I finally caved and bought the La Mer cream. My bank account is still weeping.
The real test? Seeing if my dry, winter-ravaged skin would forgive me for spending more than my electric bill on 1.7 ounces of moisturizer.
It’s a thick, rich moisturizing cream. $200+ for the classic jar. The claim is legendary healing and hydration, born from a NASA scientist’s story. I needed to know if it was magic or marketing.
The Ritual
You have to warm it between your fingers to “activate” it — feels fancy, but is it necessary?
The Scent
Clean, oceanic, expensive. No fake florals. It smells like a spa you can’t afford.
The Packaging
Heavy jar, silver spoon. It feels luxurious, but it’s not hygienic — you’re dipping into it every time.
Photo: Lesly Juarez / Unsplash
The hero is the “Miracle Broth™” — a fermented algae blend. It’s supposed to soothe and renew. The rest is a solid lineup of humectants and emollients.
- Seaweed (Algae) Extract: The fermented hero for calming
- Mineral Oil: Classic occlusive — locks everything in
- Citrus Peel Oil: For scent, can be sensitizing for some
- Niacinamide: Brightens and strengthens the barrier
Photo: Curology / Unsplash
Texture is thick — like cold whipped butter. It melts into an oil on your fingertips. On the skin? A rich, occlusive veil. Not for hot, humid days.
By week two, my flaky patches were gone. The surprise? It didn’t cause a single clogged pore — rare for something this rich on my combo skin.
My skin was undeniably softer and more resilient. Less reactive. But it didn’t shrink pores or erase fine lines. It’s a supreme soother, not a miracle worker.
It’s exceptional at what it does — calming severe dryness. But for most people? The price is for the experience, not unmatched results.