Cleansing with Caudalie

Caudalie is a brand that if you haven't tried, then you should.  Their story starts back in a French Vineyard in 1995 with Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas, a husband and wife. They believe the grapevine and grapes contain exceptional powers for the skin and they use the best ingredients to develop beauty products that are not only effective but also natural and luxurious. Over time I have used a lot of Caudalie products and absolutely adore the Divine Oil, a product most people seem familiar with because it is a great multi-use oil.

Over the past few weeks, I have been using some incredible products which you can mix and change to create your own tailored

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water - Described as being a bit of a cult product for Caudalie, this Cleansing Water is amazing at breaking down and removing the most stubborn of waterproof mascara (Benefit They're Real for example) without the need to over rub the eyes. Having been specially formulated with sensitive skin in mind, I love how incredibly well this micellar water effectively removes all traces of make-up and grime and it does so without leaving your skin feeling dry and taut after using. 

It does contain the signature grape extracts that you will find present in all of Caudalies products and it so it smells lovely when using. I have absolutely no complaints about using this Micellar Cleansing Water and as someone who in general hasn't been a fan of such products until very recently, this one definitely gets the thumbs up from me and it costs just £14 for 200ml.

Caudalie Cleansing Milk - If a Micellar Water isn't for you, then Caudalie have a cleansing milk too and whilst it naturally doesn't contain any milk, this has been a delight to use.  Perfect for using every day, the texture of this cleansing milk is just so soothing as it is applied to the skin.  An almost velvety soft texture which has been designed to again remove make up, dirt, oil and impurities from your pores and because it is formulated for those with normal to dry skin, it is enriched with grape extracts, cornflower and oat extract, all of which work to not only decongest the skin to leave it looking bright but it also works at protecting against free radical damage. 

For me, I use this as a morning cleanser because I didn't feel it was enough to remove all my makeup if I have a full face. If I am just wearing a non-waterproof mascara and a BB Cream, then I use it in an evening too. I love how my skin feels after using this cleanser and I love how gentle it is on my skin. Priced at £15 for 200ml.

Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser - I know a lot of people don't like foaming cleansers, but this one is just divine to use.  With a handy pump action spray, when used it does transform into a light and airy foam.  I have used a few foaming cleansers in the past and have quite liked how they work, this one is designed to gently yet effectively removes make up, dirt and oil from your skin, for a deep cleansing experience.

It is ideal for all skin types, even for those with the most sensitive skin.  Enriched with extracts of grape and chamomile which calms and soothes redness, there is also the use of Sage which as an astringent helps to combat oiliness as well as ward off free-radicals. I really like that this cleanser doesn't aggravate my skin and it works perfectly well alongside the Micellar Cleanser water if you are a fan, like me, of double cleansing. Priced at £15 for a 150ml bottle.

Makeup Removing Cleanser Oil - I am quite picky with cleansing oils, I really like using them as long as they are not too greasy and don't leave a tacky feeling on the skin.  Caudalie formulate their Cleansing oil using 100% natural ingredients which includes both Sunflower and Castor Oil, they come together to dissolve every little bit of makeup on your face as well as any surface dirt and grime.

If you love the scent of almonds then you will love this oil.  You only need at most 3 drops onto the palm of your hand to gently massage onto your skin and when needed, a few drops of water to emulsify and wipe anyway the excess when you have finished.  As expected there is no greasy film on the skin after using and it does remove absolutely everything in its path, even waterproof mascara.  Priced at £18 for 150ml.

So once the cleansing products have been used, there is a whole host of skincare to discover and again, I am sharing three of the products I was kindly sent.

Caudalie Moisturising Toner - Using a toner is something I have done on and off for years. I go through a routine of liking them or hating them. Caudalie's moisturising toner is designed to improve the condition of your skin as well as brighten and boost the effectiveness of your skincare routine.

Enriched with Vinolevure, Caudalie's exclusive ingredient which is extracted from wine yeast, it is said to not only brighten the skin but also leave you with a more radiant complexion, as well as deeply hydrating your skin. I absolutely love the scent of this with its 

scent of citrus flower, orange tree leaves as well as that of watermelon and crushed mint. Coming together, I find the toner is as soothing as it is moisturising and it completes the cleansing routine you follow really nicely too. At £15 for 200ml, this is a toner I will gladly purchase when I run out.

Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask (£22) - Described as being a gentle resurfacing treatment, this is a mask which exfoliates and refines the skins texture and as you might have guessed, it uses glycolic acid and papaya enzymes to dissolve the bonds which bind dulling dead cells to skin’s surface.  The non-irritating formula also uses viniferine, which is packed with antioxidants, to reduce dark spots and improve pigmentation.

You only need to use this mask twice a week at the most and in doing so, a thick layer should be applied after cleansing and then left for up to ten minutes before rinsing with warm water, this isn't a mask which dries hard on your skin and because you only need to leave it on for just 10 minutes, it also means it is great for on the go. What I really like about this mask, is that it deals so effectively with the dryness I get on my cheeks thanks to having combination skin.  I have found no redness, no irritation and no reaction having used this mask.  Priced at £22 for a 75ml tube.

The final product in my Caudalie package is the VineActiv Overnight Detox Oil . Described as being a rich all-natural oil, it is packed full of hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients.  I love how lightweight the formula is especially given that it is an oil and it is designed to deeply absorb itself into your skin to enhance what is referred to as your cells’ repair processes so that it can ‘reverse’ the day’s damage. 

it is not only rich in Omega 6 and Vitamin E but you will also find the essential oils of lavender, neroli, carrot and white sandalwood which come together to regenerate, detoxify, hydrate and soothe the skin as well as to eliminate toxins and speed up cell renewal so you’ll wake up with a glowing, renewed complexion.  I love products which can be applied to the skin and left to work their magic overnight, it is almost like having a lazy skincare routine.  All you need is between 4 and 6 drops of this oil warmed between the palms of your hands and then massaged onto clean skin.  Priced at £30 for 30ml.

So, there you have an arsenal of products to Pick n Mix your very own cleansing routine.  Whether you have sensitive, dry, combination or even normal skin, there is something for everyone.  As for me, I adore the Cleansing Milk and the Oil as well as the Toner and overnight Oil but equally and depending on my mood, I like the Micellar Water used alongside the Instant Foaming Cleanser too.

All of these products from Caudalie are available instore and online at places such as Lookfantastic, John Lewis, Feelunique, SpaceNK and Cult Beauty.  

Have you seen any products you like the look of?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Urban Decay Drop Shot Mix-In Facial Oil

If you are a fan of the dewy skin look (nods) then this Urban Decay Drop Shot Mix-In Facial Oil is a product you will be needing on your list and in your stash. Oils are something I use within my skincare regime but not something I had ever used when applying makeup and admittedly, something I hadn't even thought about using until this product found its way into my life.

I love Urban Decay as a brand, the Vice Lipsticks are some of my absolute favourites when it comes to the formula and the Naked Skin Concealer is a product I have re-purchased a few times now too, but having recently given the All Nighter Foundation a good run for its money, for me, this oil has changed how I feel about it.

Described as being a multi-purpose formula that can be mixed with foundation to illuminate and condition skin. If you are familiar with using oils then this one shouldn't prove to be too hard to use either. 

Create your own luxurious, skin-softening complexion cocktail with Drop Shot Mix-In Facial Oil. Add a shot of this oil to foundation for conditioned skin and a dewy, radiant glow. Our lightweight, nourishing oil blend helps makeup apply smoothly and blend easily, leaving skin soft, not greasy, and feeling plumped. 

Drop Shot can be applied to bare skin in an effort to boost hydration and create a radiant, non-greasy finish or it can be mixed into any of your other skincare and makeup products too such as your moisturising creams, your BB Cream, CC Cream, Tinted Moisturiser and of course your foundation.  I have combination skin which leaves me with an oily t-zone and dry cheeks, so I often find that foundation can stick to the dry skin and slide off the oily skin, so I like to use products which do neither and often that includes having a good base and a decent setting spray.  Using the oil, I have found that my makeup sticks less to these dry and flaking patches of skin and also helps deal with my oily patches too.

Drop Shot is quite surprisingly rich in both nutrients and antioxidants, not something I was expecting to find. However, it contains a nourishing blend of jojoba, sunflower, macadamia, pomegranate, wheat germ, meadowfoam and olive seed oils which come together and work to condition your complexion.  As it is an oil I did expect to find it a bit on the greasy side, but alas it is not at all, it dries down fairly quickly and absorbs when on bare skin to leave my skin feeling just amazing.  Within my foundation, I really like how it sits and then there is the scent of the oil which is just divine with the jojoba oil dominating.

Priced around £24 for 24ml, this Urban Decay Drop Shot Mix-In Facial Oil has turned into a product I had never expected to come across, use or really really like.  Have you tried it?

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

Anne Semonin Skincare

Anne Semonin is a French skincare brand founded over 30 years ago and works on the philosophy that ''each skin is unique''. When you read that iconic beauties such as Grace Kelly and Catherine Deneuve went to Anne Semonin for facials, I am wanting to know what products from the range caught their attention.

The first product within my stash is the Anne Semonin's Express Radiance Eye Cubes. Described as being perfect for soothing stressed, irritated eyes whilst firming and nourishing the delicate eye area, I pretty much need these in my life right now. Outside of blogging, I have an incredibly busy and stressful job and I spend many hours looking at a computer/laptop screen merrily typing away. 

Enriched with Marine spring water and hyaluronic acid hydrate and condition, ginkgo biloba come together to help stimulate micro-circulation as gourd extract alleviates inflammation and puffiness. Then with the use of Bioflavonoids which dramatically improve the appearance of dark circles, your eyes instantly appear brighter, tighter and well rested.

If you are a fan of using cucumber slices on your eyes as a method of soothing, then these Express Radiance Eye Cubes are going to blow your mind. Designed to be stored in the freezer, these Eye Cubes not only soothe and refresh tired, puffy eyes but the freezing temperature really helps to accelerate drainage to eliminate toxins whilst at the same time maximise the skin's absorption of topical products, for optimal efficacy and immediate benefit.  What's more, they are really easy to use.  Remove them from the freezer and wrap the tube in the supplied gauze bag and then simply apply it around the eye contour area as well as directly over the eyelid.  As you do so, the coolness is so incredibly refreshing and soothing.  Priced at £45 for a pack of 6, you can find them at Cult Beauty here.

The second product I have been using from the Anne Semonin range is the Exfoliating Mask which is designed to rid your skin of dead skin cells, excess oils and bacteria. Restoring the skin’s natural balance, the face mask will gently smooth the texture of your skin and reveal a bright, radiant complexion!

This mask is enriched with red seaweed which exfoliates dead cells, absorbs impurities and sebaceous secretions alongside the use of kaolin which absorbs excess oil and mattifies the skin.  Bringing these ingredients together, this mask is described as being a double-action mask which removes dead skin cells and brightens the complexion.

So you can use this product in two ways - as an exfoliator or as a mask.  To exfoliate you simply only need a very thin layer which you leave on your face and neck for up to 2 minutes before wiping away any excess using a damp cloth.  As a mask, again you repeat the process above but leave on the skin for up to ten minutes before wiping away using a damp cloth.  What I love about this mask is that it can be used in one of two ways depending upon how much time you have, used either way it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth to the touch, it isn't dry or taut.  Priced at £43 for 75ml here.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here

ByBi | Natural Skincare - Buffer and Plumper for the Lips

BYBI Beauty, which stands for By Beauty Insiders is a 100% natural skincare from the founders of Clean Beauty Co and not only are they Cruelty-free and vegan but they are also microbead-free too. Having tried a few products from the range already (review here), I have also been lucky enough to try two lip products, which happen to be pretty fantastic too.

Buffer and Plumper come together as such a great little kit, enclosed inside a linen bag and priced at £16, they are described as follows:

Let your lips do the talking with the BYBI Lip Kit - the adorable duo Buffer lip scrub and Plumper lip balm, packaged up in an exclusive BYBI pucker pouch. If that don't say I love you, then we don't know what does.

I am one of those people who exfoliates their lips a few times a week to ensure they are as smooth as can be and I am also a lip balm addict too.

Buffer is described as being ideal for lips that suffer from severe dehydration and with the constant change in weather, I find my lips need as much protection from the elements as the rest of my face.

This scrub uses sugar and strawberry extract which work to slough away dead, dry skin and as it does so, you can really feel the small particles work their magic. It isn't overly abrasive but with a little bit of pressure, it can help to loosen and then remove those stubborn bits of dry skin. Adding to those ingredients is Sweet Almond Oil which helps to restore moisture as well as priming the lips ready for the application of balms, glosses and lipsticks. Finally, there is the addition of Cinnamon works to perk up the lips.

Having buffed the lips it is time to add some balm and I love that these two products work so well together.  Plumper is described as being a balm which is not only a hydrating lip balm but one which both restores and protects, whilst adding a touch of plump and shine.

Using Peppermint and Blood Orange essential oils which come together and work to stimulate circulation in the lips. The first thing you notice when squeezing some of this out of the tube is the peppermint scent, as it is applied, the lips feel instantly cool. There is also the addition of Shea Butter and Grape Seed Oil which together seal in moisture and add a smooth, subtle gloss.

Together this duo are the perfect combination to look after and condition your lips and because the tubes are 10ml, they are perfect to having in your bag, taking on holiday and having on the bedside table.  You can find them and the rest of the ByBi range right here.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page here