Who hasn’t been tempted by all the glitzy high-end beauty products out there? Like that wrinkle cream made with gold flakes and wild Himalayan yak’s milk that was more than last month’s phone bill? Although expensive doesn’t necessarily mean better, sometimes those lavish products turn out to be worth their weight in gold!
So what’s really worth the money?
L’Or de Vie, L’Extrait is somewhat the “nectar of the Gods.” The extract was born of the exclusive partnership between Christian Dior and the legendary vineyard Chateau D’Yquem. (One bottle of wine could set you back more than $300 to $6,200!)
What makes this product so unique is that the Chateau D’Yquem vines show an unparalleled anti-oxidant power that’s regenerative and protects. L’Extrait is a pure concentrate of these vines’ essences, providing exceptional environmental and cellular protection, which allows the skin to repair and renew. Use it on the face and neck, though I always include my hands in my regimen too! My skin really did feel more supple and radiant,
but this wonderful extract does come with a bigger price tag than other products. (Available at Saks Fifth Avenue)
Guerlain Terracotta Sunless Luxurious Self-tanning Balm is by far, in my opinion, the greatest of all self-tan products. The Balm is an ultra-moisturizing formula that nourishes dry skin, has a subtle iridescence, feels luxurious and lasts for days. Best of all, it truly gives a naturally tan color to skin! (Available at Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue)
Guerlain Terracotta Spray Bronzing Powder Mist is also one of my “go-to” beauty products for home and photo shoots. You can go from pale to tan in two seconds flat! Not a self-tan product at all, but more of an airbrushed tan that you can quickly spray and walk out the door. Love this stuff! (Available at Sephora and Saks Fifth Avenue)
Dermatologist extraordinaire Dr. Mary Lupo is the one who introduced me to Nectifirm (by Revision) neck cream. Specifically targeted for the needs of the skin on the neck, jowl, chin and décolletage, Nectifirm contains eight ingredients that strengthen, firm, smooth, tighten, increase elasticity, moisturize and protect the skin. The outcome is a younger-looking, more radiantly firm skin. (Available from Dr. Mary Lupo, 288-2381)
LATISSE™ is a prescription eyelash growth treatment approved by the FDA. A small drop applied at bedtime along the lash line stimulates growth, and in 16 weeks you should see 25 percent longer, 106 percent fuller and 18 percent darker lashes. I was a skeptic at first but I’m on week seven and have noticed a significant difference in my lashes. At first I thought I was doing something different with my mascara but then I realized this product really was working. There are some who have eye issues that shouldn’t use this product; as this is a prescription. talk to your ophthalmologist or doctor first. (Available at www.latisse.com)
Eudermine is one of Shiseido’s oldest products, going back to 1897. A softening lotion that responds to changes in climate to keep the skin’s moisture level continuous, it delivers immediate moisture and improves skin’s own moisturizing power. The result is supple, smooth skin. (Available at Dillard’s and www.shiseido.com)
To splurge or save is always a personal decision, but sometimes it’s better to invest in a product that works than have a drawer full of inexpensive ones that don’t. You may be surprised by what items might just be worth disconnecting your phone.
