Sneak Peek: La Prairie Soleil Suisse Collection

La Prairie will be launching a new Soleil Suisse Collection in May. Described as sun care for an active lifestyle by La Prairie, "the anti-aging experts," the collection of five products covers the landscape of summer needs. We got to see them at the Neiman Marcus blogger party at Mazza Gallerie. Naturally, I wanted them right then and there - and I couldn't have them.

Lynn Florio, President of La Prairie, said, "At La Prairie, we've been pioneering the creation of anti-aging treatment products for over 3o years." That line now includes a unisex sun-care collection. Soleil Suisse has it all - sleek packaging and lightweight formulas perfect for active women - and men - seeking simultaneous sun protection and anti-aging nourishment for their skin.

Soleil Suisse has a combination of mineral-enriched conditioners; soothing extracts; and elixirs and botanical antioxidants to take care of the skin. Here are some of the ingredients.

• Sea water for rare minerals
• Coralline seaweed (algae) for energy
• Jojoba butter for deep conditioning
• Prickly pear elixir and scarlet spiderling root for soothing
• Licorice extract for calming
• Red algae antioxidants

The five products in the new line are:

• Sun Protection Emulsion Face SPF 30 ($85),
  
• Sun Protection Lotion Body SPF 30 ($85),
  
• Ultra-Protection Stick - Eye, Lip, Nose SPF 40 ($65),
  
• Gradual Tanning Lotion - Face, Body ($75),
  
• Soothing After-Sun Mist - Face, Body ($75).

The first two SPF moisturizers include porphyra umbilicalis, a red algae organism that provides antioxidant protection from environmental damage to help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; sea water concentrate containing calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc to balance the skin's mineral content; glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, humectants that attract and bind water to the skin; and La Prairie's exclusive Cellular Complex to stimulate the skin's natural repair process, moisturize, and energize.

The Ultra-Protection Stick looks irresistible to me. The portable stick is made with porphyra umbilicalis, the red algae organism in the moisturizers; shea butter, jojoba butter, and behenyl olivate to moisturize and protect the skin's barrier; emollients and antioxidants; and that La Prairie Cellular Complex.

The Gradual Tanning Lotion is a self-tanner that contains DHA and erythrulose to give you a subtle glow in hours - with no streaks. It has many of the same good-for-your-skin ingredients as the other products in the line. I'm not into self-tanning, or tanning of any kind. I'll be interested in hearing what you think if you try this one.

The Soothing After-Sun Mist is enticing to me, and I'm a sun phobe. I find these after-sun mists refreshing, so I love them. It doesn't matter that I stay out of the sun. The mist is designed to calm irritability, reduce redness, and provide the same antioxidant and moisturizing benefits as the other products, while balancing the skin's equilibrium. Boerhavia diffusa root extract, a soothing agent from an Indian plant, helps diminish skin redness and sensitivity. I'm thinking it will be great for rosacea sufferers or those with skin that reddens easily.

The products will be available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom, Saks, and La Prairie's Web site. I'll tell you more after I can get my hands on them!

Photos courtesy of La Prairie