A decadent moisturizer that's worth every penny

I’m the first to admit that my job comes along with some pretty good perks. From beautifying procedures and spa treatments to loads of products bestowed on me for review and potential inclusion in stories I write here and for other outlets, I thank my lucky stars that this is what I do for work. Then, once in a blue moon, I get a real treat—as in something I would never, ever think to buy for myself—and this is what happened a few weeks ago when a package with La Prairie’s revamped Skin Caviar Luxe Cream arrived at my door.

You haven’t lived (skincare-wise) until you’ve experienced the luxury that is La Prairie, and the fun begins with unboxing. You won’t find any flimsy cardboard here. Instead you get a carefully and thoughtfully constructed box, tissue paper wrapping sealed with a silver embossed La Prairie sticker that upon opening literally presents the heavy glass jar. You also get a beautiful, rather weighty silver spatula (to prevent contamination caused by dipping your fingers into the jar) that adds to the indulgence.

And then there’s the actual product… The rich, soft as silk cream is in fused with La Prairie’s unmistakable signature scent, and you may find yourself audibly ooh-ing and ahh-ing as you massage it into your face (it feels that good). Your skin is instantly plumper, smoother, firmer and more radiant—and it keeps getting better and better with ongoing use.

So the big question is, why the $485 price tag? For starters, there’s caviar in there, baby. The latest iteration of La Prairie’s caviar extract is Caviar Premier (which comes on the heels of Caviar Water and Caviar Absolute), which uses advanced biotechnology to take the benefits of this marine “gold” to new heights. The result: Visible firming and lifting that you can’t get with any old moisturizer.

Truth be told, I’m almost afraid to use it because I don’t want to run out—ever. Then I hear my mom’s voice in my head saying, “What are you saving it for? Enjoy it!” So I do, although I only use it at night, and very sparingly at that. Fortunately a little goes a long way.

Beyond the amazing results I’ve seen on my skin, just seeing the cobalt blue far on my vanity makes me happy. There’s definitely something to be said for treating yourself—and your skin—with the crème de la crème of beauty.