But current studies have shown that lines and wrinkles are actually “micro scars” to the skin’s underlying support network. While not as palpable as black eyes, bruises or lacerations, these scars leave imprints far deeper than watermarks.

La Mer’s original cream — now legendary and consistently plucked and used by celebrities and their friends alike – was originally developed as a treatment for scars. Aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber originally created the cream to help his scars heal from the burns he had in a lab accident. And now, a new Regenerating Serum from La Mer will hit the counters on March 1st for $250.

This new anti-aging serum is a variation from the original theme, which is the highly potent Miracle Broth harnessing the properties of sea kelp and the physical energies of light and sound.

Marine Engineering

To create this regenerating serum, the R&D team harvested the stem cells of the marine plant Eryngium Maritimum. The cells were grown through a sustainable process and the cultivated cells are fermented (this enhances the quality of the ingredients).

The result is a serum that promises to plump up the skin with collagen, elastin and other “youth proteins.” In this aspect, it’s no different from any other anti-aging serum out there.

Is It Really All That?

Since there are so many anti-aging weapons out in the marketplace, we asked an expert if this Regenerating Serum has any legs to stand on. Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.com, says: “Compared to the aggressive claims that other anti-aging products make, this La Mer serum seems quite conservative (they make NO claims to reduce wrinkles by a ceterain percentage NOR do they claim to reduce wrinkles in X minutes, days or weeks). Based on the claims that La Mer is making, they have incorporated ingredients that should perform quite well.

Between the broth, regenerating ferment, peptide ferment, gold and lime tea, the product should be able to help firm the skin as well as reduce the look of lines and wrinkles.

So when La Mer’s gemstone infused Treatment Powder Foundation came across my desk, I was delighted not only because it provided that Rosselini glow, but also because it contains SPF 15.

La Mer new Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15

The foundation powder glides on like refined silk over your skin (it truly does) and leaves a matte, powdery silky finish and RADIANCE. The gemstones in this powder, including the tourmaline and malachite, help capture light energy.

The Treatment Powder Foundation automatically attracts and adheres to the skin and does not shift — there’s no cakey feel, nothing. It goes on true and stays true for hours. Airspun seaborne particles (apparently the lightest on earth) create that flawless look.

La Mer Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15

I have to tell you that this is definitely one of the hits of the year in my beauty closet. It is SO good that even $95 seems like a pretty decent price to pay for a foundation (yes, I said it…) even in this economy.

The Treatment Powder Foundation, SPF 15

Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and at La Mer.com

- Charu Suri