Here's What Beauty Experts Have to Say About 5 Holy Grail Skincare Products
For anyone in-the-know when it comes to skincare, there are a select few products that have made it to cult status. First popularized by word-of-mouth testimonials from celebrities, aestheticians, makeup artists, and beauty editors, these prestige products–like Biologique Recherche’s P50 Lotion and Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Serum–have now reached viral fame thanks to beauty influencers and social media. While these holy grail products are certainly buzz-worthy, they often come with exorbitant prices that make them beauty investments. For those wondering whether they’re actually worth it, L’OFFICIEL consults several beauty industry insiders on the top five cult skincare products.
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At the pinnacle of cult beauty products is the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50. For decades, beauty editors and skincare junkies have sworn by the exfoliating liquid's skin-smoothing properties, despite its notoriously unsavory smell. Formulated to reduce dark spots, shrink pores, balance the skin's pH, and strengthen the epidermis, P50 is an anti-aging powerhouse. Skincare guru Joanna Czech has been using it for 25 years. "[P50] is one of my must haves," she says. "It controls the skin’s pH and is a great micro-exfoliator." The celebrity aesthetician says it should be the first step after your nighttime cleansing. Co-founder of newly launched skincare brand Dieux Charlotte Palermino is also a fan, but warns against over-exfoliating and irritation. "When you're using P50, don't use other exfoliators or resurfacing agents," she advises, adding, "But on its own? Iconic for a reason."
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, $103, Joanna Czech
Dubbed a Miracle Cream, this pricey and luxurious moisturizer has earned praise from a long list of beauty industry pros and celebrities, including Victoria Beckham and Margot Robbie. Czech says its worth the $265 price tag: "The consistency is great and the repairing effects of the TFC8 Complex address every skin condition." The special complex she speaks of contains a mixture of nourishing vitamins, natural amino acids, and synthesized molecules, which help The Rich Cream stimulate stem cell production, and thus deliver glowing skin. Mai Quynh, makeup artist to L'OFFICIEL star Chloë Grace Moretz and other starlets, vouches for the cream's holy grail status, sharing that the product "evens out my skin tone and takes away any redness and dark spots, making it look younger and healthier." She also uses it on the job, as it is the perfect texture for day or night and "works well under makeup."
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, $265, Joanna Czech
The Créme de la Mer moisturizer, a staple La Mer product, is a favorite among celebrities, from Jennifer Lopez to Suki Waterhouse, and it's no surprise why. Made with the brand's signature rejuvenating Miracle Broth, it aims to smooth and tighten skin. Makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic, responsible for many of Kim Kardashian's iconic looks, often reaches for La Mer products, the moisturizer in particular, to prep the face and create a smooth base before any glam session. The cream is also a part of Czech's daily skincare routine, according to Into the Gloss: "Usually, for the day, I’ll mix Crème de la Mer with the Biologique Fluide Vip 02. And SPF, no more than 15." Despite it's price tag, La Mer's moisturizer has seemingly won over beauty experts and influencers alike.
Créme de la Mer, $380, La Mer
For skincare junkies, a daily peel can be a must, and the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily peel is at the top of the list for hydrating, repairing, and toning skin. Known to target blemishes, reduce fine lines, and smooth skin, the product is in the beauty bags of some of your favorite stars, like Sydney Sweeney and Constance Wu. For esthetician and skincare expert Shani Darden, these peels have long been a go-to. "Those are forever," she told Harper's Bazaar. "Young, old, you need those." She likes to alternate between the Dr Dennis Gross peel and the peel from her own skincare line every other week. On her skincare line's website, Darden notes that "chemical peels can be a solution for smoother, flawless-looking skin." One of the less expensive cult beauty products, it is worth it for both new and seasoned peelers.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $92, Sephora
The Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum is a classic for a reason. Ultra hydrating and perfectly concentrated, it soothes the skin and reduces wrinkles. Celebrity facialist Iván Pol, who has done treatments on everyone from Emma Stone to Emma Chamberlain, uses it every day in his skincare routine right after cleansing and just before moisturizing. "Tired skin lacks water or hydration," he told W. "To quench that thirst, I highly recommend Dr. Barbara Sturm’s hyaluronic serum. It has five different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to pump the skin with water." He also notes that using a cream afterwards is equally important in order to lock in the moisture. Since hyaluronic acid is so integral to any skincare routine, this fan-favorite might just be worth the splurge.
Dr Barbara Stern Hyaluronic Serum, $110, Dr Barbara Sturm
