I am always surprised at how brands that tout themselves as the last moisturizer you will ever need keep bringing new ones to market.
Prevage by Elizabeth Arden is following this path. A few years ago they introduced the original Prevage and it was touted as the last skincare item ever needed...now they have 8 products.
Prevage relies heavily on the position that it uses the “best” antioxidant formula, yet there is no research showing any 1 antioxidant is superior to another. If this is put aside, what remains is a very standard cosmetic formula that can be easily compared to any other moisturizer.
Prevage by Elizabeth Arden Intensive Anti Aging Moisture Cream SPF 30 ($160 for 50mL)
Pros
1. Excellent water binding agents that will plump and hydrate very dry skin
2. Excellent lipid replacement ingredients that will cushion surface dehydration
3. Excellent blend of antioxidants, coenzymes and cell communicating ingredients to help the skin quickly metabolize the active ingredients
Cons
1. Inclusion of fragrances which contribute to skin irritation
2. Inclusion of colour additives which are responsible for 90% of all known cosmetic reactions
3. Excessive filler and thickening agents that are only present to create volume in the jar
Overall – Highly over priced for what is on offer.
Yes, this Prevage product is an excellent moisturizer with the correct mix of active ingredients but none of them are unique. Most of them are found in every quality moisturizer on the market. Most skin types will be able to use this Prevage product but it is by no means a superior product.
Less expensive option
Nivea DNA Cell Renewal Cream ($25 for 50 mL)
85% less expensive with the same lipid replacement ingredients, water binding agents, rich antioxidants, same coenzyme and even the same fillers and thickeners.
"
Lancome has done it again. This season they launched a very run of the mill product and put a great deal of amazing marketing behind the product. Last year Lancome convinced consumers they could activate genetic behaviour with a topical product and this season they launched Visionnaire.
With a new ingredient (LR 2412), which does not appear on the actual ingredient list, they claim it harnesses the power of plant regeneration (this is already a claim being made by much more high end brands which I have busted before). Lancome would have consumers believe their new product will actually reduce wrinkles, tighten pores and decrease pigmentation. All things a topical product cannot do.
Lancome Visionnaire (LR 2412 4%) - $100 for 30 mL
Pros
1. Great slip agents to provide cushion and comfort to the skin
2. Hyaluronic Acid included to bind water for hydration
3. Paraben free which is what consumers are demanding
Cons
1. Denatured Alcohol is the 4th ingredient listed – this is one of the most harmful ingredients to put on skin – dehydrates, increases cell damages and disrupts natural pH levels
2. Over 60% of the formula is basic slip agents and thickeners which offer no value to the skin at all
3. Incredibly irritating plant oils and fragrances which most skin cannot tolerate
Overall – A complete waste of money.
This formula negates any benefit by including incredibly harmful ingredients at high concentrations. There is nothing in this formula that is not found in any moisturizer at any price point. This formula, in fact, is as rudimentary as can be offered. It is simply a basic oil and water formula dressed up in a fancy package. Not only will it not offer any benefit to the health of your skin it actually could irritate and damage your skin.
"
One of the drawbacks about writing a blog is the brevity used in order to deliver interesting information quickly. When I first starting writing for YMC, Erica advised me to try to use less language. Basically, if I didn’t need to use a word I shouldn’t. After spending years of doing long form writing I found this new short form very challenging. How could I possibly impart all the critical information in 400 words or less. Well I am very happy to say I did get good at it – as you can observe from my posts. Lots of relevant information without superfluous language.
Of course this meant that some topics were harder to write about than others. Sometimes more detail is just what is needed to make sure the comprehension is complete.
That is why I was so excited when Erica introduced a new segment of the YMC site: YMC Top 5.
YMC Top 5 is a great series of articles with a broad range of subjects all focused on the “Top 5” of any specific topic.
If you like to read my blog but have been wishing for more detailed information, may I direct you to this new segment of the YMC site.
Already I have posted two articles of interest: Top 5 Must Have Make Up Items and Top 5 Things a Facial Can Never Do.
While the Top 5 posts are not as regular as my blog (they require submission and acceptance from the Editor-in-Chief) I will be pitching ideas regularly so you should check out the Top 5 segment as often as you check my blog.
Also if you have an idea for a Top 5 list, let me know and I will certainly do my research and see if it is appropriate to pitch to the Editor.
Printer-friendly version