Creme de la Mer Oil Absorbing Tonic

RRP: £55 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The Oil Absorbing Tonic is the vital transition between cleansing and treatment. Infused with Colloidal Mineral Water, the topical benefits of this soothing tonic are readily apparent. Creme de la Mer's exclusive Deconstructed Waters™ within the tonic revitalize and enliven the skin with no signs of dehydration. Anti-irritants delivered through these negatively charged waters soothe and tone the skin, preparing it to readily receive the maximum benefits of skincare to follow. The Oil Absorbing Tonic, formulated for oily or problem skins, is infused with algae extracts to significantly reduce excess sebum that can lead to adult breakouts."

--Packaging--
A translucent turquoise bottle that's topped with a plastic turquoise screw cap. Gently complemented by the pale coral logo, it keeps information to a minimum. The bottle's translucency means you can always see how much is left, which is nice, and the colour scheme ties in well with the brand theme of "la mer".

--Application--
The Creme de la Mer website says that you should "shake gently to activate tonic. After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad and gently apply all over face and neck, dabbing in a gentle press and release motion. Repeat until cotton pad comes away clean." Nothing tricky about this.

--Appearance--
Even though the bottle makes the toner seem blue, it doesn't come out blue on the cotton pad, so must be clear. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
Smells like it has a high alcohol content. However, it does smell refreshing and this is also reflected in how it feels on your skin on application.

--Texture and consistency--
Even though there is a definite sediment in the bottle before shaking, the toner does not feel grainy in any way, and as stated, feels refreshing. 

--Effects on the skin--
Lamentably, I saw no real improvement in my skin as a result of using this product, despite the fact that oiliness was reduced slightly. However, the skin was not irritated in any way and I didn't experience any extra breakouts.

--Value for money--
I bought this toner in the US, where you can pay significantly less depending on the exchange rate (it's $65, which today comes to around £43). However, I expect far better results from a product in this price bracket and would point you to Clinique's anti-blemish solutions toner for a better result and a less ouchy moment at the till.

perfect partners
The Radiant Serum, £450
The Eye Concentrate, £125
Crème de la Mer Moisturising Cream, £100

Crème de la Mer Refining Facial

RRP: £59 for a 100ml tube

--What does the promo say?--
"This multi-action complex instantly smoothes and boosts skin's brightness and radiance - revealing a fresh new surface. The Refining Facial utilises fermented acidic sea muds to soften skin and gently lift away dry surface cells. As the cream is lightly massaged onto the face, pure diamond powder and polished sea quartz perform as physical exfoliants while smart minerals convert the massage action into energy. Circulation is immediately stimulated and skin is awakened."

--Packaging--
White, with the classic pink and green Crème de la Mer gracing it for company. A stand-alone plastic tube.

--Application--
As I have found, there are two ways with this. The Crème de la Mer website recommends massaging this onto clean, dampened skin before rinsing well and following with a toner. However, you can also use it as a mask by spreading it thinly onto clean dry skin with fingers or a spatula, leaving it on for 15 minutes and then rinsing off.

--Scent--
Lovely and minty - delish!

--Appearance--
In keeping with the scent, it's a beautiful minty green, with the exfoliants dotted visibly in the lotion.

--Texture/consistency--
A luxurious, creamy and slightly stiff lotion that spreads easily onto the face and washes off well.

--How does your skin look and feel afterwards?--
Miraculous. As well as feeling ridiculously smooth (for DAYS after you've done the treatment, not just in the immediate aftermath), skin also looks visibly much better. Pores are clearly tightened and made to appear smaller; complexion and skin tone are evened; face looks powdered and smooth, as if you'd just that moment put on your foundation, concealer and powder.

--Value for money--
Ahem. This is the tricky part. At £59 for 100ml, it's at the cheaper end of Crème de La Mer's product range, where prices frequently exceed double this. It's therefore the only product that I might ever be in with a shout at buying (or at least putting on my Christmas list). However, you only need a ridiculously tiny amount each time (I reckon my minuscule sample pot will do me at least three applications) and it blows other face masks and skin perfectionist products out of the water. If you were thinking of purchasing a serum at £70-odd, say, in the hope of your skin looking better for it, I'd say don't - get this instead. Best. Facemask. Ever.

perfect partners
Crème de La Mer Moisturiser for Normal to Dry Skin, £88 for 30ml
Crème de La Mer The Tonic, £44 for 200ml