The result of all the sonic waves, skin batteries, hand-harvesting, and kelp snot is that high-priced cult cream coveted by red carpet fixtures and average Janes alike. Currently Crème is available in four different varieties — same core ingredients, different application texture — but this fall that number will hit five with the introduction of The Moisturizing Soft Cream.

The newest addition to the La Mer family features the richness of the original Crème de La Mer, but in a weightless, quickly absorbed formula. It uses moisturizing spheres, which are made up of layers of the Miracle Broth and the brand's exclusive Lime Tea extract, that are sandwiched between multi-layered emollient spheres held together by delicate cohesive bonds. When the cream is rubbed on the skin, the bonds break, releasing the spheres and allowing them to penetrate into the skin, delivering the Miracle Broth and Lime Tea extract deep into the skin, layer by layer, for optimum moisture. Science!

The Soft Cream is a great option for those who find the original Creme to be too heavy, but need more moisture than the Gel Cream can offer. Bevacqua cautioned us that no matter the formula you prefer, you have to be sure you are applying it correctly. That means you put it in the palm of your hands first, rub them together to warm up the cream, then pat onto the face. If you apply the product to your skin without warming it up first, you'll get too much on your skin, and it won't penetrate as well. And always pat, don't rub face creams in, Bevacqua says. "Rubbing or tugging your skin creates micro-tears that will cause damage over time," he warns.

We like the tip that a member of the brand's media relations team swears by: She would use the product as a treatment mask at night, patting it onto the skin in a thick layer, but without actually rubbing it in. The thick layer absorbs overnight and visibly plumps up skin upon waking in the morning. She also recommends doing this to parched lips for an instantly plush pout.

La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream, $150, available for pre-order at Nordstrom.

Photo: Courtesy of La Mer