January 2008
BEST
M.A.C. Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15 ($28 for 1.7 ounces) shows that Lauder intends to share its typically state-of-the-art moisturizer know-how with other brands it owns. This in-part zinc-oxide sunscreen has a beautifully silky texture, a soft matte finish, and is loaded with antioxidants, skin-identical substances, and anti-irritants. It is a brilliant option for normal to oily skin, although the amount of zinc oxide (and its slight whitening effect) may prove tricky to work with on darker skin tones. This product does contain fragrance.

WORST
ERNO LASZLO TranspHuse Night Serum ($165 for 1 ounce) contains mostly water and film-forming agents, and doesn’t impress when it includes far more preservatives than beneficial ingredients for skin, meaning the valuable aspects are in short supply when they should be front and center in a product that costs so much. This product also contains lavender oil, which is irritating to skin and can cause cell death, and a preservative (methylisothiazolinone), which is contraindicated for use in leave-on products because of its irritation potential. This serum doesn’t hold a candle to the superior options from Estee Lauder, Clinique, Neutrogena, and Olay.