Creme de la Mer and other indulgances/guilty pleasures

[dmoran227]

Being raised by a depression era Nana, and always having carried that sensibility my whole life I am not one to spend frivolously ESP on vanity. My family's wardrobes are carefully selected second hand or clearance rack items(ex shoes, good shoes a must. If they wear out or don't fit well doesn't matter how cheap they were you won't wear them). I clip coupons, bring my lunch, we rarely eat out. I value simplicity. I do my own hair and nails, majority of my toiletries can be had at Target or I make them myself.I sometimes even feel a bit smug on being able to be on par with the girls at work who spend 500% more than I ( terrible I know but complete honesty with strangers, a perk of the internet, no?) With two exceptions GOOD chypre perfumes pref. French and since entering my fourth decade Creme de la Mer. Perfume doesn't give me much guilt. My entire family and friends are aware and so I get enough gifts that I don't spend much at all. The creme de la mer purchase every couple of months, however always leaves me feeling a little guilty. I actually kind of hate that I love it so much. I pride myself on never falling into hype. I understand the limitations of a moisturizer. But my skin looks its best when I'm using it. Period. My sis in law works in the industry gives me lots of samples of other products none compare. Not that my skin falls apart without it, other products can keep me from being dry, my skin just looks noticeably better when I do. I did receive a sample of one product was just as good, imagine how I felt when I saw the $350 price tag on La Creme by Dior l'ovie. I laugh now but it wasn't funny at the time.
So, my question, ladies, does anybody use and feel the same way about my beloved la mer? Or is it another product that makes you feel a bit guilty about splurging on? Perhaps its a thoroughly modern product you feel clashes with the whole vintage thing you've got going.

 

[Miss Golightly]

I've been using Creme de la Mer for three years now - my husband got it for me one Christmas (after I dropped LOADS of hints!) and I've been using it ever since. I've tried so many creams that either don't moisturise my skin enough (my skin can be dry - particularly in Winter) or gives me breakouts. It's the one thing that works for me so I stick with it - I get a few months out of one tub too - and as you said - it works!

 

[Romamor4]

Does Creme de La Mer really work that well? I would love to try it. Which one do you use?

My indulgence as of now is Origins skincare products. I just cannot go back to the cheap ones!

 

[Miss Golightly]

I use the cleansing lotion and the moisturising cream and they work brilliantly together. I do find it a bit of a swizz that they don't have the cream with an SPF in it - you have to buy it separately (I asked the girl at the counter if they would be bringing one out that had the SPF in it and she said no and went on about how putting an SPF in it would prevent the cream from working properly - whatever.....) so I use the cream at night and Keraskin Voile Ultime SPF 30 during the day - this works well for my skin.

 

[dmoran227]

MissG, I agree. It does just work. You're a lucky gal with that husband. Speaking of, my husband doesn't even know about my habit. I don't hide it from him, I work and I fit it within the discretionary/personal budget by a combination of coupons/sales/samples and the fact I don't use many products at all. I wouldn't say he'd ask me not to buy it would never, or even argue, just would be amazed. AND he has a tendancy to splurge on tech toys, would just give him an tit for tat excuse to buy more I'm half irish(Moran) bronx irish ,have the typical dry, sometimes ruddy around the nose skin if you know what I mean. Curious, is it sold in the department stores there or do you order online? Is it quite popular there? Have you ever seen the famine statues? off topic I know but they haunt me. I want to see them and the rest of the country. I dream of when all my children are off on their own visiting.

Romamor, I use only the moisturizer at night. Making soap is a hobby make my own cleanser, and I like a lotion for day as opposed to a cream. I'd never considered it for day, so the spf or lack of never occured to me. I find the cream fabulous and have tried samples of the the other products. I loved the mist. Honestly though the only product that knocks my socks off is the original cream. All great products but luxe and I don't live a luxe life. The cream is as I said my one splurge. My sister in law HATES it but she has oily, breakout prone skin. Any product that stays on the market long is certainly good for some. But IMO if you have skin with a tendancy to go dry, it's wonderful.

(EDIT I realized you said at the counter )

 

[dmoran227]

Actually I think it's quite possible the addition of SPF could affect the formula. Just because of what chemicals are used for spf in cosmetics and the fact all chemicals will alter others when combined. With all the knowledge of importance of SPF protection I'm pretty confident they've tried tinkering and adding and as of yet come up short. Don't you know they'd love all of us who only use at night to add it to our am routine as well. Double profits!

 

[Romamor4]

I'm drooling reading the descriptions! It sounds wonderful! And I thought I was splurging on my Origins...but I guess the total amount that I spend on all of my Origins products (and I use way too many of them!) probably equals one container of the Creme de la Mer, so we're even.
My skin tends to be very dry in the morning. But during the day, I too prefer to use a lotion rather than a cream, except in the winter time when the air tends to be more dry.

 

[Miss Golightly]

MissG, I agree. It does just work. You're a lucky gal with that husband. Speaking of, my husband doesn't even know about my habit. I don't hide it from him, I work and I fit it within the discretionary/personal budget by a combination of coupons/sales/samples and the fact I don't use many products at all. I wouldn't say he'd ask me not to buy it would never, or even argue, just would be amazed. AND he has a tendancy to splurge on tech toys, would just give him an tit for tat excuse to buy more I'm half irish(Moran) bronx irish ,have the typical dry, sometimes ruddy around the nose skin if you know what I mean. Curious, is it sold in the department stores there or do you order online? Is it quite popular there? Have you ever seen the famine statues? off topic I know but they haunt me. I want to see them and the rest of the country. I dream of when all my children are off on their own visiting.

When I saw your user name I was thinking to myself that you must have Irish roots - do you know which county?

I know exactly what you mean about the redness around the nose - such a Celtic skin problem and so common - I think a lot of Irish women have this issue - thank goodness for concealers! I haven't seen CDLM for sale online - I just buy it from Brown Thomas - a luxury department store in Dublin. The staff on the counter are always very helpful and generous with the samples (some counters are more generous than others!) - I love the serum - have your tried it yet? It's so lovely on the skin!

I have indeed seen the Famine Statues - I used to work across the Liffey from them - they are so haunting - have you seen them yourself - I mean have you been to Dublin?

I know what you mean about the SPF but I was thinking that with all the NASA type technology behind the product surely they could find a way to include it in the regular cream? The CDLM SPF lotion is gorgeous on the skin but comes at an equally gorgeous price!!!!!!

 

[Miss sofia]

I think i am going to have to save up my pennies now and try some! I have heard nothing but good reviews about Creme de la Mer, despite it's hefty price-tag. My Mum actually tried some and she reckoned it was was excellent and she has been a devoted Sisley skincare junkie for years!

Despite being on a budget, i always use Liz Earle's cleanse and polish with the muslin cloth, as i find it is the best cleanser and gentle exfoliant for my sensitive skin, i also use Elizabeth Arden's Eight hour cream, as it is the best lip balm and dry skin balm i have found so far and a little goes a very long way so it lasts for yonks.

I did mention in another post i splurged on a Bobbi Brown Shimmerbrick, which will be one of my guilty pleasures from now on, as it is sooo good. Aside from that i tend to use old fashioned toiletries and i do shop around for a bargain, but i think if a product can justify the price tag and it makes you look and feel great then why not? A girls got to treat herself hasn't she?

 

[Drappa]

My guilty splurge is Estee Lauder Daywear moisturiser, but I haven't been able to save up for some for months as I tend to spend on clothes more than cosmetics, so it always ends up on the bottom of my list. But then I'm pretty happy generally with my skin, so if I had problem skin might make it more of a priority.
My other splurges are Mac lipsticks, but I have quite a few, so they last a while. Once in a while I buy fancy shampoo and conditioner, but I usually have three different kinds on the go, so they also last a while.
I also bought Bio Oil a few years ago after I burned myself on a kettle, and it did really help to fade the scar, which has now completely gone. Not sure if it was the oil or just time, but I use it once in a while if I have really dry skin on my legs.
I completely understand that if a product makes you feel great, it's like a treat and may be worth it. Personally though I would never buy Creme de la Mer out of principle, because I think the company is being ridiculous and somewhat unethical. There is no way on Earth that any type of research or ingredient justifies their prices, and I suspect they keep them that high to help protect the brand, exclusivity and buzz. It doesn't include molten gold afterall. Yes, it may be great skin cream and work for most people, but I have a hard time believing the ingredients or formula are that expensive and I would feel too resentful to buy it. I hope this isn't offensive to you ladies who do swear by it, just my thoughts on it.

 

[RodeoRose]

Goodness, I had no idea a beauty product could be that expensive; it makes my guilty pleasures seem like downright bargains! I imagine it must be really amazing, though, for them to have stayed in business.

I am also a notorious cheapskate; I use honey as a face mask, lemon for toner, buy cheap makeup, etc. etc. However, ever since my mother gave a complete set of Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater products (that'd be shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, hand creme, cold cream soap, and talc powder!), I have not been able to go back to ordinary drugstore brands. Fortunately it takes me a few months to go through each (though I assure you I do bathe daily lol) so it's not a crazy expense, but I still feel a pang of guilt every now and then! I could buy four vintage dresses for the price of 1 bottle of shampoo and 1 of conditioner... sigh!

 

[dmoran227]

Oh how I hate when I type away not logged in and my post doesn't go through. Miss G, I've tried the serum my skin like it however I am squeamish about all serums I just imagine they're based in silicone which is horrible on mine and my daughter hair, this has no basis in my knowledge just what I think. I'm just tickled you said it's such a Celtic trait. I grew up around a very large very Irish family. Constant family get togethers lots of drinking, singing, dancing, and stories( who's better than the irish at that). I would groan at the them the oldtimers and at the jig lessons they made me take but boy do I miss it now. Somehow lost in this generation. Partly because many died , so many of us left the Bronx and i guess it just the way now. It's funny because I still can sing the songs even though I doubt untill a few weeks ago I'd heard them in 25 years. The family names are Moran and Mulry in fact theres a street named Mulry square in Greenwich village after my great grandather very active in the church and helping the newer immigrants. I don't remember the two counties my aunt did a lot of research and put it all into a book that's always passing around the family. More impressive she made it before the internet. She had to call and write etc. I will find out from whoever has it now. So no I haven't been yet but I will. I saw a photo and read the story of the statues and as I said they haunt me. Pop in my head whenever i hear or think about fat cat greed. Makes me feel a little proud of my skin. With that being said I had a dermatologist visit for something else and she said to me the IPL laser can get rid of that redness. It could come back but I made an appointment for this Monday.
Drappa I don't mind your honesty at all I prefer it to a polite yet not entirely truthful agreement. But I hardly think la mer deserves to be single out for their prices. Shop blissworld or any specialty skin site and many lines are at or above the la mer price points. There are the product reasons know(the kelp can only be collected twice yearly, hand filled et) but there's also the fact its an exclusive product. They don't do many ads, available only in exclusive stores. I think it's more they are going for quality sales not quantity. They'll never see the number say biore does.

Rodeo Rose the cold cream soap by coldtree and evelyn is this an actual soap or a cold cream cleanser. I make a homemade soap and AFTER it's cured melt it down with a cream, kind of like a dove but that sounds interesting to me if it's actually a soap.

 

[missjones]

my primary indulgence at the moment is Ojon haircare. i have difficult hair and this line really seems to be helping it feel smoother and stronger as it grows.

my cosmetics, skincare, and bath/body items are mostly drugstore brands peppered with some Urban Decay, Stila, Murad, and Lush, respectively. Lush is a true indulgence again because they closed the local store and i'm back to ordering by mail a few times a year.

 

[dmoran227]

Miss S, maybe you'd want to stop by a counter and ask for a sample before handing over your pennies. It lasts about a week if you think that would be enough time for you to decide.
Have heard great things about the Ojon and Lush. Don't have a lush shop at my local mall yet, perhaps that's a good thing

 

[RodeoRose]

Rodeo Rose the cold cream soap by coldtree and evelyn is this an actual soap or a cold cream cleanser. I make a homemade soap and AFTER it's cured melt it down with a cream, kind of like a dove but that sounds interesting to me if it's actually a soap.

It's an actual bar of soap. Quoth the website: "Luxurious, creamy lathering soap blended with moisturizing cold-cream and soothing rosewater, is very good for dry or sensitive skin. In the tradition of 19th century French soap making, it takes over 30 steps to create a single triple-milled soap." (link here). It's certainly no bargain, but it's lovely for my skin, which is a combination of oily and dry. My mother is mostly Italian and my dad is "black Irish", so I got the worst of both skin types it seems

 

[Drappa]

Oh no, I don't single them out for their prices, I think the same thing about LaPrairie etc., or in fact any really overpriced luxury items. As far as I'm aware La Mer is actually now owned by Estee Lauder, so as far as the process and ingredients etc. go, I still think it's mainly marketing in order to keep it exclusive. To me it's a bit like McDonalds buying a local organic restaurant, pricing everything at ten times the price of other McDonald's fare, and then claiming they have to because it's organic and good for you and they really believe in the cause. It may have been a successful idea and product back in the day (not sure how much it cost then?), but much like The Body Shop to me it has become a less credible after being sold to a cosmetics giant. The Body Shop used to have quality, ethical products and fair trade practices, but when L'Oreal bought it and kept all the marketing without adopting the same practices for the rest of their products it's hard to take it seriously as anything other than a marketing ploy.
Regardless, glad it works for you and that it makes you happy.

 

[Miss sofia]

Drappa - i totally agree with the loss of credibility of some brands, being that they are now owned by some of the cosmetic giants, i don't think it's just their ethics that have suffered either. I used to be an Aveda fan, (their haircare is still blooming fantastic), they were bought out by Estee Lauder, and i think their skincare products particularly are nowhere near as effective as they were.

Rodeo Rose - I love Crabtree and Evelyn soaps. Bronnley is also another good British soap to try too of the same ilk, although not quite so expensive.

Dmoran - I will have to try and purloin a sample next time i'm at the cosmetic counter. Oh and a warm welcome by the way. x

 

[dmoran227]

Drappa I know exactly what you mean and agree with you and Miss Sophia particularly with Aveda. But with Lamer I must respectfully ask you to read this article http://www.time.com/time/special/cosmeceuticals/mer.html
Estee Lauder bought the formula from Max Huber the NASA scientist why created it, they hired a scientist to replicate. They had a quite a bit of trouble at first. The article was written years after the switch so I doubt it was to assure the consumers the cream was the same. Further it's a Time article not in a beauty mag so doesn't seem like PR either.
With that being said Estee Lauder has jacked up the prices much more than I believe rising costs and inflation would warrant. But I believe it's still the same original product and EL is a business after all. I mean he was selling the company someone was going to buy it. I won't hold it against the company that had the good business sense to put in the winning bid.
Thank you Miss Sophia.Kind Greetings to you as well..
Rodeo Rose OH the soap as well as the entire site looks just lovely and I could do serious damage there...I may put it on my family gift wish list..

 

[Romamor4]

I just received my first Mason Pearson Handy sensitive brush in the mail! I have a strong feeling that this will become one of my favorite indulgences very fast!!

 

[Miss sofia]

I bet it will Romamor! I have had a MP brush for years and they are ace. Although they have a long guarantee, so hopefully you won't be replacing it in the near future!