Your skincare basics just got a lot fancier

I truly feel like my evening cleansing is the most important skincare step of my day, as I want to eliminate every last trace of sunscreen, makeup and other yucky stuff that accumulates on my face over the course of the day. I’m devoted to my routine of oil-based balm followed by powder cleanser and micellar water to make sure my skin is squeaky-clean (in a good way)—and I’ve come to find several wallet-friendly products that are up to the task. But with that said, my latest care package from La Prairie has significantly raised the bar (and I might not ever be able to go back).

This uber-indulgent Swiss range never disappoints, and their new offerings for summer are just what I’ve come to expect—and more. The Supreme Balm Cleanser is ridic, and luckily for me, it literally arrived the day after I finished my Drunk Elephant (although I had a new tub of Ponds at the ready). I obviously tucked my drugstore backup away for a later date and promptly dipped in to the La Prairie, which is everything I love in a cleansing balm and more. Aside from the perfectly-designed packaging with a spot to stow the silver scoop—and a muslin cloth for efficient removal—this decadent cleanser does everything I want. It smoothes on as an oil to melt away anything on my skin, transforms to a milk upon mixing with water and washes off effortlessly. I honestly don’t think any cleansing balm will ever be able to compare—and that’s unfortunate for my beauty budget.

And then there’s the Crystal Micellar Water. Truth be told, I freaking love the experience of the heavy frosted glass bottle and the signature La Prairie scent, but I can't say I notice a dramatic difference between this and Bioderma or any other micellar water I’ve used. Swiss glacial water sounds fantastic—but I can't (in good conscience) recommend dropping $135 on a bottle. But if you have the means, go for it.  

In even bigger news, La Prairie has added to their complexion collection, which includes a new powder foundation, loose powder and dedicated brushes for these along with one for liquid foundation. The translucent loose powder is a dream for setting makeup and helping it resist heat and humidity, but before you balk at the price tag you also get a perfectly-portable “roadie” jar to throw into your bag. The powder foundation compact comes equipped with an extra super-plush puff as well as a regular and magnifying mirror that is sure to come in handy, but I can’t vouch for it since the shade that was sent to me was way too light (and I personally prefer lighter-weight complexion coverage).

For the record, the new brushes are beyond. The bristles are synthetic—but that’s not a bad thing—and they are specifically designed for your loose powder, powder foundation and liquid foundation. They glide across your skin and deposit just the right amount of product, and basically feel like you’re rubbing a cashmere blanket on your face. The handles are also substantial and weighty. In fact, they’re so thick they don’t fit into my “big brush” cup so I have to keep them in my makeup drawer—so it’s a good thing they come in a soft velvet pouch.

Needless to say, this was one of the best deliveries I’ve received so far this summer. My skin is cleaner, my complexion is even and as close to flawless as it can get—and my bathroom vanity is even more crowded.