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

by Dawn Davis

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Doctor-Designed: ReVive Intensité Crème Lustre, $375 for 2 ounces The Research: ReVive was created by Harvard-educated plastic surgeon Gregory Bays Brown, MD, who wanted to help his patients achieve the dewy, glowing skin they could never get with surgery. The cornerstone of all ReVive products is Nobel Prize-winning technology called RES (Renewal Epidermal Science). Brown first began working with epidermal growth factor when he was treating burn patients and later came up with RES, which is a complicated cocktail of bioengineered molecules.

The Ingredients: Like all ReVive products, this moisturizer contains RES. But unlike most moisturizers, it contains enzymes to gently exfoliate the skin. It also has light-reflecting particles that make skin look instantly prettier.

The Packaging: A no-frills white and silver jar.

Our Take: "It feels rich without being too heavy. When I apply it at night, I notice that my skin looks better -- softer and brighter -- in the morning." -- Dawn Davis, NYC Beauty Editor

SEE NEXT PAGE: Luxurious on purpose: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, $425 for 1.7 ounces

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products mentioned

Lancome Absolue L'Extrait

0.0

La Mer Crème De La Mer

8.0

ReVive Intensite Creme Lustre SPF 30

10.0

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream

8.5

Chanel Precision Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream

5.1

3LAB Super Cream

0.0

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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