The cr?me de la cr?me
What creams are available in Cyprus that grace the dressing tables of the rich and famous
EVER wondered what the difference is between a very expensive cream and a cheaper one? Apart from the obvious reasons such as better quality, pricier ingredients, there are factors like new technological developments which cost millions of pounds to research, testing and safety screening. Pricier creams also tend to contain less fillers and a higher percentage of active or beneficial ingredients. Of course most people are restricted by budget but there will always be a market for luxury items for the well-to-do and the discerning. Just because you cannot afford the same creams as J.Lo or Madonna, it does not mean you can’t look gorgeous. Beauty, after all, comes from regular and correct skin and health care and not out of the single pot of cream with a hefty price tag. Having said that, pricier or luxury facial creams do have certain virtues in their favour and if you can afford them or want to invest in something special once or twice a year then great.
If you want the creams of the rich and famous on your dressing table, here are some of the best known and effective products that are available in Cyprus.
KANEBO
Sensai from the Japanese skincare experts Kanebo is a luxury skin range which would suit normal to dry and maturer skins. They offer La Cr?me for £360. Ideally this is used as part of a set of three products: La Lotion, £140, which preps the skin to better absorb the next step of L’Emulsion, £260, a light fluid which precedes the final and richest product of La Cr?me. The texture is velvety, sinks into the skin and is neither very rich or dry in feel.
GUERLAIN
I would buy any jar of this brand just for the decadent feel I get by simply looking at the beautiful dark blue glass jars with gold lids – the epitomy of French, old-world aristocracy. Success Model Day goes for £59.50 and £42, while the night version costs £56.50. The Success Model Serum, which is the most concentrated of the three costs £59.50. This is an ultra firming collection which works on the oval of the face by working on slackened tissues and muscles.
‘The solution to slackened muscles in the face’ is their slogan. Products are designed for all skin types over forty years of age.
GERNETIC
Gernetic offer products and treatments which work on a deeper level than just topically. They use knowledge of the workings of the body, its hormonal system and the causes rather than just the symptoms of skin problems to formulate products. Problems such as severe acne, eczema, scarring caused by accidents, alopecia, stretch marks etc., are ideal candidates for this brand. Syncro (£35.65 for 50ml or £57.50 for 100ml) is one of their wonder creams and, as a facial product, is great if you are looking for an ultra rich, oily, nourishing cream for extremely dry skin. It’s also great for eczema or for use in extremely cold weather conditions such as when skiing. A lighter version of this product was developed several years ago called Synchro 2000 (£34.50 for 50ml).
PLAZAN
This scientifically-developed range, created by Alexander Zimnitskiy, a doctor of biological sciences, includes the Diamond Series, and forms just a small part of their extensive range of beauty-care products, from breast cream to hair care all containing placenta. The series is suited to more mature, normal and dry skins and comprises Day Cream Maximum, Night Cream Maximum and Evening Cream Maximum (£60 for the set), which stimulates cell functions and has a mild lifting and brightening effect on the skin. Apparently J. Lo uses their face mask. Check out their website to view other interesting products. www.plazanskincare.com
EST?E LAUDER
This innovative leader in skin care technology offers a beautiful rich cream for normal to dry or dry skin called Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lifting Cream (£154). This is a product that boasts immediate results delivered by the rich emollient texture and offers very good lifting properties, hydration and a brightening effect on dull skin. If you have very dry, sensitive and maturer skin their Re-Nutriv Revitalising Comfort Cream (£78) would be ideal.
GUINOT
Not all maturer skin needs a heavy or rich cream and not all mature skins are dry. Some skins need a really good anti-ageing product but cannot handle waxy or heavy textures as they may find they cause them to get pimples or blocked pores after several days or weeks of use, even complexions that normally suit rich creams in the winter may find them sticky or pore clogging in the summer. An ideal product for these types of complexions is AGE LOGIC (£88). Available only from qualified and Guinot trained therapists, it is the only product capable of reversing the process of cellular ageing. It revives skin cells that have become inactive over time. Contains ATP, a naturally occurring molecule in the body, Oxynergine and supplies vital cellular energy. (Available through your therapist or call 99 548338).
DARPHIN
This well-established brand, which is available only through therapists or skin-care stores and salons, has several anti-age products in their range. The Predermine (£78) collection of cream, serum and mask delivers plant extracts, vitamin E and mimosa among many other ingredients to give the skin nourishment and leave it revitalised. The textures are very soft, velvety and light so would be ideal for all skin types especially those which suit a non oily, oil in water consistency.
