All That Glitters Is Not Gold

[By Serene Jenkins]

From clothing, shoes and accessories to eye makeup, designers are coming up with ever more inventive tricks to showcase a heavy dose of metallic which is going to run rampant from day to night. And what better choice than gold, the precious metal that spells luxury and decadence, favored by gods, rockstars, rapping moguls and true blue royalties? If sparkling lamé fails to excite you, what about beauty products infused with real gold? So here lies our list of beauty treasures treated with the Midas’ touch, and along with their purported benefits, you can decide for yourself if they are more hype than substance, or worthy of their weight in gold!

GuerlainL’or Radiance Primer

Many industry heavyweights swear by GuerlainL’Or Makeup Base being a product that is literally worth its weight in gold. The 24-carat gold-infused cooling gel sinks magically into dehydrated and tired looking skin, retaining moisture and evens out blotchy and red skin tone. When applied to bare skin, this skin enhancer doubles as a makeup primer to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines and firms up facial features at the same time. There’s no noticeable shimmer, providing an even finish under your makeup without the need to worry about looking like a shiny disco ball straight off the set of “Xanadu”.

Damage: $74usd at Sephora or online @ www.guerlain.com

Ed’s note: Like the most luxurious jewelry pieces, the precious flakes of gold were crafted into ultra-sparkling and ultra-reflective particles, then dispersed in a hydrating smoothing gel. Skin feels soft, smooth and satiny, providing an excellent base for perfect makeup on any given day.

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Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Pure Luxury Cleansing Butter

A luxurious antiaging cleansing butter, infused with pure 24K Gold in a solid-to-oil formulation gently melts away makeup, dirt and impurities as it imparts an opulent glow. Chamomile butter and honey deliver intense hydration as kasturi turmeric helps soothe dry, sensitive skin. The silky, gold-infused texture offers lavish pampering treatment for all skin types especially dry ones, leaving them silky soft, comfortable and revitalized. The accompanying natural root-based vegetable sponge puffs up when wet to gently cleanse and exfoliate skin, with a unique, teardrop shape that allows targeted and deeper cleansing and exfoliation to a T.

Damage: $55usd online @www.sephora.com

Ed’s note: A plus point is that this product is free of mineral oil, a controversial ingredient as some believe that it’s harmful to health. In its place is an array of almond and vegetable oils, vitamin E and honey, leaving skin well cleansed, soft and moisturized.

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La PrairieCellular Radiance Concentrate pure gold

La Prairie is well known for its top of the range anti-aging serums and creams, and joining hands with the hugely popular caviar line is the equally exorbitant gold range serving “youth in a tiny bottle”, with a hefty price tag to pay.

This beauty product which is truly meant for those with deep pockets or supported by an unlimited trust fund, claims to fill out lines, help speed up exfoliation, fade age spots and boost you skin’s oxygen uptake for total peau-transforming rejuvenation.

Damage: $630usd at Saks Fifth Ave. or online @ www.laprairieswitzerland.com

Ed’s note: As much as I’m aware that La Prairie makes some of the most awesome skincare products out there, I would feel extremely guilty to splurge this ridiculous amount of money on a face serum.  This line is meant to reflect light back, making the skin appear light and “glowing”, achieved through the massive amount of reflective particles of colloidal gold and quartz crystals. Miracle skincare messiah or an overpriced moisturizer who’s effect can be replicated with the clever use of shimmer powder and bronzer? Smells funky too though thankfully that does not linger.

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CHAI GOLD OIL RETINOL Vitamin A Anti-aging Neck Treatment

Skincare experts believe that gold has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits as well as protection against skin discolorations and fine lines that are not to be missed out on. Suitable for all skin types including oily ones, The CHAI GOLD OIL RETINOL Vitamin A Anti-aging Neck Treatment touts itself as an age-defying treatment that combines the essence of pure 24-carat gold with the prowess of antioxidants and essential fatty acids harvested from natural botanicals to enhance our skin’s elasticity, firmness & smoothness for effective skin rejuvenation. Infused with retinol which has been shown in studies to have anti-aging, anti-wrinkle properties, Gold oil is specifically designed for the neck area which is thinner, more delicate and has fewer resident oil glands.By improving circulation and decreasing skin inflammation, pure gold helps to rejuvenate our skin from inside out, boosting its natural radiance and luminescence to create a more even tone with a luxuriously silky smooth feel.

Damage: $72usd at the SW1 Clinic or online @www.sw1shop.com

Ed’s note: I’ve got the worst of the lot with combination skin and this godsend gem was love at first pump! I’m stoked with its silky texture and the way it glides on my skin without being overtly greasy. The subtle gold specks in the gel is simply amazing, don’t know what it does but my skin definitely feel softer after every use. Completely sold!

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TatchaAburatorigami beauty papers

Trust the Japanese to come up with the most innovative beauty aids! In this case, it comes in the form of blotting sheets permeated with gold flakes along with abaca leaf, which mops up excess oil to reduce shine, and helps set makeup to leave your skin feeling fresh and pampered without disturbing your urban war paint.

Damage: $12usd at Sephora or online @ www.tatcha.com

Ed’s note: Powder free, fragrance free and pulp free, it promises not to steal moisture from the skin or lighten your makeup. Truly one of the most affordable beauty products that contains real gold with an “oh-so-glam-till-it-hurts” attitude when you are caught fishing one out from your dainty clutch as and when required!

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