Juliette Armand Elements Hydration Gift Set

[AD gifted item] I've written about Juliette Armand previously - you can read that here - but today's post is all about taking a closer look at one of the brand's gift sets. I was given the Elements Hydration Gift Set to trial in an effort to help out my somewhat retinol-ravaged complexion and now that I've had a little time to try the products, it's time to spill the beans.

The Hydation Gift Set features the Cleansing Face Foam, Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Multi Hydrating Cream, so it's an easy trio to incorporate into your routine with one product each to cleanse, treat and moisturise.
The cleanser was the first product I pulled out of the box and actually tried pretty much immediately. I'd literally run out of cleanser the night before this arrived (not counting a few oil cleansers I had stashed away) and was in desperate need of something user friendly I could wash my face with. Balm and oil cleansers are of course wonderful to use in general, but they're not really a quick and easy option when you're getting ready in the morning/ running late. This cleanser however, is.
First things first, do not be fooled into thinking this is a foaming cleanser - it's not. The cleanser is dispensed in a pump action bottle which turns the product into a foam as it comes out. I just didn't want you to think it was one of those foamy, soapy facial cleansers that lathers up and strips your face of every last bit of oil, if you know what I mean? The cleansing foam is actually exceptionally comfortable on the skin and easy to use. Just one or two pumps massaged onto a damp face and then rinsed away. Job done.

The Hyaluronic Acid Serum is one I've tried previously so I'll just reiterate what I've said before. It's worth mentioning that I actually used up the entire bottle of the previous one I owned, which has until recently been an embarrassingly rare thing for me to do. What can I say? I can get bored easily. This hyaluronic acid serum is light, not sticky and perfect for layering and retaining moisture in the skin.

The Multi Hydrating Cream is a new product to me but first impressions are good! The cream has a thick, glossy texture that spreads easily and absorbs beautifully, so perfect for day wear and applying before makeup. The hydrating face cream contains hyaluronic acid as its key ingredient and promises to deliver deep hydration. It also features MOIST 24 which is a special ingredient extracted from the Imperata Cylindrica plant which is a type of grass that has an impressive ability to retain water and therefore is purported to be brilliant for providing long-term moisture to the skin.

The Elements Hydration Gift Set is a fantastic introduction to the Juliette Armand brand and I found that all the products delivered though the cleanser was the stand out for me. The set retails for £70 from Probeauty.

Caudalie Resveratrol [Lift] Face Lifting Soft Cream - Limited Edition Discovery Size.

[Sample/ Affiliate Links] Caudalie was one of the first French Pharmacy brands I got into when I started blogging. I think it was about 8 years ago now that I'd read so many rave reviews about the Caudalie Beauty Elixir that I was convinced I simply needed it, so I bought it and regretted nothing. That product and the Grape Water (a hot weather essential in my opinion) were the gateway pieces that started an appreciation for Caudalie* as a brand. I've actually not tried a Caudalie product I haven't enjoyed and the Resveratrol [Lift] Face Lifting Soft Cream is continuing that trend.

Incredibly nourishing and hydrating yet lightweight in texture, the cream is heavy on the hyaluronic acid and contains a unique patent of vine Resveratrol. Designed to firm, smooth wrinkles and 'redefine facial contours', the cream leaves the skin feeling and looking soft and hydrated. Resveratrol is the star ingredient here (the name probably gave you some idea of that!), which is a powerful antioxidant derived from red grapes and other fruits and some nuts. You know how it's been discovered that red wine offers antioxidant benefits? That's down to the Resveratrol. When applied topically however, it activates cell renewal and, combined with hyaluronic acid, firms and lifts the skin. The cream is a sort of whipped consistency which smooths on beautifully and absorbs quickly- pretty much exactly what you want in a daytime moisturiser. The cream is silicone free, which I personally think of as a major plus point for skincare designed to use during the day. I know that sounds a bit weird but hear me out! I don't generally like wearing silicone based moisturisers underneath foundation as they can pill if you use too much, which can totally ruin your base. Pilling is one of my major pet hates so the lack of silicone is a definite positive in my opinion. 

Like all Caudalie products, the cream smells beautiful and is fragranced with a cocktail of botanicals including lavender, thyme, chamomile, sage and mint. 

Caudalie is currently offering a limited edition discovery size of the Face Lifting Soft Cream for £23. This 25ml size is a great way to try the product before purchasing the full size as you get enough product to see if it works out for you without investing in the standard size (£42 for 50ml). The jar itself is quality frosted glass, so it still feels like you have a luxe product- just a smaller version. 

You can find the Limited Edition 25ml sized Resveratrol [Lift] Face Lifting Soft Cream at Caudalie* where you'll also receive 3 free samples of your choice.