Honestly, I almost always go for drugstore skincare and makeup brands. They usually provide good dupes for high-end products at a fraction of the price.
But from time to time, you might feel that you want to splurge on a luxury product to pamper yourself. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.
La Prairie vs La Mer are two luxurious skincare and makeup brands that promise to transform your skin.
But are they really worth the hype? Keep reading to find out.
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La Prairie vs La Mer
Before we talk about what sets these two brands apart, here are some facts.
La Prairie is a Swiss-based brand, manufactured by Beiersdorf AG. It offers multiple skincare and makeup products that rely on the power of caviar, which supports and revives damaged and aging skin.
Estee Lauder owns the La Mer brand, as a response to the growing popularity of the Crème de la Mer.
This iconic product was invented by a physician after a burning accident when he used fermented algae to rejuvenate and heal the skin.
Here are some differences between the two brands.
Price
Although both brands are on the pricey side, La Prairie products are more expensive. Using caviar and exclusive cellular complexes increases the products’ price tag.
La Mer products are reasonably priced, compared to other luxury brands. Don’t get me wrong –they are expensive but within a similar price range as Estee Lauder and Lancome.
Exclusivity
To cement the brand’s status, La Prairie is only available at select stores. La Mer is more widely available, and you can get it from multiple beauty stores and online.
Product Range
La Mer is a winner when it comes to the product range. It offers more product choices with various ingredients to suit different skin concerns.
With La Prairie, the choices are more limited. And if you’re allergic to caviar, you’d better stay away from this brand!
Comparing La Prairie and La Mer’s Products
Any skincare product needs time to show a visible effect. Luckily, a little goes a long way with both brands.
Here’s my honest review after using some of the products.
Skincare Products
La Mer options are more versatile, from face oils to lotions, creams, and serums. Of course, the iconic Crème de la Mer is a must-try, especially if you have dry skin.
It contains fermented sea kelp with multiple vitamins and minerals to nourish your skin, reduce the visible signs of aging, and increase elasticity.
However, many swear that Nivea’s Cream is an excellent dupe.
I used this with the brand’s Regenerating Serum, which quickly diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Both create a soft canvas for makeup to glide smoothly. With repeated use, I noticed that my skin felt more hydrated, which made my lines harder to notice.
As we age, our skin looks dull because of the slower cell turnover. Using the Resurfacing Treatment helps remove the dead skin cells to reveal fresh youthful skin.
I use this twice a week, at night after cleansing off my makeup, then follow it with the Regenerating Serum.
The Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer is what I use on special occasions. It lifts, moisturizes, and supports the complexion without being too heavy, so it will work for you even if you have oily or combination skin.
The caviar extracts nourish the skin cells, providing them with enough energy to generate, thus enhancing elasticity.
For the ultimate treatment, I use the Skin Caviar Liquid Lift. The caviar beads and milky emulsions are instantly mixed for a fresh effect to lift and tighten your skin.
You’ll notice that your under-eye area is visibly tighter and smoother when you use it regularly.
Makeup Products
The Skin Caviar Complexion Concealer Foundation from La Prairie is a lavish product that provides skincare benefits while blurring skin imperfections.
However, you might not find a suitable shade if you have a darker or warmer skin tone.
I prefer the Powder Foundation as it provides a more natural look. It’s not as drying as other powder products and will protect your skin from UV rays.
La Prairie has yet to add more makeup products to its range.
La Mer also has a limited makeup product range. My favorite is The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation, as it provides weightless yet buildable coverage. It’s available in 25 shades.
But will any of these brands be my go-to choice for a foundation or powder? The honest answer is: no.
Other brands offer more coverage choices, shades, and formulas at more budget-friendly prices.
Wrap Up
La Prairie and La Mer are two luxurious brands. Their skincare products are definitely worth the hype, but there are still good products that deliver the same performance for a fraction of the price.
La Mer offers more product choices and is more reasonably priced. Celebrities swear by La Prairie’s fermented sea kelp for hydration and luminosity.
So, if you can afford to spend $600+ for a glowy complexion, give it a try.