La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Serum & Transforming Cream SPF30
I am fast becoming a convert of La Prairie products, not merely because they are so luxe (oh that they are!), nor the gorgeous packaging… but the products that I have tried so far seem to bridge both realms of skincare and makeup perfectly. When you are spending a pretty penny, it helps to know that the skincare goes to work deep inside for the long-run whilst still making you look instantly prettier. Likewise, makeup with actual accountable skincare ingredients does make a difference in this over-crowded market! I have been testing out 2 new additions to the La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal collection, and would like to introduce them to you today.
La Prairie’s Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Collection works on the first signs of aging, and helps to restore skin’s natural resilience against environmental stresses. The products are formulated around 3 main ingredients – Purple Saxifrage, Soldanella Alpina and Swiss Snow Algae. These plants originate from the top of the Swiss Alps and were chosen for their ability to withstand the harsh elements. Research shows that the combination of these ingredients is able to reduce oxidative stress and UV-induced damage on skin, maintaining skin’s metabolism and cellular DNA; and delay the aging process of skin cells. Furthermore, La Prairie’s proprietary Swiss Ice Crystal Complex boosts skin’s natural repair mechanism and promotes healthy cellular function to prevent pigmentation.
The new La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Serum is the culmination of all the goodness that La Prairie has to offer. It works like a booster or pre- serum if you like to think of it that way, and has a lightweight easily-absorbed texture that lends it well to layering. I was instantly mesmerised by the iridescent quality of the serum which looks absolutely magical to me, and actually does give my skin a lit-from-within glow upon application.
It features both La Prairie’s exclusive Cellular Complex and the Swiss Ice Crystal Complex, in addition to other powerful anti-aging ingredients such as Niacinamide which has cell-communicating properties and Baicelin Root Extract which extends cellular longevity. There are also lots of beneficial antioxidants such as Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Grape Extract, Mulberry Extract to counteract free radicals and environmental stresses.
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With a serum like this though, it is difficult for me to be able to assess right away because it offers little immediate visible improvements. To be fair though, my skin is going through a period of change it seems… nothing is going the way they should, and even past products that had worked well for me are not. So, I am going back to basics, just focusing on hydration and cutting out everything else. I’m not sure how long it will take for my skin to get back on track, but when I have more good/bad news to share on this serum’s performance, I will be sure to come back and update this post. In the meantime though, I can safely say that this serum feels amazing when applied, even on reactive skin, and it leaves a nice glow and seems to have a firming effect even though that is not what it is marketed for. If you are looking for a good antioxidant serum to add to your existing routine and have a penchant for the luxe, do give this one a shot!
Along with the new serum, La Prairie has also introduced a brand new Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream SPF30. This is a multipurpose product that is truly makeup-meets-skincare. To call it a BB or CC cream would probably undermine its luxe factor, but this is the most decadent it could ever get. A single pump is all that is needed for the entire face, and though it feels rather creamy when dispensed, it actually applies with a lightweight touch. When fully blended out. La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream gives a sheer though slightly buildable coverage with a nice natural glow finish.
Apart from La Prairie’s exclusive Cellular Complex and the line’s Swiss Ice Crystal Complex, the Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream features Daisy Flower Extract to help even out skin tone. It comes with a sun protection rating of SPF30 which provides adequate coverage from ordinary exposure to UVA/UVB rays. A new generation of self-adjusting colour-correcting pigments identify the missing colours in the complexion that create dullness and balance them back immediately.
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Here is the usual half-faced comparison shot which shows you how natural looking the La Prairie Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream is when fully blended out. It blurs out the look of pores and evens out skin tone, although a concealer is still needed for the undereye circles and pimple scars. The only shortfall is that this Transforming Cream only lasts about 6 hours on me, and starts to fade in my hot, humid climate. But apart from that, it is a wonderful base product for casual days that also pack in a good punch of antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients.
Both La Prairieu Cellular Swiss Ice Crystal Serum and the Transforming Cream SPF30 are both now available in counters. Do pop by and check them out for yourself!
This post featured products that were generously provided for my consideration. Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.
