If you’ve been in the beauty industry any length of time (or heck, even a beauty aisle) you know that creams advertised as “whipped” are usually … normal creams but with cool-sounding names. Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream is not that. Which is why, when I twisted open its pale lilac cap, I was delighted to find what looked like the love child of vanilla frosting and a fresh meringue.
The cream felt airy to the touch but turned velvety as I smoothed it onto my face and neck. And yet another surprise, considering its appearance: It has no scent whatsoever. So while it looked and felt like something I’d find atop some glass-domed cake in my local bakery (well, minus any sugary stickiness and the guilty feeling after you get your hands on it), I didn’t have to spend the rest of the night smelling like an actual confection.
What did stick with me for the rest of the night: The cream’s blend of oils (marula, baobab, and passion fruit), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, which condition skin and help it sop up and hold water. Which brings me to the final shocker: Though its label touts "six rare African oils," it doesn’t feel the least bit oily — even on my oily/combination skin. I was so impressed I tried it on again in the morning (and the next, and the next after that), and it dried to a matte finish that was perfect on its own and under my liquid foundation. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Our reader panelist wrote, “This moisturizer has such a lovely texture. It sinks nicely into the skin and makes my face feel silky. My skin feels moisturized all day and makeup glides on wonderfully on top.” As for its other claims (firmer skin, thanks to plantain extract, and less oxidative damage courtesy of green-tea seed)? They weren’t, understandably, visible after a weekend of use, but I’ll say this: I don’t mind waiting to find out.
The Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a 2022 Allure Readers' Choice Winner. See the complete list of this year's winners here.
