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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Luxurious on purpose: La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream, $425 for 1.7 ounces The Research: It's the 25th anniversary of the Skin Caviar collection. (Skin Caviar Dermo Beads launched in 1987, and the Luxe Cream first hit shelves in 1998.) The fascinating part of the story is the way La Prairie "discovered" caviar as an ingredient: The Creative Development Group in Switzerland liked the way it sounded. The economy was booming, and they wanted to formulate a product that would be the epitome of luxury. Naturally, they thought of caviar -- the fact that it has incredible skin care benefits was secondary.

The Ingredients: The Caviar Firming Complex stimulates collagen production -- it's all about firming and lifting. This cream is also packed with antioxidants, an alpha hydroxy acid complex, and rich moisturizers.

The Packaging: A cobalt blue and silver jar that comes with a little silver "caviar" spoon. The matching silver box is substantial -- like a gift box.

Our Take: "I've tried this one a couple of times over the years. I always feel like I'm just getting fun, pretty packaging and that it doesn't really do much other than moisturize." -- Audrey Fine, Special Projects Editor

SEE NEXT PAGE: Designer Appeal: Chanel Sublimage La Crème, $390 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