report as inappropriate
I simply cannot fathom paying these prices for facial creams. i spend less than that on a weeks worth of grocerys.
by PrincessKim81 Tuesday, March 19, 2013 at 02:01PM Report as inappropriate
i have to admit i would love to sample them. for free, of course!
by AstridB Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 05:07AM Report as inappropriate
No, no, no. ALL of these expensive creams have jar packaging. Even if these including miraculous antioxidants they would be void after exposure to oxygen. Not to mention the constant dipping your fingers into the jar exposing bacteria to the solution. The only true miracle ingredient is retinol, which you need to use meticulously, along with a hefty dosage of SPF to prevent further damage. Otherwise you need to see a plastic surgeon for more dramatic results.
by hiddenexpose Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 02:27PM Report as inappropriate
I am blown away by the cost. Wow.
by gomie1964 Monday, March 4, 2013 at 01:43PM Report as inappropriate
Okay, I admit I love my creams but there is no way I would pay anything near nine hundred. Eating healthy and applying a good lotion and lots of water will do much more for you. Plus you will have a lot more money to go out dancing with. See, cheaper and better for you.
by Alana_Danes Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 04:19AM Report as inappropriate
So extravagant! I can't imagine justifying spending that much on just one product, no matter what the companies boast.
by HeathRene Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 09:03AM Report as inappropriate
Wow, really?
by EricaC123 Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 04:29PM Report as inappropriate
Those are crazy prices
by LittleBunny Monday, January 7, 2013 at 11:54AM Report as inappropriate