Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask

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 Caudalie is such a lovely French beauty brand isn't it? I remember stocking up on a few bits when I visited Paris years ago and the subtle almond smell of the cleansing milk will always remind me of that trip. It was almost certainly available to purchase in the UK at that point but you can't beat some of those French Pharmacy prices! I recently bought the Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask - a 10 minute, gently resurfacing skin treat that I've tried a handful of times so far. I tricked myself into thinking this is a new product but I think it's just been renamed and repackaged, with Vinoperfect added to the title. I can't seem to find any info about a reformulation but I am loving the monochrome packaging and it's a new-to-me product anyway!

With Glycerin, Squalane, Grapeseed Oil and Grapevine Shoot Extract, the quick mask is gently exfoliating, eliminating dead skin cells and refining texture thanks to AHAs and something called Viniferine.

Derived from grapevine sap, Viniferine is Caudalie's patented ingredient which is said to be up to 62 times more effective than Vitamin C in correcting dark spots/ discolouration. The AHAs in the formula are Lactic, Tartaric and Citric acids from a combination of corn, beets, wheat, sugar cane and of course, grapes.

It's a creamy, opaque formula that smoothes on like icing on a cake and has that distinctive, grape-esque Caudalie scent. When left on for the advised 10 minutes, it doesn't leave my skin feeling sensitized in the slightest and once removed with warm water and a washcloth, my face looks refreshed and glowing. I love using the 10 minute mask before a really hydrating serum and rich moisturiser - the results the next morning speak for themselves as I wake up looking a lot fresher than I feel!

It goes without saying that you should wear an SPF every day anyway but, I urge you to be extra diligent with the suncream the day after using the glycolic mask, or any other exfoliating product for that matter.

The Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask has an rrp of £22 but at the moment it's cheapest here at Escentual for £20.70.

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.    

Caudalie French Kiss Tinted Balms

Sweetly flavoured and scented but not sickly so, the French Kiss balms from Caudalie are a perfect makeup/ skincare hybrid. The balms launched last September but with Valentine's Day just around the corner, it would almost be rude not to treat yourself to one (or all of them if you're really feeling the love). The balms are available in three tints- Innocence, Seduction and Addiction - which add a flush of colour and a slight glossy finish while protecting and caring for the lips.

INNOCENCE, a natural pink, is infused with the scent of vanilla and orange peel.

‎SEDUCTION, a subtle pink, is vanilla scented.

ADDICTION is inspired by a syrup made from red berries. A raspberry red, this is the sassiest of the three tints and probably my favourite. You still get the confidence boosting feeling that comes on when you're wearing a red lipstick but with a much, much more subtle look on the lips.  ‎

The balms are designed to be applied with a finger so they really aren't heavily pigmented- you just get a lovely tint effect. If you like the feeling of cream blushers, there's no reason why each of the balms couldn't be used to add a touch of colour to the cheeks too. ‎Rich and creamy, the balms have a beeswax, aloe vera and sunflower and castor oil base enriched with Caudalie's signature antioxidant grape Polyphenols. Grape seed Polyphenols are naturally occurring antioxidants that protect the skin against free radicals (which, according to Caudalie are responsible for 4 out of 5 wrinkles...) and aid in preserving the hyaluronic acid content of the skin. Grape Polyphenols are also said to be 10,000 times more powerful than Vitamin E, which is quite incredible.
Each of the balms feel smooth and comfortable on the lips and I'm sure would be a welcome addition to any handbag. The balms retail for £10 each - you can find out more about them and purchase at Caudalie.

New from Embryolisse

The coveted French beauty brand, Embryolisse, has really grown in popularity in the UK in recent years. Not so long ago, the only way to get your hands on a tube of the brand's cult product, Lait-Crème Concentre was to hop on the Eurostar and embark on a pilgrimage to one of the many parapharmacies scattered throughout the City of Love. These days, you only need to jump online or pop into Boots to browse the range of ever-popular and trusted Embryolisse goodies. There are three new products that have just been released- to hand I have the moisturising repair cream and limited edition Lait-Crème Concentre, but there is also a new intense product.

Limited Edition Paris Edition of Lait-Crème Concentre, 50ml, £15
The kitsch limited edition packaging of the cult skincare staple is a cute tribute to the city where Embryolisse began. The rich cream is a multi-tasking handbag essential and can be used as a moisturiser, primer, mask, after shave lotion, make up remover and baby cream. Rich in essential fatty acids, Lait-Crème Concentre is one of those reliable beauty products that virtually everyone can make use of and indulge in which is probably why one tube of Lait-Crème Concentre sells every 20 seconds.

Embryolisse Rich Moisturizing Repair Cream, £29.99 
Before now, the only Embryolisse product I'd tried was Lait-crème Concentre so I was interested to try the repair cream. Though it has the same fresh and comforting scent as Lait-crème, this cream features ingredients dedicated to intensely moisturising and protecting the skin on the face. The moisturiser is rich in hyaluronic acid and natural wheat proteins and features sweet almond oil and beeswax to replenish the natural protective barrier of the skin. The cream also contains vitamins A, E and F to encourage cell renewal. Over time, the cream is said to decrease fine lines and personally just today I noticed a slight improvement in the appearance of the skin around my cheekbones and the darkness beneath my eyes seems less prominent. This could well be a happy coincidence but could equally be down to the fact I've been smoothing the cream on once or twice a day as both a moisturising and protective measure before venturing outside. Texturally, the repair cream is thicker than Lait-crème Concentre, which I for one love - in colder months, the thicker the cream the better I say!
Also new to Embryolisse, is the Intense Smooth Radiant Complexion 50ml. Designed to erase signs of tiredness and perk up the complexion, this comforting cream includes hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E, Omega 9 and natural sugars to plump and smooth skin. The cream is enriched with alfalfa and lupine extracts to stimulate collagen and reduce puffiness and dark circles and is complete with a firming film to instantly lift the face, diminish fine lines and relax features. This one is £39.
You can find Embryolisse products at Boots.

NUXE Reve De Miel Ultra-Comfortable Face Cream Night Review

I've been contemplating the NUXE Reve De Miel Night Cream for months and now that I have it, I wonder what took me so long to order it.
In a nutshell, this extremely nourishing, rich night cream is nothing short of an absolute delight. The decadent formula features a whole load of oils and butters that combine to make one very delicious pot of night cream that I'm certain will become a permanent fixture on my bedside table.

Designed for dry and sensitive skin, the Reve De Miel Night Cream contains sunflower oil, safflower ceramides (oil) and precious plant oils to restore lipids, barley, argan oil and shea butter to soothe and of course honey to repair the skin.

While I can't comment on long term effects (I've only had it a couple of days) I can say that the cream is rich, thick and feels like a lovely treat on my skin after a night time cleanse. Not only does it smell delicious, I've found that this cream absorbs relatively quickly for such a rich formula and I can understand why it's labelled as 'Ultra-Comfortable' because it does feel undeniably comforting and soothing. Two thumbs up from me.

You can find NUXE products at Space NK and M & S but I recommend ordering online from NUXE because you receive a free miniature and samples with every order and they often have lovely little gifts with purchase for added incentive! The NUXE Reve De Miel Face Cream Night is £23 for a 50ml pot.

Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum Review

The Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum* is my first foray into Avene as a brand and going on first impressions alone, I think it's probably a good introduction to the cult French Pharmacy skincare brand.

Developed for sensitive skin, this serum contains a high concentration of Avene Thermal Spring Water (which is available to buy as a spray) and therefore is extremely soothing and anti-irritating.
The serum features a patented liposome delivery system that basically means that the concentrated thermal spring water is released slowly to keep skin hydrated for longer. Not bad.
The Soothing Hydrating Serum also contains Glycerin which is known for its intense moisturising and comforting properties.

In terms of texture, the serum is quite thick and gel like and sinks into the skin pretty quickly, leaving things feeling soft and even a bit velvety which is always nice! As expected, the fragrance of this is barely there but ever so slightly baby-powder-esque which only adds to the soothing, comforting factor of the serum.

As I only received this a few days ago, I can't comment on effects of long term use but I can certainly say that first impressions count and this product has impressed me. As a side note, the Soothing Hydrating Serum provides a good base for foundation as I discovered last night having used it under my Nars Sheer Glow.

You can find Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum online at Escentual where it is currently on sale for £12.75 instead of £17.00 so it's a great time to try it out for yourself!
If you're a French Pharmacy lover like me, definitely pay a visit to Escentual as for the month of March they are offering up to 1/3 off French Pharmacy brands.

• Vichy, La Roche-Posay and Nuxe are 33% off RRP
• Avene, Klorane, Rene Furterer and Pierre Fabre are 25% off RRP
• Caudalie are 20% off RRP
• A-Derma are 10% off RRP

French Pharmacy Goodies

This time last month I was sitting in a beautiful restaurant near Gare De Lyon eating a crepe that had just been flambéd in front of me and thinking about how much I didn't want to come back to London.

Alas, return I did but not before I'd visited every pharmacy I could find and sought out a few French skincare goodies.

Thank you to everyone who tweeted me with suggestions of products I should look out for!

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre - I am obsessed with this thick, fresh smelling cream. This stuff was the most recommended product on my twitter feed and now I know why! It literally makes my face feel baby-soft and nicely hydrated without the grease factor. Embyolisse Lait-Creme Concentre is a beautiful blend of natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, aloe vera and soy. I've been using it morning and evening and it's been perfect in this moisture-sapping weather.

Sanoflore Miel aux mille vertus (Thousand Virtue Honey Soothing & Repairing Absolute Balm) - I am a shameless fan of skincare that contains honey so when I spotted this balm at the Pharmacie Anglais Des Champs Elysees, I sort of had to have it. The Thousand Virtue Honey is basically a multi-purpose balm that can be used practically anywhere - I've used it on my face and it's soothed my boyfriend's cracked hands more than once. It also smells absolutely beautiful - pretty much like a gentle floral honey scent.

Bioderma Crealine- I'd never tried this famous micellar water before so I bought a small bottle in case I hated it. Rookie error! This takes off eye make up and base like a dream. I'm jumping on the Biorderma fan-wagon immediately. (fan wagon?)

Nuxe Reve de Miel - I found this for €6.50 in Paris which was obviously cheaper than the £9.50 price tag it has here in the UK. That was my excuse for purchasing it anyway, and I'm sticking with it. I was secretly hoping I wouldn't like it because it's so raved about (and I'm an individual, like everyone else) but I love it. It's all honey-ish and orange-y and soothing and delicious. Plus, it's matte, which is a true rarity in the realm of lip balms.

CicaBiafine Creme Mains Reparation Intense - I sort of bought this by accident because we were in a hurry and I remembered Biafine been mentioned in a few French Pharmacy hauls I'd 'researched' before the trip. It turns out I picked up the hand cream rather than the much loved multi purpose balm but worry not - this is a lovely, deeply nourishing tube of goodness that shall live in my handbag through the cruel winter.

Caudalie Soap Free Shower Gel - I got this free (unwittingly) in a little para pharmacy near Gare De Lyon. It has a very delicate grape scent and does the job nicely! Decent sized tube too.

Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream - Another gift with purchase, (I've discovered these are much more fun when you don't actually know what's going on) this cream does a pretty good job at exfoliating - a little bit like a microdermabrasion product without the sting. The only thing I don't like about it is that it's a little difficult to rinse off and the exfoliating bits get stuck in my eyebrows! Ha.

I bought a few other bits and pieces during the trip but I couldn't feature them because they are presents! Have you got any suggestions of what I should search for next time?

Thanks for reading x