La Prairie Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold $800
This may be twice the price of many prestige skincare products, but it does promise a double action. A golden peptide is said to boost collagen and so improve skin quality and natural luminosity over time, while golden photo-reflecting agents and pure gold powder combine for immediate glow. Wear alone or over moisturiser to suffuse skin in a new golden light. From Smith & Caughey's stores in Auckland; David Jones, Wellington; and Ballantynes, Christchurch
Guerlain Abeille Royale Double R Serum $359
Guerlain's Renew and Repair Serum has been the brand's star skincare launch of the season, designed for innovative delivery of ingredients. Lactic, citric and glycolic acids team up to gently renew the skin surface, thanks to a gel formula that diffuses these AHAs for more easily tolerated daily use. The repair part of the equation comes from study of a particular gene, leading to a serum said to both stimulate the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and repair fragmented collagen for firmer, more elastic skin. From Smith & Caughey's Queen St, Auckland; and David Jones, Wellington
La Mer Renewal Oil $375
If when you're in the kitchen you reach for the EVO rather than any old oil, then this will be your bathroom cosmetic equivalent. The simple concept of applying a botanical face oil has plenty of appeal, but in this bottle La Mer boosts skin benefits with its "miracle broth" of sea-sourced ingredients. Use under serums, for a nightly moisture boost or as a flight companion. The oil is also available in a half-size 15ml bottle for $205. Another gold medal choice from La Mer is its Genaissance Eye and Expression Cream, $645. From Smith & Caughey stores in Auckland and David Jones, Wellington
Sisleya L'Integral Anti-Age cream $620
Along with genetic and environmental aging, lifestyle is the third key contributor to aging. French brand Sisley says the face particularly shows everyday stress and life's hardships and excesses, so skincare needs to factor this in. Its integrated cream draws on plant extracts said to support cellular rhythm, energy and longevity. The big plus, pending results, is that taking daily time out to massage in a luxurious cream can be counted as an investment in wiping away signs of wear and tear. Smith & Caughey's Queen St
Chantecaille Nano Gold Energising Eye Cream $423
A companion for the face cream ($671), this too contains nano gold technology to support delicate skin. The formula nourishes and improves tone, while diffusing light to brighten and hydrate effectively. A hexapeptide is included to help deter fine lines and specific eye area aids work to deter dark circles and puffiness. Oh and it's paraben free and vegan friendly too. Chantecaille also makes beautifully fragranced rose-based creams. From selected Mecca stores, or see Meccabeauty.co.nz
Estee Lauder ReNutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Cream $580
From Lauder's top-shelf range, this cream is for those who seek to slather their skin in a delicious drink. Richly hydrating without being heavy, the luscious texture is just part of the appeal. Within, there is an extract from the black diamond truffle said to energise skin cells and even skin tone. Youth-sustaining technologies that's the new expression for anti-aging efforts tap into the emerging field of epigenetics (the science of modifying gene expression) in a bid to deliver advanced ingredients a way that tricks cells into behaving like younger ones.
Giorgio Armani Crèma Nera Extrema Supreme Reviving Cream $547
Drawing on volcanic minerals from Pantelleria the Italian island where Armani has a home and on a so-called resurrection plant from the desert, this nature-hewn combination of ingredients is an intense moisturising balm with a silky-smooth texture. Absorbs easily and leaves skin looking illuminated and feeling softer. Exclusive to Smith & Caughey's
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Dior Prestige Le Micro-Serum de Rose Yeux $315
Recharge the eye area with rose micro-nutrients delivered with a clever applicator with 10 rotating ceramic micro-beads. This pretty product is the latest in the concise Prestige line of creams, and an essence and a nectar, all designed to deliver petal-soft skin, with natural resilience and beauty. The eye serum has a dual action, helping disguise puffiness and dark circles on application and working on eye contours over time. From selected Dior counters in department stores
Lancome Absolue Rose 80 Brightening and Revitalizing Lotion $150
This toning lotion is the latest addition to Lancome's Absolue collection, which handily uses rose the house symbol for its regenerating properties. Containing 80 per cent rose extracts, from a handpicked early morning harvest in 2016, this is the highest concentration in the range. The light lotion is a clarifier, leaving skin visibly refreshed.
Chanel Sublimage L'Essence Fondamentale $745
The Sublimage story began in 2002 and is one of studying precious ingredients from across the globe, to harness their power in skincare, starting with Madagascan vanilla. In the latest chapter of research, Chanel scientists worked closer to home, exploring the biodiversity of the south of France. From assessing 500 plants, they focused on the solidago flower, which is said to stimulate a skin protein for a healthier complexion. Solidago extract joins with vanilla in the latest Sublimage item, which has a smoothing effect on skin. From the Chanel boutique, Britomart and selected department stores and pharmacies
