Image via Amazon

I've always been a Cle de Peau fan. Anything that comes out of the house of Shiseido is bound to be a success and backed by serious science. According to the La Creme press release, "The luxury cream brightens, moisturizes, firms, counteracts dullness and never leaves an oily residue on skin." What's more, "La Creme works well with all skin types, including oily, dry and combination." In an industry where most major creams are designed for the chronically dry skinned, this sounds very promising. A do-it-all product for everyone? Sign me up.

La Creme makes good on most of its claims. I wouldn't say, however, that it leaves no residue. In fact, I was a bit disappointed by the thick texture and somewhat sticky aftermath.

The biggest turn-off though, was my visceral reaction to the lack of sensuality in the cream. Sorry, but it's got that old lady smell that never fails to remind me of my beloved, yet quite elderly, kindergarten teacher. I'll always remember her warmly, but no offense, I sure as hell don't want to smell like the dear. Is it too much to ask for that at $475 an ounce ($500 on Amazon), we get something that smells decent? Nice product, but I think there are better, less-expensive products out there, such as Sjal Cela Intuitif.