It’s no secret that skincare is very important to me. I’m not going to sugarcoat it. From the moment we come into this world, we begin the aging process. We can’t fear it and run from it, but embrace it, celebrate it and step up our beauty game a few notches! Yes, there is such a thing as aging gracefully and we can all enjoy it! As we go thru life, when it comes to skincare, it is important to adjust our beauty regimen accordingly to reflect where we are on the aging curve. Most skincare brands out there exist only for the sole purpose of helping us navigate these unchartered territories and joining us in the pursuit of aging with grace. Some of them are rightfully successful in doing just that, others play on our insecurities and make promises that can’t be delivered. The lines have become blurred and it’s become harder and harder to distinguish between a great product and clever marketing. Even great products and amazing brands have to be taken with a grain of salt, as there really isn’t one product or brand that fits all. Over the years, some fancy cult products have emerged and tried to claim supremacy over the skincare realm: Crème de la Mer, La Praire, and Guerlain Orchidée Impériale, just to name a few. All fancy names backed by many years of impressive research, all crazy expensive and out of reach for most of us, and all incredibly alluring. Naturally, it bears the question: are they worth it?
Guerlain has always been a popular name in my family: from their unique perfumes, to their bronzers and the famous Meteorites pearls, all the ladies in my family have owned some Guerlain rave-worthy product at some point. I will save you the background on the brand, as most of you fellow beauty lovers are probably already familiar with it and it’s done extensively on their site (read here). So I’ll cut to the chase and introduce you to the intriguing world of Guerlain Orchidée Impériale. But first let’s rewind a little. Let me take you back in time, many moons ago (okay about 9-10 years ago), back to a time when I worked in the fast-paced world that is Corporate America and lived in one of those cities that never slept. I was working manic hours, eating whenever I remembered and barely sleeping. My skin was dull and lack-lustered from spending most of my days in big buildings with small or no windows and the bags under my eyes were designer (haha, can’t take credit for this one, it’s something I saw on Instagram). My stepmom came to visit one winter, after a trip to France, and brought with her a small sample of a wonder cream, a new discovery by our beloved Guerlain brand. The small sample was the Orchidée Impériale Cream and came accompanied by a fascinating story. It all began with a rare flower, the orchid, a prodigy of longevity. Convinced by the outstanding potential of this flower, Guerlain established its first ever Research Center called the Orchidarium, where scientitsts and experts in botany, biology and plant chemistry study and explore the longevity molecules of orchids and their cosmetic properties. The result is an essential molecular extract that is infused in the Orchidée Impériale skincare line as an essential ingredient. This essential extract aims to revitalize the skin by helping with cellular regeneration and boost its longevity, firmness, density and radiance. After more than 12 years of research in the Orchidarium, 4 orchid types were selected from more than 30,000. Guerlain also created a reforestation program to grow these orchids in their natural environment and ensure active ingredients of the highest quality. The research and innovation at the Guerlain Orchidarium is ongoing and is aimed to be a permanent quest for effectiveness of their Orchidée Impériale skincare line, a wonderful marriage of nature and science.
I remember being completely captivated by the story and by the time my stepmom finished it, I was wishing the day away so I could test drive the cream. I remember applying it on my skin (I had oily skin at that time) and feeling like I had won the skincare lottery. The cream felt so luxurious and silky on my skin and the scent was so calming and therapeutic. The sample lasted for a few days and I remember thinking I need to get my hands on the full size version pronto. I logged on to Nordstrom online and that’s when the tidal wave of shock and disbelief hit me. The price was almost half of what I was paying for my studio apartment on a monthly basis! I was going to forget about this out of reach miracle and save my hard earned money (meanwhile secretly hoping I’d win the real lottery). But how could you forget about the story of the Orchidarium and the orchids? I couldn’t. So now let’s fast forward to the present time. I left that city that never slept and I am now a stay-at-home mom desperately trying to keep up with my toddler. I still work a lot (taking care of children is work) and sleep when I can. Not much has changed in that department, only that I’m now 10 years older and in need of stepping up my beauty regimen. Nordstrom is still my shopping site of choice and while browsing their skincare offerings, I came across the Orchidée Impériale Discovery Set, a routine that includes an eye and lip cream (0.5 oz), a serum (0.17 oz) and the famous face cream (0.24 oz). I had a gift card from my birthday, a Nordstrom note, plus triple points on the purchase. So I went for the Discovery Set. Still a splurge, but a great way to try new products and judge for yourself if they are worth it. Some details on my skin: I still have enlarged pores like I had 10 years ago, but my skin type now is mature, sensitive and on the drier side.
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Cream
As with all products I’m testing, I first tried the cream on its own for a few days, then layered over different serums I have on rotation. My expectation with face creams in general, is that they moisturize, hydrate and revive a dull complexion (have I mentioned I don’t really sleep?). I don’t have any false hopes of fine lines and wrinkles completely wiped off my face , as that would be a miracle product that would put plastic surgeons out of business!
The cream feels so heavenly on the skin. It has a beautifully soft texture that allows it to spread very easily so that a little goes a long way. The skin instantly feels smooth and hydrated, as if the cream is working deep into the layers of the epidermis. It is a rich cream, but it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin, nor does it seem greasy. The morning after I first used the cream, I could already see my face looking more radiant and luminous as if I got 7 hours of sleep (which I didn’t). During the day I noticed my makeup staying put and looking beautiful, a sign that my skin was well moisturized. I used the cream day and night, but after a few days I switched to using it only in the evenings, as I wanted to save the product and use it when the skin is more receptive to recover from the day’s pollution and stresses. I also layered the cream over some of the serums I’m currently using: Orchidée Impériale Longevity Concentrate, Sunday Riley Luna Oil, Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, Kate Somerville Dermal Quench Retinol, Josie Maran Argan Milk and Maya Chia Supercouple Oil. The cream worked amazingly well with all of these serums. My favorite combination was probably Orchidée Impériale Cream and the Kate Somerville Dermal Quench Retinol. Final thoughts? I love the cream! I loved it 10 years ago when I had combination/acne prone skin and I love it now when I have dry, sensitive skin. But I hate the price. Unless I win the lottery, I won’t be repurchasing it any time soon or ever. Maybe I’ll just wait 10 more years. I think especially for someone who prefers layering their skincare products, there are other options out there that perform just as good. For instance, my go to combination is Kate Somerville Retashpere Night Creme layered over either Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate or Sunday Riley Luna Oil (read my routine and review of these products here).
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Longevity Concentrate
This serum is described as an ultra-powerful concentrate that fades away the signs of aging, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity, firmness, radiance and density, and evening out skin tone. I first used the concentrate all by itself on clean skin, no other oils, serums or moisturizers in the picture. It has a lovely, silky texture that glides to veil the face as if it’s second skin. Although it is a rich serum, it soaks easily into the layers of the skin. On days when I felt my skin looked dull and dry, I’ve found that the serum by itself provided enough hydration, moisture and radiance without the need to layer on any additional products. As with the cream, I used it day and night and eventually saved it for evening use only. I’ve enjoyed using the serum and the feeling of it on my face. Will I repurchase? Definitely NOT for the current price! I enjoy incorporating oils and serums in my skincare routine, but there are a lot of other options out there, just as luxurious and beneficial to the skin: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate or Sunday Riley Luna Oil (read my reviews here), just to name a few.
Guerlain Orchidée Impériale the Eye and Lip Cream
I believe the eyes are the most telling signs of youth. My trouble areas are fine lines, puffiness, dark circles and crows-feet. When not managed properly, my under-eyes make me feel very self-conscious about my appearance. I feel they can make me look aged and worn-out. Thus I believe it is important to invest in a great eye cream that address these concerns I have. I’ve personally found that Orchidée Impériale Eye and Lip Cream has done a great job keeping my under-eyes moisturized, smooth and bright. Fine lines, crows-feet , and puffiness appeared to be reduced, and the area looked plumped. The cream feels light on the skin and blends out to a velvety consistency. It’s advertised as a lip cream as well and I have used it on my lips a few times. Again, it did a great job moisturizing my lips and making them appear more plump. Will I repurchase? Maybe. If I have another birthday gift card and a Nordstrom note, I think I would repurchase this eye cream. Over the years I’ve found that great eye creams are rare. I’ve been using the Kiehl’s Eye Treatment with Avocado during the day (read my review here) and the La Mer Eye Concentrate at night (read my review here) for years. I have tried other ones, but it seems I always return to those two. If I do end up repurchasing the Orchidée Impériale Eye and Lip Cream, I would use it primarily in the evening time, and switch it around with the La Mer Eye Concentrate.
So there you have it. It’s a long post, but I felt there was a lot of ground to cover. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about these products in the comments down below.
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
These products are amazing! I also went for the discovery set and loved it! Great review and beautiful photos!
Thank you and yes, these products are amazing. I do hate the price though! ~ Cat L.
Your post is so well written and I love the photos! You captured the products so well! I would like to try the cream, the story fascinated me. It’s just so expensive. I will probably just get a sample from Neiman.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! I agree, the price is crazy expensive. Do try a sample though, you’ve got nothing to lose if you stick to the sample only 🙂 🙂 🙂 ! ~ Cat L.
I also love Guerlain and have always wanted to try the Orchidee Imperiale line. I have heard great things about it and now that I’m in my 40s, I feel it’s time to invest in great skincare. What I like about these products is that they combine science and nature, as you also mention. Thank you for sharing this post.
Thank you so much! The story is fascinating and the products are great! I truly wish they were more affordable as the price is really a huge decision factor for me at this time! ~ Cat L.
Have you tried Creme de la Mer? It’s what I use on most days and I’ve been looking for something similar that I can alternate with.
Yes I have tried Crème de la Mer and do use is every now and then. I think the Orchidee Imperiale would be a great companion. In my opinion, it’s a lot similar in terms of results and hydration of the skin, but what I like about the Orchidee Imperiale is that it blends a lot, a lot better. And a little goes a long way. I would strongly suggest getting a sample to try it out, but if you like La Mer, you will love this one! ~ Cat L.
Beautiful review Cat and with such gorgeous pics !! Though I’m not into artificially fragranced products but I’m tempted to after reading your review. Next time I’m in Neiman , I’ll definitely give it a try. You are such a talented writer Cat , looking forward to your next review.
Hi Molly, as always your feedback and opinion mean a lot to me. Your blog http://www.skinritualdiary.com is one of my favorites to read and your recommendations are always spot on. I know what you mean about the fragrance. I typically gravitate toward a predominantly natural skincare routine but every now and then I like to try out cult products just to see and judge for myself. I know you’ve mentioned your skin is combination/oily and these are very rich and moisturizing creams that I’m not sure I would recommend for you. My skin is mature, dry and sensitive and I personally enjoy the feeling of a rich moisturizer on my face. To me it doesn’t feel heavy, but very hydrating and soothing to my skin. At the same time, however, there’s no harm in getting a sample just to say you tried it if you so desire. Thank you again so much for reading my blog! I’m off to read yours! 🙂 ~ Cat L.
Hey Cat, I’m so happy I finally checked out your blog! And I LOVE IT!! Going to take time to enjoy each of your beautiful posts… but this one…. I’ve got to say, I love your personal telling of how you came to experience Orchidee! I love this range so much, and you are right, the price gives me heart palpitations. But I recently got back on track with using the Concentrate and my skin has never looked better. I don’t know why ever I stopped, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop again. The scent though, is a bit much, but I love it…. so luxurious!
Hi Linda, Thank you for checking out my blog. Your blog, http://www.silverkis.com is one of my favorites to read. Your posts have great content, are well written and your recommendations are always spot on. As such, your opinion means a lot to me. The Orchidee line is luxury at its best and such a treat for the skin. The scent as you say can be a bit much, but I’m the type where I can train my brain into liking just about anything if I know it’s good for me. 🙂 Thank you again for reading and for your feedback! Now off to catch up with your latest post and learn about the La Mer eye serum which I’m also eyeing. ~ Cat L.
I’m a devotee of Guerlain, skincare , cosmetics and perfume. Pricey but worth it. I would highly recommend the dark spot remover. As I’ve aged patches of pigmentation started to appear on my face. This product has almost erased them leading to a much more even skin tone. And the eye cream is the only one I’ve used which doesn’t irritate and cause tears to pour down my face ! Great blog and lovely photos x
Hi Deborah, Thank you for stopping by and for the recommendation. I agree, Guerlain is pricey but some of the products are worth it. Glad you enjoyed the post! ~ Cat L.
Thank you for taking the time to write an extensive review.
I’ve read raving reviews on many skincare lines, but when the price is as high as Guerlain, I expect skin transformation. Not just maintaining one’s natural beauty, nor cosmetically enhancing flawed complexion, but literally repairing distress and restoring youth.
As most women, I have a cupboard full of beauty products that I convinced myself were working, only to become disillusioned eventually. Notably, La Mer and Sisley Paris (just to name two relatively higher end lines) are aging in the back corners of my shelves.
I am considering trying Guerlain and haven’t read any negative reviews about about Orchidee Imperiale. I loathe returning product and wish I could sufficiently sample this line before buying, but companies don’t supply samples like they used to when I was a kid and my mom would receive them in the mail, without a purchase and just for asking.
I prefer to keep all my skincare within one line, but dislike complicated routines. I am seeking the perfect cleanser and moisturizer to make my skin happy. When I do, in whatever line, I will marry it.
I came back here to comment on reading negative reviews on this collection on another site (MakeupAlley). There are enough in fact to caution me against buying Guerlain, which means I’m disappointed to be back at square one looking for the perfect cleanser/moisturizer combination.