As real-life best friends—yes, really—our founder Eleanor Pendleton and Sara Crampton of @harperandharley make a seriously stylish duo. Given that Pendleton is also one of the most trusted beauty journalists in the country, it’s no surprise that Crampton taps into that knowledge when she has questions about beauty. So, when Pendleton recently recommended a new product as the “holy grail” of facial oils, Crampton had to try it.

“Eleanor is my go-to for finding the answer to beauty questions, like does a product REALLY work? Is it worth it? Or about specific treatments or ingredients,” Crampton explained. “She has a much deeper knowledge of the science behind the beauty and the lingo. She’s also my reference point for where I should go to find a massage or a good salon spa experience!” The favour works both ways, particularly as Crampton is also the founder of e-commerce site The Undone: “She’ll message me about brands or outfits she has her eye on and I’ll guide her on fits and fabrications or give her the inside info on new styles coming soon I think she might like.”

The product Pendleton felt would totally transform her friend’s skin is La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil, a luxurious facial oil with retinol encapsulated in caviar. Giving the gift of great skin, Pendleton shared a bottle with her friend. 

“It’s been a while since I’ve used anything active to be honest,” said Crampton. “I’ve taken a very pared-back approach to my skincare routine over the last 18 months, and my skin has appreciated the reset. I went through a period where I tried too many actives at once and my skin needed to repair itself. Now that I’ve created a healthy skin barrier I’m excited to reintroduce a retinol.”

The La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil is perfect for Crampton as she transitions back into using vitamin A, because it uses a pure, natural and gentle form of retinol. It also uses caviar lipids, which deliver all the good stuff to the skin— omega 3, 6, and 9, as well as vitamin D. Unlike other retinols, La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil can be used every evening.

“I feel like I instantly saw a difference which I feel like is rare for topicals in my experience. But I actually think my skin looks smoother. It’s also a different retinol experience. It’s not tingly or stripping on the skin, I’m not scared. It’s so gentle and I can use it more regularly without my skin freaking out. My skin is loving it!”

The La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil is so transformative to the skin that Crampton compares it to having a facial. “It’s so luxurious! A very special treat for my evening routine. The smell of the oil makes me feel like I’m getting a facial. I also like that the oil isn’t overly oily, it just sinks right in.”

Under Pendleton’s expert guidance, Crampton has created a beautiful evening ritual to support the La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil. She starts with the La Prairie Supreme Balm Cleanser, removing her makeup with a muslin cloth, before taking cotton pads to swipe off any remaining makeup with La Prairie Cellular Refining Lotion. She then applies La Prairie Skin Caviar Essence-in-Lotion for a hit of hydration, before using the La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Lift on the orbital bone. Applying La Prairie Liquid Lift as her evening serum, Crampton then finishes with the last step in her eye routine with La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Eye Cream.

Since La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil is designed to be applied as the final gesture in her skincare routine, Crampton massages this into her face at the end of the ritual. 

“I’m so lucky to have a friend to introduce this one to me. Definitely feels like a holy grail product I’ll have in my routine for a long time.”