KEY POINTS:
Marine-influenced moisturisers are in vogue. Water and treats from the deep can do wondrously hydrating things for skin. This could explain why so many products are marine-influenced, hydrotherapy is such a buzzword in the world of spas and lots of moisturisers are given evocative watery names.
Meet the latest crop.
1 Yves Saint Laurent Hydra Feel Gentle Rehydrating Masque
$87 for 75ml
YSL believes nothing is "more wonderful than baby soft skin" all plumped up and translucent. Enter the Baby Skin Complex, a combo of ingredients that helps speed up the production of lipids and pulls out all the hydrating stops so skin feels incredible in five minutes. From selected department stores and pharmacies.
2 Avene Thermal Spring Water
$13.50 for 50ml
This is water from a spring in the mountains of southern France, and while there's a bit of a backlash about drinking bottled water from far-off places at the moment, surely it's okay if it's for purposes of beautification. A quick spritz with this low mineral content water loaded with trace elements immediately soothes skin. It's also one of the most effective ways to wake yourself up.
From selected pharmacies.
3 La Mer Foaming Cleanser
$160 for 125ml
Pay attention. The skincare company started by a rocket scientist and his powerful healing anti-ageing cream consisting of the amazing "miracle broth" of fermented sea kelp and other goodies, is about to launch a new product. The Cleansing Foam has La Mer's Deconstructed Waters, marine extracts and pearl powder to gently cleanse and refinish skin. Rather than a chore, cleansing suddenly becomes an uplifting skincare experience. Praise be.
From Smith & Caughey's.
4 La Prairie Advanced Biology Cream
$298 for 40ml
The theory is that plants that survive in the ocean competing for oxygen and sun are resilient suckers and "incubators of a sea-born anti-ageing miracle". Posh Swiss skincare brand La Prairie has recreated a similar environment, growing algae hydroponically on land, so the sea's ecosystem isn't endangered. The cream helps collagen production and the ability of the skin to use oxygen, improve moisture retention, and soothes and defends against free radicals.
From selected department stores.
5 M.A.C Moisturelush Cream
$67 for 50ml
On a superficial level, what fabulous packaging this is. Simple, elegant, befitting of any bathroom. Of course, what matters is what's on the inside. This is a rich, hydrating cream dedicated to providing long-lasting moisture, so is perfectly suited to dry skin. Lush is the word that comes to mind.
From M.A.C Chancery and St Lukes, and Smith & Caughey's Newmarket.
