In this series we call Tried & True, we shortlist the holy grails and the OGs, the top-shelf regulars, under-the-radar picks, as well as the new and fresh-off-the-lab and the viral sensations worth the hype from reputable brands that we’ve road-tested ourselves.
Behind the name, we explore what makes a brand worth discovering, whether it’s how it has redefined beauty, its founder’s inspiring story, or how its range of offerings gave consumers what they truly want and need. In this edition, we take a look at La Mer, which is French for “the sea,” a brand that lives true to its name in more ways than one. This skincare brand captures the essence of the ocean in its products, often using sea-sourced ingredients and the legendary Miracle Broth™ to create luxurious products that transform your skin.
The brand was founded by Dr. Max Huber, a pioneering German aerospace physicist, who turned to the regenerative abilities of the seaweed to heal his severely burned skin after a lab accident. More than 12 years and 6,000 experiments later, Dr. Huber revolutionized skincare with the discovery of the Miracle Broth™, a potent formula derived from sea kelp and other natural ingredients packed with revitalizing nutrients that form the foundation of La Mer products, renowned for their transformative ability to renew and revitalize the skin. This powerful ingredient undergoes a meticulous fermentation process that takes three to four months, infusing their products with extraordinary regenerative properties.
Building on Dr. Huber’s legacy, La Mer continuously innovates and introduces new formulations and technologies that push the boundaries of skincare. The brand’s dedication to research and development ensures that each product stays ahead of the curve when it comes to skincare science.
La Mer’s relationship with the ocean goes beyond its products, which are infused with marine-derived ingredients. Its Blue Heart initiative is an extension of this connection, embodying the brand’s deep commitment to ocean conservation and environmental sustainability. The brand ensures that its practices not only deliver exceptional products but also contribute to the health of our planet through the La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund, which supports different projects and organizations dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. This commitment to sustainability underscores La Mer’s holistic approach to beauty, where skincare and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
HERO PRODUCT
Crème de la Mer
Decades after it was created, Crème de la Mer maintains its status as a hero product for its ability to deliver intense hydration and repair the skin barrier. The cream, also known to be one of the most sought-after moisturizers in the world, is formulated with La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth™ which contains a potent blend of sea kelp, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Its rich and velvety yet lightweight texture melts into the skin, providing a surge of hydration that can last all day, while also repairing dryness and damage. The cream is also highly regarded for its calming and soothing effects, as the Miracle Broth™ works great on sensitive skin, reducing redness and evening out the complexion. Users have noted significant improvements in terms of dryness, fine lines, and overall skin texture. If you’re looking for an effective moisturizer that can also provide a luxurious pampering experience, the Crème de la Mer might just be your next holy grail.
Crème de la Mer
P7,300, Rustan’s
POPULAR PICK
The Moisturizing Soft Cream
Meet the Crème de la Mer’s legendary sibling, the Moisturizing Soft Cream. Unlike the rich texture of the Crème de la Mer, this cream has a lighter and more whipped consistency, making it ideal for normal to oily skin types or those who find traditional creams too heavy. Despite the lighter feel, the Soft Cream still packs a hydrating punch as it also has La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth™ as its key ingredient, helping revitalize and heal the skin. It leaves a dewy finish and is quick-absorbing, making it suitable for daytime use under makeup.
The Moisturizing Soft Cream
P7,300, Rustan’s
UNDERRATED HOLY GRAIL
The Treatment Lotion
Famously described as “liquid energy” for the skin, the lotion is an ultra-hydrating treatment designed to prep the skin for the next steps of one’s skincare routine. Also formulated with La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth™, it has a light and watery formula that absorbs quickly, creating a perfect base for layering serums and moisturizers and ensuring they penetrate deeper into the skin. This gives a noticeable boost of hydration, instantly plumping and leaving the skin feeling dewy once applied. Over time, users who have consistently used this lotion noticed smoother and more refined skin texture.
The Treatment Lotion
P8,950, Rustan’s
ICONIC INVESTMENT
The Concentrate
The Concentrate, having a super-concentrated form of its legendary Miracle Broth™, is a powerful serum designed to address visible signs of aging and provide intensive barrier-repairing benefits. It comes in a rich, gel-like texture that one can easily rub between the hands and pat onto the skin for instant soothing. It’s great for calming irritated skin and reducing redness, while also protecting the skin from environmental irritants. Many of its users have sworn by its ability to improve skin texture and reduce hyperpigmentation over time.
The Concentrate
P27,600, Rustan’s
HARDWORKING MUST-TRY
The Lifting Eye Serum
This serum is renowned for effectively hydrating the under-eye area, minimizing the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness. It contains the Miracle Broth™ and Stretch Matrix Complex with ingredients designed to give the eye area a firmer and more lifted effect. This silky serum absorbs quickly without leaving the skin feeling greasy, which also makes it a good choice for wearing under makeup. It has a unique two-sided applicator that gives off a cooling sensation once used. Many of its users have experienced visible improvements in their skin texture around the eye area, noticing a reduction in fine lines and dark circles.
The Lifting Eye Serum
P19,500, Rustan’s
MULTITASKING MARVEL
The Renewal Oil
The Renewal Oil is a dual-phase treatment, infused with the brand’s iconic Miracle Broth™ along with Lime Tea Concentrate. It is designed to provide deep hydration and nourishment to promote a healthier complexion. Upon shaking, the oil and water components turn into a lightweight, silky essence that absorbs quickly and leaves skin with a dewy finish.
The oil is highly versatile and can be used in multiple ways: on its own, mixed with moisturizer, or even added to foundation for an extra boost of hydration. Not to mention, it works wonders on the body and hair as well! It leaves the skin feeling soft and supple when applied to the body, while using it on the hair can help control frizz and tame flyaways. It can even be applied to the cuticles to hydrate them and prevent tearing. On top of that, the Renewal Oil has an ocean-inspired scent that adds to the luxurious experience, making each application comforting and refreshing.
The Renewal Oil
P16,150, Rustan’s
EDITOR FAVORITE
The Tonic
True to its name, The Tonic is a light and refreshing liquid that leaves the skin feeling instantly plump and hydrated. This is a great first step after cleansing, as it preps the skin to take in the rest of the nourishing products in one’s skincare routine. Its non-greasy texture also allows it to absorb quickly and feel invigorating on the skin. The formula is gentle and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin and it can help calm and soothe the skin after cleansing, especially after using harsher cleansers.
The Tonic
P7,228, Zalora
Collage by Dannah Valdezco. Chess marble floor by © Fernando Cortes. Sculpture by © DanFLCreativo. Lying venus by © paologallophoto. Classical Greek Statue by © paologallophoto. Clouds by © Eu Aprendi Na. White Dove flying by © 6689062 via canva.com
