Skin care is a science: the products we love all live and die by the nature of the research, discoveries, and ingredients that work to improve our skin.

New ingredients are constantly being discovered, improved, and re-purposed: Crème de la Mer’s main ingredient is a famous example, a patented ‘Miracle Broth’ extracted from sea kelp and fermented through a special process (3-4 months, using light and sonochemistry) to become a favorite of celebs worldwide. La Prairie’s Platinum collection is a rather extreme example, made with platinum (one of earth’s rarest and most precious metals) and meant to ‘recharge the skin’s electrical balance.’

Obviously, rarity does not necessarily mean effectiveness. Many natural and plentiful ingredients have delivered outstanding results; so long, that is, as the brand prioritizes the research necessary to transform these natural substances into skin-revitalizing miracles. Simply rubbing sea kelp or platinum on your skin won’t do the trick!

We are constantly on the lookout for products that deliver outstanding results to our customers, doing extensive research ourselves in order to bring a carefully-selected line of products to our customers. Everything we endorse, we use ourselves!

Here are five luxury skin care products that never fail to deliver.

1. Guinot Matizone Shine Control Moisturizer

If your daytime moisturizer does not have lasting power, then it’s hardly worth the time and money. This is especially important if you need shine control from your moisturizer. Who wants to be constantly re-applying, especially in more humid climates?

Guinot’s Matizone Moisturizer does two things: first, it contains mati-sponges, along with hydrocyte complex, which work together to absorb excess oil and produce a matte finish (while still moisturizing and protecting your skin, of course!). The mati-sponges neutralize the negative lipids in your skin, stopping shine at the epidermal level.

Second, it keeps your skin moisturized. Laboratory research has shown  amazing results from the hydrocote complex, which rapidly penetrates the deep layers of the epidermis and creates, essentially, a hydration reserve from which other cells might pull. The result? Long-lasting shine control and moisture.

2. Obagi-C RX System C-Exfoliating Day Lotion

Each day, your skin loses some of its elasticity and radiance; UV rays, stress, pollutants, free radicals, these are constantly taking a toll on your skin. To combat their effects, you need a product which does more than just sit on the surface.

Obagi-C’s Day Lotion uses Vitamin C in a highly concentrated dose, allowing it to supercharge cell regeneration and fight off pollutants while penetrating deep into your pores. At this concentration, the vitamin C glucosides boost collagen production, resulting in minimized fine lines and firmer skin.

With chamomile extract to calm inflammation, this product is one that works all day to give you radiant, younger looking skin.

3. Sothys Nutritive Comfort Cream

After a long day of exposure to stressors and toxins, it’s no wonder our skin begins to look worn and to lose its suppleness. Certainly there are dozens of products available to treat these woes, but when you’re spending money on a so-called “luxury” cream or lotion, you want it to deliver. Independent studies prove Sothys’ Nutritive Comfort Cream does just what it says: provide nutrition and comfort to your skin.

Not only does it leave your skin touchably soft, it works overtime to replenish those vital fatty acids which protect your skin from the damage you encounter daily and the moisture that constantly needs replenishing. Their secret formula is also filled with polysaccharides that restructure the epidermis, better protecting your skin and giving you a luminous, rested look.

4. Nelly De Vuyst Foaming Cleanser Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin must be treated delicately, especially when it comes to cleansers, which you should use 2-3 times per day. Nelly De Vuyst’s Foaming Cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive skin and goes above and beyond expectations.

Containing an oats and cucumber fruit extract formula that has been tested for its calming and soothing abilities, it is a mini-facial for your skin that purifies and restores. By eliminating impurities on both the neck and face while at the same time preserving the hydrolipidic film on the skin, you can rest assured your skin won’t lose moisture through the cleansing process.

5. Guinot Nutrizone

We’ve discussed oily as well as sensitive skin. What about those of you with dry skin? It is often easy to overcompensate for free radicals by overdoing your cleansing routine, and stripping your skin of necessary nutrients. Guinot’s Nutrizone contains Nutri-Vitamins that compensate for nutritional deficiencies within the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and looking radiant. These include: Omega 3, 6, and 9 and Vitamins A, E, and F.

These five skin treatments are worth the splurge due to the high concentrations of active ingredients and the results they provide.