Caudalie Divine Oil

I have decided that the China Glaze collection that we looked at the other day will be my last holiday collection of the year.  Many of the special gifts that were put out by Tarte and Stila are already sold out and I cannot see the point in showcasing products and collections that are sold out and have little to no chance of being restocked.  I am guessing that I started my holiday collection coverage a bit too late this year, other blogs had pictures of products from these two brands up in the end of September...a time when I was in no mood to even think about the holidays.  I am also starting to get excited for spring after reading the Spring Trend Report in the last issue of Allure.  I think that I will have coverage of the upcoming spring trends coming within the next three weeks.

Today I wanted to focus on a great skincare product from Caudalie, I have been loving the Divine Oil as my skin is changing with the end of the fall and the beginning of the winter season.  I bought this product at the end of October and saved it until my skin got a bit drier as the temperatures dropped.  I bought this oil to use as a body moisturizer but I didn't realize that it could be used on the hair and face also.  I have only tried it on my body and sprayed into my hair so I can't comment on facial use but I can review how it worked in the other two scenarios. 

"A luxurious dry oil that provides nourishing moisture and lasting comfort to body, face, and hair.  Divine Oil contains a blend of grape seed, hibiscus, sesame, and argan oils combined with patented grape seed antioxidant polyphenols to leave skin soft, visibly firm, and radiant. Perfect as a post-sun product, its glamorous texture is instantly absorbed, imparting a subtle, floral, and sunkissed fragrance.", states the Sephora website. 

Caudalie is a brand that it well known for using grapes as a main ingredient, the anti-oxidant benefits of grapes and wine are becoming more popular in both the United States and Europe.  This brand has harnessed the power of grapes ever since its first few products and I have used this brand for many years.  I always get excited when new products come out and I have wanted to try this oil for the past few months.  I had wanted to order the oil since late last winter and forgot until the weather warmed up too much to reap all the benefits of oil.  I tend to use oils more in the fall and winter but this oil is light enough that I could it in all but the warmest months of the summer.

The key ingredients contained in this multi-purpose oil are...

- Grape Oil: Rejuvenates and nourishes.
- Extra Virgin Argan Oil: Restores hydrolipidic film.
- Sesame Oil: Softens and moisturizes.
- Patented Anti-oxidant Grape Seed Polyphenols    

Divine Oil provides a light spray of oil all over the body or hair.  I spray it right onto the skin and then rub it in with my hands, it hydrates quickly and leaves little to no residue on the skin.  I also liked to use it as a pre-shampoo oil treatment on the ends of my hair.  I shied away from using this oil on my face as it has a bit more fragrance contained in it than I normally like to use on my face. 

The fragrance is a light floral with a hint of green notes.  It is a slightly more floral version of their best selling perfume and I would also love a perfume in this fragrance for the spring.  The fragrance will let me use this oil into the warmer weather and I will see how long I can use it into the spring and summer months.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Current Favorites!

I feel like I haven't done a Favorites post in quite a long time now but then I realized how much I was changing around my skincare products based on the very late Indian summer and I have only been using a few products consistently enough to make them "Favorites".  Many of my favorite items right now are color products, my last blush shopping craze has created a bunch of both new favorites for me and also added to my shopping list because I want more shades from these great formulas.  I might be all about makeup right now but I bet that once I start using more of the same skincare products consistently, I will have a another Favorites list on the way!

Here are the products that are in heavy rotation!

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Dollface - "A long-wearing, solar-baked blush that lasts up to 12 hours.  Infused with natural clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun, this nutrient-rich blush benefits all skin types for a fade-free flawless finish that lasts an amazing 12 hours. Inspired by tarte's bestselling shades of cheek stains and lip tints, the colors range from soft to vivid to suit a wide variety of skintones. For oily skin types, Amazonian clay minimizes oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place. Those with dry skin will benefit from the clay's nourishing and hydrating properties, which naturally restore skin's moisture. Combination skin types can rely on its ability to zero in on skin concerns and deliver benefits to restore complexion harmony. The result: Blush that wears better, longer, and truer."  Dollface is a "light pink" shade with cool undertones.  This product has been around since 2011 but a relatively newer product for me, I picked my first two shades of it up at Sephora late in the summer.  The formula is nicely pigmented and the color stays true from the moment that I put it on to the moment that I take my makeup off at night.  Dollface is a pale cool pink that has full pigmentation.  This shade works perfectly for my pale skin and never fails to gather me compliments.

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Morning Eye Rescue - "An eye cream to de-puff, soothe, and brighten tired eyes.  This treatment quenches and soothes the eye area upon application, leaving eye contours looking rested, fresh, and naturally glowing. It hydrates, soothes, and de-puffs with antioxidant polyphenols, moisturizing grape water, and calming white tea extract."  I love Caudalie products and almost always have at least one in my skincare regime.  This eye cream is one of the few skincare products that I have been able to use each day for the day six weeks.  When used in the morning; it helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness and it helps to make my under eye makeup go on smoother.  When used at night, it hydrates my under eye area.  This gel-cream formula glides on easily and absorbs quickly, a small drop is enough to cover both of my under eye areas.  I have always loved Caudalie face products, this is the company that really introduced me to concept of anti-oxidant skin care and I love their emphasis on the healing powers of grapes and natural ingredients.

Jelly Pong Pong Lip Blush - "A moisturizing lip stain that tints your lips with just the right amount of juicy colour and hydrates like a balm. Apply liberally, purse and let the silky lightweight texture melt onto your lips.", I own this product in the bright pink shade and wish that this product was available in more than two shades.  This lip crayon goes on soft and builds pigment to a bright pink hue.  It hydrates well but does need to be reapplied often throughout the day, this product is very similar to a cream lip gloss.  The finish is creamy with a bit of shine and lots of pigment.  I wish that this product was available in more than just two shades, as I would love to collect more of these!

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey - "A universally-flattering, ultra-light lipstick in an iconic shade that anyone can wear because it creates a one-of-a-kind lip look on everyone.  Not quite a gloss, and not quite a lipstick, this transparent lipstick fuses with the natural tone of your lips to create a lip look that’s unique to you. This sheer, emollient-rich formula glides on for easy layering."  Black Honey is a sheer berry tone that looks almost black in the tube.  This is favorite fall product of mine every single year and I will continue to buy this cult lip product as long as Clinique continues to produce it.  This sheer lipstick has a lip balm-like feel and lip gloss-like finish with an easy to wear berry tint on the lips.  I have never met anyone who tried this shade and hated it, it looks different on everyone and is a very easy way to wear pigment on the lips.  This is a fall classic for me and I will be using it until I start breaking out my spring makeup.

MAC Pro Longwear Blush in I'm a Lover - "A lightweight blush with extreme colour perfection and non-fading, eight-hour wear. Ultra fine, silky powder glides on and blends easily to provide a moist, flawless, natural finish or with layering, a brighter, more dramatic look."  I'm a Love is described as simply "pink" but it is one of the best pinks that I have ever worn.  It is a medium bubblegum pink shade with cool undertones, highly pigmented and long lasting.  This is my favorite MAC Blush shade and one of my favorite blush shades that I own.  This product and shade is one of the top rated on the MAC website and it is very easy to see why.

I have a good basis for my fall color products and I am getting a bit excited to see what is coming out the holiday season.  We will see what products I pick up and what ones fall into my favorites within the next few weeks!

photo courtesy of Jelly Pong Pong

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Eye Rescue

Eye cream is one of the few products that I only order when I am completely out of and one of the very few products that I do not stockpile.  I have several face creams that I haven't opened yet but only use one eye cream at a time.  I tend to use very small amounts of this type of product and will use the same product night and day for about six months, products would end up spoiling before I ever got to them if I tried to stockpile eye creams.  My newest eye cream is one from one of my favorite skincare companies and a company that I have used eye creams from before.

I have a good amount of concerns about my eye area.  I have under eye circles, puffiness, and am having early concerns about aging.  I am quite picky abut the formula that I will choose to use for the next six months and want to get the best results in all three of the above aspects.  Caudalie is well known for being a brand that focuses on anti-oxidants and would help to prevent some of the early signs of aging and this is one of the reasons that I went right to this brand when I needed to order a new eye cream from the Sephora website.  I chose a newer formula from this brand and one that I was very excited to try.  After a week of use, I firmly recommend this product and will be ordering it again.

The first eye cream that I used from this company was the Eye Contour Cream, I am not sure that this product is still available from the company.  I would have ordered that one again but I saw the newest formula and wanted to this one out.  The Vinosource S.O.S. Eye Rescue is another product in the Vinosource line, the hydrating and protecting line of products from this company.

The Sephora website states the following information for the product description.  "An eye cream to de-puff, soothe, and brighten tired eyes.  This treatment quenches and soothes the eye area upon application, leaving eye contours looking rested, fresh, and naturally glowing. It hydrates, soothes, and de-puffs with antioxidant polyphenols, moisturizing grape water, and calming white tea extract.  This product is ophthalmologist tested on sensitive eyes and fragrance-free. It does not contain animal ingredients and is not tested on animals."

The Sephora website also provides some of the results of the studies performed on the product...

"In a Corneometry® on 12 volunteers:
- 127% increase in hydration

In a clinical trial on 20 volunteers:
- 61% decrease in skin sensitivity"

They are provide more information on the active ingredients contain in the Vinosource S.O.S. Eye Rescue Cream.  "Organic Grape Water: Reduces skin sensitivity and increases hydration.  Patented Grape Polyphenols: Protect skin from premature aging caused by UV rays, pollution, and environmental aggressors by forming a shield against free radicals; reinforce capillaries, boost cutaneous microcirculation, and help maintain an optimal level of hyaluronic acid in the dermis to preserve suppleness and elasticity.  Vinolevure®: Captures and retains water to prevent dehydration and reinforces skin’s immune defenses."

I have a lot to say about this eye cream and it is all very good.  The texture is easy for any skin type to use, it is a cream-gel formula that sinks easily into the skin and doesn't leave any type of residue on the under eye area.  I love this aspect because I need a smooth surface for foundation and concealer.  This primes the skin very well for these two products and allows smooth and easy application.  I have to use less product on my eyes because this eye cream makes the application much easier.

This product hydrates my entire under eye area and I use it at night for this aspect, the area is plumped up and looked much brighter and smoother than before application.  In the morning, I love many of the same aspects plus how nicely it helps to deflate the puffiness in my under eye area.  I have been seeing some nice results over the past week and I expect to see even more as I continue to use the product for the next few months.  The anti-oxidant properties of this eye cream will help to continue to protect my skin for the time that I use this product.

This is another product that I highly recommend from the Caudalie skincare line and it only adds to the list of product that I love from this company.  I love new products from this company and I will continue to buy more from them in the coming years.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Face Serum

Yesterday we finished up the last of the spring collections and we will be beginning the summer collections in about three or four weeks.  I am very excited to take my time off this week and spend at least a good day or two beauty product shopping and I am so much looking forward to the weather getting and to start wearing my new spring outfits and fragrances.  But I just looked out of the window...and it is snowing.  Class is actually cancelled tonight due to the winter weather so I am just thinking spring in my brain and curling up with my textbooks in front of the fire place.  Perhaps the weather will be nicer by the end of the week for the actual first day of spring...

I have been battling very dry skin later than usual this spring due the longer winter weather and today I want to spotlight a key product in my arsenal to fight dry skin.  I have always loved Caudalie products and I will never hesitate to try a new product from them and I have almost always loved every single product that I buy.  The newest product that I have been using is a newer hydration serum from this company, the Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Face Serum.  I typically use the redness reducing Vinosource serum from this company but this product looked really interesting when it came out late last summer and I decided to try a bottle out.  I am almost through the bottle that I have been using for the past few weeks and am already plotting to order another bottle during the upcoming Sephora Friends and Family sale.

"An oil-free serum that captures and continually diffuses water deep within the skin to restore its moisture balance and leave skin feeling soft and supple.  Organic grape water is the key ingredient for reactivating the skin’s hydration mechanisms and replenishing its water reserves, while polyphenol antioxidents provide protection against UV rays and free radicals. Gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin, this serum is an ideal base for moisturizer, allowing for deeper penetration that will leave skin refreshed, hydrated, and comfortably soft. This hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and oil-free formula is perfect for all skin types. For best results, use with Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet.", states the Sephora website when describing the product.

Sephora also provides the following clinical results with the use of the product. "Organic Grape Water: - 61% decreased sensitivity and 121% increased hydration".

I have been in love with this product so far and I can see a difference in my skin after four full weeks of use and I will continue to use this throughout the spring and summer.  First of all, I want to start off my review of the product by stating that this is not a moisturizer and can not be used in place of your moisturizer, the results will not be to your liking and this is not how it was made to used.  This product is made to be used before moisturizer and will set up your skin to allow the hydrating benefits to penetrate deeper and have more impact on your skin.  When I use the product by itself, I do not see much difference in my skin, I have to apply moisturizer with it and then I see a world of difference in my skin hydration level and texture.  My skin is much softer and I have to use much less product to see results that I would only see if I covered my face with tons of product. 

Sephora recommends that this product be used twice a day on clean, dry skin.  I started by using it only at night but then went up to using it twice a day to reap the full benefits of the serum.  When I only used the product once, I used it at night and my face looked great but I never could duplicate the results in the morning.   I learned quickly that I had to use this product twice a day or I would not get the benefits from it. 

I will be buying another bottle of this product very soon as my winter skin issues don't seem to be ending at any time soon.  I do wonder if there will be a point to me using it in the summer when I am self tanning as my skincare routine does change but I will cross that bridge when I get there.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Beauty Loves Week Day Seven - Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Facial Serum

Today is the last day of my Beauty Loves Theme Week and I am hoping that at least one of two things have occurred for you this week; first I hope that I have shown you all one or two new products that you will want to try out for yourself, and secondly I hope that you have thought about some of your favorite beauty products and how much you have come to love them over the years.  Over this week, we have looked makeup, perfumes, and one of the best body products in the world but we haven't talked about any type of skincare product yet.  Today we change that, Caudalie's Vinoperfect Radiance Facial Serum is a product that I have raved over for years and was a natural to make a Beauty Loves Week.  I was not one of the lucky ladies that was blessed with perfect skin and I have to use multiple products every single to keep it clear, hydrated, and to reduce the redness.  There are very few skincare products that I love and I almost always seem to be trying new products, especially facial serums and hydrators.  The Vinoperfect Serum from Caudalie is one of the few that I have never hesitated to repurchase and will rave about to anyone that is interested in the skincare line.

Caudalie is a French skincare line that is based around the concept on Vinotherapie, the use of grape-seed anti-oxidants to protect and repair the skin.  My skin is sensitive and easily irritated so I have issues with products that have excess chemicals or unnatural fragrances in them and make my skin worse than before use.  I have never had problems with anything from Caudalie and at this point I have purchased almost every single product in the line.  I was first recommended the Vinoperfect Serum in late 2006, when Bath and Body Works still carried this line of skincare.  I bought a bottle or it and used it twice a day as directed.  Within a week, I was getting all kinds of compliments on how lovely my skin looked and how good I looked overall.  The best compliments are the ones on my skin, it is very easy to apply a flattering lipstick shade but much harder to reap results from the perfect skincare product!

"A highly concentrated oil-free serum that improves the appearance of dark spots, promotes even skintone, and boosts radiance.  Highly concentrated with naturally powerful Viniferine, this satiny serum counters existing dark spots such as acne marks, scars, and damage, while preventing their reappearance revealing a brighter, more even complexion.  This non-comedogenic, oil-free formula is perfect for all skin types. For best results, use Vinoperfect Day Fluid or Vinoperfect Day Perfecting Cream in the morning and Vinoperfect Cell Renewal Night Cream in the evening. Viniferine, a natural compound found in vine sap known to brighten, lighten, and even skin, was patented by Caudalie in 2004."

"Based on in vitro testing, conducted by the Montpellier Faculty of Pharmacy, of the inhibiting action of Viniferine on tyrosinase:
- 62 times more effective than vitamin C
- 4 times more effective than kojic acid
- 13 times more effective than arbutin in boosting skin radiance and fighting dark spots
In a test carried out on 20 volunteers after use of Vinoperfect Regimen, under dermatological control:
- Volunteers saw disappearance of one or more dark spots after 56 days."

I have no issues with dark spots but this serum was recommended to me to help soothe and redness the appearance of the redness in my cheek area.  This serum is recommended for problem skin types and helps to soothe and uses plant botanicals to brighten the skintone.  This product reduces the redness in my cheek area and improves my overall facial complexion.  This is one of the few brightening serums that I have found to really work as it promises...and without irritating skin.  Some of the brightening serums that are effective have Vitamin C or Kojic Acid is, both very effective brightening ingredients, but ones that can be very irritating to my skin and are pretty touch and go for me.  This serum from Caudalie is one of the very few products that I have tried to far and manages to marry being effective and not irritating my already inflamed skin. 

This week has allowed me to look back on some of the products that I have come to love over the years and will continue to repurchase and use until they are no longer available.  All of these beauty products have lasted longer than my relationships and even though I am single this Valentine's Day, I still have some items to reflect on and love!

photo courtesy of Sephora

French Week Day 4 - Caudalie Beauty Elixir

No French Week would be complete without mention of a product from one of my favorite companies in the world, Caudalie.  I have tried and loved many of the products from this company for years now and I still get excited everytime that a new product launches from this company, I am currently waiting for my Sephora to get the brand new hydrating serum in stock.  While I am waiting for that product, we are going to look at one of the cult products from this company.  I have bought more bottles of the Beauty Elixir then I can remember and have used it for multiple purposes.

The Beauty Elixir is a product that is steeped in history and grounded in the anti-oxidant benefits of the Caudalie skincare line.  Caudalie was founded two decades ago in the wine making region of France, this line is based on grape seed polyphenols and the anti-oxidant benefits that they bring to skin.  Founders Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas work very closely with some of the top researchers in France to harness the power of the grape seeds to help protect and heal skin.  Beauty Elixir is one of the first products that was released from this company, a multi-purpose beauty product that can be used on the face or body.

"Part tone, part serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients.  Smoothes the skin, tightens the pores, and provides an instant burst of radiance, as it stimulates microcirculation."  This Elixir contains a cocktail of Rosemary, Peppermint, Balm Mint, Grape Seed Extract, and skin-conditioning ingredients.  This product is housed in a spray bottle that can be used on the face or body.

Beauty Elixir can be used in a variety of ways.  It's skincare benefits come out most when it is sprayed directly onto bare skin, this method of application with brighten the complexion and tighten the pores.  It can also be used over foundation and powder to help set makeup, it is recommmended for use over mineral powders to even out the finish.  I use this product on my face during the summer months, it is too drying for use in the winter months.  For stress relief during studying, I spray this product on my neck to help relieve tension.  This is a needed product for me during finals week.  Lastly, during the hot weather, spraying this product on my face or neck is soothing and refreshing.  This is one of the very few truly multi-purpose products on the skincare market, it is a staple in many French ladies bathroom closets. 

We have just discussed the benefits of the product and how Caudalie uses it to tone the skin.  However this product has a rich history that instantly captured my attention the first time that the Caudalie representative told me about it.  In the late 14th Century, the term "Hungary Water" was invented to assign a name to the first alcohol-based perfume that was invented.  This perfume was invented for the then Queen of Hungary, according to the vendor she used this product on her face and body for her entire life and was considered one of the most beautiful women of her time.  Queen Elisabeth of Poland was said to attract men considerably her junior well into her eighties.  When it works...

It has been said that a monk (acting as a Court Alchemist) first created this for the Queen, however there is very little documentation on the first invention of the Hungary Water.  The first recipes call for distilling brandy with fresh rosemary as the base of the fragrance.  Numerous herbs can be added to the recipe, including Lavender, Mint, Sage, Orange Blossom, and Lemon.  All but the Lavender are found in the Caudalie Elixir, keeping the recipe very close to the original that was created hundreds of years ago.

This is one of iconic products from Caudalie and there is nothing on the beauty product market that it is even close to it.  I love how this company took a recipe from history and made only slight modifications (brandy isn't really used in fragrance anymore) to bring it up to the modern beauty standards.  Some of the best beauty formulas are the simplest and this one proves that to the hilt.  I have used this product for years and often give the small version as a small gift, it never fails to delight all who receive it.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel

Caudalie is one of those few brands that manages to produce product after product and they are almost all winners for me.  Between this line and NARS, I could buy enough products that I would never have to look at any other beauty brands again.  In addition to the fantastic skincare products in this collection, a series of body products are also offered that contain the company's philosophy of Vinotherapy and the rewards that our skin can reap from the grape seed polyphenols, one of the strongest natural anti-oxidants in the beauty world today. 

This company has a series of spas all around the world, a place where your whole body can reap the rewards of the Vinotherapy.  Visiting the Spa at the Ritz Carlton is a dream of mine and I can only hope that I will be able to go there one day in the future.  But until that time, I will use as many of the skin and body care products that I can buy.  Currently, this company offers several scrubs, one lotion formula, and one shower gel formula.  I own the body lotion and the shower gel, having ordered both of them from Sephora after reading that some of the body products are scented with the Fleur de Vigne fragrance that I have loved for years.  So far, I have used the shower gel every morning for the past week but I haven't opened up the body lotion yet.  Today we will look at the shower gel only and hold the lotion for a later time.

I ordered this product from the Sephora website and that is where the following information comes from.  "A plant-based, soap-free shower gel scented with Caudalie's Fleur de Vigne fragrance that respects the skin's natural pH.  First created exclusively for the Luxury Vinotherapie Hotel 'Les Sources de Caudalie', Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel leaves the skin soft and subtly perfumed with notes of vine blossom, delicate melon, white rose, and pink pepper."

Like the rest of the Caudalie product line, this shower gel contains mostly plant-derived and natural ingredients instead of many of the chemical surfactants that are found in many of the shower gels on the market today.  That being said, this product can't be compared to traditional shower gels in some aspects.  A wash with plant-derived ingredients for washing will not foam up near as well as traditional formulas.  This product foams up enough to cleanse the body but will not satisfy those who love huge amounts of foaming bubbles.  What I love the most about this gel is that it is very gentle and does not strip the skin and leave it tight and dry, I will be able to use this gentle formula in the winter months and not worry about it really drying my skin out.  It rinses very clean and doesn't leave any type of residue on the skin.

This fragrance is wonderful, I have always loved the Fleur de Vigne fragrance, a light floral that can be worn even the worst heat and humidity of the summer.  I don't believe that the body lotion is the same fragrance so I would love to have a matching lotion in this fragrance.  Fleur de Vigne will always be a favorite fragrance of mine so even if this formula was awful, I bet that I would end up repurchasing the product just for the fragrance.  But I am very happy that the product formulation is as good as the fragrance itself!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie Lip Conditioner

Over the past few years, I have found a common beauty trend among almost every lady that I have talked to about beauty products.  The one common trend that I have seen over the years is that no matter what type of makeup style you wear or how high maintence you consider, everyone needs a great lip balm and this tends to be one fo the hardest products to find.  I rarely meet two people that love the exact same lip balm and I know so many people that continue to search and search to find their perfect lip balm.  I can honestly say that I haven't found my Holy Grail lip balm yet however Rose Salve is the product that has come the closest so far.  My major complaint with Rose Salve is the package, I hate dipping my finger into the balm and then getting the product all over my hands and this is not a practical product to keep in my purse and use during the day.

I was hoping to find a stick lip balm that is both hydrating and lasts longer than an hour on my lips, I wanted a product that I could carry around with me during the day and use to touch up when I wear a more drying matte lipstick formula.  So far, I have just been using C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Shines but I was hoping to find a product that didn't have a glossy finish and would just hydrate without changing my lipstick finish or shade.  This became a much higher priority for me ever since I have been using the Illamasqua Lipstick formula, a formula that is matte and longwearing but can get very drying throughout the day.  I decided to purchase a new lip balm formula and went with one of the only products that I have never tried from Caudalie.

In addition to all of their skin and body care products, Caudalie makes one lip balm with the same type of anti-oxidant protection that is found in their facial products.  This is one of the top rated lip products on the Sephora website and based on how much I love the brand, I didn't hestitate at all to purchase this product the last time that I went to the store. 

"A total lipcare essential for everyone.  This 99.5 percent natural treatment provides a powerful blend of anti-oxidants and nutrients that protect, hydrate, repair, and soothe dry lips while lending antiaging benefits.  It makes an excellent lipstick base."  This product has two active ingredients, stabilized grape seed polyphenols and shea butter.  The grape seed polyphenols "offer the most powerful anti-oxidants in the vegetal world".  Shea butter "intensively hydrates" the lips and help to maintain their hydration level throughout the day.

This lip balm is pleasantly scented with a light fruity floral fragrance that is only really noticable during application.  I love the fragrance of this product because it reminds of the scent of some of the other Caudalie products but if you like your lip products with very little to no fragrance, this is not the product for you.  The texture itself is more of a waxy texture than a creamy stick, I was honestly expecting a bit more of a creamy texture just based on the other types of products from this company, I wasn't as huge a fan of the texture as I initially thought that I would be, it reminded me of Burt's Bees lip balm instead of a high end hydration product.  With the shea butter listed as one fo the active ingredients, I was expecting a very nourishing creamy stick instead of the waxy texture that was left by the product.  The product performed well in the hydration property but wore off a bit too quickly for my taste, I wanted something that would really last throughout the day. 

This lip balm performed like many of the others on the market, it helped to hydrate and soothe my lips but wore off withing an hour of application.  I am beginning to be convinced that I will never find a stick lip balm formula that is hydrating enough to compete with my Rose Salve, which is such a shame since sticks are what I prefer to keep in my bag throughout the day.  My hugest complaint with this product occured when I tried to use it over lipstick, it took way more product off than I expected that it would and created a cycle of repplication of lipstick.  It left my lips with a rich creamy look to then, I was happy that it didn't create that glossy finish that the Mentha created but it wasn't special enough to warrant me making this product my end all for lip balms.

This is a nice lip balm but I am beginning to think that I will never find a stick lip balm that I really love and is worth ending my lip balm search...

photo courtesy of Sephora

My Current Favorite Products

I have now completely turned my entire makeup and skincare regime around with the change of the seasons.  The last time that I did a write up on my favorite products it was firmly summer and of course all of them have changed by now.  What am I currently obsessed with (beauty-wise)?  Red lips, neutral eye shadows, and keeping my pale skin clear and bright.  One of the first products that I bring out once the leaves begin to fall is Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and it is one of my favorite products this fall again.  That in itself is a huge feat considering that I have more lip products than I know what to do with.

My "fave five"...
Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey - "Sheer, glossy slip of lightweight lip colour in our exclusive Black Honey shade.  This best-loved lip colour is universally flattering yet looks a little different on everyone.  Emollient-rich formula gives lips a sleek, moist finish."  This tinted lip balm is very hydrating and leaves a subtle berry finish.  I have a very hard time describing this shade, it is somehow the perfect natural reddish berry but it still comands attention every single time that I wear it.  This is one of this shades that is a Holy Grail for both myself and thousands of other woman, it is a consistent Allure Best of Beauty Winner and is one of the most unique products and shades that I have every seen, I will use this the rest of the season.

Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Midnight Cowboy - "This is the product that Urban Decay was born to make - their best-seller!  A pigment-rich eye shadow.  The shadow is loaded with color, with very few binders (the stuff that holds shadow together), resulting in beautiful color that blends easily and lasts.  Lots of finishes to suit your mood: sparkle, shimmer, duochrome, or metallic.  Professionals, celebrities, and makeup junkies swoon for the wide array of shades.  The subway token compact comes complete with window (see your shade without opening), and snaps shut with one hand which means no more lost lids.  All shades can be used wet for more intense color or try them as a liner!"  Midnight Cowboy is one of their best-selling eye shadow shades and can also be found in many different products since it is so flattering.  It is a "beige with silver glitter" and is one of the most flattering eye shadow shades that I have ever worked with.  The beige shade is subtle and the silver glitter makes my eyes look huge and very blue.  I pair it with dramatic lips, it helps to keep the focus on my lips and brightens up my whole face.  This is one of the few eye shadows that I can count on to work with almost any lip or cheek look and is one that I would rebuy the second that I run out of it.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum - "A highly concentrated oil-free serum that improves the appearance of dark spots, promotes even skintone, and boosts radiance.  Banish dark spots and achieve your most even, bright, and beautiful complexion.  Perfect for all skintones, this satiny complex offers remarkable results, helping to correct dark spots, acne marks, and scars.  Naturally powerful Viniferine, olive squalene, mint, caraway, and galbanum work to counter stretch marks, scars, and damage while bolstering collagen and elastin, for glowing results."  This serum has been favorite of mine forever and I got away from it a bit when I was trying out some new face care but I always return.  I use this serum twice a day and within a week it helps to brighten my whole complexion, hold moisture in, reduce acne dark spots, and reduce redness.  This is a miracle worker and one of my top five favorite skin care products of all time.

Phyto Phytocitrus Restructing Masque - "A rich treatment designed to extend the life of your color.  This decadent formula delivers in blend of citrus fruits and proteins that effectively lock in color, restructure the hair fiber, and boost radiance.  When used daily, in conjunction with Phytocitrus Shampoo for two weeks after color-process, it keeps color bright, vibrant, and illuminated with shine."  I recently got six inches off my hair and am focusing on keeping the new cut and style healthy.  This mask contains shea butter to hydrate and the grapefruit in it helps to maintain and brighten color.  I use this mask once to twice a week to maintain hydration and keep my color strong.  I found this to be the best Phyto mask since it contains ingredients to both hydrate and help color, it is a two in one product.

Tarte Eye Shadow in My True Death (from the True Blood Palette) - "Inspired by the hit HBO series True Blood, Tarte's limited edition palette is packed with 17 eye shadows,  a full-size EmphasEyes Aqua-Gel Eyeliner in Black, a deluxe Lights, Camera, Lashes! clinically-proven nautral mascara and a deluxe Lifted Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol.  Get glamoured with this limited edition palette packed with 17 killer new eye shadows and more.  Each richly pigmented shadow is softly milled and infused with Amazonian clay for pure color payoff, silky application, and long wear.  From ethereal goddess to vampy vixen, you can create countless looks using these shimmering, matte, and smoky shades.  Open after dark: Buried in this palette's pull-out drawer is a full-size EmphasEyes Aqua-Gel Eyeliner in Black,  a deluze Lights, Camera, Lashes! clinically-proven natural mascara and a deluxe Lifter Natural Eye Primer with Firmitol to help complete your look.  Turn into a real Truebie using the four 'get the looks' included with each palette, created with the help of True Blood's award-winning lead makeup artist Bridgette Myre-Ellis."  My True Death is the sparkling silver shade that I raved about when I did the reviews of the True Blood palette and it has quickly become my favorite shade in the palette.  I can't rave enough about the silky butter texture of this shadow and the pigment rich payoff.  I said before that this is the best silver shade that I have ever used and I still stand behind that statement, I have been using it with blacks and charcoals for the past few weeks and it has not failed me yet.

I have been loving the change over to fall products far!  I am always excited to get out my Almost Lipstick in Black Honey every year and to begin to embrace all shades of red lipstick!

photo courtesy of Sephora

French Week 2011 Day 6 - Caudalie Body Product Line

I have often raved about the facial skincare products from the French beauty product line Caudalie.  They began as a facial skincar eline but over the years began to release matching body care products that also have the patented Vinotherapie ingredient blend that makes the facial products so effective.  Caudalie has fantastic spas in major cities all over the world that provide both an amazing pampering experience and major skincare benefits.  A visit to a Caudalie spa would be one of my dreams come true, especially if it the one in Bordeaux...

Bordeaux is a region that it located in the south west of France, a region that has another climate that is suited for farming and agriculture.  The research and theories behind this company actually began back in 1993, when Mathilde and Bertrande Thomas met a scientist who introduced them to his theories around grape seed polyphenols and his predictions on how they would change the face of anti-aging is harnessed and used correctly.  "Over the past decade, Caudalie has continued to wow us with their amazing scientific breakthroughs, revolutionizing the world of natural skincare in the process.  From the groundbreaking discovery of grape seed polyphenols as exceptional anti-oxidants, which was patented in 1994, to the identification of Resveratrol, a polyphenol that activates cell renewal (patented in 1999), to their most recent innovation, Viniferine, a polyphenol isolated from the vine stalk that inhibits melanin synthesis (patented in 2004), each new Caudalie innovation proves to be even more impressive than the last.", states the Sephora website in their Behind the Brand area for Caudalie.

The stabilized Grape Seed Polyphenols help to fight the signs of aging.  "Grape Seed Polyphenols are the most powerful anti-oxidants in the vegetable world.  Extracted from grape seeds, they protect against free radicals that age the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles."  Resveratrol maintains the firmness and youthfulness of the skin.  "In 1999, Caudalie patented Resveratrol,  a remarkable molecule found in grapevine stalks responsible for its life span and longevity (Some vines live for a hundred years.).  Caudalie researchers discovered this unique polyphenol also aids in cell renewal and restores skin firmness."

Mathilde herself actually lists the body lotion as one of her top picks from the entire product line.  "For the body, Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion is not only a great moisturizer, it also contains powerful anti-oxidants that protects your skin from free radicals, which slow down the aging process.  It is also an iconic Caudalie product that can be used daily."  The body product line contains two moisturizers for the body and one for the hand and nails.  It also contains two body washes, one of which has the fragrance of my favorite Fleur de Vigne scent from this company.

The Nourishing Body Lotion is a favorite product of mine, I first bought it several years ago and have been continuning to use it ever since.  "A rich, hydrating body treatment.  Add and retain essential moisture as it promotes microcirculation and helps prevent premature skin aging.  It leaves skin soft and firm."  The Vine Body Butter is a new product that contains the same anti-oxidant treatment but is better for very dry skin.  "A rich, deeply hydrating body moisturizer.  Rich in moisturizing Vinolevure ultra-nourishing body butters, grape-seeds, and shea butter, this balm repairs dry skin with a protective hydrolipic film.  It smoothes rough spots and soothes tightness.  With the delicious scent of sweet orange zest, peach pulp, carrot, and iris, this cream wraps skin in a veil of satiny softness.  In a four-week trial with volunteers, subjects had 65% hydration after 6 hours and a + 95% softer, more comfortable and intensely nourished skin."

The Hand and Nail Cream is one of the best products in the line.  Hands show age faster than the face and therefore a strong anti-oxidant is needed to protect this area.  "A cream for those who want a nourishing anti-aging treatment for hands and nails.  Protects the skin against aging as it hydrates, soothes, and nourishes.  Nails are strengthened and invigorated without a greasy film.  Infused with a sweet orange fragrance, this cream is highly concentrated in patented anti-oxidant grapevine polyphenols and Vinolevure."

I bought both of the shower gels that come from the company, my favorite is the Fleur de Vigne but both scents are lovely.  The Vine Peach shower gel is the one that I match with the body lotion, both have a light fruity scent to them.  "A skin-softening, intoxicatingly-scented body cleanser.  Gently cleanses, leaving the skin soft and subtly perfumed, while transforming your shower experience into a moment of total relaxation.  Vine Peach fragrance: the sweetness of vine peach nectar and almond milk joined with the invigorating freshness of mint leaves.  The "peche de vigne" (vine peach) has grown amidst the grapevines in the vineyards of France for generations.  Because of its delicate fruit and irresistable aroma, the vine peach is used to lure insects away from the precious vines, protecting the vinter's crops.  Paraben-, phenoxyethanol-, and soap-free.  Not tested on animals."

I love the Caudalie body products just as much I love the face care line.  The Caudalie products bring a bit of the French Vinotherapie experience to my bathroom.  I really love the Nourishing Body Lotion in this line  and am looking forward to buying the Body Butter for this fall and winter.  If you use nothing else from this collection, I recommend the Hand and Nail Cream as you will reap the anti-oxidant benefits for your hands.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Mask

It's summer and now my skin has done a complete switch from how dry it is in the winter months.  My favorite skincare line to return to in the warmer months is the Vinopure line from Caudalie, I have used products from this line for several summers now and have yet to really find products that suit me more.  The moisturizer in this line I have already covered for this blog and I will quickly recap it.  It provides a matte finish and helps to control oil without irritating my sensitive skin.  It does have to be layered with an SPF which I prefer since then I can choose my own SPF number.  Last time that I was at Sephora to pick up another tube of the moisturizer, I decided to add the face mask in this line to my purchase.  I had tried a small sample of this product when the line was carried at Bath and Body Works and I remember liking it so I was more than happy to purchase the full size of the product.

Caudalie states the following about their product, "This non-drying, purifying mask eliminates complexion dulling impurities to brighten the skin.  It cleanses deeply, tightens the pores, and regulates oil production.  Specially created for combination skin, it is also suitable for all skin types even the most sensitive."  This prosuct contains the following active ingredients: grape-seed oil; kaolin and bentonite clays; cypress, sage, and lavender oils; chamomile; sandalwood; and Vinolevure.  The grape-seed oil and Vinolevure are the patented Caudalie ingredients that are anti-oxidants and help to improve the skin texture and condition.  Kaolin and bentonite clays are purifying, help to control oil production and provide a matte finish.  The essential oils of cypress and sage are purifying while the lavender helps to soothe skin and allow it to be suitable for sensitive skin types. 

Caudalie recommends that this product be used twice a week, or even three times a week for oilier skin tones.  It can also be used to treat individual blemishes when used as a spot treatment.  I use this twice a week and only on my t-zone area, I have never tried it on my cheeks as I have no use for it on that area on my face.  It really helps to clean out my pores and I like it best on my nose for helping to clean up and control blackheads.  It can keep my skin oil-free for about two or three hours after use but it still comes back after that time.  I find it best for clarifying my t-zone area keeping my skin bright and clean.  My favorite way to use this product is as a spot treatement, traditional treatments with benzoyl peroxide can make my skin worse before it gets any better.  I have to be very careful with the application and even then, I am often still left with a red, dry patch after the healing has occured.  Dotted right on the blemish, it helps to clear it up and heal it.  Blemishes are usually healed in about three days, longer than the healing time for other chemicals but I love that I don't have the irritation from this product.  To be honest, it takes me longer than three or four days to get rid of the irritation so this product still comes out on top.

Another aspect of this product (and indeed the entire line of Caudalie products) is that it is safe for use by pregnant women.  I have had many friends that experienced major changes in their skin over the nine months that they were expecting and they are unable to use any type of traditional chemical anti-acne product.  This product is perfectly safe for them to use and allows them to have clear, even skin for their whole pregnancy.  This is very unique feat for a skincare line and really drives home how well made the line is and how gentle their products are. 

As usual, I have found another Caudalie product that I adore.  I'm still waiting to find a product that I don't like in this collection.  I love that I can finally use an anti-acne product that is effective and doesn't create more of a problem than the actual breakout.

photo courtesy of Caudalie

Five Favorite - Summer Fragrances

I feel like I haven't done a Five Favorite entry in ages.  Today's is about my favorite fragrances to wear in the summer.  I feel like I buy perfumes in spring and summer more than I buy any other time of the year.  Summer fragrances are more fun than any other time of the year and I just love the first few days that I can pull out my favorite fragrances.

My Five Favorite summer fragrances...

Harajuku Lovers G - "Never one to get lost in the crowd, G leads her crew in a white, corseted top and a blue miniskirt a la Alice in Wonderland.  Quirky, unique, and undeniably cool, G is the leader of the pack.  Her scent is an oriental, fruity, gourmand fragrance with notes of fresh coconut, jasmine, and cotton woods."  "Fragrance notes - Mandarin, Coconut, Apple Skin, Jasmine Sambac, Freesia, Magnolia, Coconut Cream, White Sandalwood, Cotton Woods".  This is my current summer fragrance obsession, it is warm and coconuty, without smelling like sunscreen.  It is more sophisticated way to wear coconut fragrances in the summer and take the beach to to the city. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy - "Enter the world of Daisy: fresh and feminine, with a playful innocence.  At the heart of Daisy is a floral with a vintage edge: violet.  Sophisticated, with a touch of whimsy, violet captures the eclectic, vintage flavor of  Marc Jacobs' feminine, edgy designs.  Always elegant, always enchanting - but not too serious - Daisy is a sparkling floral bouquet, spirited and fresh, wrapped in comfort and warmth."  "Fragrance notes - Strawberry, Violet Leaves, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Gardenia, Violet Petals, Jasmine Petals, Musk, Vanilla, White Woods."  This fragrance is a rare find in that it is one of few warm weather fragrances that I can wear to work or out at night.  The violet and the strawberry notes come out the strongest on and I never fail to get compliments on this fragrance every single time that I wear it.  This one has been a staple for me for several years now and I doubt that that will be changing anytime in the near future.

Dior Dior Addict 2 - "Dior Addict 2 begins with a sparkling, alluring burst of fresh feminity, like a sweet bubble of optimisim and energy.  Crisp, clean notes of bergamot, grapefruit, and orange mingle with fresh floral notes and ripe fruits, soothed with warm sandalwood and white musk - this is Dior's baby doll."  "Fragrance notes - Bergamot, Grapefruit, Orange, Freesia, Lily of the Valley, Lotus Flower, Pineapple, Watermelon, Grenadine, Sandalwood, White Musk."  This fragrance is very crisp and quite easy to wear, even in the hottest of weather.  This fragrance starts out very citrusy and then settles down on my skin to be a light floral.  This fragrance is lighter so I find it best for day but it could be worn at night if you prefer a lighter fragrance or if it too warm to wear anything heavier.  This is about as citrus as my fragrances get and this is one of the few that doesn't smell sour on me (the floral notes are sweet enough to balance out the citrus notes).

Bath and Body Works Coconut Lime Verbena - "A tropical scent inspired by an island breeze of luscious fruits and crisp citrus."  "Fragrance notes - Sheer Coconut Water, Sandalwood, Musk."  I first used this fragrance when I was in college and I fell in love with it for whole summers at a time.  As soon as May began to roll around, I got this fragrance out of storage and wore it almost every single day until classes started the following September.  This fragrance really represents summer to me and I still continue to purchase it in the Body Splash to this day.  This is one of the few fragrances that I use up a bottle and then head right back out to buy another.  On my skin, this one smells like lime for about half an hour and then settles down to fragrance that is a mix of coconut, vanilla, and sandalwood.  I use the body products that match this fragrance all year round to bring a hint of summer to the dead of winter.

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne - "Homage to the beautiful Grape Blossom, this energizing, delicately fragranced, is drawn from the plants of aromatherapy.  Enriched with essential oils and plant waters rich in oligo-elements, it refreshes and tone.  Non-photosensitizing."  "Fragrance notes - Bergamot, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Blackcurrant Bud, Green Mate, Plant Waters of Grape, Lemon, Orange Sandalwood, Cedar.  Very unique, light fragrance that smells of citrus and grape blossom.  This is the lightest fragrance that I have ever owned and I wouldn't have put up with the lack of staying power to it if I didn't love the fragrance so much.  This one is more on the citrus side but is light enough and with the blend of the grape blossoms, I can pull it off.

Hopefully, I have given you a few new scent ideas.  These are my favorite scents to wear in the summer and I tend to rotate which one of these is my favorite.  If you wish, leave your favorite summer scent in the comments and give me something new to try!

photo courtesy of Sephora

French Week 2010 Day 4 - Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum

Last year, I talked about the Caudalie skincare line and how their patented active ingredients work to help repair and protect skin. I will not repeat all of that information here again. Today, we are going to look at my favorite product from Caudalie and the one that I have repurchased the highest amount of times since I was initially given one from the Caudalie rep about 4 years about. The product that I am referring to today is the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, a product that contains a high amount of anti-oxidants to improve the clarity and overall radiance of the face.

Vinoperfect is one of the few brightening serums that doesn't contain bleaching agents and therefore can be used by everyone, even expectant mothers. The Caudalie website states, "This satiny serum is a remarkable formula for smoother, brighter-looking skin. Vinoperfect boosts the complexion's radiance and appearance. Your skin is moisturized and luminous. Your complexion looks even and beautifully radiant".

This product is ideal for all skin types and is formulated for those who wish to enhance their skin's radiance, tone, and clarity. This product was recommended to me from the Caudalie rep to help even out my skin tone and reduce the appearence of the redness in my cheek area. This product is able to do all that effectively while not irritating my sensitive skin or drying any areas of my face out.

This product really was able to reduce the redness in my cheek area and made my skin look much better overall. The clarity was much improved and I was getting compliments on my fantastic skin, even when I didn't put makeup on.

This product contains a very high amount of viniferine, 1000 ppm, to improve the tone and clarity. it also contains olive squalene, mint, caraway, and galbanum. The product smells like wild mint leaves so using it is a pleasure. It is recommended for use morning and night on freshly cleansed skin. however, if you are also using another Caudalie serum (anti-aging), then this product is to be used at night and the other serum used in the morning.

This product is unique to the areas in France that can support vineyards and wine production. The French have long know the benefits of grapes and wine before it became popular in the United States. I have nothing but amazing things to say about how this product affected my skin. Caudalie has enhanced the results of this product and had made it into an entire line of skincare for normal skin. With or without the whole line of skincare, this product is a stand alone star.

photo courtesy of Caudalie

Caudalie Instant Foaming Face Cleanser

It's hot, it's humid, and it's going to be even worse tommorrow and over the next few days. Thoughts of creamy skincare products make me want to gag right now since nothing is absorbing fully into my skin. All I want to use is light-as-air products and sunblock. I even have no love for the feeling of my serums on my face. And I love my serums and have to use them to survive. However, I can easily adapt my face cleanser to this weather. Luckily, I have a favorite warm weather face wash from Caudalie that I started using several years ago.

I first received this as a sample from the Caudalie rep but have been purchasing it at Sephora ever since. Sephora defines this product as, "A soap-free liquid cleanser that transforms into an airy foam for a pleasurable, gentle cleansing experience". This description contains two of my favorite words right now: airy and foam.

Sephora goes on with a more detailed description of this product. "A naturally effective blend of grape extracts, sage, and chamomile provide vitamins, purifying benefits, and soothing extracts, removing makeup and impurities while improving overall complexion wellbeing. From the first use, the complexion is immaculate, toned, and radiant. This delightful wash works for all skin types, and is especially tuned to the needs of combination and sensitive skin".

I love this wash, this is one of my favorite Caudalie products of all time. It doesn't irritate or overdry my skin (though I wouldn't really recommend it for drier skin types). It smells faintly floral and the foam is light and fluffy and very easy to fully rinse off. I have found that it gets all of my face makeup off but I don't use it to get my eye makeup off. This product contains the signature Caudalie blend of anti-oxidant ingredients and is very healthy for your skin. This is a great recommendation for a light summer product if you have normal, combination, or oily skin.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream

Originally this was going to be a review of the Caudalie Eye Contour Cream that I have been using over the past few weeks. But when I went onto the Caudalie website to find it, I found that it wasn't around anymore and another product had taken its place in the Energizing collection. I then clicked over to the Sephora website to see what they had available and they also only had the Pulpe Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream available for sale. This news affected me in two ways. First, I was irritated because I wanted to write this product and the good results that I had with it up. Second, I found an eye cream that I was happy with and now it isn't available anymore. Great.

I decided to at least take some time and review the new eye cream that they offered and lo and behold, I found right in the description on the Caudalie website that this is Eye Contour Cream renamed. Same formula, same package, new name. Maybe my life isn't ruined right now...

"This gel-cream reduces wrinkles, lightens dark circles, decongests, and protects the skin from free radicals." The major ingredients are listed right here: grape-seed polyphenols (OPC), Ceramides 3, tetrapeptides, horse chestnut, liquorice, witch hazel, fern, plant glycerine, and calendula. As will all products from this line, this product is more on the natural side and contains anti-oxidant ingredients. The horse chestnut is what makes this product unique to all the other eye creams on the market today. This is a natural ingredient that fights dark circles and puffiness without any type of bleaching agent. It has been said in some circles that chemical bleaching agents used around the eye area (especially hydroquinone) are responsible for an overall thinning of the delicate skin of the area and will actually make the effects of aging much worse down the line. However, to be fair, I was told this from a representative of Caudalie and have seen no information to back this up. In fact, the Murad eye cream with hydroquinone in it is a best seller and highly recommended by all who have used it. But I digress...

I was given this product by a rep for Caudalie a bit back and she told me that it would help with both my dark circles and puffiness but without drying out my eye area. I love the gel-cream texture of this product, it is very easy to work with and goes on easily without me having to tug on the skin of my eye area. The product worked well at depuffing my eyes but fell down a bit in the dark circles area. I have used this product both alone and alternating with the B. Kamins eye creams that is specifically designed for very bad dark circles. My dark circles are on the blue side, so they are a result of thin skin and are not going anywhere anytime soon (since they can't be lightened at all). I had the best overall results when I used this cream in the morning and the B. Kamins cream at night. However, this eye cream has an ingredient to help thicken skin and this process would take much longer than a lightening. The Vitamin K in the B. Kamins cream works much the same way to build skin up. When I reviewed the B. Kamins cream last year, I was on my second tube in a row of it, so the long term benefits were becoming more obvious.

The Caudalie alone was not enough to help minimize the appearance of my dark circles. But I should reserve full judgement until I purchase and use another tube of this cream and give it more time. And will I purchase this product and replace my tube? Yes, this depuffing powers are first-rate and the texture ranks among my favorite ever in an eye product (and has the B. Kamins beat by a long shot in this area).

photo courtesy of Caudalie

Caudalie Gentle Cleanser

It's that time of the year...the seasons are changing and along with them so is my skin. I have gone from battling an oily T-zone to my skin being so dry that it hurts if I do not put some form of moisturizer on practically as soon as I get out of the shower. I have switched over from my foaming face washes to something that is much gentler and helps to hydrate my skin before I even get out of the shower. And of course, my latest face wash choice is from Caudalie. At this point, it is safer to assume that whatever I choose will be from this fantastic company.

My latest choice from them for skincare is the Gentle Cleanser. This is a creamy wash that doesn't foam at all and feels great on the skin. The general description of the product from the Sephora website is here, "Velvety gentle fluid cleanser for all skin types, including sensitive". Here is the more detailed description, "Leaves the skin clean, soft, free of impurities and makeup, and protected against free radicals. Skin regains clarity and health and is perfectly prepared to absorb the benefits of skincare appiled afterwards".

This product has some great benefits to it. It indeed leaves my skin soft and supple and doesn't dry it out in the least bit. It doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and has a very mild fragrance to it. It rinses cleaner than other cream cleansers that I have used in the past. I also love the packaging. I love the pump bottle and one single pump dispenses the perfect amount of product for me to clean my entire face.

The only major downside to this product is that I don't feel that it fully lives up to its claim of removing all traces of makeup from the skin. After I get out of the shower, I do need to use a hydrating toner in order to get all the remains of my Make Up Forever HD Foundation off ot my skin. However, I must add that this foundation is on the harder side to remove so perhaps any cleanser that is on the more gentle side would not be able to fully get it all off.

But, putting the makeup removal claim to the side, I love this product. I am very with how it doesn't dry out or irritate my skin. And especially how it doesn't make my facial redness worse (as I have found that many face cleansers do). As with any product from Caudalie, this cleanser is formulated from natural ingredients and paraben-free. Another win from Caudalie!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie Vinopure

It is now the height of summer and it is hot and super muggy outside. Just going outside and getting out of the air conditioning is enough to make all of my makeup slide off of my face. And having any type of hydrator on my face in the daytime does nothing to help out this problem. But if I don't use some type of lotion, then my face will be so dry that it feels like it crack open when I go back inside. Summer beauty is painful sometimes...

So what is a girl to do? I decided to go out and find a lightweight hydrator that contains some type of mattifier and is hopefully designed for oily/combination skin. And what did I end up walking out of the store with. Something from Caudalie of course! Really...did you all think that I would look for another brand before searching this one for the needed product. The product of which I am referring to is called Vinopure Matte Finish Fluid and it is exactly what i had in mind before I went into Sephora.

Vinopure Matte Finish Fluid is part of the line of products in the purple packaging, which are designed for oiler skin type that are in need of purification without the addition of excess oil. These products have an overall lighter texture than most of the other products offered from this company. Here is the description of the product from the Sephora website, "Ideal for combination skin in need of anti-oxidant protection, this oil-free fluid moisturizes and purifies, as it regulates oil production, refining skin texture, leaving the skin with a soft matte finish. Formulated without parabens, phenoxyethanol, animal ingredients, and artifical colorings".

The reason that I purchased this product was for oil control in the warmer months and it really delivers on that promise. My face is matte from the time that I apply this product in the morning and stays that way through the next few hours. However after that time, I do need to touch up with blotting papers on my t-zone area. This product is very light and didn't cause any breakouts (a major positive). But I will have to admit that this product is not among my favorites from Caudalie. It left my cheek area too dry and didn't really hydrate it enough to combat the dryness from the air conditioning. I think product isn't really a top choice for someone with skin that leans more toward combination than all over oily. Unless they wish to apply it only to oily areas of thier face...it would be ideal then.

I would recommend this product to someone with oily skin that needs shine protection but wants to stick with more natural skincare options. As I said earlier, I would really only recommend this product to someone that has combination skin if they were to only use it on oily areas of their face.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Caudalie - French Week Day 6

For the second to last day of French Week, we are going to the French countryside and looking at the more rural areas of the country. Paris may be the most well know aspect of this country but in reality, France is very diverse and every aspect of the country should be looked at. The Bordeaux region of the country in rich in farming and especially well known for its role in the production of grapes and wines. Caudalie is a skincare line that is based on grapes and the anti-oxidants that they contain. Since I wax poetic about Caudalie's products all the time, this column will be based on the science behind the line and the role of the grapes in the products.

In 1993, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas (the founders of the line) first met with Professor Vercauteren who was then already working with the anti-oxidant. It was explained to the couple that after the grapes have been harvested, the seeds are then thrown away and that the seeds contain beneficial anti-oxidants. They contains what are known as grape polyphenols, containing a large amount of anti-oxidant which could very successfully be used in skincare.

Some facts from the company's website...According to in-vitro testing, the grape-seed OPC is 10,000x more effective in fighting aging than Vitamin E. Also used in the skincare is the compound Resveratrol, isolated from the stalk of the vine. This is a stablizied molecule that was patented in 2001 that provides exceptional action on the stimulation of cellular renewal, which is vital to help skin lacking in vitality.

Another compound is also used by this company, named Viniferine. This is the compound that is found in the Vinoperfect line of products that I am so in love with. This compound is used to help promote radiance and treat dark stops without the use of bleaching agents.

The use of these ingredients are the core of Caudalie's Vinotherapie, the use of the grape to protect and treat the skin from damaging and aging free radicals. Also, in addition to these two major ingredients, Caudalie strives to use only the highest quality natural ingredients and essential plant oils in all of its product line.

A dream come true for myself would be a visit to one of this company's Vinotherapie spas, located throughout the globe. Both facial and body treatments are offered and grapes are at the heart of everything performed in these spas. The United States spa is located in The Plaza in Manhattan and is one of my most wanted places to visit.

All of the above reasons contribute to why Caudalie is a favorite company of mine and a necessary addition to a week of discussing French products and beauty philosophy.

photo courtesy of Caudalie

Caudalie Pulpe Vitaminee

The last month or so I have been test driving this facial moisturizer. Caudalie has never let me down before so I was excited to find this product and start using it. This product is moisturizer designed as an anti-oxidant skin protectant for normal to combination skin types and it is part of the Energizing line of products. I love the easy to use squeeze tube that this product comes in. It is the perfect tube since the product is easy to get out but it isn't that hard to control the amount of the product that the container dispenses.

Here is the product description from the company, "This moisturizing cream is remarkably effective at preventing sagging of the skin, providing it with energy, smoothness, and a matte finish that lasts throughout the day. Wrinkles are visibly smoothed and your skin is radiant." This prpduct is recommended for women with normal to dry skin in search of a lifting effect.

I many not need the lifting effect yet but on all other counts, this is great product. I love the matte finish that it gives my skin. With all the rain and humidity that this are has been experiencing the past few weeks, I really need a product that deliver on the promises of a matte finish. After using this producgt, my skin is much softer and my cheek area is much less tighter than usual. I haven't broken out from this product. I am am very happy with this product so far and I think that it is a great choice for my skin in the warmer months.

This product is available in a cream form (which is the one that I am using) and a lighter fluid form. I think the fluid form would not be enough to hydrate my dry areas but someone with oiler skin than mine would greatly appreciate the lighter texture of the fluid product.

I still have yet to get a major miss from Caudalie and I feel that I have used at least 75% of their product line so far.

photo courtesy of Caudalie

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Revealing Mask

Everyone that has ever read this blog knows that my favorite skincare line is Caudalie and that I harbor an obsession for anti-oxidant skincare. My favorite line from Caudalie is their Vinoperfect line, designed to bring radiance to the skin and it helps to naturally reduce areas of dark pigmentation and redness. The serum from this collection is one of my Holy Grail and a constant repurchase. In addition to my constant repurchase of this product, I recommend it to everyone and have created many followers of the brand.

The latest product from this line, the Vinoperfect Radiance Revealing Mask, made my Most Wanted list for April but I still haven't quite gotten around to picking it up. Let's look into this product in a bit more depth...

Here is the description from the Sephora website, "Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Revealing Mask gently exfoliates the skin with its rich formula and ultra-soft applicator brush. It tightens the appearence of pores and gives your complexion an immediate burst of radiance within 10 minutes." It also states on the website that this product falls under the category of natural skincare and was given the Sephora Natural Seal.

I am really interested in the brush applicator that houses this product during application. i wonder if it helps to exfoliate the skin during application or if it just meant to help get the product on evenly. Maybe the brush will usher in a next era of skincare packaging that is designed to be used without ever having to touch your face during application. Brushes for me are hit or miss situation. Either they are amazing and I fall madly in love with how they apply product or they are too stiff and only serve to make my skin even redder than it already is.

This is worth some major investigation.

photo courtesy of Sephora