Image via Orlane

Following a splashy launch party at Manhattan's San Domenico restaurant, well-heeled, er, tongues have been wagging about Orlane's big new sensation created to commemorate Neiman Marcus's 100th anniversary. Creme Royale, the royal jelly and 24 karat gold-infused wunderkind sells for a mere $650 for just 1.7 ounces, so naturally, I had to get my Fiend-y hands on a sample (free, but only 0.2 ounces, which ain't a helluva lot of product). The verdict? Orlane, if you're listening, I'm gonna need more to make an accurate diagnosis. Heh, kidding...the verdict, after the jump.

Okay, it truly is as decadent and divine as you might imagine: very, very subtle, milky smell, silky, melts into your skin like buttah texture. But I guess I'm not totally convinced that it's the end-all-be-all of high-toned skin creams. Yes, it's lovely, but for $650, I want a product that makes me take notice and say, "Goddamn!"

I'm gonna say it's worth it if you're in the market for a basic yet luxuriously rich new moisturizer, plus you're totally wealthy and all about throwing money around. (While you're at it Miss Richy Pants, match the cost with a charitable donation to your favorite cause, si'l vous plait.)

Interested in experiencing the beautifying effects of royal jelly but can't afford the price tag? I found this ditty, Bee-Moisturized Face Brightener for a comparatively cheap $52.50 for 1.5 ounces. Of course, it doesn't have gold in it, and Bee-Moisturized isn't nearly as classy sounding as Creme Royale, but a girl's still gotta eat, right?